Conservation agriculture in Africa: climate smart agricultural development

Scientific Evidence ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Conventional Farming ◽

The Public ◽

First Time ◽

Building Policy ◽

Agenda 2063

Abstract This book is about Conservation Agriculture (the use of no tillage systems) to preserve soil structure and integrity. It has become an increasingly important step towards sustainable farming. This publication brings together conservation agriculture and climate smart decision making processes for the first time, focusing on Africa. This book brings to the fore scientific and empirical evidence about Conservation Agriculture in Africa, articulated by the Second Africa Congress on Conservation Agriculture (2ACCA) held in Johannesburg in 2018. It describes how farmers in Africa are successfully adopting Conservation Agriculture as an alternative to the unsustainable conventional farming practices and as a solution to loss of agricultural productivity, soil erosion and land degradation, climate change challenges and ever-increasing food insecurity. This work discusses how Conservation Agriculture can support the implementation of the African Union's Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063 which calls for climate smart agricultural development. It provides development-oriented case studies and scientific evidence relevant to all stakeholders in the public, private and civil sectors who are engaged in building policy, institutional and human capacity to accelerate the mainstreaming of Conservation Agriculture across Africa.

Linhas Orientadoras para Pensar, Desenvolver e Implementar a Comunicação em Saúde em Portugal

Acta Médica Portuguesa ◽

10.20344/amp.15770 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (10) ◽

pp. 698

Author(s):

Débora Miranda ◽

Isa Galhordas Alves ◽

Marta Salavisa

Keyword(s):

Health Communication ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Critical Mass ◽

Management Support ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Public ◽

Material Resources ◽

Health Institutions ◽

Socioeconomic Consequences

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has laid out and deepened several weaknesses of health systems, some of which have already been identified by international organizations, such as the lack of human and material resources or civil society’s insufficient involvement in decision-making processes. As the pandemic’s socioeconomic consequences worsen and pandemic fatigue settles in, another frailty is unveiled to the public and media space: the lack of a critical mass of health communicators, which has direct consequences on how the pandemic is managed. Communicating in such a context of crisis and uncertainty requires identifying what are the important facts to communicate to different population segments, clarifying myths and fake information, responding to ongoing uncertainties, listening to and involving stakeholders, developing and testing messages, and monitoring and evaluating implemented strategies. The use of communication as a management support strategy allows organizations to build confidence and reputation, manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and prepare for future uncertainties, which are crucial competencies in managing a health crisis. Given the lack of scientific evidence about health communication practiced in Portugal, a significant part of the analysis and diagnosis is based on the authors’ empirical knowledge, obtained through professional experience in communications at several health institutions. At the end of the article, the authors propose guiding principles to think through, develop and implement health communication in Portugal, particularly during a health crisis, supported by a culture of leadership, collaboration, and confidence.

Mainstreaming of the conservation agriculture paradigm in Africa.

10.1079/9781789245745.0004 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 85-100

Author(s):

Amir Kassam ◽

Saidi Mkomwa

Keyword(s):

Full Range ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Core Component ◽

The Future ◽

Smart Agriculture ◽

Agenda 2063

Abstract This chapter provides a justification for mainstreaming Conservation Agriculture (CA) in Africa. It describes the rationale for total transformation of agriculture that is needed in the future. Mainstreaming CA requires not only nation-wide adoption of the new paradigm of agriculture but also the necessary policy and institutional alignment to ensure that CA maintains its quality and full range of benefits to the farmers and to society. CA is a core component of climate smart agriculture and has been endorsed by the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063 for agricultural development. Thus, it is essential that everything possible is done by all stakeholders to support the implementation of Agenda 2063 with CA at its core. The chapter elaborates five major areas of change that are necessary to create the appropriate conditions for mainstreaming CA in Africa.

Advanced Topics in Global Information Management, Volume 2 - Advances in Global Information Management ◽

The IS/IT Outsourcing Phenomenon in the Public Sector of a Developing Country

10.4018/978-1-59140-064-6.ch010 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 173-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Abdulwahed Moh. Khalfan ◽

Tom G. Gough

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Developing Country ◽

Strategic Change ◽

It Outsourcing ◽

Primary Data ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The Public ◽

Post Evaluation ◽

This chapter presents an overview of a national case study exploring the IS/IT outsourcing phenomenon in the public sector of a developing country. The study is empirically based and provides a logical extension to earlier research studies/endeavors in the field of IS/IT outsourcing. Kuwait, where the data collection for this study was carried out, has been used as an example of a developing country . The primary data on IS/IT outsourcing practices, obtained for the first time in Kuwait, were collected by means of survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews supported by organizational documentation. The research seeks to identify the factors that give rise to the IS/IT outsourcing phenomenon, and the degree to which they influence the practices, procedures, and outcomes of IS/IT outsourcing arrangements in Kuwait. The overall research aimed to provide a comprehensive pragmatic picture of IS/IT outsourcing practices, including motivations, risk analysis, contract drafting and legal issues, vendor selection criteria, evaluation practices, decision-making processes, and post-evaluation experience. There is growing evidence within the Kuwaiti environment to suggest that public organizations are not achieving the desired benefits from their IS/IT outsourcing operations. IS/IT outsourcing projects in Kuwait are still undertaken in ways that are not clearly related to strategic change. It is clear that IS/IT outsourcing is a multi-faceted phenomenon that should be studied broadly in context. The lesson is that the solutions must make sense for the particular context in which they will be implemented, considering all cultural and environmental factors. It was found that culture plays an important role throughout the outsourcing process. The findings of this study also suggest that there will be an increasing utilisation of IT outsourcing services in the public sector of Kuwait.

Homeopathy and complementary medicine in Tuscany, Italy: integration in the public health system

Homeopathy ◽

10.1016/j.homp.2008.02.005 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 97 (02) ◽

pp. 70-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Elio Rossi ◽

Sonia Baccetti ◽

Fabio Firenzuoli ◽

Katia Belvedere

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Complementary Medicine ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Health Plans ◽

Regional Health ◽

Complementary Medicines ◽

The Public ◽

The healthcare programmes of the Region of Tuscany, Italy have contained references to various types of non-conventional medicine since 1996, and the last three Regional Health Plans have includes a chapter on non-conventional medicine that arguably represent the greatest degree of integration of such therapies in the public health care system achieved thus far in Italy. The Plan aims to guarantee definitive integration in the Regional Health Service of types of non-conventional medicine which are supported by a sufficient level of scientific evidence to allow them to be defined as forms of complementary medicine (acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy and manual medicine). Moreover, in 2007 the Regional council of Tuscany, for the first time in Italy, approved a regional law disciplining the pratice of complementary medicines on the part of doctors, dentists, Veterinarians and pharmacists.

Application of the watershed sustainability index in the Piranhas-Açu watershed

Water Policy ◽

10.2166/wp.2020.011 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 622-640

Author(s):

D. D. Costa e Silva ◽

H. M. L. Chaves ◽

W. F. Curi ◽

J. G. V. Baracuhy ◽

T. P. S. Cunha

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Water Resources ◽

Public Participation ◽

Analysis Method ◽

Resources Management ◽

The Public ◽

Sustainability Index ◽

Semi Arid Region ◽

Brazilian Northeast

Abstract The current worldwide water resources issue is one of the crucial matters to overcome obstacles to sustainable development. This problem, formerly tackled in a sectored manner, is now pointing towards an analysis directed to treating the watershed as a management unit, with regards to all dimensions of knowledge and, especially, to the public participation in the decision-making processes. As an alternative to measure its performance, it has been sought out to develop indexes aimed to measure its sustainability, but there is still a lack of the use of composed efficient methodologies that also enable public participation in decision-making. This research presents a methodology comprising 15 indexes for the calculation of the Watershed Sustainability Index (WSI), followed by the application of the PROMETHEE multi-criteria analysis method and the COPELAND multi-decision-maker method. The methodology was applied to evaluate the performance of subwatersheds of the Piranhas-Açu watershed, located in the Brazilian northeast semi-arid region. The performance ordering, obtained through the application of the methods, emphasizes that subwatersheds' performances are uneven. It can be noticed that the subwatersheds' performances are still far from ideal in relation to water resources management, even in the ones that displayed satisfactory index levels.

Social-ecological analysis of timely rice planting in Eastern India

Agronomy for Sustainable Development ◽

10.1007/s13593-021-00668-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Anton Urfels ◽

Andrew J. McDonald ◽

Gerardo van Halsema ◽

Paul C. Struik ◽

Pankaj Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wildlife Conservation ◽

Geographic Region ◽

Critical Threshold ◽

Enabling Factors ◽

Gangetic Plains ◽

Land Type ◽

Groundwater Availability ◽

Agricultural Input ◽

AbstractTimely crop planting is a foundation for climate-resilient rice-wheat systems of the Eastern Gangetic Plains—a global food insecurity and poverty hotspot. We hypothesize that the capacity of individual farmers to plant on time varies considerably, shaped by multifaceted enabling factors and constraints that are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, two complementary datasets were used to characterize drivers and decision processes that govern the timing of rice planting in this region. The first dataset was a large agricultural management survey (rice-wheat: n = 15,245; of which rice: n = 7597) from a broad geographic region that was analyzed by machine learning methods. The second dataset was a discussion-based survey (n = 112) from a more limited geography that we analyzed with graph theory tools to elicit nuanced information on planting decisions. By combining insights from these methods, we show for the first time that differences in rice planting times are primarily shaped by ecosystem and climate factors while social factors play a prominent secondary role. Monsoon onset, surface and groundwater availability, and land type determine village-scale mean planting times whereas, for resource-constrained farmers who tend to plant later ceteris paribus, planting is further influenced by access to farm machinery, seed, fertilizer, and labor. Also, a critical threshold for economically efficient pumping appears at a groundwater depth of around 4.5 m; below this depth, farmers do not irrigate and delay planting. Without collective action to spread risk through synchronous timely planting, ecosystem factors such as threats posed by pests and wild animals may further deter early planting by individual farmers. Accordingly, we propose a three-pronged strategy that combines targeted strengthening of agricultural input chains, agroadvisory development, and coordinated rice planting and wildlife conservation to support climate-resilient agricultural development in the Eastern Gangetic Plains.

Pioneer Legislation on Second Order of Sexual Harassment: Sociolegal Innovation in Addressing Sexual Harassment

Sexuality Research and Social Policy ◽

10.1007/s13178-021-00571-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Vidu ◽

Gema Tomás ◽

Ramon Flecha

Keyword(s):

Sexual Harassment ◽

Women's Studies ◽

Legal System ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Second Order ◽

Bystander Intervention ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Women’S Studies ◽

Key Innovation ◽

Abstract Backgroud Countless efforts to combat sexual harassment have been proposed, and for the first time in history, the second order of sexual harassment (SOSH) has been legislated under the term second-order violence (SOV) by a unanimous vote of the Catalan Parliament. Advances in preventing and responding to sexual harassment contribute to highlighting the intervention as being crucial to supporting survivors against retaliation. A lack of support provides a general explanation on why bystanders tend not to intervene and highlights the reality that reprisals are suffered by those who support victims. Methods From the existing knowledge about sexual harassment prevention and response mechanisms, this paper analyzes scientific evidence through a review of the literature published in databases, as well as legislation, reports, and other materials. Results The context that enables SOV legislation is grounded in three realms: (1) bystander intervention and protection, (2) the role of support networks in protecting survivors, and (3) awareness and legislation of SOSH. An active bystander refers to the involvement of someone who is aware of potential sexual harassment situations. Conclusions The lack of legislation against SOSH limits bystander intervention and support; therefore, legislating protection for supporters has become urgent and necessary. Legislating SOSH has great social implications because gender equality cannot be fully achieved if bystander protection is not legally considered. Policy Implications: As no legal system has previously contemplated SOSH, its pioneering parliamentarian approval and establishment by Catalan law constitute a legal key innovation for the field of gender and women’s studies. In fact, evidence reported here are important in developing further regulations and policy. Policy Implications As no legal system has previously contemplated SOSH, its pioneering parliamentarian approval and establishment by Catalan law constitute a legal key innovation for the field of gender and women’s studies. In fact, evidence reported here are important in developing further regulations and policy.

A Threat of Farmers’ Suicide and the Opportunity in Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Development in India

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11082400 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2400 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Karthikeyan Mariappan ◽

Deyi Zhou

Keyword(s):

Organic Farming ◽

Tamil Nadu ◽

Small Scale ◽

Conventional Farming ◽

Wide Range ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Small Scale Farmers ◽

The Cost ◽

Input Cost

Agriculture is the main sources of income for humans. Likewise, agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. In India, Tamil Nadu regional state has a wide range of possibilities to produce all varieties of organic products due to its diverse agro-climatic condition. This research aimed to identify the economics and efficiency of organic farming, and the possibilities to reduce farmers’ suicides in the Tamil Nadu region through the organic agriculture concept. The emphasis was on farmers, producers, researchers, and marketers entering the sustainable economy through organic farming by reducing input cost and high profit in cultivation. A survey was conducted to gather data. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been used to test the hypothesis regards the cost and profit of rice production. The results showed that there was a significant difference in profitability between organic and conventional farming methods. It is very transparent that organic farming is the leading concept of sustainable agricultural development with better organic manures that can improve soil fertility, better yield, less input cost and better return than conventional farming. The study suggests that by reducing the cost of cultivation and get a marginal return through organic farming method to poor and small scale farmers will reduce socio-economic problems such as farmers’ suicides in the future of Indian agriculture.

The problems of increasing transparency on uncertainty

Public Understanding of Science ◽

10.1177/0963662517711058 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 131-138 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Magda Osman ◽

Amanda J. Heath ◽

Ragnar Löfstedt

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Disease Prevention ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

European Medicines Agency ◽

Scientific Process ◽

The Public ◽

And Control ◽

Current Guidelines ◽

Practical Implications

Public regulators (such as European Food Safety Authority, European Medicines Agency, and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) are placing increasing demands on scientists to make uncertainties about their evidence transparent to the public. The stated goal is utilitarian, to inform and empower the public and ensure the accountability of policy and decision-making around the use of scientific evidence. However, it is questionable what constitutes uncertainty around the evidence on any given topic, and, while the goal is laudable, we argue the drive to increase transparency on uncertainty of the scientific process specifically does more harm than good, and may not serve the interests of those intended. While highlighting some of the practical implications of making uncertainties transparent using current guidelines, the aim is to discuss what could be done to make it worthwhile for both public and scientists.

A critical review and re-assessment of theories of smallholder decision-making: a case of conservation agriculture households, Zambia

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170513000148 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 277-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Bridget Bwalya Umar

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Economic Development ◽

Potential Role ◽

New Technologies ◽

Rural Livelihoods ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Economic Incentives ◽

Uncertain Environments

AbstractDifferent theories have been posited that try to explain the decision-making process of smallholders especially regarding the adoption of new technologies or new agricultural techniques. The objective of this paper is to review and re-assess the dominant household production theories to explain the decision making of smallholders practicing conservation agriculture (CA) in the southern, eastern, and central provinces of Zambia. It also discusses the potential role of CA toward economic development. It finds that the CA smallholders studied did not aim to maximize profits but tried to secure household consumption from their own production before any other considerations in risky and uncertain environments. Their response to economic incentives was contingent on minimizing risks associated with securing a minimum level of livelihood and investing into local forms of insurance. This paper concludes that the ability for CA to contribute to rural livelihoods and economic development would depend on how adequately the factors that hinder smallholder agricultural development in general are addressed.