SDG 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture |
SDG Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
1. Key features and metadata
Definition: This indicator measures progress towards more sustainable and productive agriculture. It is the ratio between an area under sustainable and productive agriculture and the total national agricultural land area of all agricultural farm holdings (i.e. land used primarily to grow crops and raise livestock (%)).
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AG_LND_SUST Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (%) |
No current data disaggregation available.
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AG_LND_FOVH Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of farm output value per hectare (%) |
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AG_LND_NFI Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of net farm income (%) |
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AG_LND_RMM Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of risk mitigation mechanisms (%) |
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AG_LND_SDGRD Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of soil degradation (%) |
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AG_LND_H2OAVAIL Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of variation in water availability (%) |
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AG_LND_FERTMG Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of management of fertilizers (%) |
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AG_LND_PSTCDSMG Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of management of pesticides (%) |
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AG_LND_AGRBIO Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of use of agro-biodiversity supportive practices (%) |
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AG_LND_AGRWAG Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of wage rate in agriculture (%) |
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AG_LND_FIES Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of food security (%) |
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AG_LND_LNDSTR Proportion of agricultural land area that has achieved an acceptable or desirable level of secure tenure rights to agricultural land (%) |
Sources of information: Data is collected through agricultural surveys or as integrated modules in household surveys organized by National Statistical Offices or any other national institution responsible for the collection of agricultural data, with the support from the FAO and other international agencies. Data from satellite imagery, GIS, remote sensing, environmental monitoring systems or administrative data may also be used, though several factors must be considered beforehand as highlighted in the methodological note.
Related SDG Indicators: 2.1.2 (Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)), 5.a.1 ((a) Percentage of people with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land (out of total agricultural population), by sex; and (b) Share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by type of tenure) and 2.3.2 (Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status).
2. Data availability by region, SDG Global Database, as of 21 September 2023
3. Proposed disaggregation, links to policymaking and its impact
| Proposed disaggregation | Link to policymaking | Impact |
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Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, per relevant sub-national level (%) Applies to:
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The aim of this disaggregation is to track the share of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture at sub-national levels. It provides valuable information for identifying the specific institutional (e.g. building up an enabling environment), technological and operational (e.g. access to particular practices such as organic or low-input faming), financial and economic (e.g. access to funds and economic incentives) challenges associated with the expansion of land under productive and sustainable agriculture at the sub-national level. It can also be used to formulate tailored, cost-effective and informed strategies to support the transition towards economically feasible, environmentally friendly and socially desirable agriculture, and to find the right balance between agriculture’s social, economic and environmental objectives (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] 2023b). This disaggregation contributes to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Target 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (Convention on Biological Diversity [CBD] 2022). |
This disaggregation shows to what extent agriculture at the relevant sub-national level (to be defined by governments) is sustainable or not in terms of its impacts on the natural environment, the economic soundness of farm holdings and social inclusiveness and resilience. It helps in monitoring the environmental impacts of farmer choices, farming practices, farming methods and technology on the natural environment within the farm area. For example, the pollution of water, air and soil by nutrients or the soil degradation resulting from agricultural activities. It highlights the contribution of agriculture to household livelihood and food security and the access to land resources as well as decent work and well-being. It also underscores the contribution of sustainable agriculture to sustainable consumption and production patterns as well as the productivity and profitability of farm holdings (Hayati 2017). |
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Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, by type of farming system (%) (FAO 2023a):
Applies to:
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This disaggregation provides a breakdown of the share of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, by types of farming systems. It is useful for identifying the specific issues posed by each agricultural system (for instance, by crop producers like soil fertility, pest control, and water efficiency amongst others) to developing sustainable farming practices. It gives relevant indications for evidence-based policies aimed at differentiating the means of intervention (for crop producers to manage organic fertilizers, investments in efficient irrigation, or develop crop insurance schemes to mitigate losses; for livestock producers to focus on animal health, feed efficiency, waste management, access to veterinary services and sustainable feed production; and for mixed producers to have integrated policies encouraging practices like crop-livestock rotation and agroforestry, resource optimization by using crop residues as feed or fertilizer and incentivizing diversification enhancing sustainability and productivity). It also shows how support can be delivered according to the characteristics of each agricultural system. Such data also informs targeted research and technology development (such as tailored technologies to improve effectiveness, pest-resistant crop varieties, innovations in animal nutrition, and integrated farming systems). Policymakers can leverage these insights to design sustainable agriculture policies that support livelihoods, enhance productivity, and contribute to broader goals of eliminating hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. This disaggregation contributes to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Target 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (CBD 2022). |
The effects of converting farm holdings to sustainable agricultural methods can be multi-faceted, depending on the farm types (activities-crops, crop and livestock combinations, organic agriculture; size; technologies and practices; level of integration into the agro-food value chains; social context-subsistence farming, intensive farming; environmental settings-water availability, agroecological conditions, climate change and adaptability). It can significantly impact the economic farm or land productivity and performance of holdings (i.e. the value of agricultural output per hectare). Thereby influencing farmers' income, economic profitability, viability of the farm and its overall resilience. The conversion to sustainable agriculture may yield many favorable outcomes for the environment: reduction of pollutant emission (fewer fertilizers and pesticides used as input), soil restoration, greater water availability (rational use of freshwater resources), biodiversity preservation (agro-biodiversity-supportive practices). Finally, it can improve the farmers' situation with respect to food security and health hazards, more secure land tenure rights, and the provision of decent jobs and remunerations (Hayati 2017; FAO 2023b; FAO 2023c). By addressing environmental challenges, promoting social inclusiveness and enhancing economic viability, these policies contribute to the overall well-being of society and the environment. |
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Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, by type of water management (%) (FAO 2023a):
Applies to:
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This disaggregation provides information on irrigated and non-irrigated farmlands, which brings relevant highlights of the productive potential of agriculture in a country and its capacity to address food security (since irrigation is generally associated with increased production). It also sheds light on the likely impacts of agricultural activities on the status of water resources, both in quantitative terms (e.g. water stress, water scarcity, water security or competition on the multiple uses of water) and qualitative terms (i.e. water pollution-levels that also affect water availability). Consequently, it can also be used to adapt the agriculture and water policies and related development programmes to ensure access to water of good quality to all (FAO 2023b). This disaggregation contributes to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Target 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (CBD 2022). |
The disaggregation shows the extent to which agriculture may contribute to unsustainable patterns of water use, as the agricultural sector is known to be the most intensive water sector. Water withdrawal for irrigated lands is unsustainable and can lead to surface and groundwater depletion, increased competition and strong tensions with other sectors and/or users (e.g. food production, industries or human settlements). It may also greatly affect ecological processes by not supplying a sufficient level of water flow and resource. Information and awareness campaigns on acceptable levels of water withdrawal for irrigation could target farmers and other water stakeholders – preferably at the river basin and/or aquifer levels – to ensure water availability to all users (Hayati 2017; FAO 2023b; FAO 2023c). |
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Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, by gender of the holder of the holding (%) Applies to:
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Integrating gender-disaggregated data into policy frameworks enables governments and organizations to better understand and respond to the unique challenges faced by women and men in agriculture. Policies aimed at promoting gender equality (amongst other aspects) in land ownership can help identify disparities in land tenure rights. Additionally, policies related to market access can be enhanced by understanding gender-specific constraints and promoting women’s participation in higher value-added activities. By recognizing and addressing the specific challenges faced by women and men in farming, policymakers can drive sustainable development and inclusive growth in rural communities. |
Environmentally, tailored policies can lead to more sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, understanding that women are often the primary caregivers for land can inform policies promoting agriculture practices that tend to be less resource-intensive and have lower environmental footprints and can lead to initiatives that protect and enhance ecosystems. On a social level, addressing disparities in land ownership and access to resources can contribute to greater gender equality, social inclusion, and lead to improved well-being and reduced gender-based violence. Additionally, targeted agricultural extension services can enhance women's knowledge and skills, empowering them to participate more actively in decision-making processes within their households and communities. Economically, recognizing women's contributions to agriculture and providing them with equal access to resources can unlock their potential as drivers of rural economies and can lead to increased productivity and economic growth. Moreover, promoting women's participation in higher value-added activities can lead to increased incomes and improved livelihoods for farming households. |
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Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, by size of holding (%) Applies to:
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This disaggregation assists in developing tailored land tenure policies, providing secure land rights for smallholders and regulating land concentration for larger holdings. It helps identify different financial schemes to cater to diverse needs (e.g. microfinance for smallholders and investment loans for larger farms), equitable allocation of agricultural subsidies (e.g. supporting small farms with inputs and larger ones with mechanization incentives) and adequate market access (e.g. promoting cooperatives for smallholders and direct contracts for larger producers). Such information could be used to develop targeted social welfare programmes as well as conservation programmes to ensure environmental sustainability. These policy measures ensure fair access to resources, promote sustainable practices and address socio-economic disparities across different sizes of agricultural holdings. |
Implementing policies tailored to different sizes of agricultural holdings yields significant impacts. Economically, it enhances productivity through tailored financial schemes and incentives, stimulating equitable market access, market growth and job creation across the value chain. Socially, it alleviates poverty by empowering smallholder farmers. It provides safety nets for vulnerable communities, promoting social inclusion through cooperative structures. It also empowers marginalized groups with secure land tenure and financial access. Environmentally, it promotes resource efficiency, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience through sustainable practices and land management strategies. These policies enhance balanced economic development, social equity and environmental sustainability within agricultural systems, contributing to resilient and inclusive rural communities. |