Agricultural expansion and land use change are among the top culprits behind an unprecedented decline of nature, according to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Although food production has increased in recent decades, this progress has been fueled by unsustainable uses of fertilizers, pesticides and natural resources, resulting in large-scale degradation of land, water, biodiversity and overall environmental health. The productivity of 23% of land areas globally has declined due to degradation, and nearly 75% of freshwater resources are now devoted to crop or livestock production.

Many of the world’s poorest communities reside in the regions most likely to experience significant negative effects from changes in climate, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. As these most vulnerable communities face the consequences of poor water quality, degraded land and starved soils, they are likely to lose out on livelihoods and opportunities.

While the impacts of our agricultural production systems remain unsustainable, the quantity and quality of food itself is unsatisfactory. With the planet’s population set to hit ten billion this century, food production must increase; some estimates say by 50% globally and by almost 100% in Africa and Southeast Asia before 2050. But it’s not only about increased production; better, healthier and more nutritious food is needed too. Today, almost 1 billion people still go hungry, and almost 2 billion people are eating too much of the wrong food.

Finding appropriate, viable and practical solutions to the twin challenge of producing the right kinds of healthy, nutritious food, while taking care of the environment, building climate resilience and reducing inequity is urgent.

“This is precisely why WLE is establishing a commission to convene global experts on sustainable intensification of agriculture,” said Ann Tutwiler, Board Chair of the WLE Steering Committee. “These experts will bring together years of research by WLE, our CGIAR partners and other science institutions to synthesize the best policies, economic incentives, tools, technologies and practices as well as lay out a roadmap for a sustainable and equitable food future.” 

Next steps include appointing 15 commissioners, who will all have one thing in common: their frustration at the present slow pace of agricultural reforms toward sustainability, and their sense of urgency to address this issue if the world is to be a better place. By the time of its completion, the commission will have identified necessary transitions for delivering sustainable intensification of agriculture at multiple scales, in ways that are both sustainable and equitable.