Livelihoods Of Farmers Research Articles

Livelihood and Food Security in the Context of Sustainable Agriculture: Evidence from Tea Agricultural Heritage Systems in China.

The conservation of agricultural heritage systems (AHSs) has played a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable development of agriculture and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and food security worldwide. This significance is particularly evident in the case of tea AHSs, due to the economic and nutritional value of tea products. Taking the Anxi Tieguanyin Tea Culture System (ATTCS) and Fuding White Tea Culture System (FWTCS) in Fujian Province as examples, this study uses statistical analyses and a multinomial logistic regression model to assess and compare farmer livelihood and food security at the tea AHS sites. The main findings are as follows. First, as the tea industries are at different stages of development, compared with agricultural and non-agricultural part-time households, the welfare level of pure agricultural households is lowest in the ATTCS, while welfare is the highest in the FWTCS. Second, factors such as the area of tea gardens and the number of laborers significantly affect farmers' livelihood strategies transformation from pure agricultural households to agricultural part-time households in the ATTCS and FWTCS. Third, the high commodity rate of tea products, combined with compound cultivation in tea gardens, provides local people with essential sources of income, food, and nutrients, so as to improve food security in the ATTCS and FWTCS. These findings are essential for designing policies to ensure farmers' livelihoods and food security through AHSs and other sustainable agriculture.

"Ad hoc policy decisions" in the news: Media framing analysis of a pesticide import ban in Sri Lanka.

Modern agriculture relies on pesticides to maximise outputs. While many highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are banned in places like the European Union due to concerns about harm to the environment and human health, their use continues in many low- and middle-income counties (LMICs). Pesticide suicide is a public health problem unique to countries where HHPs are used, and Sri Lanka has successfully implemented several HHP bans as part of a suicide prevention strategy. On 27 April 2021, the Sri Lankan government announced an imminent import ban of all fertilizers and pesticides which was later revoked in November 2021. The aim of this article was to explore the media framing of the import ban as it pertained to pesticides. Guided by Entman's typology of frame functions, we analysed newspaper articles from nine Sri Lankan newspapers (N = 102) between 20 April to 31 October 2021. Overall, most framings were supportive of the ban, captured by framings that articulated the ban through a health, environment, and organic farming narrative. Framings that foregrounded farmer or industry livelihoods and the pesticide market were primarily adopted to express opposition to the ban. The presence of frames opposing the ban within media articles increased over time during the study period. There was a greater proportion of opposing frames in private newspapers compared to government (78% vs 22%). Many of the articles analysed described the widespread impact of the ban, but only 11% of articles represented the voices of policy end users. This study adds understanding to the ways communication via outlets like mainstream newspapers may shape public support or opposition to pesticide bans in a LMIC. Mass media is an under-recognised factor in policy implementation and this study may inform planning to implement pesticide bans in other countries.

Implementing the Quality of Life and Potential of Social Farming

<p style="text-align:justify">The present study explores the Quality of Life (QoL) of young people with intellectual disabilities engaged in a social farming initiative, known as ‘‘Tuttincampo: Social Farming and Inclusivity’’. The project stands as an innovative approach to improving social inclusion and providing vocational education and training. The initiative seeks to offer a viable alternative to traditional rehabilitation day centers by establishing a network of both public and private institutions. To explore the QoL of the young people we analyze data from the Personal Outcome Scale (POS), a tool that investigates the perception of QoL through self-assessment and hetero-assessment. Data were collected at the beginning and at the end of the social agriculture project. The results obtained confirm the importance of planning pedagogical actions to support social inclusion and vocational training for people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting, as well, the potential of social farming as a new “space” to achieve a higher level of QoL.</p>

CIMORY DAIRY LAND PRIGEN TOURIST DESTINATION WITH LEISURE PARK CONCEPT IN CATTLE FARMING IN PASURUAN

Cimory Dairy Land Prigen, located in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, carries the concept of a leisure park with a focus on cattle farming. This concept attracts various groups, ranging from families to tourists who are interested in the milk production process and farm life. This study aims to examine the application of the leisure park concept in Cimory Dairy Land Prigen, as well as its impact on visitor education and the local economy. This research also aims to identify development strategies that can increase the attractiveness and benefits of this destination. This research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection methods through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. Interviews were conducted with managers, staff, and visitors, while observations were made to understand visitor interactions with existing facilities. Data were analyzed through reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing to provide a comprehensive picture of the implementation of the leisure park concept in Cimory Dairy Land Prigen. The results showed that Cimory Dairy Land Prigen successfully implemented the leisure park concept well. This destination offers various educational and recreational activities such as farm tours, milking, and interaction with farm animals. Adequate infrastructure and supporting facilities such as restaurants and souvenir shops add to the convenience of visitors. The positive impact on the local economy is also evident from the support for micro, small and medium enterprises around the tourism area.

Investigating the skills of HighResMIP in capturing historical and future mean precipitation shifts over Pakistan

AbstractClimatic change over the globe due to global warming affects the characteristics of climate variables that have critical implications on large fraction of population that depends on agriculture for livelihood like Pakistan. Consequently, this study examined how high horizontal grid resolution CMIP6 models simulate the observed precipitation variability during 1981–2014 and further explored the future changes during 2017–2050 under high emission scenario SSP5‐8.5 over Pakistan region. The performances of 12 (CMIP6) High Resolution Model Inter‐comparison Project version 1.0 (hereafter; HighResMIP) GCMs and their ensemble means in reproducing the observed climate were calculated at each station in the study domain and formed the basis for deriving HighResMIP ranking. Further, the study employed Shannon's Entropy and a modified version of Criteria Importance through Inter‐Criteria Correlation (D‐CRITIC) method to build an ensemble mean from the best performing models. Evaluation of HighResMIP GCMs performance revealed that most models showed mixed signals in the region, with fewer models such as HadGEM3‐GC31‐HH, HadGEM3‐GC31‐HM and HadGEM3‐GC31‐MM showing good agreement with the observed precipitation. Overall, HighResMIP multi‐model ensemble outperforms precipitation distribution over individual models. D‐CRITIC based ensemble mean implies higher increase in precipitation than entropy approach. Future changes depict an increase in mean annual in the northern region relative to the historical period. A pronounced increase of about 16%–18% in precipitation was noted in HadGEM3‐GC31‐HH and HiRAM‐SIT‐HR. Conversely, FGOAL‐f3‐H project noteworthy reduction (21%) in precipitation in the near future (2017–2050). The projected seasonal precipitation shows upsurge pattern of 5%–28% in pre‐monsoon season, whereas the reduction in monsoon precipitation is projected to be 29%–40%. The findings of this study can help in building future climate resilience and developing strategic policies in Pakistan.

A Review on Biotechnological Innovations in Developing Stress-Tolerant Crops for Adverse Environmental Conditions

The development of stress-tolerant crops through advanced biotechnological approaches is critical for enhancing global food security and sustainability in the face of climate change and increasing environmental stresses. Emerging tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and synthetic biology are revolutionizing genetic engineering by enabling precise, targeted modifications of plant genomes to improve drought, salinity, heat, and cold tolerance. Integrative approaches that combine genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics provide a comprehensive understanding of plant stress responses, facilitating the identification of key regulatory genes and metabolic pathways. High-throughput phenotyping and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies further enhance trait identification and manipulation, accelerating the development of robust stress-tolerant varieties. The deployment of these crops has demonstrated significant yield improvements and stability in adverse conditions, reducing the risk of crop failures and food shortages. Drought-tolerant maize and rice varieties have increased yields by 20-30% under water-scarce conditions, while salt-tolerant rice and wheat varieties have enabled cultivation in saline soils. Heat-tolerant crops maintain productivity in high-temperature regions, and cold-tolerant varieties extend growing seasons in temperate areas. These advancements not only enhance crop productivity but also promote sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the need for chemical inputs and supporting the resilience of food systems. Moreover, the socio-economic benefits include improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers through increased incomes and economic stability. Continued interdisciplinary research and collaboration are essential to fully realize the potential of these technologies in addressing global agricultural challenges and ensuring a stable food supply for future generations.

FinTech, industrial convergence, and farmers’ prosperity

In recent years, FinTech penetration into rural areas, alongside the integration of agricultural industries, has posed significant implications for rural prosperity. Hence, this study investigates the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on farmers’ prosperity based on the industrial convergence of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2013 to 2018. Empirical analysis of panel data demonstrates that FinTech significantly boosts farmers’ prosperity, particularly in eastern and central China. Furthermore, industrial convergence serves as a mediating factor, enhancing the positive impact of FinTech. This suggests that the integration of various agricultural sectors through technological advancements can lead to increased economic benefits for farmers. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between FinTech, industrial convergence, and rural prosperity, an area previously underexplored. Moreover, the research supports the formulation of targeted policies that encourage the diffusion of digital financial services in rural areas, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and reduce urban–rural disparities. As such, this approach aligns with national strategies for financial inclusivity and rural revitalization.

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

Penerapan Komunikasi Penyuluhan Pertanian pada Lahan Basah di Wilayah Gantiwarno, Klaten, Jawa Tengah

Indonesia is an agricultural country where 40% of the population has a livelihood in agriculture. The agricultural sector plays an important role in the development of the national economy, including the regional economy. The agricultural sector itself has a function as a provider of food for the community, reducing poverty, pioneering employment, and as a source of community income. In the agricultural sector, someone is needed to communicate agricultural technology programs and developments to the farming community so that they can facilitate the agricultural sector. Agricultural technology has had a positive impact on economic welfare and made facilities and infrastructure for farming and maintenance of agriculture easier. Gantiwarno is one of the sub-districts where most of the agricultural land is wetland. Wetlands are lands whose properties or types of soil are saturated with water, and their ecosystems are controlled by water. land whose nature or type of soil is saturated with water. This study uses a constructivism paradigm with a descriptive qualitative approach and uses data collection techniques with in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Researchers conducted interviews with 4 key informants consisting of farmers, UD. Setiti Tani farm shop owners, UD farm shop employees. Setiti Tani and 1 expert informant to complete the data. The researcher draws the conclusion that agricultural extension communication on wetlands in the Gantiwarno area, Klaten, Central Java uses the SMCR communication method, namely: source as a source for giving messages when counseling is carried out, messages that must be conveyed in good and easy-to-understand language, channels or media it is very important to facilitate the dissemination in agricultural extension, the receiver or receiver of the message must be able to receive the message properly so that he is able to direct it in a good direction from before.

Farm LIFE – Farming the future

Farm LIFE – Farming the future

Empowering Nueva Ecija’s Farmers through Microfinancing: A Blueprint for Enhancing Financial Literacy and Agricultural Resilience

This study examines the impact of microfinancing on the livelihoods of farmers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, with the ultimate goal of formulating a comprehensive financial literacy plan. By analyzing the profile, status, and future prospects of these farmers, the research highlights how microfinance is utilized as a critical tool for economic stability and growth within the agricultural sector. The study identifies significant barriers to accessing microfinancing, including stringent loan conditions and the seasonal uncertainties of farming, which often hinder timely loan repayments and financial planning. Findings suggest that while microfinance has the potential to substantially improve farmers' economic conditions, its effectiveness is currently limited by a lack of financial literacy, inadequate loan flexibility, and insufficient alignment with the specific needs of farmers. As a result, many farmers experience challenges in securing and managing microfinance, thereby affecting their productivity and economic resilience. In response, targeted interventions are proposed to enhance the financial literacy of farmers, coupled with recommendations for microfinance institutions to adapt their products and services to better meet the needs of the agricultural sector. These initiatives aim to empower farmers with the necessary skills and resources to optimize their financial decisions and improve their livelihoods sustainably. The study underscores the need for a collaborative approach involving government bodies, educational institutions, and financial organizations to foster a supportive ecosystem that enhances the viability and sustainability of farming communities in Nueva Ecija.

Evaluating the Onfarm Performance of True Seed Shallot Varieties in Northwest Ethiopia

Shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia, but its production has declined in recent years due to a lack of true seed-propagated varieties. This study aimed to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of true seed shallot varieties in three districts of the Amhara region: Fogera, Libokemkem, and Dera. The study involved the participation of host farmers in variety demonstrations and the evaluation of the demonstrated varieties by experienced farmers. Two true seed shallot varieties, DZsht-157-1B and DZsht-91-2B, were compared to the local Bombay red variety. Bulb yield data was collected from one-meter square quadrants, and farmers' preferences were assessed using a direct matrix ranking approach. The results showed that the true seed shallot varieties outperformed the local Bombay red variety in terms of bulb yield. In the Fogera district, DZsht-157-1B and DZsht-91-2B had 40.1% and 0.3% higher bulb yields, respectively, compared to Bombay red. In the Libokemkem district, DZsht-91-2B had a 4.2% yield advantage over the local variety. The farmer evaluation results revealed that the true seed shallot varieties were preferred over the local Bombay red variety in various aspects, such as higher bulb yield, redness, and prolonged food span. The findings of this study suggest that the true seed shallot varieties have the potential to improve shallot production in the study areas and potentially in other parts of Ethiopia. To promote the adoption of these varieties, it is crucial to ensure the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds to farmers, as well as to educate them on the importance of maintaining the true seed to bulb and bulb to true seed cycle. This will enable the continuous propagation of the true seed shallot varieties and ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality planting material, contributing to the revitalization of shallot production in Ethiopia and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Impact of Income on Livelihood of Tribal Goat Farmers of Odisha, India

The present investigation was carried out to find out the contribution of income in improving the livelihood of tribal goat farmers in the Kandhamal district of Odisha which was purposively selected as this district is highly concentrated with local goats. The sample of 112 goat farmers for this study was selected randomly from sixteen villages which were also selected from four randomly selected blocks of the district. With the help of the pre-tested interview schedule, the data for the study was collected personally by the researcher. The study employed ex-post facto research design and focussed group discussion to capture field data. Economic impact a component of overall livelihood impact was measured with the help of 10 validated statements in a five-point Likert type scale with scores on a continuum with 1(strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each of the statement. The study revealed that the farmers’ personal savings, ability to spend money for children education, food, clothing and meeting medical expenses have increased due to goat farming. However, the overall economic impact is medium in nature indicating that the important stakeholders including government agencies involved in promotion of goat farming in the tribal areas should put emphasis on improving the business ability of the famers which will be useful in improving the income level leading to strengthening of livelihood.

Livelihood Options and Agrobiodiversity in Mountain Settlements of Manang District

Mountain ecosystems are experiencing rapid changes in natural environmental conditions and human activities including tourism and development activities. And such factors have substantial impacts on the livelihood of mountain people. Increasing road networks towards the rural settlements have increased the availability of goods and services from the nearby markets, thereby contributing to shifting away from traditional agricultural practices in the rural mountain settlements in Nepal. In this study, we sought to analyze the impact of tourism on agrobiodiversity and livelihood strategies in different villages of Manang with different level of tourist flow; low at Naar, moderate at Ngawal/Khangsar and high at Manang Nysyang. We used semi-quantitative field inventory data to compare diversity on agricultural plant species and livelihood options in these valleys. The study involved 72 households including 16 in Naar village, 26 in Ngawal/Khangsar and 30 in Upper Manang (Nysyang). We have confirmed a total of 60 species of agrobiodiversity in these mountain settlements (excluding microorganisms), with the minimum diversity at Naar Village with 28 species, and with maximum diversity in Upper Manang (51 species). The total number of species under agrobiodiversity is very poor in the mountain settlements of Manang which forms less than 1% of total agricultural species (60/6618) in Nepal. The poor agrobiodiversity in Manang is highly threatened due to various natural and anthropogenic drivers. We believe that our findings will be highly instrumental while making plans and policies for conservation of regional agrobiodiversity in context of changing climate and intensified human activities.

Drought, water management, and agricultural livelihoods: Understanding human-ecological system management and livelihood strategies of farmer's in rural California

Mitigating impact between agricultural livelihoods and water conservation efforts in the face of significant drought requires a sophisticated understanding of policy efforts enacted to manage water supply and the logic of human livelihood decision-making. This case study extends literature on human-water decision-making in agricultural areas by using a political ecology framework to understand how and why farmers facing significant water shortages make livelihood decisions, and how such decisions are affected by broader socio-political contexts. Specifically, we focus on farmers' livelihood strategies in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. Here, the effects of extreme and persistent drought have resulted in a resource management governance structure that forces farmer decision-making within the narrow bounds of the newly emerging California water policy. We argue that government public policy intervention has created a potential system of “big winners and big losers,” leading to three divergent strategies farmers adopt: Nimbility, Abandonment, and Policy Engagement. These findings raise questions about how policy interventions shape livelihood strategies of farmers in the Tulare Lake Basin and by extension other areas where public policy intervention is emerging to respond to decreased water supply resources.

The Sweet Gains of Diversification: A Review of Intercropping Benefits in Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane farming, a cornerstone of the global sugar and bioenergy industries, has seen a surge in interest in recent years due to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. One such practice, intercropping, is becoming increasingly recognized for its potential to transform the dynamics of sugarcane cultivation. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security, the adoption of intercropping in sugarcane farming stands as a promising strategy. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of diversification in enhancing the resilience and prosperity of sugarcane farming while contributing to global agricultural sustainability. It underscores the pivotal role of intercropping in sugarcane cultivation, not only in augmenting crop yields and farmer livelihoods but also in fostering soil resilience and health.

The safety of overdose and repeat administrations of BCG Danish strain 1331 vaccine in calves and pregnant heifers

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis infection, is a zoonotic disease in cattle that represents a significant ongoing challenge to cattle farming productivity and the livelihoods of livestock farmers in the UK. Vaccination of cattle with BCG could directly target the ability of M. bovis to proliferate within vaccinates, restricting bTB pathogenesis and onward disease transmission, and represent a step change in the tools available to help control bTB in farmed cattle. A Marketing Authorisation (MA) is required before a cattle BCG vaccine could be sold and supplied as a veterinary medicine within the UK and this requires comprehensive data supporting vaccine quality, efficacy and, most importantly, its safety. We carried out two independent Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies in which the safety of BCG vaccination in cattle was stringently tested through overdose and repeat vaccine administrations in young calves and pregnant heifers. Mild and generally short-lived reactions to vaccinations were observed in some animals, most commonly increases in body temperature and swelling at vaccine injection sites, but these did not have a negative impact on the overall health status of vaccinates. BCG was not shed in the saliva, faeces, milk or urine from vaccinated animals and its dissemination was limited to injection site tissues and associated lymph nodes. Overall, young calves and pregnant heifers vaccinated with BCG remained in good general health, and the vaccinated pregnant heifers had normal pregnancies and gave birth to healthy calves. Obtaining a Marketing Authorisation for a cattle BCG vaccine is a critical milestone in the progress towards the eventual use of BCG vaccination in cattle as an additional bTB control tool within the UK; these pivotal GLP vaccine safety studies generated the detailed and essential target animal safety data needed to support this.

Traditional home garden agro‐biodiversity dynamics, agro‐ecosystem services, and management practices in smallholder farmers setting, South‐Central Ethiopia

AbstractTraditional home gardens are rich in agro‐biodiversity and are crucial for improving and diversifying the livelihood of smallholder farmers. Though many researches are carried out on home gardens in tropical regions, there are only few studies on the dynamics of traditional home gardens, agro‐ecosystem services, indigenous management practices, and roles in mitigating climate shocks, which is the objective of the present study. For the same purpose, three sites were purposively selected out of which 308 sample smallholder households were chosen using a simple random sampling technique for a household survey. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were also used to collect data for cross‐checking the data collected through the house hold survey. Results demonstrate that there was a wide‐ranging diversity of crops in traditional home garden landscape. Both annual and perennial crops were incorporated into the home gardens to enhance their multiple agro‐ ecosystem services, including enhancing resilience to climate shocks. They ranged from herbaceous to large trees and food to cash crops. The primary agro‐ecosystem services that the home garden agro‐biodiversity delivered were diversifying the sources of food, income, and medicine, as well as improving food security. Home gardens were largely managed by indigenous knowledge, including hand weeding, manure and compost application, nursery preparation, fencing, and flood run‐off control. The agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens is more diverse, dynamic, and resilient to climate shocks. Nonetheless, they are neglected hotspots of agro‐biodiversity and sociocultural diversity. In conclusion, the agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens promotes food availability, accessibility, and utilization virtually all year round as well as contributes to the preservation of agricultural genetic and cultural diversity.

A Review on Scaling Up Successful Agricultural Extension Techniques for Global Benefit

Agricultural extension services are important for enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development. Examination of future and research needs highlights the significance of innovative approaches and emerging technologies, such as digital agriculture, precision farming, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and biotechnology, in transforming extension services. These technologies offer the potential to optimize resource use, increase yields, and improve supply chain transparency. Comprehensive impact assessments, including randomized controlled trials and mixed-methods approaches, are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of extension programs and understanding their long-term impacts on productivity, food security, and livelihoods. Supportive policy development and advocacy efforts are crucial for creating an enabling environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. This includes establishing regulatory frameworks, providing financial incentives, and integrating extension services into national development plans. Cross-disciplinary research and international collaboration are key to addressing the complex challenges facing agriculture, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and enhancing the capacity of national extension systems. Interdisciplinary research teams and systems thinking approaches can provide comprehensive solutions to agricultural challenges, while international research networks and development assistance programs can facilitate the transfer of appropriate technologies and practices. South-South cooperation offers additional opportunities for knowledge exchange and technology transfer between developing countries. By addressing these future directions and research needs, agricultural extension services can effectively contribute to sustainable agricultural development, improved livelihoods for farmers, and greater resilience to climate change. This approach will ensure that extension services remain responsive to the evolving challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, ultimately promoting global food security and economic growth.

Socio-economic determinants of climate change perception in the uMkhanyakude district of Kwazulu-Natal province, South Africa

Climate change is an emerging stressor that impacts negatively on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries. This study assessed the socio-economic determinants of climate change perception in the uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Assessment of the determinants of climate change perception is imperative in the design for effective climate change communication and policy formulation at the country and regional level. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to collect data from a sample of 400 smallholder farmers. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the determinants of climate change perception. Descriptive statistics revealed that 95.5% of the sampled farmers perceived climate change in the study area. Farmers perceived long term increases in temperatures and a decrease in rainfall. The results of the binary logistic regression revealed that climate change perception is influenced by the age of the household head, adult equivalents in the household, land size, involvement in farmers’ organisations, access to irrigation, and level of education. Policies aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change should place an emphasis on dealing with drought, which has been a prominent phenomenon in the study area and in the Southern African region. In addition, it is recommended that government policies geared toward the support of extensive educational programmes should consider the determinants of climate change perception.