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This open access book applies for the first time emerging concepts of socioeconomics to analyse an economic sector, namely agriculture. It considers the rational choices of all actors in the system (just as agricultural economists do) and their cultural preferences and constraints (just as rural sociologists do). Socioeconomic concepts are subsequently used to structure agricultural issues with regard to the three governance mechanisms (hierarchy, markets, and cooperation), and different agricultural systems are presented and compared. The book will be of interest to social scientists with various backgrounds, and seeks to break down the barriers of single-disciplinary thinking.

Hierarchy --- Cooperation --- Agricultural systems --- Governance --- Primary sector --- Socioeconomics --- Agri-food chain --- Agricultural economics

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This book reports on long-term comparative organic farming systems' research trials carried out over the last 5 years in the Southern Cape of South Africa, as well as research into the successes and failures of the organic sector and the technical tools required for sustainable development in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. It includes 24 chapters organized into 4 parts. Part 1 (Chapters 1-6) discusses the historical development of organic farming systems, examines the global issues which confront us, and develops some concepts showing a progression in small-scale farmer development and how this can be supported with appropriate training and policy. The difference between national food self-sufficiency and household food security is examined, and the organic sector is introduced. Part 2 (Chapters 7-14) deals with capacity building and climate change. Holistic systems, inclusive participatory approaches, institution building and experiential learning are examined. Organic food production, farmer training, value chains, impact of drought on food prices and food availability, and urban water and energy use efficiency are described. Part 3 (Chapters 15-22) presents evidence on how to support organic farmers. It starts with 2 case studies on the well-developed organic sector in Uganda and the developing one in Zambia. The following chapters discuss soil carbon determination, comparison of organic and conventional farming systems, pest and disease control (e.g., chemical, holistic and biological control), soil fumigation, soil microbiology in organic and conventional systems, soil fertility changes and crop yield. Part 4 (Chapters 23-24) makes strategic suggestions about how to upscale organic farming and organic food systems in Southern Africa. This book is a vital resource for all stakeholders in organic agriculture.

organic foods --- pathogens --- pest control --- pesticides --- pests --- plant disease control --- plant diseases --- plant pathogens --- plant pests --- self sufficiency --- soil --- soil fertility --- soil flora --- soil fumigation --- sustainability --- training --- value chain --- water supply --- water use --- water use efficiency --- agricultural systems --- biocontrol --- capacity building --- climatic change --- eco-agriculture --- ecological agriculture --- energy use --- energy utilization --- integrated plant protection --- organic culture --- phytopathogens --- subsaharan Africa --- Tanganyika --- water supplies --- South Africa --- Southern Africa --- Tanzania --- Uganda --- Zambia --- Homo --- Hominidae --- primates --- mammals --- vertebrates --- Chordata --- animals --- eukaryotes --- Anglophone Africa --- Africa --- Commonwealth of Nations --- Developing Countries --- Southern Africa --- Africa South of Sahara --- Threshold Countries --- ACP Countries --- East Africa --- Least Developed Countries --- SADC Countries