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.
This collection reviews current research on optimising substrates for soilless cultivation and assesses recent advances in technologies, such as fertigation systems and process control. Case studies on a range of horticultural crops feature throughout as a means of depicting examples of practical application.
Within the international agri-food community at least four theoretical targets are attracting increasing attention. They are: (1) the established notions of networks and commodity chains that are being revisited by way of critical engagement informed by the insights of in-depth empirical work, (2) the metrics of calculation and institutional embedding that underpin the rise and functionality of governance technologies, (3) the place of regional networking in creating conditions that make possible agri-food producer participation in local provisioning and supply, and (4) the geo-historical dimensions of interconnection and interdependency in the agri-food sphere. This volume brings together an interdisciplinary team of anthropologists, economists, business and management academics and geographers to examine a wide range of case studies illustrating various agri-food commodity chains and networks around the world and to discuss how they link globally.
This book publishes the best papers accepted and presented at the 3rd edition of the International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Development Applied to Agriculture, Energy, Health, Environment, Industry, Education, Economy, and Security (AI2SD’2020). This conference is one of the biggest amalgamations of eminent researchers, students, and delegates from both academia and industry where the collaborators have an interactive access to emerging technology and approaches globally. In this book, readers find the latest ideas addressing technological issues relevant to all areas of the social and human sciences for sustainable development. Due to the nature of the conference with its focus on innovative ideas and developments, the book provides the ideal scientific and brings together very high-quality chapters written by eminent researchers from different disciplines, to discover the most recent developments in scientific research.
Growing for 100 - the complete year-round guide for the small-scale market grower. Across North America, an agricultural renaissance is unfolding. A growing number of market gardeners are emerging to feed our appetite for organic, regional produce. But most of the available resources on food production are aimed at the backyard or hobby gardener who wants to supplement their family's diet with a few homegrown fruits and vegetables. Targeted at serious growers in every climate zone, Sustainable Market Farming is a comprehensive manual for small-scale farmers raising organic crops sustainably on a few acres. Informed by the author's extensive experience growing a wide variety of fresh, organic vegetables and fruit to feed the approximately one hundred members of Twin Oaks Community in central Virginia, this practical guide provides: Detailed profiles of a full range of crops, addressing sowing, cultivation, rotation, succession, common pests and diseases, and harvest and storage Information about new, efficient techniques, season extension, and disease resistant varieties Farm-specific business skills to help ensure a successful, profitable enterprise Whether you are a beginning market grower or an established enterprise seeking to improve your skills, Sustainable Market Farming is an invaluable resource and a timely book for the maturing local agriculture movement.
Rural Development Rural development refers to the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. It involves initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, social services, and overall living standards in rural communities. Here are key aspects and objectives of rural development: Objectives of Rural Development: Poverty Alleviation: Rural development aims to reduce poverty by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing income levels, and improving access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing rural infrastructure is crucial for connectivity, transportation, communication, and access to markets. This includes roads, bridges, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications. Agricultural Development: Improving agricultural productivity and efficiency through modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, access to credit, market linkages, and agricultural extension services. Employment Generation: Promoting non-agricultural employment opportunities through rural industries, small-scale enterprises, skill development programs, and microfinance initiatives to reduce dependency on agriculture. Social Inclusion and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities for marginalized groups, including women, youth, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities. Environmental Sustainability: Promoting sustainable natural resource management practices, conservation of biodiversity, and resilience to climate change impacts in rural areas. Health and Education: Improving access to healthcare facilities, sanitation, nutrition, and quality education to enhance human capital and well-being in rural communities. Strategies for Rural Development: Integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP): Holistic approaches that combine infrastructure development with social and economic initiatives to address multi-dimensional aspects of rural poverty. Decentralized Governance and Participatory Approaches: Empowering local communities through participatory decision-making processes, decentralized governance structures, and capacity-building initiatives. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborative efforts involving government, private sector, NGOs, and community organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and innovation for rural development projects. Technology and Innovation: Harnessing technology, digital solutions, and innovation to enhance agricultural productivity, access to information, e-governance services, and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Skill Development and Capacity Building: Promoting vocational training, skill development programs, and entrepreneurship education to empower rural youth and enhance employability. Financial Inclusion and Rural Finance: Expanding access to financial services, credit facilities, insurance, and savings mechanisms to support rural enterprises, farmers, and small businesses. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of rural development programs, ensure accountability, and inform evidence-based policy decisions. Challenges in Rural Development: Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road connectivity, inadequate power supply, and limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Income Disparities: Persistent poverty and income inequalities between rural and urban areas, exacerbating migration and social exclusion. Natural Resource Management: Environmental degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Social Issues: Gender disparities, lack of access to healthcare and education, child labor, and social exclusion of marginalized groups. Policy Implementation Gaps: Inefficient governance structures, bureaucratic delays, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders impacting program effectiveness and outcomes. Conclusion: Rural development is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, reducing regional disparities, and enhancing the overall quality of life in rural communities. It requires comprehensive strategies, targeted interventions, and multi-sectoral partnerships to address socio-economic challenges and unlock the potential of rural areas as engines of economic development. Effective rural development policies should prioritize inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, social equity, and empowerment of rural populations to create resilient and thriving rural communities.
Bringing together articles by leading researchers, this book takes a fresh look at understanding the dynamics of the organic agricultural sector in Europe, Australia, South America and the US. The authors draw theory from a range of social sciences to demonstrate that the complexity of organic agriculture is closely connected to nature, society and economy. The book depicts organic agriculture as an engine of growth for the organic sector and examines the important roles played by producers, and other parts of the supply chain such as consumers and certification standards.
Sustainability is defined as the use of natural resources without risking their exploitation by future generations. Agriculture can only be considered as sustainable if it includes a suitable system of plant genetic resources conservation. In this book, the modern concepts of agricultural sustainability and the economics of agricultural sustainability are discussed. A new framework for analysis and improvement of the governance of agrarian sustainability is presented. In addition, specific modes for environmental governance in Bulgarian agriculture are identified and the efficiency of market, private and public modes are assessed. Furthermore, the regulation measures through nutrient solution regulation and environmental control on nitrate accumulation in vegetables are summarised, highlighting the control strategy. Arguments for and against government strategies to promote large-scale agricultural units in emerging economies are also analysed and an economic theory that models agricultural supply in emerging economies is presented. Other chapters in this book describe the role of fluorescent pseudomonads in soil fertility, biodegradation of agricultural pollutants, plant growth-promotion, biocontrol of weeds, phytopathogens and nematodes. Information about the global relevance of China's and Australia's cotton industries are also given, and the structure and other significant features of their cotton industries are compared. The main characteristics and importance of plant growth-promoting bacteria in sustainable agriculture in tropical agriculture are looked at as well. Developing alternative ways to control plant disease, with good agronomic and horticultural practices is becoming the focus of many researchers. This book also includes information on ways to control plant diseases in order to maintain the quality and abundance of food produced by growers around the world.
Greenhouse horticulture is one of the most intensive agricultural systems, focusing on the production of high-value products. This book presents current research findings that cover a wide range of new technologies and novel agricultural practices, which are preconditions for successful production in a very competitive global environment.
Indian Economy on The Eve of Independence On the eve of India's independence in 1947, the Indian economy was predominantly agrarian, with agriculture contributing a significant portion to the national income and employing most of the population. However, it was also characterized by a complex mix of colonial exploitation, poverty, and limited industrialization. Key Features of the Indian Economy Before Independence: Agriculture Dominance: Agriculture was the backbone of the economy, employing about 70-80% of the workforce. Landholdings were generally small, and farmers faced various challenges such as tenancy issues, lack of credit, and dependence on monsoons. Colonial Legacy: The British colonial rule had left a deep imprint on India's economy, with policies often designed to benefit British interests. Industries were concentrated in a few urban centres, mainly for processing raw materials for export. Limited Industrialization: India had a nascent industrial sector, mostly comprising small-scale industries and cottage industries. Major industries like textiles, jute, and steel were in existence but were largely underdeveloped compared to their potential. Trade and Commerce: India's trade was dominated by British interests, with raw materials being exported to Britain and finished goods imported back into India. Infrastructure such as railways and ports primarily served the purpose of facilitating colonial trade. Infrastructure: The infrastructure was inadequate and unequally developed across regions. Railways, though extensive, were largely geared towards transporting raw materials for export rather than promoting industrial growth. Poverty and Social Issues: Poverty was widespread, with a large population living below the poverty line. Social issues such as caste-based discrimination and limited access to education and healthcare persisted. Political Unrest: The economy was affected by political movements and unrest against British rule, which often disrupted economic activities. Challenges on the Eve of Independence: Economic Dependence: India was economically dependent on Britain, both in terms of trade and technology. Infrastructure Deficit: Limited infrastructure development hindered economic growth. Social Issues: Poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality posed significant challenges. Industrial Backwardness: The industrial sector was underdeveloped, leading to limited job opportunities outside agriculture. In summary, the Indian economy on the eve of independence was characterized by its agrarian base, colonial exploitation, limited industrialization, and significant social and economic challenges. The period following independence would witness efforts to address these issues through economic planning, industrialization policies, and social reforms aimed at transforming India into a modern nation.
