Tekhe Kenye
BSc Agri, UASB
What is sustainable agriculture and why is the need for sustainable agriculture? Sustainable agriculture has many forms and can be defined in many ways, but ultimately it is defined as: farming in sustainable ways that suits the present food and textile needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs which integrates three main goals: i) Environmental health ii) Economic profitability and iii) Socio-Economic equity.
Therefore, it is critical to investigate the connections between farming and other aspects of our environment. It is the need to practice good stewardship of both natural and human resources to recognize sustainability. Social responsibilities such as labor, working and living conditions, Rural community needs, and consumer health and safety, both now and in the future are all taken into account when stewarding human resources. Land and natural resource stewardship entails preserving or improving this vital resource-base over time.
Practicing good stewardship to achieve true sustainability also includes in-depth research and studies. However this does not pertain to inputs only from studies of the researchers and new technological fixes, rather it includes restoration of local and time-tested Agro-ecological practices of farmers and farm workers, and others such as consumers, policymakers, etc.
Transitioning to sustainable agriculture typically necessitates a series of small, manageable steps for farmers. Family economics and personal goals influence how quickly or far participants can progress through the transition. It is critical to recognize that each small decision can make a difference and help to move the entire system along the "sustainable agriculture continuum." The willingness to take the next step is essential for progress. Accordingly, rather than rushing to new technological fixes and studies, new practices and traditional practices must go hand-in-hand. It is of the need to empower both farmers with Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) and new practices by cultivating old practices and introducing new techniques only when farmers are easily adapted and harmonious with their surrounding nature and customs.
Taking all these into consideration, it is not only the part of the farmers and farm workers to achieve true sustainability but also the participation of all the others involved in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community. While farmers do their part in managing pests, organic wastes and farm chemicals, conserving healthy soil and practicing sustainable approaches for farming, consumers can consider living towards a more sustainable lifestyle, and impact the food consumption to contribute towards sustainability and finally, promoting more sustainable agricultural systems by enacting policies that balance social, environmental and economic concerns.
