Shiffting Spaces
Asynchronous Session
Assessment of the Agro-ecological Transition in Olive Groves in Southern Spain View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Laura Sánchez Mata
Agri-food systems are facing the challenge of climate change, with increasing phenomena such as drought, loss of biodiversity and desertification. Some public policies, such as Common Agricultural Policy in the European Union, are leading to develop an agricultural activity increasingly focuses on the search for environmentally friendly practices in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. Agroecology, defined as an integrated approach to ecological concepts and principles, is key to transforming European Union agri-food systems into more resilient, sustainable and inclusive systems. In this context, this study aims to add on information on agroecological performance. The analysis focuses on olive grove farms in Southern Spain, as it is the country's leading olive-growing region which is one of its main economic drivers. In order to do so, the four-step Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) designed by FAO is applied. In this technique, Step 0 is based on a brief description of the socio-economic characteristics of the environment; Step 1 involves the Characterization of the Agroecological Transition (CAET); Step 2 is the Core Criteria of Performance which addressing 5 key dimensions for policy makers and the sustainable development goals (SDGs); and finally the Step 3 is based on a participatory validation of the results with producers and relevant stakeholders. To implement the TAPE technique, first, secondary information was collected and, later, 3 in-depth interviews, each lasting 2.5 hours, were conducted and, then, the results were compared and key factors that make the agroecological transition easier were identified.
Featured Points of Intervention for Sustainability Transformations in Built Environments View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mahsa Khatibi, Khairul Anwar Mohamed Khaidzir
Many researchers have recalled the need for transformative changes in built environments and urban spaces for sustainable development. However, sustainability transformations are also possible generators of wicked problems. Nonetheless, design as a primary source of solving wicked problems can play a crucial role in addressing sustainability transformation in built environments. To identify the most effective design measures, we rely on the framing practice proposed by Dorst (2011) for the act of problem-solving. Thus, we aim to frame the design of the built environment as a ‘system’ that needs transformative changes. That is, we say, if we look at the design of built environments as a system and adopt the working principle associated with transforming a system towards sustainability, then we might be able to define some design measures for transformative changes in built environments. In this regard, Donella Meadows offers a creative framework that addresses the most effective leverage or intervention points for transforming a system. Thus, in this paper, we frame built environment design as a system based on Dorst’s idea. Then we identify the most effective design approaches for bringing transformative changes in built environments by sorting and categorizing the literature on the topic based on analyzing Donella Meadows's twelve intervention points framework. This process will help recognize the twelve most effective leverage points or design approaches for sustainability transformation in built environments. Moreover, it helps gather dispersed knowledge on sustainable built environment design and urban transformation by placing it under a common umbrella.
Analysis of the Influence of Urban Governance on Sustainable Urban Transportation in Brazilian Cities View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Franciele Marques Da Cunha
The relationship between urban governance and transportation systems has become increasingly relevant as cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and the demand for efficient and sustainable transportation. This paper investigates the influence of urban governance on urban transportation in Brazilian cities, where urbanisation and transportation issues are particularly acute. By examining the governance structures, policies, and decision-making processes in the context of transportation planning and management, this study seeks to provide insights into the key factors that shape transportation outcomes and contribute to urban sustainability in Brazil. The findings shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing governance framework, identifying potential areas for improvement and policy interventions.
Factors Underlying Smallholder Farmers’ Subjective Resilience to Floods View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Demba Aissata Samoura, Edna Buhnyuy Visiy, Ahmed Younis Ibrahim Younis
The increase in extreme climatic conditions worldwide has stimulated numerous scholars’ growing interest in measuring people’s resilience through indicator-based measures, while less consideration is given to the subjective approach centered on self-well-being estimation. Filling this gap has led this study to use a subjective approach based on three properties of resilience (people’s perceived preparedness capacity to counter flood effects on their livelihoods; people’s confidence level to recover from a flood disaster aftermath; and people’s confidence in changing their income sources sensitive to flooding) to assess flood resilience among smallholder farmers in Upper Guinea. Descriptive statistics and probit regression analysis were used to characterize these three properties of resilience and identify the underlying factors that explain households’ resilience to episodic floods. The results disclose a very low level of flood resilience among respondents within the three dimensions: preparedness (37.86%), recovery (30.46%), and adjusting to change (39.86%), while gender-based disparities disadvantaged most women (23%, 26%, and 25%) compared to men (39%, 30% and 41%). Probit regression analysis showed that the ownership of assets (OAs), indigenous knowledge (IK), and livelihood diversification (LD), were key factors shaping farmers’ flood resilience, while household size (HS), was a key factor decreasing resilience. The results indicate a strong connection between households’ flood resilience and their socioeconomic characteristics in terms of OAs, IK, and LD, which need to be improved to strengthen farmers' resilience.
