Agricultural Extension Research Articles

Rural Youth Aspirations in the Face of Environmental, Economic and Social Pressures: Transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract Farming communities in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) face a range of socio-economic and environmental pressures. With out-migration and changing career opportunities, many young people are unwilling to remain in agriculture and prefer careers elsewhere due to poor perceptions of farming as a career. To better understand the educational choices and career aspirations of rural youth in the VMD and the contextual factors affecting these choices, we used an online survey and several focus group discussions to consult university students about their selection of university major, their career aspirations, the role of climate change and other pressures, and opportunities available to alleviate these pressures. Farming itself was an unattractive career pathway, though agricultural services, research and extension were relatively popular. Climate change may reduce agricultural employment prospects, requiring some respondents to pursue other, less impacted careers. Other pressures reported included a lack of certain workplace skills; gendered differences in career prospects and sectors; inadequate personal networks; and COVID-19 economic impacts. Government and private sector initiatives may help alleviate these pressures via educational, financial and entrepreneurial support, valourising diverse career pathways, and ensuring improved inclusivity for youth in rural communities.

Assessment of Technology Readiness in Norwegian Older Adults With Long-Term Health Conditions Receiving Home Care Services: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

With the increasing number of older adults globally, there is a constant search for new ways to organize health care services. Digital health services are promising and may reduce workload and at the same time improve patient well-being. A certain level of eHealth literacy is needed to be able to use digital health services. However, knowledge of technology readiness in this target group of older adults is unclear. The aim of this study was to understand the technology readiness level of a group of older adults who were provided home care services in order to address the present and future needs of this group in relation to the implementation of digital health care services. This quantitative cross-sectional study included 149 older adults from Norway receiving home care services. The participants completed the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) instrument, assessments of well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5]), and assessments of demographic and clinical variables (sex, age, education, living situation, comorbidity, use of digital devices, and use of IT). Cluster analyses were used to group the users according to their technology readiness. The mean participant age was 78.6 (SD 8.0) years, and 55.7% (83/149) were women. There was good consistency within the assumed READHY scales (Cronbach α=.61-.91). The participants were grouped into 4 clusters, which differed in terms of READHY scores, demographic variables, and the use of IT in daily life. Participants in cluster 1 (n=40) had the highest scores on the READHY scales, were younger, had a larger proportion of men, had higher education, and had better access to digital devices and IT. Participants in cluster 4 (n=16) scored the lowest on eHealth literacy knowledge. Participants in cluster 1 had relatively high levels of eHealth literacy knowledge and were expected to benefit from digital health services, while participants in cluster 4 had the lowest level of eHealth literacy and would not easily be able to start using digital health services. The technology readiness level varied in our cohort of Norwegian participants receiving home care. Not all elderly people have the eHealth literacy to fully benefit from digital health services. Participants in cluster 4 (n=16) had the lowest scores in the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire scales in the READHY instrument and should be offered nondigital services or would need extensive management support. The demographic differences between the 4 clusters may inform stakeholders about which older people need the most training and support to take advantage of digital health care services.

Fruitless or Fruitful? Examining Ghana's Agricultural Inputs Subsidy and Household Welfare

ABSTRACTThere are mixed accounts of the impact of government input subsidies on farmers welfare outcomes in the global south with political colorations, which often tend to exaggerate outcomes. Ghana's Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme phase 1, promised to be revolutionary in attaining the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)‐2 of ending hunger. However, the programme received criticisms with mixed sentiments within the political circle and policy arena, with scarce evidence in the extant literature. Using cross sectional data collected from 1107 maize farmers, we find that participating in the PFJ increases maize yield by 454.90 kg/ha, gross income by US$ 171.74 and per capita consumption by US$ 0.43. Our findings show that the adoption of only fertilizer increases maize yield significantly by 1609.2 kg/ha, gross maize income by $332, and improves per capita consumption significantly by $1.22. Participating in the PFJ programme is influenced by age, gender, marital status, education, farm size, credit, pests and diseases, market access, farm distance, radio, political affiliation, and the perception of timely supply of seeds and fertilizers. Our results suggest that adopting multiple combinations of packages remain financially viable. The choice of combinations of interventions is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and institutional factors. We suggest that agricultural extension and advisory services target efforts to address structural challenges relating to land ownership, credit access, market access, pests, and diseases to improve welfare outcomes. The study highlights the need to expand and sustain the PFJ programme to have a maximum impact on maize production, income generation, and household consumption.

Navigating the Future of Intelligent Transportation: Challenges and Solutions in 6G V2X and V2V Networks

Recent advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have transformed vehicular communication, facilitating Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity. These technologies enhance travel safety and efficiency while also reducing pollution and accident rates through optimised resource utilisation. V2X applications encounter significant challenges concerning traffic safety, data security, and scalability, necessitating thorough evaluation prior to extensive implementation. The rising prevalence of connected vehicles presents challenges, including network instability, heterogeneity, and extensive data management, which require novel solutions for effective communication. This study gives a new view on how to combine 6G technologies with V2X and V2V communication systems. It addresses important issues like security, resource allocation, and making sure that communication is very reliable and has low latency. Our study is different from others because it looks at all the technologies that make this possible, including Proportional Fairness Algorithms, machine learning, blockchain, and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). We emphasise the significance of collective perception (CP) in improving traffic safety and resource efficiency through the sharing of sensor data among V2X-enabled entities, including vehicles, roadside units (RSUs), and vulnerable road users.This research provides a thorough analysis of advanced methodologies and their limitations, making it a valuable resource for scholars, academics, and industry professionals. It offers a framework for developing future intelligent transportation systems that utilise 6G capabilities to achieve high reliability, minimal latency, and optimal spectrum efficiency in vehicular networks.

Role of Agricultural Extension Services in Enhancing Farmers Income in Uganda

Role of Agricultural Extension Services in Enhancing Farmers Income in Uganda

Virtual reality videos for delivery of extension educational materials on manure and mortality management: a pilot-study

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR videos for delivering educational content on manure and mortality management. Methodology 360° VR tours were created covering various aspects of manure management, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and preliminary wastewater treatment. These videos were disseminated to agricultural producers, extension specialists, and researchers through YouTube. The effectiveness of VR videos in delivering technical content was assessed using online surveys, measuring the audiences’ awareness of manure and mortality management topics and VR video perceptions before and after viewing the VR videos. Findings The increase in awareness after watching the videos was statistically significant, and most participants perceived the VR videos as an effective educational technique for conveying manure and mortality management information. They also found the VR videos interesting and expressed their willingness to learn more content through the VR platform. Practical implications This study presents VR tours as an effective technique to educate people on manure and mortality management. VR tours can offer immersive learning experiences in manure and mortality management technologies, eliminating the need for in-person farm visits, saving traveling time and money, and reducing exposure to farm-related hazards such as pathogens and unpleasant odors. Theoretical implications The information gathered through this research will be helpful for researchers and extension specialists working on manure and mortality management, to effectively convey their knowledge to diverse audiences through distant education platforms. Originality This is the first study on the use of VR to deliver educational content on manure and mortality management.

Perspective on Multiview Super‐Resolution Microscopy: Innovations and Future Directions

Multiview super‐resolution microscopy (MSRM) has revolutionized biological imaging by providing unprecedented spatial resolution, enabling detailed visualization of complex biological structures and processes. This review explores recent advancements in MSRM, including its integration with deep learning, enhanced imaging dimensionality, synchronized multiview capture, and optimized deconvolution techniques. Despite these significant strides, the field continues to face challenges such as intricate implementation protocols, extensive data management requirements, and the need for precise calibration. Future progress is likely to focus on automating data acquisition workflows, integrating MSRM with complementary imaging modalities for enriched analysis, and achieving real‐time imaging capabilities to capture dynamic biological processes with greater accuracy. Furthermore, MSRM holds immense potential in biomedical research, offering transformative insights into disease mechanisms and the interactions between materials and biological systems. By overcoming existing limitations and embracing emerging technologies, MSRM is set to drive breakthroughs in biological imaging and make significant contributions to the study of biomaterials and bioengineered structures within material science.

Strategic Priorities for Developing the Marketing of Pomelo Oranges (Citrus maxima Merr.): A Case Study in Magetan Regency, Indonesia

Magetan Regency is the main production center for pomelo in Indonesia with total production reaching 244,395 quintals per year. Despite the high output of pomelo oranges in Magetan Regency, they still need to improve their marketing process. The purpose of this research is to analyze the priority of choosing the best strategy to develop a marketing strategy for pomelo oranges in Magetan Regency. The analysis method uses the Analytic Network Process (ANP) with Super Decision Software. Data collection uses journal reference methods, observations, interviews, and questionnaires to people who are experts in the field of pomelo oranges to obtain data/information regarding criteria, sub-criteria, and alternative solutions that will be analyzed later. The experts are the Head of the Horticulture Division from the Food Crops, Horticulture, Plantation, and Food Security Department, Magetan Regency; pomelo orange farmers in Magetan Regency; and representatives of Field Agricultural Extension Officer Sukomoro District, Magetan Regency. The results of the analysis using the ANP method, lead to the right and best decision in terms of selecting a profitable marketing strategy for pomelo citrus farming in Magetan Regency, namely post-harvest quality improvement. These results can be used as the best alternative because they meet the criteria and sub-criteria above, namely managerial capabilities, customer linking capabilities, market innovation capabilities, human resources assets, and reputational assets.

From classroom to field: Assessing the impact of gender-targeted farmer training on knowledge, attitudes and practices in Northern Laos

Agricultural development aiming to empower and engage women has become a staple of most agrarian development programs. These gender-focused development programs are commonly referred to as gender-targeted development. Lao People's Democratic Republic is one country experiencing an increased focus on gender-targeted agricultural development. However, a limited understanding of cultural and gender-specific factors influencing the engagement of Laotian women continues to impact the successful implementation of these programs. This study examines the advantages of gender-segregated training through pre- and post-training knowledge, attitude and practice surveys. While no definitive conclusion was reached regarding the effects of gender-segregated or gender-mixed training, the study highlighted key factors that influence women's engagement, including domestic responsibilities and gender inequity in agricultural extension. The study revealed that domestic responsibilities significantly impact the engagement of women, with a majority (51.5%) of women participants with children bringing them to the training sessions. In contrast, only 12.1% of men with children brought them to their session, and they did so only to gender-mixed sessions where they could rely on their wives for childcare assistance. Men in the study experienced significant knowledge changes in gender-mixed training, whereas women exhibited no significant difference in knowledge acquisition between gender-segregated and gender-mixed sessions. Significantly, the investigation uncovered that gender gaps in education in Laos have reduced women's readiness for training, evidenced by the significantly lower starting scores of women. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of future research in Laos and the application of participatory research approaches. A deeper understanding of the factors influencing the engagement of women in development programming will ultimately enhance the long-term success of gender-targeted development programs in Northern Laos and the Mekong Subregion, thereby contributing to improved gender equity and women's empowerment.

Unearthing the nexus: latifundia, earthquakes, and the emergence of the Sicilian Mafia

Abstract This paper explores the historical origins of the Mafia and its roots in the Sicilian latifundia. By employing earthquake intensity as an instrumental variable to tackle endogeneity concerns, our study reveals a significant relationship between the presence of the Mafia during its initial historical appearances in the second half of the 19th century and the characteristics of latifundia. Latifundia, distinguished by large landowners and extensive agriculture, including the rotation of single-crop, pasture, and fallow lands, is found to be closely linked to this heightened Mafia presence. Moreover, our analysis rules out contemporary socio-economic factors by considering a set of control variables such as agricultural proxies. These findings highlight a persistent historical pattern of inequality, proxied by the spread of latifundia, underscoring the enduring influence of the medieval feudal system, transformed into latifundia, on social dynamics. Our findings suggest that policies aimed at reducing the concentration of land ownership and promoting land reform could effectively have curbed the emergence of organized crime in areas with a history of comparatively higher land ownership inequality.

Mapping livestock systems, bovine and caprine diseases in Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Province, Chad

This study aimed to compile an inventory of the main diseases affecting these species in Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Province in Chad. A survey was conducted between 6 May and 7 August 2024 using a cascade data collection method identifying 310 farmers and 19 veterinarians with an average of 10 to 12 years of experience in advising and supporting livestock practices The data collected included socio-professional characteristics of participants, livestock practices, and geospatial information. These data were managed in Excel and analysed with R. The analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical techniques including binary logistic regression resulting in maps illustrating disease hotspots and livestock systems. Thematic maps, tables and charts with a 5% significance threshold visualised risk areas and associated livestock practices. The results show a predominance of male farmers (91.9%) from 20 different ethnic groups. The livestock systems identified include data on farming divided into extensive (14.8%), mixed (0.3%) and semi-intensive farming (84.8%). On average, farms have 41 cattle and 25 goats. Animal diseases were found to cause 29.5% reduction in herd productivity. Transhumance (p=0.000356) and animal disease incidence (p=0.03) were observed as significant risk factors associated with the abandonment of livestock farming. The main diseases recorded in cattle include contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (11.3%), bovine tuberculosis (2.5%), foot-and-mouth disease (45.0%), bluetongue (1.7%) and disease with symptoms reminiscent of rinderpest (2.5%). For goats, notable diseases include brucellosis (3.8%), lumpy skin disease (19.2%), goat plague (7.9%) and Rift Valley fever (6.3%). These findings confirm the importance of a geospatial epidemiological surveillance tool for monitoring animal diseases in this region.

DAYA TETAS TELUR DAN TINGKAT KELANGSUNGAN HIDUP PADA BENIH IKAN MANFISH (Pterophyllum scalare) DI BPBAT MANDIANGIN

This study aims to analyze the level of corn farmers' participation in agricultural extension programs and the factors influencing it in the Porehu District. Employing a survey method with a descriptive analysis approach and a quantitative paradigm, the study involved 112 corn farmers as respondents. The results indicate that internal factors such as age, education, farming experience, income, and family dependents significantly impact farmers' participation in extension activities. Additionally, external factors including farmers' motivation, perception of extension, support for infrastructure, support from extension agents, and social environment support also significantly affect farmers' participation. These findings highlight the need to develop more effective and inclusive extension strategies and strengthen collaboration among the government, agricultural extension agents, farmer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Such efforts are expected to enhance farmer participation and the success of agricultural extension programs, ultimately positively impacting agricultural productivity and farmers' well-being.

Peatland resilience and presence under national climate gradients: Implications for peatland restoration strategies.

Irish peatlands, while generally resilient, are significantly threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Here we implement a mechanistic model to evaluate the impact of climate gradients on Irish Peatland Resilience at a national scale. We identify critical tipping points that signify shifts from peatland to forest ecosystems; assess how these shifts vary with climate change, and how they impact ecosystem carbon stores. In this approach we delineated the three main peatland types prevalent in Ireland: Low lying Atlantic blanket bogs, mountain blanket bogs, and raised bogs. Furthermore, the model outputs were used to derive a resilience index for each peatland type, providing an indication of their capacity to withstand environmental changes. Our results show that 21% of Ireland's area currently has a climate that can sustain existing rainwater-fed blanket bogs. Topography, including elevation and slope, also influences the distribution and vulnerability of peatland types, with raised bogs more susceptible to transitions in flatter areas. Additionally, Ireland's current climate potentially supports the formation of raised bogs over 63% of the land area. However, 16% of Irish landscapes are classified as sensitive for peatlands, where tree growth is likely to outcompete peatlands, making the natural formation of raised bogs from forests unlikely without extensive ecosystem management. These sensitive areas, already affected by ongoing environmental changes, may benefit from targeted conservation and restoration efforts to support their ecological and carbon storage functions. The insights from this research offer valuable guidance to help target national peatland restoration strategies. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader goal of sustainable peatland management and preservation amidst changing environmental conditions.

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Made by the Cattle Rearers in Management of Milch Cattle during Transition Period

The study, conducted in 2023-24 in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, investigates the constraints faced and suggestions made by cattle rearers in management of milch cattle during transition period. The research was carried out in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, involving 120 cattle rearers from twelve villages, with data collected through personal interviews using a specially designed schedule. Statistical analysis revealed several significant constraints such as, high veterinary medicine costs, low milk rates, and high feed costs. Additionally, many respondents lacked sufficient information on proper management practices during the transition period. Other notable constraints included difficulties in identifying cattle diseases, high incidence of diseases during the transition period, distant veterinary hospitals and unavailability of government veterinary doctors, lack of knowledge about vaccination schedules and calf care, and inadequate veterinary services. To address these challenges, respondents suggested providing generic animal drugs in each circle, government regulation on milk adulteration and pricing of feed, medicines, and dairy equipment and on-farm demonstrations of improved management practices. Additional suggestions included linking dairy farmers with agricultural universities and institutions, strengthening agricultural extension services and imparting training.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN DI KABUPATEN KUTAI KARTANEGARA

The decreasing speed and level of utilization of agricultural technology innovations produced by the Agricultural Research and Development Agency (Balitbangtan) raises questions that must be answered through relevant research. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the factors that support the performance of extension workers based on their personal characteristics and external support. This study is a survey research using a quantitative approach. Data analysis employs the Spearman Rank Correlation technique. The results indicate a significant relationship between respondent characteristics and the performance of agricultural extension workers in Kutai Kartanegara district. The correlation coefficient of 0.469 is interpreted as a positive correlation. This means that the better the personal characteristics of the extension workers (formal education, frequency of training participation, and field of study), the higher their performance. The strength of the relationship between the personal characteristics variable and the performance of agricultural extension workers is categorized as moderate.

Identification of Factors Affecting the Participation of Farmer Group Members in the Agricultural Extension Program in Nusaherang District, Kuningan Regency

Identification of Factors Affecting the Participation of Farmer Group Members in the Agricultural Extension Program in Nusaherang District, Kuningan Regency

HARNESSING HERBAL POTENTIAL: BACOPA MONNIERI AMELIORATES LIVER TOXICITY FROM IMIDACLOPRID 70% WG IN LABEO ROHITA

Pesticide induced toxicity possesses significant risks to all organisms including aquatic organisms particularly in regions with extensive agriculture activities. This study offers valuable insights into the toxicological effects of Imidacloprid 70% WG a widely used neonicotinioid pesticide on the fresh water fish species Labeo rohita. The study also sheds light on the therapeutic potential of Bacopa monnieri a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant properties, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties against Imidacloprid induced toxicity in Labeo rohita. Histopathological analysis revealed severe hepatic damage in imidacloprid exposed fish including necrosis and structural degeneration of hepatic cells. However treatment with Bacopa monnieri extract significantly ameliorated these effects restoring normal hepatic architecture. The results obtained from this investigation provide compelling evidence of the duality of pesticide toxicity and natural plant based mitigation leading to several key conclusions about the risk associated with immediately and the potential of alternative therapeutic interventions.

Application of Balanced Fertilization to Rice Farmers in Darat Sawah Ulu Village, Seginim District, South Bengkulu Regency

Soil fertility depletion due to chemical fertilizers is one of the causes of low productivity of rice plants. This study aims to determine the application of balanced fertilization to rice farmers in Darat Sawah Ulu Village, Seginim District, South Bengkulu Regency, and to design an empowerment design that supports the implementation of a balanced fertilization system. This research was carried out from January to June 2024 in Darat Sawah Ulu Village, Seginim District, Bengkulu Province. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a survey method using a questionnaire as an instrument used in the research. The sample used was 40 respondents. The level of balanced fertilization application in Darat Sawah Ulu Village, Seginim District, South Bengkulu Regency is in the high category with the average percentage of 5 correct applications is 77.214%. Agricultural extension workers need to assist to maintain the sustainability of implementing this highly balanced fertilizer with appropriate programs.

Estimating the impact of conservation agriculture adoption on crop productivity under rain-fed system (Ethiopia): a counterfactual approach analysis

Few initiatives have been made to raise awareness of Conservation Agriculture (CA) and how it has improved the lives of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. This study seeks to analyze the crop productivity impact of CA in the Farta district of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional household data was collected in 2018/19 in the two agro-ecological zones of the study area. Mean comparison of CA farmers’ characteristics with respect to count of adult males in family and number of farm plots fragmented; and educational attainment, differ statistically from their counterparts. The impact of CA adoption was estimated using counterfactual outcome approach by employing Propensity Score Matching (PSM) based on a sample of CA matched with the non-CA farmers. Initially a binary outcome variable indicating whether a farmer adopted CA was estimated as a primary outcome while crop productivity as a secondary outcome variable of interest measured in kg/hectare of farmland in logarithmic form. From a total of 322 subjects included 168 CA and 154 non-CA farmers, four treated cases (CA farmers) were discarded from the analysis using estimator of kernel matching with no bandwidth. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) was used as a relevant statistical measure. The advantage was taken by CA farmers as CA practice has brought increment in 1.08 kilogram of crop produced per hectare of farmland. Despite CA’s practice found with small effect as observed at T-value of 1.65 at less than 1 percent level of significance. Possible reasons may include farmers’ interest to increase production at the expense of cultivating large farmland size for crop production and the failure to implement the full practices necessary to improve crop productivity. The project's findings highlighted the need for policies that support and enable a more frequent and successfully established communication link between farmers with agricultural experts at the regional, zonal, and district levels, as well as agricultural extension personnel at the local level. There should be more attention to sustainable agricultural practices through adopting crop and soil management system on farmland, improving soil quality consistently for improved crop productivity. Key words: Rainfed production, Conservation Agriculture, crop productivity, Propensity Score Matching, Ethiopia

Perception of Socioeconomic Effect and Constraints of Artificial Intelligence (Agricultural Technology) Performance of Agricultural Extension Agent in Delta State, Nigeria

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the different strata of life and industries, such as agriculture, to higher levels of productivity, efficiency, and decision-making with the use of smart technologies. This study evaluated the perceived socioeconomic impacts and challenges of AI on the productivity of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. The data was collected from 51 respondents through use of stratified random sampling technique and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that the majority of the extension agents saw AI as having both economic benefits and limitations. Perceived economic impacts formed the largest means of 2.89 where the respondents were most concerned with affordability with a mean of 3.14 and the redundancies that are expected to be witnessed with a mean of 2.55. Perceived barriers to AI integration mainly concerned restricted access to the internet (mean = 3.14) and lack of technical skills (mean = 3.12) with a grand mean of 2.86. From the study, it suggested that infrastructure, technical training, and policy intervention should be put in place to support AI usage in agricultural extension services.