Tawanda Marandure
PhD student Theoretical Production Ecology,
Agricultural Philosophy, Animal Science, Stellenbosch University
Prof Kennedy Dzama
Head of Department: Animal Breeding,
Stellenbosch University respectively.
“Africa has the potential to take the lead in the drive to achieve sustainable
agriculture.” Tawanda Marandure
S
ustainable agriculture is a popular
concept. It’s warmly embraced as a
guiding light for the future of food
production. But there is still a great
deal of disagreement about what the concept
actually means and entails.
There is broad agreement about what
sustainable agriculture’s main aim should
be. It ought to optimise locally available natural
resources without negatively affecting the
resource base. Social integrity is also a priority.
For example, the welfare of animals and
labourers should be taken care of.
The Sustainable Agricultural Institute defines
sustainable agriculture as:
… adopting productive, competitive and
e
cient production practices, while
maintaining or improving the natural
environment and the global ecosystem,
as well as the socioeconomic conditions
of local communities.
Conventional agriculture differs. It aims to
maximise yields and economic returns. This
is often done with little regard for the
environment and the impact on society.
Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, is
designed to address problems like environmen-
tal pollution from excessive use of fertilisers.
It also tries to arrest the collapse of farm
economies because of rising production
costs and to preserve social integrity.
Intensive agriculture is nevertheless expected to
increase because of population growth and
greater demand for food as incomes rise.
Unless agricultural intensification incorporates
sustainable practices, environmental and social
problems will persist.