For those unfamiliar with the term, permaculture definition is as follows: “Permaculture” is the practice of farming and food production by using natural, sustainable, renewable resources. Permaculture is, in addition, an innovative approach to land management which takes the principles observed in natural, thriving ecosystems. It incorporates a diverse set of design principles developed using whole system thinking. It utilizes these principles in disciplines such as rewilding, regenerative agriculture and community resilientness. In the past, permaculture has been considered an alternative to the “green” movement, due to its reliance on environmentally friendly methods of farming.
There are two types of permaculture: organic and inorganic. Organic is defined as those practices in which farming practices do not include any synthetic materials or pesticides. On the other hand, inorganic means those in which agricultural practices involve the use of artificial substances such as fertilizers, hormones, insecticides, antibiotics and hormones. Organic food is becoming more popular and more relevant today as consumers’ buying habits become increasingly informed about the chemicals that are used during the production of many regular grocery store items.
As stated at the start, permaculture uses the principles observed in natural, thriving ecosystems to create a self-sustaining food production system. Each component of the system is designed to enhance and enrich the productivity of the whole system, rather than provide a convenience product for the consumer. For example, in organic permaculture, crop rotation promotes biodiversity by introducing previously unused species into the area. This will not only benefit the native wildlife, but will also generate new food sources for local users.
Another principle involved in permaculture definition is food security. The use of naturally renewable resources supports a robust economic structure that allows for an economic development without drastic fluctuations. The principles of permaculture are designed to maintain food independence and avoid over-farming. As a result, farmers are able to provide stable harvests without the threat of over-harvesting. This prevents hunger in future years while helping to ensure the sustainability of the food supply.
One of the main benefits of the system is that farmers no longer have to spend large amounts of money on buying foodstuffs from expensive markets abroad. Inorganic markets often command very high prices due to high transport costs. On the other hand, organic markets are frequented by local producers who are more likely to sell at lower prices because of their direct relationship with the local community.
For some, the process of permaculture has been equated with supporting local communities and benefiting the environment. However, this is not the only benefit that the farmers receive. By conserving water and land, farmers are able to increase crop yields while decreasing the water and land resource consumption of the surrounding areas. Furthermore, this concept promotes community development through participation and voluntary action.
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