Beyond Sustainability in Food Systems: Perspectives from Agroecology and Social Innovation

Marchetti, Léonardo; Cattivelli, Valentina; Cocozza, Claudia; Salbitano, Fabio; Marchetti, Marco

doi:10.3390/su12187524

Cited by 47 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 113 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Agro-ecological methods are often low-tech and labor-intensive, but are suitable for urban and peri-urban agriculture and horticulture, where farmland is a scarce resource [29]. A previous study on diversified farming systems as a social and economic basis to foster social-ecological conversion concluded that a diversity of knowledge and practices makes a promising alternative to the uniformity of industrialized agriculture when it comes sustaining and regenerating eco-system services, while comparing well with industrialized agriculture in terms of productivity (Marchetti et al [30]).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Food Networks in Food System Transition—Values, Motivation, and Capacity Building among Young Swedish Market Gardeners

2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study sheds light on a new generation of Swedish food producers, market gardeners, who are attracting attention in terms of food system sustainability, prompted by increasing consumer awareness about the value of healthy and locally produced food. Market gardening is part of a global agroecological movement opposed to industrialized agriculture and its negative impacts on the environment and rural communities. These food producers challenge the incumbent agri-food regime through the building of alternative food networks. This case-based study involving 14 young vegetable producers showed that young people who engage in market gardening are strongly motivated by dual incentives, namely entrepreneurship and transformation to sustainability. Six main competences were identified as important for market gardeners: practical skills related to growing vegetables, business management, innovation and continuous learning, systems thinking, pioneering, and networking. Individuals develop their skills through continuous experiential learning and gain knowledge through peer-to-peer learning using social media. However, they need to acquire certain skills relating to their daily work in the field and to managing a business. Market gardeners currently face a number of barriers erected by the sociopolitical environment, in particular regarding access to research-based knowledge, extension services, and business support.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Food Networks in Food System Transition—Values, Motivation, and Capacity Building among Young Swedish Market Gardeners

2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The ABC Plan is analysed from the perspective of the conceptual framework proposed. We followed the steps of some studies conducted previously, such as Marchetti L. et al and Pólvora A. et al [38,39].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Green Growth and Agriculture in Brazil

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This paper addresses Green Growth and Agriculture in Brazil, analysing the National Plan for Low Carbon Emission in Agriculture (ABC Plan). The main focus is to detail the structure and actions proposed and implemented by the ABC Plan, and also to identify its economic, environmental and social effects. Using a qualitative research approach, desk research was conducted through reports, newspaper articles, and official documents from the Brazilian government and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). The outcomes indicated that the ABC Plan did not address the main components of the literature on green growth policies, such as proper training of human resources in sustainable agricultural techniques, and access to financial support for promoting the implementation of sustainable agriculture systems. The lack of participation of local institutions in the creation and implementation of the ABC Plan is also pointed out.

show abstract

“…Hohnwald et al (2015) tested this model in practice and found that it represents a promising and ecologically sustainable alternative for smallholders. De facto, the importance of diversified farming systems incorporating farmer preferences and knowledge are currently increasing (Marchetti et al 2020). Amézquita et al (2005), comparing different silvopastoral systems with native forest and degraded pasture, reported higher levels of SOC and concluded that they can constitute a viable economic alternative to farmers.…”

Section: Iforest -Biogeosciences and Forestrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Could cattle ranching and soybean cultivation be sustainable? A systematic review and a meta-analysis for the Amazon

Bueno¹,

Marchetti²,

Cocozza³

et al. 2021

iForest

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Tropical forests are being destroyed to make space for agricultural activities with the assumption that they are required to feed the growing global population. Consequently, more sustainable practices are needed to guarantee food security and environmental protection of highly threatened natural biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon rainforest. Cattle ranching and soybean cultivation are by far the greater drivers of land use change and deforestation in the Amazon region. We performed a systematic review of papers related to these two main drivers and a meta-analysis on the effects of sustainable practices on different ecosystem services. The results of the review highlight a large concern about the negative impacts of cattle ranching and soybean crops on the ecosystem dynamics and functionality of the Amazon biome, in addition to the clear relationship with deforestation. Another relevant finding is the large gap in empirical research concerning the effects of sustainable practices on different ecosystem services. Such a gap is evident since only 13 studies from the initial database met the requirements for a meta-analysis. Of the 171 comparisons between the ecosystem services provided in conventional land-uses and those adopting sustainable practices, the overall model indicated a non-significant effect, although the results were heterogeneous. Crop yield and herbage biomass were negatively affected, while livestock productivity, soil organic carbon, soil fertility and woody biomass were positively affected. Also, the six sustainable practices evaluated showed different outcomes, from a predominance of positive effects in silvopastoral systems, to a predominance of negative effects on agrosilvicultural systems. Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that cattle ranching and soybean cultivation can indeed be conducted in a more sustainable way, enhancing the provision of ecosystem services while avoiding deforestation. In turn, our results also highlight the lack of empirical data and the need to standardize the methodologies used to deeply assess the effects of such practices. In conclusion, we suggest a way to advance research into the real effects of sustainable practices aimed at reducing the negative impacts of cattle ranching and soybean crops in the Amazon.

show abstract

Beyond Sustainability in Food Systems: Perspectives from Agroecology and Social Innovation

Cited by 47 publications

References 113 publications

Alternative Food Networks in Food System Transition—Values, Motivation, and Capacity Building among Young Swedish Market Gardeners

Alternative Food Networks in Food System Transition—Values, Motivation, and Capacity Building among Young Swedish Market Gardeners

Green Growth and Agriculture in Brazil

Could cattle ranching and soybean cultivation be sustainable? A systematic review and a meta-analysis for the Amazon

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About