Organic Farming Systems: Navigating the Path to Resilience and Food Security
摘要
Researchers, policymakers, and civil society are focused on producing healthy and nutritious food to meet the evolving needs of the growing population while lessening environmental and climate impact. However, we are heading on a trajectory that is far from ideal. In 2023, between 713 and 757 million people, one out of 11 people in the world, and one out of every five in Africa, still suffer from hunger or malnutrition. Hence, innovative solutions are crucial for advancing the food security as they address both environmental and social challenges. In this regard, this chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the complex interplay between organic farming and food security while paving the way for sustainability and resilience. Organic farming (OF) that eschews synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has gained popularity (4.5 million producers and 96 million hectares). The organic food market has experienced significant growth and diversity in the recent years due to health-conscious consumers and environmental benefits. Global sales of organic foods and drink reached almost 135 billion euros in 2022. Scientific literature indicates that organic food is more nutrient-dense and promotes biodiversity, climate resilience, and profitability. Nonetheless, organic sites generally had 20% lower yields than conventional sites, posing a challenge to ensuring financial stability for producers. OF faces challenges with nutrient addition and nitrogen availability, limiting crop productivity. However, it offers health benefits by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals for farmers and consumers. Organic food is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and its consumption is associated with lower obesity and cancer risk. It has economic benefits for farmers, consumers, and environmental organizations, but these benefits vary depending on farm size, market access, and local economic conditions. The chapter can be summarized in three main points: (i) While OF may not always result in the highest short-term yields, it offers significant benefits for long-term sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity; (ii) by considering the factors that influence crop yields and adopting appropriate organic practices, farmers can achieve high yields and deliver sustainable and healthy food systems—in other terms, OF offers a promising path toward a more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure future—(iii) to reach its full potential, OF requires continued research, innovation, and supportive policies for expanding market access, growing consumer demands, product categories and farmer’s profitability and ensuring compliance with standards and certifications.