ABSTRACT
Despite its considerable environmental impact, food production has not been regarded seriously as a cause of environmental degradation. This paper examines the impact of food production on the environment and discusses some of the known methods for limiting detrimental effects of cropping. Use of the land for food production has meant that in many cases the natural features of relief, vegetation, drainage, and soils have been changed or even completely removed, with an accompanying reduction in biodiversity. In some cases, land degradation has occurred to such a degree that it has already greatly reduced biological productivity, and in the worst examples it has been brought almost to zero. Land degradation is largely the result of human inability to perceive the problem and of indifference to it. In terms of biological capacity, sufficient food can be produced for the world population, using currently available technology and without excessive damage to the environment. Future strategies for food production must be realistically based, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Only national governments can provide the conditions in which these strategies can succeed. However, the social and economic conditions of people must be such that they are able to use the available technology. Without full cooperation of governments, non-governmental agencies, the private sector, and the food producers, the goal of food security will remain elusive and land degradation a threat to the food supplies of future generations.
