Conservation agriculture and sustainable development goals

Conservation agriculture (CA) aims to achieve productive and sustainable farming while preserving the natural resource base and environment. This article explores how CA aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and contributes to their achievement, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land. CA has gained significant attention as a sustainable farming system on over 200 million hectares of global cropland, with an annual increase of 10 million hectares since 2008. The principles of minimum soil disturbance, diverse crop rotations and permanent soil cover help improve soil health, nutrients and water management, and contribute to biodiversity preservation. By encouraging sustainable agriculture and enhancing nutrition, SDG 2 seeks to end hunger. CA practices enhance soil health and nutrient availability, increasing crop productivity and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs like pesticides and fertilizers. The resilience of CA to climate change challenges further supports food production. For SDG 6, minimum tillage and soil cover components of CA help reduce soil erosion, resulting in cleaner water by preventing sedimentation in water bodies. Improved water management and conservation contribute to sustainable water use and sanitation. SDG 12 seeks responsible consumption and production patterns. CA promotes efficient resource use, reduces waste, and minimizes the negative environmental impact of agricultural inputs, leading to sustainable production systems with less reliance on external inputs. Regarding SDG 13, CA practices improve soil and water management, increase soil carbon absorption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, all of which help agricultural systems become more resilient to climate change. Lastly, SDG 15 focuses on life on land preservation. CA's promotion of biodiversity through cover cropping and decreased chemical use provides habitats for organisms, supporting ecosystem services and sustainable land use. In conclusion, CA plays a significant role in achieving multiple SDGs by promoting sustainable agriculture, conserving resources, mitigating climate change, and preserving biodiversity. The adoption and expansion of CA practices are essential for a sustainable and resilient future.