Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences www.multidisciplines.com J. Multidiscip. Sci. 2023, 5(2), 39-60. https://doi.org/10.33888/jms.2023.525 www.multidisciplines.com Agroecology integrates science, practice, movement, and future food systems Suraj Chaudhary, Atmaz Kumar Shrestha, Sushil Rai, Dhana Krishna Acharya, Sabnam Subedi, and Rameshwar Rai * Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal *Corresponding author email address: rameshwar.rai@mbust.edu.np and rairsansk@gmail.com (R.R.) Received: 10 November 2023; Accepted: 22 December 2023; Published online: 30 December 2023 Abstract. Agroecology is an interdisciplinary field that brings together agricultural practice and ecological principles. This article explores agroecology's theoretical foundations, practical applications, and historical evolution, along with its impact on modern agricultural methods. Agroecology looks at how biophysical and social elements combine to produce food sustainably, promote social justice, and protect the environment. The first section of the article looks at how agroecology developed as a scientific field, discussing its fundamental ideas, practices, and objectives- all of which emphasize participatory, adaptive, and holistic methodologies. The inquiry also looks into how agroecology might support biodiversity, resilience to climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. This article also explores the rise of agroecology as a movement driven by social activism, environmental consciousness, and a search for alternative food systems. After that, the article dives further into the history of agroecology, emphasizing the pioneers' contributions and the development of agroecological principles over time. The text goes on to outline the fundamental principles of agroecology. Its main objectives are enhancing resource efficiency, strengthening resilience, and ensuring social equality. This article discusses the practical applications of agroecology in various agricultural settings, such as permaculture, agroforestry, and agroecological farming systems. A few agro-ecology case studies have been described. Finally, the article highlights the future of food systems. The article concludes by highlighting the necessity of combining scientific understanding with indigenous ecological and cultural knowledge and stating that agro-ecology is viable for a more just and sustainable future for agriculture and food security. Keywords: Farming, permaculture, regenerative agriculture, social equity, and sustainable food system Cite this as: Chaudhary, S., Shrestha, A.K., Rai, S., Acharya, D.K., Subedi, S. & Rai, R. (2023). Agroecology integrates science, practice, movement, and future food systems. J. Multidiscip. Sci. 5(2), 39-60. 1. Introduction 1.1. Definition and elucidation of agroecology as a scientific discipline and social movement Agroecology, which refers to the study of farming and food systems from an ecological perspective, has gained traction since the 2000s as a crucial concept for addressing pressing global challenges. These challenges include significant biodiversity decline, food insecurity, inadequate agricultural resilience to climate change, and insufficient livelihood security for farmers (Altieri, 2002; Wezel et al., 2009; Rosset et al., 2019). Agroecology encompasses the environmental, social, and economic aspects of food systems through a comprehensive and linked approach that recognizes their complexity and interdependence. Agroecology seeks to strengthen the connections between many stakeholders (such as farmers, producers, researchers, and consumers) and between diverse fields of study (such as ecology, agronomy, social sciences, and economics) through its transdisciplinary, participatory, and action-oriented approach. Agroecology is the scientific examination of the interrelationships among plants, animals, humans, and the environment within agricultural systems. Agroecology is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of agronomy, ecology, sociology, and economics (Dalgaard et al., 2003). According to Altieri & Koohafkan (2008), agroecology is the field of study that offers