Agricultural mismanagement

Agricultural mismanagement refers to the improper use of resources and techniques in agricultural practices. It is a result of poor decision-making by farmers, landowners, and policymakers, which can lead to negative impacts on the environment and society. Mismanagement can manifest in various ways, such as overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, improper irrigation practices, and deforestation. These practices can degrade soil quality, water resources, and biodiversity, ultimately leading to reduced agricultural productivity and negative impacts on human health.

Agricultural mismanagement has become a global problem with significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 815 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger, and 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, which is equivalent to one-third of global food production. The FAO also reports that unsustainable agricultural practices, such as deforestation, water resource mismanagement, monoculture, and overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, have led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution.

Deforestation

• The Global Forest Watch reported that, in 2020, the world lost 10.04 million hectares (24.8 million acres) of tree cover, which includes forests.
• Forest Trends estimated that between 2001 and 2015, 71% of global deforestation was due to agricultural expansion.

Monoculture Farming

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stated that over 75% of global food crop types rely on animal pollination.
• In the United States, corn and soybean monoculture systems have been prevalent, with corn covering approximately 92 million acres and soybeans covering around 83 million acres in 2021.

Overuse of Fertilizers and Pesticides

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 200,000 people die each year due to acute pesticide poisoning.
• The FAO estimated that approximately 78% of phosphorus and 88% of nitrogen used in fertilizers do not reach the crops but instead contribute to water pollution.

Water Resource Mismanagement

• In regards to water resource mismanagement, The World Resources Institute (WRI) indicated that by 2030, global water demand for agriculture is projected to increase by 19%.
• The United Nations reported that nearly 1.2 billion people live in areas with water scarcity, often due to mismanagement of water resources.

The FAO estimated that globally, in 2021, soil erosion led to the loss of 24 billion tons of fertile soil annually. As of 2021, in the United States, it was estimated that soil erosion resulted in the loss of around 6 billion tons of topsoil annually. Moreover, the World Bank estimates that land degradation has reduced global agricultural productivity by 10%, leading to a loss of $40 billion annually.