Empowerment Of Farmers Research Articles

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.

Empowerment and gender norms among Yoruba women and men cassava producers

Yoruba women have gained a reputation as empowered traders, but their empowerment in agriculture has received less attention. This study examines the empowerment of Yoruba men and women cassava producers in Nigeria's Southwest geopolitical zone. It combines data from an Abbreviated Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) survey with results from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. An additional focus is on how norms that foster balanced household gender relations interact with those that produce inequalities. Yoruba men farmers appeared more empowered than their wives in all the domains measured by the A-WEAI in spite of women's high involvement in processing and trade. The fact that the same domains contributed most to men and women's disempowerment points to structural issues that affect men and women unevenly. The study finds signs of emerging shifts in gender norms: women demanded to be acknowledged as farmers and indicated first moves into land ownership. However, the most asymmetric effect of normative constraints experienced by women as a result of unpaid labor, alongside their own income-generating activities tend to neutralize these gains. Hence, the embeddedness of pockets of potentially symmetric institutions in a larger asymmetric patriarchal system of imbalanced resource access and agency does not produce equitable outcomes. Future research should address men's and women's participation in cassava trade and production and their benefits from it more holistically.

Farmer Assessment of the Effectiveness of Empowerment Strategies to Increase Farming Profits

Farmer empowerment is crucial for agricultural development, yet its effectiveness often depends on how well strategies align with farmers' needs. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of the farmer empowerment strategies according to the farmer assessment. The research employs a qualitative multi-case study approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with farmer group chairmen and members. The study reveals varying levels of effectiveness across seven government-implemented empowerment strategies. These three strategies comprised developing agricultural product marketing systems, consolidating agricultural land, and providing access to science and technology were unfamiliar to participants. The organic fertilizer training strategy was deemed effective in improving competence and profits. Extension services were considered effective in enhancing competence, profits, and productivity. However, institutional strengthening strategies were seen as ineffective in developing farmer groups into cooperatives. Financing facilities through People's Business Credit (PBC).

Digital agriculture’s impact on carbon dioxide emissions varies with the economic development of Chinese provinces

Digital empowerment is a dynamic process of complementary digital technology and production factors and plays a critical role in achieving the dual carbon objectives of the carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Here, we use the input-output method, employing panel data on environmental and social factors from 30 provincial-level regions in China from 2012 to 2021. We explore the impact of digital empowerment development on agricultural carbon dioxide emissions and underlying mechanisms. We found that the relationship between digital empowerment and carbon dioxide emissions is nonlinear and follows an inverted U-curve. The carbon dioxide emissions increase as digital empowerment increases and decrease when digital empowerment crosses the inflection point of 0.0862. Digital empowerment reduces agricultural carbon emissions by optimizing carbon-intensive factor inputs such as fertilizers and improving factor allocation efficiency. Our research provides evidence for policymakers to enable the promotion of digital empowerment of farmers across Chinese provinces.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Rural Women Farmers Through Mobile Technology in Kerala

This research paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on empowering rural women farmers and promoting inclusive agricultural development. The primary emphasis is on how mobile technology enables rural women producers to become more self-reliant in agriculture, promotes market participation, strengthens social connections, facilitates socioeconomic integration, enhances rural quality of life, and fosters sustainable agricultural development. In addition, this study also analyses the influence of demographic factors on the use of mobile technology among rural women farmers. This study was carried out in Kerala, a renowned agricultural state in India. In Kerala, the Palakkad district is known to be the granary of Kerala due to the availability of fertile valleys, rivers, forests, and paddy fields. Data were collected from 192 rural women farmers from Palakkad via semi-structured interviews, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions (FGD). The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Garratt ranking method. The results demonstrate that mobile technology markedly enhances access to agricultural information, market engagement, and social connectivity, resulting in greater empowerment for rural women farmers. Nonetheless, obstacles such as insufficient digital literacy and inadequate mobile infrastructure access persist as considerable impediments. The findings demonstrate the revolutionary potential of mobile phone use in bridging information gaps, empowering women farmers in rural areas, and advancing equitable agricultural development, as well as the barriers faced by rural women in using mobile technology.

Social Interaction for Empowering and Encouraging Farmer Productivity in Kecamatan Rubaru, Sumenep

This research focuses on social interaction and farmer empowerment in Rubaru District, Sumenep, and its impact on agricultural productivity. Social interaction between farmers plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity, while farmer empowerment is an important factor in increasing welfare. This study adopts the framework of symbolic interaction theory to understand the role of communication and interaction in agricultural development. Miles and Huberman’s research method was used, involving in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document content analysis with five informants. The research results show that positive social interactions between farmers contribute to increasing agricultural knowledge, skills, and innovation. Farmer empowerment involves providing knowledge, skills, and access to resources and supporting better decision-making in agriculture. The role of farmer groups and cooperatives in facilitating social interaction and empowering farmers is very important. Madurese people’s myths and cultural beliefs influence farmers’ understanding of agricultural practices. Field instructors need to have cultural sensitivity and effective communication. In conclusion, social interaction and farmer empowerment positively increase agricultural productivity in Rubaru District, Sumenep. Peer-to-peer education and strong relationships between field extension workers and farmers play an important role in knowledge transfer and behavior change, providing valuable insights for the development of farmer empowerment programs and sustainable agricultural development. Keywords: social interaction, empowerment, farmer groups, productivity

Empowerment of Farmers Through GAPOKTAN to Improve Farmers' Welfare

The general background the empowerment of farmers is crucial for improving their welfare and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Specific background This study focuses on the role of Farmer Group Associations (GAPOKTAN) in Dukuhsari Village as a platform for farmer empowerment. Knowledge gap Despite the recognized importance of farmer groups in community development, there is limited understanding of how these associations function to enhance farmers' welfare in specific contexts. Aims the research aims to analyze and describe the effectiveness of GAPOKTAN in empowering farmers within Dukuhsari Village. Results the findings indicate that GAPOKTAN has successfully facilitated the fulfillment of farmers' basic needs, improved access to resources, and fostered critical awareness among farmers. Participation of farmers in group activities has been instrumental in enhancing their involvement in agricultural management and empowerment processes. Novelty this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the operational mechanisms of GAPOKTAN in a local context, highlighting its multifaceted role in promoting welfare among farmers. Implications the results suggest that strengthening GAPOKTAN and similar associations can lead to more effective agricultural policies and community development initiatives, ultimately contributing to better living standards for farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Highlights: GAPOKTAN plays a crucial role in fulfilling farmers' basic needs. Participation in farmer groups enhances farmers' involvement in agricultural management. Critical awareness among farmers leads to better access to resources and support. Keywords: Farmer Empowerment, GAPOKTAN, Welfare, Participation, Community Development

Analysis of the Social Capital Toward Farmers' Independence in the Integrated Farming in the Agrowisata Urban Village of Rumbai District Pekanbaru City

Farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village use an integrated farming system, and the social capital of farmers can influence the integrated farming system for research objectives, namely, to analyze: (1) the level of integrated agricultural farmer empowerment in the Agrowisata Urban Village, Rumbai District and (2) the relationship of social capital with the independence of farmers integrated in the Agrowisata Urban Village, Rumbai District. This study used a census research method with a population of 45 farmers using primary and secondary data. Data were analyzed using the Likert scale analysis and multiple linear regression. The results showed that the empowerment of integrated agricultural farmers was in the high category with an average of 4.18. Human resources, a productive economy, and institutions owned by integrated agricultural farmers are also in the high category. The relationship of social capital with the independence of integrated agricultural farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village indicated that norms, productive economy, and institutions have a positive effect or have an influence on the independence of integrated agricultural farmers in the Agrowisata Urban Village Rumba District. Keywords: integrated agriculture, social capital, empowerment, independence

Village Government's Role in Advancing Agricultural Development Through Supportive Policies

Background: Indonesia, a tropical country with rich agricultural potential, faces challenges in optimizing its agricultural sector. Specific Background: Despite significant contributions to the economy and employment, issues like low human resource capacity and dependency on food imports hinder productivity. Knowledge Gap: The role of village governments in facilitating agricultural development, particularly in rural areas like Grabagan Village, remains underexplored. Aims: This study analyzes the village government's role in agricultural development in Grabagan Village, focusing on key success indicators. Results: Findings indicate that the village government functions effectively as a facilitator, mobilizer, and regulator, yet faces challenges in resource mobilization and farmer engagement. Novelty: This research enhances understanding of local governance's influence on agricultural outcomes. Implications: The study highlights the need for improved collaboration between the village government and farmers to optimize resource allocation and align agricultural initiatives with local needs for sustainable development. Highlights: The village government serves as a crucial facilitator in agricultural initiatives, providing necessary infrastructure and budget support. Effective mobilization of resources and farmer involvement in planning processes are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity. Addressing challenges in local governance can significantly improve sustainable agricultural development in rural areas. Keywords: Village Government, Agricultural, Farmer Empowerment, Facilitation, Mobilization

Unveiling the Shortcomings of Social Forestry Programs in Indonesia: A Critical Analysis of Farmer Empowerment Initiatives

Unveiling the Shortcomings of Social Forestry Programs in Indonesia: A Critical Analysis of Farmer Empowerment Initiatives

Sustainable land management and implications on incomes, food self-sufficiency and women

The adoption of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices among smallholder farmers remains low, particularly among women farmers. Understanding the relationship between assets, gender, and SLM adoption and how their interaction impinges on household food self-sufficiency and livelihoods is essential for developing gender-responsive SLM programmes that effectively promote sustainable livelihoods and address household food insecurity. This study examines the effects of asset type on SLM practices adoption, women farmers, and their implications on household incomes and food self-sufficiency. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 761 households selected from 11 chiefdoms across six districts in Eastern Zambia. Analysis involved Structural Equation System framework and Propensity Score Matching techniques to examine relationships between SLM adoption, food self-sufficiency, and household incomes, considering various socio-economic factors. Results showed marital status and household size as significant demographics, with education positively correlating with household income and SLM participation (p < 0.05). Gender disparities persisted, with male-headed households having higher incomes. Labour allocation analysis revealed women’s involvement in labour-intensive tasks, while smaller farms showed higher income probabilities, supporting sustainable agricultural intensification. Social capital significantly influenced SLM participation, and access to financial capital. Livestock assets, land size, and crop diversity predicted food security, while male decision-making influenced food security and income. Incomes were higher for women participating in SLM projects. This study underscores the importance of SLM practices in influencing household incomes and food security, especially for women. Addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture are crucial for achieving equitable and sustainable rural development. Policymakers can foster sustainable livelihoods in rural communities by prioritizing SLM and empowering women.

How does digital technology application empower specialty agricultural farmers? Evidence from Chinese litchi farmers

IntroductionSpecialty agricultural farmers have widely adopted digital technologies in all aspects of their specialty agricultural operations. However, the effect of digital technology application (DTA) on specialty agricultural farmers’ income has not been fully evaluated. Moreover, it remains unclear whether DTA enhances farmers’ income (FI) by improving their varied capabilities. To fill this gap, we analyzed the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between DTA, farmers’ capability (FC), and specialty agricultural farmers’ income.MethodsUsing field survey data from 635 litchi farmers in China, we employed OLS regression models and mediation effect models to empirically investigate DTA’s direct and indirect impacts on litchi farmers’ income. Additionally, we examined the group heterogeneity and regional heterogeneity.Results and discussionThe empirical results show that DTA can promote specialty agricultural farmers’ income by enhancing their production capacity (PC) and transaction capacity (TC). Heterogeneity analysis showed that the empowering effect of DTA is especially significant for disadvantaged farmers, and farmers who are in specialty agricultural resources-rich regions.ConclusionThis study contributes to the body of research on the empowerment of specialty agricultural farmers by examining the effect of DTA from a capability perspective. Consequently, to better play the empowering effect of DTA for specialty agricultural farmers, policymakers should account for regional disparities in promoting digital agriculture, and enhance heterogeneous farmers’ DTA capability.

Exploring Female Agripreneurship: Insights from Grey Literature Using TCCM Framework

Women agripreneurs' expertise, abilities, and passion are some of the most effective strategies to improve their financial and social status. There is a wealth of systematic literature on women in entrepreneurship, as well as bibliometric reviews on women in entrepreneurship and sustainability. However, the systematic literature on women in agriculture or agribusiness on grey literature receives relatively little attention. The present study applies SPAR-4-SLR and TCCM frameworks to validate the research questions. Women frequently encounter disempowerment in terms of their participation, influence, and control over agricultural decision-making and income, which leads to the existence of gender disparity. Access to financial services could potentially reduce rural-to-urban migration by providing enhanced local economic opportunities. Suggestions provided for a supportive environment that values and respects the contributions of women in agriculture, facilitating the adoption of various technologies to break down barriers and reduce gender disparities. The investigation highlights the need for further research on the topics of female agripreneurship, female empowerment and digital technology, women's perspectives on technology and innovations in agriculture, and gender disparities in agripreneurship, all with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture. The novelty of the study is the usage of the TCCM framework in the grey literature on women in agriculture and a proposed framework for technology-enhanced women's empowerment in agriculture.

Pengaruh Tingkat Pemanfaatan Media Komunikasi Inovasi Baru (Cyber Extension) dalam Mewujudkan Keberdayaan Petani Kopi di Kabupaten Lampung Barat

The importance of utilizing information technology, including Cyber Extension, in West Lampung is becoming increasingly apparent along with the development of globalization and digital transformation. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of utilization of cyber extension, determine the level of empowerment of coffee farmers and analyze the effect of the level of utilization of cyber extension on the empowerment of coffee farmers. This research was conducted in West Lampung Regency using a quantitative descriptive approach with a sample size of 125 respondents. The level of utilization of cyber extension by coffee farmers in West Lampung Regency is generally classified in the high enough category, meaning that farmers have used and utilized digital technology to manage information related to coffee farming, besides that the level of empowerment of coffee farmers is low, this is due to the lack of ability of farmers in managing results and determining coffee prices. Based on the results of the analysis, it is known that the level of utilization of cyber extension has a significant influence on the empowerment of coffee farmers in West Lampung.

Solar empowerment in agriculture: investigating photovoltaic energy’s impact on efficiency among wheat farmers

Persistent electricity shortages in Pakistan, causing prolonged grid power load shedding, have adversely impacted various sectors, notably agriculture and the livelihoods of rural farmers. Literature suggests that adopting photovoltaic solar energy can mitigate these issues. This research aims to measure the impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the technical efficiency of food productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, applying data from 580 respondents. Addressing self-selective bias through ESR and stochastic frontier production function model is utilized to assess technical efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that farmers using solar energy experience a significant improvement in technical efficiency, with 15.8 percent of them achieving a 7.643 percent increase, after accounting for self-selection bias. Furthermore, the positive effects are more pronounced among larger farms and those with greater farming experience. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in implementing solar energy solutions, highlighting their potential to foster sustainability and equitable development at the grassroots level. The research culminates with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of promoting the photovoltaic solar energy use among farmers to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity.

Communication Skills and Empowerment of Rural Women

Objective: To determine the relationship between communication skills and the empowerment of women farmers located in the Puno region, Peru. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical basis focuses on communication skills and women's empowerment. Communication skills refer to an individual's ability to express their thoughts, needs, feelings, desires, and concerns using oral and written language, which serve as tools to facilitate interaction among participants involved in communication. Women's empowerment is the process through which women increase their capacity to shape their own lives and environments, manifested in different ways: a sense of security, economic participation, political involvement, leadership, and decision-making. Methodology: The methodology is based on a quantitative correlational research approach, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The sample was census-based and consisted of 40 women leaders representing the rural communities of the Human Rights and Environment Association. Results: There is a moderately positive and significant correlation between communication skills and women's empowerment (r = 0.53), with a p-value < 0.05. This indicates that as communication skills develop, women's empowerment improves, giving them greater opportunities to participate in politics, the economy, and decision-making, which contributes to improving their family and local lifestyle.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Bisnis AgroEcofarm pada Kelompok P4S Tani Makmur Jaya

Gogodeso Village consists of settlements, moorland, people's plantations, rice fields with a village area of 383 Ha. In general, livelihoods are identified into several sectors, namely agriculture (mostly), services/trade, industry and others. One of the farmer empowerment programs is the Tani Makmur Jaya Self-Help Agricultural and Rural Training Center (P4S). In its activities, P4S consistently and routinely develops organic farming, one of which is making organic fertilizer and carrying out healthy cultivation practices. However, they experienced problems with production, management and human resources and marketing. The implementation methods used are: (1) Planning (2) Administrative preparation and team coordination (3) Socialization of Organic Fertilizer (4) Training in Making Organic Fertilizer (5) Management and marketing training (6) Mentoring (7) Supervising related production activities and post-production (8) Evaluation (9) Program sustainability. Community-based empowerment activities in increasing the capacity of AgroEcofarm-based businesses at P4S Tani Makmur Jaya can run smoothly, including the transfer of organic fertilizer technology, transfer of business management and human resources and transfer of marketing branding. In making fertilizer, production can be increased by 2000 bottles of POC/year and 2000 sacks/year of solid organic fertilizer respectively. Apart from that, there are new brands for P4S fertilizer, namely POC Orchomi and Biokosh for solid organic fertilizer.

Examining the relationship between women’s empowerment and food security in low- and middle-income countries: A narrative review

Prior research has proposed women’s empowerment in agriculture as one of the strategies to mitigate household and individual food insecurity within nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. Yet the current evidence on this relationship is inconclusive requiring further exploration to elucidate the pathways through which women’s empowerment is associated with food security. This literature review aimed to draw insights from studies on women’s empowerment and food security and identify the related challenges and best practices in this pathway within the context of low- and middle-income countries. Scopus, PubMed, and Global Health databases were searched, as well as reference lists for articles. In total 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest a mixed relationship between women’s empowerment and food security and highlighted a gap in conceptualizing and operationalizing food security. To achieve sustainable food security, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19, researchers and stakeholders must respond to the broader context of gender systems that restricts women’s rights and access to productive resources to achieve food security.

A Review of Milled Rice Demand and Supply of Some ASEAN Countries and Lesson Learnt for Cambodia

Rice is a vital crop for ASEAN countries, serving as a primary source of food security and playing a significant role in the regional economy. To draw lessons for rice supply and demand in Cambodia, this article will examine and briefly describe the rice markets in different ASEAN nations, including import and export, rice milling technology, government policy, obstacles, and opportunists. In Cambodia, a program utilizing the sustainable rice cluster (SRC) approach has been developed and put into action by the government in order to maintain the rise of rice production. Compared to traditional approaches, SRC has enhanced rice cultivation by about 40%. The key lessons Cambodia can learn are boosting domestic production, diversifying rice varieties, improving storage and distribution, practicing climate-smart practices, strengthening regional cooperation, improving market access, and farmer empowerment. By analyzing rice demand and supply dynamics in ASEAN and applying the lessons learned, Cambodia can strive to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production and reduce reliance on imports, increase the profitability and competitiveness of the rice sector, enhance food security for its population, and contribute to regional food security within ASEAN.