Migrant Entrepreneurship and Social Integration: A Case-Study Analysis among Bangladeshi Vendors in Rome

Migration and migrants’ integration are prominent aspects of globalized contemporary society. In this respect, a key question appears of how to foster the full participation of migrants in the host society. This article investigates the role of migrant entrepreneurship as a vector of integration. Based on case-study research conducted among Bangladeshi vendors in Nuovo Mercato Esquilino in Rome, the article highlights the potentialities in terms of social and market innovation of such activity. However, it points out that this way forward cannot be considered a generalized solution, relying on strong social and cultural capital that not all migrants, in particular asylum seekers, may have. Thus, it proposes a normative adjustment to empowering migrants and facilitating their endeavors

Healthy landscapes: Managing agricultural landscapes in socio-ecologically sensitive areas to promote food security, well-being and ecosystem health

The Healthy Landscapes project aims to improve the nutrition, health and overall well-being of cascade landscape communities in Sri Lanka, while also strengthening the restoration and sustainable management of Village Tank Cascade Systems, for the enhanced provision of ecosystem services and protection of biodiversity

Opportunities and constraints influencing the adoption of high-density and biodiverse fruit tree planting in Guinayangan, Quezon

The main purpose of this study was to generate evidence on the factors influencing the adoption of diversified fruit tree systems and to assess rural consumers’ views and preferences for local fruits in Guinayangan, Quezon. The Municipality of Guinayangan in Quezon Province was used as the study site because of prior work undertaken by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU), specifically the Municipal Agriculture Office, to promote fruit trees. This paper presents the result of a study conducted among fruit growers and consumers. To determine the potential for promoting biodiverse fruit tree systems and to determine which fruits are most suitable for the region and likely to be profitable, a survey was conducted among producers and consumers in the study area. Fruit production is viewed as a profitable income generating livelihood and a viable strategy to promote climate smart agriculture and agrobiodiverse systems. Fruit tree growing is normally a secondary source of income in Guinayangan after coconut farming. Fruit trees are intercropped with coconut trees, allowing farmers to increase their overall yield by intensifying land use. A focus on fruit trees can help create economic spaces for women in coconut farming systems that are primarily male dominated. Furthermore, diversified fruit tree systems can help conserve agrobiodiversity while serving as a climate change adaptation mechanism. Biodiverse and high-density fruit tree systems are an important way to enhance the nutrition contributions of agriculture, thus serving as a form of nutrition sensitive agriculture

Lighthouse Schools and Crop Museums in the Philippines

In The Philippines, Lighthouse Schools (LSs) and school-based Crop Museums (CMs) serve as repositories of crop biodiversity. Specifically, LSs are research sites where the integration of school feeding, nutrition education and school gardens, is demonstrated and evidence is established; while CMs are located within the large network of LS and act as seed banks that enable the multiplication and exchange of crop types and varieties across schools. Together they have helped conserve and promote multiple varieties of traditional and indigenous vegetables (IVs)and fruits

Increasing traditional vegetable consumption in Cavite, Philippines: Understanding consumer and market vendor preferences

The study conducted in Cavite province sheds light on the factors that influence the availability and accessibility of indigenous vegetables in urban and peri-urban markets. The study specifically looked at the perspectives of both market vendors and consumers in the two primary urban areas of Dasmariñas and Bacoor. One of the key findings of the study is that adult women predominantly make household decisions when it comes to buying vegetables. This suggests that targeting women consumers with information and education about indigenous vegetables could be an effective strategy for promoting their consumption. Nutrition, freshness, and price are the primary considerations for consumers when purchasing vegetables, and they perceive indigenous vegetables as nutritious and affordable. Vendors prioritize shelf life in addition to price, freshness, and nutrition when selecting indigenous vegetables to sell. The results highlight the importance of the supply chain for indigenous vegetables. In Cavite, it extends from the north to the south of Luzon. Understanding the dynamics of this supply chain is crucial for improving the availability and accessibility of indigenous vegetables in urban and peri-urban markets. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for promoting the consumption of indigenous vegetables in urban areas. By addressing the gaps in awareness and knowledge about these food plants and their growth requirements, improving the supply chain to meet consumer and vendor requirements, and improving women consumers’ access to education and information, we can work towards a future where these nutritious, locally-adapted, and culturally significant crops are widely known and available

Indigenous vegetables: consumer and market vendor preferences in Cavite, Philippines

Indigenous vegetables (IVs) are locally-adapted, nutritious and culturally significant crops, yet consumption of IVs is low- with dwindling numbers of people with knowledge about their multiple uses and benefits. Additionally, in urban areas such as the Cavite province in the Philippines, IVs are not easily found in markets- the place where most households acquire their vegetables from. Improving IV consumption requires concerted efforts both on the supply and demand side of the IV value chain, based on a clear understanding of consumer and market vendor preferences

Conserving and prioritizing indigenous fruits in the Philippines

Nutrition-related problems are a widespread challenge in the Philippines. Many factors contribute to these problems - the availability and affordability of fruits, for example, which are jeopardized by challenges such as seasonality and inconsistent yields due to the impacts of climate change. Crop improvement and on-farm diversification, particularly using indigenous fruits (IFs), can help address these challenges, while also improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, food security; and even safeguarding local culture and tradition