A bibliometric analysis of agroecological practices: trends, impacts, and future directions

Agroecological practices are essential for sustainable agriculture, enhancing biodiversity, and soil health, and reducing chemical inputs while increasing climate resilience. This comprehensive bibliometric study (1981–2024) examines 376 publications, using co-word map analysis and network visualization to uncover clusters of research topics such as adoption, application, and sustainable agriculture. It highlights the interconnectedness of agroecology-related concepts and tracks the evolution of research interests, providing valuable insights for policymakers to inform strategic decisions. The analysis suggests that supportive policies for agroecology, driven by social movements, farmers’ organizations, and academics, could include financial incentives, subsidies, and grants, as well as education and training programs. Investments in research and development, improved market access, and sustainable land management are also crucial. Implementing collaborative governance, capacity building, robust monitoring and evaluation systems, public awareness campaigns, and integrating agroecological principles into broader policies can create a conducive environment for resilient and sustainable farming systems.