Unleashing the power of innovation and sustainability: Transforming cereal production in the BRICS countries
Unleashing the power of innovation and sustainability: Transforming cereal production in the BRICS countries
Authors: Cosimo Magazzino, Tulia Gattone, Muhammad Usman, Donatella Valente
Journal: Ecological Indicators
Volume & Issue: Volume 167, October 2024, 112618
Published: October 2024
This study examines strategies to improve cereal production in BRICS countries from 1990 to 2021 under the pressures of climate change, urbanization, and food insecurity. Intensive agriculture has negatively impacted biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services. The research integrates technological innovations, land management, and a food production index to assess their effect on cereal yields.
Advanced econometric methods (CADF, CIPS, Westerlund cointegration, DH causality, AMG, CCEMG) and machine learning algorithms are applied. Results show that technological innovations and effective land management positively influence cereal production, while agricultural emissions reduce yields. Interaction effects between land use and innovations significantly boost production. Causality tests indicate unidirectional effects from emissions and technology to production, and bidirectional links among production, land use, and the food production index.
Policy recommendations include adopting precision agriculture, supporting R&D in biotechnology, promoting sustainable land management (e.g., agroforestry, conservation agriculture), crop diversification, and reducing environmental impacts from irrigation and fertilizers. The study emphasizes collaboration among governments, researchers, farmers, and stakeholders, tailored to each BRICS nation’s environmental and socio-economic context.
Sustainable land use is key to ensuring ecological resilience and ecosystem services, supporting food security, and aligning with SDGs 2, 8, 9, and 12. Future research should explore more recent data, socio-economic impacts on smallholder farmers, and long-term sustainability under climate change.
