Introduction
This book presents the core
elements that underwrite agroecology. Expressed across twelve chapters, the
universality of the core is the essence of agroecology. This alone would be of
interest to researchers, students, and academics. Furthermore, the book
contains a long, detailed, and inclusive glossary that, with over 160 entries,
elaborates on the topics presented. Included are recent developments as well as
time-tested, traditional farm practices. The book also advances the theoretical
base, fills gaps in the published research, and suggests future opportunities
and future directions. The book is internationally oriented, presenting both
temperate and tropical agriculture.
The book begins by comparing
agroecology against conventional, monoculturally-based agriculture. In doing
so, it defines the unique features of agroecology and their significance in
achieving sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture. The book goes
on to discuss the underlying technologies, the various manifestations of
biodiversity, and the risk countermeasures associated with agroecology. This
includes the farm landscape as a positive base for ecology, and how, if used
well, it can produce major economic growth. The book concludes by summarizing
the key findings, and assessing the macro-challenges facing agroecology.