Subhrajit Saha

Sustainability assessment of smallholder farms in developing countries

ABSTRACT Smallholder farms in developing countries are key to global food security and sustainability of agricultural systems. Suitable tools are needed to assess the utility of these systems for long-term policy interventions. We outline the development of a sustainability index for smallholder systems by amalgamating ecological frameworks and sustainable livelihood framework. We critically describe the process involved in the development of the indicator framework, selection of indicators, their measurement and assignment of weight, and aggregation to arrive at a composite index. A practical tool based on this index may prove helpful for long-term sustainability assessment in smallholder farms of developing countries.

Effects of biochar and fertilizer management on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) feedstock and soil properties

ABSTRACT The need for bioenergy is increasing with increase in global energy demand, and sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices for bioenergy feedstock production are gaining importance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the effects of biochar and fertilizer nitrogen on soil and energy crop sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. var. Giganteus). Sunflower plants were treated with three rates of biochar, control (0 Mg ha−1), low (25 Mg ha−1) and high (50 Mg ha−1), and three rates of fertilizers, 0% (control), 50% (low) and 100% (high) of the recommended nitrogen dose. Plant height, quality (chlorophyll content), biomass yield, feedstock energy, ash content and tissue nutrients were measured along with soil moisture and pH. Results showed an 11% increase in mean plant height under low biochar compared to control biochar-treated plants. High nitrogen treatment produced 26% and 18% more stalk and total above-ground plant (whole plant) biomass, respectively, compared to the control nitrogen treatment. High biochar treatment resulted in higher soil moisture holding, but lower soil pH than the control biochar treatment. Plant quality, energy and ash contents were not affected by either biochar or nitrogen. The plant tissue analysis provides a complete tissue macro- and micronutrient information on sunflower cultivar Giganteus, which was not done previously.

Multifunctional Role of Integrated Farming System in Developing Countries

Agro-ecological practices, including integration within farming systems, have increasingly been acknowledged as key development alternative to safeguard rural people’s basic needs. It also enhances farmers’ socio-ecological capacities to sustain livelihoods. This paper explores the multidimensional nature of agro-ecological practices and takes stock of its multiple outcomes in smallholder systems of developing countries. Literatures suggest that farmers’ foremost concern is to meet their socio-economic, cultural and ecological needs in addition to combating multiple adversities caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. This asks for planned integration among the components in small farms leading to reduced stress and multiple benefits to the farm households.Integration among the components of farming system are often employed as a livelihood strategy in small farms and it plays a pivotal role in meeting the multidimensional needs of the farm family such as food security, risk reduction, income and employment, biodiversity, carbon storage and energy efficiency in farm. Public extension must appreciate IFS as a socio-ecological intervention, instead of a technology, to achieve varied desirable socio-economic-ecological outcomes.

Resource integration in smallholder farms for sustainable livelihoods in developing countries

Abstract The need for sustainable agricultural advancements remain at the forefront of global development practices, with smallholder farms emerging as an essential factor in creating long-lasting improvements in food security, enhanced nutrition, and economic development. Sustainable intensification and diversification in small farms can achieve these outcomes and often take the form of integration among farm resources to achieve sustainable livelihood. However, such integration is promoted in the form of integrated farming system (IFS) models as a single farm innovation for the smallholder systems of developing countries without considering the heterogeneity and priorities of farm families. Using the sustainable livelihoods (SL) framework, we propose a modified model for IFS promotion, particularly applicable for developing nations. The model modifies the standard SL model and illustrates how, based on the resources and vulnerabilities of small farms, IFS needs to be customised to achieve multifunctional benefits for smallholder farmers depending on the locations. It should first integrate the available assets of a farm, and then consider the micro-intervention that are strategically designed in a conscious livelihood based on their socioeconomic, bio-physical, political, and cultural situations. The goal of this article is to achieve multiple desirable livelihood outcomes at farm and community levels. This conceptualisation should help to develop IFS models based on local resources and farmers’ priorities that become more flexible than rigid.