Conservation agriculture as a pathway to climate and economic Resilience for farmers in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Field crop cultivation in the Republic of Moldova faces significant challenges due to climate variability, market volatility, and rising input costs. Under these conditions, transitioning from conventional to conservation agriculture (CA) represents a strategic solution for improving farm resilience and competitiveness. This study evaluates the economic efficiency of the main field crops—wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower—by comparing income and expenditure budgets for conventional and conservation systems. The results highlight significant advantages for conservation agriculture, both in terms of profitability and the sustainable use of natural resources (water, soil, and biodiversity). The analysis, based on data from 25 representative farms collected between 2020 and 2024, shows that CA improves profitability by 15–35%, reduces fuel use by 35–40%, and decreases mechanized operations by 30–45%. These benefits result in lower production costs and greater yield stability in drought conditions. The research conclusions confirm that the implementation of conservation agriculture can contribute to the efficient adaptation of farmers to climate risks and to the consolidation of the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the Republic of Moldova.