Farm Households Research Articles

Retirement income and savings behavior in farm households

Retirement income and savings behavior in farm households

Research on the Impact of Land Transfer on Farmer Household Consumption through CAD Technology in Human-Computer Interaction

Research on the Impact of Land Transfer on Farmer Household Consumption through CAD Technology in Human-Computer Interaction

Farmer adaptation strategies through local farming systems in Enrekang, Indonesia

Farmers in tropical Indonesia who manage agroecological systems face multiple challenges related to food security. Despite the conditions caused by climate change, these farming households have effectively utilized agroforestry to build food security. However, prolonged dry seasons pose new constraints to their livelihood strategies. This study uses a qualitative methodology and a rural farmer livelihood framework to analyze and evaluate household livelihood strategies, attitudes, and reactions to climate change. The findings show that farmers constantly modify their management techniques using flexible and adaptive decision-making processes to cope with and minimize climate change challenges. Moreover, the role of climate variation as a significant catalyst for change in farming practices is challenging to distinguish from some of the routine problems that farmers face each year. Through knowledge accumulation and adaptive management, farmers in Enrekang utilize several livelihood adaptation strategies to reduce risks in the face of changing climate conditions. In addition, farmers utilize on-farm crops to obtain various ecosystem services that provide services such as food, nutrition, and medicine and improve ecology, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Further research is needed to understand how on-farm tree inclusion affects various biophysical properties and the rationale behind species selection.

Analysis of urban households’ perception and factors that influence participation in urban agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana

The agricultural sector in Ghana heavily relies on rural farmers, but burgeoning population growth and rapid urbanisation, driven by the pursuit of higher incomes, pose challenges to food security. The increasing demand for agricultural products has outpaced production, resulting in a heightened dependence on imports. To address these challenges, urban agriculture emerges as a potential solution. This study examines the dynamics of urban farming participation by surveying 363 urban farming households in Ghana. The study uses descriptive statistics, perception index analysis, and regression analysis to find that urban agriculture participation is 59.8 %, depending on factors like household size and length of time in the current residence. Urban households generally perceive urban agriculture positively, associating it with increased income and improved food accessibility. The majority of participants focus on food production (89.86 %), with a notable portion also incorporating livestock farming (45.78 %). Primary purposes include household consumption (97.74 %) and commercial use (38.95 %). Binary logistic regression identifies set of contributors to participation, such as household size, income, available land, time availability, and positive perceptions of backyard gardening. The study recommends governmental intervention, emphasising policy formulation and regulation by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, alongside zoning regulations that integrate urban agriculture into infrastructure planning for sustainable development.

Роль малых предприятий в аграрной экономике: оценка вклада в сельскохозяйственное производство

Small businesses and peasant (farm) households play a key role in agricultural production in Russia, making a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector. The relevance of this study is due to the need to analyze the contribution of small enterprises to the total volume of agricultural production and assess their impact on the country's economy. The purpose of the article is to study the role of small enterprises and farms in the agricultural economy of Russia based on data on the share of small enterprises in agricultural production and the main indicators of farmers' activities. The hypothesis of the study is that small enterprises play an important role in the production of crop products, but their contribution to livestock farming remains relatively small. The conducted data analysis showed that small enterprises provide a significant part of the production of grain and oilseeds, but their share in the livestock sector is small. In addition, farms demonstrate steady growth in crop production, especially in the production of grain and oilseeds. The conclusions of the article highlight the importance of further development of small businesses and farms through improved access to financial resources, government support and the introduction of innovative technologies to increase their competitiveness and sustainable growth in the agricultural economy.

Farmers' decision-making regarding land under economic incentives: Evidence from rural China

To achieve complete urbanization in developing countries, it is essential for many farmers to leave rural areas and withdraw from farmland as they enter urban employment. The Chinese government offers economic incentives to encourage households to relinquish their land rights. Based on a survey data in rural China, this paper examines the impact of land transfers and urban housing on the withdrawal of contractual rights of farm households. Econometric analyses reveal that rural households with urban housing are 6.4 % less likely to choose to withdraw from land, whereas those involved in land transfers are 3.8 % more likely to do so. The study's findings suggest that a uniform policy, like nationwide land withdrawal reforms accompanied by economic compensation, might lead to outcomes where the poor lose land and the rich retain theirs.

Effect of Seed and Fertilizer Subsidies on the Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Senegal

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of seed and fertilizer subsidies (NPK and urea) on the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Senegal. Using data from the Annual Agricultural Survey (EAA) of the Directorate of Analysis, Forecasting and Agricultural Statistics of Senegal (DAPSA), the results of Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) revealed that rice farmers in Senegal have on average a technical efficiency level of 0.545. This suggests that they could increase their current production by 45.5% while using the same level of inputs. Estimation of an SFA model for technical inefficiency revealed that seed and urea subsidies have a significant effect on reducing technical inefficiency. A farmer using subsidized seed saw a reduction in technical inefficiency level by 10.5% and using urea was associated with a 5.1% decrease in inefficiency. In contrast, the model showed no association between the use of subsidized NPK or the use of herbicides and technical inefficiency. And use of organic fertilizer was estimated to worsen technical inefficiency by 4.4% (perhaps reflecting greater reliance on lower-cost inputs among less productive farm households in Senegal). With regard to socio-demographic factors, the results further revealed older respondents experienced more severe technical inefficiency, and that women on average were 9.6% more inefficient than men. These barriers to improved efficiency among older farmers and women suggest targeted supports may be necessary alongside general subsidy programming.

Evaluation of Traditional Land Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Liberia

Land dispute is ubiquitous in Liberia. Most problems arise from people who squat on land illegally and in some instance sell the same parcel of land to more than one person. Usually, this issue is resolved by traditional land dispute resolution mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the traditional land dispute resolution mechanisms in Liberia by employing an empirical and comparative approach and drawing on data collected from 110 farming households. The nature of the conflict, causes of land dispute, individuals’ characteristics, the mandate of the traditional mediators, the linkage between the legal process and traditional land dispute resolution mechanisms, the forms of the resolution mechanisms, the acceptance of the outcomes, and political and social situations were carefully studied. The findings of this study thus supported the notion that traditional means for resolving land disputes are more efficient than the statutory system. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the traditional and the statutory land dispute resolution mechanisms complement one another. However, there is an indication that land dispute will continue to be the biggest concern in the future as many people have started squatting and exploring open areas throughout the country. This is because the country's land laws and policies are not widely known by the citizens. Thus, policy intervention is needed.

Socio-economic advantages and climate adaptation in sustainable vs. conventional cotton: evidence from Pakistan

Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.

Distance to commercial banks and farm household asset accumulation

Distance to commercial banks and farm household asset accumulation

Prevalence and risk factors of soil transmitted helminths among vegetable farmers of Akaki river bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, 79 million people live in soil transmitted helminths endemic areas. The Ethiopia established a National goal to eradicate STH transmission by 2025. To meet that goal, it is imperative that data is acquired on community helminth infection risk. This study examined the prevalence of STH and risk factors for infection in vegetable farmers working on Akaki River Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 7, 2022, and June 2023. A stratified random sampling was used to select farming households. Two hundred and sixteen farmers were enrolled in the study. Data on socio-demographic, WASH, wastewater irrigation related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was utilized to detect STH. The data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with Stata 14.0, using p-values less than 0.05 to identify significant factors. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for infection.ResultsThe prevalence of STH was 22.2% (95% CI = 13.6-27.9%), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common (11.1%), followed by hookworm (7.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.7%). Low income levels (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.25–5.99), lack of handwashing before eating (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58 − 11.3), absence of fingernails cleanliness (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.74–39.5), not wearing shoes at work (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.98–82.2), touching the face with dirty hands (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 0.68–28.2), washing vegetables with irrigation wastewater (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.95–45.2), and not wearing protective clothing during farming activities (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.58 − 22.4) were the significant risk factors for infection with STH.ConclusionOf the farming communities examined in this study, one of the five was found to be infected with soil transmitted helminth. This research has shown clear risk factors for STH infection including: lack of personal hygiene practices, insufficient sanitation access, and limited use of protective equipment. To achieve the national goal, there is a need for farming communities to understand preventative risks of infection, improve WASH (Water access, sanitation and hygine) practices, WASH access, protective equipment, and health education.

Assessment of livestock husbandry practices and production constraints among smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia

Livestock production plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of poor smallholder farmer households in the Majang zone. However, despite its importance, there is limited information on husbandry practices and constraints on livestock production to design and implement effective interventions to maximize productivity. The aim of this study was to assess husbandry practices and major constraints on livestock production in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 168 households (HHs) through a face-to-face interview from January to May 2021. The results revealed that mixed crop-livestock farming is the dominant livestock production system in the study area. The overall average herd size per household (HH) was 2.15 ± 0.11 cattle, 0.15 ± 0.01 sheep, 0.31 ± 0.09 goats, 0.10 ± 0.02 donkey, 0.04 ± 0.00 mule, 0.13 ± 0.02 horses and 0.24 ± 0.02 chickens. Overall herd size did not differ significantly by AEZ except for sheep (p < 0.05). The primary reason for keeping cattle, goats, sheep, equines and poultry were milk production (27.4 %), meat for home consumption (33.9 %), cash income (33.3 %), transportation (85.1 %), and meat for home consumption (72 %), respectively. In the dry and wet seasons, natural pasture, crop residues, indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs), nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs), crop stubbles and improved forages were the main livestock feed resources. The majority (60.1 %) of respondents practiced free-grazing systems. Separate sheds, family dwellings, kraals, and open-walled sheds were the main housing systems used for animals. The majority (79.2 %) of respondents used rivers as a source of livestock drinking water. Trypanosomiasis (18.45 %), African horse sickness (66.1 %) and Newcastle disease (47.02 %) were the most important diseases of livestock. Diseases (35.7 %), lack of access to artificial insemination (35.7 %) and inadequate veterinary services (11.3 %) were identified as the top three constraints limiting production. It is recommended that constraints identified by farmers should be considered in developing and implementing effective interventions to improve livestock productivity and their contribution to poverty alleviation in the study area.

Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Human–Wildlife Conflicts around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Northern Benin

Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Human–Wildlife Conflicts around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Northern Benin

Analysis of agricultural technology adoption: the use of improved maize seeds and its determinants in Ethiopia, evidence from Eastern Amhara

Agriculture is the major source of income and employment creation for majority of least developed countries. Ethiopia as one of least developed countries of sub-Saharan Africa, majority of its citizen’s livelihood is predominantly dependent on agricultural products, more specifically on the production of cereal crops (Alemayehu et al. in Adv Crop Sci Technol 6(1):1–9, 2018). This study is conducted to identify the determinants of household to adopt and use improved maize seed, one of highly cultivated cereal crops in Eastern Amhara of Ethiopia. The data used in this study are secondary data collected by the agriculture office of Amhara regional state from 3864 household farmers living in the study area in 2022 fiscal year. To address the objective of the study, both descriptive and econometric methods of data analysis are applied. Because of the binary nature of adoption to be either adaptor or non-adaptor, probit regression model is applied. The probit model result shows that being male-headed household, rural credit provision, access to irrigation and the use of fertilizers affect the tendency of adopting improved maize seeds are positively related, while total arable land size owned by farmers negatively affects adoption status. Based on this result, the researcher recommends that government and other institutions should be invited to facilitate and directly involve in providing credit, irrigation, and fertilizers in the study area.

Investigation of the differences in characteristics of Welsh farming households with and without off-farm income

ObjectiveTo examine the characteristics of farming households that have no off-farm income, and how they compare to farming households containing at least one person employed in a non-farming occupation. ApproachThis research uses the AD|ARC dataset for Wales held in the SAIL databank at Swansea University. This Research Ready Dataset, created by the research team, is comprised of population census data and existing agricultural datasets. Individuals were split into two groups, those in households where all individuals were primarily employed in farming or unemployed, and those in households where at least one individual was in a non-farming occupation. ResultsComparing these groups, our findings show: There are 8135 farming households with at least one person in a non-farming occupation, and 5415 households with no off-farm income. Households with off-farm income are on average 65% larger than households with no off-farm income. 33% of farming only households consist of a single person; 73% of these farmers are male, and the average age is 62. The average age for farming-only households is 45, and the average age of households with non-farming occupations is 36. We will present detailed findings on the socio-economic and farm business characteristics of these groups. ConclusionUnderstanding differences between households with and without off-farm income provides insights on farm types and households most impacted by changes in agricultural policies and subsidies. This can inform policy design and help authorities deliver commitments on just transitions in a targeted and efficient manner.

AD|ARC (Administrative Data Agri-Research Collection): Linking Individual, Household and Farm Business Data for Sociodemographic Research on Farming Households

ObjectiveTo understand the socio-demographic characteristics and structure of farming households in Wales who receive subsidies compared to non-farming rural households. Approach We utilised the AD|ARC dataset, a comprehensive resource we created within the SAIL databank by linking de-identified records of farms receiving farming subsidies in Wales with socio-demographic information from the Census 2011. A control group was created by matching each farming household with up to three households in the 2011 Census from a similar geographical area that did not contain a farmer or household member in receipt of farming subsidies. We used Census 2011 variables to compare household size, family structure and age for 18,135 farming households with a control group of 53,365 rural non-farming households. Results We found little difference between the age and gender distribution between cohorts, however we found significant differences in the household structure. Farming households had a larger average size compared to non-farming households. Single-occupancy farming households had a significantly higher proportion of males, farming households were more likely to have couples with children and a higher percentage of these couples were married compared to non-farming households. Implications The agriculture sector in Wales is facing a range of challenges linked to social, economic, and environmental sustainability as it establishes a new direction after UK withdrawal from the EU. Understanding the sociodemographic characteristics of farming communities is essential for developing effective policies and interventions that address the specific needs and challenges faced by these groups.

The Impact of Forestry Technological Innovation on the Welfare of Farm Households Managing Jujube Forests (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) in the Lüliang Mountains of the Yellow River’s Middle Reaches

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) makes up a traditional characteristic industry with ecological significance in the Lüliang Mountain of middle reaches of the Yellow River (LMMRYR). However, low economic efficiency has reduced local farm households’ willingness to continue jujube cultivation, threatening the sustainable maintenance and development of jujube forests and the ecological environment. In response, Lüliang City implemented a technological innovation program, that is, the Jujube Forest High Grafting and Optimization Program (JFHGOP), in 2018. Based on survey data from 302 local farm households, an empirical analysis using propensity score matching and ordinary least squares methods revealed that the program significantly enhanced the economic, ecological, and social benefits for participating farm households, improving their overall welfare. Robustness tests confirmed these findings, and a heterogeneity analysis showed varied impacts across different dimensions. The program improved welfare through government support and cooperatives’ assistance. To further promote green development and farm households’ welfare, recommendations include advancing forestry innovation technology, supporting small farm households with policy, capital, and technology, optimizing subsidy mechanisms, supporting new business entities, and promoting cooperation and benefit-sharing among stakeholders.

AD|ARC (Administrative Data | Agricultural Research Collection): Characteristics of farm households participating in agri-environment schemes in Wales, UK.

Objectives Describe the sociodemographic and farm business characteristics of farming households in Wales that have agri-environment contracts (voluntarily opting-in) without primary farm subsidies (voluntarily opting-out). Investigate the sociodemographic and farm business characteristics of farming households in Wales by the number and type of farming subsidies received. ApproachWe utilised the AD|ARC dataset comprising of Census 2011 variables, linked to agricultural and business variables for all farming households in Wales. We analysed variables relating to the individual (e.g. age, gender), household (e.g. household size, structure), farm business (e.g. farm type, diversification activities) and rural payments data (subsidy type, amount paid). We conducted comparative analyses between three groups of farming households: households engaged in agri-environmental schemes but not primary subsidies, households engaged with both subsidy types, and households claiming primary subsidies only. ResultsWe will present a detailed description of the sociodemographic and business characteristics of farming households by the number and type of subsidies claimed and engagement with agri-environmental schemes. Using business, personal, and household characteristics, we will discuss different farming household typologies in relation to participation in agri-environmental schemes, and outline the relationship between farming households and positive environmental action. Full findings will be presented at the conference but are currently subject to information governance restrictions. With an increasing interest in climate change and supporting the natural environment, our findings provide insight into the characteristics of farming households and their relationship to engagement with agri-environmental schemes. Our results will inform policy-makers seeking to support farming and the rural environment.

AD|ARC (Administrative Data Agri-Research Collection): Comparative analysis of highest educational qualification in Welsh households receiving a farming subsidy with rurality-matched control households, using 2011 UK Census data.

Objective To investigate highest level of educational attainment in farming households compared to rural non-farming households in Wales. Approach We used the AD|ARC dataset of households in Wales receiving farming subsidies in 2010. We included farming households containing at least one member reporting an Agricultural Main Occupation (AMO) and households where all members reported Non-Agricultural Main Occupations (Non-AMO) but farming occurs. Utilising Census 2011 variables relating to age, gender, education and occupation we conducted comparative analyses of educational attainment within AMO, Non-AMO and non-farming rural households at both an individual and household level. ResultsFindings will be presented comparing the educational attainment for AMO individuals with matched individuals within Non-AMO and non-farming rural households. At the household level, we calculated the highest level of education attained within each household and will present results comparing the highest household level of education between each group. We will present detailed results regarding the structure and educational attainment within these households. Full results and findings will be presented at the conference but are currently subject to information governance restrictions. ConclusionOne indicator of resilience amongst farmers and farm households is ability to respond to economic and non-economic pressures by adopting new practices and techniques or reducing reliance on farming via diversification or off-farm employment. As educational attainment is closely correlated to acquisition of skills and is a gateway to employment, understanding relative and absolute levels of attainment is important in identifying need and devising policies which support agricultural and rural communities.

Determinants of Perception, Adaptation Strategy and Measuring Composite Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Climate Change in the Desert State Rajasthan, India

The study aims to assess agricultural households’ vulnerability, perception and adaptation to climate change in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. A data set of 600 households was collected using a purposive random sampling technique from six districts: Ajmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Dausa and Tonk. While using the binary logit model, factors affecting the perception and adaptation of agricultural households were assessed, and a composite livelihood vulnerability index was constructed to determine the households’ susceptibility to climate change. The findings suggest that the majority of the households are moderately vulnerable. Of the total households surveyed, 89 per cent of the agricultural households perceive climate change. 83.3 per cent of perceived households used adaptation strategies such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and farm ponds. Socioeconomic variables like the educational status of the household head, farming experience, type of agriculture financial support, agricultural training, land size and access to agricultural institutions influence farmers’ adaptation decisions. Further, lack of information, extension services, access to credit, improved seeds and water, insufficient capital, infertile soil and a labour shortage are barriers to adaptive strategies. Hence, the study recommends effective government policies to enhance credit availability, financial support and agricultural mechanisation for agricultural households. JEL Codes: Q54, Q12, Q18