Accepted: 13 January 2015 / Published online: 1 May 2015 | Miguel A. Altieri, Clara I. Nicholls, Alejandro Henao, Marcos A. Lana
The chapter discusses the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and the resilience of agroecosystems. It highlights that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, will significantly affect crop yields and food security. The text emphasizes the vulnerability of monoculture systems to climate variability and the need for more diverse and resilient farming practices. Traditional farming systems, which are characterized by high biodiversity and ecological complexity, are presented as models of resilience. These systems, often practiced in developing countries, incorporate strategies such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and integrated crop-livestock management. The chapter also explores the ecological role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem functions and resilience, and provides examples of how diversified farming systems perform better under extreme climatic events. Additionally, it discusses soil management practices, such as organic matter enhancement and water conservation, which are crucial for improving soil health and increasing resilience. Overall, the chapter underscores the importance of agroecological transformations and the integration of traditional knowledge to build more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.The chapter discusses the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and the resilience of agroecosystems. It highlights that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, will significantly affect crop yields and food security. The text emphasizes the vulnerability of monoculture systems to climate variability and the need for more diverse and resilient farming practices. Traditional farming systems, which are characterized by high biodiversity and ecological complexity, are presented as models of resilience. These systems, often practiced in developing countries, incorporate strategies such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and integrated crop-livestock management. The chapter also explores the ecological role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem functions and resilience, and provides examples of how diversified farming systems perform better under extreme climatic events. Additionally, it discusses soil management practices, such as organic matter enhancement and water conservation, which are crucial for improving soil health and increasing resilience. Overall, the chapter underscores the importance of agroecological transformations and the integration of traditional knowledge to build more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.