Farm Size Research Articles

Economic optimization of sustainable soil management: a Dutch case study

Soil quality is pivotal for crop productivity and the environmental quality of agricultural ecosystems. Achieving sufficient yearly income and long-term farm continuity are key goals for farmers, making sustainable soil management an economic challenge. Existing bio-economic models often inadequately address soil quality. In this study, we apply the novel FARManalytics model, which integrates chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil quality indicator, quantitative rules on how these indicators respond to farmers’ production management over time, and an economic calculation framework that accurately calculates the contribution of production management decisions towards farm income. This is the first study applying this model on existing arable farms. FARManalytics optimizes crop rotation design, cover crops, manure and fertilizer application and crop residue management. Nine Dutch arable farms were analyzed with a high variation in farm size, soil type, and cultivated crops. First, we assessed farm differences in soil quality and farm economics. Second, we optimized production management to maximize farm income while meeting soil quality targets using farm-specific scenarios. Third, we explored the impact of recent policy measures to preserve water quality and to increase the contribution of local protein production. The results show that the case farms already perform well regarding soil quality, with 75% of the soil quality indicators above critical levels. The main soil quality bottlenecks are subsoil compaction and soil organic matter input. We show that even in front-runner farms, bio-economic modeling with FARManalytics substantially improves economic performance while increasing soil quality. We found that farm income could be increased by up to €704 ha−1 year−1 while meeting soil quality targets. Additionally, we show that to anticipate on stricter water quality regulation and market shift for protein crops, FARManalytics is able to provide alternative production management strategies that ensure the highest farm income while preserving soil quality for a set of heterogenous farms.

Farmers’ Perception and Financial Profitability of Mustard Production in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to assess farmers’ perception and explore the factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt mustard production along with estimate financial profitability and identify potentials and problems of mustard production. Based on stratified random sampling, 120 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from different villages of Ullahpara upazila under Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. A combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical technique was used to analyze the data and to achieve the objectives. The study depicts that the highest number of the respondents (35%) belong to the 31-45 age group. Seventy two percent respondents were small farmers having land less than 1.0 hectare and they allocated 34% of their farm area for mustard production. Financial profitability analysis shows that mustard production was profitable on both variable cost and total cost basis and its benefit cost ratio (BCR) was more than one. In case of farmers perception, it was revealed that short duration crop, consumers’ preferences, product price, extension services and sharing of work among household members were the main driving factors for mustard production. Applying dichotomous logistic regression model, four factors namely, farmers’ age, number of family members, experience and farm size were found as significant determinants of adoption of mustard production. Large domestic market, limited use of high-yielding varieties, growing demand for mustard oil and attack of pests and diseases were found as important strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of mustard production, respectively. Finally, the study recommends that there are ample opportunities to enhance mustard production by ensuring access to quality seeds, adopting new technologies, securing fair prices, providing input subsidies, and improving institutional credit facilities with favorable terms and conditions. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 65-80, 2024

Determination of Sufficient Income Farm Size for Sustainable Development in Agricultural Enterprises in Aydin Province

Objective: This research aims to examine the economic size, sufficient income farm size and sustainable development situations of agricultural farms in Aydın Province, known for its high intensity and diversity of agricultural production. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from 389 agricultural farms in 17 districts and 46 villages of Aydın Province in 2022. The proportional sample size method was utilized to determine the sample size. Socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the farms were analyzed based on the survey data. Economic sizes were determined using the ESU criteria, and sufficient income levels were assessed according to the TURKSAT relative poverty line. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-Square tests were employed to compare data across different farm groups. Findings: According to the ESU criteria, 30.85% of farms were economically large, 51.16% were medium, and 18% were small. Using the 2022 income-based poverty line as a threshold, farms were categorized by income levels. Farms with agricultural incomes 15% below the poverty line were considered below the sufficient income line, while those at the poverty line were deemed to have sufficient income. The gross margin for 2022 was 380 €/da/year, with agricultural income at 299 €/da/year for sufficient income farms. In 2024, these values were 13,300 TL/da/year and 10,465 TL/da/year, respectively. farms with sufficient income had higher economic size, agricultural income, gross margin, and sustainability levels than those below the sufficient income line. Farms below the sufficient income level lacked sustainable development opportunities due to insufficient savings, investment, and self-sufficiency. Originality: This research uniquely characterizes the economic size, sufficient income farm size, and sustainable development status of agricultural farms in a region with high agricultural potential. By integrating these aspects, it addresses the gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the economic size, sufficient income farm size, and sustainability status of agricultural farms.

Drought Adaptation Strategies Among Smallholder Cereal Farmers In Makueni County, Kenya

Increasing frequency and severity of drought increase vulnerability of smallholder cereal farmers globally. Arid and Semi-Arid Lands cover 80% of Kenya and location around the equator are major factors in drought development in the country. Frequent droughts result in fluctuations in cereal yields hence food insecurity in Makueni County. This study evaluated community-based and indigenous knowledge drought adaptations practiced by smallholder cereal farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. This study adopted explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Household surveys (N=225) and key informant interviews (N=16) were used. Descriptive techniques were used in data analysis. The study found that frequent droughts in Makueni County resulted in adoption of small farm sizes for production of maize, sorghum and finger millet. Majority of the farmers produced between 1 and 10 bags of cereals. Majority (50.2%) of the smallholder cereal farmers who adopted community-based adaptations and indigenous knowledge-based drought adaptations strategies recorded an in increase in cereal yields in Makueni County. Early planting (66.7%), timely weeding (61.4%), manure application (57.0%), improving land tillage (56.1%), seed spacing (55.3%) and planting droughtresilient seeds (44.7%) led to the high annual cereal yields ranging between 1 and 10 bags in Makueni County. The drought adaptation strategies are commendable for upscaling in agro-ecological zones with similar climatic conditions in order to improve food production in the country. Information and data generated by this study is expected to result in improvement in drought adaptation policy formulation and adaptive capacity of smallholder cereal farmers hence, improvement in food production and security.

Farm size and the quality and quantity of jobs—Insights from Nigeria

Debates on the role of farm size for farm productivity and economic development are longstanding in agricultural and development economics. However, the link between farm size and achieving decent work and full employment—Sustainable Development Goal 8—remains unexplored, despite many African countries facing huge unemployment challenges alongside important changes in farm sizes. This paper addresses this gap by focusing on Nigeria’s labor-intensive tomato sector and using unique primary data from a matched farm-to-worker survey. We analyze the relationship between farm size and both the quantity and quality of jobs, which has never been studied before, employing multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, we account for factors that commonly differentiate larger and smaller farms, including technology use, market arrangement, crop diversification, and the reliance on seasonal versus casual labor. Our findings reveal a trade-off: smaller farms offer more jobs per hectare, while larger farms offer better jobs (i.e., higher wages and some non-monetary benefits). We conclude that neither larger nor smaller farms fully align with all dimensions of decent work and full employment, highlighting the need for greater policy and research focus on the employment quality versus quantity dilemma.

Unraveling the Dynamics of Rice Yield in the Zio River Valley, Togo: A thorough analysis of influencing factors

Despite Togo's rice production potential, local production only meets 32% of demand, mainly due to relatively low agricultural productivity. With the aim of improving this situation, this study was undertaken to analyze the factors influencing rice production in the Zio River Valley, which is one of Togo's largest rice-growing areas. Data collected from 413 farmers in the region were analyzed using the Cobb-Douglas production function, incorporating variables such as income, farm size, chemical fertilizer use, organic fertilizer use, pesticide use, group membership, experience, education level, gender, access to credit, access to agricultural advice, age, continuous access to water and marital status. The results indicate that only certain factors, such as farm size, income, amount of chemical fertilizer, use of organic fertilizer and experience, have a significant positive impact on paddy rice production, furthermore the No-formal education farmers show a decrease in production. This study will guide decision-makers and farmers in adopting more effective farming practices to significantly improve rice production in Togo. Emphasis should be placed on aspects such as farm size, income, fertilizer use and experience to boost rice productivity.

Information technologies in agriculture of Northern Kazakhstan: advantages, reserves

Ensuring sustainable development of the agrarian sector of the economy requires the integrated use of digitalization technologies. The aim is to show the current trends in the application of information technologies in agriculture in Northern Kazakhstan and to determine the conditions necessary for the introduction of modern digital infrastructure. Methods - system-structural, economicstatistical, comparative analysis, mathematical and system-functional approaches to the study of the use of information and communication technologies by agribusiness of agricultural profile. Results - the authors analyzed the scope of application of digital processes in the region. The factors influencing the use of modern digital technologies in the cultivation of agricultural land have been outlined. The dependence of the application of precision farming elements on the farm size is revealed. The calculation of economic efficiency of reference and information systems of production management is presented. Measures to overcome obstacles and mitigate the limitations of digital transformation in agriculture in the northern territories of the republic are proposed. Conclusions - based on the study it is noted that the spread of digital innovations is from 18 to 55% of the total sown area. When comparing the average land size of economic entities that implement information technologies with other farms, it was found that digital solutions in crop production are primarily available to large and medium-sized agroformations that have the financial capacity and qualified specialists for digitalization. The survey of respondents allowed us to express an opinion on the influence of the size, technical equipment and economic stability of an agro-industrial enterprise on the use of modern farming systems, as well as the level of awareness of agro-entrepreneurs about new technologies. The use of digital platforms in the crop production industry is a key element that contributes to increasing the economic efficiency of the agro-industrial complex.

Juxtaposing Gender Differentials in Credit Assessment of Farmers in Nigeria: A Hybridized Credit-Scoring Approach

Using data from 360 smallholder farmers in Southeast Nigeria, the study creates the architecture for a new farmer's hybrid credit rating system used in classifying farmers who applied for microfinance loans based on their creditworthiness. We discovered new evidence that the hybridized credit scoring algorithm demonstrated unprecedented concordance in assessing the financial viability of farmers along gender lines. The discriminant analysis, in particular, closely aligned with the credit score model, with 34.4% and 46.7% of male and female farmers grouped as creditworthy, reflecting the model's estimates of 33.3% and 45.5%, indicating gaps of 12.3% and 12.2%, respectively, to the advantage of the female farmers. Our findings further suggest that annual income, marital status, and farm size strongly influence the separation between creditworthy and non-creditworthy farmers. While age, loan term, and a history of defaults had a negative impact on discrimination, in light of the findings, we recommend a collaboration between authorities, financial institutions, and extension workers in offering tailored trainings to both male and female farmers, assisting them in meeting up-to-date credit prerequisites, adopting modified farming techniques, and improving their general preparedness to be accepted for loans in this changing credit evaluation landscape so as to bridge the disparity and promote financial inclusion for farmers irrespective of gender affiliations.

Economic Assessment of Small-Scale Mountain Dairy Farms by Using Accounting Data: Evidence from an Italian Case Study

Dairy mountain farms are economically disadvantaged due to small farm sizes and high production costs. This situation was exacerbated firstly by the opening of the market linked to the abolition of milk quotas; secondly by the rising prices due to the energy crisis due to covid 19 and the war in Ukraine. However, these farms are important for the preservation of traditional landscapes, the economy of these areas and the offered ecosystem services, especially when they are managed extensively. The objective of this research is to understand if mountain dairy farms are economically sustainable and competitive through the analysis of a case study. The economic analysis takes into account the production cost of milk, profitability, and some economic indicators using accounting data. The results show that the farm profitability is decreasing, and the costs are unsustainable. As a consequence, more efficient policy support is needed to overcome this crisis.

Key Determinants of Local Bean Production and Marketing in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Common beans are a widely cultivated crop in East and Central Africa. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting local bean production and marketing at the household level. Using a non-experimental research design, the study surveyed 111 farmers from the Isangati division in Mbeya District. Cross-sectional data were collected through expert sampling methods, and regression analysis was employed to examine the influence of socio-economic factors on the production and marketing of local bean varieties. The results indicated that variables such as age, education, occupation, and farm size significantly influenced bean production (p<0.01), as did market accessibility and the acceptability of bean varieties (p<0.01). The study concluded that proximity to markets, socio-economic conditions, and consumer preferences play a crucial role in shaping bean production and marketing outcomes. As a result, interventions should be tailored to meet both user and consumer preferences.

EFFECTS OF POLICY FACTORS ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATED RICE PRODUCTION UNDER DIFFERENT LAND ADMINISTRATION INSTITUTIONS DADIN KOWA IRRIGATION SCHEME, NIGERIA

The study was conducted to determine the effects of policy factors of land administration on the technical efficiency of irrigated rice production in the Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme (DKIS) area. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Three hundred and twenty irrigated rice farmers were selected using multi-stage sampling technique drawn from five land administration institutions in the DKIS area. Descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier, and multiple regression models were used to analyze the data. The technical efficiency (TE) analysis revealed that for the sample, farm size (P<0.01), fertilizers (P<0.05), herbicides (P<0.05), and pesticides (P<0.01) were all significant and negative while labour was positive (P<0.01). The inefficiency model for TE revealed that for the sample, four variables education, household size, access to improved seeds, and distance to market were each statistically significant at 5% probability level and negative (except for education which was positive). The effects of five policy factors of land administration (land governance, partnership in land use, socio-economic factors, gender and inclusiveness, institutional and environmental factors) on TE revealed that for the aggregate sample, only land governance (P<0.01) and socio-economic factors (P<0.05) were significant. The study recommended that the five policy factors of land administration should be accorded priority in strategic policy planning and implementation of programme for improving the productivity of irrigated agriculture and the livelihoods of people in the study area.

FARO-44 RICE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II BENEFICIARIES IN TARABA STATE,

The study analysed the faro-44 rice production efficiency of fadama III additional finance II beneficiaries in Taraba State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 250 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that The result of maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic frontier production Function of dry season faro-44 rice farmers reveal that farm size (P<0.01), fertilizer (P<0.05), quantity of seed (kg) (P<0.01), herbicide (liter) (P<0.05), were positive and significant increasing output of the farmers. Similarly, the age (P<0.01) level of education (P<0.01), farming experience (P<0.05) and household size (P<0.05 were the socio-economic characteristics influencing the increase in technical efficiency of the farmers. Furthermore, the technical efficiency of the farmers is glaringly below 1, an indication that the farmers are operating below their production efficiency frontier. A reasonable proportion (41.20%) of the respondents were within 0.60-0.69 technical efficiency index range with highest value of 0.91 for the most efficient farmers and minimum of 0.50 for the least efficient or worst farmer. Consequently, farmers obtained mean technical efficiency of 0.76 which will improve their technical efficiency by 24%. The result further revealed that, the farmers attained an estimated mean allocative efficiency of 0.88. It was concluded that most of the farmers were unable to obtain technical efficiency level above 76% and farmers were 88% allocative efficient. The study recommended that farmers level of technical efficiency can be increased by 27% by building farmers’ capacity through training, workshops and seminars on postharvest loss management, processing techniques, farm record keeping in order to avoid wastages and sustain efficiency.

Livestock farming and women empowerment in rural Bangladesh: a mixed method approach

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, livestock farming is not only a major source of animal protein, but it also provides opportunities for women to contribute to household income. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the empowerment status of women livestock farmers, factors influencing women's participation in livestock farming and its impact on women's empowerment.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Mymensingh district (administrative unit) of Bangladesh, due to the active participation of women in livestock farming activities. A total of 200 women were surveyed between May to November 2018. Additionally, prior to the final survey, 02 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were performed to gain insight into the context of the study areas. Furthermore, a total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with 12 experienced women livestock farmers to collect data regarding the challenges they encounter in livestock farming. Women empowerment was measured using four domains: decision-making process, ownership of assets, social and political awareness, and freedom of mobility. Descriptive statistics, and Heckman's endogenous treatment effect model were applied to analyze the data.ResultsThe results revealed that majority (75%) of women who are involved in livestock farming had a medium level of empowerment. Women's decision to participate in livestock farming was positively influenced by farm size, knowledge, extension contact, and training. According to the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) value, the empowerment status of women is 16 points higher among participants in livestock farming compared to non-participants. Furthermore, women in rural areas face several obstacles such as economic issues and inadequate marketing facilities, which may prevent them from engaging in livestock farming.ConclusionsEducating women through raising awareness and providing training is warranted because there is a notable disparity in the empowerment status of women who are and are not involved in livestock farming. This will help women improve their social awareness, decision-making capacity, and mobility. Livestock initiatives that encourage women's involvement could be generated by various rural-focused organizations.

Technical efficiency and farm size in the context of sustainable agriculture

Technical efficiency and farm size in the context of sustainable agriculture

Decision Support Systems adoption in pesticide management

This paper presents the findings from a survey on factors influencing the adoption of agricultural Decision Support Systems (DSS). Our study focuses on examining the influence of behavioural, socioeconomic and farm specific characteristics on DSS adoption. Using two structural equation models, we investigate how these factors influence the willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to adopt. Our analysis reveals nuanced insights into the user and farm-specific factors that influence the decision-making process of DSS adoption and WTP. Notably, farm size significantly influences both adoption and WTP, with larger farms more likely to adopt and exhibit higher WTP. To promote adoption, it is important to adapt promotion strategies, with a focus on productivity benefits for large-scale farms and addressing price barriers for smaller ones. Additionally, the main crop type grown impacts WTP and adoption, with arable crop farmers exhibit a lower WTP but more likely to adopt, especially in large-scale operations. Conversely, small-scale arable farmers exhibit higher WTP but lower adoption rates due to scale constraints. Farmer characteristics such as experience and attitudes also play a crucial role, with experienced users and those perceiving productivity improvements due to DSS showing higher WTP. In addition, adoption is also influenced by ease of use and pricing, underpinning the importance of user-friendly designs and clear cost justifications. DSSs with user-centric designs and clear cost justifications can enhance adoption rates.

A review on tillage system and no-till agriculture and its impact on soil health

Soil tillage is a fundamental agriculture practice aimed at preparing the soil for planting, managing crop residues, controlling weeds, preparing the ground for the next crop, integrating leftover crops and nutrients into the soil, and enhancing soil structure. However, tillage practice significantly influences activities like soil moisture, temperature, aeration, and mixing the crop residues within the soil. This article explores the impacts of traditional tillage methods and alternative approaches to reduce production costs, environmental consequences, and safeguard soil for sustainable crop production through the secondary source of results as published research papers, documents, government official and institution reports. Traditional tillage method involves the mechanical disruption of soil, which affects critical factors such as moisture retention, temperature regulation, and aeration. While use of such heavy machines can improve short-term productivity, its long-term impacts include soil compaction, erosion, and loss of organic matter, leading to environmental degradation and declining soil health. In contrast, No-till and reduced tillage practices offers a promising solution to contemporary challenges such as global climate change, water conservation, rapid soil degradation, and desertification. Under this system, wide range of crops can be grown effectively in low production cost by reducing fuel and labor requirements. No-tillage and minimal tillage is being adopted across a wide range of farm sizes, from small plots of land to vast expanses, in various countries around the world with promising sustainability.

Contribution of Sweetpotato Production to Economic Empowerment of Farming Households in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria

Many farming households in Nigeria are deprived, and poor, hence, the need for economic empowerment intervention. Sweetpotato production, due to its short cycle and low input requirement could be projected on a larger scale for farming households’ economic empowerment. However, data regarding ability of sweetpotato farming for farming households’ economic empowerment is scarce. Therefore, farming households’ sweetpotato production and economic empowerment in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta Area was investigated. 364 sweetpotato farming households were chosen through a five-stage sample process. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, T-test, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data that interview schedule was used to collect. Most respondents were female and aged 42.7±11.9 years. Farm size; farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, other crops, and non-crop livelihood activities were 2.6±3.4 hectares; 17.2±12.4 years; and ₦1,327,723.0±1,639,414.0 yearly, ₦2,385,815.0±2,615,273.0 yearly, and ₦1,828,004.0±2,336,270.0 yearly, respectively. The sweetpotato production and economic empowerment were low and high amongst farming households, respectively. Age, farm size and income from sweet potato were significantly related to economic empowerment. The economic empowerment status of high and low sweetpotato producers differed significantly. Between farming households with low and high income from sweetpotato production, their economic empowerment status significantly differed. Farming households’ economic empowerment was mostly predicted by farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, and non-crop livelihood activities. Sweetpotato production influenced farming households' ability to prosper economically. Agricultural policies oriented towards improving economic empowerment should be promoted to emphasize increased sweetpotato production.

Soil management practice and smallholder agricultural productivity in Nigeria

This study investigates how various soil management practices can enhance soil fertility and pest control, ultimately increasing crop yields among farming households in Nigeria. Utilizing descriptive statistics, logit regression and propensity score matching on data from the 2019 Living Standard Measurement Study, the findings reveal that households using herbicides experience higher agricultural productivity. The use of pesticides and certified crops also positively influences productivity. Key determinants of soil technology access include cooperative membership and the age of household heads, both of which significantly affect access to herbicides, pesticides, organic fertilizers, and certified crops. Education plays a vital role, positively impacting the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as certified crops. Additionally, larger farm sizes correlate with better access to these resources. Conversely, the gender of the household head negatively affects access to certified crops. The study emphasizes the importance of capacity building and knowledge transfer to encourage the adoption of effective soil technology practices among farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing food security issues.

Agricultural restructuring in a Devon Parish: A new chapter in an old story

The structure of the agricultural industry has undergone significant change over the last century, both in the UK and internationally, with post-war shifts towards larger and more owner-occupied farms being well recorded. The extent and detail of more recent agricultural restructuring in England deserves close attention because there are important shortcomings in the key source of official data (the Defra June survey), which obscure the realities of restructuring by inadequately representing unconventional tenure arrangements and overlooking very small farms. This has contributed to an under-recognition of what we consider to be a new phase of agricultural restructuring, beginning in the 1980s and continuing today, in which tenure arrangements have become increasingly complex and capital increasingly concentrated into the hands of fewer operators, many of which are not the family-run businesses that previously characterised the industry. Using a case study parish in Devon, England, we use a range of data sources in order to explore the details of restructuring between 1941 and 2016. Historical information from the National Farm Survey (1941–1943) was analysed alongside contemporary information from the Land Registry in order to spatially map and track changes in farm sizes and occupancy during this period, with the assistance of a Geographical Information System (ArcGIS). A key informant personally familiar with the farms (and their histories) supplemented this data, providing crucial information that was missing from official data sources. Our findings provide a detailed, hitherto unseen picture of agricultural restructuring at a local level, which demonstrates the importance of attending to the presence of complex tenure arrangements not always represented in official data.

Unveiling the determinants of the spatial variability of nitrogen sources use in the Lake Victoria basin, East Africa

As nitrogen pollution increasingly threatens water quality in the Lake Victoria Basin, it is essential to investigate the spatial factors influencing nitrogen source use. Understanding these determinants is crucial to inform effective strategies to combat eutrophication, enhance nutrient management, ensure food security and promote sustainable ecological development. This study investigated spatial variation of N sources, the farmers' socio-demographic and farm characteristics factors influencing farmers' choice of nitrogen sources. Data was collected from 1500 farmers between October and December 2020. The farmers were randomly selected in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania country sub-basins within the Lake Victoria basin (LVB). Spatial autocorrelation was used to evaluate the spatial variation of the nitrogen sources while the Optimized Parameter Geographical Detector (OPGD) model was used to identify the factors influencing the choice or use of N sources. The OPDG results indicate that the country of residence and livestock ownership are the primary factors accounting for 31.9% and 22.1% of the variation in nitrogen sources across the entire Lake Victoria Basin, respectively. The major sub-basin factors influencing the use of N sources were both farm characteristics (types of crops grown and farm size) and social socio-demographic factors of the farmer (education). These findings highlight the need for tailored strategies, accounting for geographical variations, farm characteristics and socio-demographic factors are essential when formulating nitrogen management strategies and policies at local and regional scales within the LVB.