Agroecology and Permaculture Approaches for Sustainable Agriculture in Semi-Arid Uzbekistan
Keywords:
agroecology, permaculture, sustainable agriculture, Uzbekistan, food security, climate resilienceAbstract
Agroecological and permaculture approaches provide holistic pathways for addressing the ecological, economic, and social challenges facing modern agriculture. In semi-arid Uzbekistan, where irrigation accounts for nearly 90% of freshwater withdrawals and land degradation undermines productivity, innovative methods are urgently required. This paper discusses the outcomes of a pilot project in the Samarkand region that applied agroecology and permaculture principles on smallholder farms. Using a mixed-method approach, soil quality indicators, crop productivity, biodiversity, and socio-economic factors were assessed. The results showed an increase in soil organic matter by 12–20%, irrigation water savings of 20–40%, and forage yields up to 25% higher than conventional plots. Biodiversity improved, particularly in pollinator activity and beneficial insects, while household resilience was enhanced through diversified incomes and reduced dependence on synthetic inputs. Challenges include higher labor demands and limited market access, but the overall findings underscore the potential of agroecology and permaculture to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food security in Uzbekistan. The study recommends scaling these practices through targeted policies, participatory training, and integration into climate adaptation frameworks.
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