Large-scale investments are often considered a major driver of agricultural growth in food insecure countries, but these do not always result in sustainable farming practices and may not benefit smallholders.
An article on the website of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) explains how practices such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture can increase yields, are climate-resilient and economically accessible. “Despite this, uptake among smallholders remains low,” says the article.
A recent workshop in Mozambique brought together representatives from key agricultural institutions to discuss constraints to scaling-up sustainable practices and the type of incentives needed to overcome them. Participants identified the following 5 ways to sustainably intensify agriculture:
- Ensure immediate benefits to farmers
- Provide intermediate, appropriate technology
- Carry out research and provide technical assistance to farmers
- Increase coordination and planning
- Increase policy support and leadership
The workshop was organized by IIED, the Mozambique Institute of Agricultural Research (IIAM), CARE International and University Eduardo Mondlane.
Read the full story: Five ways to make farming more sustainable
Download the backgrounder: Growing sustainable agriculture in Mozambique
Download the scoping report: Sustainable agriculture for small-scale farmers in Mozambique
