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Measuring sustainable intensification in smallholder agroecosystems: A review
Journal article

Measuring sustainable intensification in smallholder agroecosystems: A review

Alex Smith, Sieglinde Snapp, Regis Chikowo, Peter Thorne, Mateete Bekunda and Jerry Glover
Global food security, Vol.12, pp.127-138
03/01/2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2016.11.002
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2016.11.002View
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Abstract

Food Science & Technology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology
Sustainable intensification (SI) is at the forefront of food security discussions as a means to meet the growing demand for agricultural production while conserving land and other resources. A broader definition of SI is emerging that takes into account the human condition, nutrition and social equity. Next steps require identification of indicators and associated metrics, to track progress, assess tradeoffs and identify synergies. Through a systematic, qualitative review of the literature we identified SI indicators, with a primary focus on African smallholder farming systems. We assessed indicators and metrics for which there is consensus, and those that remain contested. We conclude that, while numerous metrics for evaluating SI systems exist, many often-cited indicators lack strong sets of associated metrics.

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