Farm Integration Research Articles

Land Use and Land Cover Change in East Java Indonesia from 1972 to 2021: Learning from Landsat

This study analyses land use and land cover (LULC) changes during the last five decades (1970–2021) in East Java Province, Indonesia. The changes are analysed by comparing four maps interpreted from Landsat images (MSS 1972, TM 1997, OLI 2013, and OLI 2021). The main research procedures consist of (1) data collection, (2) field survey, (3) image classification, and (4) LULC change interpretation. The classification uses the maximum likelihood algorithm, achieving an overall kappa accuracy of > 75%. The classification produces eight classes, i.e., built-up land (BU), heterogeneous agricultural land (HAL), bare soil (BS), paddy fields (PF), open water (OW), vegetation (VG), shrubland (SH), and wetlands (WL). The analysis shows a significant shift in land use from 1972 to 2021, with HAL declining by 46%, SH by 91%, and BS by 88%. In contrast, PF has increased by 105%, VG (forest and plantation) by 64%, and built-up areas by a remarkable 366%. These changes show a significant shift from dryland agriculture, shrublands, and barren lands to irrigated regions, vegetated areas, and urban growth. Furthermore, there are increases in water bodies due to the construction of several reservoirs to support water availability. In coastal regions, the development of inland aquaculture leads to a proliferation of wetlands (salt evaporation ponds, fish ponds, and rice-fish integrated farming).

Efficiency of different incubating material for phosphate rich organic manure in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted at Centre for Research on Integrated Farming Systems, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during 2018–19 to 2020–21 to study the efficiency of differ- ent incubating material for phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) in wheat. A total of fourteen treatments such as T1 : Control, T2 : DAP @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha, T3 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vermicompost, T4 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vermicompost, T5 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with FYM, T6 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with FYM, T7 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incu- bated with compost, T8 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with compost, T9 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5/ha incubated with vegetable waste, T10 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vegetable waste, T11 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with green algae, T12 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incu- bated with green algae, T13 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with cow urine and T14 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with cow urine were evaluated based on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield. The pooled result of three years experiment indicated that phosphorus source of DAP in wheat (60 kg P2 O5 /ha) can be replaced with Udaipur rock phosphate (31% P2O5 ) @ 198 kg/ha incubated for 30 days with FYM or vermicompost or compost or vegetable waste (each of 593 kg) or cow urine (593 L) in the ratio of 1:3 ratio as basal for obtaining higher yield and net returns.

Integrated rather than organic farming history facilitates soil nitrogen turnover and N2O reduction in a green rye – silage maize cropping sequence

AbstractSoil gross mineral N production and consumption processes are crucial regulators of plant productivity and N loss from croplands. Substituting synthetic fertilizers by integrating legumes in cultivation systems is common in organic farming, but research on its long-term impact on dynamics of gross soil N transformation and associated environmental N loss is scarce. In particular, studies at a temporal resolution that allows for a mechanistic understanding of long-term effects of organic farming are missing. Therefore, we determined gross N turnover rates of ammonification, nitrification, and ammonium and nitrate immobilization at monthly temporal resolution during a full green rye-maize cropping sequence. Measurements were carried out at sites with same pedo-climatic background but organic farming (OF) and integrated farming (IF) history. During green rye growing, N turnover rates for OF and IF were low and not significantly different, likely owing to low temperatures. During silage maize growing, IF exhibited significantly higher average N turnover rates of 1.86, 4.46, and 5.57 mg N kg⁻1 dry soil d⁻1 for gross ammonification, ammonium immobilization, and nitrate immobilization, respectively, compared to OF values of 1.11, 1.80, and 2.90 mg N kg⁻1 dry soil d⁻1. The significantly higher N turnover rates were likely due to higher soil organic C, N and microbial biomass which result from different long-term management practices. Especially the increased immobilization potential on the IF site contributed to significantly lower area-scaled N₂O emissions (1.45 vs. 4.36 kg N ha⁻1) during periods of high nitrification. This shows that for low SOC soils, integrated farming history with high C return enhances soil N cycling and reduces the risk of N losses in the form of N2O emission.

Pro-Environmental Agriculture to Promote a Sustainable Lifestyle

The non-burning rice straw (NBRS) strategy plays a crucial role in mitigating the climate impact of rice farming. This paper explores the factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges and proposes practical nudging strategies to promote NBRS. Experimental nudges were employed on participating farmers, followed by a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to investigate clearer reasons for their adoption of non-burning practices, as well as the inclusion of participatory nudging design. Key factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges for NBRS among burning farmers showed that the perceived susceptibility and severity of burning could positively influence their adoption of non-burning practices, while rewards for burning were mostly found to be a significantly negative factor. Providing economic incentives helped the farmers to adopt non-burning practices because the monetary benefit was perceived. For those employing non-burning practices, self-efficacy was found to have a significant positive influence on the tendency to continue NBRS. The perceived cost of rice straw utilization (RSU) was mostly found to be a negative factor influencing RSU adoption. At first glance, the promotion of NBRS via demonstrating its ease and timeliness showed the practicality of information nudges, especially through leadership and farmers’ perception of success based on their direct experience. After testing each method, results indicate that if it fits the farmers’ context, making it seem social and attractive can build more confidence in RSU. Four main communication strategies for the nudging of NBRS include the following: (1) empower leading farmers as change agents through practical and visualized knowledge and skills training, continuous guidance and monitoring, and the providing of platforms to communicate the benefits of RSU to fellow farmers; (2) facilitate RSU and encourage farmers to practice integrated farming according to their local context; (3) elevate RSU among farmer groups to meet standardized and accepted levels; and (4) establish clear incentives for RSU and the systematic and collaborative managing of burning.

Ecosystem services from rain water harvesting, agroforestry and livestock based smallholder rain-fed integrated farming system

Ecosystem services from rain water harvesting, agroforestry and livestock based smallholder rain-fed integrated farming system

Conservative farming systems and their effects on soil organic carbon and structural quality

Pesticides-free integrated farming systems emerge as a viable option to promote environmental protection, due to the diversification of the agroecosystem, making the soil productive and resilient. However, there is a lack of information about the influence of integration farming systems on the relationship between soil physical quality and organic matter. The objective was to determine soil organic carbon fractions, and soil structural attributes in conservative single and integrated farming systems, to verify the potential of these farming systems to increase soil organic carbon stocks and improve soil structural quality. The experiment was carried out at a pesticide-free agricultural systems. Soil samples were collected in three layers (0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, and 0.10–0.20 m) of five farming systems (Cropland - C, Livestock - L, Forestry - F, Livestock-Forestry – LF, and Crop-Livestock-Forestry - CLF) in the randomized block design. Sampling was carried out in two transects of 25 m each, collecting five samples per transect, totaling 10 samples per layer. The following soil attributes were determined: soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), soil organic carbon stocks (Cst), visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), tensile strength of aggregates (TS), soil friability, weighted mean diameter (WMD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and the aggregate stability index (ASI). At 0–0.05 m, the SOC content was up to 12% higher in the Cropland system compared to other farming systems, while at 0.05–0.10 m and 0.10–0.20 m of depth, the difference was higher, around 27% between Cropland and other farming systems. For the VESS, Cropland had the lowest score (1.35), while the higher scores were in the Forestry, and CLF systems (2.25, 2.24, respectively). Both soil organic carbon and soil physical quality were greater in all farming systems. The particulate organic carbon and weighted mean diameter were efficiently to promote changes in soil carbon inputs and structural changes. The single and integrated farming systems promoted an increase in soil organic carbon, by a rate of 3.02, 1.81, 2.17, 1.78, and 2.01 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively for Cropland, Livestock, Forestry, LF, and CLF. The pesticide-free farming systems, under conservative practices, were very promising in showing the increase of SOC, POC and MAOC, supporting the soil physical quality, and cooperating with the soil health.

Analysis of Fish Cultivation Productivity in the Bandung City through Buruan Sae Program

This research aims to analyze the production and productivity of fish cultivation in the Buruan Sae Program in Bandung City. Apart from the socio-economic characteristics of program implementers, there are several conditions and obstacles experienced by program implementers as complementary research data. The research method used is the case study method. This research was conducted in three groups of the Buruan Sae Program. The implementation will be carried out in October 2023 – March 2024. The respondents in this research were 46 people who were program implementers from three groups of the Buruan Sae Program. This research applies a saturated sampling method or census. The analytical method in this research uses quantitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the Warnasari Mandiri Group produced 210 kg of fish, while the Jasmine Integrated Farm Group and the Belpas 15 Group produced 10 kg and 15 kg of fish respectively. Warnasari Mandiri Group with fish cultivation productivity per container of 0.2 kg/year/liter. Meanwhile, the Jasmine Integrated Farm and Belpas 15 groups fish cultivation productivity per container is 0.05 and 0.07 kg/year/liter. The R/C Ratio for the Warnasari Mandiri Group is 1.14, Jasmine Integrated Farm is 2.33, and Belpas 15 is 1.25. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the fish production of the Warnasari Mandiri Group, the Jasmine Integrated Farm Group, and the Belpas 15 Group is in the medium category. The Warnasari Mandiri group has the highest fish cultivation productivity per container, while the Jasmine Integrated Farm and Belpas 15 groups have lower fish cultivation productivity. Overall, the R/C Ratio of the three groups shows favorable results, namely greater than 1.

Driving factors for developing integrated farming: Multi-criteria decision-making analysis

Integrated farming (IF) by temporal and spatial mixing of crops, livestock, fishery, and allied activities in a single farm, is considered a critical multifunctional option for smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture, to ensure sustainable livelihoods, the productivity of agricultural enterprises, stability of farm income, food and nutritional security. However, the adoption of IF still remains low. To explore the critical factors of IF systems and prioritize them for stakeholders’ decision-making and development of strategies, the current research was undertaken to integrate SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) - AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis. We used a multi-stage sampling to select 60 practicing IF adopters in West Bengal state of eastern India for the collection of pair-wise comparison data on 32 SWOT factors using a close-ended questionnaire and subjected to AHP analysis to understand the quantitative importance of each factor of SWOT. Results of the multi- criteria analysis showed the total priority weight of the opportunity component (0.450) was the highest, followed by strength (0.341), weakness (0.114), and threat components (0.095). Based on the global priority weight of all 32 SWOT factors, sustainable livelihood security” was the key driving factor (0.081) followed by promotion of organic farming (0.072), better risk management (0.063) and incorporation of high-value crops (0.063) of opportunity component. Increased farm production and productivity (0.058) and enhancement in income (0.055) of strength component also played as vital driving factors. There was no factor of weakness and threat components within the first 10 important factors. The insights of this study may help improve extension services to smallholder farmers for prioritizing strategies in the adoption process of IF. Additionally, it can also help policymakers to design targeted policies, remove barriers, foster innovation, and promote sustainable practices, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.

Identification of the existing Integrated Farming Systems in Udaipur District of Rajasthan

The integrated farming system (IFS) is an integrative whole-farm-oriented technique mainly used to resolve the problems of small and marginal farmers to enhance income and employment, living standards, etc. Due to numerous crises and challenges such as unawareness, poverty, droughts, dry climate, the small and marginal distribution of land, etc., the identification of an appropriate integrated farming system model is highly required. So, this research aims to deliver a solution for the identification and finalization of the IFS model which is a critical task in front of farm families, Agri-scientists, policy-makers, and business organizations. This study is conducted through a field survey in the district of Udaipur, Rajasthan. This work experimented with randomly selecting 4 panchayat samitis out of 20 panchayat samitis, 4 villages selected from each panchayat samiti ee to identify existing integrated farming systems among farm families. This study observed the prominent integrated farming system model among the considered models. This work identifies the IFS models which are the most prominent farming system (M1: crop+ dairy) and are adopted by most farm families. This research work also identified integrated farming models M1 and M2 as the most preferred, profitable, and very suitable for business decision-making. Similarly, M3 and M4 are also good but less preferred than M1 and M2.

PENYULUHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN PENGOLAHAN KOTORAN TERNAK SAPI DI DUSUN MONGGE-2 MENJADI PUPUK ORGANIK PADAT

Mongge-2 Hamlet, one of the hamlets in the Penyangga Village area. Services activity accompanied by assistance in processing livestock manure to produce organic fertilizer to support sustainable integrated farming system in this hamlet. The aim is to empower the community with productive activities through optimizing the potential of natural resources and human resources by involving relevant stakeholders. This service activity will be carried out in 2023, starting with a location survey activity. The next activity is coordinated to determine target communities to be given regular counseling and assistance to produce solid organic fertilizer and how to apply it in the field. After the outreach and mentoring activities are carried out, monitoring, reporting and publication are carried out. The organic fertilizer produced is applied to garden and agricultural cultivation around Mongge-2 Hamlet. This organic fertilizer is expected to play a role in improving the soil and is expected to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and increase the fertility of the media used. so that agricultural products are healthier for consumption. Further research needs to be carried out to determine the content of the organic fertilizer produced and its effect on the growth of agricultural cultivation of certain commodities.

Improvement in Livelihood Security of Scheduled Caste Farmers through Integrated Farming System in Hassan District of Southern Karnataka, India

The study was conducted in the purposively selected Hassan district, a total sample of 223 respondents were purposively selected for the study. Data was collected by using pretested structured interview schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The results revealed that, a majority of the respondents belonged to low category of education level, land holding, cropping pattern, livestock possession, innovativeness, mass media exposure and extension participation and then followed by medium category of cosmopoliteness, training undergone, willingness in agriculture and high category of social participation, level of aspiration and risk orientation. The Livelihood security of respondents in ‘highly satisfied category’ increased to 34.98 per cent from 23.77 per cent after implementation of the project. There was an improvement in livelihood security after the implementation of the project, out of seven dimensions, maximum increase was noticed in employment security (50.62%) followed by living amenities(49.86%),economic efficiency(40.89%),ecological security(39.82%), social equitability (35.56%),assets(35.37%)and coping strategies against stress (22.39%).Further, the characteristics such as land holding, cropping pattern, livestock possession, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness, mass media exposure, extension participation, level of aspiration, training undergone and willingness in agriculture had positive and significant relationship with livelihood security. The findings conveyed that six independent variables such as land holding, cropping pattern, innovativeness, extension participation, level of aspiration, training undergone had contributed significantly to livelihood security of farmers. The R2 value indicated that all the 13 independent variables had contributed to the tune of 64.40 per cent of variation in livelihood security of the respondents. The results pertaining to economic analysis indicated that BC ratio has been increased to 3.26 from 1.84 in crop improvement and livestock components after the implementation. Hence, the concerned development departments require to organize the demonstrations, trainings, field days, exposure visits etc., to educate the farmers about IFS. The positive and significantly related characteristics needs to be considered while selecting the farmers for the extension educational programmes in order to enhance their livelihood security.

Rice-based integrated farming system improves the soil quality, bacterial community structure and system productivity under sub-humid tropical condition.

Rice-based integrated farming system improves the productivity and profitability by recycling resources efficiently. In the sub-humid tropics, rice production without sufficient nutrient replenishment often leads to soil health and fertility degradation. There has been very limited research on soil health and fertility after adopting a multi-enterprising rice-based integrated farming system (IFS), notably in the rice-fish-livestock and agroforestry system, when compared to a conventional farming system (CS). Therefore, the present study analyzed the dynamics of soil properties, soil bacterial community structure and their possible interaction mechanisms, as well as their effect on regulating soil quality and production in IFS, IFSw (water stagnant area of IFS) and CS. The results indicated that soil nutrient dynamics, bacterial diversity indices (Shannon index, Simpson index, Chao 1, ACE and Fisher index) and system productivity were higher in IFSw and IFS compared to CS. Moreover, relative operational taxonomic units of dominant bacterial genera (Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, Crenarchaeota and Gemmatimonadetes) were also higher in IFSw and IFS compared to CS. Mean soil quality index (SQI) was highest in IFSw (0.780 ± 0.201) followed by IFS (0.770 ± 0.080) and CS (0.595 ± 0.244). Moreover, rice equivalent yields (REY) and rice yields were well correlated with the higher levels of soil biological indices (SQIBiol) in IFS. Overall, our results revealed that rice-based IFS improved the soil health and fertility and ensuing crop productivity through positive interaction with soil bacterial communities and nutrient stoichiometry leading to agroecosystem sustainability.

Development of Sustainable Agrotourism at Sein Farm (Sekemala Integrated Farm) Bandung City

Tourism development in Ujungberung District, Bandung City is directed towards the theme of agrotourism, which is realized in the Sein Farm (Sekemala Integrated Farm). Sein Farm is a program from the Bandung City Food and Agriculture Security Service (DKPP) in the form of integrating agriculture on urban land which is a superior program as well as a means of agricultural educational tourism. Activities at Sein Farm include seeding, breeding and processing waste from activities, which is reprocessed into fertilizer for the nursery. Plant and livestock seeds resulting from activities at Sein Farm will then be distributed free of charge to the community around Sein Farm and Bandung City. We then analyzed the concept of integrated and sustainable agriculture in the form of tourist attraction analysis, social, economic and environmental analysis and SWOT analysis, the results of which were future strategic planning at the Sein Farm location.

DIGITAL-BASED ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT IN JASMINE INTEGRATED FARMING TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY WELFARE

Jasmine Integrated Farming is a farmer group located in community unit 19, Antapani Tengah Subdistrict, Bandung City. Jasmine Integrated Farming was founded in 2019 with all its problems, namely (1) organic waste processing that is not yet optimal, (2) irregular planting and harvest schedules, (3) catfish harvests are not optimal, (4) lack of understanding about caring for seed houses and nurseries. plants, (5) Lack of partner knowledge about digital marketing, (6) Lack of knowledge about bookkeeping and financial reports. With all its problems, it is difficult for this farmer group to generate profits for the welfare of its members. The solutions offered are training and assistance on organic waste processing, training and assistance on seeding and planting schedules, training and assistance on the use of digital media for promotions along with recording digital-based financial reports using applications. The conclusion of this service is that there is an increase in partners' knowledge about organic waste processing, planting schedules, using social media as a marketing medium and recording application-based financial reports via Buku Kas.

Summaries of Subject IV ODISHA' S TRYST WITH MILLETS AND INTEGRATED FARMING: INCLUSIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND GOING GLOBAL

Summaries of Subject IV ODISHA' S TRYST WITH MILLETS AND INTEGRATED FARMING: INCLUSIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND GOING GLOBAL

The effect of different systems of growing tomatoes in a protected area on morphological properties and business results

We are witnessing negative consequences caused by the use of synthetic crop protection products and fertilizers in food production. Interest in the indoor farming of certain plant species has grown significantly. Organic and integrated farming imply the use of natural products, while limiting or completely eliminating the use of synthetic resources. The goal of the research is to study different farming systems in two types of tomatoes and their effect on the variability of certain tomato properties (the number of formed flower trusses, number of fruits per flower truss, and tomato yield). Furthermore, the gross margin of tomato production was calculated. Factor A comprised of different systems of agricultural production: integrated and organic. Factor B comprised two types of tomatoes (cherry and beef). The experiment was set up in a modern indoor space, in controlled microclimate conditions in randomized block design in four replications. The organic system of farming highly significantly affected the studied parameters. The reason for this was the use of a modern growing technology and the approach to the farming itself.

Slope Stability Analysis of the Afaha Ekpenedi Integrated Farm Site, Esit Eket, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

Slope Stability Analysis of the Afaha Ekpenedi Integrated Farm Site, Esit Eket, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

A systematic review on the factors governing precision agriculture adoption among small-scale farmers

The global agricultural paradigm is witnessing a transformative shift with the advent of precision agriculture. While large-scale agricultural enterprises have been swift in their embrace of this innovation, its uptake among small-scale farmers remains nuanced and complex. This study elucidates the multi-faceted determinants that influence the adoption of precision agriculture within the small-scale farming sector. The study adopts a systematic literature review approach, meticulously selecting and analysing 29 relevant papers. Drawing upon an exhaustive literature review and empirical analyses, the research presents a composite framework weaving economic, technological, social, and environmental factors. Among these, the social dynamics emerge as the most significant factor, shaped by awareness levels, knowledge dissemination pathways, and entrenched cultural norms. These social elements often intertwine with ingrained traditional practices and perceptions, forming the most intricate layer shaping adoption attitudes. Notably, although economic factors like substantial initial investments and the calculus of Return on Investment are present, they are overshadowed by social considerations. The technological landscape is characterised by the challenges of digital literacy, infrastructural readiness, and technological interoperability. Lastly, environmental imperatives, underscored by resource scarcity, climate change resilience, and ecosystem services, offer both challenges and motivations. Together, these factors delineate the intricate roadmap guiding small-scale farmers in their journey toward precision agriculture adoption. This comprehensive exploration provides stakeholders with actionable insights, fostering informed decision-making and strategic interventions to augment precision agriculture's integration within the small-scale farming tapestry.

Understanding production possibility frontiers and utility values of ecosystem services in the Himalayas: An analysis of the supply-demand divide

Nature's services to humanity − ecosystem services (ES) − have been at the centre of natural resource management scholarship for the last few decades. Yet, quantification of ES supply and its economic valuation have dominated the academia. Spatial associations of multiple ES and their mutual production possibilities, social dimensions of ES demand, and the gaps between supply and demand of ES have not been sufficiently articulated in the literature, especially for the Himalayan landscapes. In this context, using satellite images, secondary data, and household survey (n = 300), we identified the supply-demand divide of ES by assessing production possibility frontiers and social demand of ES in the central regions of Hindu-Kush Himalayas. Among the six major ES that we considered in this research (crop production, timber production, carbon sequestration, water yield, soil conservation, and habitat quality), production possibilities of the other five ES get diminished with the increasing supply of crop production. Timber production, carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and soil conservation can be mutually incremental through the allocation of sufficient forestland areas. Local people's demand of water yield and crop production is very high as compared to those of the others, yet the current state of supply potential of those ES is largely inadequate to meet the demands. Instead of generalized management prescriptions, we recommend for the people- and place-based interventions in ecosystem management. Nonetheless, improved agronomic practices and integration of farming with forestry, carbon, and climate actions might be the safe operating space for sustainable landscape management in the Himalayas.

Assessing Stakeholders’ Preferences for Future Rice Farming Practices in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Rice farming is the dominating agriculture activity in the Mekong Delta and has been of significant importance for the region’s economic development, but it has also had an impact on the environment. Recent governmental policies emphasize the need for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture; however, policy reforms pushing for transformation towards sustainable socio-agricultural systems are compounded by a lack of coherent and shared visions. Gaps between policy making and implementation and stakeholders’ divergent visions of what is meant by sustainable agriculture and how that can be achieved hinder progress. To address this, the Q-methodology was used to elucidate and integrate different perspectives from 41 stakeholders on 35 statements related to agriculture developments in the Mekong Delta. Under the theoretical lens of sustainability, and ecosystem services, the results unveiled four major development schemes, namely production through intensification, sustainable intensification, production through nature, and people and nature in balance. The majority of the stakeholders in this study believed that future agriculture strategies in the Mekong Delta should be designed to promote more diverse and integrated farming methods, emphasizing the environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development. They acknowledged the multifunctional benefits of rice field ecosystems and emphasized the importance of supporting, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services for a long-term and healthy production of food and increased resilience of the Delta’s social-ecological systems.