Rooted in Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review of Natural Farming Practices Worldwide

Abstract

Natural farming provides a viable solution to global challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, and deteriorating soil quality. This review investigates the principles, regional adaptations, and effects of natural agricultural practices on a global scale.  Diverse case studies, such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India, agroecology in Latin America and permaculture in Oceania demonstrate its  potential to enhance farmer livelihoods, conserve biodiversity, sequester carbon and improve soil health . The review identifies critical barriers, such as gaps in long-term scientific validation, insufficient institutional support and limited awareness. Overcoming these challenges requires enabling factors such as improved market access, targeted policy incentives, and robust knowledge-sharing mechanisms. Policymakers are encouraged to introduce subsidies, certification programmes and region-specific frameworks, while practitioners and NGOs can leverage new insights to expand community-driven initiatives. Researchers should prioritize ongoing validation and adaptation to ensure the effectiveness of natural farming in various settings. Overall, Natural farming has the potential to transform global agriculture into food systems that are resilient and balanced by combining ecological sustainability with socio-economic benefits. This review emphasizes its transformative potential and urges cross-sector collaboration to realize its maximum potential.