Agro-ecological suitability assessment of Chinese Medicinal Yam under future climate change

Chinese Medicinal Yam (CMY) has been prescribed as medicinal food for thousand years in China by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. Its medical benefits include nourishing the stomach and spleen to improve digestion, replenishing lung and kidney, etc., according to the TCM literature. As living standard rises and public health awareness improves in recent years, the potential medicinal benefits of CMY have attracted increasing attention in China. It has been found that the observed climate change in last several decades, together with the change in economic structure, has driven significant shift in the pattern of the traditional CMY planting areas. To identify suitable planting area for CMY in the near future is critical for ensuring the quality and supply quantity of CMY, guiding the layout of CMY industry, and safeguarding the sustainable development of CMY resources for public health. In this study, we first collect 30-year records of CMY varieties and their corresponding phenology and agro-meteorological observations. We then consolidate these data and use them to enrich and update the eco-physiological parameters of CMY in the agro-ecological zone (AEZ) model. The updated CMY varieties and AEZ model are validated using the historical planting area and production under observed climate conditions. After the successful validation, we use the updated AEZ model to simulate the potential yield of CMY and identify the suitable planting regions under future climate projections in China. This study shows that regions with high ecological similarity to the genuine and core producing areas of CMY mainly distribute in eastern Henan, southeastern Hebei, and western Shandong. The climate suitability of these areas will be improved due to global warming in the next 50 years, and therefore, they will continue to be the most suitable CMY planting regions

Assessing the climatic suitability of Bambara groundnut as an underutilised crop to future climate projections in Sikasso and Ségou, Mali

This study evaluates how future climatic projections will affect the suitability of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean(L) Verdc.), a type of underutilised crop in Sikasso and Ségou, southern Mali. This study was performed using a simulation approach, which considered the potential changes in suitability due to projected changes in two climate variables; temperature and precipitation. Monthly outputs of the two climate variables from 10 CORDEX bias-corrected regional projections under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 were applied. The suitability index range of bambara groundnut was projected, using the Ecocrop suitability model, considering three time periods: historical (1975-2005), near-term (2011-2040), and end of century (2070-2099). The results of this study showed that the model captured a long planting window for the crop in the regions across the time periods. With the projected increase in future climatic conditions, the suitability index range of bambara groundnut is projected to increase across the months suitable for planting the crop. Furthermore, Sikasso is projected to maintain a high suitability index in the near-term, and by the end of century, Ségou is expected to experience a potential increase in suitability index range and suitable areas, especially by the end of century. The results indicate that the CORDEX projections and suitability modelling technique applied in the study captured well the suitability of bambara groundnut in the regions which can help the farmers in making planting decisions. These results suggest an opportunity for optimal utilisation of the crop in the regions, as with a long planting window and expansion in suitable areas, farmers in the regions can plant multiple times and have more suitable areas to cultivate. This study contributes to improving the decision-making surrounding the promotion of underutilised crops as part of the strategy for climate-resilient agriculture and food security in Sikasso and Ségou

Diversity of underutilized vegetables and fruit in Sri Lanka: Prioritization for collection, conservation, genetic improvement, and promotion

Despite their crucial role in combating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, many plant species cultivated as fruits, vegetables, roots, and tuber crops remain neglected and underutilized worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Integrating these crops into farming systems has the potential to create nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, and sustainable agricultural practices. The study titled "Diversity of underutilized vegetables and fruit in Sri Lanka: prioritization for collection, conservation, genetic improvement, and promotion" highlights the significance of underutilized vegetables and fruits in Sri Lanka's agricultural biodiversity. These often-overlooked crops possess unique nutritional and agronomic traits that could benefit both farmers and consumers. However, they have been overshadowed by more commonly cultivated species and varieties. To safeguard the genetic diversity and potential contributions of these underutilized crops to food security and nutrition, the study emphasizes the need for prioritizing their collection and conservation. Preserving their genetic resources enables researchers and farmers to access a broader range of traits, enhancing resilience to environmental challenges. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of genetic improvement efforts to boost the productivity and adaptability of underutilized vegetables and fruits. Breeding programs focused on priority species can lead to the development of new cultivars with desirable traits, such as increased yield, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content. Moreover, promoting underutilized crops is essential to raise awareness among consumers, retailers, and policymakers about their nutritional benefits and economic potential. By creating market demand and integrating these crops into agricultural systems, their sustainable cultivation and utilization become more viable. In summary, recognizing and prioritizing the diversity of underutilized vegetables and fruits in Sri Lanka is crucial. Through strategic collection, conservation, genetic improvement, and promotion efforts, these crops can significantly contribute to enhancing food security, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the country

Modeling species distribution and habitat suitability of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Virginia

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a well-known and sought-after medicinal plant native to North America that is facing increased threat of extinction due to overharvesting, herbivory, and habitat loss. Species distribution and habitat suitability models may be valuable to landowners interested in sustainable harvest or to institutions interested in the conservation and restoration of the species. With unequal sampling efforts across a region of interest, it is likely that some locations with appropriate habitat may be misrepresented in model predictions. This study refined a state-derived species distribution model for ginseng through increased sampling effort across the Cumberland Plateau of Virginia and experimental manipulation of model parameters using the machine learning method Random Forest. Through many iterations, sixteen final models were constructed with various parameters such as spatial partitioning, removal of correlated variables, and limiting the spatial extent for background point generation in an effort to reduce overfitting and increase accuracy. Models were evaluated using partial dependence plots, area under the curve (AUC), and out-of-bag error (OOB error). Of those models, this study determined that various methods may be used depending on the goal of the project—resulting in more accurate and realistic species distribution and habitat suitability models than were previously available. This study concludes that, although various model parameters can be altered to change the product thereby increasing accuracy or reducing overfitting, the most effective means of reducing the impact of sampling deficiency is to balance sampling effort across the region of study

Capturing views of men, women and youth on agricultural biodiversity resources consumed in Barotseland, Zambia

This paper presents data and findings from focus group discussions in study communities selected by the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) in the Western Province of Zambia. The discussions focused on cultivated crops and vegetables collected from open fields and consumed as food. Participatory tools for agricultural biodiversity (agrobiodiversity) assessment were used to capture community perspectives on plant species and varietal diversity; factors influencing the availability and use of plants for food; unique, common and rare crop species cultivated in a community, identified through a four-cell analysis methodology; and core problems, root causes, effects and necessary actions to tackle them, using problem tree or situation analysis methods

Redesigning the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway - Improving Environmental and Cultural Sustainability by Creating Identity

The Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation requested a Master Plan for the redesign of the Scenic Highway corridor that would beautify it, conserve it, and make it an asset to their community and an attraction for out-of-town visitors. The Pensacola Scenic Highway runs along the Escambia Bay Bluffs over the Escambia Bay. The project team made an initial site visit to Pensacola in May 2011 to assess the site and meet the client, then did site analysis and drafted conceptual designs for the corridor, its major entrance points, and the roadside City-owned properties Mallory Heights, Bay Bluffs Park, and Chimney Park. These designs were presented to the City in October 2011, along with preliminary research on mitigating ecological problems in the highway corridor, specifically invasive species outgrowth and erosion. Final designs based on stakeholder feedback from the October 2011 presentation were prepared for the client and presented in April 2012. The overarching theme of these designs was to build a visual identity for the highway that would resonate with motorists and be easily recognizable, yet unique. The final designs beautified park entrances, preserved existing environmental features, showcased sites of historical significance along the highway, improved roadside landscaping, added pedestrian and bike access along the roadway, and used native planting designs to accent park properties and major access points to Scenic Highway. Design proposals for a pedestrian path that would run along the length of Scenic Highway and a trail that would run along an active freight line along the coast of the bay were also prepared. The team also provided a comprehensive research report on how to suppress and remove the more prevalent invasive species found along Scenic Highway, and how best to implement erosion control measures along the bluffs and prevent further ecological degradation of the entire corridor.Master of Landscape ArchitectureNatural Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90922/1/Pensacola Scenic Highway Practicum Final Report.pd

State of the Art of Yam Production

Yam is a labor-intensive and weed-sensitive food crop. The labor-intensive nature of the yam means that the production process requires the attention of the farmer all year round. However, the dwindling labor situation and the proliferation of weeds have forced farmers to think of modern ways of controlling weeds on their farms, that is, the adoption of chemical (herbicides) weed control. Even though the adoption of these chemicals has no doubt brought relief to the farmers and has resulted in increased yam production over the years, it has also brought in its wake, negative externalities of environmental pollution, human health effects, and food quality issues. The study was thus designed to investigate how yam is produced, the human and environmental health effects of how yam is produced, and food quality effects of how yam is produced. This was done through literature review, and field and laboratory experiments. It was revealed that, in recent years, new innovations have been introduced in yam production, the manner in which farmers handle herbicides in their yam production process exposes them to high doses of pesticides, thereby endangering their lives. The study findings also suggest that the use of herbicides in yam production does not affect the quality of the yam

Environmental Information Systems and Community-Based Resource Management in Ghana: An Investigation of Institutional Policy and Implementation in Context

This study employed a case-study approach and cross-case analysis to investigate the impact of Environmental Information Systems (EIS) and Local Knowledge Systems (LKS) on agro-forestry management and biodiversity conservation. Questionnaire-based interviews with service providers, resource managers and focus group discussions with farmers associated with the United Nations Capacity 21, the Netherlands Tropenbos International (TBI) and the United Nations Project on People Land Management and Conservation (UNPLEC), projects yielded in-depth information on agro-forestry practices in southern Ghana. The findings of the survey revealed that computer-based information systems have been used to identify areas of resource degradation. This has served as a sanitization tool to organize and intensify tree-planting exercises and agroforestry management activities in the affected areas. Evaluation of individual cases and cross-case analysis of EIS projects in Ghana showed parallels and divergences in the modus operandi of EIS implementation at national and district levels. The Capacity 21 project initiated the District Environmental Resource Information System (DERIS). The project procured datasets (eg. satellite images, software, computers and printers) in 8 pilot districts including Sekyere West and Assin Fosu Districts and offered training and skill development programmes under the auspices of the Centre for Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services (CERSGIS) to equip focal district planning officers to use tools and datasets to analyze the state of the environment and the extent of resource degradation as well as other development-related activities. This fostered cooperation between the national coordinator of the project, district planners and local farmers to organize regular tree-planting exercises and workshops on alternative livelihood activities which have helped to lessen pressure on the environment to some extent. This approach exhibits a greater degree of top-down planning and implementation. The field survey revealed that PLEC used computer-based information systems during the earlier stages of the project to demarcate demonstration sites and capture spatio-temporal variations in agro-ecological conditions. However, during the subsequent phases, the PLEC project relied heavily and predominantly on local agro-ecological knowledge from a diverse group of farmers to assess resource conditions, and promoted the use of various traditional and exotic agro-forestry and agro-diversity management techniques in the Manya Krobo and Suhum Kraboa Coaltar Districts. The PLEC approach was more bottom-up in its philosophy and practice by allowing natural and social scientists to learn from farmers, and the scientists in turn offered technical advice which enabled farmers to improve their local farming techniques and maximize their farm productivity, while at the same time enhancing the capacity of the biophysical environment to support conventional and alternative livelihood activities continually. The Tropenbos International (TBI) project exhibits elements of both top-down and bottom-up implementation approaches. It recognizes the significant role of tailor-made information (computer-based systems and socio-economic studies mainly from the Forest Services Commission and the University of Ghana, respectively) and skill in forest management. The TBI GORTMAN project streamlined the capacity for information collection in the Goaso and Offinso districts. The findings revealed that farmers associated with the three projects apply various knowledge systems and techniques in agroforestry management. These include, mixed cultivation of domestic, economic and medicinal trees as well as food crops. Reasons such as windbreak, construction materials, medicine, food, fuelwood and nutrient enhancement were cited by farmers for practicing agroforestry. Common food crops found on farms include cocoyam, okro, maize, plantain and yams, among others. These crops are the mainstay of family food and income sources. Other livelihood activities include beekeeping, snail rearing and grasscutter raising and livestock breeding. The diversities of agroforestry practices have engendered decades of farm management practices and resource conservation measures. Another challenge of agroforestry management which is common to all the three projects is that farmers are victims of indiscriminate felling of trees on their farms by timber companies which destroys their crops. Farmers repeatedly cited logistical (tools, seedlings etc) challenges and financial constraints as factors that hamper effective application of knowledge systems in agroforestry management. This is a dominant problem that PLEC and TBI farmers face. Capacity 21 farmers benefited initially from logistical supplies but it was short-lived. In view of these problems, the study recommended measures for improving environmental information systems and local knowledge systems applications in agroforestry management and agrodiversity conservation in southern Ghana

Horticultural Crops Research and Development in Ethiopia: Review on Current Status

Ethiopia is a country with great variety of climate and soil types that can grow diverse horticultural crops for home consumption and foreign markets. Currently, the majority of the horticultural crops product comes from the smallholder farms. However, their areas of production and their contribution to the country's total agricultural output were not well known. The development and expansion of horticulture sector is constrained with various production and research related problems and does not support efforts to transform the smallholder subsistence irrigated horticultural sector to a more market-oriented to contribute to the new Growth and transformation plan set by the country. The crops are very diverse and it has different constraints in every step along the value chain. Among several constraints, lack of high yielding and high quality cultivars for local market and export, appropriate management techniques, appropriate disease and insect pest control measures, quality seed supply, availability of inputs, lack of proper post-harvest technology, trained manpower and research facilities, lack of marketing and production infrastructure; and lack of seed production and distribution scheme are the major once.  Despite the existing potentials the sector did not contribute as it supposed to be. This is mainly because of the limited resource allocation to research and development including the extension services. Therefore, diagnosis of problems and opportunities of the horticultural crops production in Ethiopia necessitates identifying, prioritizing and well document them at national level for possible recommendations, action research and intervention works. In addition, the existence of many actors and stakeholders in the horticulture value chain desires strong and dedicated institutional set up for successful development of horticulture in the country. Moreover, little or no actions are implemented in creating and strengthening linkages with local and international actors along the value chain of horticultural research and development. This paper summarizes the current horticultural crops research and development status; its achievements and challenges and suggests possible future actions that sustain the development of the sector in the country with special emphasis on fruit, vegetable and root and tuber crops. Keywords: Horticulture, Root and Tuber, Vegetables, Fruits DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-13-01 Publication date:July 31st 201