Agroecology: A Global Movement by Irelyn

Agroecology: A Global Movement by Irelyn - December 2023 Scholarship Essay

In mid-November of 2022, the world’s population reached 8 billion people. This number is so big that the human brain can’t even comprehend how big it is. Of all these 8 billion people, they all have one thing in common, and that’s the need to eat. If a person doesn’t eat, they won’t survive, highlighting the importance of the agricultural industry. In order for farmers to grow and raise food for that many people, technologies are used that don’t have the most positive effects on the environment. When I heard there was a way to make this industry better for the environment plus the people who depend on it, I was hooked. This is why I have decided to major in agroecology; a science that combines the principles of both agriculture and ecology.
One problem the world is currently facing that doesn’t receive enough attention is biodiversity loss. Since the year 1500, 570 plant species and 700 animal species have gone extinct. Even though extinction is a natural process, the rate at which it’s occurring now is faster than it’s ever been before. Agroecology can help fix this issue because it emphasizes the importance of harvesting all different types of crops, not just commodity crops (corn, soy, wheat, cotton, and rice). The complexity of agroecology systems also lowers the risk of disease and pest attacks, a problem that monocultures are currently facing. I think it’s amazing how making this one change can help address multiple major problems the world is facing.
Another problem that comes with agriculture is the use of pesticides. These chemicals have helped increase harvest yield to feed more people, but when pesticides run off into water sources or drift in the wind to other places, they can harm species. This happened with bald eagles that were exposed to DDT. The birds laid thin shells that kept cracking, harming a species that is very important to American culture. Pesticides also directly add to climate change because their use releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. An example of this is sulfuryl fluoride. The use of just one ton of SO2F2 is the equivalent of emitting 5,000 tons of CO2. Agroecology aims to reduce the input being used on farmland. This way, yield can remain the same without having harmful effects on other species such as birds or fish, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
I believe that the most valuable aspect of agroecology is the community that it builds. This unique science emphasizes the connection between both large and small-scale farmers. It encourages people to work together and share the knowledge they have no matter the differences in culture, values, or traditions. Agroecology inspires communities to eat locally, creating a connection between people and the food they are putting into their bodies. I feel that this principle has contributed to the rise in farmers’ markets. Agroecology educates people about the impact they can have on the environment, while also motivating them to live a healthier lifestyle.
Biodiversity loss, diseases, and climate change are just a few of the problems that the world is facing regarding the agriculture industry. If agroecology is the solution to these problems, it’s a path we should be taking. Change isn’t always the easiest route, but we can take small steps to conserve the resources we have for future generations. I hope that my decision to be a part of the agroecology community by picking it as my major will help the world solve its issues, and most importantly, connect the 8 billion people all around the globe.