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Energy implications of the 21st century agrarian transition

Author

Listed:
  • Lorenzo Rosa

    (University of California, Berkeley
    Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich)

  • Maria Cristina Rulli

    (Politecnico di Milano)

  • Saleem Ali

    (University of Delaware
    University of Queensland)

  • Davide Danilo Chiarelli

    (Politecnico di Milano)

  • Jampel Dell’Angelo

    (Vrije Univeristeit Amsterdam)

  • Nathaniel D. Mueller

    (Colorado State University
    Colorado State University)

  • Arnim Scheidel

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

  • Giuseppina Siciliano

    (SOAS, University of London)

  • Paolo D’Odorico

    (University of California, Berkeley)

Abstract

The ongoing agrarian transition from small-holder farming to large-scale commercial agriculture is reshaping systems of production and human well-being in many regions. A fundamental part of this global transition is manifested in large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) by agribusinesses. Its energy implications, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we assess the multi-dimensional changes in fossil-fuel-based energy demand resulting from this agrarian transition. We focus on LSLAs by comparing two scenarios of low-input and high-input agricultural practices, exemplifying systems of production in place before and after the agrarian transition. A shift to high-input crop production requires industrial fertilizer application, mechanization of farming practices and irrigation, which increases by ~5 times fossil-fuel-based energy consumption compared to low-input agriculture. Given the high energy and carbon footprints of LSLAs and concerns over local energy access, our analysis highlights the need for an approach that prioritizes local resource access and incorporates energy-intensity analyses in land use governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenzo Rosa & Maria Cristina Rulli & Saleem Ali & Davide Danilo Chiarelli & Jampel Dell’Angelo & Nathaniel D. Mueller & Arnim Scheidel & Giuseppina Siciliano & Paolo D’Odorico, 2021. "Energy implications of the 21st century agrarian transition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-22581-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22581-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Steenwyk & Matthew Kuperus Heun & Paul Brockway & Tânia Sousa & Sofia Henriques, 2022. "The Contributions of Muscle and Machine Work to Land and Labor Productivity in World Agriculture Since 1800," Biophysical Economics and Resource Quality, Springer, vol. 7(2), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Guzmán, Gloria Isabel & Fernández, David Soto & Aguilera, Eduardo & Infante-Amate, Juan & de Molina, Manuel González, 2022. "The close relationship between biophysical degradation, ecosystem services and family farms decline in Spanish agriculture (1992–2017)," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    3. Rathore, Vijay Singh & Nathawat, Narayan Singh & Bhardwaj, Seema & Yadav, Bhagirath Mal & Santra, Priyabrata & Kumar, Mahesh & Shekhawat, Ravindra Singh & Reager, Madan Lal & Yadav, Shish Ram & Lal, B, 2022. "Alternative cropping systems and optimized management practices for saving groundwater and enhancing economic and environmental sustainability," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    4. Choi, Chong Seok & Ravi, Sujith & Siregar, Iskandar Z. & Dwiyanti, Fifi Gus & Macknick, Jordan & Elchinger, Michael & Davatzes, Nicholas C., 2021. "Combined land use of solar infrastructure and agriculture for socioeconomic and environmental co-benefits in the tropics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).

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