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Showing posts with the label Technology in Agriculture

The Dilemma of Agrochemicals: Balancing Human and Animal Health with Food Security in the Face of Climate Change

Introduction The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, creating enormous pressure on agriculture to produce enough food to feed the growing population. Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, as it causes more frequent and severe weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, and shifts in pest and disease dynamics. To meet the increasing demand for food, farmers have turned to agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, to boost crop yields and protect their harvests. However, the extensive use of these chemicals has raised concerns over their impact on human and animal health. This article examines the latest statistics on the dilemma of agrochemicals, highlighting the trade-offs between their benefits in addressing food insecurity and their potential harmful effects on humans and animals. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), BASF, Bayer, PI Industries, Monsanto, and FMC is referenced throughout the a...

Agroecosystem and the bond between agriculture and Environment

 Agriculture and the environment are inextricably linked. Agriculture relies on the natural world for its success, but agriculture also has a significant impact on the environment. One way that agriculture and the environment are linked is through agroecosystems and ecosystem services. In this article, we will explore the link between agriculture and the environment through the lens of agroecosystems and ecosystem services. Agroecosystems are agricultural systems that are designed to mimic natural ecosystems. These systems are designed to be sustainable and to promote biodiversity. Agroecosystems can take many forms, from traditional farming practices to modern, technology-driven systems. The goal of agroecosystems is to create a sustainable food system that is in harmony with the natural world. Ecosystem services are the benefits that we receive from the natural world. These benefits can include things like clean air and water, pollination, and nutrient cycling. Ecosystem services...

The future of agriculture in the context of population growth, technology and climate change

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The future of farming and agriculture is likely to involve increased use of technology such as precision farming, automated equipment, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, there may be a greater focus on sustainable and regenerative practices to ensure long-term environmental and economic viability of the industry. Agriculture has been an important part of human civilization for thousands of years, providing food and raw materials for society. In recent years, the industry has faced a number of challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and growing demand for food. However, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer significant potential to address these challenges and improve the future of agriculture. One way that AI technology can improve farming is through precision agriculture. Precision agriculture involves the use of data analysis to optimize crop yields while minimizing waste. This can involve a variety of techniques, such as satell...

Food Insecurity:Again?

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Since the millennium development goals were set in the early 90s, food insecurity has intensified in Kenya. The insecurity is not associated with war like most African countries, but sheer negligence and lack of proper strategy to curb famine and drought. Ironically, most of the people affected by food insecurity are the pastoralist communities and small-scale maize farmers in areas where they experience one farming season. These are the producers and if anything they should be the last to complain about the food. Laikipia which is one of the affected counties once held the pride of being a major producer of maize and animal product. In fact, Ng’arua division ranked somewhere near Trans Mara and Uasin Gishu. Mostly the farmers here have adopted early maturing maize varieties like Pioneer 30G19, Panna 3M and 520 however, the harvests have averaged ten bags per acre as a result of depreciating soil fertility. After harvesting in October and November, most farmers in Laikipia a...