sustainable agriculture

This study by IIASA researchers provides a global scenario analysis that covers nine different climate scenarios, 18 crops and 4 crop management systems, as well as the interactions between crop production, consumption, prices, and trade. It specifically examines adaptations that are investment-intensive and not easily reversible, such as building new water management infrastructure for irrigation, or increases and decreases to the production capacity of a region. »

In this study (PDF) by FAO, authors analyse the linkages between property rights and adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). First, they discuss key characteristics of four CSA practices related to sustainable land management. Then, they lay out a conceptual framework for evaluating the pathways by which expanding property rights and strengthening tenure security affects incentives to adopt technologies broadly, and finally apply the framework to each of the four CSA practices. »

This handbook for Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) by the Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC) is a 156 page that provides a detailed explanation of ISFM principles as applied in a number of African countries. It is anticipated that these materials will be useful for training extension workers in soil fertility management techniques in SSA and for workers involved in rural development that would like to find out more about the principles and practices of ISFM. »

An expert meeting was organised in September 2014 by Agri-ProFocus to clarify different perspectives on agro-ecology and other approaches to promote sustainable agriculture, in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on achieving food and nutrition security for all by 2030. Meeting outcomes were aimed to inform the Food Security policy note of Dutch Minister Ploumen and Dutch Secretary of State Dijksma, as well as the own practice of different stakeholders. »

This paper (PDF) by Oxfam aims to contribute to the on-going debate about sustainable agriculture. The paper shows how an agro-ecological approach provides a range of social, economic, and environmental benefits that—with the right policy support and associated investments—can be scaled up to enable smallholder farming communities to achieve food security and additional benefits. »

This CTA publication (PDF) provides insights into the various seed systems and their policy environments and value chain actors including universities, enterprises, farmers and women’s and regulatory and other support agencies. The paper also discusses the challenges faced in improving seed quality and availability in East and Central Africa. »