Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.

Submitted by FLAVIANA CAVALCANTI DA SILVA null (flaviana_cavalcanti@hotmail.com) on 2016-10-26T01:42:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE ENVIADA À BIBLIOTECA - REPOSITÓRIO.pdf: 2558383 bytes, checksum: c43608105c98dc393cda79f906d5581b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-11-03T15:46:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_fc_dr_ilha.pdf: 2558383 bytes, checksum: c43608105c98dc393cda79f906d5581b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-03T15:46:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_fc_dr_ilha.pdf: 2558383 bytes, checksum: c43608105c98dc393cda79f906d5581b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A busca de alternativas que contribuam para avanços no sentido da produção sustentável tem levado diferentes atores sociais a aderirem à Tecnologia Social PAIS (Produção Agroecológica Integrada e Sustentável), especialmente, com vistas à produção de alimentos saudáveis, que esta apregoa. Em função desta expectativa, as experiências vinculadas a Tecnologia Social PAIS se multiplicaram no país, com o marcante incentivo governamental. Em resposta à demanda apresentada por trabalhadoras assentadas do Território Rural Prof. Cory/Andradina (SP), que reivindicavam a viabilização de condições para a produção de alimentos saudáveis, a Fundação ITESP lançou mão de um Projeto destinado à implantação da Tecnologia Social PAIS, em dez assentamentos rurais deste Território. Esta pesquisa visou avaliar os impactos do referido Projeto na vida de famílias assentadas do Território e nos respectivos agroecossistemas, como alternativa tecnológica para promover avanços concernentes à perspectiva agroecológica. Adotou-se a hipótese central de que a Tecnologia Social PAIS apresenta-se como um instrumento frágil para promover avanços dentro da perspectiva da Agroecologia, uma vez que se baseia em um modelo pré-definido e não em proposta construída a partir de processos participativos, alicerçados no potencial endógeno das comunidades envolvidas. Neste estudo, privilegia-se a abordagem qualitativa, com base em uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório e descritivo. Foram utilizados questionários, entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação simples não participante para pesquisar 28 famílias que integraram o projeto relativo à implantação da Tecnologia Social PAIS no referido Território e também todos os integrantes da equipe técnica da Fundação Itesp responsável pela intervenção. Na maioria das situações analisadas, a implantação e manutenção das áreas instaladas por meio do Projeto alinharam-se às experiências, conhecimentos e possibilidades dos produtores, o que implicou na não adoção de parte das orientações da Tecnologia Social relativas à infraestrutura das áreas. Quando o Projeto foi finalizado (2015), nenhuma das áreas apresentava a configuração original preconizada pela PAIS. A não instalação das áreas de acordo com o conjunto de orientações iniciais ou a não manutenção destas segundo o modelo original (o que prevaleceu), entre outras questões, se deve a não identificação dessa opção tecnológica com o contexto socioprodutivo e cultural das famílias pesquisadas, considerando-se que a PAIS não foi concebida para se ajustar às suas particularidades e desenvolvida com a sua participação. Os resultados verificados corroboram a hipótese formulada, entretanto, observaram-se implicações positivas da intervenção, mesmo com marcantes fragilidades relacionadas à temática agroecológica. Foram identificados efeitos coerentes com processos de transição agroecológica, resultantes, principalmente, do estímulo da intervenção à produção de alimentos sem o emprego de agroquímicos e com o melhor aproveitamento dos recursos endógenos. Contudo, ainda há muito a ser feito para que sejam observados avanços que efetivamente viabilizem a produção de alimentos saudáveis, demandada pelas trabalhadoras assentadas do Território, compreendendo-se que para isso são necessários esforços, de fato, norteados pelo Enfoque Agroecológico; com o desenvolvimento de ações que tenham uma abordagem flexível de construção dos processos e envolvam as múltiplas dimensões que compõem a perspectiva agroecológica. Sugere-se que novos esforços sejam empenhados nesse sentido, com a devida consideração às experiências, conhecimentos e expectativas dos principais sujeitos desse processo de mudança: os agricultores familiares. / The search for alternatives that contribute to progress towards the sustainable production has led different social actors to join the Social Technology Agroecology and Sustainable Integrated Production (PAIS), especially for the production of healthy foods that touts. Because of this expectation, the experiences linked to Social Technology PAIS have mushroomed in the country, with striking government incentives. In response to the demand by workers settled Rural Prof. Territory Cory / Andradina (SP) who claimed the enabling conditions for the production of healthy food, the Foundation launched ITESP hand a project for the implementation of the Social Technology PAIS in ten rural settlements of this territory. This research aimed to understand the impacts of that project in the life of the Territory settled families and their agro-ecosystems, as alternative technology to promote advances concerning the agroecological transition. Adopted the central hypothesis that the Social Technology PAIS appears as a fragile instrument to promote food production in the agro-ecological perspective, since it is based on a predefined template and not a proposal built on processes participatory, building on the endogenous potential of the territories. This study focuses on a qualitative approach based on an exploratory and descriptive research. Questionnaires were used, semi-structured interviews and simple non-participant observation, to find 28 families that have integrated on Social Technology PAIS project in that territory and also all the members of the technical team Itesp Foundation responsible for intervention. In most of the analyzed situations, deployment and maintenance of areas installed through the lined up to design experiences, knowledge and possibilities of producers, which resulted in the non-adoption of the Social Technology guidelines for infrastructure areas. When the project was completed (2015), none of the areas had the original configuration recommended by the PAIS. Failure to install the areas according to the initial set of guidelines or not maintaining these according to the original model (which prevailed), among other issues, whether the non-identification of this technological option with the socio-productive and cultural context of the families surveyed, considering that the PAIS is not designed to fit the local characteristics and developed with the participation of those involved. The verified results support the hypothesis formulated, however, there was positive implications of the intervention, even with notable weaknesses related to agro-ecological theme. effects were identified consistent with agroecological transition processes, resulting from stimulation of intervention to food production without the use of agrochemicals and the best use of the use of endogenous resources. However, much remains to be done to be seen advances that effectively enable the production of healthy food, sued by workers settled Territory, including that for this are necessary actions that have a flexible approach to building processes and involve the multiple dimensions that make up the agro-ecological perspective. It is suggested that further efforts are committed to this end, with due regard to the experience, knowledge and expectations of the main subjects of this process of change: family farmers.

Thesis (MTech (Design)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011. Bibliogr.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-185). / This study investigates the production, consumption and regulation within the South African Organic Cotton Project (SAOCP). It argues that the implementation of design strategies has the potential to promote the consumption of organic cotton clothing products in South Africa. This is necessary because of growing global concerns about environmental and social issues, such as global warming, environmental degradation and pressurised working condition. These point to a need for fundamental change of our industries to sustain future generations. In the fashion and textiles industry, cotton production specifically is among the most environmentally damaging. Organic cotton production serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional production, and has increasingly been included by brands and organisations in the United States and several European countries. However, in South Africa, organic cotton production and consumption remains in a formative stage. Though sustainable consumer intentions are there, they do not manifest in the consumers‟ buying behaviour. This study wants an attempt to promote the consumption of organic cotton apparel products by South African consumers through suggesting a more interconnected, transparent value chain providing a collaborative learning and teaching experience. The literature extensively reviews the cotton fibre industry and notion of fashion and design in connection to the sustainability debate. Further, it presents innovative design projects encouraging sustainable consumer lifestyles, indicating the necessity of a holistic and re-connective strategy to promote such behaviour. A qualitative multi-method research approach is employed – including a consumer survey, an in-context immersion, focus groups and interviews with key informants. These (mainly) participatory research methods aim to include participants in the design process as co-designers. Activity Theory is utilised as an analytical lens in this study to examine the dynamics of a number of actors in the SAOCP who share the objective of promoting organic cotton consumption in South Africa. Consequently, the Design for Sustainability model guides the adaptable design strategies that are relevant and sustainable within South Africa, and possibly also internationally in similar industrial contexts. This research study concludes that promotion of organic cotton consumption can be achieved through stakeholder re-connection in the organic cotton value chain, and the development of a humanised and transparent system. Ultimately, the strategies attempt to contribute to an increased well-being among actors through a deeper level of understanding of one‟s role in the SAOCP system.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-05-19T14:46:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Bruno Leonardo Quirino de Oliveira Freitas.pdf: 1416572 bytes, checksum: 4113eab1915b55f921e16af6ce24c5de (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-19T14:46:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Bruno Leonardo Quirino de Oliveira Freitas.pdf: 1416572 bytes, checksum: 4113eab1915b55f921e16af6ce24c5de (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-27 / The search for an alternative and more efficient agricultural production model concern ed with the preservation of natural resources leader to agroecology, on opproach that has been developing more and more. In order to bring this new vision of agriculture, in the 90's it was taken to, the community Maracajá in Taquaritinga North-PE Northeast of Brazil. However, until now agroecology is finding difficulty to be implementaed, in this context. This paper aims to identify the main difficulties in implementing agroecological activities in this community, as well as understand why some farmers adopted these practices and others don’t. We used questionnaires and interviews end the analyzes was besed on the model diffusion and analytical decision-making, model proposed by Everett Rogers (2003). We conclude that many farmers abandoned their agroecological practices due to lack of incentives, low economic return, and or different environment. This experience has shown great potential to farmers in semi arid Pernambuco. / Com a busca de um modo alternativo e mais eficiente de produção agrícola tendo preocupação com a preservação dos recursos naturais foi criada a agroecologia que vem se desenvolvendo cada vez mais. Com o intuito de trazer esta nova visão da atividade agrícola, na década de 90 foi levada esta tecnologia para comunidade Maracajá no município de Taquaritinga do Norte-PE. Entretanto, esta atividade até hoje vem encontrando dificuldade em sua implementação. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar as principais dificuldades de implantação de atividades agroecológicas nesta localidade, bem como, entender porque uma parcela de agricultores adotou estas práticas e outra não. Para isso foram utilizados questionários e entrevistas, e na análise dos dados usou-se modelo analítico de difusão e tomada de decisão proposto por Everett Rogers (2003). Conclui-se que grande parte dos agricultores abandonaram as práticas agroecologicas por falta de incentivos, baixo retorno econômico e condições climáticas diversas. Essa experiência mostrou grandes possibilidades de implantação da agroecologia para os agricultores do semi árido pernambucano.

Orientador: Angelica Góis Morales / Resumo: O atual cenário de degradação ambiental traz a preocupação que envolve sistemas agroalimentares. A agricultura convencional possibilita emergir discussões acerca de assuntos como o uso abusivo de agroquímicos, monoculturas, herbicidas, fungicidas e insumos químicos sintéticos com consequências devastadoras ao meio ambiente rural. Nesse sentido, uma opção que propõe sustentabilidade rural é a agroecologia. O presente trabalho objetivou compreender a identificação do agricultor familiar e sua relação com o sistema de produção agroecológico do assentamento Boa Esperança. A metodologia utilizada foi qualitativa, sendo adotadas narrativas dos agricultores familiares, que estão em transição dos sistemas de produção convencional para o agroecológico, localizados no município de João Ramalho, estado de São Paulo. Essa pesquisa trouxe evidências da importância da agroecologia como uma ciência capaz de propor práticas sustentáveis no ambiente rural, identificou a essência do/a agricultor/a com base em suas motivações e dificuldades, constatando sua relação com o sistema agroecológico e seu nível de transição agroecológica. Agricultores/as narraram suas motivações, expectativas e principais dificuldades encontradas no sistema de produção, apresentando conhecimentos ainda insuficientes na prática de manejos agroecológicos como um fator prejudicial, além de outros fatores como comercialização, políticas públicas, assistência técnica, padrões de consumo, aquisição de tecnologias, elementos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The current scenario of environmental degradation brings concern that involves agri-food systems. Conventional agriculture enables discussions to emerge on issues such as the misuse of agrochemicals, monocultures, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic chemical inputs with devastating consequences for the rural environment. In this sense, one option that proposes rural sustainability is agroecology. The present work aimed to understand the identification of the family farmer and its relationship with the agroecological production system of the Boa Esperança settlement. The methodology used was qualitative, being adopted narratives of family farmers, who are in transition from conventional to agroecological production systems, located in the municipality of João Ramalho, state of São Paulo. This research brought evidence of the importance of agroecology as a science capable of proposing sustainable practices in the rural environment, identified the essence of the farmer based on his motivations and difficulties, noting its relationship with the agroecological system and its level of agroecological transition. . Farmers narrated their motivations, expectations and main difficulties encountered in the production system, presenting still insufficient knowledge in the practice of agroecological management as a harmful factor, as well as other factors such as marketing, public policies, technical assistance, consumption patterns, acquisition of technologies, elements that induce deci... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Conventional agriculture is one of the widely adopted agricultural practices globally with an aim to increase production. This practice effectually increases yields, but with a growing array of environment and health concerns. Organic agriculture is reflected as a "sustainable substitute" for conventional agriculture, this phenomenon was investigated in this study by comparing the patterns of diversity and community structure of soil macrofauna as well as their relations with soil properties in organic and conventional ecosystems. Macrofauna was selected as model organisms for this study because these fauna groups are sensitive to changes in their environment and changes in their community structure offer an integrative assessment of ecosystem effects. Soil macrofauna were sampled using standardised procedures of Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility, in organic, intercropped and conventional wheat agroecosystems. The results show that the studied soil macrofauna groups, with an exception of Hymenoptera termites, are negatively affected by the intensity of conventional management, the organic and the intercropped systems exhibited similarities in species distributions, this was attributed to the cultural management practices applied to these systems where livestock manures and mulches, as well as practices such as no-till, are incorporated into the soil. Results obtained from the soil characterisation and analysis revealed that the dissimilarities in agroecosystem management have a significant influence on soil physicochemical properties, which consequently influences the distribution of the macrofauna assemblages. Stable isotopes did not reveal any significant differences between the systems, however macrofauna taxa, plant and soil samples from the organic systems were rich in natural abundance stable isotopes signatures, this aspect needs further investigation through extensive sampling under long term experiments, to observe clear differences. The general results of this study show that organic farming as an agricultural management strategy is the most stable system that positively supports the diversity in the soil macrofauna community and soil physicochemical properties as compared to the conventional system. Macrofauna diversity and functioning in the soil are affected by conventional agriculture, this may have negative implications for nutrient cycling and soil health in ecosystems cultivated under conventional monoculture, tillage and chemical intensifications. Continual research would be imperative to discover how the soil macrofauna contributes to ecosystem function and how they affect the soil ecosystem itself. / College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

No description available.

No description available.

There is evidence that the American agrifood system is a significant contributor to environmental, economic, social, and ethical-animal welfare damage to the earth and to society and is unsustainable, yet the worldview of a substantial percentage of the population conflicts with this assessment. A significant number of researchers, non-governmental organizations, and government entities assert that the detrimental effects of industrial agriculture must be addressed without delay and sustainable agricultural practices implemented. The transition from industrial to sustainable agriculture will not be a simple one. Attempting to change a worldview is not an easy task. A growing body of research in other disciplinary areas suggests that storytelling can serve as an effective method of fostering change. This mixed-methods study examines the role of storytelling in effecting positive change in worldview and attitudes toward sustainable agriculture. A review of the related literature revealed that no instrument was available to measure attitudes toward sustainable agriculture with consideration of economic, environmental, social, and ethical-animal welfare dimensions. The first objective of the study, therefore, was to design such an instrument. The instrument is called The Sustainable Agriculture Paradigm Scale and is used as a pre and post-test in the study. A number of open-ended questions were added to the post-test to solicit qualitative data. The study explores the effects of Story-based, that is, a told story and a read story, versus Information-based treatments, that is, a lecture and a read factsheet, on effecting positive change in attitudes toward sustainable agriculture. The qualitative data provides a secondary, supportive role exploring what characteristics of a story are associated with change. The hypothesis of the study is that Story-based treatments will be more effective in promoting positive change than will Information-based treatments. The findings of the study provide evidence supporting this hypothesis. The story characteristics found to be associated with positive change included: first-hand personal view, vivid description, and identification with the narrator. / Ph. D.

Costs and benefits associated with erosion reduction and adoption of soil conservation practices for a representative farm in a watershed in Honduras are examined in a linear programming framework. Special attention is paid to income-soil loss tradeoffs, income-risk tradeoffs, and on the effect of different farmers' planning horizons on net farm income. A representative farm model for the area was constructed to achieve the objectives of the study. Twelve farmers in the region were surveyed, crop budgets were prepared, and soil loss values were calculated to provide the information required to construct this representative farm. A linear programming model that maximizes net farm income is used to examine the effect of different soil loss levels on farm income. A MOTAD model that minimizes deviation in income (risk) is used to determine risk levels while income and/or soil loss levels restrictions are imposed. Results indicate that considerable reductions in the amount of soil loss can be achieved in the study area. Erosion is reduced from 328.24 ton./mn./year to 6.56 ton./mn./year1 when constraints are imposed on the model. The reduced erosion lowers income from L.5929.24/year for high erosion rates to L.2825.8l/year for low erosion rates. Low levels of soil erosion are achieved at the expense of higher levels of risk. High levels of income are associated with high levels of risk regardless of whether soil loss constraints exist or not. Small differences in income exist among the four planning horizons analyzed. The best soil conservation practices for this region turned out to be the cultivation of coffee on the highest slopes, the use of live barriers and terraces, and the use of conventional and minimum tillage. / Master of Science