Over time agriculture has dramatically changed. Once World War II ended food and fiber productivity soared due in large part to new technology. There was also a dramatic increase in chemical use and maximizing production. This shifted the landscape for who produced the majority of the food in the U.S.
Although there were positives to the modern farming approach there have also been significant negatives. Including topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, and the decline of family farms. The farming of cows for instance are responsible for more co2 emissions than the automobile industry.
Over the last 20 years a strong movement has emerged to right these wrongs. There has been a large increase in support and acceptance of sustainable agriculture because our planet needs it now more than ever. This type of agriculture is crucially important to address both the environmental and social concerns that exist today.
There are also varying degrees of sustainable agriculture. These range from people who buy organic from the grocery store, to people who have shifted to creating their own local farm. Needless to say things are changing.
Soil Enrichment in Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture starts with soil enrichment. Soil is one of the most important elements of agricultural ecosystems. Healthy soil flourishes with tons of beneficial microbes and insects. When agriculture isn’t sustainable pesticides often kill these insects. Soils that thrive can often improve yields and produce vibrant crops that can survive through pest ridden conditions. On the contrary, soils that aren’t sustainable frequently require heavy fertilization in order to produce high yields.
A world with 9.6 billion people by 2050
The world population is growing rapidly. The current world population masses over 7 billion people, and it’s only projected to increase from here on out. So much so that over the next 12 years the population is supposed to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. Growth will be mainly in developing countries, with more than half in Africa.
This is especially important in sub-Saharan Africa where half of population growth between now and 2050 will occur. An increased population leads to a dramatically heightened demand for food. This means food sustainability is essential to the future of our planet. The United Nations and other organizations are promoting entomophagy (eating insects) as a sustainable alternative to meat.
Alternative sustainable food sources.
Because of the very legitimate fear of food security and the ever shrinking land suitable for agriculture, sustainable intensive farming practices are needed to maintain the necessary crop yields. With decreased precipitation and the rise of global warming, drought resistant crops are necessary for our planet as well.
The cricket in turn then becomes a very alluring source of food.
Insects are much more efficient at converting food into protein than traditional livestock. They can be grown in a smaller space, eat less food and drink less water too. So instead of using these precious resources to grow food, we can use them to feed people. And crickets create a fraction of the greenhouse gases released by cattle.
A gram of cricket gives you more protein than a gram of beef. It’s also a complete protein, with the right balance of essential and nonessential amino acids. With Aketta, you’re getting a better source of protein with a lower carbon footprint.