Earth, the only habitable planet we know of, faces threatening environmental, social, and economic challenges, many of which are directly linked to our agricultural practices. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food also increases, putting immense pressure on our planet's resources.
Earth, the only habitable planet we know of, faces threatening environmental, social, and economic challenges, many of which are directly linked to our agricultural practices. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food also increases, putting immense pressure on our planet's resources.
Conventional agriculture, which relies on chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and intensive farming methods, has contributed to environmental degradation, soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In 2019, 31% of carbon dioxide emitted into the air came from the way we grow, process, and consume food, according to FAO. A subsequent report revealed a 9% increase in these emissions from 2000 to 2020.
Sustainable agriculture, in contrast, offers a holistic approach to food production that aims to balance the needs of present generations with those of the future. It includes various practices and principles that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability.
We can't keep throwing "sustainability" around as a catch-all phrase without clearly defining what it means for agriculture and finding ways to measure its impact across different levels. Considering this, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has developed a comprehensive framework for sustainable agriculture. This framework outlines the five principles of sustainable agriculture as follows.
This principle recognises the need to balance the pursuit of increased productivity with the need to protect the environment. It thus refutes the expansion of agricultural land because such expansion often comes at the expense of natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
While yield per hectare remains an important indicator, this principle suggests that agricultural efficiency should be assessed through a multidimensional lens that includes "water and energy-smart production systems" and methods for reducing food waste and loss in the supply chain.
Just as a house needs a solid foundation, so does sustainable agriculture rely on the sustainable management of natural resources. We need to safeguard the vitality of these resources to ensure our ability to produce food for the present and future generations is maintained. This principle, therefore, counters the intensive use of farm inputs such as water, fertilisers and pesticides. Implementing this will require farmers to adopt precision agricultural practices, among others. But, more importantly, this transition will necessitate a shift in mindset, a willingness to experiment with new techniques and access to knowledge and support from agricultural experts.
This principle calls for gender equality and the provision of necessary resources for smallholder farmers who contribute immensely to global food security and, yet, continue to face significant challenges in accessing land, credit, and markets. In fact, they are among the poorest people on earth despite producing over 50% of the world's food. To reverse this ugly trend, FAO thus argues that agriculture can only become sustainable if it provides decent employment conditions to those who practice it in an economically and physically safe, and healthy environment.
Agriculture is a high-risk business due to its inherent dependence on unpredictable natural factors such as weather, climate change, and pests and diseases. These challenges can make it difficult for farmers to produce food consistently, leading to higher food prices for consumers. As such, this fourth principle argues that we must help farmers build resilience to inherent challenges– to ensure sustainable food production and supply.
This principle states that "sustainable production" can only be achieved through a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors in an atmosphere of "accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law". While the two sectors often have different priorities and motivations, there should be a "public good dimension" to support stakeholders in the agricultural value chain with the resources needed to thrive. In short, there should be an increase in public-private partnerships to develop and implement sustainable farming practices.
Leveraging vast research findings, FAO argues that "sustainable food and agriculture (SFA) contributes to all four pillars of food security – availability, access, utilisation and stability". This means that SFA will improve food production and ensure that it is equitably distributed, consumed effectively, and remains available in the long term.
Sustainable farming methods equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to tackle the challenges of resource scarcity, a pressing issue exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Aside from that, it also makes agriculture risk-sensitive through the adoption of practices that enhance preparedness, adaptation, and risk mitigation strategies. Take, for example, precision agriculture techniques, which help farmers optimise resource use, minimise waste, and respond promptly to changing environmental conditions.
Going by the third principle of sustainable agriculture mentioned earlier, an increasing number of startups are investing in tools and technologies that can help rural communities overcome the challenges that make them among the poorest groups in the world. Jiva, for instance, is at the forefront of this movement by offering no-cost advances for agricultural inputs. This innovative approach empowers farmers to acquire higher-quality supplies with the flexibility of repaying the costs at harvest. Moreover, Jiva streamlines the selling process by allowing farmers to effortlessly arrange for crop pickups, cross-check market prices, and access detailed cost breakdowns.
While large-scale agriculture plays a huge role in feeding the world's population, sustainable practices like food forests offer a unique and rewarding approach to growing your food. Whether in a backyard garden, a community allotment, or a larger plot of land, this practice offers a rewarding and sustainable way to connect with your local food source and contribute to a healthier food system.
All sustainable farming practices gravitate towards preserving the environment's natural resources and ecosystems. Organic farming practices, for example, improve soil fertility and reduce erosion through cover cropping, minimal use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and compost and manure.
There have been concerns that yield could be reduced if farmers adopt sustainable farming practices, but studies have shown that sustainable practices can actually increase profitability in the long run. For example, agroforestry can eventually result in increased crop yields due to improved soil health, nutrient cycling, and water retention.
Sustainable farming recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricable. As such, the practices focus on producing nutrient-rich food, minimising harmful chemicals and pesticides, and protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Sustainable agriculture emphasises natural methods instead of heavy machinery and infrastructure, which can be expensive to acquire and maintain. Reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and high-input systems is essential for long-term cost savings.
Sustainable agriculture acknowledges the significance of livestock as they generates 40% of the global value of agricultural output. In a sustainable approach to animal husbandry, livestock provide both a source of organic fertiliser through their manure and a means of enhancing productivity in regions with minimal mechanisation. Traditional livestock management practices, such as rotational grazing, create diverse habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable agricultural practice that seeks to control pests while reducing reliance on pesticides. It was developed in response to pests that created pesticide resistance and rendered traditional chemical control methods ineffective. FAO says IPM "combines biological, chemical, physical and crop specific (cultural) management strategies."
Sustainable farms run on renewable energy sources wherever possible. An article from the World Economic Forum showcases how solar panels, geothermal energy, and biogas are employed in sustainable agricultural practices to power sheep grazing systems, heat greenhouses for flower production, and provide warmth for bird preservation projects, respectively.
Hydroponic and Aquaponics are soilless cultivation methods that offer sustainable alternatives to conventional farming. Instead of soil, hydroponics uses a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. Inert mediums like perlite, rockwool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite support the plant roots.
As for Aquaponics, it combines hydroponics with aquaculture, using nutrient-rich water from fish farming to feed the hydroponically grown plants. This creates a symbiotic system where the plants remove nutrients from the water, purifying it for the fish, and the fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. Both methods become particularly crucial when farmers face constraints such as limited land or water access or when soil health is suboptimal.
Crop rotation is one of the widely used sustainable practices. But the effect is best felt when farmers carefully select crops that align with their specific soil conditions, climate patterns, and agricultural goals. This strategic approach ensures optimal nutrient management, effective pest and disease control, and improved soil health.
Polyculture farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing multiple crops simultaneously within a field. Unlike crop rotation, which involves planting different crops in the same field over time, polyculture emphasises mutually beneficial interaction between different plant species. In polyculture, the idea is that by growing different crops together, you can create a more diverse and resilient ecosystem with multiple income streams.
Agroforestry is more than the cultivation of trees. This sustainable farming practice combines trees, crops, and livestock in a single area simultaneously. It's often divided into two major types: Agrisilvicultural and Silvopastoral. Agrisilviculture integrates trees with crops, providing shade, wind erosion control, and improving soil fertility. Silvopasture combines trees with livestock grazing, offering shade, shelter, and erosion control for livestock while receiving manure in return.
A food forest is a garden raised to mimic the structure and function of natural forests, with multiple layers of vegetation providing various edible plants. Instead of traditional monoculture farming practices where one crop is grown as a single, uniform stand, a food forest embraces permaculture principles, cultivating a diverse and interconnected ecosystem of edible plants.
Biodynamic farming is an agricultural system that treats farming operations as a spiritual or ethical connection between the farmer, the land, and the cosmos(humans, birds, worms, bees and other organisms on the farm). With this ethical mindset, farmers prioritise using natural substances from plant, animal, and mineral ingredients applied to the soil or sprayed on crops to improve soil fertility, crop health, and overall farm productivity.
Managed grazing is a sustainable agricultural practice that actively controls the space, time and duration for livestock to graze an area of land. The system is usually applied based on how the land and ecosystem respond to grazing pressure. It differs from traditional continuous grazing, where livestock have unrestricted access to a pasture for an extended period. Instead, managed grazing employs strategies to control the movement and intensity of grazing.
Sustainable farming practices implement water-saving techniques through efficient irrigation systems, soil conservation measures, and drought-tolerant crops. The goal is to use water moderately and never allow runoff or leaching, preventing water pollution and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
The current agricultural practices focus on a limited range of food plant varieties, raising concerns about preserving seed biodiversity. To prevent the loss of countless food plant varieties, sustainable agriculture advocates encourage farmers to continue cultivating heirloom and older plant varieties.
Allowing animals to graze and live in pasture offers a significantly healthier and more natural lifestyle than the intensive confinement practices of Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or factory farms. Animals in CAFOs are kept in confined spaces, often with limited access to natural sunlight, fresh air, and opportunities for exercise. However, animals raised on pasture can roam and graze on natural vegetation.
Urban agriculture is included as a sustainable agricultural practice because of many factors:
Sustainable agriculture presents a promising solution to the environmental, social, and economic challenges we face today as stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Through practices that promote soil health, conserve water resources, and protect biodiversity, we can restore balance to our planet's ecosystems. With fair labor practices, equitable access to farm inputs, we can promote social well-being and increase food security for present and future generations.
Agritech investments are growing tremendously as founders and investors recognise the potential of technology powered by profit-for-purpose business models to transform food production, distribution, and consumption.
Earth, the only habitable planet we know of, faces threatening environmental, social, and economic challenges, many of which are directly linked to our agricultural practices. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food also increases, putting immense pressure on our planet's resources.
With concerns about land scarcity and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture, vertical farming has emerged as a potential solution.
Traditional farming practices are no longer sustainable due to a burgeoning population and a changing climate. To ensure a secure food supply for present and future generations, we must reimagine agriculture. This much-needed transformation requires a commitment to generating and applying knowledge and innovations that promote sustainable agricultural practices,
December 29, 2023
Earth, the only habitable planet we know of, faces threatening environmental, social, and economic challenges, many of which are directly linked to our agricultural practices. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food also increases, putting immense pressure on our planet's resources.
Conventional agriculture, which relies on chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and intensive farming methods, has contributed to environmental degradation, soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In 2019, 31% of carbon dioxide emitted into the air came from the way we grow, process, and consume food, according to FAO. A subsequent report revealed a 9% increase in these emissions from 2000 to 2020.
Sustainable agriculture, in contrast, offers a holistic approach to food production that aims to balance the needs of present generations with those of the future. It includes various practices and principles that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability.
We can't keep throwing "sustainability" around as a catch-all phrase without clearly defining what it means for agriculture and finding ways to measure its impact across different levels. Considering this, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has developed a comprehensive framework for sustainable agriculture. This framework outlines the five principles of sustainable agriculture as follows.
This principle recognises the need to balance the pursuit of increased productivity with the need to protect the environment. It thus refutes the expansion of agricultural land because such expansion often comes at the expense of natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
While yield per hectare remains an important indicator, this principle suggests that agricultural efficiency should be assessed through a multidimensional lens that includes "water and energy-smart production systems" and methods for reducing food waste and loss in the supply chain.
Just as a house needs a solid foundation, so does sustainable agriculture rely on the sustainable management of natural resources. We need to safeguard the vitality of these resources to ensure our ability to produce food for the present and future generations is maintained. This principle, therefore, counters the intensive use of farm inputs such as water, fertilisers and pesticides. Implementing this will require farmers to adopt precision agricultural practices, among others. But, more importantly, this transition will necessitate a shift in mindset, a willingness to experiment with new techniques and access to knowledge and support from agricultural experts.
This principle calls for gender equality and the provision of necessary resources for smallholder farmers who contribute immensely to global food security and, yet, continue to face significant challenges in accessing land, credit, and markets. In fact, they are among the poorest people on earth despite producing over 50% of the world's food. To reverse this ugly trend, FAO thus argues that agriculture can only become sustainable if it provides decent employment conditions to those who practice it in an economically and physically safe, and healthy environment.
Agriculture is a high-risk business due to its inherent dependence on unpredictable natural factors such as weather, climate change, and pests and diseases. These challenges can make it difficult for farmers to produce food consistently, leading to higher food prices for consumers. As such, this fourth principle argues that we must help farmers build resilience to inherent challenges– to ensure sustainable food production and supply.
This principle states that "sustainable production" can only be achieved through a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors in an atmosphere of "accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law". While the two sectors often have different priorities and motivations, there should be a "public good dimension" to support stakeholders in the agricultural value chain with the resources needed to thrive. In short, there should be an increase in public-private partnerships to develop and implement sustainable farming practices.
Leveraging vast research findings, FAO argues that "sustainable food and agriculture (SFA) contributes to all four pillars of food security – availability, access, utilisation and stability". This means that SFA will improve food production and ensure that it is equitably distributed, consumed effectively, and remains available in the long term.
Sustainable farming methods equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to tackle the challenges of resource scarcity, a pressing issue exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Aside from that, it also makes agriculture risk-sensitive through the adoption of practices that enhance preparedness, adaptation, and risk mitigation strategies. Take, for example, precision agriculture techniques, which help farmers optimise resource use, minimise waste, and respond promptly to changing environmental conditions.
Going by the third principle of sustainable agriculture mentioned earlier, an increasing number of startups are investing in tools and technologies that can help rural communities overcome the challenges that make them among the poorest groups in the world. Jiva, for instance, is at the forefront of this movement by offering no-cost advances for agricultural inputs. This innovative approach empowers farmers to acquire higher-quality supplies with the flexibility of repaying the costs at harvest. Moreover, Jiva streamlines the selling process by allowing farmers to effortlessly arrange for crop pickups, cross-check market prices, and access detailed cost breakdowns.
While large-scale agriculture plays a huge role in feeding the world's population, sustainable practices like food forests offer a unique and rewarding approach to growing your food. Whether in a backyard garden, a community allotment, or a larger plot of land, this practice offers a rewarding and sustainable way to connect with your local food source and contribute to a healthier food system.
All sustainable farming practices gravitate towards preserving the environment's natural resources and ecosystems. Organic farming practices, for example, improve soil fertility and reduce erosion through cover cropping, minimal use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and compost and manure.
There have been concerns that yield could be reduced if farmers adopt sustainable farming practices, but studies have shown that sustainable practices can actually increase profitability in the long run. For example, agroforestry can eventually result in increased crop yields due to improved soil health, nutrient cycling, and water retention.
Sustainable farming recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricable. As such, the practices focus on producing nutrient-rich food, minimising harmful chemicals and pesticides, and protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Sustainable agriculture emphasises natural methods instead of heavy machinery and infrastructure, which can be expensive to acquire and maintain. Reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and high-input systems is essential for long-term cost savings.
Sustainable agriculture acknowledges the significance of livestock as they generates 40% of the global value of agricultural output. In a sustainable approach to animal husbandry, livestock provide both a source of organic fertiliser through their manure and a means of enhancing productivity in regions with minimal mechanisation. Traditional livestock management practices, such as rotational grazing, create diverse habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable agricultural practice that seeks to control pests while reducing reliance on pesticides. It was developed in response to pests that created pesticide resistance and rendered traditional chemical control methods ineffective. FAO says IPM "combines biological, chemical, physical and crop specific (cultural) management strategies."
Sustainable farms run on renewable energy sources wherever possible. An article from the World Economic Forum showcases how solar panels, geothermal energy, and biogas are employed in sustainable agricultural practices to power sheep grazing systems, heat greenhouses for flower production, and provide warmth for bird preservation projects, respectively.
Hydroponic and Aquaponics are soilless cultivation methods that offer sustainable alternatives to conventional farming. Instead of soil, hydroponics uses a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. Inert mediums like perlite, rockwool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite support the plant roots.
As for Aquaponics, it combines hydroponics with aquaculture, using nutrient-rich water from fish farming to feed the hydroponically grown plants. This creates a symbiotic system where the plants remove nutrients from the water, purifying it for the fish, and the fish waste provides nutrients for the plants. Both methods become particularly crucial when farmers face constraints such as limited land or water access or when soil health is suboptimal.
Crop rotation is one of the widely used sustainable practices. But the effect is best felt when farmers carefully select crops that align with their specific soil conditions, climate patterns, and agricultural goals. This strategic approach ensures optimal nutrient management, effective pest and disease control, and improved soil health.
Polyculture farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing multiple crops simultaneously within a field. Unlike crop rotation, which involves planting different crops in the same field over time, polyculture emphasises mutually beneficial interaction between different plant species. In polyculture, the idea is that by growing different crops together, you can create a more diverse and resilient ecosystem with multiple income streams.
Agroforestry is more than the cultivation of trees. This sustainable farming practice combines trees, crops, and livestock in a single area simultaneously. It's often divided into two major types: Agrisilvicultural and Silvopastoral. Agrisilviculture integrates trees with crops, providing shade, wind erosion control, and improving soil fertility. Silvopasture combines trees with livestock grazing, offering shade, shelter, and erosion control for livestock while receiving manure in return.
A food forest is a garden raised to mimic the structure and function of natural forests, with multiple layers of vegetation providing various edible plants. Instead of traditional monoculture farming practices where one crop is grown as a single, uniform stand, a food forest embraces permaculture principles, cultivating a diverse and interconnected ecosystem of edible plants.
Biodynamic farming is an agricultural system that treats farming operations as a spiritual or ethical connection between the farmer, the land, and the cosmos(humans, birds, worms, bees and other organisms on the farm). With this ethical mindset, farmers prioritise using natural substances from plant, animal, and mineral ingredients applied to the soil or sprayed on crops to improve soil fertility, crop health, and overall farm productivity.
Managed grazing is a sustainable agricultural practice that actively controls the space, time and duration for livestock to graze an area of land. The system is usually applied based on how the land and ecosystem respond to grazing pressure. It differs from traditional continuous grazing, where livestock have unrestricted access to a pasture for an extended period. Instead, managed grazing employs strategies to control the movement and intensity of grazing.
Sustainable farming practices implement water-saving techniques through efficient irrigation systems, soil conservation measures, and drought-tolerant crops. The goal is to use water moderately and never allow runoff or leaching, preventing water pollution and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
The current agricultural practices focus on a limited range of food plant varieties, raising concerns about preserving seed biodiversity. To prevent the loss of countless food plant varieties, sustainable agriculture advocates encourage farmers to continue cultivating heirloom and older plant varieties.
Allowing animals to graze and live in pasture offers a significantly healthier and more natural lifestyle than the intensive confinement practices of Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or factory farms. Animals in CAFOs are kept in confined spaces, often with limited access to natural sunlight, fresh air, and opportunities for exercise. However, animals raised on pasture can roam and graze on natural vegetation.
Urban agriculture is included as a sustainable agricultural practice because of many factors:
Sustainable agriculture presents a promising solution to the environmental, social, and economic challenges we face today as stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Through practices that promote soil health, conserve water resources, and protect biodiversity, we can restore balance to our planet's ecosystems. With fair labor practices, equitable access to farm inputs, we can promote social well-being and increase food security for present and future generations.
