Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

Global assessment of agricultural system redesign for sustainable intensification

Jules Pretty, Tim G. Benton, Zareen Pervez Bharucha, Lynn V. Dicks, Cornelia Butler Flora, H. Charles J. Godfray, Dave Goulson, Sue Hartley, Nicolas Lampkin, Carol Morris, Gary M. Pierzynski, P. V. Vara Prasad, John P. Reganold, Johan Rockström, Pete Smith, Peter S. Thorne, S. D. Wratten

Nature Sustainability · 2018

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Summary

This global assessment examines the evidence base for agricultural system redesign strategies aimed at achieving sustainable intensification—balancing productivity increases with environmental stewardship and social benefit. Published in Nature Sustainability by a multidisciplinary team of leading agricultural scientists, the paper synthesises findings across multiple farming systems and geographies to identify key approaches, their effectiveness, and barriers to adoption. The work informs policy and practice on how farming can be intensified sustainably without degrading natural capital.

UK applicability

The findings are directly relevant to UK agricultural policy and practice, particularly given the post-Brexit policy shift toward sustainable farming support and the regulatory emphasis on environmental land management. UK farmers and policymakers can draw on the global evidence synthesis to design locally adapted intensification strategies that align with domestic climate and biodiversity targets.

Key measures

Productivity gains, environmental impact indicators (soil health, water use, biodiversity), social outcomes, and adoption barriers across farming systems

Outcomes reported

The study assessed evidence on agricultural system redesign approaches intended to achieve sustainable intensification globally. It likely synthesised findings on productivity, environmental, and social outcomes across multiple farming systems and geographies.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Regenerative & agroecological farming
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1038/s41893-018-0114-0
Catalogue ID
BFmovi20nx-rx7ad3

Topic tags

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