SUMMARY. Is big beautiful? Or is it better to work small and think big? We believe that small is sustainable and future-proof, but that we should still think big in order to drive forward the scaling of complex agroforestry systems. Find out what we mean here.
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The discussion about scaling up regenerative agriculture and complex agroforestry systems is slowly gaining momentum. This is urgently needed in view of growing challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, heavy rainfall, species loss and the climate crisis. The question is: How can we win over more people and more land for the agriculture of the future? How can complex agroforestry systems be successfully scaled up? In this context, scaling up does not just mean “getting bigger”, but also involving more stakeholders, converting more land and sharing more knowledge. How can we achieve this in practice?
‘Small’ does not mean ‘less relevant’. Small is resilient and sustainable.
Scaling complex agroforestry systems – but how?
Put simply, three things are needed:
- Farmers who are willing to convert (parts of) their land.
- People with sound practical and theoretical knowledge, whether they are farmers or their advisors.
- Financial resources to enable the transformation.
But more is needed:
- Seeds and planting material
Without diversity, there can be no resilience. Seeds should not be patented and should be GMO-free. Planting material is generally available, but not yet in sufficient quantities or diversity to quickly plant large areas. - Preparation time
It often takes up to a year between the initial idea and planting – for observation, preliminary studies, soil analysis, design and planning of the new agroforestry system. This time is crucial to ensure that the planted trees and shrubs establish themselves at the site, grow well and survive in the long term. - Customised machinery and tools
Planting, maintenance and harvesting could be made more efficient if agricultural machinery were adapted to complex agroforestry systems. This represents a real opportunity for innovation in a country like Germany, which likes to present itself as a leading technological business location 😉
Farmers in the climate crisis – motivation for change
What can motivate farmers to engage in long-term systems such as complex agroforestry? Many of them are already experiencing the concrete consequences of the climate crisis: recurring droughts, increasing heavy rainfall events or massive crop losses as a result of extreme weather conditions. This experience is leading some to become increasingly aware that the current industrial agricultural model is not sustainable. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging – albeit slowly – that provide financial support for the transition to more sustainable agriculture, for example through subsidy programmes, cooperation models or social demand for regionally and regeneratively produced food. These developments can be an important motivation for getting started with complex agroforestry systems.
Education is key – focused and local
Firstly, targeted educational programmes are important. In this case, ‘targeted’ also means ‘for a specific target group.’ We believe that small, locally integrated farms and new, young farmers who are committed to their environment are crucial. Working on a small scale makes it possible to work in a differentiated way, respond to feedback from the system and develop resilience. Farms, community and food forest projects dedicated to sustainable cultivation are indispensable. Supporting local food systems and choosing production methods not only strengthens ecological resilience, but also social resilience. Small is not only robust, but also essential for our future.
Knowledge transfer across climate zones
Another often underestimated lever for scaling complex agroforestry systems lies in the exchange of knowledge across borders – especially between food forests in different climate zones. Why is this important? In tropical regions, plants grow faster and cycles are shorter, meaning that learning curves are steeper. Mistakes and successes become apparent quickly, and learning processes are condensed. The insights gained there can be adapted to temperate latitudes, whether through more resilient planting systems, optimised maintenance or new design principles.
This exchange is particularly effective when it takes place in close cooperation with research institutes. In this way, practical experience can be scientifically monitored, systematically documented, validated and further developed. At the same time, research institutions benefit from direct access to practical data and real-life application examples.
This creates lively learning processes that not only strengthen the efficiency and resilience of food forests worldwide, but also develop regional agricultural systems in innovative and sustainable ways.
Retrospective: What we can learn from history
Until a few decades ago, small farmers were the world’s breadwinners. They produced food, cared for the landscape and were often represented in local politics. After the Second World War, a paradigm shift took place: under the slogan ‘Never again hunger’, the focus shifted to large-scale, industrialised agriculture – in both capitalist and communist systems. Looking back, we can see that this model has created many problems. Small means resilient – ecologically, economically and socially. Many small, decentralised structures create security, diversity and adaptability. This is not only the task of the FoodForestNetwork – it is our common task.
Conclusion: Small can be sustainable and future-proof
Small does not mean ‘less relevant’. On the contrary: small-scale, networked, adaptive agriculture offers solutions to global challenges. Those who strengthen small structures, promote local food systems and support regenerative methods are working towards a resilient and sustainable food culture – for everyone.