Farming Experience Research Articles

THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL FARMER MANAGEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATELY OWNED FORESTS: CASE STUDY IN CIAMIS REGENCY, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Privately owned forests (POF) play an important role in Indonesia’s social, economic, and environmental spheres. The success of optimizing their roles relies on the traditional management practices carried out by farmers. Therefore, this study aimed to explore POF traditional management by farmers, POF performance, and their influencing factors. Respondents included 170 farmers selected by simple random sampling and key informant. This study was conducted in three villages across Ciamis Regency, West Java, in 2022. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and field observations. The collected data was tabulated, graphic, categorized, and descriptively analyzed. The results showed that although the knowledge about POF management was constantly developing, not all farmers applied their knowledge. POF management practices were found to be closely related to marital status, farming experience, land area, distance from home, number of parcels, and income. Furthermore, traditional management practices were reflected in POF performance; the higher the management level, the better the performance, and vice versa. Equitability and efficiency were high across all locations; productivity was low, while sustainability was only high in Kalijaya Village. The different conditions of each element of POF, show that although POF might not be optimal in terms of economic contribution, its sustainability provides environmental benefits. This study has many limitations as it only looks at factors within POF farmers that influence POF management and performance. Further research into external factors that can influence POF performance and encourage an increased economic role for POFs can be explored in more depth

Impact of Rural Finance Institution Building Programme on Socioeconomic Condition of Beneficiaries in Anambra State, Nigeria

Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) was established to improve the income, food security and general living conditions of poor rural households with financial services that will be improved in terms of quality, quantity and access to deposit, loan and transfer services. It is expected that the intervention of RUFIN should result in positive changes in the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. The study evaluated the impact of RUFIN on the socioeconomic condition of RUFIN beneficiaries in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 60 RUFIN beneficiaries (RB) and 60 non-RUFIN beneficiaries (NRB) for the study. Data were collected using structured interview schedule and personal observations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data generated. The average amount of loan obtained by RB was N67,266.70 at an average payback period of one year. Sex (t=-5.61) and years of farming experience (t=2.25) significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the amount of loan obtained while age (t=2.36) significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the number of loans obtained. RUFIN resulted in positive but not significant changes on 12(52.2%) of 23 items used in assessing the impact of the programme on the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. The study recommended that RUFIN should enhance the loanable amount and payback duration which may in a long run, positively affect the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. Also, farmers should be educated by extension agents on all sources of agricultural loans, use of loans, loans repayment plans, and how to diversify agricultural income for lasting impact on livelihood.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MILLET PRODUCTION IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.

This research was carried out to determine the profitability of millet production in Jere local Government area of Borno state. Random sampling technique was adopted in this research through which data was collected from ninety (90) farms with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and production functions. Result indicated that 58.9% of respondents were in their economically active age group, majority (76.7%) of the farmers were male, 66.7% were married, while 42.2% had farming experience of between 21 – 30 years in millet production and it was revealed that farms were on a small-scale basis. Result further showed that millet production was profitable with gross margin and net farm income of N29,743.18 and N12,868.00 per hectare respectively. Regression model estimated revealed that double-log was the lead equation with R2 of 68.5%. Also, land, labour and agrochemical had significant impact on the level of millet output at P<0.01 level of probability and F-ratio 35.212. Estimated efficiency ratios showed that land; labour and fertilizer were under-utilised, while agrochemical was over utilised. Return to scale gave a value of 1.27 which implies that millet production was in stage 1 of the production region. It can be concluded that millet production in the study area is profitably. The study recommends that farmers should employ more land; labour and fertilizer, while the use of agrochemical should be cut down in order to improved millet production output for profit maximization.

A cross-sectional study on the key risk factors affecting farmers’ mental health

Background: Amidst fluctuating commodity prices and disrupted processing methods, farmers face escalating costs, including healthcare and property taxes. Disturbingly, the suicide rate among farmers is 3.5 times higher than that of the general population. This study addressed the critical gap in understanding the key risk factors influencing farmers’ mental health. The study aimed to identify the risk factors affecting farmers’ mental health, explore the root causes of their depression and anxiety, and provide essential management education tailored for them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 farmers, collecting demographic details and conducting interviews to assess their financial status, health, and years of farming experience. Education on managing stress and anxiety was provided as part of the intervention. Results: From January to October 2023, 153 farmers (120 males, 30 females) were interviewed. Of these, 95 reported experiencing depression, with varying degrees of severity: 30.9% mild, 22.1% moderate, 10.1% moderate to severe, and 2% severe. The age group most affected was 36–50 years. Key risk factors identified were financial stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: The study underscored significant public health concerns, revealing that factors such as age, working hours, and financial stress critically impact farmers’ mental health. Poor self-care, neglect of medical advice, and high rates of comorbidities among farmers highlight the need for targeted health interventions. Educating farmers on stress management and regular medical care is essential for improving their overall well-being, sustaining the agricultural workforce, and ensuring food security.

Poverty and resilience impacts of conservation agriculture adoption against climatic-shocks in Eastern Ethiopia

The aims of this study are to analysis adoption and impacts of conservation agriculture on poverty and resilience to drought in Eastern Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling method was employed and four districts were randomly selected from Eastern Hararghe Zone. Using cross-sectional survey data collected in 2023 from 430 households, multinomial endogenous switching regression was applied in impact evaluation. The result shows farm experience, education, climatic-shocks experience, access to climate information, access to extension, number of oxen, farm size, labor force, livestock and distance to market are determinants of conservation agriculture (CA) adoption in terms of inter-cropping, crop rotation and crop residue retention or mulch practices in its single and combination of practices. Poverty was evaluated based on cost-of-basic-need and resilience to drought is in its index. Accordingly, the food poverty line and total consumption expenditure or total poverty line was found to be 6582.7ETB and 8620.70ETB per Adult/Equivalent per year in the study area. Results of average treatment effect on treated shows adoption is significantly reduced poverty and increased resilience to drought condition in the area. The study also shows importance role of extension service in adoption of CA practices. There is a need to encourage extension facilities and awareness to promote better adoption of CA particularly, in its combination. The combination of practices increased consumption expenditure of adopters by 73.3 percent compared to non-adopters, given its significant impact on households’ poverty and resilience to drought in moisture stress area of eastern Ethiopia. So, it is crucial to more advances farmers and experts’ information on climate shocks and conservation agricultural practices adoption. The policymakers ought to develop and encourage farmers’ asset building plan including livestock, adult education, market linkage facilities, extension and weather related information delivery service to enhance adoption of conservation agricultural practices to combat the current and future drought.

ASSESSMENT AND TECHNICAL CONSTRAINT IDENTIFICATION OF SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION PUMP IN ARSI AND EAST SHEWA ZONE, OROMIA

Efficient irrigation begins with properly installed and maintained pumps, motors, and engines. For this, the study was conducted on potential irrigation pump users of the Arsi and East Shewa zones with the objective of identifying the technical constraints of smallholder irrigation pump users. Doddota from Arsi and Dugda and Bora woreda from the East Shewa zone were selected. 211 samples size from 2321 pump users were used for data collection. The constraints listed by respondents, like pump damage, pump cost, long priming, and fuel, were the most common bottlenecks in pump irrigation schemes. Pump damage was positively correlation with use of un-recommended suction and delivery head, age of pump, long priming time and continues operation time but negatively correlation with pump maintenance, experience in irrigation farming and educational level of the household. Long priming and fuel consumption was positively (+Ve) correlation with use of un-recommended suction and delivery head, age of pump, operation time and pump size. From the existing pump type respondent responses, KAMA pumps were highly available on the market, vulnerable to damage, and had sufficient spare parts with values of 60.66, 64.45 and 44.08%, respectively. The lowest were Cushion their values were 1.42%, 3.32% and 3.78%, respectively. The respondents also reply, due to absence of governmental pump maintaining organization, cost of maintenance at local and private garage were very expensive (68.25%) and expensive (26.07%). This makes another problem on small holder irrigation pump. Therefore, it is recommended to government to add pump maintaining structure at engineering center which serves' closely to scheme users and providing regular training on maintenance checklist. It is also recommended for engineering and socio-economic researchers to conduct research collaboratively to assess the gap frequently for other kebele pump user and technical performance evaluation for pump that have problems.

AGRIBISNIS KOPI DALAM MENDUKUNG PENGEMBANGAN AGROWISATA DI DESA COLOL, KECAMATAN LAMBA LEDA TIMUR, KABUPATEN MANGGARAI TIMUR (Coffee Agribusiness In Supporting Agrotourism Development In Colol Village, Lamba Leda Timur District, East Manggarai District)

Colol Village is a wilaya located in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, which has good environmental and geographical characteristics, fertile soil and a suitable climate for coffee cultivation. The coffee varieties that are being developed are Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. The people of East Manggarai have a cultural tradition that is close to coffee. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence coffee production in Colol Village, determine farmers' perceptions of agrotourism development in Colol Village and describe the implementation of the coffee agribusiness system in Colol Village, East Manggarai Regency. This research used mixed methods with a sample size of 56 people using multiple linear regression data analysis methods, Likert scale analysis and descriptive qualitative analysis. The results of the research show that in coffee production the factors of land area, farming experience, farmer age, education level, household income, and coffee sales income level influence the development of agrotourism in Colol Village, East Manggarai Regency and based on Likert scale analysis, Colol coffee farmers agree with the development of coffee agrotourism in Colol Village and coffee production and agrotourism potential are related, the potential for coffee farming as a tourist attraction thereby strengthening the local economy and creating sustainable opportunities for the development of Colol village, East Manggarai

Incidence of agroecological-based practices in urban vegetable gardens: effect on crop diversity and production levels

ABSTRACT Agroecological-based practices (ABPs) play a vital role in urban vegetable gardens, enhancing the quality of life. However, factors driving ABP implementation and their impact on crop production and diversity are not fully understood. Our study assessed the influence of socio-economic and environmental characteristics on ABP adoption, crop diversity, and total weight vegetable production in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Through interviews and a multi-model inference approach, we found that ABP implementation is tied to gardener experience and formative assets (e.g. horticultural experience, specific training). Crop diversity, integral to ABP, is affected by farming practices and farmer characteristics (Farm animals, Pollinator-friendly practices, Experience, Additional training and Environmental knowledge). The Total weight produced was primarily influenced by the type of garden, the gardener’s experience and some ABPs. Long-standing commercial and community objectives and the use of farm animals and commercial seed led to greater production. Strengthening key drivers, such as farmer training, through public policies (e.g. income generation, financing, specific training, land access) can bolster the role of urban gardens in providing a healthy environment and promoting food sovereignty.

Determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria

Maize output in Nigeria is declining and worsening economic situations continue to afflict rural households increasing the level of food insecurity. This study examined the determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced using a well-structured questionnaire from a total of 120 maize farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to select the farmers. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, farm budgetary techniques and regression analysis. The results showed that maize cultivation was dominated by male farmers with an average age of 50 ± 9.4 years. Additionally, less than 30.8% of the maize farmers had formal education above secondary school. The farming experience of the maize farmers was 14.7 ± 5.3 years and the average farm size was estimated at 7.85 ± 2.15 acres. The average farm income was N207 314.40 ± 23 290.95 with the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.24. The major constraints of maize production, ranked based on their higher values of WMS, were the high labour costs, expenditures for pest and disease control, and the high costs of fertilizers The determinants of farm income that had positive relationship and were significant at 1% level of significance include years of formal education, expenditure on fertilizer while age of the framers negatively influenced the farm income. Also, the farm size and years of farming experience were positive and statistically significant to farm income at 5%. The study suggests a policy focus of training farmers in modern farming system and implement sustainable farm inputs subsidy programs. Keywords: determinants, profit, maize, farmers, Nigeria

The role of social interaction in farmers’ water-saving irrigation technology adoption: testing farmers’ interaction mechanisms

In rural areas, neighborly relationships are complex, and farmers’ behaviors are largely influenced by neighborly interactions. The promotion of agricultural technologies should not overlook the social interactions between farmers. Based on survey data from farmers in Minqin, China, this paper explores the role of overall social interaction and its various dimensions in farmers’ adoption of water-saving irrigation technology, focusing on the testing of three interactive mechanisms during the technology adoption process. The goal is to provide scientific policy suggestions for government when promoting agricultural technologies. The results show the following: social interaction promotes the adoption of water-saving irrigation technology among farmers; among the four dimensions of social interaction, the depth and frequency of social interaction facilitate the adoption of these technologies; social interaction promotes technology adoption through endogenous interaction mechanism, situational interaction mechanism, and social norm mechanism, with situational interaction mechanism and social norm mechanism playing a more significant role; social interaction has a stronger impact on farmers with longer farming experience and higher irrigation costs. Therefore, the government should emphasize the important role of social interaction in the adoption of agricultural technologies and accelerate the diffusion of these technologies through fostering technical exchanges among farmers, cultivating demonstration households, and implementing differentiated promotion strategies.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Adaptation Strategies of Tomato Producers’ to Climate Change in North West, Nigeria

This work evaluated socio-economic factors influencing adaptability strategy of tomato producers to climate change in North West, Nigeria. Primary data utilized were based on well-designed questionnaire distributed to 100 tomato producers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics adaptability strategy use index, multinomial Logit model, and principal component model. The outcome shows that the average age of tomato producers approximates 44 years. They are literate with an average of 12 years of school education. About 51% of tomato producers had access to credit, and they are smallholder farmers with average of 0.81 hectares of farm land. The major climate change adaptation strategies used by tomato producers and their corresponding indexes include planting of heat and drought tolerant crop (0.9704), use of improved seeds (0.9675), mulching (0.8976), soil and water conservation technique (0.8312), and use of organic manure (0.7917). The significant predictors influencing the choice of low climate change adaptation strategy users include years of school education, age, experience in tomato farming, and income earned from tomato farming. The significant predictors influencing high climate change adaptation strategy users include years of school education, and income earned from tomato farming. The major challenges faced by tomato producers and their corresponding Eigen values include a lack of improved seeds (8.6935), lack of technology (5.93660, lack of processing and storage facilities (3.9274), and lack of capacity building for producers (3.5173). Improved seeds, irrigation facilities, and farm technologies should be made available to tomato producers to combat threats of climate variability and increase productivity.

Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya

Sweet potatoes (<i>Ipomea batatas </i>L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.

Inequality and Poverty of Privately Owned Forests Farmers in Rural Areas of Indonesia

Land limitation dramatically affects people with land-based livelihoods, such as farmers, and is often an obstacle to earning sufficient income for their family’s needs. Privately owned forests (POFs) are a land-based farming activity with a long history in Indonesian society. This study aimed to determine the socio-economic conditions, inequality, poverty, and livelihood dynamics of POF farmers. The research was conducted in three villages in Ciamis Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The research was conducted from February to May 2022 through structured, questionnaire-based interviews and in-depth interviews. The number of respondents was 170 POF farmers selected by simple random sampling in each village: 60 in Kalijaya village (18% of 325 farmers), 55 in Mekarjaya village (35% of 154 farmers), and 55 in Hujungtiwu village (37% of 148 farmers). The data obtained were processed using the Gini index and Poverty Line calculations, and analyzed descriptively. The results of this study show that POF farmers are dominated by productive age, long farming experience and low education. POF is the most dominant land use in the three research locations, but the income and contribution of POF are high only in Kalijaya village and lower in Mekarjaya and Hujungtiwu villages. Regression analysis indicates that land has a strong positive impact on farmers’ income. Land inequality was present in farmland, paddy fields, and POF land. The overall level of income and land inequality was less equitable in all locations. Land and income from POFs and non-POFs worked together to reduce POF farmers’ income and land inequality for POF farmers. Poverty was also more widespread among POF farmers in Mekarjaya and Hujungtiwu communities, where average land ownership was low. Farmers’ strategies to deal with this condition include continuing to farm the land but also diversifying their work both within and outside the village. Policymakers can utilise this information to promote or incentivize POF farmers to optimize POF management and improve their families’ living standards.

Understanding values in summer farm tourism

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the main drivers behind summer farm tourism and the elements of summer farms and the summer farm experience that create value for tourists. The study contributes to the conceptualization of summer farm food consumption. By combining concepts used in the analysis of rural tourism, such as postmodernity and cultural heritage, with the hospitality-oriented Five Aspects Meal Model, we offer a new avenue to understand the drivers behind summer farm tourism. Empirically, the study contributes by bringing a hospitality perspective into research about rural tourism, thus offering new avenues for future research. The results show that intrinsic and extrinsic values (e.g. product-specific and non-product-specific characteristics) of summer farm products, along with a welcoming atmosphere, aspects related to the cultural and biological heritage of summer farms, the scenery, and the possibility of encountering real-life animals, are appreciated elements in creating consumer and tourist value. Tourists appreciate the simple rural experience and wish to preserve the cultural heritage embedded in summer farms. Furthermore, traditional elements of hospitality are highly conditioned by postmodern and cultural heritage values.

Understanding the local implications of climate change: Unpacking the experiences of smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Climate change is experienced locally. However, climate change impact assessments are often done at the international, regional and national levels. Local level impacts are less prolific. When international, regional and national level predictions are applied to the local level, they are out of context. Therefore, it is important to understand the local impact of climate change to enhance formulation of suitable adaptation strategies. This study aimed to understand the local impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The actual experiences of smallholder farmers were unpacked. Face-to-face interviews with farmers in the region were conducted to solicit data on the climatic changes experienced, the impacts on crop and livestock production and social wellbeing. Data on the intensity of the impacts was also solicited. Results show that the experienced climatic changes emanated from temperature changes and shifts in rainfall patterns. The impacts on crop and livestock production as well as social wellbeing are all negative. Farmers indicated that the impacts were mostly average to high. It is concluded that smallholder farmers are aware that climate change impacts are negatively affecting their livelihoods. Investments towards building the capacity of smallholder farmers are pertinent.

A multifaceted analysis of pesticide utilization in market gardening along the Ruzizi plain: Exploring factors, farmer perceptions & media influence

Along the Ruzizi plain, subsistence agriculture constitutes households' primary food source. Regardless of the environment, the low level of pesticide use ensures less effective disease and pest control. This is why a study was carried out in the Ruzizi plain to identify the main determinants of pesticide use on vegetable crops for effective control of diseases and pests that significantly reduce the yield of these crops, which play an economically important role for producers and the role of the media in this context. The data was collected using a closed-type survey questionnaire on 90 market gardeners distributed equally between localities applying the probit model. The results of the probit model estimation reveal that about nine factors positively influence the use of pesticides: membership in a cooperative (p=0.0012), access to agricultural credit (p=0.0153), experience in agriculture (p=0.0008), experience in market gardening (p=0.0197), standard of living (p=0.0139), yield (p=0.0001), capacity building (p=0.0035), the area exploited (p=0.0011) and the cultivation system (p=0.0233). In addition, tomatoes are the leading vegetable crop grown by many market gardeners (61.1%), followed by amaranth (20%) and onions (18.9%). Also, 67.8% of market gardeners use pesticides compared to 32.2% who do not use them. Thus, considering these factors would contribute to decision-making when carrying out certain activities to improve market gardening, contributing considerably to the fight against food insecurity. Also, it is advised that the media work harder to inform rural residents and areas about the agenda for rural development.

Preference for water sources and agricultural utilisation among rural households: a case of Akoko district of Ondo State, Nigeria

The increasing challenge of freshwater scarcity amid rising demand and diminishing availability has led to a critical issue threatening sustainable development, especially in rural areas of developing countries like Nigeria. Despite the abundance of studies on rural water use, gaps remain in understanding the interplay between socio-economic factors, and agricultural practices in shaping these preferences and utilisation. Thus, the study investigates the preference for water sources and their utilisation in agricultural activities among rural households in the Akoko district of Ondo State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional data from randomly sampled 240 rural households were collected with the aid of a questionnaire, and employed for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics, logit, and multinomial regressions were used for the data analysis. The findings revealed a dominant preference for rainwater and well water. Factors such as access to safe water sources, time spent, extension service, technology adoption, soil type, experience, and proximity to water sources significantly influence the choice of water source utilization in the area using multinomial logit regression. Again, the results from logit regression revealed that water source, technology adoption, soil type, fish farming, crop farming, farming experience, and distance to water sources significantly affect the use of water for agricultural purposes. Therefore, the policy should enhance water access, consider soil characteristics in agricultural planning, and facilitate knowledge transfer among farmers for optimal water use, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between water access and agricultural sustainability.

Evaluating Belizean Sugarcane Farmers’ Adoption Intentions Regarding Organic Fertilizer

Sugarcane is vital to Belize’s economy, significantly contributing to its Gross Domestic Product and supporting a large portion of the population. It is necessary to address the declining soil health in this nation due to excessive chemical fertilizer use, and Belize aims to promote organic fertilizers, which enhance soil quality and reduce environmental impacts. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of adoption intentions regarding organic fertilizers among Belizean sugarcane farmers using the Extended Theory of Reasoned Action. Data were collected from 207 farmers in the Orange Walk and Corozal districts using a non-probability sampling approach via a self-administered questionnaire measuring perceived health risks, environmental concerns, attitudes, subjective norms, and adoption intentions. The results revealed that both perceived health risks and environmental concerns influenced farmers’ attitudes and subjective norms, which, in turn, affected their adoption intentions, as revealed through path analysis; socio-economic factors, years of farming experience, and ownership background partially affected adoption intentions regarding organic fertilizers, as determined via binary logistic regression analysis. The findings suggest that raising farmers’ awareness of health risks and environmental crises, as well as enhancing farmers’ knowledge and their positive attitudes towards the use of organic fertilizers, will contribute to the sustainable development of the sugarcane industry in Belize. Some interventions by policymakers are recommended to support the transition to the use of organic fertilizers in sugarcane farming.

Experiences of participants in an agricultural livelihood support initiative for people living with HIV in central Uganda

This study aimed at assessing the experiences of people living with HIV who participated in an agricultural livelihood support initiative in selected districts of Uganda. The initiative, implemented from 2017 to 2018, involved the provision of agricultural inputs such as beans, cassava cuttings, goats, chickens, and pigs to participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with 37 people (28 women and 9 men) from the districts of Kampala, Masaka and Wakiso (specifically Entebbe) in central Uganda, who had participated in the project. Data were analysed thematically focusing on facilitators, challenges and outcomes from the project. The following themes emerged as facilitators: access to land and animal feed, prior farming experience and supportive family and friends. Some participants experienced challenges including animal/poultry diseases, livestock theft, “low quality” agricultural inputs, unfavourable weather conditions, limited finance and land to support livelihood activities and difficulties working in groups. Several participants reported positive livelihood outcomes including improved food security, better nutrition, increased income and improved mental health. However, some participants reported negative outcomes which took the form of a loss of money and time invested when their livestock died from disease. Although participants in the agricultural livelihood initiative faced challenges which reduced the profitability of their projects, the initiative was regarded as beneficial and worthwhile. These findings have relevance to the broader field of livelihoods programming. Future interventions can draw from the experiences of our participants while also taking seriously into consideration the different circumstances of individuals in a targeted population so as to increase the chances of producing more positive outcomes.

PENERAPAN GOOD AGRICULTURE PRACTICES (GAP) PADA USAHATANI BUAH NAGA MERAH DI KECAMATAN PESANGGARAN KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI

This research develops and applies the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices to red dragon fruit farming, influencing factors, and recommendations for providing extension materials to increase its implementation. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices must be by Control Points, Standard Operating Procedures, Plant Pest Control, filling out workbooks, and re-registration, which are obligations that farmers must carry out after obtaining a Good Agricultural Practices certificate. In this study, as many as 62 red dragon fruit farmers certified as Good Agriculture Practices were selected as a whole or total sampling. The Likert scale is used to analyze the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Logistic Regression Analysis is used to see the factors that influence the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Efforts to increase the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices through rankings. The research results show that (1) the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming is sufficient; (2) factors that influence the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices are the variables of farming experience, perception of production quantity, and perception of selling price. (3) recommendations for increasing the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming in Pesanggaran District can be done by providing material on priority efforts starting from Mandatory Control Points, Very Green Control Points, filling out workbooks, implementing Plant Pest Control, re-registering, Points Control Recommendations, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.