Agricultural Information Dissemination Research Articles

Comparative Study of Agricultural Extension Methods Used by the Public and Private Sectors Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Myanmar: A Case Study

Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in the development of the agricultural sector and the dissemination of agricultural information. There are three extension methods, namely individual, group, and mass methods, that facilitate communication between extension workers and farmers. The study was conducted to examine the agricultural extension methods used by the public and private sectors before and during COVID-19 pandemic, and to investigate farmers’ preference of agricultural extension methods used by the public and private sectors before and during COVID-19 pandemic in the Zeyarthiri township, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. A total of 60 respondents from three villages were interviewed using structured interview questionnaires for quantitative and qualitative data in July 2022. The demographic characteristics, agricultural extension methods received by farmers, and farmers’ preference of agricultural extension methods by the public and private sectors were all collected. The descriptive analysis and paired sample t-test were used to compare agricultural extension methods used by both sectors. The Chi-square Friedman test was also conducted to analyze farmers’ preference on extension methods with a 5-point Likert scale (1932) before and during the pandemic in SPSS. In terms of farmers’ preference, they mostly liked farm and home visits under the individual method used by both sectors among other extension methods in this study area. It indicates that individuals can speak with extension staff members face-to-face during farm and home visits about anything they want to know. During COVID-19 pandemic, the farmers mostly preferred “TV” under the mass method. It means that TV is the best way, not only for COVID-19 restrictions but also for quick access to agricultural information during COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of Radio-Based Extension Services on farmers’ Adoption of Organo-Mineral Fertilizers, Biofertilizers, and Manure in Lesotho

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of radio-based extension services on farmers’ adoption of organo-mineral fertilizer, biofertilizer, and manure in Lesotho using a sample of 1659 farmers extracted from the 2019/2020 agricultural production survey database Bureau of Statistics (BOS). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29 to analyze and compare the data collected. Descriptive statistics were computed to examine the proportion and disaggregation based on the use of radio as the main source of extension information through cross-tabulation and a Probit regression analysis. The results show information types covered include agronomy, pest/disease, credit, new practice, varieties, weather, land tenure, soil conservation, and crop protection, with majority indicating radio as the source; while technologies promoted by radio are soil conservation, terraces, cover cropping, crop rotation, organo-mineral fertilizer, organic fertilizer, biofertilizers, manure, and improved seeds. Radio continues to play a major role in the dissemination of agricultural information and influence adoption behavior despite the multimedia approach to agricultural communication.

АНАЛІЗ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ КОРПОРАТИВНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ АГРОПРОМИСЛОВИМИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАМИ

The article assesses the efficiency of corporate governance in the largest integrated enterprises of the agricultural sector of Ukraine. The research was conducted using the methods of induction and deduction, comparative analysis and theoretical generalization. The main provisions of large enterprises of the agricultural sector of Ukraine and their experience in implementing corporate governance were studied. The author has developed algorithms (methods) for assessing the corporate governance rating with the relevant classification areas of assessment and indicators for assessing the relevant areas, a four-level rating scale for assessing the level of formation of the corporate governance institution in integrated agricultural formations (agroholdings) of Ukraine. It is established that the main characteristic components of the assessment of the level of corporate governance are: supervisory board, board of directors, committees, corporate secretary, audit committee, charter, etc. It is determined that agriholdings whose shares are listed on international stock exchanges meet the highest level of corporate governance standards, the level of which reaches the maximum value. It is also established that this level is ensured mainly by compliance with corporate governance standards introduced by international stock exchanges (Warsaw and London). The weighted average level of corporate governance in integrated agrarian formations (agroholdings) of Ukraine is at an unsatisfactory level, which causes significant risks for shareholders and investors. It is proved that the existing theoretical and practical provisions and recommendations for the formation and development of the institution of corporate governance in integrated formations have been deepened and new theoretical and practical provisions and recommendations for the formation and development of the institution of corporate governance in integrated enterprises in the agricultural sector have been developed. The obtained practical results are a recommendation base and are aimed at solving the problems of formation and development of the institution of corporate governance of integrated enterprises in the agricultural sector, can be used by state institutions to improve the existing institutional support for the development of economic entities. The results of the research can be used by the legislative and executive bodies of the country, as well as by agrarian organizations engaged in production, harvesting and processing of products, and creation of a market system for dissemination of agricultural knowledge and information. Keywords: agrarian enterprise, corporate management, valuation of effectiveness, integrate formation, agroholdings, joint-stock company.

UNLOCKING AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NETWORKS: A SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS APPROACH

Indian extension system persistently encountered challenges related to the ineffective dissemination of agricultural information and lack of intensive private extension. Social Network Analysis (SNA) focuses on how actors are located in a network and studies their multidimensional relationship. The present study aims to explore the information-seeking patterns of the farmers using SNA and understand the effective and efficient means of communication that the extension system can tap further. Two districts (Anand and Vadodara) of Gujarat were conveniently selected from which two blocks and two villages each were purposively selected for the study. By employing random sampling, a total of 120 respondents were interviewed. The analysis using UCINET software elicited that respondents had 36 nodes contacted for attaining information for production aspects, with 27 and 23 nodes for protection and marketing, respectively. However, the density (0.553) and transitivity (0.705) were high for the protection network, implying a stronger connection between the nodes and having a lower average geodesic distance (1.450), conveying that the information dissemination related to protection aspects happens rapidly. Non-dominance of either public or private entities in the marketing network emphasized the need for attention. At the node level, input dealers were of significant value in the network, and the respondents of Vadodara had more accessibility to agriculture information than the Anand district. The study’s findings contribute significantly to the existing literature by shedding light on the challenges within the Indian extension system, emphasizing the importance of Social Network Analysis in understanding farmers’ information-seeking patterns and highlighting key areas for improvement in agricultural communication and information dissemination.

Strategic approach under ICT for farmer empowerment

In spite of successful research on new agricultural practises concerning crop cultivation majority of farmers not getting upper bound yields due to several reasons. Therefore there is a need to propose a cost effective frame work for a agricultural information dissemination system to disseminate expert agricultural knowledge to the farming community in order to improve crop productivity. It aims to provide expert advice which is crucial to the Indian farmer to harvest different kinds of crop varieties based on the demand in the world market. According to above instruction establish the relationship between the information technology and computer related services with the farmers who are working hard in their farm.

Re-Examining the Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts and Mbarara City)

Re-Examining the Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts and Mbarara City)

Improved information dissemination services for the agricultural sector in Thailand: development and evaluation of a machine learning based rice crop yield prediction system

The upward surge in world population, sustainability, and concerns about food and nutritional security place the food and agricultural sector amidst challenges. These challenges encompass increasing food supply, meeting higher quality standards, and enhancing productivity and crop yield prediction. This study discusses the development and evaluation of a Machine Learning (ML) based rice yield prediction system. Utilizing extensive historical datasets from the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Thai Meteorological Department, and Department of Internal Trade of Thailand, all pivotal variables at the national rice level were considered. Examining ML models like the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF), the study proposes a Web-based system to disseminate Thailand's rice information and yield predictions, aiding decision-making processes. Beyond evaluating the performance of each prediction model, user satisfaction was scrutinized. Results reveal that the FFNN, a deep neural network, adeptly handles complex nonlinear relationships in high-dimensional datasets. Despite the FFNN's longer training runtime due to Big-O complexity, it exhibits the shortest execution time for predictions. System usability assessment, based on ten standardized questions, indicates participants found the proposed system marginally acceptable, reporting positive user experiences and feeling confident in system use without perceiving it as inconsistent or cumbersome. This study is significant for enhancing agricultural information dissemination services across diverse sectors, benefiting farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and policymakers.

Assessing the Contribution of Mobile Phone Agricultural Information on Maize Productivity: A Case Study of Kilolo District, Tanzania

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of mobile phone agricultural information on maize productivity among smallholder farmers in Kilolo District while taking into consideration contextual factors that may affect the efficacy of such interventions. By analyzing the potential benefits associated with the dissemination of agricultural information via mobile phones, this study aims to significantly contribute to the academic conversation and practical interventions focused on sustainable agricultural growth in the region. In this study, a cross-sectional strategy was employed as a general framework for the research design process. This study employed a quantitative research strategy. To gather quantitative information about smallholder farmers' ownership of mobile phones, usage habits, access to agricultural information, and productivity in growing maize,the target population comprises 106,342 farmers and selected sample of 173 farmers in Kilolo District was surveyed. From the findingsIt is also established in the study that 89% of the respondents agreed that accessed information helped in improving their market management while 11% disagreed, Also 60%) of the respondents agreed that there are increased yields in maize farming due to information accessed through mobile phones, (54%) of the respondents agreed that the advantages of agricultural information accessed through mobile phones on maize productivity outweigh the drawbacks, it was established that (78%) of the respondents agreed that they had changed their maize farming practices based on the agricultural information accessed through mobile (69%) of the respondents agreed that the impact of the agricultural information accessed through mobile phones positively affects maize productivity. The study's findings highlight the important positive contribution that mobile phone agriculture information has had on smallholder farmers in Kilolo District's maize productivity. It is established that both smart and non-smart mobile phones act as a link between farmers and consumers. By fostering informed decision-making, enhancing pest management, and enabling market contact, mobile phone interventions have the potential to greatly improve farmers' livelihoods and increase food security in the region. To maximize the benefits of these interventions and promote sustainable agricultural growth, it will be critical to address the barriers and provide fair and equal access.

: Effectiveness Of Information And Communication Technology In Hill Agriculture: A Case Study

For all round development of agriculture, the communication process deserves its significant role as in case of social, economic, religious, political and educational development. Farming is an ancient occupation. If the farming may be recognized only as a factory of producing the food grains there is no difference between the ancient time and modern time farming. According to the economics, for other productions there are needed factors as land, labour, money and management which are still in the present and were in the past also. Now, what is the modern farming? The modern farming is that in which the person adopts the latest new methods of farming based on science for the agricultural production. Thus for the modern agriculture there is need of one more factor and this factor is the latest knowledge. Thus, in the modern agriculture for the agricultural production along with the four factors one more factor of the latest knowledge (fifth) has been added. The question arises from where this new knowledge may be achieved? The first need is that to create the new knowledge and the second need is to send this latest knowledge to the farmers. More than three-fourths of total population of Uttarakhand depends on agriculture for their livelihood. The economy is predominantly dependent on mountain agriculture, however, the land holdings are small and fragmented, and irrigation facilities limited. Soil and water conservation is another issue for inclusive development. As a result, the majority of the rural population in the hills either survives on subsistence agriculture or migrates to other parts of the country for employment. The state faces the challenge of promoting livelihoods to retain people through local employment and income generation and to enhance their quality of life. The success of agricultural development programmes in developing countries largely depends on the nature and extent of use of communication media in mobilization of people for development. The planners in developing countries realize that the development of agriculture could be hastened with the effective use of communication media. A wide variety of communication technologies are available for diffusion of innovations / information to Indian farmers. For effective communication / information the basic ingredients are purpose of communication, information / innovations to be communicated, methods to be employed, end users and response or reaction of the users. ICTs are emerging as a powerful tool for gender empowerment in a developing country like India. The new tools and techniques are evolving and the implications are clearly visible in a global scale but the level of dissemination of ICT in hills is very low. No doubt, communication media created a greater awareness among farmers thus contributing a lot to our “food self-sufficiency status” of nowadays. In the present investigation the status and usage of communication media by hill farmers and the kind of communication media to enhance their agricultural knowledge were incorporated. Communication media methods in agricultural information dissemination generally, are useful in reaching a wide listeners at a very fast rate. To a large extent, communication media serve as a authentic instrument for information dissemination in agriculture.

Re-examining the factors influencing the adoption of ICT for agricultural information dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge districts, and Mbarara city)

Re-examining the factors influencing the adoption of ICT for agricultural information dissemination in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge districts, and Mbarara city)

Extent, levels and suitability of ICT usage for agricultural information dissemination in Uganda: A case of Rubanda, Mayuge districts, and Mbarara city

Extent, levels and suitability of ICT usage for agricultural information dissemination in Uganda: A case of Rubanda, Mayuge districts, and Mbarara city

Dissemination of Agricultural Information with Respect to Tribal Community

This study was conducted in Keonjhar district of Odisha state. Agriculture information management behaviour is to be focussed on the flow of information regarding seeking information on various practice of crops and seeking information on various agri-allied activities . The flow of information is based on the various aspect in which tribal people are most probably involved in transferring information through various methods. The result showed that observed that some respondents were receiving information about cultivation practices 33.33% followed by greengram cultivation practices 29.16% and black gram cultivation practices 25%. And 98.32% are receiving information from AAO followed by VLW (95.83%) and from training programme (54.15%) according to personal sources. According to impersonal sources majority of the respondents 64.33% are receiving information from radio followed by television (61.66%) and newspaper (59.16%). Agricultural information interacts with and influences agricultural productivity in a variety of ways. It can help inform decision regarding land, labour, livestock, capital and management. Agricultural productivity can arguably be improved by relevant, reliable and useful information and knowledge. Hence the creation of agricultural information by extension services, research, education programmes and others are managed by agricultural organizations that create information systems to disseminate information to farmers so that farmers can make better decisions in order to take advantage of market opportunities and manage continuous changes in their production systems. All these information seeking behaviours with respect to ICT, the farmers help them to manage in agricultural and other allied activities.

Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian Lapangan di Kecamatan Kotabunan Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow Timur

This research aims to: 1). Knowing the internal factors and external factors agricultural field extension, 2). Knowing the performance of field agricultural extension in Kotabunan District, East Bolaang Mongondow Regency. This research was conducted from October to November 2022. The sampling method was purposive sampling. This research used primary data obtained through interviews and observation and secondary data obtained from books, previous research and BPS of Kotabunan District. The data obtained is presented in tabular form and then analyzed descriptively. Category determination is obtained based an assessment or score with the measurement method used is the Likert scale. The results of the study show that the internal factors that support are the extension workers are still in the productive age, some extension workers have a formal undergraduate education indicating that the human resources of the extension workers are quite good, most of the extension workers have enough years of work/work experience and all extension workers have attended training. The external factors that support the availability of sufficient facilities, infrastructure and information to make it easier for extension agents to carry out extension activities, good extension intensity can increase cooperative relations between farmers and a supportive reward system can increase enthusiasm and motivation for extension workers to work. The performance of field agricultural extension in Kotabunan District, East Bolaang Mongondow Regency is in the very good category. Performance indicators that show very good results include the preparation of extension programs, the availability of regional map data according to commodity zoning, the preparation of agricultural extension work plans in each work area, the dissemination of agricultural technology information evenly, and the growth and development of farmer empowerment and independence. The performance of extension agents that showed poor results was the realization of business partnerships between farmers and entrepreneurs and the realization of farmers' access to financial institutions.

Facilitators and hindrances to farmers’ participation in production of farmer-learning videos in central Uganda: a thematic analysis

Videos can complement extension services provision by improving dissemination of agricultural information to farmers. However, for videos to be effective, they need to have relevant video content. This study assessed enablers and hindrances to farmers’ participation in FLV production based on a coffee FLV. Identifying enablers and hindrances to participation of farmers in production of an FLV is essential for developing strategies that optimise their participation to produce relevant FLVs aligned to their contexts. A qualitative case study research design was employed. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and in-depth interviews, and analysed through thematic analysis guided by the Activity theory analytical framework. The study established that farmers’ attributes especially their competencies to accomplish assigned tasks in FLV production, and motivations, were salient enablers to their participation. The other enablers were related to how the FLV process was organised, which included availability and adequacy of requisite resources, existence of clear guidelines for production of FLV, utilisation of pre-existing relationships, skilfulness of video experts and field officers, and specificity of roles. The limited interactions among actors, differing expectations, and time constraints were the major hindrances to farmers’ participation in production of the FLV. Hence, video experts should provide opportunities for improving farmers’ competences through training, offering technical support, and providing for rehearsals to build confidence. Mechanisms for improving interactions between and among farmers and video experts to harmonise expectations, promote mutual understanding, and foster knowledge sharing are also needed.

Needs assessment survey for enhancing United States child agricultural injury prevention capacity: Brief report.

The dissemination of childhood agricultural safety and health information and resources through organizations that farmers trust enhances implementation and the Socio-Ecological Model can help identify these organizations. However, to become effective partners in improving agricultural health and safety, organizations need to build capacity in child agricultural safety and health, thus, more information is needed about these organizations' current practices, needs, and capacity for leadership, policy makers, and knowledge mobilization. An online survey was administered to organization leaders with an interest in child agricultural injury prevention, chosen through agricultural health and safety organization membership lists. Invitations to participate in the online survey were mailed to 95 organization leaders with three weekly reminders, resulting in participation from 50 organization leaders (53% response rate). Respondents indicated a high level of awareness of child agricultural injuries, yet few were actively engaged in injury prevention. When asked about "needs" for building capacity in injury prevention, over half (56%) identified a need for more promotion and dissemination of safety resources and strategies, including ATV safety, no extra riders on equipment, and keeping young children out of the worksite. The only topic that more than half of the organizations (54%) identified as "needing more information" was childhood agricultural injury surveillance. This assessment yielded valuable details for identifying opportunities, priorities, and topics for future collaborations and capacity building. Findings help inform national and international planning committees' work, such as the next iteration of a US National Action Plan for Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention, scheduled for release in 2024.

Mobile Telephony as an ICT Tool for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Developing Countries: A Review

In emerging nations, the use of information and communication technology has considerably benefitted the advancement of agriculture, health, rural development, and education. This technique has had a considerable impact on the way agriculture is developed in third-world countries. For information on the weather and prices, farmers now have direct access to the market, buyers, customers, and the metrological department. Information and communication technology has increased farmer incomes all over the world. It is now vital to provide access to facilities and introduce technology to rural areas where farmers lack knowledge, information, and skills regarding this technology. Several studies have also demonstrated that the adoption of information and communication technology tools in agricultural production has increased agricultural productivity. A few of the major problems and challenges that farmers encounter includes inadequate information transfer, poor agricultural practices, record reconciliation between farmers, the government, and traders, and a lack of understanding of the best farming techniques

Effectiveness of social media agricultural information on farmer’s knowledge

The agriculture research and extension institutes are a major source of agricultural information and they are making full use of all information dissemination methods to bridge the information gap among farmers. Social media platforms are dominating agricultural information dissemination platforms in field level. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of agricultural information disseminated through social media on farmer’s knowledge level. The Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study with a sample of 120 respondents, covering all three erstwhile districts form the Southern Telangana Zone of Telangana state. majority of the respondents had low (75.20%) level of knowledge on agricultural technologies followed by medium (26.67%) and high (0.83%) before intervention to social media. after intervention to social media the respondents had low (51.70%) level of knowledge on agriculture technologies followed medium (42.50%) and high (5.80%). It was found that significant difference existed between the extent of knowledge of respondents before and after use of social media (Z value 8.76). The variables digital literacy, social media usage, information processing, mode of access and preference, and social media participation found to be positive and significant relation with knowledge levels on agriculture technologies at one per cent level of significance. Further variables farm size, social media network and readiness to accept information found to positive and significant at five per cent level of significance.

Credibility of Information Sources and Channels as Perceived by Paddy Farmers in Telangana State

This paper investigates perceived credibility of paddy farmers’ information sources and channels. The dissemination of agricultural information to farmers has been one of the crucial factors for the transmission of newer and relevant technologies. Farmers’ information needs are transforming to more need-based than demand-driven. A sum of 120 respondents was selected based on proportionate random sampling from two villages selected from each of the two blocks of Khammam district. Mean per cent score was used for obtaining the degree of credibility of sources and channels. Opinion leaders in personal localite sources, agricultural scientists in personal cosmopolite sources, result demonstration in personal cosmopolite channels and television in impersonal cosmopolite channels were perceived as highly credible by paddy farmers. One-third of respondents had high level of overall credibility.

Farmers Perception of Access and Use of Modern Information Communication Technologies in Enhancing Smallholder Tea Production in Kakamega County, Kenya

The smallholder tea sector in Kenya forms the second-largest agricultural exporter after horticulture, contributing 4 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Modern communication technologies (MCTS) are key in supporting production, processing and marketing across the tea sector value chain. Despite the availability of all these technologies, their access and use by smallholder tea farmers for production and tea auction price monitoring are still minimal. Further, farmers’ perception of access and use of modern communication technologies is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate smallholder farmers’ perceptions on access and use of modern communication technologies in enhancing tea production in Shinyalu subcounty.The study was anchored on diffusion of innovation that emphasizes on the five attributes of an innovation. The study evaluated the farmers’ perception of access and use of MCTs. The study adopted a descriptive research design where fisher’s formula was used to get 162 out of 1,600 smallholder tea farmers who were systematically sampled and interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Likert perception test scale was also used test perception statements. The data was cleaned and analyzed in form of frequencies and percentages and chi-square The results established that majority of the tea farmers (36%) had acquired basic literacy levels of education to use modern technologies in tea production. It also established that modern technologies such as smartcard technology 78%, mobile phone text messages 62% and personal digital assistants 61% were the most essential tools for enhancing access to farm inputs, market information and tea management information. However, extension agents 61% played a complementary role in unpacking and linking modern tea technologies from the source to farmers. A positive association was revealed between farmers’ literacy level and the use of MCTs, which influenced access to MCT. The study, recommended re-tooling agricultural information dissemination agents and farmers on the existing MCT to enhance effective communication, promoting tea production yields and accessing market information.

Information Communication Technology Devices for Agricultural Information Dissemination among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts, and Mbarara City)

Agriculture continues to be the main source of livelihood in developing countries and smallholder farming is the most common type of agriculture practice supporting more than 70% of the population. On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) is quickly growing as its helping to connect easier and faster; thus, a dire need to harness it in promoting the agricultural sector. This study investigated the Information Communication Technology Devices for Agricultural Information Dissemination among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda (Rubanda, Mayuge Districts, And Mbarara City). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design that comprised a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative. The instrument for this study consisted of structured questionnaires and interviews. More so, available reports and records were explored. The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validity and reliability test. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Findings show that the leading types of ICT devices for agricultural information dissemination in Rubanda District, Mayuge District, and Mbarara City were mobile phones and radios. The study recommends that the most important information to farmers should always be disseminated via phone conversation, texting, and radio for broadcast agricultural-related programs in respective local languages