Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

As one of the most significant global challenges of the 21st century, climate change has had a substantial impact on global agricultural production and trade. This paper adopts an empirical approach to examine the impact of climate disaster risk on the welfare of global agricultural trade across 114 countries, as measured by the varieties-corrected terms of trade from 2002 to 2021. The study finds that, over the past two decades, the terms of trade for agricultural products have improved in 50 countries. In contrast, the terms of trade for agricultural products have worsened in 22 countries. Additionally, the terms of trade for 42 countries have exhibited volatility. Moreover, climate disaster risk has the potential to boost agricultural trade welfare in the short term. However, in the long term, such risk leads to supply constraints and lower trade welfare in global markets by disrupting supply chains. Specifically, the agricultural trade welfare of highly open economies, non-high-income countries, and those relying on primary agricultural products is more susceptible to adverse shocks caused by climate disaster risk. This study offers new insights into addressing climate change and ensuring the stability and growth of global agricultural trade welfare.

Contemporary crop management practices are labor, water, and energy inefficient. Identifying a sustainable, productive, and resource-efficient alternate crop production system to the present crop management system is crucial. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of conservation agriculture (CA) on crop growth, productivity, and resource use efficiency under the maize-wheat-greengram system during 9 th (2018–19) and 10 th (2019–20) years of the study. CA-based bed planting methods such as permanent narrow, broad and flat beds with and without retention of crops residues and 75% and 100% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) were compared with conventional tillage (CT) treatment. The permanent broad bed with residue with 100% recommended dose of N (PBB + R + 100N) resulted in 56.0%, 60.0% and 26.5% higher root length density in maize, wheat, and greengram crops, respectively. The PBB + R + 100N registered 31.1% higher system productivity than CT. The partial factor productivity (PFP) of N, P, and K were higher under PBB + R + 75N. The CA-based broad-bed practices registered 10.2 and 18.1% savings of irrigation water application than narrow-bed and flat-bed with residue retention, respectively. The CA-based practices without residue retention obtained significantly higher energy productivity, net energy return, and energy ratio than CT. Adopting the CA practice involving a permanent broad bed with residue using 100% N (PBB + R + 100N) in a maize-wheat-greengram system would be more productive and efficient for nutrients, water, and energy. This study focuses on the potential of CA to improve nutrient, water, and energy security in the maize-wheat-greengram system in South Asia.

Abandoned homesteads in hollow villages are important reclamation resources, and how to improve the fertility of reclaimed soil is an important issue. In this paper, the effect of maturing agent (ferrous sulfate), organic fertilizer (well-composted chicken manure) and fly ash on the post-amelioration of soil maturation of the abandoned homesteads was investigated in different ratios using a field plot experiment by stripping topsoil, backfilling homesteads soil and adding clinker materials. The results of the study showed that the maturing agent + organic fertilizer (T1), fly ash + organic fertilizer (T2) and organic fertilizer (T3) treatments had a better effect on the improvement of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus and available potassium of the reclaimed soil and were significantly higher than that of the inorganic treatments; and that the increase in soil nutrients showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing as the year lengthened in the period of 2019–2021. After 5 years of improvement, soil nutrient content increased from low level 5 to intermediate level 3. Maize yield under each treatment was also higher at T1, T2 and T3; comparing the time span, maize yield was highest in 2010 with an average of 7,724 kg/hm ² ; significantly higher than in 2019 and 2021. Correlation heat map analysis showed that maize yield had negative highly significant correlation with soil bulk density and positive highly significant correlation with soil organic matter. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that at the later stage of raw soil maturation and soil improvement, it can be considered to reduce the addition of inorganic amendments and focus on increasing the organic and inorganic matter rationing, which can provide technical support for the rapid improvement of nutrients in reclaimed arable land.

Transboundary pests present a significant threat to agricultural production and household incomes, with desert locust invasions being among the most disruptive. Despite ongoing control efforts, such as surveillance and chemical interventions, the rapid spread of locusts into non-traditional breeding areas and limited preparedness underscore the need for integrated desert locust management. This study aimed to identify indigenous locust control practices and examine the factors influencing their adoption to support informed policy for integrated pest management. Using a multivariate probit model (MVP) corrected for selection bias, we assessed factors affecting the adoption of these control methods. Data from a random sample of 473 farmers in Isiolo and Meru counties, Kenya, revealed that desert locust control methods are complementary, meaning that they are more effective when used together rather than in isolation. Key factors influencing adoption included access to information, experience with previous pest shocks, and social networks. These findings emphasize the importance of establishing effective early warning systems and enhancing farmer training on locust management through social groups as strategic entry points for intervention.

Among cereals, three crops namely maize, wheat, and rice account for 90% of the total cereal production, with global production levels of 791.2, 522.6, and 1229.63 million tons for wheat, rice and maize, respectively. The global challenges of food insecurity, climate variability, and unsustainable land use necessitate a redefined approach to cereal production, focusing on climate resilience, low vulnerability, and high productivity while establishing food and environmental safety. Integrated crop management (ICM) offers a holistic farming approach that integrates various agricultural practices to ensure long-term benefits and mitigate risks. This comprehensive review examined a total of 108 documented studies from existing literature pertaining to the last 23 years, besides case studies on ICM in rice, wheat, and maize production, analyzing its benefits, challenges, and future directions. In Asian countries, where rice is a staple food, ICM practices have effectively addressed challenges such as yield stagnation, declining profits, and crop failures. Nutrient and pest management, along with conservation agriculture (CA), have played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. China’s implementation of site-specific management duly integrated with other practices, has successfully reduced excessive nitrogen use besides improved environmental and health outcomes. Sustainable corn production has been achieved in the USA and Africa through comprehensive implementation of CA and crop diversification. Globally, ICM has demonstrated yield increases of 10–19% for rice, 16–30% for wheat, and 13.5–30% for maize crops. Despite having ample potential, the widespread adoption of ICM faces technical, climate-related, and economic constraints. Overcoming these challenges requires targeted training, extension services, and supportive policies. Furthermore, future research should focus on addressing key knowledge gaps to facilitate the widespread implementation of ICM. While promoting climatic resilience and sustainability in cereal production systems, ICM can contribute to food security and environmental preservation globally.

Introduction India’s food production and utilization status have affected the health and wellbeing of the population and healthcare systems. As a result, women, adolescent girls, and children are suffering anaemia which causes delayed mental and psychomotor development, morbidity, and maternal mortality. Several programs are running i.e. Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) etc. while targeting the vulnerable communities of India to meet their basic food and nutrition requirements. Methods The study was conducted in the Bundelkhand region, a nutritionally vulnerable area with a high infant mortality rate and an average Human Development Index score below the national average. A total of 320 respondents from four districts were selected for the study, and are being asked about their preferences of food groups in four meals. Results Results showed respondents have a discernible preference for certain foods across the four meals. The most well-liked food groups were “Oil/fat”, “Cereals”, “Roots/tubers” and “Vegetables”. They preferred more food groups to be included in dinner followed by lunch. The study found a strong correlation between the food groups “Cereals”, “Roots/tubers” and “Oil/fat” and the three primary meals of the day, namely breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fish and meat are preferred during evening meals, serving as a valuable protein source. Discussion This trend in food habits is influenced by the cereal-based production systems, cultural norms and social dynamics of India, which needs a major reform.

Cassava is a vital food security crop grown in the tropics primarily for its starchy tuberous roots that play a significant role in calorie intake in Africa. The cassava seed system has been historically neglected resulting in the widespread propagation of poor quality and diseased planting materials (stems/cuttings). Recently there have been ongoing efforts to modernise cassava breeding and improve seed delivery in Tanzania which have resulted in the creation of a functional and commercially sustainable cassava seed system. This system comprises a decentralized network of seed producers in a hierarchy from early generation to community-based seed with different quality assurance requirements at each level. Seed entrepreneurs are registered on a ‘SeedTracker™' database where volumes of seed produced can be tracked for each variety. In this study, we analysed SeedTracker™ data and household survey data to determine the Weighted Average Varietal Age (WAVA) of improved cassava varieties in Tanzania. We used total seed (cuttings) produced as weights for WAVA estimations. Results showed changes in WAVA from 11.3 years in 2018, 13.6 years in 2019, 13.5 years in 2020, 10.6 years in 2021, 11.4 years in 2022 to 10.1 years in 2023. This suggests that there is an accelerating turnover rate of improved cassava varieties. The findings of this study are useful to cassava seed system actors such as policymakers, quality assurance agencies, breeders, and seed businesses. This study also serves as an indicator of the positive impacts being achieved through cassava seed system interventions in the country. Furthermore, it validates the adopted cassava seed system model and suggests that the model could be readily adapted to other crop systems where varieties are being routinely monitored.

Underutilized crops (UCs), referred to as neglected or orphan crops, play a crucial role in addressing food security, nutrition, and rural development. However, despite their nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits, their consumption remains low among smallholder farmers. This study investigates the socio-economic and perceptual factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions to consume UCs, focusing on taro roots ( Colocasia esculenta ) and sweet potatoes ( Ipomoea batatas ) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using data from 300 smallholder farmers, the study applies Factor Analysis (FA) and a binary logistic regression model to identify key determinants of UC consumption. The FA revealed four main perception factors influencing farmers’ decisions: perception of production, taste, awareness, and availability of UCs. The binary logistic regression results showed that household size ( p < 0.05), marital status ( p < 0.01), and gender ( p < 0.05) significantly influenced UC consumption. Notably, farmers’ positive perception of taste ( p < 0.1) increased the likelihood of consumption, whereas a lack of awareness ( p < 0.1) had a negative impact. However, contrary to initial expectations, receiving a government grant ( p < 0.05) and off-farm income ( p < 0.05) were negatively associated with UC consumption, indicating that financial stability does not necessarily translate into increased adoption. These findings suggest that raising awareness, addressing market constraints, and fostering positive perceptions of UCs are crucial for increasing their consumption. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve UC accessibility and appeal, thereby supporting sustainable food security strategies in South Africa and other regions with similar demographics.

Introduction The vulnerability of transnational supply of agricultural products has become one of key factors affecting food security at the global scale. Methods This study applies the social network analysis method for systematic exploration of the evolution of the international agricultural trade dependence network (TDN) from the perspective of vulnerability. First, agricultural industries that are highly vulnerable in international trade are identified. Then, a network visualization model is constructed for systematic analysis of the evolution of topological structure of the global TDN of highly vulnerable agricultural products. Finally, a temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM) and its separated formation model and dissolution (persistence) model (STERGM) are established for quantitative assessment of the impact of abrupt changes in the economic and trade environment on the TDN of highly vulnerable agricultural products in the period 2018–2020. Results and discussion The research results show that the highly vulnerable industries in the international agricultural trade are distributed in a wide range, concentrating mainly in meat, animal and vegetable oils, fish and other aquatic products, fruits and nuts, and cereal products, and most of the products in each category is mainly supplied by only a handful of countries. The TDN of highly vulnerable agricultural products exhibits a “polycentric” development trend, that is, shifting from the network structure with a single dominant central node (USA) toward the one with multiple central nodes (USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, the Netherlands, etc.). During the period 2018–2020, when bilateral trade frictions intensified and the COVID-19 pandemic raged, the abrupt changes in the economic and trade environment led to significant enhancement in the dependence relations in the international trade of highly vulnerable agricultural products. Such abrupt changes not only induce the trade transfer effect and promote the formation of new trade dependence relations among countries, but also increase the probability of maintaining the existing trade dependence relations. These results can provide practical guidance for preventing and mitigating transnational supply crisis and building a more secure global food guarantee system.

This study examines the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption on food security in emerging seven countries: namely China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and Turkey from 1995 to 2019. To obtain robust findings, we deploy several econometric approaches, including the Westerlund ECM co-integration test, PMG method, and D-H causality test. This research paper presents significant findings through the utilization of panel co-integration tests as the primary estimation techniques. The findings from the PMG method reveal that increases in usage of Mobile phone and Internet access significantly boost long-term food security by 0.092% and 0.036%, respectively. In addition, the findings from the Dumitrescy–Hurlin causal relationship test show a bidirectional causal relationship between Mobile phone use and food security but a unidirectional causality from Internet use to food security. Furthermore, the impact of ICT on food security is more prominent in the long run than in the short run. The current study’s conclusions have significant policy implications for the E7 countries. For example, the E7 countries should invest in ICT to gain future benefits. Authorities in the countries should develop and implement policies that encourage Mobile phone and Internet use in rural areas. Such a promotion will strengthen the farming system while also increasing sustainable food production.

Amidst the rapid expansion of the online-to-offline (O2O) food delivery sector, this paper investigates the promotion strategies employed by restaurants and food delivery platforms within the supply chain, and explores how these entities select promotion strategies under different conditions, including the intensity of government anti-food waste regulations, service congestion effect, and commission ratio, with the aim of improving profits and reducing food waste. Utilizing a game-theoretical approach, we focus on three primary promotion strategies: a no-promotion strategy ( N strategy), a price discount strategy ( D strategy), or a volume-based price discount strategy ( S strategy). Our results reveal that the restaurant’s choice of promotion strategy is significantly correlated with the offline congestion effect, but not directly associated with anti-food waste regulations. Conversely, the platform’s optimal strategy and the extent of food waste are more closely related to the stringency of anti-food waste penalties. Under specific conditions, a win-win scenario can be achieved where both restaurants and platforms benefit economically while reducing food waste.

The objective of this article is to identify and prioritize technologies, innovations and new businesses related to the dairy agro-industrial chain that are expected to emerge by 2035. To do so, the two-round Delphi method was used and questionnaires were applied to 27 national and international experts. A technology tree was built with Python codes and libraries, consisting of 174 topics. Additionally, 39 variables were generated for scenarios in the Good Livestock Practices BPG; Research, Development and Innovation R&D&I; Sustainable Livestock and Agroindustry groups, as well as four hypotheses and a bet scenario, with the future objectives of sustainable specialization of forage production and mass production and standardization in collection centers. This can be achieved through projects on technologies and innovations prioritized in the Delphi method, including ultrasound, pulsed combustion drying, dairy-derived medicinal products, bioethanol produced from whey, artificial intelligence and selection assisted by molecular markers, electromembrane filtration technologies, whey protein concentrates, life cycle assessment, blockchain, neural networks and smart assays, among others. The opportunity that actors in the Science, Technology and Innovation system have in the chain for the development of programs, plans, public policies and open innovation challenges in the prioritized technologies is highlighted.

Introduction The rapid digitalization of agriculture in East Africa has spurred the adoption of precision fertilization tools, which optimize nutrient application and enhance crop yields. However, the extent of digital technology adoption, its benefits, and the challenges smallholder farmers face in the region remain unclear. Methods A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines assessed the adoption of digital technologies for precision fertilization in East Africa. A comprehensive search of English-language studies published between 2010 and 2024 resulted in fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results The review highlights digital solutions that assist smallholder farmers in sustainable resource management, including mobile applications, ICT tools, Variable Rate Application (VRA), and AI/ML technologies. Reported benefits include improved crop productivity, increased economic efficiency, and enhanced environmental sustainability. However, issues with data accuracy, limited access to technology, affordability constraints, and low digital literacy hinder widespread adoption. Discussion The findings emphasize the need for further research and the development of tailored strategies to enhance digital agricultural practices in East Africa. Addressing socioeconomic and infrastructure challenges is crucial to ensuring equitable access and maximizing the effectiveness of digital precision fertilization tools. This review provides valuable insights to support stakeholders in developing sustainable, data-driven agricultural frameworks to improve regional food security.

Many rural areas regard the tourism livelihood strategy as an essential breakthrough to overcome poverty and improve the lives of farmers. Studies have explored the income increasing effect of rural tourism on farmers’ families, but few have focused on the impact of rural tourism on farmers’ livelihood resilience under the requirements of rural sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of rural tourism development on the livelihood resilience of rural households, using 987 households from the China Rural Revitalization Survey as case studies. The urban–rural gap in farmers’ livelihood resilience was found to be narrowing. The rural tourism development has a significant promoting effect on enhancing the livelihood resilience of farmers. Specifically, the enhancement effect is mainly reflected in strengthening the livelihood buffering capacity, and the enhancement effect is most potent among high livelihood resilience farmers, non-poverty-stricken farmers, and farmers in the eastern region. The results of the mediation effect model indicate that livelihood factor mobility and livelihood strategy diversity are critical variables in the improvement process, with mediation effects accounting for 12.3 and 30.2%, respectively. The results of the moderation effect model further indicate that in enhancing farmers’ livelihood resilience through rural tourism development, subjective wellbeing and perceived fairness play a positive moderating role. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of whether and how rural tourism development can enhance farmers’ livelihood resilience. We emphasize the need to develop rural tourism according to local conditions and implement precise policies to guide farmers in scientifically participating in rural tourism.

Introduction Enhancing the resilience of food systems is of paramount importance when faced with frequent and uncertain shocks. As pioneering zones for advancing reform and opening up in China, the pilot free trade zones provide a unique perspective for studying the impact on food system resilience. The existing literature rarely explores the mechanisms of improving food system resilience from the perspective of pilot free trade zones. Therefore, this study used the implementation of China’s pilot free trade zones as a quasi-natural experiment to analyze the impact on food system resilience and its mechanisms. Methods This study initially resolves the problem of selection bias by employing the propensity score matching (PSM) method, and then estimates the extent of the impact of pilot free trade zones on food system resilience through the staggered differences-in-differences (staggered DID) method, finally examining the mechanisms by which pilot free trade zones affect food system resilience using the mediation effect model. Results and discussion Pilot free trade zones can promote food system resilience. Rural human capital and agricultural technological innovation were crucial channels through which pilot free trade zones enhanced food system resilience. From the perspective of heterogeneity, the implementation of pilot free trade zones primarily enhances the innovation capability of the food system resilience, in contrast to its resistance and recovery capabilities. Additionally, the pilot free trade zones have a stronger promoting effect on coastal areas compared to inland regions of China. Furthermore, these zones have a greater enhancing effect on the western regions of China, compared to the eastern and central regions. Finally, the pilot free trade zones demonstrate a more pronounced effect on enhancing non-grain-producing areas compared to major grain-producing regions. Conclusion To achieve synergistic development for high-quality construction of pilot free trade zones and food system resilience, it is necessary to promote high-quality construction of pilot free trade zones, enhance rural human capital, and agricultural technological innovation.

Introduction Feed additives like humic substances (HS) and probiotics (P) can enhance broiler health, production, welfare, and environmental conditions. Methods This study involved 120 one-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chicks divided into three groups for a 39-day fattening period. The first experimental group (HS) received a feed mixture with 0.6% HS; the second group (HS + P) got the same HS concentration along with a probiotic strain ( Limosilactobacillus fermentum ) in water. The control group (C) was fed a basal diet without additives. The HS mixture was also added to the litter in both the HS and HS + P groups, whereas the C group did not receive any HS. The study examined the effects of HS as litter additives on the physical– chemical properties of poultry litter and its capacity to emit fewer harmful gases. Gas emissions were measured using a plastic chamber connected to a uniTOX instrument, and litter moisture was assessed using AOAC methods. Results By days 21, 28, and 35, the moisture levels in the HS and HS + P groups were significantly lower ( p < 0.001) compared to the C group. HS maintained a slightly acidic pH in the experimental groups, whereas the C group’s pH became slightly alkaline. The absorption properties of HS and pH stabilization contributed to the rise in NH 3 and CO 2 emissions to the environment at a lower rate than in the C group ( p > 0.05). The second aim was to monitor the influence of HS and P as feed and litter additives on bacterial counts and the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolates by the microdilution method. Coliform and fecal coliform counts were significantly lower ( p < 0.001) in the litter of the experimental groups on day 35. Minimum inhibitory concentration revealed resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, ampicillin + sulbactam, and cotrimoxazole among E. coli isolates, with resistance ranging from 5 to 15% across all groups. Discussion It is concluded that the effect of the additives used increased litter quality. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating additives into intensive poultry systems, where maintaining litter quality is crucial to reducing disease transmission, improving animal welfare, and increasing production efficiency.

Agriculture is the economic engine of Kenyan economy since it contributes to about 24% of the real GDP. However, its contribution has significantly reduced due to climate change that has impacted negatively crop production, pasture, and animals. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 201 households in Endo ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County to understand the effects of climate change and feed diversity. Climate change has profoundly affected individuals along the integrated value chain, with unreliable rainfall being the most significant issue, reported by 99.5% of respondents. Contrastingly, floods during the rainy season were experienced by 15.9%, while pests and diseases were reported by only 1.5% of respondents. The findings highlight a significant gender disparity in the impact of climate change along the integrated value chain resulting in shifts and challenges that impact women, men, and youth in distinct ways. Women, particularly those over 35 years, face severe consequences such as food shortages and malnutrition (56.2%), and loss of lives due to environmental disasters (39.8%). Young females bear increased domestic responsibilities, including fetching water (86.6%), which intensifies during periods of climate stress. Men over 35 years reported substantial economic losses and the impact on agricultural productivity due to pests and diseases. Although younger males are affected, their experiences are less severe compared to older males and females. In the context of dairy goat farming, there is a gender-based specialization of tasks. Men over 35 years predominantly handle activities such as shed construction (60%), marketing (54.2%), pest and disease control (57.2%), enterprise decision-making (58.7%), breeding (58.7%), and slaughtering (64.7%). Younger males, those under 35 years, are primarily responsible for transportation (62.2%). On the other hand, women under 35 are actively involved in feeding the goats (62.7%), cleaning the sheds (57.7%), and providing water (56.7%), with a notable focus on this younger age group of women. The study underscores the need for gender-sensitive adaptation strategies to address the differentiated impacts of climate change. By understanding the specific challenges faced by various demographic groups, policymakers and development practitioners can design more effective interventions to build resilience, and ensure equitable outcomes along the integrated farming system.

The widespread standardization of agri-food systems through monoculture practices has resulted in biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem resilience. Incorporating underutilized crops such as buckwheat into crop rotations offers a viable strategy to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and foster more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. This study examines the potential adoption of buckwheat in Italy and analyzes its economic viability across different crop rotations. It evaluates how factors such as financial incentives, peer influence, and farmers’ willingness to adopt affect the diffusion of this underutilized crop. To this end, a spatial agent-based model (ABM) is employed to simulate farmers’ decision-making processes based on profit maximization and peer influence. The model evaluates two diffusion scenarios (traditional and expansion) alongside two levels of willingness to adopt (high and low), comparing the profitability of traditional crop rotations with rotations that include buckwheat across nine Italian regions. The results revealed that while increased contract prices can incentivize buckwheat adoption, financial incentives alone are insufficient to generate widespread adoption, particularly when the willingness to adopt is low. Peer influence and intrinsic motivation emerged as key drivers, highlighting the need for strategies beyond monetary incentives. These findings suggest that policies should combine financial support with initiatives that foster knowledge-sharing, educational outreach, and improved supply chain integration. The study provides a framework for evaluating the adoption of other underutilized crops and emphasizes the need for further research on risk aversion, environmental variability, and broader supply chain interactions to refine adoption strategies.

Agricultural insurance has achieved rapid development in China, but its role in enhancing agricultural resilience remains unclear. This article aims to fill this research gap by investigating the impact and mechanism of agricultural insurance on agricultural resilience from the perspectives of agricultural agglomeration and industrial integration. The empirical results demonstrate that agricultural insurance exerts a significant and positive influence on the resilience of agriculture, which remains valid even after accounting for endogenous factors through the application of two IV sets. Further mechanism analysis reveals that agricultural insurance primarily boosts agricultural resilience by encouraging horizontal agricultural agglomeration rather than vertical industrial integration. Nevertheless, the influence of agricultural insurance on agricultural resilience differs among regions. Specifically, its effect on agricultural resilience is markedly more pronounced in the eastern and central regions compared to the less-developed western regions. Moreover, its effect on the agricultural resilience in the main grain-producing areas is obviously stronger than that in the main grain-selling area and those with a balance between production and marketing.

Introduction Approximately 70% of communal farmers in Zimbabwe live in poverty, struggling to meet basic needs and provide for their families. These farmers face significant challenges in accessing essential services and resources. This situation makes them a critical subject for study, particularly in the context of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to enhance the existing body of knowledge by incorporating a participatory approach and statistical analysis to characterize smallholder farmers and examine their economic and food security status. Methods We employed principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to classify farmers based on various factors such as cultivated land, livestock ownership, family labor availability, off-farm activities, and remittance receipt. Data was collected from 248 randomly selected households across three purposively chosen wards in the Murehwa district, Zimbabwe. Results The analysis identified four distinct farm clusters: Cluster 1: Highly resource-constrained households, Cluster 2: Moderately resource-endowed households without off-farm income, Cluster 3: Moderately resource-endowed households with access to off-farm income, Cluster 4: Highly resource-endowed households All clusters primarily cultivated maize, their main food source, but showed significant variations in their economic and food security status. The clusters also differed in their levels of resource access, with notable distinctions in the availability of family labor and off-farm income. Discussion These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that provide essential inputs, such as affordable seeds and legumes, to promote crop diversification. Additionally, the study advocates for promoting alternative income sources, such as small livestock and beekeeping, which can enhance food and economic security by reducing the reliance on crop production alone, particularly in the face of uncertain agricultural conditions. These strategies are crucial for improving the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe and similar contexts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction Effective wastewater management remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, with conventional methods often falling short in addressing the release of harmful pollutants into water bodies. Method This study explores the use of a novel composite photocatalyst combining biochar, zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper diphenylamine (Cu-DPA) to improve wastewater treatment under visible light. The composite was prepared by varying the Cu-DPA content in ZnO, with ratios of 50%, 40%, 30%, and 17%, alongside standard biochar ZnO and Cu-DPA formulations. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to analyze the composite's properties. Photocatalytic performance was assessed by degrading Methylene Blue, a common dye pollutant, under visible light. Results The results showed that while ZnO alone achieved 78% degradation, the composites with different Cu-DPA ratios demonstrated varying efficiencies, with the biochar-enhanced ZnO/Cu-DPA composite achieving the highest degradation rate of 97% in 80 min. Discussion This composite exhibited good reusability over seven cycles. This research highlights the potential of the biochar ZnO/Cu-DPA composite as an effective, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment, offering significant improvements in photocatalytic performance and sustainability.

At COP27, the United Nations made a clarion call for addressing food system inefficiencies, specifically highlighting the need for innovative research into sustainable cold storage technologies for postharvest loss reduction. Consistent with this call, we explore smallholder farmers' willingness to adopt off-grid solar-powered cold storage in Ghana using surveys with small scale vegetable growers ( n = 1,001). We put in conversation with one another multiple adoption theories—economic constraints, innovation diffusion, adopter perception—in framing our analysis, enabling us to test a broad list of theoretically relevant variables. Descriptive analysis show more than two-thirds of smallholder farmers were willing to adopt solar-powered cold storage for food loss reduction. Findings from logistic regression analysis reveal farmers' willingness to adopt solar-powered cold storage mirrors a blend of drivers that cut across theoretical fronts including economic constraints (i.e., wealth and profit); innovation diffusion factors including training on postharvest management and timely access to extension services; perception variables (i.e., the extent to which farmers view food loss as a major issue and prior exposure and use of similar agricultural innovations); and contextual agricultural conditions (i.e., farm size and yield). Our findings demonstrate the complexity of technology adoption in smallholder agricultural systems and the need for agricultural policy on adoption to move beyond the predominant emphasis on economic factors to include attention to adopter perception and contextual factors. It is critical for agricultural policy to address these multifaceted drivers simultaneously to enhance the uptake of sustainable modern agricultural solutions like solar-powered coolers.

As China’s agricultural sector modernizes, enhancing farmers’ sustainable work performance remains pivotal. This study examines how Servant Leadership directly and indirectly improves productivity in emerging agricultural entities, with Organizational Identity serving as a critical mediator. Structural equation modeling reveals two direct pathways: Altruism ( β = 0.124), where leaders prioritize farmers’ well-being through equitable resource allocation and personalized support, fostering trust and reducing attrition; and Social Responsibility ( β = 0.198), where ethical practices and community-driven programs align organizational goals with societal welfare, motivating environmentally conscious productivity. Indirectly, Servant Leadership strengthens performance by building farmers’ Organizational Identity ( β = 0.613). Three mechanisms drive this: (1) Emotional Soothing ( β = 0.370), where empathetic leaders mitigate job stress through open dialog, enabling farmers to focus on collaborative tasks; (2) Persuasive Guidance ( β = 0.304), which harmonizes personal and organizational objectives via participatory decision-making, boosting intrinsic motivation; and (3) Leadership Wisdom ( β = 0.270), where leaders’ strategic adoption of innovations equips farmers with skills to navigate market risks. By addressing farmers’ developmental needs and nurturing belonging, Servant Leadership cultivates a loyal, adaptive workforce. These findings demonstrate that integrating ethical governance, emotional support, and technology-driven guidance can sustainably elevate agricultural productivity while retaining talent. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers to develop leadership frameworks that balance productivity with farmer welfare, advancing China’s agrarian modernization goals. This human-centric approach underscores the role of leadership in harmonizing economic growth and social equity within transitional agricultural systems.