Stephen R. Gliessman

Bio: Stephen R. Gliessman is an academic researcher from University of California, Santa Cruz. The author has contributed to research in topics: Agroecology & Sustainability. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 69 publications receiving 3089 citations.

Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract: INTRODUCTION TO AGROECOLOGY The Need for Sustainable Food Production Systems The Agroecosystem Concept PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS The Plant Light Temperature Humidity and Rainfall Wind Soil Water in the Soil Fire Biotic Factors The Environmental Complex SYSTEM-LEVEL INTERACTIONS The Population Ecology of Agroecosystems Genetic Resources in Agroecosystems Species Interactions in Crop Communities Agroecosystem Diversity and Stability Disturbance, Succession, and Agroecosystem Management The Energetics of Agroecosystems Animals in Agroecosystems THE TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABILITY Converting to Ecologically Based Management Indicators of Sustainability Landscape Diversity and Agroecosystem Management Community, Culture, and Sustainability From Sustainable Agroecosystems to Sustainable Food Systems Glossary Index

Agroecology: Ecological Processes in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract: Introduction to Agroecology The Need for Sustainable Food Production Systems The Agroecosystem Concept Plants and Environmental Factors The Plant Light Temperature Humidity and Rainfall Wind Soil Water in the Soil Fire Biotic Factors The Environmental Complex System-Level Interactions Population Processes in Agriculture: Dispersal, Establishment, and the Ecological Niche Genetic Resources in Agroecosystems Species Interactions in Crop Communities Agroecosystem Diversity and Stability Disturbance, Succession, and Agroecosystem Management The Energetics of Agroecosystems Interaction Between Agroecosystems and Natural Ecosystems Achieving Sustainability From Sustainable Agriculture to Sustainable Food Systems

Integrating social, environmental, and economic issues in sustainable agriculture

Abstract: In the past several years, researchers, educators, policymakers, and activists have initiated sustainable agriculture programs and efforts the world over. This development has sometimes been accompanied by a sense that it is time to stop discussing sustainability at a conceptual level and get on with the work of making agriculture sustainable. Our perspective is that it is critical to pursue a comprehensive definition of sustainability in order to set sustainable agriculture priorities and ensure that sustainable agriculture takes a path that does not reproduce problems of conventional agriculture. In this paper we briefly review some popular definitions of sustainable agriculture and find that their focus is primarily on farm-level resource conservation and profitability as the main components of sustainability. Others have challenged this approach for either not examining the social aspects of sustainability or for containing an implicit assumption that working on the environmental, production, and microeconomic aspects of sustainability will automatically take care of its social aspects. We propose an expanded conceptualization of sustainability—one that focuses on the entire food and agriculture system at a global level and includes not only environmental soundness and economic viability, but social equity as well. In this perspective, issues such as poverty and hunger are as central to achieving agricultural sustainability as those of soil erosion and adequate farm returns.

Integrating Agroecology and Participatory Action Research (PAR): Lessons from Central America

Abstract: The last decade has seen an increasing advancement and interest in the integration of agroecology and participatory action research (PAR). This article aims to: (1) analyze the key characteristics and principles of two case studies that integrated PAR and agroecology in Central America; and (2) learn from the lessons offered by these case studies, as well as others from the literature, on how to better integrate PAR and agroecology. Key principles identified for effective PAR agroecological processes include a shared interest in research by partners, a belief in collective power/action, a commitment to participation, practicing humility and establishing trust and accountability. Important lessons to consider for future work include: (1) research processes that did not start as PAR, can evolve into it; (2) farmer/stakeholder participation in setting the research agenda, from the outset, results in higher engagement and enhanced outcomes; (3) having the right partners for the desired outcomes is key; (4) intentional and explicit reflection is an essential component of PAR processes; and (5) cross-generational collaborations are crucial to long-term benefits. Key challenges that confront PAR processes include the need for time and resources over longer periods; the complexity of multi-actor process facilitation; and institutional barriers within the academy and development organizations, which prevent shifting investment towards integrated PAR agroecological processes.

Whose Science? Whose Knowledge? Thinking from Women's Lives

Abstract: Introduction - after the science question in feminism. Part 1 Science: feminism confronts the sciences how the women's movement benefits science - two views why \"physics\" is a bad model for physics. Part 2 Epistemology: what is feminist epistemology \"strong objectivity\" and socially situated knowledge feminist epistemology in and after the enlightenment. Part 3 \"Others\": \"...and race?\" - the science question in global feminism common histories, common destinies - science in the first and third worlds \"real science\" thinking from the perspective of lesbian lives reinventing ourselves as other Conclusion - what is a feminist science.

Landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns and processes - eight hypotheses

Abstract: Understanding how landscape characteristics affect biodiversity patterns and ecological processes at local and landscape scales is critical for mitigating effects of global environmental change. In this review, we use knowledge gained from human-modified landscapes to suggest eight hypotheses, which we hope will encourage more systematic research on

Agricultural sustainability: concepts, principles and evidence

Abstract: Concerns about sustainability in agricultural systems centre on the need to develop technologies and practices that do not have adverse effects on environmental goods and services, are accessible to and effective for farmers, and lead to improvements in food productivity. Despite great progress in agricultural productivity in the past half-century, with crop and livestock productivity strongly driven by increased use of fertilizers, irrigation water, agricultural machinery, pesticides and land, it would be over-optimistic to assume that these relationships will remain linear in the future. New approaches are needed that will integrate biological and ecological processes into food production, minimize the use of those non-renewable inputs that cause harm to the environment or to the health of farmers and consumers, make productive use of the knowledge and skills of farmers, so substituting human capital for costly external inputs, and make productive use of people's collective capacities to work together to solve common agricultural and natural resource problems, such as for pest, watershed, irrigation, forest and credit management. These principles help to build important capital assets for agricultural systems: natural; social; human; physical; and financial capital. Improving natural capital is a central aim, and dividends can come from making the best use of the genotypes of crops and animals and the ecological conditions under which they are grown or raised. Agricultural sustainability suggests a focus on both genotype improvements through the full range of modern biological approaches and improved understanding of the benefits of ecological and agronomic management, manipulation and redesign. The ecological management of agroecosystems that addresses energy flows, nutrient cycling, population-regulating mechanisms and system resilience can lead to the redesign of agriculture at a landscape scale. Sustainable agriculture outcomes can be positive for food productivity, reduced pesticide use and carbon balances. Significant challenges, however, remain to develop national and international policies to support the wider emergence of more sustainable forms of agricultural production across both industrialized and developing countries.