Attitude Of Farmers Research Articles

Farmers’ evolving attitudes on environmental conditionality in the CAP: a farm level examination of temporal shifts

AbstractGiven the anticipated shift in the allocation of resources under the common agricultural policy (CAP) toward increasing positive environmental outcomes, this study explores farmer attitudes toward the current principle of connecting direct payments to environmental conditionality, known as cross compliance. Furthermore, we explore whether there have been changes in farmer attitudes toward cross compliance over time by posing identical questions to farmers in both 2010 and 2018. A supplementary survey was designed and administered in conjunction with the core EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) to assess farmers’ attitudes to linking CAP payments to environmental conditionality. The findings of a generalized ordered logit model indicate a high level of support among farmers for linking direct payments to good agricultural practices and cross compliance standards. Factors influencing farmers’ acceptance of cross compliance can be categorized into several domains, including farm and farmer characteristics, social and institutional attributes, and economic factors. Notably, the level of subsidy dependency emerges as a highly significant factor, with farmers who rely more heavily on direct payments being more inclined to disagree with cross compliance requirements.

Entrepreneurial behaviour of poultry farmers

The present study “Entrepreneurial Behaviour of Poultry Farmers” was conducted in Amravati district of Amravati, Morshi, Nandgaon Khandeswar, Chandur Railway, Darayapur, tahsils as most of the poultry entrepreneur units were found under data collection of study under Animal husbandry Amravati district office report and Venkys chicken company Amravati district office report were purposively selected for the present study. The exploratory research design was used in the present investigation. The data was collected by personally interviewing the respondents with the help of the presented structured schedule. The collected data was first tabulated, and then mean, frequency, standard deviation, and correlation were employed for interpretation of the findings. The characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour poultry farmers namely age, education, annual income, competition orientation, market orientation, extension contact, attitude of farmers and experience in poultry were studied as independent variables. The entrepreneurial behaviour poultry farmers was studied as the dependent variable. Components included in the entrepreneurial behaviour were innovativeness, achievement motivation, decision making ability, co-ordinating ability, planning ability, self-confidence.

A phenomenological inquiry into farmers’ experiences growing cotton in Punjab, Pakistan

Sustainability in cotton production is inevitable because producing more cotton means more employment, economic acceleration, and industrial expansion. India, China, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan contribute 74% of worldwide cotton production. Pakistan is contributing only 5%, despite the high potential of cotton. The average yield of cotton in Pakistan is stagnant at 570.99 kg hm−2, whereas it entails the highest cost of production among all other crops. The yield obtained in Pakistan is less than the potential, profitability is drastically lessening, and farmers are abandoning cotton for alternative kharif crops. Some traditional quantitative studies have unveiled different factors that affect cotton production. However, an in-depth qualitative study has never been conducted in Pakistan to explore the root causes of growing cotton crop failure. Following Moustakas’s traditional phenomenological guidelines, this phenomenological study was conducted in the district of Rahim Yar Khan in the core cotton zone of Punjab province. A total of 10 interviews were conducted with purposively selected cotton growers based on a criterion: (i) having more than 10 years of cotton growing experience, (ii) being a cotton grower, and (iii) having at least 10 years of formal schooling. Interviews were conducted face to face on an interview guide. One interview lasted 45–50 min, and responses were recorded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A total of 6 themes emerged from the collected data, including (i) climate change, (ii) varietal problems, (iii) pesticide usage, (iv) sense of institutional services, (v) attitude of farmers and (vi) soil health and environment. These six merging themes contributed to cotton crop failure and yield decline. The deep exploration further summarized that researchers, extensionists, and farmers need to seriously consider variety, sowing time, and the environment to revive cotton crops. The detailed recommendations and policy guidelines are presented in this paper, highlighting the cotton sector’s research, development and investment areas.

Knowledge, adoption and attitude of cluster frontline demonstration farmers in adoption of chickpea production technology in Malwa Pleatue Agro - Climatic zone of M.P.

The present study will be under taken in the Malwa Plateau Agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh. The KVKs conducted a many numbers of Cluster Frontline demonstration on chickpea crop. Chickpea crop will be selected as under all pulse’s crops chickpea covers highest area and it is one of the most important pulse crops grown of Malwa Plateau Agro-Climatic Zone of Madhya Pradesh. The hill region constitutes about 14% in the Malwa plateau. List of villages where CFLD pulses programme is being implemented from last five year was taken from the respective KVKs. One village at nearest vicinity and one village at remote vicinity from each KVK was selected for the present study. Two villages from each KVK were selected. Thus, total eight villages were selected for the study. The design of research is the most important and crucial aspect of the research methodology. It is the entire process of planning and carrying out the research. To seek the answers for the research question, an ex-post facto research design was used to explore or search through a problem or situation to provide insights and understanding in the investigation.

Small-scale market gardeners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of chemical pesticides in the Kabare territory (South-Kivu) in Eastern D.R. Congo

Damage caused by pests and diseases is one of constraints on crop production for food security. Based on the use of questionnaire and interviews that were conducted in Kabare territory (South-Kivu), this study was carried out to (i) assess farmers practices, attitudes, and knowledge about pesticides use, and (ii) assess the human health and physical environment effects using pesticides. Data was collected from 300 small-scale farmers in study area. Results showed that majority of our respondents were men (59 %) rather than women (41 %) and local knowledge of pesticide use was low (60 %). Education level had a significant influence (p < 0.01) on level of knowledge about pesticide use, time and dose of treatment, method of control, and persistence time. In addition, education level influence significantly farmers' attitudes before and after pesticide treatment (p < 0.05). Pest management control, time of pesticide application, and packaging management method varied significantly with level of local knowledge (p < 0.01). Pesticides use by small-scale farmers has an effect on water, soil, and air quality. It also causes human pathologies such as vomiting, eye irritation, and even loss of life in event of heavy exposure. Inhalation and dermal exposure are main and most dangerous routes of pesticide exposure in our study area, which lacks protective strategies. Finally, use of pesticides disrupts biodiversity through the disappearance of pollinators, predators, parasitoids, and soil microorganisms. Therefore, broad continuity of this study with integration of other scientific aspects would effectively contribute to the improvement of environmental quality.

Farmers' Awareness, Attitude, and Role Towards Climate Change: Case of Olive Production in Egypt

Farmers' Awareness, Attitude, and Role Towards Climate Change: Case of Olive Production in Egypt

Human resource management practices on Irish dairy farms: an exploratory study

Context Managing people outside the farm family unit is a new issue for many Irish dairy farmers. In the context of rapid growth, the demand for employees has increased, creating the need for Irish dairy farmers to have human resource management (HRM) skills. Aims This paper explores the extent and type of HRM practices adopted by Irish dairy farmers and the factors that influence their adoption. Methods A questionnaire was developed, piloted, and issued to farmers on the basis of herd size and location. Data from 203 dairy farmers who employ people were analysed to examine the adoption of different HRM practices and the influence of farm characteristics, farmer demographics and farmer attitudes on their adoption. HRM practices included compliance with employment legislation, health and safety, different approaches to recruitment, workforce management and retention. The questionnaire included one or more variables for each of these HRM practices. Where more than one variable was included, an aggregate variable was developed for that practice. Key results Whereas, overall, there was a low level of adoption of best HRM practices, farm characteristics such as herd size and number of employees had a significant influence on farmers’ adoption of compliance with employment legislation, health and safety, recruitment, workforce management and retention practices. Demographic factors such as age, level of education, and average hours worked influenced farmers compliance with employment law legislation, workforce management practices and retention practices. Conclusions The study highlighted an overall low compliance with employment legislation and low adoption of best practices in managing staff among dairy farmers in Ireland. Implications This study highlighted that improvement is needed in all areas of HRM on Irish dairy farms. The findings of this study would be useful to farm advisors who support dairy farmers in improving their management of their businesses. Overall, this study has contributed to a greater understanding of the challenges in managing people in agriculture and how certain factors influences the adoption of HRM practices on dairy farms.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Kelompoktani Melalui Inovasi Teknologi Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Di Kecamatan Janapria Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

During 2013-2019, rice production and cattle population in West Nusa Tenggara Province increased, however, rice productivity tended to decrease. One of the reasons for this decline in rice productivity is the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers, which causes the soil structure to harden. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the use of non-chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers whose raw materials come from cow dung which is often found in the field. Apart from that, animal feed, especially cows, is actually available around the community, namely in the form of forage from plants. However, management of forage for livestock has not been carried out by many farmers. Based on these problems, this community service activity aims to increase the capacity of farmer-livestock groups to be able to apply technology for making organic fertilizer and feed management. This community service activity was carried out in Saba Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok Regency, where there is quite a lot of agricultural waste potential available. Implementation of activities includes: outreach, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), training, and practice in making organic fertilizer and managing animal feed. The target of the activity was 30 members of the farmer-livestock group in Janapria District. The output of the activity is increasing farmers' knowledge, skills and attitudes in organic fertilizer production technology; as well as the production of solid organic fertilizer (compost), liquid organic fertilizer and animal feed from agricultural waste. Output in the academic aspect is in the form of writing in journals or seminar proceedings. The evaluation results using statistical methods with paired sample t tests in this activity showed that there was a significant increase in farmer-breeder behavior after participating in training activities in making organic fertilizer and making feed. Some farmer-breeders have implemented the results of the training and feel that there are savings in farming costs by using organic fertilizer that they make themselves

The factors contributing to better workplaces for farmers on pasture-based dairy farms

Herd size expansion, combined with the reduced availability of people to work on farms, has led to an increased focus on techniques that can improve dairy farm social sustainability. Effective work organization is one such entity, which could influence farm social sustainability; focusing on having a productive, flexible and standardized farm workload. The objective of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to better workplaces for the farmer using a survey of representative pasture-based dairy farms in Ireland. Potential contributing factors to better workplaces for farmers were identified, namely; farm and farmer characteristics, working day structure, farmer attitudes, farm facilities, labor efficient practices and human resource management practices. A survey was completed by 313 Irish dairy farmers between 20 November and 3 January 2019 to capture relevant information. One proxy indicator was selected to represent each of productivity, flexibility and standardization within the workplace, and each of the 313 farms were categorized into quartiles based on their ranking for these 3 indicators (1 = most effective quartile to 4 = least effective quartile). The average farmer that completed the survey was 51 years old, milked 125 cows, reported to work 69.6 h/ week, take 10.3 d of holidays/ year and had a finish time of 19:52 in spring. The quartile of farms with the most effective farmer workplace reported reduced hours worked per week (58.6 v 82.6 h per week), more holiday days (16.6 v 5.1 d) and weekends off (8.3 v 2.4) per year, and earlier finish times (18:41 v 21:14 in spring) compared with the least effective quartile. Similarly, the most effective farms reported better facilities, and greater implementation of labor efficient and human resource management practices compared with the least effective farms. The most effective quartile for farmer workplace effectiveness were more positive about the industry's potential to offer an effective work-life balance, would be more likely to encourage young people to pursue careers in dairy, and had more positive attitudes toward attracting and retaining workers compared with the least effective quartile. The study highlighted the range of factors contributing to more effective workplaces for farmers, indicating scope for improvement on many farms, and challenges across all farms when compared with other industries in the case of some indicators (e.g., time-off). The results can support the continued extension of concepts regarding work organization to assist farms in alleviating social sustainability challenges; highlighting the differentiating factors between the most and least effective farmer workplaces.

Understanding the awareness of antimicrobial resistance amongst commercial poultry farmers in northwestern Nigeria

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both humans and animals is a growing health threat worldwide. Significant quantities of antibiotics are used in the livestock production sector, particularly in poultry farming to enhance growth and productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three states of northwestern Nigeria to understand the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of commercial poultry farmers on antimicrobial resistance. A total of 247 poultry farmers enrolled in the study comprising 100 (40.5 %) from Sokoto, 68 from Kebbi (27.5 %) and 79 (32.0 %) from Zamfara States. A significant number of the farmers have good knowledge of antimicrobial use (94.74 %), and the potential emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria due to irrational administration of antibiotics (83.0 %). Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in farmers’ knowledge of AMR based on their educational qualification (p < 0.001) as farmers with bachelor’s degree (BSc) being more knowledgeable than those with Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and those who only completed primary or secondary education. A statistically significant difference was also observed in the attitude of the participants based on State (p < 0.001) and educational qualification (p = 0.013). The study provided valuable insight into the understanding of antimicrobial resistance amongst commercial poultry farmers in the region. The findings necessitate the need for educational interventions and initiatives through enlightenment campaigns and deployment of extension workers to reach farmers with low level of education to further improve their attitudes and practice towards responsible use of antibiotics.

Attitude of Aromatic Rice Farmers towards Good Agricultural Practices in Dinajpur, Bangladesh

This study investigated aromatic rice farmers' attitude towards Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, aiming to fill a gap in the literature regarding GAPs adoption in the country's rice cultivation sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized a descriptive and diagnostic research design. The sample size consisted of 90 aromatic rice farmers selected through multistage disproportionate random sampling technique. Data were collected through face to face interviews using structured interview schedule, incorporating both open and closed-ended questions. Attitude towards GAPs were assessed using a scale comprising 16 statements on a five-point Likert-type scale. The major findings indicate a predominantly 54.4% respondents possessed positive attitude towards GAPs, with education and extension contact significantly influencing their attitude. Challenges such as cost and accessibility may hinder GAPs adoption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study underscores the importance of educational and extension programs in promoting sustainable practices and calls for addressing barriers to GAPs adoption to enhance agricultural sustainability and farmers' livelihoods.

Attitude of farmers towards Parbhani Shakti sorghum variety

Attitude of farmers towards Parbhani Shakti sorghum variety

Effects of Farmers Field Schools on Improvement Farming Practices for Increasing Crops Yield, North Kordofan, Sudan

Farmer Field Schools aim to improve farmers' knowledge and skills to achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). This study was conducted due to a shortage in farmers' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards certain agricultural practices in the study area. The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of Farmer Field Schools as a training approach to improve farmers' agricultural practices and increase crop production in the study area. A purposive sampling technique was used, and 120 respondents were selected. Data collection tools included a reconnaissance survey, questionnaires, group discussions, and direct observations. Secondary data were gathered from scientific papers, books, relevant authenticated websites, and reports from relevant institutions. The data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) with a focus on descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests. The findings illustrate that 85.0% of the participants acquired knowledge regarding the latest agricultural technologies, 61.7% of the respondents perceived the FFSs as effective training tools for providing knowledge and skills, and 96.7% stated that they became experts in managing their farms. Additionally, 100% of the respondents expressed interest in observing the changes that occur due to the agricultural practices acquired. Their practices improved, and crop production increased after participating in the Farmer Field School programs to 10-15 Jawal and more compared to 5 Jawal before. The results of the Chi-square test showed significant associations among the tested variables. The results highlight the effects of Farmer Field Schools as a training approach to improve farmers' agricultural practices. Recommendations include improving the extension system and providing direction for future agricultural stability.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Farmers Towards Restoration of Degraded Land; the Cases of Harbo and Adea districts in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Land restoration is one of Ethiopia's top priorities for aligning development efforts with a climate-resilient green economy. In Ethiopia, initiatives to rehabilitate degraded land are generally evaluated in terms of the local people's economic and environmental impacts. Farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions toward land restoration, on the other hand, have to be taken into consideration for long-term natural resource conservation. As a consequence, this study examines the relationships between farmers' knowledge, attitude, and contributions to behavioral change in the restoration of degraded land. Data were collected from 120 farmers who participated in the restoration of degraded land. Structural equation models and mediation analyses were utilized for path analysis. The findings indicated that farmers had a good understanding of land restoration techniques. Analysis of the causal models revealed that farmers' attitude toward land restoration is highly influenced by their knowledge level of farmers. The outcome also revealed that positive attitudes of farmers resulted in behavioral change towards land restoration. Effective local community participation in the land restoration process and strengthening of their knowledge and attitudes that influence their behavior should be the cornerstones of sustainable land restoration.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Enhancing Awareness among Farmers about Millet Cultivation

Millet cultivation plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture through its climate-resilient nature and nutrient-rich composition, contributing to both environmental and human well-being. However, the cultivation of millet has witnessed a decline in recent decades due to a lack of awareness among farmers about its benefits and importance, resulting in a knowledge and information gap. To address this issue, intervention programmes have been designed with specific methods like workshops, field demonstrations, and the distribution of educational materials to empower farmers with knowledge about the nutritional, economic, health, and environmental advantages of millets. This study was conducted in ten villages in Kodumudi blocks in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, to assess the reasons for farmers' hesitation in cultivating millets and to evaluate the impact of the intervention programme on their knowledge and attitudes towards millet cultivation and its health benefits. The results indicate significant correlations between age, education, farm size, farm experience and the reasons for not cultivating millets. The study investigated the impact of an intervention programme on farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards millet cultivation. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected from 477 farmers. The findings revealed significant improvements in farmers' knowledge levels after the programme, with a mean score increase from 48.57 to 52.26. Similarly, attitudes towards millet cultivation showed positive changes, with mean scores rising from 93.86 to 100.46. Results revealed the effectiveness of the programme in promoting informed and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing awareness among farmers about the benefits and best practices of millet cultivation to foster its adoption and leverage its numerous advantages.

An Analysis of the Behavioural Persistence of Tree-growing Farmers in the Sudano-Sahelian Region of Cameroon

Tree-growing support programs are being implemented widely to enhance farmers’ involvement in land restoration schemes. However, the reasons why farmers will continue to engage in restoration activities when support programs end, considered here as “behavioural persistence” has not been sufficiently explored. Taking the Mogazang landscape of Cameroon as a case study, a mixed methods approach involving farmers surveys, key informant interviews and the review of literature, was applied to investigate the factors that influence the behavioural persistence of tree-growing farmers. Drawing on the concept of behavioural persistence, the findings revealed that farmers decision to continue restoration practices on their farm plots after the end of support programs is influenced by a mix of factors, among which positive attitude and perception of farmers, constant motivation, financial profitability, community influence, played an important role. Findings also showed that farmers behavioural persistence aspects were not adequately addressed during the design of support programs and the inception phase of support programs did not prepare farmers psychologically about post support programs. This empirical investigation of farmers behavioural persistence has provided information that needs to be taken into consideration when assessing the feasibility, including the designing and implementation of planned tree-growing restoration support programs and related policies in Cameroon and other countries.

Exploring the attitude of farmers towards training program in Dhenkanal Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

Exploring the attitude of farmers towards training program in Dhenkanal Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

Статистически групировки при изследване нагласите на фермерите за внедряване практиките на прецизното земеделие

The application of precision farming techniques leads to significant improvements both in economical and environmental point of view, facilitates the optimization of resource use and reduces farmers’ risks in terms of natural and disease hazards but enhances the risk from technological faults. The whole article is to explore the attitudes of farmers regarding the possibilities and prospects for the implementation of precision agriculture technologies, identifying and establishing the most possible and unifying views and perceptions obtained from a field study. In this article, a statistical grouping is used to process surveys conducted in farms in Bulgaria. Given the growing role of technology and its importance in expanding, improving and stabilizing farms, the role of precision agriculture is becoming stronger in the agriculture industry.

Consumption and Informal Trade of Milk in the North of Antioquia (Colombia).

The excessive and irrational use of antibiotics to control bovine mastitis and the informal trade in milk with antibiotic residues are objects of great interest for public health, due to the problems associated with the consumption of milk with antibiotic residues on human, animal, and environmental health, and antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to understand the attitudes of dairy farmers towards the self-consumption of milk on the farm, the use of milk with antibiotic residues, and the formal and informal milk trade that generates risks for public health. Mixed methods: cross-sectional and grounded theory. Convergent triangulation design. The study was carried out in 9 dairy municipalities in the North of Antioquia, where 216 dairy farmers participated in the quantitative component; and 17 milk producers and 9 veterinarians took part in the qualitative component. A dairy farmer characterization survey was conducted, as well as a survey on the use and marketing of milk from cows with udder health problems and/or under antibiotic treatment. Semistructured interviews were conducted on the same subject. The variable "Intention to sell milk in the village when the dairy industry does not buy it due to high BTSCC" is associated with the BTSCC variable. The variable "Type of marketing reported" is associated with the CFU variable. 5 categories: self-consumption of milk, use of milk with antibiotics, informal milk trade, control of the dairy industry, and beliefs about the elimination of antibiotics in milk, were constructed to theorize about udder health and public health. Sociocultural, political, and economic factors affect decision making in dairy farmers regarding the use and marketing of milk from cows with mastitis and antibiotic residues. These attitudes and behaviors have public health implications.

Scale Construction to Measure the Attitude of Farmers towards Agricultural Diversification

Attitude plays an important role in persuasion of one’s behaviour in respect to a particular psychological object. The attitude of farmers’ may influence their decision to adopt different practices to diversify their farms. Therefore, the investigation was carried out to expand a reliable and suitable mechanism to measure the farmers’ attitude towards Agricultural Diversification in their areas. The “Likert’s summated rating approach” was followed for a step by step procedure of developing uniform attitude degree. A total 67 statements reflecting belief of the farmers towards agricultural diversification were collected and out of which, 50 statements were retained after editing. The statements were sent to eighty Judges to judge its proper relevancy. Based on the relevancy test of 50 statements, only 35 statements were selected. The 18 statements were retained after the‘t’ test where 11 were positive and 7 were negative statements. The reliability of the scale was confirmed by the use of split half method while validity was studied by content validity. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.82 which showed the reliability of the scale. Therefore other academicians and researchers can be using this identical magnitude with or without modifications to measure attitude of farmers headed for Agricultural Diversification.