Influence of Attitudes and Perceptions on Sustainable Farming Practices among the Maasai Community in Kajiado County, Kenya

This comprehensive review explores sustainable farming practices in both Africa and the USA, shedding light on innovative approaches that address the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and increasing global food demand. As agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economies of both regions, identifying and adopting sustainable practices is crucial for ensuring long-term food security and environmental health. In Africa, the review highlights the diverse array of sustainable farming innovations that have emerged to address the unique challenges faced by the continent. Agroecological practices, such as intercropping and agroforestry, have gained prominence for their ability to enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the integration of precision farming technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, is facilitating more efficient resource use and crop management. Community-based initiatives and farmer cooperatives are also proving instrumental in promoting sustainable practices while fostering social and economic resilience in the face of environmental uncertainties. In the USA, the review explores the evolution of sustainable farming practices in response to changing consumer preferences and the imperative to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. Precision agriculture technologies, including GPS-guided tractors and sensor-based monitoring systems, are being widely adopted to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impacts. Agroecological principles are gaining traction, with a growing emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, the integration of cover cropping and crop rotation strategies is enhancing resilience to pests and diseases, reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs. Comparative analysis reveals commonalities and differences in the adoption and adaptation of sustainable farming practices between Africa and the USA. The review emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts, knowledge exchange, and policy support to ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices, promoting global food security and environmental sustainability.

Rice is a major staple crop and an important source of income for rural households in Pakistan. Its production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is challenged by rising input costs, climate variability, and limited institutional support, which undermine productivity and long-term sustainability. Sustainable farming practices (SFPs) offer opportunities to improve resource efficiency and farm profitability. This study identifies the key factors that influence the adoption of SFPs among rice farmers in KPK and evaluates their economic impacts. Primary data were collected from 283 rice-growing households in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between 18th January 2025 and 27th April 2025 using multistage random sampling. Adoption patterns of practices such as crop rotation and intercropping, reduced chemical use, natural fertilizers, and water-saving methods were examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, cost–benefit analysis, logistic regression, propensity score matching, structural equation modeling, and a decision-tree model. Results show that 56.2 percent of farmers adopted at least one sustainable practice. Education, farm size, access to credit and subsidies, market proximity, and participation in training significantly increased the likelihood of adoption. Adopters achieved higher yields (about 430 kg/ha more) and greater profitability than non-adopters (P < 0.01). Cost–benefit analysis confirmed stronger benefit-cost ratios for sustainable systems. Propensity score matching further supported positive effects on profitability, yield, and household income. The findings highlight the economic viability of SFPs in smallholder rice systems. Wider adoption will require expanded farmer training, improved access to concessional credit and subsidies, and stronger extension support. Promoting these practices can raise farm incomes, improve resource use, and support climate-resilient rice production in KPK, Pakistan.

The increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability has propelled the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Feeding a growing global population necessitates a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices, prioritizing environmental health and food security. The demand for safe and nutritious food supply necessitates reevaluating agricultural practices. Sustainable farming practices have emerged as a promising solution, promoting environmental health alongside food production. Ongoing debates on whether sustainable farming systems provide any substantial benefits compared to conventional systems prompted this research paper, which examines recent empirical evidence on the effects of sustainable farming practices (SFP) on the nutritional quality of food. With a focus on practices such as organic farming, conservation tillage, reduced chemical inputs, and crop rotation, this review synthesizes findings from studies conducted between 2018 and 2024. The paper highlights observed differences in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant levels in crops produced through sustainable farming practices (SFP) compared to conventional farming. Evidence from the literature suggests that SFP contributes positively to the nutritional quality of various food products, such as the higher vitamin C content found in organically grown tomatoes compared to their conventionally grown counterparts. These differences highlight potential health benefits for consumers. Similarly, reduced chemical input, a hallmark of organic practices, has been associated with improved mineral content in leafy greens, particularly iron and calcium levels. This synthesis provides insights into how SFP may enhance the nutrient density of food, offering benefits for both environmental sustainability and public health. Policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should consider promoting SFP to support a healthier and more sustainable food system.

A key strategy of chocolate manufacturers is the promotion of sustainable farming practices amongst their supplying cocoa producers. A growing body of micro-economic literature has analysed factors influencing the adoption of such practices, yet broadly disregarded value chain factors. Information on how factors within single value chains increase the adoption of sustainable farming practices can help direct chocolate companies’ investments and increase return of investments in sustainability. The objective of this study was to understand: (a) how important value chain factors are, relative to farmer and farm factors, for cocoa farmers’ implementation of sustainable farming practices and (b) through which mechanisms value chain factors influence sustainable farming practices implementation. By integrating the practice adoption with sustainable supply chain management literature, we contribute to closing an important research gap. We collected data from 394 cocoa farmers in Ecuador and Uganda and analysed the determinants of implementation sustainable farming practices, testing quantitatively whether value chain factors with variation within single value chains are significantly associated with practice implementation. These factors included information factors (farmers’ access to training; advisory service through the value chain) and structural factors (value chain organisation and persistence; farmers’ dependency on this value chain). We selected 11 sustainable farming practices or indicators across three sustainability dimensions, i.e., environmental, social, and economic. We found that value chain factors are comparable to farmer and farm factors in explaining the implementation of sustainable farming practices across dimensions. Both capacity building and stable relationships were significantly related with the implementation of certain sustainable farming practices. Yet these results were weaker than expected, indicating that their potential was not fully exploited within our case study value chains. Through their value chain sustainability initiatives, chocolate companies should disseminate knowledge, address inhibitors to sustainable farming practices implementation beyond knowledge, and align sustainability goals with all value chain actors.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States revealed that a significant number of farmers are increasingly adopting methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, motivated by environmental concerns and economic incentives. However, barriers to adoption include the high initial costs and perceived risk of lower yields, which deter some farmers from fully committing to sustainable practices. Despite these challenges, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, supported by governmental incentives and an increasing market demand for organically produced goods. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) &amp; social cognitive theory (SCT) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Agricultural extension services should develop specialized programs that focus on the practical benefits of sustainable practices, tailored to specific farming contexts and crops. Governments should consider offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, for farmers who adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

Adoption of environmentally friendly and economically sustainable farming practices among others, aims at realizing Sustainable Development Goals Number Two and Number Thirteen on Zero Hunger and Climate Action respectively. However, inapt agribusiness arrangements and climate change impacts obstruct these efforts. Hence, a need for further assessments on possible forms of institutional arrangements that are likely to enhance the adoption of sustainable farming practices. In that regard, this study explored the integration of smallholder organizational forms, contractual mechanisms, and value chains on the sustainability of smallholder commercial farming. The economic and ecological contexts of sustainability within conventional and organic farming value chains that smallholders engage in are studied. The study used qualitative data gathered through seven in-depth interviews and thirteen focus group discussions from the contracted conventional, contracted organic, non-contracted conventional, and non-contracted organic cases of smallholder commercial farming models. The findings show that formally organized smallholders who integrate and contract with agribusinesses for ventures in the organic farming value chain indicate a high enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability. Such is recommended for realizing smallholder commercial farming endeavors that are both economically and ecologically sustainable. This paper contributes to the ongoing sustainability agenda, especially on methods that are adopted by smallholder commercial farming in developing economies. Different from other studies that reflect sustainable farming approaches on sole factors, the proposed approach is based on integrating three key parameters, which if actors take them on board, contribute to realizing sustainable development through sustainable smallholder-based commercial farming in developing economies.

This study enhances our understanding of the psychological factors influencing farmers' adoption of sustainable farming practices, specifically those related to achieving NetZero emissions. It achieves this by integrating various psychological theories with practical farming methods within the context of Behavioral-Adoption and Purpose-Driven contexts. The research consisted of two studies. Study 1 employed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to analyze responses from 438 UK farmers regarding their attitudes toward a series of Net Zero policy commitments, drawing on psychological theories including the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Prototype Willingness Model, Implementation Intentions, Self-Determination Theory, Eudaimonia, and the Integrated Model of Health Literacy. The findings revealed a new Integrated Motivation Model for Sustainable Farming that comprises seven factors: Agricultural Commitment and Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Readiness and Confidence, Sustainable Incentive Engagement and Acceptance, Climate Adaptation Competence and Confidence, Net Zero Accountability and Reporting Commitment, Community Influence and Commitment in Sustainable Farming, and Innovation and Technological Competence. Study 2 validated these factors through the development of a 21-item Integrated Motivation Model for Sustainable Farming scale and use of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to confirm the 7-factor structure using a subsample of 418 UK farmers from Study 1 and an additional 230 US farmers. Furthermore, Study 2 tested the concurrent validity of the new scale by demonstrating significant associations with reported sustainable farming behaviors. These findings underscore the complex interplay of motivational, cognitive, and social processes influencing sustainable farming practices. The integrated psychological model developed through this research provides parsimonious and valuable insights for policymakers to foster sustainable practices in farming effectively. The confirmation of this model across farming populations enhances its generalizability and potential to guide targeted interventions aimed at achieving behavioral change in pursuit of Net Zero targets in agriculture.

Impact of human capital and risk preferences on farmers' decisions towards sustainable farming practices: A meta-analysis.

Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) in association with small-scale farmers, has a vital role in fostering sustainable organic practices for sustainable agricultural development. A study was conducted to establish the alignment of sustainable agriculture practices at KATC, with that of the National agricultural policy and, how sustainable practices are implemented by the training institution. The qualitative case study involved seventeen (17) participants who were purposively selected from the target population. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, observations, and a focus group discussion. A document review on SNAP’s sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) was conducted, and data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study showed that KATC’s sustainable organic practices such as soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, and pest and disease management were aligned with policy objectives of, increasing crop production, food security, and nutrition, promoting sustainable management and use of natural resources. An integrated approach is essential in implementing SAPs aligned with policy objectives, to enable the effective adoption of SAPs by small-scale farmers and agricultural development. The study recommended specific policies and legislation on sustainable agriculture to influence the implementation of sustainability practices.

The role of market forces and food safety institutions in the adoption of sustainable farming practices: The case of the fresh tomato export sector in Morocco and Turkey

PurposeAmid the growing global emphasis on sustainable agriculture, organizations and governments face a pressing need to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary for the adoption of sustainable farming practices, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, understanding the complex relationship between training programs and the adoption of sustainable practices among small-scale farmers remains a critical challenge. Taking a human resource approach, this paper attempts to understand the interrelationships between training effectiveness, farmers’ psychological and demographic characteristics in explaining the adoption of sustainable farming practices.Design/methodology/approachWe employed a multi-stage random sampling method and administered a structured questionnaire to collect data from 331 small farmers who were part of a government-led, large-scale intervention aimed at training them in sustainable farming practices.FindingsOur research findings not only emphasize the critical role of HR approach through training but also underscore its importance in the broader mission of aligning with the SDGs. Specifically, we demonstrate that sustained exposure to training, intrinsic motivation to acquire knowledge, and the innovative capacity of farmers collectively enhance the effectiveness of training programs, thereby contributing significantly to the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices in line with SDGs.Originality/valueDrawing from self-determination theory, training effectiveness literature, and the call for improved alignment with the SDGs, this study presents a model that explains how psychological characteristics, combined with the quality and quantity of training influence the adoption of sustainable farming practices among small-scale farmers.

This study was carried out in Isiolo and Kajiado counties. Livestock production and marketing have been hampered by the unavailability and accessibility to livestock technologies, and information sharing. The overall objective of this study was to assess a multi-institutional model for enhancing the uptake of livestock technologies in Isiolo and Kajiado counties. The key parameters assessed were priority livestock constraints; technology needs; stakeholder partnerships; and technology delivery platform. The data were collected from 451 households belonging to Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Production KCSAP groups red meat value chain of pastoralists, Common Interest Groups and Most Vulnerable Groups (CIGs and VMGs) using semi-structured questionnaires, Focus group discussions with groups, key informant interviews with public and private sector actors. The results showed that in both Kajiado and Isiolo Counties, priority livestock production constraints in Kajiado County in Dalalekutuk ward were diseases, lack of feeds, limited access to water and inadequate veterinary services, and in Isiolo County were lack of feeds, limited access to water and diseases. Priority livestock diseases in Kajiado, County, Dalalekutuk ward were, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), anthrax; contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and cerebral coenurosis and enterotoxemia and cerebral coenurosis for the sheep. In Isiolo County, priority cattle diseases were FMD and trypanosomiasis,’ in the goats CCPP and cerebral coenurosis while in the sheep enterotoxemia and cerebral coenurosis. The reasons for persistent livestock production constraints were ranked and ranked as single organization interventions not sufficient to solve problems and lack of prioritization by stakeholders (water, pasture, diseases). The major livestock technology needs were: pasture, water, access to veterinary vaccines, capacity building of groups; training of para vets to support in the delivery of veterinary services; information sharing platform and market infrastructure. The multi-institutional technology exhibitions consisting of public and private sector actors were held in Kajiado and Isiolo Counties linking KCSAP pastoralist groups to technology and service providers. To enhance sharing of information, a mobile application(MITDP) was established linking CIGs and VMGs leaders with KALRO, KEVEVAPI, County Governments of Kajiado and Isiolo departments of livestock production and veterinary services; suppliers of drugs, vaccines and equipment; water technology suppliers; Agro-vets and Non-governmental organizations along the red meat value chain.

This paper investigates the relationship between the use of digital and non-digital sources of information on sustainable farming practices, institutional pressure and adoption of such practices by farmers in Brazilian semi-arid lands. The research uses a model based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the institutional theory. Our results for a sample of 100 Brazilian farmers show that non-digital sources of information and ‘Coercive’ and ‘Normative’ pressures have a positive impact on farmers’ attitude towards and actual adoption of sustainable farming practices. However, digital sources of information such as TV and Radio do not play a significant role. In addition, pro-environmental attitude drives sustainable behaviour through the adoption of three out of the five sustainable farming practices investigated. Research and policy implications are also discussed.

This paper investigates the relationship between the use of digital and non-digital sources of information on sustainable farming practices, institutional pressure and adoption of such practices by farmers in Brazilian semi-arid lands. The research uses a model based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the institutional theory. Our results for a sample of 100 Brazilian farmers show that non-digital sources of information and ‘Coercive’ and ‘Normative’ pressures have a positive impact on farmers’ attitude towards and actual adoption of sustainable farming practices. However, digital sources of information such as TV and Radio do not play a significant role. In addition, pro-environmental attitude drives sustainable behaviour through the adoption of three out of the five sustainable farming practices investigated. Research and policy implications are also discussed.

This research investigates the production behavior of hybrid corn farmers, mainly focusing on the JAB69-01 SAKTI variety in Indonesia, and its influence on sustainable production. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework and examining factors such as attitudes, subjective and moral norms, perceived behavioral control, risk perception, and environmental awareness, this study reveals significant correlations between these factors and farmers' intentions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. The study adopts a quantitative methodology, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine data gathered from surveys and interviews with 250 participants from September 2023 to January 2024. The results of hypothesis testing indicate a positive and significant relationship between psychological factors and farmers' intentions to engage in sustainable farming practices. Moreover, environmental awareness emerges as a crucial mediator between farmers' behavior and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing environmental awareness among farmers to promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices. This study emphasizes the need for integrated and holistic strategies to improve sustainable corn production. Recommendations include implementing intensive education and awareness programs, providing economic incentives for farmers undertaking sustainable agriculture, and fostering close collaboration among government agencies, agricultural institutions, communities, and the private sector. Such collaborative efforts are essential for developing effective strategies and implementing programs that positively impact farming, the region, and the environment.