Reconciling land sharing and sparing: a conceptual model for land use

Abstract

Since the introduction of the terms in the early 2000s, the land sharing versus land sparing dichotomy has sparked considerable discussion stemming from the relationship between food production and ecological function. The theory underpinning these approaches straddles disciplinary and ideological boundaries and is frequently outlined within a general economy versus ecology background. Both strategies have come up with competing models on the relationship linking agricultural production and ecological function. The present work introduces a conceptual synthesis to unify alternative models under a single coherent framework. A generalized model linking agricultural production with ecological function that can harmonize these conflicting views is presented. In addition, a conceptual shift of paradigm is suggested to approach the issue, moving from yield targets to preservation thresholds. This article provides the theoretical means to identify the environmental and policy conditions under which land sharing strategies, based on low inputs and low impact per unit of cultivated land, can compete with land sparing approaches for the combined goals of biodiversity preservation and food safety.