Final answer:
Doubling global agriculture on existing farmland requires improving crop yields through better farming technology and practices, adopting sustainable farming methods like organic agriculture, and reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming. Smallholder farms can particularly benefit from sustainable land management. The correct answer is option B. Improve crop yields.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approach to Doubling Global Agriculture on Existing Farmland
To address the challenge of feeding a growing global population, it is essential to explore methods for doubling global agriculture on existing farmland without causing more harm to ecosystems. These methods center around increasing efficiency, promoting sustainability, and enhancing resilience. One of the key approaches is to improve crop yields.
This could involve the use of better seed varieties, improved irrigation techniques, and precision farming technology. Additionally, analyzing rainfall and temperature patterns to optimize planting cycles and irrigation is a method that can lead to sustainable food growth.
Another important component is encouraging sustainable farming practices such as organic farming, which promotes biodiversity and soil health, and thus can increase long-term agricultural productivity. Smallholder farms, particularly in developing countries, can benefit greatly from sustainable land management techniques which have been shown to improve production levels and stability.
Finally, reconsidering the type of agriculture, such as a decrease in livestock agriculture, can significantly reduce environmental impacts. Livestock farming is resource-intensive, and shifting to plant-based agriculture may relieve pressure on water and land resources while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.