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Living Planet Report 2018: Living Higher

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
WWF
Co-authors

Grooten, M. and Almond, R.E.A.(Eds)

Mike Barrett (WWF-UK), Alan Belward (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Sarah Bladen (Global Fishing Watch), Tom Breeze (University of Reading), Neil Burgess (UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre - UNEP-WCMC), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Harriet Clewlow (British Antarctic Survey and the University of Exeter), Sarah Cornell (Stockholm Resilience Centre), Andrew Cottam (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Simon Croft (Stockholm Environment Institute), Guiseppe de Carlo (WWF International), Luca de Felice (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Adriana De Palma (Natural History Museum, London), Stefanie Deinet (Zoological Society of London), Rod Downie (WWF-UK), Carel Drijver (WWF-NL), Bernadette Fischler (WWF-UK), Robin Freeman (Zoological Society of London), Owen Gaffney (Stockholm Resilience Centre), Alessandro Galli (Global Footprint Network), Paul Gamblin (WWF International), Michael Garratt (University of Reading), Noel Gorelick (Google Earth Engine), Jonathan Green (Stockholm Environment Institute), Monique Grooten (WWF-NL), Laurel Hanscom (Global Footprint Network), Samantha Hill (UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre - UNEP-WCMC), Craig Hilton-Taylor (IUCN), Arwyn Jones (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Tony Juniper (WWF-UK), Huma Khan (WWF International), David Kroodsma (Global Fishing Watch), David Leclère (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis), Ghislaine Llewellyn (WWF-Australia), Georgina Mace (University College London), Louise McRae (Zoological Society of London), Karen Mo (WWF-US), Jeff Opperman (WWF International), Alberto Orgiazzi (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Stuart Orr (WWF International), Pablo Pacheco (WWF International), Deng Palomares and Daniel Pauly (Sea Around Us, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia), Jean-Francois Pekel (European Commission Joint Research Centre), Linwood Pendleton (WWF-US), Andy Purvis (Natural History Museum, London), Norman Radcliffe (British Antarctic Survey), Toby Roxburgh (WWF-UK), Bob Scholes (University of the Wittswatersrand, South Africa and IPBES Chair), Deepa Senapathi (University of Reading), John Tanzer (WWF International), Michele Thieme (WWF-US), Dave Tickner (WWF-UK), Pablo Tittonell (Natural Resources and Environment Program of INTA, Argentina), Phil Trathan (British Antarctic Survey), Piero Visconti (University College London and Zoological Society of London), Mathis Wackernagel (Global Footprint Network) Chris West (Stockholm Environment Institute) and Natascha Zwaal (WWF-NL)

Date of publication
Edition or Version
1.00
Institution
WWF
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

This global overview is useful but it’s also important to understand whether there are differences in threats between different geographic regions and whether similar species are affected by them in different ways. The Living Planet Index, a rich source of this information, can tell us about threats at the species population level. This more granular level of data has already highlighted different responses in different species of penguins in western Antarctica.

The Living Planet Index also tracks the state of global biodiversity by measuring the population abundance of thousands of vertebrate species around the world. The latest index shows an overall
decline of 60% in population sizes between 1970 and 2014. Species population declines are especially pronounced in the tropics, with South and Central America suffering the most dramatic decline, an 89% loss compared to 1970. Freshwater species numbers have also declined dramatically, with the Freshwater Index showing an 83% decline since 1970. But measuring biodiversity – all the varieties of life that can be found on Earth and their relationships to each other – is complex, so this report also explores three other indicators measuring changes in species distribution, extinction risk and changes in community composition. All these paint the same picture – showing severe declines or changes.

Keywords
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Contact phone (for further information)
+41 22 364 9111
Contact institution (for further information)
WWF
Citation

WWF. 2018. Living Planet Report 2018. Aiming Higher. Grooten, M. and Almond, R.E.A.(Eds). WWF, Gland, Switzerland.

CCARDESA Category

Seed quality of selected bottle gourd landraces compared with popular cucurbits

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Nkanyiso J Sithole
Co-authors

Albert T Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

Date of publication
Institution
South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) is an indigenous crop that is available only as landraces in sub-Saharan Africa, although it has a great potential for food security. Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) and cucumber (Cucurbita pepo L.) are exotic crops that have similar food roles as bottle gourd. There is no information on the seed quality of bottle gourd landraces found in sub-Saharan Africa. It was hypothesised that the hybrid seeds of closely related species would have better seed quality than bottle gourd landraces. Three landraces of bottle gourd were compared with two pumpkin cultivars and one cucumber cultivar for germination capacity and associated parameters (mean germination time and germination velocity index) as well as seedling establishment. Results showed that the germination trend was similar for all varieties, but there was a significant (P<0.05) difference among them with respect to all parameters. There was no distinct evidence of differences in seed quality to permit separation of seeds by species. It was concluded that bottle gourd landrace seed quality is comparable to the hybrids of pumpkin and cucumber and the established recommendations for testing the seeds of hybrids can be used to test the landraces.

Keywords
seed germination, seedling establishment, variety
Contact name (for further information)
Nkanyiso J. Sithole
Contact email (for further information)
Contact institution (for further information)
Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
CCARDESA Category

Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Crop Intensification in Lesotho

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Laura Silici
Date of publication
Institution
Lesotho
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

In recent years, the spread of conservation agriculture (CA) has revealed to be a sustainable way to intensify crop production and sustain rural livelihoods in several African countries. Indeed, the potential benefits associated with the use of conservation farming practices are many. Long-term yield increase and output stability can be achieved while at the same time stopping and reversing land degradation. Larger outputs are often obtained by employing relatively fewer inputs, thereby reducing costs. Compared to conventional tillage methods, CA thus leads to higher net profitability, greater environmental sustainability and – especially important in Africa – higher food security. Furthermore, conservation farming techniques which rationalize the use of labour are particularly helpful in those rural areas where migration and health emergencies have reduced the labour supply and contributed to the increasing “feminization” of the agricultural sector (a comprehensive discussion of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of conservation agriculture in Africa is provided in Annex I).

Keywords
Conservation agriculture (CA)
Crop production
Sustain rural livelihoods
Contact name (for further information)
Laura Silici
Contact institution (for further information)
Lesotho
Citation

Laura Silici, 2010.Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Crop Intensification in Lesotho.

Enhancing capacitiEnhancing capacities of individuals, institutions and organizations to adapt to climate change in agricultural sector using innovative approaches in Tanzania and Malawi

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Majule A. E.
Co-authors

Stathers T, Lamboll R., Liwenga E. T.1, Ngongondo, C., Kalanda-Joshua M. Swai E. and Chipungu F.

Date of publication
Institution
Malawi and Tanzania
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

In many sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, poverty productivity which accelerating climate change and (Devereux and Edwards, 2004; Slingo et al., 2005). It is estimated that about 75% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa lives in arid and semi-arid areas that cover about 75% of sub-Saharan Africa. These areas are characterized by low soil chemical fertility and low annual rainfall that is poorly distributed (Maitima et al., 2009; Mubaya et al., 2010; Mugabe, 2011). Under this situation agricultural productivity by small scale farmers is very low resulting both in food and income insecurity leading to poverty (Majule, 2010).

Keywords
Climate change
Contact name (for further information)
Majule A. E., Stathers T, Lamboll R., Liwenga E. T.1, Ngongondo, C., Kalanda-Joshua M. Swai E. and Chipungu F.
Contact institution (for further information)
Malawi and Tanzania
Citation

Majule A. E., Stathers T, Lamboll R., Liwenga E. T.1, Ngongondo, C., Kalanda-Joshua M. Swai E. and Chipungu F., 2016. Enhancing capacities of individuals, institutions and organizations to adapt to climate change in agricultural sector using innovative approaches in Tanzania and Malawi.

Namibia National Drought Policy

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Namibia
Date of publication
Institution
Namibia
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Namibia is an arid country. 22 per cent of Namibia can be classified as desert, having a mean annual rainfall of less than 100 mm, 33 per cent classified as arid, with a mean annual rainfall of between 100 and 300 mm, 37 per cent classified as semi-arid, with a mean annual rainfall of between 301 and 500 mm, and 8 per cent as sub-humid, with a mean annual rainfall of between 501 and 700 mm. Associated with these low rainfall figures are high evapotranspiration rates and a high degree of variation from year to year, including a few years of exceptionally high and low rainfall, as well as variable rainfall distribution patterns within a year. Human endeavour must adapt to this reality.

Keywords
Desert
Low rainfall
Drought
Contact name (for further information)
Namibia
Contact institution (for further information)
Namibia
Citation

Namibia, 1997.Namibia National Drought Policy.

Namibia Rangeland Management Policy & Strategy

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Namibia
Date of publication
Institution
Namibia
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Agriculture is the predominant land use in Namibia, where some 70% of the population depends directly or indirectly on the natural rangeland resource for their economic well-being and food security. Beef production is the most important livestock-related activity in Namibia, followed by small stock (sheep and goat) production. Since 1990, the Namibian commercial livestock sector has accounted for almost 70% of the overall annual agricultural output value. This activity is almost completely dependent on the country’s natural rangelands.

Keywords
Economic well-being
Food security
Contact name (for further information)
Namibia
Contact institution (for further information)
Namibia
Citation

Namibia, 2012.Namibia Rangeland Management Policy & Strategy.

National Agricultural Policy

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Namibia
Date of publication
Institution
Namibia
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

The Namibia Agriculture Policy is aimed at contributing to increased agricultural production, agro-processing and marketing as well as to serve as an overarching policy in the agricultural sector. The revised Policy Framework draws from Vision 2030, the fourth National Development Plan, the 2014 SWAPO Party Elections Manifesto and MAWF’s mandate. The Policy is formulated within the confines of the Namibian Constitution and will provide a framework for adjusting relevant laws to give effect to the stated policy objectives and strategies.

Keywords
Agricultural production
Agro-processing
Marketing
Contact name (for further information)
Namibia
Contact institution (for further information)
Namibia
Citation

Namibia, 2015.National Agricultural Policy.

Water use and productivity of a sorghum-cowpea-bottle gourd intercrop system

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
V.G.P. Chimonyo
Co-authors

A.T. Modi, T. Mabhaudhi

Date of publication
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Water is the main factor affecting crop production in sub-Saharan Africa. It was hypothesized that intercropping sorghum (S) with either cowpea (C) or bottle gourd (B) would result in better productivity and water use efficiency (WUE). This was evaluated using a split-plot design with sub-plots arranged in a randomised complete block manner within the main plot, replicated thrice. Water regimes [full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI) and rainfed (RF)] were allocated to the main plots. Sub-plots comprised intercrop combinations, SS (sole), C (sole), B (sole), SC (intercrop) and SB (intercrop). Data collected included soil water content (SWC), plant height (PH)/vine length, leaf number (LN), tillering (T)/branching, leaf area index (LAI), relative leaf water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll content index (CCI) as well as biomass accumulation and partitioning. Yield and yield components, water use (WU) and WUE for grain (WUEg) were calculated at harvest. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was used to evaluate productivity of the intercrop. Sorghum canopy size decreased (P < 0.05) (−6.7%, −10.6%, −89% and −79% for PH, LN, T and LAI, respectively) with decreasing water availability. Sorghum growth and development were unaffected by intercropping. Intercropping sorghum with cowpea improved gs (23%) and CCI (6.56%) of sorghum under low water availability. Productivity of sorghum across varying water regimes and cropping systems was stable with final biomass, yield and harvest index of 2.4 t ha−1, 0.98 t ha−1 and 35%, respectively. Overall, LER showed a 46% increase in productivity across all intercrop systems. Intercropping marginally increased WU (5.64%). Improvements of WUEg were observed under SC and SB (54.65% and 46.98%, respectively) relative to SS. Intercropping sorghum with cowpea is recommended for semi-and arid environments since it promoted efficient use of water.

Other Partners

Agricultural Water Management, ELSERVIER

Keywords
Land equivalent ratio, Resource use, Water use efficiency, Yield
CCARDESA Category

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) seed quality in response to water stress on maternal plants.

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
T.P. Chibarabada
Co-authors

A.T. Modi & T. Mabhaudhi

Date of publication
Institution
Soil & Plant Science
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Farmers who still cultivate bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) rely on landraces and seed retained from previous harvests. Given that the crop is typically cultivated in semi-arid regions, seed quality of farmers’ retained seed might be compromised due to water stress experienced by maternal plants during production. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water stress on maternal plants on subsequent seed quality of bambara groundnut. A single bambara groundnut landrace was characterised into four distinct selections based on seed coat and speckling colour. Initial seed quality (viability and vigour) was evaluated prior to planting seed in a field trial under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Final yield and yield components were determined at harvest. Thereafter, seed quality (viability and vigour) of progeny of different landrace selections was evaluated. Yield was lower under rainfed than irrigated conditions. Overall, subsequent seed quality showed improvement from initial seed quality of the original seedlot. Seed viability was higher in seeds produced under irrigated than rainfed conditions. Seed quality of bambara groundnut may be reduced underwater-limited production conditions. Seed enhancement practices such as priming may assist farmers to achieve better emergence. In the long term, seed production should be done under optimum conditions in order to achieve high-seed quality.

Other Partners

Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, University of Kwazulu-Natal

Keywords
germinability, irrigated, rainfed, viability, vigour
Contact name (for further information)
T. P. Chibarabada
Contact email (for further information)
Contact institution (for further information)
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Citation

Soil & Plant Science, University of Kwazulu-Natal. (2015). Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) seed quality in response to water stress on maternal plants. South Africa.

CCARDESA Category

Namibia Comprehensive Scoping Assessment of CSA Policies

Content Type
Author or Institution as Author
Prof Irvin DT Mpofu
Co-authors

 Dr Patricia N. Petrus

Date of publication
Institution
Namibia
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is crop and livestock production that sustainably increases productivity, resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes greenhouse gases (mitigation), and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals. CSA encourages the use of all available and applicable climate change solutions in a pragmatic and impact-focused manner. The Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) commissioned this scoping study on CSA with the overall objective of creating a policy environment that increase agricultural productivity and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable smallholder farmers to the impacts of climate change.

Keywords
Climate Smart Agriculture
Contact name (for further information)
Prof Irvin DT Mpofu and Dr Patricia N. Petrus
Contact institution (for further information)
Namibia
Citation

Prof Irvin DT Mpofu and Dr Patricia N. Petrus, 2014.Namibia Comprehensive Scoping Assessment of CSA Policies.

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Funding Partners

4.61M

Beneficiaries Reached

97000

Farmers Trained

3720

Number of Value Chain Actors Accessing CSA

41300

Lead Farmers Supported