Search Results (476)

Urban–rural fringes within contaminated regions frequently exhibit severe socio-environmental fragmentation and territorial stigmatization. This study evaluates the implementation of a Successional Agroforestry System (SAFS) in the “Land of Fires” (Southern Italy), which is conceptualized as a multifunctional socio-ecological infrastructure. Adopting a six-year longitudinal case study design (2019–2025), the research utilizes the Gioia methodology to triangulate retrospective field records and systematic monitoring with iterative qualitative narratives. Semi-quantitative and retrospective ecological evaluations indicate that the established multi-layered vertical stratification improved proxy indicators of structural complexity and soil functionality. Estimated soil surface coverage increased from 5.0 ± 1.2% to 85.0 ± 4.3%, while proxy vegetation density rose from 4.8 ± 1.2 to 36.4 ± 4.7 plants/m² (p < 0.001). Beyond these biophysical trends, the intervention catalyzed a “narrative inversion,” transitioning the site from a stigmatized wasteland to a socio-ecological hub that fostered a significant increase in community engagement (from 6.2 ± 1.4 to 34.8 ± 6.5 participants per event). By integrating agroecological practices with the EcoFoodFertility framework, the project highlights the potential of localized interventions to support primary environmental prevention strategies aligned with a One Health paradigm. The findings suggest that this SAFS represents a scalable model for territorial re-signification, offering transferable insights for aligning ecological restoration with social innovation in degraded peri-urban landscapes in accordance with Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) and European Green Deal objectives. Full article

Indonesian coffee MSMEs face increasing pressure to meet certification standards and adopt digital technologies to remain competitive in export markets. Despite strong agro-ecological advantages and rising global demand, upgrading efforts remain fragmented and lack clear prioritization. This study develops and empirically evaluates a decision-focused upgrading framework by integrating Porter’s Diamond, Global Value Chain (GVC) upgrading, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Using Dampit coffee MSMEs as a case study, the results identify competitiveness gaps linked to functional upgrading needs. AHP prioritization highlights Operational Excellence as the most critical strategy, emphasizing process improvement and reliability. The framework offers practical guidance for MSMEs and policymakers to support structured and sustainable upgrading toward global market integration. Full article

Agricultural heritage systems are traditional agroecosystems formed through long-term ecological adaptation, farming practices, and local knowledge transmission. Their conservation depends not only on formal recognition but also on ecological support and effective links with contemporary cultural service networks. Yet it remains unclear whether they are spatially aligned with the eco-cultural service conditions required for socio-ecological resilience and agroecological transition. Using 205 important agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang Province, China, this study integrates nearest neighbor analysis, kernel density estimation, the InVEST model, a cultural service index, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Results show that agricultural heritage systems are significantly clustered in northern and southwestern Zhejiang. Ecosystem service values are concentrated in the mountainous and hilly areas of southwestern and south-central Zhejiang, whereas cultural service provision is concentrated in the northern Zhejiang Plain and urbanized areas around Hangzhou Bay. Agricultural heritage systems show weak but statistically detectable spatial associations with ecosystem services, cultural service provision, and their eco-cultural synergy pattern, indicating limited spatial correspondence rather than strong spatial coupling. These findings indicate a spatial mismatch between historically evolved agricultural heritage systems, ecological support conditions, and contemporary cultural service provision. This study contributes a spatial diagnostic framework for identifying ecological-support gaps, cultural-service gaps, and eco-cultural mismatch areas, thereby informing differentiated agricultural heritage governance and regional planning. Full article

Climate change represents one of the most critical challenges, especially in the Mediterranean area. Using organic and localized fertilization could be an effective agroecological strategy to help mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change. Our study was carried out in an experimental field over a three-year crop succession including broccoli, sweet pepper and barley. A randomized complete block design was adopted, with two factors: (i) fertilization method (100% broadcast and 40% localized) and (ii) fertilizer type by testing: on-farm compost, two types of commercial compost and a mineral fertilizer. Environmental impacts per hectare and marketable yield were quantified using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), considering abiotic depletion (AD), acidification (AA), eutrophication (EU), global warming potential (GWP), and photochemical oxidation (PO). The localized application of fertilizers achieved marketable yields comparable to the broadcast method, despite lower fertilizer inputs, suggesting an optimal nutrient-use efficiency. The LCA demonstrated that localized fertilization also enhanced environmental sustainability, decreasing Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 20% per hectare, compared to broadcast treatments. Moreover, considering only the fertilization phase, we observed a 59% reduction in GWP under the localized strategy. Even though localized fertilization emerges as an effective climate-smart strategy without compromising productivity, future research is recommended to assess its long-term impacts in site-specific conditions. Full article

Soil algae are important photoautotrophs, yet drivers of their diversity in peri-urban landscapes and across soil horizons remain poorly resolved. We used ITS2 metabarcoding to profile eukaryotic algal and fungal communities in 34 samples from Mexico City’s peri-urban conservation soils. Samples represented three Soil Systems: agricultural mineral soil, forest mineral soil, and forest litter, collected in two boroughs (Xochimilco and Tlalpan). We inferred amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), then alpha diversity and Bray–Curtis turnover were analyzed against edaphic and stoichiometric variables using random forests and PERMANOVA, and compared algal with fungal turnover. We recovered 662 algal ASVs spanning eight classes dominated by Trebouxiophyceae and Chlorophyceae. Litter was the richest and most distinct compartment with a high prevalence and abundance of lichen-associated taxa, whereas mineral soils were dominated by Chlorophyceae. Random forests ranked N/P ratio as the top predictor of both diversity indices. PERMANOVA indicated that the Soil System explained the largest single fraction of turnover. Algal and fungal turnover were positively correlated in mineral soils. Together, soil management practices, vertical compartmentalization and measured edaphic gradients were associated with community differences. These results point to potential algal management practices that could enhance peri-urban soil conservation and agroecological productivity. Full article

The Farmer-to-Farmer (FtF) methodology has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture through horizontal knowledge exchange; however, its implementation in territories with emerging peasant organizational bases remains understudied. This study examines the profile and training performance of eight rural promoters in FtF encounters focused on plantain cultivation and agroecological practices in southern Casanare, Colombia. Performance was evaluated across four dimensions (communication and mediation, inclusion and attitude, methodology, and cultural belonging) using three complementary instruments: an expert evaluation matrix, a self-evaluation form, and an attendee perception survey (Likert scale 1–5). High overall performance was observed (median: 4.32), with medium scores in expressive capacity, enthusiasm and motivation, and session planning. Three promoter groups emerged based on agroecological transition level and global performance. Groups 1 and 2 achieved high scores (>4.0), while Group 3 showed opportunities for methodological strengthening. Expert evaluations revealed variability not captured by self-evaluation or community perceptions, underscoring the value of complementary evaluation approaches. These findings suggest that promoter effectiveness may depend less on formal education than on practical knowledge, community recognition, and relational competencies, and that targeted evaluation tools can support the pedagogical strengthening of farmer promoters. Full article

Soils as the important components of the global carbon cycle play a critical role in food security as well as in supporting adaptation to climate change. The current review presents recent research on interactions between soil systems and climate dynamics. Climate change and poor land-use practices pose significant threats to soil health. In this context, the application of Sustainable Soil Management (SSM) strategies provides important benefits. These practices contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon storage in soils and improving soil resilience to extreme climate conditions. Regenerative agriculture practices, including Conservation Agriculture (CA), cover crops, organic materials, and diversified cropping systems can store carbon at rates of about 0.1 to 1.2 t C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Moreover, these practices improve biodiversity and enhance soil properties, with yield responses varying depending on environmental and management conditions. Climate change accelerates soil degradation by raising temperatures, altering rainfall patterns, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Consequently, these factors lead to marked reductions in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks and degrade essential soil properties. This review places SSM within an extensive sustainability framework that is closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key goals addressed include SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It also examines related policies, presents case studies from different agroecological regions, and discusses future research directions. Wider adoption of SSM requires strong economic incentives and inclusive governance. These measures can support climate-resilient agriculture and net-zero emission goals. Full article

Background: Agroecology is increasingly discussed as a strategic response to the combined challenges of drought, ecological degradation, and rural vulnerability. In Morocco, this debate has become particularly urgent because agriculture now operates under persistent hydro-climatic stress, declining water availability, and strong territorial disparities between rainfed, irrigated, mountain, and oasis systems. Methods: This article is based on a structured critical review combined with an interpretive bibliometric synthesis of Moroccan and North African literature on agroecology, water stress, agricultural transition, and food-system resilience. The review was organized through conceptual framing, targeted source selection, thematic screening, and integrative synthesis. Results: Morocco is not an agroecological blank slate. Practices compatible with agroecological transition already exist across the country, including crop diversification, legume rotations, crop–livestock integration, biological regulation, organic amendments, and multifunctional production systems. However, previous reviews have mainly documented practices, projects, or sustainability initiatives without fully explaining why these remain weakly connected, poorly scaled, and insufficiently institutionalized under Moroccan conditions. This review shows that the principal barrier is not the absence of relevant practices but the absence of a coherent transition architecture capable of aligning water governance, farm economics, advisory systems, public incentives, territorial differentiation, and market valorization. The Moroccan case reveals a central paradox: agroecology is most necessary precisely where the structural conditions for its adoption are most fragile. To capture this contradiction, the paper proposes the concept of a Hydro-Agroecological Transition Trap, defined as a condition in which worsening water stress simultaneously intensifies the need for agroecological redesign and reduces the ability of farms and institutions to implement it. Conclusions: The manuscript concludes by proposing a six-pillar transition framework for Morocco based on water-smart agroecology, territorially differentiated pathways, participatory innovation, transition finance and risk-sharing, market construction, and multidimensional assessment. The originality of the study lies in shifting the analysis from a shortage of practices to a shortage of transition architecture, thereby contributing to international debates on agroecological scaling under chronic hydro-climatic stress. Full article

Soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and persistent weed pressure represent critical challenges in the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices in subtropical organic farming systems. Reliance on conventional inputs threatens long-term soil health and ecosystem resilience, highlighting the need for regenerative alternatives. Cover crops are widely recognized as multifunctional agroecological tools with the capacity to enhance nutrient cycling, perform weed suppression, and improve soil organic matter. To evaluate their effectiveness in South Florida's subtropical climate and organic raised bed systems, a field experiment was conducted as a Randomized Block Design (RBD) at the Florida International University Organic Garden during the 2024 summer season. The six cover crops species that were tested include green gram (Vigna radiata), hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), soybean (Glycine max), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Data collected includes plant establishment, biomass accumulation, weed suppression, soil physiochemical properties, and plant nutrient composition. Sorghum and sunn hemp produced the highest fresh and dry biomass, with sorghum achieving the most effective weed suppression with the lowest weed biomass and weed population. Sunn hemp contributed to enhanced nitrogen content in plant tissues, while hibiscus promoted the highest soil P and N concentrations. Pearl millet exhibited the highest total carbon and organic matter content, indicating potential for enhancing soil carbon content and soil fertility. Results show that each cover crop species can provide a specialized or generalized ecosystem service depending on management goals. Full article

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are among the most widely consumed vegetable oils worldwide, but cultivar, agroecological conditions, and processing methods strongly influence their chemical properties. Although there is extensive research and production of palm oil in Southeast Asia, cultivation of its fruit in China, particularly in southern regions like Hainan and Yunnan, is severely underrepresented. This review critically summarizes current knowledge of the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and functional properties of Chinese palm fruit components (both raw and processed), with a focus on processing-related changes and industrial applications. Current evidence suggests that Chinese palm mesocarp and kernel oils can be separated based on their general composition, fatty acid profiles, and minor lipids (such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols), which are critical determinants of oxidative stability, nutritional quality, and processing functionality. Post-harvest practices (postmortem methods) and thermal processing strongly affect acid value, free fatty acid levels, and peroxide formation, with direct consequences for oil quality and refining efficiency. Chinese palm-derived lipids hold potential for functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-based materials used beyond their commonality as edible oil. Yet, gaps in cultivar-level chemical characterization, bioactive retention during processing, and evidence-based health evaluation remain. However, bridging these gaps using advanced analytical techniques and sustainable processing strategies will be of significant importance to endeavor towards the full utilization of Chinese palm fruit in both global food and bio-economy systems. Full article

The livestock sector underpins food security, employment, and rural livelihoods across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), contributing up to 50% of agricultural GDP and supporting more than 60% of rural households. Yet climate change poses escalating threats through heat stress, declining pasture productivity, water scarcity, and vector-borne diseases that compromise productivity and economic resilience. This review identifies and locates effective climate change mitigation strategies along the livestock value chain, spanning production, processing, transport, and consumption, to promote sustainable, low-emission, and inclusive growth in the SADC region. A broad review of 46 peer-reviewed and institutional sources (2000–2024) was undertaken, focusing on livestock-related mitigation within SADC and comparable agro-ecological systems. Strategies were thematically categorized by value-chain stage and assessed for their emission-reduction and livelihood-enhancement potential. Local strategies include genetic improvement for low-methane and heat-tolerant breeds, adaptive rangeland and feed management, renewable-energy adoption in processing, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, and consumer awareness of low-emission products. Evidence suggests potential GHG-emission reductions of 18–30%, coupled with productivity gains and improved smallholder incomes. Coordinated implementation through the SADC Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (2021–2030) and national policies can transform the livestock sector into a climate-resilient driver of inclusive growth. Further research should quantify the socioeconomic feasibility and scaling potential of these strategies across production systems. Successful integration of climate change mitigation imperatives must be tailored to local biophysical conditions (e.g., rainfall, soil type) and socioeconomic contexts (e.g., market access, cultural practices). Full article

Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) is a crop of major economic, cultural, and nutritional importance in Mexico and exhibits substantial genetic and morphological diversity. Characterizing this variability is essential for both germplasm conservation and breeding programs. During the spring–summer 2024 growing season, 28 husk tomato populations were evaluated at the Bajío Experimental Station (INIFAP), Guanajuato, Mexico, using a completely randomized design with 12 replications. Forty-one traits were assessed following UPOV and IPGRI descriptors. Cluster analysis, canonical discriminant analysis, and the ESIM selection index were applied. A total of 77 morphotypes were identified, exhibiting variation in 33 of the 41 evaluated traits, mainly related to growth habit, leaf morphology, fruit traits, and calyx attributes. Correspondence analysis revealed a close relationship between vegetative growth and fruit size. Cluster analysis clustered the morphotypes into six clusters with no clear geographic structure, suggesting extensive gene flow. Canonical discriminant analysis explained 94.65% of the total variation, identifying seed size, leaf dimensions, and number of anthers as key discriminant traits. The ESIM index highlighted six morphotypes with favorable agronomic and morphological combinations. These results provide a practical basis for the selection of parental materials in husk tomato breeding programs under diverse agroecological conditions. Full article

To combat climate change, farmers want to develop sustainable agriculture that enhances food production while strengthening their capacity to cope with extreme weather events and pest and disease pressures. Promoting agroecological farming practices is a promising approach in enhancing sustainability and strengthening the climate-resilient farming systems. Recent research often overlooks to what extent the agroecological farming practices (AFP) provide a measurable advantage over non-AFP methods under increasing environmental challenges. In this regard, this study compares the extent of climate resilience between AFP mango-based farming systems and non-AFP mango-based farming systems in southern Ethiopia. AFP adopters applied ecological principles like intercropping, integrated pest management, agroforestry, canopy management, varietal diversity, and water and soil preservation to enhance biodiversity and soil health, and boost productivity and ecosystem services. The study employed a mixed-method design, drawing on the data from 395 selected households. The resilience of AFP and non-AFP farming systems was assessed by computing the 13 agroecosystem indicators of climate resilience using the Self-evaluation and Holistic Assessment of Climate Resilience of Farmers and Pastoralists (SHARP+) tool. Households in AFP mango-based farming system demonstrated greater diversification in agricultural production system compared to those in non-AFP mango farming system. The analysis of climate resilience indicators showed that the mango production systems under the AFP were more climate-robust than their conventional systems. Both the compound resilience score and the household resilience index showed that the mango farming systems under AFP substantially enhanced climate resilience. Hence, coordinated supports from the extension services, NGOs, and researchers are needed to scale up these benefits of AFP. Strengthening the AFP mango farming requires addressing the key barriers such as market access, input availability, and crop diversification strategies. This paper identifies important avenues for further AFP research in Sub-Saharan African countries. Full article

Land leveling deep-seated landslides for agricultural use alters soil profile integrity and soil functionality. In the mid-20th century, such interventions in the Transylvanian Basin (Romania) involved grading and converting landslide bodies into arable land. This study evaluates the consequences of interventions on soil physicochemical properties and erosion susceptibility in the case of two deep-seated landslides. Soil samples collected from leveled landslide bodies were analyzed for pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus (P-AL), available potassium (K-AL), calcium carbonates, humus content, and texture. The results, in the case of the two studied deep-seated landslides, indicate contrasts between areas where the Ah horizon is preserved and where leveling exposed the C horizon or parental material at the surface. Exposed zones exhibit reduced nitrogen and humus content, altered textures, and higher carbonate influence, indicating lower fertility potential despite 65 years of pedogenesis. Spatial assessment using Sentinel-2-derived NDMI and USLE-based erosion modelling confirms increased moisture stress and higher erosion susceptibility in areas with exposed substratum. These findings demonstrate that the leveling of the two studied deep-seated landslide bodies, although effective in expanding arable surfaces, leads to persistent soil degradation patterns and reduced agro-ecological resilience. Sustainable cultivation of such terrains requires targeted soil conservation measures, including erosion control and adapted land management practices. The results provide important implications for land-use planning in landslide-prone agricultural landscapes. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination remains a persistent threat to food safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, driven by conducive tropical agroecological conditions, inadequate post-harvest practices, and limited regulatory governance. This critical narrative review (2009–2024) synthesizes the occurrence data for major staple foods (maize, peanuts, cassava, sorghum, millet, and beans) and dairy products compiled from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MDPI and institutional sources. It examines the co-occurrence patterns, exposure pathways, and analytical and regulatory gaps. Warm, humid lowland environments favor Aspergillus and aflatoxins, whereas cooler, humid highland zones promote Fusarium, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol. Across commodities, contamination intensifies along food value chains through inadequate drying, non-hermetic storage, insect damage, and prolonged handling, with processed products generally exhibiting the highest levels of mycotoxins. Regulated mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, and zearalenone, frequently exceed European Union (EU), East African Community (EAC), and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) limits in staple foods. Their co-occurrence is widespread, including emerging mycotoxins such as beauvericin and enniatins, particularly in maize- and peanut-based products, raising concerns about potential additive or synergistic effects. Aflatoxin M1 in milk highlights plant–feed–animal–human transfer within a One Health framework. Despite increasing evidence, the available data remain fragmented and heterogeneous; rapid tests dominate, while few studies employ multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods. Cross-border trade between countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola, facilitates the circulation of contaminated commodities in the absence of harmonized standards and risk-based controls. Priorities include harmonized regional surveillance, biomarker-based co-exposure assessment, cost-effectiveness evaluation of mitigation strategies, and regulatory alignment at borders. Coordinated, multisectoral action is essential to reduce chronic dietary exposure and improve food safety across the region. Full article