On thinking like a hobbit and other lessons in realizing sustainable agrifood systems

"Hobbits are little people, smaller than dwarves, known to love peace and good tilled earth. Lessons that emerge from tales about hobbits include the importance of linking science and local knowledge, the strength of diverse perspectives, and the power of nature. To illustrate these themes, I explore participatory action research and farmer agency in Malawi, Michigan and Mexico. In many different contexts functional diversity and perennialization can support measurable gains in soil health, food production and nutritional security. There are, however, often tradeoffs associated with nature-based solutions, as maximizing yields and returns to labor are not all always compatible with environmental security. Science is not enough, practical options are required that farmers can adapt and adopt. This requires systematic engagement  with communities and collaboration across socio-economics, geography, crop and soil science. This raises the question, how to promote transdisciplinary research along the lines of the solidarity that arose among elves, dwarves, men and hobbits during troubled times in Middle-Earth?"

When: 16 March, 11:00 (on-site Alnarp, online)

Moderator: Valentin Picasso

Bio:

Sieg Snapp is the Associate Dean of Research and Director at Washington State University’s College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. Her research has shattered misconceptions about soil carbon on small farms, proving that farmers can increase soil organic matter, for a win-win in climate adaptation and mitigation. A professor of soils and cropping systems ecology at Michigan State University for over two decades, and as Director of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems program at the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT), Sieg pioneered approaches to amplifying farmer voice and improving the relevance of scientific investigations. The tools she developed have been widely adopted, including research approaches such as the ‘mother and baby’ trial design. From agricultural decision guides to regenerative agriculture, Sieg Snapp has partnered with civil society, public and private sector to support the poorest resourced farmers on the planet. She has shown that wicked sustainability challenges can be tackled, by bringing together transdisciplinary teams at the cutting edge of crop genetics, soils and applied economics.