Connecting Climate-Resilient Farming Practices with Regenerative Agriculture for Enhancing Productivity, Profitability, and Environmental Security
摘要
The sustainability of diverse agro-ecologies at the global and regional scale is threatened by multifaceted challenges offered by climate change and food insecurity due to poverty, hunger, obesity, corporate dominance, a lack of resilience, industrial farming, an overreliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, poor food quality, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, unfair labor practices, and animal welfare. Greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation compound the ill effects of climate change on livelihood security. To address these challenges a paradigm shift from conventional agriculture to regenerative agriculture is required. The transition from conventional to climate-resilient agriculture and translation into regenerative agriculture focuses on the environmental aspect of sustainability, which includes increased nutrient cycling, improved soil health, optimal resource management, reduced climate change, and improved water quality and availability. This chapter addresses constraints and pathways for improving food security by provisioning food, feed, and fibre; regulating climate, soil erosion, and water purification; and supporting nutrient cycling and soil formation. Furthermore, this appraisal highlights the significance of integrated farming practices along with soil and crop diversification options to improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.