August 14th, 2023
By John Patterson
Staff Writer for Wake Up World
In a ground breaking study that promises to reshape the future of farming, a pioneering analysis has unveiled the undeniable potential of agroecological natural farming as a transformative approach to nourish communities and propel farmers towards nature-positive outcomes in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Led by the trailblazing efforts of impact data and analytics provider GIST Impact, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, this first-of-its-kind research has harnessed the power of True Cost Accounting to meticulously assess and compare the multifaceted impacts of diverse farming systems. The study, titled “Natural Farming Through a Wide-Angle Lens: True Cost Accounting Study of Community Managed Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh, India,” takes a deep dive into the economic, social, and health dimensions of natural farming, ultimately revealing a promising roadmap to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Unveiling the True Potential of Natural Farming
The heart of this pioneering research beats in the fertile lands of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, where the study investigates the effects of different farming systems. Four distinct paradigms take center stage: tribal farming, rainfed dryland agriculture, chemically-intensive farming in the delta region, and the rising star, community-managed natural farming (APCNF).
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the study shatters the myth that chemically-intensive farming is an inescapable necessity for meeting the food demands of a burgeoning global population. In fact, natural farming systems demonstrated their prowess by achieving equivalent or even greater yields compared to their chemically-laden counterparts. Astonishingly, these natural systems registered an impressive 11% increase in yields, all the while nurturing greater crop diversity.
A Sustainable Boost to Livelihoods
Embracing agroecological natural farming doesn’t just yield bountiful harvests; it propels the livelihoods of farmers to new heights. The study showcases an uplifting narrative of higher net incomes, with community-managed natural farming spearheading a remarkable 49% average increase in farmer earnings. This substantial financial windfall is complemented by enhanced health outcomes, knitting together stronger and more resilient communities.
Notably, the study celebrates the profound impact on gender dynamics. Villages embracing natural farming experienced a surge in female workforce participation, underscoring the empowerment and inclusion that lie at the core of this transformative approach.
True Cost Accounting: A Lens for the Future
True Cost Accounting emerges as the guiding beacon of this research, offering policymakers an invaluable toolkit for informed decision-making. Pavan Sukhdev, CEO of GIST Impact and project director, emphasizes, “By using a True Cost Accounting framework, policymakers can now assess the costs and benefits of different farming systems, considering economic, social, environmental, and human health factors that were previously overlooked in conventional metrics focused solely on yields and profits.”
Sukhdev’s sentiments encapsulate the study’s blueprint for cultivating an environmentally-friendly agricultural landscape that harmoniously accommodates social and economic aspirations while tackling the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Nurturing Social Capital and Well-Being
Beyond the realm of economics and agriculture, the study unravels the intricate tapestry of social impacts woven by natural farming. A virtuous cycle of economic gains, trust, cohesion, and reciprocity flourishes, with women at the forefront of fortifying social capital. The study underscores the pivotal role played by smallholder farmers in community development, with smaller farms practicing natural farming boasting higher social capital scores.
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Furthermore, the health benefits of natural farming reverberate through the research findings. On-farm health risks diminish significantly, leading to 33% fewer lost working days to illness compared to conventional farming methods. This stark contrast reinforces the profound advantages of natural farming in safeguarding human well-being.
A Paradigm Shift in Progress
The magnitude of this research journey was made possible by the resolute efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF). A sweeping agroecological transformation spanning 6 million farmers, 6 million hectares, and 50 million consumers, the APCNF stands as the world’s largest transition to agroecology. The movement addresses a spectrum of development challenges – from rural livelihoods and access to nutritious food to biodiversity preservation, climate resilience, water scarcity, and pollution mitigation.
Drawing from a comprehensive primary household survey conducted between 2020 and 2022, the study’s insights were gleaned from twelve handpicked villages across three diverse agro-ecological regions of Andhra Pradesh. The meticulous approach ensures that the findings resonate across a wide spectrum of farming households.
A Future Rooted in Nature
Vijay Kumar Thallam, Executive Vice Chairman of RySS – Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), emphasizes, “This study is a significant step forward, bringing together science and economics to deliver objective analysis and enhance our understanding of different agricultural systems.” The study’s revelations indeed reaffirm that community-managed natural farming isn’t merely an agricultural technique; it’s a force capable of cultivating cohesion, health, and prosperity.
Lauren Baker, Deputy Director of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, sums up the transformative potential of this research, stating, “By embracing agroecological practices like natural farming and employing frameworks like True Cost Accounting, we can transition to resilient, productive food systems at scale while promoting social and economic well-being and, at the same time, reducing public expenditures.”
As the world stands at the precipice of profound agricultural transformation, the study’s findings illuminate a promising path forward – one that nurtures the land, empowers communities, and paves the way for a sustainable and harmonious future.
Conclusion
The pioneering research conducted by GIST Impact in collaboration with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food has unveiled the transformative power of agroecological natural farming. Through the lens of True Cost Accounting, the study showcases the undeniable benefits of embracing natural farming systems, debunking the notion that chemically-intensive approaches are indispensable for feeding a growing global population.
With higher yields, enhanced livelihoods, improved health outcomes, and bolstered social capital, natural farming emerges as a beacon of sustainability and resilience. The study’s insights provide a comprehensive blueprint for policymakers, communities, and farmers alike, offering a profound shift towards environmentally-friendly agricultural practices that prioritize both human well-being and the health of our planet.
As the world seeks transformative solutions to pressing challenges, agroecological natural farming stands as a beacon of hope, pointing towards a future where nature and humanity thrive in harmonious coexistence.
Read the entire research paper here – Natural Farming Through a Wide-Angle Lens: True Cost Accounting Study of Community Managed Natural Farming
About the author:
John Patterson is an avid writer and researcher who delves into the latest scientific research. With an insatiable curiosity, he translates complex concepts into accessible narratives, allowing readers to embark on a journey of discovery. Through his work, John bridges the gap between experts and the public, igniting curiosity and inspiring meaningful conversations about scientific breakthroughs.
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