Dignity, equity, inclusion, and social justice are fundamental values in agroecology; it aims at helping individuals, especially empowering women and young people out of poverty. Agroecological systems must place the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food in the center of food systems. By building autonomy and adaptive capacities to manage their agroecosystems, agroecology allows communities to overcome poverty, hunger, and malnutrition while promoting human rights such as the right to food. It also promotes environmental management for future generations to live in prosperity.

Agroecology addresses gender inequalities, creating opportunities for women. Women are nearly half of the agricultural workforce and play a vital role in household food security, food diversity, health, conservation, and sustainable use of biological diversity. However, women remain economically marginalised and vulnerable to violations of their rights, while their contributions often remain unrecognised.

Agroecology also provides a promising job-generation solution for the future, as it is based on a different form of agricultural production that is knowledge-intensive, environmentally friendly, socially responsible, innovative, and that depends on skilled labour. Meanwhile, rural youth worldwide possess energy, creativity, and a desire to positively change the world.