scholarly journals Estimating rodent losses to stored rice as a means to assess efficacy of rodent management

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Belmain ◽  
Nyo Me Htwe ◽  
Nazira Q. Kamal ◽  
Grant R. Singleton
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Rodent Control ◽  
Stored Grain ◽  
Loss Assessment ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Monitoring Method ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
The Impact

Context Post-harvest losses by rodents have traditionally been calculated by estimates of consumption determined in the laboratory. Methods for assessing storage losses by rodents under smallholder conditions will help farmers and policy makers understand the impact rodents may have on food security, nutrition and health. Stored product loss assessment methods could also be used to monitor the effects of rodent control in villages. Aims The present study examined a method to measure the amount of rice eaten by rodents in household granaries. The effects of trapping and better hygiene around granaries to reduce rodent populations were investigated using the post-harvest monitoring method to determine whether the program was successful in lowering rodent numbers sufficiently to reduce post-harvest losses. Methods Baskets with known quantities of rice were placed within household granaries and monitored periodically for moisture content, weight loss, faecal contamination and percentage of rodent-damaged grains. Using an empirical treatment–control study, rodent management was performed at the community level through daily trapping in two Bangladesh villages and in Myanmar at the granary storehouse level. Post-harvest losses were monitored in granaries in villages with rodent management and in similar granaries in villages where there was no management. Key results Estimates of household losses in the absence of rodent control were 2.5% in Bangladesh and 17% in Myanmar. These losses were reduced when rodent control was implemented, down to 0.5% in Bangladesh and 5% in Myanmar. Conclusions The impact of rodents on smallholder storage can be accurately assessed in the field under realistic conditions. Intensive daily trapping at the community level together with improved hygiene practices can successfully reduce rodent numbers, and this can significantly reduce stored grain losses and rodent contamination and damage levels. Implications In addition to the threat of rodent pests during crop production, rodents are a major threat to food security after harvest and have, as of yet, unquantified impacts on household nutrition and health through potential transmission of gastroenteric diseases and zoonoses to householders and domestic livestock. Trapping and environmental management are affordable and effective tools to reduce rodent impacts on stored grain within communities and are viable alternatives to rodenticides.

scholarly journals Food security impacts of industrial crop production in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of the impact mechanisms

Food Security ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Pawel Jarzebski ◽  
Abubakari Ahmed ◽  
Yaw Agyeman Boafo ◽  
Boubacar Siddighi Balde ◽  
Linda Chinangwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Industrial Crop ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Cereal Production Trends under Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in Southern Africa

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luxon Nhamo ◽  
Greenwell Mathcaya ◽  
Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi ◽  
Sibusiso Nhlengethwa ◽  
Charles Nhemachena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
International Aid ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Irrigated Agriculture ◽  
Cereal Production ◽  
The Impact

The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, coupled with increasing temperatures and declining rainfall totals, are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in southern Africa. Agriculture is the most affected sector as 95% of cultivated area is rainfed. This review addressed trends in moisture stress and the impacts on crop production, highlighting adaptation possible strategies to ensure food security in southern Africa. Notable changes in rainfall patterns and deficiencies in soil moisture are estimated and discussed, as well as the impact of rainfall variability on crop production and proposed adaptation strategies in agriculture. Climate moisture index (CMI) was used to assess aridity levels. Southern Africa is described as a climate hotspot due to increasing aridity, low adaptive capacity, underdevelopment and marginalisation. Although crop yields have been increasing due to increases in irrigated area and use of improved seed varieties, they have not been able to meet the food requirements of a growing population, compromising regional food security targets. Most countries in the region depend on international aid to supplement yield deficits. The recurrence of droughts caused by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) continue devastating the region, affecting livelihoods, economies and the environment. An example is the 2015/16 ENSO drought that caused the region to call for international aid to feed about 40 million people. In spite of the water scarcity challenges, cereal production continues to increase steadily due to increased investment in irrigated agriculture and improved crop varieties. Given the current and future vulnerability of the agriculture sector in southern Africa, proactive adaptation interventions are important to help farming communities develop resilient systems to adapt to the changes and variability in climate and other stressors.

scholarly journals Increasing Student Awareness and Understanding of Food Security by Integrating a Service-learning Project into an Undergraduate Hydroponic Food Production Course

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-547
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
Ann Marie VanDerZanden ◽  
Joshua J. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
The United States ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Community Benefits ◽  
Food Quantity ◽  
The Impact

Food security is a growing global concern. To meet the needs of an ever-growing population, food production practices will need to evolve to maximize food quantity and quality. Controlled-environment food production has increased significantly in the United States over the past 5 years, and a component of that production includes hydroponic food crops. In an effort to better prepare a workforce with knowledge of hydroponic crop production, a new course was added to an existing greenhouse curriculum. A service-learning project was integrated in the course that allowed students to experience both growing crops hydroponically and volunteering at a local food bank with a free meal program. Self-assessment showed a significant increase in student confidence in understanding food security by the end of the course. There was also a significant knowledge gained in defining terminology, factors, and the impact of food security in a community. The three guided reflections students completed during the course identified four common themes relative to the course content and service-learning project including the following: community benefits, value of volunteering, local and global effects of food insecurity, and personal growth.

scholarly journals Modelling the impact of climate change on maize yield in Victoria Nile Sub-basin, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joash Bwambale ◽  
Khaldoon A. Mourad
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Aquacrop Model ◽  
Supplementary Irrigation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAgriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, with about 24.9% contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) as per the Uganda National Household Survey 2016/17. Agricultural productivity (yield per hectare) is still low due to the high dependence on rain-fed subsistence farming. Climate change is expected to further reduce the yield per hectare. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on maize yield in the Victoria Nile Sub-basin using the AquaCrop model. It further assesses the possible adaptation measures to climate change. The Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model version 2–Earth System (HadGEM2-ES) data downloaded from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) was used to simulate maize yield in the near future (2021–2040), mid future (2041–2070) and late future (2071–2099). Results show that maize yield is likely to reduce by as high as 1–10%, 2–42% and 1–39% in the near, mid and late futures, respectively, depending on the agro-ecological zone. This decline in maize yield can have a significant impact on regional food security as well as socio-economic well-being since maize is a staple crop. The study also shows that improving soil fertility has no significant impact on maize yield under climate change. However, a combined application of supplementary irrigation and shifting the planting dates is a promising strategy to maintain food security and socio-economic development. This study presents important findings and adaptation strategies that policymakers and other stakeholders such as farmers can implement to abate the effects of climate change on crop production.

scholarly journals Impact of Weather on Crops in Few Northern Parts of Bangladesh: HCI and Machine Learning Based Approach

2020 ◽  
pp. 7-15
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Production Level ◽  
Soft System Methodology ◽  
Average Production ◽  
The Impact ◽  
System Methodology

As Bangladesh is an agricultural country, the economy, as well as the food security of this country, mostly depends on the production level of different crops over the year. Therefore, there exists immense pressure on exaggerated crop production due to the fast growth of the population. But, the average production level is being hampered by the bad nature of the weather. We have conducted a survey on near about 100 farmers of two northern districts of Bangladesh: Pabna and Rajshahi and assessed the impact of rough nature on production. According to farmers and agriculturalists, it is noticed that rough weather causes about 30% to 70% production shortage than expectation with all other factors remaining constant. In this study, we have adopted Human-computer interaction (HCI) based approach (Soft System Methodology-SSM) to this aspect for efficacious collaboration with root-level farmers and agricultural trainers providing ease for understanding weather-related issues on the production of crops. Finally, some machine learning algorithms were also implemented on the obtained dataset to accurately classify the range of production level of rice and a comparison is made among the algorithms based on performance metrics. Moreover, an android based application is created to depict the summary of the study.

scholarly journals Impact of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Cultivation on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Food Security of Rural Households within Mundemba Sub-division, Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-46
Author(s):  
Usongo P. Ajonina ◽  
Bekumaka B. Okanyene
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
The Impact

Oil palm cropping is rapidly expanding within Mundemba. Although they have the potential to contribute to employment and economic development, the effect of their rapid expansion on soil properties and food security is largely unknown. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend in the surface area occupied by palms and farmlands between 1980 to 2020, assess the impact of oil palm cultivation on soil properties and food security. Ground Control Points (GCPs) were taken to evaluate land-use changes and soil samples were collected from palm plantations for analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were administered to household heads to gather information on food security. Results revealed that palm plantations experienced a rapid increase from 35.52ha in 1980 to 119,171.49 in 2020. Arable land also shows a progressive increase of 101.39 ha in 1980 to 518.55 ha in 2020. A significant deterioration of soil nutrients status under palm plantations compared to the adjacent farm lands was observed. Palm cultivation has resulted in food security issues in the area due to its lucrative nature and impact on soils properties. To improve food security farmers should be educated on sustainable crop production methods and soil management techniques.

scholarly journals Sustainable Agricultural Development under Climate Change in Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAA Faroque ◽  
M Asaduzamman ◽  
M Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Food System ◽  
Global Radiation ◽  
Climatic Changes ◽  
Radiation Balance ◽  
Sea Level Changes ◽  
High Yielding Varieties ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is no more an environmental concern it has emerged as biggest developmental challenge for the most vulnerable Bangladesh. The whole international community is also scared of catastrophic adverse effects of future climatic changes on different spheres of man and nature, e.g. deglaciation and sea level changes, submergence of lands, nations and major coastal lowlands, atmospheric dynamics including evaporation and precipitation, global radiation balance, photosynthesis and ecological productivity, plant and animal community and many more. This paper tries to focus the adverse impacts of climatic changes on the crop production, food security, yield gap and sustainable agriculture by crop intensification and diversification. The impact of climate on agriculture could result in problems with food security and may threaten the livelihood activities upon which much of the population depends and thrives. Hilly committed research efforts showed technological progress as evidenced by release of 684 high yielding varieties of various crops and about 769 management technologies by NARS institutes, and universities.  The greatest challenge for the future agriculture under climate change, we need improved and modified warning system, developed climate impact modules, build sufficient resilience of food system, comprehensive climate resilience strategies, develop database on climate. Also need top priority to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture through weather services, more research and extension service, agro advisories, insurance, community bank, intensify and diversify crop production system, modern high yielding varieties and management technologies for future sustainable agriculture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i1.19396

scholarly journals Agricultural development as a factor in ensuring import substitution and strengthening the country’s food security

2021 ◽  
Vol 935 (1) ◽  
pp. 012005
Author(s):  
N Zotikov ◽  
A Savderova ◽  
E Lyubovtseva
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Import Substitution ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Substitution Policy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Further Development

Abstract The issue of the need to develop agriculture and import substitution has become particularly relevant after the beginning of mass imposing economic sanctions by the West against Russia, as well as a result of oil prices downturn and shortfall of budget revenues from the sale of energy sources. The policy of import substitution affects the areas of the agro-industrial complex to varying degrees. First of all, these measures affect all areas of agricultural production - crop production, animal husbandry and fisheries. In addition, they apply to the final products of the agro-industrial complex, that is, they regulate the food industry, thus affecting the issue of the country’s food security. The purpose of the study is to identify problems in the development of the country’s agriculture based on the study of Russian and international experience, to consider them in a complex, as well as to assess the impact of the import substitution policy on the development of the industry, to propose measures for the further development of the agro-industrial sector aimed at strengthening the country’s food security.

scholarly journals Effect of Climate Change on Soil Health and Implications on Food Security: A Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Wycliffe Tumwesigye ◽  
Bobe Bedadi ◽  
Johnson Atwiine
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Large Contribution ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Human Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Climate change and soil health are intertwined complex processes that affect each other. The aim of this review was to find out the impact of climate change on soil health, its implication on food security and human welfare across the globe. The study found out that soil health is affected by land use practices and several anthropogenic activities carried out on landscapes; climate change and variability. Soil health also contributes to soil water retention, crop productivity, households’ food and income security culminating into a large contribution towards achieving sustainable development goals across the globe. Soil components affect climate and climate affects soil health and human wellbeing. The review article concluded that climate change and soil health are complex and intertwined multidisciplinary processes that require multidisciplinary approaches for better understanding and improvement of crop production. Appropriate climate smart agricultural practices are recommended to enhance soil health and mitigate and adapt to the changing climate for the improved farmers’ income, food security and human wellbeing across the globe.

scholarly journals The impact of climate change on food security in South Africa: Current realities and challenges ahead

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tshepo S. Masipa
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Food Items ◽  
The Impact

This article aims to examine the impact of climate change on food security in South Africa. For this purpose, the article adopted a desktop study approach. Previous studies, reports, surveys and policies on climate change and food (in)security. From this paper’s analysis, climate change presents a high risk to food security in sub-Saharan countries from crop production to food distribution and consumption. In light of this, it is found that climate change, particularly global warming, affects food security through food availability, accessibility, utilisation and affordability. To mitigate these risks, there is a need for an integrated policy approach to protect the arable land against global warming. The argument advanced in this article is that South Africa’s ability to adapt and protect its food items depends on the understanding of risks and the vulnerability of various food items to climate change. However, this poses a challenge in developing countries, including South Africa, because such countries have weak institutions and limited access to technology. Another concern is a wide gap between the cost of adapting and the necessary financial support from the government. There is also a need to invest in technologies that will resist risks on food systems.

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