The purpose of the study was mainly to document the farmer’s indigenous knowledge (IK) systems on tree conservation and farming practices. The research further assesses the traditional way of soil acidity amendment in highland (dega) agroecological zone. This study combines broadly qualitative methods of anthropological approach to document farmers’ IK in tree conservation, and acidic soil amendments. Data were collected by using the semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, participatory observation, and focused group discussion. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 60 respondents in different agroecological zones to assess the traditional farming practices and tree conservation. The study revealed that, farmers had entrenched and sound local knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendment practices. The “baabbo” and “Mona” are traditional ways of tree conservation and soil acidity amendment practices in mid-land and highland agroecological zones, respectively. The “baabbo” is native and multipurpose tree conservation and retaining traditions on farms. The farmers are deliberately retained indigenous “baabbo” trees in and around the farms for various benefits (such as shading, soil fertility, flooding control, fuelwood, constructions, and fodder). The main and first benefit of “baabbo” conservation is ”shading for crop productivity’’ ranked followed by uses for “soil fertility’’, “fuelwood’’, and ”construction materials’’ and ”cultural values’’. In addition, “mona” is an indigenous way of soil acidity amendment with indigenous fertilizer (organic) in highland agroclimate area (Dega). It is bedding places for animals (cattle and horses) which built near to farmer’s houses or farm-fields for collection of indigenous fertilizer (animal manure). This traditional approach of acidic soil amendment is enabling the farmers to sustain their livelihoods under unfavorable condition without adversely affecting the environment. Therefore, ‘mona’ as well as ‘baabbo’ is an indigenous farming practice that had used by local people to improve their livelihoods and novel approaches to maintain environmental sustainability.
Tag: Agroecology
Understanding farmers’ choices in climate-smart agriculture: adoption of agroecology principles and impacts on rural livelihoods in semi-arid Tanzania
This study examines the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and the integration of agroecology (AE) principles among Tanzanian smallholder farmers through a survey of 315 households. Findings indicate that while CSA adopters often incorporate multiple AE principles, their application varies depending on specific CSA practices. Key socioeconomic factors—including household head characteristics, household size, land ownership, training access, CSA interventions, and local initiatives—significantly influence adoption patterns. The study highlights that integrating diverse CSA practices strengthens alignment with AE principles, leading to improved farm income and fostering ecological-economic synergies. Emphasizing CSA and AE’s role in enhancing smallholder livelihoods and mitigating climate change, the research underscores the importance of horizontal knowledge sharing to promote integrated approaches.
Methodological challenges in assessing the viability of agroecological practices: lessons from a multi-case study in Africa
Despite extensive research emphasizing the benefits of agroecology in Africa, its viability remains a subject of debate among policymakers, donors, and scientists. Assessing agroecological viability presents methodological challenges, which have not been systematically documented or addressed. This paper outlines key challenges encountered in evaluating agroecology across 11 case studies in Africa to guide future assessments. Seven major methodological challenges are identified: (i) defining the object of study via practices or agroecological principles, (ii) determining whether assessments should be practice-based or systemic at farm and field scales, (iii) weighing subjective farmer perspectives against “objective” evaluations of viability, (iv) choosing between qualitative and quantitative approaches, (v) conducting diachronic versus synchronic assessments, (vi) opting for a multisite approach versus a single-site study, and (vii) employing context-specific or uniform assessment methods. Findings emphasize the necessity of a multicriteria, systemic approach rooted in farmers’ perspectives, moving beyond conventional quantitative evaluation models. The study advocates for integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to capture farmers’ lived experiences and insights within their farming systems, incorporating transversal and context-specific data.
Nutritional Diversity in Native Germplasm of Maize Collected From Three Different Fragile Ecosystems of India
Native maize germplasm is uniquely adapted to specific ecological niches, having been preserved over generations due to local communities’ preference for their distinct taste, culinary utility, and low cultivation costs. These varieties hold promise for addressing malnutrition and serve as valuable genetic resources for trait-linked improvements. This study examines thirty-three native maize germplasm collected from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, spanning altitudes from 386 to 2,028 meters. Their nutritional profiles—including moisture (7.16–10.9%), ash (0.73–1.93%), crude protein (8.68–12.0%), crude fat (3.72–8.03%), dietary fiber (5.21–11.2%), and available carbohydrates (60.6–69.8%)—were compared against the Indian Food Composition Table 2017 (IFCT2017). Notably, three accessions—Malan 11 (7.06%), Malan 24 (7.20%), and Yellow Chamba Local 02 (8.03%)—exhibited nearly double the crude fat content reported in IFCT2017 (3.77%). Additionally, all germplasm except Yellow Chamba Local demonstrated higher protein levels than IFCT2017 values, with Sathi, Safed Chamba Local, and Ragal Makka reaching nearly 12%. Iron deficiency remains a global concern, and this study found that several germplasm contained iron levels nearly three times higher than IFCT2017 values. A negative correlation was observed between altitude and available carbohydrate content, while dietary fiber, protein, and fat showed inverse relationships with carbohydrate availability. These findings underscore the potential of native maize germplasm for nutritional enhancement, food labeling, and crop improvement initiatives.
Water and aquatic foods in revised principles of agroecology can accelerate food systems transformation
The interaction between climate change and agricultural intensification contributes to biodiversity loss, while widespread degradation of land and water undermine food system productivity. Agroecological principles aim to guide food systems transformation but rarely refer to water or aquatic foods, which are critical elements of nutritious, sustainable and equitable food systems. Here we examine the principles and frameworks presented in agroecological literature and suggest rephrasing of six of the principles to incorporate water, aquatic foods and land- to seascapes. We recommend three cross-sectoral actions that leverage aquatic features in agroecosystems to facilitate more effective transition pathways towards sustainable food systems.
Water and aquatic foods in the 13 agroecological principles
Agroecology is a holistic approach that aims to influence not just food production but food systems in their entirety. Water and aquatic foods are crucial for food security and nutrition and are key elements within agricultural and food systems. In 2019, the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS), High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) on Food Security and Nutrition identified 13 agroecological principles, while in 2014 it had issued a report on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for food security and nutrition. We bring perspectives from these two HLPE reports together, and bring them up to date, in this evidence note that explores the role of water and aquatic foods in the transformation of food systems through agroecology.
A Qualitative Evaluation of CSA Options in Mixed Crop-Livestock Systems in Developing Countries
Agro-ecological options for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith) management: Providing low-cost, smallholder friendly solutions to an invasive pest
Fall armyworm (FAW), a voracious agricultural pest native to North and South America, was first detected on the African continent in 2016 and has subsequently spread throughout the continent and across Asia. It has been predicted that FAW could cause up to $US13 billion per annum in crop losses throughout sub-Saharan Africa, thereby threatening the livelihoods of millions of poor farmers. In their haste to respond to FAW governments may promote indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides which, aside from human health and environmental risks, could undermine smallholder pest management strategies that depend to a large degree on natural enemies. Agro-ecological approaches offer culturally appropriate low-cost pest control strategies that can be readily integrated into existing efforts to improve smallholder incomes and resilience through sustainable intensification. Such approaches should therefore be promoted as a core component of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for FAW in combination with crop breeding for pest resistance, classical biological control and selective use of safe pesticides. Nonetheless, the suitability of agro-ecological measures for reducing FAW densities and impact need to be carefully assessed across varied environmental and socio-economic conditions before they can be proposed for wide-scale implementation. To support this process, we review evidence for the efficacy of potential agro-ecological measures for controlling FAW and other pests, consider the associated risks, and draw attention to critical knowledge gaps. The evidence indicates that several measures can be adopted immediately. These include (i) sustainable soil fertility management, especially measures that maintain or restore soil organic carbon; (ii) intercropping with appropriately selected companion plants; and (iii) diversifying the farm environment through management of (semi)natural habitats at multiple spatial scales. Nevertheless, we recommend embedding trials into upscaling programmes so that the costs and benefits of these interventions may be determined across the diverse biophysical and socio-economic contexts that are found in the invaded range.
Policies for Ecological Intensification of Crop Production
Ecological intensification aims to increase crop productivity by enhancing biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, while minimizing the use of synthetic inputs and cropland expansion. Policies to promote ecological intensification have emerged in different countries, but they are still scarce and vary widely across regions. Here, we propose ten policy targets that governments can follow for ecological intensification.
Identity blues: the ethnobotany of the indigo dyeing by Landian Yao (Iu Mien) in Yunnan, Southwest China
Indigo-dyed textiles have been central to the cultural identity of Landian Yao (literally “blue clothes Yao”) people in Southwest China for centuries, driving a significant local market for naturally dyed indigo cloth. In the past two decades, local indigo production for traditional textiles has declined for several reasons: Firstly, the younger generation of Landian Yao has shifted to using western style jeans and T-shirts. Secondly, due to its labor-intensive nature. In contrast, at a global scale, including in China, there has been a revival of interest in natural indigo use. This is due to a growing awareness in the fashion industry about human and environmental health issues related to synthetic dye production. Ironically, this new awareness comes at a time when traditional knowledge of indigo dyeing is being lost in many places in China, with weaving and use of natural dyes now limited to some remote areas. In this study, we recorded indigo dyeing processes used by Landian Yao people and documented the plant species used for indigo dyeing. Field surveys were conducted to the study area from September 2015 to November 2016, supplemented by follow-up visits in July 2018 and November 2018. We interviewed 46 key informants between 36 and 82 years old who still continued traditional indigo dyeing practices. Most were elderly people. Semi-structured interviews were used. During the field study, we kept a detailed account of the methods used by Landian Yao dyers. The data were then analyzed by using utilization frequency to determine the best traditional recipe of indigo dye extraction. All the specimens of documented species were collected and deposited at the herbarium of Kunming Institute of Botany. Our results showed that indigo dyeing was divided into two main steps: (1) indigo pigment extraction and (2) dyeing cloth. The general procedures of indigo dye extraction included building or buying a dye vat, fermentation, removal of the leaves of indigo producing plant species, addition of lime, oxygenation, followed by collection, and the storage of the indigo paste. The procedures of dyeing cloth included preparing the dye solutions, dyeing cloth, washing, and air drying. It is notable that Landian Yao dyers formerly only performed the dyeing process on the goat days in the lunar calendar from June to October. After comparing the range of local indigo extraction methods, our results showed that the following was best of these traditional recipes: a indigo-yielding plant material to tap water ratio of 30 kg: 200 l, lime 3 kg, a fermentation time of 2–3 d, aeration by agitation for up to 60 min, and a precipitation time of 2–3 h. Our results show that 17 plant species in 11 families were recorded in the indigo dyeing process. With the exception of the indigo sources, only Dioscorea cirrhosa Lour. and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot were previously recorded in dyeing processes. Other species given in this paper are recorded for the first time in terms of their use in the indigo dyeing process. In the study area, Landian Yao men were in charge of indigo dye extraction, and the women were responsible for dyeing cloth. The Landian Yao has completely mastered the traditional indigo dyeing craft and are one of the well-deserved identity blues. Indigo production from plants using traditional methods is a slow process compared to synthetic dyes and is not suitable for modern and rapid industrial production. Therefore, our study records the detailed information of traditional indigo dyeing to protect and inherit it. Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze is the main indigo source in Landian Yao that is widely used in the world and can be commercially exploited as an indigo plant. For commercial and environment benefits, we suggest that producing natural indigo for the commercial market is a good choice.