Combined application of the EM-DEA and EX-ACT approaches for integrated assessment of resource use efficiency, sustainability and carbon footprint of smallholder maize production practices in sub-Saharan Africa

The goal to improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through domestic, resource efficient and low carbon agriculture is importance. Interventions produce more could impact the resource-base lead increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agroecosystems. Unfortunately, existing methods are limited analyzing small-scale agricultural systems, this situation an obstacle decision making which aims at sustainable agriculture. In paper, we showcase recently developed Emergy-Data Envelopment Analysis (EM-DEA) approach assess use efficiency (RUE) sustainability maize production systems Ghana, SSA. Using Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), five land management scenarios were modeled represent practices as units (DMUs) systems. footprint of was assessed using approach, adapted FAO Ex-Ante Carbon balance Tool (EX-ACT). overall trend results showed that yield, total emergy, GHG all increased with urea application intensity. However, relationship between yield intensity not always linear. A system used renewable or fewer resources a equal its peer considered relative terms. particular, business-as-usual scenario (12 kg/ha/yr NPK input rainfed system, i.e. Extensive12) inefficient when compared four contrasting scenarios. ecological intensive (20 maize-legume intercropping Intercrop20) achieved greatest marginal better RUE sustainability. high (100 plus supplemental irrigation monoculture, Intensive100) produced but demand for purchased inputs well greatest. no external (0 Extensive0), moderate (50 Intensive50) least gaps Intensive100, respectively. Based on these trade-off analysis, it evident Intercrop20 Intensive50 two best case As such, policy recommend implementation Comparison our other empirical studies revealed similarities confirm results. We conclude information derived EM-DEA EX-ACT approaches be useful informed decisions aim Despite limitation caused by scarcity data, led inclusive DMUs. Hence, represents way forward energy whole.