Agroforestry and agroecology – Sustainable and safe alternatives to pesticides

Across the globe, small-scale farmers have adopted agroecology and agroforestry as their primary
farming methods, which represent innovative ways that, in harmony with nature, provide food and nutritional security. One notable feature of these methods is the minimal use of chemical inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and instead promote natural solutions for soil nutrient management, pest, disease, and weed control. This choice is often driven by health concerns and financial constraints, as many small-scale farmers lack the resources to purchase and apply chemical inputs.

This brief outlines how agroforestry and agroecology can serve as sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides, and simultaneously build resilient agri-ecosystems, combat climate change, and empower smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. This policy brief emphasizes the urgent need to reduce the reliance on synthetic pesticides and phase out the use of particularly hazardous ones. Agroforestry and agroecology are presented as viable alternatives to achieve this objective. The purpose of this paper is to provide information to policy makers on the available science based evidence on synthetic pesticide use and available alternatives. It expounds on how agroecology and agroforestry can support safe agricultural production and give insights on challenges in access to bioinputs. The policy brief can be used to inform policies, make a business case for bioinputs production and distribution as well advancement of research.