Abstract
AbstractIn this chapter, we explore how, in the face of increasing climatic risks and resource limitations, improved agro-technologies can support sustainable intensification (SI) in small-scale farming systems in Limpopo province, South Africa. Limpopo exhibits high agro-ecological diversity and, at the same time, is one of the regions with the highest degree of poverty and food insecurity in South Africa. In this setting, we analyze the effects of different technology changes on both food security dimensions (i.e., supply, stability, and access) and quality of ecosystem service provision. This is conducted by applying a mixed-method approach combining small-scale farmer survey data, on-farm agronomic sampling, crop growth simulations, and socioeconomic modeling. Results for a few simple technology changes show that both food security and ecosystem service provision can be considerably improved when combining specific technologies in a proper way. Furthermore, such new “technology packages” tailored to local conditions are economically beneficial at farm level as compared to the status quo. One example is the combination of judicious fertilizer application with deficit or full irrigation in small-scale maize-based farming systems. Provided comparable conditions, the results could be also beneficial for decision-makers in other southern African countries.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call