Agriculture for Sustainable Development to Empower Smallholder Farming Communities

Purpose: Intensive actions implemented to alleviate poverty created many challenges. Millions of people face acute food insecurity; hence, food production needs to be increased to feed the existing and increasing population through sustainable agricultural practices. Sustainable agricultural development is the only way forward to assist humanity.Research Method: Existing literature on sustainable agriculture was reviewed, explored, understood, described, evaluated, and synthesized and their relationships to sustain smallholder farmers were analyzed.Findings: Technological innovations in increasing resource use efficiency, modern breeding techniques, and renewable energy sources aid in achieving sustainability in agriculture. Technology enhances the adaption of agriculture to climate change and increases productivity and the quality of life of farming communities. Smallholder farms with limited information and transportation need government support to access markets with modern commercialization channels. Women need to be empowered to deliver multiple agricultural roles. Wise use of natural resources, optimum allocation, and utilization of resources are vital in enhancing farm productivity. Technical knowledge, availability of inputs, extension services, and financial support are paramount in maximizing productivity and income from agriculture. Agricultural investments need substantial increments to address food insecurity and adaptation to climate change. Dissemination of research findings and experience in sustainable agricultural production practices in informal and formal ways among all agricultural stakeholders is vital in achieving agricultural sustainability. Minimizing postharvest losses through technologies is essential in minimizing global food insecurity to enhance smallholder farmers’ income. Policies related to social, economic, eco-friendly production strategies and environmental aspects directly and indirectly linked to agriculture are vital in these processes. Hence, an integral approach towards the agricultural development of smallholder and subsistence farmers can lead them to sustainability ensuring their food security.