Development Of Family Farming Research Articles

Public Policies, Sustainable Purchases and Family Farming in Brazil – 2013 a 2023

Objectives: to characterize and analyze the public policies and sustainable purchases that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and promote the development of family farming. In order to address the general objective of the research, the following specific objectives were carried out: 1) Contextualize family farming in Brazil; 2) Present and analyze the following public policies focused on family farming: Low Carbon Agriculture - ABC Plan, National Program for Strengthening Family Farming - PRONAF, Food Acquisition Program - PAA and National School Feeding Program - PNAE and 3) discuss the process of sustainable bidding and family farming. Methodology and data sources: the methodology used to achieve the study's objectives was tabular and graphical analysis of secondary data. The data sources were collected from the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA), the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) through the Rural Credit Matrix, the National Supply Company (CONAB), the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE) and data from the National Secretariat for Rural Social and Productive Inclusion (SEISP) through the Secretariat for Evaluation, Information Management and Single Registry (SAGICAD) platform. In addition, exploratory research was carried out using a bibliographic survey to support the results found. The period of analysis was from 2013 to 2023. Results: It is important to consider that the public policies mentioned above contribute to aligning economic, social and environmental aspects. Based on the evidence obtained, the programs proved to be effective in their aim of supporting family farming. Therefore, in order to continue their actions, it is recommended that the main characteristics of their design be maintained, which have been fundamental to achieving their results and, above all, that resources for their actions be expanded and guaranteed.

Northeast Bank of Brazil's Role in Promoting Entrepreneurial Innovation in Family Farming through Renewable Energy Financing

Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of Banco do Nordeste (Northeast Bank of Brazil) in promoting innovative entrepreneurship in family farming through its renewable energy financing policies. Method: A quantitative research methodology was employed, involving a survey of 164 family farmers located in the rural areas of Rio Grande do Norte. The collected data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) to assess the relationships between entrepreneurial innovation, renewable energy adoption, and competitive advantage in family farming. Results: The findings demonstrate that innovative entrepreneurship facilitated by Banco do Nordeste's financing policies significantly contributes to 59.5% of the development in family farming. Furthermore, renewable energy adoption is shown to have a considerable influence, accounting for 39.3% of the entrepreneurial innovation by lowering operational costs and minimizing environmental impacts. These results underscore the critical role of Banco do Nordeste in supporting regional development and encouraging sustainable practices among family farmers. Conclusions: The study concludes that Banco do Nordeste’s renewable energy financing policies are instrumental in fostering entrepreneurial innovation and promoting the sustainable development of family farming. This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and dissemination of such financing programs to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, the development of a framework for analyzing entrepreneurial innovation in family farming offers a valuable resource for future research and policy development.

Cooperation and Collective Action as Strategies for The Development of Haitian Agriculture

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the beliefs of Haitian citizens about collective action and cooperativism to assist in the economic development of Haiti through family farming, using Mancur Olson's Collective Action Theory as an analytical theoretical framework. Theoretical framework: The study is based on the "Collective Action Theory", as developed by economist Mancur Olson in his work "The Logic of Collective Action". The theory proposes a model for the construction of collective actions based on the understanding of group needs and the ability to achieve challenging goals. Method: The study is characterized by a qualitative case study, conducted in the interior of "Cayes Jacmel," Haiti, using intentional sampling for interviews with forty Haitian farmers. Results and conclusion: The study observed that family farming depends on the implementation of new technologies and a credit system to boost agricultural practices. The study concluded that cooperativism and collective action in the Haitian context have the potential to boost the development of family farming and promote economic, political, and social progress. Research implications: The study provides critical insights into Haitians' perceptions of collective action and its role in economic development. It underscores the importance of cooperation, challenges political structures, and highlights the need for international aid aligned with sustainable agriculture. Originality/value: The study's originality lies in its focus on collective action as a driver of economic progress, aligning with the scope of the RGSA. The study's value extends to its potential to shape socio-environmental practices within Haitian society.

Family farming: The importance of growing beans in the state of Paraíba as a sustainable alternative for rural people

Family farming is increasingly gaining prominence by constantly reflecting on its benefits, whether in social or economic terms. The development of family farming is not something recent, but has been gaining strength by promoting an interaction of multiple interest between rural classes, scientific research and public policies. It is revealing a new way of looking at small producers. In addition, this activity provides environmental sustainability, improving the quality of life of the farmer and his production. Bean production is closely linked to family farming and is cultivated by a wide range of farmers with the most varied profiles. In this sense, this study aims to highlight the importance of family farming and its relationship with bean cultivation in the state of Paraíba - PB, since this activity is one of the bases of production for rural people. The study relied on a search and compilation of results from the database of the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) for the period from 2017 to 2021, in addition to a thorough review of academic papers on the respective area of study on the platform “google academic”. In this context, it is necessary to take a thorough look when it comes to agricultural production, and it is clear that the area planted and harvested in 2021 had a considerable drop compared to 2020, but when checking the quantity produced and the average yield compared to 2017, the year 2021 was superior, since technologies and new methodological practices constantly optimize the agricultural sector. Family farming is a strong basis for the rural man's conquest of a dignified and fair life, allowing him to live with the conditions imposed by nature.

Development of Family Farms in Inner Mongolia, China

As one of the new agricultural business subjects, family farms are the main force behind the development of agriculture and the leader of agricultural modernization in China. At present, the development of family farms in Inner Mongolia is on the rise, but there are still many problems, so it is crucial to evaluate the development of family farms to find out the problems for targeted development. In this paper, first, after double-screening objective data of family farm development evaluation indexes through the combination of the gray correlation degree and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, we constructed an index system for evaluating family farm development including 19 indexes, such as whether to register a business license. Second, based on the index system constructed in the previous step, the index weight vector was measured using the AHP–entropy weight method, which reflects the cognitive experience of experts, while taking into account the objective laws of data. Next, based on the index weight, the scores of 755 family farms were calculated to measure the level of development of family farms, and the ratings were divided into three categories based on the scores using K-mean cluster analysis. The study found that: (1) The weight of the indicator on the rank of the new professional farmer was 0.102, ranking first; the weight of the indicator on whether the children of the person in charge have the intention to engage in farming and animal husbandry was 0.091, ranking second; and the weight of the indicator on the number of basic production facilities and necessary machinery and equipment was 0.088, ranking third. (2) The highest score of 755 family farms in Inner Mongolia was only 50.161 points, and the overall development of family farms was at an average level. Therefore, based on the results of the study, five paths were proposed to enhance the development of family farms.

Implementation of the Market Voucher in the Municipality of Franciscópolis, Mucuri Valley – MG

Objective: To investigate the economic and social impacts of the tíquete feira program on the lives of small rural producers in the Municipality of Franciscópolis, MG. Theoretical framework: A theoretical approach was conducted regarding public policies focused on family farming, solidarity economy, and social currency. Method: In the first stage, an analysis of secondary data published by the Municipality of Franciscópolis/MG was carried out. In the second stage, the IraMuTeQ software was used to analyze the content of publications on the subject. Results and conclusion: It was possible to observe that the implementation of the fair ticket helped these families who live from agriculture to partially guarantee their own livelihood and that of the family, allowing for food and nutritional security. In addition, there is the appreciation and stimulation of family farming, enabling its continuity, because, through the increase of resources, it makes possible the improvement of the products taken to the street market. Implications of the research: The study highlights the importance of addressing the solidarity economy, taking into account cultural diversity and seeking efficient solutions for the development of family farming and the local economy. It also emphasizes the implementation of public policies by the Municipality of Franciscópolis, MG, to support these goals. Originality/Value: This is a regionalized study about the solidarity economy promoted by a municipal entity in order to encourage family farmers, through its own social currency (ticket fair) and, at the same time, translates into a welfare public policy, insofar as the fair ticket is provided to local municipal employees and also to local families in situations of social vulnerability.

Consumer Preferences in the Purchase of Agri-Food Products: Implications for the Development of Family Farms

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of Romanian consumers when purchasing agri-food products, with a focus on products from family farms, and to identify pathways for promoting family farms’ outputs for enhancing the development of rural areas and the local economy. For this, a survey was carried out using a questionnaire as the main tool. Firstly, the data collected were analysed from a descriptive point of view. Then, multiple linear regression and the chi-square test were used to determine the relationships between variables, and ANOVA was used to identify significant differences between groups. The results revealed that consumers with a higher level of education are more confident in certified products and are better informed, with a greater ability to distinguish certified from non-certified products through logos. Finally, the results indicate an opportunity for family farms to sell their products for a higher price within a secure market, mainly in urban areas. However, for this to happen, it is necessary to implement a quality scheme, highlighting the origin and originality of the product (product obtained from a family farm, including logo) coupled with awareness campaigns on the advantages that this product has, both for the consumer and the farmer or the region it comes from. These aspects could improve the development of rural areas from all points of view.

Agricultural land turnover in Ukraine: New challenges and new opportunities

The experience of the market turnover of agricultural land in Ukraine has shown that untimely and insufficiently comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the land market can lead to incorrect conclusions and limit the understanding of its dynamics and impact on the country’s economic situation. The purpose of the study was to identify the main trends and indicators of the market turnover of agricultural land in Ukraine by analysing land ownership transactions. The methodological tools of the problem under study were general scientific and special methods, as well as the method of comparison and abstract and logical methods. The main results of the study are a cost and quantitative assessment of transactions of sale and purchase of ownership rights to agricultural land in Ukraine, which makes it possible to identify the main trends in the land market. Certain provisions can be used to formulate strategies for the development of land relations in Ukraine. The number and share of transactions involving the sale and purchase of ownership rights to agricultural land in the overall structure of transactions is determined. The area of land ownership rights to which were alienated through sale and purchase is determined. The author calculates the value of agricultural land depending on its remoteness from a settlement, regional location and designated purpose. Fluctuations in the value of arable land depending on their territorial location and in the overall dynamics by month are determined. The level of activity of agricultural land market participants in the country as a whole and by regions is determined. The results and trends in the market turnover of agricultural land in the territories where military operations were or are ongoing are investigated. The main key indicators of the market turnover of agricultural land are determined. Forecasts of the value of arable land in Ukraine by the end of 2023 are formed. The discrepancy between the Ukrainian model of agricultural land market turnover and the models operating in the European Union has been established. The results of the study can be used to develop ways to reorient the market turnover of agricultural land to the European principles of functioning aimed at the development of family farming as a fundamental goal of Ukraine’s agricultural policy

Sustainable Development between Demonstration Farm and Agricultural Labor Productivity: Evidence from Family Farms in the Mountainous Area of Western China

Agricultural labor productivity is an important indicator that reflects the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. Demonstration farms provide an important link between small-scale farmers and modern agriculture in mountainous area of western China, which is playing an important role in improving labor productivity. This paper focuses on using the PSM-logit model and sensitivity analysis to empirically test the causal relationship between demonstration farms and labor productivity, and a micro-large sample of 1823 family farms was adopted. The highlighted findings are as follows: the average labor productivity of the demonstration farm is 2.8 times higher than that of the non-demonstration farm. There is a significant positive correlation between demonstration farms and labor productivity. Utilizing demonstration farms, when all control variables are added, can remarkably promote farm income by CNY301458 on average. In the matched sample, and under scenarios controlling for other covariates, we saw that demonstration farms can significantly enhance the farm income of CNY285108, CNY288509, and CNY291077 on average, respectively, after taking the radius matching, the kernel matching, and the nearest neighbor matching. The research inspired us to enhance the demonstrative establishment of family farms and accelerate the rate at which comprehensive development benefits are derived from demonstration farms. The results of this research could provide a policy reference for the promotion of high-quality development and the sustainable development of family farms in China and serve as an experience reference for promoting sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas globally.

Cooperative membership and new technology adoption of family farms: Evidence from China

AbstractVarious policies have been implemented to encourage the development of family farms and cooperatives in the past decade in China. New technology adoption is a crucial part in promoting the performance of family farms. However, empirical evidence on whether and how cooperatives would facilitate family farms to adopt new technologies remains unclear. To address the gap, this paper examines the impact of family farms’ cooperative membership on new technology adoption (i.e., new varieties, new machinery, new fertilizers, new pesticides, new pest control techniques, new production methods and new management methods). Using novel survey data from 848 family farms in China, and employing both propensity score matching approach and endogenous switching probit model, we find that for family farms, cooperative membership has positive and significant impacts on new technology adoption. When looking into different types of technology, we find that the impacts are larger on the adoption of new methods than new techniques. Moreover, the impacts are larger for family farms with lower operation income and smaller size. The findings provide important insights for policymakers tasked with promoting agricultural technology adoption.

Socio-economic role and institutional capacity of family farms in the implementation of the sustainable development goals

Rapid changes and dynamic fluctuations in modern social development determine the relevance of institutional transformations in the implementation of proclaimed sustainable development goals. In achieving this, the socio-economic role of effectively reaching the institutional potential of family farms increases. The purpose of the paper is to detail methodological judgments and develop parameters for determining the institutional potential and socio-economic role of family farms in the implementation of the United Nations sustainable development goals for the period up to 2030, considering national economic characteristics. In achieving the purpose, a systematic approach and theoretical (axiomatic, analysis and synthesis, analogies) and empirical research methods (comparison, expert assessments) were applied. The obtained results provide deeper methodological insights and characterisation of the socio-economic and institutional role of family farming in the national economy and sustainable development goals. Family farms play a creative role in maintaining a balance between meeting the population's needs and efficient utilisation of agricultural potential. The paper presents an original interpretation of the category “institutional potential” of family farms. Institutional potential can be defined as the capacity of institutions to maintain stability and conditions conducive to fulfilling their functions, influencing the behaviour of social actors. It also involves delineating and differentiating the socio-economic and institutional characteristics of family farming. The study also substantiates economic, social, and environmental factors affecting the development of family farming concerning their role in achieving sustainable development goals. The necessity of making managerial decisions at various levels to increase the level of sustainability of the agri-food system was noted. The practical value of the study is provided by methodological generalisations, consolidation of knowledge, and confirmation of theoretical conclusions about the features of the functioning of family farms in the context of proving the objectivity of their socio-economic role and the effectiveness of using institutional potential in the implementation of sustainable development principles.

Development of micro-entrepreneurs in agriculture in wartime conditions

Micro-entrepreneurial structures in the field of agricultural production generate employment, have adaptive potential for the formation of stable food systems and survival. The purpose of this study was to substantiate the theoretical and methodological foundations and socio-economic problems of micro-entrepreneurial activities in agriculture under martial law. Research methodology. The methodological framework of the present study included the provisions of system analysis. To generalize results, the study involved monographic, normative, graphic, abstractlogical methods and approaches. Study results. The place of micro-enterprises in the “production – distribution – exchange – consumption” system is determined. They can creatively contribute to the achievement of sustainable development criteria, form sustainable agri-food chains, guarantee self-sufficiency in food products, develop local niche exclusive productions, and ensure self-employment of the rural population. It is established that personal farms that have organized a family farm and registered as individual entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to implement their activities. It was found that the most adapted to the crisis conditions associated with military actions are family farms and household plots. However, the lack of stable sales channels for the products of micro-enterprises, the low level of purchase prices and a considerable increase in prices due to military operations for energy resources, machinery, fertilizers, and plant protection products make production inefficient. One of the priority areas of regional policy is still the development of family farming, small and micro businesses in rural areas. Practical significance. The results of the study can be considered when developing regional programs for the development of agricultural business entities

Credit Rating Model of Family Farms and Ranches Based on Dynamic Dichotomous DEA

The key to the sustainable development of family farms and ranches is to solve the problem of financing difficulty, and the construction of the credit rating system of family farms and ranches is the basis of solving the financing difficulty. Therefore, the construction of the credit rating system of family farms and ranches is not only a theoretical problem but also has strong practical significance. On the basis of dichotomous method and improved DEA technology, this paper sets up a credit rating model based on dynamic cycle dichotomous DEA method with the goal of maximizing the efficiency value of credit scoring of family farm and ranch and the constraint of increasing default loss rate. The first feature of this paper is that it constructs a direct mapping from the credit index system to the credit score through the three‐stage DEA model, which avoids the disadvantages of the classical linear weighting formula that relies heavily on the measurement results of different weights, and obtains more accurate and stable credit score results of family farms and pastures. Second, the three‐stage DEA efficiency value is used as the credit score value of the family farm and pasture, and whether it is located in the optimal preset interval is taken as the basis for efficiency dichotomy. The DEA credit score of the family farm and pasture is calculated by dynamic cycle, and the samples belonging to each level of the family farm and pasture are calculated successively according to the order of the credit grade from high to low. Finally, the result of reasonable credit rating of family farm and ranch with high default loss rate and low credit score was obtained. The pyramid test results of matching credit rating and default loss rate show that this research method is effective and has a good pyramid shape.

Reciprocal and Symbiotic: Family Farms’ Operational Performance and Long-Term Cooperation of Entities in the Agricultural Industrial Chain—From the Evidence of Xinjiang in China

The family farm is an important entity in the modern agricultural industrial chain. It is of great significance to empirically study its operational performance improvement and sustainable development. This paper introduces symbiosis theory to establish a symbiosis system framework of the family farm industrial chain and analyzes family farms’ operational performance from the view of industrial symbiosis cooperation. We selected 552 agricultural planting family farms in China’s Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as samples to measure the operational environment and performance of family farms using factor analysis and examining the effects of long-term cooperation among the industrial chain entities on family farms’ operational performance using the ordered probit model. The results show that the long-term cooperation of the family farms with other entities has a significant positive impact on the family farms’ operational performance, which can be enhanced by the improvement of cooperation and moderated by the external environment. Therefore, it is suggested to promote the long-term cooperation between family farms and other industrial chain entities, as well as the industrial environment optimization, to accelerate the healthy and sustainable development of family farms with a continuous, symmetrical, and reciprocal symbiotic model.

Spatiotemporal dynamic evolution and influencing factors of family farms in urban agglomerations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

Family farms, considered the most desirable form of Chinese agriculture, play a pivotal role in promoting rural revitalization and agricultural modernization. The purpose of this study was to summarize the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of family farms to better promote the development of modern agriculture. Using provincial demonstration family farms in the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MYR-UA) as the research object, this study applied the nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, multiscale spatial clustering analysis (Ripley’s K-function), and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution and influencing factors of family farms. The results indicate that: 1) from 2013 to 2021, family farms exhibited annual increases, and their development stages could be divided into rapid, stable, and slow growth periods. 2) The spatial agglomeration pattern of family farms was significant, and the intercepted points at different time periods show the distribution characteristics of the entire dispersion and local concentration. The spatial evolution characteristics of different types of family farms are nearly consistent with those of the overall family farms. 3) The overall family farms and various types of family farms show a scale effect, which first strengthens and then weakens with the change in geographical distance. 4) The spatial pattern of family farms in MYR-UA is affected by both natural and social factors, of which, social factors had the greatest influence. Finally, based on the findings of the study, policy recommendations for promoting the high-quality development of family farms are proposed.

A Configurational Analysis of Family Farm Management Efficiency: Evidence from China

Family farms are the “most-desirable”; new-style agricultural production and management entities in China at this stage, as well as their production behaviors, play an important role in achieving sustainability in agricultural development. The scientific evaluation of family farm management efficiency and the identification of an effective path to the high efficiency of family farms with different resource endowments are critical for family farms to transform from quantitative growth to qualitative improvement and develop in a sustainable and healthy way. Based on the data from a rural fixed observation point of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, this study randomly selected representatives from 532 family farms from 27 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China as research objects; calculated their total factor productivity based on the DEA model; and employed the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method to identify the configuration models for a high total factor productivity, which combines the factors of land investment, capital investment, labor investment, education level of farm leaders, land transfer years, the introduction of new technology and new equipment, and financial support. It is found that the average efficiency of family farms in China is not high yet, and both the pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency have great room for improvement. The efficiency of family farms is not determined by one single condition, but by the combinations of multiple factors. The introduction of new technology and new equipment, long land transfer period, high input of production and labor, and financial support are the driving forces to improve the efficiency of family farms. This demonstrates that although the current family farms are still in the cultivation stage of capital and labor-intensive investment, they do not mainly rely on traditional agricultural productions such as labor to achieve high efficiency. The managerial implications are as follows. First, the strategy of intensive and efficient management instead of the blind expansion of land scale should be considered, the full play to the role of family labor while controlling the scale of employees is highly suggested. Second, attention should be paid to the accumulation of the human capital of family farm practitioners, which implies that more highly educated people for family farm management, as well as high-technical-skilled farm operators, should be employed. Third, it is necessary to create a good institutional environment for the development of family farms and to increase financial support such as credit loans for family farms.

Models Underlying the Success Development of Family Farms in Romania

A family farm is an important part of the countryside, both economically and especially socially. In recent years, legislative measures have encouraged the development of large farms, ensuring food security while neglecting family farms, which are characterised by a lack of organisation, the absence of proper classification and the absence of measures to encourage their development and protection. In order to identify the premises underlying the development of family farms, and to create a development model for those family farms in a poor economic situation, the BMC method and SWOT analysis of seven family farms considered successful models were used. The development of these types of farms could provide a solution to a major problem facing the Romanian countryside: the depopulation of rural areas. The results of the study show that the development of these types of farms is based on joining an associative form (cooperatives) and/or making investments in the processing/storage line of agricultural products.

A Study on the Predicament of Family Farm in Our Country and Its Solving Measures -- Taking Yongbin Family Farm as an Example

In the actual development process, the family farm in our country is mainly faced with the problems of low specialization, insufficient financial support, and lack of social service system. These problems have a negative impact on the development of family farms. In the specific work, we should take into account the current situation and difficulties of the development of family farms, focus on raising the level of farmers' specialization, carry out reasonable financial reform, and perfect the relevant social service mechanism, to ensure that the new era of the environment to find a better way forward.

Innovation and selection of family farms’ marketing channels in Henan Province under the “Internet+” environment

With the continuous improvement of China’s market economy and the intensification of global integration trends, the relationship between the supply and demand of China’s agricultural products has also undergone significant changes. From the previous short supply to the current oversupply, the sales of agricultural products have become a key factor restricting the development of the Chinese rural economy. Solving the problem of agricultural sales has become the internal driving force to promote the steady development of family farms, which is also the fundamental purpose of this paper. Therefore, this paper makes an empirical analysis of the factors influencing the choice of agricultural products’ sales channels among 170 family farms in Henan Province using a logistic regression model. The results show that selling agricultural products from family farms to consumers, enterprises, and large sales households are the main sales channels, accounting for 17.3%, 15.3%, and 15.2% respectively. The proportion of Internet sales ranks seventh among the eight channels, which has not been widely recognized. The regression results and assumptions are verified. The brand and certification of family farms’ agricultural products, business form of a farm, and understanding of the Internet have a significant impact on the choice of sales channels. According to the weight of influencing factors, the paper puts forward four suggestions for the selection and innovation in sales channels of family farms’ agricultural products. AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by The National Social Science Fund of China (grant no: 19BJ1Y144).

The role of international cooperation in the development of haitian agriculture against hunger and poverty

In general, this article seeks to present a literature review involving a discussion of the themes of International Cooperation Haiti-Brazil, hunger in Haiti and the development of Family Farming, surveyed in the Capes¹ and Science Direct ² databases between the years 2000 and 2020. The objective is to understand the impacts of international cooperation on the development of family farming against hunger in Haiti. It is concluded that international cooperations are not sufficient in the face of the Haitian situation, in the fight against hunger and poverty, for the development of family farming, more actions are needed, such as a development plan against poverty that includes investments linked to technologies, the valorization of science, in addition to encouraging cooperation against hunger with social programs to combat inequality in Haiti.