On the Economic Potential of Agroecology

Agroecology is a dynamic, transdisciplinary, and intersectoral approach that is a promising lever for a socio-ecological transformation of food systems. Depending on the context, agroecological approaches can be highly profitable, because they’re strengthening farms and regional economies to become more resilient to climate change and less dependent on price fluctuations. 

This factsheet gives an overview of the economic potential of agroecology – and shows that agroecological systems can be more profitable than conventional systems, depending on the context. It demonstrates the economic viability of agroecological approaches and their wider societal impacts. Findings from an exemplary project underline that agroecology can lead to economic benefits: The publication takes a close look into the GIZ Global Programme “Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security” (ProSoil). ProSoil supports and advises smallholder farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tunisia on agroecological practices and transformation processes.