@article{NautiyalKaecheleUmeshBabuetal.2020, author = {Nautiyal, Sunil and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Umesh Babu, M. S. and Imran Khan, Y. D. and Dutta, Himangshu}, title = {Avian conservation under two management regimes: a case study from the viewpoint of governance and social dimension}, series = {Environment Systems and Decisions}, journal = {Environment Systems and Decisions}, number = {40}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {2194-5403}, doi = {10.1007/s10669-019-09745-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-7229}, pages = {148 -- 169}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The tropical regions of the world are highly vulnerable to the loss of biodiversity and the biodiversity of various ecologically important ecosystems in the tropics seems to be in jeopardy. The protected areas alone cannot conserve all the species and, hence, there is the need to expand the conservation approach beyond the boundaries of the protected areas. A study was carried out in two areas known for the conservation of bird species in India, viz. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (RBS) and Kokkare Bellur Village Ecosystem (KBV) in the state of Karnataka in South India. In RBS, the top-down approach is followed and bird species are conserved through policy instruments, whereas KBV is a rural ecosystem in which the social instrument has been introduced for the conservation of bird species. Two near-threatened birds Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) are conserved in KBV. KBV is one of the five last breeding sites for the globally threatened bird species, the Spot-billed in India. A study was conducted to document the avifaunal diversity using standard methods and understand various important aspects of bird conservation in both the sites. It revealed that both RBS and KBV efficiently conserved several important bird species and had completely different mechanisms to do so. This helped to develop a proper understanding on different facets of top-down and bottom-up approaches of wildlife conservation.}, language = {en} } @article{MehmoodArshadKaecheleetal.2021, author = {Mehmood, Yasir and Arshad, Muhammad and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Mahmood, Nasir and Kong, Rong}, title = {Pesticide residues, health risks, and vegetable farmers' risk perceptions in Punjab, Pakistan}, series = {Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal}, volume = {27}, journal = {Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal}, number = {3}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, doi = {10.1080/10807039.2020.1776591}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-7218}, pages = {846 -- 864}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Extensive use of pesticides in agricultural production results in increased health risks and health costs, productivity loss, and degradation of the environment. Farmers' risk perceptions of pesticide residues can help mitigate these issues. This paper applies an ordered probit model to analyze farmers' perceptions of pesticide residues using a cross-sectional dataset of 209 vegetable cultivators in Punjab, Pakistan. Important determinants of farmers' perceptions include their educational level, family labor, ratio of self-consumed foodstuffs, health effects, integrated pest management (IPM) training, knowledge, and awareness. Among these determinants, farmers' awareness and IPM training programs are the principle indicators of risk perception. These results have significant implications for policymakers because farmers' perceptions including overuse of pesticides tend to worsen if supported by the internalization of social norms, which, in turn, is restricted by farmers' awareness and knowledge. The study findings suggest that special attention should be given to farmers who are limited to receiving information directly from agricultural extension officers. Moreover, intensive IPM training programs should be designed with the aim of conveying precautionary measures for human health and a sustainable agro-ecosystem.}, language = {en} } @article{MacPhersonVoglhuberSlavinskyOlbrischetal.2022, author = {MacPherson, Joseph and Voglhuber-Slavinsky, Ariane and Olbrisch, Mathias and Sch{\"o}bel, Philipp and D{\"o}nitz, Ewa and Mouratiadou, Ioanna and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Future agricultural systems and the role of digitalization for achieving sustainability goals. A review}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {42}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {1773-0155}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-022-00792-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6886}, pages = {18}, year = {2022}, abstract = {By leveraging a wide range of novel, data-driven technologies for agricultural production and agri-food value chains, digital agriculture presents potential enhancements to sustainability across food systems. Accordingly, digital agriculture has received considerable attention in policy in recent years, with emphasis mostly placed on the potential of digital agriculture to improve efficiency, productivity and food security, and less attention given to how digitalization may impact other principles of sustainable development, such as biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and human health, for example. Here, we review high-level policy and law in the German and European context to highlight a number of important institutional, societal, and legal preconditions for leveraging digital agriculture to achieve diverse sustainability targets. Additionally, we combine foresight analysis with our review to reflect on how future frame conditions influencing agricultural digitalization and sustainability could conceivably arise. The major points are the following: (1) some polices consider the benefits of digital agriculture, although only to a limited extent and mostly in terms of resource use efficiency; (2) law as it applies to digital agriculture is emerging but is highly fragmented; and (3) the adoption of digital agriculture and if it is used to enhance sustainability will be dependent on future data ownership regimes.}, language = {en} } @article{CreamerHagensBaartmanetal.2021, author = {Creamer, Rachel E. and Hagens, Mathilde and Baartman, Jantiene and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Editorial for special issue on "understanding soil functions - from ped to planet"}, series = {European Journal of Soil Science}, volume = {72}, journal = {European Journal of Soil Science}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1365-2389}, doi = {10.1111/ejss.13099}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6870}, pages = {1493 -- 1496}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @incollection{TechenHelmingBrueggemannetal.2020, author = {Techen, Anja-K. and Helming, Katharina and Br{\"u}ggemann, Nicolas and Veldkamp, Edzo and Reinhold-Hurek, Barbara and Lorenz, Marco and Bartke, Stephan and Heinrich, Uwe and Amelung, Wulf and Augustin, Katja and Boy, Jens and Corre, Marife and Duttman, Rainer and Gebbers, Robin and Gentsch, Norman and Grosch, Rita and Guggenberger, Georg and Kern, J{\"u}rgen and Kiese, Ralf and Kuhwald, Michael and Leinweber, Peter and Schloter, Michael and Wiesmeier, Martin and Winkelmann, Traud and Vogel, Hans-J{\"o}rg}, title = {Chapter Four - Soil research challenges in response to emerging agricultural soil management practices}, series = {Advances in Agronomy}, booktitle = {Advances in Agronomy}, number = {161}, editor = {Sparks, Donald L.}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0065-2113}, doi = {10.1016/bs.agron.2020.01.002}, publisher = {Hochschule f{\"u}r nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde}, pages = {179 -- 240}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Agricultural management is a key force affecting soil processes and functions. Triggered by biophysical constraints as well as rapid structural and technological developments, new management practices are emerging with largely unknown impacts on soil processes and functions. This impedes assessments of the potential of such emerging practices for sustainable intensification, a paradigm coined to address the growing demand for food and nonfood products. In terms of soil management, sustainable intensification means that soil productivity is increased while other soil functions and services, such as carbon storage and habitat for organisms, are simultaneously maintained or even improved. In this paper we provide an overview of research challenges to better understand how emerging soil management practices affect soil processes and functions. We distinguish four categories of soil management practices: spatial arrangements of cropping systems, crops and rotations, mechanical pressures, and inputs into the soil. Key research needs identified for each include nutrient efficiency in agroforestry versus conventional cropping systems, soil-rhizosphere microbiome elucidation to understand the interacting roles of crops and rotations, the effects of soil compaction on soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, and the ecotoxicity of plastics, pharmaceuticals and other pollutants that are introduced into the soil. We establish an interdisciplinary, systemic approach to soil science and include cross-cutting research activities related to process modeling, data management, stakeholder interaction, sustainability assessment and governance. The identification of soil research challenges from the perspective of agricultural management facilitates cooperation between different scientific disciplines in the field of sustainable agricultural production.}, language = {en} } @article{MarkowFieldsendvonMuenchhausenetal.2023, author = {Markow, Jekaterina and Fieldsend, Andrew and von M{\"u}nchhausen, Susanne and H{\"a}ring, Anna Maria}, title = {Building agricultural innovation capacity from the bottom up: Using spillover effects from projects to strengthen agricultural innovation systems}, series = {Agricultural Systems}, journal = {Agricultural Systems}, number = {209}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0308-521X}, doi = {10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103670}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6853}, pages = {10}, year = {2023}, abstract = {CONTEXT Current research emphasises that agricultural innovation projects are influenced in multiple ways by the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) in which they operate. Yet little attention has been paid to the reverse direction of this relationship, i.e. how agricultural innovation projects affect AIS in the course of their innovative activities. Accordingly, there are currently no tools to measure such AIS spillovers from agricultural innovation projects. OBJECTIVE This paper shows that even where agricultural innovation projects have not been designed with the explicit aim of influencing AIS they can have spillovers on the AIS in which they operate. Based on this finding, it argues that designing agricultural innovation projects in a way that maximises such positive and reduces negative AIS spillovers would be a useful tool for strengthening agricultural innovation capacities in a particular territory or sector. METHODS Based on the concept of agricultural innovation projects as Organisational Innovation Systems (OIS) that are embedded in AIS, the paper develops an analytical framework for assessing spillovers of such projects on AIS and applies it to a case study of an Operational Group in the German Federal State of Hessen. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The case study shows that agricultural innovation projects may yield diverse spillovers on the AIS in which they operate. In addition to considering how agricultural innovation projects are shaped - constrained and/or enabled - by AIS, the research community on agricultural innovation should pay more attention to this side of the interrelation of AIS and agricultural innovation projects. Designing agricultural innovation projects responsibly so that spillovers on AIS are monitored can help to improve national or sectoral AIS. SIGNIFICANCE This paper points to an underexplored issue in research on agricultural innovation and, related to this, a thus far unused potential policy tool for improving national and sectoral AIS. It further develops the concept of innovation projects as OIS into an approach for assessing the effects of projects on AIS; an area of project assessment that until now has not been adequately covered.}, language = {en} } @article{LauterbachHaackHaering2022, author = {Lauterbach, Josephine and Haack, Michaela and H{\"a}ring, Anna Maria}, title = {Co-production of Business Models for Pasture-Based Beef in North-East Germany - Integrating Consumers Preferences}, series = {Proceedings in system dynamics and innovation in food networks 2022}, journal = {Proceedings in system dynamics and innovation in food networks 2022}, issn = {2194-511X}, doi = {10.18461/pfsd.2022.2213}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6839}, pages = {167 -- 177}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Pasture-based cattle rearing systems provide numerous ecosystem services and meet current consumer demands for animal welfare. However, the development of regional value chains from pasture-based beef are inhibited in economically less developed regions, such as North East Germany, as they lack regional slaughtering and processing capacities and show weak cooperation between stakeholders. The real world lab "WertWeideVerbund" aims to co-produce new beef value chains and business models, addressing consumer demands and value chain actors' interests at the same time. Target group specific and regionally adapted communication approaches are part of these business models and aimed at unlocking market potentials. We conducted an online survey to define consumer groups for pasture-based beef, evaluate their preferences for communication approaches and define their willingness to pay for those products. The questionnaire was partly based on previously collected qualitative data from focus groups and on an extended literature review of existing quality standards for pasture-based beef. The survey revealed different consumer segments based on demographics, frequency of beef purchase, general shopping behaviour and willingness to pay for pasture-raised beef. Respondents preferred communication approaches with a focus on animal welfare and were not particularly interested in regional origin and ranked it equal to other aspects such as information on producers, quality and taste, and biodiversity and climate protection, indicating that there is a demand for further explanation on the advantages of regional production.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BasavegowdaMosebachSchleipetal.2022, author = {Basavegowda, Deepak Hanike and Mosebach, Paul and Schleip, Inga and Weltzien, Cornelia}, title = {Indicator plant species detection in grassland using EfficientDet object detector}, series = {42. GIL-Jahrestagung, K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz in der Agrar- und Ern{\"a}hrungswirtschaft}, booktitle = {42. GIL-Jahrestagung, K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz in der Agrar- und Ern{\"a}hrungswirtschaft}, publisher = {Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V.}, address = {Bonn}, isbn = {978-3-88579-711-1}, issn = {1617-5468}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6656}, pages = {57 -- 62}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Extensively used grasslands (meadows and pastures) are ecologically valuable areas in the agricultural landscape and part of the multifunctional agriculture. In Germany, the quality of these grasslands is assessed based on the occurrence of certain plant species known as indicator or character species, with indicators being defined at regional level. Therefore, the recognition of these indicators on a spatial level is a prerequisite for monitoring grassland biodiversity. The identification of indicator species for the status quo of grassland using traditional methods was found to be challenging and tedious. Deep learning-algorithms applied to high-resolution UAV imagery could be the key solution, where UAV with remote sensors can map a large area of grassland in comparison to manual or ground mapping methods and deep learning-algorithms can automate the detection process. In this research work, we use an EfficientDet based algorithm to train an object detection model capable of recognizing indicators on RGB data. The experimental results show that this approach is very promising in contrast to the difficult and time-consuming manual recognition methods. The model was trained with the momentum-SGD optimizer with a momentum value of 0.9 and a learning rate of 0.0001. The model was trained and tested on 1200 images and achieves 45.7 AP (and 85.7 AP50) on test data set. The dataset includes images of four distinct indicator plant species: Armeria maritima, Campanula patula, Cirsium oleraceum, and Daucus carota}, language = {en} } @article{FieldsendVargaBiroetal.2022, author = {Fieldsend, Andrew and Varga, Eszter and Bir{\´o}, Szabolcs and von M{\"u}nchhausen, Susanne and H{\"a}ring, Anna Maria}, title = {Multi-actor co-innovation partnerships in agriculture, forestry and related sectors in Europe: Contrasting approaches to implementation}, series = {Agricultural Systems}, volume = {202}, journal = {Agricultural Systems}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {1873-2267}, doi = {10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103472}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6475}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {CONTEXT Innovation is an important driver of increased productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture, forestry and related sectors. An analysis of how different types of multi-actor co-innovation partnerships function can help to identify the reasons why some are more successful than others in 'speeding up' innovation. OBJECTIVE To provide a framework for the analysis of the co-innovation process, we developed a multidimensional conceptual typology of co-innovation activities based on a review of 200 such partnerships involving farmers and foresters from across Europe. This framework is based on innovation systems theory and the prevailing policy context of the 'multi-actor approach'. METHODS The overarching concept or dependent variable measured by the typology is 'effectiveness of co-innovation by a multi-actor partnership' and the two dimensions of the overarching concept are the 'structural components of the Organisational Innovation System', with four categories, and 'attitude towards interaction', with two categories. The result is a matrix of eight 'ideal types' of co-innovation activity. These eight types are characterised according to first-order constructs derived from our research data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The results show that the co-innovation process can successfully take contrasting forms according to the 'contextual contingencies' encountered by the partnership. In other words, no one ideal type is intrinsically 'superior' to another but may be more 'appropriate' in given circumstances. Factors influencing approaches to implementation include actor capacities, aspirations and networks, the co-innovation topic and its influence on the partnership size and the workplan structure, the type of co-innovation activity outputs and the need to engage with the 'larger periphery' of stakeholders, and the nature of the enabling environment. SIGNIFICANCE The typology is not a classification since the ideal types represent organisational forms that might exist rather than real partnerships. However, the analytical framework it provides will help policy makers and programme managers to develop targeted interventions, according to actor needs and local circumstances, for 'speeding up' innovation.}, language = {en} } @article{BartkowskiBartkeHelmingetal.2020, author = {Bartkowski, Bartosz and Bartke, Stephan and Helming, Katharina and Paul, Carsten and Techen, Anja-Kristina and Hansj{\"u}rgens, Bernd}, title = {Potential of the economic valuation of soil-based ecosystem services to inform sustainable soil management and policy}, series = {PeerJ}, journal = {PeerJ}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.8749}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6319}, pages = {31}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The concept of ecosystem services, especially in combination with economic valuation, can illuminate trade-offs involved in soil management, policy and governance, and thus support decision making. In this paper, we investigate and highlight the potential and limitations of the economic valuation of soil-based ecosystem services to inform sustainable soil management and policy. We formulate a definition of soil-based ecosystem services as basis for conducting a review of existing soil valuation studies with a focus on the inclusion of ecosystem services and the choice of valuation methods. We find that, so far, the economic valuation of soil-based ecosystem services has covered only a small number of such services and most studies have employed cost-based methods rather than state-of-the-art preference-based valuation methods, even though the latter would better acknowledge the public good character of soil related services. Therefore, the relevance of existing valuation studies for political processes is low. Broadening the spectrum of analyzed ecosystem services as well as using preference-based methods would likely increase the informational quality and policy relevance of valuation results. We point out options for improvement based on recent advances in economic valuation theory and practice. We conclude by investigating the specific roles economic valuation results can play in different phases of the policy-making process, and the specific requirements for its usefulness in this context.}, language = {en} } @article{UllahSaqibKaechele2022, author = {Ullah, Ayat and Saqib, Shahab E. and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Determinants of Farmers' Awareness and Adoption of Extension Recommended Wheat Varieties in the Rainfed Areas of Pakistan}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {14}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su14063194}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3496}, pages = {18}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Scientific evidence suggests that there is room for eradicating poverty and hunger by increasing food production through the adoption of modern agricultural practices by farmers. This study aimed, first, to explore the relationship between the farmers' awareness and adoption of improved wheat varieties. Second, it aimed to find the key factors that govern the farmers' awareness and adoption of extension-recommended innovations in the rainfed cropping system of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected from 395 respondents. A binary logit model was used to analyze the effect of the farmers' socioeconomic and farm-specific characteristics on their awareness and adoption of the extension-suggested wheat varieties. Moreover, qualitative data from 40 key informants were collected for in-depth analysis. The results show a strong association between the farmers' awareness of a technology (improved wheat varieties) and its adoption. The results of the logit model show that their extension contacts, income from agriculture, and access to credit positively affected the farmers' awareness, whereas their education and household sizes negatively affected their awareness. Moreover, the factors that positively influenced the farmers' decision to adopt the technology included the extension contact, the confidence in the extension, the risk-bearing attitude, and the credit access, whereas the household size and education negatively affected it. The results of the key informant interviews reveal that the high incidence of poverty, the low soil fertility, the farmers' inability to make effective decisions, the lack of accurate weather predictability in the rainfed farming system, the lack of government interest, and the asymmetric information in the inputs markets contributed to the farmers' low levels of awareness and to their poor adoption of improved agricultural technologies. These results indicate that any intervention aimed at the awareness and adoption by farmers of improved technologies, such as new wheat varieties, should recognize the heterogeneity in the farmers' socioeconomic and farm-specific characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{BilandZebUllahetal.2021, author = {Biland, Mazhar and Zeb, Alam and Ullah, Ayat and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Why Do Households Depend on the Forest for Income? Analysis of Factors Influencing Households' Decision-Making Behaviors}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {16}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su13169419}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3441}, pages = {17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Using survey information of 150 randomly selected households across 21 villages of the forest-rich district of Swat, Pakistan, this study assessed households' decision-making behaviors in depending on income from nearby forested land using socio-economic attributes. The evidence from the study may aid in making the existing policies be better targeted toward families that depend on the forest for income. Descriptive statistics and econometric techniques such as logit and tobit were used to analyze the data. Respondent households obtained the highest share of their income from off-farm activities (37\%) and least from forest activities (16\%). Fuelwood constitutes the biggest share (66\%) of forest income, followed by medical plants (20\%) and fodder (13\%). We found that households with more physical assets, more family members working in off-farm jobs, and households earning more income from off-farm jobs were significantly and negatively associated with households' decision to depend on forest income and total income obtained. We also found that households with less distance to the market and membership to joint forest management committees (JFMCs) were significantly and negatively associated with households' total income obtained. However, household size was significantly and positively related to households' decision of forest dependency. The study recommends the creation of off-farm opportunities and inclusion of local people in the management of forests through establishment of JFMCs, particularly for large and poor families.}, language = {en} } @article{UllahMahmoodZebetal.2020, author = {Ullah, Ayat and Mahmood, Nasir and Zeb, Alam and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Factors Determining Farmers' Access to and Sources of Credit: Evidence from the Rain-Fed Zone of Pakistan}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {10}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2077-0472}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture10120586}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3419}, pages = {13}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This study investigates the factors that affect farmers' access to agricultural credit and its role in adopting improved agricultural technologies in the rain-fed zone of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Using logistic models, we assess and compare the relative role of farmers' socioeconomic attributes in their access to credit and adoption strategies. The results indicate a moderate positive association between farmers' access to agricultural credit and their adoption of improved agricultural technologies. The binary logit model's results indicate that farmers with a large-sized farm, high farm income, better access to information, and large physical asset ownership showed a positive influence on credit access. However, farming experience showed a negative effect on farmers' access to agricultural credit. Regarding farmers' credit sources, this study found that asset-rich farmers with more farming experience and better access to information relied more on banks than on input providers and informal credit sources. Similarly, older farmers with more education, larger farm sizes and high farm income were more likely to have borrowed from input providers than banks. We conclude that the role of the effective provision of information on credit and agricultural technology is imperative and requires separate policies that are specifically aimed at different groups of farmers with different socioeconomic and farm-related characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{JhaKaecheleLanaetal.2020, author = {Jha, Srijna and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Lana, Marcos and Amjath-Babu, T.S and Sieber, Stefan}, title = {Exploring Farmers' Perceptions of Agricultural Technologies: A Case Study from Tanzania}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12030998}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3340}, pages = {21}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The low agricultural productivity of key crops and food insecurity continue to be key issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Tanzania. The growing population, depleting resources, and changing climate further amplify these issues. Globally, many agricultural technologies (AgTs) are available as pathways for improved agricultural productivity and food security, however, they have had relatively little success in SSA and Tanzania. This is because the uptake of AgTs is a complex process, which is highly localized, involving multiple actors, stages, and spatial and time dimensions. Smallholder farmers often experience issues of sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up throughout the uptake process of AgTs, all of which vary by region. This indicates a need for a systematic and simultaneous understanding of sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up of AgTs to better guide agricultural strategy and policy interventions in SSA and Tanzania. Moreover, in order to understand the local settings better, a consideration of the perceptions of the farmers themselves, who are the primary actors in the uptake process of AgTs, is key. Acknowledging this, the study takes on a case study approach, using the scaling-up assessment (ScalA) method and three focus group discussions with a total of 44 smallholder farmers to systematically and simultaneously assess the sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up of three AgTs (use of fertilizers, improved seeds, and small-scale irrigation) in Tanzania. The study finds that the farmers perceive all three AgTs to be sustainable for the study region. Adoption rates are perceived to be medium for use of fertilizers, high for improved seeds, and low for small-scale irrigation. The most significant constraints for adoption experienced by the farmers are lack of technical physical inputs, marketing facilities, and know-how. Scaling-up is perceived to be well fulfilled for use of fertilizers and improved seeds, but only partially fulfilled for small-scale irrigation, which is the most limited of the three AgTs. The most significant constraints for scaling-up experienced by farmers are a lack of confidence in the added value of the AgTs beyond project activities, marketing facilities, and technical physical inputs. The overall success potential is high for the use of fertilizers and improved seeds, and the average for small-scale irrigation. The farmers' perceptions partially indicate why the bundle of AgTs is lacking in the study region and provide a basis for discussing targeted agricultural and policy interventions in Tanzania.}, language = {en} } @article{MahmoodArshadKaecheleetal.2020, author = {Mahmood, Nasir and Arshad, Muhammad and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Shahzad, Muhammad Faisal and Ullah, Ayat and Mueller, Klaus}, title = {Fatalism, Climate Resiliency Training and Farmers' Adaptation Responses: Implications for Sustainable Rainfed-Wheat Production in Pakistan}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12041650}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3338}, pages = {21}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Climate change is a severe threat to the agricultural sector in general and to rainfed farming in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that can potentially affect the adaptation process against climate change. This study focused on wheat farmers and farming systems in the rainfed agroecological zone of Pakistan. Farmers' data related to climate change fatalism, the availability of climate-specific extension services, socioeconomic and institutional variables, and farm characteristics were collected. A logit model to assess farmers' decisions to adopt an adaptation measure and a multinomial logit model to assess their choice of various adaptation measures were used. The results showed that fatalistic farmers were unlikely to implement climate change adaptation measures. The variables related to the climate-specific extension services, including farmers' participation in training on climate-resilient crop farming and the availability of mobile communication-based advisory services, had highly significant and positive impacts on farmers' decisions and their choice of adaptation measures. Input market access and tractor ownership also had positive and significant impacts on farmers' decisions to adapt and their choice of adaptation measures. This study highlights the need to improve rainfed-wheat farmers' education levels to change their fatalistic attitudes towards climate change. Furthermore, government action is needed to provide climate-specific extension services to ensure sustainable production levels that will ultimately lead to food and livelihood security under a changing climate.}, language = {en} } @article{JhaKaecheleSieber2019, author = {Jha, Srijna and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Sieber, Stefan}, title = {Factors Influencing the Adoption of Water Conservation Technologies by Smallholder Farmer Households in Tanzania}, series = {Water}, volume = {11}, journal = {Water}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4441}, doi = {10.3390/w11122640}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3320}, pages = {18}, year = {2019}, abstract = {In Tanzania, the increasing population coupled with climate change amplifies issues of food insecurity and negatively impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmer households. To address these issues a range of water conservation techniques (WCTs) have been useful. However, the adoption of these WCTs in Tanzania has been limited due to many reasons. With the objective to better understand and identify the factors that significantly influence the adoption of WCTs in Tanzania, the study uses survey data from 701 smallholder farmer households and a bivariate logistic regression, to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive model for the adoption of WCTs in Tanzania that includes a range of individual, household, socio-economic, and farmer perception related variables (factors). The evaluation shows that 120 farmers (17.12\%) adopted WCTs and finds the farmer perceptions of rainfall instability, household wealth, and food security to be crucial. The results suggest that policy interventions should encourage conservation behavior (especially when the rainfall is perceived to be uncertain), emphasize the economic and food security-related benefits of adopting WCTs, include strategies that make adoption of WCTs attractive to female-led households, attempt to reach greater number of farmers via social networks and provide better access to public funds for farmers.}, language = {en} } @article{PerkovićPaulVasićetal.2022, author = {Perković, Stanislava and Paul, Carsten and Vasić, Filip and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Human Health and Soil Health Risks from Heavy Metals, Micro(nano)plastics, and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Agricultural Soils}, series = {Agronomy}, volume = {12}, journal = {Agronomy}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4395}, doi = {10.3390/agronomy12122945}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3739}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Humans are exposed to agricultural soils through inhalation, dermal contact, or the consumption of food. Human health may be at risk when soils are contaminated; while some soil contaminants such as heavy metals (HMs) have been extensively studied, others such as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) or antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) pose novel threats. This paper investigates the linkages between soil contamination and human health risk by reviewing the state of knowledge on HMs, MNPs, and ARB in agricultural soils. A keyword-based search in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted, complemented with a backward snowball search. We analysed main sources of contamination for agricultural soils, risks to human health differentiated by uptake pathway (ingestion, inhalation, dermal), and interactions of contaminants with microorganism, soil fauna, and plants. Results show that the emergence and spread of ARB and antibiotic resistant genes from agricultural soils and their contribution to antibiotic resistances of human pathogens is recognized as a significant threat. Likewise, a growing body of evidence indicates that MNPs are able to enter the food chain and to have potentially harmful effects on human health. For HM, knowledge of the effects on human health is well established. Multiple agricultural practices increase HM concentrations in soils, which may lead to adverse health effects from the ingestion of contaminated products or inhalation of contaminated soil particles. Severe knowledge gaps exist about the pathways of the contaminants, their behaviour in soil, and human uptake. Little is known about long-term exposure and impacts of MNPs, antibiotics and ARB on human health or about the possible combined effects of MNPs, ARB, and HMs. Missing monitoring systems inhibit a comprehensive assessment of human health risks. Our research demonstrates the need for human health risk assessment in the context of agricultural soils, in particular to be able to assess risks related to measures reinforcing the concept of the circular economy.}, language = {en} } @article{PaulKuhnSteinhoffKnoppetal.2020, author = {Paul, Carsten and Kuhn, Kristin and Steinhoff-Knopp, Bastian and Weißhuhn, Peter and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Towards a standardization of soil-related ecosystem service assessments}, series = {European Journal of Soil Science}, volume = {72}, journal = {European Journal of Soil Science}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1365-2389}, doi = {10.1111/ejss.13022}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-5801}, pages = {1543 -- 1558}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The concept of ecosystem services (ES) creates understanding of the value of ecosystems for human well-being. With regard to soils, it provides a framework for assessments of soil contributions and soil management impacts. However, a lack of standardization impedes comparisons between assessment studies and the building of synthesis information. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) is an important step forward, although its application to soils is not without difficulty. CICES version 5.1 defines 83 ES classes, of which only some are relevant for soils. We compiled two subsets of CICES classes: one set of soil-related ES comprising 29 services defined as directly and quantifiably controlled by soils and their properties, processes and functions, and another set of 40 ES defined as being affected by agricultural soil management. Additionally, we conducted a systematic literature review, searching for published lists of soil-related ES that claim completeness. We identified 11 relevant lists. Of all CICES classes, 12 were included in more than 75\% of the lists, whereas another 36 classes were included in 25-75\% of them. Regarding the suitability of the CICES classification for addressing ES in the context of soils and their agricultural management, we identified constraints, such as overlaps, gaps, and highly specific or very broad class definitions. Close cooperation between the soil research and ES communities could ensure better consideration of soils in future CICES updates. A shortlist of 25 service classes affected by agricultural soil management facilitates a standardized approach and may function as checklists in impact assessments.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferHaack2023, author = {Sch{\"a}fer, Martina and Haack, Michaela}, title = {Overcoming the efficiency paradigm—The challenges of introducing local organic beef in canteens}, series = {Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2571-581X}, doi = {10.3389/fsufs.2023.1152185}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-4395}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that public canteens can play an important role in supporting the transformation toward sustainable food systems and providing access to sustainable and healthy food for everybody—including the most vulnerable groups of the population. One important way in which canteens can contribute to this transformation is by increasing the share of organic and local products. These new political and public demands contrast with the organizational development of canteens over the past few decades, which has mainly been characterized by an increase in economic efficiency and a reduction in costs. Based on a project that was carried out in the Berlin-Brandenburg region (Germany), this paper exemplifies some of the challenges canteens face in the process of introducing organic and local products. Methods The empirical results are based on 31 qualitative interviews with canteen managers and kitchen staff as well as with the processing company involved. In addition, a survey of 500 canteen guests was conducted in the participating canteens. Results The analysis shows that the canteens had to adapt various organizational practices to ensure a healthy and sustainable diet at manageable cost. Introducing local organic beef in the canteens requires close cooperation with local farmers and processors, a change in procurement practices, transparency around the origin of the products, as well as adapted menu planning. Discussion Based on the empirical results, the paper discusses how these challenges can be met and which supportive measures can be taken on different governance levels. To change entrenched practices, process facilitators who support local cooperation along the value added chain are needed, and practical knowledge and professional training must be provided. The article concludes that there is a great potential to foster a sustainable and healthy diet via public and private canteens if the tension between efficiency and sustainability orientation can be overcome by adapting framework conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{OchoaSanyeMengualSpechtetal.2019, author = {Ochoa, Jesus and Sany{\´e}-Mengual, Esther and Specht, Kathrin and Fern{\´a}ndez, Juan A. and Ba{\~n}{\´o}n, Sebasti{\´a}n and Orsini, Francesco and Magrefi, Francesca and Bazzocchi, Giovanni and Halder, Severin and Martens, D{\"o}rte and Kappel, Noemi and Gianquinto, Giorgio}, title = {Sustainable Community Gardens Require Social Engagement and Training: A Users' Needs Analysis in Europe}, series = {Sustainability}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {11(14)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su11143978}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3261}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Urban gardens are spreading in many cities across Europe, with community gardening being a fundamental form of urban agriculture. While the literature reveals the essential role that community gardens can play in terms of learning and education, no studies have investigated the training needs for participants in community gardens to ensure their successful development. The goal of this article is to evaluate the training requirements of urban community gardens to ensure their successful implementation and their contribution to sustainability in European cities. Two questionnaires of users' needs analysis were designed and implemented in Berlin, Bologna, Budapest, and Cartagena. The results unveiled the need to re-enforce the training in the formation and community building phases of community gardens towards ensuring the creation of an engaged gardening community to maintain activity, particularly for top-down activities (e.g., research-related gardens). Users claimed their need for being trained on crop management skills (e.g., maintenance, bed preparation, organic practices) and on communication skills to further disseminate their activity, thereby increasing the potential for citizen engagement. Such requirements could be overcome with the creation of urban gardens networks, where experiences and knowledge are shared among practitioners. Policy recommendations are provided based on the outputs of this study.}, language = {en} }