Sustainable intensification in agriculture: ethical issues

Abstract

Research scientists predict to feed the growing population an increase in agricultural yields at a lower environmental footprint, what some call ‘sustainable intensification’, is required. Yet, some argue that sustainable intensification fails to address systemic social, economic, or environmental concerns. This chapter reviews the key research and policy goals underpinning this approach considering the novel technologies of agriculture. We highlight four ethical questions: 1) What happens to spared land? 2) What socio-economic cost should increasing protein demand be satisfied? 3) How can basic food needs be met while addressing systemic food security issues; and 4) How do we simultaneously reconcile farmer livelihoods and rural revitalization for sustainable development? We argue for a pragmatic approach to sustainable intensification that clearly articulates ethical questions, negotiates these tensions with agricultural stakeholders on a case-by-case basis, and adopts inclusive and reflexive governance processes to continuously re-evaluate sustainable intensification outcomes.