Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Overview & History
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (AFF) are critical food-producing sectors with both shared and distinct characteristics in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). A key commonality is their significant role in livelihoods, supporting large populations that depend on farming, forestry, and fishing. Historically, when Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) emerged in the early 1970s, many jurisdictions excluded these sectors from regulatory frameworks. This may have been due to the independence of farmers and fishers or the dual role of forestry commissions as both managers and regulators. However, today, large-scale AFF initiatives typically require full ESIAs, particularly when funded by multilateral and bilateral agencies, the World Bank, or regional banks. Smaller projects, however, often face fewer or no assessment requirements.

ESIA in AFF: Challenges and Progress
Despite their environmental significance, these sectors have been referred to as the “orphans of EIA” due to the lack of systematic environmental analysis and management. While measures such as soil conservation, environmental farm plans, forestry practice codes, and fishery regulations exist, they do not fully substitute for comprehensive impact assessment. The IAIA Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (AFF) Section actively seeks case studies demonstrating the effective application of ESIA in these sectors and encourages their submission for IAIA conferences.

Recent work in Kenya and Cambodia highlights the effectiveness of the ESIA/EIS model in addressing chronic environmental challenges, including soil erosion from unsustainable practices, overgrazing, water depletion, deforestation, and overfishing. These assessments provide actionable mitigation measures and alternative strategies to minimize environmental harm.

Moving Forward
As Francis Bacon aptly stated in 1620, “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.” Strengthening the integration of ESIA into AFF projects ensures sustainable development and the long-term viability of these critical sectors. IAIA continues to promote best practices, knowledge-sharing, and policy development to support responsible management worldwide.