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Ren C, Zhou X, Wang C, Guo Y, Diao Y, Shen S, Reis S, Li W, Xu J, Gu B. Ageing threatens sustainability of smallholder farming in China. Nature 2023; 616:96-103. [PMID: 36813965 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Rapid demographic ageing substantially affects socioeconomic development1-4 and presents considerable challenges for food security and agricultural sustainability5-8, which have so far not been well understood. Here, by using data from more than 15,000 rural households with crops but no livestock across China, we show that rural population ageing reduced farm size by 4% through transferring cropland ownership and land abandonment (approximately 4 million hectares) in 2019, taking the population age structure in 1990 as a benchmark. These changes led to a reduction of agricultural inputs, including chemical fertilizers, manure and machinery, which decreased agricultural output and labour productivity by 5% and 4%, respectively, further lowering farmers' income by 15%. Meanwhile, fertilizer loss increased by 3%, resulting in higher pollutant emissions to the environment. In new farming models, such as cooperative farming, farms tend to be larger and operated by younger farmers, who have a higher average education level, hence improving agricultural management. By encouraging the transition to new farming models, the negative consequences of ageing can be reversed. Agricultural input, farm size and farmer's income would grow by approximately 14%, 20% and 26%, respectively, and fertilizer loss would reduce by 4% in 2100 compared with that in 2020. This suggests that management of rural ageing will contribute to a comprehensive transformation of smallholder farming to sustainable agriculture in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Ren
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Land Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaolin Guo
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Diao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sisi Shen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stefan Reis
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wanyue Li
- School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianming Xu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baojing Gu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Jakob MC, Santa D, Holte KA, Sikkeland IJ, Hilt B, Lundqvist P. Occupational health and safety in agriculture - a brief report on organization, legislation and support in selected European countries. Ann Agric Environ Med 2021; 28:452-457. [PMID: 34558269 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/140197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Agriculture and forestry are among the most dangerous professions in Europe, with a high level of accidents affecting the sustainability and viability of the sector. International conventions, EU directives and national legislation build the fundamental basis for prevention. The aim of the study is to describe and categorize national mechanisms of occupational safety and health (OSH) for agricultural workers in Europe, to assess the extent of implementing safety regulation, the body in charge, and to give examples of health and safety initiatives. MATERIAL AND METHODS Results of a questionnaire-survey on basic safety regulations on farms sent by e-mail to the representatives of 30 participating European countries in the context of the Sacurima COST action network (CA 16123) are presented. Due to the complexity, only selected countries are described in this study highlighting the regulative bodies, occupational health services or specific training offers, as well as the complexity of the mechanisms. RESULTS One of the most serious issues and deficits of EU OSH regulation is the exclusion of self-employed farmers who compose nearly 90% of the farming population. This leads to serious under-reporting of accidents, and because one of the most common measures for the performance of health and safety initiatives are the injury and ill health statistics, better registration systems are urgently needed in almost all countries as a basis for preventive efforts. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study provide a basis for raising awareness about the current OSH systems in Europe, and the importance of developing sector specific OSH strategies. The proposed activities should assist in tackling high accident rates and poor occupational health for self-employed farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Carola Jakob
- Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Leibniz Institute, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dushica Santa
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | | | | | - Björn Hilt
- Department of Occupational Medicine, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Peter Lundqvist
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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Natori Y, Hino A. Global identification and mapping of socio-ecological production landscapes with the Satoyama Index. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256327. [PMID: 34407125 PMCID: PMC8372939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Production landscapes play an important role in conserving biodiversity outside protected areas. Socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPL) are places where people use for primary production that conserve biodiversity. Such places can be found around the world, but a lack of geographic information on SEPL has resulted in their potential for conservation being neglected in policies and programs. We tested the global applicability of the Satoyama Index for identifying SEPL in multi-use cultural landscapes using global land use/cover data and two datasets of known SEPL. We found that the Satoyama Index, which was developed with a focus on biodiversity and tested in Japan, could be used globally to identify landscapes resulting from complex interactions between people and nature with statistical significance. This makes SEPL more relevant in the global conservation discourse. As the Satoyama Index mapping revealed that approximately 80% of SEPL occur outside recognized conservation priorities, such as protected areas and key biodiversity areas, identifying SEPL under the scheme of other area-based conservation measures (OECM) may bring more conservation attention to SEPL. Based on the issues identified in the SEPL mapping, we discuss ways that could improve the Satoyama Index mapping at global scale with the longitudinal temporal dimension and at more local scale with spatial and thematic resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoji Natori
- Conservation International Japan, Tokyo, Japan
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Wan N, Li L, Wu X, Fan J. Coordination of a fresh agricultural product supply chain with option contract under cost and loss disruptions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252960. [PMID: 34106997 PMCID: PMC8189505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper analyzes the option coordination problem of a fresh agricultural product supply chain under two supply chain structures, when the production cost and the loss rate are disrupted simultaneously. This paper provides the explicit option coordination conditions for the disrupted supply chain under two supply chain structures, and then explores the effects of the disruptions and supply chain structure on the option coordination conditions. The results suggest that it is unfavorable to apply the original coordinating contracts without disruptions to coordinate the disrupted supply chain. The coordination of the disrupted supply chain can be achieved with knowledge of the distribution of demand. In two coordinating contracts for the disrupted supply chain, the exercise price is still at the original level without disruptions while the option price deviates from the original level without disruptions. Moreover, the relationships of the coordination conditions in two supply chain structures depend on the value of the profit allocation coefficient. When the profit allocation coefficient exceeds (falls behind) a certain threshold, the option price is set at a higher (lower) value in the supplier-led supply chain structure than in the distributor-led supply chain structure, while the exercise price is set at a lower (higher) value in the supplier-led supply chain structure than in the distributor-led supply chain structure. Finally, the disrupted supply chain with any supply chain structure will perform better in the modified coordinating contracts than in the original coordinating contracts without disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Wan
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, PR China
| | - Li Li
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, PR China
| | - Xiaozhi Wu
- Zhongshan Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Zhongshan, PR China
| | - Jianchang Fan
- School of Marketing and Logistics Management, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nanjing, PR China
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Pradhan A, S. R, D. J. N, Panda AK, Wagh RD, Maske MR, R. V. B. Farming System for Nutrition-a pathway to dietary diversity: Evidence from India. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248698. [PMID: 33735281 PMCID: PMC7971902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Farming is the main livelihood of a majority of people in India. The country is also home to a large population of undernourished people. This indicates potential for mainstreaming the nutrition dimension in the farming system to impact on nutrition outcomes. A Farming System for Nutrition (FSN) study was conducted in two agro-ecologically different locations from 2013-2018, to explore the feasibility of nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions. The baseline survey in 2013-2014 revealed that the population in the study area was largely undernourished and that household diets were cereal-dominated. The FSN model was designed in consultation with community members, to increase availability of nutrient-dense cereals and pulses, by enhancing production and crop diversification at the farm level, promoting cultivation of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables in nutrition gardens and supporting interventions to promote access to animal foods. Nutrition awareness initiatives were undertaken to build capacity at the local level and translate production diversity to consumption diversity. An endline survey was conducted in 2017 (July-October), following three years of intervention. Crop, vegetable and animal food production and food consumption was compared with the baseline data. There was evidence of higher production and consumption of nutrient rich foods, improved household dietary diversity; and understanding and acceptance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The number of items consumed under each food group, frequency of consumption of food and average per capita intake of nutrient-rich foods were found to have improved. The results provide evidence regarding feasibility of location-specific FSN models to promote sustainable and healthy diets, using locally available plant and animal food resources, to address nutrition deficiencies in farm families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Pradhan
- ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune, India
| | - Raju S.
- M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Taramani, Chennai, India
| | - Nithya D. J.
- M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Taramani, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Bhavani R. V.
- M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Taramani, Chennai, India
- * E-mail:
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Siddique KHM, Li X, Gruber K. Rediscovering Asia's forgotten crops to fight chronic and hidden hunger. Nat Plants 2021; 7:116-122. [PMID: 33594263 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-021-00850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Asia has a rich variety of nutritious 'neglected crops', domesticated since ancient times but mostly forgotten or underutilized today. These crops, including cereals, roots, nuts, pulses, fruits and vegetables, are adapted to their land, resilient to environmental challenges and rich in micronutrients. Changing current agricultural practices from a near monoculture to a diverse cropping portfolio that uses these forgotten crops is a viable and promising approach to closing the current gaps in production and nutrition in Asia. Such an approach was proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization's Zero Hunger initiative in Asia, which aims to end hunger by 2030. The Zero Hunger initiative is a promising approach to help increase access to nutritious food; however, it faces substantial challenges, such as the lack of farmer willingness to switch crops and adequate governmental support for implementation. Countries such as Nepal have started using these neglected crops, implementing various approaches to overcome challenges and start a new agricultural pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Xuan Li
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karl Gruber
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Laurent A, Lyu X, Kyveryga P, Makowski D, Hofmann H, Miguez F. Interactive Web-based Data Visualization and Analysis Tool for Synthetizing on-farm Research Networks Data. Res Synth Methods 2021; 12:62-73. [PMID: 32729218 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The on-farm research network concept enables a group of farmers to test new agricultural management practices under local conditions with support from local researchers or agronomists. Different on-farm trials based on the same experimental design are conducted over several years and sites to test the effectiveness of different innovative management practices aimed at increasing crop productivity and profitability. As a larger amount of historical trial data are being accumulated, data of all the trials require analyses and summarization. Summaries of on-farm trials are usually presented to farmers as individual field reports, which are not optimal for the dissemination of results and decision making. A more practical communication method is needed to enhance result communication and decision making. R Shiny is a new rapidly developing technology for turning R data analyses into interactive web applications. For the first time for on-farm research networks, we developed and launched an interactive web tool called ISOFAST using R Shiny. ISOFAST simultaneously reports all trial results about the same management practice to simplify interpretation of multi-site and multi-year summaries. We used a random-effects model to synthetize treatment differences at both the individual trial and network levels and generate new knowledge for farmers and agronomists. The friendly interface enables users to explore trial summaries, access model outputs, and perform economic analysis at their fingertips. This paper describes a case-study to illustrate how to use the tool and make agronomic management decisions based on the on-farm trial data. We also provided technical details and guidance for developing a similar interactive visualization tool customized for on-farm research network. ISOFAST is currently available at https://analytics.iasoybeans.com/cool-apps/ISOFAST/.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaodan Lyu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Peter Kyveryga
- Center for Farming Innovation, Iowa Soybean Association, Ankeny, Iowa, USA
| | - David Makowski
- INRAE, UMR MIA 518 AgroParisTech INRAE Université Paris-Saclay, 16 rue Claude Bernard 75231 Paris CEDEX 05, France
| | - Heike Hofmann
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Fernando Miguez
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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8
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Fargnoli M, Lombardi M. NOSACQ-50 for Safety Climate Assessment in Agricultural Activities: A Case Study in Central Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E9177. [PMID: 33302581 PMCID: PMC7764403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Safety climate assessment has been recognized as a powerful tool to bring to light workers' perceptions related to safety practices, attitudes and behaviors at the workplace. Accordingly, its investigation can provide useful information about safety problems within a company before accidents occur. In literature, numerous studies can be found investigating safety climates in different types of industry. However, safety climate assessment in agricultural activities is addressed scarcely, even though agriculture represents a very hazardous sector. To reduce this gap, the present study proposes an investigation of safety climate among farmers by means of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50). The results of the survey brought to light a low level of safety perception of the interviewed sample, especially as concerns safety commitment and risk-taking attitudes. In particular, a different attitude toward safety issues has been registered depending on both the position and gender of the interviewed farmers. Overall, the output of this cross-sectional analysis adds to the current literature by expanding knowledge of safety climate among farmers, representing a baseline for further investigations based on human-centered approaches to enhance safety in agriculture and consequently social and workplace aspects of sustainable agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Fargnoli
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment (DICMA), Sapienza-University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy;
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shanks
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - May Ci van Schalkwyk
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Córdoba C, Triviño C, Toro Calderón J. Agroecosystem resilience. A conceptual and methodological framework for evaluation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0220349. [PMID: 32320393 PMCID: PMC7176124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This article proposes a conceptual and methodological framework for analyzing agroecosystem resilience, in which aspects such as agrarian structure and peasant community agency are included as determining factors. The methodology is applied to a comparison of two peasant communities in Latin America (Brazil and Colombia), emphasizing the capacity to transform unsustainable power structures in place of adapting to them. We find that when agrarian structure is more equitable and peasant agency is strongly developed through political formation, organization and women's participation, then there is a greater construction of resilience that improves peasant livelihoods and dignity. This application demonstrates that when agency is strongly developed, as in the case of Brazil, it is possible to transform structural conditions that restrict resilience. The inclusion and consideration of biophysical variables, management practices, agrarian structure and agency, through a participatory approach, allows for the identification of factors that inhibit or potentiate the resilience of agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Córdoba
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Desarrollo (CIDER), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina Triviño
- Instituto de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Toro Calderón
- Instituto de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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11
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Gomes HDO, Menezes JMC, da Costa JGM, Coutinho HDM, Teixeira RNP, do Nascimento RF. Evaluating the presence of pesticides in bananas: An integrative review. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 189:110016. [PMID: 31801098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pesticides are organic compounds widely used in modern agriculture, being relevant for helping plantations and increasing food production. The banana, a fruit with oriental origin, stands out for being widely produced in tropical and subtropical regions which, like other matrices, is susceptible to pest action. This review aims to evaluate the presence of pesticides in bananas according to Brazilian, European and Codex legislation. METHODS Four databases, ScienceDirect, SciELO, PubMed and Springer, were used to find relevant articles in the literature addressing methods for the determination of pesticide residues in bananas using the terms "banana", "chromatography", "pesticides" and "determination". The search stages included reading abstracts and titles, reading the full text, extracting data and analyzing data from eligible articles. The search was restricted to original research articles published in English from 2008 to 2018. RESULTS 404 articles were found from the initial research, with only 15 studies being considered eligible for this review. Mass spectrometry is the most widely used detection technique. 5 articles were seen to use a multiresidue method to analyze only bananas (pulp), and from these, only 2 studies used methods to analyze the pulp and peel. The articles analyzed 172 samples, with 59.3% of these being conducted in Europe, 32.5% being conducted in Asia and only 8.1% in South America. A total of 79.1%, 32.4% and 42.6% of samples were unsatisfactory according to the Brazilian, European and Codex legislation, respectively, with these samples being contaminated with pesticide residues. CONCLUSION This review presents the scarcity of articles aimed at identifying pesticide residues in bananas and the urgency of checking the quality of the fruit that reaches the population. The MRLs allowed by different legislations have clear divergences that do not ensure the lowest concentration values that guarantee consumer safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiago de O Gomes
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, R. Cel. Antonio Luis 1161, 63105000, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Jorge Marcell C Menezes
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, R. Cel. Antonio Luis 1161, 63105000, Crato, CE, Brazil; Science and Technology Center, Federal University of Cariri, Av. Ten Raimundo Rocha 1639, 63048080, Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | - José Galberto M da Costa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, R. Cel. Antonio Luis 1161, 63105000, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Henrique Douglas M Coutinho
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, R. Cel. Antonio Luis 1161, 63105000, Crato, CE, Brazil.
| | - Raimundo Nonato P Teixeira
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, R. Cel. Antonio Luis 1161, 63105000, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo F do Nascimento
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará, R. Humberto Monte S/N, 60455700, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Mitchell RC, Israel GD, Diehl DC, Galindo-Gonzalez S. From plan to action: Adapting evaluation to serve the developmental needs of a newly-funded multidisciplinary research center. Eval Program Plann 2020; 78:101729. [PMID: 31698318 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS) is one of many newly-funded federal research centers, housing five multidisciplinary research projects and seven pilot projects, and serving a multi-state region. In the early stages of such a complex project, with multiple teams separated by geography and disciplines, the evaluation program has been integral in connecting internal and external stakeholders at the center and project levels. We used a developmental evaluation (DE) framework to respond to the complex political environment surrounding agricultural health and safety in the southeast; to engage external stakeholders in guiding the center's research and outreach trajectories; to support center research teams in a co-creation process to develop logic models and tailored indicators; and to provide timely and feedback within the center to address communications gaps identified by the evaluation program. By using DE principles to shape monitoring and evaluation approaches, our evaluation program has adapted to the dynamic circumstances presented as our center's progress has been translated from a plan in a grant proposal to implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Claire Mitchell
- Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida, 213 Rolfs Hall, PO Box 110540, 32611, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Glenn D Israel
- University of Florida. 218 Rolfs Hall, PO Box 110540, 32611 Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - David C Diehl
- University of Florida. 3028B McCarty Hall D, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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14
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Abstract
The "war on cancer" began over 40 years ago with the signing of the National Cancer Act of 1971. Currently, complete eradication has proven possible in early stage premetastatic disease with increasingly successful early detection and surgery protocols; however, late stage metastatic disease remains invariably fatal. One of the main causes of treatment failure in metastatic disease is the ability of cancer cells to evolve resistance to currently available therapies. Evolution of resistance to control measures is a universal problem. While it may seem that the mechanisms of resistance employed by cancer cells are impossible to control, we show that many of the resistance mechanisms are mirrored in agricultural pests. In this way, we argue that measures developed in the agricultural industry to slow or prevent pesticide resistance could be adopted in clinical cancer biology to do the same. The agriculture industry recognized the problem of pesticide resistance and responded by developing and enforcing guidelines on resistance management and prevention. These guidelines, known as integrated pest management (IPM), do not encourage eradication of pests but instead strive to maintain pests, even with the presence of resistant strains, at a level that does not cause economic damage to the crops. Integrated pest management inspired management of metastatic cancer could result in the slowing or curtailing of widespread resistance to treatment, reducing overall drug usage, and increasing the survival and quality of life of patients with cancer. Using IPM principles as a foundation and shifting the goal of treatment of metastatic disease to long-term management will require close monitoring of evolving tumor populations, judicious application of currently available therapies, and development of new criteria of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Whelan
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, and Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jessica J. Cunningham
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gennari
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
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16
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Nordhagen S, Nielsen J, van Mourik T, Smith E, Klemm R. Fostering CHANGE: Lessons from implementing a multi-country, multi-sector nutrition-sensitive agriculture project. Eval Program Plann 2019; 77:101695. [PMID: 31400655 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Using agriculture to improve nutrition is an approach growing in popularity, with programs becoming increasingly complex and multisectoral. While there is an active line of research assessing the impacts of such programs, little has been written about the process of successfully implementing them. As such, this paper uses a multisectoral nutrition-sensitive agriculture program implemented in four African countries as a case study to address key challenges in and lessons learned from implementation. We highlight the overall flexibility of nutrition-sensitive agriculture but also the need to adapt certain aspects to the particular context, as well as the opportunities for cross-context learning (and the limits to this). Integrating rigorous evaluation into such complex programs and forging diverse cross-sectoral partnerships offer both rewards and challenges, upon which we reflect. Main lessons learned from the program include the importance of carefully sequencing interventions, retaining flexibility in implementation, allowing for considerable time for cross-sector integration and coordination, and considering community impacts when designing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Nordhagen
- Helen Keller International Africa Regional Office, BP 29.898, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Jennifer Nielsen
- Helen Keller International, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, Floor 2, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Tom van Mourik
- Helen Keller International Africa Regional Office, BP 29.898, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Erin Smith
- Helen Keller International Tanzania, PO Box 34424, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rolf Klemm
- Helen Keller International, c/o Organization of American States (OAS), 1889 F Street, NW, Floor 4, Washington, DC, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Abstract
Agriculture reflects One Health principals, with the job of the farmer being to sustainably balance human, animal, and soil health. It is imperative to include an agricultural perspective when addressing antibiotic resistance (AR) from a One Health perspective, as the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals have an intimate working knowledge of these complex systems, and they will be on the front lines of implementing on-farm control measures. Currently, communication across the One Health triad (humans, animals, environment) regarding agricultural AR is hindered by ambiguous language, complicated by cultural and linguistic differences that can lead to the conclusion that the other participant is not aware of the facts, or has ulterior motives. This work explores and identifies the language and vocabulary of AR in the context of supporting strategic short- and long-term problem solving in a One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Durso
- USDA, ARS, Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, 251 Filley Hall, UNL East Campus, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
| | - Kimberly L Cook
- USDA, ARS, Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, 950 College Station Rd., Athens, GA, 30605, USA
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18
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Abstract
The active phase of conventional static composting systems varies dramatically, ranging from several weeks to several months. Therefore, this study was to examine the effect of a combined continuous aeration-rotation process on shortening the active phase of composted material. A mixture of tomato plant residues with 20%-chicken manure (v/v) was composted in two identical pilot-scale bioreactors. One of them was static, and the other was continuously rotated at 3 rpm; each was supplied with continuous aeration. Compost temperatures (Tc) were measured throughout the composting process; the moisture content (MC) and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N) were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. The quality and stage of compost were evaluated at the end of the experiment using Dewar, Solvita, and visual tests. Continuous aeration-rotation significantly reduced the active phase period to 4.5 days, increased the compost temperature (Tc) to 60°C after 3 days of operation, and remained at 50-65°C for approximately 3 consecutive days (thermophilic stage). In contrast, compost in the static bioreactor remained in the mesophilic stage (Tc < 45°C). During the composting process, the C/N ratio was reduced from 30/1 to 23/1 in the rotating bioreactor, while it remained at 30/1 in the static bioreactor, indicating that the nitrogen content was not a limiting factor affecting the composting process. The MC was within the optimum range for microorganisms (58-61%) for both bioreactors. After the active phase had ended in the rotating bioreactor, the compost was inactive and ready for further maturation, while compost from the static bioreactor was still immature and active. These results show that the proposed method can be done on a commercial scale to significantly reduce the composting period and to enhance the compost stability and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad N. Alkoaik
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
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19
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Abstract
Based on the calculation of the inclusive financial development level of 22 provinces and 4 municipalities in China from 2004 to 2017, this paper uses the Kernel density estimation method to further analyze the evolution of the inclusive financial index. Based on the above analysis, we make empirical analysis of the impact of China's inclusive financial inclusion development index on farmers' entrepreneurship using static panel and dynamic panel estimation method. The empirical conclusions show that there are certain differences in inclusive financial inclusion development level in various provinces in China. Improving the inclusion development level of inclusive finance can better promote farmers' entrepreneurship. Urbanization level, economic openness and regional economic development level have a significant positive effect on farmers' entrepreneurship, while farmers' income and education level have a significant negative effect on farmers' entrepreneurship. It is possible to promote farmers' entrepreneurship by improving the inclusive development level of inclusive finance, combining urbanization, increasing government investment in productive fixed assets, increasing economic openness and improving regional economic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jiang
- Business School, Suqian College, Suqian, JiangSu, China
| | - Aihua Tong
- Business School, Suqian College, Suqian, JiangSu, China
| | - Zhifei Hu
- Business School, Suqian College, Suqian, JiangSu, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Shenwan Hongyuan Securities CO., LTD, Shanghai,China
- * E-mail:
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20
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21
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Müller A, Mora V, Rojas E, Díaz J, Fuentes O, Giron E, Gaytan A, van Etten J. Emergency drills for agricultural drought response: a case study in Guatemala. Disasters 2019; 43:410-430. [PMID: 30516865 PMCID: PMC7379514 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Drills are an important element of disaster management, helping to increase preparedness and reduce the risk of real-time failure. Yet, they are not applied systematically to slow-onset disasters such as a drought, which causes damage that is not instantly apparent and thus does not solicit immediate action. This case study evaluates how drills inform institutional responses to slow-onset disasters. It spotlights Guatemala, a country where drought has severe impacts on livelihoods and the food security of small farmers. By implementing part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food's institutional response plan for drought, it explores how drills can help to detect issues in emergency response and to foster an institutional focus on improvements in preparedness. The results reveal that drills alone do not trigger institutional improvements if unsupported by a wider strategy that seeks to enhance capacities and protocols. These findings are valuable, however, in making problems transparent and in creating the space for discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Müller
- Post‐Doctoral Fellow at Bioversity International, Costa Rica
| | - Vesalio Mora
- PhD student at Bioversity International and the Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica, and Regional Planning Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Costa Rica
| | - Edwin Rojas
- Vice‐Minister for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Guatemala
| | - Jorge Díaz
- Program Officer at the Rural Extension Unit at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, Guatemala
| | - Obdulio Fuentes
- Assistant‐Director of the Unit for Integrated Disaster Risk Management at the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction, Guatemala
| | - Estuardo Giron
- Project Coordinator at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre, Costa Rica
| | - Ada Gaytan
- Project Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction at Acción contra el Hambre, Guatemala
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22
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Ge J, Polhill JG, Matthews KB, Miller DG, Spencer M. Not one Brexit: How local context and social processes influence policy analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208451. [PMID: 30557363 PMCID: PMC6296738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper develops an empirical agent-based model to assess the impacts of Brexit on Scottish cattle farms. We first identify several trends and processes among Scottish cattle farms that were ongoing before Brexit: the lack of succession, the rise of leisure farming, the trend to diversify and industrialise, and, finally, the phenomenon of the "disappearing middle", characterised by the decline of medium-sized farms and the polarization of farm sizes. We then study the potential impact of Brexit amid the local context and those ongoing social processes. We find that the impact of Brexit is indeed subject to pre-Brexit conditions. For example, whether industrialization is present locally can significantly alter the impact of Brexit. The impact of Brexit also varies by location: we find a clear divide between constituencies in the north (highland and islands), the middle (the central belt) and the south. Finally, we argue that policy analysis of Brexit should consider the heterogeneous social context and the complex social processes under which Brexit occurs. Rather than fitting the world into simple system models and ignoring the evidence when it does not fit, we need to develop policy analysis frameworks that can incorporate real world complexities, so that we can assess the impacts of major events and policy changes in a more meaningful way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Ge
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Moss C, Bekele TH, Salasibew MM, Sturgess J, Ayana G, Kuche D, Eshetu S, Abera A, Allen E, Dangour AD. Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) evaluation study: a protocol to evaluate impact, process and context of a large-scale integrated health and agriculture programme to improve complementary feeding in Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022028. [PMID: 30030320 PMCID: PMC6059290 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improving complementary feeding in Ethiopia requires special focus on dietary diversity. The Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) programme is a government-led multisectoral intervention that aims to integrate the work of the health and agriculture sectors to deliver a complex multicomponent intervention to improve child feeding and reduce stunting. The Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Natural Resources implement the intervention. The evaluation aims to assess a range of processes, outcomes and impacts. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The SURE evaluation study is a theory-based, mixed methods study comprising impact and process evaluations. We hypothesise that the package of SURE interventions, including integrated health and agriculture behaviour change communication for nutrition, systems strengthening and multisectoral coordination, will result in detectable differences in minimum acceptable diet in children 6-23 months and stunting in children 24-47 months between intervention and comparison groups. Repeated cross-sectional household surveys will be conducted at baseline and endline to assess impact. The process will be assessed using observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the fidelity and dose of programme implementation, behavioural pathways of impact and contextual factors interacting with the intervention. Pathways of impact will also be explored through statistical analyses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received ethics approval from the scientific and ethical review committees at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The findings will be disseminated collaboratively with stakeholders at specified time points and through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cami Moss
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tesfaye Hailu Bekele
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Joanna Sturgess
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Girmay Ayana
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Kuche
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Eshetu
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Andinet Abera
- Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alan D Dangour
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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24
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Eriksson M, Samuelson L, Jägrud L, Mattsson E, Celander T, Malmer A, Bengtsson K, Johansson O, Schaaf N, Svending O, Tengberg A. Water, Forests, People: The Swedish Experience in Building Resilient Landscapes. Environ Manage 2018; 62:45-57. [PMID: 29785612 PMCID: PMC5999132 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A growing world population and rapid expansion of cities increase the pressure on basic resources such as water, food and energy. To safeguard the provision of these resources, restoration and sustainable management of landscapes is pivotal, including sustainable forest and water management. Sustainable forest management includes forest conservation, restoration, forestry and agroforestry practices. Interlinkages between forests and water are fundamental to moderate water budgets, stabilize runoff, reduce erosion and improve biodiversity and water quality. Sweden has gained substantial experience in sustainable forest management in the past century. Through significant restoration efforts, a largely depleted Swedish forest has transformed into a well-managed production forest within a century, leading to sustainable economic growth through the provision of forest products. More recently, ecosystem services are also included in management decisions. Such a transformation depends on broad stakeholder dialog, combined with an enabling institutional and policy environment. Based on seminars and workshops with a wide range of key stakeholders managing Sweden's forests and waters, this article draws lessons from the history of forest management in Sweden. These lessons are particularly relevant for countries in the Global South that currently experience similar challenges in forest and landscape management. The authors argue that an integrated landscape approach involving a broad array of sectors and stakeholders is needed to achieve sustainable forest and water management. Sustainable landscape management-integrating water, agriculture and forests-is imperative to achieving resilient socio-economic systems and landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Eriksson
- Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lotta Samuelson
- Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Anders Malmer
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | | - Nicolai Schaaf
- Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anna Tengberg
- Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Dale AP, Vella K, Gooch M, Potts R, Pressey RL, Brodie J, Eberhard R. Avoiding Implementation Failure in Catchment Landscapes: A Case Study in Governance of the Great Barrier Reef. Environ Manage 2018; 62:70-81. [PMID: 28980059 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Water quality outcomes affecting Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are governed by multi-level and multi-party decision-making that influences forested and agricultural landscapes. With international concern about the GBR's declining ecological health, this paper identifies and focuses on implementation failure (primarily at catchment scale) as a systemic risk within the overall GBR governance system. There has been limited integrated analysis of the full suite of governance subdomains that often envelop defined policies, programs and delivery activities that influence water quality in the GBR. We consider how the implementation of separate purpose-specific policies and programs at catchment scale operate against well-known, robust design concepts for integrated catchment governance. We find design concerns within ten important governance subdomains that operate within GBR catchments. At a whole-of-GBR scale, we find a weak policy focus on strengthening these delivery-oriented subdomains and on effort integration across these subdomains within catchments. These governance problems when combined may contribute to failure in the implementation of major national, state and local government policies focused on improving water quality in the GBR, a lesson relevant to landscapes globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan P Dale
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University (JCU), PO Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia.
| | - Karen Vella
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Science and Engineering Faculty, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Margaret Gooch
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University (JCU), PO Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - Ruth Potts
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Science and Engineering Faculty, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Robert L Pressey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, JCU, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Jon Brodie
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, JCU, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Rachel Eberhard
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Science and Engineering Faculty, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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26
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Fan Y, Jin X, Xiang X, Gan L, Yang X, Zhang Z, Zhou Y. Evaluating and predicting the effectiveness of farmland consolidation on improving agricultural productivity in China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198171. [PMID: 29874258 PMCID: PMC5991407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Food security has always been a focus issue in China. Farmland consolidation (FC) was regarded as a critical way to increase the quantity and improve the quality of farmland to ensure food security by Chinese government. FC projects have been nationwide launched, however few studies focused on evaluating the effectiveness of FC at a national scale. As such, an efficient way to evaluate the effectiveness of FC on improving agricultural productivity in China will be needed and it is critical for future national land consolidation planning. In this study, we selected 7505 FC projects completed between 2006 and 2013 with good quality Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as samples to evaluate the effectiveness of FC. We used time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer NDVI from 2001 to 2013, to extract four indicators to characterize agricultural productivity change of 4442 FC projects completed between 2006 and 2010, i.e., productivity level (PL), productivity variation (PV), productivity potential (PP), and multi-cropping index (MI). On this basis, we further predicted the same four characteristics for 3063 FC projects completed between 2011 and 2013, respectively, using Support Vector Machines (SVM). We found FC showed an overall effective status on improving agricultural productivity between 2006 and 2013 in China, especially on upgrading PL and improving PP. The positive effect was more prominent in the southeast and eastern China. It is noteworthy that 27.30% of all the 7505 projects were still ineffective on upgrading PL, the elementary improvement of agricultural productivity. Finally, we proposed that location-specific factors should be taken into consideration for launching FC projects and diverse financial sources are also needed for supporting FC. The results provide a reference for government to arrange FC projects reasonably and to formulate land consolidation planning in a proper way that better improve the effectiveness of FC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeting Fan
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Land and Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobin Jin
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Land and Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Natural Resources Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiaomin Xiang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Land and Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Le Gan
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuhong Yang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Land and Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Natural Resources Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- China Land Surveying and Planning Institute, Ministry of land and resources, Beijing, China
| | - Yinkang Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Land and Resources, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Natural Resources Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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27
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Brock C, Ulrich-Schad JD, Prokopy L. Bridging the Divide: Challenges and Opportunities for Public Sector Agricultural Professionals Working with Amish and Mennonite Producers on Conservation. Environ Manage 2018; 61:756-771. [PMID: 29411074 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-0998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As Amish and Old Order and Conservative Mennonite (i.e., Plain) farmers increase their presence in the agricultural sector, it is crucial for public sector agricultural professionals to effectively work with them to mediate nonpoint source pollution and address issues like the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. However, there is a dearth of research on how public sector agricultural professionals can better work with Plain producers on environmental management. There are also few training resources for those working with this key, yet hard to reach, population. Additionally, due to their religious doctrines, Plain communities strive to live apart from the "world" and may be discouraged from working with government entities and attending non-Plain people events. This study analyzes interview data from 23 Amish farmers in one region of Indiana and 18 public sector agricultural professionals from a variety of backgrounds and geographies in areas of the U.S. with heavy Plain populations. Public sector agricultural professionals identified some key agronomic challenges on Plain farms related to issues like poor pasture and manure management as well as socio-cultural challenges such as restrictions on electronic and phone communication. Educators should design outreach strategies that take into consideration that faith convictions and conservation concerns may vary greatly based on the specificities of the particular Plain church group. By better understanding this population and how to work with them, public sector agricultural professionals can more effectively work towards addressing environmental problems with this under-served group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Brock
- 230 Gentry Hall, Division of Applied Social Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | | | - Linda Prokopy
- Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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Zuma MK, Kolanisi U, Modi AT. The Potential of Integrating Provitamin A-Biofortified Maize in Smallholder Farming Systems to Reduce Malnourishment in South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E805. [PMID: 29671831 PMCID: PMC5923847 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Biofortification interventions have the potential to combat malnutrition. This review explored the use of provitamin A-biofortified maize (PVABM) as a vitamin A deficiency (VAD) reduction agricultural-based strategy. Maize has been identified as one of the key staple crops for biofortification to reduce hidden hunger in Africa. Most nutrition interventions have not been successful in reducing hunger because rural communities, who mainly rely on agriculture, have been indirectly excluded. The biofortification intervention proposed here aims to be an inclusive strategy, based on smallholder farming systems. Vitamin A is a micronutrient essential for growth, immune function, reproduction and vision, and its deficiency results in VAD. VAD is estimated to affect more than 250 million children in developing countries. In Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, maize is a staple food for rural communities, consumed by most household members. Due to carotenoids, PVABM presents an orange color. This color has been reported to lead to negative perceptions about PVABM varieties. The perceived agronomic traits of this maize by smallholder farmers have not been explored. Adoption and utilization of PVABM varieties relies on both acceptable consumer attributes and agronomic traits, including nutritional value. It is therefore important to assess farmers' perceptions of and willingness to adopt the varieties, and the potential markets for PVABM maize. It is essential to establish on-farm trials and experiments to evaluate the response of PVABM under different climatic conditions, fertilizer levels and soils, and its overall agronomic potential. For the better integration of PVABM with smallholder farming systems, farmer training and workshops about PVABM should be part of any intervention. A holistic approach would enhance farmers' knowledge about PVABM varieties and that their benefits out-compete other existing maize varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthokozisi K Zuma
- Department of Crop Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
| | - Unathi Kolanisi
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Consumer Sciences, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Albert T Modi
- Department of Crop Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
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Chang GR. Persistent organochlorine pesticides in aquatic environments and fishes in Taiwan and their risk assessment. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:7699-7708. [PMID: 29288298 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous contaminants with high bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment; they can have adverse effects in humans and animals. This study examined residual concentrations in water, sediments, and fishes as well as the association between the health risks of OCPs and fish consumption in the Taiwanese population. Various water and sediment samples from Taiwanese aquaculture and fish samples from different sources were collected and analyzed through gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations of 20 OCPs, namely, aldrin; cis-chlordane; trans-chlordane; dieldrin; endrin; alpha-endosulfan; beta-endosulfan; heptachlor; hexachlorobenzene; alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane; beta-hexachlorocyclohexane; lindane; mirex; pentachlorobenzene; o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); p,p'-DDT; and DDT metabolites (o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane [DDD]; p,p'-DDD; o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE]; and p,p'-DDE). None of the analyzed samples was positive for OCP contamination, suggesting no new input pollution from the land through washing into Taiwanese aquaculture environments. However, OCP residues were detected in fishes caught along the coast, namely, skipjack tuna and bigeye barracuda, and in imported fishes, such as codfish and salmon. DDT was the predominant pesticide. The contamination pattern of persistent organic pollutants was as follows: dieldrin > cis-chlordane > hexachlorobenzene, with average concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 2.74 ng/g. The risk was assessed in terms of the estimated daily intake (EDI) for potential adverse indices; the EDI of OCP residues was lower than 1% of the acceptable daily intake established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization. The assessed risk was negligible and considered to be at a safe level, suggesting no association between fish consumption and risks to human health in Taiwan. However, a continuous monitoring program for OCP residues in fishes is necessary to further assess the possible effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng-Ruei Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi, Taiwan, 60054, Republic of China.
- Division of Residual Control, Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substance Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, 11 Guangming Road, Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan, 41358, Republic of China.
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30
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Tackling the prevalence of bovine TB in Ethiopia. Vet Rec 2018; 182:126-7. [PMID: 29419495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Farming activity in Ethiopia is being stepped up in a bid to increase the country's economy, but what effect will this have on disease transmission? Georgina Mills explains.
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31
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Gove sets out key areas for farming reform. Vet Rec 2018; 182:36. [PMID: 29326383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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Civero G, Rusciano V, Scarpato D. Orientation of Agri-Food Companies to CSR and Consumer Perception: A Survey on Two Italian Companies. Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric 2018; 9:134-141. [PMID: 29737270 DOI: 10.2174/2212798410666180508103619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the most important tool for implementing Sustainability Guidelines for Business (US20030018487A1), delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all the stakeholders and is currently the focus of international studies and debates (US7260559B1), especially in the agri-food sector as demonstrated by recent patents (CA2862273A1). In most agri-food businesses operating in Italy, there is little effectiveness in the communication strategies of this instrument to the stakeholders since they are often not advanced. METHODS Identifying the first two food companies in the European ranking of the 6th CSR Online Awards, through an empirical survey on consumers, their level of perception of the CSR strategies communication of these companies will be analyzed. RESULTS In both case studies analyzed, there is the presence of a Sustainability Orientation and the evolution of CSR tools within such companies and their promotion and communication to all the stakeholders. Despite this, the level of perception of respondents on the CSR strategies communication of these companies and the promotion of CSR instruments is not optimal. CONCLUSION The interviewed consumers have not enriched their knowledge on CSR due to the lack of an adequate communication strategy for both case studies. Consequently, to raise awareness on the subject, there is still a great deal of cooperation needed between public institutions, local communities, businesses and citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Civero
- Department of Legal and Economic Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rusciano
- Department of Legal and Economic Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Scarpato
- Department of Legal and Economic Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many North American cities have a built environment that provides access to energy-dense food and little opportunity for active living. Urban agriculture contributes to a positive environment involving food plant cultivation that includes processing, storing, distributing and composting. It is a means to increase local food production and thereby improve community health. The purpose of this study was to understand how participating in urban agriculture can help to empower young adults and build capacity for growing food in the city. METHODS This was a qualitative study of seven participants (five Indigenous and two non-Indigenous) between the ages of 19 and 29 years, engaged as interns in an urban agriculture project known as "askîy" in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2015. We used a case-study design and qualitative analysis to describe the participants' experience based on the sustainable livelihoods framework. RESULTS A collaborative approach had a great effect on the interns' experiences, notably the connections formed as they planned, planted, tended, harvested and sold the produce. Some of the interns changed their grocery shopping habits and began purchasing more vegetables and questioning where and how the vegetables were produced. All interns were eager to continue gardening next season, and some were planning to take their knowledge and skills back to their home reserves. CONCLUSION Urban agriculture programs build capacity by providing skills beyond growing food. Such programs can increase local food production and improve food literacy skills, social relationships, physical activity and pride in community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Martin
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lindsey Vold
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Wendl MJ, Cramer ME. Evaluating Effective Leadership and Governance in a Midwestern Agricultural Safety and Health Coalition. Workplace Health Saf 2017; 66:84-94. [PMID: 29117855 DOI: 10.1177/2165079917729172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural Centers are a coalition of organizations and individual members with a common purpose: to improve the health and safety of the agricultural community. Successful leadership and governance are essential in accomplishing these goals. This article examined the effectiveness of a midwestern Agricultural Health and Safety Center (Ag Center) leadership and governance structure. The Internal Coalition Outcomes Hierarchy (ICOH) framework and the Internal Coalition Effectiveness (ICE©) instrument were used, with field visit interviews conducted to gain further insight. Combined comparative findings from both research methods showed that scores in each of the categories increased. Adjustments led to stronger collaborative leadership, vital to successful population health improvement programs. This study showcases coalition qualities in a broader environment, capturing a clearer depiction of leadership and member interaction. Field visit interviews confirmed that this midwestern Ag Center continued to have strong levels of effectiveness in each of the conceptual constructs of a coalition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Wendl
- 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing
| | - Mary E Cramer
- 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing
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McCluskey K, Barker KB, Barton HA, Boundy-Mills K, Brown DR, Coddington JA, Cook K, Desmeth P, Geiser D, Glaeser JA, Greene S, Kang S, Lomas MW, Melcher U, Miller SE, Nobles DR, Owens KJ, Reichman JH, da Silva M, Wertz J, Whitworth C, Smith D. The U.S. Culture Collection Network Responding to the Requirements of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. mBio 2017; 8:e00982-17. [PMID: 28811341 PMCID: PMC5559631 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00982-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Culture Collection Network held a meeting to share information about how culture collections are responding to the requirements of the recently enacted Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The meeting included representatives of many culture collections and other biological collections, the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Secretariat of the CBD, interested scientific societies, and collection groups, including Scientific Collections International and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network. The participants learned about the policies of the United States and other countries regarding access to genetic resources, the definition of genetic resources, and the status of historical materials and genetic sequence information. Key topics included what constitutes access and how the CBD Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House can help guide researchers through the process of obtaining Prior Informed Consent on Mutually Agreed Terms. U.S. scientists and their international collaborators are required to follow the regulations of other countries when working with microbes originally isolated outside the United States, and the local regulations required by the Nagoya Protocol vary by the country of origin of the genetic resource. Managers of diverse living collections in the United States described their holdings and their efforts to provide access to genetic resources. This meeting laid the foundation for cooperation in establishing a set of standard operating procedures for U.S. and international culture collections in response to the Nagoya Protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin McCluskey
- Fungal Genetic Stock Center, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Katharine B Barker
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hazel A Barton
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Kyria Boundy-Mills
- Phaff Yeast Culture Collection, Food Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Daniel R Brown
- Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan A Coddington
- Global Genome Initiative, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin Cook
- Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center, Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | | | - David Geiser
- The Fusarium Research Center, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessie A Glaeser
- U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Center for Forest Mycology Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephanie Greene
- USDA National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Seogchan Kang
- Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael W Lomas
- National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota, East Boothbay Harbor, Maine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Wertz
- E. coli Stock Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cale Whitworth
- Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center, Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Møller LR, Drews M, Larsen MAD. Simulation of Optimal Decision-Making Under the Impacts of Climate Change. Environ Manage 2017; 60:104-117. [PMID: 28374226 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change causes transformations to the conditions of existing agricultural practices appointing farmers to continuously evaluate their agricultural strategies, e.g., towards optimising revenue. In this light, this paper presents a framework for applying Bayesian updating to simulate decision-making, reaction patterns and updating of beliefs among farmers in a developing country, when faced with the complexity of adapting agricultural systems to climate change. We apply the approach to a case study from Ghana, where farmers seek to decide on the most profitable of three agricultural systems (dryland crops, irrigated crops and livestock) by a continuous updating of beliefs relative to realised trajectories of climate (change), represented by projections of temperature and precipitation. The climate data is based on combinations of output from three global/regional climate model combinations and two future scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) representing moderate and unsubstantial greenhouse gas reduction policies, respectively. The results indicate that the climate scenario (input) holds a significant influence on the development of beliefs, net revenues and thereby optimal farming practices. Further, despite uncertainties in the underlying net revenue functions, the study shows that when the beliefs of the farmer (decision-maker) opposes the development of the realised climate, the Bayesian methodology allows for simulating an adjustment of such beliefs, when improved information becomes available. The framework can, therefore, help facilitating the optimal choice between agricultural systems considering the influence of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Ravnkilde Møller
- UNEP DTU Partnership, DTU Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Marmorvej 51, DK, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Drews
- Department of Systems Analysis, DTU Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, building 426, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Morten Andreas Dahl Larsen
- Department of Systems Analysis, DTU Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, building 426, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Abebe GK, Chalak A, Abiad MG. The effect of governance mechanisms on food safety in the supply chain: Evidence from the Lebanese dairy sector. J Sci Food Agric 2017; 97:2908-2918. [PMID: 27804134 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food safety is a key public health issue worldwide. This study aims to characterise existing governance mechanisms - governance structures (GSs) and food safety management systems (FSMSs) - and analyse the alignment thereof in detecting food safety hazards, based on empirical evidence from Lebanon. RESULTS Firm-to-firm and public baseline are the dominant FSMSs applied in a large-scale, while chain-wide FSMSs are observed only in a small-scale. Most transactions involving farmers are relational and market-based in contrast to (large-scale) processors, which opt for hierarchical GSs. Large-scale processors use a combination of FSMSs and GSs to minimise food safety hazards albeit potential increase in coordination costs; this is an important feature of modern food supply chains. The econometric analysis reveals contract period, on-farm inspection and experience having significant effects in minimising food safety hazards. However, the potential to implement farm-level FSMS is influenced by formality of the contract, herd size, trading partner choice, and experience. CONCLUSION Public baseline FSMSs appear effective in controlling food safety hazards; however, this may not be viable due to the scarcity of public resources. We suggest public policies to focus on long-lasting governance mechanisms by introducing incentive schemes and farm-level FSMSs by providing loans and education to farmers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gumataw K Abebe
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Chalak
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad G Abiad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Allen W, Cruz J, Warburton B. How Decision Support Systems Can Benefit from a Theory of Change Approach. Environ Manage 2017; 59:956-965. [PMID: 28280913 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0839-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Decision support systems are now mostly computer and internet-based information systems designed to support land managers with complex decision-making. However, there is concern that many environmental and agricultural decision support systems remain underutilized and ineffective. Recent efforts to improve decision support systems use have focused on enhancing stakeholder participation in their development, but a mismatch between stakeholders' expectations and the reality of decision support systems outputs continues to limit uptake. Additional challenges remain in problem-framing and evaluation. We propose using an outcomes-based approach called theory of change in conjunction with decision support systems development to support both wider problem-framing and outcomes-based monitoring and evaluation. The theory of change helps framing by placing the decision support systems within a wider context. It highlights how decision support systems use can "contribute" to long-term outcomes, and helps align decision support systems outputs with these larger goals. We illustrate the benefits of linking decision support systems development and application with a theory of change approach using an example of pest rabbit management in Australia. We develop a theory of change that outlines the activities required to achieve the outcomes desired from an effective rabbit management program, and two decision support systems that contribute to specific aspects of decision making in this wider problem context. Using a theory of change in this way should increase acceptance of the role of decision support systems by end-users, clarify their limitations and, importantly, increase effectiveness of rabbit management. The use of a theory of change should benefit those seeking to improve decision support systems design, use and, evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Allen
- Learning for Sustainability, PO Box 3018, Christchurch, 8244, New Zealand.
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Takahashi B, Burnham M, Terracina-Hartman C, Sopchak AR, Selfa T. Climate Change Perceptions of NY State Farmers: The Role of Risk Perceptions and Adaptive Capacity. Environ Manage 2016; 58:946-957. [PMID: 27658682 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-016-0742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is expected to severely impact agricultural practices in many important food-producing regions, including the Northeast United States. Changing climate conditions, such as increases in the amount of rainfall, will require farmers to adapt. Yet, little is known with regard to farmers' perceptions and understandings about climate change, especially in the industrialized country context. This paper aims at overcoming this research limitation, as well as determining the existing contextual, cognitive, and psychological barriers that can prevent adoption of sustainable practices of farmers in New York State. The study is framed within the adaptive capacity and risk perception literature, and is based on a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with farmers in 21 farms in two counties in Central New York. The results reveal diverging views about the long-term consequences of climate change. Results also reveal that past experience remains as the most important source of information that influences beliefs and perceptions about climate change, confirming previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Takahashi
- School of Journalism and Department of Communication, Michigan State University, 348 CAS Bldg. MSU Campus, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Morey Burnham
- Department of Environmental Studies, SUNY-ESF, 109 Marshall Hall, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY, 13210-2787, USA
| | - Carol Terracina-Hartman
- Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- School of Journalism, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Amanda R Sopchak
- Central NY Regional Planning and Development Board, 100 Clinton Square, Suite 200, 126 North Salina St., Syracuse, NY, 13202, USA
| | - Theresa Selfa
- Department of Environmental Studies, SUNY-ESF, 219 Marshall Hall, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY, 13210-2787, USA
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Herzog F, Franklin J. State-of-the-art practices in farmland biodiversity monitoring for North America and Europe. Ambio 2016; 45:857-871. [PMID: 27334103 PMCID: PMC5102971 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0799-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Policy makers and farmers need to know the status of farmland biodiversity in order to meet conservation goals and evaluate management options. Based on a review of 11 monitoring programs in Europe and North America and on related literature, we identify the design choices or attributes of a program that balance monitoring costs and usefulness for stakeholders. A useful program monitors habitats, vascular plants, and possibly faunal groups (ecosystem service providers, charismatic species) using a stratified random sample of the agricultural landscape, including marginal and intensive regions. The size of landscape samples varies with the grain of the agricultural landscape; for example, samples are smaller in Europe and larger in North America. Raw data are collected in a rolling survey, which distributes sampling over several years. Sufficient practical experience is now available to implement broad monitoring schemes on both continents. Technological developments in remote sensing, metagenomics, and social media may offer new opportunities for affordable farmland biodiversity monitoring and help to lower the overall costs of monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Herzog
- Agroscope, Reckenholzstr. 191, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janet Franklin
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875302, Tempe, AZ USA
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Hashim M, Osman M, Abdullah R, Pillai V, Abu Bakar UK, Hashim H, Daud HM. Research and Development of Transgenic Plants in Malaysia: An Example from An Asian Developing Country. Food Nutr Bull 2016; 23:367-75. [PMID: 16619743 DOI: 10.1177/156482650202300410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2000, agriculture contributed 13% to the national gross domestic product of Malaysia. the country of 23 million people has created a competitive program coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, research institutions, and universities to undertake biotechnology research in several areas. Intensified research efforts are under way on oil palm, rubber, rice, papaya, and orchids. Although the most progress has been made in rice and papaya, no transgenic crop is ready for field trials. Nonetheless, preliminary steps have been taken to prepare for the trials, and detailed testing protocols are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzukhi Hashim
- Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abstract
Conversion of scientific achievements to market a product is a key issue and the best description of significance of science for society. In the case of experts in the natural sciences in Poland, we observe a high intellectual potential of researchers and several scientific discoveries. However, Polish inventions are very rarely available on the market and the number of national and international patent applications done by Polish scientists is very limited. For the development of bioeconomy, the progress in biotechnology is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Woźniak
- Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences of Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Twardowski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Nanyunja J, Jacxsens L, Kirezieva K, Kaaya AN, Uyttendaele M, Luning PA. Shift in performance of food safety management systems in supply chains: case of green bean chain in Kenya versus hot pepper chain in Uganda. J Sci Food Agric 2016; 96:3380-3392. [PMID: 26538231 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the level of design and operation of food safety management systems (FSMS) of farmers and export traders in Kenya and Uganda. FSMS diagnostic tools developed for the fresh produce chain were used to assess the levels of context riskiness, FSMS activities and system output in primary production (n = 60) and trade (n = 60). High-risk context characteristics combined with basic FSMS are expected to increase the risk on unsafe produce. RESULTS In Uganda both farmers and export traders of hot peppers operate in a high- to moderate-risk context but have basic FSMS and low systems output. In Kenya, both farmers and export traders of green beans operate in a low- to moderate-risk context. The farmers have average performing FSMS, whereas export trade companies showed more advanced FSMS and system output scores ranging from satisfactory to good. CONCLUSION Large retailers supplying the EU premium market play a crucial role in demanding compliance with strict voluntary food safety standards, which was reflected in the more advanced FSMS and good system output in Kenya, especially traders. In Kenya, a clear shift in more fit-for-purpose FSMS and higher system output was noticed between farms and trade companies. In the case of Uganda, traders commonly supply to the less demanding EU wholesale markets such as ethnic specialty shops. They only have to comply with the legal phytosanitary and pesticide residue requirements for export activities, which apparently resulted in basic FSMS and low system output present with both farmers and traders. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nanyunja
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Klementina Kirezieva
- Product Design and Quality Management Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, NL-6700 EV, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Archileo N Kaaya
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mieke Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieternel A Luning
- Product Design and Quality Management Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, NL-6700 EV, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Ruan X, Qiu F, Dyck M. The effects of environmental and socioeconomic factors on land-use changes: a study of Alberta, Canada. Environ Monit Assess 2016; 188:446. [PMID: 27376846 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Various environmental and socioeconomic issues have been attributed to land-use changes, and therefore, the underlying mechanisms merit investigation and quantification. This study assesses a comprehensive series of land-use conversions that were implemented over a recent 12-year period in the province of Alberta, Canada, where rapid economic and population growth has occurred. Spatial autocorrelation models are applied to identify the comprehensive effects of environmental and socioeconomic factors in each conversion case. The empirical results show that the impacts of key environmental and socioeconomic factors varied in intensity depending on the type of land-use conversion involved. Overall, land suitability for agricultural uses, road density, elevation, and population growth were found to be significant predictors of land-use changes. High land suitability, low elevation, and moderate road density were associated with land conversion for agricultural purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Ruan
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada.
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Miles Dyck
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
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Cole DC, Levin C, Loechl C, Thiele G, Grant F, Girard AW, Sindi K, Low J. Planning an integrated agriculture and health program and designing its evaluation: Experience from Western Kenya. Eval Program Plann 2016; 56:11-22. [PMID: 27003730 PMCID: PMC4863223 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Multi-sectoral programs that involve stakeholders in agriculture, nutrition and health care are essential for responding to nutrition problems such as vitamin A deficiency among pregnant and lactating women and their infants in many poor areas of lower income countries. Yet planning such multi-sectoral programs and designing appropriate evaluations, to respond to different disciplinary cultures of evidence, remain a challenge. We describe the context, program development process, and evaluation design of the Mama SASHA project (Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa) which promoted production and consumption of a bio-fortified, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). In planning the program we drew upon information from needs assessments, stakeholder consultations, and a first round of the implementation evaluation of a pilot project. The multi-disciplinary team worked with partner organizations to develop a program theory of change and an impact pathway which identified aspects of the program that would be monitored and established evaluation methods. Responding to the growing demand for greater rigour in impact evaluations, we carried out quasi-experimental allocation by health facility catchment area, repeat village surveys for assessment of change in intervention and control areas, and longitudinal tracking of individual mother-child pairs. Mid-course corrections in program implementation were informed by program monitoring, regular feedback from implementers and partners' meetings. To assess economic efficiency and provide evidence for scaling we collected data on resources used and project expenses. Managing the multi-sectoral program and the mixed methods evaluation involved bargaining and trade-offs that were deemed essential to respond to the array of stakeholders, program funders and disciplines involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Cole
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; International Potato Center (CIP), Peru.
| | | | | | - Graham Thiele
- CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas, Lima, Peru
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Borrello M, Lombardi A, Pascucci S, Cembalo L. The Seven Challenges for Transitioning into a Bio-based Circular Economy in the Agri-food Sector. Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric 2016; 8:39-47. [PMID: 26957467 DOI: 10.2174/221279840801160304143939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Closed-loop agri-food supply chains have a high potential to reduce environmental and economic costs resulting from food waste disposal. This paper illustrates an alternative to the traditional supply chain of bread based on the principles of a circular economy. METHODS Six circular interactions among seven actors (grain farmers, bread producers, retailers, compostable packaging manufacturers, insect breeders, livestock farmers, consumers) of the circular filière are created in order to achieve the goal of "zero waste". In the model, two radical technological innovations are considered: insects used as animal feed and polylactic acid compostable packaging. RESULTS The main challenges for the implementation of the new supply chain are identified. Finally, some recent patents related to bread sustainable production, investigated in the current paper, are considered. CONCLUSION Recommendations are given to academics and practitioners interested in the bio-based circular economy model approach for transforming agri-food supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luigi Cembalo
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 96, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy.
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Gathani S, Gomez MP, Sabates R, Stoelinga D. The Effect of Monitoring: How Data Collection Type and Frequency Boosts Participation and the Adoption of Best Practices in a Coffee Agronomy Training Program in Rwanda. Eval Rev 2015; 39:555-586. [PMID: 26908581 DOI: 10.1177/0193841x16633584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of surveying on individuals' behavior and decision making has been widely studied in academic literature on market research but not so much the impact of monitoring on economic development interventions. OBJECTIVES To estimate whether different monitoring strategies lead to improvement in participation levels and adoption of best practices for coffee production for farmer who participated in TechnoServe Agronomy Training Program in Rwanda. RESEARCH DESIGN Farmers were identified randomly for monitoring purposes to belong to two different groups and then selected depending on the additional criterion of having productive coffee trees. We estimate treatment-on-the-treated and intention-to-treat effects on training attendance rates and farmers best-practice adoptions using difference-in-differences estimation techniques. SUBJECTS Farmers were randomly identified to a high or low monitoring with different type and frequency of data collection and selected if they had productive coffee trees as part of the monitoring strategy. MEASURES Attendance to training sessions by all farmers in the program and best-practice adoption data for improving coffee yield. RESULTS We find that monitoring led to surprisingly large increases in farmer participation levels in the project and also improved best-practice adoption rates. We also find that higher frequency of data collection has long-lasting effects and are more pronounced for low-attendance farmers. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring not only provides more data and a better understanding of project dynamics, which in turn can help improve design, but can also improve processes and outcomes, in particular for the least engaged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Sabates
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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