Balancing Food Production and Environmental Sustainability in Ethiopian Agriculture: A Systematic Review

Ethiopia faces the dual challenge of increasing food production for a rapidly growing population while preserving the natural resource base that sustains its agricultural systems. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 130 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 to examine the relationship between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in Ethiopia. Findings reveal that conventional agricultural expansion, deforestation, soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and inefficient water management continue to undermine long-term productivity and ecological resilience. At the same time, sustainable agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable intensification, regenerative systems, climate-smart technologies, improved water management, and diversified farming demonstrate significant potential to enhance yields while restoring soil health, improving water efficiency, and strengthening climate resilience. However, adoption remains limited due to socioeconomic constraints, insecure land tenure, knowledge gaps, weak extension systems, fragmented policies, and climate-related risks. The review identifies critical trade-offs and synergies between production and environmental outcomes and highlights persistent gaps in integrated, large-scale evidence on the combined effects of multiple sustainable practices. Generally, this review underscores that balancing food production with environmental sustainability is not optional but essential for Ethiopia’s long-term food security and ecological stability. It recommends strengthening policy coherence, improving farmer support systems, leveraging indigenous knowledge, and expanding investment in climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural strategies.