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I believe we should draw on all technical tools available to us for food production: conventional technologies such as fertilisers and pesticides, but used with precision; intermediate technologies such as improved treadle pumps; traditional technologies such as rainwater harvesting techniques; and new platforms for innovation based on scientific advances such as genetically modified crops for drought, pest and disease resilience.
Sustainable agricultural systems that have already had some success include conservation agriculture, where no-tillage systems have led to better water absorption and soil structure, and methods of integrating crop and livestock systems to improve soil nutrient management. They also include integrated pest management, where I and others have discovered that it is possible to better tackle some pests by reducing pesticide use in conjunction with other agronomic techniques; and systems of rice intensification, where specific agronomic practices have led to better yields using fewer resources.
As a scientist with more than 50 years of professional experience in tropical agricultural development, I am also a passionate advocate of multidisciplinary approaches that combine science and technology, environmental considerations and social and economic factors. I have also seen that political leadership is vital to ensuring that new approaches are championed, resourced and sustained.
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