Farmer Associations Research Articles

Promotion of beekeeping: Insights from an empirical analysis of three honey value chains inBenin

AbstractBeekeeping is increasingly promoted in developing countries as a promising option for income diversification in rural areas while contributing to poverty alleviation. Unfortunately, the development of the value chains of its most known and marketed product (honey) is still in its beginning stages. Little is known about the honey value chain environment and entry points for its development. Through interviews with 406 informants, this study investigated three honey value chains – “honey harvested in wild,” “honey from traditional beekeeping” and “honey from semi‐modern beekeeping.” Data was collected on their operation, profitability, and long‐term perspectives. The following agents were involved in the value chains: input suppliers, honey producers, middlemen, transporters, and consumers. Farmer's associations, government, non‐governmental organizations, quality control organizations, and financial organizations were also involved in the operation of the value chain of honey from semi‐modern beekeeping. In the case of the value chains of honey harvested in the wild and honey from traditional beekeeping, only a government department and financial organizations were involved in its operation. Networks were the main coordination mechanism in the value chain of honey from semi‐modern beekeeping. There was a low representativeness of market coordination in the three value chains. The value chain of honey from semi‐modern beekeeping had the highest value‐added. All of the value chains were financially profitable, but various weaknesses prevented the efficiency of the value chains. Relevant policy options are discussed to address these issues.

ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN CRUDE PALM OIL (CPO) IN KUANTAN SINGINGI DISTRICT

The purpose of this study was to analyze the supply chain management of CPO in Kuantan Singingi a stream of goods (goods flow), the flow of money (money flow) and the flow of information (information flow), and knowing factors that affect the smoothness of the CPO supply chain. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. This study uses primary data and secondary data. Primary data is in the form of data obtained from the company, interviews with stakeholders (farmers, the Department of Agriculture, Association of Indonesian oil palm farmers and other parties), who are involved either directly or indirectly in the CPO supply chain in the company, while secondary data is in the form of journals and other documents. The flow of goods in the CPO supply chain consists of suppliers, including independent smallholders and smallholders who sell FFB to collectors. These company nuclei are directly brought to the palm oil mill. Then the factory processes the FFB into CPO and is sent to several companies that process derivative products. The financial flow starts from consumers to farmers in cash and non-cash. The flow of information begins from farmers to consumers who provide information in FFB selling prices and CPO prices. Transportation is one factor affecting the smooth supply chain of CPO in Kuantan Singingi District.

Do private consultants promote savings and investments in rural Mozambique?

AbstractAdvice from managementprofessionals can help small‐ and medium‐sized firms reach complex financial goals in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We apply lessons learned in the firm literature to determine the degree in which farmer associations face constraints to management and planning capacity that can be alleviated by the provision of advice from external consultants. In particular, we conducted a randomized control trial in 42 water user associations (WUAs) in Mozambique to examine whether more intensive attention from financial consultants through repeated follow‐up visits prompts households to save and invest in agricultural equipment. All WUAs received a financial literacy training and were eligible to receive a matching grant. Twenty‐one WUAs were randomized into the treatment group that additionally were visited by private consultants quarterly, who tailored their advice to meet individuals’ own savings and investment objectives. We find the follow‐up visits increase ‘hidden savings’ in the form of new capital investments on farmers’ own account. Thus, the visits may have changed savings’ habits by leading farmers to invest in technologies that were not directly subsidized. Our ability to detect an additional effect on the type of investments farmers targeted through the matching grant and, hence, the savings for the respective investments is limited given the power of our study design. Although the proportion of households saving increased, the intervention was likely less cost‐effective than other modalities aimed to enhance the proclivity to save.

Resiliency management of layer poultry farm business during COVID-19 pandemic in the Yogyakarta Special Province

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Objective: </span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">The objective of the research was to identify crises on layer poultry farms specifically in Yogyakarta Special Province during COVID-19 pandemic and investigate business resiliency management to be utilised by the farmers to deal with the situation.</span></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong><span lang="EN-US">The research was conducted on Yogyakarta Special Province in April-October 2020 with qualitative approach method and data collection was taken using in depth interview method. Research respondents were 2 layer farmers who were also chairman of farmers association, namely <em>Pinsar Petelur Nasional</em> and 10 farmers purposively selected using snow-ball sampling method. Data collection was taken by face to face indepth and telephone interview and subsequently data was analysed descriptively and by using content analysis</span><span lang="EN-GB">.</span><strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results</span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US">: </span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">Layer poultry farmers of Yogyakarta Special Province had faced challenges on their business environment that was becoming business crisis source due to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, monetary crisis, to COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts caused by the pandemic on layer poultry industry of Yogyakarta Special Province affected market demand, distribution, egg price fluctuation and feed price, respectively. Learning through self-awareness on environmental changes and conducting community and organisation coordinations that was PPN and the adaptational management that adopted by farmers to overcome the impact of COVID-19 in business.</span><strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">Experience and endurance levels were the keys to resolve risks throughout running a farming business is important asset in conducting resiliency management in mitigating impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. Presence of community, group, and organisation networks will be usefull for the growth of capacity and opportunity of farmers in utilising novel and communication technology to negotiate with relevant farming industry stakeholders to maintain the existence of layer farmers in industry during and after the pandemic. Government supports and appropriate policy are also needed in supporting a hospitable business climate for the continuity of layer poultry farms.</span></p>

Pendampingan Penerapan Protokol Kesehatan Di Masa Era New Normal Pada Kumpulan Pengajian Kelompok Wanita Tani Di Desa Saronggi

Background: In 2020, Indonesia experienced a pandemic period, during which the corona virus spread. Close contact is a factor in the transmission of the covid 19 virus. Applying health protocols is considered important to reduce the incidence of the increase in the covid 19 virus. Methods: The basic purpose of this service is to provide training and assistance in implementing health protocols for community groups, especially the recitation group for farmer women's groups in the village of Saronggi. The main purpose of this service is to suppress the spread of the corona virus in the community. Results: The results showed that the counseling and mentoring process at the Women's Farmer's Association in Saronggi village went smoothly and as expected. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of all members when listening to counseling and changes in the behavior or habits of members in implementing health protocols when carrying out activities Conclusions Suggestions that we can hope for are to remain disciplined with health protocols so that they can really suppress the spread of the virus and break the chain of the Corona Virus.

The impacts of social capital on rural household’s income: empirical evidence from rural Vietnam

This study empirically examines how social capital affects household income in rural Vietnam using the VARHS 2012-2014 surveys. We operationalized four forms of social capital, which are formal social networks, informal social networks, government connection, and general trust. We illustrate that social capital is abundant and has positive impacts on household income in rural Vietnam. Among many dimensions of social capital, political and governmental connectivity is fundamentally essential for improving household income. Approaching governmental organizations through the friend network is much more effective than the relative network or family member network. This study provides evidence that informal network is also important. Connecting to the community through the participation of wedding ceremonies increases spiritual well-being and works as a type of social capital to increase household income. Surprisingly, we find no positive impact of general trust and other massive organizations, which are often claimed to be necessary, such as the Farmer Association or the Women Association.

Compound farming under a changing climate: Evidence from Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study assessed effects of climate change on compound farming in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers state, A two-stage sampling techniques was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data for the study was collected with the aid of questionnaire complemented with interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics namely percentages, frequency and mean. The result of the study showed that females (57%) engaged in compound farming more than their male counterparts with an average age of 48years and household size of mainly 2 to 5 persons. Majority of the compound farmers had no formal education (44%). Crop production (81%) was the major farming activity engaged in by the compound farmers with cassava (80%) as the major crop cultivated. Result showed that the compound farmers perceive climate change to be increase in atmospheric temperature (Mean=3.5), increase in rainfall (Mean=3.4) and fluctuation in rainfall pattern (Mean=3.2). The major effects of climate change on compound farming in the study area include reduction in crop yield (95%), decrease in overall family income (95%), unpredictable planting time/season (100%), increase weed infestation (100%) and unusual crop pest and disease infestation (97%). More Extension coverage and provision of improved seedlings will help strengthen farmers capacity to overcome the effects of the change in climate. Formation of farmers association will immensely contribute in building the capacity of compound farmers in climate change hence overcome the effects more effectively.

Topoclimate Mapping Using Landsat ETM+ Thermal Data: Wolin Island, Poland

Variations in climatic pattern due to boundary layer processes at the topoclimatic scale are critical for ecosystems and human activity, including agriculture, fruit harvesting, and animal husbandry. Here, a new method for topoclimate mapping based on land surface temperature (LST) computed from the brightness temperature of Landsat ETM+ thermal bands (band6) is presented. The study was conducted in a coastal lowland area with glacial landforms (Wolin Island). The method presented is universal for various areas, and is based on freely available remote sensing data. The topoclimatic typology obtained was compared to the classical one based on meteorological data. It was proven to show a good sensitivity to changes in topoclimatic conditions (demonstrated by changes in LST distribution) even in flat, agricultural areas with only small variations in topography. The technique will hopefully prove to be a convenient and relatively fast tool that can improve the topoclimatic classification of other regions. It could be applied by local authorities and farmer associations for optimizing agricultural production.

Irrigation water management to increase planting index in Boyolali Regency, Indonesia

Climate change will have a negative impact on water resources, agriculture, forestry, health and the vulnerability of public infrastructure and the extinction of various species. Water sources as the main means of agriculture, especially rice fields are the main thing in irrigation. Water sources for irrigation of paddy fields in Boyolali include weirs, trenches, springs that are collected in the form of ponds and a small part is a reservoir. Within 2 years after operation, the use of ponds of water for irrigation was able to accelerate yield increases. With various models of water sources, the cropping patterns include paddy-paddy-paddy, paddy-paddy-palawija (crop planted as 2nd crop in dry season), paddy-palawija-palawija and paddy-palawija-fallow. Water management arrangements in each area that use irrigation channels have an Association of Farmers Using Water who is tasked with making a schedule for the distribution of irrigation between blocks, especially if there is water scarcity such as during the dry season. Types of activities that are usually coordinated by farmer groups are pest control, channel maintenance, and irrigation arrangements. For channel maintenance, usually coordinating with the officers of association of water user farmer and development coordinators in their respective villages.

Factors Affecting Organic Fertilizer Adoption in Rice Production in Vietnam

The adoption of organic fertilizers is one of the measures of sustainable agricultural production in Vietnam. This research evaluates the effectiveness of organic fertilizer application and the factors affecting adoption of organic fertilizers in rice production. The data of 3,972 rice farmers from the 2014 Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey dataset are used in the analysis. The results show that yield, revenue, and cost of rice production for farmers using only inorganic fertilizers are greater than those forf farmers applying organic fertilizers. However, there is a consistent profit between the two groups of farmers. Use of organic fertilizers improves the financial efficiency of rice production for farmers. The amount of inorganic fertilizers required decreases when farmers apply organic fertilizers. Farmers who are Kinh people, have loans for rice production, or have large land areas tend to use less amount of organic fertilizers. Meanwhile, farmers with higher education, who join the Farmer's Association, or have more household members, are more likely to use organic fertilizers for rice production. This study implies that farmers should apply organic fertilizers to increase the financial efficiency and sustainability of rice production. The government needs to design policies to motivate the production and utilization of organic fertilizers.

Role of Policies, Stakeholder Programs and Interventions in Agricultural Diversification among Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Lilongwe District in Malawi

Globally, governments and agricultural organizations implement policies and programs reflected in interventions such as input subsidies, extension services for modern inputs and training, which either enable or hinder agricultural diversification. A study was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in Lilongwe district, Malawi, to determine the influence of policies, programs and interventions on agricultural diversification. The study was using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. It involved a literature review, interviews with 424 male and female smallholder farmers, 35 demonstration plots on agricultural diversification, 27 focus group discussions with farmers, and 17 key informant interviews with stakeholder representatives. The literature review showed that the 2016 Malawi agricultural policy already prioritized agricultural diversification as it included a policy statement and policy objective on agricultural diversification. This study found that stakeholders, namely the Ministry of Agriculture, Total Land Care, National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi, School of Agriculture for Family Independence, and Trustees of Agriculture Promotion Program, were promoting agricultural diversification. They did it by (i) organizing farmers into groups for agricultural diversification activities, (ii) provision of extension advice, and (iii) providing inputs for different crops as well as livestock either for free, on pass-on, or through loans. However, interventions were on small scale, had not fully addressed hindrances to agricultural diversification, were mostly supply-driven, and the interventions themselves faced sustainability-threatening problems such as failure to pass on livestock and seeds. The agricultural policy was thus not sufficiently translated into widespread programs and interventions to foster improvement in agricultural diversification. As such, we suggest re-channeling of funding from promoting mono-cropping to agricultural diversification by broadening the crop and livestock focus of advisory services, enabling farmer organization initiatives and community engagement for farmers to solve most diversification challenges on their own.

English

This study ascertained factors influencing adoption of improved maize seed varieties in three local government areas of Kaduna State, North-central Nigeria. It collected cross-sectional data for a sample of 180 randomly selected farming households across three local government areas of the State in 2015/16. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were performed on the data. The descriptive statistics differentiated adopters from non-adopters, while the inferential analysis involved estimation of a logit model to determine factors driving adoption of improved maize seed varieties in the study areas. The results of the descriptive analysis show significant mean differences between adopters and non-adopters regarding several farm households’ characteristics. The model results reveal that adoption of improved maize seed varieties among the households was positively influenced by age, household size, level of education, farming experience, labour availability, contacts with extension agents, farm size, off-farm income and membership of associations. Thus, the study concluded that improving farmers’ education, expanding coverage and depth of extension services and strengthening farmer associations are useful policy actions for promoting adoption of improved maize varieties. It is also important to address availability, accessibility and affordability issues constraining adoption, enhance credit access and mitigate risk perceptions. The link between researchers and innovators and the farmers who are the off-takers of their outputs should be reinforced to increase maize productivity in order to satisfy national demand and promote food security. Key words: Adoption, determinants, Kaduna State, smallholder farmers, maize.

Issues and Perceptions of Farmers/Herders Conflicts in Central Nigeria

Farmers/herders conflict is not new in Nigeria. The need to put more emphasis on Central Nigeria particularly Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States was born out of the persistent conflicts arising from and complicated by farmer-herder vested interest. Currently, the subject matter is under-exploited and under-researched. Existing extant studies in that regard tend to have focused on farmer-herder conflicts without comprehensively emphasizing the philosophy and ideology operating by the two parties in fueling the conflicts. The study adopts community case study approach. Three states were purposefully selected, namely Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa, these states were highly affected by the conflict in recent years. Two local governments were randomly selected from each state. individuals were selected for Key Informant Interview (KII), FGD and Study Chart from All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAiencN), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD). Participation was voluntary, therefore, those who were readily available were used. 30 KII, 17 FGDs and 10 SCs were carried out across the targeted communities. Findings show that issues and perceptions of farmers/herders’ conflict in Central Nigeria includes: divergent of perception in the process of survival; land grabbing and unending tension; water scarcity and insufficient pasturelands; underage and children herding and profiling/stereotyping. This calls for an urgent need for government at all levels including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to create effective awareness, promote peace building and other measures to curtail the existing conflict.

Studi Penilaian Kinerja Irigasi dan Angka Kebutuhan Nyata Operasi dan Pemeliharaan (AKNOP) pada Daerah Irigasi Sumber Mujur Kecamatan Candipuro Kabupaten Lumajang

The Sumber Mujur Irrigation Area is located in Candipuro District with the broncaptering as the main building which is located in Sumber Mujur Subdistrict. In fact, in this Irrigation Area, there are many damages and problems to the assets owned. From the results of the inventory carried out, there were 109 problem points. Damage and problems are found at six points in the main building, 30 points on the carrier channel, and 73 points on the building on the carrier channel. The performance index value of Sumber Mujur Irrigation Area got a score of 81.94% which consists of physical infrastructure is 33.9%, plant productivity is 14.5%, operation and management supporting facilities is 8.5%, personnel organization is 11.7%, documentation 4.18%, water user farmer association is 9.15%. The calculation of priority for rehabilitation in the Sumber Mujur Irrigation Area using the AHP and ANP method, the aspect that requires rehabilitation most is the Physical Infrastructure aspect of the Main Building aspect. For Real Cost Value of Maintaining and Operating Irrigation calculation (AKNOP) for the main building in the Sumber Mujur Irrigation Area, it was obtained IDR 574,871,655.00.

Modes of drought climatization: A frame analysis of drought problematization in Germany across policy fields

AbstractSince 2003, droughts have been problematized within a climate change frame in Germany. Scholars describe this framing process as climatization. In our research, we conduct a qualitative content analysis of sector journal articles to investigate the climatization of drought within the three most affected policy fields in Germany: agriculture, water management, and forestry. The research objectives are to investigate how climatization processes evolve and take place within a specific policy field, and what different modes of climatization can be identified. The results are based on a framing analysis of 267 articles from journals published by political associations of farmers, water managers, and foresters at both the national and a state level, covering drought problematization relating to two major drought events in 2003 and 2011–2012. The article shows that four modes of climatization can be distinguished: scientification, securitization, technocratization, and transformation. With this empirically based heuristic, we contribute to advancing the concept of climatization by operationalizing it into a more profound, empirically grounded analytical concept that can be applied to critically investigate policymaking processes related to reducing disaster risks and achieving climate adaptation.

A framework to evaluate the factors influencing groundwater management in Water User Associations: The case study of Tafresh County (Iran)

In recent decades, due to the water shortage around the world and the importance of groundwater in agriculture, the role of Water User Associations (WUAs) – well-known farmer associations that manage collective irrigation in agricultural districts – in groundwater management has received much attention. To ensure sustainable groundwater management in these organizations, it is imperative to analyze the effects of the driving mechanisms, such as the “legal and institutional”, “socio-cultural”, “social capital”, “economic”, “infrastructure” and “farmers’ participation” factors, on the collective management of agricultural water. This study proposes a theoretical framework to analyze how and to what extent these factors influence agricultural water management in a case study of WUAs of Tafresh County (Iran), where irrigated agriculture strongly relies on groundwater. To validate this framework, questionnaires with 53 questions/indicators related to these factors have been supplied to 264 associated farmers and then statistically processed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methods. The measurement model has confirmed the validity of the questionnaire. The structural model has demonstrated that all the identified factors are significantly effective in driving the WUAs performance. This effectiveness was shown by the high indexes of reliability (over 0.821 against an acceptance limit of 0.7) and convergent validity (over 0.511 against a limit of 0.5). Socio-cultural and social capital factors had a higher impact (confirmed by path coefficients of about 0.80), while the economic factors played a lower effect on groundwater management (path coefficient of 0.534). Moreover, the Pearson matrix showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) and positive (R 2 = from 0.238 to 0.804) correlations among all the evaluated factors. Based on this framework, some actions for improving the groundwater management at the collective level are suggested, such as: (i) the implementation of new water management technologies to increase the efficiency in extraction, distribution, and consumption of irrigation water; ii) strengthening the importance of social and cultural participation in the management of WUAs, in order to create formal and informal contexts for enhancing individual participation in the short and long-term; iii) designing appropriate financing factors and diversification of the sources of revenue to execute projects on shared water resources. • The proposed theoretical framework is based on Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling. • Legal and institutional, socio-cultural, social capital, economic, infrastructure, and farmers’ participation are evaluated. • All these factors are significantly effective in driving groundwater management. • Socio-cultural and social capital factors have the highest impact. • The economic factors play a lower effect on groundwater management.

Итоги и перспективы развития прибрежного рыболовства в Западной Арктике России

The results of the functioning of the Association of coastal fishermen and farmers. The social significance of the Association is shown. The possibilities for the development of the organization members' activities are explored. Measures to increase the social significance of coastal fishery are given.

Beyond adoption: the interaction between organic and inorganic fertilizer application, and vegetable productivity in Ghana

AbstractThis study explores the causal association between organic and inorganic fertilizer application and vegetable productivity in Ghana. Primary data were obtained from 300 pepper, cabbage and lettuce producers. To correct for self-selection bias and endogeneity, Heckman selection and three-stage least-squares models were estimated. More producers used inorganic fertilizers for pepper, cabbage and lettuce production than those who used organic fertilizers. Vegetable producers applied higher quantities of organic fertilizers (2830 kg) per acre than inorganic fertilizers (880 kg). Organic cabbage and lettuce producers recorded higher productivity than inorganic producers, but inorganic pepper producers had higher productivity than organic producers. However, vegetable producers who applied either organic or inorganic fertilizers, or both, recorded higher productivity than those who did not apply fertilizer. Factors that enhance the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers and vegetable productivity are education, farm size and production for export, land ownership, farmer association membership and perception about fertilizer price. Organic and inorganic fertilizer application improves vegetable productivity, and productivity promotes fertilizer application. Private agencies and government should subsidize fertilizers, improve producers' access to agricultural information, and train producers on productivity-enhancing agronomic practices.

The Assistance of Farmer Community in Utilizing Rice Straw of Catfish Pool Mud as a Medium of Silk-Worm Cultivation in Tanjung Bintang Sub-District, Lampung Selatan Regency

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different media compositions (straw and catfish pool mud) as a medium for cultivating silkworms on biomass and silkworm populations. This community service applied Participatory Action research (PAR) involving the farmers’ groups and farmer association Gabungan Kelompok Tani (GaPokTan) in Tanjung Bintang sub-district. They are paddy farmers and catfish cultivators with a total of 205 groups. The socialization activity was carried out through Focus Group Discussion (FGD), discussing any related topic about how to cultivate silkworms. Because the situation entered the New Normal era during the Covid 19 period, the FGD was carried out with procedures by applying social distancing and limiting participants to 10 people. Therefore, FGD was conducted two times. The study results showed that the sludge produced by catfish pond cultivation and fermented rice straw, which is known as waste, can provide benefits to the cultivation of silkworms that provide economic value to the community.

Capitalizing on the strengths of farmer organizations as potential change agents in Haiti

Development agencies face challenges in fostering agricultural development in an increasingly globalized food and agricultural economy. Farmer organizations have assumed new roles in many regions in response to the growth of global food supply chains that offer new opportunities to farmers, but also affect local and national food security and constrain farmers' choices in production decisions. This research explored the structure and composition of farmer organizations that meet Haitian government requirements for designation as non-profit organizations, which provides access to donor resources. The objective was to develop a typology of non-profit farmer organizations participating in the USAID-funded Appui à la Recherche et au Developpement Agricole (AREA) Project in Haiti in order to enhance their capacity to meet the needs of Haitian farmers. We identified 64 farmer associations that were functioning as nonprofit organizations in the Haiti West region and could be contacted by telephone. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with leaders of 24 of these associations and used a multi-step coding process to identify critical distinguishing traits of five types of organizations identified. Current organizational capacity varies and needs of their members vary among the types. Members of the Connected and Umbrella types have more access to resources than the resource-poor Advocating for Women and Quasi-Functional types. The Working Women and Advocating for Women types have a high percentage of women members, but the Working Women type's members are businesswomen and have distinct needs from the members of Advocating for Women, who have greater needs for resources to support their roles in family and community. We conclude that these organizations do have potential as change agents but need support to foster organizational development to reach their full potential. Our findings coupled with the evidence in the literature of the capacity of farmer associations to play important roles in agricultural modernization and marketing suggest that a more articulated approach to assistance through and for farmer associations could generate powerful change over time. The value of the typology lies in its capacity to help donors distinguish among the needs and potential contributions of each type of association. • Typology of nonprofit farmer associations reveals differences in capacity to serve as change agents in Haitian agriculture • Donors and government should explore the potential for Haitian nonprofit organizations to serve as marketing cooperatives. • Gender composition and leadership of farmer nonprofit organizations cannot be ignored and gender disparities must be addressed • Input supplies remain a major challenge for many farmers