Technologies for climate change adaptation: agricultural sector

This Guidebook presents a selection of technologies for climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector. A set of twenty two adaptation technologies are showcased that are primarily based on the principals of agroecology, but also include scientific technologies of climate and biological sciences complemented with important sociological and institutional capacity building processes that are required to make adaptation function. The technologies cover monitoring and forecasting the climate, sustainable water use and management, soil management, sustainable crop management, seed conservation, sustainable forest management and sustainable livestock management. Technologies that tend to homogenize the natural environment and agricultural production have low possibilities of success in conditions of environmental stress that are likely to result from climate change. On the other hand, technologies that allow for, and indeed promote, diversity are more likely to provide a strategy which strengthens agricultural production in the face of uncertain future climate change scenarios. In this sense, the twenty two technologies showcased in this Guidebook have been selected because they facilitate the conservation and restoration of diversity while at the same time providing opportunities for increasing agricultural productivity. Many of these technologies are not new to agricultural production practices, but they are implemented based on assessment of current and possible future impacts of climate change in a particular location. Agro-ecology is an approach that encompasses concepts of sustainable production and biodiversity promotion and therefore provides a useful framework for identifying and selecting appropriate adaptation technologies for the agricultural sector. The Guidebook provides a systematic analysis of the most relevant information available on climate change adaptation technologies in the agriculture sector. It has been compiled based on a literature review of key publications, journal articles, and e-platforms, and by drawing on documented experiences sourced from a range of organizations working on projects and programmes concerned with climate change adaptation technologies in the agricultural sector. Its geographic scope is focused on developing countries where high levels of poverty, agricultural production, climate variability and biological diversity currently intersect. Key concepts around climate change adaptation are not universally agreed. It is therefore important to understand local contexts – especially social and cultural norms - when working with national and sub-national stakeholders to make informed decisions about appropriate technology options. Thus, decision-making processes should be participative, facilitated, and consensus-building oriented and should be based on the following key guiding principles: increasing awareness and knowledge, strengthening institutions, protecting natural resources, providing financial assistance and developing context-specific strategies. For decision-making the Community–Based Adaptation framework is proposed for creating inclusive governance that engages a range of stakeholders directly with local or district government and national coordinating bodies, and facilitates participatory planning, monitoring and implementation of adaptation activities. Seven criteria are suggested for the prioritization of adaptation technologies: (i) The extent to which the technology maintains or strengthens biological diversity and is environmentally sustainable; (ii) The extent to which the technology facilitates access to information systems and awareness of climate change information; (iii) Whether the technology support water, carbon and nutrient cycles and enables stable and/or increased productivity; (iv) Income-generating potential, cost-benefit analysis and contribution to improved equity; (v) Respect for cultural diversity and facilitation of inter-cultural exchange; (vi) Potential for integration into regional and national policies and can be scaled-up; (vii) The extent to which the technology builds formal and information institutions and social networks. Finally, recommendations are set out for practitioners and policy makers: • There is an urgent need for improved climate modelling and forecasting which can provide a basis for informed decision-making and the implementation of adaptation strategies. This should include traditional knowledge. • Information is also required to better understand the behaviour of plants, animals, pests and diseases as they react to climate change. • Potential changes in economic and social systems in the future under different climate scenarios should also be investigated so that the implications of adaptation strategy and planning choices are better understood. • It is important to secure effective flows of information through appropriate dissemination channels. This is vital for building adaptive capacity and decision-making processes. • Improved analysis of adaptation technologies is required to show how they can contribute to building adaptive capacity and resilience in the agricultural sector. This information needs to be compiled and disseminated for a range of stakeholders from local to national level. • Relationships between policy makers, researchers and communities should be built so that technologies and planning processes are developed in partnership, responding to producers’ needs and integrating their knowledge

Faculty Impact Statements, 2009

Each issue [in the Research Series] has a distinctive titl

Faculty Impact Statements, 2009

Each issue [in the Research Series] has a distinctive titl

LIVESTOCK-WILDLIFE DYNAMICS AND SUBSEQUENT HUMAN RESPONSES IN MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES WITHIN MEXICO’S NATIONALLY PROTECTED AREAS

Entering the planet’s sixth mass-extinction, monitoring biodiversity and the factors which affect it is of the utmost importance. This study on the interaction of humans and their livestock with wildlife, and the impact of this interaction on wildlife conservation, took place in Santiago Coatepec, located within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Wildlife interactions with livestock may depend upon species, season, ecological characteristics of the area, and livestock management practices. Using camera traps, field data, and interview data, I quantified livestock impact on wildlife behavior and community beliefs. Over two years, camera traps at 18 stations recorded 709 wildlife videos and 2360 livestock videos. I collected 29 community questionnaires, clarifying management practices and environmental beliefs. Livestock was recorded most often in communal farmlands (968 videos) and near streambeds (1002 videos), while wildlife was concentrated in rugged terrain (258 videos) and hillsides (171 videos). The greatest wildlife diversity was seen in rugged terrain (12 species) and farmland/river (10 species). Wildlife triggers dropped during the wet season, while livestock triggers remained constant year-round. 71% of recorded livestock-wildlife interactions were negative (17 of 24). Community interviews ranked biodiversity monitoring as very important (19) or important (10). 47% of participants reported pumas/coyotes as dangers to the community, while 68% believed white-tailed deer were the area’s most valued wildlife species. Camera trap data demonstrated that wildlife and livestock interactions were predominantly negative. Community members valued wildlife but feared livestock losses due to depredation by wildlife and diseases from wildlife. Recognizing the dramatic effects of livestock on wildlife and how these interactions impact local value of wildlife is crucial to long-term mitigation strategies -which must offer a greater understanding of community vulnerabilities, perceptions and address social factors in order for the survival of native species in the biosphere reserve and globally

The NEBLINE, March 1999

Contents: Weed control a universal concern National Agricultural Day-March 20 Accessing extension information One garden, many uses Easter lily care All America Selection winners for 1999 Cover or uncover? Build a nest box to attract birds What makes the water cycle polluted? earth wellness festival Make your own water filter Wetland factoids Questions about liming acid soils Watch for chinch bugs in ‘99 Cut down on tillage with no-till or ridge-till Introduction to precision agriculture The “Blue Baby” Syndrome Tractor safety tips (part 3) How about that wood stove Acreage Owner’s Guide available Table manners Healthy Eating: Strawberry Fruit Salad with Three Dressings Join the Clean Hands Campaign A recipe for wellness: folate-rich fruits & vegetables Food, Nutrition and Food Safety Workshop for Child Care Centers Focus on Food Family & Community Education: Jean\u27s Journal FCE News Household Hints Celebrating builds family unity Is it okay to leave my child home alone? Making TV work for you Being responsible for your kids Raising responsible kids 4-H Bulletin Board Come to the record book workshop Counselors needed at Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center this summer 4-H Speech Contest 4-H Bucket calf workshop Clover Kids leaders and parents 4-H Music contest It\u27s Turkey Time... Campus Encounters of the Clothing Kind Invitational Cat Show 4-H Horse Bits Fundraiser for the new event center Attention pork exhibitors Lancaster County Fair 4-H Achievement night highlights Bake & Take Days Kiwanis Karnival Fifth-year celebration!! Featured speaker at forum, April 14 Area men and women encouraged to apply for LEAD fellowships Help make sure your children can see to learn Kiwanis Club Lincoln Northeast Scholarship Lancaster County Extension welcomes new employee Weed Awareness Be Yard Smart Special Inser

5th Annual Research in the Capitol [Program], March 25, 2010

Program of research presentations given at the Capitol by students from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.https://scholarworks.uni.edu/programs_rcapitol/1007/thumbnail.jp

State of New Hampshire. Reports, 1901-1902, volume III.- Biennial.

Sometimes issued both annually and biennially; Each vol. contains the reports of various departments of the government of the state of New Hampshire; Includes attorneys general\u27s opinion