Agroecological Transitions in Global South Increase Yields, Income

Agroecological farming in Bangladesh.

A meta-analysis of 350 studies provides a quantitative synthesis of how “agroecological transitions” from conventional, input-intensive farming to more integrated agroecological systems impact the livelihoods of farmers in the Global South.

The findings show an average 14.3% increase in crop yields, a 44.5% increase in gross income, and a 36.5% reduction in production costs when applying agroecological practices.

The results of this study thus encourage a shift in agricultural development strategies in the Global South from supporting conventional intensification toward fostering deep, multi-level agroecological transitions that are resilient to both climatic and socio-economic shocks.

JRC Publications – Yield and economic performance of agroecological transitions in the Global South