Extension Services Research Articles

SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THE USE OF AGRO-CHEMICALS BY ARABLE CROPS FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out in Adamawa State to sources of information on the use of agro-chemicals by arable crops farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study and the data was collected via the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Multi-stage and random sampling techniques were used to sample 365 respondents from the four ADP Zones in the state. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage and a 3 type rating scale were used. The result of this study established that majority (40%) of the respondents were within the age of 30-40 years, male respondents accounted for 56.4%, 33.4% had secondary education and 66% has no contact with extension workers while 60% of the respondents were not members of any cooperative association. Majority (74.8%) of the respondents sourced information on the use of agro-chemicals from fellow farmers. The study concluded that informal networks and personal relationships play a crucial role in the dissemination of information on agro-chemicals among farmers. The following recommendations were proffered; extension Services should be improved; use of digital platforms such as mobile apps and social media, ensuring that labels are clear, comprehensive and easy to understand can help increase their utility as a reliable source of information.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices in the Case of Ilu Aba Bora Zone, South West Ethiopia

To overcome the challenges of climate change, this study was intended to identify factors that affect the farmers’ adoption of CSA in the Ilu Aba Bora Zone of Southwest Ethiopia across varying agro-ecological zones. A mixed research design was used for this study. During this study, representative districts (Bure, Hurumu, and Nono Sale) were selected purposely based on their differences in agro-ecology, while rural kebeles and respondents were selected randomly from the districts to minimize the biases of the data. Data collection tools employed were a questionnaire, KKI, FGD, and field observations. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify the interaction of response and explanatory variables and to draw a conclusion. The findings of this study revealed the majority (63.1%) of farmers did not have an understanding of the meaning, function, and goals of CSA practices. Existing CSA options in the study area were conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agro-forestry, early warning system, livelihood diversification, and improved livestock feed, which were practiced at different levels and by a few households. In particular, the early warning system and improved livestock feed were the least implemented CSA options, whereas livelihood diversification, conservation agriculture, and agro-forestry were the highly adopted practices in the area. Independent variables including on-farm income, farming experience, weather information, agro-ecology, farm land size, age, extension service, marital status, and off-farm income were the factors significantly affecting the adoption of CSA practices in the study area. Experts, governments, and nongovernmental organizations should improve farmers’ awareness of the benefits of CSA practices in ensuring food security, climate mitigation and adaptation through training and capacity building. The result of this study will show the direction for farmers, policy makers, planners, and other stakeholders to set up a solution in order to promote CSA practices and technologies based on agro-ecology.

THROUGH THE LENSES OF ACTOR-NETWORK APPROACH - THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH OUTREACH CENTRE

Agriculture’s goal in Nigeria is to provide supportive resources to sustain mankind, environmental resilience against climate change, nation’s economy, irrespective of geographical location or social status with a total land of 911,000 sq. km, and about (80%) is available for various agricultural purposes including arable land, permanent crops, pastures, and irrigated land. However, to achieve the set goal in the past, a series of agricultural information dissemination strategies such as radio, television, and print media were employed to raise adequate revenue for the agricultural sector and increase the food supply in Nigeria via Agricultural Research Outreach Centre in the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services adopted villages/ schools. The study was premised on a mixed method for counterfactuals to facilitate novelties. Despite all the efforts, these strategies did not yield the desired goal, thus, the digital transformation of the agricultural sector particularly to strengthen the extension system in Nigeria. This manner, demands the integration of the agricultural sector into the digital hub to create synergy among the stakeholders, source requisite agricultural information, and hybridize the means of disseminating agricultural information via participatory learning and action platforms. Also, create a Digital Participatory Learning and Action for Agricultural Extension (Di-PLA4AE). Thus, the paper trail on the concept of AROC, ICTs - Digitization, x-rayed the Actor-Network Approach (ANA) by Callon, its application, and the implications of digitization for agricultural activities to stakeholders and criticism in the context. More so, mirror the implications of the Di-PLA4AE and conclusion.

Debunking the One-size-fits-all Approach: Synergistic and Trade-off Effects of Collective Action on Household Food Security Among the Smallholder Farmers in Central Kenya

Collective action is important in ameliorating the negative externalities in agriculture to promote household food security (HFS). This study explored the effects of efficiency and livelihood collective action initiatives (CAIs) on HFS along the pathways of production and income. The efficiency CAIs pursue efficiency-enhancing collective activities including input sourcing and output marketing. The livelihood CAIs engage in household livelihood and resilience enhancing collective activities such as provision of credit and informal insurance, pooling savings and acquisition of assets. A multinomial endogenous treatment effects (METE) model and an ordered probit model were employed on cross-sectional data drawn from 532 households from Murang’a County in central Kenya. The results revealed significant differences in HFS between the efficiency and livelihood CAIs. The differences were accounted for by the variations in household and organizational characteristics that determine the capacity to leverage HFS benefits along the pathways of production and income. Both efficiency and livelihood CAIs showed a positive significant effect on HFS through production. The results further showed that income positively influenced HFS among the livelihood members contrary to efficiency CAIs that showed negative HFS effects. The HFS across the combined pathways of income and production was lower for the efficiency CAIs than the livelihood CAIs. This was mainly due to the trade-off income effects exhibited by the former and the synergies accrued from income and production on the latter. The findings suggest that the overall performance of both efficiency and livelihood CAIs in leveraging HFS from joint income and production remains tentative. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all collective action promotional policy and program design approaches for improved HFS outcomes are inadequate. The study suggests a portfolio of context-specific collective action policies and interventions that match the differences between the efficiency and livelihood CAIs and their links to HFS. The policies would confer potential synergies, spillover effects and complementarities in strengthening the synergies while mitigating the trade-offs along the income and production pathways between the efficiency and livelihood CAIs. There is a need to enhance access to information, extension and advisory services and ICT among the members of the livelihood CAIs to improve production. It is important to incentivize the non-farm livelihood-enhancing economic activities among the livelihood members to fill the household food gaps arising from low production. It is also important to establish collective action funds and micro-credit schemes with affordable interest rates. This would help to tap the opportunities for credit sourcing and pooling savings among the livelihood members while promoting collective input sourcing and output marketing among the efficiency CAIs.

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND FACTORS LEADING TO DISCONTINUED UTILIZATION OF BIO-FORTIFIED MAIZE IN OYO AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

The study assessed the communication strategies and factors leading to the discontinued utilization of bio-fortified maize among selected value-chain actors in Oyo and Ondo States, Nigeria. Information was collected from 320 value chain actors on the sources of information on bio-fortified maize, factors affecting its utilization, and factors leading to its discontinued adoption. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, tables, means, and standard deviations, with hypothesis tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results revealed that 34.1% of respondents received information on yellow maize most frequently through extension agents, 33.0% often through friends/relatives, and 35.3% often through family members. Key factors affecting the utilization of yellow maize included the value chain actors’ experiences (mean = 1.70), market availability (mean = 1.66), and economic benefits (mean = 1.54). Additionally, 57.5% of respondents discontinued utilizing yellow maize due to low distribution of seeds by ADP extension agents, 51.9% due to exploitation by middlemen, and 51.0% due to poor market infrastructure. A significant relationship was found between factors affecting utilization and those leading to the discontinuation of yellow maize (r = 0.364, p ≤ 0.01). The study concluded that value chain actors have access to extension services and receive information on yellow maize through multiple sources, including extension agents, friends/relatives, newspapers, drama, and bulletins/handbills. However, challenges such as low seed distribution, middlemen exploitation, and poor market infrastructure persist. It is recommended that extension agents and other stakeholders address these factors to promote the sustained adoption and utilization of bio-fortified maize among value-chain actors.

Endogenous technologies and productivity in rice production: Roles of social instability in Myanmar since 2021

AbstractDespite technologies' critical roles in agricultural productivity, evidence is scarce on how conflict affects technology adoption and consequent agricultural productivity, often due to a lack of data in fragile states. Our study contributes to filling this knowledge gap by using unique large‐scale data on rice producers before and after a military coup in Myanmar in 2021 that led to a significant increase in conflicts in the country. We find that the increase in violent events including those in adjacent townships significantly changed the rice production function in both factor‐neutral and non‐neutral ways. Specifically, increased violent events have been generally associated with downward factor‐neutral shift in production function, and more importantly, increased output elasticity to agricultural capital (equipment) owned (in other words, reduced output resilience against capital ownership shocks). Our evidence also suggests that this has been led partly through reduced access to agricultural extension services, which would otherwise help farmers maintain productivity even with limited capital ownership by substituting it with human capital and skills. Our results consistently hold for both panel and cross‐sectional production functions across various specifications and particularly in Lower Myanmar. Results also indicate that lower mechanization service fees partly mitigate these effects.

Factors Affecting Application of Modern Agrochemicals and Observance of Pre-Harvest Interval in Khat, Catha edulis (Miraa) Crops in Igembe South Sub County

In Kenya, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development as well as alleviating poverty in the households. Strengthening the agricultural sector will call for provision of requisite extension services and ensuring necessary agricultural inputs readily available to the farmers. Evidently, agrochemicals have boosted agricultural productivity over time. Categorized broadly as fertilizers and pesticides, agrochemicals were introduced to enhance crop yields and minimize crop losses due to soil infertility, pests, and diseases. However, use of agrochemicals has been associated with various issues including effects on the environment and specifically, problems related to human health, biodiversity, and the entire ecosystem. Thus, this study investigated factors affecting application of modern agrochemicals and the observance of Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. The specific objectives that guided the study were to investigate the effect of environmental factors on application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection and whether farmers observed recommended Pre-Harvest Interval in application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. A descriptive research design was utilized with a target population comprising Khat (Miraa) farmers in Igembe south sub county. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting individual respondents from the various wards to with the strata being the ward. Yamane (1967) formula was utilized to estimate the sample size of 399 respondents. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 79.4%. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in figures and tables. From the analysis, the correlation between environmental factors in the application of modern agrochemicals and the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops was positive and statistically significant (?=0.546, P=0.000). The regression coefficient of environmental factors in the model was positive (r=.221) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Based on the calculated averages and PHI risk factors, majority of the farmers are categorized as high risk or very high-risk users of agrochemicals. Further statistical analysis indicated that the coefficient of the risk factor is positive (r=0.572) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Therefore, the risk factor in observance of the PHI has a significant effect on the number of farmers using specific agrochemicals. The study concluded that environmental factors and non-observance of recommended PHI, positively and significantly affects the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops. The study recommends targeted extension to sensitize Khat (Miraa) growers on importance of observing recommended PHI. Finally, the study recommends that the national and county governments ought to formulate policy guidelines that identify agrochemicals suitable in Miraa crops protection, the recommended application rates, and Pre-Harvest Intervals.

Analyzing Farmers’ Perceived Information Need and its Mitigation by Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) Providers in Pluralistic System

Analyzing Farmers’ Perceived Information Need and its Mitigation by Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) Providers in Pluralistic System

Challenges and Adoption of Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm Rearing in Karnataka's South-Eastern Dry Zone, India

The present study explores the adoption of bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing practices in the South-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, specifically within the Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. Data collected from thirty sericulturists using a pretested interview schedule, reveal a mixed picture of practice adoption. The adoption levels of recommended practices vary significantly among rearers. While high adoption rates were observed for certain practices, such as the use of recommended mulberry varieties and irrigation techniques, other practices show only moderate adherence. Specifically, cent per cent of the sericulturists have adopted the recommended mulberry variety and 93.33% follow suggested irrigation schedules. However, there is only a 60% adoption rate for the use of prescribed fertilizers and pest management practices. The study also highlights several key constraints impacting the adoption of these practices. Major constraints include limited access to quality inputs, insufficient technical knowledge and inadequate extension services. Financial constraints and environmental challenges further exacerbate these issues, affecting the overall effectiveness of sericulture practices. Recommendations to improve adoption levels include enhancing access to quality inputs, enhancing educational and extension services which talking financial obstacles. By implementing these recommendations, it is anticipated that sericulturists in these region will be better equipped to adopt and benefit from advanced silkworm rearing practices, resulting in greater productivity and long-term sustainability in the sericulture sector.

A Review on Seed and Varietal Replacement in Indian Agriculture and Its Impact for Farmers Income

This article provides a complete overview on the Seed and Varietal Replacement Rates in India and examines the significant advancements in seed technology and their transformative impacts on Indian agriculture. As technological innovations and policy reforms have introduced high-yielding, good quality and resistant varieties for biotic and abiotic stresses, these improvements have greatly influenced seed replacement rates and varietal adoption in different climatic conditions. The study highlights how these developments contribute to enhanced crop productivity, better resource use efficiency, and increased food security. Key areas of focus include the role of biofortification in improving nutritional quality, the adoption of drought-tolerant crops to combat climate challenges, and the benefits of high-quality certified seeds. The article emphasizes that optimizing seed replacement rates and integrating advanced seed technologies are crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural practices and maximizing farm profitability. Continued investment in research and effective extension services are essential to support the widespread adoption of these innovations and drive future advancements in Indian agriculture.

Factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization in Rupandehi, Nepal

Agricultural mechanization is pivotal in farmer’s fields as it functions more efficiently and helps increase farm productivity. Despite the massive involvement of people in agriculture, farm productivity is relatively low. One main reason for this is the staggered implementation of farm mechanization. This paper aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization using the Chi-square test and identify the major problems using relative frequency values. A total of 112 respondents, 28 each from 4 municipalities of Rupandehi district were interviewed based on stratified random sampling technique. The results showed that the adoption rates of various farm machinery were notably high, with tractors, cultivators, mills, and sprayers being universally employed by 93.75 % of the surveyed individuals. The government subsidies to only 7% of farmers facilitate machinery procurement. The size of the total cultivated land was found to be significant over the use of harvester, grass cutter, and power tiller, and owing of milling machine. The availability of subsidies and owning of mills were found inter dependent. The annual expenditures of farmers and their access to theCusto m Hiring Centre were found to be significant. Lastly, with index values of 0.402 and 0.393, the high costs of farm machinery and small land holdings were major problems in the adoption of farm mechanization. Therefore, addressing the high initial costs of modern farm equipment, providing targeted subsidies, innovative institution formation to provide better services to marginalized farmers, and expanding extension services are essential steps to promote the adoption of farm mechanization.

Impact of urban productive safety net program on urban households' asset accumulation and food consumption rate in Dessie City, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Agriculture is the driver of economic growth in many developing countries like Ethiopia, where it often represents at least 25% of gross domestic product. But the quality and productivity of the land depends on the way agriculture is practiced. Better agricultural techniques are necessarily including Productive Safety net Program. Urban Productive Safety Net Program is designed to support the poor households and establish urban safety net mechanisms. While several studies have examined the effects of rural productive safety net programs, the outcomes of similar programs in urban areas are not well documented. This knowledge gap hinders the ability to effectively design and implement urban productive safety net programs. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of urban productive safety net program on asset accumulation and consumption rate in Dessie city. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. A total of 112 households were selected randomly among the public work Urban Productive Safety Net Program beneficiary and non-beneficiary households. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics and econometric models were used for analysis. Based on the econometric estimation results the demographic and socio-economic variables such as education, access to credit, access to extension services and adult male labor force revealed positive relation to public work urban productive safety net program beneficiary and non-beneficiary household's asset accumulation and consumption. The impact of program participation was also found to be positive and significant for both home asset and community asset. While food and non-food consumption even the total consumption and food security status are also positive. Generally, the result indicated that, due to program participation beneficiary households have higher home asset and community asset and better consumption and food security status.

Socio-economic Characteristics of Farmers Practicing Rice-wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in Haryana, India: A Comparative Analysis

The Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) is a cornerstone of India's food security, particularly in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. However, the sustainability of RWCS is increasingly threatened by issues such as soil degradation, groundwater depletion, and climate vulnerabilities, exacerbated by the resource-intensive practices introduced during the green revolution. The study was conducted during 2023-24 using an ex-post facto research design. Multistage sampling by simple random sampling method was used to derive sample for the study and the data was collected through personal interview. This study focuses on the socio-economic profile of small and large farmers practicing RWCS in Haryana, a critical region for this cropping system. By comparing personal, economic, social, and behavioral characteristics between these two groups, the research highlights the disparities in access to resources, extension services, and agricultural technologies. These differences have significant implications for the adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions especially for small farmers and effective extension services to bridge these gaps, thereby enhancing the sustainability and profitability of the RWCS in Haryana. Understanding the socio-economic characteristics of small and large farmers is crucial for policymakers aiming to ensure the long-term viability of this vital agricultural system.

Fuel for collective action: A SWOT analysis to identify social barriers and drivers for a local woody biomass supply chain in an Italian alpine valley

The role of woody biomass in the clean energy transition is substantial in the EU. Forest residues are one of the main biomass sources that can be used for energy production, but their use to support the energy transition is still limited for several reasons. Research has shown that the use of forest residues in energy production can be effectively stimulated through collective actions that aim to develop short and local supply chains. This study aims to identify the barriers and drivers for the development of a local supply chain for forest residues in an Italian alpine valley, gathering and analysing the perspectives of all involved local actors, that is, (i) suppliers - the communities that own the forest resources, (ii) intermediaries - the forest professionals providing extension and advice services to owners and the harvesting companies; and (iii) the final consumers, in this case the local municipalities and hospitality enterprises. Data are analysed using a SWOT analysis. The results show that the suppliers identified opportunities especially, while the final consumers focused more on strengths, weaknesses, and threats. The SWOT categories in terms of the number of different factors were weaknesses (37 %), strengths (27 %), threats (18 %), and opportunities (17 %). Opportunities and strengths were considered as drivers, while threats and weaknesses were barriers. Several drivers emerged, such as a general predisposition toward the development of a local supply chain for forest residues, social homogeneity in terms of knowledge and management of the land, and common challenges. Barriers also emerged in the form of limited know-how on the supply chain potential, but also in limited availability to concede control between different forest owners over their property. The SWOT results are useful to design strategies to support the development of the supply chain: four possible strategies, amongst which flexible cooperation processes between different categories of stakeholders, and the organisation of a buying group of the hospitality enterprises, were suggested.

Agro-Pastoral Youth Participation in Livelihood Activities, Development Programs and Interventions in East and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to identify the status and determinants of male and female youth participation in selected livelihood activities, development programs and interventions in agro-pastoral areas of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design and mixed methods research approach were employed. A multi-stage random sampling strategy was followed to select four agro-pastoral Woredas (A ‘Woreda’ is an administrative unit equivalent to a District), 12 Kebeles (A ‘Kebele’ is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia. A Woreda/District consists of several Kebeles) and 398 youth aged 15–29 years for a face-to-face interview. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometric model (Logistic regression) estimation. We found that whereas male youth had better access to land, participation in extension/advisory services and Farmers’ Training Centers (FTCs), agricultural training, and NGOs, female youth had better participation in non-/off-farm livelihood activities and Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). Our findings indicated that lack of access to financial resources, limited access to land, poor extension and rural advisory services, limited skills development programs and mentorship were key factors affecting youth participation. Other factors include: targeting criteria, discrimination (e.g. on the basis of gender, social structure), cumbersome organizational procedures and requirements, limited availability and capacity of supporting organizations, poor infrastructural developments, mismatch between needs and services provided, conflict, and climate-induced shocks and uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, local and regional governments and their development partners operating in the area should implement a multi-stakeholder, participatory, co-design and development of programs, projects and interventions to enhance collaboration, youth engagement and benefit. Investments in capacity-building and alternative income-generating activities, entrepreneurship education and business skills training are also important.

Commercial Agriculture and Youth Poultry Egg Farmers’ Efficiency in Nigeria

Low egg production is one of the many factors that challenge the growth of the Nigerian poultry industry and particular attention has not been paid to youth involvement in commercial poultry egg production. Using data from 181 sampled farmers, this study used Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to investigate whether the impact of the concluded Commercial Agriculture Development Project was sustainable, even three years after its closure in Nigeria. Farmers who participated in the project recorded 7.6%-21.0% increases in profit and a slight (0.1%-0.7%) decrease in technical efficiency. Comparing determinants of profitability between youth and non-youth farmers, show that price per crate and egg production quantity recorded more positive effects on the profitability of youth farmers while feed price had a more negative effect on the profitability of non-youth farmers. On the determinants of Technical Efficiency (TE) between youth and non-youth farmers, although years of education decreased the TE of both groups, the effect was greater among youth farmers, while egg production was significant and positive for both groups, the effect was greater for non-youth farmers. Also, the number of birds, feed quantity, and price per crate had negative effects on TE for youth farmers only, while years of experience although negative was significant for only the non-youth group. Overall, youth farmers recorded more significant positive effects on profit than non-youth farmers and less significant positive effects on TE. Overall, our results suggest scaling-up or expanding commercial agriculture interventions to farmers, especially youth. Our finding further highlights the need for training/capacity-building and extension services for youth farmers as this will bridge the gaps of inexperience that are contributory to TE of non-youth farmers.

A Global Study of Debate Extension Service Organizations (DESOs): Challenges and Opportunities

Debating is often seen as an extra-curricular activity, with debate clubs in secondary and tertiary level institutions being the main organizational unit. However, some organizations operate beyond individual schools and offer broader support to debate activities. This includes organizing tournaments, training coaches and adjudicators, executing debate workshops/camps, managing national debate teams, and promoting debate in non-school environments. These can be called Debate Extension Service Organisations (DESOs), are typically non-governmental organizations that vary in terms of structure, services, staffing, and funding. Generally, they aim to create positive change in the lives of their programme participants and to promote debate as a useful tool for society. Conducted in the Caribbean, this study uses a sequential mixed method approach consisting of a survey and a focus group discussion to explore the challenges confronting such organizations, and examines the extent to which they are similar across places, in addition to considering various solutions to such challenges. From this, it is noted that the strategies to overcome the challenges may be at least somewhat transferable, though contextual nuances remain relevant. It was found that the challenge of greatest concern to the organizations was funding, while participant buy-in was of least concern. Other concerns of staff turnover, public support, and organization capacity were moderate. Despite the concerns, the organizations remained optimistic in achieving their goals and believed that they would remain in existence.

Environmental impact of modern agricultural practices: Strategies for reducing carbon footprint and promoting conservation

Modern agricultural practices have significantly transformed food production, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. However, these advancements have also had notable environmental impacts, particularly concerning carbon emissions and resource depletion. This study explores the environmental impact of contemporary agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate carbon footprints and enhance conservation efforts. Agriculture contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions through sources such as livestock, synthetic fertilizers, and fossil fuel consumption. These emissions contribute to climate change and global warming. Additionally, modern farming practices often lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and soil degradation, exacerbating biodiversity loss and reducing soil health. Water usage in agriculture also poses significant challenges, with high water consumption and pollution from runoff affecting water resources and aquatic ecosystems. To address these issues, several strategies can be employed to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. Adoption of sustainable farming practices such as conservation tillage and no-till farming can enhance soil carbon sequestration, improving soil health and reducing emissions. Agroforestry and cover cropping further contribute by capturing atmospheric carbon and improving soil structure. The integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power in farming operations, along with energy-efficient technologies, can also reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower overall greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting conservation involves implementing practices that protect and restore natural resources. Soil conservation methods, including erosion control techniques like terracing and contour plowing, help maintain soil health and prevent degradation. Efficient water management strategies, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, reduce water consumption and mitigate pollution from runoff. Biodiversity conservation can be supported through the preservation of natural habitats and the promotion of biodiverse farming systems, which enhance ecosystem resilience and stability. Effective policy frameworks and support mechanisms are crucial for driving the adoption of these strategies. Government policies, including environmental regulations and incentives, play a pivotal role in encouraging sustainable practices. Research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies and practices, while education and extension services ensure the dissemination of knowledge and best practices to farmers. Modern agricultural practices have significant environmental impacts, but through the adoption of sustainable practices and innovative strategies, it is possible to reduce carbon footprints and promote conservation. Continued research, supportive policies, and effective implementation of conservation strategies are essential for achieving a more sustainable agricultural future. Keywords: Environmental Impact, Agricultural Practices, Carbon Footprint.

Mapping and modeling of water erosion in the Revubué river Sub-Basin, Moatize, Mozambique

This study investigated water erosion in the Revubué River Sub-Basin, Moatize, Mozambique, utilizing advanced mapping and modeling techniques. Through detailed land use surveys and application of the Potential Erosion Model (EPM), we identified areas with moderate to severe erosion rates (φ = 0.54), particularly in zones of intensive agriculture (15% of the study area) and mining (1% of the study area). The results highlighted the influence of undulating topography (average slope of 9%) and intensive agricultural practices on erosion rates (0 – 25 ton/ha). Urgent implementation of soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing and terracing, was recommended to mitigate soil loss, improve agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. Agricultural sustainability was emphasized, focusing on investments in sustainable agricultural practices to preserve long-term soil health. Raising awareness among farmers about the impacts of soil erosion and implementing effective management practices were considered crucial. Extension services were recognized as key agents in disseminating knowledge for promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Causes and Impacts of Various Agricultural Extension Service Strategies in Bangladesh

Causes and Impacts of Various Agricultural Extension Service Strategies in Bangladesh