The Multiple Benefits Of Agricultural Biodiversity

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2013, Ruth Raymond and Amanda Dobson, Bioversity International,   "The Youth Guide to Biodiversity" 1st Edition (Chapter 9) Youth and United Nations Global Alliance. Reproduced with permission.

Chapter 9. Verbatim.

AGRICULTURE DIVERSITY HELPS TO MINIMISE RISK. DIFFERENT POTATO VARIETIES CAN GROW UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS, AND CAN BE USED FOR A VARIETY OF DISHES. IN SOME COMMUNITIES IN THE HIGH ANDES, FARMERS WILL GROW FOUR OR FIVE SPECIES OF POTATOES ON A SMALL PLOT OF LAND. MANY OF THESE FARMERS STILL MEASURE THEIR LAND IN 'TOPO', THE AREA A FAMILY NEEDS TO GROW THEIR POTATO SUPPLY. THE SIZE OF A TOPO VARIES: IT LARGER AT HIGHER ALTITUDES BECAUSE THE LAND NEEDS MORE TIME TO LIE FALLOW AND RECOVER BETWEEN PLANTINGS COMPARED TO LOWER ALTITUDES.

© INIAP

Agricultural biodiversity is a resource that is available to everyone. In fact, some of the world’s poorest countries are the wealthiest in terms of agricultural biodiversity.

Agricultural diversity underpins dietary diversity, which contributes to lower mortality, greater longevity and a decrease in diseases normally associated with affluence, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. 

Agricultural biodiversity can improve agricultural productivity without costly inputs. Another benefit of agricultural biodiversity is somewhat intangible and difficult to quantify, but not less important. It relates to the sense of national pride and identity that arises when people come to understand the value of their traditional native foods.

Yet another advantage of agricultural biodiversity is that it buffers yields. Total harvests may be lower ina diversified production system, but they are more stable from year to year. This suits small farmers in rural areas, who seek to minimise risk –ensuring that there will always be some food for their families – rather than to maximise productivity.