In conflict-prone areas, regenerative agriculture offers a promising approach to fostering peace and rebuilding communities. By restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable livelihoods, these practices address both environmental degradation and social discord, creating opportunities for reconciliation and resilience.
In northern Colombia, former combatants from a guerrilla group have transitioned to leading efforts in regenerative agriculture. Their initiative focuses on creating a sustainable circular food production system, integrating intercropped feed production, free-range chicken farming, and natural fertilizer use. This approach not only restores the land but also fosters trust and collaboration between former adversaries. Their communal ideology and commitment to equity have made them effective leaders in agricultural cooperatives, inspiring community members to adopt similar models.
Globally, the intersection of environmental stress and conflict exacerbates challenges like displacement, food insecurity, and declining agricultural productivity. Regenerative agriculture aims to counter these trends by enhancing the value of ecosystems through methods such as soil restoration, biodiversity promotion, and carbon sequestration. Techniques like intercropping, silvopasture, and permaculture mimic natural systems to sustain productivity while regenerating the land. These systems can also address pollution, such as removing toxins from the soil, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
In Peru’s Madre de Dios region, regenerative agroforestry is being used to combat the dual threats of toxic degradation and land disputes. By removing toxins, restoring forests, and providing sustainable livelihoods, these efforts demonstrate the potential of regenerative practices to mitigate conflict and promote stability. Similarly, in Uganda, a region scarred by past violence, young people are being trained in regenerative agroforestry. This initiative reconnects them with the land while offering a sustainable means of income, contributing to both ecological and social restoration.
However, implementing regenerative agriculture in conflict-affected areas is not without challenges. Success requires deep ecological knowledge, market access, and technical support. Local institutions play a critical role in providing guidance on best practices and fostering knowledge-sharing. These interactions also promote communication, trust, and shared values, strengthening social cohesion. Producers often prioritize ecological and social benefits over immediate economic gains, such as setting aside land for forest regeneration or integrating native species into farming systems.
Despite its potential, regenerative agriculture faces risks. Enhancing land value can lead to disputes over land ownership, as seen in Uganda, where restored forests have attracted competing claims. Effective land-tenure systems and regulatory frameworks are crucial to mitigate such conflicts. Additionally, for displaced populations or those without secure land ownership, extractive practices may remain the most viable option for meeting basic needs, posing a challenge to the adoption of regenerative methods.
The long-term viability of regenerative agriculture as a peacebuilding tool depends on its ability to balance ecological, economic, and social outcomes. Current initiatives rely heavily on donor funding, but there is a push toward self-sustainability. Rigorous evaluation of these practices is essential to understand their success and scalability. While regenerative agriculture has sometimes been misrepresented, early evidence from these projects suggests it has the potential to address pressing environmental and social issues simultaneously.
If successful, regenerative agriculture could emerge as a transformative strategy for creating sustainable livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and fostering peace in conflict-affected regions.
