Farming Experience Research Articles

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CULTIVATION OF MANGO

COVID-19 pandemic affected human lives as well as economy worldwide. Mango production has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created difficulties for growers, markets, supply chains, and consumer behavior globally. The study was carried out to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cultivation of BARI Aam-3 by the growers of Porsha upazila under Naogaon district and Nachole upazila under Chapainawabganj district. Data were collected from 111 BARI Aam-3 growers. Descriptive statistics were used for data analyses. Majority of the respondents were middle aged, literate, belonged small household, had medium to large farm, medium annual income, had moderate knowledge on mango cultivation and some kind of off farm activities. Highest percentage of them had high training experience, medium extension contact, medium organizational membership, medium cosmopoliteness, low to medium innovativeness, medium farming experience, access to credit and available irrigation water. More than one-fourths (27.0%) of the respondents were very highly affected in getting market price. The highest portion of the respondents suggested about incentive, subsidies, inputs, laborer and marketing support and credit at reduced rate of interest.

Exploring Factors Influencing Market Engagement and Marketing Channel Selection among Smallholder Macadamia Farmers in Embu West Sub County, Kenya

This study delves into market participation and marketing channel preferences among smallholder Macadamia farmers in Embu West Sub County, Kenya. Employing a stratified multistage sampling procedure and multinomial logit regression analysis, the research reveals that despite offering lower prices, brokers remain the favored marketing channel. Several factors, including age, farming experience, consideration of macadamia quality, information flow, farm size, distance to market, payment period, and education level, significantly influence farmers' channel choice. The findings underscore the importance of policy interventions emphasizing non-price incentives, such as enhanced extension services and dissemination of macadamia marketing information, to encourage participation in more lucrative markets.

Smart Irrigation Systems from Cyber–Physical Perspective: State of Art and Future Directions

Irrigation refers to supplying water to soil through pipes, pumps, and spraying systems to ensure even distribution across the field. In traditional farming or gardening, the setup and usage of an agricultural irrigation system solely rely on the personal experience of farmers. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) has projected that by 2030, developing countries will expand their irrigated areas by 34%, while water consumption will only be up 14%. This discrepancy highlights the importance of accurately monitoring water flow and volume rather than people’s rough estimations. The smart irrigation systems, a key subsystem of smart agriculture known as the cyber–physical system (CPS) in the agriculture domain, automate the administration of water flow, volume, and timing via using cutting-edge technologies, especially the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, to solve the challenges. This study explores a comprehensive three-dimensional problem space to thoroughly analyze the IoT’s applications in irrigation systems. Our framework encompasses several critical domains in smart irrigation systems. These domains include soil science, sensor technology, communication protocols, data analysis techniques, and the practical implementations of automated irrigation systems, such as remote monitoring, autonomous operation, and intelligent decision-making processes. Finally, we discuss a few challenges and outline future research directions in this promising field.

Pengaruh Kecukupan Pakan Terhadap Produksi Susu dan Kualitas Susu Kambing Di Kecamatan Turi Kabupaten Sleman Yogyakarta

This research aims to determined the effect of feed adequacy on the production and quality of dairy goat milk in Turi District. This research was carried out in the field and laboratory from 01 to 24 October 2023. A total of 98 dairy goat breeders were selected as respondents with the criteria of having at least 1 year of farming experience and having at least 2 animals. From each goat they raise, milk samples are taken to test the quality in the laboratory. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and by multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that the average age of farmers is 44 years, with an education level of 86% high school graduates, the number of family dependents of 4-5 people is 67%, the majority work as farmers 52% (69% ≤10 years and 31% ≥11 years). Livestock ownership status is 100% privately owned with an average ownership of 2-5 heads. The average body weight of dairy goats was 40.13 ± 6.91 kg, with milk production of 2.21 ± 0.51 liters/day. Furthermore, the milk quality variable shows that the average specific gravity and non-fat solids are 1.055 ± 0.08 and 8.42 ± 0.43. Feed adequacy (Dry Matter) is 1.43 and Crude Protein adequacy is 7.44. Milk production was significantly (p<0.05) 52.6% influenced by the level of feed adequacy with the regression equation Y = -1.513 + 0.033XI + 0.495X2. Meanwhile, milk density was 48.5% influenced by the level of feed adequacy (p>0.05) with the regression equation Y = 1.043 + 0.073XI - 0.013X2. Likewise, the lean solitaire variable which was not significant (p>0.05) was influenced by the level of feed adequacy (0.75%) with the regression equation Y = 6.874 + 0.155XI + 0.183X2. It was concluded that the adequacy of feed for dairy goats in Turi District for production was sufficient and for milk quality it was in accordance with the 2011 SNI.

Adaptation of Farmers in Bengawan Solo Watershed in Facing Climate Change

Currently, climate change poses a threat to agriculture, including in the Bengawan Solo watershed. This study aims to explore farmers' perceptions of climate change and understand the adaptations they undertake. The study was conducted in Mejuwet Village, Sumberrejo Subdistrict, Bojonegoro Regency, using qualitative. This study involved six informants, consisting of three farmers and three farm laborers. The selection of informants was based on the criterion of having more than ten years of experience in farming. Data was collected using in-depth interview and observation. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using an interactive model. The study indicates that farmers have knowledge of and can articulate the climate changes they have encountered, albeit with some limitations in understanding, and they actively participate in adaptation efforts. Farmer adaptation encompasses technical modifications like establishing planting schedules and methods, and choosing high-quality varieties. Cultural adaptation encompasses traditions like the wiwitan ceremony. Social adaptation involves using social connections and prioritizing investments in children's schooling. Lastly, economic adaptation involves broadening job opportunities and liquidating assets.

Management factors associated with the survival and market weight of broiler chickens among small-scale farmers in the Dodoma City of Tanzania

Broiler chickens have the genetic potential for significant weight gain over a very short period of time. As a result, they account for over 92 % of the world's poultry meat production in different parts of the world. Yet, to fully realise their growth potential, effective management practices are crucial, encompassing aspects like nutritious feeds, disease control, optimal temperature, and adequate housing. The purpose of the study was to determine the management practices associated with the survival and market weight of broiler chickens in small-scale production. Small-scale poultry production plays a significant role in poverty reduction and household nutrition in developing countries. One hundred and forty small-scale broiler farmers were visited for interviews in the Dodoma City. Employing a structured questionnaire, data on management practices was gathered, while past production records determined market weight and survival rates. Most chickens weighed 1.8–2.3 kg at the end of the production cycle, with a mean live weight of 2.0 kg. Heat provision to chick housing in the early growth stages increased both survival and market weight. Conversely, chicken vaccination and the farmer's experiences were correlated with an increased survival rate. Furthermore, higher feed quantities offered to growers and finishers were linked to greater market weight. It was concluded that enhancing knowledge among small-scale farmers through training and extension services has the potential to increase broiler productivity.

Economic Impact Analysis of Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on Net Farm Income of Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

This study evaluated economic impact analysis of VCDP on net farm income (NFI) of rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data were used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total sample size of 292 rice farmers which comprised of 155 value chain development program beneficiaries and 137 non- beneficiaries. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, multiple regression analysis, difference-in-difference method (DD), propensity score matching (PSM), principal component analysis, F-Chow test, and t-test. The gross margin ratio for VCDP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries was 88% and 71%. Rice production was profitable. The result of the difference-in-difference regression analysis showed that treatment (P< 0.10), period (P< 0.01), interaction (P< 0.10), level of educational (P< 0.10), and farm experience (P< 0.10), were statistically significant variables influencing the net farm income of rice farmers in the study area. The results of PSM show that the coefficient of Average Treatment Effect for all matching algorithms for net farm income of rice farmers such as nearest neighbor, radius, kernel, and stratification were significant at (P< 0.01). The F-Chow test conducted for difference between NFI of participant and non-participant of VCDP was statistical significant. This shows that VCDP impacted positively on NFI of rice farmers. The study recommends that low-interest loans should be made available to rice farmers to increase income.

Motivation toward Rice Farming in Margokaton Village, Sleman District, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Lately, younger people have not involved themselves in farming activities, nor have they continued their parents’ jobs as farmers. Nevertheless, agriculture continues to play a pivotal role in Indonesian food production. Some studies reveal that fewer young people have been engaging in farming because aging farmers are unwilling to bequeath farms to younger farmers for educational, financial, and motivational reasons. Thus, this study sought to describe and analyze the motivating factors why farmers continue farming in Margokaton village, Sleman district, Yogyakarta province. The study gathered primary information from 82 farmers using a structured questionnaire. It used Alderfer’s existence-relatedness-growth (ERG) theory to assess farmer motivations. It found that, overall, rice farmers’ motivation, as seen from the motivation of ERG needs, was “moderate.” Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis shows farmers’ motivation correlating with their education, side jobs, perception of farming as an occupation, farmland areas, productivity of paddy fields, household income from crops farming, farming experience, maintenance of the farmland, having daughters only, and parental encouragement toward farming. Understanding the factors that correlate with farmers’ motivation to continue farming can help assess the future of rice farming.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS PERCEPTION ON FERTILIZER SERVICES OFFERED AT RYTHU BHAROSA KENDRAS

The current study was carried out during the year 2022 and 2023 to knew the factors influencing farmers perception on fertilizer services offered at Rythu Bharosa Kendras in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. A representative sample of 120 farmers in two districts of Andhra Pradesh i.e., Tirupati and Chittoor were selected for the study. Through pre-structed interview schedule, farmers perception was collected. Representative farmers were very satisfied about the physical location of the Rythu Bharosa Kendras with the highest mean score of 4.62. Respondents were very unsatisfied about in time availability of all the fertilizers in RBK with respect to cropping pattern with the lowest mean score of 1.86. 42.50% of the representative sample had moderate perception, 37.50% of them had poor perception and 20.00% of the sample farmers had good perception on fertilizer services offered at Rythu Bharosa Kendra. Impact of farmers socio-economic factors like education, major occupation, farming experience, farm size, annual income and farmers age on their perception over fertilizer services offered at Rythu Bharosa Kendras were analysed. It was noticed that only farming experience and major occupation have significant impact on their perception over fertilizer services offered at Rythu Bharosa Kendras.

DETERMINANTS OF FARMER SUICIDE SYNDROME: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

This communication delves into the suicide syndrome among farmers, leading to their tragic decision to commit suicide. It examines the factors driving this drastic and irreversible choice, with a specific focus on Mandya and Haveri districts in Karnataka. A total of 60 kin member of an affected farmers family was interviewed personally to obtain first-hand data using well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The results revealed that, correlation coefficient of independent variables of affected farmers, age, education, farming experience, cosmopoliteness, scientific orientation, information seeking behaviour and deferred gratification have exhibited positive and highly significant (p<0.01) relationship with suicide syndrome among pooled affected farmers. Correlation coefficients of independent variables for non-affected farmers, farming experience, family type, caste, economic motivation, innovativeness, and risk orientation have exhibited positive and highly significant (p<0.01) relationship with suicide syndrome among pooled non-affected farmers. Results of multiple regression analysis carried out for affected farmers in Mandya and Haveri districts reveal that, scientific orientation (t=2.82 ** ), information seeking bahaviour (t=2.50 ** ) and management orientation (t=2.81 ** ) have shown positive and highly significant contribution at one per cent level. Multiple regression analysis for non-affected farmers indicates that, among six independent variables, management orientation contributed significantly (t=2.68 ** ) for the suicide syndrome level at one per cent level. Keywords : determina

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED PROFILE OF THE POTATO GROWERS AND THE KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF BENEFICIARY FARMERS ABOUT POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

The present study was undertaken in KVK at Deesa of Banaskantha district. Out of 14 talukas Banaskantha District seven talukas falls under the jurisdiction of KVK, Banaskantha-I (Deesa). Among the seven talukas four taluka was purposively selected on the basis of maximum numbers of activities carried out by KVK. From each selected talukas three villages were selected purposively on the basis of maximum numbers of beneficiary farmers. A comprehensive list of the beneficiary potato growers of each adopted village was obtained from KVK. From this list, ten beneficiary potato growers from each village were selected randomly for the study. Thus, 120 beneficiary potato growers were selected for the study. To know the impact of KVK, the same numbers of non beneficiary potato growers were selected randomly from same villages. Thus, altogether 120 beneficiary and 120 non beneficiary potato growers were selected for the study. Thus, total 240 potato growers were selected. Among the selected variables, the variable viz., education, extension participation, source of information, scientific orientation, risk orientation, economic motivation and attitude had exerted positive and highly significant relationship while farming experience, size of land holding, occupation, yield and social participation had positive and significant relationship. Whereas, age exerted negative and non-significant relationship and annual income had positive and non-significant relationship with knowledge level about potato production technology.

Climate smart agriculture practices by crop farmers: Evidence from south east Nigeria

Climate change has severely impacted African countries, particularly Nigeria, affecting farmers' productivity due to adverse weather conditions. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a crucial approach to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and food security. This study aims to identify the sources of awareness, prevalent innovative agricultural practices, determinants of CSA adoption, and the intensity of CSA practices among crop farmers in Southeast Nigeria. A two-stage multi-random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 270 farmers across various locations in Southeast Nigeria through questionnaires. The analysis used descriptive statistics and Heckman's two-stage selection model to evaluate the sources of awareness, the extent of CSA practice, and factors influencing CSA adoption and its intensity. Results indicate that cooperative societies and extension workers are the primary sources of CSA awareness in the region. Key determinants of CSA adoption identified in the study include gender, household size, farming experience, education level, labor force size, income, extension exposure, credit access, risk orientation, and cooperative membership. The Heckman model revealed that cooperative membership significantly increases the probability of CSA adoption, while risk-averse farmers are less likely to adopt CSA practices. The study concludes that while CSA practices are recognized and adopted to some extent, their implementation is insufficient to comprehensively combat the effects of climate change. Enhanced efforts to promote and integrate CSA practices more widely are critically needed. To improve CSA adoption and effectiveness, it is recommended to provide increased support for cooperative societies and extension services, better access to credit, and targeted education and training programs for farmers. Additionally, policies should focus on reducing risk aversion among farmers by providing insurance schemes and other risk management tools.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INLAND FISH FARMERS' ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCE AND THEIR PROFILE

The present investigation, meticulously designed and carried out in the Anand district of middle Gujarat, utilized the 'Ex-post Facto' research design, renowned for its robustness and credibility. The researcher obtained a list of Inland fish farmers from the office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries Anand and KVK, Devataj, and based on availability, 150 Inland fish farmers from the Anand district were selected randomly. The independent variables, including age, education, experience in inland fish farming, extension participation, scientific orientation, and fish farming commitment, had a positive and significant relationship with the entrepreneurial competence of inland fish farmers. Despite the rigorous design, the remaining nine variables failed to show a substantial relationship with their entrepreneurial competence.

Optimizing animal care through compound feed management in Saudi Arabia

Proper animal feeding practices play a fundamental role in enhancing livestock health and maximizing output. Given the governmental restrictions on green fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia (SA) due to water conservation efforts, the use of compound feed could serve as a viable alternative for livestock farmers. This study aimed to investigate livestock farmers' farming objectives, their feeding management strategies, and the uptake of compound feed in the country. Data from 650 randomly selected livestock farmers were collected through an online survey with the assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The findings showed that most farmers raised sheep and goats for trade purposes using specialized farms and desert grazing. Alfalfa hay was widely used as a fodder along with barley grain. While approximately 47% of the farmers did not utilize compound feed, 44% reported its usage. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that formal education, farming experience, and income level significantly influenced the adoption of compound feed among livestock farmers. These results underscore the critical role of education and financial resources in promoting the use of compound feed among livestock farmers in SA. It is recommended that government institutions should develop initiatives to educate farmers on proper animal nutrition practices and provide financial support to make compound feed more affordable for low-income farmers. The widespread use of compound feed has the potential to enhance livestock health and productivity, thereby positively contributing to the food security of SA.

Uptake and Level of Use of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices by Small-Scale Urban Crop Farmers in eThekwini Municipality

Climate fluctuations significantly impact small-scale farmers’ farm welfare (food, nutrition and income). This situation highlights an urgent need to invest in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. Climate-smart agriculture has prospects for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. Therefore, this study addresses the knowledge gap concerning the uptake and level of use of CSA practices by small-scale urban crop (SSUC) farmers, which is critical to enhancing food and income security in urban settings. The relatively low adoption and uptake of CSA practices among small-scale farmers warrants an investigation of the factors influencing its adoption and level of use, especially in urban agriculture (UA) settings. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, this study collected data from 412 SSUC farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, the composite score index (CSI), and an ordered probit model (OPM) were utilised for the analysis. The results reveal that most (74%) are aware of CSA practices. Despite the high awareness of CSA practices by SSUC farmers, many (66%) are medium users of CSA practices, suggesting a moderate CSA practices level of use in eThekwini Municipality. The top five preferred CSA practices include crop diversification (with a CSI of 3.694), followed by crop rotation (3.619), mulching (3.608), drought tolerant crops (3.459) and organic manure (3.442). The popularity of these CSA practices in eThekwini Municipality suggests their immediate benefits when implemented or their lesser complexity in terms of implementation. Age, gender (being male), and household size exhibit a statistically significant negative influence on the CSA practices’ level of use, increasing the likelihood of being in the lower user category. Yet, education, group membership and farming experience promote a higher level of use of CSA practices. The results show that while awareness is critical, socio-economic factors should not be ignored when upscaling the adoption of widespread CSA practices. Therefore, targeted and tailored socio-economic programmes that are age-directed, gender-sensitive, educational, emphasise collective action and leverage the experiences of urban farmers would be paramount in promoting effective CSA practices adoption and uptake by SSUC farmers in eThekwini Municipality, thus enhancing UA resilience against climate change reparations.

Business model development for installation of rubber floor mats to support productivity in dairy farming

Purpose. Ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber gradually loses its quality as it is stored after production. Rubber floor mats are recommended as a marketable upstream production in the Thailand rubber industry to help add economic value to low-graded RSS. However, limited attention in research has been paid to business development, particularly on practical models focusing on the demand perspectives. This study helped fill the knowledge gap by analysing factors influencing labour production in dairy farming and proposing a business model based on productivity analysis. The aim of the project was to create a practical business model for cattle rubber floor mats made of low-graded RSS rubber used for nourishing and housing management to promote labour productivity in dairy farming. Methodology / approach. The study used mixed-methods research. A theoretical framework was developed concerning rubber floor mats used in dairy farming, which helped improve the nourishing and housing management of dairy cattle and promote labour productivity. This research adopted Osterwalder’s business model canvas to examine the demand and supply elements of dairy cattle floor mats made of low-graded rubber. It also used the knowledge-based entrepreneurship concept to scrutinise knowledge-based business development. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data required for multiple regression analysis of labour productivity using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method. It also used semi-structured interviews to scrutinise the subjective experiences of farmers. A focus group discussion was conducted to investigate academics and rubber promotional authorities concerning potential technology and the possibility of transfer of production technology to promote knowledge-based business development. Results. The empirical evidence presented in this paper confirmed that rubber floor mats could help enhance cattle nourishment, dairy housing management and labour productivity. Regional knowledge transfer network was revealed as a driver of knowledge-based development for assisting local upstream rubber farmers in pursuing eco-innovation in rubber production, aligning with the national initiatives of Industry 4.0 and Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG) concepts. Originality / scientific novelty. The originality of this paper is that it presents the results of an empirical study using mixed methods for the first time aiming at clarifying practical elements of the supply and demand sides’ components of the Osterwalder`s Business Model Canvas for developing a business model delivered as a knowledge-based business model for the production of dairy cattle floor mats made of low-graded RSS rubber to help guide practical downstream rubber business development. The qualitative results, together with the quantitative analysis of labour productivity, are based on the perceptions of local farmers in Thailand regarding the use of rubber floor mats on the farm; previous studies scientifically prove its positive relation to an increase in dairy cattle nourishing, hence the daily productivity. Practical value / implications. The novel business model canvas could promote the practical cattle floor mats business development. University engagement and public support were included as the critical drivers in this knowledge-based business model. The model implementation could help encourage rubber farmers and smallholders in upstream rubber production to move towards downstream business development and become knowledge-based entrepreneurs in value-added rubber floor mats production. It could also guide the agricultural policymakers to benchmark and evaluate their policy targeting innovative knowledge-based business development for rubber extension.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Insect Pest Control Methods’ Utilization for Storage in North Central Nigeria

The impetus for this study is the need to understand factors influencing the use of insect pest control methods in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, assessed awareness and use of insect pest control methods, examined farmers’ considerations and investigated factors influencing insect pest control decisions. Using a structured interview schedule to elicit information, data was collected by means of multi-stage sampling technique to select a total of 384 cowpea farmers for this study. A purposive selection of Kwara and Niger States paved way for the purposive choice of two agricultural zones in Kwara state and one agricultural zone in Niger state. Percentages, frequency counts, ranks, mean, and ordinary least square regression was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the intended time of sale, time required to apply method, and time of application were the factors most considered for store insect pest control. Ordinary Least Square regression estimates demonstrate positive significant relationship between farm size (t=4.681), group membership (t=4.688), and quantity stored in tons (t=2.312) and intensity of use. Conversely, years of education (t=-2.196), years of cowpea farming experience (t=-3.419), and frequency of extension contact (t=-.534) had significant negative relationship with intensity of use. In conclusion, it is recommended that policy makers and extension staff put into consideration farm size, group membership, quantity stored, years of education, years of cowpea farming experience and frequency of extension contact in optimizing extension strategy for promotion of indigenous and alternative insect pest control methods.

TESDA Rice Extension Services Program and Agricultural Competence among Farm Field Student Farmers

This study evaluated the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Rice Extension Service Program (TESDA RESP) training program's effectiveness in enhancing agricultural competence among farm field student farmers. It examines the level of support provided by the program in terms of resources and training, explores its relationship with agricultural competence, and analyzes differences in program support and rice farmers’ competence across demographic profiles. Data was gathered via quantitative correlational research, assessing student farmers' demographic profile in terms of age, educational background years of farming experience, participation in other TESDA training programs; perception of training delivery support; and level of agricultural competence in rice farming. The study was focused on the province of Misamis Oriental and conducted among farm field schools and training institutions that are recipients of the scholarship program under RESP. Statistical analysis indicates that Resource and Training Support significantly influences the agricultural competence of the student farmer respondents. Demographic profiles, however, show that it does not statistically affect student farmer's level of competence upon having completed the training program in the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization. The findings suggest that the TESDA RESP program effectively enhances agricultural skills, hence advocating for its sustainability to foster skilled rice farmers and agricultural workforce in Misamis Oriental.

Adoption of milk safety practices: evidence from dairy farmers in Ethiopia

BackgroundFoodborne zoonotic diseases caused by inadequate on-farm controls are a major global public health concern, despite dairy products' nutritional value and role in food security. To improve dairy safety on farms, it is critical to understand the factors that influence the adoption of safe milk production practices. The objective of this paper was to assess milk safety practices implemented on smallholder dairy farms and to identify factors associated with farm-level adoption of these practices by dairy farmers in Ethiopia.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 424 randomly selected dairy farmers across five districts in Ethiopia, with 410 of them being used in the analysis. The level of milk safety practices was developed based on the reported adoption of 45 recommended milk safety measures, which were grouped under animal health, milking hygiene, milk storage, and general hygienic practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe and compare key variables, while factors associated with the adoption of milk safety practices under each group and the overall level of milk safety practices adopted were identified using truncated Poisson and ordinary least squares, respectively.ResultsSmallholder dairy farmers adopted 59% of the milk safety practices, with considerable variation across dairy farmers. Although the level of milk safety practices adoption does not significantly differ between the two zones, our finding uncovered that most of the factors associated with the adoption of milk safety practices significantly differ between zones. This demonstrates that there is a need for location-specific policy recommendations and strategies to improve the adoption of milk safety practices by dairy producers in Ethiopia. Households with more education, dairy farming experience, dairy production training, access to milk safety information, access to credit, and experience with milk safety inspections adopted significantly more milk safety measures. On the other hand, the number of lactating cows, distance from water and proportion of milk consumed at home were found to be negatively associated with milk safety practices adopted.ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest that strengthening food safety inspections at the farm and improving regulatory enforcement, disseminating food safety information through different outlets and location-specific interventions are important to improve the adoption of milk safety practices in Ethiopia.

Analysis of the Determining Factors of Generation Z's Interest in Working in the Agricultural Sector in Bima Regency

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of the high interest of generation Z in Bima Regency in choosing to work in the agricultural sector. This research aims to analyze the influence of various factors, such as family economic conditions, environment, personality, motivation, and farming experience, on Generation Z's interest in choosing to work in the agricultural sector in the Bima Regency area. The type of research used is quantitative-descriptive. The population is generation Z, aged 15–24 years, who work as farmers or in the agricultural sector in six sub-districts in Bima Regency, namely Lambu, Monta, Wera, Langgudu, Belo, and Sape, with a total sample of 322 respondents. Primary data collection was carried out through interviews, observation, and documentation using questionnaire instruments and Google Forms. The data analysis was carried out using the multiple linear regression method. The results of the analysis show that partially family economic factors, environment, personality, motivation, and farming experience have a positive and significant effect on generation Z's interest in working in the agricultural sector in Bima Regency. Meanwhile, simultaneously, family economic variables, environment, personality, motivation, and farming experience have a positive and significant effect on generation Z's interest in working in the agricultural sector in Bima Regency.