Toward Sustainability Soil and Water Research Priorities for Developing Countries (1991) / Chapter Skim
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1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Pages 6-12
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From page 6... ...
It is time to consider how we can move "toward sustainability," toward a vision of natural resource management that supports current populations while leaving future generations an equitable share of the earth's great wealth. Although the most alarmist headlines portending environmental doom are probably overdrawn, many scientists are concerned about the steady decline in basic productivity of many soil and water systems, particularly those in the high population growth regions—Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
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From page 7... ...
The interrelated issues of population growth, economic pressures, intensified land use, and environmental degradation at local and regional levels are serious causes for concern. Although these issues are universal, they are of particular concern in the developing nations of the tropics where the economic constraints of largely agrarian societies and the needs of expanding human populations are most pressing (NRC, 1991b)
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From page 8... ...
There also are gaps in our basic understanding of the ecology of these systems and of the social complexity inherent in resource use. The gravity of these issues is apparent from the attention being focused on sustainable agriculture and sustainable natural resource management.
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From page 9... ...
This committee began its work with a clear charge to look at soil and water research priorities that would contribute to "sustainable agriculture." The quest for sustainable agriculture had become a major policy thrust for the Agency for International Development and many other organizations in the development community. But it was soon clear to the committee that the rift that often separates those interested in agriculture from those interested in natural resources needs now more than ever- to be bridged.
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From page 10... ...
The goal was to bring together a range of professionals in critical aspects of soil and water management, and use their input to develop a research agenda and priorities to help AID and other international development organizations plan an efficient strategy for promoting the use of soil and water to sustain agriculture. Approximately 30 scientists representing a wide range of disciplines in the physical, biological, and social sciences participated (see Appendix B)
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From page 11... ...
The workshop provided the committee with valuable resources for its subsequent attempt to outline an effective framework and suggest priorities for soil and water research. A recurring point that emerged during the committee's tenure was the need to integrate soil and water research with other elements of natural resource management.
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From page 12... ...
This is a complex and dynamic mix of variables. In view of the evolutionary nature of agricultural systems and our knowledge of them, it is important that the setting of research priorities be an ongoing process.
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