Farmer Participation Research Articles

Determinants of smallholder wheat farmers’ participation in cluster farming in Lemu-Bilbilo and Hetosa Districts of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

AbstractDespite devoting significant efforts to develop and implement policies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of its food systems, promoting resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Ethiopia encounters constraints with these approaches. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in wheat cluster farming in the Lemu-Bilbilo and Hetosa Districts of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. The study utilized cross-sectional data and a multistage sampling procedure to select a total of 381 respondents from the two districts of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. The study employed a binary probit regression to achieve the research objectives. The study indicates that sex of household head, farm size, household head education level, access to credit, membership in farmer’s cooperative, access to information from government extension, access to information on climate, and farmers climate perception were significant and positively affecting cluster farming participation, whereas distance from the nearest market and off-farm activities participation had a negative relationship with cluster farming participation decision. Cluster farming practices provide a practical means of lessening the effects of stresses related to climate change. Therefore, to increase participation in cluster farming, it is essential to strengthen efforts to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts among farming communities. The study also recommends that institutional and governmental support is essential in the areas of cooperatives, education, extension services, credit availability, climate-related information, and infrastructure development, especially in the area of market accessibility. Furthermore, the issue of gender differences in CF involvement should be addressed by policy and development initiatives.

Evaluating the Differential Role of Public-Private Credit Sources in Financing Climate Change Adaptation Technologies for Rural Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria

This study analyses the differential role of public and private credit sources in financing climate change adaptation technologies among rural farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A multiple-stage random sampling procedure was utilized, and data were collected from 338 farmers employing a semi-structured questionnaire. The investigation uncovered that the average income from formal credit sources (N212,553.85) was essentially higher than from informal sources (N137,514.79). Variables impacting the volume of credit from informal sources included farming experience, marital status, cooperative participation, credit access, interest rates, and income. Conversely, education level, cooperative membership, credit access, and income were key determinants of credit volume from formal sources. The Chow test results indicated a significant structural difference between the two groups, with a calculated statistic of 369.48 exceeding the critical value of 1.936 at the 5% significance level. This highlights a significant difference in the sum borrowed and access to credit between formal and informal sources, underscoring the significant role of formal credit in enhancing climate adaptation among rural farmers.

Farmer’s literacy and contract farming participation in Tanzania’s cash crops agriculture: application of human capital theory

Farmer’s literacy and contract farming participation in Tanzania’s cash crops agriculture: application of human capital theory

Barn Owls as a Nature-Based Solution for Pest Control: A Multinational Initiative Around the Mediterranean and Other Regions

Pest rodents cause extensive damage to crops worldwide. Up to 40% of global crop production is lost annually to pests and diseases, with rodents accounting for 15–30% of this loss amounting to billions of dollars each year. The current method of controlling rodent populations involves the extensive use of chemical rodenticides. While effective in the short term, these chemicals pose serious environmental and health risks, leading to secondary poisoning of non-target species and other long-term negative ecological consequences, underscoring the need to adopt more sustainable pest-control measures. Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), on the other hand, are increasingly recognized for addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, and they include actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems. In this context, Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are highly effective as a natural pest-rodent control agents in agro-ecosystems. The species has a wide distribution and adaptability to various environments, and its diet consists predominantly of small mammals, with rodents making up from 50–60% up to even 90–95% of the diet according to different geographical regions. Each Barn Owl family can consume thousands of rodents annually, creating a high potential to reduce crop damage and infestations. Deploying nest boxes in agricultural areas can significantly increase Barn Owl populations, ensuring continuous and effective rodent control. Limitations of this solution must also be taken into consideration such as predation on rodents and small mammals that are not pests, and possible competition with other nocturnal birds of prey. Ιn the current paper, we aim to introduce the concept of owls as a NbS for pest rodent control and outline the main challenges, pitfalls, advantages, and disadvantages of implementing this solution in a new geographical region, and all the necessary in-between steps (scientific, societal, administrative, educational) that have to be followed for a successful implementation. So far, several countries have successfully implemented Barn Owl nest box schemes, with Israel and Cyprus achieving reduction in the use of pesticides by 45% and 58%, respectively, whereas the project is spreading to other Mediterranean countries (Jordan, Palestine Authority, Greece, Morocco, Spain), in palm plantations in Malaysia and USA, and in the vineyards of Napa Valley in California. The success of Barn Owl nest box programs relies on integrating scientific research, societal needs, supportive policy frameworks, and education. Barn Owl nest box programs are both bottom-up and top-down initiatives, in need of the participation of farmers and local communities to establish and deploy the Barn Owl solution. Continuous research is also necessary to explore systematically Barn owl trophic ecology, foraging and breeding ecology, interactions with agricultural landscape, and land uses in temporal and spatial scales, and challenges such as habitat suitability, availability of nesting sites, and regional ecological conditions must also be addressed.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Pelatihan Budidaya Maggot sebagai Alternatif Pakan Ikan Lele di Desa Banyuates

Catfish farming is increasingly in demand by the community, but feed costs are one of the main challenges in catfish farming. The purpose of this community service is to improve the education and skills of catfish farmers in utilizing organic waste to be processed to replace processed feed utilizing organic waste to be processed into a substitute for feed in the form of maggots. Community service activities are carried out through socialization and training in maggot cultivation using organic waste as the main ingredient with the biological agent Black Soldier Fly. Maggots have a high protein content of 49.67%, carbohydrates contained in maggots of 0.18%, and fat content of 21.17%. The method used in this community service is Community Based Research, which is a community-based research that depends on the active participation of catfish farmers. This community service is carried out in several stages, namely delivering materials, questions and answers and discussions, the results of which lead to the utilization of organic waste and community education in producing maggots as catfish feed. This training is able to provide solutions and skills and increase community income from maggot cultivation for entrepreneurship.

Involving Rural Youth in Agroecological Nature-Positive Farming and Culinary Agri-Ecotourism for Sustainable Development: The Indian Scenario

Industrial food systems produce most of the food that we consume globally today. But many observers acknowledge that industrial agriculture cannot be sustained in the long run. As such, agroecological practices that encourage sustainable farming practices with a focus on local markets and the local economy are being promoted more and more to change the way food systems work. The current research examines how rural youth can best be involved in food system transformation as a potential agent of change. The research considers the potential of payments for environmental services (PESs) in the study area. The economic potential of gastronomic agri-ecotourism in various traditional agricultural landscapes of different agroecosystems of India has also been investigated. Gastronomic agri-ecotourism has the potential to provide economic benefits to traditional agricultural landscapes and agroecosystems while also promoting sustainable tourism practices. The results of an exploratory study on rural youth participation in nature-friendly agroecological regenerative farming and culinary agri-ecotourism initiatives are presented in this paper in an effort to increase the sustainability of conventional farming and food systems. This study, which was carried out in four different agroecological settings in India, sheds light on the opportunities and problems faced by rural youth, as well as their motivations.

Contract Farming in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Using Meta-Analysis and Factor Analysis

Purpose: Smallholder farmers' agriculture in developing countries particularly in low and lower-middle-income countries is known for poor production and productivity levels which has been related to the inadequate use of improved agricultural inputs and marketing systems, and in this case, contract farming. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the various factors which affect contract farming among smallholder farmers in developing countries. However, trying to investigate those contract farming determinants by a single analytical method leads it to have limited findings, narrowed generalizability and difficulty in investigating major determinants that determine contract farming success. Therefore, a joint approach using factor analysis and meta-analysis can give a more comprehensive understanding of contract farming factors. Methodology: The data was gathered through a Systematic Literature Review, finding a total of 3007 studies from SCOPUS, PubMed, PubAg, and EMBASE. The PRISMA method was applied to, and finally, 35 peer-reviewed articles in English between January 1990 to September 2023 were selected. Findings: The meta-analysis showed interesting insights into factors influencing contract farming participation. Education and household size exhibited a negative association, suggesting that farmers with higher education levels and larger families may be less likely to participate in contract farming arrangements. This could be due to a preference for independent decision-making or the need for family labor in alternative income-generating activities. On the other hand, farmers with larger landholdings are more inclined to participate. To encourage broader participation, policymakers, and program designers could consider targeted outreach and support services for these specific demographics. Originality and value: Our new approach, joining meta-analysis and factor analysis, sheds innovative light on contract farming determinants. While the expected determinants like farm and household size, along with education, remained significant, our analysis showed unexpected nuances. Age of the household head emerged as potentially favoring younger, less experienced farmers. Moreover, access to extension services played an important role, while large household size might have a more complex influence depending on age composition. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights for targeted outreach programs and collaboration with extension services to optimize contract farming adoption and success in developing countries.

Does Contract Farming Improve Diet Quality? The Case of Senegalese Smallholders

ABSTRACTThe institution of contract farming has gained prominence in most developing countries owing to its numerous benefits. While several studies have already highlighted the welfare benefits of contract farming, very few have investigated the effects on diet quality, despite poor quality diets being a serious challenge in most parts of the developing world. Moreover, such existing studies deal with contract farming in speciality crops, although contract farming in staple crops may have different effects on diet quality. Therefore, this study evaluates the role of staple crop contracts on diet quality, proxied by two measures of dietary diversity. Using cross‐sectional data from rice‐producing households in Senegal, we employ linear models through ordinary least squares to estimate the relationship between contract farming and diet quality. Our results show that participation in contract farming is positively associated with household dietary diversity and hence, diet quality. Our results further show that income is the main pathway through which contracts and diet quality are associated. With increasing calls for agriculture to be nutrition‐sensitive, our results suggest that the institution of contract farming can play an important role in this regard by improving diet quality.

Affection and Responsibility: Driving Mechanism of Local Tourism Employment of Farmers in Ethnic Villages

In tourism employment, the participation of farmers is closely linked to the development of ethnic villages. Existing literature often overlooks the role of farmers’ non-economic rationality factors in their employment behavior. This study investigated the mechanism of farmers’ livelihood capital, place attachment, and family care on their local tourism employment behavior. The research found: First, livelihood capital facilitates farmers’ participation in local tourism employment, with place attachment mediating the correlation between livelihood capital and participation of farmers in local tourism employment, and family care positively moderating their participation in local tourism employment. Second, three distinct configurations drive farmers’ participation in local tourism employment. Third, complementary and substitution effects exist between livelihood capitals. Fourth, place attachment and family care demonstrate a masking effect. The government should actively maintain farmers’ place attachment, address farmers’ family care difficulties, guide farmers to utilize the substitution and complementary influences of livelihood capital and select appropriate paths to promote farmers’ participation in local tourism employment.

Participation of smallholder farmers in cattle contract farming: a systematic review

Participation of smallholder farmers in cattle contract farming: a systematic review

Analysis of Factors Affecting Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Wheat Cluster Farming: The Case of Gasera District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 259 sample respondents in three selected Kebeles out of 24 total kebeles in the woreda. Primary data sources were generated using an interview schedule, five Focus Group Discussions, and eight key informant interviews. Besides, secondary data were obtained from literature and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Both descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results showed that from the total sampled households, 169 (65.3%) were participant and, 90 (34.7%) were non-participant smallholder farmers of wheat cluster farming technology. According to the probit regression model, education status, wheat land, livestock size, frequency of extension contact, credit access, availability of fair price, market information, agricultural input access, training access and membership in a cooperative had a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to participate in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the local community, Woreda Agriculture Office and research institutes need to expand cluster farming technology to increase wheat production and policies aiming at increasing farmers’ awareness of producing wheat in cluster to increase yield of farmers.

On-Farm Grain Yield Stability and Farmer Perceptions on Pre-release Pearl Millet Lines in Zimbabwe

Farmer participation in on-farm research does not only accelerate information gathering but also results in adoption of new research products. Here, we report on-farm trials conducted across five districts of Matabeleland province in Zimbabwe to explicate grain yield stability and farmer perceptions on eight pre-release pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) lines. The results indicated that genotypic effects on grain yield were significant in both individual and across-site analysis of variance and that farmers prioritize earliness and grain yield as must-have traits in millet varieties. The five districts were grouped into two distinct environments, with four districts (i.e., Bulilima, Gwanda, Matopos and Tsholotsho) in one group (i.e., DGrp1) and Mangwe district forming the second group (DGrp2). Pearl millet pre-release lines PM1 (1.425 kg ha-1), PM9 (1.043 kg ha-1) and PM6 (761.8 kg ha-1) showed high yield, stability and were the most preferred by farmers. In conclusion, on-farm trials may offer the quickest possible solution to boost low-pearl millet production resulting from the continuous use of unproductive landraces and old varieties by farmers.

Socio-psychological Paradigms and Economic Metrics of the Beneficiary Farmers of Centrally Sponsored Agricultural Schemes: A Comprehensive Evaluation of PKVY, PMKSY and SHC in Maharashtra

The present study focused on assessing the socio-psychological constructs and economic variables of beneficiaries of centrally sponsored agricultural schemes namely Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), and the Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC). An ex post facto research design was employed in the present study. Amravati and Buldhana districts in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra was selected for the study. For the proposed study 60 beneficiary farmers were selected from Amravati districts and 60 beneficiary farmers were selected from Buldhana districts for each scheme. Thus, for the three schemes, a total of 360 beneficiary farmers were selected from seven selected talukas of two districts of Vidarbha for three schemes. Majority of the middle aged respondents (61.11%) having secondary school level of education (39.44%) received low level of training (59.00%), but PKVY beneficiaries received high level of training (73.33%). Majority of the overall respondents had small land holdings (40.28%) with 1.01 to 1.50 ha. of irrigation potential (41.39%) having biseasonal cropping system (96.94%). Beneficiary farmers had sound financial background with 35.83 per cent of PKVY respondents with annual income in the range of Rs. 2,07,901 to 3,35,301/-, 56.67 per cent of PMKSY respondents in an annual income range of Rs. 2,86,962 to Rs. 4,77,753/-, and 40.83 per cent of SHC respondents in the range of Rs. 2,10,101 to 3,29,701/- annual income respectively. In overall beneficiaries of centrally sponsored agricultural schemes, 63.89 per cent of the respondents had medium level of social participation, source of information (65.00%), innovativeness (58.33%), economic motivation (47.50 %) and benefits accrued (43.06%). The study revealed lower participation of older farmers, indicating a need for targeted outreach and simplified training. Educated farmers benefited more, suggesting their role in promoting new technologies. Local information sources, like friends and relatives, were crucial, emphasizing the need for Gram Sabhas and exhibitions to improve awareness and participation.

The Nexus between Cluster Farming and Household Dietary Diversity among Smallholder Wheat Farmers in Ethiopia

This study examined the nexus between cluster farming and household dietary diversity among smallholder wheat farmers in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Three-stage sampling procedures were employed to gather data from 384 household heads on a cross-sectional survey that was carried out in June 2022. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for data analysis. The average, minimum, and maximum household dietary diversity scores were 7.10, 1, and 11, respectively. A significant difference was observed: participants in cluster farming had 14% more dietary diversity than their counterparts. Sex, marital status, participation in wheat cluster farming, home gardening, off-farm income, number of crops grown, cooperative membership, and access to training determined household dietary diversity. The study indicates that dietary diversity in households is influenced by a variety of factors. While wheat cluster-based farming is heavily promoted, household food and nutrition security also need to consider other elements like home gardening, off-farm income, cooperative membership, and training access.

Italian winegrowers’ Acceptance of result-based agri-environmental schemes

Abstract As the debate around the cost-effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes (AES) is growing at the European level, researchers and policymakers are exploring the potential of result-based AES. Result-based AES initiate payments only if pre-defined environmental outcomes are achieved, thus increasing risks for farmers. Using a contingent valuation method, we investigated Italian winegrowers’ acceptance and intensity of participation in a result-based AES targeted at pollinators’ conservation in vineyards. We focused on the role of farmers’ behavioural factors and risk attitudes in driving the acceptance. Results show that, among the 222 farmers who completed the survey, 71 per cent of participants are willing to participate in such a scheme. Non-participation is associated with a high perceived bureaucratic burden. Risk also plays a significant role, as the perceived risk of the scheme decreases the likelihood of enrolment, while risk-seeking farmers are more likely to participate. We found no evidence of risk affecting the intensity of participation. In contrast, while a treatment of a randomly assigned rare-species bonus did not affect the scheme's overall acceptance, it positively influenced intensity. Behavioural factors appear to be related to both acceptance and intensity. Considering this, we suggest strategies to encourage farmer participation in result-based AES.

ANALISIS PERBEDAAN SISTEM PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN PADA MASA SEBELUM DAN SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI KABUPATEN MALANG

The agricultural extension system is a whole series of development of abilities, knowledge, skills and attitudes of main actors and business actors through extension. The agricultural extension system in Indonesia has experienced quite dynamic ups and downs since the COVID-19 pandemic hit this country. The extension system has changed in line with the policies taken by the government in response to Covid-19. This research aims to determine the effect of differences in agricultural extension systems before and during COVID-19 in the Malang Regency. This research method is descriptive qualitative with data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling. The research analysis results show significant differences in the agricultural extension system before and during COVID-19 in Malang Regency. During the pandemic, there have been significant changes in agricultural extension methods. Online methods and information technology are increasingly dominant, while face-to-face meetings have decreased drastically. Even though online methods are increasing, there are challenges in information accessibility for some farmers, especially farmers who live in rural areas with limited technological infrastructure. Farmer participation in extension activities tends to decrease during the pandemic. Factors such as technological limitations, unstable internet connections, and difficulty understanding online material are the main causes. The Covid-19 pandemic has also had a significant economic impact on farmers. The main challenges faced by farmers during the pandemic are limited market access, increasing prices of agricultural inputs, and decreasing selling prices for agricultural products.

Gender analysis of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) yield gap: the case of Ada’a, Ethiopia

One of the primary development challenges hindering poverty reduction in Africa is the existence of a yield gap between female and male farmers. However, previous studies conducted in Ethiopia have largely overlooked the role of gender-related factors in influencing this gap. This article aims to address this gap by examining the chickpea yield disparity between female and male farmers and identifying its determinants. Data were gathered from 325 respondents (163 male and 162 female farmers) in 2019, combining survey responses with qualitative insights from discussions in two women farmers' groups, two men farmers' groups, and four key informant interviews. T-tests and linear regression models were applied to quantify the extent of the yield gap and analyze the factors contributing to it. Additionally, thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to complement the quantitative findings. The study revealed that female farmers produced 29% less chickpea yield in the 2019 production year compared to their male counterparts, and this difference was statistically significant. Factors such as land allocation for chickpea cultivation, soil fertility, labor availability, chickpea variety (improved or local), access to extension services, and participation in farmers' cooperatives were identified as significant contributors to the yield gap. Beyond these technical aspects, gender-related challenges like unequal treatment, restricted mobility, labor demands, and religious/cultural taboos were also factors impeding the productivity of women farmers. Addressing the yield gap necessitates an inclusive approach in all agricultural development endeavors, recognizing and rectifying gender-based disparities to enhance the productivity and livelihoods of female farmers.

Empowerment of Farmers Through GAPOKTAN to Improve Farmers' Welfare

The general background the empowerment of farmers is crucial for improving their welfare and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Specific background This study focuses on the role of Farmer Group Associations (GAPOKTAN) in Dukuhsari Village as a platform for farmer empowerment. Knowledge gap Despite the recognized importance of farmer groups in community development, there is limited understanding of how these associations function to enhance farmers' welfare in specific contexts. Aims the research aims to analyze and describe the effectiveness of GAPOKTAN in empowering farmers within Dukuhsari Village. Results the findings indicate that GAPOKTAN has successfully facilitated the fulfillment of farmers' basic needs, improved access to resources, and fostered critical awareness among farmers. Participation of farmers in group activities has been instrumental in enhancing their involvement in agricultural management and empowerment processes. Novelty this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the operational mechanisms of GAPOKTAN in a local context, highlighting its multifaceted role in promoting welfare among farmers. Implications the results suggest that strengthening GAPOKTAN and similar associations can lead to more effective agricultural policies and community development initiatives, ultimately contributing to better living standards for farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Highlights: GAPOKTAN plays a crucial role in fulfilling farmers' basic needs. Participation in farmer groups enhances farmers' involvement in agricultural management. Critical awareness among farmers leads to better access to resources and support. Keywords: Farmer Empowerment, GAPOKTAN, Welfare, Participation, Community Development

‘Land is a huge integral part of our identity’: Patriarchy and the gender asset gap

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine female participation in farming and more specifically, the reasons for the low rate of female farm ownership in Ireland where only 13% of Irish farm owners are female. Females are excluded from the occupation of a farmer because land ownership is the key needed in most instances to being a farmer in one's own right. Females are farming, but too often, they are not owners of the farms they work on. We investigate the structural and cultural factors that alleviate or contribute to the inequality in Irish farm ownership. To address the research question, a qualitative study involving 35 semi‐structured interviews was carried out with both women and men in the Irish farming sector. This research recognises the positive role the state can play, as supported by cultural and institutional theory, by making legal and financial policy changes that can help effect change.

Role Of Cooperatives In Promoting Organic Farming In Uttar Pradesh

The shift toward organic farming in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, has been accelerating in recent years. Cooperatives are playing a critical role in this transformation by providing farmers with the necessary support for adopting organic practices. This research paper examines the role of cooperatives in promoting organic farming in Uttar Pradesh, using data from 2024, to understand their impact on agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and farmer income. The paper presents a detailed analysis of the various initiatives undertaken by cooperatives, and government interventions, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for future expansion. Latest data is provided through tables that detail organic farming area, farmer participation, and cooperative initiatives.