Transition to agroecology for improved food security and better living conditions: case study from a family farm in Pinar del Río, Cuba

Abstract

The process of transition to agroecology of family farms is a topic of great importance in Cuba and the need to support family farming is gaining worldwide attention, while agroecology has been recognized as the most promising approach for the sustainable development of smallholder farmers. This work analyzes the process of agroecological conversion implemented by a family farm in western Cuba, highlighting the causes that enabled the process of transition and examining its effects on the family’s food security and livelihoods. The study shows how all the four aspects of food security – availability, access, stability, and utilization – have improved after the transition to agroecology, while positive impacts are also registered in soil quality, environmental sustainability, and resilience. From the point of view of economic sustainability, the transition has had high costs at the beginning but, after three years, agroecological production is resulting in increased income and better living conditions. The work also suggests actions to be implemented in order to advance in the process of transition to agroecology and hence achieve full food sovereignty.