Environmental Inequities in Conservation Policies and Practices: A Brief Overview

Conservation science and practice mirror racist notions of colonialism, prolonging a cycle in which policies and programs disregard land access. Many conservation leaders operate from a culture of land exclusion, focusing on nature to generate wealth, deeming the number of individuals removed from the commons as progress. By the turn of the 21st Century, government conservation policies compensated private actors and groups for voluntarily adopting market-based mechanisms aimed at land conservation. Despite the emergence of various conservation programs, the data show that White Americans primarily benefit from federal conservation payments. However, the fragmentation of Black land ownership allows the USDA to give financial and technical resources to those seeking to develop a land trust and employ conservation practices through easements. The article concludes by advocating Agroecology as a model to engage with indigenous African knowledge systems to ensure that social justice is paramount in the strategies for conservation

Nexus of Food Security Versus Armed Conflict in the Context of Climate Change in Mali

The nexus between food security and armed conflict, with particular focus on developing countries, has been analyzed by a few studies in the literature. Every country under armed conflict is obligated to solve related food security issues. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to analyze the nexus between households’ food security and armed conflicts in the context of climate change in Mali. To achieve this objective, first, the study used an ordinary least squares model to determine the factors influencing households’ food security. Second, it used an ordered logit model to determine the factors influencing armed conflict. Apart from the existence of household food insecurity and armed conflict, the results also indicated that household and climate variables explain both food security and armed conflict intensity. The study concludes that there is a vicious cycle between food security, armed conflict, and climate change, exacerbating vulnerability and instability in Mal

Impact of in-Depth Adoption of System of Rice Intensification on Food Security of Smallholder Farm Households in Mali

The system of rice intensification (SRI) was implemented in Mali to boost rice productivity. The objectives of this paper are to identify the constraints faced by SRI adopters, estimate the food security index, and assess the impact of in-depth adoption of SRI on smallholder farm households’ food security. The study uses Kendall’s ranking to rank the six main constraints identified from the literature. The study uses the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale to estimate households’ food security index. Using primary data collected on rice farm households, the study combines the multivalued treatment effect inverse probability weighted regression adjustment and the propensity score matching models for consistent and efficient impact estimates. The results show that the major constraint faced by SRI adopters is labor shortages. The results also show that SRI adoption improves rice farm households’ food security in Mali

Comparison of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soil and Wood Core Within Tallassee and Tuskegee, Alabama

Heavy metals are natural components of the environment and can be relatively non-impactful in low concentrations. However, high concentrations of heavy metal toxicity can result in air, water, and soil contamination that adversely impacts environmental, human, and wildlife health. This study focuses on detecting the presence of heavy metals in soil, Loblolly Pine tree bark, and wood core samples from sites near a landfill in the Tallassee, Alabama, community and a post-agricultural site in Tuskegee, Alabama. It has been hypothesized that heavy metals are present in soil, tree bark, and the tree’s wood core from sampling sites. Samples were taken in a randomized block design and analyzed by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, which detected three different heavy metals at both sites in the soil and wood core. This research offers a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of soil and wood as bio-monitors for heavy metal accumulation

Advancing the Alabama Black Belt Food Corridor: A Stakeholder-Driven Approach Through the Alabama Black Belt Food Systems Alliance

A convergence of factors led to the need to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to empower small-scale farmers in the Alabama Black Belt Region to safely scale up operations and access new markets. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is renewed interest from government, producers, and consumers in strengthening local and regional food systems. This has led to a greater number of wholesale and retail market opportunities for farmers in the region. A newly formed Alabama Black Belt Food Systems Alliance (ABBFSA) endeavored to gather stakeholders to advance the Black Belt Food Corridor (BBFC) food system. The planning committee’s engagement throughout the planning process led to an event where participants identified key components of a BBFC food system, reported gaining knowledge of resources, and met new people. Additionally, information was gathered to guide the development of the BBFC and ABBFSA

Evaluation of Two Varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L. Moench) Growth in A Wiregrass Tunnel House and Field

“Clemson Spineless” and “Jambalaya” okra were grown in a Tunnel House and field to compare yield and other growth parameters. A split-plot design with three replications/treatment was used; the Tunnel House and field were main plots, and varieties split plot. Plant height was significantly taller, and pod harvesting began two weeks earlier in the Tunnel House. Yield showed no significant differences between varieties, and Tunnel House vs. field-produced okra. However, “Clemson Spineless” produced 9% higher pod yield in the Tunnel House than “Jambalaya,” which had 23% higher field yield than “Clemson Spineless.” An enterprise budget analysis showed that Tunnel House produced “Clemson Spineless” netted higher returns to management, and higher earnings/lower production cost/sqrt., compared to field-produced “Jambalaya” and “Clemson Spineless,” and Tunnel House produced “Jambalaya.” These results suggest that Tunnel House production of “Clemson Spineless” would be the most profitable option for Tunnel House producers during the summer

Creating A Food Business Model: Case Study of Traditional Drinks Made From Roselle, Millet, And Corn

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive process flow for establishing a small food business, using traditional drinks made from millet, roselle, and corn as a case study. The specific objectives were to (1) identify the steps involved in developing a food product, (2) perform a sensory evaluation of the developed drinks, and (3) develop a prototype business plan to commercialize the most preferred drink. This study adopted a case study approach of a food business in producing traditional beverages. Consumer preferences were evaluated through sensory evaluation of the formulated roselle, millet, and corn drink recipes. Consumer evaluation data were collected during the 2023 Professional and Agriculture Workers Conference from students, staff, faculty, farmers, and professionals at Tuskegee University and the Renaissance Hotel. Sensory evaluation was conducted to gather consumer feedback on visual appearance, taste, flavor, aroma, and overall acceptability, using a 7-point hedonic scale. Sensory data were collected on the Tuskegee University campus in Henderson Hall, the post-harvest center, and John Kenny Hall. Stata was used to analyze the data according to this study\u27s objectives. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means, frequencies, and percentages. The selling price was determined using cost-based pricing with a 25% markup. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted to assess the economic viability of production and commercialization. The consumer sensory evaluation showed that the Millet drink received the highest overall acceptability score (5.75) and was rated highest in taste (5.69), flavor (5.43), and aroma (5.63). However, it received the lowest score for visual appearance (4.64). The roselle drink had the highest score for visual appearance (6.31), likely due to its vibrant color. However, it had the lowest scores for taste (4.69), flavor (4.83), aroma (4.97), and overall acceptability (5.10). The corn drink was ranked second in all attributes. With a mean score of visual appearance (5.45), taste (4.97), Flavor (5.07), Aroma (5.61), and overall acceptability (5.34). A one-way Analysis of Variance revealed a statistically significant difference (p \u3c 0.05) in overall acceptability among the drinks. Post-hoc analysis using Tukey’s HSD indicated that the millet-based drink had the highest acceptability rating, making it the preferred choice for further product development and commercialization. The results from the pricing analysis indicated a selling price of approximately $2.73 for a 350ml bottle ceteris paribus, demonstrating competitiveness with similar beverages on the market. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.25 confirms that the business is financially sustainable, with a 25$1.00 spent generates $1.25 in return. The results revealed that consumers discover new food products through grocery store displays (43.36%), online reviews (32.74%), social media (57.28%), food blogs (23.01%), and word of mouth (67.26%). Additionally, the results indicated that 84.07%, 37.17%, 23.89%, 34.5%, and 50.44% of participants preferred to purchase millet drinks from grocery shops, convenience stores, online, health food stores, and farmers\u27 markets, respectively. Based on these findings, a business model was developed for commercializing millet drinks. The developed business model addresses common challenges small food businesses face, offering strategic solutions to enhance their chances of success. This study\u27s comprehensive business model is a valuable resource for food entrepreneurs, ensuring that all aspects of product development and commercialization are addressed effectively

An Evaluation of Record Keeping and Related Skills Training for Small Farm Producers in The Alabama Black Belt

The purpose of the study was to evaluate record keeping and related skills training for small farm producers in the Alabama Black Belt. The specific objectives were to (1) examine socioeconomic characteristics, and (2) describe and assess the extent to which participants view training and how they have used the knowledge they acquired by participating in the sessions. The data used for the study were derived from a group of small farm producers in the Alabama Black Belt using convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation analysis. The results showed that most of the participants were part-time producers (78%), males (74%), Blacks (91%), and 55 years or older (52%). A majority had a four-year college degree or higher (56%), with 78% having some college education or more; and 52% reported household incomes of $40,000 or higher. Also, 70% of the participants attended the workshops to improve their farms’ performance. All the participants rated the sessions positively, with 91% rating them “excellent” or “very good.” A majority (87%) also reported applying the knowledge gained, especially in record keeping and financial management, farm management and production, and marketing and sales planning. Additionally, a majority indicated that the most beneficial aspects of the workshops was tracking of records and finances, as well as sharing information and networking. Correlation analysis revealed some statistically significant relationships between demographic characteristics and selected views and/or reactions to the workshop. For example the relationship between age and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops showed a negative and significant relationship between reasons for participation, overall provision of the workshops, and how well workshops met expectations, and whether they had used the information. Also, the relationship between farming status and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops had negative and significant relationships with reason for participation, overall provision of the workshop, and how well the workshops met expectations. Further, the relationship between education and selected views and/or reactions to the workshops had a positive and significant relationships with the reason for participation. The study suggests that age, farming status, and education may be of importance in views and/or reactions to producers’ participation in record keeping and related skills training for small farm producers. These findings reflect short-term impacts. However, further studies are suggested to evaluate long-term outcomes

Sustaining the Legacies of Black Farmers

The experience of Black farmers in the Southern United States is shaped by a legacy of racial inequity and unfavorable public policies that have all but ensured unequal access to fundamental resources such as land, labor, and capital. Rural poverty and land loss through heir property have encumbered access to these resources. Within this context of disenfranchised generations of history, this article contributes to examining and understanding the experiences of Black farmers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to amplify the voices of Black farmers as a step toward providing context for a more inclusive and meaningful discussion on social equity and justice. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to discuss the sustaining legacies of Black farmers. It documents the experiences of two Black farmers from Mississippi and Alabama through interviews, which indicate the posture and perceptions of the small-scale Black farmer in the South