Deep Agroecology and the Homeric Epics: Global Cultural Reforms for a Natural-Systems Agriculture

This book explores the cultural transformations needed to transition from modern extractive agriculture to sustainable natural-systems agriculture, drawing on the Homeric epics. It proposes a system of eco-states responsible for agroecological management and a reformed system of local landscape-based agriculture consistent with ecological principles. It suggests a new cultural-conceptual narrative based on values from the Homeric epics to address todays climate and agricultural crises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive work delves into the cultural transformations required to shift from our current modern extractive agricultural system to a sustainable natural-systems agriculture. To provide a visionary framework for this transition, the author draws upon the ancient and influential Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. By employing themes from these foundational literary works, the author critiques the concept of state sovereignty and explores how innovative federalism structures around the world are already showing momentum toward
trend toward changes in global environmental governance. The book proposes a significant expansion on these innovations, envisioning the creation of eco-states responsible for agroecological management. Drawing from his extensive experience in international institutions, the author proposes a coordination system whereby an international agroecology-focused organization would work in tandem to (i) avoid the limitations of the world's current family of powerful global institutions and (ii) facilitate the creation and implementation of a reformed system of local landscape-based agriculture that aligns fully with ecological principles. Recognizing the challenges associated with such reforms, the author suggests that a new cultural-conceptual narrative can be constructed, drawing upon values articulated 2,700 years ago in the Homeric epics. He explains how these values can be reimagined to drive our efforts in addressing today's climate and agricultural crises in ways that embrace and reflect the natural processes and relationships that sustain our living planet. This book holds immense interest for students, academics, and policymakers alike.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367622220