Extension Services Research Articles

Big data analysis and application of library information resources

Abstract This study explores the application of extensive data analysis to library information resources, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of resource utilization and user satisfaction through personalized recommendation services. We employ cluster analysis algorithms, and least squares support vector machines to model library users’ borrowing behaviors. Additionally, we use the Apriori algorithm and collaborative filtering to recommend books effectively. This study’s experimental outcomes show a notable 11.36% increase in the index of network resource demand satisfaction, indicating a significant enhancement in the library’s ability to meet resource update demands. The adoption of big data analytics has been instrumental in advancing library information management and expanding extensive data services. The findings underscore the pivotal role of big data in enhancing the efficiency of information resource utilization and elevating user satisfaction, mainly through personalized recommendations.

Effects of Social Capital on Forest Management Practices among Food Crop Farmers in Oyo State Forest Reserves, Nigeria

Forest management is essential to Nigeria’s economic and ecological development. Decline and desertification are results of the difficulties farmers faced. Social capital fortifies the cooperative approach to mitigating these associated problems. This study looked into how Oyo State food crop producers’ social capital affected their ability to manage their forests. In order to gather data, standardised questionnaires were used to choose 223 respondents using multistage random selection techniques. The objectives were examined using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Farm size, agricultural experience, distance from the farm, number of years spent in school, and use of extension services all affected the adoption of forest management practises (FMP). Gender, the heterogeneity index, the collective labour participation index, meeting attendance, and membership index density are all instruments that have a combined positive and substantial effect on FMP. FMP is favourably and strongly correlated with each of these variables. According to this study, an average respondent’s influence on farm management increases with the size of the association to which he belongs. In the meanwhile, it was discovered that the Decision Making Index and the Meeting Attendance Index, which have positive and negative relationships with farm management, respectively, were not statistically significant in explaining this influence on farm management.

Analysis of Value Chain of Cow Milk: The Case of Itang Special Woreda, Gambella, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a long and rich history of dairy farming, which was mostly carried out by small and marginal farmers who raised cattle, camels, goats, and sheep, among other species, for milk. Finding the Itang Special Woreda cow milk value chain is the study's main goal. In order to gather primary data, 204 smallholder dairy farmer households were randomly selected, and the market concentration ratio was calculated using 20 traders. Descriptive statistics, econometric models, and rank analysis were used to achieve the above specified goals. Out of all the participants in the milk value chain, producers, cafés, hotels, and dairy cooperatives had the largest gross marketing margins, accounting for 100% of the consumer price in channels I and II, 55% in channels III and V, and 25.5% in channels V. The number of children under five, the number of milking cows owned, the amount of money from non-dairy sources, the frequency of extension service contacts, the amount of milk produced each day, and the availability of market information were found to have an impact on smallholders' involvement in the milk market. Numerous obstacles also limited the amount of milk produced and marketed. The poll claims that general health issues, sickness, predators, and a lack of veterinary care are plaguing farmers. In order to address the issue of milk perishability, the researchers recommended the host community and organization to construct an agro milk processor, renovate the dairy cooperative in the study region, and restructure the current conventional marketing to lower the transaction and cost of milk marketing.

Does Telecommunications Reinforce Rural Agricultural Extension Services: Insights From Tribal Villages in Eastern India

Does Telecommunications Reinforce Rural Agricultural Extension Services: Insights From Tribal Villages in Eastern India

A Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Maize Production Efficiency and Its Climate-Smart Agricultural Practice Determinants in Southeast, Nigeria

Efficient maize production and resource allocation are crucial for agricultural sustainability, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas like Southeast Nigeria. This study employs stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to investigate the efficiency of maize production and the determinants of allocative efficiency under climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). The study includes 375 maize farmers selected randomly for the research sample. The analysis begins with estimating the efficiency parameter of maize production, revealing a relatively low Sigma-square value (0.029) and a moderate Gamma value (0.786). The study found a positive association between various inputs such as landholding, seed quality, and organic manure application. The mean TE and AE are 0.894 and 0.747 respectively. Allocative efficiency analysis reveals that while water management practices significantly affect technical efficiency positively, they unexpectedly lead to lower AE. Access to information and adoption of early planting positively influence allocative efficiency. Further examination of socioeconomic determinants indicates the role of extension services (3.07)*** in enhancing AE, while cooperative membership negatively impacts it, possibly due to information asymmetry. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions to optimize resource allocation strategies and enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Southeast Nigeria, particularly amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Comprehending the complex dynamics of resource allocation and efficiency in agriculture is crucial for crafting efficient policies and interventions aimed at improving productivity and resilience amidst changing climate conditions.

Veterinary Extension Services in the Integration Program of Cattle Farming and Oil Palm in Target Area Concentration (TAC)

Veterinary Extension Services in the Integration Program of Cattle Farming and Oil Palm in Target Area Concentration (TAC)

Influence of selected agricultural technologies on household food security in alego usonga sub county, siaya county, Kenya

This study investigates the impact of agricultural innovations, such as wood ash, irrigation, and hybrid crop varieties, on the food security of households in a region with high food insecurity. The study highlights the role of these technologies in improving food availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability amidst challenges like climate change and low productivity. By focusing on the application of traditional and modern agricultural methods, the study provides insights into how these practices can enhance agricultural output and alleviate poverty in rural areas. The findings underscore the need for region-specific agricultural policies, gender-inclusive extension services, and the integration of traditional and technological solutions to address food insecurity in developing regions.

Identifying integrated pest management resource needs among Virginia Master Gardeners

Abstract Two survey questionnaires distributed to Master Gardener (MG) volunteers in Virginia provide valuable insights into their awareness, understanding, and utilization of integrated pest management (IPM). Survey responses reveal a varied level of familiarity with IPM, with a notable percentage of respondents lacking knowledge of the term and differing perceptions of its focus on non-chemical or chemical pest control methods. While respondents generally recommended IPM solutions more than half the time, factors limiting their decision to do so included comfort level, limited understanding or knowledge, lack of training, lack of client interest, and lack of resources. The survey results highlight an agreement among respondents regarding the adequacy of state Cooperative Extension Service materials in addressing IPM. Pest management guides, websites, and fact sheets were the IPM resources most frequently used and perceived as effective. Respondents expressed a preference for fact sheets as the top resource material to enhance public training programs, followed by other multimedia content. Moreover, the survey results provide insights into the specific pest-related needs of Virginia MGs, revealing their priorities in terms of arthropod, vertebrate pest, plant disease, and weed resource topics. Overall, the data from the surveys offers a comprehensive understanding of MG perspectives on IPM, identifying areas for program improvement and providing guidance for the development of targeted resources to enhance MG knowledge and facilitate more effective public outreach.

Post‐Settlement Support Impact on the Welfare of Emerging Farmers’ Households in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Several policies and programs have been implemented to improve the welfare of households in rural South Africa through commercialization. Post‐settlement support (PSS) refers to any kind of assistance that emerging farmers received from the government following land restoration. This paper examines the impact of PSS on the welfare of emerging farmers under the land restitution program in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study involved a simple random sampling method to select 200 emerging farmers. The primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the endogenous switching regression model. Descriptive statistics revealed that ~71% of land restitution beneficiaries received PSS after acquiring their land. The result of the selection model showed that farm characteristics (farming experience, location, and soil quality), and institutional factors (transportation and market participation) influenced the receiving of the PSS by the farmers. The outcome model showed that PSS positively influences household welfare. In addition, demographic factors (gender and household size), farm characteristics (soil quality), and institutional factors (market participation and farmer association membership) influenced the consumption expenditure per capita, hence affecting household welfare. The government should continue supporting female beneficiaries with access to market, training, and extension services for linkages with farmers’ associations as the PSS increases the household welfare.

Data-Driven Insights for Agricultural Extension Services in Rajasthan: A Study of Kisan Call Center Queries

Adopting a demand-driven approach in an ever-evolving agricultural domain is imperative for the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, India. The paper comprehensively analyses the vast dataset comprising over four million farmer query calls to the Kisan Call Center in Rajasthan from January 2009 to August 2023. These meticulously preprocessed call records serve as a crucial bridge between the agricultural community and support services, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and needs of Rajasthan’s farmers. Our analysis examines temporal trends in farmer query calls, revealing year-wise and month-to-month insights, including peak call activity periods. The district-wise analysis aids targeted interventions. Understanding call distribution across diverse landscapes. Categorising calls by crop and query type offers insights into distinct farmer challenges, informing tailored policies and support programs. In conclusion, this research underscores the paramount importance of harnessing data driven insights to enhance agricultural support systems in Rajasthan. By doing so, we can ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the farming community, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the state’s agriculture sector. The research is useful for informing evidence-based policy decisions and tailored support services to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Rajasthan.

Do digital agricultural technology extension services promote the adoption of organomineral fertilizer use? Evidence from China

Do digital agricultural technology extension services promote the adoption of organomineral fertilizer use? Evidence from China

Diferentes organizações de extensão na Turquia: exemplo da região do Egeu

ABSTRACT: This study assessed different extension actors in the Aegean region in terms of key indicators that influence the success of extension activities. Along with the primary goal, factors affecting extensionists’ satisfaction with their working conditions were investigated. The data were collected through questionnaires from 966 extensionists working in public, private firms, farmer organizations, input dealers and consultancy in eight provinces in the region. According to the results, 80% of the farmers received extension services from public organizations in the region. While those who work in the public sector are more satisfied economically, their professional satisfaction is the lowest. Extension workers’ personal skills, sharing ideas, creativity, and authority-responsibility harmony, working freedom, staff availability and support are increasing satisfaction with working conditions in organizations. While female farmers are targeting more by the public and consultants, educated farmers are more prioritized in firms, dealers, and consultations. The internalization of innovative values is lower in the public organizations compared to the others. It is foreseen that; the public will carry out extension in developing countries for a long time. The success in extension organizations, the innovation process and pluralistic structure became quite more dependent on the relations with the private sector, domestic and international market mechanisms, demand driven giving advice and government policies on social, economic, and environmental.

Utilization Pattern of Information and Communication Technologies among the Farming Community of West Bengal

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) represent a pivotal paradigm shift, rendering agricultural extension services more realistic and efficient manner, especially in the ever-changing agrarian landscape. Considering the importance of ICTs among rural producers, a study was conducted in the year 2021 to delineate the utilization pattern of ICTs in two purposively selected districts of West Bengal, one representing an agriculturally prosperous district (Purba Burdwan), while other being a backward district (Birbhum), constituting randomly selected 160 respondents engaged in crop and dairy farming. The information about weather forecasting for crop production and dairy animal management was the most utilized information by Purba Burdwan farmers, contrasting to Birbhum farmers’ focus on marketing of crop produce and breeding of animals. Television and smartphones were the most preferred ICT tools. Multiple comparisons by Duncan Multiple Range Test revealed a notable disparity in ICT usage between the districts, with Purba Burdwan farmers exhibiting higher utilization levels. Additionally, the study identified strategic pathways to enhance ICT adoption, especially in the backward districts, thereby offering a roadmap for elevating the socio-economic conditions of farmers in these regions.

Designing the Framework of Specialization in the Recruitment of Non-Teaching Staff in Iran's Ministry of Education

Purpose: The present study aimed to design a framework for recruiting non-teaching educational staff in Iran’s Ministry of Education. Method: The present study pursues a qualitative approach. The statistical population of the research included experts and professors in the field of specialization and the senior managers of the General Department of Education of Semnan province in the academic year of 2023-2024, among which 15 were chosen as the samples using theoretical saturation sampling and targeted sampling. The research instruments were a semi-structured interview and a review of the existing documents on this subject. The collected data were validated using member checking. The data validity was evaluated and confirmed using the quality criterion (reliability). The research data analysis method was thematic analysis in three levels: basic themes, organizing themes and Global Themes. Findings: The data analysis led to the identification of 393 basic themes, 33 number-one organizing themes, and 13 number-2 organizing themes in the field of specialization in recruiting non-teaching educational staff in the Ministry of Education. These themes were categorized under 4 global themes including expertise management with two organizing themes (expertise management and performance management), resource management with four organizing themes (human, time, material, and information), change management with three organizing themes (change in organizational structure, change in competitive atmosphere, and change in attitude), and management of organizational development with four organizing themes (managerial capabilities, human resource planning, creation of specialization culture, and organizational interactions). Conclusion: The use of elite and expert employees in the nonteaching sector of the educational system, as a leading institution in providing extensive services to the general public, depends on the presence of a specialization pattern in the recruitment of non-teaching staff. Identification of specialization criteria in the non-teaching sector, which has been done in this research, helps with the formulation of an appropriate specialization model to employ skilled and specialist staff in this sector.

Appraising the Effectiveness of Value Chain Models of Public-Private Partnership Extension Services on the Productivity Improvement and Livelihood Development of Tea Smallholding Sector in Sri Lanka

Appraising the Effectiveness of Value Chain Models of Public-Private Partnership Extension Services on the Productivity Improvement and Livelihood Development of Tea Smallholding Sector in Sri Lanka

The application of organic fertilizers and farmers' income increase

Abstract The extension of organic fertilizers helps improve soil quality and reduces non-point source pollution caused by excessive use of fertilizers, however, whether the application of organic fertilizers (OFA) contributes to an increase in farmers' income is a matter of debate. This paper discussed how the application of soil-testing formulas and outsourcing services that some or all links of agricultural production to professional organizations moderate the income-increasing effect of OFA, and Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression Model (MESR) is selected to do the empirical test. The results indicate that OFA with soil-testing formula and OFA with outsourcing service can effectively increase farmers' income, in specific, OFA with soil-testing formula increases the net monetary income of wheat growing on per hectare (ha) of land by 2150 Renminbi (RMB), and OFA with outsourcing service increases the net monetary income of wheat growing on per ha of land by 3950 RMB, however, OFA has no effectiveness on increasing farmers' income if neither soil-testing formulas nor outsourcing services is available. The influence mechanism of OFA to improve farmers' income is to increase crop yield, but OFA has no effectiveness on increasing the price of products. A systematic extension services including the extension of organic fertilizers, soil testing formulas and outsourcing services should be formed in the future.

Farmers’ resilience to climate change through the circular economy and sustainable agriculture: a review from developed and developing countries

Abstract Farmers struggle to combat uncertain climate issues while encountering pressure on conventional farming practices that lead to carbon emissions, water and soil pollution, and other environmental harms. A growing body of literature investigated circular economy and sustainable practices to support environmental-friendly agriculture activities while providing opportunities for farmers to improve their farm income. Therefore, a study synthesizing previous literature while identifying actual policy to boost farmers’ implementation of sustainable agriculture is worthwhile. Using the Systematic Literature Review analysis, this paper aims to identify farmers’ views on climate change adaptation and mitigation, challenges in implementing circular economy and sustainable practices, and policies to support farmers’ transition toward sustainable agriculture in developed and developing countries. We found that (1) farmers’ awareness of climate change, knowledge and skills are prominent for adapting and mitigating climate change in both types of countries, (2) farmland size, risks of income loss, and training and extension services influenced farmers’ adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change in developing countries, (3) farmers in both types of countries experienced uncertainty in economic profits and legislative issues when adopting sustainable practices, while farmers in developing countries issued significant up-front expenses to acquire technology to adopt sustainable practices, (4) financial access and incentives through policy can be valuable to develop sustainable livelihoods, especially for farm households.

Photoanthropometric craniofacial parameters in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta.

This study aimed to evaluate facial photoanthropometric parameters in patients with OI. We selected 20 Brazilian patients diagnosed with OI treated at the Extension Service for Minors in Need of Specialized Treatment of the Dentistry Course at the Federal University of Ceará (Fortaleza, Brazil), of both sexes, without age restriction, and able to understand and sign the informed consent form (ICF). As a control group, 38 non-syndromic Brazilian individuals, categorized as ASA I, able to understand and sign the ICF, matched by sex, age, and Legan and Burstone facial profile were selected. The exclusion criteria were: previous orthodontic treatment, craniofacial trauma and/or surgery, and the presence of any other systemic diseases. Photoanthropometric analysis of the 18 facial parameters proposed by Stengel-Rutkowski et al. (1984), previously established in the literature for craniofacial syndromes, were conducted. A single examiner digitally performed all effective and angular measurements with the CorelDRAWX7® software. Horizontally shortened ears (p<0.001) but larger in height in relation to the face (p=0.012) were shown to be alterations belonging to individuals with OI. OI patients present distinct photoanthropometric parameters inherent in this condition.

Information Needs and Sources Used by Urban Vegetable Farmers. A Case of Vegetable Farmers in Morogoro Municipality

While the role of information in improving vegetable farming in urban areas is widely acknowledged in the literature, its potential cannot be realized unless the information needs that enlighten the stakeholders about appropriate information sources are known. This is because vegetable farming is an information-intensive endeavor full of uncertainties. The study investigated the perceived implication of extension services, information needs, and sources used by vegetable farmers in Morogoro urban Tanzania. A quantitative method research design was used to collect data from 60 respondents. A questionnaire was used in the data collection process. Descriptive analysis was used for analyzing quantitative data. The findings show farmers needed information on pest and disease control, amount and type of fertilizer to apply, produce market, and storage. Fellow farmers (friends and colleagues) ranked as an important source of information followed by public extension officers, researchers, NGOs, input suppliers, Nanenane exhibitions, individual farmers, social networks, books and fliers, and hired extension officers.Recommendations have been provided that, equip vegetable farmers with the up-to-date knowledge and skills to shape farmers’ knowledge through various extension trainings in their localities, by doing this, farmers will increase awareness of multiple challenges about vegetable production. Employing more skilled extension officers with expertise in horticultural crops and use of modern ICT facilities to improve vegetable farmers’ access to information.

Factors Influencing IFMC Farmer’s Attitude towards Government Extension Services in Bangladesh

Factors Influencing IFMC Farmer’s Attitude towards Government Extension Services in Bangladesh