Abstract

This paper explores the scope of sustainable development practices in South America with a special focus on sustainable development practices in the agricultural sector of Peru. The agricultural sector plays a key role in the economy of Peru with a contribution of around 8.2 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. Concerns over the unsustainable nature of the agricultural sector of Peru in recent years has raised questions as to what are the underlying factors preventing the sector from producing sustainable agricultural products. Consequent to this, the agricultural sector of Peru has faced criticism over deforestation, land degradation and pesticide pollution. The four identified factors that hinder the adoption of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector of Peru have been identified: financial resource limitations, environmental degradation, hyper-urbanisation and political instability. This article concludes that with possible factors drawn together to resolve these challenges, the end result will yield economic well-being, social justice, and environmental conservation in the entire country.