The African continent faces a number of complex challenges related to climate change, and the degradation of natural resources. Additionally the population in Africa continues to grow at a rapid pace, which leads to increasing demand for food and changing consumption habits. Both trends place immense pressure on the agricultural sector. Agroecology, which focuses on the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems, has the potential to address these challenges and contribute to transform the continent’s agricultural practices. Agroecology can significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation beyond the farm in a broad range of landscape.

Agroecology describes complex farming systems, which are adapted to local conditions, by building on a high diversity of crop and animal species and practices – such as practices such as mixed cropping, intercropping, agroforestry, and livestock integration – that preserve soil structure and fertility, water availability. However, it is not only a production system. Environmental, social, economic, ethical and development issues are as relevant for agroecological transition. Agroecology is a holistic and system-based approach that is conducive to better biodiversity outcomes in the agricultural sector. Agroecological transformation is a truly interdisciplinary endeavour. It requires new adapted knowledge for all food system actors. Further, it also needs a strong food governance with interventions at different level (local, territorial, and value chain) and coherent public policies. There is a need for policy coherence and common narrative within the agricultural and biodiversity conservation sectors to materialise the transformative power of agroecology.