Summary
This systematic review synthesised evidence from 501 peer-reviewed articles on agroecology in Africa, with meta-analytical comparison of 39 agronomic studies containing 392 observations. The authors find that agroecological practices are associated with positive and statistically significant differences in land productivity relative to monocrop systems, though effect size and direction vary substantially by practice type, crop, climatic conditions, soil properties and control group definition. The review demonstrates substantial growth in the agroecology literature since 2014, with geographical concentration in East Africa, particularly Kenya.
UK applicability
The findings are primarily contextualised to African agroecological systems operating in low-productivity, high-hunger settings with distinct climatic and soil conditions. Whilst the meta-analytical methods and framework may inform UK agroecology research, direct application of effect sizes would require careful consideration of substantially different temperate climate conditions, soil types, market structures and policy environments.
Key measures
Land productivity and labour productivity; comparative yield metrics between agroecological practices and monocrop systems (with and without inputs)
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated the effect of agroecological practices on land and labour productivity compared to monocrop systems, analysing 392 observations from 39 agronomic studies. Meta-analytical findings indicated positive and significant differences in land productivity for agroecological practices, particularly when compared to monocrops grown without external inputs.
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