scholarly journals Productivity in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-69
Author(s):  
Ann Steensland ◽  
Margaret Zeigler
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Agricultural Productivity ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Public Sector Research ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract The Malthusian predictions of the future have not come to pass due largely to innovative agricultural technologies and practices that stimulated significant gains in agricultural productivity. This chapter examines the linkages between innovation, productivity, and sustainability. The definition of agricultural productivity, measured as total factor productivity (TFP), will be explained, as well as the contribution of innovation to global TFP growth and the contribution of TFP to sustainable food and agriculture systems. To illustrate these connections, this chapter highlights innovative technologies and practices used by crop and livestock producers in the United States, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. These cases demonstrate how advanced seed technologies, improvements in soil health and nutrient management, mechanization, and an emphasis on animal health drive productivity growth around the world. Many of these cases feature partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and producers where innovations and new practices are used to increase productivity, incomes, food security, and nutrition. Creating an enabling policy environment is essential for agricultural innovation, productivity, and sustainability; the chapter gives examples of public policies that stimulate such productivity: investing in public sector research and development (R&D), embracing science-based technologies, and establishing smart regulatory environments. The chapter includes a discussion of innovation, productivity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

scholarly journals Healthy and Sustainable Diets and Food Systems: the Key to Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2?

Food Ethics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Fanzo
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Sustainable Diets ◽  
Global Goal ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are considered a unifying global goal setting agenda that every country is meant to achieve. One of those goals, SDG2, promises to ensure food security and nutrition within sustainable food systems. However, achieving that goal is riddled with uncertainty because of the way in which the world currently produces and consumes foods. The global trends of diets and the food systems that produce those diets suggest that they are neither healthy nor sustainable, which has implications for achieving SDG2. This paper characterizes the current state of global diets and food systems, the concept of “healthy and sustainable diets,” and the ethical considerations to achieving healthy and sustainable diets for sustainable development.

The Reporting Entity in Private-Public Accounting Harmonisation. Is Control Enough for the Local Government Consolidated Financial Statements?

2017 ◽  
pp. 5-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Carini ◽  
Laura Rocca ◽  
Claudio Teodori ◽  
Monica Veneziani
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Consolidated Financial Statements ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Accountability ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reporting Entity

The European Commission initiated a discussion on the expediency of using the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), based on the IAS/IFRS, as a common base for harmonizing the public sector accounting systems of the member states. However, literature suggests that accounting is not neutral with respect to the economic, social and political dimensions. In the perspective of evolution of the accounting regulation outlined, balanced between accountability, with the need to represent phenomena for reporting pur-poses, and decisionmaking issues, which concentrates on the quantitative importance of the values, the paper aims to analyse the effects of the application of different criteria for the definition of the reporting entity of the local government consolidated financial statements (CFS). The Italian PCA 4/4, the test of control and the financial accountability approaches are examined. The evidence that emerged from the case studies examined identifies several criticalities in the Italian PCA 4/4 and support the thesis that the financial accountability approach is more effective in providing a complete representation of the public resources entrusted to and managed by the group, whereas the control approach better approximates quantification of the group results in terms of central government surveillance. The analysis highlights the importance of the post implementation review period and the opportunity to contextualize the adoption of the consolidated financial statement in the broader spectrum of the accounting harmonization process, participating in the process of definition of the European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS).

Effect of Integration of Fertilizers and FYM on Productivity and Soil Health of Rainfed Potato

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. YADAV ◽  
A. K. SRIVASTAVA ◽  
T. K. BAG
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Recommended Dose ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Yield Attributes ◽  
Hill Region ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Synthetic Fertilizers

A field trial was conducted during two consecutive summer seasons of2012 and 2013 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, Meghalaya to evaluate the integration of nutrient sources on productivity and soil health under rainfed potato cultivation in north eastern hill region of India. There were six treatments of integrated nutrient management viz., 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers,75% RDF through synthetic fertilizers and 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM, 50% RDF and 50% RDN through FYM, 25% RDF and 75% RDN through FYM, 100% RDN through FYM and control (no application of any sources of nutrients). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Nutrient management practices showed the significant improvement on growth and yield attributes of potato over control plot. Highest productivity of potato tubers (t/ha) was noticed with application of 75% RDF through synthetic fertilizers along with 25% RDN through FYM. Similarly, the maximum net return was associated with application of 75% RDF and 25% RDN through FYM under investigation. Application of 75% Recommended dose of nutrients through synthetic fertilizers in combination with 25% Recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM was more profitable for sustainable production of potato in the north eastern hill region of India.

scholarly journals Sustainable AI: AI for sustainability and the sustainability of AI

AI and Ethics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee van Wynsberghe
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Ecological Integrity ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Computing Power ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sociotechnical System ◽  
Societal Values ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractWhile there is a growing effort towards AI for Sustainability (e.g. towards the sustainable development goals) it is time to move beyond that and to address the sustainability of developing and using AI systems. In this paper I propose a definition of Sustainable AI; Sustainable AI is a movement to foster change in the entire lifecycle of AI products (i.e. idea generation, training, re-tuning, implementation, governance) towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. As such, Sustainable AI is focused on more than AI applications; rather, it addresses the whole sociotechnical system of AI. I have suggested here that Sustainable AI is not about how to sustain the development of AI per say but it is about how to develop AI that is compatible with sustaining environmental resources for current and future generations; economic models for societies; and societal values that are fundamental to a given society. I have articulated that the phrase Sustainable AI be understood as having two branches; AI for sustainability and sustainability of AI (e.g. reduction of carbon emissions and computing power). I propose that Sustainable AI take sustainable development at the core of its definition with three accompanying tensions between AI innovation and equitable resource distribution; inter and intra-generational justice; and, between environment, society, and economy. This paper is not meant to engage with each of the three pillars of sustainability (i.e. social, economic, environment), and as such the pillars of sustainable AI. Rather, this paper is meant to inspire the reader, the policy maker, the AI ethicist, the AI developer to connect with the environment—to remember that there are environmental costs to AI. Further, to direct funding towards sustainable methods of AI.

scholarly journals Inclusive Higher Education and the Built Environment. A Research and Teaching Agenda for Gender Mainstreaming in Architecture Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2565 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Parra-Martínez ◽  
María-Elia Gutiérrez-Mozo ◽  
Ana Gilsanz-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
University Education ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Gender Perspective ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Mutual Care ◽  
Effective Transfer

As one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, gender equality is a necessary foundation for a peaceful and sustainable world. The integration of the frameworks of analysis and action provided by gender perspective into the design, development and assessment of any program related to university education, research and management is essential to the fulfillment of both quality higher education and an effective transfer of knowledge and values to society. Starting from a standpoint of commitment to this progressive outlook, this essay focuses on the specific case of the University of Alicante, Spain, and on its Architecture studies. It seeks to underline the achievements of this institution in the fostering of a critical spirit and the empathy of its students by way of the implementation of gender perspective as a tool for the conception of complex, diverse and integrating projects, aligned to the objective of mutual care between people and the environment. This is crucial for the co-education of future generations of architects, who will play a central role in the definition of new practices and policies related to space and materials, which favor a more sustainable, inclusive and caring scenario for both humans and non-humans.

scholarly journals Exploring Sustainable Food Choices Factors and Purchasing Behavior in the Sustainable Development Goals Era in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7397
Author(s):  
Isabel Blanco-Penedo ◽  
Javier García-Gudiño ◽  
Elena Angón ◽  
José Manuel Perea ◽  
Alfredo J. Escribano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
And Gender

The aim of the present study was (1) to investigate what consumers include within the concept of food sustainability and its link with sustainable consumption, by identifying meaningful consumer typologies from the concept of food sustainability and food choice factors framed by SDG 12, and (2) to know how different farm systems attributes affecting purchase behavior are associated with such typologies. Consumers from two Spanish regions (n = 403) answered a paper questionnaire to know their degree of knowledge of sustainability, and beliefs, behavior, attitudes and preferences towards food sustainability, and the importance given to product characteristics and shopping practices. A principal component analysis was conducted to identify groups with similar answers, to average some of the questions before the final analysis of variance, which includes demographic classes as fixed effects. A cluster analysis using the most representative questions identified two clusters. cluster 1 (68.4%) responded to more sustainability-related attributes, and cluster 2 (31.5%) presented a less-expanded concept of sustainability. The origin of the product and quality certification (local, organic) was important for food purchase practices. The place of residence and gender differences of the consumers were the most influential factors. In the conjoint study, regarding the purchase of Iberian pork, cluster 1 remained unwilling to sacrifice outdoor systems and local breed at the expense of the price, in the case of the Iberian pig production. The most important demographic differentiator was the region of residence of the consumer. In conclusion, consumers are not aware of the wider aspects included in the sustainability concept. Moreover, the concept of sustainability elicits different meanings to the segments of the consumers identified.

scholarly journals Urban Organic Waste for Urban Farming: Growing Lettuce Using Vermicompost and Thermophilic Compost

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1175
Author(s):  
Corinna Schröder ◽  
Franziska Häfner ◽  
Oliver Christopher Larsen ◽  
Ariane Krause
Keyword(s):  
Organic Waste ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Nutrient Recycling ◽  
Mineral Fertilization ◽  
Urban Waste ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Fertilizer Value ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Lettuce Growth ◽  
Lettuce Yield

A transformation towards sustainable food production requires improved circular nutrient management. Urban organic waste contains relevant nutrients and organic matter, yet only 4% of global urban nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sources are presently recycled. One recycling approach is the composting of urban wastes for urban horticulture. We characterized compost from various urban waste fractions and assessed their fertilizer value in a pot trial with lettuce plants. Seven treatments were investigated: food waste vermicompost with coir and paperboard bedding material, thermophilic compost from green waste and human feces, two references with mineral fertilization and a sand control. The lettuce yield and total uptake of P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were highest in plants grown in coir-based vermicompost. The fecal compost led to the highest shoot P and K content, but the shoot uptake of Ca and Mg were lower than in the other treatments. All composts required additional N for lettuce growth. In conclusion, urban waste-derived vermicompost and fecal compost demonstrate a high delivery rate of plant-available Ca, Mg, P, and K. Research is needed on macronutrient availability and alternative N sources for the substitution of synthetic fertilization. These findings support the production of urban waste composts, furthering efforts in nutrient recycling.

scholarly journals A register of public-sector research organizations as a tool for research policy studies and evaluation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedetto Lepori
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Management ◽  
New Public Management ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Policy Studies ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
New Public ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Public Sector Research

Abstract This article presents the conceptual and methodological design of a register of public-sector organizations, as well as a preliminary delineation of such organizations in Europe. Conceptual and methodological issues are discussed, as well as the potential usage of the register for interlining datasets and analysis. The significance of the register for research policy and evaluation studies is also discussed, as related with changes associated with New Public Management reforms.

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