Agroecology is a farming system that works in harmony with nature, using cultivation techniques and breeding programmes that do not rely on chemical fertilizers, pesticides or artificial genetic modification.

The launch, which was held in Accra in partnership with the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), seeks to consolidate the efforts and gains that have been realised so far by farmers.

The event, which was held under the theme: "Agroecology for Good Food", is to encourage farmers to build on traditional agricultural practices using research, technology and existing indigenous knowledge that ensures total control of all aspects of food production.

Mr Bernard Guri, Executive Director of CIKOD, said the Movement brings together everyone in the agricultural sector to promote proper practices.

He said what the Movement seeks to fight against is the industrialisation of agriculture which involves the use of chemicals which was not helping but rather generating sicknesses. 

He said many of the sicknesses discovered in the country today are related to the food production system, hence the need to promote agroecology for a healthy food production in the country.

Mr Guri said agroecology was about who had the power, politics and controls the seeds as well as what goes into the soil and as such the movement seeks to face policy makers in ensuring that they provide what farmers need.

Ms Victoria Adongo, the Executive Director, of PFAG, urged farmers to appreciate the concept of agroecology and look at how they could scientifically modify the old farming practices for healthy food production.

She said it is important for farmers to diversify agroecology as farming is periodical to generate income through other means which are not directly linked to farming.

"This is the only way small farmers can survive in this current circumstances," she said.

Mr Wise C. Letsa, a Principal Dietician at the Trust Hospital, commended CIKOD and PFAG for the Movement adding that agroecological farming could double food production within 10 years, while mitigating climate change and alleviate poverty.

He said this would make available nutritious food and urged farmers as well as stakeholders to embrace the technology so that people could have and eat healthy food. 

Mr Letsa also advised people to always wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to get rid of chemicals that might have settled on the surface.

Dr John Jatoe, Lecturer University of Ghana, said agroecology is environmentally friendly as it has the tendency to restore the ecosystems, harness food systems to fight climate change and create an opportunity to have healthier lives.

Mr Tontie Binado, Action Aid Programme Manager, said food and agricultural systems is at a crossroad in the country and re-introducing agroecology would enhance food production in a sustainable manner.

He said agroecology was laudable as its practice would ensure soil conservation, sustainable water management, agro-biodiversity preservation, livelihood diversification market access, strengthening farmer's organisation among others.

Civil Society Organisation as well as stakeholders commended CIKOD and PFAG for the movement and pledged their support in ensuring that people have access to clean and healthy food.

Representatives of the Movement were officially sworn into office as well as unveiling a framework to guide their activities.