Agricultural Activities Research Articles

Impact of salmon farming in the antibiotic resistance and structure of marine bacterial communities from surface seawater of a northern Patagonian area of Chile

BackgroundAquaculture and salmon farming can cause environmental problems due to the pollution of the surrounding waters with nutrients, solid wastes and chemicals, such as antibiotics, which are used for disease control in the aquaculture facilities. Increasing antibiotic resistance in human-impacted environments, such as coastal waters with aquaculture activity, is linked to the widespread use of antibiotics, even at sub-lethal concentrations. In Chile, the world's second largest producer of salmon, aquaculture is considered the primary source of antibiotics residues in the coastal waters of northern Patagonia. Here, we evaluated whether the structure and diversity of marine bacterial community, the richness of antibiotic resistance bacteria and the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes increase in communities from the surface seawater of an area with salmon farming activities, in comparison with communities from an area without major anthropogenic disturbance.ResultsThe taxonomic structure of bacterial community was significantly different between areas with and without aquaculture production. Growth of the culturable fraction under controlled laboratory conditions showed that, in comparison with the undisturbed area, the bacterial community from salmon farms displayed a higher frequency of colonies resistant to the antibiotics used by the salmon industry. A higher adaptation to antibiotics was revealed by a greater proportion of multi-resistant bacteria isolated from the surface seawater of the salmon farming area. Furthermore, metagenomics data revealed a significant higher abundance of antibiotic resistant genes conferring resistance to 11 antibiotic families in the community from salmon farms, indicating that the proportion of bacteria carrying the resistance determinants was overall higher in salmon farms than in the undisturbed site.ConclusionsOur results revealed an association between bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance from surface seawater of a coastal area of Chile. Although the total bacterial community may appear comparable between sites, the cultivation technique allowed to expose a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the salmon farming area. Moreover, we demonstrated that metagenomics (culture-independent) and phenotypic (culture-dependent) methods are complementary to evaluate the bacterial communities’ risk for antibiotic resistance, and that a human—influenced environment (such as salmon farms) can potentiate bacteria to adapt to environmental stresses, such as antibiotics.

ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOOD GENERATING ACTIVITIES IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study examines female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. The objectives of the study were to: examine the extent of female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities and the income generated, determine factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities, and identify major constraints faced by female youth participating in agricultural livelihood generating activities. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 133 female youths from 13 registered youth associations with 10 from each group in (4) peri-urban communities of the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data while descriptive statistics and Logit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 30.1% and 14.3% of the respondents were engaged in crop and poultry production and generated an average income of ₦420,093.02 and ₦216,000.00 respectively while 3.0% and 4.5 only were engaged in crop produce processing and poultry meat and egg marketing and generated ₦29,250.74 and ₦14,166.67, respectively. The logit regression results indicated that factors influencing female youth participation in agricultural livelihood generating activities include age, education status, household size, income, occupation, and distance. Also, the major constraints hindering participation were inadequate access to land (43.6%), inadequate access to finance (41.6%) and high cost of production (16%). While the study indicates that a significant portion of female youths is engaged in crop and poultry production, their overall participation in agricultural activities is limited. The study provides critical insights into the potential of agriculture as a viable solution to youth unemployment in Nigeria. The study recommends implementing policies to improve land access for female youths, including land reform initiatives that prioritize youth ownership and leasing options. Additionally, it suggests exploring strategies to reduce production costs through input subsidies, partnerships with agricultural suppliers, and community-based resource-sharing initiatives.

District Level Crop Weather Calendars and Advisories for Kharif Rice in Odisha, India

The crop weather calendar is a visual depiction of key facts about crop growth phases, typical crop water requirements, and alerts that should be sent out in response to weather that is conducive to the spread of pests and diseases. Farmers and other stakeholders may successfully plan crops, schedule irrigation, and take plant protection measures by using these calendars, which are practical and helpful tools for farmers. The crop weather calendars are prepared in different languages for better understanding to farmers and explain the usage importance and plan farm operation and activities by taking decisions as per the prevalent crop weather conditions in fields. It plays a vital role for important crops and various varieties through research & development-based process at village/ panchayat level. It also helpful for improving the quality of medium range weather forecast based on Agro-Advisory Services (AAS). The AAS provides strategies based on weather for crop and livestock management to increase production and food security. The AAS has been useful to advise farmers regarding farm operations to manage the inclement weather for effective crop production in the changing environment. The Research was carried out on the studies of crop weather calendar on Rice crop in different districts of Odisha by All India co-ordinated research project on Agrometeorology, Bhubaneswar centre with the support of Agro Meteorological Field Unit (AMFU). It has been prepared with an objective to study climate normal of past 30 years from (1993-2023). Climatic data of Rice crop in Kharif season has been taken 25th SMW to 42nd SMW for medium duration (125 days) and 26th to 49th SMW for long duration (150 days) Rice crop in both English and Odia (local) languages for the coastal districts i.e (Khordha, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur) of Odisha. From the crop weather calendar the medium duration of rice crop, it was found that for sowing to seeding the mean temperature is 290C, before the transplanting and the water requirement of 670-690 mm is found congenial for better yield of the crop. The growth of the crops severely affected where the temperature falls below 200C, for high yielding of Rice crop during the kharif season the favourable weather conditions are Tmax: 300C, Tmin: 260C, Rainfall: 78 mm to 110 mm during the 29th to 30th week with RH 87%. For the pest likes stem borer and leaf folder the congenial weather conditions are Temperature :20 to 300C, RH:87%, Wind speed (Km/h) <5 and Rainfall: 00-30 mm. Similarly for Blast and BLB diseases, the favourable conditions during the 28th-31st week to 48th week, when the temperature range 20-300C, RH=> 90 %, Wind speed < 5 (Km/h) RH:30-50%. It has been found that the severity of pest and diseases increases with decreases in temperature and High RH and very low rainfall.

Exploring the growth and phytoremediation efficacy of Suaeda fruticosa in agricultural soil contaminated by shrimp aquaculture

Plants face numerous environmental challenges from biotic and abiotic stressors, with soil salinization emerging as a significant global concern. The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, face severe environmental challenges due to discharge of saline water from shrimp farms exacerbates this issue, compromising the viability of paddy and other crops in the vicinity. This study explores the phytoremediation potential of Suaeda fruticosa in addressing soil salinity resulting from shrimp farming activities under field conditions over a 120-day period to restore soil health in salt affected soil. This research demonstrates Suaeda fruticosa’s exceptional salt tolerance and bioaccumulation potential in facilitating soil restoration. Significant enhancements were observed in various growth parameters, including 466% increase in plant height, 338% in fresh weight and 387% in dry weight. Biochemical parameters also showed substantial enhancements with total chlorophyll, protein, proline, phenol, and glycinebetaine levels increasing by 655%, 588%, 690%, 153%, and 531%, respectively. Enzymatic activities exhibited notable elevations as well, with catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities escalating by 258%, 587%, and 121% respectively, indicating robust adaptation to saline environments. Moreover, Suaeda fruticosa exhibited remarkable bioaccumulation capabilities, accumulating 461 kg NaCl ha−1. This led to substantial improvements in soil characteristics, including a reduction in pH from 8.8 to 6.49, electrical conductivity from 5.7 to 1.53 dSm−1, and sodium adsorption ratio from 16.1 to 4.4 mmol L−1. The successive cultivation of Suaeda fruticosa in this study, has proven to be a viable strategy for reclaiming salt-affected lands, thereby alleviating a significant constraint on crop productivity.

Assessment of the level of heavy metals contamination via sediments quality indices of the Koudiet Medouar Dam and its tributary (Batna, Algeria)

The present study assesses the level of heavy metals concerning sediment from the Koudiet Medouar dam. This dam is intended for the production of drinking water and irrigation. In order to assess the level of contamination of the dam by toxic metals, 216 sediment samples were taken at nine stations upstream and downstream of the dam from 2012 to 2014. At the same time, the physical characteristics of the water and the physicochemical parameters of the sediments were determined. The results, expressed by the mean ± standard deviation, are for water: temperature, 15.5 ± 7 °C; potential of hydrogen, 8.05 ± 0.36; conductivity, 1125 ± 228 μS/cm. For sediments the values are potential of hydrogen, 8.55 ± 0.22; conductivity, 730 ± 347 μS/cm; carbonates, 49.18 ± 18.1%; fraction less than 63 μm 27.06 ± 6.95%; organic matter 3.02 ± 1.2%. Trace metal concentrations followed the order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Co > Ni > Pb > Cd. The strong correlation among trace metal indicates that these elements have common sources suggesting their association with silted sands. The geo-accumulation index, contamination factors, degree of contamination, and sediment pollution index reveal a polymetallic contamination dominated by two or more elements in which Cd, Cr, and Cu are of greatest concern. The levels of trace metals in the sediments record high concentrations upstream of the dam, especially in the second station of the village, near the dam. Our results reflect the footprint of anthropogenic inputs of cadmium, chromium, and copper resulting from agricultural activities by runoff water and soil erosion as well as domestic water discharges.

Determinants of Microfinance Demand (Evidence from Chiredzi Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers in Zimbabwe)

Despite the MFI insurgency, agricultural financing remains critically low, even though microcredit is widely accepted as both a substitute and compliment to formal credit. Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy and very little is known about the determinants of microcredit demand and microcredit size in smallholder resettled sugarcane farmers. Research is concentrated in short-term agriculture activities. Thus, this study aims to fill the unattended gap in lagged returns agriculture activities such as sugarcane production which takes at least a year to mature, hence, the greater need for agriculture financing alternatives such as microfinance. The study examined the determinants of both microcredit demand and loan size (magnitude of microcredit participation) by smallholder resettled A2 sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi. Primary data from 370 smallholder resettled sugarcane farmers (214 borrower participants and 156 non-borrower participants) were used. Probit and Tobit regression models were used for data analysis in STATA. Operational costs, interest rate, grace period, and land size significantly affect both the demand for microcredit and microcredit size, while education, household farming assets, extension services, and payback period significantly affect microfinance demand, and risk attitude/perception additionally determine microcredit size. Special microfinance schemes best suitable for the agriculture sector and crop/plant-specific agriculture financing schemes, currency, and macroeconomic stability are the major policy recommendations.

Open Data for Transparency of Government Tenders: A State Analysis in Croatian Agriculture Land Lease

State-owned agricultural land is an asset that the state must manage in a responsible and transparent manner. Agricultural land is extremely important for farmers as it enables them to carry out agricultural activities. Due to its importance to farmers, it is often the subject of debate as stakeholders are often dissatisfied with the allocation and management of state-owned agricultural land. Qualitative research of the process of state agricultural land lease and the associated legislation in the Republic of Croatia enabled the analysis of the existing business model, with the results pointing to shortcomings in the Initial and Evaluation phases of the process. A steady rise in the number of tenders published in 2015–2022 was recorded. Local administrative units in the Continental region scored higher than those in the Adriatic region (both cities and municipalities) in terms of transparency. Unfortunately, the response rate from the local authorities was below 50% across both region and unit, further indicating low transparency. Based on the findings, a proposal of changes in the tendering process was made utilizing a digital platform as an environment for all stakeholders, which provides functionalities essential for the transparent implementation of tenders for the agricultural land lease in Croatia.

US land sector mitigation investments and emissions implications

The land sector is anticipated to play an important role in achieving U.S. GHG emissions targets by reducing emissions and increasing sequestration from the atmosphere. This study assesses how much different levels of investment could stimulate land-based mitigation activities in the U.S. By applying a dynamic economic model of the land use sectors, with representation of 26 forestry and agricultural mitigation strategies across 11 U.S. regions, the study shows that annual investments of $2.4 billion could deliver abatement of around 80 MtCO2e annually. Under an optimal allocation of investments, the forestry sector and the Corn Belt are projected to receive the largest share of funds. Restricting land-based activities eligible for funds significantly reduces overall potential mitigation. For instance, if $24 billion investments are allocated only to agricultural activities, mitigation declines by 48% to 54 MtCO2e/yr over the next ten years. Finally, the level of abatement from each policy depends on the timing of implementation as the lowest cost mitigation actions are generally taken by the policy implemented first.

Multi-parameter study of Aculeo lagoon (Chile)

Abstract. The Aculeo Lagoon, located in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, was one of the main water reservoirs of central Chile. It has experienced a decline in water levels since 2009 and completely dried up in 2018. It was unable to recover until 2023 due to sustained demand for water resources associated with population growth, changes in land use, and years of drought. The objective of this study is to estimate how anthropogenic factors and climate change have influenced the drying of the lagoon. Parameters considered include population growth, housing increases, changes in land use within the Aculeo basin, local temperature and precipitation variations, and global El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena. Input data included multi-year Landsat images, census data, and a systematic review of the literature on the study area. Furthermore, applying geospatial data analysis techniques such as satellite image processing, supervised classification of land cover/use, and calculation of spectral indices, it is possible to conclude that the Aculeo Lagoon dried out due to a significant precipitation deficit over nearly a decade, exacerbated by the overexploitation of land for agricultural activities.

Fertilization with Olive Mill Pomace Compost Can Moderate Pest Damage in a Superintensive Olive Grove

Olive cultivation is a key agricultural activity in Spain, primarily for producing oil. The extraction process of olive oil from the drupe yields a by-product known as ‘alperujo’, which can be composted and utilized as fertilizer. This research examines the impact of composted ‘alperujo’ on arthropod assemblages in the tree canopy, comparing it to mineral fertilization over the years 2021 and 2022. The study was conducted in two olive groves with different management systems (superintensive and traditional). Two types of sampling methods were used for the canopy: visual survey and sweep net. Under superintensive management, the presence and damage of Eriophyidae (Acari; Trombidiformes) in the shoots was significantly lower in the compost treatment in 2022 (20% of the shoots were occupied/damaged) compared to the mineral treatment (60% of the shoots were occupied/damaged). Araneae abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.033) in the compost treatment compared to the mineral treatment. However, under traditional management, no clear effect on arthropod assemblage was observed. In conclusion, the addition of compost to the superintensive grove helped to limit the presence of some arthropod pests compared to mineral treatment, contributing to a more sustainable crop. Grove type management appeared to play a significant role in the arthropod assemblages and effect of compost addition, but future research utilizing a greater number of groves (replicates) and an extended observation period should be performed to confirm these results.

Radiological risk assessment of phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study assesses the radiological risks associated with phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. Soil samples from ten agricultural towns were analyzed for radionuclide concentrations using gamma-ray spectrometry. Primordial radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K were examined, with 40K showing the highest concentration due to the potassium-rich nature of phosphate fertilizers. Spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations was observed, attributed to agricultural activities. Despite variations, mean activity concentrations were below global averages, indicating low radiological risks. Hazard indices, radium equivalent concentrations, and absorbed dose rates were all within safe limits. The annual effective dose equivalent was significantly lower than recommended levels, and excess lifetime cancer risk estimates were below the global average. The study emphasizes the importance of educating farmers on the potential adverse effects of radionuclides and recommends reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Pathways towards sustainability: A capacity needs assessment for the implementation of the Colombian Policy for Sustainable Cattle 2022–2050

Cattle farming is one of the main agricultural activities in Colombia, but its mainly extensive nature generates significant social and environmental impacts, such as land grabbing, agricultural frontier expansion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. To transform cattle systems towards sustainability, the Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Cattle 2022–2050 (LPGBS) were launched in 2022, resulting from conversations between sector institutions and the national government. Although the LPGBS are proposed as the roadmap for cattle farming in the coming decades, their implementation has faced delays and raised doubts among the involved institutions. This research analyzes the current state of the LPGBS to identify difficulties and determine strategies that promote sustainability in cattle systems by building capacities. The research is based on a mixed-methods approach and contains a literature review on the evaluation of public policies in the cattle sector, complemented by 26 key-informant interviews with experts from public and private institutions involved in developing the LPGBS. These interviews provided key perspectives and practical experiences to understand current difficulties in the implementation of the LPGBS and identify the capacities needed to achieve the planned transition to sustainable cattle farming. Results reveal several difficulties in the LPGBS design stage, including institutional weakness, low governmental participation, and lack of trust among stakeholders. However, important progress was made, such as the construction of social, environmental, and productive sustainability criteria, the consolidation of the sustainability approach at the cattle landscape level, and regional participation. The capacities necessary to drive the implementation of the LPGBS include strengthening rural extension programs, access to financing, and the implementation of a traceability system for monitoring and evaluation. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating policies at early stages to provide crucial information for decision-makers and public policy formulators to correct and improve implementation processes.

Modeling the Predictors of Poverty in Agricultural Households in Uganda: Application of Multilevel and Interaction Methods

This study aimed to model the predictors of poverty in agricultural households in Uganda. The study's specific objectives were to examine the effect of individual predictors of poverty and analyze the contribution of community predictors of poverty in agricultural households. The study utilized data from the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS, 2019/20) obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. A sample of 13,732 households was randomly selected from the total weighted sample representation of 11.3 million households involved in agricultural activities. A logit model was used in the analysis and estimates were provided using multilevel and interaction methods. Key findings suggest that poverty in agricultural households was positively and significantly influenced by the gender of the household head, marital status of the household head, income stability of the household, age of the household head and livestock ownership. Additionally, regional differences accounted for 17.9 % of the variations in poverty levels in Uganda and understanding such regional differences and their influence on poverty levels can assist policymakers and organizations in designing targeted interventions and policies to reduce poverty levels among households. Such measures can address the specific challenges faced by different regions and promote more equitable development across the country. However, poverty in agricultural households was negatively and significantly influenced by residence status, savings account ownership and household size. Based on the study's findings, the key policy recommendations were that; the government should continue implementing gender-focused interventions to address gender disparities among women empowerment programs that involve access to resources including land, equal access to employment opportunities and equal access to education to reduce poverty among women. Regarding income instabilities in agricultural households due to price fluctuations, the government should empower farmers to form farmer groups where they can collectively increase their bargaining power to avoid price fluctuations.

Economic-ecological assessment of multi-crop small-scale model farms in the Republic of Armenia (piloting results from Gegharqunik region)

Background: Biogenic elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are major pollutants of Lake Sevan's water, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Untreated wastewater, sewage, agriculture, fish farming, and other activities are significant sources of these pollutants. Vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on mineral fertilizers and chemicals, and livestock breeding contribute substantially to nitrogen pollution in the lake. However, improved vegetable growing practices, including small-scale agriculture using organic fertilizers, natural soil improvers, and eco-friendly bio-liquids as growth stimulants, can enhance the socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Lake Sevan basin. These practices promote environmentally friendly, water-saving land-use methods, reducing nitrogen leaching into the lake. Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of applying innovative agro-technology to small-scale farming in the Lake Sevan watershed (Gegharkunik region). Specifically, the study objectives are to determine the quality characteristics of crops grown in small-scale farms and compare these quality indicators between yields obtained through the proposed technology and traditional cultivation methods. Methods: Field trials of multi-crop systems were conducted on 0.25 ha land plots in four variations across four different locations in the Lake Sevan watershed. The trials were evaluated for various parameters. Nitrate content, dry matter, starch, vitamin C, and sugar levels were determined in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, beets, and green beans, while fat content was measured in green beans and green peas. Results: Economic efficiency calculations revealed that utilizing the proposed innovative agro-technology in a multi-crop small-scale farm (0.25 ha) yielded a 20-25% increase compared to traditional cultivation with synthetic fertilizers, accompanied by notable environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that small-scale agricultural practices employing the proposed agro-technology have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts on local farmers. Keywords: Cultivation of non-traditional crops, organic farming, small-scale farming, activities, economic and ecological evaluation, and food quality characteristics.

Assessment of genotoxicity biomarkers in neotropical fish species from streams of the Ivinhema River basin located in sugarcane cultivation areas

The Ivinhema River basin has experienced the greatest expansion of sugarcane cultivation in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Theassessment of water quality through physical and chemical parameters and ecotoxicological studies, employing both bioindicators collected in situ and laboratory tests, provides more robust results for this region. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the composition and structure of the landscape around the sampling sites located in three streams (Vitória, Rosário, and Piravevê) belonging to the Ivinhema River basin to evaluate the impacts of sugarcane cultivation expansion on water quality and genotoxicity biomarkers in situ and ex situ using native fish species. Inthe sampling sites in the Rosário and Vitória streams, sugarcane is the main land use, while in the Piravevê stream, pasture areas represent the main land use. The acidic pH observed in the Vitória and Rosário streams seems to be related to the application of fertilizers and the fertigation in the sugarcane crop. Two species of detritivorous and five of omnivorous fishes were collected. A higher frequency of genotoxic damage was identified in detritivorous fish species. In the genotoxicity tests with Astyanax lacustris, the most frequent nuclear alteration induced by the water samples from all sampling sites was nuclear invagination. Our results indicated that the expansion of the sugarcane ridge in the Ivinhema River basin may cause negative impacts on the aquatic environment and native biota. These results contribute to the generation of data and information that can be used for public hearing requests that aim to discuss and review many aspects of legislation regarding agricultural activities around streams, as well as the need for restoration and management programs in these areas in order to conserve biodiversity.

Seasonal occurrence and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments and water in the left-bank canals of Indus River, Pakistan.

This study investigated a pressing environmental concern: the presence, distribution, sources, and ecological implications of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the left-bank canals of Kotri barrage-Akram, Pinyari, and Phuleli of the Indus River in Pakistan. These vital waterways, crucial for industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities, are experiencing contamination threats from anthropogenic sources, particularly PAHs. The study collected three water and two sediment samples from each canal in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Then the EPA's liquid-liquid extraction method and gas chromatography determined the concentrations of PAHs. The findings of this study reveal alarming contamination levels, with pre-monsoon concentrations ranging from 22.256 to 836.455ng/L in water and 1,459.941 to 43,179.243ng/g in sediments. The post-monsoon concentrations ranged from 60.352 to 5663.058ng/L in water and 2976.770 to 15,238.335ng/g in sediments. The diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) identified multiple sources of contamination, including industrial and domestic wastewater discharge, solid waste burning, vehicular emissions, biomass combustion, and petroleum residues. Furthermore, the assessment of the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) underscored the heightened carcinogenic potential of certain PAHs, notably benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene. Thus, the high levels of PAH contamination pose severe health risks to both human populations and aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. Stricter regulations governing industrial and domestic waste discharge, advocacy for cleaner fuel technologies, and the implementation of effective waste management practices must be initiated as crucial strategies in safeguarding the environmental integrity of the left-bank canals and the health of the surrounding communities.

Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Farming Activities on Some Selected Food Crops in Delta State, Nigeria

Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Farming Activities on Some Selected Food Crops in Delta State, Nigeria

Risk Analysis of Groundwater Contaminant in Rural Areas Using Spatial Distribution

Background: Water is a very important material for the life of creatures in nature and its function for life cannot be replaced by other compounds. Groundwater is an important resource for humans, especially in rural areas that depend on Groundwaters as the main source of clean water. However, the quality of groundwater in many areas has decreased due to pollution from human activities, such as agriculture and industry. Method: This study aims to analyse the level of pollution risk of groundwaters in rural areas of Masama District, Banggai Regency using descriptive quantitative methods. Spatial analysis of pollution risk was conducted on 516 Groundwaters selected as samples. Spatial data is collected by recording the location of each well using GPS, which is then used to create a spatial map. The pollution risk analysis is based on the Sanitation Inspection results, using 11 key indicators. Result: The results showed that 4 Groundwaters (0.78%) were in the very high pollution risk category, 115 Groundwaters (22.29%) were in the high-risk category, 204 Groundwaters (39.53%) were classified as medium risk, and 193 Groundwaters (37.40%) had low pollution risk. The results indicate that most Groundwaters in the study area are at moderate to high risk. Groundwaters with high and very high risk are dominated by Groundwaters located in Minang Andala, Purwo Agung and Kembang Merta villages, which are agricultural areas with sufficient area and most of the people have livestock around their homes which could potentially be a source of contaminants. Conclusion: This study shows that the majority of Groundwaters in the study area have a moderate to high risk of pollution, with high and very high-risk categories found in villages that have agricultural and livestock activities. This emphasises the need for more intensive groundwater management and protection measures.

Smart agriculture as source of sustainability in intensive greenhouse production

Abstract The article addresses the interaction between smart agriculture and sustainability within the specific context of intensive greenhouse agriculture in southeast Spain. Combining a literature review and expert interviews, the methodology is based on a qualitative data analysis, whose main goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study. The results identify three key areas of technology that strongly influence this type of agriculture. The first relates to soil, water savings, sensor utilization, and environmental improvement, while the second encompasses robot use, labor reduction, resulting cost improvement, and economic sustainability. Finally, the third group, albeit of lesser importance, links artificial intelligence with ethical issues such as data control, usage, and technological dependence. In summary, the application of smart agriculture is projected to have positive impacts on economic and environmental sustainability, relegating the social dimension to a more distant level. This imbalance suggests that social and ethical aspects could be subordinated to more immediate benefits. The results also suggest that the need for future investments could create polarization in the sector. Not all farmers and businesses can afford these investments, leading to progressive deterioration and even abandonment of agricultural activities in some cases.

Market Landscape and Digital Presence of Cacao-based Products in Bicol Region, Philippines

The Philippines stands as one of the world's emerging players in the cacao industry with its potential to contribute substantial impact in the global cacao market. A research study was conducted to determine the market landscape and marketing strategies conducted by cacao farmers and processors in Bicol region, Philippines. Surveys and interviews were conducted to capture diverse perspectives and insights of 70 cacao farmers, processors, traders and retailers. Result of the study showed that demographic characteristics of the group shows the predominance of traditional farming activities combined with a significant involvement in processing and trading which highlights a diversified approach to agriculture. Majority are directly involved in selling goods to consumers, either through retail or a combination of wholesale and retail activities. There is a strong inclination towards digital marketing and direct consumer engagement, alongside traditional wholesale and retail strategies. Market outlet for cacao products in the province suggests that most market activities are locally or provincially focused, with some engagement in regional and international markets. In terms of pricing information, there is a reliance on formal and market-based sources. Likewise, most businesses recognize the value of social media in reaching customers and promoting products. Recommendations include developing targeted marketing campaigns to specific consumer segments within the province, harnessing and further strengthening the power of digital marketing channels, including social media, e-commerce platforms, and influencer partnerships, strengthening collaboration with other stakeholders across the cacao value chain to improve market linkages and promotion and continue conducting market research and consumer preferences and monitor market trends.