Bovine brucellosis is a zoonosis that has a direct impact on animal production and farmers' incomes. The objective of this study was to describe the socio-economic characteristics of bovine brucellosis in sedentary herds in the Mandiagho canton, Chari Baguirmi province. Two surveys were conducted in February and March 2023. The first was a household census of herders in order to collect blood, hygroma and milk samples. The second was a cross-sectional survey of 52 households to collect socio-economic data. The cattle breeders surveyed were at 100% male, Muslim and non-educated person. Married men accounted for 78.84%, with an average age of 36 (42.31%), ranging from 46 to 55 (25%). Arab herders accounted for 78.84% and 11.53% were from Gourane ethnic group. The sedentary breeding system was practiced by 51.92% of farmers, and the sale of dairy produce generated significant income for farmers, amounting to more than 1279141.48 USD during the study period. The cost of losses due to abortions was estimated at 13707.16 USD, and stillbirths due to hygromas were estimated at 64889.12 USD during the same period. Given the very high costs associated with the socio-economic impact, the authorities in charge of livestock farming must organize training and awareness campaigns on biosecurity practices in order to better equip farmers in this area.

In tropical countries, traditional production systems have proved to be fairly productive whereas having a lower environmental impact than conventional agriculture. Nevertheless, factors such as the penetration of the market economy and the disruption of commercial agriculture are reported to have negative effects on agrodiversity of traditional systems. This paper analyzes the socioeconomic determinants of crop richness and monocropping among Ecuadorian farmers. Using data from the Living Standards Measurement Survey-2014, multivariate techniques were used to assess the factors influencing decisions on how many crops to grow and on the likelihood of adopting monocropping. The results show that the number of crops a household grows is larger for poor large indigenous households. In contrast, crop richness is smaller for more educated households receiving off farm income and residing near a road. In terms of which kind of household is the most likely to engage in monocropping, this is a household that has off-farm work, uses pesticides, and is located next to a road. On the other hand, poor indigenous households have less odds to adopt monoculture. These results demonstrate the importance of diversified agrosystems for rural people in Ecuador and reflect that policy makers should focus on the rescue and promotion of traditional agrosystems as a way to reach food security while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Smallholder agriculture plays an important role in rural livelihoods throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but its economic contribution to household welfare has not been explored extensively. In this study, the economic benefit of crop production among 100 smallholder farm households in the Mwekera Farming Block in Zambia was estimated with an emphasis on household investment, consumption, and job effects. A mixed-methods approach was employed that combined structured surveys with cross-tabulations, Fisher's Exact Test, and ANOVA analysis. Implications are that soybean (48%) and maize (32%) are the predominant crops, with all soybeans and most maize farmers yielding more than 5 tons. There were more variable yields for groundnuts (16%) and sunflowers (4%), such that crop-specific productivity differences were indicated (Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.000). Every household re-invested part of their farm income: 82% expanded areas cultivated, 18% spent on seeds and small inputs, and 91% diversified into non-farm activities such as trade, animals, and education. Seasonal employment was dominant, with 86% of the labor supply, where soybeans and maize generated the highest number of employment opportunities. Statistical analysis showed that crop type influenced the character of employment generated significantly (Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.011), while overall output did not affect total employment generation (ANOVA F = 0.39, p = 0.6805). The results highlight the fact that farm production is central to household financial planning, supporting agricultural and non-agricultural investments as well as creating significant seasonal employment, especially for young people and women. The study also emphasizes the importance of policy interventions that will enable mechanization, adoption of improved technologies, access to finance, and value chain linkage, which can improve productivity, enhance household income diversification, and enhance rural socio-economic resilience.

Post-harvest losses due to bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) infestation in green gram production remain a challenge. The relative tolerance to bruchid infestation of five green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) varieties was evaluated under ambient conditions in a laboratory. The green gram varieties were two old varieties: N26 and KS20; and three new varieties: Karembo, Biashara and Ndengu-Tosha. A completely randomized design with four replications was used in the laboratory. Callosobruchus maculatus was isolated from infested green gram grain and multiplied on clean grain for artificial infestation. Data collected include seed coat color, seed size, seed weight loss, seed coat thickness, number of holes on grain and oviposition. Analysis of variance at P = 0.05 using GenStat 15th Edition statistical software was done and treatment means separated using the Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference at 5% probability level. Data were further subjected to simple linear regression analysis to determine relationships among variables. Seed morphological traits mainly thick seed coat and small seed size were associated with reduced oviposition on the grain. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between seed color and egged grain (0.40 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.63). Ndengu Tosha and Karembo varieties with higher hue angles (100 ± 8.1 Ho) supported fewer dead bruchids (1 and 15 respectively), suggesting reduced suitability for oviposital preference. The findings highlight the potential of varietal selection as a sustainable strategy for minimizing postharvest losses, reduced pesticide reliance in green gram and increased income of small scale farmers. Future research should focus on developing new varieties with grain traits that are tolerant to bruchid attack.

ABSTRACT Climate change threatens agricultural productivity, especially among smallholder maize farmers in Nigeria. Although climate change adaptation strategies (CCAS) are promoted, evidence on adoption dynamics and income effects remains limited. This study analyzes the determinants of CCAS adoption and its income impacts using advanced econometric methods. Data from 300 maize farmers, selected through multistage sampling across major producing regions, were used. Adoption decisions and intensity were estimated with a Hurdle Negative Binomial model, while income effects across the distribution were assessed using an Instrumental Variable Quantile Treatment Effect (IV-QTE) model to address endogeneity. Results show that gender, age, household size, income, awareness, and access to meteorological information significantly influence adoption decisions. Adoption intensity is mainly driven by household size, farm size, weather information, revenue, and extension access. IV-QTE estimates indicate that CCAS adoption significantly increases net farm income, with the largest gains among lower- and middle-income farmers. The findings highlight the importance of information and institutional support. The study recommends strengthening extension services, improving timely weather information access, and expanding credit-linked training programs to enhance adoption and farmer resilience.

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to protect crops from animal pests, diseases, and weeds, helping to maintain yields under diverse production conditions. However, their widespread and repeated use has led to environmental contamination, biodiversity loss, and growing concerns about human health. While Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic farming have sought to reduce pesticide dependency, both approaches still permit pesticide use, and their adoption remains limited due to technical and economic constraints. In this context, we explore the feasibility of a third way: pesticide-free agriculture based on agroecological crop protection (ACP) principles. Drawing from the Rés0Pest experimental network launched in France in 2012, we present ten years of results from nine sites covering a range of pedo-climatic conditions and socio-economic contexts. Rés0Pest implemented cropping systems that excluded all pesticide use, including seed treatments, while maintaining synthetic fertilizer inputs. The systems were co-designed through participatory methods, following a system experiment approach that evaluates the effects of a combination of cropping practices and their interactions on cropping system performance over the long term. Results showed that in pesticide-free systems, it is possible to achieve yields comparable to conventional and higher than organic systems and, in some cases, generate higher net farm income. Pest and pathogen crop damage did not significantly increase over time, although weed management remained a key challenge. These findings suggest that technically and economically viable pesticide-free arable systems are possible under certain conditions, and that new solutions are needed to support their adoption across a wider range of contexts. We discuss implications for research, farming, and policy, and emphasize the need for adaptive experimentation and systemic performance assessment to support agroecological transitions.

This study aims to (1) determine the intensity index of rice and carp farming (IIP). (2) determine the income of rice and carp farmers in Nagori Pematang Gajing, Gunung Malela District. (3) determine the effect of cropping pattern index, fish production costs, paddy production costs, and farmer experience on farm income.This research was conducted in Pematang Gajing Village, Gunung Malela District, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province. The research method used in this study was quantitative descriptive. The sampling method used was purposive sampling of 30 people. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, documentation, and questionnaires. Data analysis techniques used were planting intensity index analysis, income analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that (1). Rice farming and carp farming are carried out by farmers with an average age of 50 years. The average level of education is at the junior high school level. The average farmer's experience is 21 years. The average number of farmer family members is 4 people. The results of this study indicate that the largest rice production and carp farming are from rice production with an average R/C value of 3. While from carp farming with an average R/C value of 1.From the results of the determination test analysis (R2) it can be seen that variables X1, X2, X3, X4 can explain 60.4%, it is concluded that the difference of 39.6 is influenced by factors not included in the study. From the results of the simultaneous test analysis (F test) X1, X2, X3, X4 have a significant effect on (Y). with a sig value of 0.00 <0.05. From the results of the partial test analysis (t test) X1, X3, X4 have a significant effect on (Y), while X2 is not significant on the increase in (Y).

Agricultural production in transition economies is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, while the adoption of agricultural insurance remains limited despite its potential to enhance farm resilience and income stability. This study examines the key determinants of agricultural insurance adoption in Albania, a climate-vulnerable transition economy characterized by fragmented farm structures and evolving institutional frameworks. The main objective of the study is to identify the economic, institutional, and behavioral factors influencing farmers’ insurance decisions. The analysis is based on primary survey data collected from farmers across multiple regions of Albania and employs a binary logistic regression model to assess the impact of education, institutional trust, premium subsidization, climatic risk exposure, and behavioral perceptions on insurance adoption. The results reveal a significant gap between farmers’ willingness to insure and actual insurance uptake. While education and exposure to climatic risk increase awareness and willingness to adopt insurance, institutional trust emerges as the most decisive factor determining actual adoption. Premium subsidization positively influences insurance demand, although its effectiveness depends strongly on trust in insurance providers. Overall, the findings indicate that low insurance penetration reflects rational decision-making under institutional and economic constraints rather than a lack of information. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for integrated policy interventions combining financial education, trust-building measures, and stable subsidy schemes to strengthen agricultural resilience in transition economies.

In Türkiye, where agriculture consumes 75% of available water and national irrigation efficiency is only 51.3%, irrigation modernization—the conversion of classical open-channel irrigation systems to pressurized pipe systems—presents a primary strategy to achieve significant water savings. This study provides a comprehensive economic assessment of the potential of this strategy. A twofold methodology was employed: first, a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of the 36,108 ha Ivriz irrigation project, and second, a national model to simulate the economic impact of modernizing nation’s 4.9 million hectares currently irrigated by such classical systems. This approach directly addresses two gaps identified in the literature: the lack of comprehensive project-level economic assessments of full irrigation modernization in large-scale open-channel systems, and the absence of simulations quantifying the national-level economic potential of modernizing Türkiye’s classical irrigation infrastructure. The Ivriz case study reveals that project viability is entirely contingent on the on-farm efficiency achieved post-modernization. At 60% efficiency, water savings are insufficient to make the project economically feasible, whereas at 90% efficiency, substantial water savings render the project highly profitable. At the national level, the analysis indicates that the conserved water could be used to expand Türkiye’s irrigated area by 1.77–2.98 million hectares, generating an additional $3.47–$5.84 billion in annual agricultural income. The findings conclude that while modernization represents a powerful investment, its success requires a comprehensive policy framework that not only funds infrastructure conversion but also mandates integrated support programs to ensure farmers adopt the high-efficiency technologies needed to achieve these savings.

The study analysed the effect of Animal Traction Technology (ATT) on medium-scale maize farmers’ livelihood in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted with multi-stage sampling procedure used to select 309 respondents out of 1573 medium-scale maize farmers across the four agricultural zones in Kaduna State. A structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated, pilot-tested giving a standardized reliability coefficient of 0.874. The instrument was administered to the respondents. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Logit regression analysis was used to test the null hypothesis. The finding showed that ATT in Kaduna State significantly affects maize farmers’ livelihood (p = 0.000 < 0.05). It was concluded that the life of medium-scale maize farmers was better after the use of ATT. The study recommends among others the need for Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) to integrate ATT into broader its livelihood improvement programmes to enhance the income and food security of farmers in the State.

Climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic uncertainties pose significant challenges to agricultural sustainability, particularly for rural populations dependent on farming. Monoculture systems, adopted to meet the rising food demand, have aggravated soil and water degradation, biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Crop diversification has emerged as a sustainable strategy to enhance resilience, productivity and livelihood security. Practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, mixed cropping, and the use of regionally adapted varieties, legumes and perennials reduce production risks, improve soil health, lower pest and disease incidence, enhance resilience to climatic extremes and stabilise farm income. In India, where agriculture is largely rainfed and constrained by fragmented landholdings, declining resources and market imperfections, diversification provides a pathway to balance food security with environmental sustainability. Shifting from low-value, resource-intensive crops to high-value, climate-resilient and market-oriented crops through horizontal and vertical diversification can improve productivity, profitability and nutritional security. However, adoption is limited by inadequate infrastructure, poor access to inputs and technology, weak market linkages and policy barriers, which must be addressed through supportive policies, targeted investments, strengthened value chains and farmer-participatory approaches.

This study aims to assess the mechanization status and constrains faced by the rice growing farmers and its impact in paddy production in Kailali district. The study was conducted in command area of RJKIP which covers Tikapur municipality, Lamki-Chuha municipality and Janaki rural municipality which were purposively selected. Sampling of 92 rice growers was done using simple random sampling method and primary data was collected via household survey. Multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting adoption of mechanization among rice growers. The findings showed education level, larger land holdings, income of farmers had significantly increased the adoption of mechanization where, age, family size and labour cost had negative effect on adoption. Major problems in adoption of mechanized agriculture system were higher cost of machine followed by lack of technical knowledge, small land holdings, lack of subsidy etc. Farm mechanization can be enhanced by providing subsidy on machineries, technical assistance on using different tools and farming practices followed by land management scheme.

Determinants, synergies, trade-offs, and impacts of climate-smart agriculture technology adoption on crop yield and farm income: evidence from Tanzania

To clarify the role of digital literacy improvement in farm household income growth, this paper constructs a digital literacy assessment framework covering seven dimensions and uses data from a 2023 rural survey in China to empirically examine the impact of digital literacy on farm household income. The findings indicate that digital literacy significantly enhances income growth among farm households. Mechanism analysis reveals that digital literacy improves access to credit for farm households, thereby facilitating income growth. The effect of digital literacy on household income varies by group, with the highest marginal contribution to agricultural income among low-income households and to non-agricultural income among middle to high-income households. Digital literacy positively affects income across different genders and educational levels. The findings of this study reveal that digital literacy promotes income growth among different groups of rural households in China through various pathways.

To clarify the role of digital literacy improvement in farm household income growth, this paper constructs a digital literacy assessment framework covering seven dimensions and uses data from a 2023 rural survey in China to empirically examine the impact of digital literacy on farm household income. The findings indicate that digital literacy significantly enhances income growth among farm households. Mechanism analysis reveals that digital literacy improves access to credit for farm households, thereby facilitating income growth. The effect of digital literacy on household income varies by group, with the highest marginal contribution to agricultural income among low-income households and to non-agricultural income among middle to high-income households. Digital literacy positively affects income across different genders and educational levels. The findings of this study reveal that digital literacy promotes income growth among different groups of rural households in China through various pathways.

ABSTRACT Climate change threatens global food security significantly, especially in agriculture where drought poses a major challenge. This study examines adoption dynamics and economic benefits of drought‐resistant crops among smallholder farmers in China's degraded, highly vulnerable ecosystems. The objective is to analyze adoption determinants and assess impacts on crop yields and agricultural income, while evaluating government policies' role in facilitating adoption. We hypothesize that policy support, education, and farm characteristics positively influence adoption, while adoption improves economic outcomes. The purpose is to inform policy for sustainable agriculture in drought‐prone areas. Using data from China Household Income Project surveys (2002, 2007, 2013) and regional agricultural statistics, we apply econometric models, including probit for adoption determinants and fixed effects for economic benefits. Results indicate adoption rates rose from 20% in 2002 to 76.3% in 2013, driven by policy support, education, farm size, and household income, while age negatively affects adoption. Adoption boosts crop yields by 0.3 tons per hectare and agricultural income by 437 yuan, with larger benefits in degraded ecosystems. These findings underscore targeted policies' importance in promoting climate‐smart agriculture and building resilience in vulnerable regions. The study concludes that government support, including extension services and subsidies, is essential for widespread adoption, advancing sustainable development and food security.

Tribal women in India face nutrition challenges due to limited dietary diversity and persistent malnutrition. Their livelihoods depend on subsistence agriculture and the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Sustainable livelihood approaches, like horticulture initiatives, can improve nutrition and economic resilience. However, challenges include climate vulnerabilities, poor market linkage, and limited access to resources. The study aims to assess gender roles and intervene in existing horticultural production systems for sustainable livelihood and nutritional improvement of farm women. The experiment was conducted on the impact of horticulture on nutrition and livelihood in participation with 750 tribal women from 10 villages across five states, like Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan in India. Data on demography (70% tribal population), participation (70%-100%), and food diversity (milk-40%, egg-40%, dal-75%, cereals-100%, GLV-60%, and meat-30%) revealed the prominent role of women in the tribal agri-food system. Interventions in raising seedlings in low cost net houses, pro-tray and growing vegetable crops in trailies and raised bed with participation of 750 women in 15 tribal villages of five states addressed the key issues like damage of vegetable seedlings and disease pest incidence with technology adoption rate of 20% (net house), 40% (pro-tray and Input support (56%) (trailies method) and 64% (raised bed method). Healthy crop, uniform growth, easy plucking and no damage during transplanting were the perceived technological impacts with an impact index of 86%. Varietal replacement through front-line demonstration in 318.5-acre area involving 750 farmwomen revealed both increase in production (85-662 Kg) and income (Rs 300/- to Rs 4,200/-) with impact (mean core) on nutritional status (3.26-3.55), livelihood security (1.65-2.06) and farm income (Rs 28,200/- to Rs 37,820/-). However, the impact in soil fertility, family income and nutrition had an Impact index of 54%, with 36% in man-days engagement and 34% increase in family income, enabling the women to attain sustainable livelihood.

This study draws on data from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS) to examine the impact of agricultural labor force aging on wheat production efficiency at the household level, with a particular focus on the moderating role of agricultural mechanization. The results reveal that the relationship between labor force aging and wheat production efficiency is not linear but exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern. Production efficiency peaks when the average age of a household’s agricultural labor force approaches 55 and declines thereafter. Agricultural mechanization significantly moderates this relationship, alleviating the negative effects of labor force aging on production efficiency. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the adverse impact is more pronounced among households that depend more heavily on grain or agricultural income, and in major grain-producing regions, indicating notable regional and structural variations. To address the challenges posed by an aging agricultural workforce, policy efforts should focus on establishing incentive mechanisms to attract young talent back to rural areas to engage in modern agricultural production; advancing agricultural mechanization to alleviate labor shortages and address the issue of “how to grow grain”; and fostering new types of agricultural business entities to promote appropriately scaled land management and address the question of “who will grow grain.”

Post-harvest losses in horticultural crops represent a major constraint to global food and nutritional security, farmer income, and sustainable agricultural development. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable due to their high moisture content, delicate tissues, and continued physiological and biochemical activities after harvest, making them vulnerable to significant quantitative and qualitative losses. It is estimated that 10–50% of horticultural produce is lost at various post-harvest stages, particularly in developing countries where infrastructure, cold chain facilities, and market access remain inadequate. This review critically examines the magnitude, causes, and stages of post-harvest losses in horticultural crops, with emphasis on biological and physiological processes such as respiration, ethylene production, enzymatic activity, and microbial spoilage, as well as physical damage, improper handling, transportation constraints, and socio-economic factors. The paper highlights stage-wise management and loss-reduction strategies, including harvesting at optimal maturity, scientific handling and grading, improved packaging, pre-cooling, cold storage, controlled- and modified-atmosphere storage, sanitation, and moisture management. The role of value addition and processing in minimizing wastage and enhancing economic returns is also discussed. Furthermore, the importance of policy and institutional support, investment in cold chain infrastructure, market linkages, quality standards, and farmer training is emphasized. Emerging technologies such as smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT)-based cold-chain monitoring, biocontrol agents, and nanotechnology-enabled packaging are reviewed for their potential to extend shelf life and improve supply-chain efficiency. Despite these advancements, challenges related to high investment costs, lack of skilled manpower, and limited accessibility for smallholder farmers persist. The review concludes that an integrated, multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation, capacity building, and supportive policies is essential for sustainable reduction of post-harvest losses in horticultural crops.

Tomato farming (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the horticultural activities with considerable economic potential; however, it also faces challenges such as high production costs, cultivation risks, and price fluctuations. This study aims to analyze production costs, revenue, income, and financial feasibility of tomato farming conducted at the Practice Garden of the Faculty of Food Technology, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Nusa Nipa University, Indonesia. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, using primary data obtained from direct observation and systematic recording during the farming activities, as well as secondary data from relevant institutional reports and literature.The results indicate that the total production cost of tomato farming amounted to IDR 5,728,664, while total revenue reached IDR 6,000,000, resulting in a net income of IDR 271,336 per planting season. Financial feasibility analysis using the Revenue-Cost (R/C) Ratio yielded a value of 1.05, indicating that the tomato farming enterprise is economically feasible and profitable. Therefore, tomato farming at the practice garden has the potential to be further developed, particularly through improved efficiency in input utilization and better cost management. This study is expected to serve as a reference for students, farm managers, and farmers in making informed decisions regarding sustainable horticultural farming practices.