Livelihoods Of Farmers Research Articles

Content Analysis of Knowledge and Adoption of Climate-resilient Cotton Production Practices among Dryland Farmers

Cotton is a vital crop for smallholder farmers in India, particularly in the rainfed regions of Andhra Pradesh. The dryland farming is vulnerable to climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation, leading to reduced crop yields and decreased livelihood security. Critical interventions like conservation agriculture, micro irrigation, and integrated nutrient management are essential to address these challenges. Despite their importance, the adoption of these interventions among dryland farmers remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and adoption of critical interventions among dryland farmers in cotton cultivation. The results showed that 75-100% of farmers had knowledge about basic practices like sowing time, seed rate, and spacing, while 50-75% knew about pest and disease management practices. However, only 25-50% were aware of drought mitigating measures, and 0-25% knew about advanced practices like micro irrigation and anti-transpirants. The adoption of critical interventions was also low, with 75-100% adoption of basic practices, 50-75% adoption of pest and disease management practices, and 25-50% adoption of drought mitigating measures. The study highlights the need for awareness and training programs to improve the knowledge and adoption of critical interventions among dryland farmers. The findings suggest that there is a significant knowledge and adoption gap among dryland farmers, particularly regarding advanced practices. Addressing this gap is crucial to enhancing the livelihoods of dryland farmers and promoting sustainable cotton production in the region.

Livestock Sector's Economic Significance and Livelihood Support in Afghanistan: A Focus on Small Ruminants

Afghanistan predominantly an agrarian nation with a significant rural population, relies heavily on livestock for various purposes. Despite its pivotal role in the country's economy and the sustenance of rural communities, the livestock sector, particularly small ruminants like sheep and goats, often lacks the attention it deserves. This review seeks to evaluate the economic importance of small ruminants and address the challenges faced by livestock farmers, including insufficient pastures, imbalanced nutrition, and limited access to clean water. The analysis encompasses the contribution of small ruminants to the national economy, their impact on rural livelihoods, and the impediments encountered by small-scale farmers. Additionally, the study delves into the intricacies of production systems, market dynamics, and value chains associated with small ruminants, highlighting their role in income generation, employment, and food security. Exploring socio-cultural dimensions, the paper acknowledges the significance of small ruminants in traditional practices and social norms. However, it also underscores challenges in animal health, breeding, feeding, marketing, and infrastructure that hinder the sector's growth. The review underscores the necessity for targeted interventions, including improved veterinary services, enhanced extension support, better market linkages, and policy reforms, to fortify the small ruminant sector. By offering recommendations, the paper aims to guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners toward fostering sustainable development and inclusive expansion of the small ruminant sector, ultimately uplifting the livelihoods of Afghanistan's small-scale livestock farmers.

Modeling and Application of Drought Monitoring with Adaptive Spatial Heterogeneity Using Eco–Geographic Zoning: A Case Study of Drought Monitoring in Yunnan Province, China

Drought, characterized by frequent occurrences, an extended duration, and a wide range of destruction, has become one of the natural disasters posing a significant threat to both socioeconomic progress and agricultural livelihoods. Large-scale geographical environments often exhibit obvious spatial heterogeneity, leading to significant spatial differences in drought’s development and outcomes. However, traditional drought monitoring models have not taken into account the impact of regional spatial heterogeneity on drought, resulting in evaluation results that do not match the actual situation. In response to the above-mentioned issues, this study proposes the establishment of ecological–geographic zoning to adapt to the spatially stratified heterogeneous characteristics of large-scale drought monitoring. First, based on the principles of ecological and geographical zoning, an appropriate index system was selected to carry out ecological and geographical zoning for Yunnan Province. Second, based on the zoning results and using data from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43, the vegetation condition index (VCI), the temperature condition index (TCI), the precipitation condition index (TRCI), and three topographic factors including the digital elevation model (DEM), slope (SLOPE), and aspect (ASPECT) were selected as model parameters. Multiple linear regression models were then used to establish integrated drought monitoring frameworks at different eco–geographical zoning scales. Finally, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to evaluate the monitoring effects of the model, and the spatiotemporal variation patterns and characteristics of winter and spring droughts in Yunnan Province from 2008–2019 were further analyzed. The results show that (1) compared to the traditional non-zonal models, the drought monitoring model constructed based on ecological–geographic zoning has a higher correlation and greater accuracy with the SPEI and (2) Yunnan Province experiences periodic and seasonal drought patterns, with spring being the peak period of drought occurrence and moderate drought and light drought being the main types of drought in Yunnan Province. Therefore, we believe that ecological–geographic zoning can better adapt to geographical spatial heterogeneity characteristics, and the zonal drought monitoring model constructed can more effectively identify the actual occurrence of drought in large regions. This research finding can provide reference for the formulation of drought response policies in large-scale regions.

Suggestion for Farmers to the Adoption of Solar Pumps in Jodhpur District of Rajasthan, India

The Jodhpur district of Rajasthan is where the research investigation was conducted. There are seven tehsils in the Rajasthani district of Jodhpur. The two tehsils with the most solar pumps built were Osian and Balesar. Ten villages from each selected tehsil were selected based on which villages would most benefit from solar pumps. Due to their abundance of solar pumps, twenty communities were picked, and among them, one hundred twenty-five (125) responders were chosen. The research paper outlines some recommendations for enhancing the program's management as well as issues farmers ran across when adopting solar pumps. The adoption of solar pumps in agriculture is a promising and sustainable solution to address multiple challenges faced by farmers and the environment. Traditional irrigation methods often rely on fossil fuels or grid electricity, contributing to environmental degradation and high operational costs. Solar pumps, powered by renewable energy, offer a compelling alternative that can enhance agricultural productivity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the livelihoods of farmers. This article explores the benefits of adopting solar pumps and provides suggestions for their widespread implementation.

Выявление патогенов картофеля с использованием различных методов диагностики

Abstract. Potato diseases have far reaching implications for the agricultural industry as they not only reduce productivity and quality of potato crop but also negatively affect the livelihood of farmers. The purpose of the studies detection and identification of potato phytopathogens by visual assessment, real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and molecular genetic screening for phytopathogen resistance genes. Methods. Visual evaluation of each potato variety for major fungal, viral and bacterial diseases was carried out during the period of full sprouting, at plant height of 15–20 cm and in the phase of full flowering. The percentage of plants affected by diseases in relation to the total number of inspected plants was calculated. Diagnosis of resistance of potato samples to diseases was carried out on the basis of PCR. DNA markers of phytopathogen resistance genes YES3-3A, RYSC3, Ry186, TG 689, Gro1-4-1, Gpa2-2, PVX were used for molecular screening of potato. Infection of samples by PCR-RV (real-time) was determined using reagent kits of Syntol LLC Potato Virus X and Potato Virus Y, Potato spindle tuber viroid-PB, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus-PB, Dickeya spp-PB. Results. According to the results of visual evaluation, the absence of symptoms of wrinkle mosaic in 20% of hybrids, mottle mosaic in 40%, mosaic leaf curl in 96 %, leaf curl in 72 hybrids, black leg in 100%, phytophthorosis in 88% of hybrids, alternaria in 84 %, rhizoctoniosis in 96 % of hybrids were observed. According to the results of PCR-RV analysis in 21 samples detected virus Y. The scientific novelty consists in the diagnosis of potato viruses using traditional visual assessment with the use of molecular markers that allow to identify correlation relationship between trhis methods.

Empowering women through a gender-responsive seed multiplication program in Northern Malawi

Limited access to quality seeds remains a major challenge to improving agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Malawi. Over the past decade, local seed multiplication programs have emerged as a promising solution to enhance farmers’ access to quality seeds in resource-poor regions. Some of such projects have incorporated gender-responsive tools to bridge the gender inequality gap in the seed system. Yet there is a dearth of research examining the impacts of seed multiplication programs on farmers’ livelihoods and in promoting gender equality in smallholder communities. This dearth of research has resulted in the underrepresentation of seed multiplication in agricultural policy. To address this void in the literature, we conducted interviews with 40 participants and three project officers from a gender-responsive seed multiplication initiative launched in 2011/12. Through a feminist political ecology lens, we investigated the program’s impact on gender equality and smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Our results highlight prominent benefits farmers derived from the program; including livelihood diversification, seed and food security, improvements in women’s household decision-making autonomy, changing gender and social norms, and improvements in women’s leadership opportunities. However, challenges like climate change and constrained market access threaten these gains. Given these insights, we argue that gender-responsive seed initiatives can deliver on gender equality while simultaneously improving smallholder farmers livelihoods. While we advocate for the integration of gender-responsive seed multiplication initiatives into agricultural policy frameworks in Malawi, addressing market accessibility and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices is crucial to realizing these gains.

A systematic literature review on the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa

Smallholder farmers in South Africa are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, posing significant threats to their livelihoods and food security. This systematic literature review investigates the several impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers across the country. The literature review used a systematic approach to search for relevant research across three academic databases such as Google scholar, Consensus, and Zendy. Based on the inclusion criteria for the literature review, 261 articles were initially screened, and 35 articles were included in the systematic review. This process helped to identify the most relevant and high-quality studies on the topic. The data extracted from the 35 articles were analyzed and synthesized to identify the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This helped to identify commonalities and differences across the literature, and to draw conclusions about the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study identified and examined the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including the loss of livestock, reduced crop yields and heightened economic hardship. Additionally, the review explores the coping strategies employed by farmers to mitigate these challenges and adapt to the evolving climatic conditions. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms aimed at enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, the study provides valuable recommendations for policymakers, agriculturalists, and other stakeholders to address the identified issues and support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change.

Impact of corporate social responsibility on sustainable agriculture and livelihood of farmers

AbstractRural areas have low levels of advancement and access to resources compared to urban regions, and elevating these regions is fundamental for accomplishing balanced and sustainable development. Rural uplifting typically includes a range of interventions, and by drawing in local stakeholders, rural uplifting projects can make sustainable arrangements that are custom‐made for each community's unique difficulties and opportunities. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to and aid the government's efforts in rural development. CybageAsha's (CSR department of Cybage Software) flagship programs seek to improve rural communities through sustainable solutions. These encompass income‐generating interventions using contemporary agricultural methods as well as infrastructure development. This article analyses the impact of agricultural interventions on the farmers' livelihoods carried out by CybageAsha in 19 villages across the Pune district (India) by using the t‐test and difference‐in‐difference approach. Findings reveal that the shift from traditional farming methods to adopting new farming methods among beneficiaries has added value in improving the beneficiaries' yields, incomes, skills, and livelihood. CybageAsha's interventions positively impacted the beneficiaries, contributing to agricultural development, livelihood improvement, income generation, and a decline in migration. However, there is a need for continuous support and improvement to sustain the benefits for farmers. The article provides a new understanding for researchers and practitioners about the CSR approaches towards agricultural development. Addressing the challenges and concerns identified in the data analysis will further enhance the effectiveness of rural uplifting initiatives.

Commercial Soyabean Farming and Household Livelihoods in Kole District northern Uganda, a critical analysis of Farmers Cooperative Society

This paper presents the relationship between commercial soyabean farming and household livelihoods of members of Alito Joint Christian Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (AJCFSL) in Kole district, Uganda. We used mixed method approach and generated quantitative and qualitative data from registered members of AJCFSL. We sampled 155 respondents out of 259 using simple random technique and purposive sampling techniques and collected data using questionnaires and interview guide. The findings reveal that the number of acres cultivated by soyabean farmers (p<0.01, β= 0.637) is significant in predicting household food security, income, provision of basic needs and responding to emergencies. However, owning storage facilities by farming households is least significant in explaining the contribution of soyabean farming to household livelihood elements (p<0.01, β= 0.216). The study concludes that planting soya bean on more acres strongly enhance family stability. The study recommends the introduction of easy means of acquiring land titles by farmers; and the introduction of subsidized tractor-hire services to boost production of soya bean and achieve a stable family environment. Further research can be considered with a view of analyzing the relationship between commercial soya bean farming and the financial, human, and physical capitals of farmers in Kole district

A Review of Biochemical Factors Influencing Coffee Disease and Insect Pests Resistance

Coffee is a major crop in over 70 countries, with Ethiopia being one of the top coffee-producing countries in Africa. However, coffee is susceptible to various diseases and insect pests that can significantly reduce yields and affect coffee quality. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the biochemical contents of coffee and their mechanisms of resistance to diseases and insect pests, with a focus on the Ethiopian context. The biochemical contents of coffee, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, play a crucial role in its resistance to diseases and insect pests. These compounds can act as antimicrobial agents, inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens and bacteria, and also exhibit insecticidal properties, repelling ants and other insects that can damage coffee plants.. The review highlights the importance of harnessing the power of coffee's biochemical contents to develop sustainable coffee production practices that can mitigate the impacts of disease and pest outbreaks, improve coffee quality, and promote the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By understanding the biochemical factors that contribute to coffee's defense against diseases and pests, researchers and policymakers can work towards enhancing the resilience and productivity of the Ethiopian coffee industry, which plays a crucial role in the global coffee market.

Multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands from the grain security perspective: Evidence from the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China

Non-grain production (NGP) represents a complex social phenomenon driven by a range of interests that involve agricultural development, livelihood security, and ecological preservation. It significantly alters the structure of agricultural production and vegetation cover, influencing regional grain supply and the multifunctional composition of agriculture. To achieve sustainable development goals related to grain supply and ecological stability, this study proposes a research framework for multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands (NGFs). First, NGFs in the Wuhan metropolitan area (WHM) were extracted based on land survey data to carry out multifunctional evaluation of NGFs, including production function, ecological functions and recreational function. Second, the SOM+K-means algorithm is used to identify and explore the multifunctional bundle characteristics of NGFs to determine the regulation priority order of NGFs. Finally, a multiscenario simulation of the rigid control scale and layout arrangement of NGFs from the grain security perspective is carried out. The research results show that (1) there are 1294.34 thousand ha of NGFs in the WHM, mainly of grain and non-grain rotation type (52.36 %). The production function is higher in the central and western Jianghan Plain areas than in the northeastern and southern hilly mountainous areas; the ecological functions are the opposite; the high-value areas of recreational function are mainly located around the built-up areas of the city. (2) Multifunctional bundles divide NGFs into seven categories and determine the order of regulation based on the principle of "production priority, functional diversity". (3) By setting different grain security scenarios, it is predicted that the rigid control scale of NGFs in the WHM in 2030 is 256.08–797.55 thousand ha. Divide and restore grain production in order of the priority zone for grain production, the reserve zone for grain production, the resilience zone for grain production, the ecological improvement zone and the agricultural improvement zone, so as to achieve a regulatory layout of strict control and adaptable regulation of NGFs. The research supports the regulation of NGFs in balancing grain security and ecological stability to promote sustainable agricultural production.

Assessment of Storage Structure, Cause of Gran Loss, and Methods Used to Control Storage Losses

Post-harvest losses, leading to substantial grain loss, stem from various factors such as insect infestation, mold growth, rodent damage, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate storage practices. This study investigates the storage structures employed by farmers in Zenzelma Kebele and identifies the primary causes of grain loss. Despite the persistence of traditional storage structures like "Gotera" and "Gota," there is a noticeable lack of adoption of improved storage methods. The research highlights insects and rodents as major contributors to grain loss, both in the field and during storage. Farmers mainly use chemical measures to combat these pests, including fumigation and pesticides like Malathion. Additionally, sun drying remains a widely used traditional method. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the development of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions to reduce post-harvest losses. Understanding local farming practices is crucial for designing effective interventions that enhance food security and promote economic sustainability in maize production. By focusing on the specific conditions and practices in Zenzelma Kebele, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving grain storage and reducing losses. Tailored interventions, informed by local needs and practices, are essential to address these issues effectively. The adoption of improved storage techniques and IPM strategies can significantly reduce grain losses, thereby boosting food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers. This research advocates for a holistic approach to pest management and storage practices, encouraging collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative storage solutions, we can work towards a more secure and prosperous future for maize producers in Zenzelma Kebele and beyond.

The impact of COVID-19 on livelihood assets: a case study of high-value crop farmers in North-West Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on public health, extending to the food system and people's livelihoods worldwide, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to ascertain the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on livelihood assets in the North-Western areas (Rajshahi and Rangpur) of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected from 320 farmers engaged in high-value agriculture using a multistage sampling method. The data were analysed using first-order structural equation modelling. The findings reveal a significant impact (p < 0.01) of the pandemic on all livelihood assets in Bangladesh. Notably, human assets exhibited the highest impact, with a coefficient of 0.740, followed sequentially by financial (0.709), social (0.684), natural (0.600), physical (0.542), and psychological (0.537) assets. Government-imposed lockdowns and mobility restrictions were identified as the major causes of the pandemic's negative effects on livelihoods, which included lost income, rising food prices, decreased purchasing power, inadequate access to food and medical supplies, increased social insecurity, and a rise in depression, worry, and anxiety among farmers. The effects of COVID-19 and associated policy measures on the livelihoods of high-value crop farmers have reversed substantial economic and nutritional advances gained over the previous decade. This study suggests attention to the sustainable livelihoods of farmers through direct cash transfer and input incentive programs to minimize their vulnerability to a pandemic like COVID-19 or any other crisis in the future.

Climate-smart agricultural practices and its implication in Ethiopia: a systematic review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its implication on improving the farming household food security status, their resilience and livelihood risk management of farmers. Design/methodology/approach This systematic review has followed procedures to accomplish the review, including literature searches, screening studies, data extraction, synthesis and presentation of the data. Findings Based on the result of the review, the determinants of CSA adoption can be categorized into five categories, including demographic factors (age, sex, family size, dependency ratio, education), economic factors (land size, household income, livestock ownership), institutional factors (extension services, training access, credit services, farm input, market distance), environmental factors (agroecology, change in precipitation, slope of land) and social factors (cooperatives membership, farmers perception). The result also shows that applying CSA practices has an indispensable role on increasing productivity, food security, income, building resilient livelihoods, minimizing production risk and alleviating poverty. This concluded CSA practice has a multidimensional role in the livelihood of agrarian population like Ethiopia, yet its adoption was constrained by several factors. Originality/value This review mainly emphasizes on the most commonly practiced CSA strategies that are examined by different scholars.

Time Series Modeling and Forecasting of Finger Millet Cultivation Area, Production and Productivity in Chhattisgarh, India: The Box Jenkins Methodology

Chhattisgarh has taken important steps towards promoting millets cultivation and improving the livelihood of farmers. To increase millets production in Chhattisgarh, the state government launched the Millet Mission in September 2021. This mission has been started with a view to make Chhattisgarh the ‘millet hub of India’. The present study was conducted on time series modelling and forecasting of finger millet crops in Chhattisgarh India using Box Jenkins methodology and used historical data on currently cultivated area, production and yield of finger millet crops. The time series data was collected from 2001 to 2023, and analysis of the study was carried out using path analysis and Box Jenkins ARIMA model; and among various 20 models the best and suitable ARIMA (0, 1, 2), (3, 1, 1) and (2, 0, 4) model was selected based on AIC, BIC, MAPE, RMSE, MAE. With the help of the selected appropriate model, the cultivation area, production and yield of finger millet cultivation in Chhattisgarh was forecasted for the year 2024 to 2030. But marvellous, diminishing and fluctuating trend was observed in finger millet cultivation area and production over the forecast period. Whereas increasing and stochastic trend was observed in finger millet yield over the forecast period.

Economic Value of Bamboo Leaf on Nutrition Intake, Productivity, and Growth Performance on Boer Goat

This study investigated the effects of bamboo leaf supplementation on nutrition intake, productivity, and growth performance in Boer goats (Capra aegagrus hircus). A randomized complete block design was employed, with four treatment groups: Control (no bamboo leaf supplementation) and three experimental groups receiving Low Dose (50g/day/goat), Medium Dose (100g/day/goat), and High Dose (150g/day/goat) of bamboo leaves. Each treatment group comprised three repetitions. Thirty-six healthy Boer goats of similar age and weight were selected and housed individually with ad libitum access to water and a basal diet. Bamboo leaf supplementation was administered daily for 60 days, following which nutrition intake, productivity, and growth performance were assessed. Results revealed a dose-dependent increase in nutrition intake with higher levels of bamboo leaf supplementation, indicating improved feed consumption in supplemented groups. Productivity, measured as total weight gain per hectare, exhibited a similar trend, with the Medium and High Dose groups demonstrating higher productivity compared to the Control and Low Dose groups. Analysis of growth performance, represented by average daily gain (ADG), further supported these findings, showing higher ADG in the Medium and High Dose groups. Bamboo leaf supplementation positively influenced nutrition intake, productivity, and growth performance in Boer goats. These results suggest the potential of bamboo leaves as a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing goat farming efficiency and livelihoods, particularly in regions where bamboo is abundant.

Land Rental Transactions in Ethiopian Peri-Urban Areas: Sex and Other Factors for Land Rent Transactions

The continuous reduction in peri-urban agricultural land due to spatial urban expansion forces subsistence farmers to seek arable land through different land access strategies. Among these, land rental transactions are crucial for accessing arable land across different regions. This study aimed to examine factors affecting land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas of the East Gojjam Administrative Zone in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 353 household heads of peri-urban areas, who were affected by expropriation. A total of 350 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometrics model. The results indicated that 58% of the respondents participated in both renting and renting out land, which underlines the importance of land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas. Specifically, 60% of female-headed households were engaged in land rental transactions, with 14% renting in and 46% renting out land. In contrast, 38% of the male-headed respondents rented land, while only 19% rented out land. The model result identified sex, landholding size, number of oxen, participation in off-farm activities, and extension service as significant determinant variables for renting land. Households made land rental agreements both orally and in written documents, with oral agreements being more prevalent. Transaction dues were conducted through sharecropping and fixed rents, with sharecropping being the most common method. Thus, land rental transactions play pivotal roles to support the livelihoods of peri-urban subsistence farmers.

IPhyDSDB: Phytoplasma Disease and Symptom Database.

Phytoplasmas are small, intracellular bacteria that infect a vast range of plant species, causing significant economic losses and impacting agriculture and farmers' livelihoods. Early and rapid diagnosis of phytoplasma infections is crucial for preventing the spread of these diseases, particularly through early symptom recognition in the field by farmers and growers. A symptom database for phytoplasma infections can assist in recognizing the symptoms and enhance early detection and management. In this study, nearly 35,000 phytoplasma sequence entries were retrieved from the NCBI nucleotide database using the keyword "phytoplasma" and information on phytoplasma disease-associated plant hosts and symptoms was gathered. A total of 945 plant species were identified to be associated with phytoplasma infections. Subsequently, links to symptomatic images of these known susceptible plant species were manually curated, and the Phytoplasma Disease Symptom Database (iPhyDSDB) was established and implemented on a web-based interface using the MySQL Server and PHP programming language. One of the key features of iPhyDSDB is the curated collection of links to symptomatic images representing various phytoplasma-infected plant species, allowing users to easily access the original source of the collected images and detailed disease information. Furthermore, images and descriptive definitions of typical symptoms induced by phytoplasmas were included in iPhyDSDB. The newly developed database and web interface, equipped with advanced search functionality, will help farmers, growers, researchers, and educators to efficiently query the database based on specific categories such as plant host and symptom type. This resource will aid the users in comparing, identifying, and diagnosing phytoplasma-related diseases, enhancing the understanding and management of these infections.

Zero-Burning Policy in Land Preparation: Social Changes and Its Impact on Communities and the Environment

In Indonesia, forest and land fires have become an annual occurrence, with devastating effects. Following major fires in 2015, the government implemented policies restricting the use of fire in land preparation. This policy has affected the livelihoods of traditional farmers who still use fire for land clearing. The research aims to analyze the social changes that have occurred among traditional farmers as a result of the policy to ban burning in land preparation, and to assess its impact. The study was undertaken in Pulang Pisau Regency (Central Kalimantan) and Ogan Komering Ilir Regency (South Sumatera). Findings reveal two types of social transformation processes, namely, changes in agricultural commodities and changes in livelihoods. In general, fire policy restrictions in land preparation improved peatland ecosystems, but has had a detrimental impact on some rural communities living around peatlands. To anticipate these effects, the government promoted no-burn land preparation techniques and initiated a new paddy field construction scheme. However, both were less successful due to local resistance for their unsuitability in the local context.

First Report on the Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii From Donkeys in Kenya.

The present study was conducted to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in donkeys by molecular tests and genetic diversity analysis of the obtained DNA samples from central Kenya. A total of 363 blood samples were collected from donkeys in Meru and Kirinyaga Counties, and 96 samples that were previously seropositive for T. gondii using indirect ELISA were subjected to nested PCR based on the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Genotyping was performed on 15 selected positive samples using multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn-PCR-RFLP) with eight genetic markers ('SAG 2, 5'SAG 2, Alt. SAG 2, SAG 3, GRA 6, C29-2, BTUB and L358). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 36.5% (35/96) of the blood samples. The sequences obtained exhibited 98.2-99.5% homology with those deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the obtained sequences are conserved and clustered with those of infecting animals from other regions of the world. Eighteen distinct T. gondii haplotypes were identified to be circulating in donkeys from central Kenya. The T. gondii DNA samples exhibited high haplotype diversity (Hd: 0.915) and limited genetic diversity (π = 0.01027). PCR-RFLP of T. gondii DNA-positive samples revealed three different genetic combinations that consisted of alleles I, II and III, indicating the dissemination of atypical genotypes. This study demonstrated that T. gondii is widespread in donkeys from Kenya and could be a possible source of infection in humans. These findings are important for designing control strategies for this parasite to improve the livestock sector, which is one of the main sources of livelihood for farmers in Kenya.