Access to food security knowledge-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

2.5.1 Access to food security knowledge

Access to food security knowledge

2.5.1

SDG2

Access to food security knowledge

Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture and Ecology
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) advances biotechnological applications in agri-food, aquaculture, and ecological sustainability through research demonstration, field linkage, and talent cultivation, guided by a commitment to making technology a public good and empowering farmers, actively translating research into practical production applications.

Agricultural Innovations and Local Product Upgrading
In concrete outcomes, the Life Sciences team achieved breakthroughs in the secondary fermentation of Dongshan “Maihime” coffee, upgrading local agricultural products. Meanwhile, the Department of Materials Science, working with cross-institutional partners, developed sorghum biochar for the Chianan Plain, aligning with the UNFCCC’s recent “4 per 1000” initiative and demonstrating yield gains and soil-health benefits as a pathway for local revitalization.

Smart Aquaculture Development
In aquaculture, NCKU has developed an intelligent fry production system that reduces labor by 60% and maintains a 3–5% survival rate—over ten times the typical 0.3%—positioned for technology transfer to address an aging workforce and labor shortages and to help the industry move toward smart aquaculture.

Sustainability Education and Community Collaboration
For knowledge dissemination, OpenCourseWare (OCW) includes topics such as “Climate Change and Food Security” and “Sustainable Agriculture,” embedding sustainability literacy into the curriculum and making it openly available to the public. In parallel, the six-year “Satoyama Scepter Initiative” underscores that beyond developing carbon-reduction technologies, NCKU will collaborate with rural communities and farmers to promote—from the grassroots—the vision of harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

NCKU microbiology team announces major breakthrough in secondary fermentation of Dongshan “Maihime” coffee:

The microbiology team of the Department of Life Sciences at NCKU collaborated with a natural farming estate in Dongshan District, Tainan, and Shangpin Coffee. Using naturally cultivated parchment beans with a moisture content of about 10–12%, the team applied microbial technology, introducing diverse yeast and lactic acid bacteria strains to enhance coffee flavors and boost commercial value. Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate nutritional management during cultivation with biotechnology and systematic processes to further improve quality and strengthen the international competitiveness of Taiwanese coffee.

NCKU Department of Materials Science and other academic teams promote local revitalization in the Chianan Plain through new agricultural technology using sorghum biochar:

NCKU’s Department of Materials Science, in collaboration with academic partners, has launched a project to revitalize the Chianan Plain through sorghum biochar. By applying new agricultural technology, sorghum by-products are converted into environmentally valuable biochar, which not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes agricultural recycling. This initiative integrates materials science with sustainable farming, enhances the added value of the sorghum industry, and supports regional development.

First in Taiwan — NCKU develops “smart fry production system,” reducing labor needs by 60%:

NCKU has developed Taiwan’s first “Intelligent Fry Production System”, which uses automation and smart monitoring technologies to significantly reduce labor requirements in fish fry farming, cutting manpower costs by up to 60%. By integrating sensors, data analysis, and automated management, the system precisely monitors growth conditions and the health of fish fry, thereby improving efficiency and survival rates. This project not only addresses labor shortages in the aquaculture industry but also promotes the advancement of smart agriculture and aquaculture, with the goal of helping the industry gradually transition toward digital and intelligent operations.

OpenCourseWare (OCW): covering topics such as “Climate Change and Food Security” and “Sustainable Agriculture:

NCKU’s OpenCourseWare (OCW) provides diverse courses covering environmental and sustainability issues, including topics such as “Climate Change and Food Security,” “Sustainable Agriculture,” and “Environmental Conservation.” These courses integrate theory with practice and invite experts and scholars to share their insights, helping learners understand the challenges that climate change poses to food systems while exploring solutions for sustainable agriculture. Through the online learning platform, both university members and the public can participate free of charge, promoting the widespread accessibility of environmental education.

NCKU launches the “Satoyama Scepter Initiative,” aiming for harmony between people and nature and a shared vision of global sustainability:

NCKU held the inaugural conference for the “Satoyama Scepter Initiative,” bringing together experts, scholars, faculty, and students to promote harmony between people and nature. The initiative echoes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the importance of satoyama practices in ecological conservation, social participation, and regional revitalization. By engaging academia, local communities, and NGOs, the program promotes ecological preservation and community coexistence, while also offering practical guidance for local residents in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

2.3.5 Staff hunger interventions

2.5.2 Events for local farmers and food producers