Adoption Of Agriculture Research Articles

Importance of Horticulture in Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia Short Systematic Review

This review is assessed in Debre Berhan university and the review mainly focused on the role of Horticulture in insuring climate smart agriculture in Ethiopia. Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopian economy. Even though agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the country climate variability, change, and related extreme events are adversely affecting agricultural production by resulting in increased variability in precipitation, an increase in temperature and emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, to bring solution Climate-smart agriculture which is an agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience of livelihoods and ecosystems, reduces and/or removes greenhouse gases emissions and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals is the primary solution. The principle of Horticulture (urban and per-urban agriculture, silviculture, agro forestry of perennial woody fruits with a variety of vegetables) is again has a wonderful capacity to adopt this climate smart agriculture.

Climate-smart agriculture: adoption, impacts, and implications for sustainable development

AbstractThe 19 papers included in this special issue examined the factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers and estimated the impacts of CSA adoption on farm production, income, and well-being. Key findings from this special issue include: (1) the variables, including age, gender, education, risk perception and preferences, access to credit, farm size, production conditions, off-farm income, and labour allocation, have a mixed (either positive or negative) influence on the adoption of CSA practices; (2) the variables, including labour endowment, land tenure security, access to extension services, agricultural training, membership in farmers’ organizations, support from non-governmental organizations, climate conditions, and access to information consistently have a positive impact on CSA adoption; (3) diverse forms of capital (physical, social, human, financial, natural, and institutional), social responsibility awareness, and digital advisory services can effectively promote CSA adoption; (4) the establishment of climate-smart villages and civil-society organizations enhances CSA adoption by improving their access to credit; (5) CSA adoption contributes to improved farm resilience to climate change and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; (6) CSA adoption leads to higher crop yields, increased farm income, and greater economic diversification; (7) integrating CSA technologies into traditional agricultural practices not only boosts economic viability but also contributes to environmental sustainability and health benefits; and (8) there is a critical need for international collaboration in transferring technology for CSA. Overall, the findings of this special issue highlight that through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, CSA can play a pivotal role in achieving food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience in farming communities worldwide and contribute to the achievements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Adoption of Organic Rice Farming in East Kolaka Regency, Indonesia: Factors and Stakeholder Collaboration

Adoption of Organic Rice Farming in East Kolaka Regency, Indonesia: Factors and Stakeholder Collaboration

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

Investigating the factors affecting farmers’ intention to adopt contract farming

Agricultural endeavors, especially in developing nations, entail inherent risks. Amidst challenges related to capital and agricultural marketing, contract farming emerges as a highly effective strategy. It not only facilitates capital accumulation but also ensures consistent product sales, establishes fair pricing, and contributes to the overall balanced development of the agricultural sector. This concern has been a longstanding global consideration, with Iran now addressing it. Recognizing the paramount importance of implementing contemporary agricultural methodologies, including contract farming, this research systematically investigates factors influencing farmers’ intentions in Iran. A survey methodology is employed for systematic information collection from a statistical population of 98,777 farmers in rural Markazi Province, Iran. Using the Karjesi and Morgan table for sample size determination, a representative subset of 383 farmers is selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring proportional assignment within strata. A researcher-made questionnaire, validated by expert panels and confirmed for reliability through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, serves as the research instrument. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 27, and structural equation modeling was performed with SmartPLS4. The findings reveal that trust (0.528), awareness (0.332), and attitude (0.168), exert the most substantial causal influence on farmers’ intention to embrace contract farming. Consequently, the research findings offer practical recommendations for the adoption of contract farming, providing valuable insights to policymakers and stakeholders for implementing targeted interventions aimed at boosting farmers’ willingness to participate in contractual agreements.

Factors influencing adoption of organic matter management on smallholder farms in the Rwenzori region of Uganda

Context specific studies on the factors influencing the adoption of organic matter management (OMM) practices on smallholder farms could be crucial for soil fertility improvement. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the adoption of OMM practices by smallholder farmers. A hybridized theoretical framework was used to map the farmers’ adoption process. This framework states: the adoption process of OMM practices can be facilitated if an individual’s characteristics and the institutional-related factors can support it; information about the OMM practices and the required inputs are available, and he/she can apply the required technology with ease. Data collection involved observations on 100 smallholder farms, interviews with 10 smallholder farmers and 18 experts, as well as two focus group discussions with 10 farmers each. The results indicated that a composite of technical, social, cultural, and economic-driven factors influence farmer adoption of OMM strategies. These factors included the farmer characteristics of age, education status, gender, culture, and knowledge about the use and application of an OMM practice; availability of labor and inputs; availability of appropriate equipment; the existence of supportive policy framework and social support. The factors cut across the adoption components of the hybridized theoretical framework: nature of technology, farmer characteristics, and input-related, information transfer-related and institutional-related adoption factors. The study findings can inform decision-makers to make investment decisions. Future studies should assess the feasibility of the hybridized theoretical framework before experts can apply it in devising strategies for the adoption of OMM practices on smallholder farms.

Farmers Buying Behaviour of Micronutrients in Coimbatore District, India

Micronutrients play an important role in enriching the soil nutrients and thereby improve the quantity and quality of products. The wide spread occurrence of micronutrient deficiencies over a decade is due to cultivation of crops in problem soils and on marginal lands such as sandy soil which is low in organic matter. The present study is to analyse the multidimensional behaviour of the farmers for adoption of micronutrients and their influence in coconut farming. Both Primary and Secondary data is used for the study. Coimbatore district is purposefully selected for the study as recommended by the case firm. Based on the time and resource available with the researcher the sample size was fixed as 90 farmers. Percentage analysis was used to study the general characteristic of the consumers which include age, education, gender, income, etc. The marginal effects of a change in one of the independent variables on the probability of adoption level were calculated by using probit model. Education and experience were the positively influencing factors on adopting micronutrients. Age and annual income of the farmer were the negatively influencing factors for adopting micronutrients among the respondents. Therefore, the firm could concentrate on the factors like experience and education status of farmer to improve its market. Quality of the product was ranked as the most important factor followed by the farmer’s preference, company image, promotional activities and credit availability.

Adoption of ICT4D and its determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Various Digital Agricultural Technologies (DAT) have been developed and implemented around the world. This study aims to estimate the overall adoption rate and identify the determinant factors for a better adoption perspective after decades of innovation and dissemination. A systematic review was conducted on published studies that reported adoption rates and determinant factors using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We used meta-regression and the partial correlation coefficient to estimate the effect size and establish the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and the adoption of various technologies reported. Fifty-two studies with 32400 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The results revealed an overall pooled adoption rate of 39 %, with the highest adoption rates in developing countries in Africa and South America. Socioeconomic factors such as age, education, gender, and income were found to be the main determinants and should be considered when designing technology for sustainable adoption. The study also found that young farmers were more susceptible to adoption. Moreover, farmers with higher income levels and educational attainment are more likely to use technology linked to agricultural production, market access, and digital advising, implying that high-income farmers with more education are more tech-savvy. However, this does not exclude low-income and low-educated farmers from adopting the technologies, as many models and strategies with socioeconomic considerations were developed. It is one of the reasons behind the underlying enthusiasm for digital agricultural adoption in low and middle-income countries.

Adapting to Climate Change in Vulnerable Areas: Farmers’ Perceptions in the Punjab, Pakistan

Climate variability and change pose a substantial threat to agricultural practices and livelihoods in the Punjab province of Pakistan, a region of agricultural significance in South Asia. In particular, farmers residing in vulnerable parts of Punjab will be affected by a combination of high exposure to the impacts of climate events, the innate sensitivity of agricultural systems, and constraints on farmers’ adaptive capacity. The situation requires closer engagement with vulnerable farming communities of Punjab to assess their vulnerability and build their capacity for adaptation actions. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with farmers from four highly vulnerable districts of Punjab (Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan), we explored farmers’ perceptions of climate change, their adaptation strategies, and enablers and limitations on adaptation options imposed by the enabling environment. We found issues around water governance, knowledge exchange, and market arrangements for crops as key limitations to farmers’ local adaptation action in highly resource-constrained settings. Moreover, the results indicated the need to address equity issues for small-scale compared to large-scale farmers. Farmers valued their experience-based local knowledge and peer-to-peer sharing networks as pivotal resources in pursuit of their practice-based learning. The research findings highlighted the necessity of directed institutional assistance to empower adaptation by vulnerable small-scale farmers. This study emphasizes the critical significance of the enabling environment that facilitates vulnerable farmers to implement adaptation strategies, thereby promoting the adoption of Vulnerable-Smart Agriculture.

Comparative Analysis of the Productivity and Efficiency of Cluster and Individual Farming in West Arsi Zone of Oromia

The main objective of this study was to compare the productivity and efficiency of clustered and individual farming; to identify factors affecting clusters farming practice and to know the view/perception of farmers for clustered farming approach in West Arsi zone. To conduct the study, primary data was collected from 152 randomly selected household heads through semi-structured questionnaire. Secondary data were also collected from different sources including CSA, ZOANR, DOANR, and from published and unpublished sources to supplement primary data. In this study both descriptive statistics and econometric analysis were employed. The primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic efficiency decomposition method to decompose TE. Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA) was used for its ability to distinguish inefficiency from deviations that are caused by factors beyond the control of farmers. The productivity of wheat per hectare was 47.17 and 39.042 quintal for cluster and individual farming respectively which is statically significant at 1% level. The study result revealed that the mean of wheat TE was about 78.46%, for cluster farming and 69.25%, for individual farming as the Cobb-Douglas functional form indicate that. As the result of research analysis indicates that, the cumulative sum of farmers’ perception towards the compatibility of cluster farming with the socio-economic situational circumstances was 4.093 suggesting farmers perceive positively that it was compatibility with their socio-economic situational circumstances. The likelihood of farmers to practice cluster farming positively influenced by Sex of HH, age of HH, nearest market center, distance to FTC, participation on field visit and participation in social organization in West Arsi zone. The study suggested that farmer adoption decisions are affected by above mentioned factors and policies addressing each decision process and cross-cutting issues are required to improve farmer participation in cluster farming. In addition, the study suggested the need for policies to discourage land fragmentation and promote, participation in field visit, and strengthening social network of farmers, to increase participation of farmers in cluster farming in the zone.

Design and Development of an Intuitive Android Application for Smart Farming

Farmers face challenges in adapting to environmental changes, yet with decreasing implementation costs and a growing accessibility to technical expertise, progress is evident. This research introduces KisanVishwa, an Android app designed for smart farming. KisanVishwa optimizes precision agriculture systems, enabling farmers to monitor their fields in real time and address agricultural constraints. Tailored to meet the specific needs of today's farmers, the app provides user-friendly tools and the latest information on farm equipment, fertilizers, chemicals, technological advancements, and local distributors and retailers. By integrating KisanVishwa into their operations, farmers can overcome challenges associated with the adoption and maintenance of precision agriculture. KisanVishwa adopts a user-centric design for compatibility across diverse Android devices, integrating monitoring tools and collaborating with agricultural research institutions. Empowering farmers, the app addresses contemporary challenges, fostering informed decisions and efficiency. With its user-friendly interface, KisanVishwa promotes the adoption of precision agriculture, essential resources, and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector. Convincing traditional farmers to adopt advanced technologies may pose challenges. Functionality may depend on reliable internet, posing challenges in areas with limited connectivity.

Organic Farming for the Development of Agricultural Sustainability: A Study on Pakyong and Rhenock Area of East Sikkim

Background: The role of organic farming as a promoter of agricultural sustainability is undisputed. Sikkim government has declared the state as an organic state since 2016. Sikkim is one of the few states in India that is pioneering the adoption of organic farming. That is why, the study bears utmost significance. The study tries to assess the role of organic farming in the development of agricultural sustainability in Pakyong and Rhenock division of Sikkim State. Methods: The study was conducted in Pakyong and Rhenock areas of East Sikkim during (March to November) 2021. The respondents of the study were organic farmers (practicing organic farming not less than 3 years) with land holding more than 2 acres. About 850 questionnaires were administered, with 700 completed questionnaires considered for analysis. Result: The study concluded with a very encouraging result for the prospects of organic farming in the state of Sikkim in general and the study area in particular. The study proves that the organic farming initiative is beyond doubt as a driver of sustainable agricultural development in the state of Sikkim.

Main drivers and barriers to the adoption of Digital Agriculture technologies

The transition from traditional agriculture to Digital Agriculture involves various elements that make it challenging. Given the different contexts and particularities, this paper aims to identify and analyze the primary factors and barriers to adopting Digital Agriculture, to promote an understanding of this transition. By conducting a bibliometric assessment and analyzing case studies, the results show that the economic condition, availability of technological infrastructure, technical knowledge, age of farmers, type of organization, reliability of technology, and concerns about security and privacy are important elements in adopting Digital Agriculture. The study also reveals a limitation linked to the data sources used in their preparation by analyzing the case studies. This finding reveals the existence of a gap in the literature concerning the scarcity of indicators capable of measuring the adoption of digital agriculture while at the same time providing a perspective devoid of producer bias. Furthermore, by considering the insights provided by the identification and analysis of those factors and barriers, policymakers can tailor policies to address specific challenges and promote the widespread adoption of digital technologies in agriculture.

An Assessment of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in India

Organic farming has emerged as a solution for addressing the problem put forth by conventional farming and has become of vital importance for the public, especially farmers and policymakers. There are various programs and policies implemented by the government to promote the larger adoption of organic farming in India. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was a centrally sponsored scheme launched in the period 2015-16 that aimed to encourage organic farming among the farmers especially the youth in the country and promote domestic organic markets through a cluster-based approach. The scheme promoted PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) certification which implies organic certification based on mutual trust, following locally relevant organic norms and mandates. From its launch till 2021-22, total funds of Rs 1661.46 crores had been released for the scheme before the merger of the scheme with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). There were 32,384 clusters, an area of 6.53 lakh hectares covered, and 16.19 lakh farmers associated with the scheme. During the period 2015-16-2021-22, the CAGR for the organic farmland area under PKVY was 27.92 percent. This paper reviews existing literature and government reports to assess the basic structure, functioning, and performance of PKVY, the benefits derived by the farmers through the scheme, and the challenges faced in the implementation of the scheme.

Development of Circular Economy in Agriculture in Hanoi, Vietnam

The introduction of circular economy principles into closed production systems is essential to address current socio-economic and ecological challenges efficiently. This approach not only saves costs, creates job opportunities, and fosters economic growth but also promotes the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture. Transitioning to a circular economy model in agriculture contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. In Hanoi, Vietnam, sustainable agriculture development focuses on integrating natural processes and biological resources to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. Challenges persist in shifting from conventional to organic farming methods due to certification complexities and infrastructure limitations. Despite these hurdles, organic farming adoption is increasing, positively impacting agricultural productivity and biodiversity. The gradual expansion of certified organic agriculture in Hanoi indicates promising strides toward environmental conservation and economic development through a closed-loop agricultural system.

Empowerment Development Model of Organic Farmers

Organic farming in the Philippines is taking a toll in establishing its sustainability in the market due to varying factors. This study determined the adoption of organic farming in the Visayas area, Philippines, A.Y. 2020 with the end view of formulating an empowerment development model for farmers. The study utilized the multi research method with the use of researcher-made questionnaire as the main instrument in data gathering. Both quantitative and qualitative data was used in ascertaining the factors that influenced the adoption of organic farming in Visayas. There were thirty-five (35) respondents who were the farmers from the selected organic farms in Visayas, both in Region VI-Western Visayas and Region VII-Central Visayas. These farms are accredited by a third-party accrediting body of the Department of Agriculture. Convenience sampling technique was used where the participants were selected based on their availability and their willingness to take part of the study. The main instrument used in gathering the data was research-designed and had undergone content validation and pilot testing to ascertain their functionality and reliability. For data analysis weighted mean, chi-square test of independence and One-Way ANOVA. Land size, soil quality, farmer’s level of education and labor demand techniques influenced the farmers in adopting organic farming at a moderate extent. The organic farmers moderately practiced soil management, weed control techniques, crop diversification, fertilization, irrigation and harvesting. There is a significant relationship between the type of respondents and the extent of influence of land-size to the farmers toward adopting organic farming and there is also another significant relationship between cooperative membership of the respondents and the extent of influence of labor demand techniques towards the farmer’s decision to engage in organic farming. However, there is no significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and the farming practices they employed in their organic farming activity. There is no significant difference between the responses of the respondents on the extent of influence of the factors like land-size, soil quality, farmer’s level of education and labor demand techniques to the farmers in their inclination to adopt organic farming and the organic farming practice that used in their organic farming by activity Despite of a good market opportunity of organic farming, there was just a gradual conversion of the farmers from organic farming to conventional farming even though the country is doing some initiatives to push for the sustainability of organic farming industry. Likewise, the growing demand for organic produce in the market, the farmers in Region VI and VII have shown hesitation towards full adoption and had not applied the ideal farming practices at a maximum level to ensure that their activity addresses the vulnerability of the environment vis-a-vis fulfilling the commitment to provide healthy and nutritious crops to the consumers.

Block Chain Based Agri-Food Traceability with SHA-256 Algorithm

Block chain technology has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing transparency and efficiency in various industries, including agriculture and food supply chains. This article examines the influence of block chain technology on agriculture, explores ongoing projects and initiatives, and assesses its potential implications, obstacles, and promises. Despite its potential to revolutionize the food supply chain by enabling transparent transactions among dispersed and untrustworthy parties without intermediaries like banks, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption. These challenges encompass technological limitations, educational gaps, and regulatory hurdles. This study provides insights into the current state of blockchain adoption in agriculture and offers critical perspectives on project maturity.

Financing Climate-Smart Agriculture: a case study from the Indo-Gangetic Plains

The Indo-Gangetic Plains represents one of South Asia’s most productive agricultural regions, yet it is highly vulnerable to climate change and requires the widespread adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture. Although farmers understand the benefits of such technologies, financial constraints often undermine adoption. Using a case study from Haryana, we assess the opportunities and challenges aligned with the different pathways available for farmers to adopt and finance two capital-intensive technologies: laser land levelers and happy seeders. Our analysis uses unique data from Karnal, where stakeholders have partnered in Climate-Smart-Villages, and combines a household survey from 120 farmers, interviews, and focus group discussions with banks and cooperatives. Our results indicate adoption rates of 77% for laser land levelers and 52% for happy seeders, with only 7% and 21% of farmers owning the technologies, respectively. Hiring is highly preferred over purchase, mainly due to the flourishing of Custom-Hiring Centers, which are vital in driving large-scale implementation. We find that farmers prefer funding from family, savings, and moneylenders (indirect pathways) rather than from commercial banks (direct pathways) to get immediate access to credit and avoid bureaucratic procedures. Our study offers broader insights into the state of agricultural finance in India and adaptation to climate change and reveals that institutional innovations can enhance the financing of CSA technologies for smallholder farmers. Our findings have important implications for decision-makers seeking to streamline credit access for CSA machinery rental. Future research should focus on the efficacy of different finance channels and their causal impact on pathways for technology adoption.

A systematic review identifying the drivers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture by smallholder farmers in Africa

Climate change impact, food security concerns, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressuring agricultural production systems in developing countries. There is a need for a shift toward sustainable food systems. One of the concepts introduced to drive this shift is climate-smart agriculture (CSA), endorsed by international organizations to address multifaceted challenges. Despite widespread attention and support, the adoption of CSA among African farmers remains low. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the factors influencing CSA adoption amongst African farmers. Within the articles identified as relevant, over 50 CSA practices and more than 40 factors influencing CSA adoption were distinguished. These influencing factors can be categorized as personal, farm-related, financial, environmental, and informational. The focus of this review is to identify and explain the overall impact (positive, negative, or mixed) of these factors on CSA adoption. Overall, many factors result in mixed effects, only some factors have an unambiguous positive or negative effect on CSA adoption. For instance, educational level emerges as a key personal factor, positively impacting CSA adoption, along with positive influences from farmers' experience and farm size among farm-related factors. Financial factors reveal distinct patterns, with income from farming and access to credit positively influencing adoption, while off-farm income exhibits a negative effect. Environmental factors, though less researched, indicate positive impacts related to changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and droughts. Lastly, informational factors consistently exhibit a positive effect on CSA adoption, with training, access to extension, group memberships, climate information, and CSA awareness playing crucial roles. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance CSA adoption in Africa, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play.

Private Input Suppliers as Information Agents for Technology Adoption in Agriculture

Information frictions limit the adoption of new agricultural technologies in developing countries. Efforts to improve learning involve spreading information from government agents to farmers. We show that when compared to this government approach, informing private input suppliers in India about a new seed variety increases farmer-level adoption by over 50 percent. Suppliers become more proactive in informing potential customers and carrying the new variety. They induce increased adoption by those with higher returns from the technology. Being motivated by expanded sales offers the most likely motive for these results. (JEL D83, L14, L33, O13, O32, Q12, Q16)