Empowerment Of Farmers Research Articles

Rice is a staple food crop and it is integral to India's food security, economy, and rural livelihoods, particularly in regions like Puducherry, where rice-based cropping systems dominate. This study investigates the information use patterns of 120 farmers engaged in rice-based cropping systems, focusing on sources, storage methods, and utilization of agricultural information. Data were collected through structured interviews using an ex post facto research design and analyzed to identify key decision-making factors influencing farming practices. The findings reveal that interpersonal communication channels, such as discussions with family members, peers, and successful farmers, are the most relied upon sources of information, with 98.33% of farmers emphasizing these interactions. Additionally, 85% of farmers evaluate information based on economic feasibility, while 81.66% rely on personal experience. Regarding storage, 85% use memory by informing family members, while 66.66% rely on mobile phones for visual documentation. The adoption of sustainable crop management practices was observed in 91.66% of farmers using certified seeds, 79.16% conducting regular soil testing, and 67.50% employing integrated pest management practices. Key constraints include lack of timely access to information (81.66%) and difficulty in understanding technical terms (70.83%). These findings underscore the need for Purpose-driven measures, including localized digital tools, simplified information delivery, and improved extension services, to enhance agricultural sustainability and empower farmers in Puducherry.

ABSTRACT The agriculture sector is the backbone of India’s economy, yet many farmers face challenges in crop selection, soil management, and timely planning. Inadequate knowledge about soil fertility, improper crop selection, and lack of structured farming schedules often result in reduced yield and economic loss. This paper proposes Agri360 – an AI Powered Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support System designed to provide an intelligent solution for modern farming. The system predicts suitable crops based on the farmer’s soil fertility report, offers a Smart Crop Calendar to guide farmers through each stage from sowing to export, and integrates a Farmer Community Platform for experience sharing and collaboration. By combining Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data-driven agriculture, Agri360 aims to enhance productivity, optimize crop management, and empower farmers with digital tools for sustainable growth. Key Words: Crop Prediction, Smart Farming, Artificial Intelligence, Soil Analysis, Farmer Support System, Smart Calendar.

This program was created to assist farmers with issues, such as high production costs and low harvest yields. However, reality in the field shows that the implementation of the SPM Program is still far from expectations, both in terms of achievements and the impact produced. The problems encountered by the researchers included farmers’ low understanding of the SPM Program, lack of outreach, ongoing assistance, and training from the Agriculture Office and the local government. In addition, there is minimal community participation in the SPM Program, inadequate infrastructure for implementing the SPM Program, and a limited number of facilitators to carry out the program. This study used a qualitative design with descriptive statistics. This study focuses on the empowerment of farmers through the Sawah Pokok Murah program to increase rice production by the Agriculture Office of Pesisir Selatan Regency in Nagari Koto Berapak, as viewed from the implementation of the program and the influencing factors. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, which is an intentional selection based on considerations relevant to the research focus. The informants in this study included the Agriculture Office of Pesisir Selatan Regency, SPM Program Extension Cadres for Bayang District, Wali Nagari, Leader of the Farmer Group, SPM program mobilizer for Nagari Koto Berapak, and members of the community participating in the SPM Program who were also selected using purposive sampling. Data collection techniques included interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, which involves data collection, reduction, display, verification, and conclusion drawing. The research results show that the SPM Program in Nagari Koto Berapak has produced positive outcomes, including increased farmer capacity (Human Development), increased productivity through MTOT (≈5 → 12 tons/ha) and cost efficiency (Business Development), as well as promoting environmentally friendly practices (Environmental Development). In addition, the program has successfully reactivated farmer groups (Institutional Development), although the level of independence still needs improvement. The main obstacles faced include limited managerial capacity and capital as well as less-than-optimal private sector partnerships. Some of these obstacles have been addressed with support from the Food Brigade, the World Bank/UBI, and commitments from the Agriculture Office.

The novelty of this study is that social media can strengthen networks among farmers in social empowerment and improve the economy of farmers in rural areas. This study aims to analyse the influence of social media use on the social capital of nilam (Pacthouli) farmers in Minahasa Selatan Regency. The research was conducted over six months, from January to June 2025, using a descriptive approach through survey and interview methods. A total of 100 farmers were selected as respondents using purposive sampling techniques. The data collected consisted of primary data through direct interviews and secondary data from relevant institutions. The variables observed included farmer characteristics (education, age, land area, income, expenditure, digital device ownership, and internet access duration), social capital aspects (trust, norms, networks), as well as the intensity and patterns of social media use. Data analysis was conducted using construct validity tests (Pearson Product Moment), reliability tests (Cronbach's Alpha), descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation tests, simple linear regression, and the coefficient of determination (R²). The results of the analysis indicate a significant relationship between social media use and the level of social capital among farmers. Social media serves as a platform for information exchange, strengthens networks among farmers, and encourages participation in digital communities. These findings highlight the importance of integrating digital technology into the social and economic empowerment of farmers in rural areas.

Livestock and poultry production is critical to Sri Lanka’s food security, providing essential animal-sourced proteins, contributing to economic growth, and supporting rural livelihoods. This review examines the current status, challenges, and opportunities within the livestock and poultry sectors in Sri Lanka. Key performance indicators such as production growth, accessibility, affordability, and disease management are analyzed to assess the industry’s resilience. The study highlights the impact of economic fluctuations, feed price volatility, policy constraints, and climate change on the industry. Integrating climate-resilient strategies into Sri Lanka’s livestock and poultry sectors is essential to enhance sustainability. Key approaches include breeding heat-tolerant animals, introducing climate-smart feeds and nutritional strategies, improving water conservation, adopting climate-resilient housing systems, implementing sustainable waste management, utilizing renewable energy sources, enhancing farmer capacity through training and policy support, and strengthening disease surveillance and biosecurity measures. Implementing these strategies will improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance resilience against climate extremes. The review also explores the role of integrated livestock systems, digital technologies, and export potential in further strengthening the sector by guiding policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in developing sustainable and climate-resilient solutions. Addressing these challenges through data-driven policies, farmer empowerment, and investment in innovation is essential to achieving a resilient and self-sufficient livestock industry in Sri Lanka.

This thesis examines the implementation of the Sustainable Agricultural Land Protection Policy at the Food Security and Agriculture Office of Kubu Raya Regency. The core issue identified in this study was the suboptimal implementation of the Agricultural Extension Management Information System (known as Simluhtan), primarily due to the lack of training from authorized institutions and inadequate oversight of infrastructure development. The objective of this research is to describe and analyze the effectiveness in terms of goal attainment, timeliness, benefits, and outcomes of the Simluhtan system services, as well as the procurement mechanism for goods and services within the government that is oriented toward digital administrative technologies at the aforementioned office. The findings revealed that the achievement of Simluhtan’s objectives by the Kubu Raya Regency Government through the Food Security and Agriculture Office remained suboptimal. This shortfall was attributed to the absence of clear performance indicators for farmer groups, the unavailability of essential data for policy formulation and farmer empowerment strategies, and the lack of timely implementation, which stemmed from insufficient support from key stakeholders, especially farmer groups (known as Poktan), who were expected to voluntarily provide accurate and up-to-date field data. Furthermore, the benefits of Simluhtan have not been fully realized by the farmer groups. This is evident in their limited utilization of information generated from the system, particularly in terms of sharing and applying such information through contemporary technological platforms among fellow agricultural extension officers. The overall outcomes of Simluhtan implementation in relation to the farmer groups in Kubu Raya Regency have yet to meet the expected targets. This was largely due to the ineffectiveness of District officers in fulfilling their administrative and supervisory roles.

This study aims to examine the transformation of education within farming communities and how an education curriculum can be developed to support the empowerment of farmers in the modern era. In the context of agriculture, which is constantly evolving, the importance of relevant and sustainable education is essential for improving farmers' welfare. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes the challenges, needs, and potential within farming communities in facing social and economic changes. The main focus of this study is to identify key elements in the curriculum that can empower farmers to adopt environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and strengthen their social capacities to build self-reliant communities. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of agricultural education policies that are more aligned with the real needs on the ground and strengthen food security at the community level.

Purpose The aim of the research is to operationalise the notion of women’s empowerment in agriculture and to assess the effect of women’s empowerment on the marketisation of small farms, comparing emerging markets of different development levels – less developed Serbia and Moldova with more advanced economies. The study will also conceptually bridge the framework of the self-efficacy concept with the theory of social embeddedness. Design/methodology/approach We combine qualitative identification of different models of women’s empowerment and social involvement with quasi-experimental, multi-value treatment effect analysis. Data were collected via semi-structured surveys conducted on 3,172 small farms in Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Serbia and Moldova. Findings We conclude that, when viewed solely in terms of decision-making power, women’s empowerment may not be sufficient for building a market orientation and that a high level of women’s participation in social networks is decisive. Originality/value We posit that there is a significant knowledge gap in how the definition of women’s empowerment is operationalised within the agricultural sector. We address this issue by applying Bandura’s self-efficacy framework. We then examine how self-efficacy, as reflected by various women’s empowerment conditions, influences the marketisation of small farms. In this way, we make a conceptual contribution, revealing that self-efficacy can be more effective when embedded in a social network context, as referred to in the theory of embeddedness. From a practical perspective, we contribute to discussions about achieving the gender equality Sustainable Development Goal.

This study investigates the enablers and challenges of digital transformation for women tilapia farmers in Sleman Regency, aiming to understand its role in enhancing food security. The research employed qualitative approaches, including document analysis, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with 28 informants, conducted in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Findings reveal that women farmers in the 'Mina Mandiri' group effectively leverage digital technologies to boost productivity and market. Reach. Key enablers include strong support from local resources, family, and community networks. Despite these enablers, they are still facing structural hurdles, including restricted access to education, inadequate computer literacy, and the absence of gender-responsive regulations, compounded by cultural impediments associated with gender roles and male dominance in the sector. The study underscores the critical need for gender-responsive strategies to overcome these obstacles and fully harness the potential of digital transformation, thereby significantly enhancing food security through the empowerment of women tilapia farmers.

This study evaluates the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a decentralized rural development initiative aimed at enhancing the economic empowerment of coffee smallholder farmers in Hoima District, Uganda. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach, the research integrates Sen’s Capability Approach, Resilience Theory, and Social Capital Theory to examine three dimensions: institutional support, resource capacity building, and community engagement. Quantitative data were collected from 278 farmers through stratified random sampling, while qualitative insights were obtained from 12 key informant interviews and 8 focus group discussions. Findings indicate that while PDM has improved coffee yields by 37% among beneficiaries and strengthened trust in SACCOs with transformational leadership, significant barriers persist, including elite capture, gender-based land tenure disparities, and low uptake of climate-smart practices. Policy recommendations include community-vetted beneficiary selection, gender-responsive governance measures, and climate-resilient financing. The results offer lessons for scalable decentralized development models applicable in ASEAN and other Global South contexts.

Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice in Southeast Sulawesi, plays a pivotal role in ensuring national food security and driving economic growth. However, the decline in production in Mondoke Village is indicative of the limited empowerment of farmers, which can be attributed to a number of factors, including inadequate awareness, insufficient assistance, an insufficient readiness to face obstacles, and a lack of cooperation within farmer groups. The objective of this study is to ascertain the extent of rice farmers' empowerment in Mondoke Village, Lambandia District, East Kolaka Regency. The research population consists of 50 rice farmers who are members of farmer groups in Mandoke Village. The research sample was obtained through the census method. The data collection techniques employed in this study included in-depth interviews, documentation review, and survey questionnaires. The independent variable in this study was farmer empowerment. The data were processed using class interval and percentage formulas, and then analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. The findings indicated that the empowerment of rice farmers in Mondoke Village fell within the moderate category. Some farmers exhibited high levels of awareness, training, and social networks, while others demonstrated limitations in terms of access, assistance, and technology application. While awareness and a readiness to change were found to be quite high, the effectiveness of the empowerment initiative was found to be hindered by an absence of sustainable external support. The capacity to augment capacity and gain access indicates that training is not yet fully relevant and ongoing, while market and technology access has been utilized individually rather than collectively. The capacity to surmount impediments remains limited due to inadequate planning, adaptation, and joint implementation. Despite the existence of practices involving the sharing of information and experiences among farmers, optimal levels of solidarity and cooperation have yet to be achieved. This is primarily due to the absence of coordination among farmer groups and the lack of a synchronized planting schedule.

Livestock production in rural communities relies heavily on the availability and quality of animal feed. In Aek Korsik Village, Asahan Regency, farmers continue to use manual methods to chop forage, which are time-consuming, inconsistent, and physically demanding. To address these issues, a portable forage chopper machine was designed and introduced through a community service program (KKN). The machine features a compact mechanical system powered by a small motor, making it lightweight, mobile, and easy to operate in various conditions. The implementation process included three stages: machine development, field testing, and community training. During testing, the machine efficiently processed forage materials like grass, corn stalks, and agricultural residues, producing uniform feed sizes much faster than manual methods. Farmers reported reduced workload, improved availability of chopped forage, and better livestock feeding practices. The portable design allowed the equipment to be shared among farming groups, fostering cooperation. This study underscores the role of appropriate technology in addressing rural agricultural challenges. By integrating engineering innovation with community service, the portable forage chopper machine enhances technical efficiency and socio-economic empowerment for farmers. Future improvements should focus on durability, cutting capacity, and sustainable energy alternatives to better meet the needs of smallholder farmers.

Metaverse integration in the agribusiness CSR practices constitutes a radical change of practice in companies to involve stakeholders, report sustainability, and performance motivation. Using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as the examples of the immersiveness technologies can open up new chances of transparent disclosure of CSR, consumer involvement, and accountability throughout the agricultural supply chains. Virtual simulations allow firms to showcase green farming methods, trace their supply chain, and participate in sustainability promotions with the help of consumers. Moreover, virtual engagement can be taken into consideration so that firms can report CSR activities credibly and minimise risks of virtual greenwashing. The quantitative research design was used in the study. There were 350 questionnaires that were distributed among managers and financial, accounting, sustainability, and operations professionals in 30 agribusiness firms. When all the incomplete responses were eliminated, 287 valid questionnaires remained, which constituted an effective response rate of 82 percent. The finding of regression analysis proved that CSR-AM is a significant predictor of firm performance. The study concluded that agri-metaverse allows companies to run CSR practices beyond conventional ones to create interactive and verifiable experiences. It was recommended that CSR in the agri-metaverse should be the incubator of innovation, farmer empowerment, and soaring ambitions in the agricultural industry, rather than branding efforts.

Accelerating the digitalization of agriculture is a strategic key to effectively promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas and an important factor in the modernization process of agriculture and rural areas. This paper selects relevant data from 18 prefecture-level cities in Henan Province from 2019 to 2023, constructs an evaluation index system, uses the entropy method to calculate the comprehensive index of agricultural digitalization development level, and selects the two-way fixed effect model to test the impact effect of the agricultural digitalization level. The research finds that the agricultural digitalization infrastructure in the agricultural digitalization development level has a significant promoting effect on rural revitalization. The agricultural digitalization development level has a significant promoting effect on farmers' income, but this effect is not obvious in the central and eastern regions. Based on this, it is proposed to strengthen the regional linkage development of agricultural digitalization, increase the training of digital technology talents, strengthen the construction of agricultural information infrastructure, and promote the level of large-scale agricultural planting. It is necessary to give full play to the leading role of Henan Province, a major agricultural province, in the process of agricultural digital transformation, and achieve common prosperity by improving the policy and institutional system of agricultural digitalization.

The purpose of this study was to to analyze the role of stakeholders in empowering smallholder farmers in Kotabumi Utara District, North Lampung Regency. The research used a qualitative descriptive approach with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that the empowerment activities involve various stakeholders such as village governments, agricultural extension workers, universities, MSMEs, and farmer groups. Empowerment is carried out through training, counseling, institutional strengthening, and development of farming businesses. However, challenges remain, including limited capital, weak community response, and low education levels of smallholder farmers. Therefore, stronger synergy among stakeholders is needed to support sustainable empowerment of smallholder farmers.

This study explores strategies for increasing the added value of agricultural products through the development of local agribusiness. A qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with five key informants, including farmers, an agribusiness practitioner, a cooperative representative, and a local government official. The findings reveal that enhancing product value requires an integrated strategy encompassing product processing and diversification, branding and marketing innovation, technology adoption, farmer empowerment, and policy and institutional support. Farmers’ capacity building, supported by cooperatives and government programs, plays a crucial role in sustaining value-added initiatives. The study concludes that the development of local agribusiness not only increases the competitiveness and marketability of agricultural products but also contributes to rural economic growth and improved community welfare.

Drought and excess ambient temperature intensify abiotic and biotic stresses on agriculture, threatening food security and economic stability. The development of climate-resilient crops is crucial for sustainable, efficient farming. This review highlights the role of multi-omics encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics in identifying genetic pathways for stress resilience. Advanced phenomics, using drones and hyperspectral imaging, can accelerate breeding programs by enabling high-throughput trait monitoring. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance these efforts by analyzing large-scale omics and phenotypic data, predicting stress tolerance traits, and optimizing breeding strategies. Additionally, plant-associated microbiomes contribute to stress tolerance and soil health through bioinoculants and synthetic microbial communities. Beyond agriculture, these advancements have broad societal, economic, and educational impacts. Climate-resilient crops can enhance food security, reduce hunger, and support vulnerable regions. AI-driven tools and precision agriculture empower farmers, improving livelihoods and equitable technology access. Educating teachers, students, and future generations fosters awareness and equips them to address climate challenges. Economically, these innovations reduce financial risks, stabilize markets, and promote long-term agricultural sustainability. These cutting-edge approaches can transform agriculture by integrating AI, multi-omics, and advanced phenotyping, ensuring a resilient and sustainable global food system amid climate change.

General Background: Farmer empowerment is a key strategy for enhancing rural economic welfare, with village governments serving as primary facilitators of development based on local potential. Specific Background: Loa Pari Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, possesses significant agricultural potential; however, farmers’ productivity remains hindered by limited facilities, low participation, and restricted access to information. Knowledge Gap: Research on the role of the Loa Pari Village Government in farmer empowerment is limited, particularly regarding mechanisms, effectiveness, and the challenges encountered. Aims: This study aims to analyze the role of the village government in implementing farmer empowerment programs and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors. Results: Findings indicate that the village government plays an important role in providing facilities, forming farmer groups, and collaborating with external institutions, but implementation remains unstructured due to the absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), budget limitations, and low farmer participation. Novelty: This study highlights the need for measurable and sustainable support systems for village-based farmer empowerment, emphasizing the importance of SOPs, institutional strengthening, and youth engagement. Implications: The results can serve as a reference for village governments and policymakers to design systematic, participatory, and locally adaptive empowerment models. Highlights: Lack of SOPs hampers structured program implementation. Limited budget and low farmer participation remain key barriers. Collaboration with external agencies supports farmer capacity building. Keywords: Farmer Empowerment, Village Government, Agricultural Development, Institutional Strengthening, Rural Participation

Livestock production systems are critical to global food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods, yet they impose considerable environmental burdens. The environmental impacts and mitigation strategies associated with livestock systems, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and antimicrobial resistance. Ruminants such as cattle and buffalo are major contributors to methane emissions through enteric fermentation, while pig and poultry operations generate significant amounts of ammonia and nutrient-rich effluents that contaminate water resources. Intensive systems accelerate land-use change for feed crop cultivation, leading to soil erosion and forest fragmentation, whereas extensive pastoral systems often result in overgrazing and desertification in fragile ecosystems. Technological interventions, including low-emission diets, precision feeding, anaerobic digestion, and biogas recovery, have demonstrated potential to mitigate environmental footprints. Genetic improvement programs targeting feed efficiency and methane-reducing traits, alongside indigenous breed conservation, offer complementary strategies. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and microbiome engineering enables real-time monitoring and reduction of emissions at the farm level. Socio-economic factors such as livelihood dependency, gender dynamics, and market-driven sustainability influence the adoption of climate-smart livestock practices. Challenges include high technology costs, lack of emission data, institutional fragmentation, and behavioural resistance among smallholders. Climate-resilient infrastructure and silvopastoral systems provide adaptive solutions aligned with both productivity and ecological integrity. Coordinated policy frameworks, public awareness programs, and financial incentives are essential to support sustainable transitions. Livestock systems contribute significantly to environmental change. A science-based, multi-disciplinary approach integrating technological innovation, farmer empowerment, and systemic policy reform can enhance sustainability without compromising food and livelihood security. Bridging knowledge gaps and fostering inclusive, adaptive livestock development pathways remain key to achieving long-term resilience and low-carbon agricultural transformation. Advancing sustainable livestock calls for coordinated policy, transdisciplinary research, and farmer-centric innovation, ensuring ecological balance without compromising food and livelihood security.

Abstract Background: Women play an important role in agricultural production worldwide, and their empowerment in agriculture remains crucial to the sector’s growth. Recently, both governmental and nongovernmental organizations have undertaken interventions, including the promotion of several agricultural technologies, aimed at empowering women to attain desired development goals. Empowerment is expected to enable women to participate in household decisions and enhance their ability to invest in and sustain the use of improved crop varieties. Despite the interventions, there is limited evidence on the determinants of women’s empowerment concerning the sustained use of improved seeds. This study aimed to investigate determinants of women’s empowerment in the context of sustained use of improved seed varieties among Ugandan smallholder women. Methods: The study applied a quantitative research method that enhanced understanding of gender relations within the selected household. During the intra-household survey, a total of 298 men and women from 149 households, who were the principal decision makers in the same household, were interviewed. Findings: We find that disparities in access and sustained use of improved crop varieties still exist among women and men; perceptions and patterns of decision making vary with an observed mismatch between actual and perceived empowerment in decision making; and men still dominate decision making power which impacts sustained use. Women’s self-assessed level of their own decision making power was significantly lower than men’s assessment of women’s decision making power in a household. Descriptive results revealed a positive association between sustained use of improved varieties and women empowerment. Regression results indicated a strong positive influence of age, group membership, number of farming training, and participation in off-farm employment on women’s self-reported level of involvement in decision making. The age of the woman, joint ownership of land, and number of improved crops planted significantly influenced men’s perceptions of women’s empowerment level. Conclusions and recommendations: We conclude that women’s empowerment in decision making has potential to contribute to closing the gender gap in sustained use. This illuminates the need to be more intentional about women’s participation, decision making and agency in development interventions if we are to achieve greater impact in sustained use of agricultural technologies and better livelihoods. Ultimately, this calls for transformative programs that tackle the negative influence of social norms that limit women from participating in household decision making. Educational programs should be targeted at challenging traditional gender roles and biases to encourage actual involvement of women in household decision making.