Search Results (197)

Bananas and plantains, belonging to the Musa genus, are important food crops that sustain the livelihoods of countless smallholder farmers globally. However, their production is hindered by various challenges, including abiotic and biotic stresses, climate change, and poor access to clean planting materials, which negatively impact their yields. Addressing these constraints is essential for improving production and ensuring food security. This study investigated the influence of triploid genome background and exogenous growth regulators on the regeneration of Musa cultivars [Gros Michel (AAA genome), Obino l’Ewai and Silk (AAB genome), and Poteau Naine (ABB genome)]. Shoot tip explants of the AAA, AAB, and ABB triploid genomes were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with varying 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) hormones. Shoot induction was successfully achieved within 21.50 ± 2.00 days, with AAA exhibiting the highest shoot induction frequencies ranging from 30.00 ± 1.57% to 100% and shoot numbers per explant ranging from 3.00 ± 0.50 to 8.80 ± 0.80, followed by the ABB genome ranging from 20.00 ± 3.45% to 100% and from 2.00 ± 0.55 to 5.60 ± 0.50 shoots, and the AAB genome ranging from 17.50 ± 5.01% to 100% and from 2.00 ± 0.04 to 6.60 ± 0.25 shoots, respectively, in media amended with 1.2 to 6.0 mg.L⁻¹ BAP and 0.1 mg.L⁻¹ IAA. The highest rooting rate of 100% was recorded in all three genomes in media containing 1.4 mg.L⁻¹ IBA and 0.5 mg.L⁻¹ IAA, with the AAA genome producing the maximum number of 14.8 roots per explant. The results indicate the positive influence of the AAA genome background on in vitro regeneration and its potential utilization for genomic editing transformation protocols Full article

Increasing global population and threat from climate change are imposing economic, social, and ecological challenges to global food production. The demand for food is increasing, necessitating enhanced agricultural production with minimal environmental impacts. To meet this demand, sustainable intensification of both crops and livestock is necessary. This is more urgent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region characterized by low productivity and environmentally degrading agriculture. Integrated Agriculture-livestock-forestry (ALF) systems could be a key form of intensification needed for achieving food security and economic and environmental sustainability. The synergetic interactions between ALF nexus provide a mechanism to foster interconnectedness and resource circulation where practices of one system influence the outcomes in another. These systems enhance long-term farm sustainability while serving the farmers’ environmental and economic goals. It provides opportunities for improving food security, farmer incomes, soil health, climate resilience and the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore crucial to strengthen the evidence supporting the contribution of these systems. On this basis, this paper reviews the potential pathways through which ALF nexus can enhance incomes, food security and climate change mitigation in SSA. The paper discusses the pathways through which the integration of crops, livestock and trees enhance (i) food security, (ii) incomes, (iii) soil health and (iv) mitigation of climate change in SSA. We argue that implementing ALF systems will be accompanied by an advancement of enhanced food security, farmer livelihoods and ecological conservation. It will foster a more balanced and sustainable sub-Saharan African agricultural systems. Full article

This study investigates the gendered nexus between climate change, food insecurity, and conflict in Plateau State, Nigeria. This region in north-central Nigeria is marked by recurring farmer–herder clashes and climate-induced environmental degradation. Drawing on qualitative methods, including interviews, gender-disaggregated focus groups, and key informant discussions, the research explores how climate variability and violent conflict interact to exacerbate household food insecurity. The methodology allows the capture of nuanced perspectives and lived experiences, particularly emphasizing the differentiated impacts on women and men. The findings reveal that irregular rainfall patterns, declining agricultural yields, and escalating violence have disrupted traditional farming systems and undermined rural livelihoods. The study also shows that women, though they are responsible for household food management, face disproportionate burdens due to restricted mobility, limited access to resources, and a heightened exposure to gender-based violence. Grounded in Conflict Theory, Frustration–Aggression Theory, and Feminist Political Ecology, the analysis shows how intersecting vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, shape experiences of food insecurity and adaptation strategies. Women often find creative and local ways to cope with challenges, including seed preservation, rationing, and informal trade. However, systemic barriers continue to hinder sustainable progress. This study emphasized the need for integrating gender-sensitive interventions into policy frameworks, such as land tenure reforms, targeted agricultural support for women, and improved security measures, to effectively mitigate food insecurity and promote sustainable livelihoods, especially in conflict-affected regions. Full article

The subtropics are affected by severe climate change, which may induce heat stress in animals. Moreover, the region is significantly seasonal; hence, mitigating climate risks and implementing climate adaptation measures are necessary. Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, and 13 call for no poverty, zero hunger, and climate action. These are the most severe problems affecting food security in the modern world. Food security refers to a situation in which all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, proper, and healthy food that satisfies their dietary requirements. Nevertheless, the projected increase in the human population implies a greater demand for employment opportunities; hence, developing countries are building more industrial areas. The burning of fossil fuels in various industries potentiates climate change and environmental pollution. It is predicted that the ecological temperature will increase by almost 2.3–4.8 °C by 2100 due to climate change. Agriculture and animal products remain vital in Africa as drivers of the economy and transformation for sustainable livelihood and development. Sheep production has long been used as a source of income and livelihood and provides jobs for people who live in rural areas. It is also sometimes used for ritual ceremonies and to pay penalties to local authorities. Nevertheless, sheep have been identified to be sensitive to heat stress, characterized by low reproductive performance, low microbiota quantities, and poor general health. There are different strategies for mitigating heat stress; however, many smallholder farmers have limited access to education and lack the financial support required to incorporate artificial shade and plant trees for shade to limit heat stress. In this review, we aim to understand the effects of environmental heat stress on sheep production and reproductive performance. Based on this review, it can be concluded that heat stress can threaten food security if not addressed, especially for farmers who depend on sheep rearing. As a result, future studies are recommended to understand different adaptation methods that can be used to mitigate the heat stress effect on sheep productivity, reproductivity, and general health. Full article

Climate variability and land-use changes are critical challenges impacting agriculture globally, with Zimbabwe’s Gwayi catchment area experiencing noticeable effects. This study investigated how smallholder farmers in the region perceive these changes and their influence on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The research addresses the gap in understanding local farmer experiences with climate change and land-use modifications in the context of food security. A cross-sectional survey (n = 483) was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to capture demographic information, perceptions of climate variability, land-use changes, and their impacts on agriculture. The results indicate a trend of increasing droughts, dry spells, and heatwaves, alongside altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, corroborating the observed climate data. Environmental degradation, including deforestation, gully formation, and land expansion, exacerbates these changes. Consequently, farmers reported substantial reductions in crop yields, with 84.05% experiencing significant-to-very negative impacts, alongside declining livestock health (32.51% reporting very negative impacts), increased water scarcity (43.3% reporting drying water sources), and more frequent disease outbreaks. These challenges collectively contributed to heightened food insecurity, with 74.12% of households reporting negative impacts on their food supply. The study underscores the synergistic impacts of climate variability and land-use changes, highlighting the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable land management to enhance resilience and ensure long-term food security for smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment. Full article

Flooding in Tempe Lake, Indonesia, poses ongoing socioeconomic challenges, mainly affecting food security, agricultural output, and household livelihoods. The recurrent and unpredictable floods disrupt planting and harvesting periods, resulting in significant food production deficits and posing complex adaptive challenges for residents. This study examines the socioeconomic adaptation strategies employed by rice farmer households to mitigate the adverse effects of flooding. The study analyzed a random sample of 160 people, utilized descriptive–analytical methodologies, and displayed the findings through graphs and matrix tables. Research reveals that fishing and rice farming serve as the primary revenue sources for households in the region. Despite financial challenges, households maintain security due to dependable food sources and proximity to the lake. The study emphasises the importance of efficient rice cultivation management owing to its short growth cycles and vulnerability to flooding. Moreover, freshwater aquaculture presents a sustainable strategy for mitigating flood risks in climate change, mainly when supported by microcredit, training, and improved market access. The findings highlight the necessity of social and structural adjustments in reducing vulnerability and enhancing community resilience, offering substantial recommendations for improving long-term resilience and food security in flood-prone regions. Full article

Contracting farmers are the main entities in cultivated land protection. From the perspective of contractual rights, improving the ecological compensation standards for cultivated land under the “Separation of Three Rights” system helps coordinate interest relationships in ecological compensation and serves as the key to benefit distribution among multiple right-holders. Reasonable compensation to contracting farmers facilitates the dual consideration of food security and ecological safety in cultivated land. The study starts from the connotation of contractual rights, incorporates both opportunity cost losses and ecological values into compensation criteria based on the membership attributes of contractual rights and the nature of use rights. Employing the equivalent factor method, replacement cost method, and opportunity cost method, it calculates compensation standards for both transferred and non-transferred contracting farmers, using prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province as case examples. (1) Land-transferring contracted farmers: The compensation standard is calculated based on opportunity cost loss as the compensation basis. (2) Non-transferring contracted farmers: The compensation standard incorporates both opportunity cost losses and the ecological value generated through agricultural production. Research Findings: The average compensation standard for contracted farmland transfer in Jiangsu Province is 6275.79 CNY/hm², primarily implemented through government compensation mechanisms. The average compensation standard for non-transferred contracted farmland in Jiangsu Province is 40,604 CNY/hm², implemented through a government–market–community collaborative mechanism. The tiered compensation criteria, by accounting for differential contributions of farmland transfer participants and non-participants to agro-ecosystem services, effectively reconcile the dual imperatives of arable land preservation and livelihood enhancement for contracted farmers. Full article

Cassava, a vital crop in the Philippines and other tropical regions, is highly susceptible to various diseases that drastically reduce its yield. Traditional inspection methods for detecting these diseases are manual, time-consuming, expensive, and prone to inaccuracies. While recent advances enable improved detection, many approaches focus primarily on leaves and stems, overlooking tubers—one of the most critical parts of the plant. Since tubers are the harvested portion of the cassava and a direct source of food and income, early disease detection in this part is crucial for preventing severe yield losses. Furthermore, symptoms often manifest in the tubers before becoming visible in other parts, making their monitoring essential for timely intervention. To address these challenges and improve accuracy, we employed EfficientNetB0 and data augmentation techniques to enhance disease detection across multiple parts of the cassava plant. The developed system integrates a Raspberry Pi 4B with a camera module LCD screen enclosed in a 3D-printed casing for ease of use by farmers, and this showed detection accuracies of 94% for leaves, 90% for stems, and 92% for tubers. The system’s reliability was validated with p-values at a 0.05 significance level. By reducing the need for expensive manual inspections, the system offers a robust solution for early disease detection, particularly in the tubers, to mitigate yield losses. Its proven accuracy and practical design support better disease management practices, thereby improving crop health while enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of cassava farmers. Full article

Goat farming represents a critical component of rural livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage in southeastern Tunisia. This study adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to analyze the goat value chain in Tataouine, incorporating focus groups, semi-structured questionnaires, and direct observations with 80 farmers, 3 veterinarians, 13 butchers, and 100 consumers. The findings reveal strong local demand, with 72% of consumers purchasing goat meat and 66% consuming milk. However, significant inefficiencies exist, particularly a misalignment between production and market requirements: while 92% of butchers prefer fattened animals, only 16% of farmers engage in fattening practices. Women constitute 49% of dairy processors, yet face persistent resource constraints. Climate pressures exacerbate these challenges, with 80% of farmers reporting water scarcity and 93.8% observing pasture degradation. Three strategic interventions emerge as pivotal for sustainable development: targeted support for feed-efficient fattening techniques, establishment of women-led dairy processing collectives, and implementation of climate-resilient water management systems. These measures address core constraints while leveraging existing strengths of the production system. The study presents a transferable framework for livestock value chain analysis in arid regions, demonstrating how integrated approaches can enhance both economic viability and adaptive capacity while preserving traditional pastoral systems. Full article

The livestock sector is crucial for global food security and economic development, particularly in developing nations, as it supports the livelihoods of approximately 1.3 billion people. However, with the global population expected to reach 9.2 billion by 2050, the sector must address increasing demand for livestock products while ensuring environmental sustainability. This study used the available literature to evaluate the economic viability of sustainable pasture and rangeland management practices to enhance livestock production. The key findings demonstrate that strategies such as rotational grazing and nitrogen fertilization can decrease winter feed costs by up to 40% while simultaneously improving pasture productivity and animal weight gains. Initial investments in these improved forage practices offer high internal rates of return, indicating their profitability. To guide sustainable pasture production and rangeland management, we propose a conceptual framework that balances cultivated pastures and natural rangelands. This framework assesses critical factors, including input costs, expected outputs (enhanced biodiversity and livestock production), and interventions to mitigate land degradation. For successful adoption of these practices, targeted policies are essential. Governments should develop financial support mechanisms for smallholder farmers, improve transportation infrastructure for efficient feed logistics, and provide technical assistance to educate producers on sustainable practices. Engaging stakeholders to align policies with local needs is also vital. By implementing these strategic interventions, the resilience of livestock systems can be strengthened, contributing to long-term sustainability and supporting food security and rural community well-being. Full article

Recurrent flooding near Tempe Lake, Indonesia, exacerbated by climate change, presents significant challenges for rice-farming communities, threatening their livelihoods and food security. This study explores the adaptive strategies employed by farmers to mitigate flood-related risks and evaluates the role of institutional frameworks in risk-sharing mechanisms. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analysed primary survey data from 140 rice farmers and conducted interviews with irrigation pump operators. The study viewed 30 years of historical flood records to identify environmental patterns affecting agricultural practices. The findings indicate that farmers employ various adaptation strategies to enhance resilience, including irrigation technologies, risk-sharing agreements, and livelihood diversification. Informal co-operative structures play a crucial role, with landowners covering 50% of production costs and farmers receiving 60% of profits after deducting operational expenses. However, flood-related income disruptions and shifting environmental conditions threaten long-term sustainability. This study emphasizes the need to formalize risk-sharing agreements, promote flood-resistant crop adoption, and improve water management infrastructure to address these challenges. Additionally, policies should support the development of community-led co-operative models and flexible contract structures, as well as training and access credit to ensure fair compensation for climate-induced losses. Integrating institutional support, technological advancements, and community-driven adaptation strategies can enhance economic stability, strengthen food security, and ensure the long-term viability of rice farming in flood-prone regions. Full article

Goats play a vital role in global livestock systems, particularly in developing regions, where they contribute significantly to meat production and smallholder livelihoods. Indigenous goats in sub-Saharan Africa are essential to low-input farming systems, valued for their adaptability to harsh environments and their provision of meat, milk, and income. However, genomic research on these goats remains limited despite their importance. Recent advancements in genomic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping, have identified key genes like MSTN, IGF1, and CAST. These genes influence muscle growth, fat deposition, and meat tenderness, which are critical for improving growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Genomic selection offers a promising avenue for enhancing economically valuable traits, such as faster growth rates and adaptability to challenging climates. This review highlights the potential of integrating genomic tools with traditional breeding practices to optimise goat production systems, enhance meat quality, and improve economic outcomes for farmers. It also underscores the need for further research to fully characterise the genetic diversity of indigenous goat breeds in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these knowledge gaps could significantly contribute to the region’s food security and sustainable farming practices. Full article

The precipitation pattern in South Africa is unpredictable and irregularly distributed across the nine provinces. Water resources support agriculture, mining activities, and other social and economic activities in the country. Nevertheless, South Africa is a water-scarce country prompting the urgent need for revitalization to increase water availability. There are major issues with irrigation water security in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Water scarcity, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and wasteful use, threatens smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Smallholder farmers encounter difficulties obtaining water despite initiatives to enhance water management, such as poor infrastructure, a lack of funding, and exclusion from choices about water management. This study examines the current water security challenges faced by smallholder farmers in ensuring water security in South Africa. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative networks, inclusive water governance, and innovative irrigation technologies. The study highlights the need for programs and policies that promote cutting-edge irrigation technologies and support smallholder farmers’ participation in water management decisions. Effective solutions require a coordinated approach, involving government, NGOs, and the private sector. Addressing these challenges can improve water security, promote sustainable agricultural development, and enhance food security nationwide effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the study suggests that context-specific solutions be developed, considering the requirements and difficulties smallholder farmers face. This entails funding irrigation infrastructure, assisting and training farmers, and advancing water-saving innovations. Full article

Irrigation plays a crucial role in enhancing food production, increasing land productivity, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Solar pumps and water harvesting ponds have emerged as promising technologies for sustainable agriculture for smallholders in SSA and beyond. The socio-economic impacts of these systems are less studied in the existing literature. This study examined the agricultural productivity of solar pump and water harvesting irrigation technologies and their impacts on income and food security among smallholder farmers in the Central Rift Valley, Lake Hawassa, and Upper Awash sub-basin areas in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 161 farming households that were selected randomly from woredas where solar pump and water harvesting pond irrigation systems had been implemented. The sample size was determined using the power calculation method. Bio-physical observation and measurements were also conducted at field levels. The benefit–cost ratio (BCR) and net water value (NWV) from the use of solar pump and water harvesting pond irrigations were analyzed to assess the viability of these systems. The household food consumption score (HFCS) and household dietary diversity score (HDDS) were calculated to measure food security, while the revenue from crop production was used to measure crop income. An endogenous switching regression model was applied to address the endogeneity nature of the adoption of the irrigation technologies. The counterfactual analysis, specifically the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT), was used to evaluate the impacts of the irrigation technologies on income and food security. Results indicate that the ATT of crop income, HFCS, and HDDS are positive and statistically significant, illustrating the role of these irrigation systems in enhancing smallholder farmers’ welfare. Moreover, smallholder farmers’ solar pump irrigation systems were found to be economically viable for few crops, with a BCR greater than 1.0 and an NWV ranging from 0.21 to 1.53 USD/m³. It was also found that bundling agricultural technologies with solar pump irrigation systems leads to enhanced agricultural outputs and welfare. The sustainable adoption and scale-up of these irrigation systems demand addressing technical and financial constraints, as well as input and output market challenges. Full article

In recent years, with increasing global warming, extreme weather such as high temperatures and droughts has occurred more frequently, with serious impacts on grain production and farmers’ livelihoods. High temperatures and drought can lead to a range of production problems such as water shortages, increased irrigation costs, reduced land fertility, and reductions in grain yields. Ultimately, these problems can inhibit farmers’ willingness to grow grain and threaten regional food security. The government usually takes appropriate assistance measures to compensate for the loss of grain farmers, so as to stimulate the farmers’ incentive to grow grain. Therefore, the influence mechanism of government assistance on farmers’ willingness to grow grain in the context of extreme weather is an issue worth exploring. From the perspective of grain farmers, this paper takes the grain farmers in Jiangxi Province affected by high temperatures and drought in 2022 as the research sample and empirically analyzes the influence mechanism of government assistance on farmers’ willingness to grow grain. In addition, this paper also discusses the heterogeneity of the impact of government assistance on the planting willingness of farmers with different agricultural income ratios and literacy levels. The Ordered Logistic model and mediation effect model were applied in this study. The results of the study show that government assistance can effectively incentivize farmers’ willingness to grow grain, and risk preference has a mediating effect in the process. In addition, government assistance has a stronger incentive effect on the planting willingness of farmers with a high ratio of agricultural income and a high level of literacy. Finally, the paper puts forward corresponding countermeasure suggestions based on the conclusions to help the government formulate more complete risk response policies and establish a more effective risk prevention mechanism. This paper provides a theoretical reference for achieving sustainable development of grain production in the context of extreme weather, which helps to improve the resilience and sustainability of grain production. Full article