Perspective on Agro-ecological Problems

Perspective on Agro-ecological Problems

Author: Bhanwar Lal Sharma

Publisher: Daya Books

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9788170351207

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India has witnessed a drastic change in its agricultural scenario during the last four decades, launched into three successive stages of agricultural development. These stages may be termed as the phases of agricultural initiation one after another in order to meet-out growing challenges of the rapid strides of the population growth in the recent past. These phases may be listed as- (i) Extension of cultivated land (1950-1965), (ii) To raise productivity of the existing land (Green Revolution 1965-80) and (iii) Adoption of intensive farming methods & techniques (1980s onward). The first phase of development was linked with the post-independence period, whereas the second phase takes its shape during the Green Revolution (1965-80). The third phase was initiated as the aftermath of GR, intensifying land resources marked by 1980 s development. The period is marked as the adoption of most innovative and scientific techniques like Bio-culture and genetic engineering. Despite the fact that we have used the best known techniques in our all doing efforts of raising agricultural production from the existing land resources. But, the land is gradually turning to infertile, retarding and declining in its productivity. Is it not that in doing so, we are changing the ecosystem of the crop land which may lead to Agro-ecological problems and one day, refuses to yield anything? The problem of traditionality versus modernity in agricultural development, is conflicting with the existence of the biotic land resources and compelling them to a low sustenance to a total destruction, manifested with degradation in agro-eco-system in a milieu. The perception of complex intricate relationship of biotic and abiotic elements is rarely highlighted in the geographical writings, while the whole complextion is undergoing perpetual change. The present attempt is thus a step ahead in dealing with agro-environmental problems which are folded in this volume by taking examples from the state of Rajasthan. Contents Chapter 1: The Region and its Resource Background; Chapter 2: Plant Ecosystem Studies in Biogeography and Approaches; Chapter 3: Plant and Environment; Chapter 4: Agro-Forestry System; Chapter 5: Environmentally Compatible Agriculture; 6: Changing Perception of Environment and Land Use Systems; Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment of Agro-Ecology; Chapter 8: Agro-Ecological Regions; Chapter 9: Future Projections of Plant Development.


Book Synopsis Perspective on Agro-ecological Problems by : Bhanwar Lal Sharma

Download or read book Perspective on Agro-ecological Problems written by Bhanwar Lal Sharma and published by Daya Books. This book was released on 1993 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: India has witnessed a drastic change in its agricultural scenario during the last four decades, launched into three successive stages of agricultural development. These stages may be termed as the phases of agricultural initiation one after another in order to meet-out growing challenges of the rapid strides of the population growth in the recent past. These phases may be listed as- (i) Extension of cultivated land (1950-1965), (ii) To raise productivity of the existing land (Green Revolution 1965-80) and (iii) Adoption of intensive farming methods & techniques (1980s onward). The first phase of development was linked with the post-independence period, whereas the second phase takes its shape during the Green Revolution (1965-80). The third phase was initiated as the aftermath of GR, intensifying land resources marked by 1980 s development. The period is marked as the adoption of most innovative and scientific techniques like Bio-culture and genetic engineering. Despite the fact that we have used the best known techniques in our all doing efforts of raising agricultural production from the existing land resources. But, the land is gradually turning to infertile, retarding and declining in its productivity. Is it not that in doing so, we are changing the ecosystem of the crop land which may lead to Agro-ecological problems and one day, refuses to yield anything? The problem of traditionality versus modernity in agricultural development, is conflicting with the existence of the biotic land resources and compelling them to a low sustenance to a total destruction, manifested with degradation in agro-eco-system in a milieu. The perception of complex intricate relationship of biotic and abiotic elements is rarely highlighted in the geographical writings, while the whole complextion is undergoing perpetual change. The present attempt is thus a step ahead in dealing with agro-environmental problems which are folded in this volume by taking examples from the state of Rajasthan. Contents Chapter 1: The Region and its Resource Background; Chapter 2: Plant Ecosystem Studies in Biogeography and Approaches; Chapter 3: Plant and Environment; Chapter 4: Agro-Forestry System; Chapter 5: Environmentally Compatible Agriculture; 6: Changing Perception of Environment and Land Use Systems; Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment of Agro-Ecology; Chapter 8: Agro-Ecological Regions; Chapter 9: Future Projections of Plant Development.

Agroecological Transitions: From Theory to Practice in Local Participatory Design

Agroecological Transitions: From Theory to Practice in Local Participatory Design

Author: Jacques-Eric Bergez

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-02-28

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 3030019535

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This Open Access book presents feedback from the ‘Territorial Agroecological Transition in Action’- TATA-BOX research project, which was devoted to these specific issues. The multidisciplinary and multi-organisation research team steered a four-year action-research process in two territories of France. It also presents: i) the key dimensions to be considered when dealing with agroecological transition: diversity of agriculture models, management of uncertainties, polycentric governance, autonomies, and role of actors’ networks; ii) an operational and original participatory process and associated boundary tools to support local stakeholders in shifting from a shared diagnosis to a shared action plan for transition, and in so doing developing mutual understanding and involvement; iii) an analysis of the main effects of the methodology on research organisation and on stakeholders’ development and application; iv) critical analysis and foresights on the main outcomes of TATA-BOX, provided by external researchers.


Book Synopsis Agroecological Transitions: From Theory to Practice in Local Participatory Design by : Jacques-Eric Bergez

Download or read book Agroecological Transitions: From Theory to Practice in Local Participatory Design written by Jacques-Eric Bergez and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-02-28 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Open Access book presents feedback from the ‘Territorial Agroecological Transition in Action’- TATA-BOX research project, which was devoted to these specific issues. The multidisciplinary and multi-organisation research team steered a four-year action-research process in two territories of France. It also presents: i) the key dimensions to be considered when dealing with agroecological transition: diversity of agriculture models, management of uncertainties, polycentric governance, autonomies, and role of actors’ networks; ii) an operational and original participatory process and associated boundary tools to support local stakeholders in shifting from a shared diagnosis to a shared action plan for transition, and in so doing developing mutual understanding and involvement; iii) an analysis of the main effects of the methodology on research organisation and on stakeholders’ development and application; iv) critical analysis and foresights on the main outcomes of TATA-BOX, provided by external researchers.

Agricultural Law

Agricultural Law

Author: Mariagrazia Alabrese

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-10-05

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 3319647563

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This book focuses on the social and environmental issues being addressed by agricultural law within the current globalised system. What is agricultural law? Agricultural regulations concern and affect essential human needs and values that must be dealt with by pursuing a comprehensive and coordinated global approach. By tracking the developments in this context, this book explores the new challenges that agricultural law needs to address in order to frame emerging dilemmas. International governance of natural resources and their role in addressing food insecurity is the object of the first Part of the volume, which deals with sustainable agriculture and agro-ecosystem services in connection with the food security issue. The second Part focuses on the regulation of food as the main product of agricultural activity, and explores the answers that the law can provide in order to accommodate consumers’ interests and concerns (inter alia, novel foods, animal welfare, direct sales and e-commerce). The third Part examines the social, environmental and legal consequences of a renewed interest in agricultural investments. Further, it analyses the evolution and the interplay between different legal systems with regard to land tenure, environmental concerns and investments in agriculture.


Book Synopsis Agricultural Law by : Mariagrazia Alabrese

Download or read book Agricultural Law written by Mariagrazia Alabrese and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-10-05 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses on the social and environmental issues being addressed by agricultural law within the current globalised system. What is agricultural law? Agricultural regulations concern and affect essential human needs and values that must be dealt with by pursuing a comprehensive and coordinated global approach. By tracking the developments in this context, this book explores the new challenges that agricultural law needs to address in order to frame emerging dilemmas. International governance of natural resources and their role in addressing food insecurity is the object of the first Part of the volume, which deals with sustainable agriculture and agro-ecosystem services in connection with the food security issue. The second Part focuses on the regulation of food as the main product of agricultural activity, and explores the answers that the law can provide in order to accommodate consumers’ interests and concerns (inter alia, novel foods, animal welfare, direct sales and e-commerce). The third Part examines the social, environmental and legal consequences of a renewed interest in agricultural investments. Further, it analyses the evolution and the interplay between different legal systems with regard to land tenure, environmental concerns and investments in agriculture.

Farming in Nature's Image

Farming in Nature's Image

Author: Judy Soule

Publisher: Island Press

Published: 1991-12-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780933280885

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̃Farming in Nature's Image provides, for the first time, a detailed look into the pioneering work of The Land Institute, the leading educational and research organization for sustainable agriculture. The authors draw on case studies, hands-on experience, and research results to explain the applications of a new system of agriculture based on one unifying concept: that farms should mimic the ecosystems in which they exist. They present both theoretical and practical information, including: a review of the environmental degradation resulting from current farming practices a critical evaluation of the attempts to solve these problems a detailed description of the ecosystem perspective and the proposed new agricultural system a case study illustrating how this new system could be applied to temperate grain production using perennial seed crops and the prairie as a model an examination of the potential savings in energy and water use, as well as potential contributions to ecological experiments and yield analysis work from The Land Institute. Written in clear, non-technical language, this book will be of great interest to soil and agricultural scientists, academics, policymakers, environmentalists, and other concerned with finding long-range solutions to agricultural problems.


Book Synopsis Farming in Nature's Image by : Judy Soule

Download or read book Farming in Nature's Image written by Judy Soule and published by Island Press. This book was released on 1991-12-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ̃Farming in Nature's Image provides, for the first time, a detailed look into the pioneering work of The Land Institute, the leading educational and research organization for sustainable agriculture. The authors draw on case studies, hands-on experience, and research results to explain the applications of a new system of agriculture based on one unifying concept: that farms should mimic the ecosystems in which they exist. They present both theoretical and practical information, including: a review of the environmental degradation resulting from current farming practices a critical evaluation of the attempts to solve these problems a detailed description of the ecosystem perspective and the proposed new agricultural system a case study illustrating how this new system could be applied to temperate grain production using perennial seed crops and the prairie as a model an examination of the potential savings in energy and water use, as well as potential contributions to ecological experiments and yield analysis work from The Land Institute. Written in clear, non-technical language, this book will be of great interest to soil and agricultural scientists, academics, policymakers, environmentalists, and other concerned with finding long-range solutions to agricultural problems.

Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 14

Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 14

Author: Harry Ozier-Lafontaine

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-09-03

Total Pages: 520

ISBN-13: 3319060163

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Sustainable agriculture is a rapidly growing field aiming at producing food and energy in a sustainable way for humans and their children. Sustainable agriculture is a discipline that addresses current issues such as climate change, increasing food and fuel prices, poor-nation starvation, rich-nation obesity, water pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, pest control, and biodiversity depletion. Novel, environmentally-friendly solutions are proposed based on integrated knowledge from sciences as diverse as agronomy, soil science, molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, economy, and social sciences. Indeed, sustainable agriculture decipher mechanisms of processes that occur from the molecular level to the farming system to the global level at time scales ranging from seconds to centuries. For that, scientists use the system approach that involves studying components and interactions of a whole system to address scientific, economic and social issues. In that respect, sustainable agriculture is not a classical, narrow science. Instead of solving problems using the classical painkiller approach that treats only negative impacts, sustainable agriculture treats problem sources. Because most actual society issues are now intertwined, global, and fast-developing, sustainable agriculture will bring solutions to build a safer world.


Book Synopsis Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 14 by : Harry Ozier-Lafontaine

Download or read book Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 14 written by Harry Ozier-Lafontaine and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-09-03 with total page 520 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable agriculture is a rapidly growing field aiming at producing food and energy in a sustainable way for humans and their children. Sustainable agriculture is a discipline that addresses current issues such as climate change, increasing food and fuel prices, poor-nation starvation, rich-nation obesity, water pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, pest control, and biodiversity depletion. Novel, environmentally-friendly solutions are proposed based on integrated knowledge from sciences as diverse as agronomy, soil science, molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, economy, and social sciences. Indeed, sustainable agriculture decipher mechanisms of processes that occur from the molecular level to the farming system to the global level at time scales ranging from seconds to centuries. For that, scientists use the system approach that involves studying components and interactions of a whole system to address scientific, economic and social issues. In that respect, sustainable agriculture is not a classical, narrow science. Instead of solving problems using the classical painkiller approach that treats only negative impacts, sustainable agriculture treats problem sources. Because most actual society issues are now intertwined, global, and fast-developing, sustainable agriculture will bring solutions to build a safer world.

Sustainability Challenges of Brazilian Agriculture

Sustainability Challenges of Brazilian Agriculture

Author: Niels Søndergaard

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-05-24

Total Pages: 450

ISBN-13: 3031298535

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With contributions from a wide range of thematic areas, this book provides a diverse perspective on the contemporary environmental challenges of Brazilian agriculture. Assessing existing experiences of governance interventions, implementation of inclusive and sustainable production practices, as well as technical innovations, this edited volume presents the reader with a nuanced perspective on sustainable future pathways for Brazilian agriculture. In many cases, actors within the agricultural sector stand in a key position to address environmental concerns, which often has generated important breakthroughs and improvement of production practices. Drawing on contributions from authors within a variety of fields, this contribution presents a trans-disciplinary perspective on the problems and pathways through which multi-level interventions can lead to sustainable solutions within the Brazilian agricultural and livestock sector. This book hereby constitutes an informed and timely contribution to the important debates about Brazil’s potential role in confronting environmental problems. More broadly, this volume also sheds light on the process of agricultural transitions in the Global South, and how food security concerns may be reconciled with sustainable production.


Book Synopsis Sustainability Challenges of Brazilian Agriculture by : Niels Søndergaard

Download or read book Sustainability Challenges of Brazilian Agriculture written by Niels Søndergaard and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-05-24 with total page 450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With contributions from a wide range of thematic areas, this book provides a diverse perspective on the contemporary environmental challenges of Brazilian agriculture. Assessing existing experiences of governance interventions, implementation of inclusive and sustainable production practices, as well as technical innovations, this edited volume presents the reader with a nuanced perspective on sustainable future pathways for Brazilian agriculture. In many cases, actors within the agricultural sector stand in a key position to address environmental concerns, which often has generated important breakthroughs and improvement of production practices. Drawing on contributions from authors within a variety of fields, this contribution presents a trans-disciplinary perspective on the problems and pathways through which multi-level interventions can lead to sustainable solutions within the Brazilian agricultural and livestock sector. This book hereby constitutes an informed and timely contribution to the important debates about Brazil’s potential role in confronting environmental problems. More broadly, this volume also sheds light on the process of agricultural transitions in the Global South, and how food security concerns may be reconciled with sustainable production.

Sustainable Agricultural Development

Sustainable Agricultural Development

Author: Mohamed Behnassi

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-02-09

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 9400705190

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Due to many challenges (i.e. climate change, energy, water and land shortage, high demands on food, land grabbing, etc.), agriculture production potential is expected to be seriously affected; thus, increasing food insecurity and hunger in many already affected regions (especially in Africa). In this context, sustainable agriculture is highly recommended as an eco-system approach where soil, water, plants, environment and living organisms live in harmony. Innovative technologies and research should be developed to ensure sustainable agriculture and productivity using modern irrigation systems, improved varieties, improved soil quality, etc. In the meantime, the preservation of natural environment should be based on resource conservation technologies and best management practices. Sustainable Agricultural Development, not only raises the serious ethical and social issues underlying these huge environmental problems, but also aims at presenting successful experiences from all over the world in relation with sustainable farming, sustainable management of water and land resources, and innovative processes in livestock production. It also aims at providing inputs to decision making processes and encouraging the transfer of relevant know-how, technologies and expertise to different countries where similar agro-climatic conditions may exist; thus saving precious resources and promoting sustainable agricultural development as a relevant approach to tackle the food security challenge. Finally, this book focuses on the paradigmatic and policy dimensions and call for an innovative approach by analyzing the key themes in a complex and interrelated manner.


Book Synopsis Sustainable Agricultural Development by : Mohamed Behnassi

Download or read book Sustainable Agricultural Development written by Mohamed Behnassi and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-02-09 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Due to many challenges (i.e. climate change, energy, water and land shortage, high demands on food, land grabbing, etc.), agriculture production potential is expected to be seriously affected; thus, increasing food insecurity and hunger in many already affected regions (especially in Africa). In this context, sustainable agriculture is highly recommended as an eco-system approach where soil, water, plants, environment and living organisms live in harmony. Innovative technologies and research should be developed to ensure sustainable agriculture and productivity using modern irrigation systems, improved varieties, improved soil quality, etc. In the meantime, the preservation of natural environment should be based on resource conservation technologies and best management practices. Sustainable Agricultural Development, not only raises the serious ethical and social issues underlying these huge environmental problems, but also aims at presenting successful experiences from all over the world in relation with sustainable farming, sustainable management of water and land resources, and innovative processes in livestock production. It also aims at providing inputs to decision making processes and encouraging the transfer of relevant know-how, technologies and expertise to different countries where similar agro-climatic conditions may exist; thus saving precious resources and promoting sustainable agricultural development as a relevant approach to tackle the food security challenge. Finally, this book focuses on the paradigmatic and policy dimensions and call for an innovative approach by analyzing the key themes in a complex and interrelated manner.

Environment, Development, Agriculture

Environment, Development, Agriculture

Author: Bernhard Glaeser

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-07-04

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13: 1136881107

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This reissue, first published in 1995, focuses on philosophy and social science in human ecology, and includes case studies dealing with the problems of political implementation of development plans and schemes. Part One deals with theory, including a comprehensive introduction to the field and an overview of the conceptual modelling typical in human ecology. Part Two moves towards questions of human behaviour and action, exploring the relationship between environmental ethics and policy in terms of the justification and implementation of human interactions with nature and the environment on an ecologically sustainable basis. In Part Three, the author focuses on environmental policy in China since 1949 and on a regional case study in India. The final part of the book discusses the prospects for sustainable development more broadly, in terms of favouring ecological and cultural variety in agriculture and of viewing the relationship between human beings and the natural environment as a matter of overexploitation rather than crisis.


Book Synopsis Environment, Development, Agriculture by : Bernhard Glaeser

Download or read book Environment, Development, Agriculture written by Bernhard Glaeser and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-07-04 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This reissue, first published in 1995, focuses on philosophy and social science in human ecology, and includes case studies dealing with the problems of political implementation of development plans and schemes. Part One deals with theory, including a comprehensive introduction to the field and an overview of the conceptual modelling typical in human ecology. Part Two moves towards questions of human behaviour and action, exploring the relationship between environmental ethics and policy in terms of the justification and implementation of human interactions with nature and the environment on an ecologically sustainable basis. In Part Three, the author focuses on environmental policy in China since 1949 and on a regional case study in India. The final part of the book discusses the prospects for sustainable development more broadly, in terms of favouring ecological and cultural variety in agriculture and of viewing the relationship between human beings and the natural environment as a matter of overexploitation rather than crisis.

Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture

Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture

Author: Frank Casey

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 9401143951

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Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture identifies and structures more flexible economic incentives for the achievement of environmental goals in agriculture. It provides a conceptual framework and presents case studies that analyze how flexible incentives can address environmental problems that are caused by agricultural production. The book brings together economists, agency personnel and political economists for the purpose of exploring how new cutting-edge economic tools could be developed and applied to environmental problems. The goal of the book is to complement and to expand the economic theory of environmental regulation and technology adoption with new research findings. The key theme of this book is the important role technology takes when addressing environmental problems. New technologies and technical development are broadly defined to include economic instruments, innovative ways to communicate environmental information, new economic institutions, and education. This book is designed for public and private policymakers, government analysts, teachers, researchers and students who specialize in the fields of natural resources, agricultural economics and environmental regulation. It provides a fresh perspective on what types of incentives may be used to lead us to the desired environmental outcomes and offers new ideas about the types of economic instruments that may achieve these outcomes.


Book Synopsis Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture by : Frank Casey

Download or read book Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture written by Frank Casey and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Flexible Incentives for the Adoption of Environmental Technologies in Agriculture identifies and structures more flexible economic incentives for the achievement of environmental goals in agriculture. It provides a conceptual framework and presents case studies that analyze how flexible incentives can address environmental problems that are caused by agricultural production. The book brings together economists, agency personnel and political economists for the purpose of exploring how new cutting-edge economic tools could be developed and applied to environmental problems. The goal of the book is to complement and to expand the economic theory of environmental regulation and technology adoption with new research findings. The key theme of this book is the important role technology takes when addressing environmental problems. New technologies and technical development are broadly defined to include economic instruments, innovative ways to communicate environmental information, new economic institutions, and education. This book is designed for public and private policymakers, government analysts, teachers, researchers and students who specialize in the fields of natural resources, agricultural economics and environmental regulation. It provides a fresh perspective on what types of incentives may be used to lead us to the desired environmental outcomes and offers new ideas about the types of economic instruments that may achieve these outcomes.

Ecology, Capitalism and the New Agricultural Economy

Ecology, Capitalism and the New Agricultural Economy

Author: Gilles Allaire

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-11-29

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1351210025

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With increasing pressure on resources, the looming spectre of climate change and growing anxiety among eaters, ecology and food are at the heart of the political debates surrounding agriculture and diet. This unique contribution unravels agri-environmental issues at different spatial levels, from local to global, documenting the major shifts in agriculture from a long-term perspective. The book begins by exploring the changes in the industrialisation and socialisation of agriculture over time, through the lens of institutional economics including The French Regulation School and Conventions Theory. Building on Polanyi’s ‘Great Transformation’, the chapters in this volume analyse long-term and contemporary changes in agriculture and food systems that have occurred throughout the last few centuries. Key chapters focus on the historical changes in provisioning and the social relations of production, consumption, and regulation of food in different socio-political contexts. The future of agriculture is addressed through an analysis of controversial contemporary political claims and their engagement with strategies that aim to improve the sustainability of agriculture and food consumption. To shed light on ongoing changes and the future of food, this book asks important environmental and social questions and analyses how industrial agriculture has played out in various contexts. It is recommended supplementary reading for postgraduates and researchers in agricultural studies, food studies, food policy, the agri-food political economy and political and economic geography.


Book Synopsis Ecology, Capitalism and the New Agricultural Economy by : Gilles Allaire

Download or read book Ecology, Capitalism and the New Agricultural Economy written by Gilles Allaire and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-11-29 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With increasing pressure on resources, the looming spectre of climate change and growing anxiety among eaters, ecology and food are at the heart of the political debates surrounding agriculture and diet. This unique contribution unravels agri-environmental issues at different spatial levels, from local to global, documenting the major shifts in agriculture from a long-term perspective. The book begins by exploring the changes in the industrialisation and socialisation of agriculture over time, through the lens of institutional economics including The French Regulation School and Conventions Theory. Building on Polanyi’s ‘Great Transformation’, the chapters in this volume analyse long-term and contemporary changes in agriculture and food systems that have occurred throughout the last few centuries. Key chapters focus on the historical changes in provisioning and the social relations of production, consumption, and regulation of food in different socio-political contexts. The future of agriculture is addressed through an analysis of controversial contemporary political claims and their engagement with strategies that aim to improve the sustainability of agriculture and food consumption. To shed light on ongoing changes and the future of food, this book asks important environmental and social questions and analyses how industrial agriculture has played out in various contexts. It is recommended supplementary reading for postgraduates and researchers in agricultural studies, food studies, food policy, the agri-food political economy and political and economic geography.