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Sustainability of D...
Sustainability of Diversified Organic Cropping Systems—Challenges Identified by Farmer Interviews and Multi-Criteria Assessments
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- Rodriguez, Carolina (author)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Biosystem och teknologi,Department of Biosystems and Technology
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- Dimitrova Mårtensson, Linda-Maria (author)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Biosystem och teknologi,Department of Biosystems and Technology
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- Zachrison, Mozhgan (author)
- Lund University,Lunds universitet,Institutionen för strategisk kommunikation,Samhällsvetenskapliga institutioner och centrumbildningar,Samhällsvetenskapliga fakulteten,Department of Strategic Communication,Departments of Administrative, Economic and Social Sciences,Faculty of Social Sciences
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- Carlsson, Georg (author)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Biosystem och teknologi,Department of Biosystems and Technology
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(creator_code:org_t)
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- 2021-09-23
- 2021
- English.
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In: Frontiers in Agronomy. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2673-3218. ; 3
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Abstract
Subject headings
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- Diversification of cropping and farming systems is a central agroecological principle, which may improve resource use efficiency, reduce pests and diseases, diversify income sources, and enhance the resilience of the production. The main objective of this study was to identify challenges related to the sustainability of organic cropping systems that were diversified according to one or several of the following practices: diverse crop rotation, integration of cover crops, and intercropping. The sustainability assessments were made using a multi-criteria decision aid method (MCDA) and a framework based on the FAO Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agricultural Systems (SAFA) guidelines. Social, economic and environmental aspects were integrated in the sustainability assessments and combined with semi-structured interviews to identify and discuss farmer's perceptions of barriers to crop diversification and sustainability transition. The results showed that diversified organic cropping systems could achieve high overall sustainability, especially in the environmental dimension thanks to non-inputs of pesticides or mineral fertilizers and efficient use of resources. On the other hand, social and economic dimensions were more variable, with challenges of lower sustainability in profitability and management complexity for several of the diversified cropping systems. Limited access to knowledge, technology and markets for minor crops, and concerns about the consistency of policies were highlighted by farmers as barriers for crop diversification. We discuss how the identified challenges can be overcome and argue that fostering collaboration among stakeholders may increase investment capacity and improve access to new or alternative markets, thereby stimulating transitions toward more diversified and sustainable cropping systems.
Subject headings
- LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Jordbruksvetenskap (hsv//swe)
- AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Agricultural Science (hsv//eng)
- LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER -- Annan lantbruksvetenskap -- Miljö- och naturvårdsvetenskap (hsv//swe)
- AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES -- Other Agricultural Sciences -- Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use (hsv//eng)
Keyword
- sustainability assessments
- crop diversification
- crop rotation
- farmers’ perceptions
- ex ante
- cover crops
- intercropping
- mixed methods
- cover crops
- crop diversification
- crop rotation
- ex ante
- farmers' perceptions
- intercropping
- mixed methods
- sustainability assessments
Publication and Content Type
- ref (subject category)
- art (subject category)
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