As we encourage an increase in production of food for the growing population, we must also understand the impact of production activities on the environment. Therefore, environmental sustainability should be a foundation knowledge for all producers of food. There is a need to understand the negative impacts of some specific activities that producers are engaged in, and find alternative means to reduce these impacts on the environment in order to avoid environmental degradation of natural resources.

Furthermore, there exist activities such as pesticides usage (especially close to water bodies or natural habitats of native species), land clearing (deforestation and soil degradation due to heavy equipment), fertilizer application (over fertilization and leaching to water bodies), planting of invasive species amongst others. It is important to assess the level and severity of these activities on the environment and develop a mitigation plan to promote environmental and livelihood sustainability.

Jigawa State, Nigeria

In conclusion, there are production activities that have been identified to pose danger to the environment, thus the need for good agricultural practices being recommended for food producers. Therefore, we must encourage the adoption of these practices for food producers at all times at different points of the food value chain. Food security can not be achieved without sustaining the elements of the environment. Thus, we all must be involved at our different levels to ensure that the change we intend (zero hunger) to achieve must start from understanding our environment and protecting its resources.

Yours-in-Service,
Babatunde