While we know we need to change how we farm to protect the planet, the authors explain that the real challenge lies in understanding what actually convinces a farmer to make that switch.
The researchers point out that as the pressure to feed a growing world increases, moving toward sustainable practices is no longer optional. In this massive scoping review of nearly 18,000 papers, the study examines how different incentives motivate farmers and whether these programs lead to real-world results for the environment and the economy.
The authors found that, regardless of the specific incentive, programs offering short-term financial boosts are adopted much faster than those that only focus on ecological benefits. However, when looking at the long term, the researchers found that farmers are most likely to stick with sustainable methods if they believe it will truly benefit their own land or the environment.
The study also highlights that simply offering money isn’t enough; technical assistance and hands-on support are essential for success. Ultimately, the authors conclude that policies work best when they are tailored to the specific people they are meant to help and when they carefully manage the balance between profit, social needs, and environmental health.
Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-020-00617-y
Reference:
Piñeiro, V., Arias, J., Dürr, J., Elverdin, P., Ibáñez, A. M., Kinengyere, A., Opazo, C. M., Owoo, N., Page, J. R., Prager, S. D., & Torero, M. (2020). A scoping review on incentives for adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and their outcomes. Nature Sustainability, 3(10), 809–820.