Linking ecologists and traditional farmers in the search for sustainable agriculture. Issue 1 (1st February 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Altieri, Miguel A.
• Is Part Of: Frontiers in ecology and the environment. Volume 2:Issue 1(2004)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2004-02-01
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1890/1540-9295(2004)002[0035:LEATFI]2.0.CO;2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-9295

Abstract

Abstract : For centuries, traditional farmers have developed diverse and locally adapted agricultural systems, managing them with ingenious practices that often result in both community food security and the conservation of agrobiodiversity. This strategy of minimizing risk stabilizes yields, promotes dietary diversity, and maximizes returns using low levels of technology and limited resources. These microcosms of agricultural heritage still cover no less than 10 million ha worldwide, providing cultural and ecological services not only to rural inhabitants, but to mankind generally. These services include the preservation of traditional farming knowledge, local crop and animal varieties, and native forms of sociocultural organization. By studying these systems, ecologists can enhance their knowledge of the dynamics of complex systems, especially the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function and practical principles for the design of more sustainable agroecosystems appropriate to small farmers. Novel agroecosystem designs have already been modeled on successful traditional farming systems.