Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mauritius

As Mauritius faces the growing challenge of climate change, embracing sustainable agricultural practices is not just a necessity but a strategic opportunity for the future. The agricultural sector currently contributes 4.4% to the country’s GDP, provides 30,900 jobs, and generates export revenues of 33 billion rupees. The shift towards eco-friendly farming methods can significantly reduce environmental damage, enhance food security, and improve the overall efficiency of local food systems. By adopting practices that focus on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation, the agricultural sector can minimise the harmful effects of traditional farming techniques, which often rely heavily on chemicals. This shift aligns with the growing consumer demand for products that support sustainability, health, and the local economy, as well as the government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development. It is an ideal time for businesses and farmers in Mauritius to prioritise sustainable practices, not only to stay competitive in the global market but also to contribute to the country’s long-term environmental and economic goals.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a proven and widely adopted approach to sustainable farming that focuses on improving productivity, building resilience to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach tailors’ agricultural practices to the unique environmental and socio-economic conditions of each region. For Mauritius, CSA provides an opportunity to foster a more resilient agricultural sector, safeguarding the environment while enhancing food security and local livelihoods. In fact, studies in East and Southern Africa, have shown that smallholder farms adopting CSA practices like agroforestry, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management can increase farm yields by up to 30% while also improving soil health and resilience to climate change. These practices contribute not only to food security but also to increased farm profitability over time.

By integrating climate-smart techniques such as efficient irrigation, sustainable crop management, and agroforestry, farmers can contribute to a sustainable future while boosting productivity. Although Mauritius is not yet deeply involved in large-scale controlled environment farming, there is a gradual shift toward it, and it’s encouraging to see small entrepreneurs, including companies like Green Agro Farms Ltd, Vertifield, and Jackfruit, contributing to the development of the sector. As the demand for sustainable food systems continues to grow, investing in CSA presents a promising path toward long-term economic and environmental benefits for the island. EDB is actively supporting initiatives in this area to help drive the growth and evolution of the sector, supporting innovative solutions that will shape the future of sustainable agriculture.