Johanna Jacobi

Last Name

Jacobi

First Name

Johanna

ORCID

0000-0003-3432-4938

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09748 - Jacobi, Johanna / Jacobi, Johanna

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Publications 1 - 10 of 70

Can monocultures be resilient? Assessment of buffer capacity in two agroindustrial cropping systems in Africa and South America
Mukhovi, Stellah; Jacobi, Johanna (2022)
Agriculture & Food Security
Background Buffer capacity—the capacity of a social–ecological system to cushion stress and shocks—is often seen as an important dimension of social–ecological system resilience. While numerous studies have focused on other dimensions of resilience in social–ecological systems, literature on buffer capacity is scanty. Methods Two agroindustrial cropping systems were surveyed based on wheat in Kenya, and soybean in Bolivia. The study was carried out in 2017–2018 using mixed methods; interviews, questionnaires, and observation. Two groups of indicators were used (livelihood capitals and functional and response diversity indicators). The five livelihood capitals, and functional and response diversity indicators (number of crops rotated, landscape heterogeneity, and percentage of arable land under natural vegetation) were used. Resilience indicators were assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Results Both systems had high scores on physical, financial and human capitals, while the functional and response diversity scores were low. Both systems are found to be vulnerable to economic and climate change related shocks hence need to develop more diversified patterns to increase ecological resilience. Conclusion The two cropping systems overall capacity to withstand shocks—particularly related mainly to climate change and variability and economic shocks was extremely low for soybean system and low for wheat. The two systems were found to have low scores of functional and response diversity especially with regard to landscape heterogeneity, crop and breed diversity and percentage of vegetation cover on arable land.
Le travail caféier hors les plantations
Sigrist, Marie; Thom, Braida; Schneider, Gabriela; et al. (2025)
Anthropologie et Sociétés
Dans le sud de Minas Gerais, au Brésil, les personnes qui travaillent dans les plantations de café rencontrent plusieurs difficultés socio-environnementales. Pour s’affranchir de ces dernières, tout en continuant à évoluer dans le secteur caféier et rural, de jeunes adultes se spécialisent dans des activités professionnelles de classification-évaluation du café et de barista. À partir d’une ethnographie des personnes travaillant dans le secteur du café dans deux municipalités mineiras, nous analysons les motifs, les pratiques et les enjeux de ces professions de caféologie. Suivant la vague du café de spécialité, les personnes classificatrices-évaluatrices et les baristas s’autonomisent en jouissant d’une renommée locale considérable qui dépasse parfois la sphère non seulement rurale, mais aussi continentale, allant jusqu’à développer leurs activités dans les quartiers embourgeoisés des Nords globaux. Néanmoins, si ces activités s’inscrivent dans une lutte silencieuse contre les défis contemporains du secteur du café, elles sont aussi soumises à l’impact du néolibéralisme sur les systèmes agroalimentaires globaux.
Are alternatively organized value chains more environmentally sustainable? Evidence from soybean production in Minas Gerais and Paraná states, Brazil
Malembaka, Réussite Bugale; Pfister, Stephan; Thom, Braida; et al. (2025)
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
The predominant agro-industrial soybean production in Brazil has led to a significant socio-ecological crisis. Alternative agriculture has been increasingly marketed as a viable solution to the multifaceted challenges engendered by this intensive production system in the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil and its related global value chains. Accurate evaluation of their true transformative impact on sustainable food system transitions is needed. We conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of five different soybean production systems in the States of Minas Gerais and Paraná: conventional GM (genetically modified seeds), and four alternatives [(1) conventional GM inputs-reduced, (2) conventional non-GM, (3) conventional non-GM soybean–coffee intercropped, and (4) organic]. We collected life cycle inventory data through interviews and observations over a 2-year period and assessed environmental impacts on climate change, biodiversity loss, soil quality, acidification, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, and energy use. Results obtained showed significant variability in footprints of the studied systems, with alternatives scoring similar or higher impacts in climate change, acidification, eutrophication, and non-renewable energy use compared to conventional production systems. Organic and soybean–coffee intercropped productions had the lowest biodiversity loss, ecotoxicity, and soil quality impacts. Our sensitivity analysis indicated that a 10% reduction in fertilizers and diesel could decrease emissions by 0 to 14.4% across production systems, with most impact categories exhibiting impact reductions below 10%. Alternative productions faced challenges such as weed control, bioinput production, and efficiency, as well as contamination from conventional neighboring farms. Addressing these led to an increased use of diesel and biopesticides. From an LCA perspective, organic and non-GM production did not outperform conventional GM production. However, organic production, followed by soybean–coffee intercropping, achieved significantly higher on-farm agrobiodiversity scores. A diversification of soybean cropping systems and improved management of crop residues would effectively reduce inputs, favor closing nutrient loops locally, and avoid replicating the environmental impacts of intensive monocultures. However, the initial decrease in soybean production volumes might lead to additional land use elsewhere.
Learning and Adaptation in Food Systems: Insights from Four Case Studies in the Global South
Mukhovi, Stellah M.; Jacobi, Johanna; Ifejika Speranza, Chinwe; et al. (2020)
International Journal on Food System Dynamics
This article presents empirical results on learning and adaptation to risks among different groups of actors in food systems in two countries of the global south (Kenya and Bolivia). Using a resilience approach, the study sought to assess knowledge about risks perceived by actors, forms of learning that actors in food systems have access to and use, and how this knowledge and learning has contributed to adaptation and resilience build ing. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, farmer meetings, workshops, and participant observation. The target population was different groups of actors in agroindustrial food systems in both countries, a regional food system in Kenya and an agroecological food system in Bolivia. The results show that knowledge on threats came from the actors’ experience and interaction with external actors. The main risks identified in Kenya and Bolivia included climate change impacts – particularly extreme climatic events (floods and droughts) –, price fluctuation of food products, declining soil fertility, deforestation, and –in Kenya– human-wildlife conflicts, and conflicts between actors over resource use. The most important forms of learning were experiential learning through demonstration farms, social learning exemplified in group approaches, and learning at individual levels through information exchange between farmers and external actors such as extension personnel, research organisations and non-governmental organisations. There is potential to enhance adaptation strategies whose knowledge has been acquired over the years, to build resilient food systems necessary for dealing with current and future shocks and stress.
Promising practices for dealing with complexity in research for development
Abad, Carmenza Robledo; Bieri, Sabin; Eschen, René; et al. (2023)
GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society
Are there aspects of complexity that are characteristic for research for development projects? Our study shows what are these aspects, how they affect research and what practices seem to be promising for dealing with the increasing levels of complexity. The need to deal with complexity is getting increasingly attention in research for development projects implemented through transboundary research partnerships between organisations from the Global North and the Global South. However, less is known about aspects beyond the systems under study that still affect complexity in the research project. We conducted an experience capitalization of five transboundary research partnerships undertaking research in 14 countries in the Global South. We found that the combination of multiple contexts, the cultural and disciplinary diversity of the transboundary research partnerships, and the set of rules and proceedings from the funding mechanism affect the levels of complexity. We further identified that a transdisciplinary approach and several related practices, like intercultural communication or integrative partnerships, are promising ways of dealing with complexity. Current structures in research for development need to improve in order to fully use the potential of transdisciplinarity for sustainability transformation.
From multifunctionality and ecosystem services to a just transition of agri-food systems
Mann, Stefan; Buergi, Elisabeth; Schader, Christian; et al. (2025)
International Journal of Social Economics
Purpose We aim to compare multifunctionality, ecosystem services and just transition as overall conceptual approaches to understand agri-food systems. Design/methodology/approach This is a theory-motivated literature study. Findings This paper argues that the concepts of multifunctionality and ecosystem services are unsuitable for considering the systemic complexities of today’s food system in order to tackle its grave environmental and social problems. Furthermore, these two concepts tend to neglect the negative externalities of food systems and overemphasize the positive ones. The notion of just transition puts justice and sustainability at the center of agri-food studies and defines targeted systemic interventions in food systems. Originality/value While the approach of just transition is only starting to be widely applied to the agriculture–food nexus, we argue that it is better suited to re-orient diets, production processes, the value chain and labor conditions in a more sustainable direction. The just transition approach is also useful in drafting systemic policy innovations.
Soberanía alimentaria: reflexiones a partir de diferentes sistemas alimentarios de Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Catacora-Vargas, Georgina; Llanque Zonta, Aymara; Jacobi, Johanna; et al. (2016)
Revista NERA
La soberanía alimentaria es una concepción integral y sistémica de implementación y análisis de las dinámicas productivo-alimentarias. Sus postulados se resumieron en diez parámetros con los que se analizaron cualitativamente tres sistemas alimentarios del Departamento de Santa Cruz en Bolivia: agroindustrial, indígena y agroecológico. El sistema agroindustrial reveló las menores contribuciones a la soberanía alimentaria, mientras que en el agroecológico, los aportes son más claros y avanzados. A pesar de estas diferencias, el sistema agroindustrial es el más dominante y expansivo, particularmente sobre el indígena. Los hallazgos levantan preguntas sobre los conflictos entre los sistemas alimentarios agroindustrial e indígena con la soberanía alimentaria en las condiciones actuales.
Linking sustainable diets to the concept of food system sustainability
Tribaldos, Theresa; Jacobi, Johanna; Rist, Stephan (2018)
Future of Food
Based on insights from an ongoing research project on food sustainability, we argue that discussing sustainable diets in isolation from food systems poses risks. Among these risks are making healthy diets exclusive, or ignoring externalities like biodiversity loss, land concentration, and encroachment on commons. Case studies from Bolivia and Kenya show how marked shifts from traditional to more uniform diets rich in sugar, salt, and fatty acids come with a radical transformation of food systems. Systems formerly based on local knowledge, local inputs, and local labor relations become dependent on external inputs, heavy mechanization, and productive specialization. Making diets more sustainable requires policies that protect existing and strengthen new forms of family and community farming. We discuss critical links between sustainable diets and sustainable food systems with reference to five principles of food sustainability: food security, the right to food, reduction of poverty and inequality, environmental performance, and resilience. Our analysis provides a basis for more comprehensive research and policies that minimize trade-offs and maximize synergies between sustainable diets and food systems.
Desde nuestras ciencias al diálogo intercientífico para la sustentabilidad alimentaria y el desarrollo sustentable
Delgado, Freddy; Rist, Stephan; Jacobi, Johanna; et al. (2016)
Ciencias, diálogo de saberes y transdisciplinariedad. Aportes teórico metodológicos para la sustentabilidad alimentaria y del desarrollo
Ecological quality as a coffee quality enhancer. A review
Torrez, Vania; Benavides-Frias, Camila; Jacobi, Johanna; et al. (2023)
Agronomy for Sustainable Development
As both coffee quality and sustainability become increasingly important, there is growing interest in understanding how ecological quality affects coffee quality. Here we analyze, for the first time, the state of evidence that ecological quality, in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem functions, impacts the quality of Coffea arabica and C. canephora, based on 78 studies. The following ecosystem functions were included: pollination; weed, disease, and pest control; water and soil fertility regulation. Biodiversity was described by the presence, percentage, and diversity of shade trees. Coffee quality was described by the green bean physical characteristics, biochemical compounds, and organoleptic characteristics. The presence and diversity of shade trees positively impacted bean size and weight and reduced the percentage of rejected beans, but these observations were not consistent over different altitudes. In fact, little is known about the diversity of shade trees and their influence on biochemical compounds. All biochemical compounds varied with the presence of shade, percentage of shade, and elevation. Coffee beans from more diverse tree shade plantations obtained higher scores for final total organoleptic quality than simplified tree shade and unshaded plantations. Decreasing ecological quality diminished ecosystem functions such as pollination, which in turn negatively affected bean quality. Shade affected pests and diseases in different ways, but weeds were reduced. High soil quality positively affected coffee quality. Shade improved the water use efficiency, such that coffee plants were not water stressed and coffee quality was improved. While knowledge on the influence of shade trees on overall coffee quality remains scarce, there is evidence that agroecosystem simplification is negatively correlated with coffee quality. Given global concerns about biodiversity and habitat loss, we recommend that the overall definition of coffee quality include measures of ecological quality, although these aspects are not always detectable in certain coffee quality characteristics or the final cup.

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