Search Results (104)

The erratic nature, increasing prevalence, and intensity of extreme meteorological phenomena are forcing researchers and farmers to urgently develop adaptation practices to enhance the resilience of agroecosystems to climate change. It is strategically crucial to identify farming systems that have successfully endured recent climatic disturbances and understand the agroecological attributes that enabled them to resist and/or recover from droughts and hurricanes. This paper describes a number of methodologies utilized by Latin American researchers to assess agroecosystem resilience by estimating the vulnerability and the response capacity of selected farming systems to cope with climatic threats. The methodologies utilize a set of socio-ecological indicators that can be easily evaluated in the field, allowing farmers to determine whether their farms can withstand a drought or a major storm and, based on this information, select agroecological practices able to enhance the resiliency of their farms in preparation for future events. The principles and practices of resilience identified on successful, climate-resistant farms can be shared with thousands of producers, facilitating the broader adoption and scaling up of agroecological adaptation strategies. Full article

Climate change poses a threat to global rice production by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The widespread cultivation of genetically uniform modern varieties has narrowed the genetic base of rice, increasing its vulnerability to these increased pressures. Rice landraces are traditional rice varieties that have been cultivated by farming communities for centuries and are considered crucial resources of genetic diversity. These landraces are adapted to a wide range of agro-ecological environments and exhibit valuable traits that provide tolerance to various biotic stresses, including drought, salinity, nutrient-deficient soils, and the increasing severity of climate-related temperature extremes. In addition, many landraces possess diverse alleles associated with resistance to biotic stresses, including pests and diseases. In addition, rice landraces exhibit great grain quality characters including high levels of essential amino acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and micronutrients. Hence, their preservation is vital for maintaining agricultural biodiversity and enhancing nutritional security, especially in vulnerable and resource-limited regions. However, rice landraces are increasingly threatened by genetic erosion due to widespread adoption of modern high-yielding varieties, habitat loss, and changing farming practices. This review discusses the roles of rice landraces in developing resilient and climate-smart rice cultivars. Moreover, the Pantiange Heigu landrace, cultivated at one of the highest altitudes globally in Yunnan Province, China, has been used as a case study for integrated conservation by demonstrating the successful combination of in situ and ex situ strategies, community engagement, policy support, and value-added development to sustainably preserve genetic diversity under challenging environmental and socio-economic challenges. Finally, this study explores the importance of employing advanced genomic technologies with supportive policies and economic encouragements to enhance conservation and sustainable development of rice landraces as a strategic imperative for global food security. By preserving and enhancing the utilization of rice landraces, the agricultural community can strengthen the genetic base of rice, improve crop resilience, and contribute substantially to global food security and sustainable agricultural development in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges. Full article

Carbon farming represents a strategic approach to enhancing agricultural sustainability while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Türkiye, agriculture accounted for approximately 14.9% of national GHG emissions in 2023, dominated by methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). By increasing carbon storage in soils and vegetation, carbon farming can improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts and sustainable rural development. This study reviews and synthesizes international and national evidence on carbon farming mechanisms, practices, payment models, and adoption enablers and barriers, situating these insights within Türkiye’s agroecological and institutional context. The analysis draws on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate substantial mitigation potential from soil-based practices and livestock- and manure-related measures, yet limited uptake due to low awareness, capacity constraints, financial and administrative barriers, and regulatory gaps, highlighting the need for region-specific approaches. To support implementation and scaling, the study proposes a policy-oriented, regionally differentiated and digitally enabled MRV framework and an associated implementation pathway designed to reduce transaction costs, enhance farmer participation, and enable integration with emerging carbon market mechanisms. Full article

The degradation of vegetation cover and the vulnerability of urban market gardening systems to climate risks are a major challenge for food security in peri-urban areas. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation using the NDVI and assesses its correspondence with producers’ perceptions of hydroclimatic impacts. NDVIs were extracted from the MODIS MOD13Q1v6.1 product via Google Earth Engine, with a spatial resolution of 250 m × 250 m and a temporal resolution of 16 days, then processed in Python v3.14.0 using the xarray library. Additionally, 369 producers in Grand Nokoué were surveyed about the risks of flooding, drought, and heat waves, as well as the adaptation strategies they implement. The results reveal a decline in areas with a moderate to high NDVI (between 0.41 and 0.81) and an expansion of areas with a low or very low NDVI (below 0.41), reflecting increased fragmentation and degradation of vegetation cover. Producers’ perceptions confirm this vulnerability and reveal different strategies depending on the type of crop and risk, including irrigation, temporary abandonment of plots, agroforestry, and the adoption of resilient crops. These observations highlight the need to implement targeted policies and appropriate agroecological practices in order to strengthen the resilience of urban market gardening systems to extreme climate risks. Full article

Italian inner areas face population decline, limited access to services and fragile infrastructure; however, the micro-mechanisms through which community practices generate tangible improvements often remain unclear. Still, local communitarian initiatives, such as those represented by ecovillages, can be an effective response to the ongoing process of marginalisation, becoming true living labs for place-based transitions. Through the analysis of the Torri Superiore Ecovillage (Imperia, Italy), a recognised and well-known good practice in the national and international ecovillage circuit, we want to find answers to three research questions: (RQ1) To what extent can an ecovillage act as a living lab for social innovation and ecological transition in inner areas? (RQ2) Which demographic and governance conditions enable territorial resilience and which ones block it? (RQ3) Which environmental practices generate locally significant improvements and with what limitations? Based on qualitative and interpretative evidence (2016–2025)—field observations, internal documents and testimonies—and on essential demographic indicators (ISTAT/SNAI), this study examines the Torri Superiore Ecovillage as a small-scale living lab. Torri Superiore and the surrounding municipalities are ageing and have reduced demographic bases; however selective immigration and heterogeneity of skills act as partial buffers. The governance of the Torri Superiore Ecovillage combines clear rules, participatory routines and coordination mechanisms, promoting problem solving while remaining sensitive to leadership burdens. The “bridging” between multiple actors enables terrace maintenance, local water resource management, agroecological practices, renewable energy adoption, waste prevention/composting and light mobility to achieve tangible environmental improvements on a small scale. We frame transferability as analytical (not statistical), specify the enabling conditions (sufficient active participants, stable routines, territorial management) and outline the relevant policy implications for SNAI classes and a lightweight longitudinal observatory. Full article

Regenerative agroecology promotes a suite of methods that diversify farmers’ techniques, crops, and income-generating opportunities. Many low- and middle-income countries struggle with food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty, relying on natural resources for their livelihoods. In Madagascar, we led agroecology interventions, sharing locally grounded technologies to increase productivity and regenerate biodiversity. We evaluated the short- and medium-term outcomes using a mixed-methods social science approach. We monitored a cohort of over 500 participants in 27 rural communities who trained in market vegetable farming and poultry husbandry between 2019 and 2025. For participants in market vegetable and poultry husbandry interventions, over half adopted new technologies, reporting positive experiences, though outcome achievement varied. Participants in the market vegetable interventions reported they had the knowledge and skills to practice sustainable agriculture, remarking that the hands-on demonstrations and practice facilitated learning, as well as the accessibility of resources for implementation. Women were 1.68× more likely to adopt vegetable farming than men (multinomial regressions, gender log odds = 0.53, p < 0.01), while there was no difference in genders in adoption of poultry husbandry (gender log odds = 0.28, p > 0.05). Most (95–98%, n = 1012) responded they were satisfied with the results of the interventions and would continue to use the skills they learned. Insights generated by this program evaluation led to the following recommendations and improvements: (1) more hands-on demonstrations compared to classroom presentations; (2) more frequent medium-term consultations with participants; (3) introducing microcredit mechanisms to combat cost-related barriers; (4) diversifying outreach approaches. Implementing these recommendations continues to improve outcomes as we scale our interventions. Full article

Agroecology offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable food systems by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions of farming. While its conceptual and policy foundations are increasingly recognized in European Union (EU) strategies, the practical adoption of agroecological principles at the farm level remains uneven, particularly in socio-economically peripheral Member States. This article investigates the enabling and constraining factors of agroecological uptake in three EU countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, and Portugal, using a mixed qualitative approach that combined literature review, policy mapping, and 42 in-depth farmer interviews conducted in 2020–2021. Data were analyzed through a shared coding framework, iterative team discussions, and a standardized comparative matrix to ensure cross-country validity. The results reveal shared barriers, including limited institutional coordination, subsidy dependency, and structural land inequalities, alongside country-specific dynamics such as farmer-to-farmer learning in Portugal, family-farm identity in Czechia, and trust-based advisory relations in Hungary. The findings underscore that systemic constraints, rather than conceptual gaps, impede agroecological transitions, and highlight the need for context-sensitive policy instruments, advisory reforms, and training programs aligned with agroecological principles. The paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical insight into farmer attitudes and practices in Central and Southern Europe and by offering actionable recommendations for designing policies and training. Full article

Agroecology is recognized as a resilient agricultural system amid the ecological crisis, but also as a social movement working towards better livelihoods for farmers. In Burkina Faso, the dynamics among actors promoting agroecology are not well understood. Effective governance of the agroecological transition necessitates a deeper comprehension of the interactions and networks involved. This study aims to identify, characterize, and analyze local actors and their networks to enhance governance for agroecological transition, focusing on two north and south-west regions of Burkina Faso to highlight regional differences. Using the Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) as a conceptual framework, we conducted a literature review and facilitated focus group discussions during a workshop with stakeholders. Key participants include farmers, service providers, researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and organizations, which engage in political and technical interactions. The results show that the governance landscape is fragmented with public policies at both strategic and operational levels failing to effectively engage mainstream actors or translate into actionable support for agroecological practices. To transition agroecology from a fragmented niche to a widely adopted system, there is a critical need for consistent support for farmers, including knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and marketing strategies. Full article

Rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges due to insect pest infestations, which threaten food security and farmer livelihoods. This review examines the major insect pests affecting rice in SSA and highlights sustainable management strategies, drawing on successful case studies. It explores successful methods, including the use of biological control agents in Nigeria; neem-based pesticides in Tanzania; push-pull technology in Kenya; agroecological practices in Mali; resistant rice varieties in Ghana and Nigeria; integrated farming systems in Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Nigeria, Kenya and Madagascar; and farmer field schools in Zambia. Emerging technologies such as biotechnology and precision agriculture offer further additional opportunities to enhance pest control when effectively integrated within existing IPM frameworks. However, financial constraints, limited awareness, policy-related challenges, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit widespread adoption. In this context, the review identifies critical research gaps, including the need for region-specific solutions, improved biopesticides, and long-term assessment of sustainable practices. Policy recommendations call for greater government investments, capacity-building programs, supportive regulatory environments, and stronger collaboration among researchers, development partners, and local stakeholders. Addressing these challenges can foster resilient and sustainable rice production systems across SSA. Full article

Market gardening plays a central role in food security and improving household income in Ziguinchor, Senegal. Faced with growing environmental and socio-economic challenges, agroecology emerges as a sustainable pathway for strengthening this agro-economic activity. This study evaluates the adoption of agroecological practices by urban and peri-urban market gardeners, identifying influencing factors and constraints. A survey of 300 farmers was conducted in Ziguinchor, and data were analyzed using Excel. Relative Importance Index (RII), Weighted Average Index (WAI), and Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) ranked the most used practices, influencing factors, and adoption barriers. Results show that 79.67% of respondents were women, mostly over 45, with secondary education. Most of market gardeners consider this activity main source of income, and have been doing so for more than 10 years. Common agroecological practices include: removing weeds and diseased plants, organic fertilization, watering, crop rotation, and recommended fertilizer application, with relative importance indices of 0.75, 0.75, 0.72, 0.73, and 0.62, respectively. Key constraints include the lack of labor (PCI = 789), lack of information and training (PCI = 597), high cost of improved seeds (PCI = 549), and limited access to organic fertilizer (PCI = 538). Reinforcing extension services, capacity building, and both technical and financial support is essential to promote agroecological practices. Full article

This study investigates the drivers of individual and joint adoption of sustainable land use (SLU) practices—specifically crop choice and soil and water conservation—and their impact on farm performance (crop revenue) and production risk (crop yield skewness). Using a farm-level dataset of 504 households across three agro-ecological zones in Punjab, Pakistan, we address selectivity bias through the newly developed multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model. Additionally, we assess land use sustainability across ecological, social, and economic dimensions using a comprehensive non-parametric approach. Our findings identify key determinants of SLU adoption, including farmer education, access to advisory services, FBO membership, hired labor, climate information, farm size, and perceptions of drought and heatwaves. We demonstrate that joint adoption of SLU practices maximizes crop revenue and reduces production risk, lowering the likelihood of crop failure. The study further suggests complementarity between these SLU practices in enhancing crop revenue. Moreover, joint adopters of SLU practices significantly outperform non-adopters in ecological, social, and economic sustainability dimensions. We recommend improving access to public sector farm advisory services and climate information to enable farmers to make well-informed decisions based on reliable data. Implementing these measures can support the transition toward sustainable land management, helping to mitigate risks like crop failure and declining revenues, which threaten farm income. Full article

This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Molina, in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3000 m and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research was conducted in the Producampo Producers Association, composed of 33 active members, of which 87.5% are women, with an average age of 51.25 years. Oxalis tuberosa constitutes an important crop in their integrated agroecological production systems (IAPSs): the production of bio-inputs in SIPA systems is predominantly self-sufficient, with 75% of producers using exclusively their own organic fertilizers, mainly compost and vermicompost, and showing low dependence on external inputs, whether organic (12.5%) or chemical (25%); the latter are applied in small doses of about 5 kg every six months in secondary crops. The research adopted a mixed methodological approach, integrating semi-structured interviews for qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti and descriptive statistical analysis with specialized software. Of the total Oxalis tuberosa production, 80% is intended for personal consumption and 20% is sold at local markets. Cultivated ecotypes include “blanca” (70%) and “chaucha” (30%), both of which are resistant to pests but susceptible to frost. Families dedicate between 32 and 80 h per week to production, with an average of 56 h. The findings highlight the potential of Oxalis tuberosa to improve the food resilience of Andean communities and suggest that revaluing this crop and its traditional practices can improve agricultural sustainability in the region. Full article

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing escalating climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroecology, offer promising strategies to boost productivity while enhancing ecological stability. This review proposes that multidisciplinary integration of SAPs, encompassing agronomy, socioeconomics, and governance, is the most promising route to achieving climate-resilient food systems in SSA by 2030. Despite its proven benefits, the use of SAPs remains limited. This is largely because of financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these challenges, this review evaluates the role of SAPs in mitigating climate risk, improving soil health, and enhancing food security. It also identifies systemic adoption barriers and examines the effectiveness of policy and financing frameworks. Drawing on evidence from across SSA, including Ethiopia’s agroforestry success and Senegal’s millet resilience, this review highlights how integrating sustainable practices with postharvest innovation and community-driven approaches can strengthen food systems. Ultimately, the findings underscore that weaving science, policy, and grassroots action is essential for building a resilient and food-secure SSA, particularly within the context of the 2025 global adaptation agenda. Full article

Agroecology has traditionally been implemented using conventional methods. However, the integration of precision equipment, advanced methodologies, and digital technologies (DT) is now essential for transitioning to a more modern and efficient approach. While agroecological principles remain fundamental for planning and managing sustainable food systems by optimizing natural resources, technological tools can significantly support their implementation and adoption by farmers. This transition, however, must also consider socioeconomic factors and policy frameworks to ensure that technological advancements lead to meaningful improvements in farms and agroecosystems. Across both industrialized and emerging economies, various initiatives, such as precision agriculture, digital platforms, and e-commerce, are driving the digitalization of agroecology. These innovations offer clear benefits, including enhanced knowledge generation and direct improvements to the food supply chain; however, several barriers remain, including limited understanding of digital tools, high-energy demands, insufficient financial resources, economical constrains, weak policy support, lack of infrastructure, low digital learning by framers, etc. to facilitate the transition. This review looks for the understanding of how digitalization can align or conflict with local agroecological dynamics across distinct political frameworks and reality contexts because the information about DT adoption in agroecological practices is limited and it remains unclear if digital agriculture for scaling agroecology can considerably change power dynamics within the productive systems in regions of Europe and Latin America. In South America, among countries like Ecuador, with strong potential for agroecological development, where 60% of farms are less than 1 ha, and where farmers have expressed interest in agroecological practices, 80% have reported lacking sufficient information to make the transition to digitalization, making slow the adoption progress of these DT. While agroecology is gaining global recognition, its modernization through DT requires further research in technical, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions to more guide the adoption of DT in agroecology with more certainty. Full article

Crop production in Kazakhstan is characterized by vast resources, including over 200 M hectares of farmland and more than 23 M hectares of arable land located mainly in the arid zone with a short growing season. In 2023, the five most important crops in the country were spring wheat (12.5 M ha), spring barley (2.42 M ha), sunflower (1.13 M ha), flax (0.73 M ha), and winter wheat (0.59 M ha). Diverse agroecological conditions and low input farming represent good opportunities for the more sustainable use of resources through organic production. However, the area falling under certified organic farming recently varied from 0.1 to 0.3 M ha with wheat, flax, soybean and soybean meal, peas and lentils serving as the main commodities exported to Europe. Several factors limit organic farming development in the country, including the certification system, marketing, and the availability of crops, cultivars, and technologies. The current review summarizes the main organic agronomic practices and bioresources applicable in Kazakhstan into four main themes: crops and cultivars’ diversification; tillage systems for organic crops; crop nutrition; and protection. The technologies developed for organic farming in similar ecologies globally are highly relevant to Kazakhstan and need to be tested and adopted by producers. The lack of targeted cultivars and technology development for organic production in Kazakhstan impedes its progress and requires a longer-term producer-focused framework to extend related research. Full article