Agricultural Research Articles

Alexander Hamilton’s Report on Manufactures and Industrial Policy

Hamilton’s 1791 state paper on manufactures is a forward-looking argument for US industrialization supported by public policies designed to encourage it. Conventional wisdom circa 1790, along with static considerations of comparative advantage indicated that the United States should stick to farming, export its agricultural surpluses, and import European manufactures. Mercantilist trade policies of the major European empires, however, were barriers to US exports. Hamilton therefore contended that US manufacturing using the latest machine technologies would alleviate the effects of European trade restrictions by creating domestic demand for agricultural surpluses. His report specifies industries worthy of support, and policy measures to encourage their development. During the century that followed, US governments adopted nearly all of Hamilton’s recommendations. These measures contributed to an average annual rate of growth of industrial output of 5 percent during that century, helping the United States to become the world’s leading manufacturing nation.

Practices of Maize Handling and Nixtamalization to Reduce Fungal Toxin Exposure in Rural Guatemala

Fungal toxins in local food supplies are a critical environmental health risk to communities globally. To better characterize hypothesized toxin control points among households, we conducted household surveys across four departments (first administrative division) in Guatemala. Data gathered included maize harvesting, processing, storage, and traditional nixtamalization practices. In total, n=33 households participated in the survey and were from 4 unique departments, 17 unique municipalities, and represented 4 different languages. The results suggested that the majority of households consumed a combination of personally cultivated and purchased maize. There was significant variation in how this maize was stored, in regards to pre-processing (kernel vs whole cob), as well as storage system type. For nixtamalization, the largest differences in practices (e.g., cooking time) were based on household size while the majority of households reported practices that aligned with previously reported best practices. Lastly, all reported maize-based food products produced by households utilized the nixtamalization process except one. Current maize handling and nixtamalization practices reported by a majority of households aligned with best practices, however, with locally tailored and culturally sensitive guidance disseminated by key stakeholders, the prevalence of best practice use among households can be improved. Further community-based research on traditional farming and nixtamalization practices can improve these recommendations.

A socio-hydrology model for Water-Urban-Land-Population-Production Nexus

The competition between urbanization patterns, agricultural practices, population dynamics, and economic production intensifies under limited water resources. To tackle this pressing issue, the Chinese government has issued a strategy of "Basing four aspects on water resources." The strategy aims to guide the scopes and scales of urban extension, land cultivation, population capacity, and economic production based on the constraints imposed by water availability, referred to as the Water-Urban-Land-Population-Production (WULPP) Nexus. While there is literature dealing with various water-related Nexus, few studies focus on WULPP Nexus. To understand the co-evolution and conflicts of WULPP Nexus between social development and water management, the study proposed a comprehensive framework and corresponding socio-hydrology model to address the WULPP Nexus. The model integrates the WULPP Nexus with the macro-economic Input-Output model and a multi-objective optimization (MO) solution to comprehensively explore the dynamic interactions between water and social development from the perspective of water, land, labor, products, and capital. The proposed model was fully applied in Yinchuan (YC), a pilot city for Ecological Protection and High-quality Development in the Yellow River Basin, to examine its effectiveness and sensitiveness as a case study. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between population growth and socio-economic development, with urban expansion offering both benefits and trade-offs, while land cultivation presents the most significant trade-off with other objectives. Water availability, especially under consumption constraints, is crucial to improve outcomes in wet years and intensify trade-offs in dry ones. These findings underscore the importance of a balanced approach to social development and water management, offering valuable insights for sustainable development in water-scarce regions globally.

МАТЕРИАЛЬНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ СЕЛЬСКОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА: СОСТОЯНИЕ, ПРОБЛЕМЫ, НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ

One of the determining conditions for competitive domestic agricultural production in foreign markets is the technical and technological modernization of the industry. However, despite the significance of the problem, over the past two decades, a stable trend of reduction in the number of employees in agricultural organizations in Russia has developed for all types of agricultural machinery. The highest rates of reduction in agricultural machinery were observed until 2010, and in subsequent periods the downward trend has significantly decreased. At the same time, it is not entirely correct to assess the current situation unambiguously, since the reduction in the fleet of machinery and equipment in agricultural organizations is due to certain objective circumstances and conditions: the area of cultivated land and cultivation of specific crops has decreased; the number of animals has decreased; the technical means used have become more energy-intensive and productive, which is especially important in the context of a shortage of personnel in rural areas. In 2018-2022 the production of domestic agricultural machinery in value terms increased by almost 2.5 times, while in physical terms the changes are insignificant. At the same time, domestic mechanical engineering practically does not produce machinery and equipment for pig farming, poultry farming, milk processing, potato harvesters, beet harvesting equipment, equipment for gardening, vegetable growing. As a result of the outstripping rate of disposal of agricultural machinery and equipment over the rate of their production and replenishment, the energy capacity of the industry is declining. The sanctions imposed on the Russian economy have led to increased risks of non-receipt of critical components and spare parts; disruption of stable logistics and distribution chains that have functioned for a long time, their rise in price; revision of contract terms, failure to meet delivery deadlines. Sanctions against the use of foreign high technologies used in precision farming, genetics, selection, enterprise management, etc. have a negative impact on the development of the agro-industrial complex.

Study on Seroprevalence and Leptospiral Antibody Distribution Among Livestock Breeders and Farmers in Golestan Province.

The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and the distribution of serovars in livestock breeders and farmers in Golestan province. Seventy samples of serum collected from farmers and ranchers suspected of leptospirosis were examined using an ELISA method for surveying Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-leptospiria. Also from samples, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using by primers for 16s rRNA. Demographic properties of positive patients were analysed. Chi-square statistical test shows a statistically significant difference between the gender and prevalence leptospirosis (p-value = 0.004). Also, by examining the age, it was shown that 68.57% of patients are in the middleaged rang. According to the results obtained from the study and investigation of blood serum IgM-and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in people suspected of leptospirosis, 3 cases of the patients had IgM higher than 11 and were known to be positive for leptospirosis. Also, by examining the IgG level of patients, 5 cases had intermediate results, and 2 cases were found to be positive for IgG. The PCR results showed that 41.42% of patients tested positive for the 16s rRNA. Leptospirosis is a common disease among farmers, and in Golestan province, considering traditional farming methods, it is considered an important infectious disease. Therefore, health and safety measures should be expanded to control and prevent this disease. Also, by employing mechanised agricultural methods, the prevalence of leptospirosis in this region can be significantly reduced.

AI-based autonomous UAV swarm system for weed detection and treatment: Enhancing organic orange orchard efficiency with agriculture 5.0

Weeds significantly threaten agricultural productivity by competing with crops for nutrients, particularly in organic farming, where chemical herbicides are prohibited. On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, organic citrus farms face increasing challenges from invasive species like Araujia sericifera and Cortaderia selloana, which further complicate cover crop management. This study introduces a swarm system of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with neural networks based on YOLOv10 for the detection and geo-location of these invasive weeds. The system achieves F1-scores of 0.78 for Araujia sericifera and 0.80 for Cortaderia selloana. Using GPS and RTK, the UAVs generate KML files to guide diffuser drones for precise, localized treatments with organic products. By automating the detection, treatment, and elimination of invasive species, the system enhances both productivity and sustainability in organic farming. Additionally, the proposed solution addresses the high labor costs associated with manual weeding by reducing the need for human intervention. A comprehensive economic analysis indicates potential savings ranging from 1810 to 2650 € per hectare, depending on farm size. This innovative approach not only improves weed control efficiency but also promotes environmental sustainability, offering a scalable solution for organic and conventional agriculture alike.

DDAM-Net: A Difference-Directed Multi-Scale Attention Mechanism Network for Cultivated Land Change Detection.

Declining cultivated land poses a serious threat to food security. However, existing Change Detection (CD) methods are insufficient for overcoming intra-class differences in cropland, and the accumulation of irrelevant features and loss of key features leads to poor detection results. To effectively identify changes in agricultural land, we propose a Difference-Directed Multi-scale Attention Mechanism Network (DDAM-Net). Specifically, we use a feature extraction module to effectively extract the cropland's multi-scale features from dual-temporal images, and we introduce a Difference Enhancement Fusion Module (DEFM) and a Cross-scale Aggregation Module (CAM) to pass and fuse the multi-scale and difference features layer by layer. In addition, we introduce the Attention Refinement Module (ARM) to optimize the edge and detail features of changing objects. In the experiments, we evaluated the applicability of DDAM-Net on the HN-CLCD dataset for cropland CD and non-agricultural identification, with F1 and precision of 79.27% and 80.70%, respectively. In addition, generalization experiments using the publicly accessible PX-CLCD and SET-CLCD datasets revealed F1 and precision values of 95.12% and 95.47%, and 72.40% and 77.59%, respectively. The relevant comparative and ablation experiments suggested that DDAM-Net has greater performance and reliability in detecting cropland changes.

Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat melalui Pembuatan Produk Minuman Timun Apel sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Ekonomi dan Ketahanan Pangan Lokal

Apple cucumber is an annual plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is very closely related to the melon plant. Regarding morphology and fruit aroma, this plant is a hybrid plant or a cross between melon and suri cucumber. Apple cucumber farmers in Tanjungpakis Village cultivate an average of ½Ha land for apple cucumber cultivation. The taste of the apple cucumber produced by the fruit is sweet, and the flesh is soft, making this fruit much liked by the public. This makes apple cucumber a superior local fruit that is cultivated in Tanjung Pakis Village. The aim of implementing community service is to make apple cucumbers a strategic superior commodity to be processed into beverage products, optimize the potential of local and regional products, and help improve the economy and welfare of farmers in rural areas. The implementation method is carried out through outreach and licensing, training and practice, and assistance to farmers. The results obtained from the service implementation are syrup product innovations that have been packaged and equipped with attractive product labels.

Challenges of Applying Circular Economy in Agricultural Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Kurdistan Province, Iran

Current production and distribution models in agriculture primarily operate based on the 'linear economy' approach. This means that after the exploitation of natural resources and the production of the final product, a significant portion of these resources and products, now contaminated or turned into waste, exit the economic cycle. The circular economy approach in agriculture seeks to reuse waste products and depleted inputs, thereby reducing the intensity of resource exploitation and taking a step towards sustainable agriculture. However, applying circular economy concepts in agriculture across different regions, especially in developing countries like Iran, can encounter various obstacles and challenges. The present study aims to identify and analyze these obstacles and challenges in the agriculture sector of Kurdistan Province, one of Iran’s key agricultural regions. For this purpose, after reviewing the literature and gathering expert opinions from the province's agrarian elites, 16 challenging factors were identified as potential barriers to expanding the circular economy in Kurdistan Province. These were examined and analyzed using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach. The required data were collected via a questionnaire in the spring of 2024. The research findings indicate that among the 16 factors analyzed, the key variables are the second, first, and third factors—namely, the illiteracy and low literacy rates among farmers, traditional and subsistence farming, and the small size and fragmentation of agricultural lands in Kurdistan Province. According to the experts and specialists interviewed, addressing these variables can significantly influence others, reducing the barriers and challenges facing the circular agricultural economy and the sustainable development of agriculture in Kurdistan Province.

EDUKASI PENGUATAN EKONOMI LOKAL PADA KELOMPOK PETANI GARAM DALAM IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN EKONOMI KERTHI BALI DI DESA KUSAMBA KECAMATAN DAWAN KABUPATEN KLUNGKUNG

Dawan District is one of the areas located in Klungkung Regency which is in the coastal area. Nearly 20% of local people earn their livelihood in the fisheries and marine sectors. The potential of the large marine area, precisely in Kusamba Village, can certainly be a great opportunity for the local community to make a living as salt farmers. Kusamba is an old village located almost seven (7) km from Semarapura City Klungkung, according to Pemancangah or chronicle about the escape of Ki Gusti Maruti who rebelled against the King of Bali in Gelgel (Queen Dalem Dimadya) in 1686, Ki Gusti Maruti also brought along the servants who were residents of Pasek Gelgel and at that time it was said that residents of Pasek Gelgel were also related to residents of Pasek in Kusamba who were known as Pasek Sadra, from these residents of Pasek Gelgel he was at the location of the new settlement in Kuramas village, the residents were placed in Banjar Gelgel, Keramas . In 1750 AD, after the death of the King of the Kelungkung Kingdom, Ratu Dewa Agung Sakti, and was replaced by his sister Ratu Dewa Agung Gde Panji as King of Kelungkung, the sons of the King of Kelungkung Ratu Dewa Agung Gde Pandji were each given a place to live to protect the people and the security of the Kingdom. Klungkung. The population of Kusamba village as of 2021 is 5,465 people consisting of 2,649 men and 2,816 women. In this case, the importance of education related to building a business concept motivates the community to be able to plan a local economic business. The Governor of Bali's policy through Circular Letter (SE) No.17 of 2021 concerning the use of local Balinese traditional salt products in its implementation as a Kerthi Bali Economic concept where he conveyed that traditional salt farmers must be preserved because the salt produced by Kusamba village tastes delicious, this has become opportunities for local communities to be able to build a business, either individually or as a group, by exploiting this potential in their area to help improve the economy and prosperity. It is hoped that the educational understanding of the concept of sustainable business and the Kerthi Bali Economic policy will be able to provide an overview of the community in the Nusa Penida sub-district to build a business that contains elements of Balinese natural local wisdom as a form of assisting the government in realizing the vision and mission of the Bali provincial government. The educational process as a new business is the main thing that needs to be understood, including the elements that support the business line so that it can still reach the market and survive, because a business is not only oriented towards profit but also the community and the surrounding nature.

Multi-Scenario Simulating the Effects of Land Use Change on Ecosystem Health for Rural Ecological Management in the Zheng–Bian–Luo Rural Area, Central China

A healthy rural ecosystem ensures a win–win situation for both economic growth and ecological conservation. However, the impact of land use changes at the rural level on ecosystem health remains unclear. This study focuses on the rural scale of Zheng–Bian–Luo, analyzing changes in land use from 2000 to 2020. Using the “Ecosystem Vigor-Organization-Resilience-Services” model, the study evaluates the spatiotemporal patterns of ecosystem health. The Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model was employed to simulate land use and ecosystem health in 2035 under three scenarios: Natural Development (ND), Ecological Protection (EP), and Cropland Protection (CP). The findings are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the area of cultivated land in Zheng–Bian–Luo rural areas decreased, and the area of forest land first decreased and then increased. (2) During the study period, ecosystem health improved as ecosystem vigor, organization, and services increased. Low-value areas of ecosystem health showed a shrinking trend, most notably in Kaifeng. (3) By 2035, under the EP scenario, forest land increased by 76.794 km2, while it decreased under the CP and ND scenarios. Construction land showed an increasing trend in all three scenarios, with the ND scenario seeing the largest increase of 718.007 km2. (4) In 2035, ecosystem health is projected to decline under the ND scenario due to reduced forest land and increased construction land. The CP scenario showed no significant change in ecosystem health, but the southwestern rural areas of Luoyang improved. The EP scenario saw an overall increase in ecosystem health, highlighting land use optimization as beneficial. Local governments are encouraged to create ecological protection plans balancing ecological and cultivated land protection, focusing on sensitive areas such as the Songshan region and southwestern mountainous areas of Luoyang for coordinated development.

Seasonal migration and youth social life in the Eastern Barienou district, Benin

This study investigated the relationship that exists between seasonal migration and social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou, Benin. Several young people from the Barienou district in the northern Benin leave their homes each year to work in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Migration is a strategy employed to improve their standard of living. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal migration on social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou. This study employed a mixed-method research design that combines a correlation survey and a phenomenological study. The population of the study included 450 people. The sampling frame included not only a list of youth in the Eastern Barienou district but also a list youth’s parents and youth’s leaders. A total of 196 participants were sampled using stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview guide and a focus group discussion guide. A multivariate regression analysis was run to assess the association between seasonal migration and social life. Seasonal migration has a significant negative relationship with youth social life (β=.-39, p<.001). QDA miner lite V3.0.6 was used for qualitative data analysis, SPSS 21 for descriptive analysis, and SPSS AMOS 26 for multivariate regression analysis. The study recommended that the Benin government enhance farming sector in the Eastern Barienou district and collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve working conditions for seasonal migrants.

Factors restraining youth involvement in fish farming business: Case study of Kamuthanga Village, Kenya

Fish farming serves as one of the important strategies for reducing unemployment and improving the standard of living for many households. However, in many African countries, including Kenya, a large number of young people tend to pursue administrative and white-collar jobs, resulting in a noticeable lack of youth participation in the fish farming sector. This trend underscores the challenge of attracting youth to agricultural enterprises like fish farming, despite its promising opportunities. This study explored the factors limiting youth participation in the fish farming business, targeting some individuals aged 18-35 in Kamuthanga village. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, with twenty-six (26) individuals interviewed. The study is grounded in the anthropological entrepreneurship theory, utilizing triangulation to ensure a holistic understanding. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were employed to capture perceptions regarding barriers to youth involvement. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software. Data organization, coding, and theme development were conducted systematically to align with the study’s objectives. The findings revealed several challenges hindering youth involvement in fish farming, including the semi-arid conditions of Kamuthanga village, which lead to water scarcity; limited access to capital; insufficient technical knowledge; inadequate support structures; and some cultural barriers. These findings shed light on the critical factors that must be addressed to foster greater youth involvement in fish farming and ultimately unlock its potential for economic development and unemployment reduction in Kamuthanga village.

Application of Biofloc Techznology as an Environmentally Friendly Solution to Increase the Productivity of Freshwater Fish Cultivation

This study explores the application of Biofloc Technology (BFT) as an environmentally friendly solution to increase the productivity of freshwater fish cultivation. Using a qualitative research approach based on a comprehensive literature review and library research, the paper examines the effectiveness of Biofloc in improving water quality, reducing feed costs, and enhancing fish growth rates. BFT promotes the growth of beneficial microbial communities that convert organic waste into protein-rich bioflocs, which serve as a supplementary feed for fish. This technology minimizes water exchange, conserves resources, and mitigates environmental pollution in aquaculture systems. The study highlights various successful implementations of Biofloc in freshwater aquaculture, noting significant improvements in production efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional farming methods. Moreover, the paper discusses the economic and environmental benefits of adopting Biofloc Technology, including reduced dependency on high-cost commercial feed and lower environmental impact due to decreased water usage and waste output. The findings suggest that Biofloc Technology is a promising innovation for sustainable aquaculture, providing both ecological and economic advantages. This research provides insights for policymakers, fish farmers, and aquaculture industry stakeholders interested in adopting eco-friendly practices to enhance productivity while protecting aquatic ecosystems

Genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeny of insular Spanish pepper landraces (Capsicum annuum L.) through phenotyping and genotyping-by-sequencing.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Understanding the species' genetic background is key to preserve agrodiversity on-farm, to contribute to a more diverse and resilient agrifood sector, and to find new sources of variation that could be useful in future breeding programs. In this regard, varietal groups bred in insular environments have gained special interest as they have evolved quite isolated from continental forms, with a limited genetic exchange. The present work explores the diversity of a plethora of Balearic landraces, corresponding to different local varietal types, through phenotyping and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Mallorca and Eivissa landraces were phenotyped according to a comprehensive list of descriptors for plant, leaf, flower, fruit, pollen, and seed and were genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers; population structure and their patterns of diversity were studied. The results showed a considerable morphological diversity for most traits analyzed, within and between landraces. On the whole, in regard to genetic patterns, relatively low levels of heterozygosity and moderate genetic diversity for the studied landraces were found although some of them exhibited diverse patterns. The materials were not grouped in specific clusters associated with each island, but mainly according to varietal types. These findings can serve as the basis for studying divergent evolutionary patterns associated with the corresponding populations. Finally, the results can contribute to further elucidation of the genetic basis of Balearic landraces and serve as an inspiring case of study for other insular endemisms of cultivated species.

FUNGSI KELOMPOK TANI DAN PENGGUNAAN SARANA PRODUKSI DALAM KEGIATAN USAHATANI JAGUNG DI DESA AMBESEA KECAMATAN LAEYA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

Farming in Ambesea Village still relies heavily on traditional methods passed down from generation to generation, from land cultivation to harvest. Corn farming in this village has not been carried out optimally due to farmers' limited knowledge, which has resulted in low corn production results. This research aims to evaluate the function of farmer groups and the use of production facilities in corn farming in Ambesea Village, Laeya District, South Konawe Regency. A total of 12 informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed qualitatively through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that farmer groups function as learning classes, with meetings that show member activities; as a vehicle for cooperation, with active cooperation between members; and as a production unit that provides agricultural production facilities. The use of production facilities in corn farming shows that farmers utilize all available facilities in their activities.

Enhancing Income for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through Ginger Value Addition: Opportunities, Strategies and Market Insights

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most valuable spices globally, known for its culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses. As a primary cash crop in many regions, it offers substantial income opportunities for smallholder farmers. However, the traditional farming and marketing methods often limit the potential earnings of smallholder farmers. This review explores the concept of value addition in ginger, focussing on post-harvest processing, product diversification, packaging innovations, and market expansion strategies. It further highlights how Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can leverage these techniques to improve profitability and sustainability. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by FPOs, such as financial constraints and market access barriers, while highlighting opportunities supported by government policies and technological advancements. Advanced processing techniques, improved package, branding, and exploring new markets would achieve profitability and sustainability of FPOs. The reduction of value chain and directly paying to the farmers give opportunity to the consumers to get the ginger products at better prices.

Phylogenetic Relationship Among Cultivated and Wild Species of Genus Macrotyloma Based on Cytology and Molecular Markers

Phylogenetic Relationship Among Cultivated and Wild Species of Genus Macrotyloma Based on Cytology and Molecular Markers

Surplus or deficit? Quantification of carbon sources and sinks and analysis of driving mechanisms of typical oasis urban agglomeration ecosystems

The relationship between carbon sources and sinks, along with their balance, is a crucial indicator for assessing ecosystem health. Ecosystem protection mitigates climate change and promotes the carbon cycle balance. Consequently, to effectively assess the status of carbon sources and sinks in an oasis ecosystem, this study utilized remote sensing and statistical data to estimate the natural carbon sources and sinks, energy carbon emissions(ECE), and carbon surpluses or deficits in the urban agglomeration of the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains(UANSTM) for a period 2000–2022 from a perspective of the natural-social-economic system. The driving mechanisms were analyzed using the optimal geodetector model (OPGD) and generalized divisia index method (GDIM). The results show(1) throughout the study period, natural carbon sources and sinks in the UANSTM exhibited a distribution pattern that diminished from the Tianshan Mountains axis northward and southward, accompanied by a fluctuating increase over time. ECE predominantly occurred in urban built-up areas and adjacent cultivated lands, totaling an increase of 88.48 × 104 TgC. (2) The change trend showed an overall predominance of carbon sources, with the rate of increase of carbon sources being greater than that of carbon sinks. Grassland-cultivated land and construction land interaction area exhibited significant changes in carbon sources and sinks. (3) During the study period, the UANSTM experienced a consistent carbon deficit, averaging −68.11 TgC annually. Spatially, this deficit evolved from discrete points to linear and then to areal patterns. (4) Precipitation and elevation were the primary determinants of natural carbon sources and sinks. Whereas GDP with a contribution of 50.4%,was the predominant driver of ECE across each prefecture-level city. Development of policies that synergize regional natural and socioeconomic systems is an important means of achieving a carbon balance. The results of this study provide a reference for adding a research paradigm on carbon sources and sinks in oasis urban agglomerations and for low-carbon development.

Irrigation Water in Northwest Syria: Impact of the Recent Crisis and Drought

This study examines how Northwest Syria’s arable and irrigated areas are changing, with a particular emphasis on processes that have affected cultivation and water availability since 2011. A substantial decline in cultivated areas is revealed by the analysis of 502 samples from various stakeholders, including farmers, well owners, well-digging companies, agricultural pharmacies, and service offices. District-specific variations show a decrease of 15.3% and 8.5% in total cultivated land and irrigated areas, respectively. Particularly in areas known for their summer vegetables and winter crops, such Al-Bab and Jebel Saman, agricultural productivity has drastically decreased since 2011. Today, 67% of irrigation comes from groundwater wells, especially in Jabal Saman and Idleb, whereas Jisr-Ash-Shugur depends on the Orontes River. Due to drought and a lack of regulatory oversight, the number of irrigation wells has risen since 2011, severely reducing water supplies and driving up irrigation prices. High fuel and electricity costs, uncontrolled well drilling, broken machinery, and insufficient irrigation systems are some of the main obstacles. A lot of well owners would rather sell drinking water, which would cut down on irrigated land and crop cultivation. The needs of the stakeholders include subsidies for fuel and electricity, the development of alternative energy, well repairs, improvements to irrigation systems, the provision of agricultural inputs, and better local water management. This study emphasizes the critical need for focused interventions to support agriculture and livelihoods in Northwest Syria and offers significant insights for sustainable water management solutions.