Peri-urban Agriculture Research Articles

Peri-Urban and Urban Agriculture in Constantine, Algeria

This study focuses on the metropolitan area of Constantine, a territory of regional attraction, capable of stimulating thedevelopment of the wilaya in the coming years thanks to a diversified and multifunctional peri-urban agriculture. Thestudy is based on a questionnaire survey carried out throughout the study area. Specifically in the municipalities ofHamma and Khroub, the results show that, despite the progression of urbanization, the Constantine Urban Groupcontributes 37% of the total production of the wilaya in 2022. This production is characterized by a certain diversity:cereal crops, market gardening and arboriculture are the pillars of agriculture in Constantine. Beyond its primaryvocation, this agriculture contributes to the attractiveness of territories and landscapes that reflect the image of the city,to the management and protection of natural resources, while shaping rural landscapes”.

Creating territorialized sustainability indices to evaluate pollination

CONTEXTIdentifying sustainable practices and landscape features that enhance the abundance of organisms providing ecosystem services can be challenging due to a limited understanding of the link between these practices and ecosystem functioning. One approach to assessing system complexity is to incorporate reliable indices that are markers of an essential ecosystem regulation service such as insect pollination. OBJECTIVEConsolidate indicators of sustainable farming practices and landscape features into two indices that consider different spatial scales (regional and local) to categorize peri-urban farms within two gradients of territorialized environmental sustainability. These indices enable the assessment of agroecosystem sustainability for a particular ecosystem service (insect pollination), which is critical for many crops. METHODSThe regional-scale index utilized four indicators of composition and configuration that reflected the landscape's heterogeneity and its influence on key resources and bee movement. For these features, we used three land classes: semi-natural, farm, and extensive crops within a 3000-m radius circle from the centre of the farm. The local-scale index included eight indicators relating to the sustainability of farming practices derived from semi-structured interviews with the farmers. Additionally, we included an indicator based on the extent of semi-natural areas within a 100-m radius circle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSBoth indices generated a synthesis to obtain two gradients (regional and local) of territorialized environmental sustainability for the farms. We validated these metrics through records of bee abundance on Cucurbita maxima flowers in each farm, as an indicator of the bee-pollination service. The variations of regional and local indices among and within the same farm (e.g., a high local-scale index and a low regional-scale index) emphasize the importance of considering both spatial contexts when evaluating ecosystem services. Both indices correlated with bee abundance, with the local-scale index exhibiting a positive stronger correlation than the regional (0.68 vs. 0.61 respectively). For farmers, making changes to farming practices at the local scale is more achievable than altering features at the regional scale, where government territorial planning and coordinated efforts among residents in the area are required. Consequently, enhancing a local-scale practice might be a more feasible way to increase farm sustainability. SIGNIFICANCEThe indices will enable a more straightforward comparison of sustainability among farms or within the same farm over time than analyzing each socio-environmental metric separately. Following the methodology proposed here, other indices for other essential ecosystem services in agroecosystems could be developed.

Soil properties and agronomic effects of repeated biochar amendment and fertilization in an urban horticultural system of Burkina Faso

Biochar application can improve soil quality and plant growth, particularly in combination with organic and mineral fertilization. However, data on its effectiveness in intensively managed (fertilized) gardens within the urban and peri-urban (UPA) agriculture of West Africa is sketchy. We, therefore, studied the medium-term effects of repeated biochar produced from agricultural residues, composted faecal amendments (ECOSAN), and inorganic fertilization on small-scale, intensive urban vegetable production in multiple crop rotations over four years. The experiment used a randomized factorial design comprising different soil management and irrigation practices on a Haplic Lixisol in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso during eight cropping cycles. Biochar amendment resulted in increased soil organic carbon (SOC) on plots under farmers’ practice (cattle manure + urea). Repeated biochar application at 20 t ha−1 increased SOC by 51 %. Mineral fertilization alone decreased SOC by 32 % (from 12.7 to 8.6 g C kg−1 soil) after 6 months with a progressive decline and soil acidification over time. During this period fertilization with ECOSAN at 16–23 t ha−1 per cropping cycle increased yields and soil pH from 6.5 to 7.4. Four years after its application biochar still increased total fresh matter yield of cabbage by 32 % but showed no effect on amaranth while repeated biochar application only increased total fresh matter yields of the first crop after reapplication. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was higher with mineral fertilizer (NPK) and mineral fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer (FP) than with ECOSAN alone. The study demonstrates effect of biochar on SOC with less pronounced, crop-specific agronomic benefits.

The impact of land expropriation on changing livelihoods: The case of displaced peri-urban farmers in Kon and Gashena towns, Ethiopia

The research examines how urban growth and land expropriation have affected farming communities in the towns of Gashena and Kon over the past twenty years. The study used a case study approach, utilizing methods such as open-ended interview checklists, structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. It reveals a significant reduction in available farmland due to horizontal urban growth, leading to the displacement of numerous farm holdings and disruption of agricultural practices. By analyzing municipal data and employing simple regression modeling, the research anticipates further expansion, underscoring persistent urban growth trends. Economic displacement emerges as a pressing issue, as farmers grapple with finding alternative sources of income, exacerbating food insecurity within affected communities. Moreover, the study unveils diverse impacts on displaced farm holdings, including shifts away from agriculture in livelihoods and substantial income losses. The loss of land assets poses a threat to agricultural productivity and community sustainability. Despite assurances from municipal authorities, the lack of support, guidance, and training contributes to community dissatisfaction. The research underscores the interconnectedness of land, food, culture, and identity, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted impacts of land expropriation. Recommendations include policy interventions, support for transitioning farmers, promotion of sustainable land use practices, and fulfillment of promises regarding support and infrastructure development. Providing training and guidance services for displaced individuals is also crucial for addressing the challenges of land expropriation effectively.

Influence of Anthropogenic Pollution on Soil and Plants of Gosa Dumpsite, Abuja, Nigeria

Despite increased awareness of the causes of environmental pollution, it continues to pose a serious threat to both developed and developing countries worldwide. The Gosa dumpsite in Abuja serves as a receptacle for various waste materials from both high and low-income areas of the metropolis. Surprisingly, peri-urban farmers residing in the vicinity still cultivate edible crops on this polluted land. This study aims to assess the impact of waste dumping at Gosa dumpsite on selected soil properties and the uptake of heavy metals by plants. In order to achieve this objective, soil and plant samples were collected from established 5 x 5 m2 quadrants during the early and late dry as well as rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020. The collected samples underwent analysis using standard methods to determine their physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the study identified the dominant plant species within the dumpsite through standard methods. The findings revealed that the dumpsite soil exhibited characteristics of loamy sand, with the highest pH value of 8.85 ± 0.90 recorded during the dry season of 2020. Other significant soil results included total nitrogen at 1.09 ± 0.64 g kg-1, organic carbon at 9.88 ± 0.10 g kg-1, Cd at 11.93 ± 2.25 mg kg-1, Hg at 2.18 ± 1.08 mg kg-1, and Pb at 54.68 ± 8.68 mg kg-1, all of which were observed during the early rainy season of 2020. During the remaining seasons considered, lower values were obtained. Notably, these values exceeded the permissible levels set by the FAO for soil intended for cultivating edible crops. Furthermore, the plant species Ageratum conyzoides demonstrated the highest uptake of heavy metals, with concentrations of 4.47 ± 1.15 mg kg-1 for Cd, 1.77 ± 1.08 mg kg-1 for Hg, and 19.56 ± 4.83 mg kg-1 for Pb, all recorded during the early dry season of 2020. In conclusion, although the Gosa dumpsite in Abuja may appear fertile enough for cultivation, the study's results highlight that it cannot be deemed suitable for the production of edible crops. The presence of heavy metals and other pollutants in the soil poses a significant risk to crop health and, consequently, to human consumption.

The dromedary in Algeria: An evolution at times of multifunctionality

In Algeria, camels are one of the greatest resources and reservoirs of the Saharan territory. Despite a past that testifies to their predominant role in a hostile environment, this species has been comparatively obscured by the prominence of other livestock. Their legendary sobriety makes them the emblematic animal of merchant caravans, renowned for their versatility. Currently, peri-urban farms have developed on the outskirts of Saharan cities, and their commercial purpose cannot overshadow other values associated with dromedaries. Indeed, the growth in camel populations has been accompanied by an evolution in livestock systems. The significant increase in demand for camel products, revealed by the socio-economic changes within nomadic communities, has contributed to modifying breeding practices and logics, which in turn have affected the various camel functions. In other words, this represents a dimension of renewal through the developed products and services provided, which prove to be valuable assets. It is in this perspective that this contribution is situated, offering a synthesis that attempts to highlight the scope of camel farming in the Algerian Sahara. The objective of this study is to show the importance of the dromedary concerning its polyfunctionality through the products it supplies and the services it provides.

Integrating land quality in peri-urban agriculture for sustainability and green revolution in Vietnam

Agricultural Land Use Systems (LUS) contributes to Green Revolution (GR) and sustainable development in Vietnam, however, the GR exerts a dual impact-both positive and negative-on agricultural LUS in suburban regions. Land Quality Indicators (LQI) is integrated into the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model to assess agricultural LUS across four landscapes in a peri-urban area of Hanoi capital city (Vietnam). The selected 75 indicators are subject to elimination based on the distinct natural and social contexts prevalent in each landscape. The findings indicate that primary pressures impinging upon agricultural LUS are dwindling irrigation water, escalating erosion resulting from cultivation, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, price imbalances, and pollution from industrial parks and craft villages. An amalgamation of traditional and high-tech solutions is recommended to enhance the quality of organic produce and foster stronger connections between suburban and urban. Integrating LQI into the PSR framework supplants conventional assessment methods, paving the way for more effective sustainable land use planning in peri-urban areas in the foreseeable future.

Fresh bell peppers consumed in cities: Unveiling the environmental impact of urban and rural food supply systems

Agriculture and its supply chain pose significant environmental threats. This study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to explore the environmental impact of fresh bell pepper production and distribution, comparing Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) with Rural Long-Distance Food Supply Systems (RLDFS). Four UPA scenarios (hydroponics, soil-based greenhouse, open-field conventional, and organic) and two RLDFS scenarios (soil-based greenhouse and open-field conventional) are evaluated using SimaPro, incorporating inputs from UPA practitioners and rural farmers. Results reveal an energy demand range of 0.011 to 5.5 kWh/kg eq., with urban greenhouses exhibiting the lowest consumption and hydroponics the highest due to lighting, ventilation, and irrigation. Hydroponics exhibits a global warming potential of 7.24 kg of CO2 eq·kg−1, with energy demand contributing over 95 %, surpassing other scenarios by 7–25 times, necessitating reduction for sustainability. RLDFS's environmental impact is dominated by transportation (over 70 %), meanwhile other UPA systems are influenced by irrigation, infrastructure, and fertilizers. Despite challenges, UPA-hydroponics proves to be 1.7 to 4.3 times more land-use-efficient than other scenarios, emphasizing its potential. The study highlights the need to address electricity usage in UPA-hydroponics for carbon footprint reduction. Despite challenges, hydroponics could contribute to sustainable food security, and RLDFS does not significantly lag in environmental performance compared to UPA other than Ozone layer depletion criteria attributed to fossil fuel usage in transportation. These insights offer valuable guidance for urban development and policy formulation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting policies for agronomic and supply chain sustainability.

Impact of Irrigation Water on the Bacteriological Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Market Garden Zone of Niamey, Identification of Enterobacteria

The urban community of Niamey is characterized by a prodigious development of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the main crops grown in these urban and peri-urban areas. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of irrigation water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce produced in the market gardening zone of the Niamey city. Three (3) market garden sites were studied (Harobanda (site 1), Gamkallé (site 2) and Gounti yéna (site 3). Eighteen (18) lettuce samples and twenty-nine (29) irrigation water samples were taken from the market garden sites and subjected to microbiological analysis using conventional methods appropriate to each indicator. Thus, five (5) indicators of contamiantion were searched, Total Mesophilic Aerobic Flora (TMAF), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), enterobacteria (Ent), Faecal streptococci (FS), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Clostridium perfringens (CP). The results showed that irrigation water samples from site 1 were highly contaminated with Total Coliforms (TC) and Faecal Coliforms (FC) (3.65±7.88.106 and 1.41±3.04. 106 CFU/100ml respectively), those from site 2 by Faecal Streptococci (FS) (1.19±2.03.105 CFU/100ml) and from site 3 by Enterobacteria (Ent) (1.61±2.37.108 CFU/100ml) and Escherichia coli (8.22±11.86.105 CFU/100ml). Thus, lettuce samples from site 1 are more contaminated with TC (5.32±8.32.106 CFU/g) and Ent (3.10±0.95.107 CFU/g). Faecal coliforms (1.35±1.13.106 CFU/g) and faecal streptococci (5.30±8.21.105 CFU/g) predominate on the site2 and finally site3 is more contaminated with E. coli (2.43±0.38.105 CFU/g). However, enterobacteria species such as Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sakazakii, Escherichia coli1, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp ozaenae, Pantoea spp 1, Proteus mirabilis, Raoultella terrigena, Salmonella enterica arizonae, Salmonella spp, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens and Serratia odorifera1 were identified in irrigation water samples and lettuce at these sites. In fact, the quality of the irrigation water is not suitable for irrigation, and strongly influences the contamination of the lettuce produced by the bacteria. Consumption of this lettuce without the minimum of precautions could prove dangerous to consumers.

Potential, challenges and prospects of rabbit farming in urban and peri-urban areas of Dodoma city, Tanzania

This study highlights the current status of rabbit production, potential challenges facing the industry and the prospects for rabbit farming in Dodoma city, Tanzania. Data from 60 individuals keeping rabbits were collected through a structured questionnaire and direct observation. Results showed that 60% of the respondents were men and 40% women. Rabbits were kept mainly as a source of meat for families and income generation. Main sources of rabbit stock were local breeders (55%) and missionaries (25%), while the remainder were from agricultural institutes. The dominant rabbit breeds reared were California white (50%), New Zealand white (30%), Chinchilla (10%) and Dutch (10%). Ninety-five percent of the farmers kept rabbits in cages, while 5% confined them at night and let them out during the day to forage for feed. Fifteen percent of the respondents fed commercial rabbit pellets, 5% vegetables and kitchen waste only, whereas 80% fed both rabbit pellets, vegetables and kitchen waste. The number of rabbits kept by an individual farmer ranged from 5 to 180, with mean stock size of 22.80±11.20 (mean±standard deviation). Rabbits were sold at 8 to 12 wk of age and each rabbit was sold for 20 000 to 30 000 Tanzanian shillings (8.00 – 12.00 USD). Major challenges in rabbit production were lack of feed resources, lack of readily available market, poor quality of breeding stock, low knowledge of rabbit production techniques and lack of technical support from extension services. Although rabbit farming in Dodoma is carried out at subsistence level, it is associated with a decrease in poverty among urban and peri-urban farmers. In conclusion, rabbit production in urban and peri-urban areas of Tanzania has the potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty alleviation, thus improving living standards.

Which Households Raise Livestock in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Eight Developing Asian Countries?

In many developing countries, ensuring a stable and affordable supply of safe and nutritious food for urban dwellers, especially impoverished households, has become an urgent policy issue due to growing urban populations. Since urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) has emerged as a potential solution, research interest in UPA has increased. However, most studies have been conducted in specific African towns, and analyses in Asian countries are scarce. In addition, further research must be performed on urban and peri-urban livestock farming (UPLF), which may provide animal-based protein to the urban population. Therefore, this study aims to clarify who raises livestock in the urban and peri-urban areas of eight developing Asian countries using raw data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The aggregation results reveal that at least 10% of households keep livestock, with more than 30% of households in four of the eight Asian countries practicing UPLF. Poultry is the most common type of livestock, and the number of animals per household is usually limited. Logistic regression analysis reveals that poorer families are more likely to raise livestock, suggesting UPLF can enhance food and nutritional security for low-income households.

Agricultural intensity for sustainable regional development: A case study in peri-urban areas of Karawang Regency, Indonesia

Peri-urban areas are playing an increasingly crucial role in the agricultural development and intensification in Indonesia. Peri-urban agriculture is highly vulnerable to change compared with urban and rural agriculture, due to its location in transitional areas. Indicators of peri-urban agricultural intensity can help guide regional development. In this study, we assessed the sustainability of peri-urban areas based on agricultural intensity in Karawang Regency, Indonesia. We developed a village-based index to assess the region’s agricultural intensity by rescaling the village agriculture index (VAI) and combining the local sustainability index (LSI) with factor analysis. Since the unit of analysis is the village, we modified the LSI to the village sustainability index (VSI). In addition, we also developed a logical matrix analysis to determine the level of agricultural sustainability (LoAS) of each village. The combined results of the three indices (VAI, VSI, and LoAS) generated information about agricultural sustainability. The results indicated that peri-urban villages with high agricultural intensity tended to exhibit low levels of social welfare, economic development, and disaster risk. Moreover, high agricultural intensity did not necessarily ensure the prosperity of the people. Instead, there was the economic disparity among the villages in the study area. Encouraging diversity of agricultural intensity seems to be more critical than promoting agricultural intensity itself. Overall, this study highlights the distinctive characteristics and dynamic of peri-urban areas. New approaches, variables, and information regarding the combination of agricultural intensity and sustainability need to be developed as valuable tools for regional planning.

Assessment of concentrations of heavy metals in three leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Mekelle is one of the Ethiopian cities suitable for urban and peri-urban agriculture for cultivating leafy vegetables using wastewater. The consumption of unprocessed and processed leafy vegetables is also very high in the city. Wastewater samples collected from four experimental sites (ESs) in Hadnet district of the city had higher concentrations in 4 (i.e., Cd, Cr, Cu, and Mn) of the 10 heavy metals tested than the permissible limit established by pertinent standards. Spring water samples collected from another site called Kallamino, designated as a comparison site, also had higher concentrations in 4 (i.e., Al, As, Cd, and Cu) of the 10 heavy metals tested. However, the leafy vegetables grown in the least contaminated ES had higher concentrations in 6-7 of the 10 heavy metals tested. The lettuce and spinach samples had elevated concentrations of As and Al, respectively. The wastewater used to irrigate vegetable farms in Hadnet district is not safe enough. More importantly, the soils of the farms might have accumulated far more heavy metals. The cultivated lettuce, spinach, and cauliflower are highly contaminated. Thus, the use of wastewater for irrigating urban and peri-urban farms needs to be regulated.

Peri-urban food insecurity and coping strategies among farm households in the face of rapid urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ethiopia

A growing body of literature discusses food insecurity in rural and urban contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Peri-urban food insecurity and coping strategies remain an understudied topic. To fill this gap, household cross-sectional survey data was collected from randomly selected 300 farm households in the peri-urban area of Jimma City and complemented with key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess their food insecurity status and coping strategies in the face of rapid urbanization. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from farm households while an unstructured questionnaire was used to gather qualitative data from key informants. Twelve indicators involving the four food insecurity dimensions were identified to develop a food insecurity index and categorize households into four food insecurity levels. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is employed to determine the most important indicators of household food insecurity. The ordered probit regression model was employed to ascertain significant factors affecting farming household food insecurity. The results revealed that 46% of peri-urban farm households were food-insecure at various levels. The household food insecurity status varied with their level of human capital, physical endowments, risk aversion behaviour, and institutional barriers. The expansion of built-up areas and marketable crops, particularly eucalyptus trees have greatly affected the food security status of peri-urban farm households. Income diversification, farming diversification, social ties, and farming specialization were the main food insecurity coping strategies of peri-urban farm households. The findings of this study highlighted insights into the urban expansion of medium-sized cities and agricultural land loss, marginalization of staple food crops, and market food prices increase, which resulted in increased vulnerability to food insecurity and poverty among farm households in peri-urban areas. The recommendations drawn from these findings are formulating strategies that preserve agricultural land-use and promoting food insecurity mitigation programs that capitalize on the coping strategies of households in peri-urban areas in the face of rapid urbanization.

From drainage to resource: a practice approach to reuse greywater for household irrigation purposes

Abstract The United Nations indicates that available freshwater resources will decrease significantly due to pollution growth and urbanization; two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages by 2030. Extended use of greywater is an alternative option for reducing potable water consumption in urban areas. Recently, the reuse of treated greywater for home gardens, peri-urban agriculture, and landscaping has become a widespread concern in many developing countries. This paper presents a study on a low-cost system that can perform greywater treatment for household use. This treatment system employed physical filtration by ceramic filters, quartz gravel, hollow fiber membrane, and UV disinfection. Three greywater samples collected from the kitchen, washing basins, and bathroom were investigated. The operation process determines the system's effectiveness by considering turbidity, coliform, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) concentration of the inlet and outlet water. As a result, high removal efficiency (i.e., >60%) could be obtained for each investigated parameter. Results also showed that grey water generated from washing basins has the highest potential for reuse since the water quality after treatment satisfies the water reuse standards for household irrigation. The findings encourage further exploration and implementation of greywater reuse practices.

The Influence of Agricultural Land Use on the Drivers of Peri-Urban Settlement Formation in Highland Landscapes: a Case Study in the Kayumas Village

The Peri-Urban as part of the urban spatial structure, plays a crucial role in creating urban space. In Situbondo, the characteristics of the Peri-Urban consist of mixed urban and peri-urban land use areas, with agriculture dominating the land use. One of the livelihoods in the Peri-Urban is agriculture. Variables in this study involve elements of settlement morphology, factors influencing the formation of morphology and agriculture, and various other indicators related to these variables. This paper aims to examine the characteristics of agriculture areas and identify factors influencing the formation of peri-urban settlements. This research can provide references to optimize land use in peri-urban settlements. In this study, the researcher employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection involves recording events that occur in the field during interviews and observations to obtain accurate and reliable research results. The data will be processed using SPSS and ArcGIS 10.8.2 to obtain relevant, supportive accurate, and comprehensive results. From the findings of this research, it is expected that peri-urban settlements require more attention to enhance the environment and public services. In response to the consumption-oriented needs of urban communities, Peri-Urban farmers have intensified the use of multifunctional land activities. However, not all multifunctional opportunities are fully developed, considering the farming activities conducted near the city. This can be an innovative characteristic of land use in the Situbondo Peri-Urban area, indicating that agriculture is a priority land use in the region by improving the quality of harmonious relationships between urban and peri-urban areas through agriculture activities

What would it look like? Visualizing a future US Corn Belt landscape with more table food production

Abstract Most farmland in the US Corn Belt is used to grow row crops at large scales (e.g., corn, soybean) that are highly processed before entering the human food stream rather than specialty crops grown in smaller areas and meant for direct human consumption (table food). Bolstering local table food production close to urban populations in this region through peri-urban agriculture (PUA) could enhance sustainability and resilience. Understanding factors influencing PUA producers' preferences and willingness to produce table food would enable supportive planning and policy efforts. This study combined land use visualization and survey data to examine the potential for increased local table food production for the US Corn Belt. We developed a spatial visualization of current agricultural land use and a future scenario with increased table food production designed to meet 50% of dietary requirements for a metropolitan population in 2050. A survey was administered to row crop (1360) and specialty crop (55) producers near Des Moines, Iowa, US to understand current and intended agricultural land use and factors influencing production. Responses from 316 row crop and 25 specialty crop producers were eligible for this analysis. A future scenario with increased table food production would require less than 3% of available agricultural land and some additional producers (approximately 130, primarily for grain production). Survey responses indicated PUA producers planned small increases in table food production in the next three to five years. Producer plans, including land rental for table food production, could provide approximately 25% of residents' fruit, vegetables, and grains, an increase from the baseline of 2%. Row crop producers ranked food safety regulations, and specialty producers ranked labor concerns as strong influences on their decision-making. Both groups indicated that crop insurance and processing facilities were also important. Increasing table food production by clustering mid-scale operations to increase economies of scale and strengthening supply chains and production infrastructure could provide new profitable opportunities for farmers and more resilient food systems for growing urban regions in the US Corn Belt. Continuing to address producer factors and landscape-scale environmental impacts will be critical in considering food system sustainability challenges holistically.

Unveiling Climate Resilience of Periurban Agriculture: A Farming System-Based Assessment of Coastal Plains of Kerala, India

Unveiling Climate Resilience of Periurban Agriculture: A Farming System-Based Assessment of Coastal Plains of Kerala, India

Agroecology Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing pressure on land and natural resources especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on intersectoral linkages between regenerative agriculture, food systems and the environment, both biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective of this study is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local food systems through an Agroecology policy action, for enabling small-scale producers to strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby proposed for Agroecology principles (FAO, 2018) to be mainstreamed in line-departments and sector work plans for food systems, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health, social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes of evidence-based policy (EBP) multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and review of similar policies in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on Agroecology were identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in both crop and livestock production, that was traditionally practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge, agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women with limited access to arable land, for a wider community and multi-sectoral participation.

Characteristics of the cattle fattening system and body conformation of beef cattle in Bahir Dar Special Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the urban and peri-urban areas of Bahir Dar special zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, with the objectives of characterizing the cattle fattening system and conformation traits of fattening cattle in the area. Data on the fattening systems were collected from 112 cattle fatteners (72 from peri-urban and 40 fatteners from urban areas) who have experience with cattle fattening using a semi-structured questionnaire. The beef cattle conformational traits measurement was carried out on fattening cattle on a total of 60 animals (30 from peri-urban farms and 30 from urban farms) in selected farms under the fattener’s management condition. Twelve farms were used for the body conformation measurement of the animals using ICAR guidelines. The survey data was analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics and index ranking. Conformational trait data were analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedure of SAS 9.1. The overall mean family size, age of household heads, and landholding per household were 8.43, 42.31 years, and 0.77 hectares, respectively. Most of the respondents in the periurban hold cattle for draft power (index = 0.40). The respondents prefer intact and matured bulls in the urban (100%) and peri-urban (93%) areas. The respondents, on average, fatten three times a year (47.3%) with a mean number of 8.08 fattening cattle. The main feed sources in the peri-urban and urban areas were crop residue (index = 0.26) and agro-industrial by-products (index = 0.63), respectively. Most of the cattle fatteners select their fattening cattle based on body conformation (index 0.29) and condition (index 0.21). The mean initial and final body weight of fattening cattle were 348.75kg and 425.33 kg, respectively. In general, the cattle fattening practice needs to be supported by the extension system so as to efficiently use the resources.