No description available.

Modern agriculture has made great strides in terms of efficiency, yields, and profits, but has come to be characterised by a large environmental impact and resource use, global transports, poor working conditions, and a lack of contact between producers and consumers. In response to these concerns, many different initiatives commonly referred to as Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) have been established to solve some or all of these issues. One such AFN is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where customers of the CSA farm rather become members and pay upfront for a whole season of produce, sharing risks amongst all members and the farmer. The CSA concept, or andelsjordbruk as it is commonly known in Swedish, is still fairly unestablished in Sweden despite a few farms having been in operation since the start of the 2000s. This study aims to research some of the details regarding active CSAs in the country, as well as their potential to affect the whole national food system. The study was conducted through an online survey that garnered 17 respondents, as well as an accompanying literature review of previous works dealing with CSAs and AFNs internationally, with a focus on Sweden. In addition to this, the results of the survey were analysed with the help of Multi-Level Perspective and social innovations perspective as previously applied to AFNs.  Results of the study solidify many of the conclusions drawn by previous works while showcasing the diversity of Swedish CSAs. Some key conclusions from the respondents of this survey include that only a few farms were started more than five years ago and the model has only risen in popularity over time. The farms are run by a few people with varying degrees of external help from members of the CSA or others, and they often have other sources of income outside of the CSA side of the business. The respondents view the CSA model favourably compared to other forms of sales, mainly due to the social connection with consumers, but struggle to make it financially sustainable and thus most want to continue growing and gaining more members. The farmers are driven by several aspects of sustainability, personal fulfilment, and a drive to educate and inspire others as well as changing the food system for the better. The effects of the covid-19 pandemic were mainly felt in events and personal meetings on the farms, striking some of the key parts of the CSA model.  From both the multi-level perspective and social innovations perspective, the CSA model has a potential to affect the Swedish food system as a whole due to its replicability and high focus on inspiration and education, spreading ideas and knowledge and building social capital outside of the rules of the corporate food regime. The uncertainties regarding long-term financial viability speak against it, but these uncertainties are lessened by the farms who have been operating in the CSA model for many years and managed to thrive. / Den moderna jordbruksindustrin har gjort stora framsteg när det gäller effektivitet, skördestorlek och vinster, men har kommit att präglas av en stor miljöpåverkan och resursanvändning, globala transporter, dåliga arbetsförhållanden och brist på kontakt mellan producenter och konsumenter. Som svar på detta har många olika initiativ som vanligtvis på engelska kallas Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) etablerats för att bemöta några eller alla dessa problem. Ett sådant AFN är Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) där kunderna på CSA-gården snarare blir medlemmar och betalar i förskott för en hel säsong med råvaror vilket distribuerar risken bland alla medlemmar och lantbrukaren själv. CSA-konceptet, eller andelsjordbruk som det kallas i Sverige, är fortfarande ganska oetablerat i landet trots att några gårdar har varit i drift sedan början av 2000- talet. Denna studie syftar till att undersöka några detaljer kring aktiva CSA i landet, liksom deras potential att påverka det nationella livsmedelssystemet i stort. Studien genomfördes genom en webbaserad enkätundersökning med 17 respondenter, samt en medföljande litteraturstudie över tidigare arbeten som behandlar CSA och AFN internationellt men med fokus på Sverige. Utöver detta analyserades resultaten av undersökningen med hjälp av så kallat multi-level perspective och social innovations perspective såsom de tidigare tillämpats på AFN.  Resultaten av studien bekräftar många av slutsatserna från tidigare verk samtidigt som de visar mångfalden av svenska CSA-jordbruk. Några viktiga slutsatser från respondenterna i denna undersökning inkluderar att endast ett fåtal gårdar startades för mer än fem år sedan och att modellen har ökat i popularitet över tid, gårdarna drivs av några få personer med varierande mängd jordbrukshjälp från både medlemmar och icke- medlemmar, och de har ofta andra inkomstkällor utanför CSA-delen av verksamheten. Respondenterna har en positiv inställning till CSA-modellen jämfört med andra former av försäljning, främst på grund av den sociala kontakten med konsumenterna, men kämpar för att göra den ekonomiskt hållbar och de flesta vill därför fortsätta växa och få fler medlemmar. Lantbrukarna i denna studie drivs av flera aspekter av hållbarhet, personlig tillfredsställelse och en drivkraft för att utbilda och inspirera andra samt att förändra matsystemet till det bättre. Effekterna av covid-19-pandemin märktes främst vid evenemang och personliga möten på gårdarna, vilket slog hårt mot några av de viktigaste delarna av CSA-modellen.  Ur både multi-level perspective och social innovations perspective har CSA-modellen en potential att påverka det svenska livsmedelssystemet på grund av dess replikerbarhet och höga fokus på inspiration och utbildning, spridning av idéer och kunskap samt byggande av socialt kapital utanför reglerna för dagens livsmedelsregim. Osäkerheterna om långsiktig ekonomisk lönsamhet talar emot modellen, men dessa osäkerheter minskar tack vare de gårdar som har arbetat med CSA i många år och lyckats frodas.

No description available.

Drought, salinity, and low soil fertility have negative impacts on agricultural productivity, resulting in food scarcity and nutritional insecurity, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] has seen increased interest as a short-duration and drought tolerant legume crop, capable of atmospheric N₂ fixation. Mungbean is a protein and iron-rich legume and can be used as vegetable or grain for human consumption or multipurpose crop. At present, few studies have simultaneously explored the best agronomic practices for mungbean cultivation and evaluated its potential for increasing crop yields via intercropping systems and improving soil fertility through biological N₂ fixation. To understand the agronomic practices and soil physical properties limiting mungbean production, the impacts of two mungbean cultivars (Berken and OK2000) with and without inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. grown in loamy sand and silt loam soils on mungbean growth and yield were investigated under glasshouse conditions. Promising results from this study led to the introduction of mungbean into pearl millet systems in Senegal and evaluation of the effects of intercropping on growth, yields, land equivalent ratio (LER), canopy cover estimates, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Finally, we evaluated plant growth and N₂ fixation of five mungbean genotypes grown in two soil textures using the ¹⁵N natural abundance technique leading to recommendations for those with the greatest overall benefit to the cropping system. The literature review shows mungbean often proposed as a strategic crop for increasing legume diversification within current cropping systems and providing increased food security as well as market diversification and economic sustainability. The greenhouse study revealed that OK2000 cultivar produced significantly higher yield when inoculated and planted on a silt loam soil than other treatments, indicating the importance of inoculation and soil texture in mungbean establishment. Intercropping mungbean and millet significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased combined yields (35% to 100% increase) and LER compared to sole millet cropping systems. Canopy cover estimates and NDVI values significantly increased up to 60% and 30%, respectively, in millet-mungbean intercropping over millet alone. The N2 fixation study showed that %Ndfa of mungbean was higher when grown in the loamy sand soil (27% increase). However, soil N uptake (235 mg plant⁻¹) and amount of N fixed (67 mg plant⁻¹) were greater in the silt loam soil. Among genotypes, IC 8972-1 significantly (p≤ 0.05) derived less N from the atmosphere (23%) but took more soil N (155 mg plant⁻¹) which yielded significantly greater dry biomass (7.85 g plant⁻¹) and shoot N content (200 mg plant⁻¹). The results from the N₂ fixation study indicated that choice of mungbean genotype can contribute to reducing N needs of agricultural systems. Overall, this research project demonstrated that mungbean has the potential for diversifying smallholder agriculture and adding biologically fixed N into soils, in line with transformative adaptation strategies being promoted for sustainable agriculture. Further research and development programs on good cultural practices, adaptation to cropping systems, and nutritional benefits for human consumption can promote mungbean cultivation in SSA. / Doctor of Philosophy / Global population growth is expected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 while climate change is predicted to reduce food production. Sustainable solutions are needed for increasing food availability and satisfying nutritional needs under changing climatic conditions. Mungbean is a viable option because it is a legume crop capable of restoring soil fertility and has low water requirements. Mungbean also contains high levels of protein and iron and can, therefore, provide a nutritious and healthy food. Although the agronomic benefits of mungbean have been studied, best cultural practices and its impact on farming systems and soil fertility are scattered. The objectives of this research were to identify the best agronomic practices for mungbean production, assess its effects when grown together with millet, and measure its nitrogen contribution to the soil. The results showed that selecting the best genotypes to be grown in a particular soil texture can significantly increase mungbean growth and yield. In addition, incorporation of mungbean into cereal-based farming systems demonstrated its capacity for improving agricultural production in a low-input environment. Assessment of nitrogen fixation by mungbean showed that it can naturally add nitrogen into the soils, the most limiting plant nutrient, reducing nitrogen application needs. Thus, the ability of mungbean to diversify farming systems, improve soil fertility, and deliver nutritious food will provide agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits to farmers, especially in food-insecure households. However, exploitation of the full potential of mungbean won't be achieved without understanding the major factors influencing mungbean cultivation and production.

In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences called for a dynamic approach to teaching and learning in colleges of agriculture. In response, innovative faculty at colleges and universities are implementing new frameworks for undergraduate education in the agricultural sciences. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the experience of faculty teaching and learning in sustainable agriculture education curricula at a land grant university. A qualitative research methodology employing a case study approach was utilized. Methods of data collection included semi-structured interviews, participant/observer field notes, and secondary data analysis. This study contributed to understanding faculty work as learning by illustrating the triad approach to teaching and learning in the Civic Agriculture and Food Sytems (CAFS) minor comprising core areas of experiential learning, interdisciplinary teaching and learning, and community engagement. This triad approach to teaching and learning brings together a framework for understanding faculty work as a social practice and the inherent learning that occurs. CAFS faculty upheld the land-grant mission of their institution by promoting community engagement, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration toward teaching and scholarship. CAFS faculty learned from interactions with other faculty outside and within their disciplinary and departmental homes, which enhanced their teaching/learning experience. Collaborative work was described as a practice where faculty from different disciplinary perspectives and cultural practices engage in a collaborative teaching model that communicates value for resources to administrative leadership and clarifies navigation of faculty reward structures. Additionally, these faculty members were able to participate in an emerging pedagogical practice where service-learning and community partners were embedded in the curriculum, which legitimized the role of the community partner as educator. The findings from this research are expected to be useful for implementation in other sustainable agriculture education programs at other universities. This study may also serve as a catalyst for the adoption of collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching in colleges of agriculture. The implications of this research can inform an assessment methodology for agriculture education programs, as well as to create a framework whereby the essential tenets of the sustainable agriculture education movement in higher education can be promulgated in different disciplines. / Ph. D.

This thesis examines the conditions presiding over conceptual changes in soil sciences in Québec since 1960, and the legitimation of research in agrobiology. At the beginning of the seventies, researchers in soil sciences opted for a physico-chemical interpretation of soil fertility phenomena and for a scientific practice that involved analytical and experimental tools centered around the ionic movements of nutrients in soil solution and the attainment of high yields. Following soil degradation problems, researchers’ turned toward composting practices fostered by agrobiologists and foresters. After recognizing the role of organic matter in agricultural productivity, soil scientists adopted a biological interpretation of soil fertility and studied the role of microorganisms in the evolution of organic matter and in the provision of nutrients. The knowledge produced in soil biology benefited from the existence of a network of agrobiologists who, while insuring the diffusion of that knowledge, secured the agrobiological identity of composting practices for soil conservation. The commensurability of experimental practices and theoretical entities in soil fertility and agrobiology, as well as the support of agrobiologists for applying the knowledge produced in soil biology legitimated research in agrobiology. / Master of Science

[ES] La presente investigación se centra en buscar los vínculos entre la práctica artística y la agrícola. Tras el estudio de ambas, se demuestra cómo se apoyan y nutren entre sí. Se realiza una breve revisión histórica de los 10.000 años de agricultura evidenciando cómo ha sido un tema muy relevante en las primeras manifestaciones gráfico-plásticas y el papel que ha ocupado en los movimientos artísticos posteriores hasta centrarnos en el arte contemporáneo. El estudio pretende dar a conocer las posibilidades que ofrece el arte utilizando estrategias artísticas y estéticas para fomentar prácticas agrícolas sustentables. Para ello, se hace uso de una metodología cualitativa y de investigación a través del arte con la elección de un repertorio de proyectos artísticos y su análisis. Finalmente, se eligen cinco casos de estudio actuales donde se trabaja el arte y la agricultura desde diferentes vías de investigación para analizarlos con más profundidad. / [CA] La present investigació se centra en buscar els vincles entre la pràctica artística i l'agrícola. Després de l'estudi d'ambdues, es demostra com se secunden i nodreixen entre si. Es realitza una breu revisió històrica dels 10.000 anys d'agricultura evidenciant com ha sigut un tema molt rellevant en les primeres manifestacions gràfic-plàstiques i el paper que ha ocupat en els moviments artístics posteriors fins a centrar-nos en l'art contemporani. L'estudi pretén donar a conéixer les possibilitats que ofereix l'art utilitzant estratègies artístiques i estètiques per a fomentar pràctiques agrícoles sustentables. Per tant, es fa ús d'una metodologia qualitativa i d'investigació a través de l'art amb l'elecció d'un repertori de projectes artístics i la seua anàlisi. Finalment, es trien cinc casos d'estudi actuals on es treballa l'art i l'agricultura des de diferents vies d'investigació per a analitzar-los amb més profunditat. / [EN] This research focuses on the relationship between artistic and agricultural practice. After studying both, it shows how they support and nourish each other. A brief historical review of the 10,000 years of agriculture is carried out, showing how it has been a very relevant theme in the first graphic-plastic manifestations and the role it has played in later artistic movements and, more recently, in contemporary art. The study aims to highlight the possibilities offered by art using aesthetic strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices. In order to do so, qualitative methodologies and art based research are used to analyse a series of art contemporany projects. Finally, five case studies where art and agriculture converge are chosen for an in-depth study. / Puerto Espinós, C. (2021). Arte y agricultura: estrategias artísticas para la transición a una agricultura sustentable [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/175569

Coffea arabica is a species with far-reaching impacts on the global economy. Nevertheless, climate-related challenges threaten the coffee industry at its source: its growing regions. The coffee industry is a significant economic driver in Guatemala, but farmers are increasingly reporting losses in crop yield and arable land due to climate-related challenges. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) can be employed to make predictions about the current and future suitability of regions for a species by identifying significant biotic or abiotic indicators. An ENM was used to project suitable land into the future using climate change projection models known as representative concentration pathways (RCPs), for the coffee plant and a number of other species. Due to the potential of shade trees to lessen heat stress on coffee plants, common shade trees for the region were modeled. Additionally, a fungus species responsible for detrimental coffee leaf rust was modeled. Results of these models indicated potential for substantial climate-related habitat losses for the coffee plant in the coming decades. Examination of model predictions allow for greater understanding of the climate-related variables affecting the ecology of the coffee plant, and the potential risks to the industry, in a changing climate. Additionally, ENM models for coffee rust and shade trees can help Guatemalan farmers make informed decisions about farm management.

Coffea arabica is a species with far-reaching impacts on the global economy. Nevertheless, climate-related challenges threaten the coffee industry at its source: its growing regions. The coffee industry is a significant economic driver in Guatemala, but farmers are increasingly reporting losses in crop yield and arable land due to climate-related challenges. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) can be employed to make predictions about the current and future suitability of regions for a species by identifying significant biotic or abiotic indicators. An ENM was used to project suitable land into the future using climate change projection models known as representative concentration pathways (RCPs), for the coffee plant and a number of other species. Due to the potential of shade trees to lessen heat stress on coffee plants, common shade trees for the region were modeled. Additionally, a fungus species responsible for detrimental coffee leaf rust was modeled. Results of these models indicated potential for substantial climate-related habitat losses for the coffee plant in the coming decades. Examination of model predictions allow for greater understanding of the climate-related variables affecting the ecology of the coffee plant, and the potential risks to the industry, in a changing climate. Additionally, ENM models for coffee rust and shade trees can help Guatemalan farmers make informed decisions about farm management.

Income effects associated with specific levels of erosion reduction for a representative farm in the Bao watershed area in the Dominican Republic are examined in a linear programming framework. Estimation of costs expected in response to specific levels of erosion reduction and the income effects of changes in agricultural policies on the farmer's ability to conserve soil are examined. Results indicate that income losses will be substantial when complying with soil loss standards without introducing soil conservation practices. Net income reduction of 36% can be expected with a reduction in soil loss by 50%. With the introduction of soil conservation practices, substantial reductions in erosion can be obtained with only a minor reduction in net income. For example, with grass strips, 50% reduction in soil loss can be expected with only a 7% reduction in income. Analysis of the effects of changes in agricultural policies indicates that restricting access to credit and changes in tenure from secure land holdings to lack of land titles does not affect the incentive to conserve soil in the short run. Furthermore, analysis of effects of changes in agricultural pricing policies indicates that the promotions of coffee, sweet potatoes, and beans represent the least-costly means of meeting the twin goals of erosion reduction and income maintenance. / Master of Science