This guidebook supports developing countries to select technologies that can help mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector and promote a sustainable agriculture sector. The GHG emissions from agriculture are mainly due to three gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). There are six broad mitigation measures that can contribute to mitigation of these gases from the agriculture sector.
1. Cropland management
2. Livestock management
3. Manure/bio-solid management
4. Bioenergy
5. Grazing land management/pasture improvement
6. Management of organic soils and restoration of degraded lands.
We have added a seventh measure: the concept of organic agriculture, which encompasses the other six measures. These seven measures contribute to mitigation of the three key greenhouse gases in three ways:
1. By reducing emissions of CH4 and N20 from agriculture
2. By enhancing removal of atmospheric greenhouse gases
3. By avoiding emissions of fossil fuels which are inputs for agriculture.
This guidebook focuses on measures 1 to 4 and organic agriculture. These measures can each be divided into activities which are exemplified through a number of technologies. The various technologies discussed in the guidebook are then mapped according to this classification and in terms of the gases mitigated by each technology. This is to provide an overall perspective to the reader.