Abstract

This paper presents a review of literature in sustainable agriculture and related concepts, which entail economic, social and environmental considerations. It starts by introducing the concept of sustainable agriculture and the reasons behind its promotion in the modern day agriculture industry. The concept of sustainable agriculture is discussed together with the principles of sustainable agriculture and some concerns in agriculture. Changes which are a threat to sustainable food and fibre production include a  decline in agriculture production, increasing fuel and transportation costs, increase in food prices, population growth, environmental degradation, climate change, flaws of global market, decreasing biodiversity, desertification, reduction in water supply and quality. Global and national development in agriculture through the use of irrigation water is highlighted as a technology advance in modern agriculture. Finally, this paper discusses anticipated future developments in as far as smallholder irrigation is concerned in Swaziland.

Key words: Sustainability, agriculture, economic, social, environmental.