Perception Of Farmers Research Articles

Farmer Perceptions of GIAHS: Analyzing Farmer Involvement and GIAHS Benefits in the Ifugao Rice Terraces

The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been the Philippines’ first and only Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) since 2011. More than a decade later, this study assesses whether Ifugao farmers find this designation beneficial and if it enhances their sense of involvement. Through a cross-sectional survey of GIAHS farmers in Banaue, Ifugao, this study examines perceived benefits and involvement, along with views on youth participation in agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and tourism management in Ifugao. The findings reveal that 65.1% of farmers see the GIAHS designation as beneficial and 58.7% feel involved. Farmers who perceive limited tourism benefits from the GIAHS are more likely to feel uninvolved, while those who value the designation’s potential for improving income and consumer demand for Ifugao rice report higher involvement. Cultural heritage and ancestral values are significant motivators, with some farmers viewing the GIAHS as a means of preserving traditions. Support from local government, subsidies, and media enhances involvement, particularly among those practicing rituals or growing the traditional Tinawon rice, which strengthens ties to the GIAHS. Additionally, farmers involved in discussions or training on Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) report a stronger connection to the GIAHS, as ECA practices align with their traditional, sustainable approaches. Overall, this study highlights the complex role of the GIAHS as a bridge between cultural heritage, livelihood, and sustainability, underscoring the need to integrate farmer perspectives more closely into GIAHS initiatives in Ifugao.

PERSEPSI PETANI TERHADAP KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN PADI SAWAH DI DESA LANGGOMEA KECAMATAN UEPAI KABUPATEN KONAWE

The objective of this study is to ascertain the perceptions of farmers regarding the performance of agricultural extension workers in paddy rice cultivation in Langgomea Village, Uepai Subdistrict, Konawe Regency, and to examine the relationship between these perceptions and the performance of the workers. The population under investigation in this study consisted of all wet-rice farmers in Langgomea Village. The research sample was selected using the simple random sampling method. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, with an error rate of 10%, resulting in a sample size of 52 respondents. This research employs a quantitative data approach. The data were collected via survey, interview, and recording methods with the use of media in the form of questionnaires or other pertinent documentation. This research employs a two-dimensional approach, with the variables of interest being the farmers' perceptions and the performance of agricultural extension workers. The data were processed in two stages or ways: first, using the class interval formula; and second, using the Spearman rank correlation formula. The findings indicate that the perceptions of wet-rice farmers in Langgomea Village, Uepai Subdistrict, Konawe Regency are predominantly positive, as evidenced by their observations, views, and opinions. The performance of agricultural extension workers in Langgomea Village is generally classified as "good," as evidenced by the implementation and impact of the results of the actions of agricultural extension workers at all stages of extension activities, including the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting stages. The results demonstrated a significant and positive correlation between farmers' perceptions and the performance of agricultural extension workers in Langgomea Village. Consequently, an improvement in farmers' perceptions of the performance of agricultural extension workers was associated with an enhancement in the performance of agricultural extension workers, and vice versa.

The Agricultural Labor Market: Farmer Perception and the Influence on The Efficiency of Rice Farming

Therefore, this research aims to analyze the factors that influence the farmer's perspective regarding the labor provider service and the effect of the service that is used by the farmers on the technical efficiency level. This research uses the methodology that involves the utilization of logit regression analysis to test the cross-sectional data that was obtained from 200 farmers in Ngawi, Lumajang, Pasuruan, Malang in Indonesia as a sample. The measurement of technical efficiency uses the Cobb-Douglas production function with the Stochastic Production Frontier approach and the Tobit Regression model to determine the effect of labor provider business on technical efficiency. This research found that factors that influence the farmer's perception of the labor provider are age, land area, the worker’s wage, and the use of agricultural tools. The technical efficiency level can certainly still be improved by addressing the influencing factors, namely the use of information technology, agricultural mechanization, and the positive response towards the organizations that help in the availability of input, such as the labor provider service. The findings in this research provide an overview of how a farmer should perceive the agricultural labor provider service, especially in agriculture in the industrial or high labor wages areas.

Perceptions and Mental Health Effects of Therapeutic Farming across Age Groups: A Survey-based Study

We aimed to derive data that can serve as the basis for designing customized therapeutic farming programs (TFPs) for different life stages by collecting information regarding the mental health status and perceptions of therapeutic farming (TF). We created a survey encompassing individual mental health conditions, general perceptions and participation, demand, and policy requirements regarding TF. By targeting children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in the metropolitan area of South Korea, we collected 505 surveys online and face-to-face. Children and adolescents had worse mental health management than adults and older adults. More than half of the respondents reported experiencing stress and depressive symptoms. Regarding perceptions of TF, compared with other age groups, older adults were more likely to believe in the mental health benefits of plants. Additionally, those with relatively lower stress, depression, and anxiety levels agreed on these benefits. The primary purposes and expected activities regarding TFP participation differed by age group. However, pets and small farm animals were the most preferred animals for TF across all age groups. When promoting TF, children and adolescents prioritized improved introduction and promotion, whereas adults and older adults prioritized improved accessibility. These data can help develop customized TFPs for different life stages as well as the general public.

Suburban farmers’ perception about urban sprawl on livelihoods and environment in Ethiopia: Evidence from Sheger City Administration

Urban sprawl is a global phenomenon which is becoming a serious challenge for suburban farm households’ lives and livelihoods. This study was conducted to assess the perception of suburban farmers about urban sprawl in Sheger City, Ethiopia. The research utilized survey data from 393 households selected by multistage sampling and Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews, and field observation. Two outcome variables were developed from a total of 11 Likert scale items representing socioeconomic and socioenvironmental impacts of urban sprawl. Selected sociodemographic and environmental impact variables were used as predictor variables. Perception indices were computed for each outcome variable for each respondent. Descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression were employed for the data analysis. Awareness of respondents particularly women about urban expansion and its consequences is noticeably high. 82.4% & 82.5% responded “Agree” to the outcome variables items respectively. Among others, land proximity to main road, land expropriation status, and education were major determinants with their 6.8%, 6.5%, & 1.9% respective probabilities of shaping households’ perception when the two outcome variables are combined. Agriculture and hence land is still a primary source of livelihood for over 70% of the households. The youth is evacuating the sector as the mean age of respondents is closer to retirement. Pre-emptive informal land selling to escape expropriation is escalating urban sprawl in the area. Therefore, inclusive and participatory market-based temporal land valuation, agricultural intensification, and fair compensation were recommended in implementing inclusive, planned and sustainable urbanization.

Perception of Farmers about Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture in Uttarakhand, India

The development process is being threatened by climate change, which is also negatively affecting the Indian economy in a number of areas, most notably the agriculture sector. Planting, transplanting, weeding, thinning, harvesting, processing, selling, winnowing, storing, kitchen gardening, and other methods are some of the crop production techniques that farmers use. Unpredictable, and chaotic climate change is threatening agricultural productivity and the stability of rural communities' livelihoods. Farmers that are aware of these disruptive variables may be able to lessen the detrimental effects of climate change on agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate farmers' perceptions regarding the impacts of climate change on agriculture within the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. The study was carried out in the Almora district of Uttarakhand state. Purposive sampling technique and Random sampling was used to select the study area and samples. Total sample size was 120. Data on perception of farmers about impact of climate change reveals that 63 percent of respondents reported a decrease in overall food production. Results on change in availability of water for irrigation revealed that there was no change as reported by 43.33 percent of respondents in Almora district. Availability of drinking water decreased in Almora (54 %). The frequency of forest fire was reported to be increased as reported by respondents (65 %). When we talk about crop diversity and climate change, it was found that crop diversity decreases as reported by majority of respondents (82%) in Almora showing that crop rotation and other practices were not followed properly. The wild animal attack to the crop was increased in present time and causes serious damage to the crop. To effectively address these difficulties, policy measures and guidelines can be designed with more insight if location-specific farmers' perceptions and adaptive behaviors are understood.

Strategies for feeding tilapia in smallholder aquaculture systems: a study of aquaculture feed access and availability in two districts of Northern Province, Zambia

ABSTRACT Aquaculture contributes to agricultural development, economic growth, and poverty reduction initiatives in Zambia. In northern and rural regions of the country, development requires improvements to the management of local and farm-generated inputs. Fish farmers have limited market access and purchasing power, which restricts access to commercial inputs, such as formulated feeds and chemical fertilizers. Instead, farmers adopt integrated-agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) practices, whereby on-farm resources supply essential inputs. Research is limited regarding local systems of resource management, and this hinders development of innovations for improving efficiency. This mixed-methods study explored local patterns of resource utilization. Smallholders (n = 63) participated in surveys and interviews regarding resource management. A series of quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, principal component analyses (PCA), and multinomial logistic regression (logit) models, identified relationships between these resources, household livelihood, and system productivity. Qualitative analyses explored farmer perceptions regarding seasonal resource availability. Results suggested that livestock manure, homemade feeds comprising maize and soybean, garden residues, and kitchen wastes were the most frequently selected inputs. Logit models of feeding intensity found that income, proximity to Luwingu Town, experience in aquaculture, and access to extension services were key household resources. High-intensity feeding strategies incorporated commercial feeds, chemical fertilizers, as well as home-made feeds containing a wide diversity of both high- and low-quality ingredients. Low-intensity feeding strategies incorporated only farm waste and termites. Potential innovations that may improve system performance in resource poor contexts are considered and recommendations for additional research are offered.

Perception of smallholder farmers about climate change and its impacts on crop production across agroecological zones of the Gassera District, Southeastern Ethiopia

Climate change and variability have threatened rainfed agriculture by affecting the livelihoods of rural communities in Ethiopia. The study area, Gassera District, is among the high-potential crop production areas of the Bale Zone and is severely impacted by recurrent droughts resulting from climate change. This study evaluated smallholder farmers’ perceptions of significant climate change and its effects on food crop production across the agroecological zones of the Gassera District. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 444 farm households via multistage random sampling techniques. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were used for the data analysis. The results revealed that 98.5% of the interviewed farmers were aware of climate variability and that 51.6% understood its impact to a reasonable extent. However, over half of the farmers did not perceive climate change as the greatest threat to their livelihood. Most farmers experienced rain becoming more erratic, starting late, and ending early as medium climatic factors (60.4%, 68.1%, and 66.2%, respectively), affecting their crop production. The results revealed that rainfall had a negative and insignificant decreasing trend (2.92 mm/year). The annual mean temperature exhibited a positive and statistically significant increasing trend (Ρ < 0.01). Crop production is positively and linearly correlated with the amount of annual rainfall at the Ρ ≤ 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the greatest crop yield loss was associated with lowland agroecology. The MLR results revealed that farmer agroecology, age, sex, and chemical use had substantial impacts on crop yield loss. We urge farmers to understand the long-term effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fish Aquaculture Revitalization, Multiplication and Sustainability in Nigeria

Thirty three mature broodfish of Common Carp were harvested from Panyam Fish Farm, Plateau State (PFFPS), and from Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Fish Farm (FUAMRFF). These farms are situated in two different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria (with a fading history of Carp fish culture). The broodfish were fed for 90 days, in preparation for on-farm breeding activities with the aim of determining water quality, hatching parameters (through un-induced natural spawning, induced natural spawning and induced breeding by stripping in indoor concrete ponds); thirdly, to determine percentage survival of the bred Carp fish progenies cultured for 56 days (in ponds sampled in PFFPS and FUAMRFF). Fourthly, to evaluate growth and potential economic returns from the two areas, and finally to further evaluate fish farmers perception of Carp fish culture in selected fish farms across other agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. After breeding activities, progenies were cultured and fed to satiation. The water quality parameters in the ponds and in water holding tanks was monitored daily. At the end of the research period, PFFPS showed better Carp fish hatching tendency, highest (94%) in Induced Natural spawning), with better environmental condition and water physico-chemical parameters for Carp fish culture with mean Dissolved Oxygen content level (8.35 Mg/l), and pH (7.54). Furthermore, PFFPS has capacity to accommodate the mass production of Carp fish. Economically, PFFPS had a higher gross margin (402,250), and Profit index (5.0). Also, result from fish farmers perception on carp fish culture showed that 62% of farmers have no idea of Carp fish management, 66% have no idea of Carp fish selling price, 66% are aware of PFFPS and 100% expressed that more awareness should be created on aquaculture diversification (with interest in Carp fish aquaclture), as this will meet consumer demand and rescue this species from its current track of going extinct in Nigeria, if given urgent attention).

THE PERCEPTION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE ROMANIAN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: CONNECTION BETWEEN BEHAVIOUR AND FINANCIAL INDICATORS

This study analyzes the perception of Romanian farmers regarding the predictability of the institutional environment and its connection with the perception of the importance of subsidies and the financial performance they obtain. Excessive bureaucracy, frequent changes in legislation and misalignment of the objectives of various stakeholders are limiting factors in financing programs, farmers being discouraged from applying for them. The study uses the statistical method of unidirectional analysis of variances (ANOVA) to observe significant differences in the means for the perception of the institutional environment and performance indicators, and the tests are carried out using the SPSS software, on a sample of 201 companies operating in the vegetable agricultural sector. The results of the study show that farmers' perception of the influence of subsidies seems to be subjective, based on the effort made to obtain them and less on the actual result of their use. Farmers who achieve good results in terms of return on assets and have a good liquidity position, consider the institutional environment to be predictable one, which supports them in their development and therefore, can make plans based on existing policies. The lack of confidence can be justified by poor financial results in general, the farmers’ expectations being to receive aid if the agricultural year is not a very good one.

PRIMATE CROP RAIDING IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF VULNERABILITY INDICATORS AND FARMERS PERSPECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION

Human-primate conflict is a persistent challenge in conservation efforts. The study investigates vulnerability indicators of crop damage by primates and farmers attitudes towards conservation in Kanji Lake National Park, aiming to inform effective conflict mitigation strategies. Direct method and structured questionnaire were used to obtain information on crop damage severity, farmer perceptions and conservation attitudes. The Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used in comparing vulnerability indicators that predisposed primates to conflict and the relationship between vulnerability indicators to crop damage intensity was determined using karl pearsons’ product moment coefficient of correlation. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analyses were adopted to reveal the opinions of respondents for significant differences on farmer’s attitudes and perceptions for effective conservation. The results show a significant correlation between crop damage and vulnerability indicators thus, highlighting the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies. The results revealed that the identified key vulnerability indicator, numbers of standing crops (0.015) differed significantly among the ranges of the park (P &lt; 0.05). Nevertheless, farm sizes (0.068) were not significantly different among ranges (P &gt; 0.05). Farm distance to park has positive correlation with farm size (r = 0.203) and number of standing crops (r = 0.310). Similarly, there were strong correlations between farm size and number of crops damaged (r = 0.680). In respect to conservation attitudes 74% of the respondents were in support of primate conservation, 38% wished that primates should be exterminated to stop crop damage and economic losses. 40% of the respondents supported the use of lethal methods for preventing primates from raiding crops while 53.1% were of the opinion that zone dwellers should be allowed to hunt. The findings highlighted the need for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing human-primate conflict through collaborative approaches that consider both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.

Farmer’s Perception and Determinant of Horticultural Crops in Nagaland and Manipur States

Background: The present research work was undertaken to known about the farmer perception and determinant as the adoption of the horticultural crops and major production constraints faced by them in Nagaland and Manipur states. Methods: For the present study by selecting 100 respondents each from Nagaland and Manipur states to have 200 respondents in total by using purposive stratified simple random sampling technique with the help of data collected through personnel interview methods during the Agricultural calendar year 2019 to 2022 (contain 3 years survey field data). Result: About the farmer perceptions for the horticultural crops in the study area viz; pineapple and chili both were selected due to the prominent crops; based on benefit-cost ratio pineapple crops of Nagaland was recorded as highest (3.31:1) returns, followed by pineapple crop of Manipur (3.01:1) state; also based on benefit-cost ratio, chili crop of Manipur was recorded highest (2.70:1) returns, followed by chili crop of Nagaland (2.76:1) state, respectively. About the perception level it increase by maximum 17.00 per cent for Dimapur Pineapple, followed by Thoubal Chili was 16 per cent, Kohima Chili was 12.00 per cent and minimum Senapati Pineapple was 10 per cent, respectively. About the major constraints faced by the respondents during the production, the foremost was due to the need for high investment in inputs, followed by the size of the land holding and lack of technical knowledge, respectively.

Integrating agricultural land suitability and farmers' perception on crop selection in a water-stressed region of eastern India

CONTEXTThe choice of crops for cultivation should be ideally based on the appropriateness of a specific parcel of land for a particular crop. This is a multi-criteria problem associated with a host of natural conditioning variables including topography, climate and pedology. However, in a country like India, where agriculture is often traditional and subsistence-based, the farmers' choice of crop selection is usually influenced by numerous factors and therefore, may not be explained solely by the spatial variation in the agricultural land suitability. OBJECTIVEThis study is an attempt to understand the intricacies involved in the farmers' selection of crops by integrating the dual aspects of agricultural land suitability and the farmers' understanding of the land. The Kumari River Basin in eastern India has been selected for this study. This area is characterized by acute scarcity of water. METHODSThe basic methodology involved extracting systematic information on conditional factors such as topography, climate and soil. After normalizing different parameters by the Fuzzy Membership Function, a reiterative Principal Component Analysis modified Analytical Hierarchy Process was applied to these conditional rasters to derive an index of agricultural land suitability of the studied basin. Furthermore, the crop-specific suitability of paddy and maize was also considered by employing the Boolean Logic. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSIt is observed that the lower domain of the Kumari Basin is characterized by greater land suitability as compared to the upper and middle domains and the most important factors behind this distribution include slope, potential evapotranspiration and soil fertility. Crop-specific land suitability suggests that, by and large, the suitability of maize is greater than that of paddy in the basin, except for the lower domain where paddy is more suitable to cultivate. However, a study of the perception of the local farmers reveals that although they are aware of this fact, they prefer paddy over maize and are more inclined towards cultivating paddy. The chief reasons cited by them include the high demand for paddy in the area and the absence of a Minimum Support Price for maize. SIGNIFICANCEThis study is possibly an instance where the agricultural land suitability analysis has been substantiated by a field-based perception survey of the farmers which is expected to help in understanding the complexities of crop selection in this part of India.

Consumers would rather buy a product with a levy for enhancing animal welfare than for environmental sustainability

Taxes have been identified as efficient measures to facilitate sustainable behaviour change but tend to be unpopular. Sustainability levies, which are a special type of tax, are less investigated and could come with fewer prejudices. To test consumers' preferences for different sustainability levy options, we conducted an online survey in Switzerland with 481 participants (51 % female). They were presented with six products (i.e. fresh/processed vegetables, dairy, and meat) and for each product, they had four levy options to choose from. For vegetables, they were: (A) reduction of risks related to plant protection products, (B) more support for local farmers, (C) support for environmental sustainability, and (D) sustainability projects in general. For the animal products, option A was an increase in animal welfare. For all three comparisons (fresh vs. processed of vegetables, meat and dairy), the number of participants who chose the general sustainability information increased for processed products compared to fresh products. Further, we found that for the animal products, the majority of participants preferred the levy that increased animal welfare. For vegetables, participants preferred a levy that reduced risks related to plant protection products and supported local farmers. We found that when the sustainability levy was not defined, it tended to be understood as environmental sustainability. Using multinomial logistic regression, we identified the perception of farmers as a significant predictor of a levy choice to support local farmers. We conclude that animal products should ensure and transparently communicate animal welfare to drive sustainable behaviour change. Similarly, improving the public perceptions of farmers and encouraging interaction between farmers and consumers can help build public support for local farmers and promote the purchase of sustainable products.

A multi-stakeholder perspective on the use of digital technologies in European organic and agroecological farming systems

In recent years, digital technologies have become increasingly important in the agri-food system. While such technologies have been understood to facilitate precision farming practices, digitalisation also may play a key role in the transition to more sustainable food systems. Given the current knowledge gap in understanding the perceptions of digitalisation by the diverse stakeholders of organic and agroecological production, this research holds particular significance. The aim of this paper is to analyse the perception of farmers, farm advisors and producer organisations, associations and/or cooperatives on the use of digital technologies in organic and agroecological production system in different European countries. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to select participants. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used to discern differences within the collected surveys regarding benefits of using digital technologies, the reason why farmers do not use them, as well as the main barriers, risks and drivers of their use. The results show differences in perceptions according to the type of stakeholder. Surveyed stakeholders agree that digitalisation facilitates communication, exchange of knowledge and experiences between actors. The main barriers to the use of digital technologies are related to economic aspects, complexity and unsuitability of equipment. The creation of networks or collaborations between the actors involved to share equipment, costs, exchange knowledge, as well as governmental financial support were considered the main drivers of digital technologies for organic and agroecological systems. The results of this study contribute to theorising on the diffusion of innovations and may be helpful for policy makers and farm advisors as it provides relevant and important information to define and incorporate solid approaches to digital transformation in an agroecology innovation ecosystem.

IMPACT OF FARMERS PERCPTION OF USING ORGANIC MANURE ON THE ONION PRODUCTION IN KUDAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the impacts of farmers’ perception of using organic manure on the onion production in Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of onion farmers, assess the impacts of using organic manure on income and productivity, and perception of farmers in using organic manure. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (89.5%) with a mean age of 40.76 years, and most households comprised 10-15 members. Compost manure (53%) was the most widely used organic input due to its availability and effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility. The results indicated that the use of organic manure had a positive impact on the productivity and income of onion farmers. Key socio-economic factors influencing productivity and income-included education, access to extension services where farmers received training on organic manure use, farming experience and the quantity of manure applied. For sustainability and continuous use of organic manure in Kudan LGA. Improving access to organic inputs, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and providing targeted education and training on organic farming practices are critical. These recommendations align with recent policies promoting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.

Household Level Determinants of Wheat Packages Adoption in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Wheat has been considered as one of the strategic food security crops in Ethiopia. A number of research efforts have been done by different research institutions to improve the production and productivity of the crop and as a result a number of wheat production packages has been released and promoted all across the country, including Tigray. Yet, in Tigray, there is no adequate evidence on the adoption status of wheat packages and their determinant factors. Hence, this adoption study was initiated with the objective to analyze the status of wheat packages adoption, and determinant factors for further adoption. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 493 households from five wheat growing districts of the region. Data were collected through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive statistics and Multivariate Probit (MVP) model. The descriptive results described that, the average wheat packages adoption status was 67%, of these only 17% of farmers adopted all five packages. The result of MVP model revealed that sex, age, livestock size, extension services, average plot distance, off-farm income source, farmer perception on his status and credit access were the determinant factors which facilitate/and/or hinder wheat packages adoption in Tigray. Thus, the policy and development interventions should focus on improving institutional support and wealth creation opportunities to improve production and productivity of wheat producer farmers in Tigray.

A SURVEY REGARDING MANGO FRUIT BORER INFESTATION IN MANGO ORCHARDS OF PUNJAB PAKISTAN

Mango is an important tropical fruit crop grown in most parts of the world including India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Africa, Brazil, Mexico and some US states. Mangan o is an important fruit crop for Pakistan due to its delicious taste, rich in vitamins A and C-and high-income returns to mango growers. However, in recent years a new pest problem mango fruit borer extensively damaged mango fruit crop in all mango growing districts of Punjab and Sindh. This insect was previously not even recognized as an important pest of mangoes in Pakistan among farmers and the scientific community, however since 2017, very serious complaints have been received from mango orchard owners regarding damage caused by MFB in the fruit clusters. Hence a survey was conducted in four districts of Punjab Pakistan viz., Multan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, and Rahim Yar Khan. About 145 mango growers were randomly chosen for interviews to learn about farmer perceptions and management of mango fruit borer. A series of open-ended and closed-ended questions were asked. Data was analyzed through the Chi-square test using Statistix 8.1 software. Farmers were asked various questions regarding farmers' identification of MFB stages and the nature of the damage, varietal preference of MFB, resting or hibernating places of the pest, insecticides used to control the pest, weeds as the reservoir of the pest and many more. Overall, most of the farmers were primarily qualified, males and had orchard sizes of 2 to 10 acres. Farmers reported that Sindhri was mostly affected by variety. Farmers used insecticides to control the pest menace and achieved around 40-80 % control. The knowledge about species recognition was very low among farmers. Based on this survey, we recommend farmer training programs regarding pest management, enhancing awareness among farmers regarding pest attacks, pest scouting, pest recognition and incorporation of cultural control techniques along with insecticides as a necessary part of pest management should be explained.

TREND OF CASSAVA YIELD/PRODCUTION IN IN KOGI EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the trends in cassava yield and production in the Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nigeria, focusing on the perceptions of local farmers regarding yield changes over the past five years and the factors influencing these trends. A total of 403 respondents were surveyed, revealing that 71.3% of the farmers perceived an increase in cassava yields, while 28.7% reported stable yields. The primary factors contributing to the perceived increase included the use of improved cassava varieties (58.1%) and climate variability (41.9%). Furthermore, the statistical analysis indicated a stationary R-squared value of 0.792, suggesting a robust model fit for predicting future production trends. Forecasts indicated a steady increase in cassava production per hectare from 2024 to 2033, with projected yields rising from 17.33 tons per hectare in 2024 to 18.54 tons per hectare by 2033. Despite these positive trends, the study identified significant challenges posed by climate variability, with 76.7% of respondents recognizing a high impact on production. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including the promotion of climate-resilient cassava varieties, improved access to quality planting materials, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the cassava production landscape in Kogi East and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance productivity and ensure food security in the region.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception of Land Conflict: A Case Study of Mara Chiefdom, Bombali District, Sierra Leone

This research aimed to assess the perceptions of smallholder farmers in Mara chiefdom, Bombali District, regarding land conflicts. It focused on investigating types, causes, impacts, and strategies for mitigating these conflicts. Quantitative and qualitative study was used, with 80 household head farmers from four communities and four (4) focus group Discussions. Data was collected through primary methods, including questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results from the research revealed that the prevailing types of land conflicts are family, individual, and land use conflict. Factors responsible for these conflicts are the weak nature of national and local policies, the increase in population, and gender biases in terms of allocation of land and settling of land disputes. Conflicts impact humans, the environment, and society, and dialogue has effectively addressed these conflicts. The study suggests the government should collaborate with landowners, raise land policy awareness, engage farmers, cattle rearers, Sun Bird Bio Energy Company, formerly Addax, and establish a local control mechanism. It also recommends community consent for land custodians to avoid misuse. Future research should involve a large-scale study for more reliable findings.