A growing movement has ...

A growing movement has emerged during the past two decades to question the role of the agricultural establishment in promoting practices that contribute to these social problems. Today this movement for sustainable agriculture is garnering increasing support and acceptance within mainstream agriculture. Not only does sustainable agriculture address many environmental and social concerns, but it offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, labourers, consumers, policymakers and many others in the entire food system. Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum. Agricultural production provides income, employment and food at affordable prices as well as raw material for the processing industry and foreign exchange from exports. Creating a sustainable agricultural development path means improving the quality of life in rural areas, ensuring enough food for present and future generations and generating sufficient income for farmers. the promotion of agricultural practices and technologies that are environmentally sustainable and raise rural incomes, such as integrated pest management, soil and water conservation methods, agro-ecological approaches and agro-forestry; improvement of access to productive assets such as land and capital and measures to ensure better delivery of essential services. initiatives improving income and reducing vulnerability for producers through capacity building and a comprehensive value chain approach. Fisheries and on-farm aquaculture also have significant potential to reduce poverty and hunger and promote economic growth. Therefore, the EU promotes. improved fisheries governance and monitoring, control and surveillance systems. Artisanal fisheries and their interaction with industrial fisheries. National/regional research capacity to evaluate available resources. regional cooperation, notably through support to regional fisheries management organisations .Ponds are kept in better condition by fencing livestock from the entered pond including the reservoir. Water is provided to the livestock by installing a water supply line during construction of the pond which leads to a water tank below the dam.

A permit may be required before pond is built. Do not create a hazardous situation for people downstream by building an inadequate structure. Do not back water onto another landowner without an easement. Make sure that the dam is far enough back from your property line so that water coming around the emergency spillway will return back to the natural drain before leaving your property. To reduce the chance of drowning uses good common sense around water all year round. You cannot cut a landowner downstream from water. Proper sizing of the pond or a drawdown pipe may be required to assure some water will pass through. Don't destroy a wetland by building a pond that will cover it up with deep water. Construct during the dry season. Divert the stream; block it with a temporary low dam, or divert it through a culvert (which could become part of the outlet works or spillway later).Strip topsoil because it contains organic matter (such as roots) which prevents proper compaction and may provide seepage routes (piping) once the organic matter has decayed.