摘要：Proponents of a second Green Revolution generally argue that developing countriesshould opt for an agroindustrial model that relies on standardized technologies andever-increasing fertilizer and pesticide use to provide additional food supplies forgrowing populations and economies. In contrast, a growing number of farmers,NGOs, and analysts propose that instead of this capital- and input-intensiveapproach, developing countries should favor an agroecological model, whichemphasizes biodiversity, recycling of nutrients, synergy among crops, animals, soils,and other biological components, and regeneration and conservation of resources.It is argued here that agroecology—a science that provides ecological principles forthe design and management of sustainable and resource-conserving agriculturalsystems—offers several advantages over the conventional agronomic oragroindustrial approach. First, agroecology relies on indigenous farming knowledgeand selected modern technologies to manage diversity, incorporate biologicalprinciples and resources into farming systems, and intensify agricultural production.Second, it offers the only practical way to restore agricultural lands that have beendegraded by conventional agronomic practices. Third, it provides for anenvironmentally sound and affordable way for smallholders to intensify production inmarginal areas. Finally, it has the potential to reverse the anti-peasant bias ofstrategies that emphasize purchased inputs as opposed to the assets that smallfarmers already possess, such as their low opportunity costs of labor.
