Authors:Sabrina Mosimann, Keorimy Ouk, Nora M. Bello, Malyheng Chhoeun, Leah Thompson, Jessie Vipham, Lyda Hok, Paul Ebner Abstract: Improving food safety often requires individuals or groups to adopt new food safety behaviors. Understanding individuals’ perceptions of food safety is an important step in creating programs that enable the adoption of such behaviors. To inform the design of food safety programs in Cambodia, this study measured perceptions of vegetable safety among vegetable growers (n = 69; Battambang, Siem Reap) and vendors (n = 31; Phnom Penh) involved in Cambodian informal vegetable markets using a quantitative questionnaire. The majority of respondents (≥ 62.7%, lower bounds of 95% confidence intervals at least 46.2%) across all groups (growers and vendors) were at least “moderately concerned” (scale: “extremely concerned,” “moderately concerned,” “slightly concerned,” “not concerned at all”) about the safety of vegetables sold in Cambodia. However, the mean estimated probability of respondents reporting that chemical contamination was of greater concern than microbial contamination was 84.9% [76.0, 90.9]%. Most respondents reported familiarity with the health effects of consuming chemically (71.4% [61.5, 79.6]%) or microbially (57.3% [47.2, 66.9]%) contaminated vegetables. However, less than half (between 7.3% and 48.4%) of all respondents provided a commonly recognized example of such health effects. Across all groups, respondents most frequently perceived contamination of vegetables as occurring primarily “at the farm” (≥ 76.7%, lower bounds of 95% confidence intervals at least 61.5%, and ≥ 39.3%, lower bounds of 95% confidence intervals at least 21.2%, respectively). Additionally, most respondents (≥ 51.6%, lower bounds of 95% confidence intervals at least 34.0%) perceived “vegetable farmers” as primarily responsible for preventing chemical contamination. Perceptions of responsibility for preventing microbial contamination varied across groups (p = 0.02). Of the vendors in Phnom Penh, growers in Battambang, and growers in Siem Reap involved in this research, 22.6%, 39.0%, and 53.6%, respectively, described at least one commonly accepted contamination prevention practice. These results suggest that food safety programs for each of the described groups should include efforts to increase participants’ understanding of the health impacts of consuming contaminated vegetables. However, specific emphasis should be placed on increasing awareness on the health impacts of consuming vegetables contaminated with microbial pathogens as respondents were generally less aware and concerned with microbial vs. chemical contamination of vegetables. Additionally, programs targeting vegetable growers could leverage growers’ sense of personal responsibility for both contamination and contamination prevention, while programs for vegetable vendors may need to emphasize the importance of vendors in ensuring vegetable safety. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Mao Qinghua, Xu Linyao, Sun Qilong, Guo Mengxin Abstract: IntroductionIn recent years, the combination of the public health crisis and the climate crisis has greatly weakened the resilience of food systems. The Belt and Road food cooperation will make outstanding contributions to consolidate food security and reduce global poverty in countries along the Belt and Road.MethodsThis paper constructs a three-party stochastic evolutionary game model from the perspective of food security, distinguishes the difference between large and small countries by calculating the cereal self-sufficiency rate, which studies the cooperation strategy with the Belt and Road cereal large countries, cereal small countries and regulatory committees as the object. In addition, we introduce the Gaussian white noise characteristics to characterize the stochastic disturbance of the game system. Then we combine the mathematical derivation of the stochastic evolutionary game analysis with the simulation method, examine the effect of the stochastic disturbance factors on the cooperation, and find out the factors that affect the cooperation. And finally verifies the model and proves the reasonableness and practicability of the model.ResultsThe stochastic evolutionary game model analyzes the interaction of stochastic disturbance and influencing factors from a dynamic perspective, and the stability of evolution is related to the strength of Gaussian white noise. The level of effort of large cereal countries and the incentives of regulatory committees can have a positive impact, but high income in small cereal countries can lead to instability in the strategic choices of other players.DiscussionTaking the countries along the Belt and Road as the research object, Gaussian white noise is introduced to describe the stochastic external environment, discriminate the stability of the game system through stochastic differential equations, and analyze the influencing factors of the dynamic behavioral strategies of the parties in combination with simulation methods. To improve the capacity of national food security governance and help improve the resilience of the world food system. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Mequanint B. Melesse, Amos Nyangira Tirra, Sabine Homann-Kee Tui, Andre F. Van Rooyen, Michael Hauser Abstract: Smallholder market participation is an important pathway to improving the productivity and livelihoods of farm households. Despite several studies documenting the effect of market participation on crop production, relatively little is known about the effect of smallholder participation in livestock markets. We investigate effects of smallholder market participation on livestock production and household food security in Zimbabwe. Using survey data collected from 625 households and an instrumental variables strategy to address endogeneity concerns, we find that households participating in livestock markets are more likely to engage in market-oriented livestock production, use improved livestock inputs, and have better food security outcomes. While market participants are more likely to consider market conditions in their decisions, most farmers are needs-driven and cannot afford to adopt commercial-oriented behavior. Overall, smallholder livestock production systems respond to market incentives and can support food security strategies, particularly in drylands where crop production is risky. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Monserrat Mora-Sánchez, Paola Hernández-Carranza, Carolina Ramírez-López, Irving Israel Ruiz-López, Carlos Enrique Ochoa-Velasco Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible films (EFs) on important parameters of fresh guacamole and to select the best EF for evaluating its stability and protection effect after 28 days of storage (at 4 and 20°C). EFs based on chitosan (2%), glycerol (1%), citric acid (1.5–2.5%), and lemon-onion extract (0–2%) were applied on the surface of fresh guacamole to evaluate its effect in its color and microbiological and antioxidant properties after 48 h of storage (at 4 and 20°C). Results indicated that EFs delay the total color change and increase the antioxidant capacity of guacamole, while the microbial count was less than 100 CFU/g and 10 CFU/g for mesophylls and molds plus yeasts, respectively. According to the lowest total color change (7.93–14.92) and highest antioxidant capacity (1201.22 mg Trolox/100 g), EF1 (2% chitosan, 1% glycerol, 1.5% citric acid, and 2% lemon-onion extract) was selected for its analysis during the storage. After 28 d of storage at 4 and 20°C, a slight change in the physical characteristics of the EF was observed, while microbial load and antioxidant properties remained constant. Moreover, the selected EF maintained its capacity to avoid guacamole browning, being well-accepted by consumers (I like - I like much) who did not detect the application of EF, even after 24 h of its application onto the fresh guacamole. Results presented in this study indicated that developed EF maintained the quality characteristics of guacamole, and its effect did not change after 28 d of storage. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Baiyila Wu, Juanjuan Ai, Tiyu Li, Weize Qin, Zongfu Hu, Tuya Siqin, Tiemei Wu, Chao Wang, Huaxin Niu Abstract: Caragana korshinskii is a forage shrub species with high-protein content that has been extensively used to alleviate feed shortages for ruminants in northern China. Herein, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and microbiome composition and the predicted functional characteristics of C. korshinskii silage. C. korshinskii silages were inoculated with and without L. rhamnosus or L. buchneri. After 14 and 56 days of ensiling, the aerobic stability was determined. The results revealed that after 14 and 56 days of ensiling, L. rhamnosus- and L. buchneri-inoculated silage exhibited increased acetic acid and lactic acid contents, whereas the pH and 2,3-butanediol and butyric acid contents were decreased compared with those of the control silage. The control silages that were opened at 14 and 56 d, deteriorated during the aerobic stability test, whereas silages inoculated with L. rhamnosus and L. buchneri did not exhibit any aerobic deterioration. The control silage showed an increased Clostridium and Bacillus abundance, whereas Lactobacillus abundance decreased compared with L. rhamnosus- and L. buchneri-inoculated silages, following the 7 days of aerobic exposure. The fermentation parameters were associated with microbial communities, including Lactobacillus, Pedicoccus, Weissella, Clostridium, and Bacillus. Carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms in the control silage decreased after 7 days of aerobic exposure compared with lactic acid bacteria-inoculated silages. To conclude, next-generation sequencing combined with 16S ribosomal RNA gene-predicted functional analyses might provide new information about the silage quality during fermentation and the aerobic stability. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Geoff Hill, Azita Sayadi, Joseph D. Gendreau, Zachary Tobar, Yanhong Liu, Maurice E. Pitesky, Christopher W. Simmons Abstract: IntroductionNew poultry feed valorization pathways for recovered household food could be enabled by commercially available household devices that dry uneaten food material, arrest spoilage, and preserve nutrient content. However, the nutrient composition, safety, and feed incorporation potential of dried recovered household food (DRHF) is presently unknown.MethodsThirty-eight households spanning 31 states participated in a 4-to-6-week survey to generate and collect food residues that were dried using an in-home device. The DRHF samples were evaluated for chemical composition, digestibility of energy and amino acids, and safety to determine their potential for inclusion in chicken feed.Results and discussionThe DRHF had average levels of 15.9% crude protein, 13.3% crude fat, and 22.6% neutral detergent fiber, and 3.18 kcal/g of nitrogen-adjusted true metabolizable energy (by dry weight). The Windows User-Friendly Feed Formulation 2.1 modeler was used to perform linear programming and develop chicken feed rations for broilers and layers that incorporated DRHF alongside conventional feed ingredients, including corn, soybean meal, dicalcium phosphate, limestone, synthetic amino acids, salt, vitamin premix, and mineral premix. The feed formulation results showed that, on average, DRHF incorporation rates of up to 33 and 37% (by weight) are predicted to avoid any nutrient deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances in the broiler and layer rations, respectively. In the broiler ration, DRHF displaced corn, soybean meal, and limestone to varying degrees, while corn, soybean meal, animal fat, dicalcium phosphate, and limestone were substantially displaced in the layer rations. Addition of vitamin premix was predicted as necessary to facilitate DRHF inclusion in the layer rations. Furthermore, foodborne pathogens, mycotoxins, and heavy metals were either absent or below United States regulatory threshold levels. Measured levels of biogenic amines and fat/oil oxidation were consistent with prior research showing compatibility with chickens. These results can inform future in vivo feeding trials to validate the use of DRHF with varying properties in poultry feed. PubDate: 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z
Authors:Eleonora Sofia Rossi, Valentina C. Materia, Francesco Caracciolo, Emanuele Blasi, Stefano Pascucci Abstract: IntroductionThe European Union has recently prompted a shift toward Ecological Intensification (EI) practices, aiming to harmonize agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. Despite the benefits of EI, its implementation has been limited, as farmers face challenges in business reorganization and supply chain adaptation. This paper investigates the role of contract farming (CF) in promoting the adoption of sustainable practices among Italian wheat producers. Specifically, it analyzes the influence of farmers’ entrepreneurial identity on their engagement in such initiatives.MethodsUsing the case study of Barilla Group’s Carta del Mulino initiative, an innovative contract farming scheme incentivizing sustainable EI practices, the study explores the relationship between entrepreneurial identity and participation in CF schemes supporting EI. Data from a sample of 314 soft wheat farmers in four regions of Northern Italy were collected to examine the role of entrepreneurial identity in the adoption of sustainable practices and participation in CF schemes. To evaluate the research hypotheses, two distinct econometric models were developed.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that farmers with a more developed entrepreneurial identity are more likely to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices and engage in contractual schemes involving EI practices. The study highlights the importance of fostering and supporting farmers’ entrepreneurial identity while increasing their knowledge of alternative agricultural techniques to address the challenges of the agricultural sector. This integration of individual perspectives (entrepreneurial identity) with a systems view (contract farming schemes) offers valuable insights for future research, policy, and practice in agri-food systems sustainability. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Hao Dong, Jichang Han, Yang Zhang, Tianqing Chen, Zenghui Sun, Xiandong Hou, Yu Liu Abstract: IntroductionAgricultural eco-efficiency is an important index to evaluate the agricultural sustainable development and ecological economics, while simultaneously providing a metric for improvements to the rural environment and the stability of agricultural ecosystems.MethodsThis study took Anhui province as a case, and applied unit survey and list analysis methodologies to quantify rural agricultural non-point source pollution (NPS). Input-oriented super-efficient DEA-SBM was used to measure agricultural eco-efficiency in the typical North-South Transition Zone, and evaluated spatial correlations and differences.ResultsThis study showed that NPS was relatively stable, with less than 5% local variation in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) pollutants. The environmental pressure caused by livestock breeding and the use of chemical fertilizers was very substantial, and the differences of rural agricultural NPS in Anhui Province had obvious north-south characteristics. The agricultural eco-efficiency exhibited an “inverted N” trend. Affected by the “Spatial proximity effect” and the “Matthew effect”, it presented spatial agglomeration and positive spatial correlation. The regional differences were significant, and the heterogeneity increased in our study areas. The southern region had the greatest variation, followed by the northern region, with the smallest variation in the central region, although inter-regional differences were consistent.DiscussionThough the rational allocation of resources, coordination between agricultural economic and environmental protection would be realized, and better conditions for the sustainable development of agricultural ecology and the long-term stability of agricultural ecosystem would be created. PubDate: 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z
Authors:Rashmi Yadav, Susama Sudhishri, Manoj Khanna, Khajanchi Lal, Anchal Dass, H. L. Kushwaha, Kalikinkar Bandyopadhyay, Abir Dey, Ajay Kushwah, Ramineni Harsha Nag Abstract: Biogas slurry serves as a useful organic fertilizer due to its substantial nutrient content, and its characterization enables the evaluation of nutrient content and its efficient utilization. This study focuses on the variations in the nutrient content of biogas slurry from different dairy farm systems located near the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) (New Delhi), Daryapur Kalan (New Delhi), and Madanpur (Uttar Pradesh) during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The study reveals significant variations in macronutrient levels, particularly nitrogen (N), which showed variations exceeding 3% and a wider range of almost 6% during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Spatial differences between dairy farms also contributed to the variance, with more than 10% differences observed between IARI and Daryapur Kalan and between IARI and Madanpur. Phosphorus (P) remained stable across seasons with spatial variation, while potassium (K) exhibited a reverse trend. Correlation analysis highlighted strong positive associations between N content and phosphorus (0.959), organic carbon (0.954), pH (0.813), and electrical conductivity (0.806). The findings suggest the use of biogas slurry has a potential to reduce the synthetic fertilizer consumption of N, P, and K by approximately 8.78%, 11.01%, and 14.33%, respectively and using them for further for nutrigation. PubDate: 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z
Authors:Sarah Mayanja, Samuel Edgar Tinyiro, David Martin Ogwal, Godwill Makunde, Abdul Naico, Mariam Nakitto, Reuben Ssali, Maria Andrade Abstract: IntroductionSweetpotato breeders strive to develop varieties that address productivity challenges farmers face in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, adoption of these varieties is low, partly attributed to limited attention to attributes desired by the end-users.MethodsThis study sought to identify the key traits preferred by eight women processors and 426 consumers (180 male, 246 female) in Manhiça, Marracuene and Maputo districts, Mozambique. Processing diagnostics and consumer studies evaluated two local varieties (‘Lilas’, ‘N’santimuni’) and two improved varieties (‘Alisha’, ‘Irene’). Data from processors were analyzed using content analysis and summary statistics. Consumer hedonic data were analyzed using clustering and regression models, while Penalty analysis and Multiple correspondence analysis were performed for the Just-about-right and Check-all-that-apply tests respectively.ResultsProcessors prioritized mealiness, sweet taste, not fibrous, good sweetpotato smell, ease of peeling, easy to cook and good appearance for the boiled root. ‘N’santimuni’ was the most preferred variety for processing. Consumers preferred ‘N’santimuni’ and ‘Lilas’ because of their high dry matter, pleasant sweetpotato smell, firmness in the hand, smoothness when eating and sweet taste. ‘Alisha’ and ‘Irene’ were the most penalized for low scores on sweetness, mealiness, and firmness. Women consumed sweetpotato more frequently than men and had better discernment of sweet taste, homogeneity and colour. Also, youth and more educated consumers disliked improved varieties more than adults and lower income consumers.DiscussionProcessors and consumers strongly indicated their preference and importance of quality attributes such as mealiness, sweet taste, firmness for boiled sweetpotato. However, such traits are rarely included in breeding designs. Breeding programs can thus be enhanced by studies of biophysical and chemical parameters of sweetpotato. This will enable quantification incorporation of these quality attributes. PubDate: 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z
Authors:Elena Horská, Erik Janšto, Peter Šedík Abstract: The rising global phenomenon of sustainable consumption in the food market is progressively influencing a significant number of consumers on a worldwide scale. The main goal of this study was to analyze consumer attitudes toward selected sustainability issues (organic aspects, animal welfare, waste management, etc.) as well as marketing communication in the food market among two generations. Primary data were acquired by implementing an online questionnaire. In total, 950 respondents participated in the survey. The results showed that the iGeneration (iGen; 18–25 years) has a higher tendency than the Silver generation (58–76 years) to support sustainability issues such as recyclable packaging, organic production, and animal welfare, as well as to read the information regarding the product nutrition and composition. The Silver generation is more inclined toward Slovak origin and traditional Slovak dishes, and they consider television and the press as the main source of information. The results provide valuable insights for agrifood companies in developing consumer-driven marketing strategies. The main limitation is related to the application of self-reported measures. Future research may include cross-cultural studies and could be extended by incorporating other sustainable and environmental aspects. PubDate: 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z
Authors:Bo Wang, Shan Xiao, Yanxue Cai, Xuan Chen, Jihui Wang Abstract: IntroductionKefir grains with efficient proteolytic system is an excellent starter culture for the production of bioactive peptides and milk products. This study explores the casein peptides derived from fermented bovine milk by kefir grains using the peptidomics approaches. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of these peptides were also investigated.MethodsAfter fermentation, peptidomics based on the LC-MS/MS was used to investigate the dynamic profile and the structure specificity of generated peptides. The ACE inhibitory activity of peptides was determined by measuring the amount of hippuric acid (HA) by a spectrophotometer at 228 nm.ResultsThe results indicated that the cell envelope proteinases (CEPs) were the PI-/PIII-type. A total of 122 peptides were identified. The β-casein was preferentially hydrolyzed by kefir grains, and the main hydrolysis regions were f57-93, f132-160 and f192-209. The αs1-, and κ-casein were also hydrolyzed by a weaker degree. In the process of fermentation, the accumulated peptides increased with the fermentation time. The fermentation products exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, and this bioactivity remained 63% after simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion in vitro. Additionally, 14 Pro-containing peptides with ACE inhibitory activity were also identified.ConclusionThese results provide new insights and evidence to investigate the bioactive milk peptides generated by kefir grains fermentation, as well as a reference for the development of functional foods. PubDate: 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z
Authors:Jacob Zornu, Saraya Tavornpanich, Edgar Brun, Paul A. M. van Zwieten, Ingrid van de Leemput, Patrick Appenteng, Janet Anchirinah, Kofitsyo S. Cudjoe Abstract: Unusual fish mortalities in aquaculture threaten global food security and carry significant socio-economic burdens. In 2018, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) suffered unusual patterns of mortalities, attributed to disease-causing agents in Lake Volta cage aquaculture. In recent times, disease investigations have shifted from single to consideration of multiple factors to understand the puzzling range of causal risk factors. This study therefore aimed at expanding on tilapia mortality risk factors, while documenting fish health and Lake Volta management practices for sustainable aquaculture. We interviewed relevant aquaculture stakeholders operating on Lake Volta and conducted thematic analysis on their responses to map out mortality risk factors and management practices. The identified risk factors were conceptualized in established models of causation web and Social-Ecological System to explain the practical significance of the findings. The results showed that the risk factors of tilapia mortalities are a combination of pathogens and non-infectious factors mediated by weak law enforcement. The results further suggested mortality reinforcing mechanisms through the horizontal transmission of pathogens, namely, Streptococcus agalactiae and Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus. Moreover, the recognition of weak enforcement as a possible factor reinforcing human activities is a non-infectious route that can be deleterious to fish health. Health management practices comprised phytotherapy, vaccination, heat shock treatment, biological controls, and best husbandry practices. Lake management involves creating a waterfront buffer of 85.34 m, surveillance, and executing the framework guiding aquaculture development on the Lake. The findings are suggestive of complementary quantitative studies that augment the qualitative evidence herein. Such follow up studies can disclose precise mortality risk factors to inform policy directives and effective remedial strategies that can secure fish and lake health. PubDate: 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z
Authors:Oscar Zollman Thomas, Mark Chong, Angela Leung, Tricia Marjorie Fernandez, Shu Tian Ng Abstract: Mounting concern over the negative externalities of industrialized animal agriculture, coupled with falling cost curves of novel food technologies have birthed the field of cellular agriculture: a new category of food technology seeking to reproduce the sensory experiences of animal protein, and promising a cleaner, more ethical way of enjoying animal proteins. This research examines consumer acceptance of precision fermentation (PF) made egg products in Germany, Singapore, and the USA. Using an online survey of 3,006 participants, the study examines demographic and dietary traits that predict willingness to try such products and identifies the reasons why consumers are most attracted to them. The findings suggest that PF made egg products are likely to find a willing market, with a substantial proportion (51–61%) of participants willing to try the product, with vegetarians and vegans displaying the highest enthusiasm. Egg consumption habits and, to a lesser extent, income also predict acceptance. Major reasons for adopting the product were animal welfare in Germany, and health aspects in Singapore and the USA, as well as curiosity in all three countries. Observed differences between the acceptance of PF egg and PF dairy are discussed, as well as comparisons to existing alternative protein (AP) product adoption. PubDate: 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z
Authors:Monika Zurek, Jonathan Wirths, Aniek Hebinck, Scarlett Crawford, Preetmoninder Lidder, P. V. Vara Prasad, Pablo Tittonell, Mario Herrero, Julia Compton Abstract: Investments in research and innovation are critical for transformations toward sustainable agrifood systems and for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. However, the frequent neglect of environmental and social goals by investors remains a major challenge. System-oriented approaches to designing and monitoring innovations can be a promising solution to guide innovations and allow investors to identify those that are more sustainable. This article presents a set of eight ‘Principles for Agrifood Research and Innovation’ developed by an international multi-stakeholder task force including staff of research agencies, funders and impact investors, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and benchmarking organizations. The article explains the rationale for the selection of the principles and describes potential ways forward for their uptake and implementation, building on pilots done by several research and funding organizations. PubDate: 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z
Authors:Bojana Kalenjuk Pivarski, Dragana Tekić, Stefan Šmugović, Aleksandra Novaković, Velibor Ivanović, Marica Petrović, Maja Banjac, Bojan Đerčan, Dragan Tešanović, Miloš Ćirić, Ivana Čabarkapa, Ivana Ćirić, Veljko Šarac, Nikola Maravić Abstract: The research dealt with traditional food products (TFP) observed on the local hospitality-touristic market, from the point of view of 300 restaurant workers employed in managerial positions, as important subjects in preservation of tradition in hospitality and touristic industry of Vojvodina (Republic of Serbia). The research examined the management’s views on TFP, as well as whether there are differences based on the features of the respondents as well as the restaurant facility. In order to obtain data that would provide additional guidelines for acting on the hospitality and tourism market, the procurement and consumption of TFP was also examined. In order to determine set differences the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. In order to establish statistically significant differences between the observed groups, the Dunn’s post hoc test was applied. In the second part of the research, a binary logistic regression model was applied in order to determine which of the observed variables has a significant impact on the respondents’ decision to acquire TFP from their field. The research showed that the level of education and the field of management education significantly influence the attitudes about the offer of TFP in the hospitality and tourism market, as well as the type of restaurant offer and the development of the field of business. PubDate: 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z
Authors:Rupak Goswami, Sonja Brodt, Sangita Patra, Purnabha Dasgupta, Biswanath Mukherjee, Somen Nandi Abstract: Efficient resource utilization in small-scale farms is crucial to achieving farm sustainability through endogenous mechanisms. However, the precise mechanisms to integrate farm resources to achieve farm sustainability are not very clear yet. By capturing the interaction among farm resources as a network phenomenon, we aimed to identify the discrete resource interactions (RIs) associated with higher farm sustainability in different farm types of Indian Sundarbans. First, we assessed the sustainability of 140 integrated farms using a synthesized assessment framework. Then, we considered four network motifs, namely linkage (a one-way link between two resources), reciprocal linkage (a two-way link between two resources), triad (three resources having closed interconnectedness), and the presence of a farm resource at the core of a network. Using RI network data of 140 farms and employing a graph theoretic approach we identified discrete network motifs (i.e., resource interaction) associated with highly sustainable farms in different farm types. We found a predominance of rice, vegetables and pond-based integration and identified 32 linkages, 11 reciprocal linkages, 21 triads, and three resources at the network core that occurred and co-occurred on highly sustainable farms, and thus critical to achieving farm sustainability. Further, multivariate analyses established that the properties of RI networks could explain farm sustainability significantly. We anticipate that sustainability in small-scale farms can be achieved by strategically designing new RIs on the farm. However, there may be limitations to such achievement depending on the nature of RI and the type of farm. PubDate: 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z
Authors:Pankaj Patidar, Manjanagouda S. Sannagoudar, Avijit Ghosh, Amit Kumar Singh, Sukanya Misra, Vanitha Khandibagur, Deepak Ojha, Ryan Casini, Hosam O. Elansary, Amaresh Chandra Abstract: Soil function encompasses numerous functions and services the soil provides and can be measured using physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In any event, research on fertility and biological activity is increasingly being stressed as indices of ecosystem services. Rangeland degradation is one of the world's most widespread land use changes, with serious consequences for soil processes and ecosystem services. The influence of uncontrolled grass cover on soil functioning in semiarid environments is little understood. In the current study, the following seven varieties of grass coverings were studied in a semiarid area of central India: Cenchrus ciliaris (CC), Megathyrsus maximus (MM), Chrysopogon fulvus (CF), Heteropogon contortus (HC), Sehima nervosum (SN), Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ), and Tri-Specific Hybrid (TSH). The carbon accumulation proficiency of TSH, MM, and HC was ~2.23, 2.17, and 2.07 times greater than fallow. The nutrient cycling capacity of grasses was ~1.1 to 1.6 times greater than that of fallow, despite the grasses' depleted macronutrients in the soil. The biological activity under MM and HC was ~1.23 and 1.67 times higher than fallow. Overall soil functionality under TSH and HC was 83 and 25% greater than MM, respectively. These soil functions augment ecosystem services like climate regulation, biomass production, nutrient recycling, water, and airflow. However, more attention should be paid to the management of inputs for greater ecosystem services from this grass cover in semiarid, degraded land. PubDate: 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z
Authors:Georgios Pexas, Bob Doherty, Ilias Kyriazakis Abstract: The feed-food competition for environmental and economic resources raises increasing concerns about the production and supply of protein for the global livestock sector. Risks to food-security and approaching deadlines for global sustainable development, means exploring alternative protein feed ingredients is imperative. This Review discusses the potential for soilless, local and circular protein feed sources to provide solutions for key sustainability and food-security threats to the global livestock sector, through their partial incorporation in future livestock feeds and feeding systems. In doing so, it offers a holistic insight into the potential opportunities, but also risks associated with such alternatives. Through this analysis, a four-point strategic plan is synthesized to facilitate higher-level policy making that may enable implementation of these alternative ingredients at commercial scales, building toward a more sustainable and resilient livestock industry. PubDate: 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z
Authors:Wene Zhang, Aftab Khan, Yu Luo, Tian Qi, Minjuan Zhao Abstract: IntroductionThis study analyzes the influence of risk preference on the forage planting behavior of farmers in the agro-pastoral zone from three aspects-whether or not to plant forage, the scale of forage planting, and the duration of forage planting—and pays attention to the indirect effect of credit on the farmers' forage planting behavior, as well as the heterogeneity of the influence of risk preference on the forage planting behavior of farmers from the perspectives of different farming scales, types of farmers, and differences between generations.MethodsExperimental economics, a two-stage model, is used to analyze this problem.Results and conclusionThe results show that, first, risk preference can significantly promote farmers' forage planting probability, expand forage planting scale, and increase forage planting duration. Specifically, when risk preference increases by one unit, the probability of farmers choosing to plant forage increases by 7.8%, the planting scale increases by 0.205 hm2, and the planting duration increases by 0.519 years. This conclusion remained robust after changing the explanatory variables. Second, risk preference not only directly affects farmers' forage planting behavior but also indirectly affects farmers' forage planting behavior by influencing farmers' participation in credit. Third, heterogeneity analysis shows that risk preference has a significant effect on forage planting behavior among farmers with a medium breeding degree, among pure farmers and concurrent farmers, as well as middle-aged and elderly farmers. PubDate: 2023-09-12T00:00:00Z
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