African Perspectives on Agroecology is a new book with 33 contributions from academics, non-governmental organizations, farmer organizations and policy makers. It is free to download, and reviewers have described it as a "must read for all who care about the future of Africa and its people." The book outlines how agroecology, which brings ecological principles into farming practices and food systems, can solve food shortages and environmental damage caused by mass, commercial farming. We asked the book's editor and the South African Research Chair on Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy, Rachel Wynberg, to set out why this book is so important.