Search Results (87)

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

The world faces increasing food, environmental, and human security issues, primarily attributed to an overburdened agricultural sector struggling to keep pace with rising population and demand for food, energy, and fiber. Advances in food production and agriculture, especially with monoculture farming, have continued to meet these demands but at a high price regarding resource depletion and environmental devastation. This is especially severe in developing world areas with rural populations with thin resource margins. Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a solution to provide shielding for food production, ensure environmental protection, and promote social equity while addressing many of these issues. Regenerative agriculture food production aims to restore soils, forests, waterways, and the atmosphere and operate with lower offsite negative environmental and social impacts. This review discusses the fundamental principles and practices of sustainable plant protection for regenerative farming. It focuses on the role of biological and ecological processes, reduces non-renewable inputs, and aims to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into pest control practices. It offers essential transition strategies, including critical changes from conventional integrated pest management (IPM) to agro-ecological crop protection, focusing on systemic approaches to design agroecosystems. It also reaffirms the importance of a vast diversity of pest control methods that are culturally, mechanistically, physically, and biologically appropriate for regenerative farming practices. Ultimately, the aim is to encourage ecological, economic, and social sustainability for the future of more resilient and controlled agricultural practices. Full article

This article compares the roles of allotments and community gardens in democratising London’s urban food system. Drawing from ethnographic and participatory action research (PAR), it reveals a recent policy shift favouring community gardens compared to allotments, which has resulted in a net reduction in long-term urban agriculture space in London. The study contrasts these two trajectories of urban agriculture across five democratic processes: (1) fostering food security, (2) expanding health benefits, (3) reclaiming the commons, (4) building spaces of interaction and representation, and (5) decoupling from dominant regimes. While community gardens tend to perform well in terms of social inclusion and environmental education of local communities and marginalised populations, allotments tend to be more successful in terms of productive capacity and developing autonomy due to their relatively more secure tenure. However, both trajectories are increasingly challenged by the dynamics of neoliberal urban development and the withdrawal of the state from its welfare responsibilities. This article argues that both trajectories do not have to be mutually exclusive and that their coexistence is in fact necessary to develop a more resilient urban food system, one that realises the principles of food sovereignty, social justice, and agroecological urbanisms at the local level. 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

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linnaeus) is an important vegetable crop for food security and income generation for farmers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, production is severely undermined by a complex of insect pests. This study investigates farmers’ knowledge, perception, and pest management practices in key cabbage-growing areas surrounding Goma city in Eastern DRC. A total of 430 farmers were interviewed using a structured survey administered via the KoboToolbox platform. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella Linnaeus, 1758) and the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus, 1758) were identified as the main pests, with peak incidences reported during the dry mid-season. Pest damages are most frequently observed at the post-transplanting and heading stages of cabbage. Although chemical control was the dominant strategy (69.4%), concerns arise due to the widespread use of moderately to highly hazardous insecticides, including pyrethroid, organophosphorus, and avermectin-based formulations. The insufficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and limited training on safe pesticide handling remain further challenges. While indigenous practices, such as crop rotation, handpicking of insects, and the use of botanical extracts, are employed to a lesser extent, awareness and implementation of biological control are almost nonexistent. The findings underscore the need to promote integrated pest management (IPM) approaches based on agroecological principles, including the safe use of (bio-)pesticides, training programs, and stakeholder engagement to enhance sustainable cabbage production. Full article

While agriculture is experiencing localized crises, its indispensable role as the foundation of humanity’s food supply requires its uninterrupted functioning. This conventional system is therefore in a state of competition with alternative models, particularly agroecology, which offers a different paradigm for food production. Given this situation and the need to gather reliable information on regenerative agriculture (RA), this article provides a literature review on its principles, objectives, and edaphic benefits. Additionally, it presents a case study that offers practical knowledge of the techniques and actions implemented by an agroforestry farm in central Spain. With this goal, this article addresses key aspects of RA, such as the use of cover crops, and the integration of livestock, emphasizing its role in improving soil quality and increasing biodiversity, among other benefits. After reviewing numerous scientific articles, and despite widespread interest in RA, there is no commonly accepted definition, so there is a wide range of ways to define RA. Until a generalized definition is accepted, we advocate making proposals and implementing methods with extreme caution and based on the regional or local context in which it is defined. In this sense, based on the implementation of RA at the Kerbest Foundation farm, we propose regenerative agriculture as a set of agroecological actions and processes that fundamentally provide functional soil quality, food quality, ecosystem services, and, especially, healthy and economically profitable livestock farming. Based on all of the above, we can argue that RA is no longer merely a commitment made by farmers but, rather, an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable solution grounded in scientific knowledge and technical experience. Full article

Boyacá, a department in the Colombian Andes, is recognized for its rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage, positioning it as an emerging tourism destination with strong potential for sustainable development. Its portfolio encompasses ecological, cultural, adventure, and rural modalities that contribute to local economies and community well-being. This study employs a mixed-methods design combining documentary analysis with fifty semi-structured interviews conducted across five provinces, engaging stakeholders such as hotel managers, travel agencies, restaurateurs, agroecological farmers, museum directors, café entrepreneurs, and ecotourism operators. The findings reveal that innovation, particularly through infrastructure, modernization, digital adoption, and service professionalization—is critical to strengthening competitiveness. However, persistent challenges include stakeholder fragmentation and the absence of a coordinated promotional strategy, both of which limit visibility and shared value generation. To address these challenges, the study proposes integrated innovation pathways, including thematic circuits (heritage, independence, and coffee routes), personalized tourism experiences, and the use of digital and experiential marketing tools. These approaches highlight the need for collaborative governance involving public, private, and community actors. The article contributes empirical evidence to the debate on tourism innovation and sustainability in emerging regions, underscoring Boyacá’s paradox: global recognition coexists with fragmented governance. It argues that innovation-driven strategies, aligned with sustainability principles, are essential for consolidating Boyacá as a competitive and regenerative tourism destination. Full article

This study examined the application of rhyolite filler in agroecological farming systems in the Fourth Colony of Italian Immigration (Quarta Colônia de Imigração Italiana), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The aim was to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers in line with organic agriculture principles. The region’s designation as the Quarta Colônia UNESCO Global Geopark reinforces the relevance of this initiative. The research involved petrographic characterization, incubation experiments, and chemical analyses of rhyolite samples. Incubation tests with pigeon pea and elephant grass assessed combinations of rock filler and poultry litter. The results showed that rhyolite filler supported plant growth, especially with poultry litter, which supplies nitrogen and microorganisms that accelerate mineral weathering. Petrographic observations indicated that elephant grass promoted stronger mineral alteration, likely due to its dense fibrous roots and substrate interaction. Chemical analyses confirmed the rhyolite’s quartz content and trace elements remain within safety limits defined by Brazilian legislation on soil remineralizers. The K₂O content and the base sum (CaO, MgO, and K₂O) also complied with minimum legal requirements. Beyond mineralogical and chemical aspects, the study emphasized the economic feasibility of using locally sourced rock fillers, offering lower costs than synthetic fertilizers and supporting sustainable, resilient agroecological systems. Full article

Agroecological transition toward stronger sustainability demands systemic changes in various domains across farms, agroecosystem landscapes, and broader food systems. Business model innovation plays a critical enabling role, by aligning farming systems with agroecology. However, designing or transforming farming business models presents significant challenges, as it involves a radical rethinking of the foundational architecture of value creation, delivery, and capture. This study offers a structured and actionable approach to support this process, by developing a conceptual framework that systematically integrates the FAO’s 10 Elements of Agroecology into the Business Model Canvas, drawing on an exploratory literature review and following a five-stage process. The outcome is a prototype of an Agroecological Business Model Canvas (ABMC) that serves as both an analytical and strategic tool to support the design, evaluation, and improvement of agroecological business models. The proposed ABMC redefines conventional components and introduces additional ones to fully reflect agroecological principles and incorporate evaluation elements for assessing both the transition degree and multidimensional sustainability performance. By facilitating iterative reflection and co-design, the ABMC represents a practical device for advancing Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems and supporting farmers in developing context-specific sustainable, resilient, and socially grounded agroecological business models. Full article

The main objective of this study is to offer fresh empirical insight into the evolving relationship between digitalisation and agroecology by examining Mulini Di Segalari, a biodynamic vineyard in Italy. While much of the existing literature positions digital agriculture as potentially misaligned with agroecological principles, this case study unveils how digital tools can actively reinforce agroecological practices when embedded within supportive socio-technical networks. Novel findings of this study highlight how the use of digital technologies supported agroecological practices and led to the reconfiguration of social relations, knowledge systems, and governance structures within the farm. Employing a technographic approach revealed that the farm’s transformation was driven not just by technology but through collaborative arrangements involving different stakeholders. These interactions created new routines, roles, and information flows, supporting a more distributed and participatory model of innovation. By demonstrating how digital tools can catalyse agroecological transitions in a context-sensitive and socially embedded manner, this study challenges the binary framings of technology versus ecology and calls for a more nuanced understanding of digitalisation as a socio-technical process. Full article

The rubber plantations in Sankuru province, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have historically been pivotal to the regional economy. However, the absence of suitable silvicultural practices has promoted self-regeneration, resulting in the proliferation of diverse species. This study aims to characterize species richness and plant structure of these plantations. To this end, 80 subplots measuring 0.25 hectares were meticulously established, with a proportionate division between state-owned and farmer plantations. The results obtained from this study indicate that these plantations are home to approximately 105 species, classified into 33 distinct botanical families, with dominant families such as Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Olacaceae, Clusiaceae, and Moraceae. Despite the similarity between the two types of plantations (Cs = 58%), significant disparities were observed in terms of individuals, 635 ± 84.06 and 828 ± 144.62 (p < 10⁻³); species, 41 ± 7.49 and 28 ± 4.59 (p < 10⁻³); families, 19 ± 3.06 and 16 ± 1.62 (p < 10⁻²); and basal area, 29.88 ± 5.8 and 41.37 ± 7.57 (p < 10⁻²) for state and peasant plantations, respectively. State plantations exhibited greater diversity (H′ = 1.87) and enhanced equity (J’ = 0.43) than peasant plantations. The diametric structure exhibited an inverted J-shaped distribution, indicating constant and regular regeneration of these plantations. The upper canopy dominates the vertical structure in both types of plantations, with a significantly higher proportion in peasant plantations (83.60%) than in state plantations (73.8%), ANOVA (F (2.24 = 21.78), df = 24; p = 4.03 × 10⁻⁶). The findings indicate that the sustainable management of these plantations could incorporate agroecological principles to promote the coexistence of rubber production and biodiversity conservation while contributing to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the well-being of local communities. Full article

Agroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals, as well as the interactions between humans and non-humans, which are crucial for gardeners. A sociotechnical research project was developed on four different collective gardening sites, consisting of the following: 1. surveys issued to 100 garden stakeholders to highlight issues and practices, participation in meetings with the social centers in charge of events, and focus groups; 2. participative agronomic and environmental measurements and field observations, including soil quality analyses; and 3. analysis of the available documentary corpus. In order to produce the results, these three research methods (surveys, agronomy, document analysis) were combined through a transdisciplinary approach, in that both the field experimentation outcomes and retrieved scientific publications and technical documents informed the discussions with gardeners. Consideration of the four different sites enabled the exploration of various contextual factors—such as soil or air quality—affecting the production of vegetables. A rise in the concerns of gardeners about the impacts of their activities on global health was observed, including aspects such as creating and enjoying landscapes, taking care of the soil and biodiversity, developing social connections through the transmission of practices, and regular outside physical activity and healthier eating. The increased consideration for global health issues by all stakeholders promotes the implementation of agroecological practices in gardens to improve biodiversity and adherence to circular economy principles. Four concepts emerged from the interviews: health, production of vegetables, living soil, and social interactions. Notably, nuances between the studied sites were observed, according to their history, environment, and organization. These collective gardens can thus be considered as accessible laboratories for social and agroecological experimentation, being areas that can strongly contribute to urban ecosystem services. Full article

Indonesia’s post-mining landscapes require an integrated governance approach to achieve equitable and sustainable reclamation. This study developed and evaluated the TILANG Framework (Triple-Bottom-Line Integrated Land Governance) as a multidimensional model that aligns ecological restoration, community empowerment, and institutional accountability. Based on a meta-synthesis of 773 academic and institutional remarks coded using NVivo 12, the study identified sustainable cacao agriculture as a viable compensation mechanism that supports livelihood recovery while restoring degraded land. The framework draws on six foundational theoretical components—Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Triple Bottom Line, and multi-level governance—and is operationalized through six implementation principles: Trust, Inclusivity, Legitimacy, Alignment, Norms, and Governance. The findings support performance-based land reclamation by embedding behavioral readiness and institutional co-financing into sustainability strategies. This model is particularly relevant to Indonesia’s ongoing land-use transformation, where post-extractive zones are shifting toward agroecological and community-centered recovery. The study found that (1) reframing land compensation as a restorative, performance-based mechanism enables more legitimate and inclusive post-mining governance; (2) sustainable cacao agriculture represents a viable and socially accepted strategy for ecological recovery and rural livelihood revitalization; and (3) the TILANG Framework advances land-use transformation by integrating corporate responsibility, behavioral readiness, and multi-level governance into a cohesive performance model. 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

This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and environmental impact of controlled-release coated fertilizers (CRCFs) in upland maize systems. Specifically, we sought to determine the optimal nitrogen (N) application rate that maximizes nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and minimizes nutrient runoff, while maintaining yield comparable to conventional fertilization practices. A two-year field experiment (2017–2018) was conducted to assess CRCF formulations composed of urea, MAP, and potassium sulfate encapsulated in LDPE/EVA coatings with talc, humic acid, and starch additives. Treatments included various nitrogen application rates (33–90 kg N ha⁻¹) using CRCF and a conventional NPK fertilizer (150 kg N ha⁻¹). Measurements included fresh ear yield, aboveground biomass, NUE, and concentrations of total N (TN), nitrate N (NO₃⁻–N), and total P (TP) in surface runoff. Statistical analyses were performed using linear and quadratic regression models to determine yield responses and agronomic optimal N rate. CRCF treatments produced yields comparable to or exceeding those of conventional fertilization while using less than half the recommended N input. The modeled agronomic optimum N rate was 88.4 kg N ha⁻¹, which closely matched the maximum observed yield. CRCF application significantly reduced TN, NO₃⁻–N, and TP runoff in 2017 and improved NUE up to 71.2%. Subsurface placement and sigmoidal nutrient release contributed to reduced nutrient losses. CRCFs can maintain maize yield while reducing N input by approximately 40%, aligning with climate-smart agriculture principles. This strategy enhances NUE, reduces environmental risks, and offers economic benefits by enabling single basal application. Further multi-site studies are recommended to validate these findings under diverse agroecological conditions. Full article