Protecting nature and agriculture together in the Congo Basin

What is it about?

The Congo Basin has a wide variety of unique plants and animals, and it is important to keep them safe. While climate change threatens the biodiversity here, the tropical forests are also being lost to farmlands. Can we strike a balance between climate change adaptation, agriculture, and conservation of the forest? Conservation agriculture could help, but there is one problem. Starting conservation agriculture needs investment. And farmers need to have some security if they are going to invest. They need to be sure of how long they can farm the land and gain profits. Once that has been confirmed, farmers would be more likely to start sustainable farming. A 2023 study looked at 600 farms in three countries. It found that mixed farms that had crops, livestock, and trees were more profitable than others. These farms, which adopted conservation agriculture, were also more resilient to climate change. Land tenure and rights drive efforts of conservation agriculture, the authors found. But to ensure land security for farmers, we need changed policies. These make sure people can use the land sustainably.

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Photo by wilsan u on Unsplash

Photo by wilsan u on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Protecting biodiversity while producing food requires cooperation and policies that are friendly to both the environment and agriculture. Conservation agriculture and climate smart practices can help protect soil health and make farms more profitable. But when land ownership is unclear, farmers hesitate to invest in it. Clear rules about shared land give farmers confidence, leading to positive changes for both farming and nature. KEY TAKEAWAY: It is crucial to have rules that work for both nature and farmers. These rules are vital for protecting the rich diversity of plants and animals essential for our food production needs. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 15: Life on Land • SDG 2: Zero Hunger • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 10: Reduced Inequality • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production