I.
Introduction:
There is no doubt that
humans have a profound impact, both positive and negative, on the various
ecosystems of our planet. We carve
through landscapes to promote economic growth and human development, but
inevitably end up displacing multiple species and disrupting the natural ecosystems.
In tropical ecosystems deforestation is
rampant, making way for new roads, timber harvesting, and farming and livestock
to help feed a growing human population (Lindsey, 2007).
The detrimental effects of deforestation are abundant, and are often seen
at global levels. Economic and social
conflicts abound, but perhaps the greatest contributor to tropical
deforestation is agriculture. Agricultural
practices are essential to human survival, but many poor agricultural
techniques are not sustainable and in the end do more harm to the world than good. There are many organizations and governments
working together to incorporate more sustainable and healthy models of
agriculture into tropical communities, but it is going to take both local and
global changes to have the necessary impact for change.
II.
Sustainable
Agricultural Practices:
According to the
Rainforest Alliance, seventy percent of deforestation around the world is due
to agricultural expansion (Rainforest Alliance, n.d.). A study done by Gibbs et al. confirmed that,
during the 1980’s and 1990’s, “more than 80% of new agricultural land came from
intact and disturbed forests” as opposed to already cleared land. Slash-and-burn farming techniques inevitably
release more carbon into the atmosphere, and the newly created agricultural
land can become another great source of greenhouse gases. The rapid loss of tropical forests to
farmland disrupts the hydrological cycle and inevitably disrupts rainfall and
weather patterns around the world (Gibbs et al, 2010). One cannot argue, however, that agriculture
is necessary to feed the growing populations in tropical communities. Sustainable agriculture practices and
improved farming methods are suggested as positive alternatives to the more
harmful agricultural techniques. Some of
these sustainable practices include: reduced use of burning and harmful
chemicals, no till agriculture, agroforestry, and improved education for
governments and local farmers to help increase crop yield, reduce water usage,
and improve management and distribution systems.
Reducing
burning and toxic chemical usage will help to reduce carbon emissions and loss
of important, already established farmland.
No or zero till agriculture helps to keep the soil healthy and fertile,
preventing erosion and allowing for reuse and regeneration.
(How
No Till benefits the soil, courtesy of Lacey, n.d.).
Agroforestry
incorporates trees into crop and livestock land to produce agricultural
products in a more healthy, natural, and sustainable system (Rainforest Conservation Fund, 2016). One example of Agroforestry is Alley
Cropping, which utilizes alleyways of typical agricultural crops within rows of
woody plants such as trees or nitrogen fixing plants like legumes. This type of agricultural practice provides
better crop and soil health, and allows for a more diverse source of income for
farmers (USDA National
Agroforestry Center, 2012).
(Example of Inga Alley Cropping,
courtesy of Rainforest Saver, 2011).
Finally,
education, certification, and regulation are key aspects of sustainable
agricultural practices, both in the tropics and throughout the world. Providing farmers and governments with the
knowledge on human impact, sustainable systems, and economic development will
help to maintain tropical forests while allowing for increased agricultural
yield. Farmers must be provided with the
knowledge and technology to produce sustainably, and there are many non-profit
organizations out there that aim to help.
The Rainforest Alliance provides coveted certification to farmers that
grow crops and livestock sustainably; this type of certification is desirable
to many consumers throughout the world. Farmers
that are certified by the Rainforest Alliance must be working towards:
·
Maintaining or increasing tree cover
·
Conserving soil quality and preventing
erosion
·
Reducing chemical use
·
Protecting wildlife
·
Ensuring the well-being of workers and
their families by facilitating access to education and healthcare (Rainforest
Alliance, 2016).
(The Rainforest Alliance Seal,
courtesy Rainforest Alliance, 2016).
III.
Conclusion:
Many
governments wish to work with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance to
develop and implement guidance systems for farmers that aid developing
sustainable farms. Policies and
regulations have already been created in countries like Bali and Chile to
encourage better crop choices and water usage (Rainforest Conservation Fund, 2016). With governments, organizations, and farmers
working towards widespread education and implementation of sustainable agricultural
practices, tropical communities may be able to move away from more destructive
forms of agriculture and work together to preserve both tropical forests and
human development. Again, there is no
question that agriculture is essential to human life, but with local and global
changes we can work towards healthy and sustainable farming and ranching and
preserve the tropics that are just as essential to our lives.
IV.
References
Gibbs, H. K., Ruesch, A. S., Achard, F., Clayton, M. K.,
Holmgren, P., Ramankutty, N., & Foley, J. A. (2010). Tropical forests were
the primary sources of new agricultural land in the 1980s and 1990s. Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(38), 16732-16737.
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