publication
Video based deep learning deciphers honeybee waggle dances in natural conditions
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177838
Abstract
Urbanization and industrial agriculture are a threat to wild and managed honey-bees, crucial pollinators of the natural- and agro-ecosystems components of the landscapes. Understanding bee colonies’ foraging behaviors within these landscapes is essential for managing human-bee conflicts and sustaining their vital pollination services. Objectives To understand how bees use their surroundings, researchers often…
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Productivity of newly released common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties under sole cropping and intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/115991
Abstract
Intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the predominant farming practices in eastern and southern Africa (ESA) for effective use of resources and continuous household food supply. The productivity of sole or intercropped crops is subject to variety, location, year, and their interaction. Therefore, the…
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Tackling gender inequality in community-based organizations: The contribution of cacao cooperatives to environmental justice for women in Peru
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/139560
Abstract
Persistent gender inequalities challenge theory and praxis of community-based collective action. Here we adopt an innovative approach which integrates environmental justice, value chain inclusion and collective action theory to diagnose inequalities in community- based organizations (CBOs) and identify strategies to address them. Drawing on the…
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Understanding gendered trait preferences: Implications for client-responsive breeding programs
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/121073
Abstract
Client-responsiveness is a foundation for effectiveness of public sector breeding programs in agriculture, aquaculture and livestock. However, there remains a considerable lack of clarity about what this means, specifically in terms of how programs can be gender-responsive. This study contributes to addressing that need. It does so through sharing higher-level insights emerging from the combined…
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Transformation of coffee-growing landscapes across Latin America. A review
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/114935
Abstract
In Latin America, the cultivation of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) plays a critical role in rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Over the last 20 years, coffee farms and landscapes across the region have undergone rapid and profound biophysical changes in response to low coffee prices, changing climatic conditions, severe plant pathogen outbreaks, and other drivers. Although…
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Enabling cumulative learning in user-oriented research for root, tuber and banana crop breeding
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/126395
Abstract
User-oriented research is important in breeding improved genotypes, for developing and validating product concepts (mostly involving trait prioritisation), as well as evaluating breeding products in use situations (mostly involving participatory variety evaluation). This paper examines key aspects that enable cumulative learning in user-oriented research for root, tuber and banana (RTB) crop…
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Gender empowerment and parity in East Africa: evidence from climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia and Kenya
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/126510
Abstract
The aim of this study is to understand the role of climate-smart villages (CSVs) in promoting genderempowerment and equality in East Africa. This paper uses data collected from 280 and 305 randomlyselected farm household heads in Doyogena (Ethiopia) and Nyando (Kenya), respectively. To analysethe data, the gender empowerment index for climate resilient agriculture (GEI-CRA) and the…
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Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of Musella lasiocarpa reveals the critical role of structural variations in chromosomal and genome evolution
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/181214
Abstract
Musella lasiocarpa (MLA, 2n = 18, Musaceae) is an endangered species native to south-western China. We assembled its haplotype-resolved, telomere-to-telomere genomes with a genome size of 503.6 Mb consisting of 52.8% repetitive DNA. A 134 bp tandem repeat, Mlcen, was identified at all centromeres, and telomere sequences were present at 30 of 36…
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One CGIAR and the Integrated Agri-food Systems Initiative: From short-termism to transformation of the world’s food systems
Bioversity-CIAT Alliance (Bioversity-CIAT Alliance)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/113922
Abstract
Agri-food systems are besieged by malnutrition, yield gaps, and climate vulnerability, but integrated, research-based responses in public policy, agricultural, value chains, and finance are constrained by short-termism and zero sum thinking. As they respond to current and emerging agri-food system…
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Farmers’ willingness to pay for weather and climate information services in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review with meta-analysis
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179302
Abstract
Access to Weather and Climate Information Services (WCIS) is critical for strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate risks. Yet, understanding farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for WCIS and its determinants for designing sustainable delivery and financing mechanisms in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains limited. This study synthesizes existing evidence on…
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Accelerated breeding modernization: a global blueprint for driving genetic gains, climate resilience, and food security in rice
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178847
Abstract
Rice plays a central role in global food security as climate threats continue to rise. Fast-tracking genetic gains and developing climate-resilient, market-preferred varieties require a bold, system-wide transformation of rice breeding practices worldwide. Baseline diagnostics of more than 25 national rice breeding programs across the Global South revealed…
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Gender dynamics in the biofortified bean value chain in Burundi
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/131869
Abstract
Biofortified beans are being promoted in Burundi to solve malnutrition issues among rural households. The study was conducted in Muyinga and Gasorwe communes, where biofortified bean varieties were disseminated. This study aims to understand gender roles and practices in households and farms and how these roles and practices influence participation and uptake of biofortified beans. Lastly, it looks at the role of extension in…
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PowderBot: An automated device for decision-making in crop breeding programs based on DNA extraction from seed powder
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179338
Abstract
This paper presents the design, construction, operation, and evaluation of PowderBot, a purpose-built, open-source, low-cost machine (∼US$ 5000) that automates DNA extraction from ungerminated seeds. The device drills into the seed cotyledon, where the genetic information of the prospective plant is stored. It then transfers the pure, powdered samples directly to well-…
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Smallholder farmer engagement in citizen science for varietal diversification enhances adaptive capacity and productivity in Bihar, India
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/115726
Abstract
There is evidence that in many situations the use of a diverse set of two or more crop varieties in the field has benefits for production. The benefits of varietal diversification include lower crop disease incidence, higher productivity, and lower yield variability. Targeted interventions could increase varietal diversity where smallholder farmers lack…
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Country-specific challenges to improving effectiveness, scalability and sustainability of agricultural climate services in Africa
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/121904
Abstract
Climate services are playing an increasing role in efforts to build the resilience of African agriculture to a variable and changing climate. Efforts to improve the contribution of climate services to agriculture must contend with substantial differences in national agricultural climate services landscapes. Context-specific factors influence the effectiveness,…
