Abstract
Increasing agricultural production, without having a pronounced negative impact on ecosystems, continues to be a massive challenge. Interventions in sustainability that improve agro-ecosystems are thus crucial. Current literature focuses on sustainability concepts, assessment tools, and intervention impacts, yet lacks in intervention mechanisms and implementation processes. Therefore, this study aims to present an intervention framework on agro-ecosystems that helps transform sustainability concepts into implementation actions. We first create the intervention framework on agro-ecosystems using a systematic approach, and then analyze the intervention mechanism. Next, we formulate the agro-ecological sustainability index (AESI) and its sub-indices to assess the results of interventions. We find that, by integrating interventions, we can reverse the sustainability trend from deterioration to recovery and improvement; however, with a spatial difference. We highlight that the process for a successful intervention comprises (1) utilizing an integrated intervention portfolio, (2) acting with a long-term perspective, (3) utilizing adaptive implementation, and (4) strengthening local institutions. We suggest closely monitoring the impact of interventions, diversifying farmers’ income sources, and enhancing capacity building for young generations. Additionally, we suggest conducting multidisciplinary research and strengthening local government capacity to hedge against future risks. Our intervention framework and Yunnan’s intervention experience provides a useful lesson for other policymakers and researchers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlights
With growing population pressure, industrialization, and urbanization, agriculture is facing the huge challenge of producing enough food to feed the world without environmental degradation [1,2,3]
2013 to 2016, the agro-ecological system was over-exploited with a decreasing agro-ecological sustainability index (AESI)
We first studied the intervention mechanisms and implementation processes, followed by the evolution of agro-ecosystems caused by the respective interventions, and, the spatial differences of interventions
Summary
Industrialization, and urbanization, agriculture is facing the huge challenge of producing enough food to feed the world without environmental degradation [1,2,3]. The “Green Revolution”, which includes crop genetic improvements, systematic use of mineral fertilizers, chemical pest and disease control, effective water use, and farm mechanization, has produced an impressive increase in crop yield since the second half of the 20th century. Expansion of agricultural land and intensification further contributed to increased global food production [4,5,6], which has tripled in the past fifty years. Global food demand is quickly increasing and, the demand for crop production is projected to increase by 100–110% from 2005 to 2050 [1]
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