There are some factors that prevent farmers from practicing sustainable agriculture. These range from lack of knowledge, finances or even support systems. It is important to understand such factors as a way of finding solutions that are affordable, appropriate and effective in such production systems.

Identification of Constraining Factors

A number of factors constrain our efforts to carry out sustainable agriculture. Various factors are vital to achieving sustainability and these include the adoption of suitable cultivation practices such as crop rotation, retaining vegetative cover through reforestation programs, agroforestry, use of certified seed, improving cultural practices, clear land ownership, reduction of local fees and improving the financing policy of agricultural schemes. Constraining factors to all these include ignorance, lack of resources, poor policy formulation and implementation, absence of credit finances, attitudes, insufficient technology and information. There are also regional realities in the production systems that limit sustainable practices. These can vary from region to region.