Agriculture and other natural resource-based enterprises are the foundation for economic growth in many developing countries. Out of the 11 per cent of the world’s land surface that is suitable for agriculture, 38 per cent has become degraded by poor natural resource management practices. With no significant room to expand areas of cultivation, good farming practices and stewardship of the available land are necessary to increase agricultural productivity, ensure economic growth, protect biodiversity, maintain sufficient amounts of clean water, and meet the increasing food demands of a growing global population (Ryan, 2017).
What is sustainable agriculture? Sustainable agriculture is an approach to managing natural resources that yields similar results to conventional farming methods over time. Farmers can apply a balanced approach to managing natural resources rather than taking unsustainable shortcuts with this approach. Sustainable agriculture practices allow farmers to use limited resources more efficiently while also continuing farming for many years. In addition, sustainable agriculture is better suited for local conditions than conventional agriculture. Sustainable agriculture provides an opportunity for farmers to work together with government agencies and other organisations to provide solutions for the world’s growing population (Dana, 2022).
How does sustainable agriculture promote food security? Sustainable agriculture plays a crucial role in promoting food security by addressing environmental, economic, and social aspects of food production. According to Jothimani (2022), sustainable agriculture contributes to and promotes food security through the conservation of natural resources. Sustainable agriculture practices aim to conserve and protect natural resources such as soil, water, and biodiversity. By employing methods like crop rotation, cover cropping, and agroforestry, sustainable agriculture helps to maintain soil fertility, reduce erosion, and preserve water quality because healthy soils and water resources contribute to increased crop yields and overall farm productivity.
Sustainable agriculture practices are designed to be resilient to climate change. By implementing adaptive strategies, such as drought-resistant crops, water-use efficiency measures, and diversified cropping systems and farmers can better cope with unpredictable weather patterns. This resilience ensures a more stable food supply, even in the face of climate-related challenges. Sustainable agriculture encourages biodiversity by avoiding excessive use of chemical inputs and promoting crop diversity for biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. Additionally, diverse crops contribute to a varied and nutritious diet, reducing dependence on a single crop and enhancing overall food security.
Traditional farming practices often rely heavily on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable agriculture emphasises organic and agroecological methods, reducing pollution, soil degradation, and damage to ecosystems. This ensures a healthier environment for both farmers and consumers. Sustainable agriculture practices often lead to improved economic conditions for farmers. By adopting more efficient and environmentally-friendly techniques, farmers can reduce production costs, increase yields, and access premium markets for sustainably produced goods, and hence, this economic stability invariably contributes to improved food security.
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