Subsistence ecology and carrying capacity in two Papua New Guinea populations

1994 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryutaro Ohtsuka

SummaryThis article examines the mechanisms of subsistence adaptation of two Papua New Guinea populations, the Metroxylon sago-depending lowland Gidra and the taro-monoculture Mountain Ok, surviving in low population densities of 0·5 and 1·4 persons per km2. Observation of the groups' land use systems strongly suggests that their population densities have not been far below the carrying capacity, although the territory of each population is markedly heterogeneous. Both groups have maintained their sustainable food production not only for resource management but also for survival at a population level, either expanding their territory or changing the sustainable level in tandem with changes of subsistence system.

Soil Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
John Walker Recha ◽  
Kennedy O. Olale ◽  
Andrew Sila ◽  
Gebermedihin Ambaw ◽  
Maren Radeny ◽  
...  

A novel total ensemble (TE) algorithm was developed and compared with random forest optimization (RFO), gradient boosted machines (GBM), partial least squares (PLS), Cubist and Bayesian additive regression tree (BART) algorithms to predict numerous soil health indicators in soils with diverse climate-smart land uses at different soil depths. The study investigated how land-use practices affect several soil health indicators. Good predictions using the ensemble method were obtained for total carbon (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.39; RPIQ = 1.36 and RPD = 1.51), total nitrogen (R2 = 0.82; RMSE = 0.03; RPIQ = 2.00 and RPD = 1.60), and exchangeable bases, m3. Cu, m3. Fe, m3. B, m3. Mn, exchangeable Na, Ca (R2 > 0.70). The performances of algorithms were in order of TE > Cubist > BART > PLS > GBM > RFO. Soil properties differed significantly among land uses and between soil depths. In Kenya, however, soil pH was not significant, except at depths of 45–100 cm, while the Fe levels in Tanzanian grassland were significantly high at all depths. Ugandan agroforestry had a substantially high concentration of ExCa at 0–15 cm. The total ensemble method showed better predictions as compared to other algorithms. Climate-smart land-use practices to preserve soil quality can be adopted for sustainable food production systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. eabc8259
Author(s):  
Izabela Delabre ◽  
Lily O. Rodriguez ◽  
Joanna Miller Smallwood ◽  
Jörn P. W. Scharlemann ◽  
Joseph Alcamo ◽  
...  

Current food production and consumption trends are inconsistent with the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature. Here, we examine how, and under what conditions, the post-2020 biodiversity framework can support transformative change in food systems. Our analysis of actions proposed in four science-policy fora reveals that subsidy reform, valuation, food waste reduction, sustainability standards, life cycle assessments, sustainable diets, mainstreaming biodiversity, and strengthening governance can support more sustainable food production and consumption. By considering barriers and opportunities of implementing these actions in Peru and the United Kingdom, we derive potential targets and indicators for the post-2020 biodiversity framework. For targets to support transformation, genuine political commitment, accountability and compliance, and wider enabling conditions and actions by diverse agents are needed to shift food systems onto a sustainable path.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Gandarilla ◽  
Giovanni A Carosso ◽  
Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji

Sustainable food production in developing countries is challenging, as it requires balancing scalability with respect for local culture and traditions. Bolivia represents a particularly interesting example; with over 36 recognized indigenous groups encompassing over 70% of the country’s population in a relatively small territory, Bolivia is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world (Ferreira et al., 2019). Agriculture in Bolivia employs over 5% of the country’s population and represents over 14% of its GDP. Yet, the introduction of new agribusiness approaches has often been met with resistance by the local communities. For example, the use of transgenic seeds in Bolivia is forbidden by law, with a single exception in soybean production (Avila and Izquierdo, 2006). As result, Bolivia is at a disadvantage in relation to its neighbors in agricultural production. In addition, high costs of transport and export of produce due to the landlocked nature of the country, compounded by logistic difficulties of exporting through a third country, highlight the need of policies that facilitate a larger and more efficient food production.


1995 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Powell

There is growing interest in local organic food nowadays, prompted by concerns about health, care of the environment and excessive transportation and packaging of produce. But conventional marketing systems are not really able to cater for such demands, because they operate on too large a scale. In recent years a solution to the problem has appeared: direct links between growers and consumers, within the same local area. Some of these are growing rapidly, opening up exciting possibilities for the development of sustainable food production and marketing, and for building new links between cities and the countryside.


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