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Technological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture at a Crossroads: An Agroecological Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Miguel A. Altieri

    (Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Clara I. Nicholls

    (International and Area Studies, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Rene Montalba

    (Departamento de Ciencias Agronomicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar, 01145 Temuco, Chile)

Abstract

Most efforts to improve agricultural production remain focused on practices driven by an intensification agenda and not by an agroecological one. Agroecology transcends the reformist notion of organic agriculture and sustainable intensification proponents who contend that changes can be achieved within the dominant agroindustrial system with minor adjustments or “greening” of the current neoliberal agricultural model. In the technological realm, merely modifying practices to reduce input use is a step in the right direction but does not necessarily lead to the redesign of a more self sufficient and autonomous farming system. A true agroecological technological conversion calls into question monoculture and the dependency on external inputs. Traditional farming systems provide models that promote biodiversity, thrive without agrochemicals, and sustain year-round yields. Conversion of conventional agriculture also requires major social and political changes which are beyond the scope of this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel A. Altieri & Clara I. Nicholls & Rene Montalba, 2017. "Technological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture at a Crossroads: An Agroecological Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:3:p:349-:d:91584
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lauren C. Ponisio & Paul R. Ehrlich, 2016. "Diversification, Yield and a New Agricultural Revolution: Problems and Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-15, November.
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