Agriculture takes a huge toll on the environment, causing environmental issues such as the decrease in biodiversity, soil loss and the contamination of water, etc. Even with all these environmental drawbacks our diets are very limited and lack diversity meaning we do not get the nutrients we need and are susceptible to a number of diseases as a result.
Looking at these effects it is clear that our food system is indeed broken and needs to be transformed to address the environmental, social and even economic challenges we face, particularly in rural areas.
Fortunately, most of the solutions that can be implemented to address these problems are nature-based. These solutions make use of resources that are available in abundance, making them great options for small to medium sized farmers, whilst contributing to the development of rural economies.
In a bid to understand how agriculture can truly be sustainable without hurting farms’ bottom lines, but ensure the farm remains profitable for decades, we decided to take a look at some practices that produce nutrient dense food in a manner that respects both the planet and people:
1. Regenerative farming This method of farming focuses on replenishing the soil’s nutrients by practicing activities such as cover-cropping, rotational cattle grazing, no tilling and the reduction in synthetic fertilizers (shifting to composting). All these activities prevent soil erosion and maintain the topography of soil, ensuring increased yields.
2. Agroforestry This system combines conventional crop and/or livestock farming with different types of trees. With multiple crops and trees planted, as well as the introduction of animals this form of farming uses less land than conventional farming, prevents nutrient-rich soil from being blown away and boosts biodiversity (the forest becomes a favourable place for different insect, fungi and microbe species). The forest is also a perfect place for circular farming. The branches, leaves and other organic matter, such as animal droppings, ensure that the soil receives the nutrients it requires.
3. Black soldier fly (BSF) farming BSF farming involves the rearing of black soldier fly larvae to produce animal feed for chickens, fish, pigs and even pets. Rich in protein these maggots consume organic waste and transform into valuable products like the animal feed, as well as a residue that can be turned into fertilizer or used as input in biogas technology.
4. Composting Composting is a way of transforming food scraps and other forms of organic waste into fertilizer. This humus helps fuel plant growth whilst increasing the soil’s ability to hold carbon, unlocking nutrients in the soil. There are different types of composting, each with their benefits. Methods such as bokashi composting involves adding the bokashi bran to your traditional compost bin to stop food waste from rotting and smelling. Treating food waste with the bran enables one to add cooked food, meat products and dairy, unlike in conventional compost bins. Vermicomposting involves adding earth worms to the compost bin, these worms process food waste and transforms it into nutrient rich casting (worm poo). This is a great soil conditioner that enhances soil structure with an increase in humus and attracts more worms thus increasing biological activity.
5. Biochar Biochar is described as a charcoal like substrate made from burning organic material such as plant matter, manure and other forms of waste and is used as a soil amendment. Fortified with carbon, biochar has the ability of reducing the acidity levels in soil and aid the reversion of soil degradation fueling production in depleted soils increasing the number of beneficial soil microbes.
All these solutions can be implemented in rural areas, setting these communities up as drivers of the Sustainable Development Goals, unlocking billions in revenue opportunities.
When looking at the long-term benefits of sustainable agriculture; public and private rural development programmes need to incentivize practices (like the ones mentioned), reduce the negative impact food production currently has on the planet. Backed by policies, technology and the support from consumers, smallholder farmers will be set for success and the rural communities they are located in will thrive.
