Empowerment Of Farmers Research Articles

Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Agriculture: Analyzing Barriers and Solutions

This paper focuses on the economic empowerment of women in the agricultural sector in Afghanistan. It aims to highlight the critical role that women play in agriculture and the necessity of addressing the barriers they face to enhance their participation and contributions to sustainable development. The methodology employed in this research involves a comprehensive analysis of the barriers hindering women's economic empowerment in agriculture. This includes examining social, economic, and legal challenges, as well as proposing actionable solutions to overcome these obstacles. The key findings of this study reveal that women's empowerment in agriculture is significantly impacted by factors such as limited access to education, financial resources, and decision-making processes. The results indicate that addressing these barriers can lead to improved economic outcomes for women and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Afghanistan. The implications of these findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions and support programs. The findings of this research are crucial for informing policy-making and planning efforts aimed at promoting gender equality in agriculture. By recognizing the importance of empowering women economically, stakeholders can implement strategies that foster inclusive growth and sustainable development in rural areas.

Hilirisasi Buah Naga Melalui Pemberdayaan Petani di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0

Dragon fruit downstreaming through farmer empowerment is one of the important strategies in increasing added value and competitiveness of agricultural products in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. This research aims to identify challenges and opportunities in the downstream process of dragon fruit through farmer empowerment by utilizing digital technology. This approach emphasizes the use of smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and automation to improve production efficiency, distribution, and market access for dragon fruit farmers. Through digitally integrated supply chain optimization, it is expected that farmers can be more empowered in managing crops, improving product quality, and expanding access to local and international markets. The results showed that with technological innovation, farmers have great potential to increase productivity and competitiveness of dragon fruit products in the global market. However, the implementation of this technology also faces challenges, especially in terms of farmers' digital literacy and technological infrastructure. Therefore, collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector is needed to provide assistance and training to farmers in order to optimize the use of technology in the agricultural sector

Small-holder Goat Farmer Profile Demographic-based on Financial Aspect in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi Province

Generally, goat farming in Majene Regency is traditionally managed, with relatively low average livestock ownership. This study aims to classify the demographic profile based on the R/C ratio value to identify groups of farmers who need special attention. This approach allows for more targeted policy development, resulting in more efficient use of resources, increased profitability, and a positive impact on the economy of goat farmers. The sampling method used the limited population formula, resulting in 123 farmers. A simple random sampling method was used, and the data collection method used a survey technique. K-mean cluster analysis was performed to classify farmers into three groups. The results obtained are in the form of several points described as follows: (1) technical efficiency related to physical strength, (2) business efficiency does not depend on formal education, (3) productive age and experience can increase efficiency, (4) efficiency is not maximized due to traditional management and (5) livelihoods of farmers affect the scale of ownership. This finding emphasizes the need for empowerment for women farmers, such as forming a Farmer Women Group (FWG). For goat farmers who consider traditional methods to optimize efficiency, counseling and training are needed. For goat farmers who consider traditional methods to maximize efficiency, counseling and training are needed. More detail, a pilot or fostered goat farm with easy, efficient and profitable management is needed based on technology so that farmers who still make raising livestock a side job are more confident and switch to focus more on goat breeding activities.

Determinants of women’s empowerment in agriculture: a multidimensional analysis

Determinants of women’s empowerment in agriculture: a multidimensional analysis

Optimizing agricultural downstream supply chain: addressing information asymmetry and losses

PurposeThis study aims to understand the significant issues in the downstream supply chain of agricultural commodities and find out the improved strategy.Design/methodology/approachA value chain analysis on a downstream supply chain is performed to understand all ground-level issues related to information asymmetry and material losses. The study maps processes, actors, activities, product flow, information flow, material volume flow, technology adoption and value share. The study is performed by doing a qualitative survey using a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 120 farmers, six aggregators, six traders in APMC mandis, six processors, six distributors and six retailers. A case study is performed on the mustard supply chain in Rajasthan to relate the results more comprehensively. After identifying the prominent issues, a cause-and-effect analysis is done to generate suggestions for improvement in the paper.FindingsThe study reveals that the downstream supply chain has 8–12% losses of agricultural produce, and 5–7% of that is at the farmer’s end as post-harvesting losses. Farmers cannot access all available options for marketing their produce because of poor information exchange and poor reach. It suggests farmer empowerment for the optimum benefit of the entire supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study conducted by field visits and lacks statistical evidence for some findings. The dataset can be more extensive, diversified, and analyzed for various commodities.Practical implicationsThe study’s outcome will guide the stakeholders in finding more optimum options in the downstream agriculture supply chain. Research methodology can be used as a template for studying the supply chain of any agricultural commodity in different countries.Originality/valueThe study reveals the prominent issues, causes, effects and solutions throughout the agriculture downstream supply chain. The study is a bundle of foremost observations altogether. The study has been conducted in-depth in the field with actual scenarios that unlayered the hidden issues at the root. This study addresses a relatively underexplored area and provides actionable recommendations, which significantly contribute to the existing literature on the agriculture supply chain.

Assessing the Cocoa Farmer Empowerment Program through the Lens of Stufflebeam's Evaluation Framework: A Farmer-Centric Approach

This study evaluates the effectiveness of PT. Berau Coal's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for empowering cocoa farmers in Berau Regency, Indonesia, using Stufflebeam's Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations involving 28 key informants, including representatives from PT. Berau Coal, local government, NGOs, and cocoa farmers, the study assesses the program's alignment with farmers' needs, the provision of resources and training, implementation challenges, and outcomes. The findings reveal that the program addresses farmers' aspirations for economic improvement and capacity building, with PT. Berau Coal providing essential facilities, knowledge-sharing opportunities, and a supportive environment. However, challenges persist, including the need for enhanced collaboration with the government, expanded socialization efforts, and a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system. Despite these challenges, the program has yielded positive results, such as increased cocoa production and sales, and the emergence of skilled farmer champions. The study recommends strengthening partnerships within the cocoa value chain and continuously adapting the program to ensure its long-term sustainability and scalability in driving the empowerment of cocoa farmers in Berau Regency.

The Spatial Context of the Removal of Sustainable Rice Fields in Surakarta City

The area designated for agriculture is diminishing due to urban expansion. Control measures play a crucial role in preventing the conversion of agricultural land. The limited availability of land in Surakarta City serves as justification for the city government, as a regulatory body, not to designate agricultural areas in the Surakarta City spatial planning (RTRW) for the years 2021-2041. When the central government enacted a policy regarding the protection of rice fields, the Surakarta City administration requested its exclusion from the decree. This study adopts a case study approach to provide an overview of agricultural lands in Surakarta City that have been omitted from this policy. Data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis. It has been observed that Surakarta City still possesses rice fields that local farmers cultivate, and these farmers are residents holding Surakarta ID cards. This situation leads to a realization that the city’s planning fails to support sustainable development despite agriculture not being the predominant occupation in the area. In addition to the ineffective control efforts at the city level, this phenomenon highlights the need for agricultural empowerment to ensure the continued development of socio-cultural practices.

Women empowerment, efficiency and food security nexus in rural Ethiopia: A generalized structural equation modeling.

Agriculture has been recognized as a key sector to leverage for improved food security. Yet, the evidence on agriculture-gender linkages to food security is still scarce and winding. This study investigates the impact of women empowerment in agriculture on efficiency and food security of households and individuals. Cross-sectional data was collected from 245 women, 80 children and 250 households surveyed in Libokemem district, Ethiopia. Stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level and determinants of efficiency and generalized structural equation modeling to examine empowerment, efficiency and food security nexus. Around 33% of households, 44% of women and 28% of children in the district were food insecure while 64% of households had adequate levels of women empowerment and their efficiency in crop farming was 65.2%. This suggests farmers have the potential to increase crop production by about 35% at existing levels of inputs. Women are disempowered in two major domains including heavy workload and lack of voice in production decisions, which contributed to a marked level of disempowerment at 48 and 22% respectively. The findings also revealed women empowerment improved dietary diversity and ensured food security for women, children and households. The interaction pathways helped enhance food diversification and better market orientation of farms encouraged these outcomes to increase among all aforementioned groups. However, the adverse implication of efficiency interaction proved to be stronger than its direct positive effect, the efficiency interaction pathway yielded net reduction of these outcomes across all groups. In conclusion, empowering women in agriculture does not just augment market orientation of farmers, it also improves food security of households and vulnerable individuals. This requires interventions specifically targeting those dimensions of disempowerment to increase empowerment to affect the agriculture-food-nutrition nexus positively. Some even suggest gender has a disconnecting/adverse effect on these linkages.

Role of farmer producer organizations in promoting women empowerment in agriculture

Role of farmer producer organizations in promoting women empowerment in agriculture

Economic empowerment of coastal female farmers on the north coast of Java through implementing CSR program

Abstract Women play an essential part in development, but their role is often neglected. The attempt to economically engage women is one surviving strategy for the coastal people identical to poverty. Ironically, women’s participation in economic activity is still so low that an initiative for women’s empowerment is needed, just like the 5th point of the Sustainable Development Goals. Corporation, through CSR programs, contributes to realizing women’s empowerment. This research aimed to analyze the process of women’s empowerment through CSR programs. The qualitative research with a case study approach took place on the north coast of Java, precisely in Pangkalan Village, Sluke Sub District, Rembang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were gathered by conducting in-depth interviews with female farmers, agricultural extensionists, village government officers, and community development officers of PT. PLN Nusantara Power UP Rembang (Rembang Service Unit of PT. PLN Nusantara Power) was supported by data resulting from observation and documentation. Research showed that empowerment was carried out by organizing women in a farmer group through planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Planning was carried out through problem identification, potency, and target need mapping. The implementation involved facilitating the improvement of human resources through training and comparative studies, group development, and the provision of facilities and access to marketing. Monitoring and evaluation were held periodically throughout the group’s routine meetings. In conclusion, the CSR program can positively change women’s improved economic innovation, supported by synergic collaboration among stakeholders.

Empowerment of Eucalyptus Oil Farmer Groups Through Training in The Use of Social Media for Product Marketing

In Buru Regency, Waimiting Village is one of the eucalyptus oil processing centers. Processed eucalyptus oil products still have obstacles in marketing management in the community. The lack of optimization of farmers' marketing management institutions has had an economic impact on farmers' welfare. Therefore, training on the use of social media for marketing eucalyptus oil products is important to be carried out to increase the empowerment of farmers in fulfilling income which then leads to the welfare of farmers. The objective of this program is to support the growth of small businesses owned by a group of social entrepreneurship-based entrepreneurs and eucalyptus oil distillation centers. The research was conducted using participatory surveys, observations, lectures, discussions, and silent practice, involving about 12 people who are members of the "Kayu Putih Lestari" farmer group. The results of the program implementation showed the seriousness and enthusiasm of the participants in each training session. Program partners were able to understand a number of technical issues, such as social media-based marketing management, utilization of social media marketing, and brand creation agreements for eucalyptus oil distillation-based business ventures from farmer groups in Waimiting Village. They also showed an increase in understanding by 14 points (80%) during the training. Participants were also able to put the training into practice during the learning sessions.

PERILAKU POLITIK PEREMPUAN TANI DALAM PILKADA LANGSUNG: Studi di Kecamatan Konda Kabupaten Konawe Selatan

This study aims to explore deeper the motivations, attitudes, and political preferences of women farmers in direct regional elections, and how social, economic, and cultural factors influence their political behaviour. This study is a qualitative descriptive study, with a case study approach. This study uses a qualitative research method. The methods used to collect data in this study are: observation, interviews and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the motivations, attitudes, and political preferences of women farmers in direct regional elections are greatly influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors. The majority of women farmers choose candidates who are considered capable of supporting family needs and improving community welfare. Their political attitudes are also shaped by their life experiences, social interactions, and roles in the family. Policies that focus on the economic empowerment of women farmers, such as increasing employment opportunities or skills training programs, often attract their attention. These preferences are not only the result of urgent needs but also a reflection of women farmers' aspirations to improve the standard of living of their families and their environment.

Challenges Faced in the Utilization of FAQs in Agriculture among Farmers in Kerala, India

The study aimed to identify and rank the challenges faced by farmers in South Kerala in utilizing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Frequently Asked Question Solution (FAQ-S) for agricultural information. The research was carried out across five districts, viz., Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam, representing diverse agricultural practices. A total of 150 progressive farmers were randomly selected, with 30 participants from each district, based on their active involvement in agricultural programs and knowledge-sharing activities. Primary data were collected through in-person interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured schedule. Challenges were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique, which provided a comprehensive evaluation of their significance based on both mean scores and Garrett values. The findings revealed that the lack of awareness (mean=72.01 and Garrett value= 80) about FAQ-S ranked as the most critical challenge, followed by time constraints (mean=69.65 and Garrett value= 33 and insufficient trust (mean=54.56 and Garrett value= 40 in the information provided. Other significant barriers included limited content relevance, technical difficulties, language barriers, and access issues. However, despite the agricultural sector's potential, farmers in Kerala, particularly smallholders, face barriers in accessing updated and reliable information essential for improving agricultural productivity. The study concluded that targeted interventions, such as awareness campaigns, trust-building initiatives, localized content development, and improved digital literacy, are essential to enhance the effectiveness of FAQ-S. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended that if these challenges are properly addressed, it will improve information dissemination, empower farmers, and support sustainable agricultural development in Kerala.

WOMEN ROLES IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AND IT’S IMPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Women play significant roles in agriculture and livestock production in particular in many countries in Africa of which Nigeria is not an exception. Some of them own livestock especially sheep and goats since these animals are smaller and easier to handle compared to cattle, this study examined the socio- economic characteristics of women livestock farmers, the roles women play in livestock production, their access to extension services and the challenges they encounter with regards to extension service delivery in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The survey was carried out in two local government areas; Yar-gaya and Dan-hassan of Jigawa State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 81 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the aid of questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, pie-charts and bar-charts. The results of the study revealed that 72.2% of the women are married, 50.6% possessed primary school education, 37.1% had informal education and 54.4% had a household size of (1-5). It further revealed that goat (32.10%) is the most common livestock specie kept by women while 29.6. % of the women were involved in marketing of livestock products (milk). A few (35.6%), of the livestock women farmers obtained agricultural information from household members, other sources were; radio (32.22%), extension agents (3.70%), and non-governmental organizations (16.05%). Poor access to agricultural extension services (64.6%) was the major challenge faced by women livestock farmers in the study location. This study therefore recommends that the federal government should ensure that gender-sensitive policies are adopted and implemented to improve the participation and empowerment of female livestock farmers.

ANALYSIS OF RURAL WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AMONG RICE FARMERS IN ZONE A OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study examines the analysis of rural women participation in agricultural decision-making process among rice farmers in Zone A of Kano State, Nigeria. A Multistage sampling technique was used to select 377 rural women farmers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that morethan half (54.6% and 50.1%) of the rural women agreed and strongly agreed that they sourced household finance through personal savings and government and NGO’s while majority (65.5% and 71.9%) of the respondents were members of cooperatives and had contact with extension agents respectively. The result also revealed that a notable proportion (42.4% and 40.8%) of the respondents had agreed that they received agricultural information through cooperatives/associations and fellow farmers respectively. Furthermore, the result revealed that morethan half (50.1%) of the repondents agreed that they received information on processing and marketing of rice while majority (58.9%) of the respondents strongly agreed that they received information on water and soil management. The result also showed that 44.7% of the respondents revealed that they were fully involved in selection of manure/fertilizer decision-making and 45.9% mentioned they were to large extent involved in sowing seed decision-making. The result also showed that 32.9% of the respondents participated in winnowing while 20.0% participated in marketing in the study. The regression results, showed that education level was found to be significant (P<0.05) respectively, while, farm size, farming experience, membership in cooperative society, extension visit and level of income were also found to be significant (P<0.01) respectively, with R2 0.723. The study concluded that rural women farmers are generally involved in decision-making processes and participation on rice production, processing and marketing such as selection of manure and fertilizer, sowing, threshing, winnowing and packaging among others. The major constraints associated with rice production, processing and processing includes inadequate financial support, less availability of time, traditional beliefs and cultural values among others. The study recommends women participation in agricultural decision-making process will enhance investment in girl child education should be prioritized by the government in other to increase female literacy rate and women empowerment in agriculture.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Views and Perspectives of Cacao Entrepreneurs on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Bicol Region, Philippines

Innovation and entrepreneurship are fundamental drivers of economic growth. Oftentimes, sustainable development is equated with these two indices where untapped potential and emerging industries are available that present countless opportunities for the people. A research study was conducted composed of cacao farmers, farmers/processors and farmers/processors/traders residing in various towns in the Bicol region, Philippines aimed at determining their perception, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives and strategies. A survey-questionnaire was designed and administered to 70 cacao farmers and entrepreneurs and qualitative data analysis techniques, such as thematic coding and content analysis was employed to analyze result of the interview and focus group discussions. Findings of the study showed that farming is the primary focus for the majority of respondents (67%), with only a minority involved in processing or trading activities. The most highly recommended innovative cacao-based products with potential market success are primarily in the food and confectionery categories, with substantial interest in beverages and skincare products. Ninety-one percent (91%) are willing to pay a premium for innovative cacao products because they value supporting local entrepreneurship and a good sign of a strong community support for local businesses with high level of willingness to invest in locally developed products. Job creation and empowerment of small-scale farmers are considered as top benefits of a community-based value-added cacao products enterprise. Limited financial investment/capital is the most significant problem faced, followed closely by unstable demand and low and unregulated farm gate price of agricultural commodities.

The Relationship between Farmer Empowerment, Technological Innovation, and Economic Sustainability in the Oil Palm Farming Sector in Kalimantan

The Relationship between Farmer Empowerment, Technological Innovation, and Economic Sustainability in the Oil Palm Farming Sector in Kalimantan

TINGKAT KEBERDAYAAN PETANI PADI SAWAH BERDASARKAN KARAKTERISTIK SOSIAL EKONOMI

Lowland rice farmers in North Aceh Regency do not yet have a good level of ability in developing rice agribusiness. Ability is one element of empowerment. Low ability shows low empowerment. Empowered farmers mean having adequate knowledge, attitudes and skills so they are able to manage their farming business well. The research aims to determine the level of empowerment of rice farmers based on socio-economic characteristics. This research uses primary data derived from interviews with lowland rice farmers. Data analysis uses qualitative descriptive methods. The results of the analysis show that there are differences in levels of empowerment when viewed based on age, income and land area. Meanwhile, in terms of education, experience, number of dependents and source of income, it is generally known that all farmers are in the same category, namely empowered.

Evaluation of the Sustainability Status of Arabica Coffee-based Eco-farming on Sembalun’s Drylands, East Lombok Regency

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the application of eco-farming practices to support the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming in the drylands of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency. Specifically, it aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of eco-farming in creating a sustainable agricultural system, (2) evaluate the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, and (3) identify solutions that enhance the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming and the well-being of local farmers. Study Design: The study follows a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the Arabica coffee farming areas of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, over a period of two months Methodology: Arabica coffee farmers in Sembalun were selected as the primary unit of analysis. Data collection involved direct interviews, field observations, and documentation of farming practices. The gathered data were analyzed using Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) with Exsimpro software to assess the sustainability across five dimensions: ecology, economy, sociocultural aspects, institutional factors, and technology. Results: The findings reveal varying levels of sustainability across the evaluated dimensions. The sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun is considered good, with an average score of 64.58, indicating that current farming practices meet sustainability standards. Sustainability solutions for Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun involve a holistic approach, including agroforestry, farmer empowerment through training and cooperatives, product diversification, and support from government and private sectors to balance economic and environmental goals. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, highlighting the role of eco-farming practices in improving ecological balance, economic viability, social welfare, institutional support, and technological advancement in farming. The findings suggest several actionable recommendations for policy enhancements to support long-term sustainability and improve farmer well-being in this region.

Determinants of household participation in the cassava value-chain in South Africa

Cassava’s adaptability to different agroecological conditions, high yield, as well as its ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions, makes it an essential food security crop. In South Africa, the cassava value chain is currently uncoordinated and underdeveloped, with a couple of smallholder farmers growing the crop for household consumption and as a source of income. Other farmers regard it as a secondary crop and hardly any producers grow it for industrial purposes. Hence, this study sought to analyze the determinants of household participation in the cassava value chain in South Africa. The study employed the multivariate probit model to analyze the determinants of household participation in the cassava value chain in South Africa, using a primary dataset collected through a simple sample method from smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Results show that livestock ownership has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood of farmers participating in the value chain by growing cassava for household food consumption. Also, findings reveal that hiring labour in cassava production and an increase in the yield during the previous season increases the probability of farmers’ interest in selling cassava tubers along the value chain. Hence, the positive and statistically significant influence of hiring labour during cassava production in driving the farmers’ interest in selling cassava tubers and cuttings implies that the development of the cassava value chain presents great opportunities for creating jobs (employment) in the country. Also, policy interventions that ensure land tenure security and empower farmers to increase their cassava yields are bound to encourage further participation in the value chain with an interest in selling fresh tubers, among other derived products to generate income. Lastly, programmes that empower and encourage youth participation in the cassava value chain can increase the number of farmers interested in selling cassava products.