Performance of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) in warming Mediterranean orchards

Woody perennial species from temperate regions fall dormant during the cold winter season to avoid unfavourable conditions. To break out of dormancy and eventually flower, they must fulfil cultivar-specific chilling and heat requirements. Phenology analysis can clarify the climatic requirements of tree cultivars and thus provide critical information to ensure the future viability of orchards in warm growing regions, where warmer winters are expected as a result of climate change. We used Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression to correlate first bloom dates of 4 local and 3 foreign pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars with daily chill and heat accumulation (quantified with the Dynamic Model and Growing Degree Hours Model, respectively) for 18-year records (1997–2016) from Sfax, Tunisia. PLS outputs allowed delineation of the chilling phase, during which high chill accumulation was correlated to early bloom, and the forcing phase, when this was true for high heat accumulation. Both phases showed discontinuities. During September and October, high heat accumulation appeared to first have a bloom-delaying effect, followed by a bloom-advancing effect, indicating that temperature during dormancy induction may affect bloom dates. Chilling requirements were estimated between 32.1 ± 2.3 and 33.3 ± 2.2 Chill Portions and heat requirements between 9974 ± 198 and 12,738 ± 235 Growing Degree Hours. This study revealed limitations of the Dynamic Model, which is often considered the most accurate among commonly used models, in the warm Tunisian climate. High temperatures during the chilling phase had a significant bloom-delaying effect on all pistachio cultivars. Low chill accumulation was related to very low yields and associated with zero production in 1995, 2001 and 2007. Low flowering percentage, high bud fall percentage, long and inhomogeneous bloom, and co-occurrence of several phenological stages on the same branch were symptoms of lack of chill in 2016.

Value chain development in Nicaragua: Prevailing approaches and tools used for design and implementation

This article draws on four contrasting cases of value chain development (VCD) in Nicaraguato assess approaches and tools used in design and implementation. We interviewed28 representatives from the international NGOs leading the interventions, the local NGOsthat participated in implementation, principal buyers, and cooperatives. Despite thecomplexity of market systems, results showed a relatively basic approach to VCD, reflectedin: 1) reliance on a single tool for design and implementation; 2) expected outcomes basedon technical assistance and training for smallholders and cooperatives; 3) local NGOsand cooperatives with key roles in implementation; and 4) limited engagement with otherchain actors, service providers, and researchers. We conclude with a call for a broaderapproach to VCD, based on a combination of tools to account for multiple, context-specificneeds of diverse stakeholders, deeper collaboration between key actors within and outsidethe value chain, and evidence-based reflection and learning.

Improvement of spatial modelling of crop suitability using a new digital soil map of Tanzania

Climate change is projected to have widespread impacts on the climate suitability and geographical distribution of agricultural crops. Simulations were conducted on the suitability of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Tanzania under progressive climate change, taking into account a soil fertility constraint. The results were used to assess the effects of incorporating information on soil fertility, more specifically soil organic carbon (SOC) content, into the niche-based EcoCrop model, which was previously based only on climate data. Extending the model improved the correlation between predicted suitability and production statistics at the regional level. Simulated suitability was highly sensitive to SOC-related model parameters, implying that it is critical to incorporate these parameters in order to improve estimates of crop suitability. Simulations using the best parameterisation identified showed that low SOC is currently more limiting for common bean suitability than climate in 51% of the Tanzanian land area (protected areas excluded). However, future projections suggest that climate will be more limiting for the geographic distribution of common beans than SOC in the near future (2030). Spatial data on predicted SOC levels and other soil properties in future scenario modelling are needed for better identification of suitable areas for common bean production.

Towards improved natural resource management in African agriculture

This paper draws together lessons learned as to how governments and donors might stimulate necessary investment in improved natural resource management (NRM) in African agriculture. Policy interventions to support improved NRM are presented. These policy interventions are built on 5 points: investment, incentives, information, inputs, and institutions.

Assessment of women's benefits and constraints in participating in agroforestry exemplar landscapes.

Participating in AFLi Exemplar project has positive impacts on ethnic women such as increasing their network, decision making skills, public speaking skills. However, the rate of female farmers accessing and using project extension materials or participated in project nurseries and applying agroforestry techniques remains limited. This requires understanding of the real needs and interests grounded in those socio-cultural contexts as the ethnic groups living in the Northern mountain areas in Vietnam have unique social and cultural norms and values. The case studies have shown that agricultural activities are highly gendered, in which men and women play specific roles and have different particular constraints and interests. Women are highly constrained by gender norms, access to resources, decision-making power and a prevailing positive-feedback loop of time poverty, especially in H’mong community. A holistic, time-saving approach to addressing women’s daily activities could reduce the effects of time poverty and increase project participation. As women were highly willing to share project information, project impacts would be more successful with increased participation from women by utilizing informal channels of communication and knowledge dissemination. Extension materials designed for ethnic women should have less text and more visualization. Access to information is a vital constraint that perpetuates the norm that men are decision-makers thereby enhancing their perceived ownership, where women have limited access to information and so leave final decisions to men, especially in Hmong families. Old H’mong women have Vietnamese language barrier which prevent them from accessing project materials. Further research into an adaptive framework which can be applied in a variety of contexts is recommended. This framework should prioritize time-saving activities for women and include materials highlighting key considerations to maintain accountability among project support staff.

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