The sustainable intensification of farming systems. A review of cross-disciplinary research methods

The sustainable intensification of farming systems. A review of cross-disciplinary research methods

The sustainable intensification of agriculture is a widely utilized research and policy concept that has been subject to an extensive body of scientific literature. A key aspect of the concept is its multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary nature, and the need for cross-disciplinary research methodologies that integrate biophysical and socio-economic approaches to inform the suitability of alternative technologies, across diverse agro-ecological, socio-economic and institutional conditions. The multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary nature of sustainable intensification has been well accounted for by the available literature on conceptual definitions and frameworks of sustainable intensification. Less progress has been made on developing similar multidimensional and cross-disciplinary research methodologies that either causally explain determinants and impacts or simulate future developments of sustainable intensification processes. This review provides an overview of recent methodological developments and discusses future research directions in support of sustainable intensification. Emphasis is made on how to bridge the disciplinary gap between bio-physical and socio-economic research approaches, as well as how to utilize the growing availability of bio-physical and socio-economic data.

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