Sustainable Agriculture Science

WHY AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH OFTEN FAILS TO REACH FARMERS — A Consultant’s Perspective Having worked with dozens of cooperatives, farmer groups, and agrifood projects across Kenya, I’ve seen a pattern that’s hard to ignore: Agricultural research is abundant. Impact on the ground? Minimal. Why? Research is often academic, not practical. Brilliant findings end up in journals, not in farmers’ hands. Most farmers I work with have never seen or heard of the latest research that could transform their yields or earnings. Top-down approaches dominate. Solutions are designed in labs or research stations with minimal farmer involvement. Yet, farmers are the experts of their own environments. Poor extension linkages. Even when good innovations exist, there’s a huge gap between research institutions and grassroots extension systems. As consultants, we often end up "translating" research that should have been made farmer-friendly from the start. No market lens. Research tends to focus on production. But farmers ask: “Will it sell? Is it profitable?” Without market integration, innovation is just theory. Feedback is ignored. Farmers are rarely involved in evaluating what works or doesn’t. We need more participatory learning, less top-down training. From a consultant’s view, the solution is not just more research—but more relevant, inclusive, and actionable research. Let’s invest in: Co-creating with farmers, Bridging research with market realities, Translating findings into practical guides, audio-visuals, and demos, Strengthening extension and private sector partnerships. The knowledge exists. The gap is in the approach. Farmers don’t need more data—they need results. #Agriculture #FarmersFirst #ResearchToImpact #KenyaFarming #AgriConsulting #FoodSystems #ValueAddition #DairyDevelopment #ExtensionServices #AgriPolicy #AfricanAgriculture

The root systems of prairie grass and crops differ significantly, and this contrast played a major role in the Dust Bowl when drought struck. Prairie grasses have deep, extensive root systems that anchor the soil, preventing erosion and retaining moisture. These roots can reach several feet underground, creating a dense network that stabilizes the land and helps the ecosystem withstand harsh conditions, including drought. Because prairie grasses are perennial, their roots remain year-round, continuously supporting soil structure and fertility. In contrast, most crops have much shallower root systems. These plants, often annuals like wheat and corn, focus their energy on rapid growth and high yields rather than deep-root development. Since they do not provide the same level of soil stability as prairie grasses, the land becomes more vulnerable to erosion, especially when crops are harvested, and the fields are left bare. When vast areas of native prairie grass were plowed under for large-scale farming, the deep-rooted vegetation was removed, exposing the soil to wind and water erosion. When drought arrived in the 1930s, the already weakened soil had little to hold it in place, leading to massive dust storms that devastated farms and displaced thousands of people. The loss of the prairie’s natural root system was a key factor in the environmental disaster known as the Dust Bowl. 📸Image courtesy of Lu Hersey

Two decades ago, researchers started an experiment that would challenge the prevailing scientific understanding of plant communities. While modern agriculture reduces systems to single functions, the Jena Experiment showed how complexity creates resilience. The setup was simple but groundbreaking: 82 grassland plots, ranging from monocultures to combinations of 60 species, monitored for over 20 years. What they discovered would expose fundamental flaws in our understanding of agricultural systems. The results were transformative. Plots with 16+ species showed triple the soil carbon storage, built topsoil 2.7x faster, supported 45% more pollinators, and were 50% more drought resistant than monocultures. But the numbers only tell half the story. The real breakthrough came from watching these communities evolve. Species that initially competed fiercely for resources began developing sophisticated sharing networks. The plants weren't just coexisting—they were actively cooperating in ways not previously observed. This wasn't random. High-diversity plots consistently outperformed monocultures across every metric. After 15 years, they showed 84% less variation in biomass production and recovered from drought twice as fast. Nature was proving that diversity equals stability. The findings shatter a core assumption of modern agriculture – that we can predict plant performance based on individual traits. The most productive combinations weren't those that looked good on paper; they were the ones that had time to adapt to each other. Below ground, these plant communities were building complex networks. Soil analysis revealed extensive mycorrhizal connections and unprecedented microbial diversity. The plants weren't just growing together – they were creating entirely new ecosystems. The implications for agriculture are profound. Our current approach of testing combinations for 1-2 seasons systematically underestimates their potential. Many of the most successful plant communities in Jena looked unimpressive until year 3 or 4. The benefits followed a clear timeline: Year 1-2: Competitive establishment Year 3-4: Initial cooperation patterns emerge Year 5-7: Stable resource-sharing networks form Year 8+: Maximum ecosystem services achieved The data tells a compelling story. Without any external inputs, diverse plots achieved: 180% higher carbon sequestration 50% lower pest pressure 70% better nutrient retention 2.3x higher drought tolerance The Jena Experiment isn't just research – it's a wake-up call. We've been simplifying agricultural systems when we should have been embracing their complexity. The future of farming isn't in monocultures – it's in managed ecosystems.

More positive steps for the agroecology and organic farming movements in E. Africa! 🌱Last week, Kenya launched the new 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰-𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟯 (𝗡𝗔𝗦) after an inclusive policy development process. 🌱Uganda’s National Agroecology Strategy is also on the doorstep! 🌱Tanzania’s National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy got a lot of attention at IFOAM - Organics Internationals Organic World Congress in Taiwan last week, after an inspiring, heartwarming, and at times hilarious, presentation by Mwatima Juma, Chairwoman TOAM TANZANIA ORGANIC AGRICULTURE MOVEMENT. 🌱And the East African Legislative Assembly has just signed a resolution with FAO recognizing agroecology as a strategic priority in the East African Community (EAC). This happened after a knowledge exchange where policy makers from several nations presented best practice, and the benefits of agroecology. Well done all, not least Kamwesige Mujuni Mtembei, Alex Lwakuba and Pierre Ferrand. All three multistakeholder, policy development processes have been supported by Biovision Foundation and Biovisions policy and advocacy team. Policy makers and civil society organization leaders from 8 eastern and southern African nations shared lessons learned. We summarized these in a toolkit after the lively days of exchange: https://lnkd.in/dH4KsWT6 Newest plan in Kenya! Big congratulations to the Kenyan Government, not least the Ministry of Agriculture of Kenya and PELUM Kenya Association, ISFAAKenya, Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), and a host of actors who have been driving this process forward! The Strategy is a powerful response to challenges in food security, climate change impacts and environmental damage, and is a full spectrum plan, supporting farmers in transition, market development, social inclusivity, capacity building and elevates a Kenyan strength: local government initiatives to upscale agroecology. See the strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gRYKqFMx ISFAAKenya provides a quick overview here: https://lnkd.in/gRYKqFMx ISFAA calls the plan a “turning point in Kenya’s agricultural journey:” “It calls for a holistic transformation that goes beyond increasing yields to address the broader issues of ecological balance, social justice, and economic resilience. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as crop diversification, organic farming, and soil regeneration, the strategy aims to create a more balanced and self-sufficient food system. This transformation will be instrumental in reducing Kenya’s dependence on imported food, enhancing local economies, and building communities that are resilient to climate shocks.” #agroecology #organicfarming

Food production has one of the largest environmental footprints of any sector, accounting for nearly a third of global greenhouse emissions and 70% of global water use. At the same time, climate change is making it more difficult to produce food for a growing population.   A new study from The Nature Conservancy's Joseph Fargione and other researchers, published in Science, reveals the significant ways climate change may exacerbate the environmental impacts of agriculture across the planet.   Climate change will likely harm food production by shrinking harvests, reducing the effectiveness of synthetic inputs like fertilizers, and accelerating the damage caused by crop pests and soil erosion — creating dangerous feedback loops that threaten to exacerbate agriculture’s negative impacts.   Still, the science is clear there are solutions that both make agriculture more sustainable and help slow climate change. Practices like agroforestry, crop diversification and food waste reduction can create a more resilient food chain while lowering climate risks — but as this study shows, we can't afford to wait to deploy these strategies at scale.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_NcHazm 📷 © Stuart W. Palley

This vineyard uses ducks to replace pesticides and restore soil health 🌎 For centuries, agricultural practices have relied on nature-based solutions to maintain ecosystem balance and ensure long-term productivity. Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate in South Africa exemplifies this principle by deploying Indian Runner ducks as a natural pest control system. This centuries-old technique, inspired by traditional rice paddy farming in Asia, minimizes the need for chemical pesticides, enhancing soil health and biodiversity. By integrating these ducks into vineyard management, the estate not only reduces its environmental footprint but also supports regenerative agriculture, a crucial approach for long-term sustainability in viticulture. The use of animals for agricultural support is not a new concept; from draft animals in plowing to falcons controlling rodent populations, farmers have long leveraged natural processes to optimize yields. By reviving and modernizing these historical methods, Vergenoegd Löw is demonstrating how traditional ecological knowledge can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary sustainability strategies. Beyond pest control, the ducks contribute to soil regeneration by fertilizing the land as they move through the vineyard, a practice reminiscent of rotational grazing systems that have been used for centuries to maintain soil vitality. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting organic farming principles and reducing dependency on synthetic inputs. Conventional vineyards often rely on pesticides that contribute to soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. By contrast, integrating biological pest control measures supports a circular farming system where waste is minimized, and resources are efficiently utilized. The estate further strengthens its commitment to environmental responsibility through complementary initiatives, including a solar power plant and the conservation of a 25-hectare wetland, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of sustainable wine production. Beyond environmental benefits, adopting sustainable practices can enhance the economic resilience of the wine industry. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange

The agri-food system is at a pivotal moment—facing rising demand, climate pressures, resource constraints, and the urgent need to cut emissions. To build a resilient, future-proof food system, we must shift from extractive practices to regenerative agriculture at scale. 🚜 This is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. Our latest report, produced by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in collaboration with OP2B and supported by Carlsberg Group, lays out a bold roadmap for scaling regenerative agriculture across Europe. We identify four key drivers for success: 🔹 Sustainable Economics – Ensuring financial viability for farmers. 🔹 Cross-Value Chain Partnerships – Driving collaboration for real impact. 🔹 Standardized Metrics – Creating clear, outcome-based measurements. 🔹 Farmer Training – Equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to transition. And one essential enabler: Supportive Policy Frameworks. Strong policy alignment is critical to accelerate adoption and ensure long-term success. 🌍 This is the time to act. We must move beyond pilot projects and fragmented efforts—working together to define clear standards, align policies, and create a system where regenerative farming thrives. 📖 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ezNHiJKn Grateful to my co-authors Casper Zulim de Swarte, Louise Berrebi, Jack Bugas, Peter Jonathan Jameson, Shalini Unnikrishnan, and to Simon Boas Hoffmeyer and Ema Radmilovic at Carlsberg Group for their contributions. 💡 What will it take to make regenerative agriculture the new standard? Let’s drive the conversation forward. 👇 #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #FutureOfFood #ClimateAction #AgricultureInnovation #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #FutureOfFood #ClimateAction #AgricultureInnovation #FoodSecurity #ResilientFoodSystems #SustainableAgriculture #FarmingForTheFuture #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #CarbonFarming #AgriTech #GreenTransition #SustainabilityLeadership #PolicyForChange #FarmersFirst #NatureBasedSolutions #CircularEconomy #AgriFoodTransformation Trine Filtenborg de Nully Mikkel Pedersen Hubertus Meinecke Jan Philipp Bender Eden Cottee-Jones Vuk Trifkovic Jesper Nielsen Andreas Husted Malby Jonas Sommer Lorentzen Gertie Find Laerkholm Thomas Møller Jensen Nanna Gelebo Fanny Grönlund (Sjöberg) David Sandberg

Five strategic actions to move from exploitative food production towards a restorative one for nature and people. These are: 1) Reversing biodiversity loss Rapidly slow down and move toward zero loss of biodiversity from food production while also using agricultural systems to restore biodiversity across the planet. 2) Living within the global carbon budget for food Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions from food production to at most 5 Gt CO2-eq, the maximum allowable total global emissions (or carbon budget) from producing our food. 3) Feeding humanity on existing cropland Stop the expansion of new cropland, or any agricultural land, at the expense of natural habitats, supplying future food demand on the same area of land as today (or ideally less). 4) Achieving negative emissions Move agriculture from a carbon source to a carbon sink, including by freeing up existing agricultural lands that can be reforested or restored and rapidly implementing food production practices that increase carbon storage on existing cropland. 5) Optimizing crop yields Use all agricultural lands to their maximum potential including optimizing crop yields through better food production practices that more efficiently use water and fertilizers, preserve ecosystem functions and contribute to resilient landscapes. #foodandbeverage #agricultural #sustainability #livestock #climatechange #environment #biodiversity #future

What works—and what doesn’t—in efforts to address land degradation in Africa? A recent study in Sustainability Science identifies key success factors and lessons learned. Efforts to reverse land degradation and improve human well-being in Africa succeed when they manage to balance competing demands and engage local stakeholders effectively. The most successful projects share key characteristics: 💵 Economic incentives matter: Tangible benefits, such as increased income or resource security, keep communities motivated and invested in long-term success. 🤝 Engaging communities is essential: Inclusive governance structures that empower local populations, including women and marginalized groups, build legitimacy and trust. 🫴 External support is crucial: Financial aid, technical expertise, and material resources reduce the risks associated with adopting new practices, particularly in low-income settings. 🌍 Governance must be adaptive: Community-based management (CBM), backed by external guidance, often delivers better outcomes than top-down interventions, which can alienate local stakeholders. 🌈 Short-term gains and long-term goals must align: Addressing immediate needs, such as food security, while building toward broader ecological and social improvements ensures sustained engagement. 💪 Commitment and flexibility are key: Projects must maintain long-term support and adapt strategies as circumstances evolve, ensuring that initial successes are not squandered. However, the path to sustainability is littered with missteps. Projects stumble when: ⚠️ Incentives are unclear: Without tangible benefits, enthusiasm wanes, and participation falters. ⚠️ Communities are excluded: Top-down approaches, conceived in distant capitals, often fail to resonate with those most affected. ⚠️ Resources are insufficient: Inadequate funding or technical support shifts the burden to impoverished communities, stalling progress. ⚠️ Local dynamics are overlooked: Ignoring traditional governance systems or social structures undermines legitimacy and fuels resistance. ⚠️ Short-termism takes hold: Premature withdrawal of funding or oversight leaves projects vulnerable to collapse. ⚠️ Risk aversion prevails: In poverty-stricken contexts, populations are understandably hesitant to adopt new practices without guaranteed benefits. ⚠️ Political instability disrupts progress: Conflicts, as seen in Tigray and Burkina Faso, can undo decades of work in a matter of months. ⚠️ One-size-fits-all solutions fail: Projects that ignore the complexities of local contexts rarely achieve lasting success. The lessons are clear: sustainable development requires patience, pragmatism, and a commitment to long-term adaptation. Striking the right balance between immediate needs and future benefits is the only way to achieve resilience in Africa’s varied and challenging landscapes. Ruth Kamnitzer reports for Mongabay News: https://mongabay.cc/STkZpj

8 key principles to make your supplychain and agricultural practices regenerative (and not going into greenwhashing) 🌱 #Regenerativeagriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to farming and food production. Its main goal is to restore soil health, optimize water usage, and increase biodiversity while also producing crops and raising livestock in sustainable ways. Here are some key principles and practices associated with regenerative agriculture for plant production systems : 1. #SoilHealth: One of the primary goals of regenerative agriculture is to restore and enhance soil health. This can be done through a variety of practices: - No-till or Reduced Tillage: This minimizes soil disturbance, reduces erosion, and promotes the natural soil-building process - Cover Cropping: Growing crops to cover the soil can help prevent erosion, improve soil fertility, and break pest and disease cycles - Composting and Organic Matter Additions: By adding compost and other organic materials to the soil, you can improve its structure, water retention, and microbial life 2. Crop Rotation and Diversity: Rotating crops helps break up pest and disease cycles. Planting a diverse range of crops can also improve soil health, reduce the need for fertilizers, and reduce vulnerability to pests 3. #Agroforestry : This involves integrating trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock systems. Trees can provide shade, act as windbreaks, help in water retention, and bring deep-rooted nutrients to the surface 4. Perennial Crops: Unlike annuals which need to be replanted every year, perennials can live for multiple years, reducing the need for tillage and helping stabilize the soil 5. Conservation of Natural Ecosystems: Keeping patches of natural vegetation, such as forests or wetlands, within or adjacent to farming systems can provide habitat for beneficial wildlife, help control pests, and offer other ecosystem services 6. Biological Pest Management: This involves using natural predators or organisms to control pests rather than synthetic pesticides 7. Limiting Synthetic Inputs: Reducing or eliminating the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can help restore soil health and microbial activity 8. Water Management: Regenerative practices can help increase water infiltration, reduce runoff, and improve the water-holding capacity of soils. This can include the use of swales, terraces, or keyline plowing Regenerative agriculture isn't just about practices but also about mindset. It's an approach that understands the farm as a complex ecosystem and seeks to work in harmony with nature rather than against it Do you like to dive deeper into any of these topics or have other questions related to regenerative agriculture ? Please comment or send a message 👍