ECOSYSTEM AND AGROECOSYSTEM
by Antonio C. Antonio
March 3, 2014
Here are three questions that will give us
additional information and perhaps a better understanding of ecosystems and
agroecosystems…
QUESTION
NO. 1: “What are the similarities and
differences of an ecosystem and an agroecosystem?”
Similarities:
- Both include the biotic and abiotic components and their interaction with one another.
- Both are spatially and functionally coherent units of agricultural activity.
Differences:
- An ecosystem has a more dynamic and complex composition of species and a more complex energy and nutrient flow.
- An agroecosystem has simpler species composition and simpler energy and nutrient flows.
- Additional to an agroecosystem is its operative component anchored on agricultural activities.
- An agroecosystem is just a subset of a conventional ecosystem.
QUESTION NO. 2: How can the holistic agroecosystem approach
be applicable to a community of farmers and what are the hindrances?
In the Philippine upland setting, the most visible community
or association of farmers can be found in the different Community-Based Forest
Management (CBFM) organizations. Knowing the purpose and objectives the
CBFMs were organized, I should say that the holistic agroecosystem approach is
applicable. The hindrances, however, are in the post-organization and
actual production period. More often, CBFMs are left to fend for
themselves after they are organized. This is where the major problem of
funding their production operations sets in. For those who are lucky
enough to access funds (through grants, loans, financial assistance, etc.),
they, more often, are prone to fiscal mismanagement. Financial support
and sound management therefore should be key elements that would define success
for the CBFMs.
The 3Ms (therefore: [1] Market; [2] Manpower and
Management; and, [3] Money and Material) for a successful business endeavour
comes in play in this situation. The 3Ms could be likened to a 3-legged
stool that will certainly fall if at least one of its legs is absent. We
could argue that “market” and “money” have synergistic relationships… that
“market” equals “money” and vice versa… and that one can produce the
other. But only sound “management” can create this “market-money”
synergy. Therefore, all the three “M”s should really work in perfect
harmony for a successful business venture from a purely management standpoint.
QUESTION
NO. 3: “Can an agroecosystem approach
help encourage sustainability and equitability to primary production systems?”
In ecology, sustainability concept refers to the
process by which biological systems survive and remain diverse. On the
other hand, equitability (also as an ecological term) pertains to the extent of
the composition and representation by an equal number of individuals of the
different species of a given community. From the production viewpoint,
the agroecosystem approach should encourage sustainability and
equitability. In the case of forestlands for example, the health of the
forest is the primary consideration. Although an agroecosystem entails
human intervention, proper care (reforestation, timber stand improvement and
enhancement planting programs) should be emphasized to strike a balance between
human activities and the health of the forest itself. Special concern
should be made on maintaining a balance in the number of individual species
(flora and fauna) that are present in the forest community. This way,
sustainability and equitability could be achieved.
Long term sustainability in the forest
agroecosystem is widely viewed from the vantagepoint of four domains: Ecology,
Economics, Politics and Culture. For the agroecosystem approach to
succeed, these four domains should be geared towards the (1) attainment of
environmental resiliency, (2) cater to economic demands, and (3) guarantee
social equity. Anything less will simply not work.
Just my little thoughts…
REFERENCES:
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