European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Food Security

  • Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations

    Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations

    While our modern food systems rely heavily on synthetic chemicals, the authors explain that a 21st-century technological revolution might finally offer a way to protect our planet and our food supply at the same time.

    They point out that climate emergencies and our long-term dependence on synthetic fertilizers have created serious risks for the environment, soil health, and the delicate balance of microorganisms in the ground. To address these drawbacks, the researchers highlight the emergence of nano-biofertilizers (NBF), which combine the precision of nanotechnology with the natural power of biofertilizers.

    According to the study, these tools are not just a way to safeguard global food security as the population grows, but they also represent a much more economically and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

    The authors describe how these fertilizers are made by encapsulating inorganic materials like zinc or silver, or organic ones like cellulose, using “green” microbial synthesis to avoid the contamination caused by conventional chemicals. Although the use of these “smart” fertilizers is still in its early stages, the researchers argue that they have the potential to completely transform farming into a more precise and resilient system.

    This review provides a deep dive into how these NBFs are created and how they interact with plants to help them survive the stresses of a changing climate. Ultimately, the authors summarize the latest field applications for precision farming while discussing the current bottlenecks and the future trends needed to make these potent tools a reality for global agriculture.

    Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160476

    Reference:

    Sharma, B., Tiwari, S., Kumawat, K. C., & Cardinale, M. (2023). Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations. Science of The Total Environment, 860, 160476.

  • A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance

    A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance

    While data is often associated with offices and computers, the authors explain that it may actually be the most important tool we have to protect the future of global food security. They emphasize that while agriculture is the backbone of all human activity, it is currently facing massive threats from a growing population and intense competition for natural resources.

    To tackle these increasingly complex problems, the researchers argue that we must lean into smart farming and precision agriculture. They highlight that data analytics—specifically disruptive technologies like machine learning, big data, and blockchain—are the keys to ensuring we have enough safe food while protecting our environment. These tools can address a wide range of issues, from boosting crop yields and saving water to maintaining the health of plants and soil.

    In this study, the authors conducted a systematic review of 93 research papers to analyze how machine learning is specifically applied across different stages of the agricultural supply chain. They illustrate how these techniques can lead to more sustainable systems and even propose a new framework for putting these ideas into practice. According to the study, machine learning provides real-time insights that allow for proactive, data-driven decisions rather than just reacting to problems after they happen.

    Ultimately, the authors provide a set of guidelines for researchers and policymakers to help manage these supply chains more successfully, aiming for a balance of high productivity and better environmental stewardship.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2020.104926

    Reference:

    Sharma, R., Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., Kumar, V., & Kumar, A. (2020). A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance. Computers & Operations Research, 119, 104926.

  • Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture

    Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture

    While we rely on just a handful of crops to feed the world, the authors explain that thousands of edible plants are effectively hidden in plain sight, waiting to help solve the global food crisis.

    As our population grows, the researchers point out that humanity is facing a double challenge of both hunger and obesity. They argue that biodiversity is essential to addressing this, though it requires a much deeper understanding of the food resources available to us globally.

    According to the study, there are at least 7,039 edible plant species, which stands in a huge contrast to the small number of crops that currently provide most of our calories and nutrients. The authors note that most of these species are multipurpose, frequently used for medicine, building materials, or environmental protection.

    While major food crops are concentrated in specific centers of diversity, the researchers find that other edible plants follow natural biodiversity patterns, with the highest variety found near the equator. Even though many of these species are being preserved in conservation banks, the authors highlight that at least 11% of them are currently threatened with extinction.

    To move forward, the study suggests focusing on these neglected and underutilized species to spark a new, community-driven “green revolution” that is more resilient and sustainable. They also explore how fungi could help diversify our diets and increase nutritional value.

    Ultimately, the authors conclude that these plants and the traditional knowledge surrounding them are a massive untapped resource for food security, but unlocking them will require much stronger collaboration between all stakeholders.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10145

    Reference:

    Ulian, T., Diazgranados, M., Pironon, S., Padulosi, S., Liu, U., Davies, L., Howes, M. R., Borrell, J. S., Ondo, I., Pérez‐Escobar, O. A., Sharrock, S., Ryan, P., Hunter, D., Lee, M. A., Barstow, C., Łuczaj, Ł., Pieroni, A., Cámara‐Leret, R., Noorani, A., … Mattana, E. (2020). Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, 2(5), 421–445.