Report on the scoping study for the project “nature positive solutions for shifting agrifood systems to more resilient and sustainable pathways"

The concept of Nature Positive production systems has emerged from the dire need to overcome
the impacts of industrial agriculture on our food production system. The overexploitation and
degradation of finite resources has necessitated the importance of designing an agri-food system
that is not detrimental to the planet’s health. Nature Positive agriculture is regenerative, nondepleting and non-destructive use of natural resources to cover the growing demand for food
sufficiently and include sustainable and healthy nutrition. NPS is designed through 5 major
pillars which envision the creation of a sustainable food production system that can support
food security and livelihood opportunities, namely Conserve, Manage, Restore, Recycle, and
Engage.
This Scoping Study was conducted in the Akole cluster of Maharashtra, India. Secondary
research was conducted and the findings were triangulated with primary studies. As a next step,
existing Nature Negative Practices were documented and analyzed so that appropriate nature
positive interventions could be suggested. In addition, best nature positive practices currently
in practice have been recorded for upscaling and possible replication.
The aim of Nature Positive approach is not only to introduce interventions at the grassroots
level, but also to shape the discourse and policy dialogue. Once the true cost of production is
factored in, it can aid in scientifically calculating the environmental impact of food production
systems in monetary terms. This will influence governing systems at local, national and global
levels to design policies that favour a paradigm shift in agriculture to a more nature-positive
approach. Economic policies and incentives thus framed keeping in mind the objective of
Nature Positive Solutions can automatically improve the agri-food production system

Manibhai, D.N.