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In recent times, results of various adoption studies have been mixed, raising questions regarding why some improved farm technologies are still not widely adopted several years after their first introduction. Many improved cassava varieties have been introduced to millions of farm households across Africa south of the Sahara. Using an extensive review of cassava-adoption literature focused on Nigeria, this paper discusses the uptake of improved cassava varieties. Generic measurement and methodological issues in the literature are illuminated and alternative approaches suggested. The literature can be improved to better inform policy by considering issues such as attribution constraint due to...
Interest in phytoremediation as a solution for contaminants in groundwater and soil has exploded. The project documented in Phytoremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils presents innovative technology for environmental clean up using in situ treatment. It describes the results of a field study focusing on hydrocarbon contamination, especially polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, in surface and near surface soils. The field demonstration used soils contaminated with aged diesel fuels. The random block design enabled the investigators to test the statistical difference in the effects of different vegetated and unvegetated treatments. They tested the degradation of diesel and polynuclear aro...
Pseudocereals: Production, Processing, and Nutrition provides an overview of the chemistry, processing, and technology of pseudocereals which have become super grains. The cultivation of pseudocereals has spread to over 70 different countries due to their attractive nutritional properties and for food security. This book discusses necessary information on different pseudocereals as well as practical information on cultivation procedures, equipment, food processing using pseudocereals and the use of by-products for bioactive compound extraction. It addresses concerns regarding globalization, food security, climate change and the needs of underdeveloped or developing countries. Key Features: Covers both common as well as less exploited pseudocereals Explains the grain structure and engineering properties of different pseudocereals Studies the effect of food processing on the bioactivity and nutritional value of pseudocereals and their products
The stories presented in this report illustrate how improved collaboration among RTB centers is making a real difference. This includes harnessing the potential of genomics to accelerate the development of improved RTB varieties, facilitating collaborative responses to critical crop diseases and improving postharvest options. During its second year, the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) expanded its geographic reach and its network of partners while launching a series of collaborative initiatives aimed at resolving the most serious constraints faced by smallholder farmers growing RTB crops. While this work was initiated within a framework of seven disciplinary themes, RTB started a process to transition from an output-focused research agenda to one based on outcomes and impacts.
This timely work reviews the best current thinking on practicing sustainable agriculture, with contributions from agricultural, biological, environmental and social scientists. The emphasis is on temperate zones, with many of the contributions addressing U.S. agriculture. However, the principles explored here have application in any climatic or geographical region. The book discusses stewardship, biodiversity, reliance on mixed food systems and other approaches, always with a view toward reducing environmental degradation, maintaining economic viability and stabilizing rural communities.
This open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. ...
This topic is a unique attempt to simultaneously tackle theoretical and practical aspects in drought phenotyping, through both crop-specific and cross-cutting approaches. It is designed for – and will be of use to – practitioners and postgraduate students in plant science, who are grappling with the challenging task of evaluating germplasm performance under different water regimes. In Part I, different methodologies are presented for accurately characterising environmental conditions, implementing trials, and capturing and analysing the information this generates, regardless of the crop. Part II presents the state-of-art in research on adaptation to drought, and recommends specific proto...
This fascinating, readable volume is filled with enticing, detailed information about more than 30 different Incan crops that promise to follow the potato's lead and become important contributors to the world's food supply. Some of these overlooked foods offer special advantages for developing nations, such as high nutritional quality and excellent yields. Many are adaptable to areas of the United States. Lost Crops of the Incas includes vivid color photographs of many of the crops and describes the authors' experiences in growing, tasting, and preparing them in different ways. This book is for the gourmet and gourmand alike, as well as gardeners, botanists, farmers, and agricultural specialists in developing countries.
Phytormediation is an exciting new method for controlling and cleaning up hazardous wastes using green plants. This book is the first to compile the state of the science and engineering arts in this rapidly advancing field. Phytormediation: Approaches the subject from the perspectives of biochemistry, genetics, toxicology, and pathway analysis. Is written by two of the premier experts in the field.