Farmers in the Apulia and Basilicata regions of Southern Italy are facing a range of environmental challenges, including drought, floods, and soil erosion, exacerbated by climate change. In a pioneering study, researchers have explored the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) to address these issues and support sustainable agriculture in the region. By engaging with local farmers through a comprehensive questionnaire, the study provides valuable insights into their perceptions, concerns, and willingness to adopt these innovative approaches.
Tackling Environmental Challenges in Southern Italy
The Apulia and Basilicata regions of Southern Italy are known for their diverse landscapes, ranging from the gentle terrain of the Murge plateau to the rugged Lucanian Apennine mountains. However, these regions face a unique set of environmental challenges, including periodic droughts, frequent floods, and persistent soil erosion. These issues have been further compounded by the impacts of climate change, posing significant threats to the region’s agricultural productivity and food security.
Exploring the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions
In response to these pressing concerns, researchers from the University of Bari Aldo Moro and the Polytechnic of Milan have conducted a comprehensive study to assess the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) in the agricultural sector of Southern Italy. NBSs are innovative approaches that harness the power of nature to address environmental, social, and economic challenges in a sustainable manner.
The researchers identified 11 key NBSs that could be particularly beneficial in the region, including agroforestry, wetlands, bioswales, strip cropping, terraces, biobeds, vegetated buffer strips, crop residue management, cover crops, biological agriculture, and retention ponds. These solutions were selected based on their potential to address the region’s specific challenges, such as soil erosion, water management, and biodiversity conservation.
Engaging with Farmers: Insights and Perspectives
To better understand the practical feasibility and perceived utility of these NBSs, the researchers distributed a comprehensive questionnaire to local farmers in the Apulia and Basilicata regions. The questionnaire covered a range of topics, including the primary environmental challenges faced by farmers, their perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of various NBSs, and their willingness to implement these solutions on their own farms.
The findings revealed that drought is the most significant challenge faced by farmers in the region, followed by floods, water pollution, landslides, and soil erosion. Interestingly, the study found that while many farmers did not perceive major soil or water management issues on their own farms, they recognized the broader regional challenges.
Stakeholder Perceptions and Adoption Potential
The survey results showed that farmers generally viewed the selected NBSs as highly useful in addressing the region’s environmental challenges. Retention ponds, crop residue management, cover crops, and biological agriculture were among the most highly rated solutions, reflecting their potential to enhance water management, soil health, and biodiversity.
However, the study also highlighted some discrepancies between the perceived utility and the actual adoption potential of certain NBSs. For example, while agroforestry was recognized as an effective solution, farmers were less likely to implement it on their own farms due to various socio-economic and technical barriers. This underscores the importance of addressing these constraints through targeted interventions, such as financial incentives, technical support, and community engagement.
Towards Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture
The findings of this study provide critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to promote sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the Mediterranean region. By engaging with local stakeholders and understanding their perceptions and concerns, the researchers have laid the groundwork for the successful implementation of NBSs in the Apulia and Basilicata regions.
Moving forward, the researchers emphasize the need for continued collaboration, comprehensive economic evaluations, and the integration of NBSs into existing policies and support mechanisms. By harnessing the power of nature-based solutions, the agricultural sector in Southern Italy can become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, while also enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Addolorata Maria Netti, Ossama M.M. Abdelwahab, Giulia Datola, Giovanni Francesco Ricci, Paolo Damiani, Alessandra Oppio, Francesco Gentile.
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