Documentation
APFP-FO4A Regional Wrap-Up
Panel Discussion on Agro-ecology and Climate Resiliency
Theme: “Agro-ecology: Practices, Challenges, and Scaling Up”
25 February, 2026 | Jakarta, Indonesia
- Rationale
The panel on “Agro-ecology and Climate Resiliency” tackles the urgent crisis hitting smallholder farmers in Asia hardest: extreme heat, erratic rains, brutal droughts, devastating floods, rising salinity, and violent storms that threaten food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity. Conventional farming—chemical-heavy and resource-intensive—often worsens soil degradation and vulnerability. Agro-ecology offers a powerful alternative: a nature-aligned approach that builds resilient, regenerative systems. By working with natural processes, restoring soil health, boosting biodiversity, and integrating local and indigenous knowledge, it helps farms adapt and thrive amid climate chaos. This timely discussion shares real-world successes, bridges knowledge gaps, and fuels action to scale these solutions quickly. The panel is a call to turn proven practices into widespread reality before the climate crisis deepens further. Join the conversation—the future of food and farming depends on it.
- Objectives
- Showcase effective agro-ecological practices that build climate resilience, with relevant examples for smallholder farmers in Asia.
- Examine key challenges and barriers to adopting agro-ecology in climate-vulnerable Asian contexts.
- Explore strategies and enabling conditions to scale agro-ecological approaches locally, nationally, and regionally; foster interactive knowledge exchange; and inspire actionable recommendations and advocacy to advance agro-ecology for climate adaptation and food system resilience.
III. Key Highlights of the Presentation
Presenter: Mr. Toolos Bostonbaev, Program Coordinator, NUWUA-KAFLU, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrygstan, KAFLU
Key Highlights
Network supports 247,000 smallholder farmers through 395 Water Users Associations, 141 member organizations, and 8,000+ forest usersActivities include training, advisory support, youth engagement, and value chain developmentImpact includes 50+ trainings, value-added products, and increased farmer participation in decision-makingKey challenges: limited finance, certification barriers, weak export readiness, and climate risks
Recommendations
Scale agro-ecological and climate-resilient practices nationwideStrengthen farmer organization governance and capacityImprove access to finance, markets, and private sector partnershipsIncrease FO support, simplify certification, and invest in policy reform, capacity building, and innovation
Presenter: Muhammad Nuruddin | Secretary General, API, Indonesia
Indonesia, API
Key Highlights
IDR 300M (~USD 20K) grant for organic business & cooperative capacityTechnical support: incubation, certification, accounting, marketingPolicy advocacy: lobbying & multi-stakeholder dialogueCapacity building: farming training, ICS, business planning, finance686 beneficiaries (including women & youth)
Recommendations
Expand online accounting & certified landStrengthen branding & young farmer programsImprove management, product quality, and governanceSeek policy backing, financial services, market access, and ongoing technical assistance
IV. Panelist Reaction and Reflections
Mr. Dudy Nugroho Adi
IFAD Environment and Natural Resource Management Specialist
Panelist from IFAD reflected on the presentations by emphasizing the importance of recognizing farmers’ existing knowledge systems and strengthening them through agro-ecological approaches, technical support, and collaboration
1. Farmers as Knowledge Holders and Teachers
The panelist emphasized that farmers already possess valuable knowledge and systems developed through years of experience. Farmers are not merely beneficiaries of agricultural programs but key knowledge holders and teachers whose practices and insights should guide agro-ecological approaches. Recognizing and strengthening farmers’ existing systems is essential in developing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
2. Technical and Sustainability Dimensions of Agro-ecology
The panelist highlighted the importance of addressing the technical, safeguarding, and sustainability aspects of agro-ecology. Agro-ecology requires not only ecological farming practices but also long-term sustainability mechanisms that ensure protection of natural resources and livelihoods.
The presentations demonstrated how agro-ecological systems integrate:
- Organic farming approaches
- Crop diversification
- Integration of agriculture with forest systems
- Restoration of ecosystems
One example discussed was the transition from monoculture farming systems to diversified agricultural landscapes, including the integration of trees and forest elements into farming systems to strengthen resilience.
3. Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity
A key theme highlighted by the panelist was the importance of improving and protecting natural resources as part of climate-resilient agriculture. This includes:
- Effective water management systems
- Biodiversity conservation
- Landscape-based approaches to resource management
Examples shared during the presentations included rice farming practices where farmers combine organic and inorganic inputs in a balanced way to maintain productivity while improving soil health.
The panelist also cited experiences from Kyrgyzstan, where farmers use hydraulic and landscape-based approaches to water management, adapting irrigation systems to the specific ecological characteristics of their land.
4. Food Security and Climate Change
The panelist stressed that food security is central to climate resilience. Protecting food systems is a key response to climate change.
An important principle mentioned was that farmers should prioritize food for household consumption before selling surplus, ensuring that communities maintain food security even in times of climate stress.
5. Inclusion of Women and YouthSustainability also requires an inclusive approach that values local wisdom and traditional knowledge, while strengthening the role of women and youth in agriculture.
Women and youth were identified as crucial actors in advancing agro-ecological practices. Their capacity should be enhanced through training and knowledge sharing on:
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Nature-based solutions
- Sustainable agricultural practices
6. Lessons from Country Experiences
Country experiences presented during the session also provided valuable lessons.
In Indonesia, rice production remains a critical food security issue. The panelist highlighted successful experiences from Java and Sumatra, where agro-ecological practices have been adapted to different ecological and environmental contexts.
These examples demonstrate that agro-ecology must be adapted to local ecosystems and landscapes, rather than applying uniform approaches across regions.
7. Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration
The panelist also emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration among farmers, researchers, and institutions. Partnerships with universities, research institutions and academic organizations can support farmers through research, technical innovation, and knowledge exchange that enhance agro-ecological practices.
8. Linking Agro-ecology with Livelihood and Business Development
The discussion also highlighted opportunities to connect agro-ecology with local business development.
Simple but practical approaches were mentioned, such as:
- Establishing community seedbeds
- Training farmers on seed selection and nursery management
- Strengthening agroforestry systems
- Developing agro-economy opportunities that support sustainable livelihoods while protecting nature.
9. Emerging Global Requirements:
Traceability and SustainabilityFinally, the panelist pointed out emerging global policy developments such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
These regulations emphasize traceability, sustainability, and deforestation-free supply chains, which will increasingly affect agricultural production and trade. Farmers and organizations need to better understand these requirements and prepare for compliance while maintaining sustainable production systems.
Md. Harunur Rashid, PhD
Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)
The second panelist highlighted key lessons from the presentations, emphasizing the importance of agro-ecology as a traditional and community-rooted practice, while also stressing the need for financing, governance support, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure sustainability.
1. Agro-ecology Rooted in Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge
The panelist emphasized that agro-ecology is not a new concept but is deeply rooted in the traditional agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems of farming communities. Indigenous communities have long developed practical ways of addressing environmental challenges, managing natural resources, and sustaining agricultural productivity.
Recognizing and integrating this knowledge is essential in designing climate-resilient agricultural systems that are both environmentally sound and socially acceptable.
2. Importance of Agro-ecology for Food Production, Health, and Biodiversity
The panelist noted that agro-ecology plays an important role in grain production systems, contributing not only to food production but also to:
- Improved human health
- Strengthened biodiversity
- Sustainable agricultural ecosystems
The experiences presented in the session demonstrated that agro-ecological practices can generate outcomes that are both ecologically sustainable and socially inclusive.
3. Key Challenges: Markets and Sustainability
Despite the benefits of agro-ecological approaches, the panelist highlighted several challenges faced by farmers. One of the most significant issues is market access, particularly in relation to export markets and commercialization.
Similar challenges are experienced in different regions, particularly in southern areas where farmers face difficulties in marketing agro-ecological products and competing in broader markets.
These challenges raise an important question: How can agro-ecological systems be made economically sustainable for farmers?
4. The Need for Financing and Government Support
The panelist emphasized that financing is a critical enabler for scaling agro-ecological practices. Farmers often require financial support to adopt new technologies, improve production systems, and sustain agro-ecological practices.
Governments and development partners can play a key role through:
- Financial assistance and subsidiesInvestment in agricultural technologies
- Support for research and knowledge dissemination
- Support should not only focus on market mechanisms but also include technical knowledge, capacity building, and extension services that help farmers apply agro-ecological practices effectively.
5. Evidence-Based Approaches and Climate Data
To strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, the panelist emphasized the importance of data and evidence-based decision-making. Developing databases on climate change impacts can help stakeholders better understand emerging risks and design appropriate responses.
Climate-related data can also support future market development, enabling stakeholders to anticipate changes in agricultural production and demand.
6. Learning from Successful Experiences
The panelist noted that one of the key benefits of the session was the opportunity to learn from successful experiences in other regions and countries. Sharing practical examples helps stakeholders understand what works, what challenges arise, and how these can be addressed.
This learning process can be strengthened through regional collaboration and exchanges between countries, enabling participants to share ideas and adapt successful approaches to their own contexts.
7. Strengthening Communities of Practice and Knowledge Exchange
The panelist suggested establishing communities of practice where practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and farmers can regularly share experiences, innovations, and lessons learned.
Such platforms can help:
- Facilitate continuous learning
- Promote collaboration across regions
- Strengthen the adoption of effective agro-ecological practices
8. Technology, Innovation, and Participatory Approaches
Another important area discussed was the identification and documentation of climate-smart technologies and agro-ecological practices. These technologies should be inventoried and assessed to determine their suitability for different country contexts.
The panelist emphasized that these technologies should be developed and promoted through farmer participatory approaches, ensuring that they are appropriate to local ecological conditions and farmer needs.’
9. Addressing Post-Harvest Losses and Strengthening Women’s Roles
The panelist also highlighted the issue of post-harvest losses, which significantly affect farmers’ incomes and food security. Addressing this challenge presents opportunities for strengthening the role of women in agricultural value chains, particularly in post-harvest management, processing, and storage.
10. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement for Scaling Agro-ecology
Finally, the panelist stressed the importance of engaging multiple actors in promoting agro-ecology and climate resilience. These include:
- Farmers and farmer organizations
- Technology developers and practitionersPolicymakers
- Financial institutions
- Capacity-building organizations
Significant investments from development partners and donors are already being made in this area. Ensuring that these investments translate into tangible benefits for farmers requires strong coordination, knowledge sharing, and sustained support for agro-ecological initiatives.
Ms. Dada Bacudo
Food and Agriculture Organization of UN (FAO)
The third panelist reflected on the country experiences presented during the session and emphasized the importance of strong institutional systems, farmer-centered approaches, and policy and financing mechanisms to scale agro-ecology effectively.
1. Lessons from Country Experiences
The panelist highlighted several lessons from the country examples presented.
In Kyrgyzstan, agro-ecological initiatives benefit from strong institutional support, which helps facilitate coordinated programs and long-term implementation.
In Indonesia, the panelist noted the strength of the cooperative model, where farmer organizations play an important role in organizing production, facilitating certification, and providing a clearer pathway for farmers to participate in agro-ecological markets.These experiences demonstrate that institutional structures and farmer organizations are essential for sustaining agro-ecological initiatives.
2. Identifying Gaps in Current Agro-ecology Initiatives
Despite growing adoption of agro-ecological practices, the panelist pointed out an important gap: many initiatives focus primarily on technological solutions or ecosystem-based approaches, without sufficiently integrating farmers’ own systems, knowledge, and decision-making processes.
Agro-ecology should not only be technology-driven but must be rooted in farmers’ practices, innovations, and priorities. Ensuring that farmers are central to the design and implementation of agro-ecological initiatives is therefore critical.
3. Recognizing and Supporting Farmer Innovation
The panelist stressed the importance of showcasing farmers’ experiences and innovations. Agro-ecological transitions should prioritize products, practices, and approaches that emerge from farmer-led experimentation and local knowledge systems.
Recognizing farmer innovation strengthens ownership, improves adoption, and ensures that agro-ecological practices are relevant to local ecological and social conditions.
4. Policy and Financing Support for Agro-ecology
Scaling agro-ecology requires strong policy frameworks and financing mechanisms. Governments and development partners should provide enabling support through:
- Policy incentives that encourage agro-ecological practices
- Financing mechanisms that support sustainable agriculture
- Programs that strengthen farmer organizations and cooperatives
These enabling conditions are essential for expanding agro-ecology beyond pilot projects.
5. Opportunities for Climate and Agricultural Financing
The panelist highlighted several potential financing opportunities that could support agro-ecological transitions, including climate-related funds and regional initiatives.
Support can come from programs and financing mechanisms associated with organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, which promote broader systems approaches that integrate agro-ecology, circular bio-economy concepts, and farmer-centered decision-making.
Regional initiatives such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Green Fund for Agriculture may also provide opportunities to support sustainable agricultural transformation.
The panelist also emphasized the importance of improving access to climate finance, including mechanisms designed to address loss and damage caused by climate change.
6. Strengthening Linkages from Local to Regional Levels
Another important recommendation was to strengthen connections between farmers, national programs, and regional initiatives. Strengthening these linkages can help amplify farmer voices, improve policy coordination, and expand opportunities for knowledge sharing across countries.
7. Convergence of Agro-ecology in Practice
The panelist concluded by noting that agro-ecological approaches are increasingly converging in practice, even though they may take different forms in different countries.
Going forward, stakeholders should focus on clarifying the long-term goals of agro-ecology, while recognizing that multiple pathways and approaches can coexist depending on local contexts. This diversity should be seen as a strength that allows agro-ecology to adapt to different ecological, cultural, and institutional environments.
IV. Plenary Discussion: Questions and Reflections from Participants
During the plenary discussion, participants raised several questions and reflections regarding the practical implementation, economic viability, and social dimensions of agro-ecology. These questions focused on production costs, climate adaptation strategies, and the inclusion of women and youth in agro-ecological transitions.
1. Economic Viability and Cost of Production
A participant from Nepal raised questions about the cost of production associated with agro-ecological practices. The participant asked whether agro-ecological products are competitive in the market compared to conventionally produced agricultural products. The question also explored whether farmers practicing agro-ecology are able to maintain profitability while adopting more sustainable farming systems.
2. Implementing Agro-ecological Principles in the Context of Climate Change
A participant from India referred to the 10 principles of agro-ecology and noted that implementing these principles over a five-year period can be challenging, particularly in the context of increasing climate change impacts.
The participant asked the presenters to elaborate on:
- What specific changes were observed during the implementation period?
- What concrete agro-ecological approaches were applied in the country cases presented, particularly in Kyrgyzstanand Indonesia?
- How did these approaches help address climate-related challenges?
The participant also noted that agro-ecological transformation is not easy, and that documenting and showcasing real examples of successful transitions would be valuable for other countries seeking to implement similar approaches.
3. Addressing Cultural and Structural Barriers
Another participant from India raised concerns about structural and cultural barriers, particularly regarding the inclusion of women and youth in market decision-making processes.
The participant asked the panelists to share examples of how agro-ecological initiatives have addressed these barriers and what mechanisms have been used to strengthen the participation of women and young people in agricultural value chains and market systems.
4. Challenges Encountered and Responses
Another participant asked a broader question regarding the main challenges encountered in implementing agro-ecological practices and how these challenges were addressed by the programs presented.
The participant invited the panelists to reflect on:
- Key implementation difficulties
- Strategies used to overcome barriers
- Lessons learned that could inform future agro-ecology initiatives.
IV. Presentors’ Responses to Questions and Reflections from Participants
Panel Response: Kyrgyzstan
During the plenary discussion, the representatives from Kyrgyzstan responded to questions regarding water management, seed systems, profitability, and challenges in implementing agro-ecological practices.
1. Water Management
Kyrgyzstan agreed with IFAD’s recommendations on water management and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve water infrastructure. Current initiatives include:
- Accreditation and maintenance of water reservoirs and pumps
- Adoption of agro-ecological water-use practices, including dam management and intercropping with trees in agroforestry systems
- Exploration of renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind panels to support water and irrigation systems
These measures are aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability of water resources while supporting climate-resilient agriculture.
2. Seed Systems and Forest Conservation
The panelists emphasized the importance of climate-resilient seed banks, which are already established in Kyrgyzstan. Key points include:
- Preservation of climate-resilient seeds for local agricultural systems
- Strict protection of forests, ensuring that agro-ecological practices do not harm forest ecosystemsActive efforts in ecosystem restoration to maintain natural biodiversity and ecological balance
3. Economic Viability and Market Participation
Responding to concerns about cost and profitability (raised by Nepal), the panelists noted:
- Agro-ecological products can be highly profitable, e.g., 1.5 USD per kilogram for certain crops, which is suitable and favorable for smallholder farmers
- Farmers should be involved from the outset in decisions related to market access, pricing, and production planning
- Efforts are being made to reduce reliance on metals and non-renewable inputswhile optimizing the use of water and land resources
4. Key Challenges
The panelists identified financing as the primary challenge for scaling agro-ecological practices. Access to adequate funds is necessary for:
- Infrastructure development (water and irrigation systems)
- Agro-ecological inputs and technologies
- Capacity building for farmers, including technical training and knowledge sharing
The response underscores the importance of policy support, donor engagement, and financial mechanisms to enable sustainable adoption of agro-ecology in Kyrgyzstan.
Panel Response: Indonesia
During the plenary discussion, representatives from Indonesia shared reflections on economic, social, and institutional aspects of implementing agro-ecology in their context.
1. Gender and Economic Participation
The panelists highlighted the role of women in agro-ecological production, particularly in wetland ecologies:
During the spring season, women are more actively involved in agricultural activities, reflecting traditional ecological knowledge and labor patternsEconomic activities led by women tend to be collective rather than fully commercial, similar to cultural practices observed in other countries (e.g., Japan)
These collective approaches emphasize community participation, knowledge sharing, and social cohesion alongside income generation
2. Education and Community Engagement
The panelists noted the importance of integrating children and youth into agro-ecological systems, including awareness and education programs. School participation can help sustain agro-ecology knowledge across generations.
3. Sociopolitical and Institutional Challenges
Indonesia faces several challenges that extend beyond technical agro-ecology:
Land acquisition issues and direct access to productive land remain politically sensitive and can hinder implementationSome agro-ecological approaches require research-based development, and cannot be fully managed by cooperatives aloneUniversities and research institutions are key actors in developing, testing, and validating agro-ecological technologies and innovationsSuccessful scaling of agro-ecology requires addressing these sociopolitical and institutional barriers, alongside technical solutions
IV. Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks by Amirul Islam of AFA
The discussion on Agro-ecology and Climate Resilience concluded with several key insights and a call to action from the moderator.
1. Real-World Successes
The panel highlighted powerful examples of agro-ecological practices that have delivered tangible benefits to farmers and communities:
Increased incomes through diversified and resilient production systems
Successful models such as walnut and honey production, adapted to local contexts
Restored soil health and enhanced biodiversity
Agro-ecological practices tailored to specific ecological and social contexts demonstrate that sustainable agriculture can be both productive and environmentally regenerative
2. Persistent Challenges
Despite these successes, several challenges remain:
Market access limitations and difficulties with product registration or certification
Policy barriers that impede scaling and adoption of agro-ecological practices
Resource constraints, including technical, financial, and knowledge gaps necessary for broader implementation
3. Pathways Forward
To accelerate the adoption and scaling of agro-ecology, the panel emphasized:
- Farmer-led innovation, leveraging local knowledge and participatory approaches
- Stronger partnerships with donors, technical agencies, and development partners to provide financial and technical support
- Advocacy for enabling policies that support agro-ecological production and market integration
- Regional knowledge exchange to share lessons learned and scale effective practices across countries
4. Call to Action
The facilitator underscored that the future of food and farming in Asia depends on translating proven practices into widespread action. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute through:Funding and investment in agro-ecology initiatives
- Policy engagement and advocacy
- Technical collaboration and capacity-building
- Amplifying farmer voices to ensure their knowledge, experience, and priorities guide agro-ecological development5. Acknowledgements
The facilitator expressed gratitude to:
Presenters: API and KAFLU
Reactors: Dr. Harun (SAARC Agricultural Center), Mr. Dudy (IFAD Indonesia), and Dada (FAO)
Participants: All attendees for their engagement and contributions
V. Synthesis following Panel Discussion Guide Questions:
Panel Discussion Question
A. Gaps in current agro-ecology programs & how to address them
Summary Response
Many programs focus on technology or ecosystem interventions but lack integration with farmers’ knowledge and systems (Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia). Market access, product certification, and financing remain key challenges (Nepal, India, Indonesia). Inclusion of women and youth in decision-making is uneven (India). Evidence/data on climate impacts and agro-ecological outcomes is limited.
How work can help close gaps:
Strengthen farmer participation in design and decision-making. Provide technical, financial, and market support.
Build climate and production databases to inform interventions. Promote inclusive approaches for women and youth.
B. Agro-ecological programs run & connection to farmers’ practices/challenges
Programs include diversified production systems, agroforestry, climate-resilient seed banks, organic practices, water management, and post-harvest technologies (Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia). Focus on community-based, participatory approaches, linking research, universities, and farmer organizations. Programs aim to adapt to local ecosystems, respect forests, and integrate traditional knowledge (Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan). Directly connect to farmers’ examples: diversification, soil restoration, biodiversity conservation, resource-efficient water management, seed selection, and cooperative models.
C. Supporting farmers to continue/scale initiatives & address advocacy/regional barriers
Financial support: grants, subsidies, climate finance, and donor investments (Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia). Capacity building: technical training, knowledge exchange, farmer-led innovation platforms. Policy and advocacy support: link farmers to national/regional programs, promote enabling policies for market access, certification
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