Average Landholding Research Articles

Assessment of Major Livestock Forage Resource and Forage Balance in Kembata Tembaro Zone of southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Kambata tambaro Zone, centeral Ethiopia Region; with the general objective of assessing the livestock forage balance using cross-sectional study design from November 2018 to May 2019. For this study Three districts, namely Doyogana, Tambaro and Hadaro tunto were purposively selected from the study area. A total of six kebeles and 361 respondents were selected by random sampling technique from the study districts. Semi-structured questioners, focusedgroup discussion, key informant interview and personal observation were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS, version 23). Analysis of variance with Tukey test was used for mean comparison of the quantitative variables while chi-square test was employed for significance level of qualitative variables. Accordingly, the overall average landholding per respondent in Kambata tambaro was 1.79ha while the holding in the Hadaro, Tambaro and Doyogana found to be 1.86, 1.67, 1.80ha, respectively. The average livestock holding of a household in the Hadaro, Tambaro and Doyogana was 3.90, 4.06 and 4.56 TLU, respectively, with an overall average of 4.13 TLU. Households in the Doyoganadistricts possessed significantly larger (P<0.05) number of TLU than the households in the other two distircts while no significant difference (P>0.05) was reported amongdistricts in landholding size. The available feed sources ranked by the respondents in decreasing order includs straw, grazing land, hay, green fodder, maize and sorghum stover, bush and forest and concentrate. The overall average utilizable feed DM supply in the study area was estimated to be 4.74 ton with significantly higher (P<0.001) DM supply in the Hadaro (5.75 tons) than in the Tambaro (4.02 tons) and Doyogana (4.34 tons per respondent) areas. However, for year round feeding, the average DM demand of livestock in the Hadaro, Tambaro and Doyogana was 8.89, 9.26 and 10.41 tons per respondent, ..

Socio-Economic Characteristics of Producers and Economic Size Classes of Enterprises According To Typologies and Risk Attitudes in TR21 Region

The aim of this study was to determine the typologies of agricultural enterprises operating in the TR21 Region according to the Farm Accounting Data Network methodology and the risk attitudes of the producers. According to the typologies and risk attitudes of the enterprises, the socio-economic characteristics of the producers and the economic size classes of the enterprises were determined. As a result of sampling based on a 95% confidence interval and a 10% margin of error, the number of enterprises surveyed was determined as 334. While 63.77% of the enterprises were specialized in field crops, 25.45% engaged in mixed livestock and plant production. Additionally, 7.49% were specialized in pasture livestock and 3.29% were in the perennial plant farming group. In the enterprises examined, 55.09% of the producers were classified as risk-averse and 44.91% as risk-lover. Of the average land holdings, 71.25% was property and 28.75% was rented land. It was noteworthy that the land rental rate in risk-lover enterprises was higher than in risk-averse enterprises. It was concluded that risk-lover enterprises had higher production value in both plant production and animal production, and risk-averse enterprises were engaged with product and animal diversity as they avoided taking risks. On average, in risk-lover enterprises, 53.64% of the operating expenses were vegetative special expenses and 46.36% were animal special expenses. In risk-averse enterprises, the share of vegetative special expenses in total expenses was 47.15%, and the share of animal special expenses was 52.85%. Compared to the average of enterprises and all enterprise typologies, standard gross profit was found to be higher in risk-lover enterprises. In enterprise typology groups, the average ESU values of the enterprises varied between 10.88 and 33.80 ESU. According to enterprise typologies, risk-averse agricultural enterprises in specialized field crop farming and perennial plant farming were in the below-medium enterprise class, while other enterprise groups were in the above-medium enterprise class.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Apple Production in Jumla District, Nepal: Status, Economics, Marketing and Challenges

Apple production is a vital sector of agriculture in Nepal, significantly impacting local livelihoods and the regional economy. This study, conducted in Jumla District, Nepal, from January to July 2022, aims to comprehensively assess apple production, including its existing conditions, economic implications, marketing and challenges. The research hypothesizes that while apple production in Jumla District contributes significantly to the local economy, it faces challenges related to pest and disease management, marketing, and adoption of modern practices. Using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), descriptive statistics were computed based on data collected from a sample of 80 respondents selected through simple random sampling. The result revealed that agriculture constituted the primary source of income for 73.75% of the population, with an average landholding size of 0.3428 ha and an apple-growing land area of 0.3164 ha. Income from apple production, along with vegetables and fruits, was a major income source. The average annual sales of apple production were 7.291 t/ha. Labor costs accounted for 45.67% of the total cost of apple production, with an average total production cost of NPR 238,097.2 and average gross returns of NPR 485,500. Apple productivity was 9.71 t/ha, demonstrating its economic viability with net returns of NPR 247,402.80 per ha and benefit cost ratio of 2.039. However, the study found that farm produce only sufficed for 6-9 months, with pest and disease incidence and marketing issues as major challenges. Interventions should address pest and disease management, marketing strategies, and modern practices adoption to enhance sustainable and profitable apple production in Jumla. Efforts to extend farm produce sufficiency should also be explored, highlighting apple production's potential and the need for targeted support to overcome challenges and foster sector development.

Comparative Economics of Main Season and Spring Rice Production in Kanchanpur District, Nepal

Rice is the major staple food crop in Nepal which has been growing in two different seasons mainly June/July – October/November as main season rice (MSR) whereas during February/March – June/July as spring rice (SR). A comparative economic analysis of MSR and SR production in Kanchanpur district Nepal was conducted during March to July 2023. A total of 120 rice-growing farmers including 60 MSR and 60 SR growers were randomly selected from the available grower list to collect primary information by using pre-tested interview schedules. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and the Cobb-Douglas production function were employed for the data analysis. The study finding revealed that the average landholding of MSR growers was 0.65 ha/hh, whereas the same for SR growers, was 0.55 ha/hh. The average area for MSR and SR were at 0.53 ha and 0.29 ha, respectively. The average productivity of the SR (3.69 t/ha) in the study area was found to be significantly higher than the MSR (4.61 t/ha). Despite the higher cost of production for SR (Rs. 80309.95/ha) than MSR (Rs. 75048.45/ha), the Benefit-Cost ratio for SR was found to be higher (1.61) than that of MSR (1.38). The analysis of coefficients indicated a decreasing for main season rice and increasing return to scale for spring rice, with sums of coefficients measuring 0.74 and 1.24 respectively. This implies that a 100% increase in expenditure on the variables outlined in the model for MSR and SR led to a 74% and 95% increase in the gross return of rice production. These results underscore the potential advantages of promoting improved seed varieties and adopting commercial farming practices in the spring rice cultivation area. The findings indicated the need to replace manual labor with machinery to reduce costs and increase rice cultivation profits.

Organic Agriculture in Bhutan: Dream of 100% Organic is Stalled at Reality of 1% Organic

Bhutan is a poor country with 51% of the population employed in agriculture, and little manufacturing. Forests accounts for 71% of Bhutan, and agriculture 8%. The average landholding is 1.4 hectares per household. Many farmers practice ‘traditional’ farming using forest litter and farm yard manure. The inputs for chemical agriculture (synthetic fertilisers and pesticides) are generally imported and expensive. Bhutan announced a goal of 100% organic agriculture in 2006. Looking after the environment and animal welfare, and not poisoning insects and other living things are precepts congruent with Buddhism, the national religion of Bhutan. So, organic agriculture appears to be a ‘good fit’ for Bhutan. Yet, nearly two decades after declaring the 100% goal, there appears to have been near zero progress based on the parameter of certified organic agriculture. Longitudinal data of organic agriculture hectares for the past two decades reveal that the goal of 100% appears to be wishful thinking, with the reality of 1.09% organic agriculture. In the meantime, a neighbouring Indian state of India, Sikkim, with many geographic, climatic and demographic comparables, has achieved its goal of 100% organic. Sikkim is a blueprint of how to achieve 100% organic, while Bhutan is a blueprint for how not to (so far).

Assessment of on farm agrobiodiversity and its role in food sufficiency in mid hill, Nepal

A survey was conducted in the agricultural farms in Dhulikhel Municipality, mid-hill, Kavre, Nepal aiming at assessing the status of agrobiodiversity with the purpose of understanding its role in food security taking altogether 133 farming households scattered in several settlements with lowland, upland, and home garden being the general agricultural land use systems. Biodiversity index: Shannon-Wiener Index was used to assess diversity of plant. The main purpose was to assess the farm agrobiodiversity and to find out whether biodiversity level has a direct link to household food self-sufficiency. For descriptive analysis frequency, percentage, mean and standard errors were used. In the case of inferential statistics independent sample t - test and binary logistic was used to find the odd ratio of practicing home garden. The result showed that the average landholding size was 0.66 ha/household with 0.37 ha, 0.3 ha, and 0.06 ha being upland, low land, and home garden, respectively. A total of 136 plant species were documented out of which 74 were the effective number of species in the study area. Among the used plants, fodder shared 27% of the total plant diversity followed by fruit (21%), vegetable (19%), medicinal plants (8%), pulses (8%), spices (7%), oilseeds (5%) and cereals (5%). Similarly, the mean livestock unit (LSU) was 2.65. The overall Shannon-Wiener Index was 4.30 indicating high diversity of species and 87.7% of the species were evenly distributed. The Index was higher for vegetable (3.11) followed by fruits (2.9) and fodder (2.85). Higher diversity was found in fodder trees in lowlands whereas vegetable species were more diverse in upland and home garden. Similarly, the Index was 4.29 in the upland whereas it was 4.078 in the home garden followed by 3.13 in the lowland. The evenness was 0.899, 0.87, and 0.74 in upland, home garden and lowland, respectively. Higher species diversity revealed that the site was rich in agrobiodiversity. A significant positive correlation (0.22) was observed between Shannon-Wiener Index and farming years. Similarly, positive correlation (0.33) was found between an increase in the level of agrobiodiversity and food self-sufficiency. The result demonstrated that increasing crop diversity increases the household’s ability towards food sufficiency implying the need for the formulation and implementation of efficient policy to conserve the agrobiodiversity at municipality as well as national levels.

ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN RICE PRODUCTION IN FARMERS' FIELDS AT JANAKPURDHAM SUB-METROPOLITAN OF NEPAL

Rice yield has been substantially facing a negative yield slope since times. Higher production of rice can be achieved by promoting the adoption of recommended production practices among rice-growing farmers in Nepal. A study was carried out in the summer (May/June) of 2019 to assess the adoption status of recommended production practices among rice-growing farmers of Janakpurdham-17 & 18 (Only two local bodies of Janakpurdham sub-metropolitan city under thematic working areas of Rice Zone, Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project of Nepal). The results analysis showed that most respondents were male (80%). Many respondents were in the adult age group (44%) followed by senior citizens (34%). Most of them were illiterate (68%), had a medium household size, and had a low level of income. The average landholding size was found to be 0.9546 ha. Many of the respondents were not affiliated with the farmers’ groups and did not receive any sort of training. Most respondents were found to be adopters of recommended rice production practices except for the recommended age of seedlings. The Chi-square test showed that farmer group membership and training had a positive and significant relationship with the adoption of recommended production practices. Also, the income of farmers was positively correlated with the adoption of irrigation sources. Major sources of knowledge about rice cultivation among the respondents were found to be neighbors, relatives, fairs and exhibitions, and non-governmental organizations. Lack of better irrigation facilities, poor seed quality, lack of agriculture loans, and disease, and insect pest problems were the major constraints faced by the farmers in rice cultivation.

Landownership within Amish Settlements in Wisconsin: An Exploratory Study

This study examines patterns of landownership within 18 Amish settlements in Wisconsin, including nine of the state’s ten largest settlements, plus nine smaller settlements. Landownership was plotted for 2,048 Amish households, who collectively owned over 115,000 acres. These households were drawn from 105 church districts, representing 58.7 percent of the state’s total. The study utilized three types of data: the recent Amish directory for Wisconsin, plat atlases showing landownership for selected counties, and detailed satellite imagery provided by Google Maps. Average acreage per household ranged from 27.7 to 86.6 acres among the settlements. Differences in acreage owned per household appear related to occupations. Average acreage of Amish-owned land per survey section ranged from 41.6 to 201.2 acres. The maximum acreage of Amish-owned land in each settlement’s survey sections ranged from 120 to 639 acres. Amish landholdings exceeded 160 acres in 30.3 percent of the sections having Amish lands, with the settlements’ proportions ranging from 0 to 55.2 percent. Interspersal of Amish lands among lands owned by non-Amish people is the norm, but differences in the density of Amish holdings, displayed by owned maximum acreage per section and average landholdings per section, are related to founding date and settlement size. Settlements established before the mid-1980s display greater clustering of Amish landownership. Newer settlements display many noncontiguous sections with Amish-owned lands not adjacent on their sides or corners to other sections having Amish lands. This pattern is particularly conspicuous within the Platteville-Darlington and Fennimore settlements.

On-farm diversity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) farmers’ varieties in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered as the secondary centre of faba bean diversity. However, the extent of its diversity at present time is not well known in the eastern Hararghe Zone. Therefore, survey study was conducted from December 2018 to March 2019 to identify patterns of on-farm diversity of faba bean farmers’ varieties and their use; and to assess production attributes, constraints, and role of gender in the production and management of faba bean farmers’ varieties in eastern Hararghe Zone. Two stratified agro-ecological zones (Tepid moist mid-highland, M3 and Tepid sub-humid mid-highland, SH3) were selected from the zone. Three Kebeles from each agroecologies were randomly selected. From each Kebele, 12 general informants and two key informants based on their gender and wealth status were selected, making a total of 72 general and 12 key informants, a total of 84 informants. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used for the general and key informants, respectively. Data were collected on use of faba bean, cropping practices, diversity, attributes, and gender roles in production and postharvest handling. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using R (version 3.5.2) software. Eight farmers’ varieties of faba bean were identified. Highest varietal diversity (H′ = 1.35) was recorded at Gara Abdula kebele of M3 while the lowest diversity value (H′ = 0.81) was at Obi Kutir 1 kebele of SH3. Variety Safisa was reported for its highest market price (32.8 ETB kg–1) and variety Dabale was the highest yielder (1900 kg ha–1). Most farmers (94%) use traditional seeds and 72% of farmers grow faba bean on < 0.125 ha land area. Baqela Faranji was the widely (33%) cultivated variety. Diseases (100%), weeds (89%) and land shortage (85%) were the main faba bean production constraints. The male adult and female adult family members play the greatest roles in the production and post-harvest management practices of the crop. It is concluded that farmers grow eight faba bean varieties with varied yield potential and market preference by consumers and the majority of them use informal seeds acquired from family members. The results also revealed that the vast majority of the farmers cultivate the crop on small average landholding of less than 0.2 hectare. The results imply that faba bean production and diversity is constrained by small landholding and lack of quality seeds of high yielding improved varieties.

Socio-economic analysis of vegetable seed production in Nepal

Abstract. A survey was conducted at Musikot, Western Rukum, Nepal in 2019 to analyze the economic results of vegetable seed production using a well-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The average landholding per household was 8.14 ropani (1 ropani = 0.05 ha), as 33.74% of landholding (equal to 50.36% of the cultivated land) was under vegetable seed production. Vegetable seed production generated 46% of on-farm income equal to 23% of total household income. The share of on-farm activities and off-farm activities in household income was almost equal. 64% of the farming households were food self-sufficient. 39% of the farmers were new to the vegetable seed production enterprise whereas 5% of the farmers were involved from 40 years. 49% of the cost in vegetable seed production was incurred in labor. About eight thousand rupee were sufficient to run a vegetable seed production enterprise per ropani that had made a gross margin of NRs 9,614.36 per ropani. Radish occupied 46.5% of the vegetable seed producing land and generated 53.5% of the vegetable seed revenue. BCR of 2.21 suggested that vegetable seed production enterprise brings NRs 2.21 at the investment of NRs 1. Swiss-chard had the highest price spread (90%) whereas radish and turnip had the lowest (57%). Sensitivity analysis showed that vegetable seed production enterprise was a viable business even after a 20% increase in cost and 20% reduction of revenue simultaneously. Disease infestation and insect attack were two major production problems and price fluctuation and inadequate market information were two major marketing problems faced by vegetable seed producers at Musikot, Western-Rukum, Nepal.

Economic analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation in Gorkha district of Nepal

A study was conducted to analyze the production economics and factors contributing to the gross return of rice production in the Gorkha district of Nepal in 2020, where a rice block was established under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PM-AMP). Altogether, 76 rice-growing farmers were selected as a sample by using a simple random sampling technique. Primary data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule, while secondary data were collected by reviewing related literature. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent sample t-tests, and Cobb-Douglas production function. The results showed that the average landholding was 0.74 ha and the average area under rice cultivation was 0.52 ha, with a productivity of 3 mt ha-1. The findings revealed that the cost of rice production for small farmers was significantly higher (NRs. 171466 ha-1) than that for large farmers (NRs. 132088 ha-1). The study reveals that investment in rice cultivation was economically viable in the study area because the overall B: C ratio was greater than one (1.17). The production function analysis reveals that a 10% increase in expenditure on seeds, total labor, and nutrients, keeping all other variables constant, could increase the gross return of rice by 2.97%, 2.19%, and 0.62%, respectively. The sum of coefficients was 0.56, reflecting a decreasing return to scale. Thus, a 100% increase in expenditure on variables presented in the model caused a 56% increase in the gross return of rice production. The findings suggest that human and bullock labor needs to be replaced by the use of farm machinery. Hence, the cost of cultivation would be reduced with the improvement in production and the gross returns of rice cultivation.

Agroforestry development in Lake Toba catchment area: Farmer’s perception and interest

The Lake Toba Catchment Area (LTCA) has degraded due to a lack of implementation of conservation principles. Agroforestry is one of the land-use techniques with a conservation approach. Agroforestry development in LTCA should be supported by stakeholders, especially farmers. Farmers’ support will be formed if they have a good perception and interest in developing the agroforestry systems. The study aims to determine farmers’ characteristics, perceptions, and interests in agroforestry development in LTCA. The study was conducted from July until August 2019 at Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a questionnaire with 30 respondents. Measurement of farmers’ perception and interest use a Likert scale. The data were then analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the farmers’ age is dominated by the productive phase (30-50 years old); they are only completed elementary schools, with average landholding was <0.3 ha, and farming experience >10 years. Farmers’ perceptions and interests in agroforestry development in LTCA are in good categories, each with a score of 4.18. These perceptions and interests of farmers are supporting factors that would positively impact the development of sustainable agroforestry in LTCA.

Land Governance in Fifth Schedule Areas: A Critical Analysis of Chhattisgarh State

The governance of land is central to the political economy of development. In India, The schedule areas are demarcated primarily for the development of adivasis who are officially classified as Scheduled Tribes (STs)/and protection of culture through special legal and administrative provisions in the form of fifth and sixth schedule. The article aims to understand and analyse the land governance in the areas of Fifth Schedule with specific reference to the Chhattisgarh State. It explores the role of Governor in preventing the land alienation. The main data sources include the agriculture census, diversion of forest land for the development projects including the mining along with cases of PESA and FRA using a process tracing methodology. The gradual decline in the size of average land holdings indicates the failure of land governance. There is a need to clear the legal ambiguity between the provisions of Fifth Schedule with particular reference to the role of Governor to establish peace and good governance.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Size and Equity in Ownership Dynamics of Agricultural Landholdings in India Vis-à-Vis the World

The increasing threat to sustainable agriculture is a major concern of planners worldwide. Human population growth together with increasing food requirements and competition for land use is leading to land scarcity for agricultural purposes. Farm size influences the extent of the adoption of mechanization and modern methods of farm management practices, which in turn results in increased productivity, production efficiency and agricultural income. We studied changes in macroeconomic factors such as dependency on agriculture, growth of the sector, the pattern of landholdings and tenure rights across major agriculturally important countries, as well as the priority of agriculture for the national economy (i.e., the share of agriculture in the national income) and its relationship to changes in farm size. The data on the percentage of area under farming, population growth, size of the agricultural workforce and other social dimensions from 24 countries of different geographical sizes were analysed. We used parameters such as the extent of changes in cropland, family-owned land, the agricultural workforce and their productivity, number of holdings and their distribution, women-headed holdings and finally total and per capita agricultural income, and measured the changes over time and space. The published data from national and international sources were used to establish the relationship between farm size and farm efficiency measured through the selected parameters. The results clearly establish that the size of farm holdings had an inverse relationship with the population dependent on agriculture, share of agriculture in national income and tenure rights. Australia had the largest average agricultural landholding (3243 ha), while India and Bangladesh had the lowest (1.3 and 0.3 ha, respectively). The inequality in the distribution of farmland ownership was greater in developed countries than in developing countries. Female farmland ownership was less than 20% in most developing countries and the relationship between the number of farm households and farm outcomes was found to have weakened over time. India, a developing as well as an agriculturally important country, was subjected to detailed analysis to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of the size, distribution and ownership patterns of agricultural landholding.

Economic Analysis of Sweet Orange in Sindhuli District of Nepal

Sweet orange is one of the major fruit grown in mid-hills of Nepal. It ranks 2nd among the citrus fruits in terms of area and production after mandarin. The study depicts the socio economic aspect of sweet orange production in Sindhuli district.Data were collected from 60 randomly selected sweet orange growers from Tinkanya and Baseswor of Golanjor rural municipality using semi-structured interview schedule. Two FGD's was done in those places for the triangulation of household survey.Analysis was done using SPSS and excel. Socio demographic studies revealed that majorly (93.3%), of growers were engaged in sweet orange farming. Most of the growers (98.3%) had agriculture as their major occupation. The average land holdings of the farmers was 0.53 ha in which 0.37 ha of land was occupied for sweet orange cultivation. The average sweet orange production of total sixty households was calculated to be 1981.83 kg/ha. The total cost of Rs. 25797.36/ha was estimated and the gross return from the production was Rs.72634/ha; the benefit cost ratio was found to be 2.81 which supports that sweet orange production is being a profitable farming business. Furthermore, insects attack followed by irrigation problems and difficulty in transportation followed by lack of market price information were the major problems found in the production and marketing of sweet orange respectively. There is a high potentiality of increasing the fruit productivity if the constraints against the sweet orange cultivation are addressed properly and adequately. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 8, Issue-3: 396-400

Socio-economic features of mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco) growers: A case study in Nagaland, India

Socio-economic upliftment is the basis and prerequisite for all-round and sustainable development of a community. This study is an attempt to explore the socio-economic condition of the mandarin growers in Nagaland, India. In this study, two districts of Nagaland were included. An interview schedule was prepared for data collection. Altogether, 120 experienced mandarin growers were included as the study community. All important socio-economic variables were included in the study. The average age of the respondents was above 52 years. About 91.00 per cent of the respondents were staying in the kutcha house. The average landholding was 2.88 ha, and land allocation for mandarin cultivation was 0.57 ha. The farmers were experienced enough, but the average production of mandarin was 841.50 kg. The average annual income from mandarin cultivation was ₹27,219, and it was contributing about 23.10 per cent to the yearly average income of 17,799. In respect of information dissemination and technology transfer, mandarin growers were not getting minimum extension services. The public sector extension system's performance was relatively inadequate, and NGOs were somewhat supporting the study community. The overall socio-economic condition of the study community was relatively less satisfactory. An immense opportunity was there to up-scale the socio-economic situation by mobilizing and involving the young generation to take agriculture as an enterprise. Productivity and income from mandarin cultivation can be up-scaled to improve the socio-economic condition. Therefore, concerned authorities of the state government may take the initiative.

Study on sustainable livelihoods of fishers from Chalan beel, Bangladesh

An assessment was carried out to observe the impacts of fish sanctuary on the livelihoods from fishers of Ruhul beel and Bamonji beel under Chalan beel in Pabna district of Bangladesh. Data were collected from selected sanctuary sites with prepared and pretested questionnaire and analyzed through statistical tests like ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), regression, correlation, Chi-square were used to identify the relationships between variables and significant differences/association among them. From physical capital point of view, it was found that 91.3% of fishermen’s houses were katcha, 6.52% were semi-pacca, and only 2.17% were pucca in case of Ruhul beel and in case of Bamonji beel 90.54% of fishermen’s houses were katcha, 8.11% were semi-pacca, and only 1.35% were pacca. There was no significant variation (ANOVA; P&gt;0.05, Chi Square test; non-significant at 0.05 level) among the residences by well-being. From human capital, average age of the household heads (HHH) was 37.95(±) 1.354 for Ruhul beel respectively, whereas for Bamonji beel the average age were 38.05(±) 1.064. The medium aged group fishermen were dominant in Ruhul beel than Bamonji beel. There were no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) found between the age groups by well-being. From income capital it was observed highest part of income were come from fishing contributing 64.89% (653.72±128.82 US$), 43.58% (431.89±74.66 US$) for Ruhul beel and Bamonji beel respectively. As per as natural and social capital, average used land holding was 0.274±0.136 ranging 0.065 ha to 0.534 ha for Ruhul beel and 0.228±0.305 ha ranging 0.040 to 0.267 ha for Bamonji beel. The average land holdings did not vary significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the sites.&#x0D; Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2020, 5 (3), 100-114

Economic Analysis of Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris Roxb.) Production in Parbat District, Nepal

A survey-based study was conducted to assess the production scenario of Lapsi in Falewash, Parbat. Purposively selected twenty-four Lapsi entrepreneurs in Falewash Municipality, Parbat district were interviewed with a well-structured questionnaire that explored Lapsi production data in the last twelve years, which were then processed and analysed with descriptive statistics using computer software MS-Excel 2010. The average landholding size of the respondent farm households was 17.6 Ropani (0.88 ha), and 1 8% of the land was occupied by Lapsi. However, 95% of the Lapsi orchard is established in Pakho/Bari (Upland). A majority (66.7%) of the Lapsi growers were trained either for cultivation, grafting and/or processing techniques. The Lapsi productivity in Falewash, Parbat (12.7 Mt/ha) is above the national average (8 Mt/ha). A Lapsi orchard in Falewash, Parbat can be established with investing NRs. 3,762.89 per Ropani. The average annual operating cost of Lapsi orchard is NRs. 2,052.19 per Ropani, whereas the average annual gross return is NRs.15,890.57 per Ropani. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.84, net present value (NPV) of NRs. 30,146.3 and internal rate of return (IRR) of 33% signify the economic importance of Lapsi production. Pay-Back period of eight years in Lapsi production enterprise requires a long-term plan to be established as a cash-generating enterprise. The major problems in the Lapsi production are harvesting difficulty and damage by wild animals (mostly monkeys) whereas the poor transportation facility and inadequate market information are the major marketing constraints.

Use of plant clinic advice among farmers in Ethiopia: implications for sustainable pest management service

This study examined the use of crop health advices that farmers received at village-based plant clinics and their determinants in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 210 randomly selected plant clinic users from three districts of Ethiopia, and analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Plant clinic users were smallholders with an average landholding of 0.8 ha, predominantly male, with a mean age of 46 years. Most recommendations for pest management were a combination of monitoring, cultural practices and pesticides, in line with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. About 64% and 34% of the clinic users fully or partially, respectively, applied the recommendations. After visiting plant clinics, farmers demonstrated improved knowledge and practices in using pesticides, although no significant difference was observed between the types of pesticides they used. Stability of plant doctors, distance to plant clinics, and education significantly and positively influenced the use of plant clinic advice, whereas age was negatively associated. The findings suggest that plant clinics provide relevant and practical advice that address plant health problems of farmers. Thus, such project-based intervention should be fully integrated into regular programmes to ensure their sustainability.

Sheep and Goat Production, Challenges and Opportunities in Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Gedeb, Bule, Amaro, Gelana, Abaya and Dilla Zuria of southern Ethiopia to identify and describe Sheep and Goat production systems, production potentials and challenges. After a pilot survey, study districts were stratified based on agroecology and their potential. From each stratum, six districts were selected randomly and three kebeles were selected from each district; finally180 households participated in data collections. The overall mixed farming system was dominant and the average landholding per household was more than 4 hectares; the mean landholding per household in Gelana and Abaya districts was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of other districts. Sheep production was dominant in Bule (33.3%) followed by Gedeb (30%), while Goats were slightly dominant in Amaro and Gelana, overall mean was significant (P<0.05) across the districts and breed. The number of the animal was significantly different in all districts. Almost all respondents were kept small ruminant for income generation. Grazing of natural pasture and crop residue were common in Bule and Gedeb, while communal land grazing and browsing were common for Abaya and Gelana. Overall most of the respondents were kept their animal adjacent to their family house (37.8%) followed by a separate room (27.8%) and living with family (24.4%). Lack of extension and credit support (21.7%) was a major problem across the district followed by disease, parasite, Lack of input and technologies and market problems (17.2%). Conducive environment, animal productivity and human population growth were major opportunities of small ruminant production in the study area. All respondents were responded small scale enterprises were not established. This study concludes that even if the environment of study areas were conducive for production of small ruminants, the production system is still backyard and there are no small scale enterprises engaged in small ruminant production, thus, extension service and credit should be facilitated and establishment of small scale on small ruminant production must be established in study districts. Keywords : Goat, Sheep, Southern Ethiopia. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-19-03 Publication date: October 31 st 2020