Rafael Eduardo Pompa
I am a PhD student at the University of Reading, interested in the role that socio-agroecosystems play as tools for adaptation and mitigation to climate change.
Location United Kingdom
Activity
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Alfadil Alsadig
Welcome to week three @AlfadilAlsadig please feel free to share your experiences on the topics covered on the next steps.
-
Unfortunately that is the case for many countries @JavierArizmendiRuiz I think the way to move forward will be to adapt to the new environmental conditions, probably creating more diverse crops systems to create more resilience to extreme climatic events.
-
Hi @NataliaNeshina are there any opportunities for small scale farming to thrive exploring alternative technologies like any of the ones mentioned on this course?
-
Hi @chipogono the paragraph you quoted states that ruminant digestion contributes to climate change through the emission of methane to the atmosphere. Is that what your question is about?
-
Thanks for the links @AnneO'Beirne. There is certainly a lively current discussion around meat production systems and consumption rates. One thing I have read is that even grass-fed beef requires amounts of land that cannot be sustainable in the long term.
-
What about people living in rural areas where meat is probably the main and only source of protein @ThirzaSorpreso?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa made a comment
Here is a very interesting article about how genetic modification actually happen naturally.
‘Though much of the controversy around genetically modified crops is driven by the belief that the process of moving genes from one species to another is “unnatural,” new research shows some 1 in 20 flowering plants are naturally... -
I remember reading that a while ago @joanneChung Any idea on how well is that programme doing after three years of its implementation?
-
Thanks for taking part on the course @TobiasLewis-Donaldson
-
How interesting @JavierArizmendiRuiz Are there any other fruits you can work with besides Aronia, Juneberry and Elderberry? Or maybe some other part of the plants that are not the fruits? Here is an interesting example of a company working with elder trees flowers to produce cordial, which is a kind of syrup that can be added to drink water. It is very popular...
-
I think that is a great idea @NataliaNeshina Do you know of any similar initiative in your area? Or perhaps in other countries?
-
Certainly animal welfare is an issue of concern @ThirzaSorpreso
It has been suggested that animals with lower level of stress produce more milk and experience lower rates of diseases, which has an impact on the financial performance of the farm. I also can see what you mention regarding the ethical aspect of having animals in poor conditions. That is one of... -
Hi @andiclevely I have recently seen many farmlands recently sold to developers. I guess is a way councils can get some short term gain. From this report, between 2016 and 2017, 897 ha of land have been sold. this is a report from the government....
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to danny choque
Hola @dannychoque Bienvenido al curso.
Como bien dices, una manera de transitar hacia la sostenibilidad alimenticia es comprar en temporada, es decir, sólo cuando las condiciones son adecuadas para la producción de un alimento. De esa forma evitamos consumir productos que requiren muchos insumos que impactan negativamente al ambiente. -
Thanks for sharing @DiamantoDimitriadou
Are there any products that you can named as not grown in your area and that need to be transported a long distance? -
What fruit is that one @AntónioRocha ?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa made a comment
There is a really good collection of references at the end of this section (Egg Production PDF document), in case anyone would like to read a bit more about this topic.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Julie Grove
Thanks for sharing @JulieGrove Do you know if the free range system you buy from is also organic?
-
Hi @SebitSimonKoce, could you please elaborate a bit more?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to andi clevely
That is a bold movement. I wonder how can this impact dairy/meat farmers.
-
Hi @JavierArizmendiRuiz I think the aim of this step is to raise awareness on how food is currently produced and the challenges it faces, more than promoting these practices as the way to move forward.
-
Good point @MohammadsadeghMansouri What would you think is the role of farmers?
-
Good points @AltanTürel I think your comment reflect well the broad panorama offered on this course. I am glad to know that some of the suggestions you make are already happening or very close to happen. The fact that we are enroled on this course and having this conversation is a proof of that, I think.
-
I agree with you @TosanwumiRoxanneNikoro regarding the weight of consumers' decisions on food production. I wonder however, if the next steps also require a coordinated effort of farmers, policy makers and society in general.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Diane Hills
Hi @DianeHills we are very glad that you’ve enjoyed the course. Thanks for your contribution to make it more interesting.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Tum Rose Jemutai
Thanks @TumRoseJemutai for taking part on the course, and for all your valuable comments. Glad that you have enjoyed these three weeks.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Ray Short
Thanks a lot @RayShort for undertaking the course, and very glad that you can pass some information to the course for your students.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Tum Rose Jemutai
Good question @TumRoseJemutai While doing some research on an ecological restoration project on the rain forest in the tropics, one of the main barriers to implement our work was that farmers did not want the jungle back. They actually wanted more land for their livestock. I think we need to keep on mind that sustainability has three dimensions and the social...
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to andi clevely
"Going back to basics in our thinking" I like that @andiclevely Do you mean it in a way of simplifying or re defining our food systems? Like going back to basics in the sense of simplifying our way of living/consuming?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Gill Pountain
Hi @GillPountain Thanks for sharing.
I agree with you, although I also think that it depends what we mean with going back to nature. My take on the message is that we need to work more closely with nature, using some ecological principles in our food production systems, more than leaving aside all the technologies available. -
Hi @BobGirard
it is interesting what you mentioned about GMO. Would you like to share a bit more about your perception of GMO? -
Good to know @PareshSapkota Are there any concrete actions that you can mention about the Nepalese people towards the improvement of agricultural practises?
-
Can you think of an example of a pesticide used in Brazilian farms that is banned in the EU @ThirzaSorpreso?
-
Have the wine production been affected in any way by the climate change @joanneChung? I've heard that the UK for example, is experiencing better conditions to grow grape-bearing vines.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Rivka Niesten
Indeed!
-
Are bananas locally produced in your area @FrancescaWilliams ?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Mary Reid
How lucky @MaryReid where about in Australia are you living in? Are there specific items that you cannot find locally?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Gill Pountain
Hi @GillPountain, thanks for sharing.
I had a similar view before diving more into the topic. I am glad it is already helping to broaden your perspective. -
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Nicole B
Glad to hear that @NicoleB We hope you enojy the rest of the course.
-
Such an amazing diversity of crops. Thanks for sharing @ThirzaSorpreso
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Rivka Niesten
I also prefer free range eggs @RivkaNiesten although in my case I tend to choose these because the animal welfare aspect.
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Carlotta L
Thanks @CarlottaL
Can you find easily these products in your area? And what about the price, do you normally pay more for these products? -
That is good to know @JudithSavage
There are some amazing charities out there working directly with farmers trying to support initiatives in benefit of the environment. I have just found this handbook directed to farmers, produced by the Soil Association and The Woodland Trust, on the possibility to integrate trees in farms as an option to increase yield... -
That is interesting @AntoninoMontoya
Maybe the economic dimension of sustainability actually acts as a bridge between the social and environmental aspects? Would you say that it’s the link between people and nature? -
I agree @FrancescaWilliams the question is how? Would you say that this is something that merely depends on us as consumers? How can we as consumers influence the agricultural businesses models?
-
That is a good point @TeresiaNdumia
What is your take on Sabrina’s comment below regarding the social pillar as the most important one given its impact on influencing and shaping sustainable farming practices? -
Good point @SabrinaTorres
What do you think about Teresia’s comment above regarding the environmental pillar being the most important one as the other two pillars depend directly on this one? -
Rafael Eduardo Pompa made a comment
I have found this very interesting paper about an additional technology to reduce the attack of livestock pests such as biting flies. It consists in painting cows like zebras :)
"Scientists believe that the function of zebras' stripes are to deter insects, so a team of researchers painted black and white stripes on cows. They found that it reduced the...
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Paul Rea
Hi @PaulRea do you find enough information in the label/packaging and is this something you look to when buying food?
-
Hi @TeresiaNdumia thank you. I have found this article about the science behind fruit ripening. Perhaps you cay find it interesting: https://www.foodunfolded.com/how-it-works/perfectly-ripe-fruits-how-do-they-do-it
-
Hi @JulietJohnston thanks for sharing. Food carbon foot print can be an issue, although it seems that buying fruits that are produced in the right climatic conditions and then transport them can be environmentally more friendly than producing them locally where the conditions are not good. The food system is quite complex and intricate!
-
Hi @TeresiaNdumia Welcome to the course. Is the environmental impact of the food you consume something you think about when you choose what to buy?
-
Hi @FelipeGonzalezLacouture Good questions. It is my understanding that some products like the ones that you have just mentioned, are normally exported under ripe to reduce the risk of deterioration during transportation. I have found this article that you may find interesting. https://www.foodunfolded.com/how-it-works/perfectly-ripe-fruits-how-do-they-do-it
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Cary Louise Clark
@CaryLouiseClark this video is also representative of low income countries. Not so dissimilar. Additionally, in other areas of the world, silvo pastoral systems - ie. combination of livestock farming and tree crops, can be a traditional practice. It has been demonstrated that introducing trees in grasslands can benefit animal welfare as trees provide shelter...
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa made a comment
I found this very interesting discussion between farmers, companies and researchers about the use of pesticides and crop protection. It is 47min long but it is totally worth it.
https://www.facebook.com/BayerCropScience/videos/panel-event-a-world-without-crop-protection/386861481985253/ -
Funnily enough, I found locally grown vegetables more expensive than those coming from abroad. I assume that is because the price includes the externalities costs. Have you also had that experience @TumRoseJemutai?
-
Good to know @NataliaNeshina thanks for sharing. Buying locally and seasonally is a great choice.
-
Good point @AntoninoMontoya
I am wondering what would be the environmental impact of growing (and buying) something locally but not adequate to the environmental conditions. For example growing tomatoes in very cold conditions as opposed to growing apples or pears. What would be more environmentally sustainable? -
Is the place where it was grown and the distance travelled something you consider when buying food @AntoninoMontoya ?
-
Thanks for sharing @MarianneRose
What are your thoughts about some of the latest reports on the change of human population diets, specifically pointing at the reduction of meat consumption on high income countries, as a measure to mitigate climate change and ensure the sustainability of food production systems? -
Thanks @ABUBAKARIBRAHIMGARBA Would you like to share more about how the information presented has changed your perception on animal products consumption?
-
That is an interesting point @NicholasSaunders There has been a lively discussion in the literature around the use of Sustainable Intensification concept. Why would you say you cannot have both?
-
What is interesting for me @thomasburns is that meat consumption can be very context specific. In some rural areas of the world for example, there is actually not much option than having meat but in some others, the tendency of animal products consumption can be more fish oriented.
-
Thanks for sharing @NytiaJenkins I think one of the key points of this course is to actually learn about how food is produced and then make informed decisions about our choices.
-
Hi @NicholasSaunders In accordance with the EAT Lancet report the way to move forward towards a sustainable food system is modifying human population's diet. This actually includes the reduction of red meat consumption, specially in high income countries https://eatforum.org/content/uploads/2019/07/EAT-Lancet_Commission_Summary_Report.pdf
-
@DianeHills What about the environmental impact of grass fed cattle in comparison with grain fed animals?
-
@DianeHills Would you buy grain-fed meat if it were cheaper?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Arno Deuker
Good point @ArnoDeuker I found this local enterprise that recovers coffee waste to produce gourmet mushrooms https://grocycle.com/
-
Have you applied your research yet @OlamideOyeyemi It would be interesting to hear about the outcomes of that strategy!
-
Bringing the different sectors into the discussion on how to reduce food waste is such an important task @TosanwumiRoxanneNikoro I think this is a good example on how the three pillars of sustainability can work simultaneously. Thanks for sharing.
-
That is great to hear @TumRoseJemutai There are many strategies that can be explored and that can be very context dependant.
-
That is a good question @NicholasSaunders I guess on the road to sustainability there will always be room for improvement.
-
@JavierArizmendiRuiz very interesting to hear the underlying causes of the problem. Thank you. Would you say that this issue is seen now by the authorities from a different perspective?
-
I found this document that you may find interesting
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/brv.12440 -
@ArnoDeuker I guess it depends on the social context as there are specific needs depending on the region.
-
Any idea where is it coming from?
-
I guess it depends what we understand by balance. Natural ecosystems do actually maintain some sort of dynamic equilibrium but this is not fixed and it can rapidly change in response to environmental pressures. A forest fire can be seen as an example of a disturbance that affect the dynamic balance of plant communities in mature stages forests.
Regarding the... -
Good to hear @NataliaNeshina I think there is a strong narrative against specific technologies that were originally developed with the intention to solve a problem in the food production system - such as the ones we have been exploring here.
-
What about areas where the conditions are not so harsh? Would you consider hydroponics would still the best solution?
-
I think there are not silver bullets but perhaps combining methods adapted to specific farmers' needs might be a possible solution.
-
Hi @SabrinaTorres that is a good point. I think however that cranberries' natural distribution is limited to the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. I wonder then if actually buying cranberries from Mexico where the climate is warmer, can be less sustainable? Food for thought (pun intended) isn't it?
-
Amazing @DaryaDanilova thanks for sharing.
I did once go to the local market looking for non-sold food at the end of the day and I was amazed by the amount of food we found and the disposition shown by the sellers to give away their products to avoid wasting food. -
That is really good to know @BanjoEmmanuel
Is there anyway you can share a bit more on how is that done? -
Funnily enough, some of the so called undeveloped countries, have a long tradition on environmentally sustainable practices. The case of Latin America is actually remarkable as agro ecological practices are deeply linked to peasant grass root movement. Worth to have a look at...
-
Tricky question @AdeA-H. This is probably the first time I hear about monkeys being considered as a pest. As we are already exploring in here, the sustainability of the food production system is certainly complex. Have there been any efforts in your area to control monkeys population?
-
Agreed @AntoninoMontoya. During week two we will have a look to food waste as one of the main problems to achieve sustainability in food production. Not an easy task to do!
-
Certainly so @TumRoseJemutai. What do you think about issues such as rural poverty or population growth that cannot be easily tackled but affect directly the sustainability of food production systems?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Susanne Mung'aro
Welcome @SusanneMung'aro
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Tum Rose Jemutai
Thanks for being here @TumRoseJemutai,
Many of our fellow learners on this course are also very knowledgeable and experienced. I am sure you also have a lot to share, so please feel free to use the forum, and welcome again! -
Interesting to know @LauraParedes that avocado is also produced in that area of Mexico. Any thoughts about the environmental impact of avocado production?
-
Ho @olgaandreaencinavargas is the wine you have chosen produced in New Zealand? Saludos!
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Yurixhi Calderon Perez
Hi @YurixhiCalderonPerez, welcome to the course. I did my MSc in Morelia, which is a beautiful city. Any thoughts about @EvangelosKodosakis question?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Sonali Tete
Welcome @SonaliTete,
Looking forward to hear more about your choices when buying food. Please feel free to share and comment in the discussion forum. -
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to James Beckett
Hi @JamesBeckett, what about when you buy food in restaurants? Is the origin and growing methods something that you think about when eating out?
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Zeenat Qadir
Thanks for sharing @ZeenatQadir, and great to have you on board. I am sure you will find the course interesting given your inclinations towards food sustainability. Welcome!
-
Rafael Eduardo Pompa replied to Judith Savage
That is a good point @JudithSavage. Leaving aside for a moment the discussion around Brexit, I have seen some opportunities opening for the UK regarding agricultural legislation, for example integrating more explicitly forestry and farming, which at the moment is something that cannot be done under the current legislation. We will have to wait and see what...
-
Hi @GiacomoLazzeri, very interesting backgrownd you have. You will find some applications of drone technology in agriculture over the next steps!
-
Welcome to the course @JudithSavage. As you well said, the red bush is normally grown in the fynbos ecosystem of South Africa. I doubt that any is grown in the UK as the climatic conditions are not propicious. I find very interesting to know the origin of food that we are very familiar with. I remember well when I saw a pinneaple plant for first time!
-
I wonder @TosanwumiRoxanneNikoro what would be the environmental impact of cassava production? For example, yield increase in avocado production in Mexico and South America have an enormous social and environmental impact.
-
Good question @NicholasSaunders as things are not as black or white as we probably would like to be, perhaps a combination of methods would be a viable alternative so far? As for S, yes, it has been approved by different bodies as compatible with organic farming.
