Small farms play a pivotal role in strengthening local communities and economies by fostering sustainable practices, preserving biodiversity, creating job opportunities, and producing fresh, flavorful food.

Unlike large industrial farms, small farms prioritise quality through natural crop and animal management methods, as well as diverse planting practices that help reduce environmental impact.

Supporting small farms means keeping farmers’ incomes within their communities, enhancing resilience, and promoting independence. It also nurtures a closer connection between people and their food sources, fostering trust and transparency among consumers.

In an era where food systems are becoming increasingly industrialised, supporting small farms offers a transformative approach to how we eat, care for the environment, and uplift local economies.

Why small farms matter

Protecting crop and animal biodiversity

During the last century, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate a 75% decrease in crop genetic diversity and six animal breeds dying monthly.

These loses in genetic diversity could be harmful as they increase the vulnerability of global food supply following pest and disease outbreaks.  These losses have been attributed to large-scale industrial farming which is guided by monocropping on the same piece of land. Although this is economically efficient, it opens up chances for soil erosion and diminished biodiversity. Monocropping leads to erosion of soil nutrients increasing their vulnerability and dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Additionally, excessive pesticide, fertilizer, and manure run-offs can impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and all other supporting systems. Small scale farmers protect biodiversity mainly through their farming practices such as intercropping, crop rotation, alley farming, and also integrating several varieties of a single crop. 

Environmental sustainability

Environmental protection is another main factor reinforcing the need for small farms. Currently, our food production systems utilize about 75% of accessible freshwater and is responsible for up to 30% of all greenhouse gases. Contrarily, small farmers utilize resources efficiently and have a reduced carbon footprint, impacting environmental sustainability.

Over the years, studies have depicted sustainable agriculture as a potential solution to mitigate current industrial agriculture challenges. Small scale farms are highly local and diversified aligning majorly with sustainability principles, hence crucial in environmental sustainability. Besides, majority of small-scale farmers are family-oriented and are guided by the need to protect soil fertility for long-term productivity.

Local economies

Most of the profits and incomes earned by the small-scale farmers are re-invested into the community economy, creating jobs and promoting equitable growth. Small farmers also spend their income on farm-related items, promoting growth at the local level.

Moreover, the prospective benefits from small-scale farming create wealth and jobs in rural areas, leading to more peaceful and stable societies with reduced urban migration pressures. When the food is grown, processed, and distributed locally, job creation leads to economy stimulation. Further studies have shown that putting land up for large scale farming decreases the local communities’ food security status and a loss of income for the locals.

Increased productivity

Small-scale farmers, who are usually located in rural areas, are disproportionally poor but are the world’s best hope for increasing productivity and crop diversity to adequately feed the growing populations. In their small land portions, small-scale farmers are playing a vital role in feeding the world and maintaining ecological balance.

Currently, small-scale farming systems account for 50% of food calories on 30% of agricultural land, highlighting its superiority over large-scale farming in overall agricultural productivity. Studies have emphasized that smaller farms are more productive in hectarage with equal access to inputs and growing conditions compared to large scale systems. 

While considering the total output rather than the yield of a single crop, small farms can manage fewer resources more intensively, leading to increased profits per unit of output.

Mavuno Organics’ sustainable approach: Empowering farmers, enriching communities

We are deeply committed to empowering small farmers and investing in sustainable agricultural practices that strengthen both communities and ecosystems.

By partnering with local farmers, Mavuno provides resources, training, and fair trade opportunities, enabling small-scale producers to thrive in competitive markets. Their approach emphasises environmentally friendly methods, from organic farming to pest management practices that reduce chemical use, preserving soil health and promoting biodiversity. 

This partnership not only ensures a sustainable supply of high-quality produce but also uplifts farmers, offering them financial stability and growth opportunities.

Through these efforts, we nurture a resilient, empowered farming community that benefits consumers and the planet alike.

Contact us to learn more about our organic products or join our small-scale farmers at Mavuno Organics.