Peasant farming is based on agro-ecological methods which are organic, environment-friendly, and respectful of communities’ rights to healthy food.
It is the only farming method which can establish food sovereignty for communities. Inspired by natural rhythms, agro-ecology is composed of methods and techniques responding to the numerous needs of the world population. It is a solution to problems such as water management, reforesting, the fight against erosion, biodiversity, global warming, and man’s relationship with the environment.

Agro-ecology and the MPP

For the last five years, the MPP has been remarkably active in this area : 5 ecological villages are being created, 56 youths have qualified in agro-ecology and hundreds of others have mastered alternative technologies. As an example ; today, peasant communities use several methods to produce natural fertilizers and pesticides.
Peasants of the MPP use a system called JADEN PREKAY (neighbourhood gardens) making progress toward food sovereignty.

Some principles of agro-ecological farming practices

• Tilling enables a respect of the soil’s structure and natural balance, and does not disturb the various micro-organisms in the earth’s layers.

• Fertilisation is done with green manure, compost, and other natural fertilisers which provide real nourishment for soil. These inexpensive methods can be used by the poorest of farmers.

• Natural crop protection with biodegradable substances, traditionally used in the fight against parasites, such as ash, leaves, seeds, etc.

• Selection of the most suitable varieties for local farming : local, reproducible species, which enable a real autonomy.

• Economy and optimum water use and irrigation through a better understanding of the water/soil balance.

• Mechanical or animal energy, to avoid waste and expensive equipment ; without rejecting progress, but adjusting it to real-life circumstances

• Measures against soil erosion (small dykes, microdams, filtering dykes) ; using rainwater, restoring groundwater levels.

• Hedgerows for the protection of fields.

• Replanting of trees on unused fields as a source of fuel, a natural pharmacopeia, art and crafts, human and animal food, soil regeneration.

• Rehabilitation of traditional skills and economic ecology management.

• Teaching approach adapted to those in the field.