Integration of Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Environmental Management on Small Farms

Abstract

This study examines the environmental impacts of agricultural and livestock practices on small-scale farms, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable natural resource management in rural areas to balance food production with ecosystem preservation. Using a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines, we critically examined peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 from major scientific databases. The analysis explores how different production systems contribute to environmental degradation (e.g., soil depletion, water pollution, biodiversity loss) and identifies key sustainability indicators, as well as practical mitigation strategies tailored to smallholder contexts. Additionally, the research evaluates producers’ levels of environmental awareness and the main barriers they face in adopting eco-friendly practices. Results show that while many farmers recognize the negative ecological consequences of conventional methods, the transition to sustainable agriculture remains limited due to insufficient access to technical information, weak institutional support, and low community engagement. These findings highlight actionable levers for change and underscore the study’s contribution to designing evidence-based, locally adapted policies and interventions that promote long-term harmony between productive agriculture and environmental conservation.