1
|
Bocean CG. A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Digital Technologies on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption in the European Union. Foods 2024; 13:1281. [PMID: 38672953 PMCID: PMC11049518 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's landscape, digital technologies hold immense potential in tackling challenges associated with food sustainability. This study aims to contextualize a broader investigation of food sustainability and digitalization within the agricultural sector. Its objective is to explore the influence of digital technologies on sustainable food production and consumption, particularly examining relationships among digital technologies, municipal waste, agricultural output, nitrogen emissions, methane emissions from agriculture, and Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12). Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling, the empirical investigation scrutinizes the relationships between digital technology use and critical variables linked to food sustainability in a longitudinal analysis. The results highlight the significant impact of extensive digital technology use on municipal waste, sustainable production, and consumption, indirectly influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Empirical research findings reveal a negative influence of digital technologies on responsible consumption and production (path coefficient -0.349, p values < 0.001), suggesting an impact of digital technologies on diminishing sustainability in consumption and production. The relationship between digital technologies and municipal solid waste is also negative (path coefficient -0.360, p values < 0.001), suggesting that the use of digital technologies can contribute to reducing the amount of municipal solid waste. Digitalization has the potential to improve the sustainability of supply chains by reducing resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and distribution operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu George Bocean
- Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 13 AI Cuza Street, 200585 Craiova, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vărzaru AA. Unveiling Digital Transformation: A Catalyst for Enhancing Food Security and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the European Union Level. Foods 2024; 13:1226. [PMID: 38672898 PMCID: PMC11048781 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The digital revolution is reshaping various aspects of society, including having a profound impact on food security and the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation, quantified through the components of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), and SDGs related to food (SDG1, SDG2, SDG3, and SDG10), along with the overall SDG Index score. The data used for investigation are sourced from reports issued by the European Commission concerning DESI, as well as the SDG reports for the period from 2017 to 2022. The paper elucidates how different components of digitalization, such as connectivity, digital skills, internet usage, and digital public services, influence the attainment of food security objectives and broader sustainable development targets using structural equation modeling and cluster analysis. The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital technologies in enhancing poverty alleviation, health and well-being, and, in particular, mitigating inequality. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between digital transformation and food security, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders aiming to leverage technology for advancing SDGs and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru
- Department of Economics, Accounting and International Business, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Williams TG, Bürgi M, Debonne N, Diogo V, Helfenstein J, Levers C, Mohr F, Stratton AE, Verburg PH. Mapping lock-ins and enabling environments for agri-food sustainability transitions in Europe. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2024; 19:1221-1242. [PMID: 39006533 PMCID: PMC11245428 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-024-01480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
European agri-food systems must overcome structural lock-ins to achieve more sustainable modes of production and consumption. Yet European regions are highly diverse, and we lack understanding of how different regional characteristics may enable or inhibit sustainability transitions. This hinders the development of context-tailored governance strategies. In this paper, we identify and apply sets of spatial indicators to map the regional potentials for agri-food transitions. We first analyse the strength of lock-in to the incumbent agro-industrial paradigm. We then map the enabling environments for two alternative agri-food networks-multifunctional value chains and civic food networks-that each embed distinct social-ecological qualities of agriculture and food. Results demonstrate a large spatial diversity in transition potential, with stronger lock-ins throughout North and Western Europe and stronger enabling environments for agri-food transitions in Italy, France, Switzerland, and Southwest Germany. We find that lock-ins are strongest in livestock-dominated regions and are associated with higher GHG emissions and excess nitrogen levels. Our study demonstrates the need for coordinated public policies that (1) leverage region-specific transition potentials and (2) enable complementary innovations in market-based and community-led networks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11625-024-01480-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim G Williams
- Environmental Geography Group, IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Bürgi
- Land Change Science Research Unit, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niels Debonne
- Environmental Geography Group, IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vasco Diogo
- Land Change Science Research Unit, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julian Helfenstein
- Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
- Soil Geography and Landscape, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Levers
- Environmental Geography Group, IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Thünen Institute of Biodiversity, Johann Heinrich Von Thünen Institute-Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry, and Fisheries, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Franziska Mohr
- Land Change Science Research Unit, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Elise Stratton
- Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Department, Institute of Social Sciences in Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter H Verburg
- Environmental Geography Group, IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Land Change Science Research Unit, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Onumah JA, Osei RD, Martey E, Asante FA. Welfare dynamics of innovations among agricultural households in Ghana: Implication for poverty reduction. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18066. [PMID: 37519683 PMCID: PMC10372665 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To reduce the high incidence of poverty in rural households, agricultural modernization using innovations has been pursued by governments and actors in the agricultural innovation system (AIS). This study analyzed how agricultural innovations and farmer-actor interactions in the AIS contribute to poverty outcomes among agricultural households in Ghana. Data used was the Ghana socio-economic panel survey data with 891 and 2595 observations for cocoa and maize households, respectively. The multinomial endogenous treatment effect model with instrumental variables was employed for the analysis. Adopting digital technologies in combination with other innovations, and having stronger farmer-actor interactions in the innovation system were associated with non-poor outcome in maize-growing households, who were poorer compared to cocoa-growing households. Innovations that consistently increased food security in both crop systems were associated with non-poor outcomes. The findings of the study highlight the need for governments and stakeholders to prioritize agricultural digitalization, encourage the adoption of multiple innovations and focus on food security-improving interventions as strategies to addressing rural poverty reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Darko Osei
- Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Edward Martey
- CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, Ghana
| | - Felix Ankomah Asante
- Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Galván M, Hernández-Cabrera J, López-Rodríguez G, Bustos N, García-Cruz R, Guzmán-Saldaña R, Alzate-Yepes T, Galván-Valencia O. Perceptions of food environments in the school and at home during Covid-19: An online cross-sectional study of parents, teachers and experts from Latin America. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287747. [PMID: 37384611 PMCID: PMC10309603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children from Latin America (LA) have been related to obesogenic food environments. Besides, the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic should also be considered. The objective of this research was to describe and compare the perceptions of parents, teachers, and experts in LA of food environments at home and school that favor healthy habits in schoolchildren in pre Covid-19 stage and during the pandemic. METHODS This study used a survey self-reporting regarding conditions at home and the school favoring healthy habits, for three profiles: parents, primary school teachers, and experts. A fisher exact test was used to establish the difference between the response categories between countries and profiles. Logistic regression models were used to determine the probability of response in the levels of importance adjusted for sex and nationality. RESULTS Information from 954 questionnaires was reported: 48.4% experts, 32.0% teachers, and 19.6% parents. There were differences in the perception of food environments at school between profiles (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression models, experts and teachers were 20% more likely to give greater importance to elements of the food environment at school compared to parents (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that parents were less likely to perceive important elements of the school food environment compared to experts and teachers. Interventions are required to improve healthy eating environments that consider children's interpersonal mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Galván
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Jhazmín Hernández-Cabrera
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe López-Rodríguez
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Nelly Bustos
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Nutrition and Food Technology Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rubén García-Cruz
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Guzmán-Saldaña
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Teresita Alzate-Yepes
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Oscar Galván-Valencia
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Newman L, Newell R, Dring C, Glaros A, Fraser E, Mendly-Zambo Z, Green AG, KC KB. Agriculture for the Anthropocene: novel applications of technology and the future of food. Food Secur 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-023-01356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
|
7
|
AgriSecure: A Fog Computing-Based Security Framework for Agriculture 4.0 via Blockchain. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Every aspect of the 21st century has undergone a revolution because of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart computing technologies. These technologies are applied in many different ways, from monitoring the state of crops and the moisture level of the soil in real-time to using drones to help with chores such as spraying pesticides. The extensive integration of both recent IT and conventional agriculture has brought in the phase of agriculture 4.0, often known as smart agriculture. Agriculture intelligence and automation are addressed by smart agriculture. However, with the advancement of agriculture brought about by recent digital technology, information security challenges cannot be overlooked. The article begins by providing an overview of the development of agriculture 4.0 with pros and cons. This study focused on layered architectural design, identified security issues, and presented security demands and upcoming prospects. In addition to that, we propose a security architectural framework for agriculture 4.0 that combines blockchain technology, fog computing, and software-defined networking. The suggested framework combines Ethereum blockchain and software-defined networking technologies on an open-source IoT platform. It is then tested with three different cases under a DDoS attack. The results of the performance analysis show that overall, the proposed security framework has performed well.
Collapse
|
8
|
Timpanaro G, Pecorino B, Chinnici G, Bellia C, Cammarata M, Cascone G, Scuderi A. Exploring innovation adoption behavior for sustainable development of Mediterranean tree crops. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1092942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe combination of knowledge, personal skills and company resources influences, all things being equal, such as the availability of new technologies, market conditions and other factors external to the company, farmers in their innovation choices. This study is an attempt to understand which psychological constructs influence the decision-making process of farmers specialized in typical Mediterranean crops with regard to innovation. Previous studies on the adoption of agricultural innovations have often considered socio economic characteristics and ignored the underlying motivational factors that influence the behavioral intention of farmers.MethodsThis study adopted three socio-psychological constructs, Attitude (ATT), Subjective Norm (SN), and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and proposed three new constructs, Perceived Innovations Characteristics (PIC), Benefits (B), and Transferability (T), thus using an Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior.ResultsThe outcome of the multiple regression revealed that farmers' intention (I) to adopt sustainable irrigation innovations is positively influenced by attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived innovation characteristics (PIC). This last construct had mediating effects on the indirect relationships between PBC, benefits (B), transferability (T), and intention (I).DiscussionThe results provide numerous insights, useful both for outlining the demand for innovation and for calibrating future policies aimed at the primary sector, especially on the sustainable management of irrigation resources. In particular, the analyses carried out highlight the importance of factors external to the company as key levers in shaping the demand for innovations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Towards Agricultural Innovation Systems: Actors, Roles, Linkages and Constraints in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Sierra Leone. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
|
10
|
Stephens E, Timsina J, Martin G, van Wijk M, Klerkx L, Reidsma P, Snow V. The immediate impact of the first waves of the global COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural systems worldwide: Reflections on the COVID-19 special issue for agricultural systems. AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS 2022; 201:103436. [PMID: 35663482 PMCID: PMC9149207 DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In May 2020, approximately four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the journal's editorial team realized there was an opportunity to collect information from a diverse range of agricultural systems on how the pandemic was playing out and affecting the functioning of agricultural systems worldwide. OBJECTIVE The objective of the special issue was to rapidly collect information, analysis and perspectives from as many regions as possible on the initial impacts of the pandemic on global agricultural systems, The overall goal for the special issue was to develop a useful repository for this information as well as to use the journal's international reach to share this information with the agricultural systems research community and journal readership. METHODS The editorial team put out a call for a special issue to capture the initial effects of the pandemic on the agricultural sector. We also recruited teams from eight global regions to write papers summarizing the impacts of the first waves of the pandemic in their area. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The work of the regional teams and the broader research community resulted in eight regional summary papers, as well as thirty targeted research articles. In these papers, we find that COVID-19 and global pandemic mitigation measures have had significant and sometimes unexpected impacts on our agricultural systems via shocks to agricultural labour markets, trade and value chains. And, given the high degree of overlap between low income populations and subsistence agricultural production in many regions, we also document significant shocks to food security for these populations, and the high potential for long term losses in terms of human, natural, institutional and economic capital. While we also documented instances of agricultural system resilience capacities, they were not universally accessible. We see particular need to shore up vulnerable agricultural systems and populations most negatively affected by the pandemic and to mitigate pandemic-related losses to preserve other agricultural systems policy objectives, such as improving food security, or addressing climate change. SIGNIFICANCE Despite rapid development of vaccines, the pandemic continues to roll on as of the time of writing (early 2022). Only time will tell how the dynamics described in this Special Issue will play out in the coming years. Evidence of agricultural system resilience capacities provides some hopeful perspectives, but also highlights the need to boost these capacities across a wider cross section of agricultural systems and encourage agri-food systems transformation to prepare for more challenges ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Stephens
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jagadish Timsina
- Institute for Study and Development Worldwide, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guillaume Martin
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Mark van Wijk
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laurens Klerkx
- Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
| | - Pytrik Reidsma
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - Val Snow
- AgResearch Ltd, Lincoln Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Augustin M, Cole M. Towards a sustainable food system by design using faba bean protein as an example. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
12
|
Integrated Sustainability Planning and Local Food Systems: Examining Areas of and Gaps in Food Systems Integration in Community Sustainability Plans for Municipalities across British Columbia. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
No “one size fits all” approach exists for local sustainability and food systems planning. Such planning must balance needs for being both comprehensive and place-based. The current study explores this tension by examining Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSP) developed by municipalities in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The research examines items and actions related to food systems (focusing on agriculture and food production) in the ICSPs of municipalities in different regions across BC to (1) identify how municipalities “integrate” food systems with other sustainability objectives, (2) elucidate how place and geography influence integrated planning, and (3) reveal gaps in integrated approaches to developing local food systems. The study employs document analysis and thematic coding methodology. The results indicate that common areas of food systems integration in ICSPs include local economy and education. Many plans outline goals for bolstering local food economies and building local food capacity through community participation and engagement. Findings also show how foci and approaches for developing sustainable food systems vary by region. The study elucidates how food systems are integrated within place-based sustainability plans as well as reveals gaps that local governments can address when adopting and implementing integrated sustainability plans for improving food systems.
Collapse
|
13
|
Land Management Change as Adaptation to Climate and Other Stressors: A Systematic Review of Decision Contexts Using Values-Rules-Knowledge. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11060791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural producers are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation. While incremental changes to cope with interannual variability are widely applied, there is limited understanding of the social contexts that inform, enable, or constrain more transformational adaptations in response to anticipated or actual climate change and other stressors. Systematic review methods are used to identify 31 empirical examples of land management change as an adaptation response by agricultural producers in developed countries. We then applied the values-rules-knowledge (vrk) framework to analyse interactions between societal values, institutional rules, and scientific and experiential knowledge. The vrk is a heuristic to help decision makers analyze how the social system shapes their decision context. Three propositions highlighting the relative influence of different values–rules, values–knowledge, and rules–knowledge relationships on agri-food and forestry land-management decisions are presented and discussed. We suggest that further testing of these propositions will provide evidence for decision makers about how decision contexts can be shifted to enable anticipatory transformative adaptation in the primary industries and support sustainable transitions towards more resilient futures.
Collapse
|
14
|
Deng F, Jia S, Ye M, Li Z. Coordinated development of high-quality agricultural transformation and technological innovation: a case study of main grain-producing areas, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:35150-35164. [PMID: 35043300 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The high-quality development of agriculture is closely related to technological innovation, but the evolutionary characteristics of the relationship between agricultural transformation and technological innovation have received little study. This study takes 13 main grain-producing areas of China as the research object. Data collection was from 2004 to 2019. Based on the coupling coordination and responsiveness models, we analyze the spatio-temporal agriculture comprehensive level and the associated response degree of agricultural transformation to technological innovation. The results showed that (1) the comprehensive development of technological innovation showed a growth trend, while the agricultural transformation showed a U-shaped growth trend; (2) the coordinated development of these two systems has been significantly improved, but there are differences in the development speed of each province; (3) the coordinated gravity center moved southward in the spatial pattern, eventually presenting the characteristics of "higher level in the east and lower level in the west, while the higher level in the south and lower level in the north"; (4) the influence of technological innovation on agricultural transformation gradually changed from inhibition to positive promotion. In the end, this paper puts forward suggestions on the high-quality development of agriculture from the relationship of technological innovation and agricultural transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumin Deng
- Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Siyuan Jia
- Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bokelmann W, Huyskens-Keil S, Ferenczi Z, Stöber S. The Role of Indigenous Vegetables to Improve Food and Nutrition Security: Experiences From the Project HORTINLEA in Kenya (2014–2018). FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.806420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many warning signs indicate that the food security goals formulated in 2015 will not be achieved. This situation is particularly true for the African continent. After substantial progress up to 2015, the situation has hardly improved or has worsened in many respects. In addition to the rapid population growth, the increasingly frequent long dry periods or sometimes erratic rainfall have contributed to this. In addition, current production systems have dysfunctional side effects due to increasing yield optimization and specialization. Thus, besides the associated resource degradation, it also leads to a monotonous food supply and the emergence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (hidden hunger). A meaningful way to diversify the food supply is to cultivate and market previously underutilized species. However, they are characterized by not being known and traded globally and usually having only local importance. Accordingly, they have been widely ignored in research. Increasingly, however, there is a growing realization worldwide that these plants can make an essential contribution to food and nutrition security, especially for poorer segments of the population. Moreover, they are adapted to local conditions and are often produced with less resource input. This article aims to show how these species can be better utilized to provide nutritious food through sustainable production, using the example of African indigenous vegetables. In doing so, the impact of emerging social and ecological changes in Kenya will be considered. This source is an interdisciplinary collaborative research project, Horticultural Innovation and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa (HORTINLEA), which was carried out in Kenya from 2014 to 2018. Many different disciplines were involved in the German-African cooperation project. The results will be brought together in this article with the help of a food-sensitive value chain approach, and the experiences gained from this project will be reflected.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wyckhuys KAG, Zou Y, Wanger TC, Zhou W, Gc YD, Lu Y. Agro-ecology science relates to economic development but not global pesticide pollution. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 307:114529. [PMID: 35065383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic pesticides are core features of input-intensive agriculture and act as major pollutants driving environmental change. Agroecological science has unveiled the benefits of biodiversity for pest control, but research implementation at the farm-level is still difficult. Here we address this implementation gap by using a bibliometric approach, quantifying how countries' scientific progress in agro-ecology relates to pesticide application regimes. Among 153 countries, economic development does spur scientific innovation but irregularly bears reductions in pesticide use. Some emerging economies bend the Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) - the observed environmental pollution by a country's wealth - for pesticides and few high-income countries exhibit a weak agro-ecology 'technique effect'. Our findings support recent calls for large-scale investments in nature-positive agriculture, underlining how agro-ecology can mend the ecological resilience, carbon footprint, and human health impacts of intensive agriculture. Yet, in order to effectively translate science into practice, scientific progress needs to be paralleled by policy-change, farmer education and broader awareness-raising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris A G Wyckhuys
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China; Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China; University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Chrysalis Consulting, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Yi Zou
- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Thomas C Wanger
- Westlake University, Hangzhou, China; University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yubak Dhoj Gc
- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jordan NR, Kuzma J, Ray DK, Foot K, Snider M, Miller K, Wilensky-Lanford E, Amarteifio G. Should Gene Editing Be Used to Develop Crops for Continuous-Living-Cover Agriculture? A Multi-Sector Stakeholder Assessment Using a Cooperative Governance Approach. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:843093. [PMID: 35284407 PMCID: PMC8914063 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.843093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous-living-cover (CLC) agriculture integrates multiple crops to create diversified agroecosystems in which soils are covered by living plants across time and space continuously. CLC agriculture can greatly improve production of many different ecosystem services from agroecosystems, including climate adaptation and mitigation. To go to scale, CLC agriculture requires crops that not only provide continuous living cover but are viable in economic and social terms. At present, lack of such viable crops is strongly limiting the scaling of CLC agriculture. Gene editing (GE) might provide a powerful tool for developing the crops needed to expand CLC agriculture to scale. To assess this possibility, a broad multi-sector deliberative group considered the merits of GE—relative to alternative plant-breeding methods—as means for improving crops for CLC agriculture. The group included many of the sectors whose support is necessary to scaling agricultural innovations, including actors involved in markets, finance, policy, and R&D. In this article, we report findings from interviews and deliberative workshops. Many in the group were enthusiastic about prospects for applications of GE to develop crops for CLC agriculture, relative to alternative plant-breeding options. However, the group noted many issues, risks, and contingencies, all of which are likely to require responsive and adaptive management. Conversely, if these issues, risks, and contingencies cannot be managed, it appears unlikely that a strong multi-sector base of support can be sustained for such applications, limiting their scaling. Emerging methods for responsible innovation and scaling have potential to manage these issues, risks, and contingencies; we propose that outcomes from GE crops for CLC agriculture are likely to be much improved if these emerging methods are used to govern such projects. However, both GE of CLC crops and responsible innovation and scaling are unrefined innovations. Therefore, we suggest that the best pathway for exploring GE of CLC crops is to intentionally couple implementation and refinement of both kinds of innovations. More broadly, we argue that such pilot projects are urgently needed to navigate intensifying grand challenges around food and agriculture, which are likely to create intense pressures to develop genetically-engineered agricultural products and equally intense social conflict.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Jordan
- Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Nicholas R. Jordan,
| | - Jennifer Kuzma
- School of Public and International Affairs, Genetic Engineering and Society Center, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Deepak K. Ray
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Kirsten Foot
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Madison Snider
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keith Miller
- Terraluna Collaborative, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Gifty Amarteifio
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The Degree of Contribution of Digital Transformation Technology on Company Sustainability Areas. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The impact of new digital technologies creates challenges for the digital transformation process in company sustainability areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of contribution of digital-transformation-enabling technologies to company sustainability areas of three pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Brazil and relate it to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA method, we sought to assess the key concepts of sustainability and the implementation of digital transformation (DT) through its enabling digital technologies. A field study was conducted in three Brazilian pulp and paper companies to assess the degree of contribution. They are leading companies in the paper and cellulose industry in Brazil. The results obtained indicate that the companies in this sample are still in a growth process regarding the use of digital technologies in their sustainability areas. Only one digital technology, cloud computing, appears relevant in one of the companies studied, which differs from the theoretical framework presented by the literature. To achieve the SDGs goals, countries, especially emerging ones, need to develop their technologies and their business and improve the results that relate to sustainability. The research method applied in this study can be replicated to other companies where the impact of digital transformation technologies on company sustainability is critical.
Collapse
|
19
|
Simulation of Crop Yields Grown under Agro-Photovoltaic Panels: A Case Study in Chonnam Province, South Korea. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14248463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Agro-photovoltaic systems are of interest to the agricultural industry because they can produce both electricity and crops in the same farm field. In this study, we aimed to simulate staple crop yields under agro-photovoltaic panels (AVP) based on the calibration of crop models in the decision support system for agricultural technology (DSSAT) 4.6 package. We reproduced yield data of paddy rice, barley, and soybean grown in AVP experimental fields in Bosung and Naju, Chonnam Province, South Korea, using CERES-Rice, CERES-Barley, and CROPGRO-Soybean models. A geospatial crop simulation modeling (GCSM) system, developed using the crop models, was then applied to simulate the regional variations in crop yield according to solar radiation reduction scenarios. Simulated crop yields agreed with the corresponding measured crop yields with root mean squared errors of 0.29-ton ha−1 for paddy rice, 0.46-ton ha−1 for barley, and 0.31-ton ha−1 for soybean, showing no significant differences according to paired sample t-tests. We also demonstrated that the GCSM system could effectively simulate spatiotemporal variations in crop yields due to the solar radiation reduction regimes. An additional advancement in the GCSM design could help prepare a sustainable adaption strategy and understand future food supply insecurity.
Collapse
|
20
|
Enacting theories of change for food systems transformation under climate change. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
21
|
Erdoğan M. Assessing farmers' perception to Agriculture 4.0 technologies: A new interval‐valued spherical fuzzy sets based approach. INT J INTELL SYST 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/int.22756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melike Erdoğan
- Department of Industrial Engineering Düzce University Konuralp Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Harrison MT, Cullen BR, Mayberry DE, Cowie AL, Bilotto F, Badgery WB, Liu K, Davison T, Christie KM, Muleke A, Eckard RJ. Carbon myopia: The urgent need for integrated social, economic and environmental action in the livestock sector. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:5726-5761. [PMID: 34314548 PMCID: PMC9290661 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Livestock have long been integral to food production systems, often not by choice but by need. While our knowledge of livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation has evolved, the prevailing focus has been-somewhat myopically-on technology applications associated with mitigation. Here, we (1) examine the global distribution of livestock GHG emissions, (2) explore social, economic and environmental co-benefits and trade-offs associated with mitigation interventions and (3) critique approaches for quantifying GHG emissions. This review uncovered many insights. First, while GHG emissions from ruminant livestock are greatest in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC; globally, 66% of emissions are produced by Latin America and the Caribbean, East and southeast Asia and south Asia), the majority of mitigation strategies are designed for developed countries. This serious concern is heightened by the fact that 80% of growth in global meat production over the next decade will occur in LMIC. Second, few studies concurrently assess social, economic and environmental aspects of mitigation. Of the 54 interventions reviewed, only 16 had triple-bottom line benefit with medium-high mitigation potential. Third, while efforts designed to stimulate the adoption of strategies allowing both emissions reduction (ER) and carbon sequestration (CS) would achieve the greatest net emissions mitigation, CS measures have greater potential mitigation and co-benefits. The scientific community must shift attention away from the prevailing myopic lens on carbon, towards more holistic, systems-based, multi-metric approaches that carefully consider the raison d'être for livestock systems. Consequential life cycle assessments and systems-aligned 'socio-economic planetary boundaries' offer useful starting points that may uncover leverage points and cross-scale emergent properties. The derivation of harmonized, globally reconciled sustainability metrics requires iterative dialogue between stakeholders at all levels. Greater emphasis on the simultaneous characterization of multiple sustainability dimensions would help avoid situations where progress made in one area causes maladaptive outcomes in other areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan Richard Cullen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | | | - Annette Louise Cowie
- NSW Department of Primary Industries/University of New EnglandArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Franco Bilotto
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | | | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Grain Industry/School of AgricultureYangtze UniversityJingzhouChina
| | - Thomas Davison
- Livestock Productivity PartnershipUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleAustralia
| | | | - Albert Muleke
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | - Richard John Eckard
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Adelodun B, Kareem KY, Kumar P, Kumar V, Choi KS, Yadav KK, Yadav A, El-Denglawey A, Cabral-Pinto M, Son CT, Krishnan S, Khan NA. Understanding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable agri-food system and agroecosystem decarbonization nexus: A review. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2021; 318:128451. [PMID: 36570877 PMCID: PMC9759292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The existing finite natural resources have witnessed unsustainable usage in the past few years, especially for food production, with accompanying environmental devastation and ecosystem damage. Regrettably, the global population and consumption demands are increasing ceaselessly, leading to the need for more resources for food production, which could potentially aggravate the sustainability and ecosystem degradation issues, while stimulating drastic climate change. Meanwhile, the unexpected emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and some implemented measures to combat its spread disrupted agricultural activities and the food supply chain, which also led to a reduction in ecosystem carbonization. This study sets out to explore policy framework and selected feasible actions that are being adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could potentially reduce the emissions even after the pandemic to promote a resilient and sustainable agri-food system. In this study, we reviewed 27 articles that focus on the current state of the agri-food system in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the decarbonization of the agroecosystem. This review has taken the form of a systematic methodology in analyzing the adoption and implementation of various measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on the impact of the agri-food system and reduction in ecosystem degradation. Up to 0.3 Mt of CO2 reduction from the agri-food system alone was reportedly achieved during the first 6 months of the pandemic in 23 European countries. The various adopted measures indicate that the circular economy approach is a panacea to achieve the needed sustainability in the agri-food system. Also, it dictates a need for a paradigm change towards improvement on localized food production that promotes sustainable production and consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, 240103, Nigeria
| | - Kola Yusuff Kareem
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, 240103, Nigeria
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Agro-ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kyung Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
- Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook, National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Madhyanchal Professional University, Ratibad, Bhopal, 462044, India
| | - Akanksha Yadav
- Institute of Science, Department of Home Science, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - A El-Denglawey
- Department of Physics, College of University College at Turabah, Taif University, P.O. box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Nano and thin film laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Marina Cabral-Pinto
- Geobiotec Research Centre, Department of Geoscience, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cao Truong Son
- Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Santhana Krishnan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), Research Institute of Sustainable Environment (RISE), School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Skudai, Malaysia
- PSU Energy Systems Research Institute, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
| | - Nadeem A Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kok KPW, Gjefsen MD, Regeer BJ, Broerse JEW. Unraveling the politics of 'doing inclusion' in transdisciplinarity for sustainable transformation. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2021; 16:1811-1826. [PMID: 34539924 PMCID: PMC8435563 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-021-01033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Transdisciplinary research and innovation (R&I) efforts have emerged as a means to address challenges to sustainable transformation. One of the main elements of transdisciplinary efforts is the 'inclusion' of different stakeholders, values and perspectives in participatory R&I processes. In practice, however, 'doing inclusion' raises a number of challenges. In this article, we aim to contribute to re-politicizing inclusion in transdisciplinarity for transformation, by (1) empirically unraveling four key challenges that emerge in the political practice of 'doing inclusion', (2) illustrating how facilitators of inclusion processes perform balancing acts when confronted with these challenges, and (3) reflecting on what the unfolding dynamics suggests about the politics of stakeholder inclusion for societal transformation. In doing so, we analyze the transdisciplinary FIT4FOOD2030 project (2017-2020)-an EU-funded project that aimed to contribute to fostering EU R&I systems' ability to catalyze food system transformation through stakeholder engagement in 25 Living Labs. Based on 3 years of action-research (including interviews, workshops and field observations), we identified four inherent political challenges to 'doing inclusion' in FIT4FOOD2030: (1) the challenge to meaningfully bring together powerful and marginalized stakeholders; (2) combining representation and deliberation of different stakeholder groups; (3) balancing diversities of inclusion with directionalities implied by transformative efforts; and (4) navigating the complexities of establishing boundaries of inclusion processes. We argue that by understanding 'doing inclusion' as a political practice, necessitating specificity about the (normative) ambitions in different inclusion settings, facilitators may better grasp and address challenges in transdisciplinarity for transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiaan P. W. Kok
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mads D. Gjefsen
- Work Research Institute, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs plass, Postboks 4, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Barbara J. Regeer
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline E. W. Broerse
- Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Strategic Innovation as a Factor of Adaptation of National Economies to the Development of Global Value Chains. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In age of sustainable development, strategic innovations have become the most important factor in the adaptation of national economies to dynamic global changes, encompassing trade and economic relations between the leading and developing countries of the World. At the same time, the task of this study was to reveal the complex and contradictory role of strategic innovations in the development of national economies against the background of the transformation of global value chains (GVCs). Main methods for solving the problem were empirical methods of comparative and structural analysis, as well as econometrics. The study analyzed 44 countries classified by the World Bank in the group of countries with per capita incomes below and above the average, as well as with high income. Results of the calculations made it possible to establish a highly differentiated relationship between the share of products manufactured by foreign companies operating in the host countries, on the one hand, and indicators of the dynamics of foreign direct investment (the number of researchers engaged in R&D, the number of technical specialists involved in research and development (R&D), the cost of research and development in the territory of the host countries), on the other hand. This made it possible to determine the role of strategic innovation in the adaptation of national economies. The established dependencies expand the understanding of the role of strategic innovations in the formation and further development of global value chains and their significance in evolution: from process and product innovations of individual companies to the formation of global innovation ecosystems.
Collapse
|
26
|
Yoon BK, Tae H, Jackman JA, Guha S, Kagan CR, Margenot AJ, Rowland DL, Weiss PS, Cho NJ. Entrepreneurial Talent Building for 21st Century Agricultural Innovation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:10748-10758. [PMID: 34269059 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural innovation is a key component of the global economy and enhances food security, health, and nutrition. Current innovation efforts focus mainly on supporting the transition to sustainable food systems, which is expected to harness technological advances across a range of fields. In this Nano Focus, we discuss how such efforts would benefit from not only supporting farmer participation in deciding transition pathways but also in fostering the interdisciplinary training and development of entrepreneurial-minded farmers, whom we term "AgTech Pioneers", to participate in cross-sector agricultural innovation ecosystems as cocreators and informed users of developing and future technologies. Toward this goal, we discuss possible strategies based on talent development, cross-disciplinary educational and training programs, and innovation clusters to build an AgTech Pioneer ecosystem, which can help to reinvigorate interest in farming careers and to identify and address challenges and opportunities in agriculture by accelerating and applying advances in nanoscience, nanotechnology, and related fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kyeong Yoon
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
- School of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Institute for Convergence Science (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunhyuk Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
| | - Joshua A Jackman
- School of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Institute for Convergence Science (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Supratik Guha
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Cherie R Kagan
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Andrew J Margenot
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Diane L Rowland
- Center for Stress Resilient Agriculture, Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Paul S Weiss
- California NanoSystems Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Bioengineering, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nam-Joon Cho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Eastwood CR, Edwards JP, Turner JA. Review: Anticipating alternative trajectories for responsible Agriculture 4.0 innovation in livestock systems. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100296. [PMID: 34246598 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological change has been a constant feature of livestock systems leading to the third agricultural 'green' revolution of the mid-20th century. Digital technologies are now leading us into the fourth agricultural revolution, where sustainable food production is supported by technologies that collect data useful for farm and supply chain performance improvement, along with task automation and compliance. However, the potential benefits of digital agricultural futures are uncertain and plagued by unrealized expectations of previous innovations. The aims of this paper are to articulate current trends in technology and livestock systems and anticipate future trajectories for Agriculture 4.0 in relation to meeting sustainability and animal welfare outcomes for livestock systems. We use a 'Futures Triangle' approach to review the role of technology in livestock systems. The main findings are that previous work envisioning technological livestock futures have favoured pull of the future factors (techno-optimists) or weight of the past (techno-pessimists), rather than a balance of pull, push and weighting factors. Responsible Agriculture 4.0 innovation requires public-private collaboration of innovation system stakeholders, including policy makers, farmers, consumers, as well as technology developers, to enable development of transition pathways from a systems perspective. The use of responsible innovation processes, including anticipation on alternative futures, should also be built into innovation processes to support critical reflection on technological trajectories and related innovation system consequences, both desirable and undesirable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R Eastwood
- Feed and Farm Systems Group, DairyNZ Ltd, PO Box 85066, Lincoln University, 7647 Lincoln, New Zealand.
| | - J P Edwards
- Feed and Farm Systems Group, DairyNZ Ltd, PO Box 85066, Lincoln University, 7647 Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - J A Turner
- AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Swain DL, Charters SM. Back to Nature With Fenceless Farms—Technology Opportunities to Reconnect People and Food. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.662936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and application of the fence was one of the earliest forms of agricultural technology in action. Managing the supply of animal protein required hunter gatherer communities to be able to domesticate and contain wild animals. Over the ages the fence has become ingrained in the very fabric of society and created a culture of control and ownership. Garett Hardin's article titled “The Tragedy of the Commons” suggested that shared land, typified by access to a fenceless common resource, was doomed to failure due to a human instinct for mistrust and exploitation. Perhaps the fence has created an ingrained societal cultural response. While natural ecosystems do have physical boundaries, these are based on natural environmental zones. Landscapes are more porous and resilience is built up through animal's being able to respond to dynamic changes. This paper explores the opportunity for remote monitoring technologies to create open fenceless landscapes and how this might be integrated into the growing need for humans to access animal protein.
Collapse
|
29
|
Agro-Food Innovation and Sustainability Transition: A Conceptual Synthesis. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13126897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global community faces the challenge of feeding a growing population with declining resources, making transformation to sustainable agriculture and food systems all the more imperative and ‘innovation’ all the more crucial. In this study, agro-food system innovation (re)defines sustainability transition with a complexity construct of cross-scale interaction and an adaptive cycle of system change. By taking a panarchical view, top-down and bottom-up pathways to innovation can be reconciled and are not contradictory, enabling and constraining innovation at every level. This study breaks down the structure of the agricultural innovation system into four components based on multi-level perspectives of sustainability transition, namely: actors and communities, interaction and intermediaries, coherence and connectedness and regimes rules and landscape. Meanwhile, this research frames the functional construct of system innovation for food and agriculture with five perspectives drawing on broad inputs from different schools of thought, namely: knowledge management, user sophistication, entrepreneurial activities’ directionality and reflexive evaluation. This research advocates for an ecosystem approach to agricultural innovation that gives full play to niche-regime interactions using social-technical perspectives.
Collapse
|
30
|
Hebinck A, Zurek M, Achterbosch T, Forkman B, Kuijsten A, Kuiper M, Nørrung B, Veer PV’, Leip A. A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021; 29:100546. [PMID: 34178596 PMCID: PMC8204684 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Growing acknowledgement that food systems require transformation, demands comprehensive sustainability assessments that can support decision-making and sustainability governance. To do so, assessment frameworks must be able to make trade-offs and synergies visible and allow for inclusive negotiation on food system outcomes relevant to diverse food system actors. This paper reviews literature and frameworks and builds on stakeholder input to present a Sustainability Compass made up of a comprehensive set of metrics for food system assessments. The Compass defines sustainability scores for four societal goals, underpinned by areas of concern. We demonstrate proof of concept of the operationalization of the approach and its metrics. The Sustainability Compass is able to generate comprehensive food system insights that enables reflexive evaluation and multi-actor negotiation for policy making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniek Hebinck
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monika Zurek
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thom Achterbosch
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Björn Forkman
- Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anneleen Kuijsten
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Marijke Kuiper
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Birgit Nørrung
- Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pieter van ’t Veer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Adrian Leip
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Augustin M, Cole M, Ferguson D, Hazell N, Morle P. Perspective article: Towards a new venture science model for transforming food systems. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
32
|
Fielke SJ, Taylor BM, Jakku E, Mooij M, Stitzlein C, Fleming A, Thorburn PJ, Webster AJ, Davis A, Vilas MP. Grasping at digitalisation: turning imagination into fact in the sugarcane farming community. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2021; 16:677-690. [PMID: 33425035 PMCID: PMC7776289 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-020-00885-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient runoff from catchments that drain into the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a significant source of stress for this World Heritage Area. An alliance of collaborative on-ground water quality monitoring (Project 25) and technologically driven digital application development (Digiscape GBR) projects were formulated to provide data that highlighted the contribution of a network of Australian sugar cane farmers, amongst other sources, to nutrient runoff. This environmental data and subsequent information were extended to the farming community through scientist-led feedback sessions and the development of specialised digital technology (1622™WQ) that help build an understanding of the nutrient movements, in this case nitrogen, such that farmers might think about and eventually act to alter their fertilizer application practices. This paper reflects on a socio-environmental sustainability challenge that emerged during this case study, by utilising the nascent concept of digi-grasping. We highlight the importance of the entire agricultural knowledge and advice network being part of an innovation journey to increase the utility of digital agricultural technologies developed to increase overall sustainability. We develop the digi-MAST analytical framework, which explores modes of being and doing in the digital world, ranging from 'the everyday mystery of the digital world (M)', through digital 'awareness (A)', digitally 'sparked' being/s (S), and finally the ability of individuals and/or groups to 'transform (T)' utilising digital technologies and human imaginations. Our digi-MAST framework allows us to compare agricultural actors, in this case, to understand present modes of digi-grasping to help determine the resources and actions likely to be required to achieve impact from the development of various forms of digital technological research outputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma Jakku
- CSIRO Land and Water, Dutton Park, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aaron Davis
- James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Maria P. Vilas
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Saint Lucia, Australia
- DNRME, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Herrero M, Thornton PK, Mason-D'Croz D, Palmer J, Bodirsky BL, Pradhan P, Barrett CB, Benton TG, Hall A, Pikaar I, Bogard JR, Bonnett GD, Bryan BA, Campbell BM, Christensen S, Clark M, Fanzo J, Godde CM, Jarvis A, Loboguerrero AM, Mathys A, McIntyre CL, Naylor RL, Nelson R, Obersteiner M, Parodi A, Popp A, Ricketts K, Smith P, Valin H, Vermeulen SJ, Vervoort J, van Wijk M, van Zanten HH, West PC, Wood SA, Rockström J. Articulating the effect of food systems innovation on the Sustainable Development Goals. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e50-e62. [PMID: 33306994 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Food system innovations will be instrumental to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, major innovation breakthroughs can trigger profound and disruptive changes, leading to simultaneous and interlinked reconfigurations of multiple parts of the global food system. The emergence of new technologies or social solutions, therefore, have very different impact profiles, with favourable consequences for some SDGs and unintended adverse side-effects for others. Stand-alone innovations seldom achieve positive outcomes over multiple sustainability dimensions. Instead, they should be embedded as part of systemic changes that facilitate the implementation of the SDGs. Emerging trade-offs need to be intentionally addressed to achieve true sustainability, particularly those involving social aspects like inequality in its many forms, social justice, and strong institutions, which remain challenging. Trade-offs with undesirable consequences are manageable through the development of well planned transition pathways, careful monitoring of key indicators, and through the implementation of transparent science targets at the local level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Herrero
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Philip K Thornton
- CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Mason-D'Croz
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeda Palmer
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Prajal Pradhan
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Christopher B Barrett
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim G Benton
- The Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica R Bogard
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Graham D Bonnett
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Brett A Bryan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce M Campbell
- CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Valle del Cauca, Colombia; Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svend Christensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Clark
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- School of Advanced International Studies, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cecile M Godde
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Jarvis
- CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Ana Maria Loboguerrero
- CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Alexander Mathys
- Sustainable Food Processing Laboratory, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Lynne McIntyre
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rosamond L Naylor
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Nelson
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Obersteiner
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria; Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alejandro Parodi
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Popp
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Katie Ricketts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - Pete Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hugo Valin
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | | | - Joost Vervoort
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mark van Wijk
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hannah He van Zanten
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul C West
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Stephen A Wood
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA, USA; Yale School of the Environment, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Johan Rockström
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany; Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|