Oman Interview: 'Agroecology Posits as the Alternative to Climate and Civilization Ruin'
In the heart of South America, a movement is growing, challenging the dominant agribusiness model and advocating for sustainable farming practices. This article delves into three alternative approaches: agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and organic agriculture, and explores why they are gaining traction in Venezuela.
Definitions & Main Differences
1. Agroecology
Agroecology is a scientific discipline and a social movement that integrates ecological principles into agricultural systems. It prioritises biodiversity, ecosystem services, local knowledge, and socio-economic factors. Agroecology emphasises holistic approaches, combining ecology, culture, economy, and social justice, with a focus on small-scale farmers, local traditions, and food sovereignty. Key features of agroecology include diversified cropping systems, soil health, pest regulation through natural methods, recycling nutrients, and participatory approaches involving local communities.
2. Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture focuses on farming and grazing practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water cycles, and enhance ecosystem services. The main objective is to restore and build soil organic matter, with a focus on carbon sequestration and resilience to climate change. Key features of regenerative agriculture include no/minimal tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, composting, integrating livestock, and restoring land degraded by conventional farming.
3. Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture is a certified production system that prohibits synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, and relies on natural inputs. The focus is on avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and using organic inputs. Organic agriculture is certified by regulatory bodies, but varies in practices and does not necessarily emphasise the ecosystem or social elements as deeply as agroecology.
Key Differences Summarized
| Aspect | Agroecology | Regenerative Agriculture | Organic Agriculture | |------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Scope | Scientific discipline + social movement | Farming practices with ecological focus | Certified production system | | Focus | Ecology + social justice + local knowledge | Soil health + ecosystem restoration | Chemical-free inputs + certification | | Approach | Holistic, system-wide | Soil and ecosystem regeneration | Inputs and practices defined by standards | | Social/emphasis | Food sovereignty and farmer empowerment | Environmental restoration | Food safety and environmental concerns | | Certification | No formal standard; grassroots | Generally no formal certification | Certified organic labels exist |
Why Are They Alternatives to Agribusiness in Venezuela?
In Venezuela, the agrarian structure is dominated by small-scale and subsistence farming. Agroecology and related systems support local food sovereignty, reducing dependency on imports or multinational companies. Due to heavy environmental degradation, soil exhaustion, and climate vulnerability, regenerative and agroecological approaches offer localised, sustainable options. Moreover, promoting these systems supports national autonomy and resists neoliberal models promoting agribusiness at the expense of local livelihoods.
Esquisa Omaña, a researcher at the Transdisciplinary Ecology for Human Wellbeing Laboratory at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), has conducted extensive research on agroecology in three communities across Venezuela: Kavanayén (Pemón community in the Gran Sabana, Bolívar state), Peña Larga (Barinas state), and Cuyagua (Aragua state).
The challenge lies in identifying and building ties with other experiences like Pueblo a Pueblo and the ones mentioned before. Pueblo a Pueblo's approach includes rotating crops according to the season, diversity of production, and a communal and social process surrounding production. Pueblo a Pueblo distributes around 100 tons of food every month directly to schools, demonstrating that production is not the problem but distribution and trade channels.
As the world grapples with food security and climate change, it is crucial to conceive of food as a right and not as a commodity. Building hope with local experiences and creating collective responses is essential for a sustainable future. Agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and organic agriculture offer promising alternatives to the industrial agribusiness model, prioritising sustainability, local control, ecological health, and social equity—factors particularly crucial in Venezuela’s socio-political and environmental context.
