Chapter Three. Conservation agriculture for regenerating soil health and climate change mitigation in smallholder systems of South Asia
The increase in agriculture production to meet the food demand of growing human population from a limited availability of arable land with low environmental footprints and preserving natural resources (soil, water and air) simultaneously are major challenges in South Asia. The situation is further complicated by the climate change, which will further lower the food production, compounding the challenge of meeting food demand.
Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles (STIBs) for women’s empowerment and resilience in the agrifood system
The Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles (STIBs) framework, developed by the CGIAR's Initiative on Gender Equality, in collaboration with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), offers a systematic approach to enhance women's empowerment and resilience in the agrifood system by addressing gender-specific barriers and challenges, combining technological and social innovations in a demand-driven and context-specific manner.
Human density impacts Nubian Flapshell turtle survival in Sub-Saharan Africa: Future conservation strategies
The Nubian Flapshell Turtle, Cyclanorbis elegans, is classified as one of the most threatened chelonian species globally (Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List). The species is presumed extinct in most of its historical distribution range, but still survives along the White Nile between South Sudan and northern Uganda.
Developpement agricole, genre et securite alimentaire: une analyse comparative des menages ruraux dans les zones montagneuses du territoire de Kalehe (RDC) et du district de Rusizi (Rwanda)
Dans la région des grands lacs africains, et plus particulièrement dans les milieux ruraux de la RDC et du Rwanda, le secteur agricole joue un rôle prédominant dans l’économie locale et constitue le principal moyen de subsistance des ménages. Ce dernier, évalué en termes de capital financier, humain, matériel, naturel et du capital social favorise le développement agricole des ménages. Malheureusement, dans les zones rurales de la RDC et du Rwanda, mobiliser ces différentes formes de capital pour le bien-être des ménages demeure un défi important à relever.
Climate-related risk modeling of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) disease incidence in the cropland area of Rwanda
Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) is a major threat to banana production in Rwanda, causing up to 100% yield loss. There are no biological or chemical control measures, and little is known about the potential direction and magnitude of its spread; hence, cultural control efforts are reactive rather than proactive. In this study, we assessed BXW risk under current and projected climates to guide early warning and control by applying the maximum entropy (Maxent) model on 1,022 georeferenced BXW datapoints and 20 environmental variables.
Mainstreaming women farmers: Innovations and approach
Mainstreaming women in agriculture is the need of the hour and its imperative to bring and discuss innovations and approaches which can accelerate the pace of it. In spite of her back-breaking work women farmers remain invisible and is aspiring for her identity as a farmer. There are various challenges which is in the ecosystem of a woman farmer ranging from lack of an equal level playing field with that of men, identity crisis, lack of gendered extension system, lack of control over resources like land, input etc. which needs a planned strategy and intervention aiming to reduce the gaps.
Introducing the Updated AgIncentives Database
Prior to the 1980s, information on agricultural incentives provided by governments was extremely limited and difficult to access. Much debate took place on the basis of participants’ preferred alternative facts. During the 1980s, the OECD began to collect detailed information on agricultural incentives in member countries, but data remained fragmentary for developing countries. The only close-to-global information on agricultural distortions was provided by a one-off study undertaken by Kym Anderson at the World Bank, completed in 2009.
Silvopastoral systems with Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray reduce N2O–N and CH4 emissions from cattle manure deposited on grasslands in the Amazon piedmont
Cattle manure deposited in pastures is an important source of nitrous oxide (N2O–N) and methane (CH4) emissions. Environmental conditions and soil characteristics affect emissions of these two gases, and therefore, it is important to conduct studies in local conditions to generate emission factors to improve greenhouse gas (GHG) estimates, as well as to identify mitigation strategies. N2O–N and CH4 fluxes from soil, feces and urine were determined for two cattle production systems during two seasons, and emission factors (EFs) were calculated.
Kenya Discussion of 2023 Global Food Policy Report
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is organizing a hybrid launch event for its 2023 Global Food Policy Report in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with University of Nairobi and as part of the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies (NPS) seminar series on May 19, 2023, at 2.00pm.
The 2023 Global Food Policy Report, IFPRI’s flagship report, provides a broad set of evidence-based recommendations for better predicting and preparing for crises, addressing crises when they occur and building equity and resilience of food systems.
Environmental co-benefits of improved forages in smallholder dairy systems of Kenya
Livestock play a major role across Kenya, especially in smallholder mixed farms through provision of household nutrition and income through milk and meat. Equally, fertilization of cropland benefits from livestock manure, and livestock often act as insurance and saving. Despite the opportunities and benefits livestock production presents, livestock systems are also key drivers of environmental degradation, including increased nutrient loads, GHG emissions, water use, grassland degradation and land-use conversion.