Two very different success stories, one conclusion: going to the people and connecting with the local producers is what makes research come alive.
Tunisia, also known as the land of the olive tree, faces environmental crises such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Unsustainable farming practices have exacerbated these issues, pointing to critical need for new practices. Agroecology offers promising pathways for olive growers to create more resilient agricultural systems
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and addressing gender sensitivity in our work is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. In the workshop on how to integrate gender sensitivity in agricultural research and projects, PhD researchers Lilian Beck from the University Hohenheim and Subash Surendran Padmaja from the University of Bonn discuss gendered power dynamics that extend far beyond simple patriarchal frameworks.
The final day of Tropentag 2024 started with a workshop on the topic of “Upscaling Agroforestry in the Tropics” led by Lilian Beck, a PhD researcher from the University of Hohenheim, alongside representatives from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). The workshop featured interactive reflections on agroforestry practices, case studies and recommendations to advance these practices.
Scientists have proven yet again that science never deserved the dominance it has over other forms of knowledge. It is, however, not too late to foster new pathways of knowledge creation and collaboration. A research done by young scientists on local wild edible plant names provides inspiration for different ways of doing science.
For agroecology to be effective, it must be adapted to the local context. An example of a case study at Tropentag 2024 that sheds light on the role of local knowledge in agroecology was presented by Patcharin Sae-Heng (University of Hohenheim): Co-production of Buddhist Agroecological knowledge in Thailand.
As soil salinity continues to rise, threatening global agricultural production, finding innovative solutions to mitigate its impact is crucial. At the Tropentag Conference 2024, researchers from the University of Bayreuth introduced an innovative study that could revolutionize how we grow crops in saline environments.
Did you know that while there are over 50,000 edible plant species on Earth, just 15 crops provide 90% of the world’s food energy intake? The lack of diversity in our diets not only undermines human health but also reflects the monoculture-dominated landscapes of modern agriculture.
Arts can serve as a powerful medium for deepening the scientific process and communicating complex information to the wider public. Art in science is therefore a central subject at this year’s Tropentag. The conference program includes a variety of activities, bringing an artistic twist to science.
Dr. Katja Kehlenbeck’s presentation on “Integration of Underutilized Crops for Transitioning to a Healthier, Sustainable, and Equitable Food System: The Case of Baobab” at Tropentag 2024 sheds light on the Baobab’s immense value, its potential benefits, and the challenges it faces in achieving broader recognition and use.
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