Sustainable Intensification (SI) Ricky Bates Department of Plant Science Penn State University What does it mean for smallholder farmers in South East Asia?

The document introduces Sustainable Intensification (SI) as a key strategy to address global food security challenges. With the world population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, agriculture must produce more while using fewer resources and minimizing environmental harm. SI aims to increase yields on existing farmland, reduce waste, promote sustainable diets, and expand practices like aquaculture.

In Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, practical SI approaches include diversifying farms with underutilized perennial crops, improving soil and water management, and focusing on both household nutrition and market income. This holistic approach seeks to balance productivity, environmental sustainability, and social equity in the food system.

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Title Sustainable Intensification (SI) Ricky Bates Department of Plant Science Penn State University What does it mean for smallholder farmers in South East Asia?
Description The document introduces Sustainable Intensification (SI) as a key strategy to address global food security challenges. With the world population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, agriculture must produce more while using fewer resources and minimizing environmental harm. SI aims to increase yields on existing farmland, reduce waste, promote sustainable diets, and expand practices like aquaculture. In Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, practical SI approaches include diversifying farms with underutilized perennial crops, improving soil and water management, and focusing on both household nutrition and market income. This holistic approach seeks to balance productivity, environmental sustainability, and social equity in the food system.
Agroecology Category
  • Economy and income
  • Sustainable food system
  • Climate
  • Equity
Agroecology Keyword
  • Cash crop
  • Income
  • Food security
  • Climate change
  • Equity
Contributing organisations Penn State University
Author Ricky Bates
Year 2018
Type of document Presentation
Language English
Spatial Information
Country Asia
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
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