Sustainable agriculture evolution.

Climate change is a huge threat we face today and farming is one of the major factors worsening the crisis. Food production has one of the highest impacts on worldwide economies. As the global population continues to grow, food production will need to increase to meet the needs of humanity. Water availability is the ultimate concern and agriculture is vital for food security.

Industrial agriculture makes it possible to produce large amounts of food, meet worldwide demands but relies heavily on chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers. As more of us begin to understand the effects and causes of climate change, there’s a shift towards sustainable agriculture.

Climate change, desertification and locusts infestations are raising anxieties for farmers and adding pressure to worldwide food production. For our planet to improve, the quality of life for animals and humans must be elevated. Sustainable agriculture is an important step to adopt and put into practise as a preventative measure to maintain the resources we have left.

Sustainable agriculture is maintaining a balance between farming and our ecosystem, minimising environmental damage.

Our relationship with the land has to change. We have to adopt sustainable farming methods that have great potential to benefit the environment and preserve natural resources.

Industrial agriculture makes it possible to produce large amounts of food, meet worldwide demands but relies heavily on chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers. As more of us begin to understand the effects and causes of climate change, there’s a shift towards sustainable agriculture.

Agroforestry is a system that combines both agriculture and forestry practices for productive, long lasting and diverse farming. The results are better crop, improved agricultural productivity, healthy ecosystems, favourable microclimate conditions that maintain favourable temperatures - while protecting crops from heavy rain and wind, and provide stable incomes for the local community.

This method helps the soil maintain its nutrients and keeps the soil healthy. Food production using sustainable farming techniques can be beneficial for public health and promote economic profitability.

A new way of thinking and doing business to become more sustainable has to happen so we can save our planet from further damage. Our goal must be to meet the requirements of food production without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own food needs, at the same time practise habits that enhance the environment.

Agroforestry can be achieved by planning and planting crops that work well together in a natural environment - and can boost agricultural yields, ecology and economy. Traditional farming prepares fields for planting and prevents weed problems, but causes a lot of soil loss and harms local biodiversity.

Applying sustainability to livestock is a healthy option for the animals. Allowing them to browse on a wide variety of trees, shrubs and graze, not live in captivity can stimulate the animals natural behaviour and give them a better quality of life.

Sustainable agriculture can also improve our wellbeing:

1. Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

2. Decrease vulnerability to drought

3. Improve soil health

4. Restore critical habitats

5. Conserve water

6. Helps restore degraded landscapes

7. Produce safe food with high nutritional value

8. Boost the socio-economic development of rural areas.

Planting a variety of crops can have many benefits, including healthier soil, healthy wildlife and improved pest control.

Countries in Africa like Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, in Europe - France, Netherlands, Spain and in North America - Canada , are practising Agroforestry. This is a method that can address global climate change and improve environmental, economic and social benefits worldwide. Agroforestry is a natural process with a positive environmental impact.

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