Analysis Of Farming Systems Research Articles

Cost–benefit analysis of China's farming system

AbstractIn addition to providing food, farming systems provide ecosystem services such as flood control, water quality control, carbon storage, and waste treatment, as well as cultural services such as scenic beauty, education, recreation, and tourism. However, the value of these services may conceal large costs that have been ignored by scholars. In this study, our goals were to perform a more complete cost–benefit analysis of farmland than has been done in previous research, thereby providing an improved estimate of the net benefits of that land use, and to explore the variation in the net benefits among regions. We used a novel method of quantifying costs and benefits that accounts for more of the associated costs than in previous research, and used China as an example. The annual net benefits of farmland totaled 11.8×1012 RMB (Renminbi: 1 RMB = US$0.15) in 2017, which amounts to 35.3% of the total national net benefit. However, due to the adverse effects of pesticide pollution and biodiversity reduction, agriculture has a potentially negative impact on sustainable development. The annual cost of farmland in China was 5.0×1012 RMB, which decreased the total benefit by 29.8%, and the annual cost of ecological protection was 1.1×1012 RMB. These results demonstrate the importance of a complete assessment of the costs and benefits of farmland to support more sustainable and economically efficient land‐use planning. This will both improve the benefits and support sustainable development of farmland, while also improving the enthusiasm of farmers for their occupation.

Wheat yield gaps across smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia

Wheat yields in Ethiopia need to increase considerably to reduce import dependency and keep up with the expected increase in population and dietary changes. Despite the yield progress observed in recent years, wheat yield gaps remain large. Here, we decompose wheat yield gaps in Ethiopia into efficiency, resource, and technology yield gaps and relate those yield gaps to broader farm(ing) systems aspects. To do so, stochastic frontier analysis was applied to a nationally representative panel dataset covering the Meher seasons of 2009 and 2013 and crop modelling was used to simulate the water-limited yield (Yw) in the same years. Farming systems analysis was conducted to describe crop area shares and the availability of land, labour, and capital in contrasting administrative zones. Wheat yield in farmers’ fields averaged 1.9 t ha− 1 corresponding to ca. 20% of Yw. Most of the yield gap was attributed to the technology yield gap (> 50% of Yw) but narrowing efficiency (ca. 10% of Yw) and resource yield gaps (ca. 15% of Yw) with current technologies can nearly double actual yields and contribute to achieve wheat self-sufficiency in Ethiopia. There were small differences in the relative contribution of the intermediate yield gaps to the overall yield gap across agro-ecological zones, administrative zones, and farming systems. At farm level, oxen ownership was positively associated with the wheat cultivated area in zones with relatively large cultivated areas per household (West Arsi and North Showa) while no relationship was found between oxen ownership and the amount of inputs used per hectare of wheat in the zones studied. This is the first thorough yield gap decomposition for wheat in Ethiopia and our results suggest government policies aiming to increase wheat production should prioritise accessibility and affordability of inputs and dissemination of technologies that allow for precise use of these inputs.

Financial Impacts of Liver Fluke on Livestock Farms Under Climate Change-A Farm Level Assessment.

Liver fluke infection (fascioliasis) is a parasitic disease which affects the health and welfare of ruminants. It is a concern for the livestock industry and is considered as a growing threat to the industry because changing climatic conditions are projected to be more favorable to increased frequency and intensity of liver fluke outbreaks. Recent reports highlighted that the incidence and geographic range of liver fluke has increased in the UK over the last decade and estimated to increase the average risk of liver fluke in the UK due to increasing temperature and rainfall. This paper explores financial impacts of the disease with and without climate change effects on Scottish livestock farms using a farm-level economic model. The model is based on farming system analysis and uses linear programming technique to maximize farm net profit within farm resources. Farm level data from a sample of 160 Scottish livestock farms is used under a no disease baseline scenario and two disease scenarios (with and without climate change). These two disease scenarios are compared with the baseline scenario to estimate the financial impact of the disease at farm levels. The results suggest a 12% reduction in net profit on an average dairy farm compared to 6% reduction on an average beef farm under standard disease conditions. The losses increase by 2-fold on a dairy farm and 6-fold on a beef farm when climate change effects are included with disease conditions on farms. There is a large variability within farm groups with profitable farms incurring relatively lesser economic losses than non-profitable farms. There is a substantial increase in number of vulnerable farms both in dairy (+20%) and beef farms (+27%) under the disease alongside climate change conditions.

ANALISIS USAHATANI GAMBIR DI SUMATERA BARAT (STUDI KASUS KECAMATAN HARAU, KABUPATEN 50 KOTA)

<p><strong>Analysis of gambir farming system (Uncaria gambir Roxb) in West Sumatra (case study of Harau Sub District, 50 Kota District)</strong></p><p>Prospect of gambir cither for domestic or export markets is very potential. However, this prospective cash crop, is not immediately followed by the improvement of its productivity and farmers income. This condition, may due to the fact thai until now farmers have used Ihe recommended technology for cultivation and processing and the farmers, have limited capital for developing gambirs farming system. The objective of this research was to study the feasibility and contribution of gambir farming system (o the farmer prosperity, and the constraint of developing gambirs farming system in this region. The research was conducted al Kelinggian villages, Harau f>ub District. 50 Kola District. West Sumatra in November 1999 using survey method. Thirty respondents were taken by simple random farmers income was analyzed through income analyses. While the feasibility of farming system was analyzed through Beneit Cost Ratio, Net Pesent Value (NPV), and Internal Rale of Retun (IRR). The results of feasibility analysis, based on discount factor of 15%. showed thai a gambir farming system at len years old had that B/C Ratio 1.22, NPV Rp. 3 657 433, and IRR 43% At discount factor of 18%. B/C ratio was 1.20, NPV was Rp 2 890 075, and IRR 43%. The share of gambir farming system to farmers income was Rp. 1 1 548 750 or Rp. I 154 875 per hectare per year Based on Ibis study, it was concluded that gambir farming system in Kelinggian Village. Harau Sub Distict, 50 Kota Dislriel was proitable and feasible lo be developed. Recently, the limited capital. becomes a problem for developing gambir farming. This resulted the farmers unable to adopt the technology for cultivation and processing. More over, the bargaining position of farmers is also weak, due to buycr- up system. It is, therefore, suggested that the Village Cooperative Unit (KUD) is supported, in order to supply the production inputs and the product.</p>

Valuing earthworm contribution to ecosystem services delivery

The contribution of earthworms to soil quality and the provision of ecosystem services is widely recognised, however, few studies have tried to quantify the value of their contribution. In this study, we use variables measured in a mesocosm study to value the contribution of earthworms to provisioning and regulating services under both sheep grazed and dairy grazed systems using monetary valuation techniques where possible. The contribution of earthworms to ecosystem services were determined using the relative value differences between two earthworm treatments. Earthworms contributed to a number of ecosystem services. The greatest contribution of earthworms in these pastoral systems was through the provision of food quantity (NZD $356–1,001/ha). While we recognise the subjectivity and limitations of economic valuation of ecosystem services, we encourage further studies to bridge the gap between soil ecology, farm system analysis and economics, in order to better understand the relative contributions of soil biodiversity to farm systems.

Feminine farm operational methods, involvement, hardships and sensitivity in farming systems analysis

The present study has been conducted to identify the sensitivity in the pre-dominant farming systems of Western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh (WPZ) considering the importance of gender specific technologies much needed for better efficiency and productivity of farming systems. Four pre-dominant farming systems have been identified in WPZ of Uttar Pradesh with the highest area share (57.1%) and highest farmer distribution (62.9%) in FS1: Crop + Dairy (1C+1-2B). The highest net return was found in FS2: Crop + Horticulture (Fruits) + Dairy (2C+ 1-2 B), whereas the lowest net return was noticed in FS3: Crop + Horticulture (Vegetables) + Dairy (1C + 1B). Load carrying through head load was found extensively performed by the women of FS3 followed by FS4: Horticulture + Crop + Dairy (1C+1B) and FS2 respectively. Chopper (hand tool) for chaff cutting, winnowing through natural wind, power operated winnowing without safety gadgets was performed in FS4 (33%), FS3 (22.8%) and FS4 (17%) respectively by family female workers. Threshing through hand beating was maximally performed by FS2 (81%) as hired female labour. Work involvement in farming system studies shows that female workers (family and hired) of FS3 contributed maximum (44.7%) followed by FS1 (41.5%). Also, the women participation index on drudgery prone activities was found highest amongst female workers (family and hired) of FS3 (87.8%) followed by FS1 (83.21%). The results indicate that FS3 may be tagged as sensitive farming system with respect to maximum number of female headed households contributing maximum work and hardships followed by FS1.

Characterization and Analysis of Farming System in Central Oromia, Ethiopia

Characterization and Analysis of Farming System in Central Oromia, Ethiopia

Análise diagnóstico dos sistemas agrários e aspectos da agricultura familiar no município de Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo explorar e analisar a conjuntura dos sistemas agrários e do sistema de produção de agricultores familiares no município de Derrubadas - RS, assim como verificar a importância da renda de autoconsumo e da reciprocidade na reprodução social dessas famílias, considerando as potencialidades e os limites das condições naturais e socioeconômicas locais. Para tal foi utilizado o método Análise Diagnóstico dos Sistemas Agrários (ADSA). Por meio da estratificação da realidade foi possível realizar um recorte em nível de zona homogênea e identificar os principais sistemas produtivos da região, assim como caracterizar os principais tipos de agricultores. Dessa forma na pesquisa de campo foi possível identificar três tipologias de agricultores, entre elas: agricultores familiares produtores de leite com baixo grau de tecnificação; agricultores familiares sem produção de leite; e agricultores familiares produtores de leite e grãos com alto grau de tecnificação. Por meio da análise das Unidades de Produção Agrícolas - UPAs representativas de cada tipologia, foi possível constatar que a estratégia da agricultura familiar no município se mostrou bastante favorável para a realidade da zona homogênea e que tanto os produtos destinados ao autoconsumo, quanto a questão da reciprocidade possuem papeis fundamentais na reprodução socioeconômica dessas famílias.

Farm systems analysis of two thistles of differing seasonal pasture growth impacts in North Island hill country

Models for infestations of Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense) and variegated thistle (Silybum marianum) were used to modify fortnightly pasture growth forecasts using Agricultural Production Systems simulator software using climate and soil data from a single farm (Tangihanga Station) over four aspects and three slope classes. Modelling using Farmax software was used to estimate profitability using the current farm enterprises with or without either the Californian or variegated thistles. Modelled pasture production, based on field observations of thistle infestation, was similar to estimates using animal intake (from Farmax). Californian thistle reduced pasture production in summer and autumn, while variegated thistle reduced autumn, winter and spring pasture growth. Californian thistle had a much greater overall presence (20%) than variegated thistle (9%). Both types of thistle reduced the potential to finish lambs in summer and reduced ewe wintering numbers, while the presence of Californian thistles also reduced over-wintering cattle numbers, by reducing summer-autumn pasture accumulation. Cost of control for Californian thistle ($233/ha) over two years was higher than for variegated thistle ($184/ha) over four years. Net profitability was reduced by 24% ($87/ha) by the presence of Californian thistle, and by 37% ($135/ha) by the presence of variegated thistle.

Hierarchical Patch Dynamics Perspective in Farming System Design

Farming systems are complex and include a variety of interacting biophysical and technical components. This complexity must be taken into account when designing farming systems to improve sustainability, but more methods are needed to be able to do so. This article seeks to apply the Hierarchical Patch Dynamics theory (HPD) to farming systems to understand farming system complexity and be better able to support farming system re-design. A six-step framework is proposed to adapt the HPD theory to farming system analysis by taking into account (i) spatial and temporal interactions and (ii) field and management diversity. This framework was applied to a vineyard case study. The result was a hierarchical formalization of the farming system. The HPD framework improved understanding and enabled the formalization of (i) the hierarchical structure of the farming system, (ii) the interactions between structure and processes and (iii) scaling up and down from field to farm scale. HPD theory proved to be successful in analyzing farming system complexity at the farm scale. The framework can help with specific aspects of farming system design, such as how to change the scale of study or determining which scale should be used when choosing indicators for crop management and integrating multi-scale constraints and processes.

Quantified Soil Evolution Under Shifting Agriculture in Southern Cameroon

In the tropical rain forest zone of Southern Cameroon, shifting cultivation and perennial plantations of cocoa are the main farming systems practiced by small-scale farmers to ensure subsistence food crop production and a small income. This research used scientific modelling tools to produce quantitative information on the evolution of soils under this shifting agricultural system. An analysis of farming system led to the development of a conceptual model of the spatio-temporal dynamics of shifting agriculture, including transition matrices of rotational cycles that guided the sampling strategy for the study of soil evolution under the system. The study of soil variability showed that 30-35% of the total variance of some topsoil (0-20 cm) properties was due to the influence of land use practices. Five soil properties (pH, calcium, available phosphorus, bulk density and organic carbon) that are the most sensitive to these agricultural practices were empirically modelled and linear/quadratic fractional rational functions were successfully fitted to time series soil variables to derive quantitative measures on temporal changes in soil with land use. Data and methods produced are useful for soil quality assessment and spatio-temporal dynamic simulation in order to guide decision-making for sustainable land-use planning and soil resources management.

Developing pathways to improve smallholder agricultural productivity through ecological intensification technologies in semi-arid Limpopo, South Africa

Agriculture faces an enormous global challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050. This means a comprehensive intensification of agriculture is required. Ecological intensification is gaining momentum as a clearly defined vision for increasing agriculture productivity and sustainability. How ecological intensification could be tailored to benefit smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the major question. In this study, we develop pathways relying on ecological intensification technologies and suiting different farm types of smallholder agriculture. This study relies on multiyear engagements with agricultural experts and smallholder farmers in Ha Lambani, South Africa and leads to the identification of farmer groupings. We analyse 40 in-depth semi-structured interviews with farmers which leads to the identification of farming patterns and constraints. We present how farming systems analysis of challenges and constraints helps to identify and link specific ecosystem services with suitable ecological intensification options. We conclude that the expert-based classification of farmers offered a more contextualized representation of farming system heterogeneity, where tailored ecological intensification technologies could play a major role in improving agricultural productivity. Beyond this community, it emphasizes the need to consider farmers type heterogeneity as a strong decision parameter for targeting ecological intensification.

The Analysis Of Business, Risk, And Development Strategy Of Minapadi (Paddy-Fish Integration Farming System) In Sleman District

This study aims (1) to determine the income and feasibility of cultivation business using minapadi system (2) to know the level of cost risk, income and profit of farming minapadi, (3) to know the development strategy of cultivation using minapadi system in Sleman District of Yogyakarta. To analyse and interpret the data, it used descriptive analysis method. The location of the research was determined purposively it was in Seyegan Sub District. The number of respondents in this research was 43 farmers which consist of 23 minapadi farmers and 20 non minapadi farmers. The analysis used in this research was income, feasibility, risk and SWOT analysis. The result of the analysis showed that the income and profit of minapadi farmers are more than the non-minapadi farmers. The feasibility analysis of farming system in conducting the cultivation using minapadi system and non minapadi system respectively at 1.43 and 1.27, so that these two businesses are worthy to run since the value of R/C ratio was more than 1. The risk analysis shows that in the farm integrating minapadi has lower risk of costs, revenues, and profits. The appropriate strategy for the development of minapadi farming is the S-T strategy which is by utilizing the strengths to minimize the threats.

Study on Agronomic and Economic Performance Characteristics of Cassava (Manihot utillisima L.) in Gunungkidul Regency Special Region of Yogyakarta

Study on agronomic and economic performance characteristics of cassava (Manihot utillisima L.) in Gunungkidul Regency Special Region of Yogyakarta was conducted in April – August 2016. The research aimed to identify the agronomic and economic performance characteristics of cassava in Gunungkidul regency. Technical implementation of the survey method was conducted by observation and interview. The location of research sampling was determined by stratified random sampling method based on the category of district that has the most or broadest, medium, and small amount of cassava planting area. The respondents were chosen by purposive sampling method as much as 10% from the number of cassava farmers in a village or farmer group. The data were analyzed by descriptive and farming system analysis. The research result showed that there were some cassava cultivars observed, i.e. ‘Ketan’, ‘Pahit’, ‘Adira’, ‘Ireng’, ‘GatotKaca’, ‘Genjah’, ‘Mentega’, ‘Oyeng’, ‘Randu’, ‘Ambira’, ‘Klentheng’, ‘Srondol’, ‘PandesiHijau’, ‘Adira 1’, ‘Pandesi’, ‘Kirik’, ‘Gambyong’, ‘Jowo’, ‘Bamban’, ‘Kacibali’, ‘UJ-5’, ‘Marekan’, ‘Kresno’, ‘Meni’, ‘Merah’, ‘Malang’, ‘Kropak’ and ‘Aban’. Cultivation technology of cassava applied in Gunungkidul Regency is conventional technology. The maximum tillage system is applied in the soil tillage. Generally, Cassava is grown intercropping with rice, beans and maize. Manure is applied in cultivation technology and weeding is done six until ten times. There are eight types of pests attacking cassava plants. Cassava is harvested in seventh until tenth month after planting. Cassava farming is feasible in Gunungkidul Regency with R/C ratio (Revenue Cost Ratio) and B/C ratio (Benefit Cost Ratio) gained > 1.

Efficiency Analysis of Organic Farming Systems – A Review of Concepts, Topics, Results and Conclusions

This article summarizes the literature on efficiency and productivity of organic farming. We distinguish between studies that concentrate on specific problems of the organic sector and studies that compare conventional and organic farms. Organic farms can on average improve their efficiency by 21%-points (SFA) and 27%-points (DEA). In comparing efficiency and productivity of organic with

Specialisation and intensification of farming systems in Western China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact on household and farming systems of government efforts to modernise production, build scale and develop specialisation in the Tibet dairy industry.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of policy strategies and industry developments is used to frame detailed micro-level analysis of household and farming systems where impacts on households are explored from both a comparative static and dynamic perspective.FindingsSpecialisation and intensification improve household returns but elicit major changes in the farming and household systems and engagement with external markets. For instance, scaling up from three to ten improved cows increases returns from farm activities by one-half but shifts households from a state of food self-sufficiency to one where they need to sell two-thirds of their dairy products and buy three-fifths of their livestock feed.Research limitations/implicationsThe diversity among Tibetan farm households and the dynamic changes occurring in farm productivity, product markets and agrarian systems means that the empirical results are used as illustrative rather than definitive.Originality/valueRelative to the large attention on the Chinese dairy industry with regard to food safety and industry development, the impacts of dairy specialisation on smallholders especially in western China have been overlooked. The case highlights several issues relevant to agrarian transition and development including changing labour use, risk exposure and engagement with external markets.

Economic analysis of farming systems: Capturing the systemic aspects

The paper has attempted to expand the evaluation criteria of farming systems beyond profitability. The proposed methodology has been exemplified with a study conducted in a village in Pudur mandal of Rangareddy district of Telangana. The data on the inputs and outputs of a system and their utilization were collected through a well-structured pre-tested schedule from 20 sample farmers, in such a way that it captured the material flows into and out of the components of the given farming system. The market dependency ratio has been computed for different farming systems. A varying structure of household income has been noticed for different farming systems. The highest household income has been observed in case of the system containing rainfed and irrigated crops along with livestock rearing. The input output ratio has been found highest in the farming system containing rainfed and irrigated cropping. The market dependency ratio for inputs has been found to be lowest (46%) for the system containing rainfed and irrigated cropping along with livestock and the highest for the system with rainfed and irrigated cropping only. The relationship between market dependency ratio and farm size, family size and number of components in a farming system has also been analysed. The farming systems that can minimize the need for external inputs have a key role in sustaining agricultural systems in the rainfed agriculture. Such an expanded analysis of farming systems will be useful in planning for technology generation and transfer in the Indian agriculture.

Farming systems analysis and design for sustainable intensification: New methods and assessments

Mine soils are often polluted and degraded. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of soil properties and vegetation on soil solute transport in reclaimed soil at an opencast coal mine site on the Loess Plateau. Four reclaimed areas with different vegetation types were selected for the analysis of physical and chemical properties. The miscible displacement technique was used to obtain the breakthrough curves (BTCs) of NO3− ion transport in undisturbed soil columns, which were taken from the soil profiles of the different sites. The chemical properties, such as total N, P, K and SOM, exhibited low contents, and the soil physicochemical properties showed high heterogeneity between different depths and different reclaimed areas. The structural stability index was less than 5%. The initial and entire penetration times were longer in the deeper layers than in the top layer. The BTCs of NO3− were fitted well by the deterministic equilibrium convection dispersion equation (CDE) model. Preferential flow and transport were found in the soil columns. The reclaimed soil had poor structure, and planting vegetation improved the physiochemical properties of the soil. The soil solute transport parameters exhibited high heterogeneity between different samples and were significantly correlated with soil bulk density and soil texture, which were highly influenced by vegetation and human activities. In the process of land reclamation, increasing the bulk density and selecting fine-textured soils could reduce the average soil pore water velocity and the dispersivity coefficient, thereby extending the solute penetration time.

Does intensification result in higher efficiency and sustainability? An emergy analysis of Mediterranean sheep-crop farming systems

The embodiment of resources in agricultural products depends on the way they are made, i.e., the production system. We applied emergy analysis on three contrasting sheep-crop farming systems according to different degrees of specialization, integration and intensification of production in Mediterranean Spain. We studied emergy flows, transformity values and emergy indices at the system level and per product (lamb meat; permanent crops: rainfed olive and almond; arable crops: rainfed barley, irrigated barley, alfalfa and sunflower). We found that the specialized pasture-based sheep system had the lowest intensity and efficiency and the highest sustainability, as opposite to the partially-integrated mixed system, while the fully-integrated mixed system obtained a balanced position. Lamb meat production was 1.9 and 1.3 times more intensive and efficient, respectively, in the partially-integrated mixed system than in the pasture-based sheep system, but 5.1 times less sustainable. All sheep sub-systems had comparatively lower intensity and higher sustainability than crops due to their higher capacity to use local and renewable natural resources. Our findings suggest that further support of agricultural development based on local and renewable natural resources and best practices is necessary to ensure long-term farming sustainability and social welfare.

Dates Palm Farming Systems Sustainability and Risk Efficiency in Oman

Date Palm is the most important cultivar in Oman and occupies 35% of total cultivated area and 78% of the total fruit trees area. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries attempted to improve Date production but due to climate change and environmental constrains agricultural production has shown instability in production and generated a desire to build a sustainable farming systems. The study used stochastic model to analyze Date Palm Farming Systems in Oman and identify the most sustainable and risk efficient one. Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to Function (SERF) technique use certainty equivalent concept to rank a set of risk efficient alternatives. The study found Batinah Region is the most risk efficient region and got a positive NPV with a probability of 88% followed by Dakhiliyah Region 77% and Dahirah Region 67%. The study also indicates Batinah and Dakhiliyah Regions which cultivate 52% of total Date Palm area in Oman is located in risk efficient farming system areas. Risk premium analysis performed and shows Dakhiliyah Region farmers can pay up to RO 59 for replanting Date Palm tree and move to Batinah Region farming practices with less risky farming system. The farmer in Dahirah Region is willing to pay RO 144 per Date Palm tree to shift to more efficient farming system practices such as Batinah Region. Date Palm Farming System analysis should be used as a basis and foundation for replanting program and resources and environmental constrains need be considered. A right economic incentives to be given to encourage production of selected Date Palm varieties for each region to increase ecosystem resilience and economic benefit.