Farming Systems and Poverty

Farming Systems and Poverty
Author :
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages : 424
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9251046271
ISBN-13 : 9789251046272
Rating : 4/5 (71 Downloads)

Synopsis Farming Systems and Poverty by : John A. Dixon

A joint FAO and World Bank study which shows how the farming systems approach can be used to identify priorities for the reduction of hunger and poverty in the main farming systems of the six major developing regions of the world.

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century

Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century
Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
Total Pages : 598
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780309148962
ISBN-13 : 0309148960
Rating : 4/5 (62 Downloads)

Synopsis Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century by : National Research Council

In the last 20 years, there has been a remarkable emergence of innovations and technological advances that are generating promising changes and opportunities for sustainable agriculture, yet at the same time the agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges. Not only is the agricultural sector expected to produce adequate food, fiber, and feed, and contribute to biofuels to meet the needs of a rising global population, it is expected to do so under increasingly scarce natural resources and climate change. Growing awareness of the unintended impacts associated with some agricultural production practices has led to heightened societal expectations for improved environmental, community, labor, and animal welfare standards in agriculture. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century assesses the scientific evidence for the strengths and weaknesses of different production, marketing, and policy approaches for improving and reducing the costs and unintended consequences of agricultural production. It discusses the principles underlying farming systems and practices that could improve the sustainability. It also explores how those lessons learned could be applied to agriculture in different regional and international settings, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on a systems approach to improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, this book can have a profound impact on the development and implementation of sustainable farming systems. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, farmers, experts in food production and agribusiness, and federal regulatory agencies.

An Introduction to Agricultural Systems

An Introduction to Agricultural Systems
Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages : 197
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9789401164085
ISBN-13 : 9401164088
Rating : 4/5 (85 Downloads)

Synopsis An Introduction to Agricultural Systems by : C. Spedding

It would have been very easy to expand on all the sections of the first edition but I decided to try to retain the relatively short, introductory nature of the book. Some new material has been added, particularly where it has been possible to update data, and there has been some change of emphasis in places, in order to reflect changing world conditions. The book retains its original purpose, however, of introducing systems thinking as applied to agriculture. I am grateful to Angela Hoxey for help in preparing this edition, especially in relation to the preparation of tables and figures. C. R. W. SPEDDING v Preface to the First Edition The agricultural systems of the world represent a very large subject. Their study involves a great deal of fairly detailed knowledge, as well as a grasp of the structures and functions of the systems themselves. This book has been written as an introduction to such a study and it concentrates on an overall view, rather than on the detail, partly because of the need to relate the latter to some larger picture in order to appreciate the relevance and significance of the detail. This problem-of seeing the relevance of component studies and the significance of physical, biological and economic detail, and indeed principles-is encountered by many agricultural students right at the beginning of their university careers.

Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Author :
Publisher : CRC Press
Total Pages : 718
Release :
ISBN-10 : 093573421X
ISBN-13 : 9780935734218
Rating : 4/5 (1X Downloads)

Synopsis Sustainable Agricultural Systems by : Edwards

A unique look at how the adoption of sustainable farming methods is being pursued throughout the world. This comprehensive book provides clear insight into research and education needs and the many points of view that come to bear on the issue of sustainability. Essential for agricultural leaders in research, education, conservation, policy making, and anyone else interested in creating an economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Sustainable Intensification

Sustainable Intensification
Author :
Publisher : Routledge
Total Pages : 292
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781136529276
ISBN-13 : 1136529276
Rating : 4/5 (76 Downloads)

Synopsis Sustainable Intensification by : Jules N. Pretty

Continued population growth, rapidly changing consumption patterns and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are driving limited resources of food, energy, water and materials towards critical thresholds worldwide. These pressures are likely to be substantial across Africa, where countries will have to find innovative ways to boost crop and livestock production to avoid becoming more reliant on imports and food aid. Sustainable agricultural intensification - producing more output from the same area of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts - represents a solution for millions of African farmers. This volume presents the lessons learned from 40 sustainable agricultural intensification programmes in 20 countries across Africa, commissioned as part of the UK Government's Foresight project. Through detailed case studies, the authors of each chapter examine how to develop productive and sustainable agricultural systems and how to scale up these systems to reach many more millions of people in the future. Themes covered include crop improvements, agroforestry and soil conservation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, horticulture, livestock and fodder crops, aquaculture, and novel policies and partnerships.

Agriculture & Food Systems To 2050: Global Trends, Challenges And Opportunities

Agriculture & Food Systems To 2050: Global Trends, Challenges And Opportunities
Author :
Publisher : World Scientific
Total Pages : 680
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9789813278363
ISBN-13 : 9813278366
Rating : 4/5 (63 Downloads)

Synopsis Agriculture & Food Systems To 2050: Global Trends, Challenges And Opportunities by : Rachid Serraj

This book features a comprehensive foresight assessment, exploring the pressures — threats as well as opportunities — on the global agriculture & food systems between now and 2050. The overarching aim is to help readers understand the context, by analyzing global trends and anticipating change for better planning and constructing pathways from the present to the future by focusing on the right questions and problems. The book contextualizes the role of international agricultural research in addressing the complex challenges posed by UN 2030 Agenda and beyond, and identifies the decisions that scientific leaders, donors and policy makers need to take today, and in the years ahead, to ensure that a global population rising to nine billion or more combined with rising incomes and changing diets can be fed sustainably and equitably, in the face of the growing climate threats.

Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development

Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development
Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
Total Pages : 560
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780128020951
ISBN-13 : 0128020954
Rating : 4/5 (51 Downloads)

Synopsis Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development by : Sieglinde Snapp

Agricultural Systems, Second Edition, is a comprehensive text for developing sustainable farming systems. It presents a synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation, with particular emphasis on how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. The inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design allows students to gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods. This book explores topics such as: re-inventing farming systems; principles and practice of agroecology; agricultural change and low-input technology; ecologically-based nutrient management; participatory breeding for developing improved and relevant crops; participatory livestock research for development; gender and agrarian inequality at the local scale; the nature of agricultural innovation; and outreach to support rural innovation. The extensive coverage of subjects is complemented with integrated references and a companion website, making this book essential reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems. This book will be a valuable resource for students of agricultural science, environmental engineering, and rural planning; researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies; and practitioners of agricultural development in government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs. - Provides students with an enhanced understanding of how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture - Incorporates social, biological, chemical, and geographical aspects important to agroecology - Addresses social and development issues related to farming systems

Agricultural Innovation Systems

Agricultural Innovation Systems
Author :
Publisher : World Bank Publications
Total Pages : 685
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780821386842
ISBN-13 : 0821386840
Rating : 4/5 (42 Downloads)

Synopsis Agricultural Innovation Systems by : World Bank

Managing the ability of agriculture to meet rising global demand and to respond to the changes and opportunities will require good policy, sustained investments, and innovation - not business as usual. Investments in public Research and Development, extension, education, and their links with one another have elicited high returns and pro-poor growth, but these investments alone will not elicit innovation at the pace or on the scale required by the intensifying and proliferating challenges confronting agriculture. Experience indicates that aside from a strong capacity in Research and Development, the ability to innovate is often related to collective action, coordination, the exchange of knowledge among diverse actors, the incentives and resources available to form partnerships and develop businesses, and conditions that make it possible for farmers or entrepreneurs to use the innovations. While consensus is developing about what is meant by 'innovation' and 'innovation system', no detailed blueprint exists for making agricultural innovation happen at a given time, in a given place, for a given result. The AIS approach that looks at these multiple conditions and relationships that promote innovation in agriculture, has however moved from a concept to a sub-discipline with principles of analysis and action. AIS investments must be specific to the context, responding to the stage of development in a particular country and agricultural sector, especially the AIS. This sourcebook contributes to identifying, designing, and implementing the investments, approaches, and complementary interventions that appear most likely to strengthen AIS and to promote agricultural innovation and equitable growth. It emphasizes the lessons learned, benefits and impacts, implementation issues, and prospects for replicating or expanding successful practices. The information in this sourcebook derives from approaches that have been tested at different scales in different contexts. It reflects the experiences and evolving understanding of numerous individuals and organizations concerned with agricultural innovation, including the World Bank. This information is targeted to the key operational staff in international and regional development agencies and national governments who design and implement lending projects and to the practitioners who design thematic programs and technical assistance packages. The sourcebook can also be an important resource for the research community and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Farming Systems and Food Security in Africa

Farming Systems and Food Security in Africa
Author :
Publisher : Routledge
Total Pages : 896
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781317332268
ISBN-13 : 1317332261
Rating : 4/5 (68 Downloads)

Synopsis Farming Systems and Food Security in Africa by : John Dixon

Knowledge of Africa’s complex farming systems, set in their socio-economic and environmental context, is an essential ingredient to developing effective strategies for improving food and nutrition security. This book systematically and comprehensively describes the characteristics, trends, drivers of change and strategic priorities for each of Africa’s fifteen farming systems and their main subsystems. It shows how a farming systems perspective can be used to identify pathways to household food security and poverty reduction, and how strategic interventions may need to differ from one farming system to another. In the analysis, emphasis is placed on understanding farming systems drivers of change, trends and strategic priorities for science and policy. Illustrated with full-colour maps and photographs throughout, the volume provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Africa’s farming systems and pathways for the future to improve food and nutrition security. The book is an essential follow-up to the seminal work Farming Systems and Poverty by Dixon and colleagues for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Bank, published in 2001.

The Global Restructuring of Agro-Food Systems

The Global Restructuring of Agro-Food Systems
Author :
Publisher : Cornell University Press
Total Pages : 321
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781501736032
ISBN-13 : 1501736035
Rating : 4/5 (32 Downloads)

Synopsis The Global Restructuring of Agro-Food Systems by : Philip D. McMichael

Across the world, food systems and agricultural systems are changing at a phenomenal rate. Widespread restructuring has not been confined to the production and distribution of food, though; many regions and even nations are undergoing social, political, and economic transformation as well. Bringing together twelve essays by scholars from a number of disciplines, I this timely book documents the interdependence of food systems, nation states, and the world economy. Stressing the political foundations of global agro-food systems, it sheds light on such complex questions as whether today's changes in food and agrarian systems anticipate a new world order, or are merely efforts to preserve an old order in crisis.