Does certified organic agriculture increase agroecosystem health? Evidence from four farming systems in Uganda

Abstract

Over the past decades, the number of certified organic farms have increased significantly in Uganda. One assumption is that certified organic agriculture contributes to economic, social and ecological health of agroecosystems. In the literature, however, there is thin empirical evidence to support such claims. We therefore developed health indicators and contrasted data from four Ugandan farming systems with principles and objectives of organic agriculture. We identified four health patterns (ecology-driven, economically struggling, socially-driven, and hanging in) demonstrating the impact of farm management on agroecosystem health and trade-offs between health domains. Ecological farm health is strengthened only if the conversion goes beyond 'organic by default'. Marketoriented specialization can create lock-in situations if production strategies cannot be changed easily. Food shortages occur when additional income from certified production does not compensate for the reduced area and effort devoted to food crops. We conclude that the positive effects of organic certification on agroecosystem health cannot be taken for granted. Interventions promoting organic agriculture should acknowledge risks smallholder farmers take by converting to cash crop-oriented certified organic farming. A challenging question will be how aspects of wellbeing and social health can be translated into certification standards and thus product attributes.

Step by step conversion to organic agriculture

“…While purchasing them, the buying decision becomes easier as long as there is a positive correlation between the hope for a better and healthier life for the whole population (Garcia, Teixeira, 2017). Informing consumers correctly about the all benefits derived from organic products consumption, both from the aspect of human health or environmental aspect is absolutely necessary, as on that way it will be improved their awareness, helping them to make the correct decision and buy "chemically-free" food (Templer et al, 2018).…”

Estándares de sostenibilidad en los agronegocios: una revisión de las líneas de estudio en la literatura académica

“…14, No. 28, juniodiciembre de 2020 A nivel ambiental, Templer et al (2018) concluyeron que la certificación Orgánico no garantiza el mantenimiento o la mejora de la salud de los agrosistemas. El estudio de Vanderhaegen, et al (2018) señaló que los ES mejoran la productividad y los ingresos de los agricultores, pero fracasan en eliminar los trade-offs entre los resultados socioeconómicos y ambientales, aún cuando exista una combinación de múltiples certificaciones en una misma producción.…”

Trust Management in Organic Agriculture: Sustainable Consumption Behavior, Environmentally Conscious Purchase Intention, and Healthy Food Choices

“…The purpose of this research is to examine the consistent shift of consumer predispositions and behavior toward food with diminished detrimental health and environmental effects (1), focusing on issues such as consumers' decision-making with reference to organic foods, cognitive and affective attitudes as determinants that shape consumer's impulse to shop for environmentally sustainable products (e.g., the cognitive process underlying additive-free product choices), the link between personal values and opinions in relation to the organic food consumption, and the role consumer trust has in consumer intention to purchase food products having eco-friendly features and certifications, even though certified organic farming is not decisive in the preservation or improvement of the agroecosystem health (2). The insights gained from this review extend present knowledge concerning consumer pro-environmental behavioral attitude and intention as regards organic food purchasing decisions.…”