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Spatial and Ecological Farmer Knowledge and Decision-Making about Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Kpienbaareh

    (Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Social Science Centre, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada)

  • Rachel Bezner Kerr

    (Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Isaac Luginaah

    (Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Social Science Centre, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada)

  • Jinfei Wang

    (Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Social Science Centre, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada)

  • Esther Lupafya

    (Soils, Food and Healthy Communities (SFHC), P.O. Box 36 Ekwendeni, Malawi)

  • Laifolo Dakishoni

    (Soils, Food and Healthy Communities (SFHC), P.O. Box 36 Ekwendeni, Malawi)

  • Lizzie Shumba

    (Soils, Food and Healthy Communities (SFHC), P.O. Box 36 Ekwendeni, Malawi)

Abstract

Amid climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity, there is the growing need to draw synergies between micro-scale environmental processes and practices, and macro-level ecosystem dynamics to facilitate conservation decision-making. Adopting this synergistic approach can improve crop yields and profitability more sustainably, enhance livelihoods and mitigate climate change. Using spatially explicit data generated through a public participatory geographic information system methodology ( n = 37), complemented by spatial analysis, interviews ( n = 68) and focus group discussions ( n = 4), we explored the synergies between participatory farmer-to-farmer agroecology knowledge sharing, farm-level decisions and their links with macro-level prioritization of conservation strategies. We mapped farm conditions and ecosystem services (ES) of two village areas with varying knowledge systems about farming. Results of the farm-level analysis revealed variations in spatial perception among farmers, differences in understanding the dynamics of crop growth and varying priorities for extension services based on agroecological knowledge. The ES use pattern analysis revealed hotspots in the mapped ES indicators with similarities in both village areas. Despite the similarities in ES use, priorities for biodiversity conservation align with farmers’ understanding of farm processes and practices. Farmers with training in agroecology prioritized strategies that are ecologically friendly while farmers with no agroecology training prioritized the use of strict regulations. Importantly, the results show that agroecology can potentially contribute to biodiversity conservation and food security, with climate change mitigation co-benefits. The findings generally contribute to debates on land sparing and land sharing conservation strategies and advance social learning theory as it pertains to acquiring agroecological knowledge for improved yield and a sustainable environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Kpienbaareh & Rachel Bezner Kerr & Isaac Luginaah & Jinfei Wang & Esther Lupafya & Laifolo Dakishoni & Lizzie Shumba, 2020. "Spatial and Ecological Farmer Knowledge and Decision-Making about Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:9:y:2020:i:10:p:356-:d:420358
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Kpienbaareh & Evans Sumabe Batung & Isaac Luginaah, 2022. "Spatial and Temporal Change of Land Cover in Protected Areas in Malawi: Implications for Conservation Management," Geographies, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-19, February.
    2. Kansanga, Moses Mosonsieyiri & Kangmennaang, Joseph & Bezner Kerr, Rachel & Lupafya, Esther & Dakishoni, Laifolo & Luginaah, Isaac, 2021. "Agroecology and household production diversity and dietary diversity: Evidence from a five-year agroecological intervention in rural Malawi," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    3. Ľuboš Slovák & Jan Daněk & Tomáš Daněk, 2023. "The use of focus groups in cultural ecosystem services research: a systematic review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Kansanga, Moses Mosonsieyiri & Bezner Kerr, Rachel & Lupafya, Esther & Dakishoni, Laifolo & Luginaah, Isaac, 2021. "Does participatory farmer-to-farmer training improve the adoption of sustainable land management practices?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    5. Evans Sumabe Batung & Kamaldeen Mohammed & Moses Mosonsieyiri Kansanga & Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong & Isaac Luginaah, 2023. "Credit access and perceived climate change resilience of smallholder farmers in semi-arid northern Ghana," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 321-350, January.

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