Chapter 6 - The critical role of water in facilitating agroecology transitions in semiarid regions of sub-Saharan Africa

Chimonyo, V. G. P.; Choruma, Dennis Junior; Sibanda, T.; Matangi, Dorcas; Zingwena, T.

Chapter 6 - The critical role of water in facilitating agroecology transitions in semiarid regions of sub-Saharan Africa

Autores

Chimonyo, V. G. P.

Choruma, Dennis Junior

Sibanda, T.

Matangi, Dorcas

Zingwena, T.

Editor

Elsevier

Descripción

Global agriculture is facing growing challenges with food and water systems, including persistent food insecurity, declining water resources, water pollution, floods, and droughts. Furthermore, soil degradation and biodiversity loss are both triggers for and consequences of these problems. Expanding agroecological principles, tools, and technologies and enhancing biological diversity can address these challenges and achieve better socioeconomic outcomes. Agroecology, often described as multi- or transdisciplinary, applies ecological principles to the design and management of agricultural systems through scientific research, practice, and collective action. The adoption of agroecological practices entails important changes in several aspects of the allocation and use of natural resources. Agricultural land use has many direct and indirect linkages to water systems that could benefit from agroecological insights, including efficient use of water resources. The search for more sustainable water management is, therefore, critical for agroecological production. Imbalances resulting from anthropogenic water extraction, unfair water distribution, and ecosystem deterioration resulting from the prevailing agribusiness model of agriculture production are highly politicized questions that have serious implications for the promotion of agroecology. Although opportunities from the science and the practice of agroecology global, obstacles to widespread adoption vary. Simply scaling up current models of agricultural production and land use practices will not solve many of the issues specific to food-related challenges. The synergistic relationship between water and agroecology underscores the need for comprehensive policies and investments to support these practices, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.