Sustainable Production Systems in the Brazilian Amazon: A Systematic Review
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the implementation and consolidation of sustainable production systems in the Amazon region through a systematic literature review. The research objectives of the article are clear, and the topic has practical significance, especially in the context of the growing global demand for sustainable development. The content of the article is in line with the expectations of the United Nations for sustainable agricultural development under the 2030 Agenda. In particular, the perspective of combining the rational use of resources in the Amazon region with the needs of the global commodity market has certain application value. The comments are as follows:
(1) The abstract part of the article introduces the research purpose and method, but lacks the summary of key research results. Please supplement the main findings and conclusions of the study in the abstract.
(2) Although the introduction of the article discusses the challenges and opportunities of Amazon's sustainable production system, the innovation and contribution of this research are not clearly explained in the introduction. It is suggested to strengthen the description of the novelty of the research, which leads to the relevant content of this study.
(3) The content of the 151-181 lines of the article is too cumbersome. It is recommended that this part of the content be combined with the 2.1 part of the article to highlight the specific criteria for literature screening, such as ' title keywords, research areas and research types'.
(4) In line 223 of the article, please clarify what is relevant in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
(5) Although the research questions of the article cover the main aspects of sustainable production systems, it is recommended to increase discussions related to technology applications, especially the role of emerging agricultural technologies in promoting sustainable development.
(6) The article mainly focuses on quantitative analysis, especially the statistics of the number and distribution of research, but it is weak in qualitative analysis. It is recommended to add more in-depth discussions on various studies, especially direct opinions from producers and stakeholders, to increase the depth of the content.
(7) Please further improve the clarity and amount of information of the chart in the article.
(8) It is suggested to re-sort out part of the results of 3.0, and the data analysis is insufficient to support the research results.
(9) The conclusion part summarizes the main findings of the article, but the discussion of future solutions is relatively simple. It is suggested to propose solutions in the future in terms of technological innovation, policy research, and region-specific research, so as to provide guidance for subsequent research.
Author Response
Comments 1: (1) The abstract part of the article introduces the research purpose and method, but lacks the summary of key research results. Please supplement the main findings and conclusions of the study in the abstract.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Therefore, we have included the main findings of the research on page 1, in the abstract, lines 14-22. “It found a low distribution of studies across Brazilian Amazon states and a surge in publications since 2015, focusing on agroforestry systems and forest management. Challenges include socio-political limitations that hinder public decision-making, leading to inefficient policies, as well as economic issues, lack of know-how, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics, and cultural resistance. Nevertheless, these systems offer opportunities such as intensified and diversified production, carbon sequestration, and soil and forest conservation. Finally, future research should consider political, social, and economic aspects to facilitate the transition from traditional to sustainable models, supporting strategies for consolidating these systems in the Amazon.”
Comments 2: (2) Although the introduction of the article discusses the challenges and opportunities of Amazon's sustainable production system, the innovation and contribution of this research are not clearly explained in the introduction. It is suggested to strengthen the description of the novelty of the research, which leads to the relevant content of this study.
Response 2: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we emphasize the relevance of the research in light of the need to identify sustainable practices and the obstacles to their consolidation in the region, as well as the opportunities for this. Therefore, we have included the main findings of the research on page 2, paragraph 7, lines 73-78. “In that sense, identifying factors that hinder the consolidation of sustainable practices in the region is fundamental for optimizing techniques that address local needs and limitations. Additionally, assessing potential opportunities can help resolve challenges related to implementing these systems. A comprehensive literature review on this topic aims to provide a broader and more cohesive understanding of the current state of sustainable production in the Amazon, supporting decision-making and future scientific research.”
Comments 3:(3) The content of the 151-181 lines of the article is too cumbersome. It is recommended that this part of the content be combined with the 2.1 part of the article to highlight the specific criteria for literature screening, such as ' title keywords, research areas and research types'.
Response 3: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we merged the lines 151 to 181 with the 2.1 part of the article. You can found it on page 2, paragraph 9, lines 86 - 96 and page 3, paragraph 1 and 2, lines 97 - 109. “The search protocol consisted of selected terms to retrieve articles addressing sustainable production in the Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, the keywords Amazon, "Amazon Rainforest" and "Brazilian Amazon" were applied. Similarly, to obtain articles contributing to the discussion of sustainable production techniques in this Brazilian biome, the following terms were used: Sustainable, "Sustainable production systems", "Sustainable Agriculture", and " Sustainable intensification". Finally, based on previous research and the authors' prior knowledge of the most relevant productive models applied in the region, the following terms were selected to retrieve articles discussing the specified production systems managed sustainably in the Brazilian Amazon: Agroforestry, Agroecological, Organic, "Direct Planting", "Forest Management", "Silvipastoral", "Fish Farming", "Pisciculture", "Intercropping", "Integrated Crop-Livestock", "Integrated Crop-Forestry", "Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry", "Integrated Livestock-Forestry", "Degraded Pastures", and "Integrated Fruit Systems".
Thus, the aforementioned protocol generated a comprehensive and efficient Boolean search operator for selecting appropriate articles for this review. The following combination of keywords and operators was applied in the search databases, with minor adjustments according to the search requirements of each platform: (Amazon OR "Amazon Rainforest" OR “Brazilian Amazon”) AND (Sustainable OR "Sustainable production systems " OR " Sustainable Agriculture " OR “Sustainable intensification”) AND (Agroforestry OR Agroecological OR "Organic" OR "Direct Planting" OR “Forest Management” OR “Silvipastoral” OR “Fish Farming” OR “Pisciculture” OR “Intercropping” OR “Integrated Crop-Livestock” OR “Integrated Crop-Forestry” OR “Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry” OR “Integrated Livestock-Forestry” OR “Degraded Pastures” Integrated Fruit Systems”).”
Comments 4: (4) In line 223 of the article, please clarify what is relevant in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Response 4: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we have included the importance of the United Nations 2030 Agenda in the context of the research, specifically the SDGs 2, 12, and 13, which are associated with the research. You can find it on page 5, paragraph 2, lines 189-195. “These objectives are closely linked to sustainable agricultural production. In this context, the Amazon, as a threatened biome and a food producer, represents a strategic environment for research aimed at deepening the discussion on sustainability in food production. Thus, achieving these objectives marks progress toward more sustainable and safer agricultural practices, aligning with global strategies to enhance sustainability and food security in agriculture.”
Comments 5: (5) Although the research questions of the article cover the main aspects of sustainable production systems, it is recommended to increase discussions related to technology applications, especially the role of emerging agricultural technologies in promoting sustainable development.
Response 5: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Although we agree on the importance of technology in agriculture, the articles reviewed did not cover emerging new agricultural technologies, and therefore, no articles included in the research addressed this relevant topic. However, we recommend in the conclusion that it is necessary to address emerging new technologies for the implementation of sustainable systems in the Amazon. You can find it on page 13, paragraph 5, lines 544-546. “Moreover, the incorporation of emerging new technologies for the consolidation of productive systems should be addressed to facilitate the transition process.”
Comments 6: (6) The article mainly focuses on quantitative analysis, especially the statistics of the number and distribution of research, but it is weak in qualitative analysis. It is recommended to add more in-depth discussions on various studies, especially direct opinions from producers and stakeholders, to increase the depth of the content.
Response 6: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Although we agree, there were few articles that addressed the producer's perspective on the implementation of the systems in our literature review, as the research tends to focus more on the technical-scientific aspects than on the socioeconomic context for the producer. The few articles found were included on page 8, paragraph 4, lines 281-287, and page 9, paragraph 1, lines 288-294. Therefore, it was not possible to go deeper than what is already in the article due to the limitations observed in the literature.
Comments 7: (7) Please further improve the clarity and amount of information of the chart in the article.
Response 7: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we have included the more in depth discussion on the chart. You can find it on page 6, paragraphs 1 and 2, lines 200-217. “There was no significant concentration of articles in a single journal, which may be attributed to the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable production. This allows various fields to delve into different aspects (political, legislative, environmental, economic, social) of the same production system (Figure 3). The journals with the most articles covered in the review were Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (n = 4), followed by Agroforestry Systems (n = 3), Forest Ecology and Management (n = 3), Grass and Forest Science (n = 3), and Land Use Policy (n = 3). This shows that, despite the interdisciplinary nature of the issue, topics related to soil conservation and production in agroforestry systems and timber production predominate. This is due to the economic importance and tradition of diversified family farming in the Amazon, as well as the role of agroforestry systems in maintaining soil structure and fertility. Additionally, timber exploitation is a longstanding practice in the region, which justifies the interest.
Although research tends to focus on specific systems, most topics addressed are primarily technical aspects of agricultural production. Future studies should explore the social, economic, political, and legislative dimensions of these systems, considering their complexity not only as a means of production but also as a source of livelihood, social interaction, and political significance for local communities and within the global agricultural context.”
AND page 7, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, lines 223 - 231, 232- 236 and 240 - 242, respectively. “As previously mentioned, this behavior can be explained by the importance of integrated production in the Amazon for income diversification through family farming. Systems such as agroforestry, silvopastoral, and agropastoral represent progress toward more sustainable and secure agricultural practices, aligning with global strategies to enhance sustainability and food security in Amazonian agriculture. The role of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in developing research on the management and feasibility of agroforestry systems in the region also contributes to the promotion of these systems.
However, systems like integrated fruit production and organic farming are still uncommon research topics in the Amazon, with no articles in this review addressing these subjects. These systems, less prevalent in the region due to logistical and infrastructural challenges, have potential for income generation through the commercialization of high-value-added products.
The concentration of studies in these states is associated with the development and consolidation of agricultural production in these regions, particularly in the states of Pará and Mato Grosso.”
Comments 8: (8) It is suggested to re-sort out part of the results of 3.0, and the data analysis is insufficient to support the research results.
Response 8: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we have included more in depth analysis on the research results. You can find it on page 6, paragraphs 1 and 2, lines 200-217. Page 7, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, lines 223 - 231, 232- 236 and 240 - 242, respectively.
Comments 9: (9) The conclusion part summarizes the main findings of the article, but the discussion of future solutions is relatively simple. It is suggested to propose solutions in the future in terms of technological innovation, policy research, and region-specific research, so as to provide guidance for subsequent research.
Response 9: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment.Thus, we have propose solutions in the future in terms of technological innovation, policy research, and region-specific research. You can find it on page 13, paragraphs 5 and 6, lines 538 -554 and page 14, paragraph 1, lines 554-555. “The growing social demand for products and services with lower environmental impacts has resulted in increased pressure for the adoption of sustainable techniques in agricultural production. Productive systems in the Amazon can benefit from and assist in environmental conservation in the region, ensuring food security for present and future generations. In terms of scientific research, it is important for future studies to consider the political, social, and economic issues related to the implementation of sustainable systems in order to understand the motivations of stakeholders for their adoption. Moreover, the incorporation of emerging new technologies for the consolidation of productive systems should be addressed to facilitate the transition process. These studies can serve as a basis for the development of public credit policies to support the transition from traditional to intensified agricultural production models. Policies for providing credit, developing infrastructure, and strengthening oversight should be more widespread and effective, as these factors present barriers to the transition to a sustainable model.
Future studies should address the obstacles to implementing less harmful productive techniques in the Amazon that favor nature while aligning with global sustainable production demands. Additionally, they should propose strategies and identify opportunities to consolidate these systems, guiding decision-making and ensuring their establishment as a sustainable means of income generation and improved quality of life.”
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authorsa time consuming work. However, there is following comments for revision:
1) abstract is not very informative. Please rewrite it.
2) I felt very poor in background sections. rewrite the whole section. Please increase the background of your research, not historic change of Amason agriculture which can be part of your main research.
3) I felt the title of this manucripts requires revision. You talked about part of challenges and opportunities (very techinical areas) but not from demands, innovation, policy, and institutional perspective (including legislative framework).
Author Response
Comments 1: (1) 1) abstract is not very informative. Please rewrite it.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Therefore, we have revised the abstract. You can find it on page 1, in the abstract, lines 10-22. “The integration of the Amazon into the global commodities market requires ensuring the rational use of resources to meet market and socio-political demands, such as the UN's 2030 Agenda. Responsible production practices are essential to address the current demand for sustainable land use and resource management. This study reviewed literature (2004–2024) on the opportunities and challenges of implementing and consolidating sustainable production systems in the Amazon. It found a low distribution of studies across Brazilian Amazon states and a surge in publications since 2015, focusing on agroforestry systems and forest management. Challenges include socio-political limitations that hinder public decision-making, leading to inefficient policies, as well as economic issues, lack of know-how, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics, and cultural resistance. Nevertheless, these systems offer opportunities such as intensified and diversified production, carbon sequestration, and soil and forest conservation. Finally, future research should consider political, social, and economic aspects to facilitate the transition from traditional to sustainable models, supporting strategies for consolidating these systems in the Amazon.”
Comment 2: 2) I felt very poor in background sections. rewrite the whole section. Please increase the background of your research, not historic change of Amason agriculture which can be part of your main research.
Response 2: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Therefore, we rewrote the section and merged it with the introduction. You can find it on page 1, paragraphs 3 and 4, lines 37 - 45 AND page 2, paragraph 1, lines 46 - 49. “The historical dynamics of occupation and integration of the Brazilian Amazon, one of the world's most important tropical biomes and a last agricultural frontier, have been influenced by global events such as the Green Revolution and national programs like Operação Amazonia and the National Integration Program. These initiatives imposed a development logic often at odds with the natural ecosystem [13–15].
Initially, activities were centered on extractive resource exploitation and subsistence farming [15]. With the introduction of conventional agricultural practices driven by these events, the region's agricultural production dynamics shifted, pressuring the expansion of agricultural frontiers into the Amazon [15,1,16]. While this brought socioeconomic gains, it also caused significant social and environmental damage due to unsustainable agricultural practices [1]. The relationship between agriculture and the Amazon's occupation dynamics remains paradoxical: though aggressive exploitation prevails, well-managed practices can benefit various stakeholders [18].”
Comment 3: 3) I felt the title of this manucripts requires revision. You talked about part of challenges and opportunities (very techinical areas) but not from demands, innovation, policy, and institutional perspective (including legislative framework).
Response 3: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we have revised the manuscript title to, hopefully, better align with the scope of the work. You can find it on page 1, title, lines 2 - 3.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis article conducts a systematic literature review to explore the opportunities and challenges in implementing and consolidating sustainable production systems in the Brazilian Amazon. It evaluates 5,385 articles from 2004 to 2024 and includes 39 relevant studies. The results show a low distribution of studies among states, with a peak starting in 2015, mainly focusing on agroforestry and forest management. However, the article has several issues that require major revisions.
1. The abstract lacks specific details about the identified opportunities and challenges, and fails to present the actual research results. It is recommended to provide a more comprehensive and precise summary of the findings in the abstract.
2.The selection basis for the keyword combinations in the search protocol is not clearly explained. It is necessary to clearly state the reasons for choosing these keywords and how to ensure their comprehensiveness and effectiveness.
3.The presentation of the time and regional distribution of the research quantity is only described in words, which is not intuitive.
4.When discussing the challenges faced by sustainable production systems, specific cases can be incorporated for in-depth analysis, rather than simply listing the viewpoints of related studies.
Author Response
Comment 1 :1. The abstract lacks specific details about the identified opportunities and challenges, and fails to present the actual research results. It is recommended to provide a more comprehensive and precise summary of the findings in the abstract.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Therefore, we have revised the abstract to provide a more comprehensive and accurate summary of the research findings. You can find it on page 1, in the abstract, lines 10-22. “The integration of the Amazon into the global commodities market requires ensuring the rational use of resources to meet market and socio-political demands, such as the UN's 2030 Agenda. Responsible production practices are essential to address the current demand for sustainable land use and resource management. This study reviewed literature (2004–2024) on the opportunities and challenges of implementing and consolidating sustainable production systems in the Amazon. It found a low distribution of studies across Brazilian Amazon states and a surge in publications since 2015, focusing on agroforestry systems and forest management. Challenges include socio-political limitations that hinder public decision-making, leading to inefficient policies, as well as economic issues, lack of know-how, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics, and cultural resistance. Nevertheless, these systems offer opportunities such as intensified and diversified production, carbon sequestration, and soil and forest conservation. Finally, future research should consider political, social, and economic aspects to facilitate the transition from traditional to sustainable models, supporting strategies for consolidating these systems in the Amazon.”
Comment 2: 2.The selection basis for the keyword combinations in the search protocol is not clearly explained. It is necessary to clearly state the reasons for choosing these keywords and how to ensure their comprehensiveness and effectiveness.
Response : Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we explained the reasons why the keywords were selected and how the Boolean operation was defined. You can found it on page 2, paragraph 9, lines 86 - 96 and page 3, paragraph 1 and 2, lines 97 - 109. “The search protocol consisted of selected terms to retrieve articles addressing sustainable production in the Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, the keywords Amazon, "Amazon Rainforest" and "Brazilian Amazon" were applied. Similarly, to obtain articles contributing to the discussion of sustainable production techniques in this Brazilian biome, the following terms were used: Sustainable, "Sustainable production systems", "Sustainable Agriculture", and " Sustainable intensification". Finally, based on previous research and the authors' prior knowledge of the most relevant productive models applied in the region, the following terms were selected to retrieve articles discussing the specified production systems managed sustainably in the Brazilian Amazon: Agroforestry, Agroecological, Organic, "Direct Planting", "Forest Management", "Silvipastoral", "Fish Farming", "Pisciculture", "Intercropping", "Integrated Crop-Livestock", "Integrated Crop-Forestry", "Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry", "Integrated Livestock-Forestry", "Degraded Pastures", and "Integrated Fruit Systems".
Thus, the aforementioned protocol generated a comprehensive and efficient Boolean search operator for selecting appropriate articles for this review. The following combination of keywords and operators was applied in the search databases, with minor adjustments according to the search requirements of each platform: (Amazon OR "Amazon Rainforest" OR “Brazilian Amazon”) AND (Sustainable OR "Sustainable production systems " OR " Sustainable Agriculture " OR “Sustainable intensification”) AND (Agroforestry OR Agroecological OR "Organic" OR "Direct Planting" OR “Forest Management” OR “Silvipastoral” OR “Fish Farming” OR “Pisciculture” OR “Intercropping” OR “Integrated Crop-Livestock” OR “Integrated Crop-Forestry” OR “Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry” OR “Integrated Livestock-Forestry” OR “Degraded Pastures” Integrated Fruit Systems”).”
Comment 3: 3.The presentation of the time and regional distribution of the research quantity is only described in words, which is not intuitive.
Response 3: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment.Thus, we added one more chart for the quantitative research and deepened the discussion of the observed data. You can find it on page 6, chart 3, line 218. Also, page 6, paragraphs 1 and 2, lines 200-217. “There was no significant concentration of articles in a single journal, which may be attributed to the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable production. This allows various fields to delve into different aspects (political, legislative, environmental, economic, social) of the same production system (Figure 3). The journals with the most articles covered in the review were Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (n = 4), followed by Agroforestry Systems (n = 3), Forest Ecology and Management (n = 3), Grass and Forest Science (n = 3), and Land Use Policy (n = 3). This shows that, despite the interdisciplinary nature of the issue, topics related to soil conservation and production in agroforestry systems and timber production predominate. This is due to the economic importance and tradition of diversified family farming in the Amazon, as well as the role of agroforestry systems in maintaining soil structure and fertility. Additionally, timber exploitation is a longstanding practice in the region, which justifies the interest.
Although research tends to focus on specific systems, most topics addressed are primarily technical aspects of agricultural production. Future studies should explore the social, economic, political, and legislative dimensions of these systems, considering their complexity not only as a means of production but also as a source of livelihood, social interaction, and political significance for local communities and within the global agricultural context.”
AND page 7, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, lines 223 - 231, 232- 236 and 240 - 242, respectively. “As previously mentioned, this behavior can be explained by the importance of integrated production in the Amazon for income diversification through family farming. Systems such as agroforestry, silvopastoral, and agropastoral represent progress toward more sustainable and secure agricultural practices, aligning with global strategies to enhance sustainability and food security in Amazonian agriculture. The role of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in developing research on the management and feasibility of agroforestry systems in the region also contributes to the promotion of these systems.
However, systems like integrated fruit production and organic farming are still uncommon research topics in the Amazon, with no articles in this review addressing these subjects. These systems, less prevalent in the region due to logistical and infrastructural challenges, have potential for income generation through the commercialization of high-value-added products
The concentration of studies in these states is associated with the development and consolidation of agricultural production in these regions, particularly in the states of Pará and Mato Grosso.”
Comment 4: 4.When discussing the challenges faced by sustainable production systems, specific cases can be incorporated for in-depth analysis, rather than simply listing the viewpoints of related studies.
Response 4: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. However, despite the comprehensive review, we observed few studies with case studies, making it difficult to delve into specific cases. We suggest in the conclusion that future research include analyses addressing aspects beyond the technical view of productive systems. You can find it on page 13, paragraph 5, lines 542 - 544. “In terms of scientific research, it is important for future studies to consider the political, social, and economic issues related to the implementation of sustainable systems in order to understand the motivations of stakeholders for their adoption.”
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe novel topic of this paper focuses on the study of sustainable production systems in the Brazilian Amazon, a global biodiversity hotspot, which is of great theoretical and practical significance.The authors adopted a systematic methodology during the literature review to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the study. At the same time, the authors interpreted and analysed the findings of the study with strong logic and depth.In terms of the structure and presentation of the paper, the authors have done a relatively sound job.The introduction section clearly describes the background and purpose of the study, the research methodology section details the research design and implementation process, and the findings and discussion section presents the findings and the author's viewpoints in a well-organised manner. However, the paper also has some shortcomings.
Firstly, in terms of research methodology, although the authors have adopted a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses, the depth and breadth of the quantitative analyses still need to be strengthened, for example, the correlation and differences between the studies can be further analysed.
Secondly, in the findings section, although the authors have pointed out some key features and trends, they have not explored in depth enough the deeper reasons and mechanisms behind these features and trends.
Finally, in terms of the practicality and operability of the article, the authors could combine more with the actual situation and put forward targeted and feasible policy recommendations and practical guidance.
In summary, the paper is a literature review paper with certain academic value and practical significance.The authors have demonstrated high academic quality and research ability in topic selection, methodology and result analysis. However, in order to better enhance the quality and impact of the paper, the authors need to further improve and optimise the depth of the quantitative analysis, the exploration of the mechanisms behind the research results, as well as the practicality and operability of the paper.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageNeed to be improved.
Author Response
Comment 1: Firstly, in terms of research methodology, although the authors have adopted a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses, the depth and breadth of the quantitative analyses still need to be strengthened, for example, the correlation and differences between the studies can be further analysed.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we added one more chart for the quantitative research and deepened the discussion of the observed data. You can find it on page 6, chart 3, line 218. Also, page 6, paragraphs 1 and 2, lines 200-217. “There was no significant concentration of articles in a single journal, which may be attributed to the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable production. This allows various fields to delve into different aspects (political, legislative, environmental, economic, social) of the same production system (Figure 3). The journals with the most articles covered in the review were Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (n = 4), followed by Agroforestry Systems (n = 3), Forest Ecology and Management (n = 3), Grass and Forest Science (n = 3), and Land Use Policy (n = 3). This shows that, despite the interdisciplinary nature of the issue, topics related to soil conservation and production in agroforestry systems and timber production predominate. This is due to the economic importance and tradition of diversified family farming in the Amazon, as well as the role of agroforestry systems in maintaining soil structure and fertility. Additionally, timber exploitation is a longstanding practice in the region, which justifies the interest.
Although research tends to focus on specific systems, most topics addressed are primarily technical aspects of agricultural production. Future studies should explore the social, economic, political, and legislative dimensions of these systems, considering their complexity not only as a means of production but also as a source of livelihood, social interaction, and political significance for local communities and within the global agricultural context.”
AND page 7, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, lines 223 - 231, 232- 236 and 240 - 242, respectively. “As previously mentioned, this behavior can be explained by the importance of integrated production in the Amazon for income diversification through family farming. Systems such as agroforestry, silvopastoral, and agropastoral represent progress toward more sustainable and secure agricultural practices, aligning with global strategies to enhance sustainability and food security in Amazonian agriculture. The role of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in developing research on the management and feasibility of agroforestry systems in the region also contributes to the promotion of these systems.
However, systems like integrated fruit production and organic farming are still uncommon research topics in the Amazon, with no articles in this review addressing these subjects. These systems, less prevalent in the region due to logistical and infrastructural challenges, have potential for income generation through the commercialization of high-value-added products
The concentration of studies in these states is associated with the development and consolidation of agricultural production in these regions, particularly in the states of Pará and Mato Grosso.”
Comments 2: Secondly, in the findings section, although the authors have pointed out some key features and trends, they have not explored in depth enough the deeper reasons and mechanisms behind these features and trends.
Response 2: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, deepened the discussion the reasons behind the features and trends. You can find it on page 7, paragraph 1 and 2, lines 223 - 236. “As previously mentioned, this behavior can be explained by the importance of integrated production in the Amazon for income diversification through family farming. Systems such as agroforestry, silvopastoral, and agropastoral represent progress toward more sustainable and secure agricultural practices, aligning with global strategies to enhance sustainability and food security in Amazonian agriculture. The role of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in developing research on the management and feasibility of agroforestry systems in the region also contributes to the promotion of these systems.
However, systems like integrated fruit production and organic farming are still uncommon research topics in the Amazon, with no articles in this review addressing these subjects. These systems, less prevalent in the region due to logistical and infrastructural challenges, have potential for income generation through the commercialization of high-value-added products.”
And page 7, paragraph 3, line 240 -242. “The concentration of studies in these states is associated with the development and consolidation of agricultural production in these regions, particularly in the states of Pará and Mato Grosso.”
Comments 3: Finally, in terms of the practicality and operability of the article, the authors could combine more with the actual situation and put forward targeted and feasible policy recommendations and practical guidance.
Response 3: Thank you for pointing it out, we agree with this comment. Thus, we have propose recommendations and guidance in terms policy research and region-specific research. You can find it on page 13, paragraphs 5 and 6, lines 538 -554 and page 14, paragraph 1, lines 554-555. “The growing social demand for products and services with lower environmental impacts has resulted in increased pressure for the adoption of sustainable techniques in agricultural production. Productive systems in the Amazon can benefit from and assist in environmental conservation in the region, ensuring food security for present and future generations. In terms of scientific research, it is important for future studies to consider the political, social, and economic issues related to the implementation of sustainable systems in order to understand the motivations of stakeholders for their adoption. Moreover, the incorporation of emerging new technologies for the consolidation of productive systems should be addressed to facilitate the transition process. These studies can serve as a basis for the development of public credit policies to support the transition from traditional to intensified agricultural production models. Policies for providing credit, developing infrastructure, and strengthening oversight should be more widespread and effective, as these factors present barriers to the transition to a sustainable model.
Future studies should address the obstacles to implementing less harmful productive techniques in the Amazon that favor nature while aligning with global sustainable production demands. Additionally, they should propose strategies and identify opportunities to consolidate these systems, guiding decision-making and ensuring their establishment as a sustainable means of income generation and improved quality of life.”
Round 2
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper can be accepted.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe paper can be accepted.
Author Response
Thank you for pointing this out! We have revised the English throughout the manuscript to achieve the minor editing of English language. We hope these adjustments meet your expectations.
