Agroforestry.org - Overstory #262 - Twelve Principles for improved food security
▻http://agroforestry.net/overstory-back-issues/338-overstory-261-alley-cropping-2
Agriculture faces a very complex set of social and biophysical issues associated with the economic, social and environmental sustainability. This paper examines the role of perennial species, especially trees, in the attainment of improved staple crop yields; provision of nutritious traditional food; the reduction of poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation; the improvement of rural livelihoods; as well as the mitigation of climate change
– Ask, do not tell
– Do not throw money at farmers, but provide skills and understanding
– Build on local culture, tradition and markets
– Use appropriate technology, encourage diversity and indigenous perennial species
– Encourage species and genetic diversity
- Encourage gender/age equity
– Encourage farmer-to-farmer dissemination
– Promote new business and employment opportunities
– Understand and solve underlying problems: The Big Picture
– Rehabilitate degraded land and reverse social deprivation: Close the ‘Yield Gap’
– Promote ‘Multi-functional Agriculture’ for environmental/social/economic sustainability and relief of hunger, malnutrition, poverty and climate change
– Encourage Integrated Rural Development