@misc{Mandal, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Mandal, Prashant}, title = {Comparative Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Of Tomato Production in Spain and Northern Germany}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The environmental impact of year-round greenhouse vegetable production, particularly in high latitude region such as the Emsland district in Lower Saxony, Germany, has raised concerns. It has latitude 52,362324 and longitude 7,269548 with temperature from 10°C to 25 in summer and temperature ranges from -1°C to 7°C in winter. In this context, two gardens with different climatic conditions, represented by the gardeners DE from Germany and ES from Spain, were considered. The latter is located at latitude 41,39467 and longitude 2,157998, with summer temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C and winter temperatures from 10 to 15°C. Greenhouse vegetable production requires significant energy inputs for heating and lighting, particularly during the winter months. However, the environmental implications of using renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity and the effects of other production strategies on the environment have not been adequately investigated. To address this knowledge gap, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of greenhouse tomato production for year-round production in 2022 has been conducted, including processes from seedling planting in a pre-build greenhouse structure to distribution at two locations: the ES Gardner in Spain and the DE Gardner in Germany. The study used the OpenLCA software and followed the ReCipe 2016 Mid-Point (H) impact assessment methodology. Our analysis revealed that, across the two main production seasons, the highest global warming potential (GW) was observed during year-round production in Spain. The following aspects were discovered to have a significant influence on the environmental impact: Packaging material, transportation, heating systems, electricity, land usage, and irrigation methods. Overall, it was determined that year-round production in Germany had the least detrimental environmental impact among the examined production types. The use of packaging material, electricity for heating the greenhouse and transportation was the primary contributor to most of the impact categories. Conversely, the application of fertilizers and manures during extended seasonal and year-round production had a lower environmental impact.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Nshemeza, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Nshemeza, Kaitlyn}, title = {Assessment of the Biological root cause of Chicken Wing bone damage during chicken processing.}, publisher = {Hochschule Rhein Waal}, address = {Kleve, Germany}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {51}, abstract = {Abstract The Poultry industry plays a significant role in meeting global demand for protein-rich food. However, there is a significant challenge in chicken processing which involves the occurrence of wing breakage that impacts both the aesthetic quality of the product and raises concerns regarding animal welfare and economic sustainability. This thesis aims to investigate the underlying biological factors associated with wing damage during processing by comparing wing structures of broilers raised under different management systems. This investigation focuses on exploring the chicken wing breakage contributing factors and cultivating a better understanding of this challenge to aid the chicken processing industry. This objective will be achieved by a comparative analysis of internal wing structures with a focus on distal humeral growth plate development observed in chicken wings from broilers raised under different production systems. The packaging and selling of damaged chicken wings for human consumption is prohibited by the European Union due to the potential health risks and aesthetic reasons. Hence, the disposal of chicken carcasses with wing damage results in financial losses for the company. An internal comparative analysis of the chicken wings aided by dissection techniques as well as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry analysis of elements present at the bone growth plates will be carried out with an intention of quantifying the structural variations in broiler wings from different management systems. By elucidating the internal features and compositions of the different chicken wings with comparison to relevant literature and recent related discoveries, this research seeks to identify biological factors potentially responsible for wing damage among different broilers, allowing further intervention strategies within the industry. The findings from this study have implications for both industry practices and animal welfare standards. By discovering potential biological root causes of wing damage, this research provides valuable insights for optimizing processing protocols and equipment design to minimize trauma to birds and enhance product quality. In addition, a deeper understanding of physiological responses of chicken to processing stress can encourage more humane and efficient poultry handling practices and management strategies to reduce losses from wastage as well as chicken welfare improvement in commercial broiler production. The overall contribution of this thesis is towards the advancement of knowledge in poultry production and the importance of considering the biological factors and internal structures of chicken wings in designing processing systems. Through collaborative efforts between researchers, stakeholders and other parties involved, the insights gained from this study will aid sustainable practices that prioritize animal welfare, product quality assurance and economic sustainability in the poultry industry.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{CantosSiemers, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Cantos Siemers, Philip-Marcel}, title = {Assessment of the availability and sustainability of using agricultural residues and side streams in the Heinsberg region as raw material in a transdisciplinary circular bioeconomy}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {This bachelor thesis asseses the potential for utilizing agricultural residues and by-products in non-agricultural industries. Qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey are employed to gather stakeholders' perspectives, including farmers and industry experts, in order to assess the feasibility and impact of integrating agricultural residues into non-traditional sectors. The study examines post-harvest residue landscapes and current utilization practices, while gauging farmers' inclination towards selling residues to other industries. The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data enables the research to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the utilization of agricultural residues. This, in turn, informs strategies for the sustainable management of resources and the integration of industries.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Ina, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Ina, Hickmann}, title = {Potential of Social media marketing for farm shops}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {n the age of digital networking, social media has developed into a central tool that is reshaping the communication landscape. This bachelor thesis evaluates the growing importance of social media for farm stores, with the aim of examining the potential of social media for farm stores and identifying effective approaches. Key research questions guide the investigation, addressing aspects such as target groups, design criteria, social media platforms, customer acquisition and distinctions from supermarkets. By employing a mixed-method approach, qualitative expert interviews and a quantitative online survey were conducted to gain insights into the specific criteria for effective social media content and to analyze the characteristics of the Hoffreunde farm store's target audience. The results highlight the paramount role of target audience analysis in formulating a focused social media strategy. Thereby, essential design criteria include the creation of authentic posts that elucidate product origins, fostering trust, a pivotal advantage over large supermarkets. In conclusion, social media has the potential to positively impact farm stores by enhancing visibility and fostering customer loyalty.}, language = {en} } @misc{Hoetger, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {H{\"o}tger, Marvin}, title = {Evaluation of the potential of a silphie supply chain for fiber production and CO2 binding in East-Westphalia Lip}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The present thesis focuses on the potential of the alternative fiber plant Silphie (Silphium perfoliatum) in East Westphalia-Lippe. To assess its potential, three expert interviews were conducted in the beginning with the key stakeholders of a Silphie supply chain. These stakeholders included the fiber producer OutNature, the seed distributor Donau-Silphie, and the CO2 certification company Positerra. Through these interviews, the necessary conditions for establishing a Silphie cultivation region for paper production were determined. Subsequently, the attitudes of local farmers towards cultivation and further use of the plant were surveyed. Additionally, the potential for CO2 sequestration of Silphie was assessed and compared with the opinions of the farmers. The results from the interviews and the survey were used to identify patterns using explorative data analysis and descriptive statistics methods, enabling the prioritization of potential farmers in the future. The evaluation of the methods revealed an interest in cultivation and fiber production under certain conditions. The most important prerequisites include profitability, secured take-off agreements, and the suitability of using the plant as fodder. Consequently, farmers with a larger farm size who cultivate silage maize for biogas production are most willing to grow Silphie. By geographically mapping potential Silphie areas, two preferred catchment areas were identified where the chance for a cultivation region is favorable due to existing infrastructure and farmer interest. Furthermore, a comparison of the required environmental conditions with those present in OWL was conducted and mostly deemed accurate. Based on these findings and the development of further utilization possibilities for Silphie, this thesis serves as a motivation for additional studies aimed at increasing the potential of Silphie in OWL.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Arslan2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Arslan, Yesim}, title = {Evaluation of Urban Consumer Behaviour in D{\"u}sseldorf: Practical Implications for Strengthening Farmer-Consumer Relationships}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This study examines how to strengthen the relationship between urban consumers and local farmers in D{\"u}sseldorf through direct purchase. The background of climate change, long supply chains, and growing consumer detachment from food production form the motivation to bring consumers and agricultural producers closer together, especially in urban areas such as D{\"u}sseldorf. Therefore, this study explores which factors influence consumer willingness (intention) and actual purchasing behavior of regional products. The work is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior model (TPB), extended by the additional variable trust and uses a mixed-method approach, which combines literature review, an online survey (n=150), and two semi-structured interviews with local farmers. The statistical results show that attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and trust do not significantly influence regional purchasing intention or actual behavior. The only significant effect can be seen on the willingness to pay higher prices for regional products in different age groups. Older consumers (>36) show significantly higher willingness to pay higher prices than younger consumers (<35). Furthermore, the findings show a clear attitude-behavior gap, where interest or positive attitude towards regional products cannot be translated into real purchasing behavior of regional products. Additional descriptive results show that prices, convenience, and product variety influences grocery choices the most, and social media and recommendations from friends/family are most relevant information sources. Based on these insights, this study develops implications for farmers, consumers, and the city with the goal of strengthening the relationship between local farmers and urban consumers. Key recommendations include hybrid approaches by combining stronger digital visibility with strong personal interaction. Additionally, target group specific actions for younger and older consumers are presented as well as models that combine flexibility with direct exchange such as hybrid CSA. All in all, to strengthen the relationship between urban consumers and local producers cultural and structural changes are required, in which consumers, producers and the city itself share common responsibility.}, language = {en} }