Integrating Environmental Health and Food Security: The Agronomist’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals

The review explores the intricate relationship between agricultural practices, climate change, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG 2: Zero Hunger. It highlights the profound impact of climatic variations on crop yields, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the proliferation of pests and diseases, all contributing to reduced agricultural productivity. This poses significant challenges to achieving the SDGs of eradicating hunger and poverty. Smallholder farmers have adopted various adaptive measures, such as adjusting farming operations, on-farm diversification, and improved soil-water management. However, industrial agriculture, while successful in increasing calorie production, has led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions, thus failing to eliminate hunger and leading to widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Approximately 815 million people are currently undernourished, with two billion suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. The paper emphasizes the necessity for sustainable agricultural practices that enhance productivity while protecting ecosystems. Key strategies include improving irrigation, adopting integrated weed management, using precision agriculture, and reducing post-harvest losses. The review underscores the importance of policy interventions and innovative technologies in addressing the global food security challenge. Effective food security strategies must incorporate sustainable production practices, leverage genetic diversity, and ensure economic and physical access to nutritious food. Addressing food security within the framework of SDGs requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental sustainability, economic development, and social inclusion. Collaborative efforts between governments, scientists, and local communities are vital to achieving a sustainable and food-secure future.