Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mulundu Mwila, Blessing Mhlanga, Christian Thierfelder
Summary: The study found that growing two legumes simultaneously can increase unit area yield and improve overall system productivity, while Conservation Agriculture did not outperform traditional ridge and furrow tillage in the rotation phase. Planting full populations of companion legumes can significantly enhance system productivity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Daniel Petrovics, Mendel Giezen
Summary: This article discusses the application of Vertical Farming at the urban scale to reduce the resource intensity of urban food production and consumption, and explores the contextual conditions needed for the sustainable development of VF. The research findings suggest that VF interventions in cities should have additional functions integrated at the farm scale, and viewing VF interventions through urban-level food planning holds the most potential for climate mitigation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Piemontese, Rick Nelson Kamugisha, Jennie Barron, Joy Margaret Biteete Tukahirwa, Nicole Harari, Fernando Jaramillo
Summary: Upgrading smallholder agriculture in Uganda is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, with investing in Sustainable Land and Water Management (SLWM) practices showing significant economic benefits alongside social and environmental advantages, potentially generating billions of dollars in revenue annually.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rene W. Verburg, Emma Verberne, Simona O. Negro
Summary: By analyzing the different diffusion of organic dairy farming in the Netherlands compared to Denmark and Austria, this paper identifies various barriers and provides leverage points for upscaling. The study indicates that diversification in certified dairy products, reinforcement of governmental subsidies, and consistent governmental support are important factors for promoting the growth of organic dairy farming.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mathias Jacobs, Glen Meir, Amer Hakki, Leen C. J. Thomassen, Simon Kuhn, M. Enis Leblebici
Summary: Micro-photoreactors have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and enable homogeneous illumination and high apparent reaction rate. However, their small size limits their use in industry. This study presents a scalable photoreactor design based on translucent monoliths, which can handle large throughputs while maintaining the benefits of microreactors.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiao Lyu, Wenlong Peng, Shandong Niu, Yi Qu, Zongfei Xin
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) among Chinese farming households and analyze the differences between different livelihood types. The results show that the SICLU level of most farming households is relatively low, and there are variations among different livelihood types.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Chiara Sophia Weituschat, Stefano Pascucci, Valentina Cristiana Materia, Francesco Caracciolo
Summary: Sustainable intensification aims to minimize negative impacts of agriculture while maintaining productivity. This study shows that contract farming can support many farmers in adopting sustainable practices, but not all. Education level, cooperative membership, and sales arrangements influence farmers' willingness to adopt sustainable practices.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Philip P. Grabowski, Ida Djenontin, Leo Zulu, Judith Kamoto, Jessica Kampanje-Phiri, Akosua Darkwah, Irene Egyir, Gundula Fischer
Summary: This research focuses on examining gender and age disparities in access and control over agricultural resources, as well as evaluating tools for detecting inequities. The results demonstrate the applicability of these tools for decision makers in pre-assessment and early detection of disparities in SAI, playing a positive role in gender transformative processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Bing-Yang Liu, Wen-Sheng Liu, Bai-Jian Lin, Wen-Xuan Liu, Shou-Wei Han, Xin Zhao, Hai-Lin Zhang
Summary: Water shortage in the North China Plain poses a serious threat to agriculture. Improving wheat irrigation management is crucial for enhancing agricultural water use efficiency. While nitrogen input and irrigation can increase wheat yield, they do not significantly improve water use efficiency compared to rain-fed wheat. Optimal water use efficiency can be achieved with specific irrigation amounts, frequencies, and precipitation levels. Additionally, subsoiling and straw return are recommended practices for increasing wheat yield and water use efficiency.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gundula Fischer, Akosua Darkwah, Judith Kamoto, Jessica Kampanje-Phiri, Philip Grabowski, Ida Djenontin
Summary: This study examines the relationship between gender-biased land tenure systems and sustainable agricultural intensification, proposing the adoption of gender-transformative approaches to facilitate equitable outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Harimenja Razafintsalama, Marie Sauvadet, Jean Trap, Patrice Autfray, Aude Ripoche, Thierry Becquer
Summary: Legume species showed significant variations in root and shoot biomass production, nodule number, fixed nitrogen amount, and the proportion of nitrogen derived from N-2 fixation. Fertilization management did not have a significant impact on legume biomass, symbioses, or N-2 fixation, except for an increase in shoot phosphorus content with organo-mineral fertilization. This lack of effect could be attributed to other nutrient deficiencies, potentially hindering symbioses with rhizobia and mycorrhizae.
Review
Entomology
Peng Han, Anne-Violette Lavoir, Cesar Rodriguez-Saona, Nicolas Desneux
Summary: Bottom-up effects play a major role in integrated pest management, impacting pest control through irrigation, fertilization, crop resistance, habitat manipulation, organic management practices, and landscape characteristics. These effects contribute to sustainable intensification of agriculture in the context of agricultural transition and climate change.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Tesfaye Gebre, Mitiku Haile, Emiru Birhane, Sarah Tewolde-Berhan, Zenebe Girmay
Summary: Bauhinia thonningii, a woody leguminous tree species in Africa, offers significant soil improvement, medicinal properties, and nutritional value. This study found that the plant improves soil fertility, is used in traditional medicine, and has important nutrient content for human and animal health. Additionally, the species plays a key role in carbon sequestration and biomass production. Ongoing research is needed to further explore the multifunctional uses of this plant across different ecozones.
AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Robin J. Lovell, Carol Shennan, Nguyen Ngoc Thuy
Summary: The study found that conventional intensification practices are more popular in Vietnamese agriculture, with decreased fertilizer use and increased pesticide use on male-managed plots, while female-managed plots use less organic fertilizers or compost. Gendered plot management directly impacts the adoption of sustainable intensification and conventional intensification practices.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Samuel Adomako, Mai Dong Tran
Summary: Drawing on stakeholder theory, this article explores the influence of industry stakeholders on product innovation through eco-innovation. It also investigates the moderating effect of environmental R&D expenditure on this relationship. Findings from a sample of 212 firms indicate that (1) both internal and external stakeholder ties predict eco-innovation, (2) eco-innovation mediates the relationship between industry stakeholder ties and new product performance, and (3) environmental R&D expenditure positively moderates the link between intra and extra-industry stakeholder ties and new product performance through eco-innovation. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of industry stakeholders in driving new product outcomes in emerging markets. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alison Nord, Mateete Bekunda, Caitlin McCormack, Sieglinde Snapp
Summary: This study examines the diversity of smallholder agricultural practices in Tanzania, focusing on maize-legume systems. It reveals a disconnect between extension recommendations and farmer practices, hindering sustainable agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sieglinde Snapp
Summary: A major challenge faced by smallholder farms is the heterogeneity of soil properties, but this can also be seen as an opportunity to quantify these changes at a fine resolution and implement alternative methods such as precision agriculture and ecological nutrient management. Citizen science, open data, and inexpensive monitoring can support these approaches, while on-farm participatory experiments can facilitate communication with farmers and generate new insights.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Brad G. Peter, Sagy Cohen, Ronan Lucey, Dinuke Munasinghe, Austin Raney, G. Robert Brakenridge
Summary: This study introduces a tool for rapid floodwater depth estimation during emergency flood events, which utilizes a cloud computing platform for streamlined geoprocessing. The tool provides an innovative solution for emergency response and flood assessment, and its reliability is validated through accuracy metrics.
IEEE GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geography
James DeDecker, Trey Malone, Sieglinde Snapp, Marilyn Thelen, Eric Anderson, Christian Tollini, Adam Davis
Summary: Effectively promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage (CT), is crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable value chains. This study identifies key factors affecting the adoption of CT among soybean growers in Michigan, including demographics, social connections, and subjective perceptions of the efficacy of CT.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Xinyi Tu, Sieglinde Snapp, Frederi Viens
Summary: Soil degradation on cultivated lands in Sub-Saharan Africa threatens food security. However, little is known about the drivers of soil carbon content on smallholder farms. A study in Malawi evaluated the influence of environmental conditions and management practices on soil carbon levels. The study found that soil clay content and vegetation cover were the main drivers of soil carbon pools. Crop diversity, residue incorporation, and weed presence also contributed to soil carbon accumulation.
Article
Development Studies
William J. Burke, Thom S. Jayne, Sieglinde S. Snapp
Summary: This study investigates the sustainability of maize intensification in the African smallholder sector and finds that fertilizer access alone is not sufficient for sustainable yield increases. Good agronomy practices and soil improvement play important roles in promoting higher maize yields.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Patrick M. Ewing, Xinyi Tu, Bryan C. Runck, Alison Nord, Regis Chikowo, Sieglinde S. Snapp
Summary: Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is crucial for climate change mitigation and improving ecosystem resilience. However, global estimates of SOC sequestration potential often neglect agricultural land, particularly in the Global South. To address these gaps, we developed a hybrid approach using high-resolution soil maps and site-specific soil data to estimate the magnitude of SOC sequestration potential in Malawian agricultural soils. The results showed that field measurements consistently exceeded predictions, indicating a significant carbon gap and the need for improved management practices.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ebrahim Hamidi, Brad G. Peter, David F. Munoz, Hamed Moftakhari, Hamid Moradkhani
Summary: This study introduces a new multisource remote sensing approach that combines multispectral optical imagery and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to map flood inundation extents. Using Google Earth Engine (GEE), this process enables near real-time data acquisition and large-scale flood monitoring. The results showed high agreement between SAR and optical imagery (77%-80%), with SAR providing under-cloud detection capabilities. This research contributes to providing rapid and accurate information for decision-makers and emergency responders during time-sensitive flood events.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kyle M. Dittmer, Sabrina Rose, Sieglinde S. Snapp, Yodit Kebede, Sarah Brickman, Sadie Shelton, Cecelia Egler, Milena Stier, Eva Wollenberg
Summary: We assessed the outcomes of smallholder agricultural systems and practices in low- and middle-income countries, and found that the use of organic nutrient sources, system diversification with legumes, and integrated pest management contribute to climate change adaptation in multiple contexts. However, information on climate change mitigation is lacking. Widespread adoption of agroecological practices and system transformations show promise for climate change services and food security in these countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sieglinde S. Snapp, Rachel Bezner Kerr, Ann Bybee-Finley, Regis Chikowo, Laifolo Dakishoni, Philip Grabowski, Esther Lupafya, Wezi Mhango, Vicki L. Morrone, Lizzie Shumba, George Kanyama-Phiri
Summary: New approaches, such as Participatory Action Research (PAR), are necessary for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PAR involves scientists and stakeholders in a systematic engagement process, expanding on the scientific process. In this study, two decades of PAR in rural communities in Malawi are examined to demonstrate iterative co-learning cycles. The findings highlight the importance of agricultural diversity beyond agroforestry, the value of intermediate growth habits, and the role of PAR in meeting local needs and addressing SDGs.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Joao Vasco Silva, Moti Jaleta, Kindie Tesfaye, Bekele Abeyo, Mina Devkota, Aymen Frija, Innocent Habarurema, Batiseba Tembo, Haithem Bahri, Alaa Mosad, Gerald Blasch, Kai Sonder, Sieglinde Snapp, Frederic Baudron
Summary: The growing urban population and changes in dietary habits have led to a 9% annual increase in wheat imports in Africa. Despite an increase in wheat production in the continent over the past decades, it has not kept up with the rising demand. Analysis shows that Africa has the opportunity to enhance wheat production through improved genetics and agronomic practices, reducing import dependency and achieving self-sufficiency. Given the uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and global security issues, African countries should reconsider the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in staple food production, specifically wheat.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sieglinde Snapp, Tek Bahadur Sapkota, Jordan Chamberlin, Cindy Marie Cox, Samuel Gameda, Mangi Lal Jat, Paswel Marenya, Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb, Christine Negra, Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Tesfaye Shiferaw Sida, Upendra Singh, Zachary P. Stewart, Kindie Tesfaye, Bram Govaerts
Summary: Fertilizer supply is crucial for global food security, but it is vulnerable to international disruptions. To address nitrogen fertilizer price spikes and threats to food security, differentiated responses are needed, including integrated management of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. This can lead to potential fertilizer savings and improved nutrient utilization in both high-input and low-input cereal production systems.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Carl J. J. Timler, Jeroen C. J. Groot, Sieglinde S. S. Snapp, Pablo A. A. Tittonell
Summary: Smallholder farmers in Central Malawi face various challenges in improving their livelihoods and food security. Q Methodology was used to identify different strategies and intensification pathways among these farmers. Three main strategies emerged: Seed Saving Peasants, Aspirant Modern Farmers, and Entrepreneurial Business(wo)men, each following different intensification pathways. This study highlights the need for diverse extension services and support mechanisms to guide smallholders towards sustainable intensification choices.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jennifer Blesh, Zia Mehrabi, Hannah Wittman, Rachel Bezner Kerr, Dana James, Sidney Madsen, Olivia M. Smith, Sieglinde Snapp, Anne Elise Stratton, Mohamed Bakarr, Abram J. Bicksler, Ryan Galt, Lucas A. Garibaldi, Barbara Gemmill-Herren, Ingo Grass, Marney E. Isaac, Innocensia John, Sarah K. Jones, Christina M. Kennedy, Susanna Klassen, Christian Levers, Laura Vang Rasmussen, Claire Kremen
Summary: Farming systems that support biodiversity and diversified agricultural production are declining due to agricultural policies and market concentration. However, a conceptual framework has been developed to identify processes that promote the emergence and sustainability of diversified farming systems. Through analyzing real-world examples, two pathways, namely network and institutional, have been identified as contributing to diversification. When these pathways operate together, the potential to scale up diversification across farms and landscapes increases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lani Fox, Brad G. Peter, April N. Frake, Joseph P. Messina
Summary: This study presents a solution to the problem of temporal data gap in accurate and spatially precise rainfall predictions and the delayed processing of remotely sensed data. The Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) model is used to forecast future tsetse distributions, allowing for preplanning of tsetse control. The model provides critical information for disease control and is particularly useful for large domain studies. The open-access TED model and BME libraries have been made available for reproducibility and future updates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH GEOGRAPHICS
(2023)
