This method involves the intensive use of local knowledge and natural resources supporting biological diversity by means of alternating practices (various farming methods and crop rotation). Traditional farmers focus on methods that maintain soil fertility, prevent the loss of topsoil, hold water in the soil and produce stable harvests. Farming methods of this type are distinguished above all by a
high degree of biodiversity. The modernisation of agriculture destroyed the bond between farming and ecology mainly because of the emphasis on large-scale monoculture forms of cultivation involving a single crop, which then has a difficult time resisting various diseases and pests. The result of this type of agriculture is highly susceptible agro-ecosystems further decimated by the excessive use of chemicals in the form of pesticides and herbicides. Despite its highly productive and competitive nature, modern agriculture produces many serious economic, environmental and social problems such as the loss of biodiversity and soil fertility, the loss of jobs, mainly for small farmers (today there are fewer but larger farms that use more machines and other technology and are more specialised) and, last but not least, higher su***de rates among farmers due to their inability to pay off debts – their input costs for seeds, pesticides, etc. are often much higher than their earnings. Much of the know-how passed down by traditional farmers from generation to generation is being lost. Efforts are therefore necessary to protect this valuable information, and it is time to begin to combine traditional and modern forms of farming so that the specific conditions in a given area are taken into consideration. Purely modern farming that turns away from traditional ecological methods is unsustainable and contributes to poverty in developing countries.
