Article
Environmental Sciences
Farirai Rusere, Lori Hunter, Mark Collinson, Wayne Twine
Summary: Ongoing climate changes may affect household food security in rainfed subsistence agriculture-dependent rural households. This study examines the relationship between summer climate variability and household food security in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa. The results indicate that high inter-annual rainfall variability has a significant impact on food security, affecting food consumption, dietary diversity, and hunger. This research provides valuable insights on the association between dietary diversity, food availability, and overall food security, emphasizing the importance of seasonal forecasts and government interventions to alleviate food insecurity in rural areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Llewellyn Leonard
Summary: Climate change poses significant challenges to food security in developing countries. This paper examines the impacts of climate change on rural household food security in South Africa, focusing on the Somkhele community affected by water scarcity induced by climate change. The results suggest that climate change has affected agricultural productivity and water usage in households, and that food security is influenced by unemployment and lack of financial capital. Good governance and reflexive approaches are needed to support households in adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryuhei Yoshida, Toshichika Iizumi
Summary: Governmental expenditure on agricultural R&D has been important in increasing crop yields, but studies indicate that yield growth rates will decline in a warming climate. This study used a global gridded crop model to assess the impact of a $1 billion increase in R&D expenditure on maize yield gain in 71 maize-producing countries. Results show that the highest yield response is projected for low-income countries, and the response decreases under higher warming scenarios.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arun Khatri-Chhetri, Ciniro Costa Junior, Eva Wollenberg
Summary: Global agricultural development programs have been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially through forest management and promotion of improved agroforestry systems. Improved crop management and grassland management also contribute significantly to emissions reduction. However, the impact of soil organic carbon sequestration needs to be carefully interpreted. In order to achieve emission reduction goals and ensure food security, global agriculture development programs should prioritize the development and implementation of agricultural policies.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dona Octavia, Sri Suharti, Murniati, I. Wayan Susi Dharmawan, Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadi Nugroho, Bambang Supriyanto, Dede Rohadi, Gerson Ndawa Njurumana, Irma Yeny, Aditya Hani, Nina Mindawati, Suratman, Yelin Adalina, Diana Prameswari, Etik Erna Wati Hadi, Sulistya Ekawati
Summary: Smart agroforestry (SAF) is a method that combines agriculture and silviculture knowledge and practices to increase profits for farmers, improve environmental parameters, and ensure sustainable land use. Mainstreaming SAF in social forestry implementation is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia. This requires policy innovation, appropriate technology, and finding a balance between benefits, risks, and resources.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Areidy Beltran-Pena, Paolo D'Odorico
Summary: Africa faces challenges in food security, with irrigation expansion increasing agricultural productivity but not sufficient to meet future food demand. Under climate change, Africa's food production may not be enough to feed its growing population, leading to reliance on imports and uncertainty from global food price volatility.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivy Blackmore, Claudia Rivera, William F. Waters, Lora Iannotti, Carolyn Lesorogol
Summary: The population of Guangaje, Ecuador is highly vulnerable to cyclical shifts in agricultural production, which could lead to up to 10 months of food insecurity. This exacerbates existing issues of seasonal hunger, resulting in poor nutritional outcomes and lack of dietary diversity. Although increased migration helps households meet immediate consumption needs, it may impact future harvests and household food consumption diversity.
CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudia F. Nisa, Jocelyn J. Belanger, Birga M. Schumpe, Edyta M. Sasin
Summary: Attachment theory suggests that secure attachment is crucial for understanding climate change mitigation, as it requires joint action and collective behavioral change. Research shows that priming attachment security can increase acceptance and perceived responsibility toward anthropogenic climate change by enhancing empathy for others, leading to increased actions to address climate change. Additionally, activating attachment security may also result in higher donations to pro-environmental groups and reduce food waste, indicating that promoting secure attachment could be an effective approach for climate change mitigation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Chris Funk, Laura Harrison, Zewdu Segele, Todd Rosenstock, Peter Steward, C. Leigh Anderson, Erin Coughlan de Perez, Daniel Maxwell, Hussen Seid Endris, Eunice Koch, Guleid Artan, Fetene Teshome, Stella Maris Aura, Gideon Galu, Diriba Korecha, Weston Anderson, Andrew Hoell, Kerstin Damerau, Emily Williams, Aniruddha Ghosh, Julian Ramirez-Villegas, David Hughes
Summary: This commentary discusses the advances in predictability of east African rains and emphasizes the potential for improved early warning systems, humanitarian relief efforts, and agricultural decision-making. It updates climate attribution studies on recent droughts in the region and highlights how prediction models can be used for proactive risk management. The article also addresses social barriers to forecast use and reviews the literature on the effectiveness of EWS in agro-pastoral advisories and humanitarian interventions. Overall, it suggests the importance of investing in African-led EWS and better collaboration between EWS and agricultural development efforts. Rating: 7/10
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yogeeswari Subramaniam, Usama Al-Mulali
Summary: Global hunger has increased, with Africa being the most affected region. The rapid development of the biofuels industry may worsen the issue, but it also has environmental benefits. Research indicates that if the production of biofuels can promote environmental quality, it will have a positive impact on food security.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kilian Nasung Atuoye, Isaac Luginaah, Herbert Hambati, Gwyn Campbell
Summary: The recent wave of large scale land acquisitions in low-income countries has sparked intense debate due to its impact on livelihoods and ecology, influenced by complex unequal power relations. Research shows that male non-migrants are more likely to report food insecurity due to land acquisitions, while individuals who have experienced drought are less likely to do so. These findings suggest a policy focus on smallholder agriculture for climate change adaptation.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Peprah Agyekum, Philip Antwi-Agyei, Andrew J. Dougill
Summary: The provision of timely and accurate weather information can reduce people's vulnerability to climate change risks. There is a focus on weather information services in the agriculture sector, while research in energy and water resource management is limited. Users mainly access information related to rainfall and temperature through radio, mobile phones, and television. Poor communication and limited technical understanding hinder the access and use of weather information, resulting in a lack of benefits for most users.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Paul M. Barasa, Christina M. Botai, Joel O. Botai, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is promoted as key for agricultural adaptation in Africa, with several countries endorsing it, but lacking national investment plans. CSA research in Africa is still developing, with the need for a framework to guide implementation.
Review
Plant Sciences
Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, Oluwadurotimi Samuel Aworunse, Omena Bernard Ojuederie, Babasola Daniel Adewale, Oluwapelumi Comfort Ajani, Olaniyi Ajewole Oyatomi, Davelyne Ifechukwude Eruemulor, Taofeek Tope Adegboyega, Olawole Odun Obembe
Summary: Poverty, food, and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa have become major concerns. Climate change, insurgency, and politico-economic instability threaten sustainable agriculture. Overdependence on major staple crops is leading to the near extinction of orphan legumes, which have immense potential as protein and nutritional security crops. Exploiting the genetic resources and economic utility of these legumes is essential for achieving the UN sustainable development goals.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Rasu Eeswaran, A. Pouyan Nejadhashemi, Aliou Faye, Doohong Min, P. V. Vara Prasad, Ignacio A. Ciampitti
Summary: Livestock farming plays a crucial role in the livelihood and food security of West African countries, including Senegal. However, there are numerous challenges to optimal production, such as limited resources, climate change, and poor management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of different livestock farming systems and highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve productivity and food security in the region.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Edna L. Chinseu, Andrew J. Dougill, Lindsay C. Stringer
Summary: In Malawi's Conservation Agriculture innovation system, while the government plays a leading role, non-governmental organizations dominate the agenda, leaving smallholder farmers in a passive position. Many promoters lack technical and financial capacity, and limited collaboration hinders social learning and sustainability of Conservation Agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Solene Guenat, Phil Purnell, Zoe G. Davies, Maximilian Nawrath, Lindsay C. Stringer, Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu, Muniyandi Balasubramanian, Erica E. F. Ballantyne, Bhuvana Kolar Bylappa, Bei Chen, Peta De Jager, Andrea Del Prete, Alessandro Di Nuovo, Cyril O. Ehi-Eromosele, Mehran Eskandari Torbaghan, Karl L. Evans, Markus Fraundorfer, Wissem Haouas, Josephat U. Izunobi, Juan Carlos Jauregui-Correa, Bilal Y. Kaddouh, Sonia Lewycka, Ana C. MacIntosh, Christine Mady, Carsten Maple, Worku N. Mhiret, Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin, Olukunle Charles Olawole, Temilola Oluseyi, Caroline Orfila, Alessandro Ossola, Marion Pfeifer, Tony Pridmore, Moti L. Rijal, Christine C. Rega-Brodsky, Ian D. Robertson, Christopher D. F. Rogers, Charles Rouge, Maryam B. Rumaney, Mmabaledi K. Seeletso, Mohammed Z. Shaqura, L. M. Suresh, Martin N. Sweeting, Nick Taylor Buck, M. U. Ukwuru, Thomas Verbeek, Hinrich Voss, Zia Wadud, Xinjun Wang, Neil Winn, Martin Dallimer
Summary: Robotics and autonomous systems have a significant impact on the world, transforming healthcare, food production, and biodiversity management. They have the potential to change how Sustainable Development Goals are achieved by replacing and supporting human activities, driving innovation, and improving remote access and monitoring. However, they also bring risks such as reinforcing inequalities, exacerbating environmental change, and affecting freedom and privacy through inadequate governance. Thorough examination of technological developments and explicit consideration of robotics and autonomous systems are crucial to prevent unintended detrimental consequences and avoid reversing progress or exacerbating inequalities in future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nouman Afzal, Abdul Basit, Adil Daniel, Nausheen Ilyas, Asad Imran, Zoia Arshad Awan, Effie Papargyropoulou, Lindsay C. Stringer, Mohamed Hashem, Saad Alamri, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Yunzhou Li, Nazish Roy
Summary: This study collected empirical data on food waste from restaurants, hotels, and caterers in Lahore, Pakistan through surveys and live tracking. The results revealed customer plate leftovers as the primary source of food waste, followed by inaccurate customer forecasting. The study suggests the development and adoption of national goals and targets to reduce food waste, along with capacity building for stakeholders in waste measurement.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachael H. Carrie, Lindsay C. Stringer, Le Thi Van Hue, Nguyen Hong Quang, Dao Van Tan, Christopher R. Hackney, Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Claire H. Quinn
Summary: Changes in mangrove extent and condition can lead to social disparity in terms of adaptability to ecosystem services and their providing places. This study investigates the variations in perspectives about ecosystem services and their providing places among households with different capacities to adapt to mangrove change, using mixed-methods in Vietnam. The findings reveal differences in the importance attached to different ecosystem services, particularly regarding food, and highlight the spatial variation in locations important for providing these services.
ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sharvini Siva Raman, Lindsay C. Stringer, Neil C. Bruce, Chun Shiong Chong
Summary: This study analyzes the opportunities, challenges, and solutions for black soldier fly larvae-based animal feed production through stakeholder interviews in Malaysia. It emphasizes the need for a more enabling environment to promote the development of black soldier fly larvae-based feed, including political and economic support, low operational costs, regulatory coordination, and consumer acceptance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Nicholas Roxburgh, Lindsay C. Stringer, Andrew J. Evans, Tim G. Williams, Birgit Mueller
Summary: The article proposes using SES wikis as a solution to address the challenges posed by the increasing data requirements in SES modelling studies. It describes how wikis can be used at each stage of the modelling cycle and concludes that they have the potential to significantly improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of SES modelling projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2022)
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Xueqin Li, Lindsay C. Stringer, Martin Dallimer
Summary: Rapid urbanisation and climate change have combined impacts on the urban thermal environment in Africa. However, there is a lack of synthesis of existing knowledge and identification of key research gaps in this area, particularly in Africa. The current research mainly focuses on South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, using satellite imagery-based data and analysis. Some studies have shown practical implications for urban land-use planning, informal settlement management, human wellbeing and productivity, energy use, air pollution, and disease spread. Integrated approaches, strengthening planning institutions, and early warning systems are recommended to address climate change, with a specific focus on low-income groups.
Review
Ecology
Jasmine J. Wells, Lindsay C. Stringer, Anna J. Woodhead, Elizabeth M. Wandrag
Summary: Fast-growing, stress-tolerating tree species of Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Pinus genera have been widely introduced to tropical and sub-tropical regions. While these non-native trees have economic and environmental benefits, they can also have negative impacts on ecosystems. Research on the impacts of these trees on ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa is limited, and there is a need for more comprehensive studies to manage potential conflicts and prioritize management. A review of 125 publications highlights the limited geographic scope and biases in existing knowledge about the contributions of these trees to ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenxin Zhou, Changjia Li, Shuai Wang, Zhuobing Ren, Lindsay C. Stringer
Summary: Driven by the goal of reversing desertification and recovering degraded lands, a wide range of vegetation restoration practices have been implemented in China's drylands. This study evaluated the effects of different restoration approaches on soil nutrients using long-term data from two research stations in the semi-arid and arid regions. Results showed that sandy steppe restoration and sand dune fixation in the semi-arid desert and natural vegetation restoration in the arid desert were beneficial for soil nutrient accumulation and vegetation improvement. It was also found that natural restoration was preferable to artificial restoration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zheng-Hong Kong, Lindsay Stringer, Jouni Paavola
Summary: Knowledge is crucial for environmental management, but it is often considered from the perspective of creators and disseminators, rather than recipients. This can lead to mismatches between supply and demand for knowledge, undermining the effectiveness of interventions. Research is needed to understand the contexts and consequences of knowledge exchange.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Changjia Li, Bojie Fu, Shuai Wang, Lindsay C. Stringer, Wenxin Zhou, Zhuobing Ren, Mengqi Hu, Yujia Zhang, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Bettina Weber, Fernando T. Maestre
Summary: Degradation of ecosystems can occur when ecological thresholds are crossed due to aridity and grazing. This study assessed the responses of 20 ecosystem attributes to changes in aridity and grazing pressure in China's drylands. The findings showed that the joint effects of aridity and grazing can amplify ecological thresholds, leading to ecosystem degradation. A significant percentage of China's drylands are already unsuitable for grazing, and this number is projected to increase in the future.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kathleen Hermans, Daniel Mueller, David O'Byrne, Lennart Olsson, Lindsay C. Stringer
Summary: The impacts of land degradation on migration are poorly understood, despite the potential threat it poses to livelihoods and sustainability.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Kirk B. B. Enu, Aude Zingraff-Hamed, Mohammad A. A. Rahman, Lindsay C. C. Stringer, Stephan Pauleit
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is highly vulnerable to climate change and related hydro-meteorological risks, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas where green and blue spaces are lost and degraded. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) have the potential to mitigate these risks, but their application in SSA needs to be further explored. Through a systematic review, it was found that there is a low uptake of NBSs for hydro-meteorological risk mitigation in SSA, with limited reporting in the most at-risk countries. However, there is a possibility of unreported NBSs at the local level. It is recommended that NBSs be integrated into urban planning and knowledge exchange opportunities between SSA and Europe be promoted to enhance uptake.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Mariam Akhtar-Schuster, Lindsay C. Stringer, Graciela Metternicht, Nichole N. Barger, Jean-Luc Chotte, German Kust
Summary: This paper evaluates the impacts of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification's science-policy interface (SPI) on policy decision-making and highlights the positive role of SPI in enhancing the implementation of the Convention and promoting scientific cooperation. The findings emphasize the necessity of SPI in providing scientific and technological knowledge and advice to support decision-making and underscore the importance of further formalizing the SPI's status.
Article
Ecology
Narendra Nelli, Diana Francis, Ricardo Fonseca, Olivier Masson, Mamadou Sow, Emmanuel Bosc
Summary: This study investigates the changes in the atmospheric electric field (Ez) during foggy conditions in the hyperarid region of the United Arab Emirates. The results show that as fog persists, Ez becomes more variable due to the absorption and redistribution of charges by the fog, which alters the ion balance and affects electrical conductivity in the atmosphere.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Ezra Hadad, Amir Balaban, Jakub Z. Kosicki, Reuven Yosef
Summary: This study investigated whether the prey of striped hyenas has adapted to the change in the natural environment caused by human activities, particularly artificial light at night (ALAN). The results showed that ALAN had no impact on the diet or den distribution of the hyenas in central Israel. The study also found that domestic animals were the most common prey, and there were also some vegetative species in their diet. Overall, the feeding behavior of striped hyenas is influenced by geographical region, habitat, and human activities.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Rahim Najafi Tireh Shabankareh, Pardis Ziaee, Mohammad Javad Abedini
Summary: This study evaluated the IMERG satellite-based precipitation product in the Fars province of Iran using daily rain gauges as reference data. The results showed that the product tends to overestimate light rainfall and underestimate heavy rainfall, with the best performance in the 40-80 mm/day range. The accuracy of the product varies by month and is less biased in months with milder temperatures. Additionally, there was a higher correlation in mid-elevated areas, positive bias in low-elevated areas, and negative bias in high-elevated areas. Longer time scales showed considerable improvement in the IMERG estimates.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2024)
