Resource Library: Natural Resource Management

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cash_for_work_sahel_english.pdf

This resource, from Catholic Relief Services, describes the 20 best practices distilled from a recent Real Time Evaluation of the cash for work program Emergency Agricultural Recovery of Livelihoods Initiative (EARLI). In this food security and land recuperation project vulnerable households in two towns in Niger were paid to dig half-moons that reduce erosion, regenerate natural vegetation and recuperate degraded land. The project is a response to the complex emergency in the Sahel that was triggered by shortages in the 2011 harvest, but caused by a much longer-term cycle of perpetual crises and shocks.

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A Review of Empirical Evidence on Gender Differences in Non-Land Agricultural Inputs, Technology, and Services in Developing Cou

This paper reviews existing microeconomic empirical literature on gender differences in use, access, and adoption of non-land agricultural inputs in developing countries. This review focuses on four key areas: (1) technological resources, (2) natural resources, (3) human resources, and (4) social and political capital. In general, there has been more empirical research on inorganic fertilizer, seed varieties, extension services, and group membership than on tools and mechanization, life-cycle effects, and political participation. Across input areas, generally men have higher input measures than women; however, this finding is often sensitive to the use of models that control for other background factors, as well as the type of gender indicator implemented in the analysis.

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Review of Evidence on Drylands Pastoral Systems and Climate Change

This review first highlights the importance of drylands, grazing lands and livestock-based Livelihoods, and then illustrates the interrelations between climate change, land and livestock. It provides estimates of the potential carbon storage and sequestration in pasture and rangelands in drylands, and outlines the main land management measures for improving carbon cycling and grassland management.

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A Field Guide for On-Farm Experimentation

Experimental aspects of on-farm research should help on-farm researchers arrive at solid conclusions, taking into account, rather than eliminating, variation among farmers. The objective of this type of applied agricultural research is to identify new farming practices and materials that will improve the farmers’ production system and increase their productivity and well-being in a way that is sustainable.

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A Review of Empirical Evidence on Gender Differences in Non-Land Agricultural Inputs, Technology, and Services in Developing Cou

This paper reviews existing microeconomic empirical literature on gender differences in use, access, and adoption of non-land agricultural inputs in developing countries. This review focuses on four key areas: (1) technological resources, (2) natural resources, (3) human resources, and (4) social and political capital. In general, there has been more empirical research on inorganic fertilizer, seed varieties, extension services, and group membership than on tools and mechanization, life-cycle effects, and political participation. Across input areas, generally men have higher input measures than women; however, this finding is often sensitive to the use of models that control for other background factors, as well as the type of gender indicator implemented in the analysis.

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Agricultural Productivity Indicators Measurement

This guide is intended to provide the technical basis for the indicators and the recommended method for collecting, analyzing and reporting on the generic indicators related to Title II programs.

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Climate Change and Food Systems Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa

This volume demonstrates the possibility of harmonizing agricultural production with the wellbeing of the biosphere—and that this can be achieved in Africa, our biosphere’s least developed continent, and the continent that is likely to suffer most from climate change.

The different chapters capitalize on assessments and experiences such as: lessons learned from Asia’s Green Revolution on agricultural communities; trends in African agricultural knowledge, science and technology; trade policy impacts on food production; conditions for success of water interventions for the African rural poor; and climate change implications for agriculture and food systems. Case studies share the practical experiences, lessons and successes from across Africa, demonstrating that it is possible to produce food sufficiently and at the same time, care for the biosphere.

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Climate-Smart Agriculture: Smallholder Adoption and Implications for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

There are a wide range of agriculture-based practices and technologies that have the potential to increase food production and the adaptive capacity of the food production system, as well as reduce emissions or enhance carbon storage in agricultural soils and biomass. This paper provides a brief review of the adaptation and mitigation benefits from various practices, and then focuses in detail on empirical evidence concerning costs and barriers to adoption, both from household and project-level data.