AGROECOLOGY AND PERMACULTURE FOR FOOD SECURITY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN SEMI-ARID UZBEKISTAN: ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Agroecological and permaculture approaches are increasingly recognized as integrated pathways to reconcile agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods. In semi-arid Uzbekistan, where irrigated agriculture underpins food systems but places extreme pressure on water and soils, system-level transformations are urgently needed. This paper examines ecological and economic outcomes of adopting agroecological and permaculture principles in forage-based and mixed farming systems in the Samarkand region. Using a mixed-methods design combining field measurements (soil organic matter, salinity proxies, basic crop productivity), farmer surveys, and comparative literature analysis, we evaluate environmental benefits, changes in resource efficiency, and the socio-economic implications for smallholder households. Results show consistent trends toward improved soil health (higher organic matter), reduced salinity variability in managed plots, and improved water-use efficiency where localized irrigation and mulching were applied. Economically, agroecological systems reduced reliance on purchased synthetic inputs and diversified household income sources through mixed cropping and tree products; early cost-estimates indicate potential reductions in variable production costs and improved income stability during climate stress years. The findings are contextualized within Uzbekistan’s national challenges — notably that agriculture accounts for a substantial share of freshwater withdrawals and remains a key sector of the economy — and international frameworks (FAO, SDGs). Policy recommendations include targeted incentives for water-saving technologies, expansion of participatory farmer training, and support for market development for diversified agroecological products. The paper contributes empirical and policy-relevant evidence supporting agroecological transitions in Central Asia.