Farm Size Research Articles

Exploring the determinants of dietary nutrients intake among the rural households: a cross-sectional study in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India

In India, nutritional public health problems such as macronutrient malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases are still persistent. Dietary assessment among the population is essential to understand the adequate consumption of nutrients in maintaining a balanced diet and most importantly to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goal-2, ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition’, by 2030. Hence, an attempt was made in this paper to examine the nutrient consumption and compare it with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)-given by Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR)-2020 and also to assess the determinants of adequate intake of calorie and Protein among the rural households in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India. The study used primary data from a sample of 200 households collected during April–May, 2017. The daily intake of calorie and protein were calculated by following the RDAs by ICMR-2020 conversion table. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. Results found that the consumption of adequate calorie and protein intake was 30% and 40% respectively. Logistic regression found that age, gender of the household head, social category, size of household, major source of income, access to market, access to credit, type of house, monthly per-capita consumer expenditure and farm size were significantly associated with the consumption of calorie and protein. The study concludes the need to address the importance of socio-economic disparities in nutrient intake and accessibility of credit facilities to rural households. There is also a need for targeted interventions among female-headed households to foster balanced nutrition and avert malnutrition.

Pre-Commercial Demonstration of a Photosynthetic Upgrading Plant: Investment and Operating Cost Analysis

Pig farms have been identified as one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This study demonstrates the production of vehicle biomethane in a demonstration prototype plant based on photosynthetic upgrading technology, where the CO2 and H2S present in biogas are consumed by a microalgae culture. The information collected during the prototype construction allowed for an assessment of the capital and operating costs of this novel biogas upgrading technology with other conventional systems. With this objective, the costs of the equipment comprising the biogas cleaning and purification system were calculated considering a biogas flow rate of 5 m3 h−1, corresponding to a small–medium biogas plant and an average pig farm size. The sustainability and competitiveness of the algae upgrading system and the low capital and operating costs vis à vis other upgrading technologies were proven. With a net energy production of 687 kWh day−1 and an annual profit of 30,348 € in a 3500 head pig farm, this technology can be easily installed in livestock farms, increasing the benefits and reducing the carbon footprint.

Exploring the role of a social carrier in advancing agroecology and territorial autonomy

ABSTRACT The practice of agroecology has been promoted as a promising pathway to improve environmental and human well-being. Previous research has shown that farm size is often related to factors that can help or hinder agroecological practice use, but context is key. Here, we examine the relationship between farm size and the use of agroecological practices by assessing 596 management plans for farms associated with the Brazilian participatory agroecology network Rede Ecovida. In contrast to other studies, we found that the probability of using agroecological practices generally did not differ by farm size. We draw on interviews with agroecological actors to contextualize these findings and characterize the relationship between farm size and agroecology, both as a set of practices and a social movement. We suggest that, in this case, the lack of a relationship between farm size and agroecological practices might be explained by Rede Ecovida’s role as a “social carrier” that advances agroecological principles and practices in the pursuit of territorial, or actual, autonomy. This study highlights the importance of the socio-organizational dimensions of agroecological transitions and suggests that increased support should be directed to social networks and participatory certification models to encourage scaling agroecology across diverse farm types and sizes.

Simulating the effects of sea level rise and soil salinization on adaptation and migration decisions in Mozambique

Abstract. Coastal flooding and sea level rise (SLR) will affect farmers in coastal areas, as increasing salinity levels will reduce crop yields, leading to a loss of net annual income for farming communities. In response, farmers can take various actions. To assess such responses under SLR, we applied an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the adaptation and migration decisions of farmers in coastal Mozambique. The ABM is coupled with a salinization module to simulate the relationship between soil salinity and SLR. The decision rules in the model (DYNAMO-M) are based on the economic theory of subjective expected utility. This theory posits that households can maximize their welfare by deciding whether to (a) stay and face losses from salinization and flooding, (b) stay and adapt (e.g. switching to salt-tolerant crops and enhancing physical resilience such as elevating houses), or (c) migrate to safer inland areas. The results show that coastal farmers in Mozambique face total losses of up to USD 12.5 million yr−1 from salt intrusion and up to USD 1200 million yr−1 from flooding of buildings (RCP8.5 in the year 2080). Sorghum farmers may experience little damage from salt intrusion, while rice farmers may experience losses of up to USD 4000 yr−1. We show that medium-sized farmers (1–5 ha) are most at risk. This is because their farm size means that adaptation costs are substantial, while their incomes are too low to cover these costs. The number of households adapting varies between different districts (15 %–21 %), with salt adaptation being the most common, as costs are lowest. Despite adaptation measures, about 13 %–20 % of the total 350 000 farmers in coastal flood zones will migrate to safer areas under different settings of adaptive behaviour and different climatic and socio-economic scenarios.

Pengolahan Sampah Organik Menggunakan Maggot BSF sebagai Pakan Ikan Alternatif pada Desa Lesmana, Banyumas

Organic waste has become a significant problem in Lesmana Village, Ajibarang District, Banyumas Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The treatment of organic wastes needs to be done by various means, one of them using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) maggots. The training in maggot farming aimed to explore maggot potency as a decomposing agent in organic waste treatment, and analyzed the factors affecting the process, including environment, type of waste, and operational scale. The establishment of maggot farming has the potencial to be developed as an alternative fish pellet with high protein content. The community service methods involved eight persons from a community self-help group (Kelompok Swadaya Masyarakat), namely Berkah Runtah in Lesmana Village, who participated in the education seminar on 2nd July and continuous maggot farm training in July 2024. Besides the training, a seminar about using maggot as fish pellets was also held on 15th July to increase community knowledge about maggot use as a fish pellet. The farming cage size was 1.5 m x 1 m x 0.5 m, which was also an output of this activity. In conclusion, education and implementation of organic waste treatment using maggots in Lesmana Village showed great potency in establishing sustainable organic waste treatment as well as empowerment of society.

Economic and environmental factors determining spatial variation in soil liming in Poland

The aim of this research was to identify the key factors determining the level of soil liming in Poland. Spatial analyses were conducted using data from the 2020 National Agricultural Census. The study presents regional variations in selected parameters that characterise agricultural production quality and structural features, including the market connections of farms. The Classification and Regression Trees (C&RT) method was employed to identify the factors that most significantly influence the intensity of liming in the examined districts. These factors include the share of permanent grasslands, labour inputs, the percentage of farms engaged in commercial production, farm size, and the level of mineral fertilisation (NPK). The results indicate that regions with larger farms and higher NPK fertilisation tend to apply more lime. In contrast, areas with a higher share of permanent grasslands and labour-intensive activities show lower levels of liming. These findings suggest that improving agricultural practices, particularly in regions with small farms and limited fertilisation, could enhance soil liming efforts and align them with the European Green Deal's goals for sustainable agriculture.

Adoption of a sustainable land management practice for invasive Prosopis juliflora in East Africa

BackgroundWoody invasive alien species are among the world’s worst invaders, significantly affecting ecosystem services, increasing the cost of farming and reducing access to land. Prosopis juliflora (“prosopis”), a spiny shrub or tree, was introduced from its native Latin America into Eastern Africa to reduce dust and sandstorms and provide wood and fodder for livestock, but it has spread from the original areas of introduction and invaded large areas of land, thereby replacing grazing and arable land with impenetrable thickets. Stakeholders in two invaded regions of Kenya and Tanzania selected and tested, through an inclusive and participatory process guided by the Woody Weeds project, one sustainable land management (SLM) practice to manage prosopis through uprooting and subsequent use of the cleared land for continuous crop and fodder production. The practice was successful and was adopted by stakeholders in the communities where it was tested.MethodsWe assessed reasons why people adopted the practice or not, as well as whether there was an effect of the Woody Weeds project on the adoption, through in-person interviews with 154 household heads in Baringo, Kenya, and 148 in Kahe, Tanzania.ResultsAbout 75% of the respondents implemented the practice, 76 didn’t implement the practice and ten respondents no longer implemented the practice. We found that the likelihood of people adopting was higher for male than female respondents and was positively related to farm size. Results of a choice experiment revealed that almost all respondents prefer the SLM over a situation where their land is invaded by prosopis, even if the investment is high, which confirms that people prefer farming over prosopis, and that their perception of the SLM became more positive over time. Altogether, our results illustrate the beneficial effects of the SLM practice, despite high initial investment and risk of injury while uprooting prosopis. The results further indicate the value of communal meetings for dissemination, as many people learn about new practices through observation of their neighbours’ activities and during public barazas and village meetings.ConclusionsWe recommend awareness raising about these SLM practices and their benefits and upscaling of the practices to other areas infested by prosopis.

Hematological, Biochemical and Cytokine Profiles in Cattle: Effects of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Infection and Farm Size

Abstract Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease of cattle. This experiment aimed to study the influence of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection and farm size on hematological, biochemical parameters and cytokines in 55 beef cattle. The groups included LSDV–infected cattle from large farms (Group 1), LSDV–infected cattle from small farms (Group 2), uninfected cattle from large farms (Group 3), and uninfected cattle from small farms (Group 4). The hematological, biochemical values and cytokine profiles were measured. The results showed that red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were higher in infected cattle than in the uninfected cattle. The level of eosinophils of the cattle from the large farm was higher than that of the small farm. Gamma glutamyl transferase in the infected cattle was higher than in the uninfected cattle. Albumin of the cattle from the small farm was higher than that from the large farm. IFN–γ in infected cattle was higher than in uninfected cattle, while TNF–α in the infected cattle was lower than in the uninfected cattle. Our study indicated that LSDV infection altered hematological and biochemical parameters, including cytokine profiles, with farm size potentially influencing these alterations.

Reducing Nitrogen Waste: Factors Influencing Neem‐Coated Urea Adoption in Bhutan

ABSTRACTIn Bhutan, farmers face constraints due to limited arable land, prompting a need to increase agricultural production per unit of inputs, but in the most sustainable way given the nation’s most stringent environmental conservation laws. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of an enhanced‐efficiency fertiliser, that is, neem‐coated urea (NCU). Analysing data from 235 farmers using a double hurdle regression model, the paper identified several positive drivers of NCU adoption, including multiple plots, larger farm size, organic fertiliser use, recent agricultural training, and seeking advice on fertiliser decisions. Conversely, factors such as irrigation, crop demonstration attendance, machinery subsidies, rigid fertiliser usage adherence, perceived difficulty in handling fertilisers, and attitudes towards soil and crop management hinder adoption. Older farmers exhibit higher adoption rates, potentially due to accumulated knowledge, while male farmers surpass their female counterparts in adoption rates, reflecting existing gender disparities in NCU adoption. These findings offer insights for policymakers, extension services, and agricultural stakeholders to tailor interventions for promoting NCU adoption, thereby mitigating nitrogen waste and pollution in crop production.

Small-scale farmers' market constraints in Ghana: influential farm-level contingencies

This study sought to identify significant barriers to market access and marketing connections for small-scale rural farmers, evaluating the impact of demographic factors (gender, education level) and operational factors (years in farming, distance from home, type of commodity) on these constraints. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and inferential quantitative approach to examine the barriers to market access and marketing connections among small-scale rural farmers in Ghana's Volta area. The conceptual framework is based on a multi-theory approach. The contingency theory elucidates the significance of farm size, resource availability, and geographic location; the human capital theory delineates the impact of education level and years of farming experience; and the logistics and spatial analysis framework examines how transportation infrastructure, geographic location, and commodity type affect market access and connections. The investigation indicated that inadequate road infrastructure and elevated transportation expenses were the primary obstacles for small-scale rural farmers in accessing markets, with notable disparities based on gender and educational attainment. The commodity kind, years of cultivation, and distance from home substantially influenced limitations. The study concentrated on the Volta region, however the results are probably relevant to other regions in Ghana because of comparable agro-ecological zones and rural socio-economic traits. The rigorous research design, data collection techniques, and comprehensive analysis guarantee dependable and valid outcomes. Notwithstanding possible constraints in generalisability, the research provides comprehensive insights into the distinct issues encountered by small-scale farmers. It emphasises socio-economic factors affecting market access, illustrates the impact of farm-level contingencies on market access and linkages, identifies both diversity and uniformity among small-scale farmers, and addresses a gap in the literature by offering empirical evidence on market access constraints specific to the Volta region that may have global relevance. These contributions are significant for both academic comprehension and practical initiatives aimed at assisting small-scale rural farmers in Ghana and analogous environments worldwide.

ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS’ UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing farmers’ utilization of agricultural extension services in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed for the study. The first stage involved the purposive selection of two Local Government Areas (LGAs), i.e., Soba and Ikara, based on the threshold of tomato production in the study area. Secondly, a random sampling of four communities from the two LGAs. A total of 214 tomato farmers were used for the study which was calculated using Slovian’s formula. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis were used for the study. The findings showed that tomato farmers were young with an average of 38 years and relative experience of 15 years in tomato farming and had an average of 9 persons per household. The result of farmers’ utilization of extension service delivery shows that the extension delivery method, farmers’ indigenous knowledge and extension contacts were positive and a significant factor with a coefficient of 0.1346 at 1% probability. Farm size and income were positive and significant factors at 10% level in influencing farmers' utilization of agricultural extension services. The study recommends that structured training should focus on planting techniques, proper fertilizer application, agrochemical usage, mulching, weed control, and efficient harvesting. Therefore, efforts should be made by extension agents to organize field demonstrations and practical workshops that will equip farmers with hands-on skills to optimize yields and improve farm management practices.

Estimating Farm Level Financing Gap and Allocative Efficiency Among Tomato Producers in North West, Nigeria

The study estimates farm level financing gap and allocative efficiency among tomato producers in North West, Nigeria. Primary data are collected based on a well-structured questionnaire. The result shows that the significant stimulus influencing technical efficiency of tomato producers are farm size, seed, fertilizer, chemical, and labour. The significant regressors influencing technical inefficiency of tomato producers are age, amount of credit received, years of experience, educational level, and extension contact. The addition of first order derivatives of the production factors which is called the scale efficiency shows the decreasing return to scale in the frontier version adding up to 0.9748. The outcomes of the allocative efficiency [r] show that tomato producers under-utilized seed, land, fertilizer, chemical, and labour. The mean amount of finance (credit) per season the tomato producers had obtained is N 54,470, while the mid-estimate of financing gap (FINGAP) in the form of finance (credit) needed to produce (yield) at the frontier stage is N 312,641.66, this shows a credit shortfall of about 82.57%. Filling the FINGAP of smallholder tomato producers would increase the efficiency and productivity of rice farmers to meet the rise in demand.

Determinants of Improved Boset Teff Variety Adoption in Minjar Shenokora District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The current production system of teff cannot satisfy the consumers demand and this is due to backward agricultural mechanisms and lack of improved teff varieties. The governments of Ethiopia renew their interest on improved teff variety adoption to improve farmer’s farm productivity. There are a number of improved teff varieties invested in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. However, Mnijar shenkora district is well known boset teff variety have been disseminated and adopted in the district through the help of agricultural research centers to improve teff production in the area. Investigating the determinants of improved boset teff variety adoption is important. A sample of 245 farm households was considered for socio economic survey. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics indicated that, there is significance difference between boset teff adopters and non-adopters. Binary logit model was applied to identify the determinants of improved boset teff variety adoption. The result indicates that improved boset teff adoption is determined by different factors. Family size, fertilizer use and farming experience was negatively associated with adoption of improved boset teff variety. In contrast, education level, cultivated farm size and access to credit were positively associated with improved boset teff variety adoption.

Influence of Information and Communication Technology-Based Training on Livestock Production Efficiency in Bwari Area Council, Abuja

This study examines the influence of ICT-based training on livestock production efficiency among farmers in Bwari Area Council, with a focus on socio-economic characteristics, ICT knowledge post-training, productivity impact, effectiveness factors, and preferred ICT tools. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 250 livestock farmers were selected. Primary survey were collected and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to meet the research objectives. The socio-economic analysis reveals a farming population primarily composed of middle-aged individuals (mean age 41.7 years), with 72% male and 64% married. Education levels varied, with 38% having secondary education. Post-training evaluations indicated that 80% of farmers were proficient in SMS alerts for disease management, 72% confident in mobile applications, and 70% experienced productivity gains using ICT tools. ICT training was found to positively impact areas like increasing awareness of government programs and subsidies (3.4), scheduling vaccinations accurately (3.3), disease prevention (3.2), and record-keeping (3.1) and feeding practices (3.0), preparing and storing livestock feeds (2.9), etc. Logit regression analysis identified significant factors influencing ICT effectiveness, including educational level (p=0.010), cooperative membership (p = 0.012), household size (p=0.032), contact with extension agents (p=0.011), and access to credit (p = 0.002), while gender, marital status, and farm size were non-significant. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance analysis ranked mobile applications, SMS alerts, and radio broadcasts as the most effective ICT tools, demonstrating high consensus. Partnerships with telecommunication companies and government initiatives is recommended to address connectivity barriers, ensuring that all farmers can fully utilize digital tools in their livestock management practices.

Influence of Information and Communication Technology-Based Training on Livestock Production Efficiency in Bwari Area Council, Abuja

This study examines the influence of ICT-based training on livestock production efficiency among farmers in Bwari Area Council, with a focus on socio-economic characteristics, ICT knowledge post-training, productivity impact, effectiveness factors, and preferred ICT tools. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 250 livestock farmers were selected. Primary survey were collected and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to meet the research objectives. The socio-economic analysis reveals a farming population primarily composed of middle-aged individuals (mean age 41.7 years), with 72% male and 64% married. Education levels varied, with 38% having secondary education. Post-training evaluations indicated that 80% of farmers were proficient in SMS alerts for disease management, 72% confident in mobile applications, and 70% experienced productivity gains using ICT tools. ICT training was found to positively impact areas like increasing awareness of government programs and subsidies (3.4), scheduling vaccinations accurately (3.3), disease prevention (3.2), and record-keeping (3.1) and feeding practices (3.0), preparing and storing livestock feeds (2.9), etc. Logit regression analysis identified significant factors influencing ICT effectiveness, including educational level (p=0.010), cooperative membership (p = 0.012), household size (p=0.032), contact with extension agents (p=0.011), and access to credit (p = 0.002), while gender, marital status, and farm size were non-significant. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance analysis ranked mobile applications, SMS alerts, and radio broadcasts as the most effective ICT tools, demonstrating high consensus. Partnerships with telecommunication companies and government initiatives is recommended to address connectivity barriers, ensuring that all farmers can fully utilize digital tools in their livestock management practices.

Economic Assessment of Soybean Production in Amravati District: Costs, Returns, and Farm Size Dynamics

The research estimated the cost and returns of soybean production in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, a key region for soybean cultivation in India. Primary data was collected from 120 farmers across different farm sizes (small, medium, and large) through personal interviews and structured questionnaires. The study assessed the economic dynamics of soybean farming by examining inputs such as human labour, bullock labour, seeds, fertilizers, mechanization, and plant protection costs, and analyzed the output in terms of yields and profitability. The findings revealed significant variations in resource allocation and profitability across farm sizes. Small farmers incurred higher costs, particularly in labour due to limited mechanization, compared to medium and large farmers. The per quintal cost of production for overall farmers was Rs. 4002.20. In contrast, large farms benefited from economies of scale, with lower production cost (Cost C3: Rs. 60,878.89/ha) compared to small (Rs. 62,755.14/ha) and medium farms (Rs. 63,009.94/ha). Medium-sized farmers emerged as the most profitable, showing the best balance between input costs and returns, with a gross return of Rs. 72,597.99/ha. The overall input-output ratio for soybean cultivation indicates profitability, with a ratio of 1.14 at Cost C3. The study emphasized the potential for improving efficiency in farms through strategic investments in mechanization and better resource management. By enhancing productivity, such measures can help bridge the gap between local and global soybean productivity levels and give economic stability to soybean farmers in the region.

Analysis of Effects of Financial Risk on the Welfare Status of Cocoa Farmers in Southwest Nigeria

Cocoa farming supports rural livelihoods, yet farmers face financial risks that threaten their welfare. Thus, this study examines the impact of financial risk on the welfare of cocoa farmers in Southwest Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method was employed to select 396 respondents from two states known for high cocoa production and certification program involvement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Seemingly Unrelated Regression Equation (SURE) model to determine the effects of financial risk on welfare indicators such as household income, food security, and poverty status. The findings reveal that 74.5% of respondents were classified as non-poor, with certification program adopters and non-adopters showing similar poverty levels. Key variables influencing welfare included farm size, cooperative membership, education, and financial risk. While larger farms and cooperative memberships positively impacted household income and food security, financial risk was associated with both increased income and heightened food insecurity and poverty risk. The study recommends the need for targeted interventions to mitigate financial risks, including expanded access to credit, financial literacy training, and cooperative support.

Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption Among Rice Farmers: Enhancing Sustainability

The use of conventional farming methods, excessive reliance on fertilizers and inputs, and abrupt shifts in climate have raised significant concerns regarding global agricultural production, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. Agriculture products such as rice hold significant importance in Nepal’s agriculture and economy, serving as a staple food and a crucial source of livelihood for its population. Sustainable cultivation and enhancing productivity are imperative for ensuring food security and economic stability in the country. Adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices can minimize detrimental effects, promote sustainability, and enhance resilience towards climate change. We surveyed 200 farmers across four municipalities in the Chitwan District of Nepal to explore the prevalence and socio-economic drivers of the adoption of CSA practices, which include stress-tolerant varieties, efficient water management, and diversified cropping, among others. The results revealed that the adoption of pest-resistant plant varieties was a common CSA practice in the study area. Logistic regression results revealed that the adoption of CSA practices increases with an increase in the education of farmers and membership of climate-related organizations. Similarly, the adoption of CSA practices is negatively associated with an increase in farm size, farmers’ farming experience, and their access to credit facilities. Short-term courses and training could be initiated as a complement to formal education to maximize the adoption of CSA practices. Similarly, climate and farmer-related organizations should be further strengthened to maximize their capacity to facilitate more farmers and provide need-based, timely information flow. This study highlights the potential of CSA to promote sustainability and enhance resilience to climate change, but also identifies barriers such as credit access and the need for tailored policy interventions. Our findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of CSA adoption in vulnerable agricultural settings and can guide future strategies to promote sustainability and climate resilience in smallholder farming communities in developing countries.

Factors Influencing Rural Women’s Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Evidence from the Chivi District of Zimbabwe

The socio-cultural leadership system in rural communities of developing countries is generally gender-biased, thus rendering female-headed households (FHHs) vulnerable to climate change risk. This study explored the factors influencing FHHs’ adoption of a climate change adaptation strategy (CCAS) in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. We used a multistage sampling technique and logistic regression to evaluate 107 women household heads’ livelihood and their decision to adopt the CCAS in Ward 25 of the Chivi District. The results show that the age of the female head significantly influenced the CCAS decision (R2 = −0.073), along with marital status (R2 = 0.110), agricultural training (R2 = 0.133), club membership (R2 = 0.084), and farm size (R2 = 0.014). Access to formal agricultural training plays a prominent role. At the same time, the institutional framework showed variations and laxity on the part of the local government, as access to extension services varies significantly. In addition, education level was reported to have an insignificant (p = 0.098) influence on CCAS adoption. Overall, multiple institutional and socio-economic factors are essential in influencing CCAS decisions. Hence, central and local governments are encouraged to improve outreach strategies on deploying supporting tools, extension agents, and vital stakeholders for strategic information dissemination to sensitize rural dwellers and community leaders on women’s and FHHs’ crucial role in food security and their resilience to climate change risk. Moreover, the educational syllabus can be enhanced at all rural education levels to reshape the norms of future generations against the customary impact of old age on farming approaches and to encourage women’s participation in decision making and interventions, particularly those sensitive to their societal contributions.

Access and usage of formal financial services among small-scale cassava farmers for productivity in Enugu state, Nigeria.

Purpose: Access to financial resources has been identified as one of the ways of boosting farm output, and this can be achieved through improving access to and usage of formal financial services. The study thus evaluated the effects of financial inclusion on cassava production among small-scale farmers in Enugu state, Nigeria. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 162 cassava farmers in Enugu State. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and Likert scale rating Technique. Finding: Empirical results showed that the average of all respondents who participated in the survey was 43 years and 62.35% of the total respondents were males. Additionally, the result showed mean household size (4.75), mean years of cassava farming experience (5.86 years), and mean farm size (0.45 hectares). The majority (88.30%) of the farmers had access to a formal financial institution and the average amount saved in the last 12 months was ₦162,154.32. The multiple regression analysis showed that socioeconomic characteristics influencing cassava output are household, farming experience, farm size, farm income, and input cost. Additionally, financial inclusion positively influenced cassava output through access to formal financial institutions and level of savings. Originality: The findings revealed the positive effect access and usage of formal financial services have on the economy. Therefore, the study recommends that farmers be encouraged to improve their usage of formal financial services such as improving their savings levels at banks and banks to reduce charges on formal financial services.