Community seed network in an era of climate change

Local seed systems remain the fundamental source of seeds for many crops in developing countries. This article analyzes the dynamics of maize diversity over 3 years in a farming community of Yucatán state, Mexico, where elevated levels of precipitation forced farmers in 2012 to reduce maize diversity in their plots. We found that, under these challenging circumstances, farmers focused their efforts on their most reliable landraces, disregarding hybrids. … Continue readingCommunity seed network in an era of climate change

Holistic pedagogies for social change

The Bay Area Farmer Training (BAFT) trained aspiring urban farming practitioners in agroecology, using a pedagogy rooted in humanistic values, social justice, popular education, liberatory experiences, and decolonial and feminist frameworks. This chapter outlines the contra-hegemonic and participatory pedagogical philosophies and practices implemented within the program while providing examples of how the curriculum manifested in praxis. … Continue readingHolistic pedagogies for social change

Discussing the Food Systems Minor at UC Berkeley: a three year report

This report highlights the accomplishments of the minor over the past three years, and will also identify areas for improvement, both in terms of student learning and outcomes. Specifically, this report explores: (1) The Food Systems Minor Curriculum; (2) The 2018 Food Systems Scholars Program (3) A Curriculum Snapshot of the Minor; and (5) Tensions/Future Directions and Needs of the program. We hope to stimulate a conversation on how to showcase the importance of experiential education and critical thinking around food systems at public institutions of higher education like UC Berkeley. … Continue readingDiscussing the Food Systems Minor at UC Berkeley: a three year report

Indicators of Land Insecurity for Urban Farms

Based on surveys with over 56 urban farm managers in California, we identify possible indicators of land tenure insecurity for urban farms. Our analysis finds that urban farms with greater land security have more financial and institutional support, and are located in census tracts with higher economic opportunity. … Continue readingIndicators of Land Insecurity for Urban Farms

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