Productivity in agriculture for a sustainable future

Abstract

The Malthusian predictions of the future have not come to pass due largely to innovative agricultural technologies and practices that stimulated significant gains in agricultural productivity. This chapter examines the linkages between innovation, productivity, and sustainability. The definition of agricultural productivity, measured as total factor productivity (TFP), will be explained, as well as the contribution of innovation to global TFP growth and the contribution of TFP to sustainable food and agriculture systems. To illustrate these connections, this chapter highlights innovative technologies and practices used by crop and livestock producers in the United States, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. These cases demonstrate how advanced seed technologies, improvements in soil health and nutrient management, mechanization, and an emphasis on animal health drive productivity growth around the world. Many of these cases feature partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and producers where innovations and new practices are used to increase productivity, incomes, food security, and nutrition. Creating an enabling policy environment is essential for agricultural innovation, productivity, and sustainability; the chapter gives examples of public policies that stimulate such productivity: investing in public sector research and development (R&D), embracing science-based technologies, and establishing smart regulatory environments. The chapter includes a discussion of innovation, productivity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).