Exploring futures of Aquatic Agricultural Food Systems in Southern Africa: From drivers to future-smart research and policy options

Abstract

Sustainable intensification has recently been developed and adopted as a key concept and driver for research and policy in sustainable agriculture. It includes ecological, economic and social dimensions, where food and nutrition security, gender and equity are crucial components. This book describes different aspects of systems research in agriculture in its broadest sense, where the focus is moved from farming systems to livelihoods systems. Using the case of aquatic agricultural food systems in Southern Africa and drawing on a multi-stakeholder participatory scenario-building exercise, this chapter throws light on the drivers influencing the evolution of these complex, multi-functional agri-food systems, and illustrates that multi-dimensional research, development and policy options are required to realize transformations in agri-food systems.