Current agricultural and food systems face major environmental, climate and health challenges while responding to food security and nutrition challenges. Food systems are increasingly impacted by climate change. At the same time, they contribute a third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and certain agricultural practices contribute to the erosion of biodiversity, environmental pollution, land degradation and the scarcity of water resources. The precarious livelihoods and social inequities, faced by many farmers and food system workers, exacerbate the difficulties in ensuring adequate nutrition for all.

In this context, the Coalition aims is to accelerate the transformation of food systems through agroecology, guided by the 13 principles of agroecology defined by the High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) aligned with the 10 Elements of Agroecology adopted by the 197 FAO Members in December 2019.

The agroecology principles apply to all forms of sustainable agriculture and food production systems, including crops, livestock and pastoral systems, agroforestry, fisheries and aquaculture. They also apply to food processing, commercialisation and consumption. Applying these principles also contributes to improving gender equality, making agriculture more attractive for youth, creating dignified income and living conditions, and contributing to healthy diets.

These principles promote resilience, economic viability, social acceptance, cultural diversity and efficiency while protecting the environment. Thus, they help to inform and guide decisions and ensure to avoid that siloed interventions, unintended consequences, and short-term solutions.

The Coalition supports food system transformation through agroecology and the implementation of country pathways in three areas:

1. Facilitating co-creation and exchange of knowledge
2. Promoting increased investments in agroecology
3. Seeking political engagement and increased commitment to the agroecological transformation

To find out more:

• Download our brochure in: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
• Our flyer in English
• Our poster in English
• If you are interested to become a member, please click here.

Banner photo credit: Indigenous women and girls initiative