The book has 10 chapters by different authors on a wide range of themes covering sustainability and resilience of agricultural practices. The topics include pesticide contamination, bioremediation, no-till, water use, participatory extension, bioavailability of phosphorus, animal manure and vermicompost.

The scene is set with a discussion on the assessment of public goods provided by farming. The contamination of water sources by agricultural pesticides is a concern. The extent of the problem and means of eliminating residues are described. Understanding nitrogen use efficiency has implications as we try to wean our agriculture off expensive inorganic nitrogen fertilisers. Microalgae can be used for bioremediation of polluted water and industrial effluents; however, other organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can also be used. In the quest for energy saving and Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, there is a tendency to reduce field operations and no-till is becoming the preferred option. Water scarcity is a major challenge; an Agricultural Water Poverty Index will identify priority areas for action. Participation of farmers in problem-solving is crucial to success in development. The South African case of joint solving of irrigation problems is a fine example of how it could take place. The chapter on bioavailability of phosphorus assembles current knowledge on the subject and can lead to more effective modelling of phosphorus movement and uptake. The use of organic manure and vermicomposting are suitable sources of fertiliser for smallholder farmers.

Inadequate editing at rather too many places mars the book.