Adoption Of Agriculture Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Innovation of Crop-Livestock Integration System (SITT) Adoption in North Minahasa Regency

The adoption of beef cattle crop-livestock integration system (SITT) innovations in North Minahasa Regency still faces various obstacles. As a result, beef cattle development tends to experience a decline in population, productivity, and competitiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing farmers' attitudes and adoption of SITT technology innovations for beef cattle in North Minahasa Regency. Mixed-method research was conducted from March to May 2024, where 25 extension agents and cattle farmers were selected purposively. The variables used were farmer characteristics, extension worker performance, nature of innovation, communication channels, attitudes, and farmer adoption of SITT. Data analysis used the Spearman rank method. The study revealed a strong correlation between extension worker performance and the nature of innovation on farmers' attitudes and SITT adoption. In contrast, communication behavior exhibited a negligible impact. These findings underscore the critical role of extension agents in facilitating technology adoption. To maximize the effectiveness of extension programs, efforts should focus on enhancing extension worker capabilities and creating innovative solutions tailored to farmers' needs.

Quantifying the adoption of conservation agriculture: Development and application of the Conservation Agriculture Appraisal Index

CONTEXTEstimates of conservation agriculture (CA) adoption vary worldwide because of a lack of a standardized methodology to quantify the simultaneous utilization of its core principles of minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil organic cover and crop diversification. Comparisons of CA adoption among farms across regions requires estimation of the farm area and cropping season where CA principles are applied. OBJECTIVETo develop the Conservation Agriculture Appraisal Index (CAAI) as a standardized conceptual framework with defined thresholds that indicates the intensity and frequency of use of each CA core principle. CAAI was subsequently applied to quantify CA adoption on farms across four wheat (triticum aestivum) growing regions, both with and without livestock, including dryland and irrigated systems in Australia and Mexico, respectively. METHODSCAAI is a continuous scoring system that estimates the intensity and frequency of application of the core principles and their concurrent utilization to assess the extent of CA adoption. CAAI score is the sum of the scores of each core principle, accounting for the percentage of the farm area and cropping season where CA is applied. CAAI emerged from semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and farm visits that captured underlying patterns of CA use in regional-specific contexts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSCAAI assessed annual CA adoption on 100 farms in four wheat growing regions with different environments and farming systems. The adoption of CA was higher in Australia than Mexico, where partial adoption was more prevalent, especially for summer crops. ‘No adoption’ of CA occurred when one of the core principles consistently scored zero within a year. SIGNIFICANCEThe CAAI can be used as a benchmarking research tool at the farm level to standardize units for comparisons and identify levels of CA adoption by farm area and cropping seasons between and across regions.

Unearthing the behavioural factors influencing commodity futures contracts adoption in agriculture—A systematic literature review

AbstractFarmers' adoption of commodity futures and options contracts (CFCs) in agriculture shows substantial variation across different regions. Sociodemographic and farm characteristics fail to fully account for these observed differences. Hence, research focussing on understanding the behavioural factors that influence the decision to adopt CFCs is gaining popularity. Although past research has addressed these behavioural factors, a comprehensive synthesis is needed. This study provides a systematic literature review to systematically categorise, taxonomically standardise and summarise behavioural factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt CFCs. Results are reported via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) scheme. In the systematic literature review, 41 usable studies were identified. The identified behavioural factors were classified into eleven core behavioural factors and grouped into three categories: dispositional, social and cognitive. In addition, a systematic literature map was created, which shows behavioural factors' inclusion frequency and share of being statistically significant in the identified studies. These approaches offer a framework for researchers and practical insights for trainers, policymakers and farmers. The results could be used, for instance, to develop strategies to promote more informed decision among farmers regarding the use of CFCs.

Unlocking AI's potential in the food supply chain: A novel approach to overcoming barriers

This paper delves into the challenges impeding the seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the food supply chain (FSC) and introduces a novel methodological framework that combines the NK Model with the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Through an exhaustive literature analysis and expert discussions, the research identifies and categorizes significant obstacles to AI deployment in the FSC. These hurdles include the imperative for a skilled labor force, financial limits, regulatory complexity and technological limitations. The unique DEMATEL-NK approach highlights the interconnected nature of these barriers, pinpointing the most critical impediments. The study's implications extend to the broader domains of AI adoption in agriculture and the food industry, offering a nuanced perspective for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. The findings underscore the imperative of overcoming these barriers for the successful implementation of AI technologies in the FSC, promising advancements in efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The innovative methodology not only sheds light on the interconnectedness of these barriers but also provides a systematic approach for prioritizing and implementing solutions. This research offers a fresh viewpoint on barrier relationships, guiding decision-makers in crafting effective strategies and interventions to propel AI integration in the FSC forward.

Sounding the alarm for digital agriculture: Examining risks to the human rights to science and food

Digital agriculture is described as a solution to population growth and climate change. It entails technologies such as robots, drones, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. However, with the adoption of digital agriculture comes the concern that existing power asymmetries may deepen, and inequalities between farmers may be exacerbated. This article focuses on small farmers due to the correlation between a large farm size and the adoption of digital agriculture, cautioning that digital agriculture may progressively drive more and more farmers out of agriculture. This article examines the risks that digital agriculture poses to the human rights to science and food. On the right to science, this article covers access to technology, especially in relation to barriers for small farmers in adopting digital agriculture. It also explores the obligation to protect from the negative effects of (digital agricultural) technology. On the right to food, the article analyses the impacts on its elements, such as availability and accessibility. Finally, the article presents State obligations under the right to food, alongside an examination of potential measures to ensure State compliance with this right.

Understanding Farmers’ Intentions to Adopt Organic Farming in India

This research paper explores the dynamics of organic farming adoption among farmers in the Konkan region of India, focusing on the districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad. Against the backdrop of the pivotal role the agricultural sector plays in India's economy, the study employs an ex-post-facto research design to investigate the intentions, attitudes, and perceived capabilities of 150 organic farmers across diverse cropping systems. The findings reveal a nuanced landscape of motivations, ranging from a desire for toxin-free food to cultural preservation. Farmers' attitudes towards organic agriculture, influenced by health considerations and social networks, underscore the complex interplay between traditional practices and modern influences. Moreover, the study delves into the perceived marketability of organic products, highlighting factors such as consumer willingness to pay premiums and the competitive advantage of organic over conventional produce. As India grapples with the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the study sheds light on the multifaceted factors influencing the adoption of organic farming and provides insights essential for policy formulation and sustainable agricultural development.

The Status and Challenges of Contract Farming Engagement in Gimbo District, Kafa Zone, South West Ethiopia People’s Region, Ethiopia

Contract farming has long been used in industrialized nations' agricultural production systems as a system of institutions to help smallholder farmers commercialize their farms in an effort to increase revenue and reduce poverty. This study aimed to assess the state of contract farming and challenges of engagement in Gimbo District, Kafa Zone, South West Ethiopia People’s Region, Ethiopia. A focus group discussion, observations, key informant interviews with fifteen experts and authorities, and surveys of 361 farm households were used to collect data. The study revealed that the productivity of coffee improved from 3-4 qt/ha to the average productivity of about 10 qt/ha and the price of coffee improved from 7 birr/kg to 19 birr/kg. This suggests a considerable increase in production and price improvement resulting from the adoption of contract farming. According to the study, the local community benefited from 345 temporary and 44 permanent jobs that were established by contract farming operations in the study area. According to the report, external variables posed challenges to contract farming initiatives in the research area. These external factors included lacking of a legislative instrument that serves as a guide, the lack of infrastructure, the inadequate assistance of governmental organizations, and the failure to integrate the necessary stakeholders to support the sectors. Thus, the study recommended that the government should focus on raising awareness, enhancing extension services and organizational setup, ensuring transparency and accountability in the contract process, and improving financial services.

Empowering small farmers for sustainable agriculture: a human resource approach to SDG-driven training and innovation

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.

Impact of cation-based mineral supplement characteristics on dairy farmer’s adoption: Insights from a field trial

The attributes of innovation encompass the qualities, traits or characteristics inherent in an object reflecting the relative benefits of a novel idea. Assessing these attributes during the early stages of innovation within farmer management practices can offer valuable insights to the scientific community, enabling the formulation of policies to expedite farmer adoption. This study examined the perceived attributes of Cation-based Mineral Supplement (C-bMS). The research findings indicated that C-bMS demonstrates a moderate relative advantage (82.49%) compared to other mineral supplements in mitigating ruminal acidosis. It is highly compatible (80.84%), easy to comprehend and utilize, readily trialable (73.75%) with observable effects of feeding (78.75%), and predictable benefits (87.92%) for dairy farmers. Feeding C-bMS helps alleviate negative energy balance, increasing feed intake which in turn boosts milk production, ultimately reducing production costs by preventing ruminal acidosis and potentially doubling dairy farmers’ income. Raising general awareness among dairy farmers about ruminal acidosis, the consequences of negative energy balance, and the advantages of feeding C-bMS can be achieved through effective extension methods such as demonstrations and exhibitions.

Impact of climate-smart agriculture practices on multidimensional poverty among coastal farmers in Bangladesh

Climate-smart agriculture technology helps safeguard crop income from climate change-induced crop loss. Here we identify the factors determining the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and the impact of its adoption on multidimensional poverty among coastal climate-vulnerable farm households. We employ full information maximum likelihood estimation under the endogenous switching regression approach to account for counterfactual scenarios. Results indicate that the decision to adopt climate-smart agriculture is influenced by crop vulnerability, crop income, access to extension service, and training on input management. The current adopters of climate-smart agriculture experience a 41-percentage point reduction in multidimensional poverty compared to if they had not adopted this technique. Likewise, if the current non-adopters adopted climate-smart technology they could reduce poverty by 15 percentage points. Findings also claim that some specific climate-smart technologies are particularly effective in reducing poverty, providing valuable information to coastal farmers in making informed decisions about which technologies may be effective.

Constraints faced by dairy farmers in adoption of entrepreneurial behaviours in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh

Constraints faced by dairy farmers in adoption of entrepreneurial behaviours in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh

Climate-conscious archaeology: contextualizing drought and history in the Chesapeake

This paper adopts a climate-conscious approach to archaeology, integrating environmental scientists’ definitions of extended droughts and megadroughts into the analysis of historical processes in the Chesapeake region of North America. We explore the relationship between drought conditions and historical processes through three case studies: Ancestral Monacans’ migration, the settlement dynamics in the Middle Potomac, and the emergence of the Powhatan chiefdom. Employing the Palmer Modified Drought Index as a paleoclimatic proxy, the research assesses how variations in rainfall and drought influenced migration, agriculture, and political formations. The findings underscore the complex interplay between Native history and environmental conditions, suggesting that the impact of climate on historical processes ranged from negligible to substantial, particularly with the adoption of maize-based agriculture. This study highlights the benefits of a climate-informed archaeological inquiry that recognizes the historically contingent ways in which climatic variability has shaped and is entangled with social change.

Enhancing betel vine cultivation and understanding farmer adoption constraints, and socio-economic influences

Enhancing betel vine cultivation and understanding farmer adoption constraints, and socio-economic influences

An Assessment of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture as an Approach to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Zambia: A Case of Chikankata District

An Assessment of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture as an Approach to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Zambia: A Case of Chikankata District

Determinants of adoption of urban agriculture (UA) as climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and its impact on food security: evidence from Wolaita Sodo city, South Ethiopia

BackgroundClimate change is one of humanity's biggest problems. CSA offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to adapt to global climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. UA can improve food security by providing affordable, nutritious alternatives to commercially produced food, especially for economically disadvantaged people. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of UA as CSA practices, as well as their effects on food security in Wolaita Sodo City, South Ethiopia.MethodsData was collected from primary and secondary sources, both qualitative and quantitative form. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 384 randomly chosen urban households through surveys/interviews, focus group conversations, and observation. The percentage and mean differences between UA adopters and non-adopters were calculated using the chi-square test and t-test. A propensity score matching (PSM) model assessed UA's impact on food security. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing adoption of UA as CSA practice in the study area.ResultsThe descriptive analysis showed that 53.53% of respondents used UA. Statistics showed the existence of a significant mean differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment level, UA attitudes, and household size. Logit model computations showed that family size, home ownership, the household head's occupation, perceptions of UA, market demand, and access to training and support influenced UA adoption as a climate-smart farming practice.ConclusionsAs per the study's findings, there could be a correlation between specific factors and the adoption of UA as CSA in the studied area. The PSM study confirmed that UA deployment significantly improves food security. UA adoption increased food security by 0.685-fold. The report recommends that municipal education offices, UA offices, and cooperative offices create an integrated functional adult education programme for urbanites. Since UA is vital to fighting food insecurity, it suggests increasing support for cooperative entities.

Isotope and morphometrical evidence reveals the technological package associated with agriculture adoption in western Europe

This study aimed to reconstruct the environmental conditions and the crop management practices and plant characteristics when agriculture appeared in western Europe. We analyzed oak charcoal and a large number of cereal caryopsides recovered from La Draga (Girona, Spain), an early (5300 to 4800 cal. BC) agricultural site from the Iberian Peninsula. The carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) values of oak, the dominant forest species in the region, indicates prevalence of a wet climate at the site. Further, we reconstructed crop management conditions, achievable yield, and crop characteristics through the analysis of Δ13C, nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N), nitrogen content, and the reconstructed weight of wheat and barley caryopsides, following protocols developed by our team [Araus et al., Nat. Commun. 5, 3953 (2014)] and comparison of these parameters with present-day organic agriculture in the region. In parallel, a regional perspective was achieved through the study of wheat and barley grains of seventeen Neolithic sites from the western Mediterranean. The results suggest that rather than small-garden cultivation, a more extensive agriculture was practiced under good water availability and moderate manuring. Moreover, results from La Draga evidence that grain weight and spike morphology were comparable to contemporary cereals. Growing conditions and the prevalence of improved crop traits indicate that agriculture was fairly consolidated at the time it reached the western edge of Europe.

Determinants of melon farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change hazards in south‒south Nigeria

The constant changes experienced in agricultural activities due to climate change pose a great challenge to melon production. Hence, this research examined the determinants of melon farmers’ adaptation strategies to cope with climate change hazards in southern–southern Nigeria. The research ultimately depended on primary data collected by using a set of questionnaires and interviews. The data were obtained from 260 samples retrieved from melon farmers by using multistage sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using the multivariate probit (MVP) model and partial eta squared test. The results of the MVP model showed that age (− 0.009), marital status (0.200), access to information on climate change (0.567) and crop insurance (0.214) were significant at the 0.01 level, while household size (− 0.030) was significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of crop diversification. Educational level (0.012), extension contact (0.138) and access to credit (0.122) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.415) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of change in planting dates. Age (− 0.010) and access to information on climate change (0.381) were significant at the 0.01 level, while sex (− 0.139), marital status (0.158) and off-farm income (− 2.3E-7) were significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of mixed farming. Farming experience (0.005) is significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.529) and crop insurance (0.272) are significant at the 0.01 level and determine the adoption of drought-tolerant crop species. Access to information on climate change (0.536) is significant at the 0.01 level, indicating the adoption of improved crop species. Age (− 0.010), farm size (− 0.085) and crop insurance (0.206) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.353) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of off-farm job opportunities. The study recommends the availability and accessibility of credit, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the establishment of public‒private partnerships, among others.

Development of standard operating protocol for measurement of cassava root mealiness

One of the major attributes of boiled cassava roots is its ability to soften within a short period, otherwise known as mealiness. This study aimed to establish and validate standard operating procedures for assessing the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. Twenty cassava genotypes, including landrace and improved varieties, were selected for the protocol development, with an additional ten genotypes used for validation. Following cooking, the cassava roots were evaluated for hardness and work done in extrusion using a texturometer equipped with a five-blade Ottawa cell probe. The same samples were assessed for sensory texture analysis using trained panelists for parameters such as softness and chewiness. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between sensory softness and instrumental texture measurements, as well as between softness and cooking time (p < 0.01, r = 0.94), and between chewiness and cooking time (p < 0.05, r = 0.81). Validation results confirmed significant correlations (p < 0.01) between cooking time, sensory softness, and chewiness. These findings suggest that cooking time can serve as a reliable indicator, closely associated with sensory attributes, in determining the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. This approach offers a practical, mid-throughput method for assessing cassava root mealiness, with implications for breeding improved varieties, farmers adoption, and consumer acceptance.

Agricultural extension and farm entrepreneurship: evidence from small-scale farmers of high-density plantations in Kashmir

ABSTRACT Purpose The study examines the transformative trends in agriculture by analysing the adoption patterns of high-density plantations (HDP) among small-scale apple farmers in Kashmir. It explores the factors shaping the adoption process and the role played by extension services in fostering this adoption. Design Employing a mixed-method approach, this study investigates how extension services influence the adoption of high-density farming and farm entrepreneurship. Utilising cross-sectional data from 160 small-scale farmer households, the research employs a recursive bivariate probit regression model to unveil the relationship between extension services and the adoption of high-density farming. Findings The findings reveal a crucial link between small-scale farmers’ adoption decisions and their access to agricultural extension services. Land size, credit, and subsidies play key roles in influencing both HDP adoption and extension service accessibility, highlighting the interconnectedness of financial support in promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, early adopters showcase innovative behaviour driven by production advantages and sustainability concerns. Practical implications It underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance extension service accessibility. Recognising the positive impact of credit and subsidy availability on both HDP adoption and access to extension services emphasises the interconnected role of financial support in driving sustainable practices. Theoretical implications The paper integrates theoretical frameworks from agricultural adoption, extension and entrepreneurship while contributing a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable and transformed food systems. Originality This study develops a crucial framework that underscores the significance of public extension services for small-scale farmers in the Himalayan regions. Additionally, it enhances understanding of the potential benefits of high-density farming and farm entrepreneurship for sustainable agriculture and transforming food systems for rural development globally.

Constraints of Farmers in Adoption of Improved “Kachai Lemon” Cultivation Practices in Ukhrul District of Manipur, India

Constraints of Farmers in Adoption of Improved “Kachai Lemon” Cultivation Practices in Ukhrul District of Manipur, India