ScienceZoneJA

The stability of the global food system, a cornerstone of human civilization, is being challenged by climate change. Historically, agriculture has adapted by shifting planting dates and developing new crop varieties. However, a major study published in Nature highlights clear limits to this adaptability. An analysis of data from more than 12,000 regions across 55 countries shows that for every…

Agricultural biodiversity is the variety of genes, species, and ecosystems used for food and farming, and it is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. It includes crops, livestock, soil organisms, wild pollinators, and all life forms that interact within farming systems. This diversity supports nutrient cycling, pest control, water purification, and pollination. A wide genetic pool allows…

Agriculture is often portrayed as a neutral field where food is produced and livelihoods sustained, but the reality is far from neutral: gender norms and inequalities deeply shape who plants, who decides, and who reaps the rewards. In many societies, women perform critical roles in seed selection, soil care, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest tasks, yet they frequently lack access to…

Agriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive sectors because it depends on predictable weather patterns, reliable water availability, and stable environmental conditions. When natural disasters occur, they disrupt this balance, causing both immediate and long-term consequences for crop production, livestock management, and rural livelihoods. The increasing frequency and severity of these…

Food safety is a critical element in protecting public health and ensuring a sustainable food supply. It includes all measures taken to prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination from farm to table. As the global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, the need for safe, nutritious, and accessible food is more important than ever. With more people to feed, food systems must be…

Agriculture plays a key role in feeding the world but creates serious environmental problems. One major issue is that farming uses a large amount of fresh water. Around 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals go toward irrigation and livestock, which can lower water levels in rivers and underground reserves. Agriculture also contributes heavily to climate change. It produces large amounts of…

Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. The primary goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet current food and fiber needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. It focuses on improving agricultural productivity while minimizing harm to the environment and enhancing the quality…

Praedial larceny is no longer seen as a petty crime but rather as one of the most pervasive and entrenched crimes affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. It involves the theft of agricultural produce directly from farms, estates, or the land and has serious economic implications. In the Caribbean, conservative estimates suggest that 18% of farm output by value is lost to thieves, costing the…

Agricultural extension services play a vital role in enhancing rural development, combating poverty, and improving food security. These services refer to the process of disseminating agricultural knowledge and technologies to farmers, enabling them to enhance productivity and sustainability in their farming practices. Agricultural extension services empower farmers by offering advice on modern…

Topography, the study of Earth’s surface features including elevation, slope, and landform arrangement, plays a critical role in understanding natural and human-influenced environments. Topographic studies use tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to map and analyze terrain characteristics. These analyses help determine how water flows, how soils…