Introduction Soil quality is vital for food security as it directly affects agricultural productivity and food availability. Regenerative agriculture effectively produces food while maintaining or enhancing soil health and revitalizing ecosystems. This approach focuses on rehabilitating a farm’s ecosystem using conservation agriculture, agroecology, and other nature-based solutions that promote symbiotic processes and circular economy principles. It represents a shift from harmful agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture also helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. Healthier soil enhances crop resilience against extreme weather events like floods and droughts. Policy makers, civil society, and the private sector must encourage farmers to adopt this approach, strengthening food security and livelihoods in a changing environment. The Importance of Sustainable Farm Production There is an urgent need to transform agricultural practices and land use management to reduce food insecurity, maintain ecosystems, and mitigate climate change impacts. Many conventional agricultural systems rely heavily on synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and unsustainable cropping cycles, leading to significant land degradation, including reduced soil quality, structure, and fertility.[1] Climate change-related extreme weather patterns are intensifying soil erosion worldwide. According to the European Commission Joint Research Centre, 36 billion tons of soil are lost annually to erosion caused by wind or water.[2] Global adoption of regenerative agricultural practices on grasslands and arable land could sequester more than 100% of current anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Furthermore, regenerative agriculture can strengthen soil carbon stability, promoting a rapid drawdown of atmospheric CO2.[3] Key Regenerative Agricultural Practices Conservation Agriculture Conservation agriculture aims to boost yields while reversing environmental degradation. This approach uses minimum tillage or no-till techniques. Traditional tillage, which involves soil manipulation through digging, stirring, or overturning with machinery, can lead to soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and greenhouse gas release. Conservation agriculture leaves crop residues or cover crops on the soil surface to protect it from erosion, retain moisture, and improve soil structure. Crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles and maintain soil fertility. The long-term benefits include increased soil water retention and reduced heat and drought stress. Many countries, especially those with limited resources or fragile environments, have adopted conservation agriculture.[4] Agroecology Agroecology, promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is a holistic approach that applies ecological and social concepts to sustainable agriculture and food systems. It guides public policies towards sustainable agriculture, offering contextualized and people-centered solutions to local challenges. According to the FAO, diversified agroecological systems are more resilient to shocks and stressors. For instance, after Hurricane Mitch hit Central America in 1998, biodiverse farms employing practices like agroforestry, contour farming, and cover cropping retained 20–40% more topsoil, suffered less erosion, and experienced lower economic losses than neighboring monoculture farms. Additionally, agroecological systems resist pests and diseases better, contributing to broader control across agricultural landscapes. There is no single way to apply agroecological approaches; local contexts, constraints, and opportunities need to be considered. However, several common principles are outlined in the 10 Elements of Agroecology (FAO, 2019). Diversity: Varied crop types ensure food security and nutrition while conserving and enhancing natural resources. Co-creation and sharing of knowledge: Agricultural innovations address local challenges more effectively when co-created through participatory processes. Synergies: Building synergies enhances key functions across food systems, supporting production and multiple ecosystem services. Efficiency: Innovative agroecological practices increase output while reducing reliance on external resources. Recycling: Agroecology promotes production with lower economic and environmental costs. Resilience: Strengthening the resilience of people, communities, and ecosystems is crucial for sustainable food and agricultural systems. Human and social values: Protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equity, and social well-being is essential. Culture and food traditions: Supporting healthy, diversified, and culturally appropriate diets, contributes to food security and ecosystem health. Responsible governance: Effective governance mechanisms at all scales are required for sustainable food and agriculture systems. Circular and solidarity economy: These economies reconnect producers and consumers, fostering sustainable and inclusive development. Nature-based solutions Regenerative agriculture, which uses natural processes to support environmental health and biodiversity, is considered a nature-based solution. Nature-based solutions in agriculture have four essential functions: (i) promoting sustainable practices with a focus on production; (ii) developing green infrastructure, specifically for regulating water, improving soil, or stabilizing slopes; (iii) restoring flora, water, soil, and air, and mitigating climate change; and (iv) conserving biodiversity and ecosystem connectivity. Like regenerative agriculture, nature-based solutions offer flexible and cost-effective solutions to environmental issues. However, they should not be perceived as a quick fix. They require careful implementation with appropriate consideration for biodiversity and community needs. Simelton et al. (2021) developed a framework to address agricultural challenges and solutions, from production to landscape conservation. This includes land use functions that (i) preserve local knowledge with low intervention levels, (ii) integrate conservation and restoration pathways, and (iii) promote production systems with various land use management technologies for restoration and sustainable land uses. This framework has the potential to bridge the divide between production and conservation. Table 1: The Nature-Based Solutions Framework for Agricultural Landscapes Essential function Nature-based solution contributory mechanism Indicative temporal scale of effectiveness Sustainable practices (must have a productive element) (1) Sustain or increase agricultural production through alternative approaches to ensure the availability of water, nutrients, and enable plant breeding. Short to medium term 2) Retain or increase nutrient availability in soil, water, and plants. Short to medium term 3) Improve the microclimate at the soil surface or in the cropping zone through beneficial regulation of moisture, humidity, air movement, or temperature Green infrastructure (must have a structural engineering function) (1) Regulate water flows (energy, rate, or volume) on soil surfaces, in soil masses and at water body peripheries. Medium term (2) Prevent soil erosion by armoring a slope or watercourse bank or by catching eroding material (thus safeguarding topsoil quantity). Medium term (3) Enhance slope stability against shallow mass failures by using roots or other natural products, increasing soil shear resistance, anchoring through failure planes, and supporting soil masses through buttressing and arching (safeguarding soil masses). Medium term Amelioration (must have a beneficial biochemical, biological, or microbial function) (1) Remove, degrade, or contain pollutants in water, soil, or air through any one or combination of natural, physical, chemical, or biological agents (bio and phytoremediation). Medium term (2) Restore or stimulate beneficial biota for soil health, pollination, or pest control, in the soil, cropping zone, or nearby environment. Short to medium term (3) Remove or store atmospheric carbon in soils or plants. Medium to long term Conservation (must have a species preservation benefit) (1) Increase or protect biological diversity and habitat, either wild or modified (field scale). Medium to long term (2) Enhance connectivity, area, or health of ecosystems (large scale). Long term Source: Simelton et al. 2021. Implications The concept of regenerative agriculture is still evolving, requiring clear definitions and standards for implementation and evaluation. Studies suggest that adopting this method can significantly improve soil health, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure continued ecosystem services. This, in turn, enhances the resilience and productivity of farming systems, contributing to food security. Transitioning to regenerative agriculture demands changes in farming practices and involves skilled farmers, technology innovation, and good governance. Cooperation among governments, civil society, the private sector and farmers is crucial. Additionally, scaling up investments in regenerative agriculture requires a holistic and integrated agriculture management system that follows an ecosystem approach and includes capacity building for farmers and related stakeholders. Strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture vary widely, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is essential to promote a pluralistic and adaptive approach that acknowledges the complexity and diversity of farming systems and landscapes. By embracing regenerative, resilient, and sustainable agriculture, we can foster a more equitable, healthy, and prosperous food system that benefits both people and the planet. [1] Rodale Institute. 2020. Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Carbon Solution. [2] The European Union has initiated the "A Soil Deal for Europe" mission to safeguard and revitalize soil health in Europe and beyond. Its objectives are to secure safe food and water, preserve ecosystems, and bolster resilience to natural disasters. The mission also aims to create new economic opportunities and social benefits through innovative soil-based products and services. The European Commission is funding the mission under Horizon Europe, the EU's key funding program for research and innovation. Horizon Europe tackles climate change, helps achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and boosts the EU's competitiveness and growth. A central goal of the deal is to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soils by 2030. [3] Ibid [4] The PRC began studying conservation agriculture technology in 1992, focusing on the utility of no-tillage seeders. The study concluded that conservation agriculture benefits dry land wheat and maize production both ecologically and economically. In 1999, the Conservation Tillage Research Centre (CTRC) was established by China Agricultural University and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. Since then, CTRC has researched no-till methods, published over 200 papers, and developed more than 30 equipment prototypes. The Permanent Raised Bed (PRB) is a no-till technique involving 10-15 cm (4-6 inch) mounds for planting crops with alleys for water drainage. PRB was established in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province, to address soil degradation, limited water, and yield decline. PRB has improved soil productivity and reduced water needs. Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) is another conservation method that reduces soil compaction by confining machinery to specific lanes. CTF was applied to the Chinese Loess Plateau. Analysis showed significant improvements in soil properties and a 10.8% increase in winter wheat yield after implementing CTF. Resources ADB Knowledge Events. 2022. Biochar as a Circular Solution for Sustainable Agriculture and Poverty Reduction (ADB CE Webinar Series, Session 01). 7 June. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. 2021. Pacific Farmers Fulfil Conservation Agriculture ‘Dream’. Blog. 26 March. B. Cheng and H. Li. 2018. Agricultural Economic Losses Caused by Protection of the Ecological Basic Flow of Rivers. Journal of Hydrology. 564. pp. 68–75. Díaz et al, ed. 2019. Summary for Policymakers of the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Bonn: IPBES Secretariat. E. Simelton et al. 2021. NBS Framework for Agricultural Landscapes. Frontiers. 5 August. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Conservation Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2019. The 10 Elements of Agroecology. J. Mayer et al. 2020. Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Carbon Solution. Rodale Institute. K. S. Are et al. 2018. Changes in Soil Physical Health Indicators of an Eroded Land as Influenced by Integrated Use of Narrow Grass Strips and Mulch. Soil and Tillage Research. 184. pp. 269–280. L. Durkin and A. McCue. 2021. Regenerative Agriculture: Farming in Nature’s Form. Metabolic. 6 August. M. Donovan. 2020. What is conservation agriculture? International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. 23 January. N. Teal and K. Burkart. 2023. Regenerative Agriculture Can Play a Key Role in Combating Climate Change. One Earth. 2 June. R. Bhattacharyya, R. et al. 2012. Effects of Biological Geotextiles on Aboveground Biomass Production in Selected Agro-Ecosystems. Field Crops Research. 126. pp. 23–36. S. Daryanto et al. 2018. Quantitative Synthesis on the Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops. Earth-Sciences Reviews. 185. pp. 357–373. The Climate Reality Project. 2019. What is regenerative agriculture? Z. Huang et al. 2019. Vetiver Grass Hedgerows Significantly Trap P But Little N from Sloping Land: Evidenced from a 10-Year Field Observation. Agriculture, Ecosystem, and Environnent. 281. pp 72–80. Ask the Experts Dongmei Guo Environment Specialist, Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office, Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank Dongmei Guo works on natural capital accounting, eco-compensation, environment, and climate adaptation. Prior to ADB, she was a state council expert and director/chief in centers of Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the PRC. She holds a PhD in Economics of Natural Resources and an MSc in Climate Change and Water Resources. Follow Dongmei Guo on Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. Follow Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.