Call for papers/Topics

Topics of interest for submission include any topics related to:

1.  Ecological Agriculture and Food System Resilience

This section focuses on the practices and principles that sustain and enhance food production while minimizing environmental harm.

  • Principles and Practices of Agroecology:

    • Regenerative Agriculture, Organic Farming, and Biodynamic Methods.

    • Agroforestry and Polyculture systems for enhanced productivity and resource use.

    • Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous practices in sustainable food systems.

  • Soil and Water Health:

    • Carbon Farming and strategies for soil health management and carbon sequestration.

    • Innovative water and land engineering for climate-smart agriculture.

    • Reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

  • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:

    • Designing climate-resilient agricultural systems to cope with extreme weather events.

    • Assessing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of different farming methods.

    • Decarbonization and digitalization in agriculture and food systems.

  • Technology and Innovation:

    • The role of Precision Agriculture (AI, IoT) in optimizing ecological farming.

    • Research in bio-fertilizers, biopesticides, and other nature-based products.

 

2.  Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

This theme addresses the conservation and functional role of biological diversity within agricultural landscapes, and its link to the overall ecosystem.

  • Agrobiodiversity and Conservation:

    • Conservation of Genetic Resources (seed banks, heirloom varieties, livestock breeds).

    • The role of microbial diversity, beneficial insects, and other organisms (above and below ground).

    • Measuring and monitoring Agrobiodiversity using indicators and modern tools.

  • Ecosystem Services in Agriculture:

    • Strategies for Pollinator Conservation and management.

    • Enhancing natural pest control and nutrient cycling through habitat design.

    • The provision of clean water and air quality through ecological landscapes.

  • Landscape-Scale Planning:

    • Designing agricultural landscapes with habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and semi-natural areas.

    • Impact of land-use change and fragmentation on wild biodiversity in farm regions.

    • Policy and financial incentives for biodiversity-friendly farming.

 

3.  Public Health and The One Health Nexus

This section explores the direct and indirect consequences of food and farming systems on human health, often through a "One Health" lens (connecting human, animal, and environmental health).

  • Food Quality and Safety:

    • The impact of ecological agriculture on the Nutritional Quality (nutrient density, phytochemicals) of food.

    • Reducing dietary exposure to pesticide residues and other harmful contaminants.

    • Food Safety management in short food supply chains and local systems.

  • Emerging Health Threats:

    • The link between biodiversity loss, intensive farming, and the emergence of Zoonotic Diseases.

    • Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by reducing antibiotic use in livestock through organic practices.

    • Addressing the environmental exposure effects of agriculture on public health (e.g., air and water quality).

  • Social and Community Health:

    • Farmer Health and Safety, including occupational hazards and mental well-being in rural communities.

    • The role of ecological agriculture in promoting healthy dietary patterns and outcomes.

    • Enhancing Community Health and Well-being through access to healthy, locally produced food.

 

4.  Policy, Economics, and Social Transformation

These topics cover the governance, market, and equity issues necessary to scale up ecological agriculture.

  • Policy and Governance:

    • Developing effective Policy Frameworks to support the transition to agroecology (e.g., aligning national policies with UN SDGs).

    • Social Equity and Justice in food systems, ensuring fair transitions and farmer autonomy.

    • Governance of food systems from "Farm-to-Fork" strategies.

  • Economics and Investment:

    • Assessing the Economic Viability and profitability of small-scale ecological farms.

    • Investment models and funding mechanisms for sustainable food system transformation.

    • Market opportunities, value addition, and developing short food supply chains.

  • Consumer and Stakeholder Engagement:

    • Strategies for promoting Consumer Awareness and education on ecological products.

    • Participatory Approaches and stakeholder collaboration (farmers, scientists, policymakers).