Vladimír Verner has recently successfully passed the habilitation procedure at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences. His research has been dedicated to exploring the potential of integrating value chains that consider the unique characteristics of local plant species with the goal of promoting sustainable farming systems and effective strategies for poverty alleviation.
In this interview, we will delve into the ways in which agroecology-based approaches could potentially assist smallholder farmers in managing risks, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Dr. Verner shares specific examples from countries such as Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan and Zambia, and explains how traditional knowledge, innovative strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration can be used to improve agriculture and protect local ecosystems. Read how his work is helping to shape the future of farming systems sustainability and profitability in tropical and less developed regions of the world.
Your research emphasizes the link between agrobiodiversity and value chains. How can these approaches empower smallholder farmers in tropical regions to better manage risks and improve their livelihoods?
Agriculture in the tropics is undergoing a period of rapid industrialisation. This is linked to ongoing structural and socio-cultural changes in national economies and societies, some of which are driven also by climate change. The pursuit of industrial agriculture often necessitates substantial investments in inputs, which may not always be readily available, and places significant emphasis on immediate economic gains, at the expense of long-term sustainability.
In light of these considerations, my research has sought to explore alternative approaches, with a focus on agroecological farming. This concept draws upon the findings of numerous researchers, universities and institutions, who advocate for a more harmonious relationship between agriculture and nature, guided by farmers' traditional knowledge. The adoption of agroecological farming enables farmers to avoid reliance on industrial inputs, while benefiting from reduced production costs and a more balanced and year-round production. The outcome of this approach is that farmers become more independent, profitable and happier.
What innovative strategies have you identified for integrating agrobiodiversity into farming systems to enhance sustainability without compromising productivity?
In many cases, it may be beneficial to consider the potential value of revisiting and reviving traditional practices that may have been overlooked or superseded by more contemporary approaches promoted through trainings organised by extension services and development projects. On the other hand, traditional practices, which have been passed down through generations, emphasise minimal inputs and a deep respect for the soil, aiming to enhance its capacity to retain nutrients and moisture. They also involve diversifying the range of crops grown, employing simple principles of water harvesting and management, and the adoption of appropriate food processing and storage technologies that are efficient, low-cost and sustainable.
It is important to acknowledge that most farmers in the tropics are smallholders with less than two hectares of land, tend to be less educated, belong to a (usually disadvantaged) social class, live in political instability, etc. Consequently, farming represents their sole means of livelihood, which often leads to a certain lack of long-term vision for the future, difficulties in farm succession, and increasing tendencies to migrate to cities or abroad.
Can you highlight specific examples where focusing on biodiversity-sensitive value chains has had a positive impact on farming communities or ecosystems?
Well, I would like to mention Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia and Zambia, as these are the countries with which I have the most experience. Generally, farmers in these countries have, to a large extent, been obliged to adopt industrial agriculture and monocultures. Local politicians have facilitated this transition through local extension services and cooperatives, as well as various development projects. Following our interventions, there has been a gradual return to farm systems that reflect local biodiversity and traditions. These systems not only fulfil several social and ecological functions, but also allow farmers to focus on new (niche) products that they can incorporate, either fresh or processed, into their menus, or sell in local markets or link up with chains selling these products in more distant and profitable markets. We can all see that various tropical products, once local, hard to find and considered as exotic, are increasingly becoming part of the range of supermarkets and cuisine in Europe.
How does climate change influence your work, and what steps can farmers take to adapt while maintaining agrobiodiversity?
Climate change has a significant impact on many aspects of our lives. However, it has a major impact on the livelihoods and farming practices of smallholder farmers. Adaptation to climate change or mitigation of its impacts is, therefore, one of the main research directions in our faculty, department and, given its focus, in my team. Among the most significant impacts are changes in farm calendars, particularly the intensity and timing of rainfall. It is encouraging to note that agroecological approaches (agroforestry, intercropping, mulching, etc.) have proven effective in mitigating the impacts of climate change, in contrast to the practices of monocultures. From a scientific perspective, it is crucial to identify the most suitable methods for adopting appropriate measures. This often involves the study of traditional knowledge and practices, including local superstitions and taboos, which often reflect principles that can be applied in the development of farming systems.
What are the biggest barriers to implementing agrobiodiversity-sensitive practices at a broader scale, and how can researchers and policymakers address them?
Today's agriculture is a reflection of the global efforts to mitigate hunger (the Green Revolution) in the 1970s, which have resulted in significant positive results. However, it is important not to forget that this has also led to various forms of hidden hunger and farming systems that are dependent on expensive and less affordable inputs, which may not fully align with the needs of local populations and ecosystems. Our caloric intake is heavily dependent on just three crops (rice, maize and wheat). Around ten agricultural products are known as Global Value Chains that are highly specialised, and it is often the case that consumption is far from the producers, who are often smallholder farmers.
Another challenge that we would like to raise is the absence or neglection of agroecology in the current system of extension services. Instead, the promotion of staple crops often comes through the formation of cooperatives or various types of contract farming. We would like to see more consideration given to traditional crops and agroecological principles that are not as dependent on a system of support for expensive inputs. A significant challenge arises when a country grapples with long-term political instability or even conflict, where the local ecosystem often serves as the sole livelihood option and is consequently degraded or might be even destroyed.
A third challenge that we frequently encounter as agricultural economists is lack of focus on consumer behaviour. Traditional products, often regarded as healthier, tastier and easier to produce, are often labelled 'food for the poor'. Consequently, as local incomes rise, we have observed a shift in spending patterns, with local communities allocating a greater share of their income to supermarkets and imported goods rather than to local produce. Together with my colleagues we are also exploring ways how could increasing tourism and interest in local cuisine impact farming systems structure and smallholder livelihoods.
Could you please mention any interesting publications that refer to your research and briefly describe their content?
- Non-timber forest products utilization in Vietnam: Who collects, who consumes, who sells?
This study was conducted as part of our activities in central Vietnam, among farmers living near the national park in a community formed after the Vietnam War. The forest played a vital role in their livelihoods, providing them with food, medicine and materials. Some of the produce was gathered for the market. Our study demonstrated how household resources and government support can promote sustainable collection of forest products while also supporting conservation. The development of homegardens, which provided a range of plant products for the local and international markets, was found to play an important role in reducing the dependence of local households on the forest.
Polesny Z, Verner V*, Vlkova M, Banout J, Lojka B, Valicek P, Mazancova J. 2014. Non-timber forest products utilization in Phong Dien Nature Reserve, Vietnam: Who collects, who consumes, who sells? Bois et Forets des Trop, 322(4):39-49. http://doi.org/10.19182/bft2014.322.a31233 and https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1158906/
- Medical ethnobotany of herbal practitioners in the Turkestan Range, southwestern Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia is a region that has not yet fully recovered from the collapse of the Soviet Union. This evident particularly in remote areas where people are more dependent on local resources, as there is limited access to health care and cash income. Local communities often turn their attention towards medicinal plants as a source of healthcare and cash. Our study revealed that local healers possess an extended knowledge on the medicinal properties of plants and the locations where they can be collected. It is interesting to note that mountain slopes, which are increasingly exposed to climatic influences, were identified as the most important collecting sites. Many of the medicinal plants collected have market potential, but local value chains are not yet fully developed, in contrast to what has been observed in neighbouring countries. Another challenge that has been identified is the transmission of traditional knowledge about local medicinal plants to younger generations.
Pawera L, Verner V, Termote C, Sodombekov I, Kandakov A, Karabaev N, Skalicky M, Polesny Z*. 2016. Medical ethnobotany of herbal practitioners in the Turkestan Range, south-western Kyrgyzstan. Acta Soc Bot Pol, 85(1):3483. https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.3483
- Socioeconomic Dimensions of Wild Food Plant Use During the Conflict in Syria
Syria is one of the countries that has been affected by civil war for a considerable length of time, and the unavailability of basic services has had an impact on the local population, who have been forced to exploit the surrounding plant resources for their livelihood. Our study focused on wild plants that have the potential to be used as a source of livelihood (food), and our findings suggested an association between knowledge, frequency of collection and commercialisation of plants, and the socio-economic profile of households. It is also important to consider the impact of continued conflict on local ecosystems, as over-harvesting can result in significant damage.
Sulaiman N, Verner V, Polesny Z*. 2023. Socioeconomic dimensions of wild food plant use during the conflict in Syria. Econ Bot, 77(3):267-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-023-09579-6
- Tracing the Tradition: Regional Differences in the Cultivation, Utilization, and Commercialization of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola, Clusiaceae) in Cameroon
Tropical rainforests are a rich reservoir of plant species that humans have learned to exploit for a variety of purposes. The degradation of traditional knowledge, coupled with deforestation, is leading to the decline of these species and reducing the possibility that current generations will learn to exploit their value. In this study, we focus on a tree species called Garcinia kola, which is found in West and Central Africa and has acquired its name - bitter kola - because of the taste of its fruit. The research was carried out in Cameroon, in all regions where the tree is used. The results of the study showed differences in how farmers cared for and used the trees. Market availability and higher farm gate prices played a large role in the preference and application of sustainable practices.
Manourova A, Polesny Z, Lojka B, Degrande A, Pribyl O, Van Damme P, Verner V*. 2023. Tracing the tradition: Regional differences in the cultivation, utilization and commercialization of Bitter kola (Garcinia kola Heckel, Clusiaceae) in Cameroon. Econ Bot, 77(1):48-62. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-022-09564-5
- Tourists’ Preferences for Traditional Food Products as Indicators of the Market Potential of Underutilised Species in Cambodia
From a global perspective, tourism can be considered a rapidly growing industry. Following the recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, tourist numbers are returning to their previous levels and continue to grow. Many countries see tourism as a development priority and are exploring ways to welcome their guests longer and to keep them coming back. One way is to promote local traditional cuisine and natural products. In our study, we focused on Cambodia and tourists' awareness of local more and lesser-known plant products. We found evidence of socio-economic links to preferences for these products, and we also identified critical aspects necessary to promote local products.
Verner V, Kosova M, Chaloupkova P, Nguon S, Van Damme P, Kokoska L*. 2023. Tourists' preferences for traditional food products as indicators of the market potential of underutilised species in Cambodia. Agriculture, 13(8):1599. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081599
What are your plans for the future as new associate professor at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences?
Well, I hope this would not sound like a cliché, but for me the students will always remain at the centre of my career. We have the privilege of welcoming students from all corners of the globe, and it is through them that we continue to learn. They are gradually becoming our colleagues and the best communicators of our ideas on a global scale.
Continue with projects, research and publications that either directly help farmers to become more sustainable and better off represents my priority. I would also like to help them not to forget their roots and traditions to play the role as managers of their farms and ecosystems in a positive way. I believe that we can refine and promote our ideas more effectively within government agrarian and development policy agendas, ensuring that they would not remain confined to academic debates.