Two sides of the same coin: Agroecology and Ecosystem-based Adaptation for climate-resilient landscapes
A new report recently published by GIZ demonstrates the benefits of aligning the two concepts of Ecosystem-based Adaptation and agroecology for transforming agri-food systems in a climate-resilient manner. It describes the characteristics of both concepts and offers a five-step method to merge these concepts and capitalize on their synergies. It also describes three case studies applying the approach in Guatemala, India, and Kenya.
Woman working in a tree nursery. ©GIZ/Rut Pinoth
Climate change is one of multiple global crises. It is not only closely linked to food and nutrition security, but also to biodiversity loss, as well as land and water resource degradation. These crises mutually reinforce each other’s intensity – and demand a systematic response.
Consequently, a transformation is needed that increases the resilience of food systems and protects ecosystems and the services they provide. With this in mind, the recently published report by the German Development Cooperation GIZ, titled "Agroecology: Making Ecosystem-based Adaptation Work in Agricultural Landscapes" offers a solution: It suggests linking the concept of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) with agroecology.
©iStockphoto/SAKDAWUT14
Benefits of linking Agroecology and Ecosystem-based Adaptation
What is the added value of aligning EbA and agroecology? Although both concepts yere born from different scientific communities – agroecology from the sustainable agriculture community and EbA from the climate and biodiversity sectors – in many ways, the two are 'two sides of the same coin'. They have many principles and characteristics in common and both approaches aim to enhance and maintain ecosystem services to achieve ecological, economic, and social sustainability. Aligning the two offers a strategic opportunity to transform food systems systemically – protecting land, water, and biodiversity, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
Community governance with agroecological innovation in Guatemala
The report illustrates the approach with three case studies. One of them in the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala: The example connects community governance with agroecological innovation and national payments for ecosystem services. It demonstrates its success in high adoption rates of sustainable agricultural techniques and increased food security in 87% of households. In addition, the report offers a practical guide to aligning agroecology and EbA: In five steps, it presents a comprehensive method for applying the approach at the national level.
- Country: Guatemala
- Contact:
Alina Gassen
