Article
Environmental Studies
Hambulo Ngoma, Johanne Pelletier, Brian P. Mulenga, Mitelo Subakanya
Summary: Increasing agricultural production is crucial to meet growing food demands driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. While Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is considered an important option, the study found that CSA adoption did not significantly reduce cropland expansion in Zambia. Most households expanded cropland to meet subsistence food requirements, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on CSA to spare forests.
Article
Business
Xi He, Zhenshan Chen
Summary: The study found that high temperatures are harmful to crop growth, leading to cropland expansion. Each additional harmful growing degree day increases cropland area and cereal production area by about 20%. High temperatures also reduce household forest area.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Paulo Amador Tavares, Joice Ferreira, Camila V. J. Silva, Erika Berenguer, Jos Barlow
Summary: The fire regime in the Brazilian Amazonian Forest is undergoing a transition, with the occurrence of fires shifting towards more forested landscapes. This transition is closely linked to changes in land use and deforestation rates.
Article
Environmental Studies
Barbara Adolph, Nugun P. Jellason, Jane Musole Kwenye, Jo Davies, Anne Giger Dray, Patrick O. Waeber, Katy Jeary, Phil Franks
Summary: This paper examines how increasing agricultural productivity through intensification affects the decisions of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia regarding farmland expansion. Serious game sessions were conducted with six pairs of farmers from different wealth groups at each site, simulating various institutional, economic, and governance contexts. The results indicate that agricultural intensification, under certain conditions, can lead to further expansion of agriculture into natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands. Therefore, strategies promoting intensification should be accompanied by measures to protect forest ecosystems from such expansion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fernando Sedano, Abel Mizu-Siampale, Laura Duncanson, Mengyu Liang
Summary: A study in Zambia reveals that charcoal production is the main driver of forest degradation, surpassing deforestation caused by agricultural expansion. The study shows that the spatial and temporal pattern of kiln scars indicates a rapid and intense degradation process, with a significant loss of tree cover and aboveground biomass. These findings contribute to the understanding of forest degradation due to charcoal production in southern Africa and have implications for monitoring and reporting systems.
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Isabel C. Sakala, Thomson H. Kalinda, Chewe Nkonde, William J. Burke
Summary: This study uses a triple hurdle model to analyze nationally representative farm household data from Zambia, identifying key determinants such as age, gender, education level, labor, land size, loan access, and distance to agricultural service providers. The correlated random effects analysis reveals different impacts within households and between households. Policy recommendations include supporting ripper ownership, facilitating smallholder access to loans, developing agro-dealer networks, and innovatively disseminating conservation farming information to farmers.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bridget Bwalya Umar
Summary: The study investigated the use of conservation agriculture (CA) as a climate adaptation strategy among smallholder farmers in Eastern Zambia, finding that both men and women face similar impacts of climate change. Women were most affected by lower crop yields, outbreaks of armyworms, and reduced livestock fodder, while men believed women were impacted by increased hunger, lower crop yields, and reduced water sources. Both men and women recognized the benefits of CA for climate change adaptation, with women emphasizing high moisture holding capacity of basins and improved soil fertility, and men mentioning high crop yields and reduced costs. Addressing challenges such as high weed pressure and low access to manure will be crucial for successful implementation of CA as a climate smart agricultural system.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Deepak K. Ray, Lindsey L. Sloat, Andrea S. Garcia, Kyle F. Davis, Tariq Ali, Wei Xie
Summary: Rising competition for crop usage and poor understanding of where crops are harvested pose challenges for policies. High-resolution global maps were created to show the harvesting locations for seven broad categories of crop use. Food crop yields are low and may not be sufficient to eliminate hunger. Sub-Saharan African nations may not meet the demands of their growing population and hunger elimination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chengxiu Li, Matt Kandel, Daniela Anghileri, Francis Oloo, Oscar Kambombe, Tendai Polite Chibarabada, Cosmo Ngongondo, Justin Sheffield, Jadunandan Dash
Summary: The study found evidence of unsustainable cropland use in Malawi, characterized by rapid expansion of cropland, limited potential for future expansion, reduced cropland productivity, and increased soil erosion. Urgent measures are needed to promote sustainable cropland use, including protecting current cropland from further degradation and improving cropland use planning.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Ligang Lv, Zhoubing Gao, Kaihua Liao, Qing Zhu, Junjun Zhu
Summary: Conservation tillage can improve soil chemical properties, especially the content of organic matter, organic carbon, and nutrient elements. Straw stubble covering plays a significant role in enhancing soil chemical properties.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Petan Hamazakaza, Gillian Kabwe, Elias Kuntashula, Anthony Egeru, Robert Asiimwe
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the adoption and intensity of sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) practices among farmers in Zambia. The results showed that limited years of farming and smaller cropped field sizes were significant factors reducing the likelihood of SAI adoption. Additionally, smaller farm sizes and limited access to farmer extension services decreased the adoption intensity of SAI practices, while farmer affiliation with associations and crop production training increased the adoption intensity.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Robert B. Richardson, Laura Schmitt Olabisi, Kurt B. Waldman, Naomi Sakana, Nathan G. Brugnone
Summary: The study found that sustainable intensification practices did not impact agricultural encroachment into forested ecosystems, with the clearing of forested land for agriculture being primarily driven by rising demand for wood fuels, particularly charcoal in urban areas. The research has implications for integrated approaches to food and energy insecurity challenges, as well as for national policies aimed at climate change mitigation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study offers a unique approach to integrating social and biophysical/ecological data using system dynamics modeling, contributing to the literature on environmental implications of agricultural land use and deforestation drivers.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephen M. Ogle, F. Jay Breidt, Stephen Del Grosso, Ram Gurung, Ernie Marx, Shannon Spencer, Stephen Williams, Dale Manning
Summary: This study quantified the influence of climate-smart soil practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock changes in US croplands. The results showed that most climate-smart soil practices contributed to increases in SOC stocks, except for winter cover crops which had a negligible impact due to a relatively small adoption area. These findings suggest potential for enhancing carbon sinks in US cropland soils, although some of the potential has already been realized through past adoption of climate-smart soil practices.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Felicia Chetan, Teodor Rusu, Cornel Chetan, Alina Simon, Ana-Maria Valean, Adrian Ovidiu Ceclan, Marius Bardas, Adina Tarau
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different tillage systems and fertilization levels on maize yield. The results showed that under high clay content black soil conditions, minimum tillage systems and no-tillage systems were not suitable for maize cultivation. In contrast, the minimum tillage system with a chisel could be an alternative. With the increase of fertilization levels, maize yield also improved.
Article
Agronomy
Junqia Kong, Longfei Chen, Antonio Dinis Ferreira, Raquel P. F. Guine, Antonio Moitinho Rodrigues
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of cropland changes on carbon storage in Northwest China from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that cropland expansion and abandonment led to an increase and decrease in carbon storage, respectively, and overall, cropland changes acted as a carbon sink in the region.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Stephen Whitfield, Jami L. Dixon, Brian P. Mulenga, Hambulo Ngoma
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2015)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hambulo Ngom, Nicole M. Mason, Nicholas J. Sitko
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2015)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hambulo Ngoma
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Byman H. Hamududu, Hambulo Ngoma
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johanne Pelletier, Hambulo Ngoma, Nicole M. Mason, Christopher B. Barrett
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Brian P. Mulenga, Hambulo Ngoma, Chewe Nkonde
Summary: The study in Zambia on over 6000 rural smallholder farmers found that participation in output markets positively affects household dietary diversity, with the effect being stronger in 2019. In addition, household production diversity also improves dietary diversity. This underscores the importance of promoting market access and participation for smallholder farmers and diversifying food groups at the farm level in nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kelvin Mulungu, Gelson Tembo, Hilary Bett, Hambulo Ngoma
Summary: A study in Zambia found that rising temperatures have a negative impact on maize and bean yields, while increased rainfall has a positive effect. The effects vary by agro-ecological regions, with different adaptation strategies needed. Model predictions suggest that by 2050, region II will experience major yield decreases driven by temperature increase, highlighting the importance of region-specific adaptation strategies.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hambulo Ngoma, Patrick Lupiya, Mulako Kabisa, Faaiqa Hartley
Summary: Agricultural models project decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures in Zambia, leading to reduced crop yield and production, especially for maize. These impacts are expected to worsen over time, ultimately resulting in decreases in national GDP, agricultural production, and household welfare. The Southern and Western regions are projected to bear the most significant negative impacts of climate change on crop yield and production.
Article
Environmental Studies
Hambulo Ngoma, Johanne Pelletier, Brian P. Mulenga, Mitelo Subakanya
Summary: Increasing agricultural production is crucial to meet growing food demands driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. While Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is considered an important option, the study found that CSA adoption did not significantly reduce cropland expansion in Zambia. Most households expanded cropland to meet subsistence food requirements, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on CSA to spare forests.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Christian Thierfelder, Blessing Mhlanga, Isaiah Nyagumbo, Kelvin Kalala, Esau Simutowe, Mazvita Chiduwa, Chloe Maclaren, Joao Vasco Silva, Hambulo Ngoma
Summary: The performance of different maize-legume diversification strategies was compared in southern Africa. Intercropping systems showed significant nutritional and economic benefits, but had higher labor requirements compared to other cropping systems. Soil organic carbon content and pH were not affected by the tested cropping systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Development Studies
Hambulo Ngoma, Henry Machina, Auckland N. Kuteya
Summary: This article assesses the impact of Farmer Input Support Programmes (FISPs) on maize productivity in Zambia. Access to FISPs does not significantly increase maize productivity on plots managed by women, indicating that FISPs alone are insufficient to address gendered productivity gaps in agriculture. On average, FISPs are associated with yield gains between 35 and 105 kg/ha, with larger gains seen on plots managed by men.
DEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Hambulo Ngoma, Amare Teklay Hailu, Stephen Kabwe, Arild Angelsen
Article
Economics
Sara Lorenzini, Nadia von Jacobi
Summary: This paper fills the gap in the literature on polycentric governance by focusing on the micro-processes of conflict that precede its establishment. Through a comparative analysis of four case studies, the authors find that conflict can lead to negotiations and the eventual establishment of common procedural rules, which can sustain polycentric governance.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
Hubert Palus, Lenka Marcinekova, Jaroslav Salka
Summary: The complexity and comprehensiveness of sustainability issues in forest certification schemes require knowledge based and transparent decision-making processes, which involve open and multi-stakeholder participation. This study examines the latest PEFC national sustainable forest management standard revision process in Slovakia from the viewpoint of stakeholder participation. The results highlight the importance of stakeholder understanding, trust, and satisfaction in the effectiveness of the revision process.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
Nicholas Palaschuk, Jason Gauthier, Ryan Bullock
Summary: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are important for the spiritual and cultural identity of Indigenous communities, but current forest policies in Canada do not adequately protect these resources. This research used a participatory approach and community interviews to document local criteria, elements, and values related to NTFP development and conservation. The resulting framework can guide decision making and promote socio-economic benefits for the Missanabie Cree First Nation.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
Laila Berning, Metodi Sotirov
Summary: This paper analyzes the coalition politics driven by beliefs and interests in the new European Union Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). The study identifies pro-regulation and contra-regulation coalitions and highlights the strategic alliance formed between pro-EUDR business actors and other pro-coalitions. Despite opposition from a weaker contra-regulation coalition, the EUDR was ultimately institutionalized as a compromise solution accommodating different beliefs and interests of state and non-state actors.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
Mehwish Zuberi, Michael Spies, Jonas o. Nielsen
Summary: Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in agrarian value chains in the Global South, but they are often neglected in technology-oriented agricultural interventions. However, they face challenges such as lack of resources, established crop rotation patterns, and market and climatic factors.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
James Chamberlain, Carsten Smith-Hall
Summary: More countries are adopting novel approaches to transition to a forest-based bioeconomy, which can address global challenges such as sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation, and climate change mitigation. Utilizing non-timber forest products is crucial for the realization of a forest-based bioeconomy.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Economics
Keith Barney
Summary: The social impacts of industrial wood plantations in Southeast Asia, specifically in Laos, are debated. This study finds that under certain conditions, these plantations can positively contribute to local livelihoods, but there are still issues of land dispossession and inadequate compensation.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2024)
