The benefits of mixed methods are well recognised. Using mixed methods, researchers are able to overcome shortcomings inherent in individual methods while enhancing the validity and reliability of their research findings. Mixed methods are commonly used in cross-sectional studies – to answer research questions, and/or explore contemporary social issues. However,...

In the villages of Samrong Tong, district of Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, women vegetable farmers are at the forefront of promoting agroecology. In this short documentary, watch how the Women Organic Vegetable Producer Group, with the support of the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), are able to...

The global environmental and social-economic crises of industrialized agriculture have led to the emergence of agroecology as an alternative approach aiming to increase the ecological, social and economic sustainability of agri–food systems. The ‘multi-level perspective’ is now a widely used framework to understand and promote the upscaling of local innovation niches, such as...

Romanian Rural Network Newsletter, with a lot of news from Romania and EU

In the next section, we analyze some ontological mismatches of the main sustainable transition frameworks and identify debates and gaps in current research. Instead of reinforcing the understanding of sustainability issues, we conclude that a hasty combination of frameworks without critical reflection on their ontologies generates theoretical inconsistencies and the...

Romanian Rural Network Newsletter, with news article regarding Rural development in Romania and in EU

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that agroecology innovations and practices are technically feasible, affordable, politically socially and culturally acceptable, adaptable to local circumstances and environmentally sound. This paper presents a set of evaluation criteria with which to assess innovations against such conditions.

Organic farming is one of the most dynamic sectors of the European agri-food industry. Organic farming means producing food respecting the natural life cycles, minimising the human impact on the environment. The European Union organic logo guarantees production and quality standards for organic farming, such as sustainable production, strict limitations...

Formed in 2007, Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group (FPS) creates science-based educational materials, which: identify highly nutritious local food plants, explain how to grow them in a sustainable, agroecological way, detail the nutritional value of the plants and describe why human bodies require those nutrients. The resources created by FPS allows people to better...

Geographical indication (GI) schemes can play a special role in promoting sustainable rural development, improving farm income and opening new export potential. Natural factors such as soil, climate and plant varieties play a major role in producing a unique product. Usually, GIs comprise knowledge and skills passed on from generation...

Formed in 2007, Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group (FPS) creates science-based educational materials, which: identify highly nutritious local food plants, explain how to grow them in a sustainable, agroecological way, detail the nutritional value of the plants and describe why human bodies require those nutrients. The resources created by FPS allows people to better...

The competitive environment of dairy cattle production systems is often linked to increased pressure on animal welfare due to various stress factors. It is argued that there is trade-off between production and animal welfare, which includes animal health. However, this is not always the case. The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on...

Les agriculteurs-trices des zones rurales de montagne au Maroc sont confrontés à de nombreux défis parmi lesquels la pauvreté, la dureté des conditions de vie et la dégradation de l’environnement suite au changement climatique. Le projet d’agro-écologie au Sud du Maroc a été lancé en 2015 par l’Organisation Non Gouvernementale...

For centuries, farmers, herders, fishers and foresters have developed diverse and locally adapted agricultural systems managed with time tested, ingenious techniques. These practices have resulted in a vital combination of social, cultural, ecological and economic services to humankind. “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems” (GIAHS) are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty...

The EU Agricultural Outlook conference has now become the key annual gathering of European stakeholders willing to engage and discuss the future of agriculture in Europe and the challenges which lie ahead. The fourth edition of the conference will be opened by Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, Phil Hogan. Discussion on day...

Agronomic practices and management decisions can have a significant impact on the type and number of weeds on a farm. Understanding this relationship can help organic producers manage weeds through avoidance, and various cultural management practices. The most important steps of non-chemical weed management are prevention, diagnosis, and a number of...

Schola Campesina is a training and participatory research centre seeking to strengthen producers’ organizations in their struggle for food sovereignty through knowledge valorization and sharing. Based on the Nyéléni International Forum for Agroecology (2015), and on the principles of Dialogo de saberes, Schola Campesina seeks to boost the sharing of...

O projeto-piloto2 Viva Agroecologia, desenvolvido na EMEF Desembargador Amorim Lima em São Paulo, teve como objetivo fomentar, ampliar e estimular a inserção das PANC nas hortas escolares, na pedagogia e na composição do cardápio, de modo a enriquecer e complementar a alimentação escolar. Ter as PANC na horta com possibilidade de...

The document is prepared in the perspective of the 2nd international Symposium in April 2018. It will give a feedback of the global FAO process on agroecology and discuss the main challenges regarding agroecology Region by Region, identifying key drivers to scale up agroecology and highlighting key initiatives undertaken in...

Permaculture is a holistic approach to agriculture that provides for human needs—high-quality food, fiber, fuel, medicine and building materials—while enhancing the ecosystems and communities from which these derive; it offers a set of ethics and principles and a means of integrating social and ecological processes in a way that is...