Sustainable Intensification of Farming Systems Through Feed the Future Initiative's Research Strategy.

Sustainable intensification of agriculture is a vital component of the “Feed the Future” strategy. Agricultural productivity increases will be needed to feed a growing population but this must be done in the future on less land with more competition for water and higher prices for energy and inputs. It must also be profitable and improve the livelihoods of farmers and minimize the impact on the environment. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed that integrates the various research components, including biophysical, policy and social elements in key production systems where the poor and undernourished are concentrated.  An eco-agriculture approach is needed where the agricultural sector shares environmental services and sound stewardship of natural resources with non-agricultural uses. This paper will present some case studies of  conservation agriculture practices in different parts of the world that have led to higher production at less cost through more efficient use of natural resources. These more climate resilient systems have shown an impressive farmer adoption rate over the last few decades and provide some hope for ensuring future food security and improvement in farmer livelihoods.