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msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3554909#10_4494456 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/genetically-modified-crops | Genetically Modified Crops | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified Crops
Overview
Arguments for GMOs:
GMOs increase crop yields and promote efficient land use.
GMOs reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
Arguments against GMOs:
GM technology remains underdeveloped and unsuited for the regions that need them most.
Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health.
The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain.
GMOs currently lack sufficient oversight.
Conclusion:
Works cited:
| Certain types of native crops may be engineered to increase yields. This all might be done in the future, but it has not been done yet. Additionally, GMOs still represent too many unknowns to be a solid basis for a plan to benefit third world farmers. Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health. Unknown health consequences are a common objection to GMO organisms. The most condemning research done on such organisms is the work of renowned scientist Arpad Pusztai, who found evidence of intestinal damage caused by genetically modified potatoes (Randerson). His funding was suspended for his publication of preliminary results, and therefore the study was never completed (Randerson). However, numerous later studies found that GM crops that have passed existing safety reviews are not harmful to human health (Academic review, AFNZA). Many critics are still opposed to GMOs, citing that GM foods are unnatural. On the other hand, “nature does produce GMOs. | 7,133 | 8,113 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3554909#11_4496267 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/genetically-modified-crops | Genetically Modified Crops | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified Crops
Overview
Arguments for GMOs:
GMOs increase crop yields and promote efficient land use.
GMOs reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
Arguments against GMOs:
GM technology remains underdeveloped and unsuited for the regions that need them most.
Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health.
The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain.
GMOs currently lack sufficient oversight.
Conclusion:
Works cited:
| The most condemning research done on such organisms is the work of renowned scientist Arpad Pusztai, who found evidence of intestinal damage caused by genetically modified potatoes (Randerson). His funding was suspended for his publication of preliminary results, and therefore the study was never completed (Randerson). However, numerous later studies found that GM crops that have passed existing safety reviews are not harmful to human health (Academic review, AFNZA). Many critics are still opposed to GMOs, citing that GM foods are unnatural. On the other hand, “nature does produce GMOs. Swedish researchers discovered an enzyme-producing gene in a meadow grass that naturally crossed into sheep’s fescue about 700,000 years ago.” ( Bengtsson, quote from NYT). While conflicting opinions exist within the scientific community, the limited evidence available seems to suggest that existing GMO varieties are not harmful to human health, although further studies are needed to support this claim (Randerson). The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain. Cross-pollination with the wild type of GM species may lead to genetic contamination of the wild type, which could alter local ecosystems. | 7,520 | 8,735 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3554909#12_4498324 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/genetically-modified-crops | Genetically Modified Crops | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified Crops
Overview
Arguments for GMOs:
GMOs increase crop yields and promote efficient land use.
GMOs reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
Arguments against GMOs:
GM technology remains underdeveloped and unsuited for the regions that need them most.
Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health.
The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain.
GMOs currently lack sufficient oversight.
Conclusion:
Works cited:
| Swedish researchers discovered an enzyme-producing gene in a meadow grass that naturally crossed into sheep’s fescue about 700,000 years ago.” ( Bengtsson, quote from NYT). While conflicting opinions exist within the scientific community, the limited evidence available seems to suggest that existing GMO varieties are not harmful to human health, although further studies are needed to support this claim (Randerson). The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain. Cross-pollination with the wild type of GM species may lead to genetic contamination of the wild type, which could alter local ecosystems. Genes are difficult to control, and wild types of certain plants have been found to contain transgenic genes. Unapproved genetically engineered grass has been found in Oregon (Pollack). 83 percent of rapeseed varieties in the United States and Canada were found to contain transgenic genes (Pollack). However, cross-pollination can be minimized through measures such as buffer zones between GMO and non-GMO fields, as well as careful field planning (GMO-compass); the problem with cross-pollination may be minimized with proper planning and oversight. | 8,114 | 9,287 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3554909#13_4500334 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/genetically-modified-crops | Genetically Modified Crops | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified Crops
Overview
Arguments for GMOs:
GMOs increase crop yields and promote efficient land use.
GMOs reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
Arguments against GMOs:
GM technology remains underdeveloped and unsuited for the regions that need them most.
Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health.
The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain.
GMOs currently lack sufficient oversight.
Conclusion:
Works cited:
| Genes are difficult to control, and wild types of certain plants have been found to contain transgenic genes. Unapproved genetically engineered grass has been found in Oregon (Pollack). 83 percent of rapeseed varieties in the United States and Canada were found to contain transgenic genes (Pollack). However, cross-pollination can be minimized through measures such as buffer zones between GMO and non-GMO fields, as well as careful field planning (GMO-compass); the problem with cross-pollination may be minimized with proper planning and oversight. Bt expressed in transgenic organisms is also toxic to a variety of helpful insects, including natural pollinators and pest predators. Monarch butterflies, a chief pollinator in North America, are highly susceptible to Bt poisoning, and will occasionally feed on corn plants (Pimentel). The introduction of Bt crops has also led to the rise of secondary non-target pests as major scourges. Mealy bugs in India and Pakistan emerged as major pests directly following the introduction of Bt crops in the region. These insects destroyed 50,000 out of 8 million acres of cotton area across Pakistan, and the damage is still increasing. | 8,736 | 9,917 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3554909#14_4502341 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/genetically-modified-crops | Genetically Modified Crops | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified Crops
Overview
Arguments for GMOs:
GMOs increase crop yields and promote efficient land use.
GMOs reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
Arguments against GMOs:
GM technology remains underdeveloped and unsuited for the regions that need them most.
Consumption of GMOs may have yet-unknown effects on human health.
The long-term ecological impacts of GMO crops are yet uncertain.
GMOs currently lack sufficient oversight.
Conclusion:
Works cited:
| Bt expressed in transgenic organisms is also toxic to a variety of helpful insects, including natural pollinators and pest predators. Monarch butterflies, a chief pollinator in North America, are highly susceptible to Bt poisoning, and will occasionally feed on corn plants (Pimentel). The introduction of Bt crops has also led to the rise of secondary non-target pests as major scourges. Mealy bugs in India and Pakistan emerged as major pests directly following the introduction of Bt crops in the region. These insects destroyed 50,000 out of 8 million acres of cotton area across Pakistan, and the damage is still increasing. Organic crops have escaped the plague, due to their farmers' use of natural pestic | 9,287 | 10,000 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#0_4503880 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World
Home » Problems
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Enough food is produced worldwide to feed all the people in the world (Leathers, p. 133). However, despite this alarming truth, nearly 1 billion people are suffering from chronic hunger today. There are a wide range of factors that contribute to this problem, but perhaps one of the most significant is poor food distribution. Figure 1. Amount of Food Produced, How Used and How Much Received. The amount of food calories being produced fulfills and exceeds the minimum amount needed per person. However, because of waste and loss, the amount of food calories available for consumption falls short of that minimum. Data is from Saving Water: From Field to Fork Curbing Losses and Wastage in the Food Chain by Stockholm International Water Institute (2008), retrieved on Nov 29th 2010 from http://www.siwi.org/documents/Resources/Papers/Paper_13_Field_to_Fork.pdf. | 0 | 987 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#1_4505321 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Amount of Food Produced, How Used and How Much Received. The amount of food calories being produced fulfills and exceeds the minimum amount needed per person. However, because of waste and loss, the amount of food calories available for consumption falls short of that minimum. Data is from Saving Water: From Field to Fork Curbing Losses and Wastage in the Food Chain by Stockholm International Water Institute (2008), retrieved on Nov 29th 2010 from http://www.siwi.org/documents/Resources/Papers/Paper_13_Field_to_Fork.pdf. The goal of food distribution is not only to connect the producers, such as farmers and fishermen, to consumers, but also to allocate the food accordingly. Challenges arise in deciding how the food will be distributed among the people, who has the power of distribution, and what methods should be used for distribution. The establishment of markets in which producers directly sell their food to consumers is the most traditional method of distribution. However, due to many cases of inefficiency, food is usually transported to a central location and then distributed to outer cities and villages. Retrieved November 2010 from: | 461 | 1,617 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#2_4506926 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| The goal of food distribution is not only to connect the producers, such as farmers and fishermen, to consumers, but also to allocate the food accordingly. Challenges arise in deciding how the food will be distributed among the people, who has the power of distribution, and what methods should be used for distribution. The establishment of markets in which producers directly sell their food to consumers is the most traditional method of distribution. However, due to many cases of inefficiency, food is usually transported to a central location and then distributed to outer cities and villages. Retrieved November 2010 from: http://viewology.net/thai-hat-yai-klonghae-floating-market-pictures/622/)
Consumers have difficulty purchasing food because of their inability to access markets and/or their inability to afford the costs. On the other end, farmers cannot sell their produce for the similar reasons. Therefore, the main problems with the current distribution system are the lack of markets, the inadequacy of transportation to markets, and the inability to afford the costs of production and consumption. In our current system of food distribution, the number of markets and ways to access those markets is inadequate. About 16% of the rural populations in developing countries lack convenient access to a market, which typically causes farmers not to sell their crops. | 987 | 2,369 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#3_4508757 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| http://viewology.net/thai-hat-yai-klonghae-floating-market-pictures/622/)
Consumers have difficulty purchasing food because of their inability to access markets and/or their inability to afford the costs. On the other end, farmers cannot sell their produce for the similar reasons. Therefore, the main problems with the current distribution system are the lack of markets, the inadequacy of transportation to markets, and the inability to afford the costs of production and consumption. In our current system of food distribution, the number of markets and ways to access those markets is inadequate. About 16% of the rural populations in developing countries lack convenient access to a market, which typically causes farmers not to sell their crops. In fact, it is estimated that at most 40% of the any crop is marketed and only one-third of farmers sell to markets (World Hunger Series). To increase both farmers’ and consumers’ access to markets, we developed the concept of Mobile Markets, a market on a locomotive that will travel between various rural areas and cities. In developing nations, transportation is often very limited. There are few high quality roads or railways to transport goods and people to the centralized markets. Transportation routes are expensive and almost exclusively require public funding and public maintenance. | 1,618 | 2,964 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#4_4510564 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| In fact, it is estimated that at most 40% of the any crop is marketed and only one-third of farmers sell to markets (World Hunger Series). To increase both farmers’ and consumers’ access to markets, we developed the concept of Mobile Markets, a market on a locomotive that will travel between various rural areas and cities. In developing nations, transportation is often very limited. There are few high quality roads or railways to transport goods and people to the centralized markets. Transportation routes are expensive and almost exclusively require public funding and public maintenance. Poorly maintained roads are a huge problem in many regions, particularly in rural Africa where the poor roads make an area inaccessible and delay any movement of goods. One issue with transportation is the extremely variable geography and climate in each region. Each type of transportation is more effective in certain areas than in others, so solutions must be formed on a local level by critically examining the geography as well as the available resources of the regions. Some solutions for increasing access to transportation are the Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia and Roads in Sub-Saharan Africa plans. (Retrieved November 2010 from: | 2,370 | 3,613 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#5_4512267 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Poorly maintained roads are a huge problem in many regions, particularly in rural Africa where the poor roads make an area inaccessible and delay any movement of goods. One issue with transportation is the extremely variable geography and climate in each region. Each type of transportation is more effective in certain areas than in others, so solutions must be formed on a local level by critically examining the geography as well as the available resources of the regions. Some solutions for increasing access to transportation are the Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia and Roads in Sub-Saharan Africa plans. (Retrieved November 2010 from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaku/2401983354/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
Another major problem that needs to be addressed is the extent of waste that occurs post-harvest and during transport. Most of the produce is very perishable: it is susceptible to bacteria, insects, and fungus that rot the food and contaminate it with disease, rendering the food inedible. It is estimated that 25%-50% of all food produced is wasted. In India about 7% annually of grain and 30% of fruit and vegetables produced are wasted due to lack of proper storage systems (Murthy, 2010). | 2,965 | 4,177 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#6_4513930 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaku/2401983354/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
Another major problem that needs to be addressed is the extent of waste that occurs post-harvest and during transport. Most of the produce is very perishable: it is susceptible to bacteria, insects, and fungus that rot the food and contaminate it with disease, rendering the food inedible. It is estimated that 25%-50% of all food produced is wasted. In India about 7% annually of grain and 30% of fruit and vegetables produced are wasted due to lack of proper storage systems (Murthy, 2010). Because of the volume of wasted food, a shortage occurs. This shortage severely increases the prices for the consumers, but does not increase the income of farmers that originally sell the crop. Therefore, the incomes of the producers are either stagnant or decreasing, perpetuating the poverty and hunger cycles. To reduce this waste, we propose a solution to increase the storage and the shelf life of the foods as outlined in our Food Storage System . Even with full access to markets, many people cannot buy food because they cannot afford the costs. | 3,614 | 4,732 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#7_4515499 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Because of the volume of wasted food, a shortage occurs. This shortage severely increases the prices for the consumers, but does not increase the income of farmers that originally sell the crop. Therefore, the incomes of the producers are either stagnant or decreasing, perpetuating the poverty and hunger cycles. To reduce this waste, we propose a solution to increase the storage and the shelf life of the foods as outlined in our Food Storage System . Even with full access to markets, many people cannot buy food because they cannot afford the costs. Consumers cannot purchase enough food to feed themselves and their families due to the lack of purchasing power and low incomes. Many farmers fail to generate an adequate return on their crops, meaning they are unable to earn a sustainable income to pay off their investments. In developed nations, the governments often heavily subsidize the agricultural industry to make it economically viable. However, because of the heavier budget constraints on developing countries, they fail to alleviate this production burden. Therefore, even with a large production of food, rampant hunger still exists because of the inability to purchase it. | 4,178 | 5,370 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#8_4517141 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Consumers cannot purchase enough food to feed themselves and their families due to the lack of purchasing power and low incomes. Many farmers fail to generate an adequate return on their crops, meaning they are unable to earn a sustainable income to pay off their investments. In developed nations, the governments often heavily subsidize the agricultural industry to make it economically viable. However, because of the heavier budget constraints on developing countries, they fail to alleviate this production burden. Therefore, even with a large production of food, rampant hunger still exists because of the inability to purchase it. Our solution to these problems is in the Crop Subsidies page. Retrieved November 2010 from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1sock/190287330/in/photostream/)
There is a huge disparity in the world between people with adequate food and those starving or malnourished. We are striving to close this gap and allow everyone to have access to high-quality food in the proper amounts. The root causes of poor distribution include the lack of infrastructure such as markets and transportation routes, unsustainable prices driven by corruption and waste, inefficiency in markets, and poverty. | 4,733 | 5,951 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#9_4518810 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Our solution to these problems is in the Crop Subsidies page. Retrieved November 2010 from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1sock/190287330/in/photostream/)
There is a huge disparity in the world between people with adequate food and those starving or malnourished. We are striving to close this gap and allow everyone to have access to high-quality food in the proper amounts. The root causes of poor distribution include the lack of infrastructure such as markets and transportation routes, unsustainable prices driven by corruption and waste, inefficiency in markets, and poverty. Our solutions focus on reducing these factors to create a world in which all have access to food at affordable prices. Associated solutions: Food For Work & Cash For Work
Food Storage System: Solar Dryers & Metal Silos
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Roads in Sub-Saharan Africa
Works cited: World Food Programme. ( | 5,371 | 6,275 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#10_4520169 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| Our solutions focus on reducing these factors to create a world in which all have access to food at affordable prices. Associated solutions: Food For Work & Cash For Work
Food Storage System: Solar Dryers & Metal Silos
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Roads in Sub-Saharan Africa
Works cited: World Food Programme. ( 2009). World Hunger Series Hunger and Markets. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.donorplatform.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_view/gid,1477/Itemid,98/
Murthy, R. (2010, July 21). India outsources food-waste woes. Asia Times. | 5,952 | 6,520 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3574535#11_4521194 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/problems/inadequate-food-distribution-systems | Inadequate Food Distribution Systems | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Inadequate Food Distribution Systems
Associated solutions:
Food For Work & Cash For Work
Roads in South Asia and South-East Asia
Works cited:
| 2009). World Hunger Series Hunger and Markets. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.donorplatform.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_view/gid,1477/Itemid,98/
Murthy, R. (2010, July 21). India outsources food-waste woes. Asia Times. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/LG21Df01.html
Leathers, H., & Foster, P. (2009). The world food problem: toward ending undernutrition in the third world. Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc. | 6,275 | 6,756 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3581729#0_4522128 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/desert-agriculture-and-agroforestry | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Region-specific Agriculture
Case Study: Africa
Implementation
The Limits of Region-Specific Agriculture and Agroforestry
Economics and Funding
Timescale
Unresolved Issues
Works cited:
| Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World
Home » Solutions » Sustainable Agriculture
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
In order to improve food security, arid regions should establish desert agriculture and desert agroforestry as their mainstream agricultural technique. Such regions include Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. Desert agriculture is the farming of crops well-suited for arid conditions, such as sorghum. Desert agroforestry is the growing of crops with the environmental support of trees in desert or arid areas. By incorporating these two agricultural techniques,countries should expect two results. One is the increase in food in desert regions due to the successful growth of specific crops that are well-suited to the dry and hot environment. Other crops would require many more resources and much more maintenance in order to just survive in such a climate. The other is the prevention of desertification, which is defined by “Desertification” (2006) as the destruction of animal and plant life in arid areas due to human actions, by the active revegetation of arid lands. Region-specific Agriculture
According to Markwei, Ndlovu, Robinson, and Shah (2010), “A broader perspective [to reducing hunger in Africa] encompasses an integrated agricultural commodity value chain from production through to processing and marketing with a local and regional perspective. | 0 | 1,419 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3581729#1_4524139 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/desert-agriculture-and-agroforestry | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Region-specific Agriculture
Case Study: Africa
Implementation
The Limits of Region-Specific Agriculture and Agroforestry
Economics and Funding
Timescale
Unresolved Issues
Works cited:
| By incorporating these two agricultural techniques,countries should expect two results. One is the increase in food in desert regions due to the successful growth of specific crops that are well-suited to the dry and hot environment. Other crops would require many more resources and much more maintenance in order to just survive in such a climate. The other is the prevention of desertification, which is defined by “Desertification” (2006) as the destruction of animal and plant life in arid areas due to human actions, by the active revegetation of arid lands. Region-specific Agriculture
According to Markwei, Ndlovu, Robinson, and Shah (2010), “A broader perspective [to reducing hunger in Africa] encompasses an integrated agricultural commodity value chain from production through to processing and marketing with a local and regional perspective. It accounts for the multiple functions of agriculture that include the improvement of livelihoods, the enhancement of environmental services, the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and the contribution of agriculture to the maintenance of social and cultural traditions” (p. 7). The proposed solution goes hand in hand with this quote. A comparison of corn grown with fertilizer (right) and corn grown without it (left) in Malawi. The fertilizer requires annual reapplication, and is still pricey for farmers despite subsidization. Source: | 563 | 1,976 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3581729#2_4526137 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/desert-agriculture-and-agroforestry | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Region-specific Agriculture
Case Study: Africa
Implementation
The Limits of Region-Specific Agriculture and Agroforestry
Economics and Funding
Timescale
Unresolved Issues
Works cited:
| It accounts for the multiple functions of agriculture that include the improvement of livelihoods, the enhancement of environmental services, the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and the contribution of agriculture to the maintenance of social and cultural traditions” (p. 7). The proposed solution goes hand in hand with this quote. A comparison of corn grown with fertilizer (right) and corn grown without it (left) in Malawi. The fertilizer requires annual reapplication, and is still pricey for farmers despite subsidization. Source: Duffell, 2007
Currently, several countries of arid climates support the growth of maize despite its need for water and irrigation. But as realized in Kenya, the increasingly arid land is unable to support maize crops (Mbogo, 2010). This proves that while maize is an internationally important grain, and is successfully grown in many areas, it is not the most suitable crop for Africa. By growing crops suitable for arid climates, not only will more water be available for other purposes, but less intensive and more sustainable and organic farming will be possible. Specific species, particularly those suitable for Africa, for not only agriculture but also agroforestry are described a bit later in the page. | 1,420 | 2,687 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3581729#3_4527976 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/desert-agriculture-and-agroforestry | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Region-specific Agriculture
Case Study: Africa
Implementation
The Limits of Region-Specific Agriculture and Agroforestry
Economics and Funding
Timescale
Unresolved Issues
Works cited:
| Duffell, 2007
Currently, several countries of arid climates support the growth of maize despite its need for water and irrigation. But as realized in Kenya, the increasingly arid land is unable to support maize crops (Mbogo, 2010). This proves that while maize is an internationally important grain, and is successfully grown in many areas, it is not the most suitable crop for Africa. By growing crops suitable for arid climates, not only will more water be available for other purposes, but less intensive and more sustainable and organic farming will be possible. Specific species, particularly those suitable for Africa, for not only agriculture but also agroforestry are described a bit later in the page. Also, growing plants and crops in desert areas will help prevent desertification, which is a problem many countries are facing. According to “Desertification” (2006), one way to prevent desertification is by preventing soil erosion, which planting vegetation will do. Moreover, since plants native to arid climates will be planted, the plants will be low maintenance and will thrive, as proven by their natural existence in the climates today. ( Mnzava, 1985)
Case Study: Africa
The following is a list of plant species that can play a vital role in the proposed solution for Africa, and other arid regions after taking cultural and environmental factors, as explained later, into account. | 1,977 | 3,376 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3581729#4_4529955 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/desert-agriculture-and-agroforestry | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Desert Agriculture and Agroforestry
Region-specific Agriculture
Case Study: Africa
Implementation
The Limits of Region-Specific Agriculture and Agroforestry
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Timescale
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Works cited:
| Also, growing plants and crops in desert areas will help prevent desertification, which is a problem many countries are facing. According to “Desertification” (2006), one way to prevent desertification is by preventing soil erosion, which planting vegetation will do. Moreover, since plants native to arid climates will be planted, the plants will be low maintenance and will thrive, as proven by their natural existence in the climates today. ( Mnzava, 1985)
Case Study: Africa
The following is a list of plant species that can play a vital role in the proposed solution for Africa, and other arid regions after taking cultural and environmental factors, as explained later, into account. Several are particularly attractive because of their ability to fix nitrogen, which is the process of putting nitrogen, a valuable element for plant growth, back into the soil. Putting nitrogen and other nutrients back into the soil provides food for growing vegetation, and can potentially reverse desertification by reviving the soil (“Desertification,” 2006). Dregne (1976) lists several plants that live in but are not limited to the arid regions if Africa (p.56). The list includes: Acacia
Figure 1. | 2,687 | 3,881 |
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| Several are particularly attractive because of their ability to fix nitrogen, which is the process of putting nitrogen, a valuable element for plant growth, back into the soil. Putting nitrogen and other nutrients back into the soil provides food for growing vegetation, and can potentially reverse desertification by reviving the soil (“Desertification,” 2006). Dregne (1976) lists several plants that live in but are not limited to the arid regions if Africa (p.56). The list includes: Acacia
Figure 1. Distribution of acacia in terms of maps. Source: Australian National Botanic Gardens [ANBC], 2010
(Left) Figure 2. Distribution of Acacia dealbata in Europe (as an alien species) Source: Marchante, 2006
(Right) Figure 3. | 3,377 | 4,102 |
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| Distribution of acacia in terms of maps. Source: Australian National Botanic Gardens [ANBC], 2010
(Left) Figure 2. Distribution of Acacia dealbata in Europe (as an alien species) Source: Marchante, 2006
(Right) Figure 3. Distribution of acacia aneura in Australia. Source: Nix & Austin, 1973
In addition to having medicinal uses, wood suitable for construction material and fuel, and edible products for humans and animals, widespread (as seen by the above figures) acacia trees provide environmental benefits too (World Agricultural Centre [ICRAF], 2009). It serves as a wind breaker and prevents soil erosion; but most importantly it is a great source of nitrogen (ICRAF, 2009). | 3,882 | 4,562 |
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| Distribution of acacia aneura in Australia. Source: Nix & Austin, 1973
In addition to having medicinal uses, wood suitable for construction material and fuel, and edible products for humans and animals, widespread (as seen by the above figures) acacia trees provide environmental benefits too (World Agricultural Centre [ICRAF], 2009). It serves as a wind breaker and prevents soil erosion; but most importantly it is a great source of nitrogen (ICRAF, 2009). In a study with Acacia dealbata, the trees, planted at 2500 stems per hectare (stems/ha) were able to generate about 50 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare (kg/ha)—40 kg/ha was in the soil, and 10kg/ha was in its vegetation in one year (May & Atwill, 2003). A part of the study was performed in a region that was slashed and burned, so nitrogen fixation was greater there because of the nutrient-rich ash (May & Atwill, 2003). However, it is not advisable to perform such agricultural techniques because it was calculated for the acacia trees to take 9 years to replenish the nitrogen that was lost (May & Atwill). What makes several, if not most species of acacia trees particularly interesting is “reverse leaf phenology” (Heimbuch, 2009). Reverse leaf phenology makes the tree shed its nitrogen-rich acacia leaves at the start of the rainy season, which creates high quality, nutrient-filled soil (Heimbuch, 2009). | 4,103 | 5,478 |
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| In a study with Acacia dealbata, the trees, planted at 2500 stems per hectare (stems/ha) were able to generate about 50 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare (kg/ha)—40 kg/ha was in the soil, and 10kg/ha was in its vegetation in one year (May & Atwill, 2003). A part of the study was performed in a region that was slashed and burned, so nitrogen fixation was greater there because of the nutrient-rich ash (May & Atwill, 2003). However, it is not advisable to perform such agricultural techniques because it was calculated for the acacia trees to take 9 years to replenish the nitrogen that was lost (May & Atwill). What makes several, if not most species of acacia trees particularly interesting is “reverse leaf phenology” (Heimbuch, 2009). Reverse leaf phenology makes the tree shed its nitrogen-rich acacia leaves at the start of the rainy season, which creates high quality, nutrient-filled soil (Heimbuch, 2009). As recorded by Boffa, reverse leaf phenology and nitrogen fixation of Faidherbia albida (F.albida) acacia trees yield about a 30% to 150% increase in nitrogen content depending on the environment (Boffa, 1999). Table 1. Improvement (%) of soil nutrient content under Faidherbia albida canopies compared to controls
Source
Carbon
Total N
Avg P
Exch. K
Ca
Mg
Na
Charreau & Vidal
62
94
134
43
100
78
33
Dancette & Poulain
37
33
32
43
Jung 1966
100
100
Jung 1969
156
57
45
270
53
Olivier et al 1996
11-86
15-107
18-36
70-115
2-47
0-33
Seyler 1993
38 (organic matter)
60
60
113
28
36
Source: Boffa, 1999, Biophysical Factors in Parkland Management: | 4,562 | 6,134 |
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| As recorded by Boffa, reverse leaf phenology and nitrogen fixation of Faidherbia albida (F.albida) acacia trees yield about a 30% to 150% increase in nitrogen content depending on the environment (Boffa, 1999). Table 1. Improvement (%) of soil nutrient content under Faidherbia albida canopies compared to controls
Source
Carbon
Total N
Avg P
Exch. K
Ca
Mg
Na
Charreau & Vidal
62
94
134
43
100
78
33
Dancette & Poulain
37
33
32
43
Jung 1966
100
100
Jung 1969
156
57
45
270
53
Olivier et al 1996
11-86
15-107
18-36
70-115
2-47
0-33
Seyler 1993
38 (organic matter)
60
60
113
28
36
Source: Boffa, 1999, Biophysical Factors in Parkland Management: Parkland tree species
Planting crops alongside the trees is also attractive because the leaves fall at the same time as when farmers plant seeds, which is at the beginning of the rainy season, and nitrogen and other nutrients are released when the growing crops need them most (Hines & Eckman). The crops and trees also do not compete for sunlight because the trees have shed their leaves, and F. albida trees also provide little competition for water resources, even when planted at 4 by 4 meters away from each other (Boffa, 1999). According to Roupsard, Ferhi, Granier, Pallo, Depommier, Mallet, Joly, and Dreyer (1999), the trees only use less than 5% of annual rainfall. In Malawi, growing maize alongside these trees increased yields by 280% (Heimbuch, 2009). The corn and trees do not compete for sunlight because the corn grows when the leaves of the acacia tree are gone, and the leaves fall coincidentally at the same time as when farmers plant their seeds (Heimbuch, 2009). | 5,479 | 7,119 |
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| Parkland tree species
Planting crops alongside the trees is also attractive because the leaves fall at the same time as when farmers plant seeds, which is at the beginning of the rainy season, and nitrogen and other nutrients are released when the growing crops need them most (Hines & Eckman). The crops and trees also do not compete for sunlight because the trees have shed their leaves, and F. albida trees also provide little competition for water resources, even when planted at 4 by 4 meters away from each other (Boffa, 1999). According to Roupsard, Ferhi, Granier, Pallo, Depommier, Mallet, Joly, and Dreyer (1999), the trees only use less than 5% of annual rainfall. In Malawi, growing maize alongside these trees increased yields by 280% (Heimbuch, 2009). The corn and trees do not compete for sunlight because the corn grows when the leaves of the acacia tree are gone, and the leaves fall coincidentally at the same time as when farmers plant their seeds (Heimbuch, 2009). Yields for other crops grown with F. albida trees are shown on this table (Boffa, 1999). Table 2. Crop yields under and outside Faidherbia albida canopies
Crop
grain yield (kg/ha)
biomass yield (kg/ha)
Source
outside
under
difference (%)
outside
under
difference (%)
Millet
660
1669
153
Charreau & Vidal (1965)
Millet
645
1044
62
Louppe et al (1996)
Millet
1008
1506
49
Maiga, in Kessler (1992)
Sorghum
457
934
104
5480
10490
100
Dancette & Poulain (1969)
Sorghum, fertilizer
1340
1388
3
15870
18140
14
Dancette & Poulain (1969)
Sorghum
1570
2130
36
Poschen (1986)
Sorghum
197
529
169
1538
2607
70
Depommier et al (1992)
Sorghum
889
937
5
Maiga, in Kessler (1992)
Maize (local)
42-272
Saka et al. ( 1994)
Maize (hybrid)
76-78
Saka et al. ( 1994)
Maize
1920
3390
76
53 g/pl. | 6,135 | 7,918 |
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| Yields for other crops grown with F. albida trees are shown on this table (Boffa, 1999). Table 2. Crop yields under and outside Faidherbia albida canopies
Crop
grain yield (kg/ha)
biomass yield (kg/ha)
Source
outside
under
difference (%)
outside
under
difference (%)
Millet
660
1669
153
Charreau & Vidal (1965)
Millet
645
1044
62
Louppe et al (1996)
Millet
1008
1506
49
Maiga, in Kessler (1992)
Sorghum
457
934
104
5480
10490
100
Dancette & Poulain (1969)
Sorghum, fertilizer
1340
1388
3
15870
18140
14
Dancette & Poulain (1969)
Sorghum
1570
2130
36
Poschen (1986)
Sorghum
197
529
169
1538
2607
70
Depommier et al (1992)
Sorghum
889
937
5
Maiga, in Kessler (1992)
Maize (local)
42-272
Saka et al. ( 1994)
Maize (hybrid)
76-78
Saka et al. ( 1994)
Maize
1920
3390
76
53 g/pl. 66 g/pl. 24
Poschen (1986)
Maize
27
22
Depommier et al (1996a)
Groundnut
1181
1052
-11
990
1382
40
Louppe et al (1996)
Groundnut, manure
1289
992
-23
1492
1459
-2
Louppe et al (1996)
Groundnut
810
1108
37
860
1266
47
Dancette & Poulain (1966), in CTFT (1988)
Groundnut, fertilizer
954
1136
19
1091
1386
27
Dancette & Poulain (1996), in CTFT (1988)
Source: Boffa, 1999, Biophysical Factors in Parkland Management: Influence of trees on mineral content of understoery plants
Note that key to reverse leaf phenology is letting the acacia trees grow naturally, which includes not pruning them (Boffa, 1999). As cited by Heimbuch (2009), Dennis Garrity, Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre, says, “Growing the right tree in the right place on farms in sub-Saharan Africa-and worldwide- has the potential to slow climate change, feed more people, and protect the environment. | 7,120 | 8,806 |
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| 66 g/pl. 24
Poschen (1986)
Maize
27
22
Depommier et al (1996a)
Groundnut
1181
1052
-11
990
1382
40
Louppe et al (1996)
Groundnut, manure
1289
992
-23
1492
1459
-2
Louppe et al (1996)
Groundnut
810
1108
37
860
1266
47
Dancette & Poulain (1966), in CTFT (1988)
Groundnut, fertilizer
954
1136
19
1091
1386
27
Dancette & Poulain (1996), in CTFT (1988)
Source: Boffa, 1999, Biophysical Factors in Parkland Management: Influence of trees on mineral content of understoery plants
Note that key to reverse leaf phenology is letting the acacia trees grow naturally, which includes not pruning them (Boffa, 1999). As cited by Heimbuch (2009), Dennis Garrity, Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre, says, “Growing the right tree in the right place on farms in sub-Saharan Africa-and worldwide- has the potential to slow climate change, feed more people, and protect the environment. This tree, as a source of free, organic nitrogen, is an example of that. There are many other examples of solutions to African farming that exist here already.” While most scientists are attracted to F. albida in sub-Saharan Africa, the same idea is applicable in many other areas with other types of acacia. For example, one study, performed in Blue Nile Sudan, showed that Acacia senegal under different climates perform similarly in terms of nitrogen fixing, and that in turn increases with the age of the tree (Raddad, Salih, Fadl, Kaarakka & Luukkanen, 2005). And within the research mentioned up to this point, three different species have been evaluated, and all had nitrogen fixing properties. | 7,918 | 9,508 |
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| This tree, as a source of free, organic nitrogen, is an example of that. There are many other examples of solutions to African farming that exist here already.” While most scientists are attracted to F. albida in sub-Saharan Africa, the same idea is applicable in many other areas with other types of acacia. For example, one study, performed in Blue Nile Sudan, showed that Acacia senegal under different climates perform similarly in terms of nitrogen fixing, and that in turn increases with the age of the tree (Raddad, Salih, Fadl, Kaarakka & Luukkanen, 2005). And within the research mentioned up to this point, three different species have been evaluated, and all had nitrogen fixing properties. Boffa (1999) agrees, saying, “Nutrient enrichment under other parkland trees may be less remarkable than for F. albida but is also common” (Parkland Tree Species). Figure 4. Map of distribution of Faidherbia albida in Africa. Source: Boffa, 1999, Agroforestry Parkland Systems
Such a project to integrate acacias into agriculture already exists. | 8,807 | 9,854 |
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| Boffa (1999) agrees, saying, “Nutrient enrichment under other parkland trees may be less remarkable than for F. albida but is also common” (Parkland Tree Species). Figure 4. Map of distribution of Faidherbia albida in Africa. Source: Boffa, 1999, Agroforestry Parkland Systems
Such a project to integrate acacias into agriculture already exists. The Maradi Integrated Development Project (MIDP), having successfully developed sustainable agriculture for twenty years, encourages Niger to use | 9,509 | 10,000 |
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Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World
Home » Solutions » Sustainable Agriculture
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. The method can be implemented in places where the soil type is not ideal for the desired crop. In addition, the technique can be used in roof top farming and therefore is very useful in areas with limited space such as urban areas. Advantages
No soil is needed so there is no crop limitation due to soil type, eroded or diseased soils. Water can be recycled so it is advantageous in drought prone areas or deserts. No nutrition waste due to water run-off which in turn can lead to eutrophication. Higher and stable yields because the plants does not expend too much energy in finding nutrients in the soil thus this energy is invested into the growth of the plant. Also in soil plants compete with weed for food and water but in hydroponics the adequate nutrients are delivered straight to the roots.” Less frequent occurrence of diseases because of the absence of soil which a bacteria growth media
Due to container mobility hydroponics enables the farmer to grow crops near the area of use thus reducing transportation costs. | 0 | 1,227 |
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Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Water can be recycled so it is advantageous in drought prone areas or deserts. No nutrition waste due to water run-off which in turn can lead to eutrophication. Higher and stable yields because the plants does not expend too much energy in finding nutrients in the soil thus this energy is invested into the growth of the plant. Also in soil plants compete with weed for food and water but in hydroponics the adequate nutrients are delivered straight to the roots.” Less frequent occurrence of diseases because of the absence of soil which a bacteria growth media
Due to container mobility hydroponics enables the farmer to grow crops near the area of use thus reducing transportation costs. Labor intensive work such as tilling, cultivating, fumigation, and watering is not required for hydroponic farming (Jones, 1997). And as for advanced hydroponics the system is usually automated using pumps or even computers, labor costs will decrease dramatically. The simplified hydroponic technique is easy to understand and does not require any prior knowledge to achieve concrete results. Disadvantages
Although the use of advanced hydroponics is cheaper in the long run, its initial start up cost is rather high as it is expensive to procure the equipment required. The hydroponic conditions (presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that stimulates salmonella growth. | 536 | 1,924 |
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Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Labor intensive work such as tilling, cultivating, fumigation, and watering is not required for hydroponic farming (Jones, 1997). And as for advanced hydroponics the system is usually automated using pumps or even computers, labor costs will decrease dramatically. The simplified hydroponic technique is easy to understand and does not require any prior knowledge to achieve concrete results. Disadvantages
Although the use of advanced hydroponics is cheaper in the long run, its initial start up cost is rather high as it is expensive to procure the equipment required. The hydroponic conditions (presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that stimulates salmonella growth. Requires the use of uncontaminated water
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
It works best with plants that have a long root system. This circulatory system consists of a sloped channel that allows the nutrient water to be continuously pumped in the channel. Plants are suspended are suspended above the solution with their roots dangling into the solution. However it requires constant maintenance as overgrown roots can block the channel and disrupt the whole process. It also requires a constant flow of nutrient solution or else the plant will dry out so the pumps must be very effective. | 1,227 | 2,546 |
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Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Requires the use of uncontaminated water
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
It works best with plants that have a long root system. This circulatory system consists of a sloped channel that allows the nutrient water to be continuously pumped in the channel. Plants are suspended are suspended above the solution with their roots dangling into the solution. However it requires constant maintenance as overgrown roots can block the channel and disrupt the whole process. It also requires a constant flow of nutrient solution or else the plant will dry out so the pumps must be very effective. For this reason this method is not advisable for home gardening or developing countries. Source: Retrieved 1 December 2010 in Basic hydroponics and how they work from http://www.simplyhydro.com/system.htm
Dynamic root floating technique
This non circulatory method can be implemented using simple pumps thus is advisable for developing countries. The pump is not continuously in use but is switched on and off occassionally. The bottom part of the roots dangle in the nutrient solution and specialize in nutrient uptake (nutriroots) whilst the upper part is not in solution and is responsible for oxygen intake (aeroroots).DRFT keeps the temperature constant and so is desirable for tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia. | 1,924 | 3,272 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#4_4558150 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| For this reason this method is not advisable for home gardening or developing countries. Source: Retrieved 1 December 2010 in Basic hydroponics and how they work from http://www.simplyhydro.com/system.htm
Dynamic root floating technique
This non circulatory method can be implemented using simple pumps thus is advisable for developing countries. The pump is not continuously in use but is switched on and off occassionally. The bottom part of the roots dangle in the nutrient solution and specialize in nutrient uptake (nutriroots) whilst the upper part is not in solution and is responsible for oxygen intake (aeroroots).DRFT keeps the temperature constant and so is desirable for tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia. “Since oxygen is less soluble in warm water, the DRFT is well-suited for hydroponic farming in tropical and subtropical climates such as those found in Thailand” (Kao, 1991). Water culture technique
The roots dangle freely in the solution. The problem of root aeration often arises and therefore an air pump is used to supply oxygen. The roots must not however exposed to light as it gives rise to nutrient consuming algae. This technique is ideal for plants that grow fast such as lettuce. | 2,546 | 3,760 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#5_4559969 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| “Since oxygen is less soluble in warm water, the DRFT is well-suited for hydroponic farming in tropical and subtropical climates such as those found in Thailand” (Kao, 1991). Water culture technique
The roots dangle freely in the solution. The problem of root aeration often arises and therefore an air pump is used to supply oxygen. The roots must not however exposed to light as it gives rise to nutrient consuming algae. This technique is ideal for plants that grow fast such as lettuce. Source: Retrieved 1 December 2010 in Basic hydroponics and how they work from http://www.simplyhydro.com/system.htm
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas. Advanced hydroponic systems can be intensive and expensive. But simplified hydroponic growing is much simpler and cheaper with low operational and maintenance costs.. Although yields from such systems are lower in comparison to advanced hydroponics the yield still outweighs the regular farming yields. In addition cheap and easily available materials such as fish aquarium tanks, ceramic pots, and aluminum cans can be used. | 3,272 | 4,358 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#6_4561658 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Source: Retrieved 1 December 2010 in Basic hydroponics and how they work from http://www.simplyhydro.com/system.htm
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas. Advanced hydroponic systems can be intensive and expensive. But simplified hydroponic growing is much simpler and cheaper with low operational and maintenance costs.. Although yields from such systems are lower in comparison to advanced hydroponics the yield still outweighs the regular farming yields. In addition cheap and easily available materials such as fish aquarium tanks, ceramic pots, and aluminum cans can be used. It is also useful in urban areas where there is limited cultivation land. Simplified hydroponics was developed in the early 1980’s in Colombia. These projects were a success as on average a single garden made a profit of $90 in two to three months with the initial investment being $355. Since 1984, projects have been implemented in 12 Latin American and African countries, mostly funded by the UNDP and the UN FAO. Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Of the estimated 790 million people classified as hungry in 2000, 525 million lived in Asian nations (UN FAO, 2000). | 3,760 | 4,941 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#7_4563436 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| It is also useful in urban areas where there is limited cultivation land. Simplified hydroponics was developed in the early 1980’s in Colombia. These projects were a success as on average a single garden made a profit of $90 in two to three months with the initial investment being $355. Since 1984, projects have been implemented in 12 Latin American and African countries, mostly funded by the UNDP and the UN FAO. Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Of the estimated 790 million people classified as hungry in 2000, 525 million lived in Asian nations (UN FAO, 2000). This is a rough estimate of what Bradley and Marulanda (2000) estimated would be the cost of setting up a hydroponic garden in Tropical Asia. The t otal number of beneficiaries would be 232 million for 50million gardens,each garden accomodating an average family unit of 4. Initial cost of setting up a garden amount to $355 including a year supply of nutrients and seeds. The total cost of implementing this plan in Tropical Asia is 20 billion dollars but it generates a revenue of 135 billion per year. Income from each ranges from $329-1405 per year. | 4,358 | 5,493 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#8_4565169 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| This is a rough estimate of what Bradley and Marulanda (2000) estimated would be the cost of setting up a hydroponic garden in Tropical Asia. The t otal number of beneficiaries would be 232 million for 50million gardens,each garden accomodating an average family unit of 4. Initial cost of setting up a garden amount to $355 including a year supply of nutrients and seeds. The total cost of implementing this plan in Tropical Asia is 20 billion dollars but it generates a revenue of 135 billion per year. Income from each ranges from $329-1405 per year. From these statistics it can be seen that implementing such a plan would be beneficial as it is self sustainable. The gardens are not only a source of fresh produce rich in vital nutrients but also a source of income thus the beneficiaries can use the money to send their children to schools and cater for other needs. Because this is an income generating project it can still be carried out even if there are no free funds because the farmers can work with private companies to secure micro loans which will be paid back after the produce is sold. Although these statistics are based on a large scale implementation plan, this plan can also be effected on a small scale range starting with 20 or so gardens. The estimated cost of this small scale project X will be about $7600 with the same potential income as stated above from each garden. | 4,941 | 6,336 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#9_4567154 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| From these statistics it can be seen that implementing such a plan would be beneficial as it is self sustainable. The gardens are not only a source of fresh produce rich in vital nutrients but also a source of income thus the beneficiaries can use the money to send their children to schools and cater for other needs. Because this is an income generating project it can still be carried out even if there are no free funds because the farmers can work with private companies to secure micro loans which will be paid back after the produce is sold. Although these statistics are based on a large scale implementation plan, this plan can also be effected on a small scale range starting with 20 or so gardens. The estimated cost of this small scale project X will be about $7600 with the same potential income as stated above from each garden. Profits made from project X can then be used to start another hydroponic project elsewhere whilst Project X continues to grow. Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
2. Ecuador
Funding
Such a project, if successfully implemented, is self sustainable because it leads to increased yields hence increased profits that are ploughed back to improve the project. Therefore, the project only requires funding for the initial start up, and the FAO is an ideal source. Other potential sources include the country’s government or microloans from other organizations. | 5,493 | 6,891 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#10_4569149 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Profits made from project X can then be used to start another hydroponic project elsewhere whilst Project X continues to grow. Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
2. Ecuador
Funding
Such a project, if successfully implemented, is self sustainable because it leads to increased yields hence increased profits that are ploughed back to improve the project. Therefore, the project only requires funding for the initial start up, and the FAO is an ideal source. Other potential sources include the country’s government or microloans from other organizations. Works cited: Oriz, A., Rotatori, H., Schreiber, E., von Roth, G. (March 5, 2009). Hydroponic Farming in Mahasarakham. Retrieved November 23, 2010 from http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-030409-225133/unrestricted....
Stajano, M. C., Cajamarca, I., Erazo, J., Aucatoma, T. & Izquierdo, J. (n.d.). Simplified hydroponics: | 6,337 | 7,230 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#11_4570642 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Works cited: Oriz, A., Rotatori, H., Schreiber, E., von Roth, G. (March 5, 2009). Hydroponic Farming in Mahasarakham. Retrieved November 23, 2010 from http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-030409-225133/unrestricted....
Stajano, M. C., Cajamarca, I., Erazo, J., Aucatoma, T. & Izquierdo, J. (n.d.). Simplified hydroponics: Improvement of food security and nutrition to children aged 0 to 6, a case study from Ecuador. Retrieved November 23, 2010 from http://www.rlc.fao.org/es/agricultura/aup/pdf/biotecu2.pdf. Stajano, M. C. (May-June 2004). Simplified hydroponics as an appropriate technology to implement food security in urban agriculture. Retrieved November 23, 2010, from http://www.telus.net/public/a6a47567/Food%20Security.pdf. | 6,891 | 7,643 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#12_4571984 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Improvement of food security and nutrition to children aged 0 to 6, a case study from Ecuador. Retrieved November 23, 2010 from http://www.rlc.fao.org/es/agricultura/aup/pdf/biotecu2.pdf. Stajano, M. C. (May-June 2004). Simplified hydroponics as an appropriate technology to implement food security in urban agriculture. Retrieved November 23, 2010, from http://www.telus.net/public/a6a47567/Food%20Security.pdf. Delfin, A. R. (May/June 2008). The Growing Edge. Retrieved November 27, 2010 from http://www.growingedge.com/magazine/pdf/GE_1905_p42.pdf. Bradley, P. & Marulanda, C. (November 27, 2000). Potential of Simplified Hydroponics to Provide Urban Agriculture Income. | 7,231 | 7,904 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#13_4573247 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Delfin, A. R. (May/June 2008). The Growing Edge. Retrieved November 27, 2010 from http://www.growingedge.com/magazine/pdf/GE_1905_p42.pdf. Bradley, P. & Marulanda, C. (November 27, 2000). Potential of Simplified Hydroponics to Provide Urban Agriculture Income. Martin Caldeyro Stajano Ing. Agr. ( M.Sc.). ( November-December 2003). In THE FAMILY GROWN HYDROPONICS VEGETABLE GARDEN AS A FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION STRATEGY FOR URBAN LOWINCOME POPULATION. | 7,643 | 8,096 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#14_4574291 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Martin Caldeyro Stajano Ing. Agr. ( M.Sc.). ( November-December 2003). In THE FAMILY GROWN HYDROPONICS VEGETABLE GARDEN AS A FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION STRATEGY FOR URBAN LOWINCOME POPULATION. A CASE STUDY FROM URUGUAY. Retrieved 27 November 2010, from http://www.chasque.net/frontpage/asudhi/Pagina-Ingles/Simplified%20Hydroponics-Rocha.PDF. Martin Caldeyro Stajano Ing. Agr. ( M.Sc.) , | 7,904 | 8,290 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#15_4575269 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| A CASE STUDY FROM URUGUAY. Retrieved 27 November 2010, from http://www.chasque.net/frontpage/asudhi/Pagina-Ingles/Simplified%20Hydroponics-Rocha.PDF. Martin Caldeyro Stajano Ing. Agr. ( M.Sc.) , Ivonne Cajamarca Ing. Agr. ,Juan Erazo Ing, Tamara Aucatoma,Lic.,& Juan Izquierdo,Ph. D.. (July/August – 2003). | 8,097 | 8,398 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3618089#16_4576170 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/hydroponics | Hydroponics | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Four main types of hydroponic techniques
Nutrient Film technique
Dynamic root floating technique
Water culture technique
Implementation in developing countries and urban areas.
Costs for building gardens for Asia tropical areas
Successful implementation
1.Uruguay
Funding
Works cited:
| Ivonne Cajamarca Ing. Agr. ,Juan Erazo Ing, Tamara Aucatoma,Lic.,& Juan Izquierdo,Ph. D.. (July/August – 2003). undefined. In SIMPLIFIED HYDROPONICS IN ECUADOR. Retrieved 27 November, from http://www.hydroponics.com.au/free-articles/issue-71-simplified-hydroponics-in-ecuador/. | 8,290 | 8,564 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#0_4577042 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World
Home » Solutions » Sustainable Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
To begin to classify modern agriculture, it is imperative to first consider two important categories that have been established in society regarding farming techniques: industrial and organic. The term "industrial" agriculture is a direct derivative of the Green Revolution that passed across the globe during the mid-20th century. During this period, new advancements in agricultural technologies yielded stronger, more disease-resistant crops. And with this revolution began the trend of genetically modifying farm crops. What began as a small success centralized in Mexico, the birthplace of the "green revolution", soon came to wash over the global community. And today, the term "industrial" farming in society refers to the integration of genetic modification and synthetic fertilizers with conventional farming technologies (Briney, 2010). The term "organic" agriculture refers to a species cultivated devoid of any synthetic aid, whether that be in the form of genetic modification or applied synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is defined that organic is the use of "farming practices that may be agroecological, sustainable, or ecological; | 0 | 1,303 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#1_4579227 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| And with this revolution began the trend of genetically modifying farm crops. What began as a small success centralized in Mexico, the birthplace of the "green revolution", soon came to wash over the global community. And today, the term "industrial" farming in society refers to the integration of genetic modification and synthetic fertilizers with conventional farming technologies (Briney, 2010). The term "organic" agriculture refers to a species cultivated devoid of any synthetic aid, whether that be in the form of genetic modification or applied synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is defined that organic is the use of "farming practices that may be agroecological, sustainable, or ecological; utilizing natural (non-synthetic) nutrient-cycling processes; exclude or rarely use synthetic pesticides; and sustain or regenerate soil quality" (Badgley, 2006). Organic agriculture has been around for centuries through small farmers who farmed organically to support their families and their local communities. It was traditionally an interdependent cycle between livestock, animal farming, and crop farming. | 596 | 1,714 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#2_4581214 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| utilizing natural (non-synthetic) nutrient-cycling processes; exclude or rarely use synthetic pesticides; and sustain or regenerate soil quality" (Badgley, 2006). Organic agriculture has been around for centuries through small farmers who farmed organically to support their families and their local communities. It was traditionally an interdependent cycle between livestock, animal farming, and crop farming. This process works cyclically; livestock provide food for the family as well as manure, waste products that can fertilize crops that in turn feed the family and the livestock. This essentially makes the process free of any artificial materials and is self-sustainable. Though organic has been known to include not just the farming process, but also packaging, shipping and consumer processes, for the sake of this site, only the farming process will be under consideration with the use of the term "organic". And therefore it’s clear that there is a well-established dichotomy that exists between "industrial" and "organic" agricultural methods in society. | 1,304 | 2,371 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#3_4583154 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| This process works cyclically; livestock provide food for the family as well as manure, waste products that can fertilize crops that in turn feed the family and the livestock. This essentially makes the process free of any artificial materials and is self-sustainable. Though organic has been known to include not just the farming process, but also packaging, shipping and consumer processes, for the sake of this site, only the farming process will be under consideration with the use of the term "organic". And therefore it’s clear that there is a well-established dichotomy that exists between "industrial" and "organic" agricultural methods in society. Now to further characterize, there are four possible farming situations that can be classified regarding the global farming situation. These four categories are based up on size and type. Large-scale Industrial Agriculture
Small-scale Industrial Agriculture
Large-scale Organic Agriculture
Small-scale Organic Agriculture
(In the classification system above, we can define large-scale and small-scale to be in terms of relative field size.) This site will aim at improving large-scale agriculture by adopting the benefits of small-scale and large-scale organic farming. The goal of organic farming is to reduce the disastrous effects of industrial chemicals and fertilizers on topsoil while helping “enhance soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, promote and enhance biological diversity, and minimize the risk to human and animal health and natural resources” (Treadwell, Riddle, Barbercheck, Cavanaugh-Grant, & Zaborski, 2010). | 1,715 | 3,300 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#4_4585625 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Now to further characterize, there are four possible farming situations that can be classified regarding the global farming situation. These four categories are based up on size and type. Large-scale Industrial Agriculture
Small-scale Industrial Agriculture
Large-scale Organic Agriculture
Small-scale Organic Agriculture
(In the classification system above, we can define large-scale and small-scale to be in terms of relative field size.) This site will aim at improving large-scale agriculture by adopting the benefits of small-scale and large-scale organic farming. The goal of organic farming is to reduce the disastrous effects of industrial chemicals and fertilizers on topsoil while helping “enhance soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, promote and enhance biological diversity, and minimize the risk to human and animal health and natural resources” (Treadwell, Riddle, Barbercheck, Cavanaugh-Grant, & Zaborski, 2010). Creating a hybridized system between the large-scale industrial and organic family will yield much better benefits and make current farming systems much more sustainable. The reason an hybridization is being proposed is because it is virtually impossible at this time to completely convert all industrial practices into organic ones. Immediately switching to a completely organic system would lead to a dip in agricultural productivity. Switching to organic methods requires many drastic changes within the infrastructure of farming companies, workers, and production methods. For example, organic farming requires a lot more labor and more workers since a lot of it is “weeding” must be done by hand and not by fertilizers. | 2,371 | 4,025 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#5_4588163 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Creating a hybridized system between the large-scale industrial and organic family will yield much better benefits and make current farming systems much more sustainable. The reason an hybridization is being proposed is because it is virtually impossible at this time to completely convert all industrial practices into organic ones. Immediately switching to a completely organic system would lead to a dip in agricultural productivity. Switching to organic methods requires many drastic changes within the infrastructure of farming companies, workers, and production methods. For example, organic farming requires a lot more labor and more workers since a lot of it is “weeding” must be done by hand and not by fertilizers. Time is needed to help establish these changes, which cannot be administered immediately. Workers need to be trained and the big companies who hold the reigns over the large industrialized farms must be overcome, which is not an easy task. The industrialized portion of modern agriculture has produced large quantities of food. If all industrial farming was immediately converted into organic methods, the world would not only suffer losses in terms of agricultural yields, but there would also be great debate and complaints from industrialized companies, as well as industrial farm workers. Pros and Cons
To compare the benefits of switching from certain industrial large-scale processes to more organic processes, the pros and cons of each process should be taken into consideration. | 3,301 | 4,812 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#6_4590546 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Time is needed to help establish these changes, which cannot be administered immediately. Workers need to be trained and the big companies who hold the reigns over the large industrialized farms must be overcome, which is not an easy task. The industrialized portion of modern agriculture has produced large quantities of food. If all industrial farming was immediately converted into organic methods, the world would not only suffer losses in terms of agricultural yields, but there would also be great debate and complaints from industrialized companies, as well as industrial farm workers. Pros and Cons
To compare the benefits of switching from certain industrial large-scale processes to more organic processes, the pros and cons of each process should be taken into consideration. Industrial Large-Scale Processes
PROS: ( Chavis, 2010)
Most staple foods are cheaper due to heavy government subsidies. Due to the large government subsidies that industrial farms receive, producers in the farms can employ genetic modifications in different ways, experimenting with which crop yields the most optimal results. Less human labor is required, but output is extremely high and output quality is controlled to a desired level. As a result of various and advanced methods of food production, processing, packaging, preservation and delivery, food supply availability is fast enough to reach the consumer. | 4,026 | 5,427 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#7_4592812 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Industrial Large-Scale Processes
PROS: ( Chavis, 2010)
Most staple foods are cheaper due to heavy government subsidies. Due to the large government subsidies that industrial farms receive, producers in the farms can employ genetic modifications in different ways, experimenting with which crop yields the most optimal results. Less human labor is required, but output is extremely high and output quality is controlled to a desired level. As a result of various and advanced methods of food production, processing, packaging, preservation and delivery, food supply availability is fast enough to reach the consumer. CONS: ( See problem page)
Organic Processes: PROS: ( Satalkar)
maintains the life of the soil, not only for the current generation, but also for the future generations
Water pollution is reduced with organic farming because the soil in organic farms is more absorptive and can hold more water than industrial farmed soils with high salinity levels. The rate of soil erosion is reduced drastically because legume-based crop covers and a blanket of dead and live plant materials protect the soil from being eroded extensively by water and wind. | 4,812 | 5,968 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#8_4594836 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| CONS: ( See problem page)
Organic Processes: PROS: ( Satalkar)
maintains the life of the soil, not only for the current generation, but also for the future generations
Water pollution is reduced with organic farming because the soil in organic farms is more absorptive and can hold more water than industrial farmed soils with high salinity levels. The rate of soil erosion is reduced drastically because legume-based crop covers and a blanket of dead and live plant materials protect the soil from being eroded extensively by water and wind. The nutritional quality and micro-nutrients are present in higher quantities in organically produced crops because fertilizers and artificial ingredients are not added into the crops. Overall cost of cultivating the crops reduces as the farmers use green manure or worm farming to replenish the lost nutrients of the soil. The life of organically grown plants is longer than the plants cultivated by traditional methods. There is a reduced price tag in how much it takes to farm, as there is no need to purchase artificial pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or large-scale technological tools that help maintain industrial large-scale lands. The need for more manual labor increases the number of jobs available in a certain area. | 5,427 | 6,701 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#9_4596975 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| The nutritional quality and micro-nutrients are present in higher quantities in organically produced crops because fertilizers and artificial ingredients are not added into the crops. Overall cost of cultivating the crops reduces as the farmers use green manure or worm farming to replenish the lost nutrients of the soil. The life of organically grown plants is longer than the plants cultivated by traditional methods. There is a reduced price tag in how much it takes to farm, as there is no need to purchase artificial pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or large-scale technological tools that help maintain industrial large-scale lands. The need for more manual labor increases the number of jobs available in a certain area. Organically grown crop is more drought tolerant because they have the natural mechanism to protect themselves against harsh conditions. Crops used in mass industrial farming are altered and put in such an artificial environment that they no longer can protect themselves using their natural mechanisms, as their genetic identities have been altered drastically by several different components. CONS: ( Satalkar)
Low productivity when first ad m inistered. Organic farmers use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the traditional farmers. | 5,968 | 7,262 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#10_4599131 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Organically grown crop is more drought tolerant because they have the natural mechanism to protect themselves against harsh conditions. Crops used in mass industrial farming are altered and put in such an artificial environment that they no longer can protect themselves using their natural mechanisms, as their genetic identities have been altered drastically by several different components. CONS: ( Satalkar)
Low productivity when first ad m inistered. Organic farmers use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the traditional farmers. The cultivated soil is prone to wind and water erosion. Organically produced food is expensive. The cost is very often 50-100 percent more than the traditional food. This is because organic crops are not as heavily subsidized as are industrially grown crops. The organic farmers grow crops in accordance to the season therefore organic food is not always available locally. | 6,701 | 7,636 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#11_4600929 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| The cultivated soil is prone to wind and water erosion. Organically produced food is expensive. The cost is very often 50-100 percent more than the traditional food. This is because organic crops are not as heavily subsidized as are industrially grown crops. The organic farmers grow crops in accordance to the season therefore organic food is not always available locally. The crops can, when the climate is harsh, grow using greenhouses, since organic can be grown in small-scale settings fairly productively. Lots of manual labor needed. It has been found that "if converted to organic production, the low-intensity agriculture present in much of the developing world would have the same or slight reduction in yields that has been reported for the developed world, where green-revolution methods now dominate." See the graph below. Graph 1 shows the average yield ratio (organic: | 7,263 | 8,146 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#12_4602676 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| The crops can, when the climate is harsh, grow using greenhouses, since organic can be grown in small-scale settings fairly productively. Lots of manual labor needed. It has been found that "if converted to organic production, the low-intensity agriculture present in much of the developing world would have the same or slight reduction in yields that has been reported for the developed world, where green-revolution methods now dominate." See the graph below. Graph 1 shows the average yield ratio (organic: non-organic) and standard error. And clearly, the ratio is either very close to 1 or greater than one showing that organic agriculture can be just as productive as non-organic agriculture. Graph 1 source: ( Badgley, 2006)
Graph 2 This graph shows the supply and estimates that organic agriculture has provided and can be expected to provide. Graph 2 source: ( | 7,637 | 8,505 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#13_4604410 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| non-organic) and standard error. And clearly, the ratio is either very close to 1 or greater than one showing that organic agriculture can be just as productive as non-organic agriculture. Graph 1 source: ( Badgley, 2006)
Graph 2 This graph shows the supply and estimates that organic agriculture has provided and can be expected to provide. Graph 2 source: ( Badgley, 2006)
Although both organic and industrial agriculture have their strengths and weaknesses, there are certain problems with industrial agriculture that necessitate the need to combine both methods. PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
Industrial agriculture relies on monoculture, the planting of one crop in mass amounts. This decreases biodiversity within the ecosystem within both plants and animals. "Today as more and more farmers are integrated into international economies, imperatives to diversity disappear and monocultures are rewarded by economies of scale. | 8,147 | 9,075 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#14_4606206 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| Badgley, 2006)
Although both organic and industrial agriculture have their strengths and weaknesses, there are certain problems with industrial agriculture that necessitate the need to combine both methods. PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
Industrial agriculture relies on monoculture, the planting of one crop in mass amounts. This decreases biodiversity within the ecosystem within both plants and animals. "Today as more and more farmers are integrated into international economies, imperatives to diversity disappear and monocultures are rewarded by economies of scale. In turn, lack of rotations and diversification take away key self-regulating mechanisms, turning monocultures into highly vulnerable agroecosystems dependent on high chemical inputs. The technologies allowing the shift toward monoculture were mechanization, the improvement of crop varieties, and the development of agrochemicals to fertilize crops and control weeds and pests. Government commodity policies these past several decades encouraged the acceptance and utilization of these technologies. As a result, farms today are fewer, larger, more specialized and more capital intensive. At the regional level, increases in monoculture farming meant that the whole agricultural support infrastructure (i.e. research, extension, suppliers, storage, transport, markets, etc.) | 8,505 | 9,850 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3627280#15_4608416 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/organic-industrial-agriculture | Organic Industrial Agriculture | Mission 2014: Feeding the World | Organic Industrial Agriculture
Organic Industrial Agriculture
Definition
Pros and Cons
PROBLEM 1: Use of Monoculture
PROBLEM 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/ Fertilizers
PROBLEM 3: Poor Soil Quality
PROBLEM 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
SOLUTION 1: Use of Monoculture
SOLUTION 2: High Reliance on Artificial Pesticides/Fertilzers
SOLUTION 3: Poor Soil Quality
SOLUTION 4: Extreme Water Consumption and Pollution
Target Regions
Implementation
Existing Organizations Acting in this Field
What is the Timescale for this?
Works cited:
| In turn, lack of rotations and diversification take away key self-regulating mechanisms, turning monocultures into highly vulnerable agroecosystems dependent on high chemical inputs. The technologies allowing the shift toward monoculture were mechanization, the improvement of crop varieties, and the development of agrochemicals to fertilize crops and control weeds and pests. Government commodity policies these past several decades encouraged the acceptance and utilization of these technologies. As a result, farms today are fewer, larger, more specialized and more capital intensive. At the regional level, increases in monoculture farming meant that the whole agricultural support infrastructure (i.e. research, extension, suppliers, storage, transport, markets, etc.) has become more specialized" (Altieri, 2000). Larger-scaled industrial farms have become so expanded that it is very difficult for there to exist nat | 9,076 | 10,000 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#0_4610204 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World
Home » Solutions » Sustainable Agriculture
Seawater Farming
Problem
Seawater farming addresses the severe lack of freshwater and undesirable soil conditions for agricultural activities in coastal regions. Saltwater, instead of freshwater, can be used to directly support a wide range of sustainable agricultural activities and enrich the soils in the coastal regions. Freshwater, which is defined by having much lower salts and ions concentration than seawater and brackish water, only composes about 2.75% out of all water on Earth, and 74.5% of all freshwater are contained in the glaciers, which are not readily available for consumption. Freshwater is not distributed evenly, and in many regions around the world, such as the Sub-Sahara region and the Sub-Indian continent, water is seriously scarce or heavily contaminated. Freshwater plays an important role in the biological system and are used in many human activities: drinking, recreation, industry and most importantly, food production. Food production, such as agriculture, consumes a large body of freshwater and the lack of freshwater poses a grave challenge to food security and the eradication of hunger in many places in the world. Seawater farming directly addresses this problem by proposing a radically different method of agriculture that does not depend on freshwater and thus relieves the existing constraint on the current freshwater body. In addition, field researches and experiments have shown that seawater farming can transform soil conditions and increase humidity and rainfalls, which will help to further increase the body of freshwater for future consumption. | 0 | 1,693 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#1_4612265 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| Freshwater plays an important role in the biological system and are used in many human activities: drinking, recreation, industry and most importantly, food production. Food production, such as agriculture, consumes a large body of freshwater and the lack of freshwater poses a grave challenge to food security and the eradication of hunger in many places in the world. Seawater farming directly addresses this problem by proposing a radically different method of agriculture that does not depend on freshwater and thus relieves the existing constraint on the current freshwater body. In addition, field researches and experiments have shown that seawater farming can transform soil conditions and increase humidity and rainfalls, which will help to further increase the body of freshwater for future consumption. While many projects have demonstrated the viability of seawater farming in specific locations, little researches have been done to study seawater farming in a wide variety of conditions. In addition, existing seawater projects rely on a combination of technology and indigenous socioeconomic factors, which might not be easily replicated elsewhere. Thus, although seawater farming has great potential, we need to proceed with caution to prevent severe disruption to the existing environments, which are often very fragile. Therefore, we propose to implement small-scaled, pilot seawater projects in different locations around the world to do field research and collect data. The timeline for the small pilot project is about 2-5 years. | 880 | 2,429 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#2_4614170 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| While many projects have demonstrated the viability of seawater farming in specific locations, little researches have been done to study seawater farming in a wide variety of conditions. In addition, existing seawater projects rely on a combination of technology and indigenous socioeconomic factors, which might not be easily replicated elsewhere. Thus, although seawater farming has great potential, we need to proceed with caution to prevent severe disruption to the existing environments, which are often very fragile. Therefore, we propose to implement small-scaled, pilot seawater projects in different locations around the world to do field research and collect data. The timeline for the small pilot project is about 2-5 years. After that period, an evaluation will be done in order to decide upon the implementation of large-scaled seawater farming projects. The specific details of the pilot projects, such as locations, budgets and methodology, will be further elaborated in later section. Existing pilot projects are running independently in Eritrea ( Seawater Forest Initiative ), Mexico ( Seawater Foundation, Bahia Kino ), the United Arab Emigrate ( UAE University) and Australia ( Seawater Green House ). Those projects are managed by independent private organizations, with funding coming from both the public and private sectors, and are implemented in very different methodologies, which will be elaborated in the next section. Implementation
There are different techniques in sustainable “seawater farming”. | 1,693 | 3,221 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#3_4616065 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
Problem
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Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| After that period, an evaluation will be done in order to decide upon the implementation of large-scaled seawater farming projects. The specific details of the pilot projects, such as locations, budgets and methodology, will be further elaborated in later section. Existing pilot projects are running independently in Eritrea ( Seawater Forest Initiative ), Mexico ( Seawater Foundation, Bahia Kino ), the United Arab Emigrate ( UAE University) and Australia ( Seawater Green House ). Those projects are managed by independent private organizations, with funding coming from both the public and private sectors, and are implemented in very different methodologies, which will be elaborated in the next section. Implementation
There are different techniques in sustainable “seawater farming”. In Australia, as proposed by Seawater Greenhouse Foundation, seawater are evaporated using sunlight in “green-house” to produce freshwater, which are used to support farming crops such as potatoes, cucumbers and fruits. The salts, by products of the process, are collected and processed into gourmet salts. It is estimated that the seawater green-house has a reduced fixed cost of 10-15% less and operational cost of 10-25% less than the conventional green-house while returns 15-35% more. Seawater Greenhouse Foundation who has designed the existing technology has proposed a pilot project to build an experimental station in Sahara, which will be followed by a large-scaled project. Figure 1. | 2,430 | 3,916 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#4_4617929 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
Problem
Implementation
Finances
Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| In Australia, as proposed by Seawater Greenhouse Foundation, seawater are evaporated using sunlight in “green-house” to produce freshwater, which are used to support farming crops such as potatoes, cucumbers and fruits. The salts, by products of the process, are collected and processed into gourmet salts. It is estimated that the seawater green-house has a reduced fixed cost of 10-15% less and operational cost of 10-25% less than the conventional green-house while returns 15-35% more. Seawater Greenhouse Foundation who has designed the existing technology has proposed a pilot project to build an experimental station in Sahara, which will be followed by a large-scaled project. Figure 1. Diagram of a “seawater greenhouse”: the humid conditions inside the greenhouse is created by the evaporation of seawater at the front of the building at the “seawater surface” through porous cardboard. Some evaporated seawater is condensed as freshwater to irrigate the crops or stored away for future usage. When the air leaves the growing area, it passes through the second evaporator over which seawater is flowing. The air is warmed up and humidified since this seawater has been heated by the sun in a network of pipes above the growing area. | 3,222 | 4,464 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#5_4619558 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| Diagram of a “seawater greenhouse”: the humid conditions inside the greenhouse is created by the evaporation of seawater at the front of the building at the “seawater surface” through porous cardboard. Some evaporated seawater is condensed as freshwater to irrigate the crops or stored away for future usage. When the air leaves the growing area, it passes through the second evaporator over which seawater is flowing. The air is warmed up and humidified since this seawater has been heated by the sun in a network of pipes above the growing area. The humidified air then meets a series of vertical pipes through which cool seawater passes and condense water droplets that run down to the base to be collected. Increased humidity in the air will also help to increase regional rainfalls. The entire operation is run by solar energy, with very little additional electricity input. Retrieved from http://seawatergreenhouse.com on November 24, 2010. In Eritrea and Mexico, under a different approach proposed by Carl Hodges, astrophysicist-turned environmental entrepreneur, the saltwater is used in a complex system of integrated farming. | 3,917 | 5,053 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#6_4621071 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| The humidified air then meets a series of vertical pipes through which cool seawater passes and condense water droplets that run down to the base to be collected. Increased humidity in the air will also help to increase regional rainfalls. The entire operation is run by solar energy, with very little additional electricity input. Retrieved from http://seawatergreenhouse.com on November 24, 2010. In Eritrea and Mexico, under a different approach proposed by Carl Hodges, astrophysicist-turned environmental entrepreneur, the saltwater is used in a complex system of integrated farming. A key feature of integrated farming is the emphasis on multi-species cultivations: shrimps, fish, mangroves, seaweeds and live-stocks. In such a system, wastes from one species are managed as nutrients for another species and thus effectively minimized to prevent pollution to the environment. Figure 2. An illustration of the integrated seawater farming. | 4,465 | 5,409 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#7_4622372 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| A key feature of integrated farming is the emphasis on multi-species cultivations: shrimps, fish, mangroves, seaweeds and live-stocks. In such a system, wastes from one species are managed as nutrients for another species and thus effectively minimized to prevent pollution to the environment. Figure 2. An illustration of the integrated seawater farming. Received from http://www.seawaterfoundation.org on November 24, 2010
There are many stages in Carl Hodges’s proposed farming system. First, seawater is channeled from the sea into shrimps and fish-farms. Rich nutrients from sea-water are used to grow saline-tolerant, profitable species such as white-leg shrimp ( Penaeus vannamei ), Indian prawn ( Penaeus indicus ), tilapia fish and milk-fish ( chanos chanos ). The water from the shrimp and fish farms, enriched with organic matters, are channeled into large farms that grow halophytes (S alicornia )and mangroves. These species of trees are highly tolerant of salt and can remove salt from the water and retain them in the bodies. | 5,054 | 6,094 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#8_4623775 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| Received from http://www.seawaterfoundation.org on November 24, 2010
There are many stages in Carl Hodges’s proposed farming system. First, seawater is channeled from the sea into shrimps and fish-farms. Rich nutrients from sea-water are used to grow saline-tolerant, profitable species such as white-leg shrimp ( Penaeus vannamei ), Indian prawn ( Penaeus indicus ), tilapia fish and milk-fish ( chanos chanos ). The water from the shrimp and fish farms, enriched with organic matters, are channeled into large farms that grow halophytes (S alicornia )and mangroves. These species of trees are highly tolerant of salt and can remove salt from the water and retain them in the bodies. The bodies and leaves, while processed are suitable for human consumption, can be fed directly to live-stocks such as goats and camels. The left-over roots help to stabilize the soil against erosions. Water evaporation from vast-stretches of seawater farm will increase humidity and rainfalls, bringing desirable conditions for other economic activities. The long-term objective of this farming system is the transforming of the coastal region through sustainable and natural means: increased humidity and enriched soil will eventually be able to support fresh-water farming. | 5,410 | 6,670 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#9_4625398 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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| The bodies and leaves, while processed are suitable for human consumption, can be fed directly to live-stocks such as goats and camels. The left-over roots help to stabilize the soil against erosions. Water evaporation from vast-stretches of seawater farm will increase humidity and rainfalls, bringing desirable conditions for other economic activities. The long-term objective of this farming system is the transforming of the coastal region through sustainable and natural means: increased humidity and enriched soil will eventually be able to support fresh-water farming. Zanella (2009) succinctly summarized the basic components of seawater farming: a shrimp production facility, a mangrove forest, wetland systems, and field of the halophyte Salicornia. Each component must meet specific criteria in the eco-system of the integrated farm. The shrimp production facility must be made in concrete ponds to prevent the seeping and contamination of saltwater into the aquifer beneath. After the seawater is channeled into the shrimp and fish farm, the mangrove forest is flood-irrigated with the effluent from the shrimp and fish farms. | 6,095 | 7,233 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#10_4626893 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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Finances
Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| Zanella (2009) succinctly summarized the basic components of seawater farming: a shrimp production facility, a mangrove forest, wetland systems, and field of the halophyte Salicornia. Each component must meet specific criteria in the eco-system of the integrated farm. The shrimp production facility must be made in concrete ponds to prevent the seeping and contamination of saltwater into the aquifer beneath. After the seawater is channeled into the shrimp and fish farm, the mangrove forest is flood-irrigated with the effluent from the shrimp and fish farms. Some water are filtered and return to the sea, while the rest are used to irrigate the wetlands, the Salicornia fields and the mangrove trees. Unlike the Australian Seawater Greenhouse, Carl Hodges’ seawater integrated farm does not directly produce fruits, vegetables or grains. However, seawater integrated farm indirectly reduces hunger by creatively increasing means of productions, creating jobs and eradicating the poverty problem. Mission 2014 Study has indicated that the world agricultural system is currently producing enough food to feed everyone but the poorest do not have the mean to access them. Thus, when the people are employed through seawater integrated farming, they can use the money to purchase the food that they need. | 6,670 | 7,976 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#11_4628561 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
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Works cited:
| Some water are filtered and return to the sea, while the rest are used to irrigate the wetlands, the Salicornia fields and the mangrove trees. Unlike the Australian Seawater Greenhouse, Carl Hodges’ seawater integrated farm does not directly produce fruits, vegetables or grains. However, seawater integrated farm indirectly reduces hunger by creatively increasing means of productions, creating jobs and eradicating the poverty problem. Mission 2014 Study has indicated that the world agricultural system is currently producing enough food to feed everyone but the poorest do not have the mean to access them. Thus, when the people are employed through seawater integrated farming, they can use the money to purchase the food that they need. At the peak of its operations in Eritrea, the farms employed almost 800 local people, shipped one metric ton of premium shrimp a week to Europe or the Middle East and cultivated 100 hectares of the oil seed crop salicornia, and was completing the planting of 100 hectares of seawater forest. Additionally it created a 60 hectare wetland, which welcomed over 200 species of birds and many other animals to a new home in the desert and kept the used aquaculture seawater from returning directly to the sea. ( Marty Dickenson, 2008)
In addition to eradicating hunger and poverty, seawater integrated farming holds promise to solve climate and energy problems. Recent studies have also suggested that the farmed halophytes such as Salicornia can be used to make biofuels. A NASA study shows that farming Salicornia on the area equivalent to Sahara desert can meet 90% of the energy demand of the world. | 7,234 | 8,874 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#12_4630566 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
Problem
Implementation
Finances
Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| At the peak of its operations in Eritrea, the farms employed almost 800 local people, shipped one metric ton of premium shrimp a week to Europe or the Middle East and cultivated 100 hectares of the oil seed crop salicornia, and was completing the planting of 100 hectares of seawater forest. Additionally it created a 60 hectare wetland, which welcomed over 200 species of birds and many other animals to a new home in the desert and kept the used aquaculture seawater from returning directly to the sea. ( Marty Dickenson, 2008)
In addition to eradicating hunger and poverty, seawater integrated farming holds promise to solve climate and energy problems. Recent studies have also suggested that the farmed halophytes such as Salicornia can be used to make biofuels. A NASA study shows that farming Salicornia on the area equivalent to Sahara desert can meet 90% of the energy demand of the world. Currently, Seawater Global Inc, a for-profit corporation that spins off from Seawater Foundation, is marketing processed biofuels made from Salicornia. OASE ( Organisation for Agriculture in Saline Environments ), a similar organization in Europe, is marketing several Sacorlina-based food products (under trade-marked names as “FreshTips”, “Kelp Chips”, “Zeekraal”, “CHIPS UIT ZEE”) to EU markets. Finances
Past projects have been successfully funded by FAO, the World Bank and local governments. Private investors have shown increased interest in seawater greenhouse and integrated farming of Sacorlina as biofuel materials. Estimated cost for a seawater greenhouse: | 7,976 | 9,543 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3662030#13_4632533 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/solutions/seawater-farming | Seawater Farming | Mission 2014: Feeding the World |
Seawater Farming
Problem
Implementation
Finances
Proposed pilot projects:
Works cited:
| Currently, Seawater Global Inc, a for-profit corporation that spins off from Seawater Foundation, is marketing processed biofuels made from Salicornia. OASE ( Organisation for Agriculture in Saline Environments ), a similar organization in Europe, is marketing several Sacorlina-based food products (under trade-marked names as “FreshTips”, “Kelp Chips”, “Zeekraal”, “CHIPS UIT ZEE”) to EU markets. Finances
Past projects have been successfully funded by FAO, the World Bank and local governments. Private investors have shown increased interest in seawater greenhouse and integrated farming of Sacorlina as biofuel materials. Estimated cost for a seawater greenhouse: about $140/m2
Estimated area for a seawater greenhouse: ~ 2000 m2 ~ $280000
Seawater integrated farm needs a much larger initial investment of 15-35 million dollars, depending on locations. Budget might include initial purchase/lease of land, purchase/lease of tractors and other heavy machines, purchase of initial seeds of plants and animals. Proposed pilot projects: We propose to implement a number of pilot projects to investigate the feasibility of i | 8,875 | 10,000 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#0_4634060 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Water Access in South Africa | Water for all
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
South Africa has a population of 51 million people with 60 percent of the population living in urban environments and 40 percent living in rural settlements. Currently, South Africa has access to surface water (77 percent of total use), groundwater (9 percent of total use), and recycled water (14 percent of total use) [1]. However, the population’s dependence on water is not evenly distributed. Due to a lack of water infrastructure in rural settlements, 74 percent of all rural people are entirely dependent upon groundwater (i.e. local wells and pumps) [1]. On the other hand, cities with universal water distribution systems get most of their water from surface sources like the Limpopo and Komati rivers [1]. Due to immigration and population growth, growth in rural settlements is putting stress on South Africa’s water supply. Currently, 19 percent of the rural population lacks access to a reliable water supply and 33 percent do not have basic sanitation services [1]. While rural citizens suffer the most, over 26 percent of all schools (urban or rural), and 45 percent of clinics, have no water access either [1]. Figure 1: | 0 | 1,261 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#1_4635853 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| On the other hand, cities with universal water distribution systems get most of their water from surface sources like the Limpopo and Komati rivers [1]. Due to immigration and population growth, growth in rural settlements is putting stress on South Africa’s water supply. Currently, 19 percent of the rural population lacks access to a reliable water supply and 33 percent do not have basic sanitation services [1]. While rural citizens suffer the most, over 26 percent of all schools (urban or rural), and 45 percent of clinics, have no water access either [1]. Figure 1: Geographic map of South Africa displaying its major rivers [11]
Despite the apparent lack of water in South Africa, a large portion of South Africa’s GDP is directly dependent upon water. For example, over 15 percent of its GDP comes from agriculture, which uses 60 percent of South Africa’s water supply [1]. Another major use of South Africa’s water is energy production (2 percent of national supply). In fact, South Africa is the world’s fourth largest exporter of coal [1]. Finally, South Africa’s industry sector, which contributes about 29 percent of the nation’s total GDP, uses almost 11 percent of the nations water [1]. | 688 | 1,892 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#2_4637609 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Geographic map of South Africa displaying its major rivers [11]
Despite the apparent lack of water in South Africa, a large portion of South Africa’s GDP is directly dependent upon water. For example, over 15 percent of its GDP comes from agriculture, which uses 60 percent of South Africa’s water supply [1]. Another major use of South Africa’s water is energy production (2 percent of national supply). In fact, South Africa is the world’s fourth largest exporter of coal [1]. Finally, South Africa’s industry sector, which contributes about 29 percent of the nation’s total GDP, uses almost 11 percent of the nations water [1]. However, because a large portion of South Africa’s industry sector is in mining, the sector’s impact on water goes far beyond 11 percent a year. In fact, the National Water Act was created in 1998 to stop the extensive pollution from mine runoff that severely contaminated South African water supplies [1]. Mission 2017’s Solutions
Mission 2017 has identified two parts parts of the water access problem that need to be solved. The first part is to find a way to physically get water to people who need it. The second part is to find an available water source from which water can be given. | 1,262 | 2,483 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#3_4639394 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| However, because a large portion of South Africa’s industry sector is in mining, the sector’s impact on water goes far beyond 11 percent a year. In fact, the National Water Act was created in 1998 to stop the extensive pollution from mine runoff that severely contaminated South African water supplies [1]. Mission 2017’s Solutions
Mission 2017 has identified two parts parts of the water access problem that need to be solved. The first part is to find a way to physically get water to people who need it. The second part is to find an available water source from which water can be given. Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Currently, South Africa has a policy called Free Basic Water Access. According to the South African Constitution every citizen is entitled to a certain amount of water regardless of his ability to pay for it; this policy defines the amount of entitlement be 6000 liters per household per month [5]. However, the organization in charge of water allocation, the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (SADWAF), is ineffective at determining what amount of water people use per month in rural areas where there is a lack monitoring devices [5]. By not monitoring water usage, SADWAF is unable to determine when a waterline has broken or how much to charge water-users when they go beyond 6000 litres a month. | 1,893 | 3,237 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#4_4641272 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Currently, South Africa has a policy called Free Basic Water Access. According to the South African Constitution every citizen is entitled to a certain amount of water regardless of his ability to pay for it; this policy defines the amount of entitlement be 6000 liters per household per month [5]. However, the organization in charge of water allocation, the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (SADWAF), is ineffective at determining what amount of water people use per month in rural areas where there is a lack monitoring devices [5]. By not monitoring water usage, SADWAF is unable to determine when a waterline has broken or how much to charge water-users when they go beyond 6000 litres a month. Because broken water lines can be traced to well over 20 percent of all “stolen” or lost water, South Africa loses much of its available water supply due to communication errors [8]. A nationwide installment of water meters, or a device that measures water flow into a household, would help account for missing water. The SADWAF could then bill houses appropriately and begin collecting money for extra water usage. Technicians inside SADWAF would be able to identify if a tap line broke when an erratic drop in water usage occurred. Upon realizing this petrols would be sent out to fix the break and ensure that rural areas have continued access to water. | 2,483 | 3,894 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#5_4643210 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Because broken water lines can be traced to well over 20 percent of all “stolen” or lost water, South Africa loses much of its available water supply due to communication errors [8]. A nationwide installment of water meters, or a device that measures water flow into a household, would help account for missing water. The SADWAF could then bill houses appropriately and begin collecting money for extra water usage. Technicians inside SADWAF would be able to identify if a tap line broke when an erratic drop in water usage occurred. Upon realizing this petrols would be sent out to fix the break and ensure that rural areas have continued access to water. Even though purchasing meters and installing them would cost the South African government money, this money could be raised from the personal income tax [10]. Truthfully, the source of the money does not matter because the cost would be offset by correctly charging for water purchases. Thus, proper management of water will increase Africa’s usable water supply because less of it will be wasted. The next step is establishing access for people without water. An estimated 7 million people that live in rural settlements do not have access to water [1]. | 3,238 | 4,449 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#6_4644953 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Even though purchasing meters and installing them would cost the South African government money, this money could be raised from the personal income tax [10]. Truthfully, the source of the money does not matter because the cost would be offset by correctly charging for water purchases. Thus, proper management of water will increase Africa’s usable water supply because less of it will be wasted. The next step is establishing access for people without water. An estimated 7 million people that live in rural settlements do not have access to water [1]. Though building up the necessary tap systems (pipes and other infrastructure that will deliver the villages reliable water) is the long term goal, the short term solution would be to use water trucks to bring these settlements water on a weekly (or if necessary daily) basis similar to how the Ethiopian Government supports the Melbena Village by providing the villagers with 6 cubic meters of water at a time [9]. To do this the SADWAF would set up a registration system where government officials identify and sign up each rural community for a water delivery schedule based on the amount of people living there. Because the standard is 6000 liters for a family of 4 per month [3], trucks would supply each individual with 375 liters of water each week to ensure that quota is met. Not only would this solve the issue of monitoring the amount of water each person has access to but it would also provide the necessary immediate water relief which will saves lives. The long term solution (within 20 years) would be building a communal tap-water system that could make use of groundwater (i.e. using a well) or rainwater. | 3,895 | 5,572 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#7_4647152 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Though building up the necessary tap systems (pipes and other infrastructure that will deliver the villages reliable water) is the long term goal, the short term solution would be to use water trucks to bring these settlements water on a weekly (or if necessary daily) basis similar to how the Ethiopian Government supports the Melbena Village by providing the villagers with 6 cubic meters of water at a time [9]. To do this the SADWAF would set up a registration system where government officials identify and sign up each rural community for a water delivery schedule based on the amount of people living there. Because the standard is 6000 liters for a family of 4 per month [3], trucks would supply each individual with 375 liters of water each week to ensure that quota is met. Not only would this solve the issue of monitoring the amount of water each person has access to but it would also provide the necessary immediate water relief which will saves lives. The long term solution (within 20 years) would be building a communal tap-water system that could make use of groundwater (i.e. using a well) or rainwater. Communal tap systems would be constructed uniquely for each village but they can be as simple as a series of water storage tanks that feed into households or a communal faucet located at the center of the village. Money would be required to build communal systems but there are various routes for this. The cost could be split up amongst the families in the community or the money could come from Private-Public Partnerships (PPP’s) in which private companies partner with either local or national governments to provide the funds to construct a communal tap system . Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
Currently, South Africa is using water within their natural supply’s limits (they are using 98 percent of their predicted total resources). Unfortunately, they are not using it efficiently. | 4,450 | 6,381 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#8_4649611 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Communal tap systems would be constructed uniquely for each village but they can be as simple as a series of water storage tanks that feed into households or a communal faucet located at the center of the village. Money would be required to build communal systems but there are various routes for this. The cost could be split up amongst the families in the community or the money could come from Private-Public Partnerships (PPP’s) in which private companies partner with either local or national governments to provide the funds to construct a communal tap system . Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
Currently, South Africa is using water within their natural supply’s limits (they are using 98 percent of their predicted total resources). Unfortunately, they are not using it efficiently. In addition to the stolen or lost water, South Africa is also losing over 1.5 billion cubic meters of water a year due to faulty piping infrastructure that has outlived its lifespan [7]. Ideally, broken pipes would be replaced and updated as necessary. However, funds may not be available for this all at once. Due to costs and inefficiencies in bureaucracy, Mission 2017 believes that the time it would take to replace all the necessary pipes and water infrastructure could be greatly reduced if the private sector helped with the repairs (both costs and workers) through PPP’s. In this strategy, the South African government would give out several small contracts to local construction companies and have each company replace the pipes in a given region. | 5,573 | 7,138 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#9_4651709 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| In addition to the stolen or lost water, South Africa is also losing over 1.5 billion cubic meters of water a year due to faulty piping infrastructure that has outlived its lifespan [7]. Ideally, broken pipes would be replaced and updated as necessary. However, funds may not be available for this all at once. Due to costs and inefficiencies in bureaucracy, Mission 2017 believes that the time it would take to replace all the necessary pipes and water infrastructure could be greatly reduced if the private sector helped with the repairs (both costs and workers) through PPP’s. In this strategy, the South African government would give out several small contracts to local construction companies and have each company replace the pipes in a given region. To ensure that the pipes are replaced quickly incentives can be used that allow the government to pay the company less if they finish beyond a given deadline. With multiple groups working on the project and each group having a small region, the pipes would be replaced faster. South Africa will face serious water problems if steps are not taken to increase the country’s efficiency of water use or or ability to distribute water to its people. Mission 2017 believes that the solutions outlined above, including the use of water meters and truck delivery routes, will greatly reduce the amount of water being wasted or lost. Though this particular composition of solutions may be unique to South Africa, there are several other countries around the globe that are suffering from similar or related issues to the same or worse extents. | 6,382 | 7,973 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#10_4653827 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| To ensure that the pipes are replaced quickly incentives can be used that allow the government to pay the company less if they finish beyond a given deadline. With multiple groups working on the project and each group having a small region, the pipes would be replaced faster. South Africa will face serious water problems if steps are not taken to increase the country’s efficiency of water use or or ability to distribute water to its people. Mission 2017 believes that the solutions outlined above, including the use of water meters and truck delivery routes, will greatly reduce the amount of water being wasted or lost. Though this particular composition of solutions may be unique to South Africa, there are several other countries around the globe that are suffering from similar or related issues to the same or worse extents. Mission 2017 believes it can combat the water issues of any given country by applying the appropriate combination and scale of their solutions. References
1. UN Water. Water a Shared Responsibility (2006). Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001454/145405e.pdf#page=519
2. | 7,139 | 8,263 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#11_4655476 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Mission 2017 believes it can combat the water issues of any given country by applying the appropriate combination and scale of their solutions. References
1. UN Water. Water a Shared Responsibility (2006). Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001454/145405e.pdf#page=519
2. Diseko, Lebo. South Africa’s Brain-Drain Generation Returning Home (November 2010). Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/18/south.africa.migration/
3. National Water Resource Strategy. National Development Plan (2010). | 7,974 | 8,500 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#12_4656528 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Diseko, Lebo. South Africa’s Brain-Drain Generation Returning Home (November 2010). Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/18/south.africa.migration/
3. National Water Resource Strategy. National Development Plan (2010). Retrieved from http://www.dwaf.gov.za/nwrs/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=JxvvEsGAAm8%3d&tabid=91&mid=496
4. Boccaletti, Guilio. Confronting South Africa’s Water Crisis (2010). Retrieved from http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/sustainability/confronting_south_africas_water_challenge
5. Gothren, Paula G. Understanding Rural Water Supply and Access in South Africa (2013). | 8,264 | 8,866 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#13_4657661 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Retrieved from http://www.dwaf.gov.za/nwrs/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=JxvvEsGAAm8%3d&tabid=91&mid=496
4. Boccaletti, Guilio. Confronting South Africa’s Water Crisis (2010). Retrieved from http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/sustainability/confronting_south_africas_water_challenge
5. Gothren, Paula G. Understanding Rural Water Supply and Access in South Africa (2013). Retrieved from http://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/dr/bitstream/1840.4/8147/1/
6. Department of Water and Forestry. Q & A Brochure (2002). Retrieved from http://www.dwaf.gov.za/documents/fbw/qabrochureaug2002.pdf
7. Sapa. | 8,501 | 9,083 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#14_4658770 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Retrieved from http://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/dr/bitstream/1840.4/8147/1/
6. Department of Water and Forestry. Q & A Brochure (2002). Retrieved from http://www.dwaf.gov.za/documents/fbw/qabrochureaug2002.pdf
7. Sapa. SA Lost 1.58 Billion Kiloliters – Report (2013). Retrieved from http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/sa-lost-1-58-billion-kilolitres-report-1.1536163#.UpqXQMRDtzU
8. The Water Project. Water in Crisis – South Africa (2013). Retrieved from http://thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-south-africa.php
9. | 8,867 | 9,387 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#15_4659822 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| SA Lost 1.58 Billion Kiloliters – Report (2013). Retrieved from http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/sa-lost-1-58-billion-kilolitres-report-1.1536163#.UpqXQMRDtzU
8. The Water Project. Water in Crisis – South Africa (2013). Retrieved from http://thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-south-africa.php
9. Getachew, Indrias. In Ethiopia, Water Trucks Provide Essential Life-Line Amidst Drought
(September 2011). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ethiopia_59887.html
10. SARS. Personal Income Tax (2013). | 9,084 | 9,602 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3675856#16_4660872 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/case-studies/water-access-in-south-africa/ | Water Access in South Africa | Water for all | Water Access in South Africa
Water Access in South Africa
Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation
Mission 2017’s Solutions
Addressing Lack of Rural Access
Addressing Inefficient Use of Water and Management
References
| Getachew, Indrias. In Ethiopia, Water Trucks Provide Essential Life-Line Amidst Drought
(September 2011). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ethiopia_59887.html
10. SARS. Personal Income Tax (2013). Retrieved fromm http://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/PIT/Pages/default.aspx
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South Africa an Overview (2013). Retrieved from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-4-select-destinations/south-africa | 9,388 | 9,856 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3686321#0_4661861 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/dams-and-reservoirs/ | Dams and Reservoirs | Water for all | Dams and Reservoirs
Dams and Reservoirs
Background
Uses of Dams
Irrigation
Hydroelectric power
Supply Water
Flood Control
Multipurpose Dams
Environmental and Social Costs of Dams
Environmental Effects
Changing aquatic ecosystems
Sedimentation
Greenhouse gas emission
Evaporation
Seismic Activity
Social Effects
Displacement of People
Human Health Risks
Steps that must be taken
Timeline of implementation of solution
1. Disassemble old, outdated dams
2. Make Existing Dams More Efficient
3. Transitioning to Alternative Solutions in the Stead of Dams
4. Make sure new proposed dams are built at a site that result in the least amount of damage
Mitigating environmental and social effects of functioning dams
Factors that should be considered when building dams
Conclusion
References:
| Dams and Reservoirs | Water for all
Dams and Reservoirs
Background
Dams have been used to provide a store of water for agriculture, industrial uses, household uses for thousands of years. Hydroelectric dams, additionally, act as an alternative to non-renewable energy resources that constitutes the majority of the world’s energy [1]. In the 20th century, over $2 trillion was spent on making dams around the world [2]. However, dams have drastic damaging effects on the environment and on the populations that live near the dams and so have become the subject of great scrutiny, with organizations concerned with environmental health such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Rivers advocating the removal of old dams and the use of alternatives [3] [4]. Initiatives have been taken around the US to remove old, outdated dams [5]. In this article, Mission 2017 looks into the uses of dams and ways of maximizing their efficiency and minimizing their environmental damage. The first part of the article looks into the details of dams and their problems and the second part deals with possible solutions to the problems. Uses of Dams
Water Dams and Reservoirs have primarily been used to serve four functions [8]: Irrigate crops
Provide hydroelectric power
Supply water
Control flooding
Out of the 38,000 large scale dams registered by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), an international organization that sets the standards for dams, 50 percent are used for irrigation, 18 percent for hydropower, 12 percent for water supply and 10 percent for flood control and the rest for other functions [8]
Irrigation
The vast quantities of water in reservoirs allow them to act as effective and steady sources of water for irrigation with minimal seasonal fluctuations. 30 to 40 percent of the 271 million hectares that are irrigated worldwide rely on irrigation dams [2]. | 0 | 1,888 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3686321#1_4664815 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/dams-and-reservoirs/ | Dams and Reservoirs | Water for all | Dams and Reservoirs
Dams and Reservoirs
Background
Uses of Dams
Irrigation
Hydroelectric power
Supply Water
Flood Control
Multipurpose Dams
Environmental and Social Costs of Dams
Environmental Effects
Changing aquatic ecosystems
Sedimentation
Greenhouse gas emission
Evaporation
Seismic Activity
Social Effects
Displacement of People
Human Health Risks
Steps that must be taken
Timeline of implementation of solution
1. Disassemble old, outdated dams
2. Make Existing Dams More Efficient
3. Transitioning to Alternative Solutions in the Stead of Dams
4. Make sure new proposed dams are built at a site that result in the least amount of damage
Mitigating environmental and social effects of functioning dams
Factors that should be considered when building dams
Conclusion
References:
| In this article, Mission 2017 looks into the uses of dams and ways of maximizing their efficiency and minimizing their environmental damage. The first part of the article looks into the details of dams and their problems and the second part deals with possible solutions to the problems. Uses of Dams
Water Dams and Reservoirs have primarily been used to serve four functions [8]: Irrigate crops
Provide hydroelectric power
Supply water
Control flooding
Out of the 38,000 large scale dams registered by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), an international organization that sets the standards for dams, 50 percent are used for irrigation, 18 percent for hydropower, 12 percent for water supply and 10 percent for flood control and the rest for other functions [8]
Irrigation
The vast quantities of water in reservoirs allow them to act as effective and steady sources of water for irrigation with minimal seasonal fluctuations. 30 to 40 percent of the 271 million hectares that are irrigated worldwide rely on irrigation dams [2]. A study done by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) [7], a commission organized by the World Bank and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to assess the effectiveness of large dams, showed that dams built for irrigation typically are unable to provide water for the planned area of land initially, but the performance improves over time [26]. According to the WCD, half of the 52 large water storage projects for irrigation it examined failed to meet the expected goals the dams had been initially planned for. However, the general trend shows irrigated area increasing from 70 percent in five years to 100 percent of the planned area in ten years [8]. The dams examined by the WCD that did not meet their initial goals often had failures at the management or organizational level rather than structural or engineering deficits. These problems often included poor and insufficient water distribution networks, inefficiencies resulting from a centralized administrative system with unclear distribution of responsibilities, poor coordination within the system and lack of initiative to involve the local stakeholders (the farmers, etc.) [ | 842 | 3,024 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3686321#2_4668057 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/dams-and-reservoirs/ | Dams and Reservoirs | Water for all | Dams and Reservoirs
Dams and Reservoirs
Background
Uses of Dams
Irrigation
Hydroelectric power
Supply Water
Flood Control
Multipurpose Dams
Environmental and Social Costs of Dams
Environmental Effects
Changing aquatic ecosystems
Sedimentation
Greenhouse gas emission
Evaporation
Seismic Activity
Social Effects
Displacement of People
Human Health Risks
Steps that must be taken
Timeline of implementation of solution
1. Disassemble old, outdated dams
2. Make Existing Dams More Efficient
3. Transitioning to Alternative Solutions in the Stead of Dams
4. Make sure new proposed dams are built at a site that result in the least amount of damage
Mitigating environmental and social effects of functioning dams
Factors that should be considered when building dams
Conclusion
References:
| A study done by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) [7], a commission organized by the World Bank and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to assess the effectiveness of large dams, showed that dams built for irrigation typically are unable to provide water for the planned area of land initially, but the performance improves over time [26]. According to the WCD, half of the 52 large water storage projects for irrigation it examined failed to meet the expected goals the dams had been initially planned for. However, the general trend shows irrigated area increasing from 70 percent in five years to 100 percent of the planned area in ten years [8]. The dams examined by the WCD that did not meet their initial goals often had failures at the management or organizational level rather than structural or engineering deficits. These problems often included poor and insufficient water distribution networks, inefficiencies resulting from a centralized administrative system with unclear distribution of responsibilities, poor coordination within the system and lack of initiative to involve the local stakeholders (the farmers, etc.) [ 8]. Involving those who run the dam and those in the community could greatly benefit the performance of the dam. Hydroelectric power
Dams can harvest gravitational potential energy to provide electrical power at low rates. Nineteen percent of world’s electricity supply comes from hydroelectric dams [2]. Hydropower dams are able to reach their targets within five years, and around fifty percent of the hydropower dams worldwide actual exceed their targets [8]. | 1,889 | 3,486 |
msmarco_v2.1_doc_00_3686321#3_4670715 | http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2017/dams-and-reservoirs/ | Dams and Reservoirs | Water for all | Dams and Reservoirs
Dams and Reservoirs
Background
Uses of Dams
Irrigation
Hydroelectric power
Supply Water
Flood Control
Multipurpose Dams
Environmental and Social Costs of Dams
Environmental Effects
Changing aquatic ecosystems
Sedimentation
Greenhouse gas emission
Evaporation
Seismic Activity
Social Effects
Displacement of People
Human Health Risks
Steps that must be taken
Timeline of implementation of solution
1. Disassemble old, outdated dams
2. Make Existing Dams More Efficient
3. Transitioning to Alternative Solutions in the Stead of Dams
4. Make sure new proposed dams are built at a site that result in the least amount of damage
Mitigating environmental and social effects of functioning dams
Factors that should be considered when building dams
Conclusion
References:
| 8]. Involving those who run the dam and those in the community could greatly benefit the performance of the dam. Hydroelectric power
Dams can harvest gravitational potential energy to provide electrical power at low rates. Nineteen percent of world’s electricity supply comes from hydroelectric dams [2]. Hydropower dams are able to reach their targets within five years, and around fifty percent of the hydropower dams worldwide actual exceed their targets [8]. As with irrigation dams, mistakes or changes at early points of project development are strongly correlated with delays in reaching anticipated power generation goals at the initial years of operation [8]. The initial stages of project development are especially important, and improvements and organization at these phases could improve the ability of dams of attaining their set goals within their intended timeframe. Supply Water
The water in the reservoirs can be sent to treatment plants to make it suitable for drinking. The reservoir already provides some filtration since silts and other particles settle to the base of the reservoir and algae and aerobic bacteria destroy harmful microorganisms [9]. Water supply dams are not very good at reaching their intended levels of operation even after a decade of operation: | 3,024 | 4,312 |
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