Agroecology contributes to biologically-diverse agricultural systems: strategies for meeting United Nations sustainable development goals by 2030

Agroecology informs the design of biodiverse agricultural systems that contribute to meeting several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ecological systems provide profitable alternatives to current farming strategies in the North, now dominated by large farms using expensive inputs. These present systems employ monoculture cropping and specialized animal systems that degrade the environment and cause acceleration of economic differences between rich and poor. In contrast, proponents of agroecology promote culturally acceptable crops and animals in diverse farming systems; focus on production of food crops and livestock for local consumption; favor systems that rely on renewable resources; and create a degree of local food sovereignty. Agroecology principles can lead to development of systems unique to each place, including their soils, economies, and local culture. Examples illustrate where adoption of agroecology confirms its value in different agroecoregions, providing practical examples of systems that reduce production costs and environmental impact as well as inequities in food availability. Ecology-oriented systems are well-designed strategies that produce a sustainable food supply as well as help solve poverty and meet multiple SDGs of the U. N.: Number 1 (no poverty), Number 10 (reduced inequities), Number 12 (responsible consumption and production), Number 13 (climate action), and indirectly contribute to other SDGs. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN has actively promoted agroecology as a strategy to help countries reach their development goals.