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Small Farms are the Future of Food Systems

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Michele Ogilvie

May 24, 2022

Cambodia

Categories:

Food Supply, Agriculture, Food Insecurity

For about 10,000 years, human beings have been working on controlling plants and animals to meet our daily food needs. Agriculture is the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, raising livestock, and in varying degrees, preparing and marketing the resulting products. Agricultural practices require extraordinary skill, and the impact on human development and evolution is enormous. Growing and raising food with a purpose provides a predictable supply. And that takes away the daily task of hunting and gathering, which allows time for other endeavors, such as trade and cultural and philosophical development (e.g., writing, art). And from that development came the birth and growth of cities.


However, in today's times, drought, pandemics, and plagues of locusts make it increasingly challenging to maintain a small farm. This editorial from Cambodia's Khmer Times is about the resilience of the small farmer and the state of small-scale farms, and their continued relevancy today.


According to this article, small farms contribute to global food security, producing at least 30% of global food. In sub-Saharan Africa, the role of small-scale farms is even more significant, accounting for 80% of the food produced.


Globally, around 500 million small-scale farms support the livelihoods of more than two billion people. Small farms have higher crop yields than larger farms when the landscape conditions are similar. They also have much more biodiversity, not only of crops but also more insect and animal life along the edges of the fields.


Collectively, small-scale farms make a sizeable global contribution. Small farm operations face multiple challenges, including the need to feed a growing global population on diminishing land, natural resources, and biodiversity. There are dramatic shifts in weather conditions brought on by climate change. The uncertainty of rain and heat threaten crop yields leading to increased food insecurity worldwide and poverty for farmers.


The Khmer Times article asserts that Africa could feed the world with proper support. Small farms have higher crop yields than larger farms when the landscape conditions are similar. However, Africa needs help from all over the world to make this happen. Only 1.7% of the global climate budget goes to small farms. They say that this is a tiny fraction of the billions needed to build greater resilience in farming practices and food chains. Agriculture and food production are among the most vulnerable systems to climate change.


The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the same may be valid for American small farm owners.
"[F]amily farms remain a key part of U.S. agriculture, making up 98% of all farms... Most farms are small family farms, and they operate almost half of U.S. farmland while generating 21% of production."


There is an urgent need to help small farming operations prepare for climate extremes and how to adapt. The long and short-term stability of the global food supply is at stake.


Unfortunately, many people worldwide lack a basic understanding of agricultural production and food supply. Recent and rapid price inflation of foodstuffs has more people paying attention to some of these issues. Still, it will take much more to create change in our local communities.


So, what can I do in my hometown to make a positive difference? Education and practical experience are an excellent start. Knowing where your food comes from and what comes from local farmers can help inform your food choices. Regional and county governments may have agricultural extension offices or equivalents where you can learn more. In the U.S., 4-H clubs in schools give children first-hand experience in agricultural production, growing vegetables, and raising livestock. Raising chickens for eggs in the urban landscape is popular. Likewise, community gardens give us first-hand experience and rewards in growing vegetables and fruit. Consider setting up a community kitchen. Learn how to preserve, ferment and dehydrate local produce.


Are you interested in going further? Here are some thoughts. Do local colleges and communities have any agricultural research functions? What types of work are they doing with the local farming community? What vulnerabilities is your local agricultural sector experiencing from climate change? Understanding that determines how to sustain and grow them. For example, some communities have moved to greenhouse production to create a controlled climate environment and farm year-round. No-till farming can offset drier conditions and soil erosion. Consider organizing a local cooperative that brings local farmers and their produce to a common market. Anything and everything that builds connection and awareness with local agricultural producers are valuable. Vertically integrating the community with its farming communities will create a resilient agricultural sector that can help to protect our food supply.


You are a food supply educator at this advanced stage of involvement. Connecting with state and national leaders on policy and fiscal-related matters is routine at this stage. There is a complete understanding of the interdependency of our food supply worldwide. One food product may contain ingredients sourced from many countries worldwide. Supporting the farmer in Africa can benefit the consumer in Europe and the United States, for example. This support might be with foreign aid packages or climate change financing. Some charities, such as Oxfam, support local farmers in developing countries. There is plenty of room for other charities to get involved. Micro-lenders, such as Kiva, which connects people with money to make loans, are an intriguing way to get private sector involvement. A key element of global stability is the stability of the food supply.


Is agriculture, gardening, farming, or any aspect of food production your passion? Well then, here are small, medium, and large ways you as an individual can make a positive difference in the world. What will you do today?

Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash.

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0422.101.01.052422

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