Abstract:With challenges from global climate change, it is imperative to enhance food production using climate-smart technologies and maximize farm efficiency. Fifty-six households in Rudhiapada and Badamahulidiha, Odisha, India were selected to evaluate farmers' efficiency using conservation agriculture (CA) cropping system practices. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and regression analysis were used to estimate farmer efficiency and the determinants of yield. Conventional tillage with the local maize cultivar was compared to reduced tillage with improved maize cultivar and maize intercropped with cowpea. Badamahulidiha outperformed Rudhiapada in yields for all cropping systems. This could be attributed to lower input use and exposure to NGO training. The current efficiency level of farmers' productivity was between 0.4 and 0.7. Inputs such as labor, seed, and fertilizers were found to be significant in increasing yield except for female labor and phosphate. This finding suggests conservation agriculture cropping system is female friendly. The conservation agriculture cropping systems improved maize yields by 60% to 70% when compared to conventional farming system. Combining conservation agriculture practices with improving efficiency of farmers in optimal use of the inputs can contribute substantially to productivity, thus enhancing food security and nutrition in the face of climate change in India and other tropical areas.

An increasing population and demand for seafood have provoked a need to understand the factors affecting consumers' perceptions of aquaculture and wild‐caught seafood to ensure the sustainability of ocean resources. A survey was developed to assess Hawaiʻi's high school students' perceptions and preference for aquaculture and wild‐caught seafood using a cognitive mapping framework. The survey was administered to three high schools across urban, suburban, and rural areas of the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, and mental modeling techniques the following results from the survey indicated that most students had some knowledge of aquaculture. Residence and gender demographics of students make a difference in their preference for aquaculture and wild‐caught seafood. Overall, the students indicated a higher preference for wild‐caught seafood as compared to aquaculture in terms of taste and the reverse is true for environmental impacts. However, rural residents and male students showed a significant preference for aquaculture seafood. The implications of this study provide the information needed to improve public perceptions of aquaculture and promote sustainable seafood practices and consumption. Furthermore, education focused on aquaculture can be introduced into school curricula to enhance their knowledge of environmental, health, and nutrition impacts.