Innovation and tradition are key for a sustainable transformation of Agro-Silvo-Pastoralism

Agro-Silvo-Pastoralism (ASP) food systems are an inherited way of life passed down through generations with strong ties to the surrounding natural environment. They have proven resilient.

ASP food systems have at times given rise to conflicts, but they also have helped to prevent them. They have been partly conservative in terms of lifestyle and economic development, while at the same time contributing to the preservation of sparsely populated areas. They have fostered pride in people’s way of life and supported the conservation of nature and biodiversity.

Today, however, there is a growing need to enhance resilience and sustainability in order to strengthen the health and well-being of the agro-silvo pastoral population.

Transforming Food Systems

Historically, food systems have succeeded in feeding a growing population and reducing poverty and malnutrition. At the same time, they place considerable pressure on ecosystems – accounting for one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, driving biodiversity loss, and generating significant food waste. 

Hence, food systems must be sustainable not only to feed the world’s eight billion people, but also to mitigate climate change impacts and to generate income for those who depend on food systems. To increase profitability, ASP must evolve by becoming more systemic, inclusive, and knowledge-based. Achieving this transformation requires targeted policy interventions and investments. 

For Scientists, the link between science and decision-making has moved to the forefront. Agrinatura’s research focuses on the triplex of aqua-food and agri-food sustainability – environment, economy, and society – and seeks to present a diversity of perspectives to support knowledge use and informed policy decisions.

Important traditional knowledge

Building business on knowledge and science is important for economic growth. At the same time, traditional knowledge is particularly important and must be preserved and integrated with scientific knowledge. This combined knowledge then needs to be shared with and among ASP stakeholders.

To enable the integration of traditional knowledge with science, it must be documented and systematized and good practices should be identified and collected. Once this is achieved, systems for knowledge transfer and innovation can be established.

Strengthened ASP rights.

This is where institutions and governance play a critical role. Institutions establish structures and rules. ASP's rights and obligations need to be reflected in constitutional and legal frameworks. Organizations can also represent and advocate for their ASP groups. Due to their mobility, ASP communities often rely on customary and collective land-use arrangements rather than formal property rights. Where these governance systems are weakened or not recognized, incentives to preserve pastures for future herds can decline, potentially leading to a tragedy of the commons.

Addressing this challenge requires strengthened property rights at local, regional, and national levels, alongside education that promotes an understanding of pastures as a shared common. Combined with land monitoring and policy instruments – both incentives and sanctions – such measures can support the transformation of the ASP food systems towards more sustainable land use and improved prosperity and health for ASP stakeholders.