Traditional Agroecosystems Research Articles

Quantification of Vanillin in Fruits of Vanilla planifolia by High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography

Vanilla planifolia is an orchid whose origin is the humid tropic of the south of Mexico, a cause of high quality and fine aroma; vanillin has a high added value in the worldwide market; therefore, this current investigation has been focused on the quantification of vanillin concentration which was collected on three different traditional agroecosystems located on the northeastern Sierra of the state of Puebla, commonly known as Totocapan Region in Mexico. For this, was performed an ethnobotanical exploration on every cultivar to collect V. planifolia crops. Then it ripened through a traditional process, and at the end, a sample was taken and carried out at High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) protocol using methanol. The results showed significant differences in vanillin concentration and were dependent on the cut-off date. In December, we found concentrations of 9.73 g/s, on march 7.86 g/s, and April 14.26 g/s. According to these results, vanilla producers could choose the cut-off dates and negotiate a better price; besides this, V. planifolia has been protected by a denomination of origin. With this result, we can conclude that the crop yield period recommended by the Mexican Standard NMX-FF-074-1996 did not consider the agroecological environmental conditions of the north sierra mountains and northeastern mountains of the state of Puebla, where the present research was performed. The actual regulations correspond to the environmental conditions of the state of Veracruz, where the latitude varies from 10 to 2550 meters above sea level. Therefore, and according to the actual climate that affects the region, it is important to consider this to choose a vanilla crop yielding.

Understanding traditional agro-ecosystem dynamics in response to systematic transition processes and rainfall variability patterns at watershed-scale in Southern Ethiopia

Multi-temporal analysis of land cover dynamics using remote sensing can enable the determination of the spatial extent and average rate of land cover change. With the application of an appropriate change analysis method, it is also possible to distinguish whether a land cover change has occurred by the effect of a random or a systematic process. In connection with this, characterizing rainfall variability and historical meteorological drought events can allow understanding of their effects on agro-ecosystems and vegetation cover dynamics. Therefore, this study has evaluated multi-temporal land cover change in response to the possible impacts of population pressure and rainfall variability on agro-ecosystem dynamics. This was conducted on a traditional agroforestry-dominated landscape in Southern Ethiopia. Using Landsat images acquired in 1985, 2000, and 2018, a post-classification land cover change analysis approach was employed to distinguish between a systematic and random process of inter-category transitions. Assessment of drought events and rainfall variability dynamics were performed using standardized precipitation index (SPI) and rainfall coefficient of variation (CV), respectively. Mann–Kendall test was also applied for the detection of a monotonic rainfall trend. A bias-corrected Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) over 1981–2017 was used to calculate the SPI, CV and Mann–Kendall trend test. The analysis showed that above 41% of the landscape has experienced land cover transitions between 1985 and 2018. This has primarily resulted by a systematic and rapid expansion of agriculture, urban areas, and eucalyptus plantations, at the expense of natural vegetation ecosystems. Consequently, over the last 33 years (1985–2018), natural forest, grassland, and wetland have declined by 74.8%, 83.3%, and 78.4%, respectively. Another major land cover change identified in this study was the replacement of open-field crops by agroforestry, mainly in the western part of the catchment. Such expansion of agroforestry has appeared to be spatially correlated with a lower amount of long-term average and more variable rainfall. Perhaps, this could indicate farmers’ response to rainfall variability by diversifying agricultural production options (i.e. agroforestry system), by replacing the more risk-prone mono-cropping culture. The observed persistence and further expansion of traditional agroforestry (a combination of perennial crops and scattered trees) have implications in terms of enhancing biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. Overall, the land cover transitions that occurred over the last three decades suggest future conservation priorities for improved landscape management, with more emphasis on the most exposed natural vegetation ecosystems.

Food security strategies of an indigenous community in Veracruz, Mexico

Amidst most indigenous groups in Mexico, traditional knowledge still prevails which constitutes local strategies that address the issue of food insecurity. This study aims to analyze the body of Traditional Agroecological Knowledge (TAK) of Nahuatl indigenous community of Ocotal Texizapan, Tatahuicapan, Veracruz, to understand the strategies practiced to achieve food security. Participatory observation and semi-structured and in-depth interviews at the household level (n = 20 families) revealed that Traditional Agroecological Knowledge and local life strategies are linked to the “milpa” (traditional agroecosystem), home gardening, gathering, hunting and fishing activities which are key components to achieve food security at the family level. Rain-fed and "tapachole" (residual humidity) milpa, based on sowing maize intercropped with several crops, are closely-related to direct empirical knowledge, the rational use of available natural resources, family labour, and local knowledge. Currently, changes in land use and the use of agrochemicals are increasing in the study community and depleting biodiversity affecting food security at the family level: a situation that endorses the importance of traditional agriculture (milpa), backyard livestock (hens, ducks, pigs) together with gathering, hunting and fishing among the Nahuatl families.

Assessment of agromorphological diversity of chickling-vetch (Lathyrus cicera L.) landraces in the traditional agroecosystems of Morocco

Legumes are an essential component of human and animal food, particularly in the Mediterranean area. While some legumes are widely cultivated and consumed, others are neglected and underused. This is the case of an ancient Mediterranean legume, chickling-vetch (Lathyrus cicera L.), currently considered as a marginal crop. In Morocco, this crop persists in some traditional mountain agroecosystems in the Tadla-Azilal region. This study allowed to specify the cultivated area and the socio-economic characteristics. The estimation of local ecotypes diversity was carried out using agromorphological descriptors on a collection gathering 13 accessions. The used descriptors include germination, phenology, morphology, and production. The analysis of variability revealed the existence of a structured diversity based on ecotypes differentiation with significant geographical and altitudinal influences. The absence of dormancy, precocity, and a short vegetative lifecycle unveil an interesting adaptive potential to aridity. Regarding productivity, the obtained estimates are comparable or above those mentioned in the literature for other provenances. Our results therefore show that local ecotypes contain important genetic resources for conservation and development. This is particularly relevant considering the current context of climate change, where the search for alternative crops, adapted to fit the predicted harsh conditions, is a priority for global food security

Saberes tradicionales y transición agroecológica en la Mixteca Poblana

Este artículo contiene resultados de una amplia investigación realizada en la comuni-dad rural de Ayoxuxtla de Zapata, en la Mixteca Baja Poblana. El objetivo principal de la investigación es ubicar, describir y analizar procesos agroecológicos desde la estre-cha relación entre saberes, prácticas y creencias; considerando que los saberes locales tradicionales (la cultura) están en conexión con las implicaciones prácticas (produc-tivas) y el desarrollo de un cosmos en la reproducción de las creencias. Se parte de la hipótesis de que los saberes tradicionales forman parte de la identidad local y son elementos fundamentales de la transición agroecológica. Se describen y analizan pro-cesos bióticos y culturales relacionados con agroecosistemas tradicionales, como el del tlacolol. Con el enfoque teórico de la etnoecología y mediante una etnografía vasta, se realiza la lectura integral sobre conocimientos, prácticas y creencias, lo cual se siste-matiza y presenta en una matriz biocultural. En el cuadro sobre tramas epistémicas de ambas actividades agrícolas se presenta la comparación con sistemas productivos de la agroindustria, como los invernaderos de monocultivo que se encuentran en la región.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Ottelia alismoides (Hydrocharitaceae), a vulnerable plant in agro-ecosystems of Japan

Traditional agro-ecosystems have sustained diverse aquatic plants, but have been greatly damaged by modern agricultural practices. Ottelia alismoides is a submerged macrophyte occurring in and around paddy fields, and a vulnerable species in Japan. Using four primer pairs of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, genetic variation was estimated in 12 O. alismoides populations from Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. O. alismoides demonstrated low intra-population genetic variation (Pp = 15.7%, HE = 0.052 and I = 0.080), which was explained by its annual life history, high level of autogamy and repeated genetic bottlenecks. These factors, combined with limited gene flows (Nm = 0.113–0.127, M = 0.091), also resulted in the high genetic differentiation among populations, contributing about 70% of the total genetic variation. The gene flow might be hindered by geographic distance, mountains within islands and the strait between islands. It is, therefore, recommended that conservation of all extant populations be prioritized to maximize gene representation.

Do trends in Bangladeshi rice yields support Conway’s hypotheses about the consequences of modern agroecosystems?

Gordon Conway postulated that in comparison to traditional agroecosystems, crop yields from modern agroecosystems are: (1) higher; (2) less sustainable; and (3) more variable, particularly in the early adoption stages. The existing literature predates more recent developments and does not employ long-term time series data to identify time phases using any econometric tests for structural breaks. This paper fills this gap by investigating the applicability of Conway’s hypotheses to Bangladeshi rice yields over sixty years examining trends, their sustainability, and their variability. We find mixed support for Conway’s hypotheses. Rice yields rose substantially following the Green Revolution. Overall, higher yields have been sustained. However, they have now virtually plateaued, and various factors (including environmental and ecological) have increased the risk of these yields becoming unsustainable. Until recently, absolute variations in Bangladesh’s rice yields were found to be higher than before the Green Revolution. This supports Conway’s third hypothesis. However, the relative variability of Bangladesh’s rice yields has consistently fallen since the Green Revolution. We highlight the trio of general factors determining rice yields and underscored the need for holistic analysis. Non-economists often overlook economic factors while economists often do not pay adequate attention to eco-environmental factors.

Impacts of market economy access and livelihood conditions on agro-food transition in rural communities in three macro-regions of Brazil.

Urbanization has threatened rural communities’ livelihoods worldwide, changing their agro-food systems from locally produced traditional items to industrialized foodstuffs. The main objective was to investigate the relationship between livelihood conditions and the agro-food transition process in rural communities of the Center-West, Northeast, and Amazon regions of Brazil. We hypothesized that traditional agroecosystems and local food habits changed with greater access to market economies. The study was conducted with semi-structured questionnaire interviews to verify agro-food patterns, subsistence farming, natural resource use, and socioeconomic conditions. Moreover, we used stable isotope ratios from the inhabitants’ fingernails to determine the food source and trophic chain diversity. Data from questionnaires were analyzed using a Bayesian clustering model to characterize the socioeconomic conditions and agro-food patterns among rural and urban communities. The isotopic data were appraised through a nonparametric model to assess food differences among Brazilian regions and different community types. The Bayesian model allowed us to determine the optimal number of groups according to descriptive socioeconomic and agro-food variables sorted by each specific location. We also verified a food change from C3 (more natural) to C4 (more processed) with an increase in δ13C and a decrease in δ15N in the city and town localities. This indicates a livelihood shift from locally produced foods to processed items toward urban areas. Although remote villages showed more maintenance of their agro-food systems, increased access to market economies and the supermarket diet is changing the livelihood conditions of rural communities, which can compromise their traditional farming and food sovereignty.

Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Agroecosystems in the High Region of Yaonáhuac, Puebla, Mexico

A Sustainability Index for Traditional Agroecosystems (SITA) applied in Yaonáhuac, Puebla, Mexico was built. The index was composed of 16 indicators, with which the analysis of diversity-resilience, self-management-autonomy, integration, and self-sufficiency was carried out. To determine the type of sustainability, 62 in-depth interviews were applied to inhabitants of the municipality of Yaonáhuac. The results showed that the following indicators increased the sustainability of home gardens: soil fertility properties, agricultural heterogeneity, linking practices with the home garden, family participation, non-participation in government subsidies, agricultural local knowledges, uses of plants, material of the fence or boundary, productive diversity, and destination of crops. It was found that 29 home gardens showed super strong sustainability and 31 had strong sustainability. The SITA can be used to research small-scale traditional agroecosystems with similar characteristics to monitor their sustainability, as well as to assist in decision-making and promote agroecological management from the home. The shown data represent initial information to monitor and propose agroecological transitions in that region.

THE SCOPE AND CONSTRAINTS OF HOMEGARDENS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Considering the current importance of recognizing the potential of traditional agroecosystems, including homegardens in the sustainable development of many rural and urban communities, strategists and scientists around the world are showing increasing interest in their study. <strong>Objective.</strong> Analyze the scientific literature relevant to the scope and constraints of homegardens (HGs), and to identify gaps and research perspectives, especially for indigenous communities in Mexico. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A total of 335 studies published in the last decades (1986-2020) were collected from different databases using predefined keywords. All publications were organized and stored in the Zotero (2018) program. The trends of all the publications were analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus software. <strong>Results.</strong> The number of publications increased from the year 2000. About 70% of the publications analyzed were research articles in english. Of the total studies examined 239 (71.35%) were conducted in different parts of the world, of which 30% from Asia and the remaining 96 (28.65%) from Mexico, primarily in tropics. Most of these studies focused on ecological (62.98%), economic (20.29%), cultural (13.43%), social (7.46%) and multifunctional features (12.23%) of HGs. The same pattern was identified in the case of Mexico, with studies of 10.74%, 5.07%, 5.67%, 0.597%, and 3.58% focused on ecological, economic, cultural, social and the multifunctionality features of HGs respectively. <strong>Implications. </strong>The analysis of the scope and limitations of HGs contributes to identifying the need to carry out transdisciplinary research that reflects their whole dynamics as agroecosystems, in which, in addition to the ecological environment, there are various cultural aspects considered important in the indigenous communities of Mexico.<strong> Conclusions. </strong>The publications emphasized the importance of homegardens to provide multiple ecosystem functions and services to enhance human well-being. However, future research should reevaluate HGs based on a holistic multi-functional agriculture approach to promote them as one of the strategies conducive to improve family well-being. Also, it is suggested to evaluate the degree of sustainability of HGs based on its resilience and adaptation capacity to confront current challenges.</p>

Riqueza vegetal en patios familiares del trópico mexicano: hallazgos desde la teoría de polos de desarrollo

La riqueza de especies existentes en el patio familiar es el resultado de la coincidencia de procesos sociales, económicos, culturales y ambientales, que suceden más allá de sus límites físicos. Una teoría aún vigente para comprender estos factores externos es la teoría de polos de desarrollo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue conocer la riqueza de especies vegetales comestibles versus ornamentales en patios familiares de 13 comunidades de Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz y la influencia que tiene en ello el polo de desarrollo más cercano (cabecera municipal). Se aplicó una encuesta consistente en 443 cuestionarios, a través de un muestreo no probabilístico de tipo accidental. En el análisis de los datos se usó estadística descriptiva e inferencial (componentes principales) y los índices de familiaridad (IF), valor de uso (IVU) y consenso del informante (ICF). Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la riqueza de especies ornamentales versus comestibles está relacionada con la lejanía o cercanía al polo de desarrollo. La influencia de este polo afecta la dinámica socioeconómica familiar, cuyos miembros, si bien evidencian un alto grado de familiaridad con las especies existentes en sus patios familiares, también expresan la generación de condiciones de posibilidad para que parte de ellas (especies comestibles) puedan ser progresivamente abandonadas en su uso y manejo, como sucede en una comunidad de la ruta 3. Se concluye que, en la determinación de la riqueza de especies del patio familiar interviene el polo de desarrollo, como un factor exógeno, el cual trastoca la dinámica familiar en las comunidades que lo circundan. Dicha información se considera relevante para los tomadores de decisiones en el diseño de estrategias de fortalecimiento de este agroecosistema tradicional.

Genetic diversity and relationship between wild and cultivated cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] as assessed by allozyme markers

Abstract In Cameroon, cowpea plays an important role in traditional agroecosystems. Genetic variation in wild and cultivated cowpea in Cameroon has not yet been documented. Allozyme markers because of their codominance and polymorphism are useful tools for studying genetic variation and disparity in plant species. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the relationship between wild and cultivated cowpea from Cameroon. Ten enzyme systems encoding nineteen isozyme loci were used on 62 cowpea germplasm (45 wild and 17 cultivated). A total of thirty-two alleles were found. One allele was only found in cultivated samples (Enp98 ). Eight alleles were specific only to wild plant (Amp2 98 , Amp3a 103 , Amp4 96 , Fdh104 , Idh2 95 , Pgi3 92 , Pgm2 95 and Sdh95 ). Twenty-three alleles were common to both wild and cultivated accessions. Amp2 10 2 (z = −4.633, p < 0.001) and Fle3 96 (z = −2.858, p < 0.010) were significantly more represented in cultivated compared to wild cowpea forms. The mean number of alleles per locus in wild (1.632 alleles/locus) cowpea were significantly higher (t = 2.805, p < 0.010) compared to cultivated (1.263 alleles/locus) cowpea. Also, the proportion of polymorphic loci (P = 52.63%) and average Nei’s genetic diversity (He = 0.126) were important in wild, compared to the cultivated plants: P = 26.31% and He = 0.063, respectively. The low level of diversity found in domesticated accessions compared to wild can be attributed to a major genetic bottleneck that probably happened during the domestication process. Cluster analysis revealed by UPGMA dendrogram separated the 62 accessions into three clusters. Although an admixture of both wild and cultivated accessions within the same cluster were found, the dendogram, however, highlighted a visible separation between wild and cultivated cowpea. Wild cowpea with many more private alleles indicates an untouched resource available for future breeding.

Traditional knowledge and use value for sustainability: “Castanea sativa Mill.’ as a model of socio-economic recovery in northern Morocco

Overtime, local communities across the world, have largely contributed to the creation of landscape units with great socioeconomic, cultural, and ecological interests. Traditional agroecosystems are an example of these landscape units, that constitute an important refuge for genetic resources and traditional agricultural practices. Chestnut agroecosystems are not an exception. It represents the example of an agroforestry system with great socio-economic and ecological potential for rural communities. In Morocco, C. sativa is one of the neglected species that has never been studied. This paper aims, on one hand, to identify, localize and analyze the populations of chestnut trees in northern Morocco. On the other hand, to highlight its traditional techniques and practices and the assessment of its socioeconomic contribution. With the scarcity of documentation and data, the study concerned 3588 chestnut trees identified in 30 villages belonging to three regions in northern Morocco. The results of surveys carried out among 389 farmers, who unanimously confirmed the aging of the trees, with a very variable spatial distribution. Surveys carried out in different seasons have revealed a wide range of implemented techniques and knowledge to ensure conservation and the sustainability of chestnut trees. For farmers, the sale of chestnuts in local markets generates additional income, but beyond its subsistence role, chestnut tree has cognitive and identity connotations. The applied management method, the diversity of the techniques and practices dedicated to this tree as well as the significant contribution of its fruit to the local economy, testify its socio-economic importance beyond its ecological role.

De la selva baja caducifolia al sistema silvopastoril tradicional en la Sierra de Huautla, Morelos

Actualmente La Reserva de la Biosfera de la Sierra de Huautla (Rebiosh) es considerada como el último reducto conservado de la selva baja caducifolia (SBC) de México. En este documento se discute dicho planteamiento y se propone como un agroecosistema tradicional con manejo silvopastoril, con desarrollo histórico y antecedentes de uso previo a la llegada del ganado en la época colonial y una carga animal actual por encima de los parámetros técnicos, además de otros parámetros que fundamentan la creación de un agroecosistema cuyo comportamiento ecológico es cercano a la SBC. Esta situación se complica con la creación de la Rebiosh, cuyo plan de manejo desconoce el uso tradicional de los usufructuarios nativos y se aplican restricciones y criminalización a los usuarios tradicionales; sin considerar formas sustitutas de sufragar las necesidades no cubiertas por las disposiciones del área natural protegida. Se describe el funcionamiento del sistema silvopastoril tradicional y se concluye con la necesidad de profundizar en su comprensión, que permita, mediante procesos participativos, la construcción de aprovechamientos de recursos que fortalezcan sistemas agroforestales tradicionales y la visión de los usuarios a incluir en el Plan de Manejo de la Rebiosh.

Traditional rice-based agroecosystem in Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines: drivers of change, resilience, and potential trajectories

ABSTRACT This paper investigates transformations and trends in a traditional agricultural system in Kiangan, Philippines as a consequence of evolving social-ecological scenarios. For this study, Modified Sustainable Livelihood Framework (MSLF) and Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses (DPSIR) framework identified major driving forces in Kiangan social-ecological system (SES) and elucidated relationships and interactions between them. This study however unveiled the highly disturbed state of Kiangan SES and erosion of Ifugao culture and belief systems owing to the ingress of modernization, mind-set change among locals and weak institutional support. In particular, the polytheism to Christianity shift was a causative factor leading to abandonment of traditional rice varieties and farming rituals as well as the transformation of Kiangan upland landscape and its associated biophysical structures. Furthermore, productivity-driven approach to food production also resulted in wide scale agro-biodiversity losses, environmental degradation and cultural erosion. It was nonetheless observed that the Kiangan SES has, as of this time, not yet shifted to an alternative state and is still able to conserve its main features despite pressures to it. Interventions are therefore warranted to redirect the trajectory of Kiangan SES, steer it toward sustainable agricultural development and consequently into its preservation on behalf of the people that depend on it for food and livelihood.

Assessing avian diversity and community composition along a successional gradient in traditional Lacandon Maya agroforests

AbstractEvidence regarding the ability of agroforests to conserve biological diversity has been mixed; they tend to maintain avian communities with species richness similar to that of undisturbed forest ecosystems but generally do not completely preserve community composition. Using a combination of occupancy modeling and non‐metric multidimensional scaling on point‐count data, we assessed changes in avian community diversity and composition along a successional gradient in traditional Lacandon Maya agroforests and compared them to protected areas in the region. Bird species richness and diversity in Lacandon agroforests peaked in early secondary forest stages. These agroforests' mean Shannon–Weiner diversity was 5% higher than that of nearby protected areas, but their species richness was similar. Community composition in Lacandon agroforests changed throughout succession, with earlier stages supporting communities distinctly characterized by generalist species, while subsequent, less‐intensively managed stages tended to support more forest‐dwellers. The bird community observed in even the most mature secondary forest stages in Lacandon agroforests differed from that of undisturbed rain forest ecosystems. These results demonstrate the potential of traditional Lacandon agroforestry management to conserve avian biodiversity while ensuring food sovereignty for farmers. However, because the community composition of early‐successional stages was different than later stages, shortening fallow cycles and reducing forest cover to increase agricultural production will limit the species this system can support. This study illustrates the value of incorporating traditional agroecosystems into conservation planning as well as maintaining protected areas, because the latter serve as refugia for species that require undisturbed forest habitat in an agroecological matrix.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Dynamics of Farmland Birds in Traditional Agroecosystems: The Value of Countryside Elements in Avian Conservation

In India, urbanization and growth of cities have fragmented farmlands and the area under cultivation is dwindling. This study examined the ecological characteristics of rice fields, the inherent value of countryside elements and the relative occurrence of four species of farmland birds Dicrurus macrocercus, Turdoides affinis, Pavo cristatus, and Psittacula krameri along the Cauvery delta region, widely known as the granary of Tamil Nadu. The abundance and distribution of birds were analyzed at 30 sampling points for a year using the unlimited-radius point-counts. Among the four species recorded, D. macrocercus utilized more heterogeneous farmlands, while P. krameri was recorded in more intensively cultivated regions of the farmland. Pre-harvested rice fields predominantly supported species abundance and richness and exhibited a greater value for farmland birds than plowed, flooded or post-harvested fields. The abundance and richness of birds in agroecosystems increased with native vegetation cover and woody shelterbelts. D. macrocercus displayed greater tolerance towards monoculture plantations and elements within the mosaics like cable poles and power lines. Bird abundance in farmlands also correlated positively with decreasing distance from the mainland for D. macrocercus and T. affinis and showed a negative correlation for P. cristatus and P. krameri. D. macrocercus also displayed specialized resource utilization foraging techniques coinciding with cultivation activities resulting in bird-farmer mutualism. Cross-validation of the AIC models also showed that rice fields margined by greater amounts of vegetation cover and retention of species-specific modified elements supported the greatest abundance of farmland birds.

Little owl (Athene noctua) around human settlements and agricultural lands: Conservation and management enlightenments

Ecological studies have been focused on large, rare or endangered species but species which are adapted to traditional agroecosystems or rural environments received less attention. For example, Little owl is a typical inhabitant of agricultural lands and its population had greatly reduced due to the mechanized agriculture. In this paper, we built the first country level habitat suitability map for the little owl and identified the most influential environmental predictor of its distribution in Iran. We used species presence data (177 distribution points) and eight uncorrelated environmental variables to model the species suitable habitats using the maximum entropy approach (Maxent). Results showed that suitable habitats for this species are located in the northwest, parts of north east and southwest of Iran. Distance to forests, distance to human settlements and distance to agricultural lands are the most important determinants of the little owl distribution in Iran. Human migrations from rural areas to the cities and availability of many vacant human settlements surrounded by traditional and semi-modern agricultural landscapes produce suitable habitats for little owl in Iran.

Traditional agroecosystem transition in mountainous area of Three Gorges Reservoir Area

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) is typical of an ecologically vulnerable area, comprised of rural and mountainous areas, and with high immigration. Because of its economic and ecologic importance, studying the traditional agroecosystem changes in the TGRA is key to rural development and revitalization. In this study, we apply a framework of theoretical analysis, empirical study, and trend prediction to the Caotangxi River watershed within the TGRA. Using QuickBird high-resolution remote sensing images from 2012 to 2017 to evaluate natural resources and farmers’ behavior, we analyze the transition and trends in the traditional agroecosystem in mountainous areas of the TGRA at spatial scale of the man-land relationship. We find that the agroecosystem in the TGRA can be divided into four modes using 100 m interval buffer rings: high-low-low, high-low-high, low-high-low and low-low-high mode where the different modes represent the agricultural development stages in the TGRA. Furthermore, the traditional agroecosystem in TGRA, represented by system elements such as farmers and sloping farmland, is transforming to accommodate the diversification of farmer livelihoods. For example, sloping farmland, which was dominated by a production function, now has equal emphasis on ecological and economic functions. Spatially, the range of the agroecosystem transition has migrated beyond high mountain areas to flat valley areas. Generally, this study provides an overview of land use in rural areas, controls on soil and water loss in mountainous areas, and better rural living environments in the TGRA.

Agricultural abandonment and resilience in a Mediterranean periurban traditional agroecosystem: a landscape approach

Agricultural abandonment and resilience in a Mediterranean periurban traditional agroecosystem: a landscape approach