Education Level Of Farmers Research Articles

Exploring socioeconomic determinants of goat herd size: A case study of smallholder farmers in Lephalale local municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

Goat farming plays an important economic role in numerous developing countries, with Africa being a home to a considerable portion of the global goat population. This study examined the socioeconomic determinants affecting goat herd size among smallholder farmers in Lephalale Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 61 participants. The socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder goat farmers in Lephalale Local Municipality were identified and described using descriptive statistics on one hand. On the other hand, a Multiple linear regression model was employed to analyse the socioeconomic determinants affecting smallholder goat farmers’ herd sizes. Findings from the Multiple linear regression model highlighted several key determinants, including the age of the farmer, gender of the farmer, education level, and marital status of farmers, along with determinants like distance to the markets, provision of feed supplements, and access to veterinary services. Understanding these determinants is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to develop targeted strategies aimed at promoting sustainable goat farming practices and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

Village Organization and Sustainable Growth of Farmers’ Income: An Empirical Study Based on Dynamic Survey Data of the Labor Force in China

Common prosperity is the core goal of rural revitalization, and the sustainable growth of farmers’ income is an inevitable requirement. This study uses CLDS2014-2018 village- and family-level questionnaire data to reveal how the degree of village organization affects the sustainable growth of farmers’ income, thus providing a reference for local government decision-making to promote the increase in farmers’ income and narrow the income gap at the village level. The results show that the degree of village organization can significantly affect farmers’ income, and the analysis results of the degree of formal organization are consistent with this. Specifically, for every 1% increase in the degree of village organization, the per capita household income will increase by 0.324%, among which, the wage income will increase by 0.226%, the operational income will increase by 5%, the property income will increase by 0.008%, and the transfer income will increase by 0.042%. The estimation results obtained by using instrumental variables are consistent, and the results are robust. At the same time, improving the degree of village organization can also significantly increase the proportion of farmers’ non-agricultural income and narrow the income gap among farmers. On the impact of heterogeneity, it was found that the geographical distance between villages and county and township governments, as well as the political identity and education level of farmers, will affect the role of the degree of organization. The results of the mechanism analysis show that improving the degree of village organization is mainly achieved by promoting the circulation of agricultural land, socializing the service of agricultural machinery, and providing industrial and commercial capital to the countryside to increase farmers’ income. The research revealed that the modernization of rural governance should be accelerated and the degree of village organization should be improved, especially the degree of formal organization, so as to build benign trust and a cooperative relationship between village committees and villagers and implement policies and measures that improve the income of farmers according to local conditions. At the same time, this will strengthen the publicity and education of party members to improve the proportion of rural party members and the education level of farmers.

Socio-Economic Status of Buffalo Farmers and Management Practices of Buffaloes at Shahjadpur Milk Pocket Area in Bangladesh

Buffalo is the most neglected species of large ruminant, despite contributing to safe and sustainable milk and meat production in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted at five unions of Shahjadpur upazilla under Sirajganj district which is called the milk pocket area in Bangladesh. The objective of the survey was to find out the socio-economic condition of buffalo farmers in these areas. Prior to conducting the survey work from February to June 2024, a questionnaire was designed and pre-tested. SPSS software was used to statistically analyse the collected data. The results revealed that the majority (84%) of buffalo farmers were male and mostly (72%) practised by middle-aged (30-45 years). The education level of farmers had no schooling (12%), primary (50%), secondary (22%), higher secondary (16%) and graduation (0%), respectively. In the survey area, a majority (76%) of the farmers reared young male (1.5 to 2 years) buffalo for fattening. Additionally, 72% of farmers raised buffaloes with intensive systems and the remaining 28% with semi-intensive. The involvement of respondents in farming, business and others were 84, 8% and 8% respectively. Most (60%) of the farmers dewormed their buffalo regularly but only 28% practised regular vaccination. The main factors limiting buffalo production in the study locations were the high price of concentrate feed (88%), lack of pond for wallowing (70%), lack of improved dairy buffalo breeds (60%), lack of green fodder (30%), unavailability of bank loan (18%) and training facility (24%). The net income from fattening one buffalo per half yearly was BDT 26713. It indicates that rearing buffaloes for fattening purposes in the selected areas was profitable.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN FINANSIALUSAHA TANI KOPI ARABIKA DI DESA MASOSO KECAMATAN BAMBANG KABUPATEN MAMASA

This study aims to determine the Financial Feasibility of Arabica Coffee Farming Business in Masoso Village, Bambang District, Mamasa Regency. This research is an analysis of financial feasibility as a single variable. The source of data in this study is data collected through interviews and documentation studies. Based on the type of data needed, in this study, the participants were coffee farmers in Masoso Village. Data collection was carried out using documentation and interview techniques. Data analysis is carried out by quantative descriptive analysis. The data analysis used is Usaahatani Cost (fixed costs and variable costs), and calculates the total production and income of farmers. Then calculate the difference between revenue and cost, then a financial feasibility analysis is carried out to find out whether the farming business is feasible or not, namely B/C ratio, R/C ratio and L/R. The results of this study show that the characteristics of coffee farmers such as gender (male and female), age of coffee farmers are said to be productive, education level of formal and non-formal coffee farmers, the number of dependents of family members is at most 1 person, the land area of arabica coffee farmers is at most 9 people with an area of 0.5-1 Ha and for the status of coffee land ownership, which is their own. The results of the financial feasibility of arabica coffee farming R/C Ratio of 4,03, B/C of 3,03 can be said to be feasible, the resulting production profit of Rp 5.204.034 is said to be feasible, because it makes a profit

Benefits and barriers to the adoption of climate‐smart agriculture practices in West Africa: A systematic review

AbstractClimate‐smart agriculture (CSA) serves as a credible mechanism to simultaneously address food security, climate change, and agricultural productivity. Despite the widespread adoption of CSA approaches across West Africa, many countries have still not been able to resolve the problems of food insecurity and rural poverty. This systematic review evaluates published evidence on the types of CSA practices, the determinants and benefits of adoption, and the barriers confronting the adoption of CSA practices across West Africa, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement checklist. Articles published in English from January 2010 to March 2023 investigating the benefits of and barriers to the adoption of CSA practices in West Africa were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for use in systematic reviews. The themes emerging from the articles were extracted, and a summary was provided to illustrate each theme. After applying the eligibility criteria, 12 articles were included in the final review. The studies reviewed revealed that farmers used more knowledge‐, water‐, carbon‐, and nitrogen‐smart practices, compared to weather‐ and energy‐smart practices. Across the reviewed papers, factors such as the education level of farmers, age, gender, household size, membership of a social group, agricultural extension services, and access to credit/financial resources influenced CSA adoption. The reviewed studies identified that farmers who used CSA practices reported benefits such as improved soil fertility, higher yield, improved household income, climate resilience (such as overcoming the effects of drought and extreme temperatures), and food security. Some farmers adopted CSA practices to reduce the effect of droughts and high temperatures on their crops, and thus increase their resilience to climate variability and change. However, farmers’ adoption is confronted with challenges related to the technicality of some CSA practices, high cost of labor for CSA implementation, lack of credit and government support, limited access to weather and climate information, limited information about CSA options, high illiteracy level of smallholder farmers, and incompatibility of some practices with farmers’ crop of interest. Our findings show that most CSA practices in the studies we reviewed are not well targeted to meet farmers’ crop of interest, and that governments should provide more practical training to enhance farmers’ understanding of CSA practices, especially those related to weather‐ and energy‐smart initiatives. There should also be more robust financial and institutional support to improve the adoption and usage of CSA practices at all levels. Additionally, socio‐cultural factors such as values, customs, and beliefs should be properly integrated into CSA plans as they influence the adoption of CSA practices.

Determinants of pesticides use among tomato farmers in the Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana

Tomato production plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural households in the forest savanna transitional belt of Ghana. However, the success of tomato cultivation is hindered by the presence of insect pests and diseases, necessitating the use of agricultural inputs. This study aimed to identify the pesticides used in tomato farming, assess their World Health Organization (WHO) active ingredient hazard class, determine the precautionary behaviour associated with pesticide use by tomato farmers, and elucidate the socio-economic factors influencing pesticide usage in the Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 1009 respondents, who were administered a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyse the collected data. The results revealed that tomato farmers utilized 15 types of insecticides (e.g., lambda and chlorpyrifos ethyl based), 8 types of fungicides (e.g., mancozeb and sulphur + copper based), and 6 types of weedicides (mostly glyphosate based) on their crops. Notably, four insecticides and two fungicides types were found to be unregistered products. Lambda-cyhalothrin-based insecticides and mancozeb-based fungicides were predominantly used by the farmers. The assessed pesticides exhibited varying levels of hazard, ranging from slight to moderate. The study found that farmer training was a significant driver influencing insecticide use, while the educational level of farmers and average yield played important roles in determining fungicide use. Socio-economic factors such as being the head of the household, employing farm workers, the cultivated tomato variety, and farmer training influenced weedicide use. The type of tomato variety cultivated emerged as the primary socio-economic driver of pesticide use. The study recommended the establishment and implementation of a systematic monitoring regime for pesticide product marketing and use, with the aim of reducing the utilization of unregistered products by farmers. Implementing these measures supports sustainable tomato farming in the Bono and Ahafo regions of Ghana.

EFISIENSI TEKNIS PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAHE DI PROVINSI JAWA TIMUR: PENDEKATAN STOCHASTIC FRONTIER ANALYSIS

<em>Ginger is a spice and medicinal plant that much needed by industry and society. However, ginger production decreased and even experienced a trade balance deficit. One solution that can be done is through intensification or efficiency improvement, especially in the largest ginger-producing province in Indonesia, namely East Java Province. The data used is raw data of Cost Structure of Horticultural Cultivation Household Survey (SOUH) 2018. The results of the analysis using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) show that four factors of production, namely land area, number of workers, amount of seeds used, and amount of fertilizer used, can increase ginger production significantly with a fairly high level of technical efficiency. However, technical inefficiencies are still found which cause ginger production to not be maximized. There are seven from eight variables that have a significant effect, namely farmer age, farmer education level, farmer group participation, pest control, receiving farm assistance, use of credit, and land ownership status. Meanwhile, the variable of farmer gender has no significant effect.</em>

Sustainability of Integrated Farming Between Robusta Coffee and Goat Livestock in Pupuan District, Tabanan Regency

Purpose of this research was to analyze actual income, optimize income and analyze the sustainability of integrated farming between Robusta coffee and goat farming in Pupuan District, Tabanan Regency. Location of research was determined purposive with several considerations. The research sample was 30 farmers plus seven experts. Data collected using in-depth interviews, surveys with questionnaires, browsing through the internet, literature studies, farmers' notes and reports from related agencies. Data analysis using Gross Margin analysis, Linear Programming with the help of BLPX88 Software, Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) with RAP-Farm approach, and Participatory Prospective analysis. Based on the research results, it is known that the average actual income of farmers from integrated farming between Robusta coffee and goat livestock is Rp 19.179.508,00 a year or Rp 1.598.292,00 a month. Optimizing the income of all farmers with a cultivated land area of 23.01 ha, it is stated that farming is carried out optimally with a maximum income of IDR 492.081.500,00 a year. An increase of Rp 29.033.405,00 or 6.27% a year from the gross margin value of Rp 463,048,095.00 a year. The sustainability status of all dimensions is stated to be quite sustainable with an index value of 64.73. Based on the Participatory Prospective analysis, it is known that the factors that most influence on sustainability are altitude, farmer's education level, climate conditions, government policy, availability of production inputs, frequency of extension and training of farmers, farmer's knowledge, coordination with institutions/agencies, availability of production facilities, availability of farmer capital. It can be suggested that farmers' income needs to be increased again by using the right farming technology. To maximize farming income, farmers should use labor in families that are still large. It is necessary to increase the index value and status of sustainability in all dimensions through intervention on the most influential key factors.

Agricultural drought risk and local adaptation measures in the Upper Mun River Basin, Thailand

Northeast Thailand is one of the country's important agricultural regions. Yet, it is frequently grappled by droughts affecting crop production as most of the cultivation depends on rain-fed irrigation. This study employs a comprehensive framework for assessing the drought risk in the Mun River basin, including hazard, exposure, and vulnerability factors. Hazard is estimated using a multivariate approach considering drought duration and severity, while exposure and vulnerability are evaluated using eighteen proxy factors encompassing physical and socioeconomic aspects. Local adaptation measures adopted by farmers to cope with droughts are an integral part of the risk assessment framework. Factors are normalized to five equally spaced categories and are aggregated using weights obtained from AHP through a survey among 50 local experts. Further, an extensive survey was conducted among 122 farmers in two hotspots with high hazards but contrasting vulnerability to investigate adaptation practices. Experts in the region perceive a higher importance of adaptive capacity than drought susceptibility while defining vulnerability. The results show that people living in areas with high hazard levels and physical vulnerability also tend to have a higher adaptive capacity to manage water scarcity. Overall, 22% of the area is under high to very high drought risk. Specifically, 14% of the area in Nakhon Ratchasima, 15% in Buriram, 8% in Surin, and 19% in Si Sa Ket provinces have very high risk. Among two hotspots, Dan Khun Thot district farmers have diversified crops and practiced various adaptive measures to build their resilience against drought and have low vulnerability and risk. In contrast, adaptation measures are implemented to a far lesser extent in the Phlapphla Chai district and have high vulnerability and risk. The education level of farmers is found to be directly linked with the implementation of local adaptation measures. The disparity in the adaptive measures adopted in two districts highlights the significance of agricultural water management interventions. Access to climate information regarding droughts, building farm ponds, and crop management practices are the preferred adaptation measures taken by the farmers. The study recommends districts in each province identified as having high risk are prioritized and supported by the local government to improve farm-level water management practices and drought resilience. It is imperative as looming climate change will further exacerbate future droughts.

Problems Faced by the Farmers in Post-harvest Management of Pomegranate in Western Rajasthan

It attempted to analyse the problems faced by farmers in post-harvest management of pomegranates in Barmer district of Rajasthan in 2022. The association of technical problems was checked with the education level of farmers. The data were taken from 120 farmers. Garret’s ranking method was employed to rank the problems faced by the farmers. A chi-square test was employed to check the measure of association between technical problems and the education level of farmers. The results revealed the five major categories of problems (Environmental, technical, infrastructure, financial, and market related) faced by farmers in post-harvest management of pomegranates. The major technical problem was the lack of a processing industry at the village level ranked as I with a mean value 70.45. The market-related problem was the unavailability of market of fruits at the village level ranked as I with a mean value 63.50. The chi-square test results revealed that there was an association between the education level of farmers and technical problems.

1Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Abuja, Nigeria 2Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. 3Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

This research work examined the economics of yam production among smallholder farmers in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The specific objectives include to: estimate the profitability of yam production and examine technical efficiency in yam production. Multistage sampling was used for this study. Data was analyzed with descriptive Statistics, Stochastic Frontier Production Function, Gross Margin Analysis and Principal Components Analysis. The results showed that, (86.2%) of the respondents were males with average age of 40 years and 17 years farming experience. Also 43.27% of the sampled yam farmers had no formal education with average household size of 6 persons, and also (64.1%) were not members of any farmers association. Also 47.44% of the sampled farmers sourced their capital through personal savings. Whereas, 90.06% of the farmers had access to extension services with average farm size of 2ha. The result of costs and returns reveals that the cost of labour was N 98, 865.74/ha which carried the highest proportion of the total variable cost (TVC). The TVC incurred by the yam farmers was N 202, 544.82/ha and the total revenue obtained was N 410, 879.80/ha with the gross margin of N 208, 334.98 which indicates that yam production was a profitable enterprise in the study area. The factors that influence the total output were farm size (P<0.05), Agro chemical (P<0.01). The factors influencing technical efficiency were educational level of farmers (P<0.05), access to credit facilities (P<0.05), extension contact (P<0.05), farming experience (P<0.05), household size (P<0.05) and cooperative membership of (P<0.05). The mean technical efficiency was 51.1%. Yam farmers encountered the following constraints; high cost of transportation, inputs, seed material, inadequate finances and lack of storage facilities. The following recommendations were made: since yam production is a profitable enterprise it should be encouraged to increase their scale of production to earn more profit that could improve their welfare and livelihood. Farm input such as agro-chemical, improved seed varieties should be provided to yam farmers at subsidized rate and timely by government or non-governmental agencies. Keywords: Technical Efficiency, Yam Farmers, Yam Production, Farm Management Key words: Source Documents, Credibility, Financial Reports, Accounting Circle Journal Reference Format: Idisi, P.O., Musa, S., Maduekwe, I.M., Ogunrinde, H., Atteh, A.P., Emmanuel, A.I. & Simpa, O.J. (2023): Technical Efficiency in Yam Production Among Small Scale Farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Humanities, Management, Arts, Education & the Social Sciences Journal. Vol. 12. No. 1, Pp 29-48. www.isteams.net/humanitiesjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/HUMANITIES/V12N4P3

Assessing the ecosystem service values of tea plantations using conventional and organic farming methods: Is organic farming always better?

Low-elevation mountainous (LEM) areas in some countries are reclaimed for agriculture (especially, for deep cultivation of tea trees) due to their accessibility, higher temperature, and more rainfall, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. However, extensive development in these areas causes lasting ecological damage; and hence it is crucial to evaluate the ecological value of these areas for formulating relevant ecological protection policies. Therefore, this study evaluated the ecosystem service value of tea plantations in LEM areas using the contingent valuation method based on the subjective consciousness of farmers, rather than an objective assessment. A questionnaire survey was conducted on tea farmers in Mingjian Township (which is one of the major tea-producing LEM areas in Mid-Taiwan); and ecosystem service values of tea plantations between conventional farming methods (CFMs) and organic farming methods (OFMs) were compared. Firstly, the differences in willingness to pay (WTP) for the samples including and excluding protest responses were investigated, and then a regression analysis to estimate the WTP price for maintaining the tea plantation ecology was conducted. Empirical results showed a significantly negative correlation between the WTP price and the education level of farmers in tea plantations using CFMs, but a significantly positive correlation in tea plantations using both CFMs and OFMs. Most respondents were male and used CFMs to operate tea plantations; and those with higher monthly income and using both CFMs and OFMs were willing to pay more. Regarding ecosystem services of tea plantations, the respondents preferred the “provisioning” ecosystem services, and were willing to pay an average of NT$ 718.92 and NT$ 794.32 per year for maintaining the ecology of tea plantations using CFMs and OFMs, respectively. The unit ecological value of tea plantations was not inferior to those of coniferous and broad-leaved forests, paddy fields, and algae reefs from previous studies. Finally, some suggestions are proposed for a reference in formulating relevant ecological protection policies.

Evaluation of the Development Strategies Village Breeding Center Peranakan Ongole (PO) Cattle Based on Swot Analysis

The research revealed that the appropriate strategy for the development of local cattle is influenced by both internal and external factors, such as the age of farmers, the educational level of farmers, the experience of cattle, the main job of farmers, availability of land, knowledge of cattle farm management, use of technology and access to funding, and government support. This researchaims to evaluate the development of the POvillage breeding centerbased on internal and external factors. The research methodology employed involved conducting surveys, interviews, and documentation of cattle farmers, livestock group leaders, and Bojonegoro livestock department officials as sources of information. The method used in this study was purposive sampling. Descriptive quantitative and SWOT analyseswere carefully applied to the available data. The internal factor analysis yielded a total value of 1.03 on the positive X-axis, while the external factor had a value of 0.15 on the positive Y-axis. As a result, the SWOT analysis shows the development ofa PO village breeding centerin quadrant I, which indicated that the program for developinga village breeding centerwas on the right track (aggressive) by continuously implementing growth strategies. Developing the source area for PO cattle has excellent potential to enhance the productivity and quality of PO cattle produced. The development strategy of PO cattle village breeding centershould focus on the potential strength aspect of the capacity of local regions and farmers' support.

Profitability analysis of Binadhan-20 production in some selected areas of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to analyze the profitability of Binadhan-20 producing farmers in Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Rangpur districts of Bangladesh. This study was based on primary data which were collected from 150 Binadhan-20 producing farmers. In the sampled areas data were collected through pre-designed interview schedule from February-March, 2022 for achieving the purpose. In the study, costs and return analysis were done on both cash cost and full cost basis for estimating profitability. The cultivation of Binadhan-20 was profitable from the viewpoint of the farmers. The study found that Binadhan-20 production is profitable. The average net return per hectare was Tk. 29964. The net return was highest in Rangpur (Tk. 31735/ha) followed by Mymensingh (Tk. 30142/ha) and Jamalpur (Tk. 28015/ha), respectively. Benefit cost ratio was 1.41 and 2.02 on full cost and cash cost basis implying that the Binadhan-20 cultivation at farm level was profitable. Cobb-Douglas production function was chosen to determine the factor affecting gross return of Binadhan-20 production. All of the factors namely, human labour cost, power tiller cost, seed cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, wedding cost and insecticides cost were statistically significant and positive. The regression coefficients for farming experience and agricultural training under all areas had negative but significant relationship at 5% and 10% level, respectively. The regression coefficient of age was positive and significant at 5% level. Under all areas, the regression coefficient of education and farm size was positive but not significant. The farmers in the study areas encountered some constraints to Binadhan-20 production. The first ranked constraint was unavailability of seeds in all areas (92%). Other constraints were lack of training (65%), lack of technical know-how (40%), natural calamities (36%), lack of capital (26%) and low education level of farmers (14%). The economic return of Binadhan-20 production encouraging to the farmer’s for more production. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 81-90, 2023

Climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia: Adoption of multiple crop production practices as a sustainable adaptation and mitigation strategies

Given that Ethiopian agriculture is seriously threatened by climate change, understanding the factors that influencing the adoption of various climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices supports policy interventions to reduce negative effects of climate change. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring determinants of the adoption of multiple CSA practices by focusing on crop production. This study used data from 271 randomly selected smallholder farmers from the Gamo, Gofa and Konso zones of Southern Ethiopia, and a multivariate probit (MVP) model was used to analyze the data. Crop diversification, irrigation, drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, integrated soil fertility management, and integrated pest management were prominent CSA practices to improve crop productivity, increase adaptivity capacity, and mitigate the adverse climate change effects in the study area. The study's findings indicate that the adoption of CSA practices varies considerably between farmers and agroecology. The MVP simulation result reveals that farmers’ adoption decisions for CSA practices are highly interdependent, indicating that farmers adopt two or more adaptation and mitigation strategies as mutual CSA practices. Furthermore, the regression result reveals that the education level of farmers, extension contact, accessing climate variability information, access to irrigation facilities, and social group participation were similar underlying factors that affected the adoption decision of CSA practices. By providing climate change information, respective organizations should encourage farmers to utilize available alternate irrigation access and climate-resilient crop varieties. In addition, strengthening social norms through agricultural cooperatives and training on the application of integrated pest management and soil fertility management are suggested to spur farmers' CSA uptake.

Hungarian Farmers and the Adoption of Precision Farming

Abstract Definitions of precision farming emphasise that it is at the heart of the pursuit of economic, environmental and social sustainability. In our study, precision farming is understood as a form of farming that seeks to optimise and manage efficiently, where technology is the key factor, but is primarily based on human knowledge and willingness to use technology. We discuss precision farming as a social innovation of artificial intelligence. Primarily, the social conditions of the application were the focus of our research, which is characteristically different from economic, financial and productivity approaches. The potential for the application of precision farming varies widely from country to country. Our aim is to analyse the diffusion and limitations of precision farming in Hungary and the motivations of farmers. In our qualitative research, we interviewed 60 precision farmers and 10 experts about their perceptions of precision technology and their motivations and barriers to the use of AI. Our results show that the main barriers to the uptake of precision technologies are the low education level of farmers, their inexperience, low interest level and lack of commitment. They are not aware of the benefits of precision technologies and do not take the time to acquire information and knowledge. There is a lack of willingness to cooperate and a very low level of trust among Hungarian farmers.

Farmers’ prioritization of dairy development strategies in Vavuniya district, Sri Lanka

This study examines dairy farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for dairy development strategies in the Vavuniya district of Sri Lanka. Yeo hundred dairy farmers from Vavuniya district were randomly selected for this study. The choice research approach was applied, and conditional logit models were developed. The results of the study show that farmers are willing to pay for all the selected development strategies. Farmers prioritize the development strategies as follows: training in silage making, morning and evening milk collection, the establishment of milk collection centres within 2 km of dairy farms, and doubling the success rate of artificial insemination. Farmers’ WTP for training in silage making is higher than their WTP for other dairy development strategies. Female farmers’ WTP for training in silage making is greater than male farmers’ WTP for the same training. Farmers' income and education level each have a positive effect on their WTP for training in silage making, and their education level positively influences their WTP for morning and evening milk collection. The results of this study will assist policymakers in developing appropriate dairy development strategies and charges for the services offered.

Analisis Komparasi Keuntungan Usahatani Padi Sawah dan Bawang Putih Lokal di Subak Aya Desa Babahan, Kecamatan Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan

Comparative Analysis of Farming Profits for Rice and Local Garlic in Subak Aya, Babahan Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency.
 Subak Aya is a subak in Tabanan Regency where in the same growing season some farmers plant garlic and some grow rice. The purpose of the study was to analyze the characteristics of rice and local garlic farmers and to analyze the comparative advantage of farming between rice and local garlic. The analysis uses the average difference test with the help of the SPSS application. The results of this study indicate 1) Most of the farmers who grow rice and local garlic are of productive age, namely 15-64 years with more than 10 years of farming experience with land status mostly being cultivated land and arable land area above 30 acres. The education level of most farmers is high school and the number of family dependents of most local garlic farmers is 3 people while rice farmers are more than 3 people. 2) There is a significant difference in the profits obtained by farmers of rice and local garlic (h1 is accepted), where the profit of local garlic is higher, namely Rp. 13.272.710 /ha/growing season while rice only Rp 2.111.876 /ha/growing season. Farmers are advised to maximize the production of garlic to see that the profits obtained are greater than the benefits of rice production. The role of the government is also deemed necessary to assist farmers in the form of capital (money), technology and other production facilities, so that farmers can produce garlic effectively and efficiently, increase productivity which in turn has higher competitiveness compared to the imported garlic market.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE EXTREMES: THE CASE OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN SOUTHERN ZAMBIA

This study assesses smallholder farmers' adaptation to climate extremes and its contributing factors in Zambia's southern province. The study employed primary data from 270 smallholder farmers, constituting the sample size. According to the study's findings, change crop variety was adopted by 43% of the farmers. Other strategies of adaptation that were employed include; agricultural insurance, change sow/harvest date, crop diversification and soil conservation. The findings also showed that the various adaptation strategies (agricultural insurance, change sow/harvest date, crop diversification and soil conservation), correlated positively with age, education, distance, farming experience, radio ownership, an ox, a plough, and extension source. The study makes the following recommendations; (a) enhancing the education and awareness level of farmers towards climate extreme, (b) when drafting policy, asset formation should be considered, and (c) when developing and implementing adaptation strategies, indigenous knowledge should be taken into account.

Adoption of dairy technologies in smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia

The adoption of modern agricultural technologies in Ethiopia’s dairy production system remains underutilized and under-researched yet it is a promising sector to aid in reducing poverty, improving the food security situation and the welfare of rural households, and in ensuring environmental sustainability. This paper uses the Negative Binomial regression model to examine determinants of multiple agricultural technology adoption in the Addis Ababa and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 159 smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa and Oromia regions exploring 19 technologies used by the farmers during the study period. The findings show that farm location and herd size impact adoption decisions. Increasing herd size is associated with increased uptake of multiple technologies. Further, as farmer education level increases the more likely farmers are to adopt multiple technologies. The increase in the number of female workers is positively associated with the adoption of multiple dairy technologies. In terms of farmers’/workers’ years of experience, those with no years of work experience are less likely to have adopted multiple technologies than those with more than 5 years of experience. However, this could be due to a number of factors where experience stands as a proxy value. Trust in information from government agencies was associated with a higher propensity to adopt multiple dairy technology as was farmer perception of fellow farmers as peers compared to those who perceive them as competitors. This is an important finding as it may help policymakers or institutions explore knowledge exchange and diffusion of innovation strategies tailored to specific farming and community situations. Studies have shown that farmers within a social group learn from each other more fully about the benefits and usage of new technology. These findings are of value in future technology adoption studies, particularly which factors influence the intensity of adoption of multiple technologies by smallscale producers.