Opportunities for change

Policymakers are encouraged to develop strategies for transitioning to AE/O to capitalise on  benefits of agroecological farming. This section offers 11 opportunities for change. They are intentionally broad, intending to be accessible to decision and policymakers as well as other stakeholders with diverse environmental and societal priorities and challenges. The opportunities are organised according to five key factors, which were identified by the High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) to hamper or slow down innovations that support transitions to sustainable food systems and food security and nutrition: knowledge, economic, resource, social and cultural, and governance factors.

1. Funding

Accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems by creating long-term funding models that prioritise the AE/O approach.

2. Markets and value chains

Prioritise value chain development to support fair pricing for AE/O products and enhance consumer connection to food and farmers

3. Productivity and inputs

Ensure fair access to AE/O inputs and input subsidies.

4. Labour and mechanisation

Invest in appropriate scale mechanisation and digitalisation to reduce the dependency on manual labour and make rural areas more attractive for the youth.

5. Land tenure

Reform policies to improve land tenure security for AE/O farmers in the tropics.

6. Capacity development

Enhance agronomic and economic performance, social capital, and resilience through capacity development.

7. Access to knowledge

Provide farmers and advisors with access to tailored and locally-specific knowledge, including through digital tools.

8. Participatory, transdisciplinary, and system-oriented education and research

Advance transdisciplinary and participatory education and research to facilitate knowledge co-creation and exchange, and identify optimal local solutions, fostering their widespread adoption and expansion.

9. Food literacy

Engage consumers in programmes to improve food literacy and implement supportive policies.

10. Coordination and participation

Empower decision and policymakers to advocate for informed, coordinated, participatory governance.

11. Incentives and regulations

Support AE/O agriculture and farmers with smart incentives and supportive policies