Author: Shaun Coffey

Shaun Coffey is interested in future making and institutional building. He is an agricultural scientist who tries to integrate fragmented and sector-specific technical and scientific knowledge to address the wicked problems that characterise the real world.
Posted on

Yet more reviews of research – has science reached its limits?

The science ecosystem has been restructured regularly during my career, and I often wonder to what effect.

Effective science, and effective research thrives when there is

  • social space for personal initiative and creativity, 
  • time for ideas to grow to maturity,
  •  openness to debate and criticism, 
  • hospitality towards innovation, and
  •  respect for specialized expertise. 

I have regularly reflected on these words written by John Ziman 30 years ago, and on advice I received early in my management career – “you cannot, and should not try to manage the research – your job is to manage the environment in which you people do their research.”

Continue reading “Yet more reviews of research – has science reached its limits?”
Posted on

Common Challenges Impacting the Achievement of Intensively Sustainable Agriculture

Achieving food and nutrition security for the world requires further intensification of agriculture in a sustainable manner. There are many constraints to be mastered.

• Financial Constraints

• Limited Access to Resources

• Climate Variability

• Pest and Disease Management

• Market Access

Continue reading “Common Challenges Impacting the Achievement of Intensively Sustainable Agriculture”
Posted on

The Need for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture to Provide Adequate and Healthy Food for the World

Introduction

As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food increases correspondingly. The United Nations projects the world population to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050. This rapid population growth, coupled with changing dietary preferences, particularly in developing countries, exerts immense pressure on the global food system. The challenge is to produce enough food to meet this growing demand while also ensuring that the food is nutritious and produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. This is where the concept of sustainable intensification of agriculture becomes crucial.

Understanding Sustainable Intensification

Sustainable intensification refers to the process of increasing agricultural yields without adverse environmental impact and without the conversion of additional non-agricultural land. This approach integrates various agricultural practices and technologies to enhance productivity on existing farmland while preserving the environment, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural resources.

Continue reading “The Need for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture to Provide Adequate and Healthy Food for the World”
Posted on

Embracing Idleness: The Hidden Beauty of Unstructured Time in ‘The Art of the Wasted Day’ (Book Review)


Introduction

“The Art of the Wasted Day” by Patricia Hampl is an introspective exploration of the concept of leisure and its value in the contemporary world. This memoir, published in 2018, delves into the significance of idleness, proposing a radical rethinking of what it means to spend time wisely. Hampl, known for her eloquent prose and keen observational skills, invites readers on a journey that intertwines personal anecdotes, historical narratives, and philosophical reflections.

Continue reading “Embracing Idleness: The Hidden Beauty of Unstructured Time in ‘The Art of the Wasted Day’ (Book Review)”