In this episode, we talk with Steven Fonte about his career studying the ecology of agroecosystems. We cover his travels in Central and South America and Africa to support the ability of smallholder farming communities to be sustainable. Fonte is also passionate about the health of soils, which we highlight in the discussion of macrofaunal communities (like earthworms), abiotic conditions and management practices that are important in agricultural systems.

We’ll also touch on the social and political atmosphere (as well as the role played by the United States) that shaped Indigenous people’s and farmers’ lives in El Salvador. We really enjoyed speaking with Fonte about the multifunctionality of agroecosystems, and we’re excited about the possibilities that lie before land managers and farmers to employ this knowledge to grow food for the world in a sustainable manner.

You can find out more about Steve’s work, current projects, and publications on his website.

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