Search Results (223)

The integration of digital twin technology with robotic automation holds significant promise for advancing sustainable horticulture in controlled environment agriculture. This article presents DigiHortiRobot, a novel AI-driven digital twin architecture tailored for hydroponic greenhouse systems. The proposed framework integrates real-time sensing, predictive modeling, task planning, and dual-arm robotic execution within a modular, IoT-enabled infrastructure. DigiHortiRobot is structured into three progressive implementation phases: (i) monitoring and data acquisition through a multimodal perception system; (ii) decision support and virtual simulation for scenario analysis and intervention planning; and (iii) autonomous execution with feedback-based model refinement. The Physical Layer encompasses crops, infrastructure, and a mobile dual-arm robot; the virtual layer incorporates semantic modeling and simulation environments; and the synchronization layer enables continuous bi-directional communication via a nine-tier IoT architecture inspired by FIWARE standards. A robot task assignment algorithm is introduced to support operational autonomy while maintaining human oversight. The system is designed to optimize horticultural workflows such as seeding and harvesting while allowing farmers to interact remotely through cloud-based interfaces. Compared to previous digital agriculture approaches, DigiHortiRobot enables closed-loop coordination among perception, simulation, and action, supporting real-time task adaptation in dynamic environments. Experimental validation in a hydroponic greenhouse confirmed robust performance in both seeding and harvesting operations, achieving over 90% accuracy in localizing target elements and successfully executing planned tasks. The platform thus provides a strong foundation for future research in predictive control, semantic environment modeling, and scalable deployment of autonomous systems for high-value crop production. Full article

Traditional seed supply chains face several hidden risks. Certain regulatory departments tend to focus primarily on entity circulation while neglecting the origin and accuracy of data in seed quality supervision, resulting in limited precision and low credibility of traceability information related to quality and safety. Blockchain technology offers a systematic solution to key issues such as data source distortion and insufficient regulatory penetration in the seed supply chain by enabling data rights confirmation, tamper-proof traceability, smart contract execution, and multi-node consensus mechanisms. In this study, we developed a system that integrates blockchain and neural networks to provide seed traceability services. When uploading seed traceability information, the neural network models are employed to verify the authenticity of information provided by humans and save the tags on the blockchain. Various neural network architectures, such as Multilayer Perceptron, Recurrent Neural Network, Fully Convolutional Neural Network, and Long Short-term Memory model architectures, have been tested to determine the authenticity of seed traceability information. Among these, the Long Short-term Memory model architecture demonstrated the highest accuracy, with an accuracy rate of 90.65%. The results demonstrated that neural networks have significant research value and potential to assess the authenticity of information in a blockchain. In the application scenario of seed quality traceability, using blockchain and neural networks to determine the authenticity of seed traceability information provides a new solution for seed traceability. This system empowers farmers by providing trustworthy seed quality information, enabling better purchasing decisions and reducing risks from counterfeit or substandard seeds. Furthermore, this mechanism fosters market circulation of certified high-quality seeds, elevates crop yields, and contributes to the sustainable growth of agricultural systems. Full article

In wet subtropical environments, perennial groundcovers are common in horticultural plantations to protect the soil from erosion. However, there has been little investigation into whether seeding annual cover crops into the perennial groundcovers provides additional soil services including carbon and nutrient cycling in these systems. To investigate this, farmer participatory field trials were conducted in commercial avocado, macadamia, and coffee plantations in the wet Australian subtropics. Cover crops were direct-seeded into existing inter-row groundcovers in winter (cool season cover crops), and into the same plots the following summer (warm season cover crops). Inter-row biomass was quantified at the end of winter and summer in the control (no cover crop) and cover crops treatments. Soil carbon and nutrient cycling parameters including hot water extractable carbon, water soluble carbon, autoclavable citrate-extractable protein and soil enzyme activities were quantified every two months from early spring (September) 2021 to late autumn (May) 2022. Seeded cover crops produced 500 to 800 kg ha⁻¹ more total inter-row biomass over winter at the avocado coffee sites, and 3000 kg ha⁻¹ biomass in summer at the coffee site. However, they had no effect on biomass production in either season at the macadamia site. Soil functional parameters changed with season (i.e., time of sampling), with few significant effects of cover crop treatments on soil function parameters across the three sits. Growing a highly productive annual summer cover crop at the coffee site led to suppression and death of perennial groundcovers, exposing bare soil in the inter-row by 3 weeks after termination of the summer cover crop. Annual cover crops seeded into existing perennial groundcovers in tree crop systems had few significant impacts on soil biological function over the 12-month period, and their integration needs careful management to avoid investment losses and exacerbating the risk of soil erosion on sloping lands in the wet subtropics. 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 African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is among the most farmed fish species in Uganda’s rapidly growing aquaculture sub-sector. The enhanced growth performance, increased survival, and resilience to environmental stressors have driven a rising demand among farmers for improved African catfish broodstock and seed. Until recently, most studies of this species have focused on nutrition, physiology, and culture systems, with little known about the genetics, broodstock, and hatchery management of the cultured C. gariepinus populations. This knowledge gap has led to inbreeding depression, resulting in poor seed quality and reduced performance of the broodstock. To enhance catfish aquaculture production, a survey was conducted across multiple catfish hatcheries and farms in Uganda. Using semi-structured questionnaires, the study assessed broodstock management practices, hatchery propagation methods, the suitability of various populations, demographics, challenges, and prospects of hatchery operators. Responses were coded, and descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and means were calculated. Results indicate that there are farmers who continue to source their broodstocks from the natural water bodies in addition to acquiring them from fellow farmers. The estimated effective population size (Ne) for the majority of the respondents was 133.33 and 178.22, with an average breeding coefficient of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. There is also a continuous use of shooters (fast-growing cannibalistic fish) by the farmers who hatch and select them to be used as broodstocks later, under the assumption that they have superior genetic traits. The reported hatchability rate was above 70%, with an average survival rate of 60% from larvae to fry. The study identified diseases, inadequate water supply, and electricity as the primary challenges for catfish breeding. While Uganda’s African catfish aquaculture industry is expanding rapidly, certain hatchery practices pose significant risks to its sustainability if not properly addressed. Full article

Climate variability intensifies weather risks across smallholder rainfed farming systems in Africa. Farmers often respond by minimizing the use of modern inputs and opting for low-cost traditional practices, a strategy that decreases average yields and perpetuates poverty. While crop insurance could incentivize greater adoption of inputs, indemnity-based programs face market failures. Weather index insurance (WII), which utilizes objective weather data to trigger payouts while addressing traditional crop insurance market failures, is a viable solution. However, empirical evidence on the impact of WII remains limited, with most studies relying on controlled experiments or hypothetical scenarios that overlook real-world adoption dynamics. This study analyzed observational data from 400 smallholder farmers across diverse agroecological zones in Njoro Sub-County, Kenya, using instrumental variable regression to evaluate the impact of weather index insurance (WII) on input adoption and intensity of use. Findings indicated that WII significantly increased the adoption and intensification of improved inputs while displacing traditional practices, with effects moderated by gender, financial access, and infrastructure. Specifically, active WII users applied 28.7 kg/acre more chemical fertilizer and used 2.6 kg/acre more hybrid maize seeds while reducing manure and traditional seed usage by 27 kg/acre and 2.9 kg/acre, respectively. However, the effectiveness of WII was context-dependent, varying under extreme drought conditions and in high-fertility soils, which directly affected resilience outcomes. These findings suggest that policies should combine insurance with targeted agroecological practices and complementary measures, such as improved access to credit and gender-sensitive extension programs tailored to the specific needs of women farmers, to support sustainable agricultural transformation. Full article

The main objective of energy balance analysis is to guide farmers in making informed decisions that promote the efficient management of natural resources, optimise the use of agricultural inputs, and improve the overall economic performance of their farms. In addition, it supports the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop diversification, the use of renewable energy sources, and the recycling of agricultural by-products and residues into natural energy sources or fertilisers. This paper analyses the variation in energy efficiency between 2019 and 2022 of the main crops in Angola: maize, soybean, and rice, and the forest production of eucalyptus biomass in agroforestry farms. The research was based on the responses to interviews conducted with the managers of the farms regarding the machinery used, fuels and lubricants, labour, seeds, phytopharmaceuticals, and fertilisers. The quantities are gathered by converting data into Megajoules (MJ). The results show variations in efficiency and energy balance. In corn, efficiency fluctuated between 1.32 MJ in 2019 and 1.41 MJ in 2020, falling to 0.94 MJ in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before rising to 1.31 MJ in 2022. For soybeans, the energy balance went from a deficit of −8223.48 MJ in 2019 to a positive 11,974.62 MJ in 2022, indicating better use of resources. Rice stood out for its high efficiency, reaching 81,541.33 MJ in 2021, while wood production showed negative balances, evidencing the need for more effective strategies. This research concludes that understanding the energy balance of agricultural operations in Angola is essential not only to achieve greater sustainability and profitability but also to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems against external factors such as climate change, fluctuations in input prices, and economic crises. A comprehensive understanding of the energy balance allows farmers to assess the true cost-effectiveness of their operations, identify energy inefficiencies, and implement more effective strategies to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impacts. Full article

Rice–fish culture, an ancient agronomic practice, integrates aquaculture with rice farming, a sustainable solution for enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. The recent advancements and historical perspectives on rice–fish culture have increased its ecological, economic, and social impacts. The practice spans over 2000 years and has seen significant technological improvements, especially in regions like China, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Implementations of modernized rice–fish systems demonstrate increased rice yields, reduced pest and weed prevalence, improvements in soil quality, and higher profits for farmers. For example, in China, it was reported that a rice–fishing system produced 6000–7000 kg of rice and 1500–7500 kg of fish per hectare per year. Furthermore, the fish reduce herbivore insect abundance and weed abundance, effectively eliminating the need for pesticides. Despite its advantages, challenges such as water management, the availability of quality fish seed, and socio-economic barriers remain. By synthesizing findings from various studies, we will highlight the potential of rice–fish culture to contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development, recommending strategies for optimizing its adoption and addressing existing constraints. Full article

Smallholder potato farmers in Ethiopia do not realize the theoretical yield potential of the crop because they do not benefit from the advantages of using quality seed potato of improved varieties. The high disease incidence in seed potatoes has large implications on the potato farming system since the country lacks appropriate seed quality assurance mechanisms. Seed potato quality assurance relies more on the technical support provided by the national research and extension systems than the official seed certification agency. This paper elaborates systematic challenges and opportunities within the potato seed system and poses two research questions: (1) What type of seed quality assurance mechanisms (informal, quality declared, certified) are under implementation in Ethiopia? (2) How does the current seed quality assurance system operate in terms of reliability, accessibility, and quality standards to deliver quality seed potato? The data were collected through face-to-face in-depth key informant interviews with various seed regulatory laboratory managers and technicians in the Oromia, SNNP, and SWEP regions in the main seed- and ware-producing areas of Ethiopia. This was complemented by a comprehensive analysis of relevant documents. The findings show that currently there is no established procedure in place to officially certify early-generation seed potatoes. Two out of six seed quality control laboratories assessed for this study inspected seed potato fields in 2021 but as quality declared seed (QDS), and approved the fields inspected based on visual inspection alone. Our study revealed a weak linkage between early-generation seed (EGS) potato producers, commercial, and QDS seed potato producers, and seed quality control laboratories. Seed potato quality assurance operations were carried out by only a few seed regulatory laboratories with several concerns raised over the effectiveness of quality standards since seed-borne diseases, such as bacterial wilt, have been found at high frequency in the country’s seed potato system. Hence, the current procedures and challenges call for the necessity of upgrading current quality assurance in seed potato certification. Our study underlines the need for policymakers, development partners, and researchers to collaborate and pool efforts to consider transforming the quality declared system to appropriate seed certification. We recommended that institutionalizing novel plant disease diagnostics into seed regulatory frameworks is needed for sustainable potato production and food security in Ethiopia. Full article

Current food production systems rely heavily on resource-poor small-scale farmers in the global south. Concomitantly, the agrifood systems are exacerbated by various a/biotic challenges, including low-input agriculture and climate crisis. The recent global food crisis further escalates the production and consumption challenges in the global market. With these challenges, coordinated efforts to address the world’s agrifood systems challenges have never been more urgent than now. This includes the implementation of deeply interconnected activities of food, land, and water systems and relationships among producers and consumers that operate across political boundaries. Nature-positive agriculture represents interventions both at the farm and landscape level that include a systems approach for the management of diverse issues across the land-water-food nexus. In the present article, we focus on the history of traditional farming and how it evolved into today’s nature-positive agriculture, including its limitations and opportunities. The review also explains the most impactful indicators for successful nature-positive agriculture, including sustainable management of soil, crops, seeds, pests, and mixed farming systems, including forages and livestock. Finally, the review explains the dynamics of nature-positive agriculture in the context of small-scale farming systems and how multilateral organizations like the CGIAR are converting this into transformative actions and impact. To address the climate crisis, CGIAR established the paradigm of nature-positive solutions as part of its research and development efforts aimed at transforming food, land, and water systems into more resilient and sustainable pathways. Full article

This study investigates the continuation of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) practices among farmers in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in the Philippines. Through a cross-sectional survey of ECA farmers in the municipality of Banaue, this research explores the socio-demographic, environmental, and economic factors influencing the adoption and persistence of ECA. The findings reveal that while access to resources such as high-yielding seeds, modern farming equipment, and financial support is important for the adoption of ECA, the shift toward high-yielding varieties has contributed to a decline in the cultivation of Tinawon rice, which is vital for maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the terraces. This study underscores the importance of balancing modern agricultural practices with the continued cultivation of Tinawon rice to preserve biodiversity, soil health, and cultural identity, while also enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, the roles of community-based support systems, market access, and financial incentives are highlighted as key factors in sustaining ECA practices. Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for adaptation, making it essential to integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques to build resilience. Understanding the factors that shape ECA continuation is crucial for refining initiatives that address both the economic and cultural contexts. By emphasizing the importance of tailored, community-driven interventions, this study provides critical insights for enhancing ECA adoption in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, contributing to climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of this significant agricultural heritage system. Full article

In recent years, the development of robotic vehicles in agriculture has made it possible to reduce human intervention and fatigue in carrying out arduous or repetitive tasks, as well as helping to promote sustainable agriculture to address climate change. However, the great diversity of agricultural tasks and the varied production systems and crops demand a wide range of solutions that can be adapted to robotic vehicles as a power source. These alternatives must be affordable and user-friendly for some users, although more sophisticated solutions must also be developed for others, depending on their specific needs. For this, the present work focuses on the development of two maize seeders with different metering systems coupled to an agricultural robot. The first seeder has a conventional mechanically driven seed metering system with a drive wheel and chain gear, while the second one has an electronically driven metering system based on a DC motor and a digital encoder controlled by a microcontroller. Both seeders were coupled to a remote-controlled robotic vehicle and evaluated on real farmland. Seed distribution in the seed rows was contrasting; the results indicated that the mechanical system performed better in the field than the electronic system. For both seeders, the working capacity was approximately 0.135 ha/h at an average speed of 2.0 km/h. The proposed robot–seeder assembly could help farmers automate and reduce the workload associated with planting, as well as attract young people to the field. Full article

The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is largely rural, with agriculture as the main livelihood for many households. However, the province has a semi-arid climate and reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which makes the region highly vulnerable to climate-related risks, particularly droughts. Smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in food production and local economies, face significant challenges due to limited access to resources like irrigation, modern technology, and financial support, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate variability. These droughts cause severe losses in agricultural productivity, threatening food security, increasing poverty, and driving rural migration. Despite the potential benefits of adaptation strategies, many farmers lack the tools and knowledge to effectively cope with the increasing frequency and severity of droughts. This study examines how smallholder farmers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province perceive, experience, and cope with drought risk and its food and nutrition security implications. Using structured questionnaires, the authors collected data from 160 smallholder farmers and employed statistical analysis techniques, including a multinomial logit model. The study found that smallholder farmers understand drought risk but continue to face high vulnerability to adverse effects such as water scarcity, crop failure, increased disease incidence, and rising temperatures. Socioeconomic and institutional factors significantly influenced the adaptation strategies chosen by smallholder farmers. This study suggests that a combination of localized and modern adaptation approaches, supported by various institutional, policy, and technological interventions, is essential to enhance the resilience of these farmers. Specifically, localized strategies such as using traditional water management systems and crop diversification were effective in addressing region-specific climate challenges. At the same time, modern approaches like climate-resilient crop varieties and early-warning systems provided broader, more scalable solutions. Institutional support measures, such as access to climate information and extension services, policy interventions promoting sustainable practices, and technological advancements in irrigation and seed technologies, were key factors in improving adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability. There is an urgent need to provide comprehensive support and empower farmers to adapt effectively, protect their livelihoods, and contribute to broader food security and poverty reduction efforts. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the perceptions and experiences of smallholder farmers facing drought risk to ensure sustainable food production, income generation, and poverty alleviation. Full article

Brazil is one of the main agricultural producers in the world, and its agri-food system has been experiencing concentration and intensification. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the Brazilian government has implemented different interventions to support family agriculture, such as the National Programme for Strengthening Family Farming (PRONAF), the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Programme (ATER), and different seed distribution programs. Despite the social and economic relevance of these programs, there is a lack of quantitative studies investigating their impact on the resilience of family farms, primarily the promotion of commercialization. We aim to fill this gap by applying propensity score matching techniques to household-level data from the 2014 Brazilian National Household Sample Survey. Only this survey has recorded this type of information to date. We compare the commercialization behavior of policy recipients with that of non-recipients, accounting for interaction effects between different policies. Our results show that PRONAF has had a significant positive impact on family farmers’ propensity to engage in commercialization, and the effect increases if they also have access to technical assistance. Technical assistance alone has a positive effect, while seed distribution appears not to make a significant difference. Our results suggest that an appropriate policy mix can increase the resilience of family farms in emerging countries. Full article

The productivity of smallholder coffee cultivation is declining due to ageing trees, making the rejuvenation of coffee trees with superior seeds essential. This rejuvenation process requires the support and participation of various stakeholders, including the government, banks, investors, universities, community leaders, experts, extension workers, and other parties. The nature of an incomplete contract in building partnership with farmers requires confidence building to avoid higher costs in enforcing a new behavior. However, this study shows that the accumulation of social capital also leads to higher expenses in maintaining these relationships. This study aimed to develop a social capital model to enhance partnerships between coffee farmers and relevant stakeholders. The analysis used a system dynamics model for coffee production and farmer income. The data collection involved the gathering of data and information from 17 actors in the coffee industry in Lampung, particularly in Kopista community. The study reveals that the social capital model must be constructed from four components: (1) trust, (2) ongoing cooperative activities, (3) social capital connections, and (4) memories of successful cooperative actions. Active involvement and instruction from specialists on the concept of social capital and partnership models can enhance cooperation by maintaining social connections. The policy implication of this study is that the development of a social capital model and partnership must be constructed by mentoring for economic benefits and must be continuously supported. Full article