Developments
News items relevant to the policy dialogue on S&T for Development.
Seaweed species may have promising nutritive value for animal feed
A promising opportunity exists for specific seaweed species based on the analysis of the nutritional value. The study carried out by the Centre for Animal Nutrition, Wageningen UR, The Netherlands, assessed the nutritional value of various seaweed species from different locations in Europe and the influence of a bio refinery process on the value of the residue. Results emphasise the importance of adequate selection of species and the need for further work to be confirm the results based on in vivo digestibility and performance studies. (AllAboutFeed.com, 01/10/2014)
31/12/2014
The road to sustainable tuna aquaculture
A sustainable and commercially viable aquaculture production for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is possible based on results of the EU-funded project TRANSDOTT, which was completed in September 2014. The project built on several previous projects, such as the development of a hormone-based method to make fish reproduce in captivity. It also involved scaling up tuna production and making the endeavour economically viable. Some problems needed to be tackled first: to make the aquaculture more sustainable. Fish-based feed was step-by-step replaced by vegetable feed, to overcome cannibalism and to prevent wall collisions due to poor eye-sight. Some experts believe the best course of action for the Bluefin is to reduce the quotas to let the wild populations increase to some approximation of their original size. (CommNet, 04/07/2014)
31/12/2014
Alliance formed to improve ocean policy coordination and action in the Pacific
A new alliance of Pacific Ocean island states, the Pacific Ocean Alliance, plans to contribute to effective ocean policy coordination, coherence and implementation, facilitate regional cooperation for the high seas, support national ocean governance and policy processes. It was launched in September 2014, at the 3rd UN Conference on Small Islands Developing States in Samoa, and will operate under the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum. The Alliance will also promote integrated decision making at all levels. Key stakeholders include national governments, the private sector, donors, civil society, academic and research institutions, regional and international organisations, and other partners. (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, 30/08/2014)
31/12/2014
Scientists breed nutritionally rich yam bean
African Yam bean is an orphan highly nutritious crop that is undervalued by policy makers. Plant breeders at the Department of Agricultural Production of Makerere University, are breeding yam beans to develop palatable varieties that are free of poisonous substances and adapted to tall grass savannah agro- ecological zones. 31 new accessions have been included in the CGIAR's Potato Center (CIP) gene bank, and about 60 farmer varieties of yam beans are now maintained at CIP. Makerere University and NARO researchers are optimistic that the yam bean will contribute significantly to food security because it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, zinc and iron and also improves soil fertility. (FarmBizAfrica, 11/10/2014)
31/12/2014
Assessing land degradation and desertification using vegetation index data: current frameworks and future directions
The scientific requirements for degradation and desertification monitoring systems are identified: (i) validation of methodologies in a robust and comparable manner and (ii) detection of degradation at minor intensities and magnitudes. Thomas Higginbottom and Elias Symeonakis of the School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK apply the statistical and ecological frameworks for assessing land degradation and desertification using vegetation index data. They also review the development of multi-temporal analysis as a desertification assessment technique, with a focus on how current practice has been shaped by controversy and dispute. The techniques commonly employed are examined from both a statistical and ecological point of view, and recommendations are made for future research directions. The paper is part of the Remote Sensing Special Issue 'Remote Sensing of Land Degradation in Drylands'. (Remote Sensing, 10/10/2014)
31/12/2014
Earth observation based assessment of the water production and water consumption of Nile basin agro-ecosystems
The development of open-access Earth Observation databases, especially for information related to actual evapotranspiration, is urgently needed. Scientists from IWMI, UNESCO, Delft Technical University, and the EROS Centre explain how Earth Observation data in the public domain can be used to estimate net water production (rainfall (P) > evapotranspiration (ET)) and net water consumption (ET > P) of Nile Basin agro-ecosystems. Measurements of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Second Generation Meteosat (MSG), Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and various altimeters are used. The paper is part of the Remote Sensing Special Issue 'Earth Observation for Water Resource Management in Africa ' and the fluxes, flows and storage changes presented form the basis for a global framework for describing monthly and annual water accounts in ungauged river basins. (Remote Sensing, 24/10/2014)
31/12/2014
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in Grenada
Grenada is the only Caribbean country that is featured in a series of country profiles identifying ongoing and promising future climate-smart agriculture (CSA) opportunities and the relevant institutional and financial enablers for their adoption. Developed by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), these country profiles intend to stimulate discussion within the countries and globally about 'entry points for investing in CSA at scale'. Concise information on the country's climate smart considerations relating to adaptation, mitigation, productivity, institutions and finance is provided. In addition the profiles present: the national context, including key facts on agriculture and climate change; CSA technologies and practices used; institutions and policies for CSA; financing CSA; and a future outlook. (CIAT, 24/10/2014)
31/12/2014
Exploring the role of climate science in supporting long-term adaptation and decision-making in sub-Saharan Africa
Gaps in observational data, uncertainty in projections, impacts and vulnerability, limited capacity to interpret climate information and for making decision under uncertainty, are the key issues identified in this CDKN report. The working paper includes a review of articles and 'grey' literature on knowledge gaps and areas needed to support the capacity of African decision-maker. It also reports on a workshop that brought together UK- and Africa-based experts working on climate science and adaptation in Africa and on a side-event to the Africa Climate Change Conference 2013. Recommendations for addressing the gaps include promoting Africa-led scientific capacity, creating better uptake and translation of existing research, maximising value addition, and improving the science-policy interface. The report is intended to identify key gaps in science and capacity to feed into the scoping phase of the Future Climate For Africa (FCFA) programme, funded by DFID (UK) and DGIS (The Netherlands). (CDKN, 29/04/2014)
31/12/2014
Using the concepts of resilience, vulnerability and adaptability for the assessment and of agricultural systems
There is clear conceptual overlap and often the inter-changeable use of; resilience, vulnerability and adaptability, which have emerged as the dominant concepts in the study of disturbance and change of social-ecological systems. The authors, Daniel Callo-Concha, of the Centre for Development Research, at the University of Bonn (ZEF), Germany and colleagues, argue that the driving methodological and operational criteria for their application cannot be unambiguously separated. They believe it is difficult to identify guiding principles for the operational application of each and stress that their operationalisation require consistency in approaches and protocols to ensure their coherent use. They conclude that the conceptual and operational integration of resilience, vulnerability and adaptability would perhaps lead to a more complete portrayal of the behaviour of agricultural systems in changing situations. (ZEF, 01/03/2014)
31/12/2014
E-course on Agricultural Innovation Systems
World Bank’s e-institute for development has published a stand-alone on-line course to engage adult learners using a dynamic, online learning approach that connects users to the leading approaches to Agricultural Innovation System (AIS). The course contains eight modules including ‘assessing, prioritizing, monitoring and evaluating AISA’, ‘agricultural research within an AIS’ and ‘rethinking agricultural education to support AIS’.
15/12/2014
The food waste hierarchy as a framework for the management of food surplus and food waste
To better tackle the problem of waste and derive major environmental, social and economic benefits, Effie Papargyropoulou suggests that the actual food waste, as opposed to surplus, should be categorised as either 'avoidable' or 'unavoidable'. This is according to a new framework for reducing wastage throughout the supply chain as published in the UK Journal of Cleaner Production. For developing their framework, Papargyropoulou, of the Technical University of Malaysia, Johar Bahry, Malaysia and colleagues interviewed 23 food experts. They identified reductions of food surplus as the top priority to reduce food waste. To prevent surplus, farmers could produce only enough to meet nutritional and food security needs, retailers could sell only what is required, and consumers could buy only what they really need. Surplus that cannot be prevented should be redistributed to people in food poverty. (EC Environment, 10/10/2014)
27/11/2014
Enhancing crop shelf life with pollination
Although pollination has been shown to increase crop quality, impact on shelf life has not been quantitatively studied. Björn Klatt, University of Lund, Sweden and colleagues tested how shelf life, as represented by fruit decay, firmness and weight, changes as a function of pollination limitation in two European, commercially important strawberry varieties. Pollination limitation resulted in lower amounts of deformed fruits. The results suggest that crop pollination has the potential to reduce food loss and waste in pollinated crops and thus to contribute to global food security. Future pollination research should therefore focus not only on yield effects but also on crop quality. A more comprehensive understanding should lead to a more efficient crop production for meeting future food demands. (Agriculture and food security, 2/10/2014)
27/11/2014
Cassava – exploring its leaves
Cassava leaves are available throughout the year and should be given as much attention as the roots. They are one of the most valuable parts of the cassava plant containing high amounts of protein, and are also a rich source of vitamins, B1, B2 and C, as well as carotenoids and minerals. In fact, the total amount of essential amino acids in cassava leaf protein is said to be similar to that of a hen’s egg and greater than that of spinach leaf, soybean, oat or rice. Toxicity and antinutrients limit the consumption of cassava leaves as food. These toxic and antinutritional aspects must be addressed properly during processing and before consumption. Research at Hohenheim University is examining the optimal way to treat the cassava leaves in order to transform them into an economical and sustainable source of protein and micro-nutrients. Various cassava leaf processing methods have been developed. (Rural21, 08/09/2014)
27/11/2014
Natural gene selection can produce orange corn rich in provitamin A
Researchers have identified a set of genes that can be used to naturally boost the provitamin A content of corn kernels, a finding that could help combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries and macular degeneration in the elderly. Professor of agronomy Torbert Rocheford and fellow researchers of Purdue University, USA, found gene variations that can be selected to change nutritionally poor white corn into bio-fortified orange corn with high levels of provitamin A carotenoids. Their study provides the genetic blueprint to quickly and cost-effectively convert white or yellow corn to orange corn that is rich in carotenoids, by using natural plant breeding methods, not transgenics. (Purdue University, 06/10/2014)
27/11/2014
Increasing the consumption of nutritionally rich leafy vegetables in Samoa, Solomon Islands and northern Australia
Although certain leafy vegetables were popular in countries such as Solomon Islands and Tonga, there was a lack of widespread knowledge of their considerable health benefits. This publication reports on a project for increasing the consumption of nutritionally rich leafy vegetables in Samoa, Solomon Islands and northern Australia Surveys. The project, led by Graham Lyons, University of Adelaide, South Australia and Mary Taylor, Pacific Germplasm and Agricultural Development Consultant, UK, and their colleagues, was successful in: (i) documenting knowledge and opinions of local people on the growing and consumption of leafy vegetables; (ii) producing and distributing information factsheets; (iii) promoting local leafy vegetables via the media in the participating countries; (iv) building local capacity and (v) providing information on optimal propagation methods for the popular vegetable, aibika, from a field trial conducted in Samoa. (ACIAR, 09/2014)
27/11/2014
Weather variability and food consumption
Higher temperatures have an adverse effect on food consumption. In contrast, food consumption is not substantially affected by rainfall variations. This working paper, authored by Sara Lazzaroni and Arjun S. Bedi, and published by the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University (ISS, The Netherlands), relies on two-period panel data combined with data on rainfall, number of rainy days and maximum and minimum temperatures which were used to examine the impact of weather variations on food consumption in rural Uganda. While evidence from qualitative interviews and trends in agricultural production suggest that households are adopting mitigation measures, the conclusion from the evidence assembled is that higher temperatures are associated with a decline in crop yields and food consumption. (ISS, 04/2014)
27/11/2014
Plant insights could help develop crops for changing climates
A new computer model that shows how plants grow under varying conditions could help scientists develop varieties that have high yield under particular environmental conditions in the future. Scientists built the model to investigate how variations in light, day length, temperature and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere influence the biological pathways that control growth and flowering in plants. They found differences in the way some plant varieties distribute nutrients under varying conditions, leading some to develop leaves and fruit that are smaller but more abundant than others. Professor Andrew Millar of the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences, led the study which has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (BBSRC, 08/09/2014)
27/11/2014
Saving seeds the right way can save the world's plants
More careful tailoring of seed collections to specific species and situations is critical to preserving plant diversity. Using a novel approach called simulation-based planning to make several new sampling recommendations, this study shows that a uniform approach to seed sampling is ineffective. Publishing in Biological Conservation, researchers from the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis and the University of Tennessee, USA, recommend to collectors to choose their plant populations from a wide area rather than a restricted one. Collecting from about 25 maternal plants per population versus 50 plants appears to capture the vast majority of genetic variation. The approach developed could be used to further refine seed collection guidelines, which could lead to much more efficient and effective collections. (NIMBioS, 30/07/2014)
27/11/2014
Coral reef winners and losers
Researchers from universities in California, Hawaii and New Hamsphire have analysed contemporary and fossil coral reef ecosystem data sets from two Caribbean locations and from five Indo-Pacific locations. Working together in the working group Tropical Coral Reefs of the Future: Modelling Ecological Outcomes from the Analyses of Current and Historical Trends, they built a trait-based dynamic model to explore ecological performance of coral reef ecosystems in a warmer future. They found a subset of coral species that is fast-growing, phenotypically smaller and wider, and more stress-resistant and that readily produces offspring. Much is still unknown about how this subset functions, but their research reveals a range of nuanced outcomes for tropical reef corals other than near-complete loss of live coral cover in the face of warmer oceans. (UCSB, 01/10/2014)
27/11/2014
Real-time monitoring system for offshore aquacultures
Scientists of the EU-funded project Enviguard are developing a real-time monitoring system for offshore aquacultures, to warn fish and shellfish farmers about impending diseases in time. Applied on a moored buoy, the small device undertakes the same functions as a fully equipped laboratory to detect the presence of toxic microalgae, viruses and chemical contaminants. Three different sensors can allow a simultaneous monitoring of the different threats. With this technology fish farmers can prevent epidemics in their aquacultures. (Partnership for African Fisheries, 07/10/2014)
27/11/2014
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