Adoption Of Sustainable Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Benefits associated with the implementation of biological control programmes in Latin America

AbstractAgriculture in Latin America plays a significant role in the region’s economy, food security, and rural development. Although pest control has traditionally relied on chemicals, there is increasing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices, including biological control, to minimise environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity. In Latin America, high biodiversity enhances biological control, both classical and augmentative biological control. The use of biological control agents allows farmers to produce their crops whilst reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture. In addition, biological control opens new market opportunities for farmers and job options for youth in rural areas. Maximal benefits will however be attained only after adoption of biological control practices and when an effective interaction among key stakeholders is achieved. Thus, farmers and consumers can reap the benefits of biological control, which can incentivise and accelerate adoption at the field level. To evaluate the socio-economic benefits of biological control, establishing multidisciplinary teams to conduct the studies is crucial. The current article explores the benefits resulting from the implementation of biological control programmes, highlighting social benefits. In addition, as part of the Plantwise programme, created to assist agricultural production with a sustainable perspective, data on the use of biopesticides in some countries are discussed in the context of sustainable production looking forward to reinforcing food security and safety in Latin America.

A study on Consumers’ Perception about Sustainable Agriculture Products

This study examines the complicated area of customer perceptions in order to provide an improved comprehension of consumers' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours regarding products derived from sustainable agriculture. Concerns over food security and environmental degradation have led to a rise in interest in sustainable agriculture, which is defined by its dedication to social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental stewardship. Even so, consumer acceptance of sustainable practices is still uneven and dependent on a wide range of factors, including socio-cultural influences, personal values, and product features. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the numerous aspects of consumer views towards sustainable agriculture products, building on an extensive examination of the available literature. Qualitative interviews explore the underlying reasons, obstacles, and decision-making processes influencing customers' purchasing behaviours, whereas quantitative surveys are used to measure the prevalence of pro-sustainability sentiments among consumers. Furthermore, the impact of different marketing tactics and informational interventions on customer perceptions and willingness to buy sustainable agriculture products is assessed through the use of experimental approaches. The study findings in this area have theoretical and practical consequences for the field of sustainable consumption. Policymakers, marketers, and agricultural stakeholders can develop focused strategies to increase adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and promote a more resilient and ecologically conscious food system by clarifying the factors that influence consumer views. Moreover, the knowledge gained from this research could guide future studies and legislative efforts that support sustainability in a variety of consumer categories and geographic settings.

Sustainable practices in cocoa production. The role of certification schemes and farmer cooperatives

In Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, many small-scale cocoa producers cultivate cocoa in unshaded or low-shaded plots, leading to challenges such as reduced biodiversity, soil fertility depletion, and increased soil erosion. To assess the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the cocoa sector, we develop a scale that incorporates dimensions of agroforestry, soil conservation, pest and disease management and farm sanitation. Using data from >1700 cocoa producers, we examine farmer participation in cooperatives and three main certification schemes (incl. Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Organic) to understand their roles in promoting sustainable practices. We apply a multinomial endogenous switching regression model to control for potential selection bias and estimate the impact of participating in certification schemes, farmer cooperatives or both. In Côte d'Ivoire, econometric results show that joint participation in both a certification scheme and a farmer cooperative is associated with a significantly higher sustainability score. In Ghana, certification scheme membership shows the highest effect.

Impact of Dietary Factors on Metabolic Disorders in Animals: A Case of Uganda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of dietary factors on metabolic disorders in Animals in Uganda 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 found that metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver syndrome are prevalent among various livestock species in Uganda. The role of dietary components, including energy content, nutrient composition, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors, in contributing to the development and severity of these disorders cannot be understated. Moreover, socio-economic and environmental factors such as limited access to quality forage and the effects of climate change exacerbate the situation, posing additional challenges to maintaining optimal metabolic health in Ugandan livestock Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Nutritional Balancing Theory & Homeorhetic Regulation Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Impact of dietary factors on metabolic disorders in Animals in Uganda. Implement evidence-based dietary interventions tailored to the specific needs of different livestock species in Uganda. These interventions should aim to optimize nutrient composition, balance energy intake, and minimize the presence of anti-nutritional factors in animal feed. Promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance access to quality forage and mitigate the impact of climate change on animal nutrition. This may include strategies such as agroforestry, rotational grazing, and the cultivation of drought-resistant forage crops. Develop and enforce regulations governing the composition and labeling of animal feed in Uganda to ensure the quality and safety of feed ingredients. These regulations should include guidelines for the appropriate use of supplements, additives, and feed additives to minimize the risk of metabolic disorders in animals.

Farmers’ perceptions of sustainable agriculture in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

While economic growth and food security in Vietnam's Red River Delta are heavily reliant on agriculture, the intensive use of agricultural land has resulted in various negative impacts on the environment, such as soil degradation, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and health effects on humans and animals. The current situation emphasizes an increased need for sustainable agriculture practices in the region. Understanding farmers' decision-making processes and identifying factors that influence their choices is crucial in order to promote their adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. This study examines the impact of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, age, and gender on farmers' intention to adopt sustainable agriculture practices using the Theory of Planned Behavior and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The results show that attitude towards sustainable agriculture practices showed a path coefficient of 0.310 (p < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control had a coefficient of 0.305 (p < 0.001), indicating strong positive relationships with intention. However, subjective norms, despite a positive coefficient, did not significantly affect intentions (path coefficient 0.099, p > 0.05). Age was found to have a moderating effect; older farmers are less likely to adopt sustainable agriculture practices compared to their younger counterparts. Gender, however, did not present a significant influence. In light of these findings, policymakers face a challenge in creating incentives to encourage farmers' engagement in sustainable agriculture practices in the Red River Delta and at the same time discourage youth out-migration from the agricultural sector more generally. Overall, this study enriches our theoretical understanding of the factors influencing sustainable agriculture adoption in developing countries and offers practical insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders in the Red River Delta to promote more effective and targeted sustainable agriculture practices.

Understanding spillover effects of sustained adoption of sustainable agricultural practices on household resilience to food shocks: Evidence from Malawi’s sustainable food systems program

Food insecurity is one of the challenges the world has to do away with by 2030. However, to achieve a hunger-free world, the efficient use of allocated resources remains critical at both household and institutional level. The investments in climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices should cascade beyond the target farmers whereby longevity and sustainability of the interventions is embedded in the informal community networks as a spill-over effect to the non-targeted farming households. The paper analyzed the spillover effects of the climate-resilient program in Malawi and its effects on household resilience to food shocks among the participants and non-participants of the Sustainable Food Systems in Malawi (FoodMa) project. The main research questions were: (i) Are there any Direct and Spillover Effects of FoodMa on Sustained Adoption? And (ii) Is there any Spillover Effect of Sustained Adoption of SAPs on Resilience to Food Shocks? Analytically, the study used recursive bivariate probit (RBP) models and a two-stage predictor substitution model with instrumental variables to assess the effect of sustained adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on household resilience to food shocks. The results showed that there was an increased probability of sustained adoption of mulching, organic farming, and pit planting by 45%, 66%, and 25%, respectively, by the project participants. On the other hand, the project has a strong spillover effect on promoting sustained mulching of non-project participants by 57%. Furthermore, the study found that sustained adoption of mulching by project non-participants significantly reduces the food insecurity levels of households by improving their resilience to food shocks. The sustainable adoption of SAPs has the potential to reduce food insecurity for both project participants and non-participants. However, the use of field demonstrations and training should be emphasized because they boost adoption probability and spillover effects.

Spatial assessment of flood vulnerability and waterlogging extent in agricultural lands using RS-GIS and AHP technique-a case study of Patan district Gujarat, India.

Assessing and mapping flood risks are fundamental tools that significantly contribute to the enhancement of flood management strategies. Identifying areas that are susceptible to floods and devising strategies to reduce the risk of waterlogging is of utmost importance. In the present study, an integrated approach, combining advanced remote sensing technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was adopted in the Patan district of Gujarat, India, with a coastline spanning over 1600km, to evaluate the numerous variables that contribute to the risk of flooding and waterlogging. After evaluating the flood conditioning factors and their respective weights using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the results were processed in GIS to accurately delineate areas that are prone to flooding. The results highlighted exceptional precision in identifying vulnerable areas, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the impact severity. The integrated approach yields valuable insights for multi-criteria assessments. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the district's land, precisely 8.94%, was susceptible to very high- risk of flooding, while 27.76% were classified as high-risk areas. Notably, 35.17% of the region was identified as having a moderate level of risk. Additionally, 20.96% and 7.15% were categorized as low-risk and very low-risk areas, respectively. Overall, the study highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods on vulnerable communities. The research findings were verified by conducting ground truth and visual assessments using microwave satellite imagery (Sentinel-1). The aim of this validation was to test the accuracy of the study in identifying waterlogged agricultural areas and their extent based on AHP analysis. The ground verification and analysis of satellite images confirmed that the model accurately identified approximately 74% of the area categorized under high and very high flood vulnerability to be waterlogged and flooded. This research can provide valuable assistance to policymakers and authorities responsible for flood management by gathering necessary information about floods, including their intensity and the regions that are most susceptible to their impact. Additionally, it is crucial to implement corrective measures to improve soil drainage in vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall events. Prioritizing the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and improving land use are also crucial for environmental conservation.

Urbanization and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the rural‐urban interface of Bangalore, India

AbstractUrban expansion often takes place on the most productive agricultural lands, affecting how the remaining agricultural land is used. Evidence on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas is scarce and mostly based on cross‐sectional data. Cross‐sectional studies, however, cannot reflect the dynamics of urbanization and adoption. We use household panel data from 2017 and 2020 to analyze the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among peri‐urban farmers in Bangalore, India, a rapidly urbanizing region. We focus on practices for water and erosion management, integrated pest management and soil fertility management, and an integrated package of sustainable practices. Using random effects probit models with the Mundlak approach, we consider various factors besides urbanization, including exposure to weather variability, awareness of climate change, connection with institutional actors, and household and farm characteristics. Results show that urbanization, measured as changes in the percentage of built‐up area, reduces the probability that farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Like prior studies, we find that wealth indicators, market access, knowledge of climate change, and rainfall variability facilitate adoption. However, contact with institutional actors largely reduces farmers’ probability of adoption. Policies should promote the integration of sustainable farming technologies at the institutional level and in information and training programs to achieve sustainable intensification of peri‐urban agriculture.

Farmer’s understanding and adoption of agricultural practices in southern part of India

India is fulfilling the consumption requirement of its pulses and oilseeds largely through importing. Andhra Pradesh is a leading state in the country, significantly contributes to the production of these crops. Low yield of pulses and groundnuts in India should be addressed through adoption of proven technological interventions along with enhancing farmers knowledge. The present study aimed to determine the differences in knowledge of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs) and adoption of improved agricultural practices (IAPs) among farmers at the baseline and endline phase of the study. The association of possible factors such as age, gender, education, farm experience, mass media, social participation, risk orientation, innovativeness with knowledge and adoption of Sustainable agricultural practices was evaluated. The study also examined the result of the technological intervention on crop yield at pre and post intervention. The study included 240 farmers with poor pulse and groundnut yield from villages of Andhra Pradesh with inadequate technological developments. At biotech intervention phase, farmers received training, field demonstration etc. The results revealed that at endline, 80% of farmers had knowledge of SAPs (compared to 48% at baseline) and the adoption rate of IAPs was 50% (compared to 3% at baseline). Factors such as mass media, social participation, risk orientation showed significant reduced risk on farmers with high knowledge of SAPs and with complete adoption of IAPs. The average yield per hectare of pulses during baseline was found to be 403.5 kg/ha ± 128.4 while during endline it was 601.25 kg/ha ± 206.8 (p-value = 0.001). The average yield per hectare of groundnut during baseline was found to be 983.75 kg/ha ± 444.9 and during endline it was 1216.78 kg/ha ± 473.9 (p-value = 0.000). Innovative technological interventions and capacity building of farmers increased yield of crops in Andhra Pradesh.

FARMERS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (LITERATURE ANALYSIS)

Increasing farmer acceptance and adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture. However, farmers are not a homogeneous group, and their behavior is subject to a complex set of structural, socio-economic, and socio-psychological influences. Human behavior is one of the driving forces for successful agribusiness management. However, it can be the basis of many resource management problems at the same time and is often the component that is not given enough attention when developing management plans. Moreover, the implementation of agricultural strategies relies on the individual behavior. Individual behavior is based on a variety of social, psychological, institutional, and economic factors that must be understood for successful implementation of farm management strategies. This paper reviews a highly specialized literature in the area of farmers' attitudes and intentions to adopt pro-environmental behavior. The aim of this paper is to analyze the application of some of the social psychology theories in the area of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and to summarize the factors that influence farmers' attitudes towards adoption. This in turn would help to better understand the agricultural unit and the agricultural sector as a whole. The report examines qualitative and quantitative summaries of highly specialized literature studies published in scientific databases such as Ebsco, Science Direct and others. The literature summarizes analyses over the last few decades of farmers' attitudes and intentions towards adopting pro-environmental behaviors, and the factors by which they are influenced. In order to fulfill its objective, the report is based on two main points, which are discussed in detail separately, namely „Theoretical approaches and models for adopting sustainable agricultural practices“, and „Factors influencing attitudes towards the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices“. Key words: attitudes, sustainable agricultural practices, conservation practices, pro-environmental behavior, farming JEL code: Q12, Q15, Q19

Spatial Spillover Effects of “New Farmers” on Diffusion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Evidence from China

Sustainable agricultural development has been the policy priority for countries with limited natural resources. New farmers’ emergence and growth have not only helped to address the labor crisis in agriculture to some extent, but they have also improved, integrated, and expanded the agricultural sectors. However, less attention has been paid to the performance of new farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices and the related spatial effects. Also, few studies have combined the composite adoption intensity of sustainable agricultural practices with the effects of various specific measures. Therefore, this study constructed the Tobit MLE spatial cross-section regression models to empirically study a sample of 174 farmers. We attempted to analyze the impact of the new farmers group on the diffusion of sustainable agricultural practices as well as farmers’ influence on various sorts of sustainable agricultural practices. The results show that new farmers greatly enhanced the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, as evidenced by the fact that their adoption level was 69.9% greater than that of traditional farmers. However, they had statistically significant negative spillover effects on their neighboring farmers. For the composite adoption intensity of sustainable agricultural practices, there were also statistically significant negative spillover effects. Additionally, there were notable disparities among the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adopt various types of sustainable agricultural practices and the spatial effects of those adoptions, particularly in the farm size, the number of plots, and the variety of marketing methods employed by farmers. Therefore, measures need to be proposed to address the barriers to the implementation and diffusion of various types of sustainable agricultural practices. This would increase farmers’ willingness to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and the effectiveness of their motivation to neighboring farmers.

Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Production and Adaptation Strategies for Farmers: Agricultural Policy Perspectives.

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural production, impacting farmers globally. This journal article conducts an in-depth analysis of the effects of climate change on agricultural production and explores adaptation strategies from an agricultural policy perspective. The research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical data, and agricultural policies to assess the multifaceted implications of climate change on global food security.&#x0D; The study reveals the diverse impacts of climate change on agricultural systems, including altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in temperature regimes. These changes result in disruptions to crop cycles, reduced yields, and heightened vulnerability for farmers. In response, the research identifies and evaluates various adaptation strategies implemented by agricultural policymakers.&#x0D; Adaptation strategies encompass a range of measures, including the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, improved water management practices, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural techniques. The analysis extends to the assessment of policy frameworks that support the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating climate adaptation into broader agricultural policies.&#x0D; The article concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering a more resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change. It underscores the need for collaborative efforts between policymakers, researchers, and farmers to ensure the effective implementation of adaptation strategies. By aligning agricultural policies with climate adaptation goals, nations can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural production and enhance the overall sustainability of the sector.

Factors Affecting on Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Manipur

Adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of farming systems, protecting the environment, and promoting food security and economic prosperity for future generations. If the sustainable practices are not aligned with farmers’ needs, adoption status may likely to be low. To investigate the adoption behavior of farmers in the different dimensions of sustainable practices, a study was conducted in Manipur during November 2021 to July 2023. The data was gathered from randomly selected 320 respondents. The findings highlighted that the highest adopted sustainable agricultural practices was MW (manual weeding) and CR (crop rotation). Most of the respondents belonged to the medium level of adoption with a 51.53 adoption index. Using binary logistic regression, the effect of independent variables on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices was tested. The model exhibits below moderate relationships, predicting 25.00 per cent of decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which can be explained by the independent variables. Furthermore, out of the eleven variables, seven variables were importantly influenced on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Boosting farmers’ confidence through technology demonstration, awareness campaigns about the benefits of sustainable technology, and implementing a well-designed, user-friendly interface with feedback mechanisms can significantly enhance adoption rates.

Determinants of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among maize producers in Northern Uganda

Determinants of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among maize producers in Northern Uganda

A Systematic Review of Contaminants of Concern in Uganda: Occurrence, Sources, Potential Risks, and Removal Strategies

Contaminants of concern (CoCs) pose significant threats to Uganda’s ecosystems and public health, particularly in the face of rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and intensified agriculture. This systematic review comprehensively analyzed Uganda’s CoC landscape, addressing imminent challenges that endanger the country’s ecosystems and public health. CoCs, originating from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities, encompass a wide range of substances, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, radionuclides, biotoxins, disinfection byproducts, hydrocarbons, and microplastics. This review identified the major drivers of CoC dispersion, particularly wastewater and improper waste disposal practices. From an initial pool of 887 articles collected from reputable databases such as PubMed, African Journal Online (AJOL), Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, 177 pertinent studies were extracted. The literature review pointed to the presence of 57 pharmaceutical residues and personal care products, along with 38 pesticide residues and 12 heavy metals, across various environmental matrices, such as wastewater, groundwater, seawater, rainwater, surface water, drinking water, and pharmaceutical effluents. CoC concentrations displayed significant levels exceeding established regulations, varying based on the specific locations, compounds, and matrices. This review underscores potential ecological and health consequences associated with CoCs, including antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenicity. Inefficiencies in traditional wastewater treatment methods, coupled with inadequate sanitation practices in certain areas, exacerbate the contamination of Uganda’s aquatic environments, intensifying environmental and health concerns. To address these challenges, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) emerge as promising and efficient alternatives for CoC degradation and the prevention of environmental pollution. Notably, no prior studies have explored the management and mitigation of these contaminants through AOP application within various aqueous matrices in Uganda. This review emphasizes the necessity of specific regulations, improved data collection, and public awareness campaigns, offering recommendations for advanced wastewater treatment implementation, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and the enforcement of source control measures. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of further research to bridge knowledge gaps and devise effective policies and interventions. Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis equips readers, policymakers, and regulators with vital knowledge for informed decision-making, policy development, and the protection of public health and the environment.

Overcoming Barriers to ISPO Certification: Analyzing the Drivers of Sustainable Agricultural Adoption among Farmers

The palm oil industry, integral to Indonesia’s economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), faces emerging economic, environmental, and social challenges. These compel the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in light of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification system’s implementation by 2025. This study develops a model integrating Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior and Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory to elucidate factors influencing farmers’ adoption of sustainable palm oil farming. Data from 300 palm oil farmers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated significant positive effects in terms of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, relative advantage, compatibility, and trialability on sustainable practice adoption, while the complexity negatively influenced adoption. These findings underscore the need to address farmers’ motivations, social norms, perceived control, and practice advantages for successful implementation. The study offers critical insights for policymakers and practitioners to formulate strategies that encourage the voluntary adoption of sustainable practices, balancing farmers’ needs and environmental sustainability.

Meta-analyses reveal the importance of socio-psychological factors for farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural practices

Meta-analyses reveal the importance of socio-psychological factors for farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural practices

How does internet use promote joint adoption of sustainable agricultural practices? Evidence from rice farmers in China

ABSTRACTClimate change and public health emergencies have severely threatened world food security. In response, the Chinese government has actively promoted sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and emphasized the importance of integrated packages to enhance the development of high-quality agriculture. However, due to information failure, farmers’ adoption rate of SAPs is still very low. Meanwhile, internet use can effectively reduce the cost of information barriers and catalyze farmers to promote the joint adoption of SAPs. This paper aims to theoretically elucidate the logic of how internet use impacts farmers’ joint adoption of SAPs. Empirical analysis based on data from 844 rice farmers in southern China reveals that internet use can significantly promote the joint adoption of SAPs, and adoption behaviours are complementary across multiple technologies. Furthermore, internet use in the group of rice farmers with more farmlands or those receiving subsidies is more inclined to adopt SAPs jointly. These findings suggest that developing countries should prioritize public investment in rural internet infrastructure to facilitate joint adoption of SAPs through farmers’ internet use. The moderate scale of farmland usage and targeted agricultural subsidy policies can further enhance the effectiveness of ICT-based joint adoption of SAPs.

The nexus of women’s empowerment and sustainable agricultural practices in developing countries: a case of Pakistani women farmers

The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices at the farm level is essential for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and creating sustainable food systems. This study explored the nexus of women’s empowerment in agriculture and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in Pakistan. A face-to-face survey using multistage simple random and purposive sampling techniques was used to collect the data from 384 Pakistani women farmers. A partial least-squares structural equation model was used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that empowering women in agricultural asset control (β = 0.38, p < 0.01) positively influences the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices on farms. Similarly, women’s empowerment in decision-making (β = 0.41, p < 0.01) also significantly affects the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, women’s empowerment in legal rights (β = 0.14, p < 0.01), productivity and skills (β = 0.15, p < 0.01), and information and communication technology (β = 0.19, p = 0.02) significantly increases farm-level adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Assessing the Impact of Farmer-to-Farmer Communication Networks on Knowledge Sharing and Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Africa

This study explores the role of farmer-to-farmer communication networks in promoting knowledge sharing and sustainable agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Smallholder farmers in the region face challenges in achieving sustainable agricultural development due to limited access to information, resources, and markets. The study reviews research, reports, and publications on communication networks among farmers in Africa and highlights their importance in improving farming techniques. Various networks like informal networks, extension services, mobile-based platforms, and farmer cooperatives are evaluated for their strengths, weaknesses, and usage levels. However, limited access to technology, insufficient funding, and lack of institutional support hinder the effectiveness of these networks. The study recommends addressing these challenges by improving technology access, increasing funding, and strengthening institutional support. The findings highlight the significance of farmer-to-farmer communication networks in bridging the knowledge gap and improving agricultural productivity. Continued research and collaboration are crucial for the sustainability and success of these networks in promoting sustainable practices in sub-Saharan Africa.