Agroecological Strategies to Safeguard Insect Pollinators in Biodiversity Hotspots: Chile as a Case Study

Industrial agriculture (IA) has been recognized among the main drivers of biodiversity loss, climate change, and native pollinator decline. Here we summarize the known negative effects of IA on pollinator biodiversity and illustrate these problems by considering the case of Chile, a “world biodiversity hotspot” (WBH) where food exports account for a considerable share of the economy in this country. Most of Chile’s WBH area is currently being replaced by IA at a fast pace, threatening local biodiversity. We present an agroecological strategy for sustainable food production and pollinator conservation in food-producing WBHs. In this we recognize native pollinators as internal inputs that cannot be replaced by IA technological packages and support the development of agroecological and biodiversity restorative practices to protect biodiversity. We suggest four fundamental pillars for food production change based on: (1) sharing the land, restoring and protecting; (2) ecological intensification; (3) localized knowledge, research, and technological development; and (4) territorial planning and implementation of socio-agroecological policies. This approach does not need modification of native pollination services that sustain the world with food and basic subsistence goods, but a paradigm changes where the interdependency of nature and human wellbeing must be recognized for ensuring the world’s food security and sovereignty.

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Agroecological Strategies to Safeguard Insect Pollinators in Biodiversity Hotspots: Chile as a Case Study

10.20944/preprints202105.0162.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Patricia A Henríquez-Piskulich ◽

Constanza Schapheer ◽

Nicolas J Vereecken ◽

Cristian A. Villagra

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Technological Development ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Natural Ecosystem ◽

Biodiversity Hotspots ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Pollination Services ◽

Pollinator Decline ◽

The World

Industrial agriculture (IA) is the predominant model of food production since the Green Revolution in the 1950s. IA has been recognized among the main drivers of biodiversity loss, climate change and native pollinator decline. This is controversial, given that native agricultural pollinators are an important resource biota already contributing to crop yield, especially in areas defined as "world biodiversity hotspots” (WBH). These areas often overlap with agricultural zones hosting a significant proportion of cultivated land, mainly through intensive agricultural practices. Pollinator biodiversity and pollination services in these places are currently under threat due to the negative consequences of IA. The dual role of insects as key players allowing the maintenance of the natural ecosystem, as well as main crop pollinators, is particularly exacerbated and urgently requires conservation actions in WBH and food-producing zones. Here we summarize the known negative effects of IA on pollinator biodiversity and illustrate these problems by considering the case of Chile. Food exports represent a considerable part of the economy in this OECD “developing country” in the “Global South”, and a large part of its surface has been highlighted as a unique WBH. This area is currently being replaced by IA businesses at a fast pace, threatening local biodiversity. We present agroecological strategies for sustainable food production and pollinator conservation in food-producing WBHs like Chile. These alternatives recognize native pollinators as internal inputs that cannot be replaced by IA technological packages or external inputs and support the development of agroecological and biodiversity restoration practices to protect their existing biodiversity. We suggest a strategy that integrates four fundamental pillars for producing food in a sustainable way, recognizing biodiversity and local cultural heritage: 1) Share the land, restore and protect; 2) Ecological intensification; 3) Localized knowledge, research and technological development; and 4) Territorial planning and implementation of socio-agroecological policies. We suggest that this approach does not need greater modification of native pollination services that sustain the world with food and basic subsistence goods, but a paradigm change where the interdependency of nature and human wellbeing are recognized for ensuring the present and future of the world’s food security and sovereignty as well as considering the reduction of consumerism and food waste.

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Commoning the bloom? Rethinking bee forage management in industrial agriculture

Elem Sci Anth ◽

10.1525/elementa.2020.00105 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

J. L. Durant

Keyword(s):

Honey Bees ◽

Resource Sharing ◽

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Industrial Agriculture ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Bee Pollination ◽

Pollination Services ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Institutional Actors ◽

Forage Management

Managed and wild bee populations are declining around the world, in part due to lost access to bee forage (i.e., nectar and pollen). As bee forage diminishes, the remaining acres become sites of contestation between beekeepers, land managers, ecologists, and regulatory agencies. This article applies a commons framing to contextualize these conflicts and attempts to resolve them. Drawing from the concepts of commons and commoning, I argue that nectar and pollen are common-pool resources for pollinators, beekeepers, and land managers, currently managed through varied access arrangements such as informal usufruct rights and pseudo-commoning practices. Like commoning, pseudo-commoning aims to collectively manage a resource through a set of protocols that involve equitable resource sharing and communication. However, because pseudo-commons are implemented from the top down, for example, from institutional actors driven in part by economic interests, they often do not result in widespread adoption on the ground. Through a case in California almond orchards, I make two additional arguments. First, because beekeepers are largely migratory and do not own the land they need for production, their subordinate position to landowners can challenge equitable bee forage management. Second, while floral pseudo-commons may aim to counter the negative effects of industrialized agricultural production (e.g., by limiting pesticide exposure to honey bees), they also provide a “fix” that supports and expands industrial agriculture by stabilizing managed bee pollination services. Increasing reliance on managed bee pollination services can thus disincentivize transitions to sustainable food production, such as adopting diversified practices that would support native bee populations and reduce the need for managed honey bees on farms.

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Governing climate change for sustainable food production: A case study of emerging markets

Corporate Governance and Sustainability Review ◽

10.22495/cgsrv3i2p7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 64-75

Author(s):

Robert Ddamulira

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Food Production ◽

Extreme Weather Events ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Role Of The State ◽

Weather Events ◽

Future Success ◽

Governance Challenges ◽

Change Impact ◽

Document Review

This article addresses three research questions: How does climate change impact food production? What are the governance challenges associated with managing such impacts? What are the conditions for future success in managing the impacts of climate change on food production? To answer these questions, the researcher undertook a document review and analysis to address these various aspects with a major focus on East Africa. The study finds that climate change affects food production largely through its physical impacts on precipitation and increased the frequency of extreme weather events. Within a context of weak governance; climate change further challenges governance institutional structures and mechanisms. The study concludes that specific aspects of the prevailing climate change governance regime require major reforms (particularly the role of the state, corporations and civil society) while other climate governance mechanisms need to be completely overhauled (for example through establishment of a new World Environment Organization).

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Microbes: Food for the Future

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10050971 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 971

Author(s):

Matilde Ciani ◽

Antonio Lippolis ◽

Federico Fava ◽

Liliana Rodolfi ◽

Alberto Niccolai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Arable Land ◽

Ghg Emissions ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Negative Externalities ◽

Agriculture Soil ◽

Global Concern ◽

Food Commodities ◽

Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria

Current projections estimate that in 2050 about 10 billion people will inhabit the earth and food production will need to increase by more than 60%. Food security will therefore represent a matter of global concern not easily tackled with current agriculture practices and curbed by the increasing scarcity of natural resources and climate change. Disrupting technologies are urgently needed to improve the efficiency of the food production system and to reduce the negative externalities of agriculture (soil erosion, desertification, air pollution, water and soil contamination, biodiversity loss, etc.). Among the most innovative technologies, the production of microbial protein (MP) in controlled and intensive systems called “bioreactors” is receiving increasing attention from research and industry. MP has low arable land requirements, does not directly compete with crop-based food commodities, and uses fertilizers with an almost 100% efficiency. This review considers the potential and limitations of four MP sources currently tested at pilot level or sold as food or feed ingredients: hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (HOB), methanotrophs, fungi, and microalgae (cyanobacteria). The environmental impacts (energy, land, water use, and GHG emissions) of these MP sources are compared with those of plant, animal, insect, and cultured meat-based proteins. Prices are reported to address whether MP may compete with traditional protein sources. Microalgae cultivation under artificial light is discussed as a strategy to ensure independence from weather conditions, continuous operation over the year, as well as high-quality biomass. The main challenges to the spreading of MP use are discussed.

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A global database of diversified farming effects on biodiversity and yield

Scientific Data ◽

10.1038/s41597-021-01000-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah K. Jones ◽

Andrea C. Sánchez ◽

Stella D. Juventia ◽

Natalia Estrada-Carmona

Keyword(s):

United Nations ◽

Food Production ◽

Food Systems ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Global Database ◽

Diversified Farming Systems

AbstractWith the Convention on Biological Diversity conference (COP15), United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), and United Nations Food Systems Summit, 2021 is a pivotal year for transitioning towards sustainable food systems. Diversified farming systems are key to more sustainable food production. Here we present a global dataset documenting outcomes of diversified farming practices for biodiversity and yields compiled following best standards for systematic review of primary studies and specifically designed for use in meta-analysis. The dataset includes 4076 comparisons of biodiversity outcomes and 1214 of yield in diversified farming systems compared to one of two reference systems. It contains evidence from 48 countries of effects on species from 33 taxonomic orders (spanning insects, plants, birds, mammals, eukaryotes, annelids, fungi, and bacteria) of diversified farming systems producing annual or perennial crops across 12 commodity groups. The dataset presented provides a resource for researchers and practitioners to easily access information on where diversified farming systems effectively contribute to biodiversity and food production outcomes.

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An intelligent management system for aquaponics

at - Automatisierungstechnik ◽

10.1515/auto-2020-0036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 69 (4) ◽

pp. 345-350

Author(s):

Divas Karimanzira ◽

Thomas Rauschenbach

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Large Scale ◽

Optimum Conditions ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Water Recirculation ◽

Increase Productivity ◽

Intelligent Management ◽

Set Up ◽

Aquaculture Production ◽

The Eu

Abstract Population rise, climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and food security require efficient and sustainable food production. Aquaponics is a highly efficient way of farming and is becoming increasingly popular. However, large scale aquaponics still lack stability, standardization and proof of economical profitability. The EU-INAPRO project helps to overcome these limitations by introducing digitization, enhanced technology, and developing standardized modular scalable solutions and demonstrating the viability of large aquaponics. INAPRO is based on an innovation a double water recirculation system (DRAPS), one for fish, and the other one for crops. In DRAPS, optimum conditions can be set up individually for fish and crops to increase productivity of both. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies and data management in the aquaculture production and processing systems will enable full traceability and transparency in the processes, increasing consumers’ trust in aquaculture products. In this paper, the innovations and the digitization approach will be introduced and explained and the key benefits of the system will be emphasized.

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Promises of meat and milk alternatives: an integrative literature review on emergent research themes

Agriculture and Human Values ◽

10.1007/s10460-020-10184-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Annika Lonkila ◽

Minna Kaljonen

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Consumer Preferences ◽

Technological Development ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Journal Articles ◽

Research Themes ◽

Social Scientific

AbstractIncreasing concerns for climate change call for radical changes in food systems. There is a need to pay more attention to the entangled changes in technological development, food production, as well as consumption and consumer demand. Consumer and market interest in alternative meat and milk products—such as plant based milk, plant protein products and cultured meat and milk—is increasing. At the same time, statistics do not show a decrease in meat consumption. Yet alternatives have been suggested to have great transitional potential, appealing to different consumer segments, diets, and identities. We review 123 social scientific journal articles on cell-based and plant-based meat and milk alternatives to understand how the positioning of alternatives as both same and different in relation to animal-based products influences their role within the protein transition. We position the existing literature into three themes: (1) promissory narratives and tensions on markets, (2) consumer preferences, attitudes, and behavioral change policies, (3) and the politics and ethics of the alternatives. Based on our analysis of the literature, we suggest that more research is needed to understand the broader ethical impacts of the re-imagination of the food system inherent in meat and milk alternatives. There is also a need to direct more attention to the impacts of meat and milk alternatives to the practices of agricultural practices and food production at the farm-level. A closer examination of these research gaps can contribute to a better understanding of the transformative potential of alternatives on a systemic level.

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Actions on sustainable food production and consumption for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.abc8259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. eabc8259

Author(s):

Izabela Delabre ◽

Lily O. Rodriguez ◽

Joanna Miller Smallwood ◽

Jörn P. W. Scharlemann ◽

Joseph Alcamo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Production ◽

Food Systems ◽

Transformative Change ◽

Political Commitment ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Sustainable Food Production ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Production And Consumption ◽

Barriers And Opportunities ◽

Sustainability Standards

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.

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Integrated weed management practices and sustainable food production among farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Open Agriculture ◽

10.1515/opag-2021-0221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 124-134

Author(s):

Emmanuel Oyamedan Imoloame ◽

Ibrahim Folorunsho Ayanda ◽

Olayinka Jelili Yusuf

Keyword(s):

Weed Management ◽

Food Production ◽

Management Practices ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Integrated Weed Management ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Arable Crops ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Self Sufficiency

Abstract A survey was conducted in the Kwara State of Nigeria to study the integrated weed management (IWM) practices by farmers. This was in view of the poor weed management practices adopted by farmers, which is a major factor responsible for low yields of many arable crops in Kwara State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 480 respondents, and a structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from them. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factor analysis was also carried out to examine the perception of farmers’ benefits of IWM. Results showed that the majority of farmers (29.4%) were youths, married (89.1%), and involved in medium-scale farming (47.2%). Furthermore, 50.8% of the farmers had primary or secondary education. Although farmers use different weed control methods, more than half of them (54.7%) use herbicides. Most farmers (92.6%) are engaged in the use of IWM, However, 73.5% of them use a combination of herbicides and hoe weeding. Although not properly practiced, farmers perceived IWM as having socio-environmental (29.229%) and techno-efficacious (23.495%) benefits over either hoe weeding or herbicides used alone. The findings suggest a need to train farmers on all aspects of IWM to achieve self-sufficiency in food production in Kwara State.

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Investigation of an Electrostatic Discharge Protective Biodegradable Packaging Foam in the Logistic Chain

Logistics & sustainable transport ◽

10.1515/jlst-2015-0004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 25-33 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ákos Mojzes ◽

Barnabás Tóth ◽

Péter Csavajda

Keyword(s):

Electrostatic Discharge ◽

Technological Development ◽

Environmental Parameters ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Vital Role ◽

Packaging Materials ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Packaging System ◽

Product Packaging ◽

The One

Abstract Since the beginning of the 20th century, logistics has undergone a huge technological development, which has, however, resulted in many negative effects as well. The industry, particularly in the packaging industry has been a massive waste producer, although recently it has forced the use of new materials and it started to focus on environmentally friendly technologies. During the transportation of finished and semi-finished Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive products, the product packaging system has a vital role. These kind of packaging materials must be suitable to both logistic (protection against mechanical and environmental stresses) and special ESD protection requirements. During the transportation of printed-circuit electronic products, ESD defense is then of primary significance. However there is a huge disadvantage for the use of various shield bags. Namely, this kind of associated packaging is particularly pollutant, it causes a lot of inconvenience in the form of waste. In order to rule out these materials from the packaging system, new innovative solutions have to be found. The investigated TPS (thermoplastic starch biodegradable foam) is subjected to a validation, a long process to certify that this material unites properties of two types of packaging materials at the same time. On the one hand, this packaging foam has to meet the requirements product defense. On the other hand, the material must be anti-static under the logistic stress effects. In case it is found suitable, it can be an alternative of the conventional materials. In this article, we investigate the ESD characteristic of TPS foam. As this material sensitive for environmental parameters during transportation, we make the relevant Surface Resistance (Rs) tests on different temperature and humidity conditions. Based on result, the decision of the application can be done, as an ESD packaging material.

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