Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In the Turkish city of Adapazary, an international training on agroecology was held for representatives of civil society organizations and farmers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. 

The event was organized by the Italian "Schola Campesina", the Public Foundation "Agency for Development Initiatives" of Kyrgyzstan and the Union of Turkish Farmers "Çiftçi-sen" with the financial support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The international training was organized in collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia as part of the project “Strengthening civil society organizations involved in food production in target countries”. Classes are conducted by FAO experts, as well as Turkish scientists and experts in the field of agroecology. The aim of the training is to raise participants’ awareness of the great opportunities that agroecology offers for sustainable food systems, as well as to build a strong network of civil society organizations in the Europe and Central Asia region.

Agroecology is an integrated approach aimed at obtaining high-quality agricultural products in an industrial economy, taking into account the environmental impact of living organisms, chemical and biological fertilizers, soil reclamation, livestock grazing, and others. The goal of agroecology is the optimal interaction between plant and animal life, humans and the environment, taking into account the social aspects necessary to create sustainable and equitable food systems. As an integral element of FAO’s Common Vision for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, agroecology is a key component of the global response to the current turbulence.

From Uzbekistan, representatives of the Association "Women of the Agrarian Sphere" and the Public Association "Mohira Bonu" took part in the training. It should be noted that the Association "Women in the Agrarian Sphere" is a permanent partner of FAO. The FAO Country Office in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Association, implements projects aimed at empowering rural women and supporting inclusive agriculture. Several joint trainings on agroecology are also planned for this year in Uzbekistan.

“During the course, we were able to exchange knowledge and experience on agroecology with our colleagues from other countries. The training was conducted on a peer-to-peer basis, we studied agroecology in an open dialogue based on the experience of all participants. In my opinion, agroecology is very important for the empowerment of women and youth. This topic should be widely covered in the media, and we will contribute to informing the general public about the benefits of agroecology,” said Nigora Khodjaeva, Deputy Director-General of the National Media Association of Uzbekistan, from Uzbekistan.

During the training, the participants were also told about the 10 components of agroecology, which were formulated as a result of the FAO regional workshops. The components of agroecology are interrelated and interdependent and include: diversity; synergy; efficiency; resistance to external influences; recycling; joint accumulation of knowledge and exchange of knowledge; universal and social values; cultural and food traditions; circular and solidarity economy; responsible management.

At the end of the training, participants discussed the role of agroecology and family farming in various emergencies affecting food security. The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to enhancing the role of agroecology in the work of civil society organizations focused on sustainable agricultural development.