Sustainable and Resilient Food Production Systems (SuRF)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/110264

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 157

Nepal’s women leaders champion inclusive development
(Opinion Piece, 2024-09-19) Khadka, Manohara; Sumitra, KC
Since Nepal’s shift to a federal structure in 2015, a new generation of women leaders has emerged, dedicated to water management, sustainability and equitable development. However, entrenched systems and outdated norms continue to hinder their progress.
Crop mapping in smallholder farms using unmanned aerial vehicle imagery and geospatial cloud computing infrastructure
(Journal Article, 2024-03-15) Gokool, S.; Mahomed, M.; Brewer, K.; Naiken, V.; Clulow, A.; Sibanda, M.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Smallholder farms are major contributors to agricultural production, food security, and socioeconomic growth in many developing countries. However, they generally lack the resources to fully maximize their potential. Subsequently they require innovative, evidence-based and lowercost solutions to optimize their productivity. Recently, precision agricultural practices facilitated by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained traction in the agricultural sector and have great potential for smallholder farm applications. Furthermore, advances in geospatial cloud computing have opened new and exciting possibilities in the remote sensing arena. In light of these recent developments, the focus of this study was to explore and demonstrate the utility of using the advanced image processing capabilities of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) geospatial cloud computing platform to process and analyse a very high spatial resolution multispectral UAV image for mapping land use land cover (LULC) within smallholder farms. The results showed that LULC could be mapped at a 0.50 m spatial resolution with an overall accuracy of 91%. Overall, we found GEE to be an extremely useful platform for conducting advanced image analysis on UAV imagery and rapid communication of results. Notwithstanding the limitations of the study, the findings presented herein are quite promising and clearly demonstrate how modern agricultural practices can be implemented to facilitate improved agricultural management in smallholder farmers.
Guidelines for the establishment and management of multi-stakeholder platforms to coordinate integrated water resources management in river basins with a focus on the Central Rift Valley Lakes Basin of Ethiopia
(Report, 2024-03-25) Kassa, M.; Lemma, Mamusha ; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Mekuria, Wolde; Gezahagn, A.; Asnakew, M.; Haileslassie, Amare
Water resources policy in Ethiopia emphasizes the significance of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in river basins. The Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) with its different directorates is vested with the responsibility of coordinating water resource management across basins. As part of executing this mandate, MoWE initiated the preparation of guidelines for establishment and management of multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) to coordinate IWRM in various basins. The guidelines presented in this publication focus on coordinating and managing water resources in the Central Rift Valley Lakes Basin within the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes Basin. This basin faces numerous water-related challenges such as increasing water demand, pollution, ecosystem degradation, climate change impacts, and conflicting water-use practices. These guidelines are aimed at defining a framework outlining the purpose, scope, and scale of MSPs as well as the key roles to be played by the governance bodies involved. While facilitating collaboration and partnership among the stakeholders involved in basin water resources management, these guidelines explicitly emphasize inclusion of women and marginalized groups. They highlight the essential elements required for effective management and governance of MSPs and underline the need for facilitation, trust-building, planning, goal-setting, effective communication, and a commitment to participatory decision-making. Ultimately, MoWE bears the responsibility of making the final decisions. Collaborative dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes are vital for sustainable water management. Integrated planning, data collection, monitoring, and evaluation are important for taking well-informed decisions. Therefore, our guidelines recommend capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-exchange platforms to enhance the effectiveness of MSPs. Additionally, strategies and mechanisms for securing the financial resources needed to implement IWRM plans and activities are emphasized. As effective communication plays a vital role in MSP processes, there is a need to define objectives, identify stakeholders, select communication channels, establish communication protocols, build relationships and trust, and develop outreach materials. Gender issues in water resources management, particularly access to water and control and ownership, are highlighted in these guidelines. Capacity-building activities are recommended to enhance the knowledge and skills of the stakeholders involved in the MSPs. Lastly, the guidelines stress the importance of monitoring and evaluating the MSPs involved in basin management. Such evaluations involve measuring stakeholder engagement, policy alignment, knowledge sharing, and collaboration and partnerships. These guidelines can be used by basin and sub-basin coordination experts and officials to establish and manage MSPs in the Central Rift Valley as well as beyond.
Unlocking the potential of farmer-led irrigation development in central and northern Nigeria: What does it take?
(Working Paper, 2023-08-18) Xie, Hua; Schmitter, Petra; Obayelu, A. E.; Kato, Edward; Balana, Bedru; Ringler, Claudia
The potential for profitable groundwater irrigated area development in Nigeria is 5.04 million hectares (ha), almost all of it located in the country’s central and northern states. To develop this vast area, granular water budgets, financial service provision and support to grow sustainability of production will be needed. Increasing temperature, erratic rainfall, and other extreme events, such as floods and droughts, pose severe threats to development in Nigeria, and particularly in central and northern Nigeria where rainfall is limited, natural resources are threatened by degradation and agriculture, including livestock production, is the major economic driver. Climate change has significant adverse impacts on agricultural production and livelihoods, making the regions’ poor and disadvantaged people even more vulnerable. Agricultural productivity is already affected by climate extreme events and further land expansion would increase degradation and deforestation. At the same time, the central and northern regions of the country are blessed with substantial underground water resources that have been barely tapped. At this point, the potential of farmer-led irrigation, a system where farmers acquire the irrigation technology and access to a water source themselves, is barely exploited. What role could farmer-led, small-scale irrigation play in growing agricultural productivity, rural employment and incomes, and reducing climate stress? And what mechanisms are needed to make this happen?
Smallholder farmers like Oppong are reaping the benefits of solar-powered irrigation, a cost-effective and easy-to-implement technology
(Blog Post, 2023-11-01) Tilahun, Seifu A.; Gbodji, Kekeli Kofi; Minh, Thai Thi; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Cocoa farmers in Ghana show strong interest in solar-based irrigation, but pump costs are often too high
(Blog Post, 2023-10-06) Quarmine, William; Minh, Thai Thi
Summary: creating systems innovation platforms for transformative pathways in circular economy
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-09) Sobratee‑Fajurally, Nafiisa; Nhamo, L.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
The chapters in this book cover multi-dimensional aspects of resource use efficiency framed around the circular economy (CE) and how its intertwined domains enable transformative approaches. Various epistemic standpoints are discussed, ranging from systems optimisation versus systems application challenges in sludge waste management in Sweden, gendered and intersectionality considerations, the efficacy of user interface in WASH initiatives from a socio-technical perspective, integrated strategies for climate change adaptation and pandemic preparedness, and CE implications at multiple governance levels with examples from Sub-Saharan Africa. This leads to the insight that whereas the various resource strategies grouped under the CE’s banner are not new individually, the concept offers a new framing of these strategies by drawing attention to their capacity to prolong resource use and sustain ecosystems as well as to the interrelationships between these strategies. This chapter aims at synthesising the learning outcomes from each chapter. More specifically, it seeks to demonstrate how tension arising between the dichotomy of short-term efficiency versus large-scale transition or mandated sector-specific achievements versus long-term systemic resilience outcomes can be accommodated if we can shift our perspective from seeing these as dichotomies to one where the evolutionary principle of complex systems is envisioned (Siegenfeld & Bar-Yam, 2020). Since transformative approaches to CE are complex, tensions due to competing strategies are inevitable. One of the ways to view the transformative potential of CE is to understand the nature and scale of change that any intervention seeks to address. Considering the topics covered in this work, six leverage points framed around transformative CE are discussed. These are organised as (i) realising that the current equilibrium is outdated and skewed towards linearity such that impacts are additive but non-systemic, (ii) creating a new culture for enabling transformative patterns by connecting actors who share a new set of values, (iii) enabling Community of Practice (CoP) that share a common identity, (iv) connecting resources in novel ways by repurposing existing capacities, that is, extending the ontology of the CE, (v) institutionalising and supporting new networked configurations till normalisation, and (vi) impacts become systemic through synergies, trade-offs and comprise are negotiated and new patterns co-exist and are visible. The theme from each chapter is plotted against these leverage points, as shown in Figure 15.1.
Catalysing cleaner production systems: benchmarking with the COVID‑19 lockdowns in South Africa
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-09) Magidi, J.; Nhamo, L.; Kurwakumire, E.; Gumindoga, W.; Mpandeli, S.; Liphadzi, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Industrial and vehicular emissions are among the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) atmospheric concentration, causing ozone depletion, climate change, and health risks. Reducing air pollution to permissible levels fosters human and environmental health through reduced radiation, stabilised temperatures, and improved air quality. This chapter quantifies the spatio-temporal atmospheric pollution in South Africa using remotely sensed satellite data acquired between April 2019 and April 2020, just before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown. Remotely sensed data are essential for quantifying and monitoring air quality over time by assessing the change in pollution indicators such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) content. An analysis of results reveals that NO2 levels in South Africa reduced by 20.5% during the COVID-19 lockdown period compared to normal economic activity. The findings were used to develop a framework to guide policy and support decision-making to formulate coherent strategies for reducing pollution and alignment towards a low-carbon economy. Developing controlling and monitoring systems that capture episodic pollution events and enhance cleaner production mechanisms is critical for ensuring low carbon emissions and reducing environmental and human health risks. Although most NO2 emissions are generated in urban environments, the effects are felt far beyond, with detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
Understanding the nexus between water, energy and food in the context of climate change adaptation: a river basin perspective
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-06) Dlamini, N.; Senzanje, A.; Taguta, C.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Climate change is a phenomenon that significantly affects vulnerable societies by disrupting water, energy, and food security. Hence, to meet projected socioeconomic needs while ensuring the sustainable development of these resources, a multidisciplinary approach to managing water, energy, food, and the environment under climate change is essential. This chapter outlines and promotes the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach, a holistic methodology that is becoming highly prevalent for more effective resource usage and economic growth. Furthermore, in light of climate change adaptation, this chapter discusses what adaptation means in today’s climate-sensitive society and the possible impact on resource security. A basin-level review on climate change impacts on WEF resources in the Buffalo River catchment, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was conducted, which revealed that impacts from water pressures imposed by climate change and incoherent management of water resources are anticipated to have an adverse impact on agricultural production and the energy sector. Findings also emphasize the significance of adapting to the WEF nexus’ systems thinking approach in resource management under climate change, which addresses synergies, trade-offs, and harmonisation of management strategies.
A WEF nexus–based planning framework to assess progress towards Sustainable Development Goals
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-09) Mpandeli, S.; Nhamo, L.; Liphadzi, S.; Molwantwa, J.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus has transitioned into an important transformative approach for understanding the intricate interlinkages between global resource systems on which humankind depends to achieve and sustain various social, economic, and environmental goals. This chapter discusses a WEF nexus–based framework developed to facilitate this understanding and guide the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) assessment. Understanding the intricate interlinkages among the WEF resources and the progress towards SDGs is critical for achieving a sustainable and resource-secure future. Since the introduction of the SDGs, the WEF nexus has evolved into an important theoretical, analytical, and conceptual framework for understanding and systematically analysing the intricate socio-ecological interactions and their impact on human health. This has seen the approach becoming a useful decision-support tool for improved spatio-temporal and cross-sectoral coordination, management, and use of natural resources. This has facilitated identifying and managing trade-offs and synergies through informed developmental interventions that allow for more integrated and cost-effective planning, decision-making, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The chapter provides the methodological pathways to strategic policy decisions towards resilience, adaptation and sustainable development.
Transitional pathways towards sustainable food systems
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-09) Nhamo, L.; Mpandeli, S.; Liphadzi, S.; Hlophe-Ginindza, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Today’s grand challenges, including climate change, resource depletion and degradation, migration, and the emergence of novel pests and diseases, are somehow linked to food systems. The broad interlinkages among these challenges require transformational planning that brings change, enhances adaptation and reduces human and environmental health risks. This chapter applied nexus planning, a transformative approach, to establish the interconnectedness of food systems and developed a framework to guide strategic policy formulations that enhance resource use efficiency, reduce waste in the environment, and ultimately achieve a circular economy. This was achieved through sustainability indicators to provide quantitative transitional pathways that lead to the circular economy in the food value chain. An outline of the available options is given to enhance sustainable food systems, highlighting priority areas for intervention and balancing socio-ecological interactions. The premise was to achieve sustainable food systems by analysing food system components in an integrated manner. Achieving socio-ecological sustainability reduces the risk posed by global environmental change and ensures the continued provision of ecosystem services. Sustainable food systems are a catalyst for achieving socio-ecological balance, and their success hinges on circular modelling and transformative planning.
Understanding circularity and transformative approaches and their role in achieving sustainability
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-09) Nhamo, L.; Mpandeli, S.; Liphadzi, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Circular and transformative approaches have emerged as alternatives to the current linear system, which has reached its limits, particularly when addressing today’s complex and interlinked challenges. Although linear models have been beneficial for decades, they have reached their threshold. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of linear models in addressing interconnected challenges that cut across sectors. Focusing on one sector during a crisis only aggravates the stresses in other sectors. This is compounded by decision-makers who have often viewed the world linearly, thinking that clicking a button would get the economy and society back to normal. However, the reactive interventions that included the lockdowns implemented during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic later resulted in job losses, company closures, debts, and economic recessions, demonstrating that linear models over-emphasise a limited set of system attributes, mainly efficiency, at the expense of other critical aspects. Compounded by climate change and other grand challenges, pandemics expose how unsustainable linear and sector-based approaches compromise resilience-building initiatives, allowing failure to cascade from one sector to another. Chapters in this book highlight how transformative and circular models contribute towards achieving cleaner production and sustainable development.
Circular and transformative economy: advances towards sustainable socio-economic transformation
(Book, 2024-02-09) Nhamo, L.; Mpandeli, S.; Liphadzi, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
The main aim of this book is to illustrate circular models for sustainable resource management. It highlights the benefits of transformative approaches in integrating, simplifying, and facilitating understanding of complex systems and transforming systems towards greater sustainability while achieving multiple social, economic, and environmental outcomes. It provides pathways towards strategic policy decisions on socio-economic transformation supported by case studies. •Features: • Discusses exploration of a transitional path to the circular economy, explored from the point of view of waste and technology. • Explains transformational change towards sustainable-socio ecological interactions. • Reviews provision of pathways towards sustainability through scenario development. • Provides assessment of progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. • Presents cross-sectoral and multicentric approaches towards circularity. • This book is aimed at researchers and professionals in water and environmental engineering, circular economy, sustainability, and environmental studies.
The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus as a tool to develop climate change adaptation strategies: a case study of the Buffalo River Catchment, South Africa
(Journal Article, 2023-12-01) Dlamini, N.; Senzanje, A.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
The Buffalo River catchment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has limited water resource infrastructure development, and climate change is predicted to increase its water supply deficits by exacerbating water distribution inequalities. This study evaluates and optimises current climate change policy plans on the Buffalo River catchments water system to aid in assessing the sustainability of policies that address the aforementioned challenges. The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus approach, which encourages system thinking by considering interconnections among water, energy, and food resources when developing integrated natural resource management strategies, was used to perform the evaluation. The water system's reliability in meeting projected domestic, agricultural, and energy water demands under climate change conditions was used for gauging the sustainability of the development plans. Findings projected the existing water policy plans to increase the domestic water provision by >70% under climate change; however, the <3% increase in irrigation and energy generation water demand coverage yielded a significant contrast in reliability between densely populated areas and regions with extensive agricultural activities. The optimised policy plans, which improved water provision for all considered sectors increased by >20% under climate change, are thus recommended for future water resource management research and dialogue in the Buffalo River catchment.
Priority research topics to improve streamflow data availability in data-scarce countries: the case for Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2023-11-23) Taye, Meron Teferi; Zimale, Fasikaw A.; Woldesenbet, T. A.; Kebede, M. G.; Amare, S. D.; Tegegne, G.; Mekonnen, K.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
Lack of consistent streamflow data has been an increasing challenge reported by many studies in developing countries. This study aims to understand the current challenges in streamflow monitoring in Ethiopia to prioritize research topics that can support sustained streamflow monitoring in the country and elsewhere. A workshop-based expert consultation, followed by a systematic literature review, was conducted to build a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities of streamflow monitoring in Ethiopia. The experts’ consultation identified the top ten research priorities to improve streamflow monitoring through research, education, remote sensing applications, and institutions. The experts’ views were supported by a systematic review of more than 300 published articles. The review indicated scientific investigation in Ethiopian basins was constrained by streamflow data gaps to provide recent and relevant hydrological insights. However, there is inadequate research that seeks solutions, while some researchers use experimental methods to generate recent streamflow data, which is an expensive approach. Articles that attempted to fill data gaps make up less than 20% of the reviewed articles. This study identified research priorities that can benefit streamflow data providers and the research community in alleviating many of the challenges associated with streamflow monitoring in countries such as Ethiopia.
Local and regional climate trends and variabilities in Ethiopia: implications for climate change adaptations
(Journal Article, 2023-12-01) Gashaw, T.; Wubaye, G. B.; Worqlul, A. W.; Dile, Y. T.; Mohammed, J. A.; Birhan, Dereje Ademe; Tefera, G. W.; Oel, P.R. van; Haileslassie, Amare; Chukalla, A. D.; Taye, Meron Teferi; Bayabil, H. K.; Zaitchik, B.; Srinivasan, R.; Senamaw, A.; Bantider, A.; Adgo, E.; Seid, Abdulkarim
Ethiopia is experiencing considerable impact of climate change and variability in the last five decades. Analyzing climate trends and variability is essential to develop effective adaptation strategies, particularly for countries vulnerable to climate change. This study analyzed trends and variabilities of climate (rainfall, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin)) at local and regional scales in Ethiopia. The local analysis was carried out considering each meteorological station, while the regional analyses were based on agro-ecological zones (AEZs). This study used observations from 47 rainfall and 37 temperature stations obtained from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) for the period of 1986 to 2020. The Modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) trend test and Theil Sen's slope estimator were used to analyze the trends and magnitudes of change, respectively, in rainfall as well as temperature. The coefficient of variation (CV) and standardized anomaly index (SAI) were also employed to evaluate rainfall and temperature variabilities. The local level analysis revealed that Bega (dry season), Kiremt (main rainy season), and annual rainfall showed increasing trend, albeit no significant, in most stations, but the rainfall in Belg (small rainy) season showed a non-significant decreasing trend. The regional levels analysis also indicated an increasing trend of Bega, Kiremt, and annual rainfall in most AEZs, while Belg rainfall showed a decreasing trend in the greater number of AEZs. The result of both local and regional levels of analysis discerned a spatially and temporally more homogeneous warming trend. Both Tmax and Tmin revealed an increasing trend in annual and seasonal scales at most meteorological stations. Likewise, an increase was recorded for mean Tmax and Tmin in entire/most AEZs. The observed trends and variabilities of rainfall and temperature have several implications for climate change adaptations. For example, the decrease in Belg rainfall in most AEZs would have a negative impact on areas that heavily depend on Belg season's rainfall for crop production. Some climate adaptation options include identifying short maturing crop varieties, soil moisture conservation, and supplemental irrigation of crops using harvested water during the main rainy season. Conversely, since the first three months of Bega season (October to December) are crop harvest season in most parts of Ethiopia, the increase in Bega rainfall would increase crop harvest loss, and hence, early planting date and identifying short maturing crops during the main rainy season are some climate adaptation strategies. Because of the increase in temperature, water demand for irrigation during Bega season will increase due to increased evapotranspiration. On the other hand, the increase in Kiremt rainfall can be harvested and used for supplemental irrigation during Bega as well as the small rainy season, particularly for early planting. In view of these findings, it is imperative to develop and implement effective climate-smart agricultural strategies specific to each agro-ecological zone (AEZ) to adapt to rainfall and temperature changes and variabilities.
Mapping Decision Support Tools (DSTs) on agricultural water productivity: a global systematic scoping review
(Journal Article, 2023-12-01) Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Taguta, C.; Sikka, Alok; Lautze, Jonathan F.
While there is a proliferation of Decision Support Tools (DSTs) to enhance agricultural water productivity (AWP) and related objectives such as food security, an assessment of their adoption and performance is not known to be undertaken. To develop new or improved DSTs for bespoke applications in optimizing AWP, there needs to be a stock-take of the existing tools, their functionality, user-friendliness and uptake. We compiled and assessed existing DSTs for AWP as a starting point for present and future developers who intend to improve existing or develop new DSTs for optimizing AWP. Secondarily, this review identifies DSTs' key characteristics, availability, and applicability for different typologies and spatio-temporal scales. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach was applied to search for literature from Scopus and WoS databases. The study revealed the existence of 81 documented AWP DSTs whose development started from around the 1970 s, peaked in the 1990 s, and declined after that although the improvement and upgrading of existing DSTs continued. Over half (51%) of the DSTs are not readily available in the public domain. The prevalent spatial and temporal application scales are field and day, respectively. There is limited reporting on the application at scale, partly due to the wide unavailability of DSTs. A gap exists in AWP DSTs with geospatial capabilities (one in 10 or 10% had geographic information systems (GIS) integration capabilities). Most DSTs focus on water and food (yield) components but omit energy and other dimensions of AWP. Regarding format, most tools were available as desktop (35%) and web-based (48%) applications, and codes (27%). Developers should strive to deliver AWP tools in convenient, compatible, and user-friendly for a wide range of users, from novices to experts.
‘Is there value for us in agriculture?’ A case study of youth participation in agricultural value chains in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Journal Article, 2023-11-16) Geza, W.; Ngidi, M. S. C.; Mudhara, M.; Slotow, R.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Developing countries in Africa face an unemployment crisis, with many unemployed youth. Agriculture has been identified as a strategic sector for employment creation targeted at youth, including those who may not have agriculture-related qualifications. However, various challenges limit the effectiveness of youth participation in the agriculture value chain. The study aimed to (i) determine youth awareness of agricultural value-chain opportunities, (ii) determine their perception of their role in the value chain, (iii) determine their perception of agricultural programs targeting youth and their opinions on who is responsible for attracting youth into agriculture and, (iv) to characterise the dynamics of youth empowerment in agriculture. Data was collected using focus group discussions and an online survey and analysed using SPSS and NVivo. Poor knowledge, low levels of awareness of agricultural value-chain activities and careers, and not meeting the minimum requirements for employment in processing and retail businesses were identified as key challenges. Most youth were interested in non-primary activities such as agro-processing, which are less labour-intensive and have a quicker return on investment than agricultural production. However, support services and programs for promoting youth participation in agriculture mainly focus on primary activities, signifying a mismatch between youth aspirations and current support. Understanding youth aspirations, perceptions and dynamics underpinning youth empowerment and participation in value chains is critical for promoting participation and formulating relevant and responsive policies. Additionally, improving access to information and building awareness of agricultural value chains is crucial in reducing barriers to entry. Policymakers should integrate agriculture and food systems knowledge into the primary education curriculum to promote youth awareness and evoke interest in agri-food system careers at an early age.
El Niño’s effects on southern African agriculture in 2023/24 and anticipatory action strategies to reduce the impacts in Zimbabwe
(Journal Article, 2023-11-16) Mugiyo, H.; Magadzire, T.; Choruma, Dennis Junior; Chimonyo, Vimbayi Grace Petrova; Manzou, R.; Jiri, O.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
The frequency of El Niño occurrences in southern Africa surpasses the norm, resulting in erratic weather patterns that significantly impact food security, particularly in Zimbabwe. The effects of these weather patterns posit that El Niño occurrences have contributed to the diminished maize yields. The objective is to give guidelines to policymakers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders for taking proactive actions to address the immediate and lasting impacts of El Niño and enhance the resilience of the agricultural industry. This brief paper provides prospective strategies for farmers to anticipate and counteract the El Niño-influenced dry season projected for 2023/24 and beyond. The coefficient of determination R2 between yield and ENSO was low; 11 of the 13 El Niño seasons had a negative detrended yield anomaly, indicating the strong association between El Nino’s effects and the reduced maize yields in Zimbabwe. The R2 between the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) and rainfall (43%) and between rainfall and yield (39%) indirectly affects the association between ONI and yield. To safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and improve their preparedness for droughts in future agricultural seasons, this paper proposes a set of strategic, tactical, and operational decision-making guidelines that the agriculture industry should follow. The importance of equipping farmers with weather and climate information and guidance on drought and heat stress was underscored, encompassing strategies such as planting resilient crop varieties, choosing resilient livestock, and implementing adequate fire safety measures.
Assessment of the effects of NPK fertilizer on edible yield and agro-biological parameters in a cowpea–amaranth intercrop
(Journal Article, 2023-10-24) Mndzebele, B.; Ncube, B.; Fessehazion, M.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Modi, Albert Thembinkosi
Introduction: Estimates indicate that food and nutritional demand in sub-Saharan African nutrient-poor soils will exceed the high population demand. Vegetables such as amaranth and cowpea are key in contributing to food and nutritional security. Fertilizers are used to mitigate low nutrient levels in soils. This study aimed to investigate the yield parameters of cowpea and amaranth vegetables. Methods: The experiment was designed with a 2 × 4 factorial treatment structure in a completely randomized design, with intercropping and fertilizer level as treatment factors and with four replications. Results and discussion: The biomass of amaranth and cowpea increased with increased fertilizer application up to the level of 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer. A measure of land utilization showed values greater than one. Crop comparison showed that cowpea was more aggressive, had higher actual yield loss, and was highly competitive compared to amaranth. More income could be obtained from intercropping. The research shows the benefits of fertilizer application in improving the biomass of amaranth and cowpea. Overall, the application of NPK fertilizer at levels up to 100%, based on the results of this study, resulted in higher biomass accumulation and improved intercropping indices.

Browse

Recent Submissions