Farmer Participation Research Articles

Effect of financial inclusion on market participation of rice farmer’s cooperative members in Anambra State

This study on the effect of financial inclusion on market participation of rice farmer’s cooperative members in Anambra State, Nigeria used a combination of analytical tools like descriptive statistics, beta, and linear regression models to operationalize the data collected from a random sampling of 328 respondents. Descriptively, the study found that the majority of the respondents had access to savings accounts (87.0%) and point of sales (85.0%). Additionally, 81.0% confirmed the availability of microfinance bank (MFB) services, highlighting the extensive presence of MFBs in Anambra State. The study also delves into the market participation of rice farmers. The average farm size for the cooperative was found to be 9.85 hectares, producing an output of 39.73 tons. A high market participation index (0.848) showed that 84.8% of the total rice output was offered for sale. Furthermore, the result of the beta regression analysis revealed that online banking or self-service platforms (0.097), and microfinance services (0.180) positively influence farmer's decisions to participate in the market. Furthermore, cooperative age, legal status, and gender significantly determined the use of these financial products. It was also discovered that various challenges faced by farmers for financial inclusion, such as high interest rates and poor internet services hamper on market participation ability of the farmers. The study therefore recommends that financial institution should revise their interest rate to help accommodate a diverse range of rice farmers.

Evaluation of Recently Released Andean Bean Varieties with the Participation of Farmers in Mid-Altitude Region of Gedeb Zuria, Gedo Zone

During the 2012 mehere season, a study was conducted in the income Gedeb Wereda of the Gedio zone in Ethiopia to evaluate farmers' selection criteria for beans and the performance of newly released Andean common bean varieties. The study utilised participatory variety selection (PVS) trials. The findings revealed that qualitative features were given more importance by farmers compared to quantitative traits. Among the different genotypes tested, Gegeba and Ibado emerged as the top two varieties. Farmers considered five qualitative characteristics as superior to production: seed size, marketability, maturity duration, pest and disease resistance, the ability to tolerate cool temperatures, and seed color. Gegeba, with its large, red-speckled seeds, high market demand, upright growth habit, early maturity (90 days), and reasonably high yield (>2 tonnes ha-1), was the preferred choice for almost all farmers. The study suggests that future bean development efforts should focus on promoting the selected varieties and developing new ones that align with farmers' preferences, particularly in terms of adaptation to the mid-highlands, suitability for domestic consumption, local markets, and export markets.

Farmers’ Knowledge on Agricultural Irrigation Programs: The Case of Altınekin District of Konya Province

Climate change-induced droughts have various negative impacts on different sectors, especially on agricultural sector. Altınekin District, where the research was conducted, has the lowest precipitation in Konya Province, therefore is expected to be most affected by drought. For sustainable use of water resources, each stage of agricultural production should be carried out within the framework of a specific program. With this study, knowledge level of farmers engaged in irrigated agriculture in Altınekin district regarding irrigation and irrigation programs they applied were determined through a face-to-face survey. Present findings revealed that 38.7% of the participant farmers are aged 50 years and over and a large proportion of them (54.7%) are primary school graduates. Participant farmers were all (100%) using groundwater resources in agricultural production and 88% of them stated that they did not receive any training on irrigation. While 32% of the farmers participating in the survey stated that they had knowledge about the concept of irrigation program, 68% reported that they did not have any knowledge. Incorrect and improper practices regarding efficient use of irrigation water in the region, especially regarding the irrigation program, were identified and solutions were proposed for these problems.

Agent-based simulation model to evaluate government policies for farmers’ adoption and synergy in improving irrigation systems: A case study of Lake Urmia basin

The complexities of water issues, in which human factors directly affect the qualitative and quantitative indicators of water resources in a variable, extensive, and undefined manner, make social interactions necessary for the water resources sustainable development. In this situation, local government admins (local divisions of the Water Institutions and Ministry of Agriculture) (LGA) can play a fundamental role in attracting the participation of independent farmers in sustainable agriculture and preserving water resources by modifying support policies. In this study, an agent-based simulation model of social interactions and economic interests of farmers is presented along with different scenarios of support policies as well as random supervision and training by LGA agents to evaluate its impact on the independent decision making of farmers in the form of a complex adaptive system. Questionnaires and expert interviews were used to determine the data and scenarios. Farmers’ adaptation for development technology in irrigation management (DTIM), simulated output of WP, field application efficiency (FAE), and their adaptation speed are influenced by input factors such as assumed cost of sustainable water supply (SWS), mean government expenditure (subsidy count), and the level of supervision and training by LGA. The results showed that the assumed cost of SWS and government supervision and training are the most influential indicators of the farmer agent’s propensity to DTIM with F-value=4375.59 and F-value=1055.10, respectively. The results confirm that appropriate policies in strengthening LGA supervision and training and increasing farmers’ awareness of the importance of long-term water resource sustainability can help achieve more adaptability.

Contradictions between commercializing seeds, empowering smallholders farmers, and promoting biodiversity in Ghana: Seed policy within a historical framework

This article critically examines the agricultural development agenda of promoting commercialization and sustainable intensification and contrasts this with farmers’ own priorities, with case studies drawn from the maize and cocoa sectors in Ghana. The study investigates the relationship between agricultural development paradigms, seed breeding strategies, and the commercialization of agriculture from the 1950s to present. It returns to the debates of farming systems research, the appropriation of the agricultural varieties of farmers within the South by Northern agribusiness, and Paul Richards’ framework of an Indigenous African agricultural revolution rooted in the experimental traditions of farmers to establish a critical framework for examining the commodification of seeds. It focuses on the contradictions between maintaining biodiversity, fashioning high-yielding proprietary seeds, and promoting farmer participation that became manifest in the framework of farming systems research. It argues that commercial pressures have prioritized yields and the protection of proprietary varieties over biodiversity in policy frameworks. This contrast with farmers’ own concerns with adapting varieties to the conditions on their farms through their own experimentation, and maintaining a diversity of changing genetic materials including those drawn from certified varieties. This enables farmers to hedge against risk, disease, and pest attacks, while selecting varietal materials that optimize yields in the particular agroecological conditions of their farms. Although social participation is still upheld as an important value in liberal market agrarian policies, there has been a significant transformation in its usage. It no longer denotes farmer participation in the design of and experimentation with technology, but participation in the consumption of the agricultural products of agribusiness or in the agricultural technology treadmill. This contribution examines the implication of smallholder agricultural commercialization for biodiversity and for the dynamism and vitality of local farming systems.

Impact of cluster farming on smallholder farmers teff commercialization in Ethiopia

BackgroundCluster farming is an agricultural practice that involves organizing and grouping together farmers within a specific geographic area based on proximity of their farm plots to create synergies and economies of scale. In developing countries including Ethiopia cluster farming has gained prominence as a strategic initiative to foster commercialized agriculture and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by integrating their production within the broader value chain. In light of this, the government of Ethiopia plans to promote cluster farming throughout the country based on the best practices of the four cluster farming priority regions and 10 high-value commodities. Teff is one of the high-value commodities in the cluster farming priority regions. However, the impact of cluster farming on teff commercialization was not studied before.MethodsWe conducted this study to examine the impact of cluster farming on teff commercialization using nationally representative data collected by Agricultural Transformation Institute of Ethiopia. Then, we analyzed the data using descriptive and inferential statistics, commercialization index, and endogenous switching regression model.ResultsThe result revealed that the mean teff commercialization of cluster farming participants was higher than non-participants in all the cluster farming priority regions of Ethiopia. Similarly, the model result indicated that cluster farming had a positive and significant impact on teff commercialization at p < 0.01.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the promotion of cluster farming facilitates teff commercialization in Ethiopia. However, we recommend further studies using panel data collected from large samples to provide a longitudinal perspective on the impact of cluster farming on teff commercialization over time. The findings of these studies can offer comprehensive insights and concrete information that can inform policymakers to support and promote teff cluster farming in Ethiopia.

The Impact of Tie Strength on the Sustainable Participation of Farmers in Contract Farming: An Empirical Study in Inner Mongolia, China

Contract farming can reduce transaction costs and improve agricultural productivity. With the establishment of stable and effective contractual relationships, not only have agricultural products been provided with a stable market, but the standardization, refinement, and branding transformation of agricultural products can also be realized, thus further promoting the progress of agricultural modernization. The willingness of farmers to renew their contracts is a key factor in maintaining long-term, stable cooperative relationships. This research involves the empirical verification of the impact model of tie strength between enterprises and farmers in contractual agriculture on the willingness of farmers to renew their contracts and reveals the working mechanism of tie strength on sustainable participation of farmers in contract farming. We utilized survey data from 276 agricultural households in Inner Mongolia, China, and the method of structural equation modeling (SEM), with the following results: (1) Interaction and reciprocity have a significantly positive influence on trust; (2) trust has a significantly positive impact on farmers’ willingness to renew their contracts. Also, reciprocity and interaction have an indirect impact on contract renewal willingness through trust; and (3) the perceived economic value can significantly increase the contract renewal willingness of farmers and plays a mediating role between trust and contract renewal willingness. Overall, on the basis of tie strength, this research provides a new perspective for the investigation of the sustainable stability of contract farming and presents empirical evidence for the sustainable development of the contract farming supply chain.

Farmer-Centred Multi-stakeholder Platforms: From Iterative Approach to Conceptual Embedding

AbstractResearch on knowledge exchange in multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) within smallholder farmer settings has primarily focused on adaptive designs and increased innovation rates. This paper addresses a knowledge gap by providing insights into the limited understanding of how knowledge sharing in MSPs can be inclusive of smallholder farmers’ knowledge. It shares experiences with a farmer-centred approach to learning and knowledge-sharing with smallholder farmers in Ghana and places this iteratively developed approach within a theoretical perspective. We relate the farmer-centred approach to five design principles inspired by human-centred design rules and inclusive development dimensions. Findings from observations, interviews, and focus group discussions illustrate how the farmer-centred approach creates multifunctional spaces for peer-to-peer learning, interaction with institutional actors, and network building (design principle 1). Prior farmer-centred research ensured that themes addressed were relevant to participant farmers and brought their innovations ‘from below’ to the table (design principles 2 and 3). A majority representation of farmers, facilitation by local researchers, and organising platform meetings at the district level created a safe space for farmers to share their knowledge and feel included and empowered (design principle 4). Several local institutional actors took ownership of the platform principles, which created opportunities for their manifestation in future collaborations with farmers (design principle 5). However, challenges remain in engaging crucial actors from higher scale levels and reducing donor dependency. The design principles presented in this paper contribute to the genuine inclusion of farmers’ knowledge and innovations. We recommend government agencies at the national and district levels incorporate these design principles into their work plans and budgets and prioritise farmers’ knowledge and innovation capacity for inclusive learning and knowledge co-creation.

Divulging the adoption &amp;amp; impact level of ‘vermicompost’ training programs on participant farmers: A post-training analysis in Bihar, India

Divulging the adoption &amp;amp; impact level of ‘vermicompost’ training programs on participant farmers: A post-training analysis in Bihar, India

Envisioning prairie agroecology: Farmer visual constructions of place-based ecological agriculture in Canada

Climate change is driving new challenges for farmers around the world, provoking a sense of urgency in the search for on-farm solutions and pathways to sustainable agricultural systems. While agroecology has gained recognition as a promising option for climate resilience, it remains nascent in the Canadian Prairies—a significant agricultural region dominated by large-scale conventional agriculture. Amid the sprawling fields of grains and oilseeds primarily destined for export markets, growing farm consolidation, and increased land concentration, farmers committed to ecological principles are building a prefigurative foundation for prairie agroecology. Far from cohering into a unified definition, this article captures what agroecology on the Prairies looks like. Through a community-engaged research design and in consultation with the National Farmers Union of Canada, we explore farmers’ reflections on agroecology and provide a participatory platform for farmer-led constructions of agroecology. Through dialogue with 19 farmers of different farm sizes and production types that began in the 2021 farming season—one marked by drought and extreme heat—we use photovoice, visual elicitation interviews, and participatory video to document and mobilize visual constructions of an emerging prairie agroecology. Despite a shared vision among the farmer participants about the need for a sustainability transition through diversified farming practices, three key questions emerged about the future of prairie agroecology: (1) Can prairie agroecology scale up and out, and if so, under what conditions? (2) To what extent is prairie agroecology possible without dense, place-based social networks? and (3) What are the possibilities for prairie agroecology when the future of farming in the region is uncertain, especially given the changing farmer demographics and Canada’s settler colonial context? We explore these questions and provide reflections on key issues confronting the future of prairie agroecology.

Advanced Concept for Participation of Large Wind Farms in Ancillary Services

The use of renewable energies is steadily growing. Wind energy is the main installed type of renewable energy in Germany. Wind power plants are concentrated in large wind farms. These wind farms are connected to high voltage grids. Despite the high level of installed wind power, wind farms have not contributed to voltage and frequency control (primary, secondary and tertiary control) until now. Wind farm owners receive a fixed payment from the transmission system operator for the energy they generate. This payment is much higher than the average variable costs of conventional power plants. This study shows that modern wind power plants and farms can also support voltage and frequency control. Wind farm owners receive more income through participating in frequency control than from the fixed payment for energy generated. This extra income can help to reduce the fixed payment for energy generated by wind farms.

Impacts of Farm Business of School (FBS) Intervention on The Income of The Cocoa Farmers in Nigeria

This study was designed to empirically investigate the impacts of Farm Business School (FBS) intervention on the income of cocoa farmers in some selected states in Nigeria. Primary data were collected through direct personal interviews, and with the use of a well-structured questionnaire from 300 sampled cocoa farmers. The data analytical techniques employed in this study include descriptive statistics, endogenous switching regression (ESR) and propensity score matching (PSM). The results from the descriptive statistics for participants and non-participants showed that most of the farmers were relatively old given life expectancy in Nigeria as 52 years. Participants and non-participants in the study area had a mean age of 54 years. The cocoa farming has been dominated by male farmers. The result of ESR was based on the average treatment effects of participants in FBS on income, and this shows that participation in FBS increases income significantly, and farmers that did not participate would have benefited significantly had they participated in FBS. PSM analysis indicated that participants in Farmers Business School and The PSM results imply that FBS training has increased the income of participants by 343,950.84 point. The results showed that participating in Farmers Business School leads to significant gains and impacts on income of cocoa farmers. Also, variables like level of education, farm size, amount of credit obtained, household size, and number of visits by extension agents have a significant impact on the level of participation. Therefore, research institutes and other agencies of government should improve upon their services of creating awareness for cocoa farmers to encourage the participation of more farmers in the training programme to have increased income. The combination of ESR and PSM analysis will also add value and contribute to the literature on the best approach to address impact analysis.

Socioeconomic Characteristics of Small-Scale Livestock Farmers on access to High-Value Livestock Markets in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale farmers that have an impact on their access to high-value livestock markets in Greater Giyani Local Municipality (GGLM) and make recommendations for improving their access. Theoretical reference: Many studie conducted indicate that high-value livestock market access by small-scale farmers requires a Consideration of global trends in the economic transformation that have a direct bearing on the current small-scale market access situation from a holistic standpoint, which is influenced by the socioeconomic status of livestock farmers. Method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed clustered proportional random sampling. Two hundred and fifteen (215) Greater Giyani Local Municipality livestock small-scale farmers were randomly selected. Results and conclusion: The study revealed that the majority of the small-scale livestock farmers in the GGLM were male (62.8%) and elderly people (above 65 years) (45.1%). The study further revealed that the majority (67.9%) of the livestock farmers in the GGLM had no formal education. Youth participation in livestock farming was disappointing (12.1%). Inferential statistical analysis revealed that young adults and elderly small-scale livestock farmers were all significant and had a direct influence on access to high-value markets. Farmers will be encouraged to enrol on an adult learning center and youth will be encouranged to participate in livestock farming. Research implication: Based on the results of previous research, fewer youth are usually participating in farming when compared with older farmers. Originality/value: The study revealed that socioeconomic characteristics play a vital role on access to high-value livestock markets. However previous study has not covered much on the role of socioeconomic status.

Assessing the Influence of Climate Change on Agricultural Yields and Crafting Farmer-Centric Adaptation Strategies: A Policy-oriented Agricultural Analysis

This journal article critically examines the influence of climate change on agricultural yields and proposes farmer-centric adaptation strategies through a policy-oriented agricultural analysis. The research employs a comprehensive approach, integrating climate science, agricultural economics, and policy studies to assess the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global agricultural productivity.&#x0D; The study analyzes empirical data on changing climate patterns, extreme weather events, and temperature variations, emphasizing their significant consequences for agricultural yields. By utilizing statistical models and econometric techniques, the research quantifies the extent of yield variations across diverse crops, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.&#x0D; In response to these challenges, the research proposes adaptation strategies centered on the needs and capacities of farmers. These strategies encompass the development and dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties, the enhancement of irrigation infrastructure, and the implementation of precision agriculture techniques. Moreover, the study investigates the role of agricultural policies in promoting adaptive practices and explores potential policy frameworks to incentivize climate-smart agriculture.&#x0D; The findings highlight the importance of tailoring adaptation strategies to local contexts and engaging farmers in the decision-making process. The research underscores the need for policies that empower farmers, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and incentives to adapt to changing climatic conditions effectively.&#x0D; In conclusion, this article contributes to the discourse on climate change adaptation in agriculture by offering a policy-oriented perspective. It advocates for a holistic approach that integrates scientific insights, economic considerations, and farmer participation, aiming to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change.

Factors Influencing Participation Decision of Smallholder Farmers on Cluster Farming: The Case of Wheat Technologies in Dawoo District, South-West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, with an ever-increasing demand. It plays a fundamental role in food security, and a major challenge is to meet the additional requirements with new cultivars and improved cropping technologies. This research evaluated the determinant factors influencing participation decisions of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming at Dawo District South-West Shewa Zone Oromia region. Dawo District was purposefully selected from the South-West Shewa Zone due to its wheat potential agro-ecological area and implemented wheat cluster farming. Based on the proportion of PAs that undertake cluster farming, four PAs were selected. Then using stratified random sampling PAs stratified into two strata: These are Wheat cluster farming and wheat non-cluster farming participants. In total, 138 (participants 92 and non-participants 46) respondents were selected using systematic random sampling. The binary logistic regression results revealed that the education level of the household head, wheat farming experience of the household head, landholding size, distance to extension services, membership to cooperative, and access to credit services were the variables that significantly affected participation decision of smallholder farmers in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the research results recommend the need for continued and broad public and private awareness creation in agricultural innovations participation to address vital development challenges and the need for policy support for improving extension efforts and access to the full package for cluster implementation among smallholder farmers that stimulate participation decision on cluster farming of improved agricultural technologies.

Discordance between farmers and scientists - Perspectives on nitrogen reduction measures in Denmark

Mitigating nitrogen leaching from agricultural land is imperative for enhancing the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. Incorporating the knowledge and perceptions of farmers regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing nitrogen reduction measures is vital for increasing the adoption rate of such measures and related policies. Concurrently, the insights and perspectives of scientists advising policymakers on the implementation of these measures can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers and potential for implementation. In this study, we employ Q methodology to elucidate the opinions of 11 farmers and 14 key scientists involved in providing contractual science policy advice to Danish ministries on nitrogen reduction measures. Results show that across the perspectives of farmers and scientists, four main factors (viewpoints) can be identified: ‘Evidence-driven viewpoints’, ‘On-farm efficiency-driven viewpoints’, ‘Hydrological and landscape-scale viewpoints’, ‘Innovation-based viewpoints. From this, we suggest that within the field of nitrogen mitigation and implementation, there is a general broad division and opposing perspectives between scientists and farmers. The evidence presented here shows that scientists’ viewpoints do not correspond to the viewpoints of farmers in most cases. Scientists broadly believe that landscape and long-term measures, especially wetlands, are most effective nitrogen measures, according to scientific evidence. This clashes severely with some farmer participants, who strongly believe that there should be more personal freedom and flexibility to make individual farm level management choices. This is a significant barrier to the uptake of the best possible measures.

Street-level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s oil palm replanting implementation program

This article analyzes the Street-Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program, focusing on the case in Indragiri Hilir District, Riau Province. PSR aims to renew smallholder oil palm plantations with sustainable varieties and reduce illegal land clearing. The Street Level Bureaucrat model was approved to ensure the responsibility and participation of farmers. This research analyzes Street- Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program. This study uses qualitative research methods with systematic literature reviews and case observation studies in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The results of the study show that this model has a significant effect on the implementation of PSR. The responsiveness of service providers to farmers’^ needs increases. Service providers understand farmers’ challenges and adapt programs according to field conditions. With intensive interaction between service providers and farmers, farmers’ understanding of decision-making has also increased. Overall, this analysis underscores the importance of the Street-Level Bureaucrats model in ensuring the effective implementation of the Smallholder Oil Palm Replanting Program in Indonesia. Responsiveness to community needs, farmer involvement in decision-making, and support for sustainable growth are the critical elements this model reinforces. Thus, using the Street-Level Bureaucrats model can optimize the results of PSR and its positive impact on society and the environment in Indonesia.

A comprehensive model for the implementation of agricultural land levelling and consolidation plan in the Abu Fazel region of Ahvaz.

It has been shown that land fragmentation can negatively impact the efficiency of farming. Therefore, experts recommend land consolidation process, as a logical and workable solution to solve the problems and complications caused by land fragmentation. Land levelling and consolidation is a process of land reform that changes the construction of agricultural lands which leads to rural development through reforming farm management. However, a single plan cannot be applied to different regions, even though they might be in the same country. Hence, it is vital to investigate multiple factors in a certain region to devise the perfect consolidation plan. The present study, which is a survey-exploratory research, is conducted to provide a comprehensive model to implement the plan for levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands in the Abu Fazel region of Ahvaz, Iran. This research is an applied field research which uses both library and field methods to collect the required data. The study population is in Abu Fazel in the northeast of Ahvaz in Zargan region. The results of the study show that cultural, social, economic, policy-making, educational, agricultural and managerial factors have an effect on the participation of farmers in the levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands in the study area (p≥0.01). Also, there is a strong positive relationship between these factors and the farmers' participation in levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands (p≥0.01). Among these factors, it is observed that policy is main factor. Policymakers can play an effective role in land consolidation and macro development on the one hand and agricultural and rural development. On the other, by accurately assessing the interactive effect of land consolidation and related factors, along with the effects of this process on the evolution of agronomic systems.

The Impact of Short-Term Typical Climate Risks on Farmer Participation in US Crop Insurance Programs

The Impact of Short-Term Typical Climate Risks on Farmer Participation in US Crop Insurance Programs

The role of social capital in developing organic rice businesses at Gentungan Village

Social capital owned by the community as a result of social relations is established among members, which gives the meaning of trust, togetherness, tolerance and participation is closely related to the development of organic rice business. The aim of the research is to find out the form, role of social capital, and the role of society in developing social capital. This study uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. The results of the study: bonding, referring to cooperative relationships, mutual trust between members, has high cohesiveness, but does not reflect the ability of the community to create social capital. Bridging, refers to mutually respectful and beneficial relationships between people who have differences, is able to foster participation, increase networking but the effectiveness of communication has not gone well. Linking, facilitating access to more complex resources, many relationships are established between actors and stakeholders. Communication of exchanging information, identifying problems and solutions, managing conflicts is still not optimal. The role of social capital is dominant, good interaction is established in preserving the culture of the main harvest, consistent social values and norms serve as social control. The community plays a role in developing social capital by fostering the participation of millennial farmers in developing organic rice businesses.