Farm Households Research Articles

Association between socioeconomic position of the household head, food insecurity and psychological health: an application of propensity score matching

BackgroundMental health outcomes can be influenced by various factors, one of which has recently gained attention, namely food security. Food security is paramount to maintaining not only physical, but also mental health. There is an increasing need to understand the interplay between food insecurity (FI) and mental health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of FI on psychological health (anxiety and depression) as well as to examine the modifying effect of socioeconomic position on this relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Maputo City, Mozambique, in 1,842 participants. Data were collected through structured interviews using a modified version of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Module to measure FI, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to measure anxiety and depression. A composite variable for psychological health was created. Propensity score matching and interaction effect analyses were employed to examine the effects of FI on psychological health and the moderating role of socioeconomic position.ResultsOf the 1,174 participants randomly assigned to propensity score matching, 787 were exposed to FI while 387 were unexposed. The analysis revealed stark disparities in psychological health outcomes associated with FI. The risk of poor psychological health among those exposed to FI was 25.79%, which was significantly higher than the 0.26% in unexposed individuals. The risk difference was 25.54% points (95% CI: 22.44–28.63), with a risk ratio of 99.82. Our assessment of population attributable fractions indicated that nearly all the risk for poor psychological health in the exposed group could be ascribed to FI. The interaction effects analysis revealed that socioeconomic status modifies this relationship. Specifically, heads of food-insecure households with a lower socioeconomic position tended to report poor mental health compared to their food-secure counterparts with a higher position.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the profound impact of FI on the mental health of household heads in Maputo City, socioeconomic position being a significant modifier. Addressing household FI along with the socioeconomic position of household heads could be pivotal to mental health promotion, especially among vulnerable populations.

Impact of Rural E-Commerce on Farmers’ Income and Income Gap

Rural e-commerce, as a new form of digital economy, is of great significance in promoting the income of rural households and realizing common prosperity. Based on the 2021 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), the impact of rural e-commerce on farmers’ income and the intra-rural income gap is explored using quantile regression. The results found that (1) rural e-commerce can effectively promote the level of farm household income and alleviate the intra-rural income disparity, with this finding still holding after addressing the potential endogeneity problem and conducting robust-type tests. (2) Rural e-commerce has the most pronounced income-generating effect on low-income households in the southern region; participation in rural e-commerce has a more “center-expanding” effect on households in the secondary education and high material capital groups. (3) Saving production and operation costs, shortening the product circulation chain, and improving access to information are channels through which rural e-commerce affects households’ income. It is recommended to actively promote the deep integration and development of rural e-commerce in rural areas, establish a sound mechanism for bridging the “digital divide”, encourage e-commerce “leaders” to build a perfect industrial chain, and guide smallholders to integrate into the rural e-commerce industrial chain to enjoy the digital dividend.

E-commerce operations and technology perceptions in promoting farmers' adoption of green production technologies: Evidence from rural China

Agricultural green production is vital for ensuring product quality, safety, and mitigating environmental issues. E-commerce operations have emerged as a key driver of green production transformation. Based on a sample of 704 farm households in Jiangsu Province, this study employs a two-way fixed-effects model, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Instrumental Variable Probit (IVProbit), and Extended Regression Model (ERM) to address endogeneity, alongside stepwise regression to test the mediating role of technology cognition. The results show that e-commerce operations significantly and positively influence the adoption of green production technologies among farmers, with technology cognition acting as a positive mediator. The impact of e-commerce on technology adoption varied across different age groups and geographical terrains, with older farmers and those in plain regions benefiting the most. Additionally, e-commerce played a crucial role in the adoption of green technologies, particularly in the use of organic fertilizers. To promote the broader adoption of green technologies among farmers, it is recommended that governments strengthen e-commerce support systems, enhance technical training for farmers, improve the inclusivity of e-commerce platforms, and address gaps in the availability of green production technologies.

Small-scale farmers perception, adaptation choices to climate change and existing barriers: Evidence from northern Ethiopia

Climate change continues to significantly impact agricultural production in Ethiopia that have encountered several environmental problems in recent decades. The study site is one of the areas vulnerable to climate change and influenced by climate variability. This study intends to identify small-scale farmers’ adaptation options, their perception and existing barriers in northern Ethiopia. It is based on an analysis of cross-sectional data collected from 193 randomly selected farm household heads. A multivariate probit model was employed to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ climate change adaptation choices. Constraint Facing Index (CFI) technique was also constructed to identify the existing barriers. The findings indicate that a significant number of farmers (91.2%) reported a trend toward rising temperatures. Similarly, 86.01% of the farmers indicated that the perceived rainfall trend has decreased. Adjusting planting dates (56.5%), integrated soil fertility management practices (47.7%), early maturing crop varieties (53.4%), terracing for soil and water conservation (54.9%), and income diversification (55.4%) were the most common climate change adaptation options practiced by farm households in the study area. Some of these adaptation options have significant and complementary relationships. The farmer’s choice of adaptation option was highly constrained by institutional factors and all these identified factors can be possibly addressed through a better institutional service provision system, for a better farm-level adaptation while considering demographic characteristics as well.

Power positions in the farm family, marrying in, and negative peer pressure: the social relations that impact agricultural practice

AbstractIn this article, we wish to consider relationships internal and external to the farm household, and how these enable and/or mitigate the adoption of better farm practices. We find that internally, members of the farm household (successors or spouses ‘marrying in’), can influence the future direction of agricultural practice in a positive way, that is more profitable and sustainable. It is not a straightforward process though. Interpersonal household relations play a role; status and standing within the family can impact on how decisions about change are made. This relates to both people marrying in and the position of the successor in an inter-generational household. We found that the power of the farming peer group to influence change is underestimated. Our data shows that farming is an occupation subject to strong cultural norms regarding acceptable farming practice. Sometimes farm family decisions to change agricultural practice falter under the weight of sanctions and derision encountered when trying to make adjustments. This paper draws from two data sets in Germany and England. We conclude that understanding internal farm household interactions, and their external relations with farming peer groups is critical to supporting the future of agriculture.

Using the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Explore the Effect of Farmer Differentiation on Their Intention to Revitalize Idle Homesteads: Empirical Evidence from Shaanxi, China

The revitalization of idle homesteads is an essential element in stimulating rural land resources and assets and promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas. However, existing studies have paid less attention to the relationship between the differentiation of farm households and revitalization intention. Therefore, exploring the relationship between farmer differentiation and revitalization intention has become the key to improving the revitalization intention. The differentiation of farmers in the process of urbanization is an important factor affecting the intention of farmers to revitalize idle homesteads. This study defines “farmer differentiation” as a second-order factor and is based on the theoretical analysis framework of “farmer differentiation (FD)–farmer cognition (FC)–revitalization intention (RI)” to systematically reveal the relationship between FD and RI with a multi-dimensional perspective. At the same time, we analyze the mediating role of FC in the relationship between FD and RI. The data collected from 881 Shaanxi, China, farmers are analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of the study show that (1) The dimensions of farmer differentiation (FD) are wealth capital differentiation (WCD) and reputation capital differentiation (RCD). (2) The formation of farmers’ intention to revitalize follows the logical relationship of “FC–RI” in the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB), and subjective norms (SN) are the critical factor. (3) The logical relationship of “FD–FC–RI” in the ETPB has been confirmed. In addition to the direct positive effect of the WCD and RCD on farmers’ intention to revitalize idle homesteads, WCD will indirectly affect RI through the four sub-dimensions of behavioral attitudes (BA), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and homestead dependence (HD) under the FC conception. Meanwhile, the chain mediating role of the WCD and FC sub-dimensions in the RCD effect on the intention to revitalize cannot be ignored. Therefore, to increase farmers’ intention to revitalize Idle homesteads, policymakers need to focus on increasing WCD and RCD and helping farmers establish proactive FC.

Is adoption of modern dairy farming technologies interrelated? A case of smallholder dairy farmers in Meru county, Kenya

Attempts have been made to promote the adoption of modern dairy farming technologies (MDFT). However, the adoption of these technologies largely remains underutilized. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the adoption of MDFTs in Meru County. Using purposive and proportionate sampling techniques from 355 smallholder dairy farmers in Meru County, Kenya, this study analyzed the factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of MDFTs. We use a Multivariate probit (MVP) to evaluate adoption decisions by dairy farm households facing multiple MDFTs. The results reveal a significant correlation among the eight MDFTs suggesting that modern technologies are interrelated. The MVP model results indicate that household income, education level, number of extension contacts, access to credit, farmer group membership, farming experience and livestock monetary value had positive effect on the adoption of MDFTs. Education level and extension contacts had a positive influence on the adoption of fodder establishment and preservation technologies. Farming experience in dairy farming had a positive effect on the adoption of well-structured and clean sleeping areas, and the growth of Rhodes grass. Household income had a positive effect on the growth of Rhodes grass and feed mixture. This work illustrates a need for a policy implication and insight into a need for the county government and private milk processing companies to increase extension frequency to enhance the adoption of MDFTs. Additionally, there is a need to increase access to affordable credit, this should be considered by the government by establishing strengthening a smallholder low-interest and efficient local credit schemes and institutions.

Vulnerability and adaptation on the icecap’s edge: farming communities in subarctic South Greenland

ABSTRACT Variability in climate and weather conditions and socio-economic shifts are dramatically altering the landscapes and livelihoods of peoples of the northern high-latitudes. Such escalating trends have distinctive consequences at the local and regional scale and the ability to adapt to such rapid changes will challenge cultural, social, and economic systems across Arctic regions. Using a cultural landscape approach, this study provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of sheep farming communities in subarctic South Greenland. Our study centers local voices and helps document shifting weather-related and other socio-economic challenges. We interview four farming households, one historian, and one local economic development expert to understand the broader context, the challenges and vulnerabilities, and the persistence of agriculture in this high north region. Our analysis reveals four overarching themes influencing the sustainability of sheep farming: (1) multi-generational farming heritage, (2) reciprocity and community support, (3) shifting weather and climate influences and farming livelihoods, and (4) farm operations and new opportunities. Findings from this study fill a gap in the literature on local and regional impacts of weather and socio-economic shifts in remote regions. Through the inclusion of local Inuit and other voices, we document how geographically dispersed subarctic communities are adapting to broader shifts.

Contribution of Sweetpotato Production to Economic Empowerment of Farming Households in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria

Many farming households in Nigeria are deprived, and poor, hence, the need for economic empowerment intervention. Sweetpotato production, due to its short cycle and low input requirement could be projected on a larger scale for farming households’ economic empowerment. However, data regarding ability of sweetpotato farming for farming households’ economic empowerment is scarce. Therefore, farming households’ sweetpotato production and economic empowerment in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta Area was investigated. 364 sweetpotato farming households were chosen through a five-stage sample process. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, T-test, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data that interview schedule was used to collect. Most respondents were female and aged 42.7±11.9 years. Farm size; farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, other crops, and non-crop livelihood activities were 2.6±3.4 hectares; 17.2±12.4 years; and ₦1,327,723.0±1,639,414.0 yearly, ₦2,385,815.0±2,615,273.0 yearly, and ₦1,828,004.0±2,336,270.0 yearly, respectively. The sweetpotato production and economic empowerment were low and high amongst farming households, respectively. Age, farm size and income from sweet potato were significantly related to economic empowerment. The economic empowerment status of high and low sweetpotato producers differed significantly. Between farming households with low and high income from sweetpotato production, their economic empowerment status significantly differed. Farming households’ economic empowerment was mostly predicted by farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, and non-crop livelihood activities. Sweetpotato production influenced farming households' ability to prosper economically. Agricultural policies oriented towards improving economic empowerment should be promoted to emphasize increased sweetpotato production.

Does non-farm employment influence a farmer’s decision to adopt hybrid rice seeds or improved variety?

Purpose. The study aims to examine the effect of non-farm employment decisions on the adoption decision of rice hybrid seeds or improved variety in Vietnam. Methodology / approach. This study uses panel data from the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) 2008–2016 dataset. The study uses the correlated random effect Probit model with the Mundlak approach to control unobserved heterogeneity of panel data and the endogenous switching Probit model (ESPM) to solve the endogeneity problem and self-selection of the non-farm participation variable. Results. There has been increasing interest that the development of rural non-farm employment has effects on agricultural production as well as agricultural growth. However, still relatively poor understanding of how non-farm participation affects the farmers’ decision to adopt modern technologies in the face of market failure. Our findings indicate that non-farm employment has a positive effect on the adoption of rice hybrid seeds or improved varieties in Vietnam. The value ATT is predicted from the endogenous switching Probit model, which implies that farm households who engage in non-farm employment had a 35.1 % of probability of modern varieties adoption, vs. 19.0 % in the sample overall. Originality / scientific novelty. This study adds evidence from a developing country (using the example of Vietnam) to the broader literature on the role of non-farm employment participation on farmers’ adoption behaviour under market imperfections. In addition, the research addresses the limitations of unobserved heterogeneity of an unbalanced panel by applying the Mundlak approach and contributes to the literature by controlling the endogenous problem and self-selection problem of non-farm participation by using the endogenous switching Probit model. Practical value / implications. Based on the empirical results of this paper, some policy implications are provided to develop the rural non-farm sector and to diffuse modern technologies among rural farmers.

Soil management practice and smallholder agricultural productivity in Nigeria

This study investigates how various soil management practices can enhance soil fertility and pest control, ultimately increasing crop yields among farming households in Nigeria. Utilizing descriptive statistics, logit regression and propensity score matching on data from the 2019 Living Standard Measurement Study, the findings reveal that households using herbicides experience higher agricultural productivity. The use of pesticides and certified crops also positively influences productivity. Key determinants of soil technology access include cooperative membership and the age of household heads, both of which significantly affect access to herbicides, pesticides, organic fertilizers, and certified crops. Education plays a vital role, positively impacting the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as certified crops. Additionally, larger farm sizes correlate with better access to these resources. Conversely, the gender of the household head negatively affects access to certified crops. The study emphasizes the importance of capacity building and knowledge transfer to encourage the adoption of effective soil technology practices among farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing food security issues.

Effect of Flood on Poverty Status: Evidence from Sugar cane Farmers in Kwara State and Osun State of Nigeria

In Nigeria, sugarcane is a prominent crop and the primary crop used to produce sugar. However, floods have been a major tragedy that has troubled Nigeria's small-scale farmers. The bulk of rural poor people are these small-scale farmers, and as poverty rates have been rising over time, corrective action is required. This study was therefore carried out to assess the poverty status of sugar cane farming households (affected by flood, and unaffected by flood) in Kwara/Osun State of Nigeria. The study employed two-stage sampling technique to select 120 sugarcane farming households in the study area. Descriptive statistics, the Flood Loss Estimation, Logit Regression and Foster Greer Thorbecke (FGT) are the empirical analytical tools employed to analyze the data collected for the study. The results of the poverty index analysis revealed that 46 percent of the respondents are relatively poor, the poverty depth was 0.16 which implies that 16 percent were below the poverty line and the poverty severity was 0.07 which implies that 7 percent of the respondents were severely poor. Also, it revealed that flood shocks, gender, household size, household income, access to credit and membership to social organization were significant determinants of poverty. The study then came to the conclusion that many coping mechanisms people employ are corrosive because they have detrimental long-term implications on the sustainability of household subsistence. For future risk assessments and flood mitigation, the study advises using a holistic strategy and adept models. The remedies outlined in this paper would help the government, private sector, and sugar cane farmers economically.

Rising Wage Income and the Role of MGNREGA among Agricultural Households in India: Evidence from the Situation Assessment Survey, 2018–19

Rising Wage Income and the Role of MGNREGA among Agricultural Households in India: Evidence from the Situation Assessment Survey, 2018–19

Retirement income and savings behavior in farm households

Retirement income and savings behavior in farm households

Research on the Impact of Land Transfer on Farmer Household Consumption through CAD Technology in Human-Computer Interaction

Research on the Impact of Land Transfer on Farmer Household Consumption through CAD Technology in Human-Computer Interaction

Farmer adaptation strategies through local farming systems in Enrekang, Indonesia

Farmers in tropical Indonesia who manage agroecological systems face multiple challenges related to food security. Despite the conditions caused by climate change, these farming households have effectively utilized agroforestry to build food security. However, prolonged dry seasons pose new constraints to their livelihood strategies. This study uses a qualitative methodology and a rural farmer livelihood framework to analyze and evaluate household livelihood strategies, attitudes, and reactions to climate change. The findings show that farmers constantly modify their management techniques using flexible and adaptive decision-making processes to cope with and minimize climate change challenges. Moreover, the role of climate variation as a significant catalyst for change in farming practices is challenging to distinguish from some of the routine problems that farmers face each year. Through knowledge accumulation and adaptive management, farmers in Enrekang utilize several livelihood adaptation strategies to reduce risks in the face of changing climate conditions. In addition, farmers utilize on-farm crops to obtain various ecosystem services that provide services such as food, nutrition, and medicine and improve ecology, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Further research is needed to understand how on-farm tree inclusion affects various biophysical properties and the rationale behind species selection.

Analysis of urban households’ perception and factors that influence participation in urban agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana

The agricultural sector in Ghana heavily relies on rural farmers, but burgeoning population growth and rapid urbanisation, driven by the pursuit of higher incomes, pose challenges to food security. The increasing demand for agricultural products has outpaced production, resulting in a heightened dependence on imports. To address these challenges, urban agriculture emerges as a potential solution. This study examines the dynamics of urban farming participation by surveying 363 urban farming households in Ghana. The study uses descriptive statistics, perception index analysis, and regression analysis to find that urban agriculture participation is 59.8 %, depending on factors like household size and length of time in the current residence. Urban households generally perceive urban agriculture positively, associating it with increased income and improved food accessibility. The majority of participants focus on food production (89.86 %), with a notable portion also incorporating livestock farming (45.78 %). Primary purposes include household consumption (97.74 %) and commercial use (38.95 %). Binary logistic regression identifies set of contributors to participation, such as household size, income, available land, time availability, and positive perceptions of backyard gardening. The study recommends governmental intervention, emphasising policy formulation and regulation by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, alongside zoning regulations that integrate urban agriculture into infrastructure planning for sustainable development.

Роль малых предприятий в аграрной экономике: оценка вклада в сельскохозяйственное производство

Small businesses and peasant (farm) households play a key role in agricultural production in Russia, making a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector. The relevance of this study is due to the need to analyze the contribution of small enterprises to the total volume of agricultural production and assess their impact on the country's economy. The purpose of the article is to study the role of small enterprises and farms in the agricultural economy of Russia based on data on the share of small enterprises in agricultural production and the main indicators of farmers' activities. The hypothesis of the study is that small enterprises play an important role in the production of crop products, but their contribution to livestock farming remains relatively small. The conducted data analysis showed that small enterprises provide a significant part of the production of grain and oilseeds, but their share in the livestock sector is small. In addition, farms demonstrate steady growth in crop production, especially in the production of grain and oilseeds. The conclusions of the article highlight the importance of further development of small businesses and farms through improved access to financial resources, government support and the introduction of innovative technologies to increase their competitiveness and sustainable growth in the agricultural economy.

Farmers' decision-making regarding land under economic incentives: Evidence from rural China

To achieve complete urbanization in developing countries, it is essential for many farmers to leave rural areas and withdraw from farmland as they enter urban employment. The Chinese government offers economic incentives to encourage households to relinquish their land rights. Based on a survey data in rural China, this paper examines the impact of land transfers and urban housing on the withdrawal of contractual rights of farm households. Econometric analyses reveal that rural households with urban housing are 6.4 % less likely to choose to withdraw from land, whereas those involved in land transfers are 3.8 % more likely to do so. The study's findings suggest that a uniform policy, like nationwide land withdrawal reforms accompanied by economic compensation, might lead to outcomes where the poor lose land and the rich retain theirs.

Effect of Seed and Fertilizer Subsidies on the Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Senegal

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of seed and fertilizer subsidies (NPK and urea) on the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Senegal. Using data from the Annual Agricultural Survey (EAA) of the Directorate of Analysis, Forecasting and Agricultural Statistics of Senegal (DAPSA), the results of Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) revealed that rice farmers in Senegal have on average a technical efficiency level of 0.545. This suggests that they could increase their current production by 45.5% while using the same level of inputs. Estimation of an SFA model for technical inefficiency revealed that seed and urea subsidies have a significant effect on reducing technical inefficiency. A farmer using subsidized seed saw a reduction in technical inefficiency level by 10.5% and using urea was associated with a 5.1% decrease in inefficiency. In contrast, the model showed no association between the use of subsidized NPK or the use of herbicides and technical inefficiency. And use of organic fertilizer was estimated to worsen technical inefficiency by 4.4% (perhaps reflecting greater reliance on lower-cost inputs among less productive farm households in Senegal). With regard to socio-demographic factors, the results further revealed older respondents experienced more severe technical inefficiency, and that women on average were 9.6% more inefficient than men. These barriers to improved efficiency among older farmers and women suggest targeted supports may be necessary alongside general subsidy programming.