Imagine vibrant tropical rainforests, barren deserts, layers of colorful coral reefs, oceans of ice and rolling hills of plush crops, trees and flocks of wild animals. These distinctive ecosystems, blended with species of plants, animals and microorganisms make up our biologically diverse earth—commonly known as agricultural biodiversity.
What exactly is agricultural biodiversity? It’s the diversity of crops and their wild relatives; trees, animals, microbes and other species that contribute to agricultural production. This diversity exists at the ecosystem, species and genetic level, and is the result of interactions among people and the environment over thousands of years.
As we know it, life has existed on earth for about 3.5 billion years. Over 95% of the species that ever lived, have gone extinct. So why should we be concerned about current extinction rates and conserving biodiversity?
The use of agricultural biodiversity can help make agricultural ecosystems more resilient and productive, and can contribute to better nutrition, productivity and livelihoods. Essentially, without our ecosystems, certain habitats could become extinct. Also, habitat destruction would result in killing off our species. Not a good situation for our planet; but thankfully we have organizations devoted to changing this.
What organizations are making a difference to improve agricultural biodiversity? One organization you should know about that is going above the call—helping children, families, and communities throughout Sub-Saharan Africa—is Aid for Africa; a charity alliance and U.S. based non-profit.
Aid for Africa is working on a full range of development issues: from education, health, agriculture, microfinance, the environment, to wildlife conservation and others. Likewise, partner organizations are undertaking scientific research on topics related to food, agriculture, insect science, livestock and more. Without robust science advances in food production, medical treatment, pest control and more, development cannot progress.
Millions of African families rely on small patches of land for food and revenue. These agricultural efforts, sequentially depend on healthy ecosystems. But environmental loss and climate change are placing these families at risk.
In 2013, the United Nations reported 17,000 animals and plant species are at risk of extinction, and 60 percent of our planet’s ecosystems are no longer available to provide clean water and food. The UN is concerned about the well-being of Africa; however, as organizations like Aid for Africa respond to the UN’s concerns, they are able to move forward in strategically changing Africa for the better.
How is Aid for Africa responding to the UN’s issues? EcoAgriculture Partners (EAP) has teamed up with Aid for Africa and allies around the globe, to develop and sustain landscapes that produce food and support family livelihoods, while protecting environmental diversity. Through their Landscape Measures Resource Center, EAP works alongside communities and farmers to manage farmland in ways that aid biodiversity, as well as food production. Essentially, Africans within these communities are learning about crops that will nurture the soil and provide nutritional benefits, and also about land-clearing methods that leave trees and bushes in place to sustain wildlife habitats.
Another noteworthy organization is BioDiversity International. 2014 marks its 40th anniversary, as a humanitarian organization that is committed to helping communities all over the world. It helps through research that provides scientific evidence of the role that on-farm, wild agricultural and forest biodiversity can play in a more nutritious, resilient, productive, adaptable food and agricultural system.
How is BioDiversity International responding to the UN’s concerns? Each year, it is estimated that between 10% – 16% of the worldwide harvest are lost to plant disease. By utilizing agricultural biodiversity, it allows farmers to limit the spread of pests and diseases, without investing in harmful chemicals. For example, in Vakinankaratra, Madagascar, in order to reduce the white grub and black beetle, planting fodder radish next to rice protects against those harmful insects.
In Ghana, farmers plant a variety of crops that mature faster in extreme climate conditions. Essentially, they plant crops that can tolerate flooding, droughts and soil salinity. And in Ethiopia, because of the high rainfall, they plant more teff, barley and grass pea—and less lentils and wheat.
Did you know that traditional farming plays a big role in agricultural biodiversity? As we know, different crop species require different minerals, soils and amounts of water in order for crops to thrive. Traditional farming practices that are coupled with biodiversity, will apply methods such as planting diverse crops in a given area and will use crop rotation to ensure the soil can regenerate over long periods of time.
Now that we understand agricultural biodiversity and its importance, in order for it to be effective, organizations should stay current on biodiversity trends, climate changes, sustainable farming techniques and increase awareness. Want to make a big difference? Let your voice be heard! How about supporting the efforts to save our ecosystems, or investing in agricultural biodiversity research? Visit Aid for Africa or BioDiversity International for more information on how you can help their world changing efforts.