publication
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-…
publication
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…
publication
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,…
publication
Can economic development be a driver of food system sustainability? Empirical evidence from a global sustainability index and a multi-country analysis
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/120171
Abstract
Despite representing a growing element of the international community’s discourse, the sustainability of food systems and the challenge of its empirical measurement are still highly debated. In this paper, we propose to address this gap by computing a global food system sustainability index which we then use in a cross-country analysis…
publication
Soil organic carbon increase on conversion of native savanna to improved pasture in two regions of Colombia
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168935
Abstract
There is limited knowledge on how to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks under tropical conditions. This study investigates SOC changes after converting land from native savanna (NS) to improved pasture (IP) land use. Two acidic soil conversion sites were examined: (i) a poorly drained slope with medium‐texture soil (Casanare [CAS] 1 ) and (ii) flat terrain with fine‐texture…
publication
Variability of provitamin A carotenoids in plantain: influence of cultivar, bunch type, maturation stage, and location
Bioversity-CIAT Alliance (Bioversity-CIAT Alliance)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/110383
Abstract
In this study, the effect of ripening stage (R), cultivar (C), bunch type (T), and location (L) on the variability of provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) in 16 plantain cultivars grown in Cameroon and Gabon was investigated. For the sixteen plantain cultivars, fruits were collected at stages 1 (unripe), 5…
publication
Soil organic carbon dynamics along chrono-sequence land-use systems in the highlands of Ethiopia
Bioversity-CIAT Alliance (Bioversity-CIAT Alliance)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/108327
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics along land-use changes influences the terrestrial and global carbon cycle, the climate, soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and food security. Taking soils under native forests as an appropriate ecological reference, we studied changes in soil organic carbon stock along eight land-…
publication
Towards actionable farm typologies: Scaling adoption of agricultural inputs in Rwanda
Bioversity-CIAT Alliance (Bioversity-CIAT Alliance)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/108304
Abstract
Rollout of development interventions using a one-size-fits-all model can achieve economies of scale but neglects to account for variability in farm and farmer characteristics. A data-driven approach to incorporate farmer diversity in scaling strategies may help to achieve greater development impact. However, interpreting the…
publication
Optimizing interaction between crop residues and inorganic N under zero tillage systems in sub-humid region of Kenya
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/118127
Abstract
Conservation agriculture practices involving zero tillage and residue retention are promising nutrient management strategies for soil health restoration. Despite their potential positive impact on soil fertility, improved crop yields and increased revenues for smallholder farmers; their effect on nitrogen inputs and crop growth is not clearly understood. This may limit their…
publication
Spatial farming systems diversity and micronutrient intakes of rural children in Ethiopia
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/130471
Abstract
Own production contributes much of the food supply in smallholder production sys-tems in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Understanding the potentialas well as constraints of these production systems in terms of nutrient supplies isthus a critical step to design interventions to improve nutrient intakes. The objectivesof this study were (1) to assess the usual total intakes of vitamin A…
publication
Transcriptomic profiling suggests candidate molecular responses to waterlogging in cassava
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/127662
Abstract
Owing to climate change impacts, waterlogging is a serious abiotic stress that affects crops, resulting in stunted growth and loss of productivity. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Grantz) is usually grown in areas that experience high amounts of rainfall; however, little research has been done on the waterlogging tolerance mechanism of this species. Therefore, we investigated the physiological responses…
publication
Synergies and trade-offs between climate change adaptation options and gender equality: a review of the global literature
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/121964
Abstract
Climate change impacts are being felt across sectors in all regions of the world, and adaptation projects are being implemented to reduce climate risks and existing vulnerabilities. Climate adaptation actions also have significant synergies and tradeoffs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 on gender equality. Questions are increasingly being…
publication
Carbon footprint of milk production systems in El Salvador: differences between specialized dairy and dual-purpose herds and mitigation opportunities
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179742
Publication year
2025
Authors
Joaquín, Castro-Montoya
Erick, Medina
Arango, Jacobo
Gonzalez-Quintero, Ricardo
Full Citation
Joaquín, C.; Erick, M.; Arango, J.; Gonzalez-Quintero, R. (…
publication
Forest pattern, not just amount, influences dietary quality in five African countries
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/112853
Publication year
2020
Authors
Rasmussen, L.V.
Fagan, Matthew E.
Ickowitz, A.
Wood, S.L.R.
Kennedy, G.
Powell, B.
Baudron, Frédéric
Gergel, Sarah E.
Jung, S.
Smithwick, Erica A.H.
Sunderland, T.C.H.…
publication
Step by step to higher yields? Adoption and impacts of a sequenced training approach for climate-smart coffee production in Uganda
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/176628
Abstract
Climate change further exacerbates sustainability challenges in coffee cultivation. Addressing these requires effective delivery mechanisms for sustainable farming practices, particularly in smallholder contexts. We assess a novel public-private extension approach in Uganda, called Stepwise, comprising a sequence of climate-smart and good agricultural practices…
