Call for papers/Topics

Topics of Interest for Submission include, but are Not Limited to:

I. Foundational Concepts & Interconnections

• Defining Ecological Agriculture: Principles, practices, and philosophies (e.g., agroecology, organic farming, regenerative agriculture, permaculture).
• Biodiversity in Agricultural Systems: Agrobiodiversity (crop varieties, livestock breeds, microbial diversity, pollinators, beneficial insects), wild biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, soil biodiversity.
• The Food-Health-Environment Nexus: Understanding the complex relationships between food production, environmental health, and human well-being.
• Ecosystem Services in Agriculture: Pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, water regulation, soil health, climate regulation.

II. Ecological Agriculture Practices & Impacts

• Sustainable Farming Methods: Crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, integrated pest management (IPM), nutrient management, water conservation.
• Organic and Biodynamic Farming: Standards, benefits, challenges, and scalability.
• Agroforestry and Polyculture: Integrating trees and multiple crops for enhanced biodiversity and productivity.
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Agriculture: Indigenous practices and their relevance for sustainable food systems.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Agriculture: Carbon sequestration, drought resilience, climate-smart agriculture.
• Precision Agriculture and Technology: How technology can support ecological principles.
• Farm-to-Fork Strategies: Connecting sustainable production with healthy consumption.

III. Biodiversity Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes

• Measuring and Monitoring Agrobiodiversity: Indicators, tools, and data collection.
• Conservation of Genetic Resources: Seed banks, gene banks, in situ and ex situ conservation.
• Habitat Restoration and Creation: Hedgerows, buffer zones, wildlife corridors, semi-natural habitats.
• Pollinator Conservation: Strategies to protect and enhance pollinator populations.
• Soil Biodiversity and Health: Microorganisms, soil structure, and their role in ecosystem function.
• Impact of Pesticides and Fertilizers on Biodiversity: Alternatives and reduction strategies.
• Policy and Incentives for Biodiversity-Friendly Farming: Subsidies, certifications, market mechanisms.

IV. Public Health Dimensions

• Nutritional Quality of Food: How ecological agriculture impacts nutrient density, phytochemicals, and overall dietary quality.
• Food Safety and Contaminants: Reduction of pesticide residues, antibiotics, and other harmful substances in food.
• Zoonotic Diseases and One Health: The link between agricultural practices, biodiversity loss, and the emergence of infectious diseases.
• Farmer Health and Safety: Occupational hazards, mental health, and access to healthcare in rural communities.
• Dietary Patterns and Health Outcomes: Promoting healthy diets through sustainable food systems.
• Access to Healthy and Sustainable Food: Food security, food sovereignty, and equitable access.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Agriculture: Reducing antibiotic use in livestock and its public health implications.
• Environmental Exposure and Health: Air and water quality impacts from agricultural practices.
• Community Health and Well-being: The broader social and economic benefits of ecological agriculture.

V. Policy, Economics, and Social Aspects

• Policy Frameworks and Governance: National and international policies supporting ecological agriculture, biodiversity, and public health (e.g., CAP, Farm to Fork, CBD).
• Economic Viability of Ecological Agriculture: Market opportunities, supply chains, value addition, farmer livelihoods.
• Consumer Awareness and Education: Promoting sustainable consumption and dietary choices.
• Participatory Approaches and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration among farmers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers.
• Social Equity and Justice in Food Systems: Addressing disparities and ensuring fair transitions.
• Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Transfer: Bridging the gap between science and practice.
• Investment and Funding for Sustainable Food Systems: Public and private funding mechanisms.