Chapter 13. Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture occurs on small and large amounts of land, mountainous and flat land and, generally, in tropical countries it is based on traditional agricultural practice, and family and community-based land ownership. There are no reasons for big changes to this farming method, especially when looking at long-term sustainability, and improving food security and incomes for as many people as possible.

Sustainable, regenerative and resilient agricultural systems:

• Are culturally appropriate
• Improve the soil, land and conditions for production every year
• Repair damaged soil and restore natural biodiversity
• Maximise production on agricultural land already in use, in an organic and sustainable way
• Are affordable for all community members
• Form community cooperatives and farmers’ groups that share resources, costs, techniques and knowledge
•  Improve the storage, marketing and transport of produce
• Are diverse in yields and types of land management
• Are integrated systems

Contents include:

• About sustainable agriculture
• Agriculture and the natural environment
• Creating sustainable agriculture
  – Resources for sustainable agriculture
  – Creating the right conditions
  – Land and crop management
• Mushrooms
• Post-harvest storage and use