The diffusion of agricultural technologies, such as biofortified crops, is often non-linear, characterised by adoption, discontinuation, and re-adoption. This study examines the factors shaping these dynamic patterns for high-iron beans (HIBs) in Uganda. Based on cross-sectional survey data, we employed a multinomial logit model to categorise and analyse farmer adoption status. The results reveal that a combination of socio-economic and institutional factors significantly influences adoption behaviour. Specifically, the gender and age of the household head, as well as participation in off-farm income, were key socio-economic predictors. Regarding institutional factors, access to reliable markets and the presence of payback schemes emerged as the primary drivers. These findings suggest that overcoming adoption barriers requires addressing both the demographics of farmers and systemic constraints. We recommend a strategic pivot towards decentralising seed production by establishing certified community seed enterprises and enhancing training programmes that focus on both agronomic practices and market linkages to ensure the sustained cultivation of HIBs.

Soil contamination due to toxic elements (TEs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a global environmental concern due to their toxicity in ecosystems and the potential risk of food chain contamination. This study aimed to examine the differences in the multielemental profile of two experimental fields in Central Italy and to assess the uptake and translocation of TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Ti) and PTEs (Co, Cu, V, Zn) in three durum wheat, Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum varieties grown in organic (OFS) and conventional (CFS) farming systems. The biological absorption coefficient (BAC) and the translocation factor (TF) were evaluated to determine the absorption and translocation of elements from the soil to the aerial parts of the plants. The content of essential mineral nutrients such as Cu and Zn was higher in organically grown plants, whereas TEs and PTEs, such as Cd, Cr, Ni, and V, were more concentrated in conventionally cultivated plants. Among the three varieties, Simeto showed a greater ability to translocate Cd to the edible part (TF = 0.0341 for OFS and 0.7900 for CFS). Soil type, cultivation method, and durum wheat variety all affect the uptake and distribution of elements within the soil-plant system. Future research focusing on the edible parts could improve sustainable agricultural practices, optimise nutrient management, enhance crop quality, and reduce food security risks, ultimately supporting the development of safer farming systems that are resilient to climate and environmental changes.

In Madagascar, a three-year mixed-methods research approach was conducted through a partnership with a network of neighboring farmers. The objective was to explore the integration of legumes into biannual rice-based rotations. Thirty-six legume integration scenarios were jointly selected and assessed on field at the rotation scale over two cropping seasons, crossing (1) cropping intensity, represented by four legume integration modalities: sole crop (SC), intercropped with maize (IM), intercropped with cassava (IC), and intercropped with both maize and cassava (IMC); and (2) legume type, consisting of nine cropping options: four pulses, four cover crops, and four controls without legumes. Over the two cropping seasons, mean gross incomes per rotation were significantly higher in SC (US$273) and IC (US$301) systems compared to IM (US$210) and IMC (US$228). Carbon inputs were significantly greater in SC (1.16 t C ha−1) and IM (1.06 t C ha−1) systems than in IC (0.84 t C ha−1) and IMC (0.90 t C ha−1). During participatory field sessions, farmers gave the highest acceptance scores to SC systems (score: 809), followed by IC (610), IM (575), and IMC (428). Regardless of cropping intensity, the two traditional pulse species led to higher gross incomes and greater farmer acceptance, but with lower carbon inputs compared to the introduced pulse and cover crops. A composite assessment revealed that economic and social performances may match, while economic and environmental performances are never related. This original approach provided valuable insights for both researchers and farmers for feasible solutions at both regional and farm levels.