Hydro-social and environmental impacts of sugarcane production on land use and food security: an international programme to foster trans-disciplinary science, networking and community building - THESIS

Abstract

The aim of this project is to launch an international programme to foster trans-disciplinary science, networking and community building. The focus will be on understanding the hydro-social and environmental impacts, benefits and trade-offs that arise through the continued global expansion of cane production, and its broader consequences for land use and food security. The project will focus on Brazil, India and South África, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy, a basis of economic growth and a significant source of livelihood. It is also a sector under pressure to improve resource efficiency and increase resilience to future climate uncertainty. The project will involve researchers from the UK, USA, India, Brazil, South Africa and Australia and will encourage trans-disciplinary dialogue to work towards an integrated assessment approach combining agronomic, climatic, environmental, and socio-economic knowledge. The consortium brings together expertise in agricultural systems, agronomy, land use modelling, climate science, social science, impact assessment, rural resource economics, GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling for decision-making. (AU)