Our industry 2014 - (Page 21)
Sustainable agricultural systems 02
21
Sustainable intensification of agriculture
The dilemma facing the world today is how to feed a growing population
while safeguarding the only planet we have. Although this poses significant
challenges, they are by no means unachievable.
A system-wide approach to sustainable agriculture which focuses on the
links between technology, people and land can contribute to solving these
challenges.
Improve farm
productivity
Enhance agriculture's
environmental footprint
olu
tio
ns
rce
ou
s
Re
Technology
Be
tte
rs
ies
nc
cie
effi
People
Land
Rural economies
Build rural prosperity
Agricultural technologies enable a sustainable production system that protects
the long-term economic and environmental viability of farming. Farmers can
earn better incomes, live better lives and become stewards of the land.
Strong rural economies are the keystone of sustainable agricultural systems
and fundamental in achieving food security. Technology combined with
supporting infrastructure, access to markets and financial resources enable
better solutions for farmers so they can increase productivity and improve
the farm economy. At the same time, agricultural solutions can have a
beneficial impact on water, land and biodiversity by allowing more efficient and
responsible use of these basic natural resources. Creative financial solutions
are necessary for sustainable increases in productivity. Bad weather and
sub-optimal harvests, for instance, can result in a cycle of poor productivity
and low incomes, which can be hard to break. The International Fund for
Agriculture Development (IFAD) has shown that GDP growth generated by
agriculture is up to four times more effective in benefiting the poor compared
to growth generated by other sectors.
GDP growth generated
by agriculture is up to
four times more effective
in benefitting the poor
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Our industry 2014
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