Intensive and Extensive farming and the Environment

Agricultural systems can either be intensive i.e. where agricultural yield is increased on a limited or on the same acerage of land by increased use of inputs such as fertilizers, irrigation, or can be extensive, where agricultural production is increased by bringing more land under cultivation and relying on natural soil nutrients. Both these agricultural systems increase agricultural production to meet the demand for food and reduce hunger and poverty. However, if not properly managed, both have detrimental effects on the environment.

A notable example of intensive agriculture is the green revolution in Asia, which doubled cereal production between 1970 and 1995, with only a 4 percent increase in cultivated land. By slowing the rate at which land is reclaimed for agricultural purposes, intensive agriculture conserves wetlands, forests and biodiversity. Extensive agriculture on the other hand, which is the most common agricultural system in Africa, leads to the degradation and loss of forests, wetlands, soils, through nutrient depletion and soil erosion.

Despite the benefits of intensive agriculture, intensification causes several environmental problems not only on the farm but also in the surrounding areas. Inappropriate use of agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc pollute water sources, interfere with soil chemistry, disrupt ecological systems, kill important soil flora and fauna, and poison people.

The environmental effects of intensive and extensive agriculture vary between regions. Overcoming these problems in order to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable may be achieved through measures such as information and sensitization of farmers through extension officers, improving land tenure systems and through policies that reduce poverty (because poverty is a likely driver of environmental degradation).