Vermicomposting For Sustainable Food Systems In Africa

This edited book collates the research done mainly in Africa on vermicomposting and related technologies that can assist African smallholder farmers in making nutrient rich organic fertilizers from their animal and crop residue wastes. Information on the development of organic sources of liquid fertilizer development for hydroponics is also presented. The book presents research findings on vermicomposting in a simplified way that will allow farmers and extension workers to adopt the indicated technologies. The book also covers critical aspects of standardization of vermicompost preparation, earthworm biology, nutrient enrichment of composts and organic liquid fertilizer production. Vermicomposting is a technology that employs earthworms to enhance the biodegradation and fertilizer value of organic wastes. The earthworms optimize the biodegradation ecosystem during composting, resulting in a final nutrient rich product with more recalcitrant forms of carbon and much lower levels of veterinary antibiotics and their metabolites. Vermicompost as an organic fertilizer is highly preferred over other forms of soil enhancers. A lot of research has been done on vermicompost and related activities in Africa but remain scattered across various publications. The book is an invaluable source of information for farmers especially those practicing organic crop production, vermicomposting researchers, as well as extension workers.

Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry: Improving Production and Processing addresses the principle that food supply needs of the present must be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Responding to sustainability goals requires maximum utilization of all raw materials produced and integration of activities throughout all production-to-consumption stages. This book covers production stage activities to reduce postharvest losses and increase use of by-products streams (waste), food manufacturing and beyond, presenting insights to ensure energy, water and other resources are used efficiently and environmental impacts are minimized. The book presents the latest research and advancements in efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly food production and ways they can be implemented within the food industry. Filling the knowledge gap between understanding and applying these advancements, this team of expert authors from around the globe offer both academic and industry perspectives and a real-world view of the challenges and potential solutions that exist for feeding the world in the future. The book will guide industry professionals and researchers in ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food systems. Addresses why food waste recovery improves sustainability of food systems, how these issues can be adapted by the food industry, and the role of policy making in ensuring sustainable food production Describes in detail the latest understanding of food processing, food production and waste reduction issues Includes emerging topics, such as sustainable organic food production and computer aided process engineering Analyzes the potential and sustainability of already commercialized processes and products

This book aims to contribute to the discourse on climate crisis by bringing together high-quality empirical research on adaptive approaches and sustainability case studies from across the world. The book is divided into six sections. The introductory section has two chapters which sets the ground of the book as it discusses the framing of climate crisis and the different approaches towards it. It also situates the book within the global discourse. The first chapter seeks the traditional approaches to bridge the gap in the new climate science, while the second chapter delivers the ultimate reasons for temperature change, global warming and its consequences (extreme weather events) in a comprehensive way. It is hoped that the book as a whole will provide a timely synthesis of a rapidly growing and important field of climate science but will also bring forward new and stimulating ideas that will shape a coherent and fruitful vision for future work for the community of Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Ph.D. Scholars and Researchers in the fields of environmental sciences, humanistic and social sciences and geography. In addition, policy and decision makers, environmentalists, NGOs, corporate sectors, social scientists, and government organizations will find this book to be of great value. We believe that a diverse group of academics, scientists, geographers, environmentalists, environmental regulators, social scientists, and sustainable scientists with a common interest within the earth environmental sciences and humanistic and social sciences will find this book to be a comprehensive source for reference. Also, we strongly deemed that it will also provide some support for various levels of organizations and administrations for developing and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in purview of climate change.

This edited book is focused on Sustainable Development Goal 2. It offers a comprehensive and topical collection of practices, technologies and innovations in the field of sustainable food production and security under a changing climate. It is a one-stop handbook for farmers, researchers, extensionists, policy makers and other stakeholders seeking to identify and disseminate best fit technologies for local and regional landscapes. It offers an understanding of the challenges, risks and uncertainties as well as opportunities to foster productive and sustainable food production. Smallholder farming and agriculture in general is facing a serious threat from climate change that has resulted in erratic and unpredictable rainfall and increased temperatures, among other abiotic stresses. These climate change induced pressures have reduced productivity mainly among the smallholder farmers, who are critical in driving the attainment of sustainable development goals like SDG 2, 12 and 13. The objective of the book is to document effective and practicable practices and technologies that can be adopted by smallholder African farmers as mitigation measures against the effects of climate change. This book is of interest to researchers, agricultural scientists, climate change scientists, capacity builders and policymakers.

History and evolution. Resource and crop management. Crop improvement. Plant health management. Looking ahead.

Sustainable and Circular Management of Resources and Waste Towards a Green Deal highlights the importance of resource recovery, phosphorus management, climate action, clean energy transition, and a circular economy. The world is facing significant challenges, including climate disruption, environmental changes, pollution, and population explosion. Sustainable management of finite natural resources within the carrying capacity of the bio-geo-hydrosphere is the crux of transforming the global economy for a sustainable future. Moreover, keeping raw materials in circulation as long as possible and minimizing the amount of waste generated has grown in significance as a part of transitioning to a circular economy (CE) model. Introduces innovative solutions in green energy transition Provides case studies as examples of a circular economy implementation in selected sectors of the economy, including water and wastewater, raw materials, and construction Suggests actions to counteract climate change and its consequences for people and the planet