Size Of Land Holdings Research Articles

Financial Inclusion and Farmers: Association between Status and Demographic Variables

Financial inclusion is an excellent tool for empowerment of farmers. The current study examines the level of financial inclusion and study the association between various demographical variables and financial inclusion among the farmers. A survey of 360 farmers across Prayagraj district was conducted, this survey found that 71.4% of farmers had his bank accounts while 23.6% of farmers were actively using their bank accounts in past 3 months and only 10.6 % of farmers were taken loan from banks or other formal financial institutions. The survey shows that farmers were financially inclusion: as 72.8% have poor financial inclusion, 19.2% have fair financial inclusion, and only 8.1% have sound financial inclusion. The farmers had not sufficient financial literacy. Further analysis shows that gender is not associated with degree of financial inclusion while other demographic variables i.e. education qualification, family income, age group and size of landholding is closely associated with degree of financial inclusion.

Dynamics and determinants of farm household income in Bihar: evidence from panel data of selected villages

The study is undertaken to analyze the farm household income, income sources, economic inequality, and determinants of income of farm households in Bihar which is based on five-year panel data (2010–11 and 2014–15). Findings of the study show that the income level of farm households in the selected villages of Bihar is low, but exhibited an impressive annual growth rate of 6% from 2010–11 to 2014–15. The income level showed a positive relation with the size of landholding. Further, the sources of household income are quite diverse, and cultivation contributes only one-fourth to the total income of farm households. The level of remittances showed signs of decline, while the share of transfer payments and non -farm activities increased from 2010–11 to 2014–15. Inter- and intra-class inequality in farm household income is also prominent but diminishing with time. Farm assets, diversification, and education level have turned out to be important drivers of farm household income. These findings have significant implications and call for holistic rural development strategies for enhancing farmers’ income.

Determinant Factors in Adopting Certifications Among Coffee Growers in India

Certified coffee production is an opportunity for the cultivator to differ his product. In any case, the quantity of certified producers is still comparatively very less. So as to contribute to the spread of accreditation among ranchers, the purpose of this research work is to distinguish the components that decide its reception, based on a sample of certified and non-certified cultivators from Karnataka and Kerala in India. Quantitative information was dissected through logistic regression. Results demonstrated that three factors were critical in clarifying the accreditation reception: membership in the organization; source of income from different yields as well as the size of landholding. These outcomes extend the current information about coffee certifications and can manage activities to build the number of certified producers.

Assessment of the Diverse Roles of Home Gardens and Their Sustainable Management for Livelihood Improvement in West Java, Indonesia

Home garden is a traditional agroforestry system, which is an ecologically and socio-economically sustainable land use system in West Java, Indonesia. It plays a fundamental role in providing subsistence food and income to local people through a multi-strata structure. Despite the importance of the home garden, which is strongly linked with quality of living, there is still a lack of quantitative data and information. Therefore, we quantified the economic and ecological characteristics of home gardens in the present study to evaluate their diverse roles. In addition, general strategies that are applicable to home gardens in West Java were developed for sustainable management. The results of this study indicated that: (1) large landholding size showed a significantly higher Net Present Value (NPV) than small landholding size when the home gardens were dominated by fruit tree species, (2) species richness, species diversity, and carbon stock did not differ significantly among the different types and sizes of home gardens in West Java, and (3) multi-layered and diverse species composition is considerable for sustainable management of home gardens in terms of income generation and against urbanization and commercialization in West Java, Indonesia. Further studies should be considered for developing a standardized and generalized model that is able to evaluate and quantify the various ecosystem values that are generally acceptable and applicable in rural areas.

Determinants of rural household’s willingness to pay for karez rehabilitation in Balochistan province of Pakistan

ABSTRACTKarez are an important traditional irrigation system used by farmers in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Increased use of tube well technology has led to abandonment of majority of the Karez systems in Balochistan. In this study, we have attempted to find out determinants of household’s willingness to pay for rehabilitation of Karez systems. We collected primary data in our study area, Pishin sub-basin during August to November 2018 from 200 sample households using structured questionnaire and interviews. Respondents for the survey were selected from households living nearby abandoned Karez systems. We used a chi-square test and regression for data analysis. Results of the study show that bulk of the household (68%) showed willingness for payment to rehabilitate karez systems in Balochistan. Logistic regression model showed that membership in karez committee, land-holding size and security of land tenure significantly affect willingness to pay for karez rehabilitation. Lack of empirical research on restoration efforts for abandoned karez systems drew our attention to find out households’ willingness to pay for the rehabilitation of karezes. Social organizations in the area needs to be strengthened that would motivate household for payment of karez rehabilitation. This will lead to sustainable management of this cultural heritage in the area.

Social inclusion increases with time for zero-tillage wheat in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Sustainable intensification (SI) approaches to agricultural development are urgently needed to meet the growing demand for crop staples while protecting ecosystem services and environmental quality. However, SI initiatives have been criticized for neglecting social welfare outcomes. A recent review found that better-off farmers benefitted disproportionately from SI and highlighted the dearth of studies assessing the equity of outcomes. In this study, we explore the social inclusiveness of zero-tillage (ZT) wheat adoption in Bihar, India. ZT is a proven SI technology for enhancing wheat productivity while boosting profitability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural machinery in the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plains. With an average landholding size of 0.39 ha, most farmers in Bihar depend on custom-hiring services to access the technology. While service provision models should foster inclusive growth by reducing financial barriers to technology adoption, early evidence suggested that smallholders remained at a disadvantage. Building on this previous research, we use a panel dataset from 961 wheat-growing households that spans a six-year period to analyze ZT adoption dynamics over time while accounting for the role of social networks and access to service provision. Using a heckprobit approach to correct for non-exposure bias, we compare determinants of ZT awareness and use in 2012 and 2015. We apply a multinomial logit model to identify determinants of early adoption, recent adoption, non-adoption, and dis-adoption. Furthermore, we explore the quality of ZT services as an additional dimension of socially-inclusive technology access. We find that the strong initial scale bias in ZT use declined substantially as awareness of the technology increased and the service economy expanded. Land fragmentation replaced total landholding size as a significant adoption determinant, which also affected the quality of ZT services received. Hence, farmers with small but contiguous landholdings appear to have gained a significant degree of access over time. We conclude that early-stage assessments of SI may be misleading, and that private sector-based service provision can contribute to socially inclusive development outcomes as markets mature.

Factors Affecting Farm Mechanization – A Case Study in Assam, India

The study was conducted in Central Brahmaputra Valley and Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam in India. Primary data of 240 sample farms by personal interview schedule method and Logit Regression Analysis was used for examining the factors affecting farm mechanization adoption. All data collected from sample farms pertains to the year 2014-15.With the help of logit regression different factors affecting the mechanization adoption was examined in the sample households where seven explanatory variable to explain mechanization adoption viz., age of the head of household i.e. AGE, education level of the household i.e. EDU, size of land holdings i.e. LHD, access to irrigation i.e. IRA, access to extension agents i. e. EXT, area under high yielding varieties i.e. HYA and the access to institutional credit i.e. BLN were included and the negative value of the coefficient of AGE showed that the younger generation of farmers favoured the mechanization of farm much more compared to the old block. The coefficient of EDU (4.325) was positive and highly significant level confirming that the adoption of farm mechanization was more prevalent among the farms having relatively literate in the study area. It was found from the above analysis that there were different factors which affect the farm mechanization. Linkage of extension functionaries with the grassroots level by creating awareness about the use of farm machineries amongst the farmers.

Factors influencing use of information and communication technologies among farmers in rural Punjab, Pakistan

This study explored the factors influencing the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among farmers in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The Punjab province is divided into three agro-ecological zones viz Northern, Central and Southern. In this study, one district from each zone was randomly selected. Total sample size comprises of 150 farmers. Farmers were interviewed using a self-administered interview schedule comprising of open and close-ended questions. Respondents’ access to ICTs was low level. Chi-square test revealed a significant association between the age of respondents and adoption of ICTs. Young respondents were leading users of ICTs in the study area. Size of landholding and income level of the respondents had a significant association with the frequency of use of ICTs in agriculture. Among various ICTs tools, mobile/cell phone attracted 47.3% of respondents to access agricultural information. Factors militating use of ICTs include; electricity/power issues (x=2.95/3.00), language barriers (x=2.93/3.00), limited knowledge and skills about ICTs (x=2.89/3.00), high cost (x=2.87/3.00) and limited availability of ICTs (x=2.85/3.00). Extent of ICTs use to access agricultural information can surge with the unit income level rise, enhanced access to ICTs and enhanced skill level to use ICTs. Keywords: Agriculture information, small landholders, ICTs, rural Punjab

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers Teff Market Supply, in Jimma Arjo District, Western Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: A Two Stage Least Square Approach

This study attempted to analyze teff value chain in Jimma Arjo district of Eastern Wollega zone with the objectives of analyzing the determinants volume of teff supplied to the market. Two stages random sampling technique was employed. First 3 kebeles were selected from 12 teff producers randomly and second 122 teff producers were selected randomly at 9% precision level. Primary data were collected from 122 farmers using structured and semi-structured questionnaire for both quantitative and qualitative datas. Descriptive statistics and 2SLS model were used to analyze the collected data. The result of 2SLS indicated that size of landholding, quantity of teff produced, credit service, and distance from the nearest market influenced amount of teff supplied to market at 5%, 1%, 10% and 5% significantly respectively. Recommendation drawn from the study findings include the need to improve the land productivity by utilizing land, increasing productivity of teff per acre of land by providing essential inputs, providing credit service for producers and constructing social infrastructure to solve the problem of distance from the market, strengthening the linkage/interaction among teff traders, training producers how to produce for surplus and strengthening supportive institutions. Keywords: Teff , Market supply, Two Stage Least Square, Jimma Arjo District DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-3-06

Missing emissions from post-monsoon agricultural fires in northwestern India: regional limitations of MODIS burned area and active fire products

A rising source of outdoor emissions in northwestern India is crop residue burning, occurring after the monsoon (kharif) and winter (rabi) crop harvests. In particular, post-monsoon rice residue burning, which occurs annually from October to November and is linked to increasing mechanization, coincides with meteorological conditions that enhance short-term air quality degradation. Here we examine the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED), whose bottom-up emissions are based on the 500-m burned area product, MCD64A1, derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations. Using a household survey from 2016, we find that MCD64A1 tends to underestimate burned area in many surveyed villages, leading to poor representation of small, scattered fires and consequent spatial biases in model results. To more accurately allocate such small fires and resolve sub-village heterogeneity, we use an experimental hybrid MODIS-Landsat method (ModL2T) to map burned area at 30-m spatial resolution, which results in 44 ± 21% higher burned area than MCD64A1 and up to 105 ± 52% increase in dry matter emissions over GFEDv4s. In our validation and assessments, we find that ModL2T performs better relative to MCD64A1 in terms of bias and omission error, but may introduce commission error due to conflation of burning with harvest and still underestimate burned area due to Landsat’s coarse temporal resolution (every 16 days). We conclude that while MODIS and Landsat provide more than two decades worth of observations, their spatio-temporal resolution is too coarse to overcome several region-specific challenges: small median landholding size (1–3 ha), quick harvest-to-sowing turnover period, prevalence of partial burning, and increasing haziness. To further constrain agricultural fire emissions in northwestern India and improve model estimates of associated public health impacts, integration of finer resolution imagery, as well as better understanding of the spatial patterns in burn rates, burn practices, and fuel loading, is requisite.

Disparities in Ownership of Household Assets among the Tribal Households in Himachal Pradesh

This paper was an attempt to analyse the distribution pattern of household assets and to assess the existing level of disparities in the ownership of household assets among the tribal households in Himachal Pradesh. For this purpose, the firsthand information is collected from 439 tribal households from all the seven community development block constituting the tribal belt of Himachal Pradesh with the help of multistage random sampling during 2013–14. The results showed that the value of household assets showed an increasing tendency with an increase in the size of holdings. The analysis highlighted that the distribution of the household assets among the tribal population in Himachal Pradesh is highly skewed and the disparities in the distribution of household assets are showing an increasing tendency with an increase in the size of land holdings. This paper will be helpful in carrying out further extensive analysis and showing a way to reduce the existing disparities in asset distribution in Himachal Pradesh.

Factors affecting market outlet choice of wheat producers in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundSelecting the appropriate channels to deliver farm products is not an easy task because there are various factors that affect producers to select such relevant channels. Hence, the study was aimed to investigate the factors that influence market channel choices among wheat producers in Northwestern Ethiopia.MethodsUsing multistage sampling technique, 163 smallholder wheat producers were selected to collect primary data through semi-structures questionnaires. Combinations of data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics and econometrics model (multivariate probit model) were used.Result and conclusionThe study identified four major wheat market channel choices such as retailers, assemblers, consumers and wholesalers as alternatives to wheat producers to sell majority of their products. Thus, retailers who accounted for 40.49% of total sold, assemblers (39.2%), consumers (37.5%) and wholesalers (23.93%). The results of a multivariate probit model indicated that age of household, education status, credit access; livestock number, off-farm income and total land-holding size of farmers significantly affected the market channel choice decisions in one or another way. Therefore, strengthening institutions to deliver timely and appropriate credit service and training to a farmer is among the major recommendations from this study.

The Impact of Credit Policy on Rice Production in Myanmar

AbstractRural finance has long been an important tool for poverty reduction and rural development by donors and governments, but the impacts have been controversial. Measuring impact is challenging due to identification problems caused by selection bias and governments’ targeted interventions, while randomised trial data are scarce and limited to contexts where little to no rural finance exists. Using an author‐collected dataset, we provide insights on a large‐scale long‐lasting subsidised rice credit programme in Myanmar, one of the poorest and, until recently, most economically isolated countries in Asia. Identification relies on a fuzzy regression discontinuity design, exploiting an arbitrary element to the credit provision rule which is based on rice landholding size. Although we find little evidence that rice yield or output is increased, we do see that the programme has some positive effects on total household income, suggesting a positive spillover effect on other farm income activities.

How climate awareness influences farmers’ adaptation decisions in Central America?

Central America is one of the regions with the highest vulnerability to climate change, with negative effects projected to affect its economy and food security. To address this issue, an integrative farm management approach such as Climate-Smart Agriculture can help reorient agricultural practices towards climate adaptation and food security. Past studies have shown that several factors can either hinder or encourage the adoptions of Climate-Smart practices, including subjective expectations and perceptions. Building on this literature, we analyze farmers' climate awareness and their perceptions regarding the change in climate patterns as well as their choices of farming practices to adapt to these changes. We show that reforestation was the preferred adaptation strategy among interviewed farmers and that educational profiles and the size of landholdings drive the adoption of this and other practices. Soil management and introduction of new crops are preferred by literate farms with large farmlands, whereas illiterate farmers with smaller farmland tend to move towards farm intensification with an increase in the utilization of external inputs. Our findings provide evidence to support the design of capacity development interventions targeting specific groups of farmers according to their main crop and education profile.

Forest certification map of Europe

Abstract: Forests cover nearly 40% of European land, with different country percentage and patchy distribution. The European forestry sector highlights that forest areas have different ownership: private (by firms, individual, or organizations) and public (State, communities or municipalities). The number of forestry holdings, size of landholding, and ownership types influence and drive forest management, governance and various other socio-economic linked issues. Moreover, forest owners determine management objectives and policies which influence the application of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices. Several tools were developed to promote SFM, including forest certification. Numerous forest certification schemes are present across the world but the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are those prevalent. However, a map of certified forests is lacking, although mapping would be essential to locate the percentage of forest that are certified to be sustainably managed. The study mapped forest certification across 43 European states, according to 499 FSC and 284 PEFC reports and assessed the proportion of certified forest area on public and private land and the rate of increase. This research was carried out collecting information on European certified forest companies/owners and locating geographically their forests at sub-national level (regions, NUTS 2). The database of the Joint COST Action FACESMAP/UNECE/FAO was an important data source. At European level, about six percent of the forest is certified under FSC scheme, while about seven percent under PEFC scheme. As forest certification is a useful tool to manage forests aiming at the integration of economic, ecological and social sustainability, the knowledge of the location and area of certified forest in Europe could be important in motivating decision makers to increase these sustainably managed areas.

Study of the Hydraulic Parameters of Existing Water Storage Structures in Bhakra Main Canal Command Area of Sirsa District, Haryana

Balancing reservoirs are extensive kind of water storage structures. They ensure the adequate quantity of water availability to fulfill the demand and maintain water quality. The major hydraulic parameters of the tank are length, width, depth, side slope, surface area and storage capacity. In this study, information about hydraulic parameters of 109 existing balancing reservoirs was collected from various sources. The storage capacity of the balancing reservoir is important for the efficient operation of the water supply system. The balancing reservoir should be large enough to store sufficient water to meet both average and peak daily demands of the crop. In the present study, balancing reservoirs of different sizes and shapes were found existing in the farmers’ fields. Trapezoidal shaped tanks having a geometrical advantage over other shaped tanks can be constructed. Mostly, the B-category tanks (size between 50-100 m2) existed in research areas and these were based on the size of landholding. Water storage through the tank is considered as an efficient tool because it improves crop productivity and minimizes risk uncertainties.

English

This study investigated factors determining microfinance loan utilization by smallholder farmers from Omo Microfinance institution in Lemo District of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used and a total of 118 sampled farmers were considered for the interview. Both descriptive statistics and independent double-hurdle model were used to analyze the microfinance loan utilization and loan amount received. The results showed that literacy status, household size, size of landholding, perception about loan repayment period and distance from residence to lending center were the significant determinants of microfinance loan utilization by smallholder farmers. The borrower’s sex, literacy status, income level, saving level, purpose of loan taking and perception about loan repayment period were found to be the factors influencing loan amount received by smallholder farmers in the study area. The findings generally suggest the need to enhance appropriate actions on determining factors of microfinance loan utilization and its loan amount in order to lessen financial constraints of smallholder farmers through microcredit. Key words: Lemo District, loan utilization, loan amount received, microfinance, smallholder farmers.

Influence of payment modes on farmers’ contribution to climate change adaptation: understanding differences using a choice experiment in Nepal

Adaptation has become a key priority in dealing with climate change issues. However, successful implementation of climate change adaptation entails substantial financial investment. This study examines differences in Nepalese farming households’ willingness to contribute to the implementation of adaptation programs across monetary and non-monetary modes of payments. To this end, we undertake discrete choice experiments with monetary payment and labor contributions as the payment vehicles. We find that farmers are interested in participating in and financially supporting the implementation of climate change adaptation initiatives that increase the availability of climate-adaptive crop varieties, improve soil quality, expand irrigation and build farmers’ capacity in terms of climate-adaptive farming. Factors influencing farmers’ participation in adaptation programs include age, income, access to extension services, size of land holdings, number of farm parcels, climate change perception and climate change experience. Furthermore, the findings reveal significant heterogeneity in the farmers’ preferences across three agro-ecological regions in Nepal. Our findings also strengthen the methodological validity of the results of the choice experiment, which indicated that farmers are willing to pay significantly more when asked to make a payment in terms of a labor contribution compared to a monetary payment for the implementation of adaptation programs. Overall, the findings of this study justify the relevance of implementing agricultural adaptation programs in Nepal.

DETERMINANTS OF HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AND COPING STRATEGY: (EVIDENCE FROM AMARO WOREDA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA)

The study was conducted in Amaro Woreda of southern Ethiopia with the main objectives to identify the main determinants of household food Security. Data were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency and mean), inferential statistics (Chi-square and t-test) and logistic regression (binary logit) model. Household calorie acquisition was used to measure the status of household food security. Through systematic sampling method 151 respondents were identified. Among those 40.4% of the respondents were food insecure and 59.6% were food secure. The logistic model was initially fitted with 11 variables of which five were found to be significance effect on the household food security. Cultivated land size, livestock holding, education level, household labor and annual gross household income were significantly affecting household food security. Farm households have employed different coping strategies including sale of livestock, reduce size of meals and reduce number of meals at initial stage of food shortage and receive food aid, sale/consume seed meant and reduce size of meals at sever stage of food shortage. Improved food security is attained along with the increase in the size of cultivated land and livestock holdings. Improved technologies that increase the productivity of land and livestock should be given prior attention.

Determinant in Intensity of Farmers’ Participation in Contract Farming

This article examines the intensity of farmers’ participation in contract farming by estimating the allocation of land and family labour for the contract and non-contract crops. In addition, factors that influence farmers’ decision to allocate land for the contract crop was identified. The analysis of this article is based on 159 households of Telangana state. The empirical results indicated that farmer is likely to employ proportionately more family labour for contract crop compared to non-contract ones. Small farmers proportionately allocate more land and family labour for the contract crop compared to large ones. Landholding size, education and income have influenced farmers’ decision to allocate land for growing gherkin, while it is landholding size, family size and income in case of hybrid paddy seed. To increase participation of small farmers, focus should be given to improve the education level and increase the landholding size through implementation of proper land policy.