Local Farmers Research Articles

Identification of Yoruba Indigenous Knowledge Systems Relevant for Teaching and Addressing Environmental Conservation and Climate Change

Understanding climate and its associated factors was familiar to Africans before contact was made with Western-made science. Introducing African learners to formal education seems to bring a disconnect between their indigenous knowledge about their environment and what is taught in the formal school curriculum. The indigenous knowledge systems related to environmental conservation and climate change in Africa are sparingly represented in the official curriculum, which is dominated mainly by the Western science experience. This study identified the Yoruba Indigenous Knowledge System (YIKS) relevant to teaching environmental-related concepts. The Yoruba culture that is prominent in southwestern Nigeria is put into perspective under ethnoreligious practices, knowledge of indigenous food crops, and indigenous knowledge of weather and climate themes. The study relied upon the multi-sourced method to obtain data. The primary data was sourced from community elders, local farmers, experienced extension officers who have worked among the Yoruba, Yoruba language experts and a Yoruba experienced ethnobiologist who was selected through snowballing. The data were content analysed. Among the YIKS on weather and climate is that rains are categorised based on their characteristics and timing. This YIKS is useful when learners are taught weather charts or diaries, and they can refer to the rain category based on the specified characteristic of the rain beyond indicating that there was rain. Based on the findings from this study, recommendations are made on how YIKS related to environmental conservation can be used to reinforce meaningful learning of environmental conservation and climate change to protect the environment.

Nutritional differences in eggs, chicken, and plantain from agroecological, conventional, and commercial systems: a case study in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT This case study examines the nutritional differences between agroecological, conventional, and commercial products in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a participatory methodology with local farmers, eggs, chicken, and plantain were selected for analysis. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were compared across the three production systems. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and MANOVA. Results indicate that agroecological products from the studied farms tended to have lower moisture content. Agroecological eggs showed higher fat content (11.09 g/100 g vs 9.32 g/100 g conventional and 8.45 g/100 g commercial). Agroecological chicken presented higher protein content (22.37 g/100 g vs 20.73 g/100 g conventional and 18.1 g/100 g commercial) and potassium (281 mg/100 g vs 298 mg/100 g conventional and 213 mg/100 g commercial). Agroecological plantain had higher ash content (0.85 g/100 g vs 0.77 g/100 g conventional and 0.79 g/100 g commercial) and calcium (8 mg/100 g vs 5 mg/100 g conventional and 6 mg/100 g commercial). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). While these findings suggest potential nutritional benefits of agroecological production in this region, further studies with a larger number of replicates are needed to confirm these trends on a broader scale.

Analyzing the rainfed wheat yield gap in Northwest Iran

Wheat is one of the major crops in Iran, covering more than 36% of the total croplands and more than 70% of rainfed farmlands. However, the trend of crop yield in the past decades does not show promising performance and the average yield of rainfed wheat in Iran is as low as 1250 ​kg ​ha−1. Therefore, quantifying the rainfed wheat yield gap, and determining its causes and importance could help wheat self-sufficiency in Iran. Boundary line analysis (BLA) and regression tree (RT) models were employed to analyze the yield gap and find out the influencing factors. For this purpose, an on-farm survey was conducted in 210 rainfed winter wheat fields in East Azerbaijan province during the 2020–21 cropping season. Data were collected from local experts and farmers concerning crop yield and related management practices. Actual farmers’ yields were 1095 ​kg ​ha−1. BLA showed a significant yield gap ranging from 1755 to 2186 ​kg ​ha−1 (61.5–66.6% of attainable yield) and determined the attainable yield of 3072 ​kg ​ha−1. The BLA indicated that, among the quantitative independent variables, nitrogen fertilizer and planting density management were the important managerial practices responsible for the yield gaps. Additionally, the pronounced differences in crop yield across various rotation systems and varieties highlight their critical role in realizing crop attainable yield as the qualitative independent variables. By the regression tree (RT) model, the yield gap was determined about 65%. Crop rotation, crop variety, and sowing date were determined as key factors influencing the rainfed wheat yield gap. Findings showed that the combination of BLA and RT methods can be used effectively to quantify the crop yield gap and its influencing factors. Regarding the large yield gap, there is a good opportunity to obtain higher yields by optimizing managerial practices/inputs.

Agronomic and socio-economic drivers of fertilizer use and crop productivity in smallholder wheat production systems in Ethiopia

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is crucial for global food security and a staple crop in Ethiopia, yet farmer yields remain low, averaging 2.7 t ha⁻1 compared to over 5 t ha⁻1 at research stations. This study investigates the impact of socio-economic factors, local agronomic practices, and site-specific fertilizer management on wheat production in Goba, Lemu, Siyadebr, and Basona districts of Ethiopia. A survey of 228 households analyzed the influence of these factors on wheat productivity and fertilizer use, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression models. Results indicated that crop residue retention, improved wheat varieties, and organic fertilizers significantly increased yields, while row fertilizer application at planting had a negative effect. Fertilizer application rates varied significantly among farmers and were influenced by practices like top-dressing, monocropping, and participation in agricultural training. District-level differences in yield and fertilizer response highlighted the need for site-specific management. Multiple regression analysis revealed that key predictors of fertilizer use included cultivated land area, household income, education, small ruminant ownership, and extension contact, with larger land ownership, higher income, organic fertilizer use, and extension access being the most significant. Average yield increases due to site-specific fertilizer applications varied across districts. Overall, significant yield gains were achieved through site-specific fertilizer application across the four districts, with an average yield of 5.3 Mg ha⁻1, compared to approximately 4 Mg ha⁻1 using the local farmers' fertilizer application rates. This study underscores the importance of considering local agroecological conditions in fertilizer management to boost wheat productivity and support food security and economic development in Ethiopia.

Transforming agricultural land into agrotourism area: Environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspectives

This study investigates the impacts of converting agricultural land into agrotourism areas on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic perspectives within Batukliang District, Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia. With a case study approach, this qualitative descriptive research employed interviews with three target groups: local farmers, residents, and tourism actors. The findings revealed seven key points identified as influences affecting the socio-cultural aspects of land change, including community impact, cultural preservation, cultural identity loss, community dynamics change, local cultural commercialization, cultural heritage loss, and traditional livelihoods. The results also unveiled nine financial impacts, 8 of which were associated with economic implications such as economic challenges, risk management, brand building, costs and investments, market access, increased revenue, and income diversity, which contribute positively to local economic development. The study concluded that integrating community involvement empowerment strategies, income diversification, sustainable farming promotion, and land-use regulation is crucial for developing a successful sustainable agrotourism destination.

Frontline to farm: Sustainable farming training for military veterans and beginning farmers

New farmers are needed in agriculture in the U.S. to assure the sustainability of our food, including small- and mid-scale farmers. At the same time, military veterans need career opportunities as they transition back to civilian life. Many want to reconnect to community and the land. Training in sustainable agriculture and access to resources are needed for beginning farmers. Frontline to Farm is a new program at Appalachian State University in western N.C. to train military veterans in farming. We use a national/regional/community approach with on-line modules, as well as in-person training options. Specifically, 1) We have developed educational materials on-line with partners, the University of Arkansas and also the National Center for Appropriate Technology. These materials focus on sustainable farming, poultry, livestock, and pasture, as well as farm entrepreneurship and legal issues. 2) We also provide scholarships for veterans to attend sustainable agriculture conferences and training in the Southeast region. The University of Missouri offers training each summer on agroforestry, a regenerative agriculture practice that sequesters carbon while building soil fertility. 3) We provide intensive in-person trainings in our community in Southern Appalachia. We work closely with cooperative extension, USDA agencies, and local farmers for trainings. Several farmer veterans host customized internships at their farms to provide immersive experiences. 4) We provide our alumni with on-going consulting opportunities. We work with local farmer veteran mentors as consultants. Many farmers learn well in farmer-to-farmer settings. We leverage strengths in our community and work with local partners including Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. We also work with local groups that support veterans, including Farmer Veteran Coalition and NC AgrAbility. Results in our first 3 years indicate that we have reached over 60,000 farmers electronically and over 220 in-person. Our project provides pathways to success (environmental, social, and economic) for new farmers. Sustainable agriculture protects environmental resources, increases equity for military veterans and beginning farmers, and builds resilience in local and regional food systems.

Enhancing the use of phosphate rock through microbially-mediated compost transformation to improve agronomic and economic profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Soil degradation and limited access to chemical fertilizers partly explain the persistently low crop yields in Sub-Saharan Africa. To provide local farmers with alternative fertilizer options, this study examined the impact of locally sourced fertilizers on sorghum productivity and soil health. Treatments were set up in a completely randomized block design with five replications each. These treatments included Burkina phosphate rock (BPR), calcined BPR (Cal-BPR), triple super phosphate (TSP), four types of phosphocomposts, and an unfertilized phosphate control (Control). The phospho-composts, prepared during 4 months in advance, were as follows: Comp-1 (sorghum straw + BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-2 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-3 (sorghum straw + BPR + chicken manure), and Comp-4 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + chicken manure). They were applied at a rate of 2.5 t ha−1 at sowing, alongside BPR, Cal-BPR, and TSP that provided 23 kg P2O5 ha−1. Urea and potassium chloride were added 15 days after sowing (DAS) to all treatments to standardize nitrogen and potassium levels to 37 kg N ha−1 and 14 kg K2O ha−1. Soil properties were evaluated using the samples collected at 42, 70, and 120 DAS. Rhizosphere soil showed higher bacterial and fungal abundance than bulk soil, particularly in compost treatments. Comp-4 notably improved soil properties, including increased phosphorus-cycling microbial genes, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and pH, and it produced the highest sorghum grain yield. However, Comp-3 offered superior economic benefits, with higher net returns from grain sales. Overall, phosphocomposts improve soil health and boost sorghum yield in Sub-Saharan Africa. Calcined BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost may be used to increase crop yields. However, the study shows that BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost provides a more cost-effective solution for soil revitalization and sustainable food production in infertile soils in the region.

Evaluation of the Sustainability Status of Arabica Coffee-based Eco-farming on Sembalun’s Drylands, East Lombok Regency

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the application of eco-farming practices to support the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming in the drylands of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency. Specifically, it aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of eco-farming in creating a sustainable agricultural system, (2) evaluate the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, and (3) identify solutions that enhance the sustainability of Arabica coffee farming and the well-being of local farmers. Study Design: The study follows a mixed-methods design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the Arabica coffee farming areas of Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, over a period of two months Methodology: Arabica coffee farmers in Sembalun were selected as the primary unit of analysis. Data collection involved direct interviews, field observations, and documentation of farming practices. The gathered data were analyzed using Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA) with Exsimpro software to assess the sustainability across five dimensions: ecology, economy, sociocultural aspects, institutional factors, and technology. Results: The findings reveal varying levels of sustainability across the evaluated dimensions. The sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun is considered good, with an average score of 64.58, indicating that current farming practices meet sustainability standards. Sustainability solutions for Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun involve a holistic approach, including agroforestry, farmer empowerment through training and cooperatives, product diversification, and support from government and private sectors to balance economic and environmental goals. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability status of Arabica coffee farming in Sembalun, highlighting the role of eco-farming practices in improving ecological balance, economic viability, social welfare, institutional support, and technological advancement in farming. The findings suggest several actionable recommendations for policy enhancements to support long-term sustainability and improve farmer well-being in this region.

Community voices: Assessing the benefits and concerns of mining in China

Mining activities often have significant positive and negative effects on local communities. This study presents insights from China, focusing on rural communities’ perspectives on the overall benefits of mining. The initial investigation was conducted at three sites in April and May 2022. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 key stakeholders, including officials from county mining and land administration departments, mining rights holders, representatives from the mining association, township government officials, and a group of local farmers. The study identifies and utilises four indicators to assess the impact of mining: employment opportunities, environmental pollution, land expropriation, and land subsidence with associated resettlement. The analysis involves a diverse sample of 352 farmers who are demographically and economically spread across six provinces and reside near mining areas. The findings revealed that only a minority of farmers perceived mining as yielding net benefits, with direct employment being the primary influencing factor. While land expropriation has a minimal impact on perceived benefits, land subsidence significantly affects these perceptions. Although relocation helps farmers mitigate risks, it does not substantially alter the overall negative perceptions of mining among the population. This study underscores the need for the Chinese government to develop a sustainable framework to address the risks associated with mining, with a particular focus on displacement and resettlement issues.

Demonstration of Local Honeybee Flora “Mentesie” (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Becium grandflorum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Propagation Techniques in Wag - Himra Zone, Ethiopia

The demonstration of local honeybee flora &amp;quot;Mentesie&amp;quot; (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Becium grandiflorum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) propagation techniques was carried out over two rainy seasons in the Gazgibla district, Debreweyla watershed closure area of the Northeastern Amhara region. The shrub has numerous benefits for the community, including honey production, fuel use, and soil and water conservation. However, it has been gradually declining. To preserve these valuable shrubs, various propagation techniques were tested. The objectives of the experiment were to demonstrate the propagation techniques of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Becium grandiflorum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; to beekeepers and to generate wider demand for its plantation among beekeepers and extension workers. The experiment compared two selected propagation techniques with local farmers’ traditional planting practices, under the guidance of forestry researchers. The treatments included seeds and cuttings. Seeds were collected from mature fruits, and cuttings were taken early in the morning from natural, mature, young, and healthy mother plants at a height of 40 cm during 2020/21. These materials were packed in perforated polyethylene bags. The average mean of flower numbers, branch numbers, and canopy cover for the enhanced propagation techniques (seedlings with pots) were 4107, 21.81, and 92.5, respectively. These values were higher than those for the comparative propagation technique, which had flower numbers of 2462, branch numbers of 19.4, and a canopy cover of 92.5. There were significant differences (p&amp;lt;0.05) among the propagation techniques in terms of canopy cover, height, number of flowers, and branches per plant. Farmers recognized the higher flower biomass, canopy cover, and potential for greater plant height of the enhanced techniques, which are beneficial for bee forage and soil and water conservation. Therefore, planting seedlings using pots were found to be the best method for the wider production of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;B. grandiflorum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in its natural growing areas.

Morphological and agronomic evaluation of short-cycle native maize varieties (Zea mays L.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological composition and agronomic behavior of five varieties of Zea mays L. Two Zapalote Chico, two Zapalote Grande and an improved variety (V-424) which are characterized by having a short vegetative cycle Desing/methodology/approach: The maize varieties evaluated were sourced from various locations within the municipality, with explicit consent from the producers, who provided the seeds for the study. Four native cultivars (treatments) were selected from the Zapalote Chico and Zapalote Grande races and one improved and open-pollinated maize variety (V-424 or Tuxpeño Precoz) as a control, released by INIFAP. The local farmers assigned the common names to the evaluated maize varieties, except for V-424. The varieties were distributed in a randomized block design with four replications, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. Each unit consisted of four furrows, each measuring 4 meters in length. Results: The findings of this study on native short-cycle maize varieties in Chiapas have significant implications at the genetic, social, cultural, economic, and environmental levels. Each of these aspects provides crucial guidance for decision-making related to the utilization, management, and conservation of local maize varieties. A key outcome of this study is the recognition of native maize as a repository of essential genes for food security in rural areas. Short-cycle landraces exhibit unique genetic adaptations that enable them to thrive under the specific agroclimatic conditions of the Frailesca region in Chiapas. Limitations on study/implications: none Findings/conclusions: The native maize varieties exhibited significant genetic variability across the variables under consideration. The Zapalote Chico race is characterized by its favourable characteristics, as recognized by farmers, including early maturity, drought resistance, lodging resistance, and resistance to the fall armyworm. These qualities make it a promising candidate for future research and for inclusion in genetic improvement programs, whether conventional or participatory. It is crucial to continue promoting agroecological inputs with the goal of fostering the development of resilient agroecosystems and, consequently, enhancing the well-being of farmers and the conservation of native maize reservoirs.

Optimized agricultural management reduces global cropland nitrogen losses to air and water.

Nitrogen (N) losses from croplands substantially contribute to global N pollution. Assessing the reduction in N losses through improved N management practices is complex due to varying site conditions, such as land use, climate, soil properties and local farming methods. In this Article, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of improved practices on N loss reduction, analysing data from 1,065 studies with 6,753 pairs of observations comparing standard and optimized practices. Without considering site-specific conditions, optimized management practices can reduce N2O emissions by 3-39%, NH3 emissions by 15-68%, N run-off by 21-37% and N leaching by 19-52%. After considering local conditions and current practices, average reductions on a global scale were 31% for N2O, 23% for NH3, 18% for N run-off and 17% for N leaching. The effectiveness of N loss reduction was mainly influenced by optimized management practices and, to a lesser extent, site conditions. The results of this study underscore the importance of implementing optimized, site-specific management to effectively reduce N losses from global croplands.

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi-Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variation in Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds.

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive compounds as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in volatile and non-volatile composition of S. terebinthifolia leaves using untargeted metabolomics. The leaves of four trees were collected over one year; ethanolic extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and fresh leaves were analyzed by GC-MS using HS-SPME. The data were processed using online software. The results suggest seasonality interfered little with the chemical composition of leaves. On the other hand, the sex of the plant clearly determined the chemical composition of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Chemical variability between plants with male and female flowers is fundamental information for the standardized use of its leaves. Compounds with important biological activities were putatively identified, confirming the potential use of S. terebinthifolia leaves as a source of bioactive compounds, reducing waste and increasing economic gains for local farmers throughout the year.

First Report of Pepper Chlorosis-Associated Virus in Burdock (Arctium lappa) in Korea.

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a fiber-rich root vegetable widely used in Asian cuisine with many health benefits. In July 2023, two burdock leaf samples showing viral symptoms, such as yellowing and interveinal chlorosis, were collected from a field in Daegu, South Korea, with an incidence rate of about 10%. The samples were pooled, ground with liquid nitrogen, and total RNA was extracted using a Maxwell® 16 LEV Plant RNA Kit (Promega, Madison, USA). A cDNA library was constructed using TruSeq Standard Total RNA with Ribo-Zero (Illumina, San Diego, USA) and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (BIOTO, Daejeon, Korea) with 100 bp paired-end reads. Of the approximately 84 million reads generated, about 61 million clean reads were identified using Trimmomatic 0.39 with default parameters. Subsequently, Trinity 2.13.0 was used for de novo assembly, resulting in 179,910 contigs, which, when annotated as previously described (Bak et al., 2024), revealed the presence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and pepper chlorosis-associated virus (PepCaV). Three PepCaV-related contigs, representing a near-complete genome, were submitted to NCBI GenBank (PP502423-PP502425). BLASTn analysis showed 95.21% (7275/7641 bp), 95.89% (1680/1752 bp), and 96.18% (1461/1519 bp) identities with the L, M, and S segments of the PepCaV isolate Higashitsuno_2021 (LC719619-LC719621), respectively. RT-PCR was performed to confirm the presence of viruses using specific primers for PepCaV (5'-CACCTTGATTATAGACATGACAG/GTTCTCAAATCTTCCCAATCG-3') targeting the coat protein region, and TSWV (5'-GCAACAACTTGCAAGAAGATG/CATGACCTTCAGAAGGCTTG-3'; Kim et al., 2021). Initial results showed both samples were positive for TSWV, and one was positive for PepCaV. Additionally, 26 symptomatic and 8 asymptomatic samples were collected from the same field. PepCaV was positive in 3 samples, TSWV in 12, and TSWV+PepCaV in 11 by RT-PCR. All asymptomatic samples were negative. Leaves infected with PepCaV, whether solely or co-infected with TSWV, initially exhibited interveinal chlorosis and vein contraction on one side of the main vein (Fig. S1). In plants infected with PepCaV alone, these symptoms were mild or less noticeable in the initial phases. The majority of PepCaV-infected samples were co-infected with TSWV, during which symptoms appeared more severe. Following this, an amplicon, derived from the sample that initially tested positive for PepCaV in the first RT-PCR was cloned using the All in OneTM Cloning Kit (BioFact, Daejeon, Korea) and sequenced by Bionner (Daejeon, Korea). The resulting sequence, submitted to NCBI GenBank (PP928956), demonstrated 96.87% (805/831 bp) identity with the PepCaV isolate Higashitsuno_2021 (LC719600). Moreover, sap inoculation was performed on A. lappa, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. clevelandii, N. debneyi, N. rustica, N. tabacum, Chenopodium amaranticolor, and C. quinoa, but no transmission was identified in any case. PepCaV, recently identified and likely belonging to the genus Ophiovirus within the family Ophioviridae, is known to infect pepper and tobacco (Shimomoto et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2024). This is the first report of PepCaV in Korea and the first identification of burdock as a natural host. Although studies on its vectors and pathogenicity are lacking, PepCaV's presence suggests potential risks. Given the widespread cultivation of burdock in Korea, PepCaV could significantly impact local agriculture by affecting crop yield and health.

Culinary Tourism and its Role in Diversifying Punjab Tourism Offerings

Culinary tourism, a rapidly growing niche within the tourism industry, encompasses travel experiences focused on exploring local food and drink, connecting visitors with a region’s unique culinary traditions. This paper examines culinary tourism in Punjab, India, a region known for its rich flavors, traditional cooking techniques, and vibrant food culture. Punjab’s culinary offerings, especially in cities like Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala, have the potential to diversify and enhance its tourism appeal beyond religious and cultural tourism, attracting food enthusiasts and promoting cultural exchange. Through a descriptive analytical approach, this study explores how culinary tourism can serve as a driver for local economic development, supporting small businesses and local farmers while preserving Punjab’s cultural heritage. By highlighting local food festivals, traditional dishes, and farm-to-table experiences, the paper addresses how Punjab can leverage its culinary heritage to position itself as a premier destination for food tourism. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the role of culinary tourism in supporting sustainable economic development, underlining its potential to create jobs, preserve traditions, and diversify Punjab’s tourism market. The findings suggest that a robust culinary tourism strategy in Punjab can not only elevate the region's tourism profile but also contribute to a more resilient local economy. Keywords: Culinary Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Economic Development, Food Tourism Punjab

Proyecto para la creación de un centro de acopio para la asociación agrícola Machete y Garabato en el sector Matilde Esther, cantón Bucay de la provincia del Guayas, periodo 2024

The project is to create a collection center for the Machete y Garabato agricultural association in the Matilde Esther sector, Bucay canton in the province of Guayas, in 2024, to transform the future of cocoa in the region. The general objective is to transform cocoa production and add value to the product. This feasibility study analyzes the conditions to establish a space that allows local farmers to process and market their cocoa efficiently and sustainably. Political, economic, social, technological, and environmental aspects were examined to identify potential opportunities and threats to the project. Additionally, market research was conducted to understand the supply and demand for cocoa products at the local and national levels. The implementation of this collection center will not only benefit farmers but also promote sustainable agricultural practices and economic development in the community.

Nanocomposite of cellulose nanofibers/alumina for effective adsorption of brilliant blue and ethyl orange dyes: Equilibrium, kinetic and mechanism studies

Our study investigated the performance of a nanocomposite prepared from TEMPO- oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and alumina (Al2O3) on two models of anionic dyes namely Brilliant blue FCF (B.B) and Ethyl orange (E.O) dyes. Here the Al2O3 was prepared using the solution combustion (SC) method. Cellulose nanofibers were prepared from local agriculture waste (bagasse) and mixed with Al2O3 nanoparticles for preparing composite films through the casting technique. Various analytical tools have been used to characterize cellulose nanofibers and cellulose nanofibers/ Al2O3 nanocomposite, including, FTIR, FE- SEM, TEM, and XRD. In the conducted batch experiments aimed at optimizing various operational factors, the study of adsorption isotherms revealed that the data closely align with the freundlich adsorption isotherm model, demonstrating multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, it was found that, the pseudo-second-order model fit the data effectively. Thus, CNF/ Al2O3 nanocomposite was found to be an active adsorbent for handling solutions containing the anionic dyes, which shows its hopeful tolerable of being a highly reusable, cost-effective sustainable and adsorbent for dyeing wastewater treatment.

The Influence of Social Capital on Farmers’ Tourism Livelihood Willingness—A Study on Goulanyao Village

Based on social capital theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers in Goulanyao Village, and content analysis was used to sort out the social capital status of local farmers and how social capital shaped their tourism livelihood willingness. The results show that farmers affect their tourism livelihood willingness through four paths: the social network path, social norm path, social trust path, and cultural identity path. The mutual promotion and restriction relationship between the social network path, social norm path, and social trust path leads to the gradient difference in farmers’ own social capital perception. Social capital and cultural identity jointly affect and determine the four modes of farmers’ tourism livelihood willingness: rapid acceptance, hesitant acceptance, hesitant rejection, and rapid rejection. The research results supplement the achievements of social capital in rural tourism research and provide a reference for promoting farmers’ tourism livelihood willingness and livelihood diversification.

Estimating soil erosion in response to land use/cover change around Ghibe III hydroelectric dam, Southern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a hazard in every part of the world. The small-scale farmers often grapple with low agricultural production and food insecurity. This study was conducted to estimate soil loss in response to land use/cover change in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 around Ghibe hydroelectric III dam in Southern Ethiopia. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was applied using a geographic information system (GIS). Digital elevation model with 30 m to determine topographic factor and supportive practice (P) factor, rainfall from the National Meteorological Institute to calculate the erosivity (R) factor, a digital soil map of the world for erodibility (K) factor, and Landsat 5TM images of 1990, 2000, 2010, and the Landsat 8 OLI of 2020 to determine trends of land use/cover change and the cover management (C) factor were employed. The raster layers of topography, cover management, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, and conservation techniques were processed and multiplied using the GIS platform. The overall accuracy of supervised classification was 89.89. The results showed that the percentage of cropland and built-up areas increased by 11.93 and 32.44%, respectively throughout the three study periods. Conversely, the proportion of forest land, grassland, bare land, and bushland declined by 8.2, 9.3, 10.13, 8.6%, respectively. The average annual soil loss rates increased from 30.95 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1990 to 43.85 t ha−1 yr−1in 2020. This is significantly higher than the maximum threshold rate of erosion for Ethiopian highlands (11 t ha−1 yr−1). The local government officers, non-governmental organizations, and farmers who are trained should strengthen watershed management techniques.

Economic-ecological assessment of multi-crop small-scale model farms in the Republic of Armenia (piloting results from Gegharqunik region)

Background: Biogenic elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are major pollutants of Lake Sevan's water, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Untreated wastewater, sewage, agriculture, fish farming, and other activities are significant sources of these pollutants. Vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on mineral fertilizers and chemicals, and livestock breeding contribute substantially to nitrogen pollution in the lake. However, improved vegetable growing practices, including small-scale agriculture using organic fertilizers, natural soil improvers, and eco-friendly bio-liquids as growth stimulants, can enhance the socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Lake Sevan basin. These practices promote environmentally friendly, water-saving land-use methods, reducing nitrogen leaching into the lake. Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of applying innovative agro-technology to small-scale farming in the Lake Sevan watershed (Gegharkunik region). Specifically, the study objectives are to determine the quality characteristics of crops grown in small-scale farms and compare these quality indicators between yields obtained through the proposed technology and traditional cultivation methods. Methods: Field trials of multi-crop systems were conducted on 0.25 ha land plots in four variations across four different locations in the Lake Sevan watershed. The trials were evaluated for various parameters. Nitrate content, dry matter, starch, vitamin C, and sugar levels were determined in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, beets, and green beans, while fat content was measured in green beans and green peas. Results: Economic efficiency calculations revealed that utilizing the proposed innovative agro-technology in a multi-crop small-scale farm (0.25 ha) yielded a 20-25% increase compared to traditional cultivation with synthetic fertilizers, accompanied by notable environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that small-scale agricultural practices employing the proposed agro-technology have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts on local farmers. Keywords: Cultivation of non-traditional crops, organic farming, small-scale farming, activities, economic and ecological evaluation, and food quality characteristics.