There have been various approaches to development for poverty reduction since efforts have been made to promote and encourage development in non-Westernized nations. These approaches have been varied in nature, ranging from the initial Basic Income Approach in 1901 (see Rowntree) to the Empowerment Approach in 1983 (see Chambers) to the Systems Development and Integrated…
Throughout the world, a wide range of public, state-run, and private institutions provide agricultural extension services. These services are typically related to three core competencies: Technology transfer – helping to disseminate new technologies from research institutions to end-users. For example, helping to expand the use of new, more efficient irrigation systems. Advisory services – providing…
Much of early American history was based on a rejection of what was and creating systems for what should be. The educational system was no different. In the latter part of the 19th century, there was dissatisfaction with the way that university systems continued to cater to the wealthy elite rather than providing services and…
All healthy ecosystems contain a complex system of microbes, insects, plants, and animals that interact to maintain balance and contribute to the well-being of a given space. Companion planting is a targeted effort to exploit the benefits of the relationships between specific plants to improve production vitality. More simply, companion planting is a specific type…
The expansion of urban agriculture is arguably necessary to feed the world’s population, especially as the global migration towards urban centers continues. However, there is a range of hindrances preventing its full utilization, all of which are not necessarily exclusive to urban production systems – especially problems associated with a lack of foresight. Populations within…
Explore the health, environmental, and social disadvantages associated with urban agriculture. Discover strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Agriculture has been a part of urban spaces since man began establishing towns and cities. However, as populations grew, agriculture needed to be outsourced to rural or urban spaces to meet the growing demand of urban citizens. While it may still be necessary to produce more calorie-dense and space-intensive crops, e.g. grains and trees, growing…
For a municipality to be considered urban, it must be located be in or around a city. Such locations are typically developed or in the process of development meaning that human infrastructure [e.g. houses, commercial buildings, roads, and bridges] are spaced at a minimum density. The number of inhabitants ranges from 2,000 to over 10…
Although there are range of motivations for choosing to intercrop in a farming system, strong production and output are undoubtedly main priorities. Accordingly, a means to measure the efficacy is necessary. This allows a farmer to objectively evaluate the outcome of their cropping plan and adjust their practices, e.g. spacing and cultivar use, accordingly. The…
There are four main intercropping patterns: row intercropping, mixed intercropping, strip intercropping and relay intercropping. In row intercropping, two or more crops are planted simultaneously in separate rows. How and if the plants compete for resources is dependent on the numbers of rows, the spacing and the types of cultivars, although some competition for light…
