A Conceptual Review of Sustainable Agriculture Approaches and Practices: Toward Sustainable Agricultural Transitions

Abstract

The agricultural sector faces serious issues, such as the deterioration of natural resources, falling soil fertility, climate variability, and growing health and food security concerns. In response, sustainable agriculture has evolved as a global priority for addressing these interconnected concerns while also encouraging environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social wellbeing. This paper presents a comprehensive conceptual exploration of sustainable agriculture approaches and practices, highlighting their core principles, advantages, limitations, and contextual relevance. The study focuses on a range of prominent approaches, including Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), organic farming, conservation agriculture, sustainable intensification, and regenerative agriculture, alongside key practices such as Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), precision agriculture, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). All of these approaches together present encouraging avenues for guaranteeing the agricultural systems' long-term viability. The study is based on conceptual analysis and expert understanding rather than empirical data and aims to offer foundational insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.