Chapter 1 - Preamble

Section 1 - Social & Economic Dimensions

Section 2 - Conservation and Management of Resources

Section 3 - Strengthening the Role of Major Groups
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32

Section 4 - Means of Implementation

Complete text of Agenda 21: Chapter 32
Chapter 32: Strengthening the Role of Farmers

Agriculture occupies one third of the land surface of the Earth, and is the central activity for much of the world’s population. Indigenous people, rural dwellers and family farmers have been the stewards of much of the Earth’s resources.

However, farming, including fishing and forest harvesting, can be vulnerable to over-exploitation and improper management in fragile and marginal areas. There is a growing concern about the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Total farm production has increased impressively over the past 20 years, but in some countries it has been outstripped by population growth. Farmers are also affected by international debt and falling commodity prices. In developing countries, they have limited access to resources and means of production.

To develop sustainable farming strategies, governments should collaborate with national and international research centres and non-governmental organizations to:

• Develop environmentally sound farming practices and technologies that improve crop yields, maintain land quality, recycle nutrients, conserve water and energy and control pests and weeds.
• Help farmers share expertise in conserving land, water and forest resources, making the most efficient use of chemicals and reducing or re-using farm wastes.
• Encourage self-sufficiency in low-input and low-energy technologies, including indigenous practices.
• Support research on equipment that makes optimal use of human labour and animal power.

To motivate farmers to manage natural resources sustainably, governments should delegate more power and responsibility to those who work the land. Governments should also give people more incentive to care for the land by seeing that men and women can get land tenure, access to credit, technology, farm supplies and training.

Researchers need to develop environment-friendly farming techniques and colleges need to bring ecology into agricultural training.

Prices need to reflect the environmental costs. Price structures, trade policies and farm support payments should encourage efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.

Next Chapter