Reshaping agricultural production systems: trade-offs and implications for sustainable intensification and environment management

CONTEXT: As global food production is projected to double to meet future food demand, reshaping agricultural systems to balance productivity with environmental sustainability is a critical challenge. Cambodia, where smallholder farming dominates and rural communities face increasing socioeconomic and environmental pressures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide empirical evidence on viable intensification strategies for smallholders in Northwest Cambodia which enhance food security, reduce poverty, and promote environmental sustainability, offering practical insights to address these global priorities through locally grounded solutions.

METHODS: This study integrates demographic-socioeconomic data from a census of 997 upland households and farming practices from 46 maize plots to assess trade-offs and to navigate pathways for sustainable and resilient agricultural production.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The analysis reveals moderate-investment practices, defined by targeted and efficient input application, were highly effective, achieving yields comparable to high-investment practices (characterised by intensive chemical application), while significantly reducing environmental costs (US$134.79 per hectare) compared to low-investment practices (which applied inputs minimally). If extended, this reduction could translate to annual environmental cost savings of US$700,597 in Cambodia and US$1.16 billion across Southeast Asia. Additionally, these practices reduced production costs by US$116 per hectare and increased profits by US$23 per hectare, resulting in annual profit gains of US$707,200 in Cambodia and US$198 million across Southeast Asia. Both low- and high-investment strategies exhibited inefficiencies and higher environmental costs, underscoring the importance of balanced resource use. The analysis further uncovers critical challenges faced by smallholders, including financial constraints, climate variability, and technical knowledge gaps, which hinder their capacity to adopt sustainable practices.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to the global discourse on sustainable intensification by demonstrating moderate-investment practices can optimise farm profitability and environmental sustainability. By addressing the triple challenges of climate variability, resource constraints, and technical knowledge gaps, these findings offer actionable strategies for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to develop sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that align with global sustainability goals.