Agroecology: Building a Sustainable Food Future in Brazil
"How agroecological movements are resisting agribusiness and reshaping food systems for resilience and equity."
The global conversation around food systems is intensifying, spanning various disciplines and underscoring the need for sustainable and equitable approaches to food production. These discussions gained urgency after the financial and food crises of 2008, highlighting the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring food security worldwide.
In Brazil, agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy. In 2011, agribusiness contributed 22.15% of the country's GDP, reaching approximately 1 trillion Reais (21% of GDP) in 2013. However, this dominant agribusiness model faces increasing opposition due to its reliance on foreign capital, monoculture farming, biotechnology, heavy mechanization, and hierarchical structures. These practices often lead to significant environmental and socioeconomic consequences, sparking resistance from agroecological movements.
Emerging in the 1980s, agroecology in Brazil promotes an alternative agricultural practice that emphasizes ecological balance, social justice, and local community empowerment. Although data on agroecological practices in Brazil remain limited, family farming is a central focus, representing a significant portion of the movement. The 2006 Agricultural Census revealed that family farms constitute 84.4% of agricultural establishments, utilizing 24.3% of the cultivated land and employing 74.4% of the agricultural workforce, while contributing 9% of the country's total GDP.
How Agroecology Challenges Agribusiness
The agroecological movement in Brazil has emerged in response to growing concerns about environmental degradation and the marginalization of small-scale farmers. Agroecology focuses on managing agroecosystems rather than relying on external inputs, offering a barrier to technologies introduced by the "Green Revolution". This makes the movement a counter-hegemonic force against the dominant agribusiness practices in the country.
- Association and Engagement: Collaborating with other social movements and non-governmental organizations.
- Knowledge Construction: Empowering small farmers to create and legitimize their own knowledge.
- Shifting Power Dynamics: Influencing public institutions and markets.
Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Food System
The agroecological movement in Brazil offers a compelling vision for a sustainable and equitable food future. By challenging the dominance of agribusiness and promoting alternative approaches to food production, the movement empowers local communities, protects the environment, and fosters social justice. Through association and engagement, knowledge construction, and shifting power dynamics, agroecology is paving the way for a more resilient and just food system in Brazil.