Agroecology refers to a range of agronomic techniques , including intercropping , the recycling of manure and food scraps into fertilizers , and agroforestry , that reduce the use of external inputs and maximize resource efficiency . It is consistent with , and complementary to , genetic improvement , as done by the CGIAR ( formerly known as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ) research centres through marker-assisted breeding , and as done by generations of farmers cultivating landraces .