Thursday, 8 December 2016
A 23-year-old food forest (video)
Thriving 23-Year-Old Permaculture Food Forest - An Invitation for Wildness
In the small town of Riverton at the bottom of New Zealand's South
Island is Robert and Robyn Guyton's amazing 23-year-old food forest. The
two-acre property has been transformed from a neglected piece of land
into a thriving ecosystem. This lovely video introduces the food forest. (Watch this to find out what Santa Claus does in the Summer!).
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Introducing the Lexicon of Sustainability (video)
Community Supported Agriculture, by The Lexicon of Sustainability
As well as serious and weighty books and articles, I sometimes like to feature lighter, shorter material including video on The Digest. Here's just one from the many great short films produced by the Lexicon of Sustainability Project that I hope will inspire you to explore more of their great work, and share it with colleagues, friends and family.
As well as serious and weighty books and articles, I sometimes like to feature lighter, shorter material including video on The Digest. Here's just one from the many great short films produced by the Lexicon of Sustainability Project that I hope will inspire you to explore more of their great work, and share it with colleagues, friends and family.
Agroecology enhances climate change resilience (online)
Climate Change: Agroecological approaches to enhance resilience to climate change
The Green Revolution has performed well in areas with a stable climate, adequate water supply and access to inputs and cheap energy. But the necessary fertilizers, pesticides, farm equipment and fuel are derived from dwindling and ever more expensive fossil fuels. At the same time, climatic extremes are becoming more frequent and intensive agricultural systems show a lower resistance and higher vulnerability to such fluctuations. Fortunately, there are alternatives that enhance resilience and ensure high yields.
The Green Revolution has performed well in areas with a stable climate, adequate water supply and access to inputs and cheap energy. But the necessary fertilizers, pesticides, farm equipment and fuel are derived from dwindling and ever more expensive fossil fuels. At the same time, climatic extremes are becoming more frequent and intensive agricultural systems show a lower resistance and higher vulnerability to such fluctuations. Fortunately, there are alternatives that enhance resilience and ensure high yields.
Agroecology at territorial scale (journal)
Agroecology territories: places for sustainable agricultural and food systems and biodiversity conservation
The development of sustainable agricultural and food systems is so far almost exclusively proposed either at the scale of specific agricultural systems or for selected supply chains. Strongly neglected is the development of sustainable systems at a territorial scale. We, therefore, present here the concept of agroecology territories. We define agroecology territories as places where a transition process toward sustainable agriculture and food systems is engaged. Three major domains must be considered for the transition to take place: adaptation of agricultural practices; conservation of biodiversity and natural resources; and development of embedded food systems. Stakeholder group strategies, developed by those who actively engage in these three domains and are themselves actors in the transition, are integral to agroecology territories.
The development of sustainable agricultural and food systems is so far almost exclusively proposed either at the scale of specific agricultural systems or for selected supply chains. Strongly neglected is the development of sustainable systems at a territorial scale. We, therefore, present here the concept of agroecology territories. We define agroecology territories as places where a transition process toward sustainable agriculture and food systems is engaged. Three major domains must be considered for the transition to take place: adaptation of agricultural practices; conservation of biodiversity and natural resources; and development of embedded food systems. Stakeholder group strategies, developed by those who actively engage in these three domains and are themselves actors in the transition, are integral to agroecology territories.
Agroecology and the Sustainable Development Goals (online)
Agroecology contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals
A meta-analysis of 50 case studies from 22 African countries shows the contribution of agroecology to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The trends revealed here make clear the potential of agroecology to sustainably increase food sovereignty while conserving biodiversity and respecting indigenous farmers’ knowledge and innovations.
A meta-analysis of 50 case studies from 22 African countries shows the contribution of agroecology to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The trends revealed here make clear the potential of agroecology to sustainably increase food sovereignty while conserving biodiversity and respecting indigenous farmers’ knowledge and innovations.
Polyculture trials 2014-16 (online)
Balkan Ecology Project's polyculture trials 2014-16
For three years Balkan Ecology Project have been testing the practice of growing vegetables and herbs in polycultures (or what is known as guilds within permaculture circles). They have been using their home garden for these tests and recording the inputs and outputs from the growing seasons. Their aim is to discover whether or not growing in polycultures offers benefits over conventional methods of growing, and to see to what degree they can obtain good yields of nutrient dense food whilst providing habitat for garden wildlife. Here they present a description of the garden layout and planting scheme, an overview of their cultivation practices, the results from year three of the study, their record keeping methods, and some notes and observations from this year.
For three years Balkan Ecology Project have been testing the practice of growing vegetables and herbs in polycultures (or what is known as guilds within permaculture circles). They have been using their home garden for these tests and recording the inputs and outputs from the growing seasons. Their aim is to discover whether or not growing in polycultures offers benefits over conventional methods of growing, and to see to what degree they can obtain good yields of nutrient dense food whilst providing habitat for garden wildlife. Here they present a description of the garden layout and planting scheme, an overview of their cultivation practices, the results from year three of the study, their record keeping methods, and some notes and observations from this year.
Functional Ecolgy special issue free online
To celebrate 30 years of Functional Ecology current journal Editors Charles Fox, Alan Knapp, Craig White and Ken Thompson have each chosen their favourite papers from our back catalogue. We asked the Editors to choose papers they feel have had a major impact on their field and that continue to be relevant today. The resulting eclectic selection spans the full history and broad scope of the journal. All 17 papers are free to access.
Engaging the public in community carbon reduction (#journal)
“The Good Life”: Engaging the public with community-based carbon reduction strategies
In recent years the UK has positioned itself to become a global leader in addressing climate change, including an increasing emphasis on the role of communities to facilitate, increase and sustain carbon reduction practices. Previous research into community-based carbon reduction projects has highlighted the difficulty of engaging the public in community initiatives and sustaining pro-environmental behaviours. We need an understanding of how individuals respond to, and engage with, (or even ignore) community-based carbon reduction strategies. The paper presents findings from focus groups in three urban communities and investigates individual engagements with community-based carbon reduction strategies. The paper discusses what people know, feel and do about addressing climate change at the community level. An “information-vacuum” is reported that leads to an “awareness-involvement gap” that inhibits sustained engagement. The paper advances a new theoretical framework and a “what works” approach for community-based initiatives attempting to meaningfully engage the public.
In recent years the UK has positioned itself to become a global leader in addressing climate change, including an increasing emphasis on the role of communities to facilitate, increase and sustain carbon reduction practices. Previous research into community-based carbon reduction projects has highlighted the difficulty of engaging the public in community initiatives and sustaining pro-environmental behaviours. We need an understanding of how individuals respond to, and engage with, (or even ignore) community-based carbon reduction strategies. The paper presents findings from focus groups in three urban communities and investigates individual engagements with community-based carbon reduction strategies. The paper discusses what people know, feel and do about addressing climate change at the community level. An “information-vacuum” is reported that leads to an “awareness-involvement gap” that inhibits sustained engagement. The paper advances a new theoretical framework and a “what works” approach for community-based initiatives attempting to meaningfully engage the public.
Economic crisis shaping alternative narratives (#journal)
The economic crisis as a game changer? Exploring the role of social construction in sustainability transitions
This paper takes a transition perspective to explore, from a Western European viewpoint, how the economic crisis is actually viewed through a variety of interpretations and responded to through a range of practices. The authors argue that framing societal phenomena such as the economic crisis as "symptoms of transition" through alternative narratives and actions can give rise to the potential for (seemingly) short-term pressures to become game changers. Game changers are defined as the combination of: specific events, the subsequent or parallel framing of events in systemic terms by engaged societal actors, and (eventually) the emergence of (diverse) alternative narratives and practices (in response to the systemic framing of events). Game changers, when understood in these terms, help to orient, legitimize, guide, and accelerate deep changes in society. They conclude that such dynamics in which game changers gain momentum might also come to play a critical role in transitions.
This paper takes a transition perspective to explore, from a Western European viewpoint, how the economic crisis is actually viewed through a variety of interpretations and responded to through a range of practices. The authors argue that framing societal phenomena such as the economic crisis as "symptoms of transition" through alternative narratives and actions can give rise to the potential for (seemingly) short-term pressures to become game changers. Game changers are defined as the combination of: specific events, the subsequent or parallel framing of events in systemic terms by engaged societal actors, and (eventually) the emergence of (diverse) alternative narratives and practices (in response to the systemic framing of events). Game changers, when understood in these terms, help to orient, legitimize, guide, and accelerate deep changes in society. They conclude that such dynamics in which game changers gain momentum might also come to play a critical role in transitions.
Four pathways to transition (#journal)
Many pathways toward sustainability: not conflict but co-learning between transition narratives
While a broad agreement exists with regard to the need for mainstreaming sustainability into decision-making and everyday practices, different transition pathway narratives are advocated. This article describes four archetypes of present transition narratives; (1) the green economy, (2) low-carbon transformation, (3) ecotopian solutions and (4) transition movements. Based on our analysis, we argue that despite the assumption that these narratives represent competing pathways, there is considerable complementarity between them. An integrative approach could potentially help bridge these intervention types and connect fragmented actors at multiple levels and across multiple phases of transition processes. Effectively mainstreaming sustainability will ultimately require sustainability scientists to navigate between, and learn from, multiple transition narratives.
While a broad agreement exists with regard to the need for mainstreaming sustainability into decision-making and everyday practices, different transition pathway narratives are advocated. This article describes four archetypes of present transition narratives; (1) the green economy, (2) low-carbon transformation, (3) ecotopian solutions and (4) transition movements. Based on our analysis, we argue that despite the assumption that these narratives represent competing pathways, there is considerable complementarity between them. An integrative approach could potentially help bridge these intervention types and connect fragmented actors at multiple levels and across multiple phases of transition processes. Effectively mainstreaming sustainability will ultimately require sustainability scientists to navigate between, and learn from, multiple transition narratives.
Community resilience to climate change (report)
Community resilience to climate change: an evidence review
How is the resilience of communities to climate change in the UK currently understood and practised? The concept of community resilience to climate change in the UK has a diverse range of meanings and associated activities. This review of evidence and practice explores this varied and contested field to build the evidence base and help support the development of community resilience to climate change.
How is the resilience of communities to climate change in the UK currently understood and practised? The concept of community resilience to climate change in the UK has a diverse range of meanings and associated activities. This review of evidence and practice explores this varied and contested field to build the evidence base and help support the development of community resilience to climate change.
60 ecohomes, all different, all glorious (video)
60 short films showcase eco-homes
Living in the Future is an amazing collection of 60 short films and three long documentaries that introduce some of the most innovative, interesting and inspiring eco-homes in Britain and beyond.
Living in the Future is an amazing collection of 60 short films and three long documentaries that introduce some of the most innovative, interesting and inspiring eco-homes in Britain and beyond.
Living in the Future is an ongoing project documenting sustainable communities and ecovillages around the world. They host a free online series, a regular blog and a set of three feature documentaries - Ecovillage Pioneers, Lammas and our latest film, Deep Listening.
Tree planting helps sheep farmers (report)
Planting trees to benefit sheep farming
Upland hill farming at high altitudes can bring challenges such as lack of shelter and protection for newborn lambs. This Woodland Trust case study describes Cumbrian sheep farmer David Noble’s experience of planting trees on his farm to help provide his sheep with shelter from the elements in winter, and shade in summer, improving flock welfare. It details the planting system he put in place and the many benefits he hoped to achieve from it, such as reduced lamb neonatal loss, water pollution and poaching, and helping to stabilise stream banks on lower lying pastures and create new habitats for wildlife. This case study shows that when planted strategically, even small scale tree planting can have numerous benefits.
Upland hill farming at high altitudes can bring challenges such as lack of shelter and protection for newborn lambs. This Woodland Trust case study describes Cumbrian sheep farmer David Noble’s experience of planting trees on his farm to help provide his sheep with shelter from the elements in winter, and shade in summer, improving flock welfare. It details the planting system he put in place and the many benefits he hoped to achieve from it, such as reduced lamb neonatal loss, water pollution and poaching, and helping to stabilise stream banks on lower lying pastures and create new habitats for wildlife. This case study shows that when planted strategically, even small scale tree planting can have numerous benefits.
Community climate action in Europe (report)
Community Climate Action Across Europe
TESS (Towards European Societal Sustainability) was a European research project exploring the role of community based initiatives (CBIs) in transitioning to a low-carbon Europe. The project developed methodologies and tools for monitoring and reporting the social, political, economic, technological and environmental impacts of CBIs as well as their carbon emissions savings. Findings showed that community-based initiatives are key drivers of local innovation, with food and energy the domains in which CBIs were most active. This new booklet summarises the activities of community-based initiatives across Europe, introducing the range and diversity of community activity taking place in the city of Rome, Berlin, Catalunya and the countries of Finland, Romania and Scotland.
TESS (Towards European Societal Sustainability) was a European research project exploring the role of community based initiatives (CBIs) in transitioning to a low-carbon Europe. The project developed methodologies and tools for monitoring and reporting the social, political, economic, technological and environmental impacts of CBIs as well as their carbon emissions savings. Findings showed that community-based initiatives are key drivers of local innovation, with food and energy the domains in which CBIs were most active. This new booklet summarises the activities of community-based initiatives across Europe, introducing the range and diversity of community activity taking place in the city of Rome, Berlin, Catalunya and the countries of Finland, Romania and Scotland.
New PhD opportunities in UK
Two new PhD opportunities in transition and green innovation
The Policy Studies Institute at the University of Westminster and The Green Challenge Scholarship are currently offering funded PhD places.
PSI is a research centre in the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment (FABE) at University of Westminster, and is eligible for three MPhil/PhD studentships for entry in September 2017. They are keen to encourage and support high quality proposals in areas that align with the interests and expertise of their researchers, including those relating to transition towns and transitions. More information here: http://www.psi.org.uk/2017_PhD
The Policy Studies Institute at the University of Westminster and The Green Challenge Scholarship are currently offering funded PhD places.
PSI is a research centre in the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment (FABE) at University of Westminster, and is eligible for three MPhil/PhD studentships for entry in September 2017. They are keen to encourage and support high quality proposals in areas that align with the interests and expertise of their researchers, including those relating to transition towns and transitions. More information here: http://www.psi.org.uk/2017_PhD
The Green Challenge Scholarship is a competition for prospective and current students wishing to pursue a postgraduate degree that will help lead to the development of a ‘green themed’ commercial concept. The competition is a unique funding opportunity offering students the chance to win a scholarship that will help to develop knowledge related to their idea of up to £20,000 to cover their postgraduate degree tuition fees.The competition is now open and application close on 27TH March 2017. Download the Guidelines, FAQ’s and Application Form here (www.postcodeearthtrust.org.uk
New FAO agroecology website (online)
This week FAO has launched a new online Agroecology Knowledge Hub. The website is aimed at maintaining and promoting information and updates on Agroecology, as well as providing a space to share experiences of FAO and our partners in Agroecology. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen our worldwide network.
Nous voudrions vous informer que la FAO a développé un «centre de connaissances sur l’agroécologie » sur le site suivant : http://www.fao.org/
Esta semana FAO ha lanzado un nuevo Centro de Conocimientos sobre AgroecologÃa en lÃnea, en el siguiente sitio web: http://www.fao.org/
Monday, 24 October 2016
10 year forest garden trial: half way report (online)
In 2010 two anonymous donors gave a total of nine thousand pounds to the Permaculture Association to conduct a ten year research trial into forest gardens in the UK. The idea was to give half of the money to a dozen newly established forest garden to help cover their set up costs, and to use the remaining money to monitor their progress and evolution over the following ten years.
This report marks the half way point of that project. It reports on the progress of the forest gardens in the trial, and on what has been learned to date. Read it here.
This report marks the half way point of that project. It reports on the progress of the forest gardens in the trial, and on what has been learned to date. Read it here.
Home gardens for food security (journal)
Home gardens: a promising approach to enhance household food security and wellbeing
This paper first examines definitions and characteristics of home gardens and then provides a global review of their social, economic, and environmental contributions to communities in various socio-economic contexts. Home garden research covers Africa, Asia, and Latin America; studies recognize positive impacts on food insecurity and malnutrition, income and livelihoods, and ecosystem services. However, only a handful of case studies were found on post-crisis settings. This review then investigates the home garden experiences of post-conflict Sri Lanka, where home gardening has been practiced for centuries. While emphasizing multiple benefits, the authors also highlight constraints to home garden food production. They emphasize the need for more research to appraise the role of home gardens, their economic value and their impacts on food security, nutrition, economic growth, and gender issues.Agroforestry for climate change resilience (#journal)
Multipurpose agroforestry as a climate change resiliency option for farmers: an example of local adaptation in Vietnam
Increasing frequency, intensity and duration of severe weather events are posing major challenges to rural livelihoods. This study aimed to: (i) identify tree species that reduce vulnerability of cropping systems under climate variability; and (ii) develop a method for rapidly assessing vulnerability and exploring strategies of smallholder farmers. Participatory Rural Appraisal methods in combination with Geographical Information Systems tools and analysis of meteorological data were used to evaluate local vulnerability and to investigate local adaptation measures in Vietnam. While rice and rain-fed crops suffered over 40 % yield losses in years of extreme drought or flood, tree-based systems and cattle were less affected. 13 tree species performed well under the harsh local climate conditions in home and forest gardens to provide income, food, feed and other environmental benefits.
Urban food forestry (journal)
Introducing urban food forestry: a multifunctional approach to increase food security and provide ecosystem services
The authors examine the potential of perennial woody food-producing species (“food trees”) in cities and propose a multifunctional approach that combines elements of urban agriculture, urban forestry, and agroforestry into what they call “urban food forestry” (UFF). They use four approaches at different scales to gauge the potential of UFF to enhance urban sustainability and contribute to food security. They also develop a Climate–Food–Species Matrix of potential food trees appropriate for temperate urban environments, including 70 species, 30 of which were deemed “highly suitable” for urban food forestry. Untapped potential exists for urban food forestry to contribute to urban sustainability via increased food security and landscape multifunctionality.
Urban agroforestry (thesis)
This paper reviews examples of the current theory and practice of
agroecology, agroforestry, and permaculture in urban ecosystems, and
looks at possibilities for integrating agroecology,
agroforestry, and permaculture design principles in order to deal
with the unique challenges and opportunities of the urban ecosystem.
These practices can lessen the ecological footprint of urban areas by
increasing the production of ecosystems services. Urban agriculture
and forestry can be integrated into an urban food forestry design
system utilizing agroecological and permaculture principles and
science.
Forest gardening in practice (book)
Forest Gardening In Practice: An Illustrated Practical Guide for Homes, Communities & Enterprise
Thursday, 13 October 2016
Forest garden takeover, October 2016
Forest Garden special; for one month only!
After the amazing popularity of Candela Vargas' new forest garden guide last month, I thought I'd dedicate The Digest to forest gardening for the whole of October. So everything I'm posting this month is in some way related to forest gardens or agroforestry (or both). Big thanks to Tomas Remiarz for inspiring this idea by sharing his bibliography with me. If you've got anything forest garden related you'd like me to post on The Digest, please email it, or a hyperlink to it, to research@permaculture.org.uk by 23rd October. Thanks!
After the amazing popularity of Candela Vargas' new forest garden guide last month, I thought I'd dedicate The Digest to forest gardening for the whole of October. So everything I'm posting this month is in some way related to forest gardens or agroforestry (or both). Big thanks to Tomas Remiarz for inspiring this idea by sharing his bibliography with me. If you've got anything forest garden related you'd like me to post on The Digest, please email it, or a hyperlink to it, to research@permaculture.org.uk by 23rd October. Thanks!
Trees for forest gardens (book)
Trees for Gardens, Orchards & Permaculture by Martin Crawford
Edible forest gardens website (online)
Edible Forest Gardens
Edible Forest Gardens.com is dedicated to offering inspiring and
practical information on the vision, ecology, design, and stewardship of
perennial polycultures of multipurpose plants in small-scale settings.
We intend this website to grow into an information and networking
resource for newcomers, amateurs, students, and serious practitioners
and researchers alike.
Agroforestry Research Trust (online)
Agroforestry Research Trust
The ART is an educational and research organisation, founded in
1992 as a registered charity, to educate and conduct research into all
aspects of agroforestry. Various academic and practical research
projects have been undertaken since its formation, and results of
research published by the Trust in a number of publications and in its
own quarterly journal, Agroforestry News. Courses and tours are also
run on aspects of our work.
Agroforestry - next step for sustainable agriculture (#journal)
Agroforestry—The Next Step in Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture
The importance of ecosystem diversity (#journal)
The functional role of producer diversity in ecosystems
Classifying plants by functional types (#journal)
Plant functional types: an alternative to taxonomic plant community description in biogeography?
This article critically reviews the concept of plant functional types as an alternative to the traditional taxonomic species-based approach to plant community description in biogeography and ecology. Plant functional types are nonphylogenetic groupings of species that show close similarities in their response to environmental and biotic controls. Functional classifications often cut across taxonomic classifications and may be more meaningful in terms of plant response.
Practical applications of plant functional types in biogeography and ecology are also reviewed. Plant functional types can aid in the understanding of ecological processes, such as the assembly and stability of communities and succession, and facilitate the detection and prediction of response to environmental change at a range of scales. Despite its potential, the plant functional type approach is probably best viewed as a complementary approach to description using traditional taxonomy.The importance of plant functional diversity (#journal)
Vive la différence: plant functional diversity matters to ecosystem processes
Forest gardens on the nature-culture continuum (#journal)
Forest gardens as an ‘intermediate’ land-use system in the nature–culture continuum: Characteristics and future potential
Forest gardens are reconstructed natural forests, in which wild and cultivated plants coexist, such that the structural characteristics and ecological processes of natural forests are preserved, although the species composition has been adapted to suit human needs. They lie between natural forests and tree-crop plantations in terms of their structure and composition. Their management is characterized by combined use of silvicultural and horticultural operations, and spatial and temporal variations. These ecologically sustainable systems are often dynamic in species composition in response to changing socioeconomic conditions. Evolved over a long period of time as a result of local community's creativity, forest gardens have received little attention in agroforestry research. The study of forest gardens offers good opportunities for obtaining a better understanding of the ‘nature-analogous’ agroforestry systems and for developing multifunctional agroforestry systems combining production and biodiversity.
Socioeconomic conditions supporting forest gardens (#journal)
The socioeconomic conditions determining the development, persistence, and decline of forest garden systems
There is a range of forest management systems between pure extraction and plantation systems. Such “intermediate systems” range from wild forests modified for increased production of selected products to anthropogenic forests with a high-density of valuable species growing within a relatively diverse and complex structure. These systems, classed here as “Forest Garden Systems” (FGS), have important socioeconomic and ecological benefits, and yet they have been largely overlooked by researchers, development practitioners, and policy makers. Based on case examples and the authors’ experience, this paper analyzes the socioeconomic and institutional factors that explain the development, persistence, and decline of FGS.
Agro-successional restoration of tropical forests (#journal)
Agro-Successional Restoration as a Strategy to Facilitate Tropical Forest Recovery
With the increasing need to restore former agricultural lands in the tropics, it is critical to explore different models for how to restore these lands. The authors propose that agro-successional restoration, which they define as incorporating a range of agroecology and agroforestry techniques as a transition phase early in forest restoration, could be used more widely to overcome socioeconomic and ecological obstacles to restoring these lands. Over centuries, farmers and scientists have developed various agroforestry techniques that aim to cultivate crops and trees, in a range of crop types, time periods of cultivation (a few years to several decades), and complexity of species planted. The management practices used, such as weeding and increasing soil fertility, parallel those used in many forest restoration efforts. Benefits of the agro-successional model include extending the management period of restoration, offsetting some management costs, providing food security for small landholders, and involving small landholders.
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
The permaculture community in England (#journal)
Examining Innovation for Sustainability from the Bottom Up: An Analysis of the Permaculture Community in England
This article examines attempts by the permaculture community in England to interact and influence the Agriculture Knowledge System of the mainstream agro-food regime.
Strategic Niche Management and Communities of Practice theory are combined to examine the ways in which the permaculture community has evolved and has sought to develop its agro-ecology message and influence the agro-food regime.
Evidence of second order learning and networking with stakeholders outside the community of practice is limited. A tension between internal activities that reinforce a boundary between the permaculture knowledge system and the wider Agriculture Knowledge System are evident. Some external activities designed to cross boundaries are noted. However, activities designed to translate permaculture ideas into mainstream agriculture have had limited success. This reveals the way that beliefs, values and epistemologies make the process of sustainability transition challenging and complex, particularly when different knowledge systems clash with one another.
Also published here, April 2018: http://www.ccri.ac.uk/maye-permaculture-sociologia-ruralis/
Markets for agroecology (online video)
What type of markets support agroecological and sustainable food systems?
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations organizes Technical Seminars/Webinars on Agroecology and related issues to foster an inter-disciplinary exchange of knowledge and field experience on topics that are relevant to sustainable production systems and agroecology. Here is a two hour video of their latest seminar, held on 10th June 2016. Within the seminar, 4 speakers present their research projects, each taking about twenty minutes.
Co-creation in agroecology (online)
Knowledge building is central to
agroecology rooted in family farming. But why? What type of
knowledge, and whose knowledge is mobilised? This issue of Farming
Matters explores what we really mean by co-creation of knowledge in
agroecology, why it is so essential for today’s challenges, and how
it takes place around the world.
A European vision for sustainabilty (report)
Europe becomes aware of the limits of the Blue Planet and of the need for a fair share for all, notably the rapidly growing developing nations and the younger generation. Europe needs to rediscover social market economy principles, including solidarity, and to match it with planetary boundaries to create an inclusive society for all Europeans. Having achieved peace among the European nations, the European Union must secure economic success, social peace and peace with nature: that is the challenge of sustainability. This report seeks to assess the stakes, argues for new forms of governance and addresses a limited number of sustainability hotspots.
Towards an agroecological world (report)
From uniformity to diversity: A paradigm shift from industrial agriculture to diversified agroecological systems
Today’s food and farming systems have
succeeded in supplying large volumes of foods to global markets, but are
generating negative outcomes on multiple fronts: widespread degradation
of land, water and ecosystems; high GHG emissions; biodiversity losses;
persistent hunger and micro-nutrient deficiencies alongside the rapid
rise of obesity and diet-related diseases; and livelihood stresses for
farmers around the world. Many of these problems are linked specifically
to ‘industrial agriculture’. What is
required is a fundamentally different model of agriculture based on
diversifying farms and farming landscapes, replacing chemical inputs,
optimizing biodiversity and stimulating interactions between different
species, as part of holistic strategies to build long-term fertility,
healthy agro-ecosystems and secure livelihoods, i.e. ‘diversified
agroecological systems’.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
Climate change technolgy wiki (online)
ClimateTechWiki
ClimateTechWiki offers a platform for a wide range of stakeholders in developed and developing countries who are involved in technology transfer and the wider context of low emission and low vulnerability development. It offers detailed information on a broad set of mitigation and adaptation technologies.Registration is free and registered users can add technology case-studies and participate in forum discussions.
ClimateTechWiki offers a platform for a wide range of stakeholders in developed and developing countries who are involved in technology transfer and the wider context of low emission and low vulnerability development. It offers detailed information on a broad set of mitigation and adaptation technologies.Registration is free and registered users can add technology case-studies and participate in forum discussions.
Share your research online
Share and promote your research online
ResearchGate is a social networking site for researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. It is the largest academic social network in terms of active users. People that wish to use the site need to have an email address at a recognized institution or to be manually confirmed as a published researcher in order to sign up for an account. Members of the site can upload research output including papers, data, chapters, negative results, patents, research proposals, methods, presentations, and software source code. Users may also follow the activities of other users and engage in discussions with them.
ResearchGate is a social networking site for researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. It is the largest academic social network in terms of active users. People that wish to use the site need to have an email address at a recognized institution or to be manually confirmed as a published researcher in order to sign up for an account. Members of the site can upload research output including papers, data, chapters, negative results, patents, research proposals, methods, presentations, and software source code. Users may also follow the activities of other users and engage in discussions with them.
Here's the actual toolkit for forest gardens!
Forest garden Archetypes
A few weeks ago I shared Candela Vargas' work developing a tool kit for creating forest gardens. This post has proved very popular. Unfortunately the link provided did not include the actual toolkit itself. Candela has very kindly supplied me with a link directly to the toolkit; and here it is! The booklet identifies a number of forest garden archetypes based on the values of the forest gardener, the key features, the uses of the garden, the layout, the kinds of plants and the buildings on site. It then encourages each forest gardener to think about which archetype is their ideal, and gives help, advice and case studies for helping to achieve it. A fantastic resource and a great read!
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
700 posts and going stronger than ever!
This is the Digest's 700th post. Four years ago when I came up with the idea, I never imagined it would get this far. Nor did I imagine the size of the audience; as of today we have had 89,074 page views, 1,813 in the last month alone. The audience is a truly global one, with people in over 70 countries using the Digest and more than half the audience now outside the UK and the US, a welcome new development this year. Our most popular post to date has had 398 views.Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read the posts, I hope you find them useful. As ever your feedback is most welcome.
Zen and permaculture design (book)
Zen in the Art of Permaculture Design
Permaculture is a new regenerative culture, and permaculture design is the method to get there. It offers emancipation and emboldens us to think in joyfully expansive, daringly experimental and creatively caring new ways. This book is full of inspiration that you can carry with you anywhere. Each page explores a permaculture idea or theme. These are not the last word on the subject but catalysts for new thought.
Food sovereignty and feminism (#journal)
Struggling for food sovereignty in the World March of Women
Coloniality in US agricultural policy (#journal)
The coloniality of US agricultural policy: articulating agrarian (in)justice
Perennial staple crops in Malawi (journal)
Ratooning and perennial staple crops in Malawi. A review
Cover crops in perennial agriculture (#journal)
Cover crops to increase soil microbial diversity and mitigate decline in perennial agriculture. A review
Perennial agriculture is prone to declining productivity due
to negative plant-soil feedback. Although cover crops
are already used in these systems for other reasons, their capacity to
influence soil biota is unexploited. This article examines the role of plant
diversity and identity on plant-soil feedback. We conclude that (1) increasing plant diversity
increases soil microbial diversity, minimizing the proliferation of
soil-borne pathogens; (2) populations of beneficial microbes can be
increased by increasing plant functional group richness, (3) brassicas suppress fungal
pathogens and promote disease-suppressive bacteria; (4) native plants
may further promote beneficial soil microbiota; and (5) frequent
tillage, herbicide use, and copper fungicides can harm populations of
beneficial microbes. Non-crop vegetation management is a viable and cost-effective
means of minimizing crop decline in perennial monocultures.
Coffee agroforestry management (#journal)
Agroforestry coffee production increased by native shade trees, irrigation, and liming
The Hidden life of Trees (book)
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate-Discoveries from a Secret World
Rooftop production of vegetables (#journal)
Rooftop production of leafy vegetables can be profitable and less contaminated than farm-grown vegetables
Urban agriculture may solve issues of feeding urban populations. It has been estimated that the total rooftop space in China is about 1 million hectares, some of which can be converted for rooftop farming. This article present here a feasibility study of hydroponically grown vegetables in a rooftop screen house in Guangzhou, China. None of the roof hydroponic vegetables exceeded the maximum residue limit for lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, or nitrate. In contrast, 5 of 98 market vegetables were contaminated by exceeding the maximum residue limit for lead. Similarly 3 were contaminated for arsenic, 23 for nitrate, and 2 for organophosphate or carbamate insecticide. Compared to high-end vegetables sold on the market, rooftop-grown vegetables were competitive in cost and quality. Given that many countries have limited arable land to feed a large population, the widespread adoption of rooftop hydroponics could help expand the total area available for food production.
Crop-livestock integration betwen farms (#journal)
Crop–livestock integration beyond the farm level: a review
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
A toolkit for developing forest gardens (thesis)
Forest gardens are spreading around the temperate world with a diversity of goals, strategies and spatial structures as practitioners implement these needed systems. Tools and frameworks to advance the research of forest garden methods are a basic requirement. A toolbox booklet was developed through participatory action research. Gardens in the UK and Denmark were studied. The final output is the Forest Garden Archetype booklet, created through participatory action research and showing tools that may be used to strengthen the forest garden discipline.
Here is a direct link to the booklet itself: http://permakultur-danmark.dk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/FGA-Booklet.-Annex-1.pdf
Here is a direct link to the booklet itself: http://permakultur-danmark.dk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/FGA-Booklet.-Annex-1.pdf
Monday, 12 September 2016
Macro-economics for permaculture (report)
For
the past few years, Capital Institute has been on an evolutionary learning journey…searching for a path that
will lead beyond our current unsustainable economic system and the
finance-dominated ideology that drives it. They call it Regenerative Capitalism. Ex-Wall Street economist John Fullerton writes in his introduction:
'My most startling discovery was that the modern scheme of economics and finance formed the root cause of these systemic crises. My struggle to find a credible alternative framework for economics and finance sharpened my interest in the intellectual and scientific underpinnings of “systemic” or “holistic” approaches. I began by studying how we might apply the lessons of living systems to economic systems...I then discovered that scientists were turning the rules by which living systems sustain and regenerate themselves into empirical principles of systemic health and development, which applied as much to nonliving systems, including economies, as to ecosystems and living organisms.'
Thursday, 25 August 2016
Discover the PIRN facebook page
Permaculture International Research Network Facebook page
Regular readers of The Digest will enjoy The PIRN Facebook page. Discover how trees talk to each other, be inspired by someone baking bread, see how the charity IED helps farmers in Senegal, read new research on carbon dioxide exchange in plant communities, and learn about Italy's new law to reduce food waste. The page is dedicated to supporting a vibrant, diverse International Permaculture Research Network. Another great resource brought to you by the Research Team at the Permaculture Association Britain!
Regular readers of The Digest will enjoy The PIRN Facebook page. Discover how trees talk to each other, be inspired by someone baking bread, see how the charity IED helps farmers in Senegal, read new research on carbon dioxide exchange in plant communities, and learn about Italy's new law to reduce food waste. The page is dedicated to supporting a vibrant, diverse International Permaculture Research Network. Another great resource brought to you by the Research Team at the Permaculture Association Britain!
Education to spread agroecology (report)
Education for Agroecology
In this report, Nicole Vosper shares the key findings of her research exploring education and agroecology. She presents successful models from around the world that have been inspiring and supporting people to practice agroecology. This report shares insights into how successful agroecology learning opportunities have been designed, structured and resourced. It also includes commentary on the various curriculums, as well as the common forms of pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching). Finally, it highlights the role of education in accelerating agroecology and gives recommendations to organisers and educators in this field.
In this report, Nicole Vosper shares the key findings of her research exploring education and agroecology. She presents successful models from around the world that have been inspiring and supporting people to practice agroecology. This report shares insights into how successful agroecology learning opportunities have been designed, structured and resourced. It also includes commentary on the various curriculums, as well as the common forms of pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching). Finally, it highlights the role of education in accelerating agroecology and gives recommendations to organisers and educators in this field.
Does humus exist? (online)
In case you were left scratching your head by the recent 'humus doesn't exist'
report, here's a pdf of a slideshow presentation by
the authors of the study that made the claim, which makes for easier
reading:
Call for sustainable ag. research funding
Scientists call for increased federal investment in sustainable agriculture
Based on a new analysis of federal funding from the US Department of Agriculture, researchers say there is an urgent need for increased investment in research and development aimed at making sustainable food production more effective. The article published in Environmental Science & Policy has been selected for the Elsevier Atlas Award of June 2016. The team searched 824 projects accounting for almost $300 million in funding or 10% of the 2014 USDA Research budget. In many cases, sustainable agriculture was included in projects but not as the primary focus. The findings suggest that significant improvements in sustainable agriculture could be made with additional investments and support. The researchers note an urgent need for additional public funding for research aimed to advance highly promising areas of biologically diversified farming and ranching systems.New UK agroecology database
Agroecology Research.net/work
This website provides a platform for networking, research, and engagement related to agroecology in the UK. The platform hosts the outputs of a scoping study into agroecological business models in the UK. A central output of the study is a database of agroecological businesses, projects, and initiatives in the UK. All of the information contained in the database is publicly available online and was not provided by the individual initiatives. The database available here is intended to be an interactive and growing resource. This site also provides a history of agroecology, extensive related literature and external resources, and a forum for those interested in agroecology to interact.
This website provides a platform for networking, research, and engagement related to agroecology in the UK. The platform hosts the outputs of a scoping study into agroecological business models in the UK. A central output of the study is a database of agroecological businesses, projects, and initiatives in the UK. All of the information contained in the database is publicly available online and was not provided by the individual initiatives. The database available here is intended to be an interactive and growing resource. This site also provides a history of agroecology, extensive related literature and external resources, and a forum for those interested in agroecology to interact.
Sunday, 31 July 2016
Editors wanted for new journal
Editors required for new permaculture journal
As part of The Permaculture International Research Network, we are developing a new online journal, Permaculture Research. It will be an interdisciplinary, peer reviewed journal that publishes high quality research on all aspects of permaculture. To strengthen our editorial team, we are seeking Assistant Editors from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Follow the link to find out more.
Concrete decay destroys infrastructure (online)
How industrial civilisation is (literally) built on a foundation with an expiry date
Our reinforced concrete infrastructure sends a dire warning.
'Organic Revolutionary' book review
Organic Revolutionary: A Memoir of the Movement for Real Food, Planetary Healing, and Human Liberation
A book review submitted to The Digest by Graham Bell; thanks Graham! All readers are most welcome to submit Digest content to research@permaculture.org.uk
Personally I would like to have heard more about Grace the person. Whilst in some respects she is very open about her life, loves and relationships, I feel a little more of these aspects of her story would have helped me appreciate her journey.
Meanwhile a very worthwhile read. I particularly like the section: Soil is anything but pure. Quote: 'the reductionist model of nutrition gives no indication of the vital, living quality of a food product.', 'Those that respect the law and love sausage should watch neither being made' Mark Twain (AKA Sam Clements) and lastly: 'Yet in fact the push for higher standards actually made it easier for the large, professional business organisations than for smaller owner-operators. They were simply better equipped to deal with the increasingly finicky and paperwork heavy demands of organic certification.' A salutary lesson for us all.
Urban gardens grow food and biodiversity (online)
Civic pride 'can help sustain urban biodiversity'
The establishment of community gardens in inner city areas can boost social and ecological sustainability, suggest researchers. A study found those that produced food were the ones most likely to deliver "win-win" scenarios. Urban green spaces managed by local people were more likely to be preserved for future generations, they added. Research has shown that green urban sites such as allotments, community garden, or cemeteries, can make a major contribution to sustaining urban biodiversity. They offer insect-friendly habitats, which improves pollination for plant species, and attract predators such as birds. This biological diversity also makes the space more appealing for people.
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Building your eco-home (book)
The Eco-Home Design Guide: Principles and practice for new-build and retrofit
Designing an eco home is much more about working with your house's place and situation than relying in intrusive technology and hi-tech materials. In this book, Christopher Day draws on his extensive experience to explain the key principles of eco-home design, using common-sense methods to create a pleasant, comfortable and healthy home. With beautifully simple hand-drawn illustrations, he takes you through: using the local topography, combined with landscaping, to improve your home's micro-climate, designing to keep your home dry and warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, minimizing hidden environmental impact, making the house safe and healthy, both emotionally and physically.
Green energy futures (book)
Green Energy Futures: A Big Change for the Good
What will replace fossil fuel? Is there a way forward using renewable energy sources while avoiding nuclear power? This book argues that nuclear is unlikely to have much of a role in future, and shows that the nuclear debate has absorbed too much time and energy, to the detriment of a more relevant and urgent debate over what sort of renewable/efficiency mix we need. This book engages in that debate, exploring the implications of shifting to greener, cleaner energy sources. It argues there is no one green future, but a range of possible options: we need to choose amongst them. This book offers an overview of the technical, economic and environmental issues to help scholars, professionals and policy makers involved in discussing those options.
Vested interests versus renewable energy (book)
Renewable Energy Transformation or Fossil Fuel Backlash? Vested Interests in the Political Economy
2050: a low carbon society (book)
Living in a Low-Carbon Society in 2050
The global politics of climate change (book)
Climate Change in World Politics
Permaculture your life (book)
How to Permaculture Your Life: Strategies, Skills and Techniques for the Transition to a Greener World by Ross Mars
This book is a great resource for everyone interested in Transition, permaculture and more self-reliant and satisfying lifestyles.
It is packed with information on permaculture design principles, soil building, nutrient-dense food growing, including top plant and tree selections for all climatic zones.
Coverage extends to rainwater harvesting and irrigation, human waste management, and strategies for rural properties plus a unique focus on applying permaculture to small urban spaces.
Also covered are hand tools, food preservation, energy production, and low-carbon housing and a plethora of nearly forgotten skills such as soap making, basket weaving, seed saving, and rope and candle making, and more
Thursday, 7 July 2016
Time lapse film of woodland plants (video)
Time-lapse of woodland plant emergence
Just for fun - and to remind you of the wonder of nature- from BBC's 'Private Life of Plants' (1.5 mins)
Just for fun - and to remind you of the wonder of nature- from BBC's 'Private Life of Plants' (1.5 mins)
Critquing the green economy (book)
Inside The Green Economy: Promises and Pitfalls
But can efficiency be a solution if it results in even more consumption? Is it possible to save nature by putting a price on the services it provides? Should we rely on magical technological solutions to save us? This book puts the Green Economy to the test, discusses its promises, describes actual consequences and names its blind spots. It is an invitation to embrace radical optimism to find transformative strategies for a livable future.
Tuesday, 5 July 2016
Securing affordable farm land in the UK (video)
The Ecological Land Cooperative
The Ecological Land Co-operative (ELC) was set up to address the lack of affordable sites for ecological land based livelihoods in England. This short film introduces you to the ELC staff and the smallholders at their first project site, Greenham Reach, in Devon, UK.
The Ecological Land Co-operative (ELC) was set up to address the lack of affordable sites for ecological land based livelihoods in England. This short film introduces you to the ELC staff and the smallholders at their first project site, Greenham Reach, in Devon, UK.
Friday, 1 July 2016
Agriculture and aquaculture combat rising sea levels (news report)
Bangladesh agriculture adapts to sea-level rise
A continuous influx of sea water is threatening agriculture and food security in vast coastal areas of Bangladesh, but farmers are finding ways to adapt, like cultivating fish and crops at the same time.
The coastal and offshore areas of this low-lying, densely populated country include tidal estuaries and river floodplains in the south along the Bay of Bengal. Here the arable land is about 30 percent of the total available in the country.
According to salinity survey findings, about one million hectares, or about 70 percent of cultivated lands of the southern coastal areas of Bangladesh, are affected by various degrees of soil salinity.
It is already predicted that if the current trend of climate change continues, rice production could fall by 10 percent and wheat by 30 percent.
Coastal Integrated Technology Extension Programme (CITEP) encourages farmers to use the Sarjan model of long raised rows of soil about one metre wide and 90 cm high for cultivating varieties of vegetables. The trenches between the rows are filled with water into which various types of fish are released for maturing. The water for irrigating the plants comes from nearby lakes filled with freshwater drawn from the Meghna River.
The advantage of using Sarjan model is that it protects cropland from inundation during storm surges, tidal waves and flash flooding and avoids high salinity.
The new farming practice has turned out to be very popular in Char Fasson, where over 9,000 farmers are now using the model. Many farmers have also formed self-help groups where members benefit from sharing each others’ experiences.
Reflections
Is this a permaculture-allied solution? Could it be used elsewhere?
Are you doing permaculture in this region? If so, we'd love to hear more about it. Please get in touch with Naomi on international@permaculture.org.uk
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