If you are not already familiar with his research, I would highly recommend looking at the
work of Miguel Altieri because he is
among the foremost academics that have been looking at peasant agriculture and agroecology.
Altieri’s research contradicts commonly held beliefs and assumptions that
peasant agriculture is less productive than large scale western style
mechanized agriculture.
Here is some quick references off the web:
and some of his books: https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Miguel+A+Altieri%22
With starvation threatening one-sixth of the world’s population, and the
West’s technological solutions called into question—the Green Revolution of the
1950s and 1960s failed to solve the problem, and now the Gene Revolution, or
agricultural biotechnology, is under increasing attack—many think it’s time for
another way. Berkeley’s Miguel Altieri, an associate professor of insect
biology in the College of Natural Resources, has a world-wide reputation for
his alternative solution: “agroecology,” or sustainable agriculture, which
respects the knowledge of indigenous peoples, protects the environment, and
promotes social equity.
“I was trained in the West,” says Altieri, “but after studying ancient agricultural systems, I realized that Western knowledge is inadequate to deal with the complexities of Third World agriculture.” Altieri has an impressively broad range: he works in the fields alongside the world’s poor farmers, writes influential books and articles about the principles he champions, and attends conferences around the world, speaking out against biotechnology and in favor of agroecology. His advice has been sought by peasants, a Prince, and the Pope.”
“I was trained in the West,” says Altieri, “but after studying ancient agricultural systems, I realized that Western knowledge is inadequate to deal with the complexities of Third World agriculture.” Altieri has an impressively broad range: he works in the fields alongside the world’s poor farmers, writes influential books and articles about the principles he champions, and attends conferences around the world, speaking out against biotechnology and in favor of agroecology. His advice has been sought by peasants, a Prince, and the Pope.”
I consider his work essential reading that underscores the values of biologically
and human intensive agriculture -- particularly relevant to urban agriculture systems.
