(30-08-13) Small farm systems role in food security

Reaching a certain level of food security is very much essential around the world. In some countries, there are high levels of agro biodiversity that is perfect for a small farming set-up. These small farming systems are mostly seen in Africa, Asia and Latin America. With alarming levels of poverty and hunger, a long-term plan is indeed needed to address the scarcity of food most specifically when disasters strike.

There are advantages when it comes to small farming set-ups. These farms cool the climate, it is perfect to represent models of sustainability and agro biodiversity. In fact, small farm holders are slowly being recognized as an important key in securing the world's food security and conservation of agricultural set-ups.

Achieving food security takes time and long-term investment to reach a level of resiliency, sustainability and productivity when it comes to the agricultural sector. The only problem faced by most of these farmers is that they have limited access to fertile land and decent tools that can help them come up with a good produce.


What small farm holders need
The downside that most farmers face is the fact that they work hard but do not have the necessary tools, credit, quality seeds, and fertilizers to make their farms fully operational despite facing inclement and unpredictable weather. To level the playing field when it comes to agricultural produce, these small scale farmers need to have access to proper irrigation, affordable fertilizer, high-yielding seeds and other technological advances. If these can be provided for them then they can prove to become efficient and productive small farm systems that can readily supplement food shortage.

One way to harness the promise these small farm holders can provide when it comes to securing food supply around the world is to give them the financial assistance that they need. Insurance schemes, funds for agricultural research and other viable innovations must be made within the reach of these farmers to improve the quality of produce that they can market and get income from.

Another exciting opportunity small farming systems present is the fact that it can also produce nutritious varieties of plants, crops and fruits that promotes better health for people. These are crops that are high in micronutrients like zinc, iron and vitamins. This is considered an effective weapon in combating malnutrition and other related diseases.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.shapingtomorrowsworld.org/fanSmallholder.html

http://www.twnside.org.sg/title2/susagri/susagri045.htm

http://www.ifad.org/operations/food/farmer.htm

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