Agricultural Programs Research Articles

Unpacking the agricultural innovation and diffusion for modernizing the smallholders in rural China: From the perspective of agricultural innovation system and its governance

Innovation is perceived as a crucial tool for addressing the serious global challenges faced by the agriculture sector. This paper focuses on a new local public agricultural innovation project in the context of rural China, and intends to capture the embodied agricultural innovation and dissemination network for modernizing the smallholders. Through integrating the concepts of Agricultural Innovation System and Agricultural Innovation Governance, we develop a comprehensive framework for understanding the partnerships between agri-technicians and small farmers within the network structured by innovation governance practices. In-depth interview and network analysis methods were used to scrutinize the linkages among actors engaged with the agricultural innovation programme in case area and detect the achievements in enabling smallholders to upgrade technical trajectories in production and fostering modern farmers at the local levels. Our empirical analysis suggests that the single-center and multi-level network produced in the agricultural innovation practices, which is distinctive to the previous simplistic linear model for technology transfer, demonstrates obvious effectiveness in diffusing the new knowledge both vertically and horizontally, and that the grassroots sub-network generates the interaction space between agronomic experts and farmers for building mutual trust and co-producing technologies suitable for local conditions. Through allocating financial resources and supervising the public agricultural innovation projects, the provincial government indirectly dominates the directionality of local agricultural innovation for enabling smallholders to learn emerging technologies and cultivating the new generation of professional farmers. Nevertheless, the current agricultural innovation practice in case area has not completely avoided the social selection bias due to the clear marginalization of some vulnerable smallholders, and the duration of innovation projects imposed negative influence on the persistent collaborations between agri-technicians and smallholders in places. It is argued that for meeting the national agenda of agricultural modernization and common prosperity in rural area, how to reform the management measures of public innovation projects and enable the vulnerable farmers to equally engage with the innovation activities and share the interests brought by new technologies are the urgent challenges need to be addressed in the future.

Constraints and suggestions of the students undergoing agricultural diploma programme

Constraints and suggestions of the students undergoing agricultural diploma programme

Impact of agricultural broadcasting programme through air news on the farmers’ adoption of innovative agricultural practices in Bishnupur district of Manipur, India

Impact of agricultural broadcasting programme through air news on the farmers’ adoption of innovative agricultural practices in Bishnupur district of Manipur, India

Perspective of Water-Use Programs in Agriculture in Guanajuato

Integrated agricultural water management (IAWM) encompasses multiple factors, necessitating the evaluation of performance across programs and involved entities and local consideration in different regions. This study analyzes the relation of allocation budgets and government agency programs in relation to the average annual availability of groundwater in Guanajuato State. Documentary investigation was conducted on public programs, aquifer availability, and agricultural land types over the period from 2017 to 2023. In the last six years, the amounts allocated to government programs from subsidies and donations have increased by 40%, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity in the state. Considering the agricultural types (rain-fed, irrigated, and protected) as separate variables, simple linear regression explains 97.8% of the variability in the DMA, indicating a decrease of 78.2 million m3 and an increase in irrigated agriculture. The estimator for the budget allocated to public programs is −2.21 × 10−7, indicating that even if the resources allocated to government programs related to the use and exploitation of water in the agricultural sector increase, the DMA will continue to decrease. Regarding the agriculture area type, the estimator has a value of −0.00237, indicating that each rain-fed or irrigated agriculture unit established would result in an approximate reduction of 2370 m3 of water in the DMA. Taking this into account, it is imperative to formulate strategies that consider intersectoral links, with a focus on prioritizing essential actions in rain-fed areas for water capture and/or irrigated agricultural areas for food production, which comprise 52% of the total land dedicated to the agricultural sector, and specifically targeting actions that promote groundwater management.

The Effect of Agricultural Extension and Post-Harvest Processing Technology in Increasing Farmers' Income and Farm Business Sustainability in Rural Bandung Regency

This study examines the impact of agricultural extension services and post-harvest processing technology on farmers' income and farm business sustainability in rural Bandung Regency. A quantitative analysis of 160 farmers' responses, measured using a Likert scale, revealed that agricultural extension services significantly enhance farm sustainability and increase farmers' income. Similarly, post-harvest processing technology positively impacts both farm sustainability and income. These findings underscore the importance of these interventions in promoting sustainable agricultural development and improving farmers' livelihoods, highlighting the need for continuous investment in agricultural extension programs and the promotion of post-harvest technologies to support rural agricultural communities.

Peran Pertanian Organik Terhadap Kesejahteraan Petani di Kecamatan Sumbersari Kabupaten Jember

Organic farming is an agricultural practice that prioritizes the use of natural ingredients and environmentally friendly techniques in producing food. Organic farming practices place greater emphasis on maintaining ecosystem balance, soil health and environmental sustainability. The organic farming program implemented by the Jember Regency government in its application is carried out through empowering farming communities. This research was conducted in Sumbersari District, Jember Regency, precisely in Karangrejo Village using qualitative analysis methods and a snowball sampling approach. Sampling is initially small, then increases over time and stops when the information obtained is deemed sufficient. The aim of this research is to find out the role of organic farming in the welfare of farmers in Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. Based on interviews and observations, the results showed that organic farming implemented by farmers in Sumbersari District was still unable to improve farmers' welfare, which was not in accordance with the theory that organic farming should be able to help improve farmers' welfare because the price of organic products was higher than non-organic products. One of the reasons for the low income of organic farmers in Sumbersari District is because farmers do not have organic certification so their products are not priced according to the price of organic products. Decreased productivity and inappropriate prices are factors that cause a decline in the welfare of organic farmers in Sumbersari District, Jember Regency.

Balancing Rural Development and Corporate Image: Evidence From Social Responsibility Performance in Agriculture Program of Mining Company

Balancing Rural Development and Corporate Image: Evidence From Social Responsibility Performance in Agriculture Program of Mining Company

Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Teams Games Tournament (TGT) Berbasis Quizizz untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Peserta Didik di SMK Negeri 4 Gowa

The research is a classroom action research aimed at improving the learning achievement of 10th grade students in agricultural tecnology and plant husbandry program at state vocational high school 4 Gowa. The independent variable in this study is the application of the teams games tournament cooperative leaening model based on quizizz, while the dependent variable is the learning achievement of students in the fundamentals of agribusiness plant subjects. The sample consists of the 10th grade class ATPH 1 SMK state 4 Gowa. Research data were obtained from learning outcome tests, including pre-tests & post-tests. Based on data analysis, data were obtained from learning outcome tests, with percentages in cycle 1 pre-test score 39,65% and post test score of 49,6%, and in cycle 2 a post test result of 85,88% was obtained. Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that the implementatiton of the cooperative learning model teams games tournament (TGT) based on quizizz, can improve the learning achievement of students in class X ATPH 1 at SMK Negeri 4 Gowa.

Determinants of the Quality of Delivery of Agricultural Training Programs among Farmers in Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa

Determinants of the Quality of Delivery of Agricultural Training Programs among Farmers in Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa

Analysis of independent agriculture program for Empowered Village Women (Permata) from CSR PT Pertamina EP Adera Field

Analysis of independent agriculture program for Empowered Village Women (Permata) from CSR PT Pertamina EP Adera Field

Personality traits and technical efficiency of Chinese rice farmers

Abstract Given the complex managerial tasks and the risks and uncertainties involved in agricultural production, it is expected that personality traits may play an integral role in shaping farmers’ performance. This study uses a large rural household survey dataset collected in three rice-producing provinces in China to examine this proposition. We find that openness to experience and internal locus of control have favourable effects on technical efficiency (TE), while agreeableness and neuroticism are associated with lower TE. Cognitive skills, as measured by years of education, do not contribute to higher TE of the interviewed farmers. These results imply that the motivational component of human capital (i.e. personality traits) is of greater importance for a farmer’s managerial performance than cognitive skills attained through current formal education. The effectiveness of policies aimed at improving rural welfare may be enhanced by adapting agricultural training programmes to include fostering entrepreneurial and social skills, especially for those with unfavourable personality traits for agricultural production, in addition to improving agricultural knowledge.

Do Agricultural stakeholder panels enhance post-harvest loss reduction? Evidence from Malawi

Post-harvest loss significantly affects food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and elsewhere across developing countries. Weak institutional factors like ineffective agricultural extension services in rural communities can exacerbate such problems among smallholder farmers in SSA and other developing countries. Therefore, international development policies have prioritized strengthening rural extension systems to enhance access to effective extension services and thereby enhance food security outcomes like ineffective agriculturalpost-harvest loss reduction among rural households. As such, the US-Agency for International Development supported the Strengthening Agricultural and Nutrition Extension program in Malawi from 2015 to 2021 to improve access to rural extension services by promoting Agricultural Stakeholder Panels (ASPs)—platforms designed to enhance farmer interaction with local extension agents in rural communities and thereby enhance improved access to quality extension services in rural areas. The ASP approach can reduce post-harvest losses for major crops, such as maize. However, rigorous analyses of the effects of ASPs on post-harvest loss reduction remain limited. To address this knowledge gap, we apply recursive bivariate probit regression to primary survey data from 2134 households in Malawi to estimate the effects of the ASP approach on post-harvest loss reduction in 2018. The results show that ASPs reduced post-harvest losses among households by 53%, and a crucial outcome that can improve household food security. The result demonstrates that policies that strengthen rural extension systems can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals on hunger and food security in rural Malawi and similar contexts.

Optimalisasi Peran Kader Pos UKK Demang Jaya Sehat melalui Pemanfaatan Media Penyuluhan Kesehatan Sederhana

A program that has not been implemented at the Demang Jaya Sehat Post of Occupational Health Effort is village-level meetings as an effort to provide solutions to problems obtained when conducting introspective surveys. Currently, cadres are not able to carry out socialization because they have never received training related to socialization media. This service aims to provide simple health socialization media training to UKK Demang Jaya Sehat Post Cadres as a motor in the farmer health program. This service begins with a pretest, then simple socialization media training consisting of concepts, sources, and practices, and ends with a posttest. All 7 cadres were active and enthusiastic in participating in the training held at the Demangan Village Hall as seen from several questions asked. Cadres carry out the practice of searching for information and data using Google with keyword accuracy indicators, as well as accessing the website promkes.kemkes.go.id to download socialization media in the form of videos, short films, posters, brochures, flyers, and leaflets. Cadres are considered proficient in using gadgets. The posttest results showed an increase in cadre understanding scores of 20.75% compared to before. This shows that training activities are effective in increasing the knowledge of Pos UKK cadres so that they are expected to be able to maintain the sustainability of the village safety farming program. The lowest score is in the aspect of validity and accuracy of information, so farmers still need assistance from the community health center and village government team in preparing and conducting counseling.

Economic assessment of the impact of climate change on agriculture in Albania and Ukraine

This study aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector in Albania and Ukraine, with a focus on identifying key challenges and opportunities for adaptation. The study analysed statistical data from 2010 to 2023 on climate change and its impact on agriculture and assessed the consequences. The results of the study showed that changes in temperature regimes are a key factor that directly affects agriculture. An increase in average annual temperatures leads to a change in the growing season of plants, which has both positive and negative consequences. Changes in precipitation patterns are another key mechanism of climate change impact on agriculture. Reduced precipitation and frequent droughts can lead to significant crop losses, requiring the introduction of irrigation systems and other water-saving technologies. Economic risks associated with climate change are a serious challenge for agriculture. Reduced yields, higher production costs and the need to adapt to new conditions can threaten the stability of farms, especially small ones. The analysis for Albania showed that rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation pose challenges for agriculture, particularly for cereal and vegetable production. In Ukraine, with its large area of arable land, there is scope to compensate for the decline in yields by expanding the area under cultivation, but investment in new irrigation technologies and agronomic practices is needed to improve efficiency. Both countries face the need to introduce new plant varieties, modernize irrigation systems, and develop agricultural innovation and precision farming. Effective adaptation strategies, including international cooperation and support for research, are key to ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sectors in both countries. The findings of the study can be applied in practice to government agricultural support programmes and international climate change adaptation projects

Missing the Link: Stakeholders’ Perception Towards Agriculture Academic Institutions Contribution to Integrate Research Extension and Education Institutions in Nepal

Currently, thirty Agriculture Academic Institutions (AAI) in two broad categories: constituent campuses and affiliated colleges under six universities are executing agriculture and veterinary science programs nationwide. All these universities have different course curricula, faculties, academic resources, and research & outreach capacities. Literature show that Nepalese AAIs have minimal activities to engage their graduates in communities and service learning. In this sense, AAIs are missing the opportunities to connect farming communities, enterprises and industries. Similarly, faculties of AAIs are mostly confined to classroom teaching and their competencies of engagement in the policy arena are under-utilized. Further, faculties and researchers because of their limited participation in policy engagement are missing the opportunities to share their evidence, expertise and experiences in the (Agriculture Research, Extension, and Education) AREE network. On this ground, a study was designed to capture the AREE stakeholders’ opinion that ‘Should academic institutions be a part of agriculture research, dissemination of technologies and policy engagement along with the teaching-learning activities?’ A cross-sectional perceptual survey was conducted (n=250) using a five-point Likert scale. Cross-tab analysis and one-way ANOVA were conducted to assess the difference in the stakeholders’ opinions. The reliability coefficient (0.633) was calculated using Cronbach alpha reliability methods. The findings showed that stakeholders perceived AAI should not be confined merely to teaching-learning activities. It means the stakeholders desire to review the existing mandates of education institutions and expand their roles in the tripartite functions of research extension and education. The stakeholders are not in favor of establishing an arrangement for the apex agency to integrate all of these institutions. To connect and strengthen linkage and integration between AREE institutions, classroom components should be connected with farming & business communities, and industries through service learning in community multi-stakeholder platforms.

The agricultural prison industry: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Prison farms are common programs within correctional services; however, knowledge is limited regarding the agricultural prison industry. As a starting point for further study and policy development, we conducted a scoping review to map knowledge on the industry. The results show many publications focused on the agricultural prison industry were outdated, United States-based, and/or non-original research. Findings reveal agricultural positions tend to be filled by prisoners with pre-existing work skills and relatively low support needs and agricultural positions are not necessarily driven by market demands. Findings also show prisoners experience a lack of workplace protections, such as workers’ compensation, the ability to unionize, and adequate workplace safety and hazardous materials training. Yet, a purported benefit of agricultural programs was improved food security for prisoners. Other finds show there is a predominant focus on self-sufficiency and cost-savings for prisons in the face of inadequate or worsening budgets but limited available data quantifies relationship, prison farms shift from being rehabilitative-focused to profit-driven over a certain amount of acres. We conclude by identifying gaps in the literature on the agricultural prison industry and listing areas of future inquiry.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Programs Worldwide: A Review

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Programs Worldwide: A Review

Radio’s role in agricultural development: a review of broadcasting strategies for farmer education in South-West Nigeria

Purpose This paper aims to assess the role of radio programmes in agricultural development and enhancing the capacity of farmers in Oyo and Ogun states, situated in the South-West region of Nigeria. Specifically, this study investigated Farm Radio International (FRI) radio broadcast strategies, their effectiveness and how they enhance the farmers’ knowledge, skills and practices. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for a qualitative research design, using both interviews and focus group discussions to gather data from FRI radio partners and farmers. Findings Findings indicated that radio is effective in influencing the practices of farmers and helping them adopt new knowledge, ideas and skills. FRI partners use rural radio forum broadcasting strategy. Also, findings indicated that the most effective broadcasting strategy to reach the farmers with agricultural information is rural radio forum. Practical implications The paper includes implications for agricultural development organisations, providing a framework for monitoring and evaluating the impact of their communication interventions, helping ensure accountability and efficient use of funds. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to investigate the broadcasting strategies that are most effective in reaching farmers with agricultural information and the influence of agricultural radio programmes on their farming practices.

Study of regional characteristics of agricultural labor productivity: problems, trends, main directions of growth

The results of a study of regional characteristics of labor productivity of workers engaged in agricultural production are presented. The criteria characterizing labor productivity in value and physical terms have been studied. An assessment is made of the efficiency of using production factors (land, labor, capital) in agricultural organizations in the context of a study of regional characteristics of agricultural labor productivity. The results obtained can be used by government agencies in the formation of regional agricultural policy and program documents, including sections on labor productivity in the agroindustrial complex. For agricultural organizations, scientific material may be of interest when planning and forecasting labor indicators, and assessing the effectiveness of activities.

Penerapan Komunikasi Penyuluhan Pertanian pada Lahan Basah di Wilayah Gantiwarno, Klaten, Jawa Tengah

Indonesia is an agricultural country where 40% of the population has a livelihood in agriculture. The agricultural sector plays an important role in the development of the national economy, including the regional economy. The agricultural sector itself has a function as a provider of food for the community, reducing poverty, pioneering employment, and as a source of community income. In the agricultural sector, someone is needed to communicate agricultural technology programs and developments to the farming community so that they can facilitate the agricultural sector. Agricultural technology has had a positive impact on economic welfare and made facilities and infrastructure for farming and maintenance of agriculture easier. Gantiwarno is one of the sub-districts where most of the agricultural land is wetland. Wetlands are lands whose properties or types of soil are saturated with water, and their ecosystems are controlled by water. land whose nature or type of soil is saturated with water. This study uses a constructivism paradigm with a descriptive qualitative approach and uses data collection techniques with in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Researchers conducted interviews with 4 key informants consisting of farmers, UD. Setiti Tani farm shop owners, UD farm shop employees. Setiti Tani and 1 expert informant to complete the data. The researcher draws the conclusion that agricultural extension communication on wetlands in the Gantiwarno area, Klaten, Central Java uses the SMCR communication method, namely: source as a source for giving messages when counseling is carried out, messages that must be conveyed in good and easy-to-understand language, channels or media it is very important to facilitate the dissemination in agricultural extension, the receiver or receiver of the message must be able to receive the message properly so that he is able to direct it in a good direction from before.