Resilient Agriculture Research Articles

The Role of Local Knowledge in Natural Resources Conservation: An Environmental Anthropological Perspective in Traditional Agriculture

This article explores the pivotal role of local knowledge in the conservation of natural resources from the unique perspective of environmental anthropology within the context of traditional agriculture. Traditional agricultural practices have historically relied on indigenous knowledge systems, passed down through generations, to maintain a delicate balance between human livelihoods and the environment. This research endeavors to shed light on the invaluable insights offered by local communities and their practices in preserving ecological harmony. Through an interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropological fieldwork and environmental studies, we examine how local knowledge systems influence the sustainable use of natural resources, focusing on agricultural practices and their impact on ecosystems. We also analyze the transmission of this knowledge within communities and the adaptations made over time in response to changing environmental conditions. The findings of this study underscore the significance of local knowledge as a source of practical wisdom in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Indigenous practices, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and seed saving, have often proven to be more sustainable and resilient than modern agricultural methods. Moreover, these traditional practices reflect a deep understanding of the local environment and its ecological interdependencies. By understanding and respecting the indigenous knowledge held by traditional agricultural communities, policymakers, conservationists, and researchers can collaborate with local stakeholders to develop holistic and effective strategies for the conservation of natural resources. This research emphasizes the need for fostering partnerships that integrate scientific knowledge and local wisdom in order to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in agriculture and environmental management. Ultimately, this article contributes to the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of acknowledging and incorporating local knowledge in efforts to address environmental issues and underscores the role of environmental anthropology as a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary conservation practices.

Resilience in Agriculture Amidst and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review of Research Trends and Objectives

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all facets of human existence, notably the agricultural sector. The term “resilience” has regained popularity as a means of coping with pandemics. The primary objective of this article is to discern and compile scholarly works pertaining to the concept of resilience in agriculture, specifically in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it seeks to establish connections between various research domains and the specific research goals outlined in the synthesis articles. The publishing data utilized in this study comprises of research publications written in the English language, with a specific focus on the field of agriculture. The data was sourced from reputable databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley, covering the period from 2020 to 2023. There is a total of 110 articles that meet the specified inclusion criteria. The articles were stored on the Mendeley platform and afterwards subjected to bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software. In addition, it is important to note that papers are categorized according to their geographical location and the specific aims of the research. The primary findings indicate that resilience has been a longstanding research focus, which has regained popularity due to its association with COVID-19. The number of publications pertaining to COVID-19 is steadily rising, with a focus on several keywords including market disruption, case studies, community-supported agriculture, agroecology, and disaster recovery. study primarily targets countries in the Asian continent based on their geographical location. The result shows mostly revolve around investigating the effects of lockdown measures on agricultural production, the agri-food supply chain, livelihoods, and market access. Several study objectives were also focused on examining the resilience of various farming systems and smallholder farmers. This analysis serves as a valuable point of reference for future research pertaining to the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of various shocks.

Advancing Agricultural Resilience in Ararat Plain, Armenia: Utilizing Biogenic Nanoparticles and Biochar under Saline Environments to Optimize Food Security and Foster European Trade

Advancing Agricultural Resilience in Ararat Plain, Armenia: Utilizing Biogenic Nanoparticles and Biochar under Saline Environments to Optimize Food Security and Foster European Trade

Effects of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Maize Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

This study sought to establish the impact of climate change adaptation strategies on maize productivity among smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania. Employing a cross-sectional research design, data was collected from 274 respondents who were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was employed to estimate the effects of climate adaptation strategies on maize productivity. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers who adopted climate change adaptation tactics achieved higher maize yields compared to non-adopters. Additionally, results from multiple linear regression demonstrate that increased maize yields are associated with the adoption of drought-resistant maize varieties, intercropping, minimal tillage, adjusted planting dates, fertilizers, irrigation and short-duration maize varieties. Notably, crop rotation showed no significant effect on maize productivity. Policy recommendations include government investment in promoting the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers to mitigate losses and improve the farmers’ well-being. Furthermore, investments in modern irrigation schemes and the use of drought-resilient seeds are deemed crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.

Toward a sustainable agricultural system in China: exploring the nexus between agricultural science and technology innovation, agricultural resilience and fiscal policies supporting agriculture

IntroductionThis study delves into the intricate dynamics between fiscal policies supporting agriculture and the non-linear influence of agricultural science and technology innovation on enhancing agricultural resilience. We conducted research across 31 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2007 to 2021.MethodBy constructing the evaluation index system of agricultural resilience, the entropy value method is used to measure the value of agricultural resilience, and then standard deviation ellipse and center of gravity migration analysis, benchmark regression model, heterogeneity analysis, threshold regression model are used to analyze the relationship between agricultural science and technology innovation, fiscal policies supporting agriculture and agricultural resilience.Result(1) The analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution trend shows that the overall development of China’s agricultural resilience is relatively stable, the resilience range is expanding, and the geographical area with the southeast as the center of gravity presents a stronger pulling effect; (2) The benchmark regression model shows that agricultural science and technology innovation has a significant positive effect on agricultural resilience; (3) Agricultural science and technology innovation plays a nonlinear role in increasing agricultural resilience when fiscal policies supporting agriculture are used as a threshold variable. (4) Heterogeneity analysis highlights stronger promotion of agricultural resilience through science and technology innovation in non-main producing areas and economically underdeveloped regions.DiscussionTo address this, policymakers should leverage the resilience of the Southeast, boost innovation capacity, tailor innovation to local needs, and reinforce fiscal policies supporting agriculture. These insights provide valuable direction for policymakers in crafting effective measures to enhance agricultural resilience.

Unveiling Fungi Armor: Preliminary Study on Fortifying Pisum sativum L. Seeds against Drought with Schizophyllum commune Fries 1815 Polysaccharide Fractions.

Amidst worsening climate change, drought stress imperils global agriculture, jeopardizing crop yields and food security, thereby necessitating the urgent exploration of sustainable methods like biopriming for the harnessing of beneficial microorganisms to bolster plant resilience. Recent research has revealed diverse biological compounds with versatile applications produced by Schizophyllum commune, rendering this fungus as a promising contender for biopriming applications. For the first time, this study aimed to investigate the potential of S. commune exo- (EPSH) and intra-polysaccharides (IPSH) isolated from two strains-Italian (ITA) and Serbian (SRB)-under submerged cultivation to enhance the resilience of Pisum sativum L. seeds through the biopriming technique. Testing of the seed quality for the bioprimed, hydroprimed, and unprimed seeds was conducted using a germination test, under optimal and drought conditions, while characterization of the PSHs included FTIR analysis, microanalysis, and determination of total protein content (TPC). The FTIR spectra of EPSH and IPSH were very similar but revealed the impurities, while microanalysis and TPC confirmed a different presence of proteins in the isolated PSHs. In optimal conditions, the IPSH SRB increased germination energy by 5.50% compared to the control; however, the highest percentage of germination (94.70%) was shown after biopriming with the PSH isolated from the ITA strain. Additionally, all assessed treatments resulted in a boost in seedling growth and biomass accumulation, where the ITA strain demonstrated greater effectiveness in optimal conditions, while the SRB strain showed superiority in drought conditions. The drought tolerance indices increased significantly in response to all examined treatments during the drought, with EPSH ITA (23.00%) and EPSH SRB (24.00%) demonstrating the greatest effects. Results of this preliminary study demonstrate the positive effect of isolated PSH, indicating their potential as biopriming agents and offering insights into novel strategies for agricultural resilience.

The impact of livelihood resilience and climate change perception on farmers' climate change adaptation behavior decision

PurposeAdopting adaptive behavior has become a basic measure for farmers because the increasingly severe climate change is affecting agricultural production. Perception is a critical first step in adopting adaptive behaviors. Livelihood resilience represents a farmer's ability to adapt to climate change. Therefore, this article aims to explore the impact of livelihood resilience and climate change perception on the climate change adaptation behavior of farmers in the Qinling Mountains region of China.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 443 micro-survey data of farmers are obtained through one-on-one interviews with farmers. The Logit model and Poisson regression model are used to empirically examine the impact of farmers' livelihood resilience and climate change perception on their climate change adaptation behaviors.FindingsIt was found that 86.68% of farmers adopt adaptive behaviors to reduce the risks of facing climate change. Farmers' perception of extreme weather has a significant positive impact on their adaptive behavior under climate change. The resilience of farmers' livelihoods and their perception of rainfall have a significant positive impact on the intensity of their adaptive behavior under climate change. Climate change adaptation behaviors are also different for farmers with different levels of livelihood resilience.Originality/valueBased on the results, policy recommendations are proposed to improve farmers' perception of climate change, enhance the sustainability of farmers' adaptive behavior to climate change, strengthen emergency management and infrastructure construction and adjust and upgrade farmers' livelihood models.

Effects of Agrivoltaics on the Microclimate in Horticulture

Chilean agriculture must adapt to climate change as droughts are already affecting the country and water availability is expected to further decline. In this context, Agrivoltaics (AV) systems, that install photovoltaic (PV) panels over crops and thus provide shading and an altered microclimate could enhance the resilience of agriculture in semi-arid zones. We compare data measured under an AV system with a reference measurement to quantify the effects of AV on microclimate in horticulture in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Data on irradiation, air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed allow us to compute potential evapotranspiration (PET). We observe a reduction of Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) under the AV system of 42%. Mainly, as a result of the decreased GHI, we derive a diminution in PET of 31%, quantifying the potential to lower the water demand of crops and thus irrigation. Measured soil moisture is on average 29% higher under the AV system compared to the reference condition, hence validating PET computations. Also, we find a more moderate climate with slightly stabilized air temperature and lower soil temperatures. Our results give a glimpse of the effects of installing PV panels over horticulture crops concerning the challenges of Chilean agriculture. AV systems have the potential to increase water availability by lowering irrigation demand and protecting crops from the effects of extreme irradiation, such as sunburn and heat stress. Thus, AV could foster the transformation of agriculture towards sustainable production systems. The documented effects should be verified over longer periods with different crops to understand the impact of AV within seasonal and interannual climatical variation and the diversity of Chilean agriculture.

Predictive Models for Optimal Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management: A Review of AI and ML Approaches

Purpose: Maintaining agricultural output, protecting water supplies, and lessening environmental effects all depend on effective water management. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and an in-depth analysis of various AI and ML techniques, this paper aims to put light on the cutting-edge approaches used in irrigation scheduling predictive modeling. The goal of the research is to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of AI and ML-based irrigation management systems by means of a methodical analysis of various algorithms, data sources, and applications. Additionally, the study seeks to demonstrate how data-driven methods can enhance irrigation systems' sustainability, accuracy, and precision. Stakeholders in agriculture, water resource management, and environmental conservation can make well-informed decisions to maximize irrigation scheduling techniques by having a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of predictive models. The study also attempts to tackle issues like scalability, model interpretability, and lack of data when implementing AI and ML solutions for practical irrigation management. In final form, this review's conclusions advance our understanding of how to use AI and ML to improve agricultural systems' resilience and water use efficiency, supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies in the face of rising water scarcity concerns and climate change. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to gather information for this review study, several research articles from reliable sources were analyzed and compared. Objective: To provide the current research gaps in prediction models for the best irrigation scheduling and water management, and suggest using AI and ML techniques to fill in these gaps. Results/ Findings: In response to the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change, the paper's findings highlight the transformative potential of AI and ML techniques in optimizing irrigation scheduling, enhancing agricultural resilience, increasing water use efficiency, and supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies. Originality/Value: This paper's uniqueness and significance come from its thorough analysis of AI and ML approaches in predictive modeling for ideal water management and irrigation scheduling. It also provides insights into new methods and their possible effects on resource optimization and agricultural sustainability. Type of Paper: Literature Review.

Factors affecting decision-making to strengthen climate resilience of smallholder farms in the Centre region of Cameroon

This study examined the resilience to climate change of smallholder family farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Data were collected using a mixed-methods strategy and analyzed using descriptive, multivariate, and inferential statistics. Family farms exhibited a mean climate resilience index of 0.46 (medium), with the Ntui, Mbangassina, Batchenga, and Obala regions scoring 0.42, 0.44, 0.47, and 0.51, respectively. Family farmers had a high transformation capacity (59.07 ​%), a low adaptation capacity (32.10 ​%), and a very low absorption capacity (8.82 ​%). Logistic regression revealed significant causal relationships (p ​< ​0.05) between the capacity of the farms to adapt to climate fluctuations and change and annual income, access to agricultural inputs, access to agricultural machinery, and membership in a farmers organization. These are the primary factors that could significantly increase climate resilience in Cameroonian family farms. Consequently, policymakers in these regions and beyond should consider these as indicators when developing policies to strengthen the climate resilience of local agricultural systems. In doing so, they should also consider community monitoring and indigenous knowledge, which can help bridge the gap between local adverse impacts and the necessary adaptations to climate change.

Seed Production in Jalandhar

A key factor in agricultural resilience, crop diversity, and productivity is seed production—particularly in areas like Jalandhar that must meet changing market demands and climate change. This project explores the complexities of seed production in Jalandhar and how it affects agricultural development with the goal of educating researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders on how to support sustainable seed production systems. Located in the rich plains of Punjab, Jalandhar has become a major centre for the production of seeds, especially for pulses, wheat, and rice. The region's favorable soil and climate, together with cutting-edge farming techniques, are what propel the expansion of the seed business. With the growing use of hybrid and genetically modified seeds, government programs encouraging agricultural output, and growing farmer awareness of the advantages of high-quality seeds, Jalandhar has a huge market potential for seed production. Nevertheless, in order to fully realize the potential of this industry, stakeholders must work together and implement strategic interventions in response to issues including volatile market pricing, restricted financial availability for small-scale farmers, and environmental sustainability concerns. The sector's growth trajectory is further aided by the existence of well-established agricultural research institutions and government policies that are supportive of the industry, providing growing opportunities in both domestic and foreign markets High-quality seeds improve crop yields while also contributing to overall sustainability and profitability in farming operations. Agro-ecologically-suited certified seeds are essential for reducing the danger of pests, illnesses, and unfavorable weather. Encouraging and supporting sustainable seed production systems in Jalandhar benefits all related departments and financial institutions by promoting agricultural development, economic success, and food security. Keywords : Seed production ,Agricultural development ,Market potential ,Sustainable seed systems ,Government initiatives ,Economic prosperity.

Piloting Pulse Producer Support System Through ICT Enabled Services for Enhanced Climate Resilience

Background: In peninsular India, the frequency of climate-related risks is significantly lowering agricultural productivity and farmers’ standard of living. Reducing losses in the agriculture sector requires precise and timely weather information, weather based advisories on crop production, protection and post-harvest. Disseminating agromet advisories directly to the farmers using ICT tools allows farmers to adopt appropriate corrective measures, minimize loss and ensure climate resilient agriculture. In this sense, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University established an Automated Agromet Advisory Web cum Mobile App (TNAU-AAS) in 2018, which sends location, crop and stage specific agromet advisories directly to farmers’ mobile App. Methods: TNAU-AAS App was evaluated in pulse crops as “Piloting pulse produce support system through ICT enabled services” between 2019 and 2021 in three TNAU centers under three different eco systems namely irrigated (Coimbatore), rice fallow (Aduthurai) and rainfed (Kovilpatti). Pulse growing farmers were registered in this smartphone application for agromet advisory based response farming. Result: The TNAU-AAS App had delivered approximately 10-12 advisories to each farmer, tailored to their unique crop and stage during the cropping period. Survey results inferred that the farmers received timely notifications on their mobile phones, 2-3 days in advance, which assisted them in preplanning. Occurrences of pests and diseases were well aligned (68-83%) with TNAU- AAS recommendations and the climate vulnerability of non AAS farmers is more than AAS farmer. According to partial budget analysis, the irrigated, rice fallow and rainfed black gram farmers have gained Rs. 2800, Rs. 2300 and Rs. 1900 per ha, respectively. It is concluded that the ICT-enabled agromet advisory system guarantees timely alerts, boosts labor and land productivity, lowers input loss and shields crops from weather-induced pests and diseases as well as climatic variability risk.

Genes in the Chagra: Crop and Crop Wild Relative Landesque Capital among Amazonian Runa in Ecuador

This study delves into the relationship between human cultures and plant genetic diversity, centering on the expanded concept of landesque capital. Traditionally, this term has encapsulated human-made environmental modifications, such as anthropogenic soils or terraces, that can yield long-term benefits. We extend this notion to embrace the genetic diversity and dynamics of crops and crop wild relative (CWR) gene pools. The investigation focuses on the Napo Runa of Ecuador and their cultural practices, including selection, seed saving, and transplantation, to highlight potential models of selection pressures affecting crop-CWR complexes and any cultural practices connected to either. In doing so, we aim to underscore the interconnected and multispecies nature of the relationships among genetic diversity and cultural diversity. Changes in the genetic makeup of one plant, induced by human interaction, can affect its cultivated counterparts through hybridization or future breeding programs, thereby influencing agricultural resilience, nutritional value, and the very cultural practices dependent on these crops or any related to them. Consequently, we argue for a focused examination of plant-based forms of landesque capital or any gene pool-based form, including animals or microbial life. This approach highlights the importance of interconnecting biocultural diversity between cultivated plants and their “wild” relatives and recognizing the intricate interdependencies between cultural practices and gene pools in the face of environmental challenges.

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS OF RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN DELTA STATE. NIGERIA.

Climate change is real and overwhelmingly affecting farming activities in Delta State. Objectives of the study are to identify arable crops that the farmers in Delta State cultivate, identify agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change and constraints affecting the choice of agricultural practices in Delta State. Arable crop farmers in Delta State formed the population from which sample was drawn. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample the farmers to get the sample size of 225. Data were analyzed with frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Majority of arable crop farmers (55.4%) were female. Maize, cassava, vegetables, beans, cowpea and yam are major arable crops engaged. The results indicated that mixed cropping (=3.18); planting of trees (=3.13); increase use of organic fertilizers (=2.57); mulching of crop (=2.93); planting pest and disease resistant crops (=2.92) were considered serious resilience factors. Factors such as high cost of improved planting varieties (=3.35); poor funding of agricultural rural development program (=3.32); lack of information (=3.34); low capacity of extension agents to boost and build farmers resilience (=3.02) were agreed constraints affecting the choice of agricultural practices. The study revealed that arable crop farmers in Delta State engaged many practices as resilience factors to climate change but many factors affecting their choice of agricultural practices

Role and approaches of agricultural extension in climate resilient agriculture

Role and approaches of agricultural extension in climate resilient agriculture

Impact of sustainability integrating environmental and social practices on farm resilience: a quantitative study of farmers facing the post-COVID-19 economic turbulence in Japan

Research on sustainability practices and resilience in farm systems has focused on the mutual interrelationship between the two. When identifying critical variables related to sustainability, it is essential to take an integrated perspective that considers the interplay among sustainable practices and uses a dataset that includes both environmental and social indicators. Thus, this study aims to quantitatively identify the impact of integrated sustainability indices on farm resilience, which is classified as persistence and adaptation, in the face of Post-COVID-19 economic turbulence. We obtained data from a questionnaire survey of 4,604 farms conducted by a government financial institution. Integrated sustainability indices and resilience indices are formulated through the application of factor analysis. As a result, we develop six sustainability indices that integrate environmental and social practices. A regression analysis reveals a positive correlation between the integrated sustainability indices and short-term persistence as farm resilience. Moreover, these sustainability indices exhibit a more pronounced impact on long-term adaptive resilience. These results imply that the integrated sustainability indices are more adept at evaluating farmers’ sustainability endeavors and clarifying the relationship between sustainability and farm resilience than traditional environmental and social sustainability indicators.

ASSESSING DRIVING FACTORS OF AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION AMONG FARMERS IN MADIMBA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Agroforestry is a significant solution to the challenges of tropical agriculture, offering substantial socioeconomic and ecological benefits. However, its adoption by farmers in Madimba territory, D.R. Congo, has shown challenges. This study investigates the factors influencing agroforestry adoption by surveying 310 households in 31 villages. We first used chi-square to identify variables associated with agroforestry adoption, subsequently, we inserted them in the Probit model as potential factors. The research identifies nine key factors affecting adoption: gender, age, land ownership, farming type, germplasm availability, perceived environmental change, products obtained from agroforestry, access to sensitization, and farmers’ organization membership. While aligning with some existing studies, these findings also present uniqueness, offering crucial insights for policymakers and practitioners. Therefore, the study shows the importance of targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance agroforestry practices adoption which contribute to the farmer's resilience towards economic and environmental challenges.

Pasture-crop rotations modulate the soil and rhizosphere microbiota and preserve soil structure supporting oat cultivation in the Pampa biome

Mixed systems of grain and livestock production based on pasture-crop rotations are a promising strategy to promote agriculture resilience and allow an ecological intensification of agriculture yet little is known about underlying processes in soil. To test the hypothesis that pasture-crop rotations preserve soil structure and select for beneficial soil and rhizosphere microbiota, supporting soil health and grain production, a long-term field experiment under no-tillage was studied. The experiment evaluated a gradient of land use intensities and vegetation diversities, from highly intensive continuous cropping to the least intensive system i.e. a nearby natural grassland, with two intermediate land use intensities i.e. short pasture-crop rotation and long pasture-crop rotation. Soil health was assessed based on soil physicochemical properties, microbial (Bacteria/Archaea and Fungi) community diversity and composition and oat performance. Pasture-crop rotations preserved soil bulk density and larger aggregates better than continuous cropping. High-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS fragments revealed that the pasture-crop rotations fostered taxa that are associated with soil structure maintenance and selected potential plant-beneficial bacterial genera in the oat rhizosphere (i.e. Bosea, Devosia and Microbacterium), that may have contributed to the observed increase in N uptake, N accumulation and biomass in oat. In summary, this study shows that pasture-crop rotations are an ecologically sustainable alternative to continuous cropping in the Uruguayan Pampa biome.

Enriching Soil Organic Carbon for Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, and Health

Amidst a growing global population and climate change challenges, this paper examines the vital role of soil organic carbon (SOC) in sustainable agriculture. Enriching SOC enhances soil fertility, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration, mitigating climate impacts. Prioritizing SOC improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, raising crop quality. Methodologically, the study combines normative juridical analysis with a qualitative literature review. Results highlight SOC's importance in fostering resilient agriculture and food security despite coordination challenges in policy formulation. Recommendations include incentivizing SOC-enhancing practices, investing in awareness, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. Prioritizing SOC enriches agricultural policies, ensuring sustainable practices, food security, and human well-being, offering a pathway to resilient agriculture and a sustainable future.

The Role of Associative Mechanisms in Increasing Farmer Resilience to Natural Hazards

The Role of Associative Mechanisms in Increasing Farmer Resilience to Natural Hazards