Farmer Participation Research Articles

Discordance between farmers and scientists - Perspectives on nitrogen reduction measures in Denmark

Mitigating nitrogen leaching from agricultural land is imperative for enhancing the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. Incorporating the knowledge and perceptions of farmers regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing nitrogen reduction measures is vital for increasing the adoption rate of such measures and related policies. Concurrently, the insights and perspectives of scientists advising policymakers on the implementation of these measures can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers and potential for implementation. In this study, we employ Q methodology to elucidate the opinions of 11 farmers and 14 key scientists involved in providing contractual science policy advice to Danish ministries on nitrogen reduction measures. Results show that across the perspectives of farmers and scientists, four main factors (viewpoints) can be identified: ‘Evidence-driven viewpoints’, ‘On-farm efficiency-driven viewpoints’, ‘Hydrological and landscape-scale viewpoints’, ‘Innovation-based viewpoints. From this, we suggest that within the field of nitrogen mitigation and implementation, there is a general broad division and opposing perspectives between scientists and farmers. The evidence presented here shows that scientists’ viewpoints do not correspond to the viewpoints of farmers in most cases. Scientists broadly believe that landscape and long-term measures, especially wetlands, are most effective nitrogen measures, according to scientific evidence. This clashes severely with some farmer participants, who strongly believe that there should be more personal freedom and flexibility to make individual farm level management choices. This is a significant barrier to the uptake of the best possible measures.

Determinants of willingness to adopt farm service centres among farming households in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract The uptake of new agricultural technologies/innovations is not devoid of some challenges in Nigeria. However, to increase the production level in the sector, there is a need to enhance the adoption of new technologies/innovations. Therefore, this study examined the determinants of willingness to adopt farm service centres among farming households in Abia State, Nigeria. The study collected primary data from 300 farming households with a questionnaire using a three‑stage sampling procedure. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Results of socioeconomic characteristics revealed that farming activities in the area were male (58.7 %) dominated, mostly married (82 %) with a mean age of 50 ± 9.7, having 10.5 ± 5.8 mean years of formal education, operating on 0.87 ± 1.3 hectare of farmland with 21 years of farming experience. Binary logistic model result revealed that age, level of education, and farming experience were the factors determining the willingness to adopt farm service centres in the area. The need to boost farmers’ knowledge through an adult literacy programme, and involvement of relatively old farmers in empowerment programme as well as encouraging farmers’ participation in farmers’ associations in the study area is hereby recommended.

Street-level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s oil palm replanting implementation program

This article analyzes the Street-Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program, focusing on the case in Indragiri Hilir District, Riau Province. PSR aims to renew smallholder oil palm plantations with sustainable varieties and reduce illegal land clearing. The Street Level Bureaucrat model was approved to ensure the responsibility and participation of farmers. This research analyzes Street- Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program. This study uses qualitative research methods with systematic literature reviews and case observation studies in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The results of the study show that this model has a significant effect on the implementation of PSR. The responsiveness of service providers to farmers’^ needs increases. Service providers understand farmers’ challenges and adapt programs according to field conditions. With intensive interaction between service providers and farmers, farmers’ understanding of decision-making has also increased. Overall, this analysis underscores the importance of the Street-Level Bureaucrats model in ensuring the effective implementation of the Smallholder Oil Palm Replanting Program in Indonesia. Responsiveness to community needs, farmer involvement in decision-making, and support for sustainable growth are the critical elements this model reinforces. Thus, using the Street-Level Bureaucrats model can optimize the results of PSR and its positive impact on society and the environment in Indonesia.

A comprehensive model for the implementation of agricultural land levelling and consolidation plan in the Abu Fazel region of Ahvaz.

It has been shown that land fragmentation can negatively impact the efficiency of farming. Therefore, experts recommend land consolidation process, as a logical and workable solution to solve the problems and complications caused by land fragmentation. Land levelling and consolidation is a process of land reform that changes the construction of agricultural lands which leads to rural development through reforming farm management. However, a single plan cannot be applied to different regions, even though they might be in the same country. Hence, it is vital to investigate multiple factors in a certain region to devise the perfect consolidation plan. The present study, which is a survey-exploratory research, is conducted to provide a comprehensive model to implement the plan for levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands in the Abu Fazel region of Ahvaz, Iran. This research is an applied field research which uses both library and field methods to collect the required data. The study population is in Abu Fazel in the northeast of Ahvaz in Zargan region. The results of the study show that cultural, social, economic, policy-making, educational, agricultural and managerial factors have an effect on the participation of farmers in the levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands in the study area (p≥0.01). Also, there is a strong positive relationship between these factors and the farmers' participation in levelling and consolidation of agricultural lands (p≥0.01). Among these factors, it is observed that policy is main factor. Policymakers can play an effective role in land consolidation and macro development on the one hand and agricultural and rural development. On the other, by accurately assessing the interactive effect of land consolidation and related factors, along with the effects of this process on the evolution of agronomic systems.

The Impact of Short-Term Typical Climate Risks on Farmer Participation in US Crop Insurance Programs

The Impact of Short-Term Typical Climate Risks on Farmer Participation in US Crop Insurance Programs

The role of social capital in developing organic rice businesses at Gentungan Village

Social capital owned by the community as a result of social relations is established among members, which gives the meaning of trust, togetherness, tolerance and participation is closely related to the development of organic rice business. The aim of the research is to find out the form, role of social capital, and the role of society in developing social capital. This study uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. The results of the study: bonding, referring to cooperative relationships, mutual trust between members, has high cohesiveness, but does not reflect the ability of the community to create social capital. Bridging, refers to mutually respectful and beneficial relationships between people who have differences, is able to foster participation, increase networking but the effectiveness of communication has not gone well. Linking, facilitating access to more complex resources, many relationships are established between actors and stakeholders. Communication of exchanging information, identifying problems and solutions, managing conflicts is still not optimal. The role of social capital is dominant, good interaction is established in preserving the culture of the main harvest, consistent social values and norms serve as social control. The community plays a role in developing social capital by fostering the participation of millennial farmers in developing organic rice businesses.

Gender Perceptions of Small Holder Farmers on the Impact of Climate Change in Communal Areas of Zimbabwe

Climate change has caused severe havoc to social, economic, environmental and physical repercussions to development. The world has encountered the unprecedented natural catastrophes which encompass climate induced calamities such as hurricanes, floods, volcanoes, droughts and cyclones. The study was aimed at unpacking the gender dimensions of small holder farmer on the impact of climate change, vulnerability, adaptation in communal areas. Quantitative primary data was collected from a sample of 244 selected smallholder communal famers, in which stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents to this study. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to solicit quantitative data from smallholder communal farmers, Bikita rural district council (department of environment) and from Agriculture Extension department. A total of 188 questionnaires were responded to and used for data analysis. Using SPSS version 16.0 quantitative data were analysed using a mix of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study established that the negative effects of climate change and variability are mitigated through growing of drought resistant small grains, growing early maturity seed varieties, adjusting crop planting times, application of lower levels of fertilizers, winter ploughing and ridging and pot-holing. Participation of smallholder farmers in climate change adaptation interventions in Bikita district is subject to socio-political, resources and physical systems and processes barriers. It also established a negative relationship between resource availability and female smallholder farmers’ participation in climate change adaptation practices and the study concluded that availability of resources is a key factor to female small holder farmers’ participation in climate change intervention. There is also need to avail agricultural research results relevant to the small holder farmers and train them on how to use the results to make informed on-farm investment decisions.

The Mansholt Plan and the March 1971 Farmers’ Protest in Brussels: the Case of Italy

This article analyses the limited participation of Italian farmers’ unions in the demonstration and the changes it brought to the Italian farm labour force. The first reason for their non-participation was these farmers’ lack of economic means. Italian farmers were among the poorest in the Community and would have had to travel far. Reaching Brussels from Italy, especially from the centre and the south, required a long and costly journey. The second reason was political. Although not always willing to acknowledge it openly, the Italian unions agreed with the demands of the Italian government, which had supported the Mansholt Plan throughout the negotiations. Many of Italy’s demands were accepted in the Plan, and the resulting reform would also ultimately provide support for Italian agriculture. Instead, the demonstrators attacked the Plan and demanded higher prices for the products for which Italy was a strong importer while major Italian production – especially Mediterranean produce – was not supported by the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

Policy preference and preference heterogeneity of farmers' participation in organic farming: Empirical analysis based on choice experiment method

Policy preference and preference heterogeneity of farmers' participation in organic farming: Empirical analysis based on choice experiment method

Small-scale dairy farming and women’s empowerment: insights from Pabna district in Bangladesh

This study focusedon the effects of ruralwomen'sinvolvementindairyfarmingasameansoferadicatingpoverty inBangladesh'sruralcommunities for the empowerment of women in some selected areas of the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Dairy farming is a critical component of the agricultural sector and women's participation in the sector has increased in recent years. To illustrate the effect of rural women in social empowerment, the sample was chosen from the households of thePabna district that were actively involved in dairy farming. 50 households from the study were randomly selectedfor data collection. To illustrate the frequency distribution at various category levels of variables, straightforward percentages were produced. Rural women were able to boost their self-esteem, expandtheirsocialnetworks,andeventuallyincreasetheirlevelofempowermentthrough small-scale dairying, which also gave them more control over their family and personal care decisions. Another purpose of the study was to investigate the causes of this trend as well as the advantages that women experience from it. Using a combination of field surveys, interviews, and literature review, the study analyzed the gender dynamics of dairy farming and identified best practices for promoting women's empowerment in the sector. The findings suggest that dairy farming can serve as a viable livelihood option for women in Pabna, providing them with opportunities for income generation and improving household food security. Furthermore, increased participation in dairy farming has led to improved gender equality and social inclusion, highlightingthe sector's potential for promoting women's empowerment in the region. Consequently, the expansion of small-scale dairying into different rural areas of Bangladesh is likely to contribute to the empowerment of these women and combat poverty.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FOOD CROPS DIVERSIFICATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER SUGARCANE FARMERS IN MUMIAS EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Crop diversification is a predominantly important coping mechanism for agriculture's income, production and marketing risks. It is a key strategy for mitigating food insecurity among smallscale farmers in Kenya. It enables them to spread production and income risk, reducing livelihood vulnerability to weather or market shocks. Crop diversification among sugarcane farmers has been on the rise over time due to risks associated with sugarcane production and marketing and declining sugarcane productivity. Consequently, this has led to impaired sugarcane farmer households’ goals of improving food, income and nutrition security. Therefore, the objectives of the study was to determine the socio-economic factors affecting food crop diversification among smallholder sugarcane farmers in Mumias East Sub County. The study was guided by Random Utility Maximization (RUM) theory and descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were adopted. Multistage sampling whereby purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed in the study to select 155 farmers from a target population of 11,885 smallholder sugarcane farmer households. A questionnaire was used to collect data and data was analysed multivariate regression model with the help of STATA version 16 software. The analysed data was presented in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs. Descriptive results revealed that the mean age and farming experience of the farmers was 55.72 and 22.76 years respectively and owned on average 4.33 hectares of land. Multivariate linear regression results indicated that age, household income level, education level, land size and household size were all statistically significant and had an influence on food crop diversification among smallholder sugarcane farmers. Binary logistic regression results indicated that a unit increase in age, level of education, land size, membership to a farmers’ group and market price positively influenced farmer participation in diversified cropping system by 117%, 81.7%, 745.5%, 228.2% and 117.3% respectively. Therefore, from the results of this study, relevant stakeholders, county and national governments should come up with an agricultural policy that supports the shift from non-diversification to crop diversification through the development of guaranteed access and subsidies to farm inputs resources that will help boost farm production among smallholder sugarcane farmer households. This will help to solve the issues of food insecurity and also help farmers to realize high-profit margins from their farm output.

Profitability analysis of bread wheat technology demonstration on lime-treated soils using a cluster approach in selected areas of the east Gojjam zone, northwestern Ethiopia

Access to improved varieties and soil acidity problems are the growing and significant hindering factors for the production and productivity of wheat in Ethiopia. The activity was conducted to enhance farmers’ awareness, knowledge and skills on wheat production under lime treated soilsand improve the household’s income and accessibility forimproved technologies in the study areas. Aneded, Awabel, Basoliben, Debre Elias and Gozamin districts were selected purposively based on wheat production potential and the prevalence of soil acidity. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using appropriate data collection tools. A total of 712 smallholder farmers participated and 10 wheat clusters were formed. The data were collected from the cluster farming participants the smallholder farmers. Simple descriptive and inferential analysis methodsweredeployed. The study revealed that producing wheat under lime treated soils through a cluster approach has a significant yield advantage over the traditional production system. Additionally, the profitability analysis resultsrevealed that the marginal rate of return and marginal net benefitfrom wheatproductionunder lime treated soilsweresignificantly high overthree consecutive years. Therefore, the demonstration of improved wheat variety under lime treated soils usingcluster approach should be encouraged and scaled up toreachmore smallholder farmers in unaddressed areas with similarclimatic condition across the country to boost production and productivity, increase household income and reduce food insecurity amongsmallholder farmers.

Exploring the determinants of contract farming participation among farmers in Kosovo: an empirical analysis

Exploring the determinants of contract farming participation among farmers in Kosovo: an empirical analysis

Investigating factors affecting the development of contract farming. Case study: tomatoes in Kermanshah Province.

The escalating demands of a growing population and rising living standards strain the efficiency of traditional agricultural methods in fulfilling consumer nutritional needs. Technological advancements, particularly the introduction of contract farming models, offer a potential path towards addressing these challenges. However, in Iran, contract farming remains an underdeveloped and under-researched agricultural practice. This study delves into the factors influencing the development of contract farming in Iran. Employing a two-level multinomial logit model and data collected through 380 questionnaires administered to farmers in the Kermanshah region, the research reveals income (measured by the number of employed household members) as the primary driver of contract farming adoption. Additionally, factors such as reduced agricultural risk, higher education levels among farmers, improved product sales prices, and proximity to processing facilities positively impact the expansion of contract farming. Interestingly, "push factors" like land scarcity significantly influence non-contract farming participation, with 30.8% of surveyed households relying on these alternative methods. Geographical factors also contribute, explaining 23% of the observed variance in farming activity choices. These findings inform key policy interventions for sustainable contract farming development in Iran: robust legal frameworks and transparent contracts, contract-specific insurance schemes, training for agricultural extension workers, and farmer awareness campaigns.

농산물공동브랜드디자인의 지역정체성 반영요소에 관한 연구

The level of reflection of regional identity in agricultural co-brands of local governments in Gangwon Province varies. The most common are brands that directly express the natural environment of the region, and brands that embody living elements of the region also account for a significant proportion. There are also some brands that emphasize both the natural environment and living elements of the region. The level of reflection of regional identity should be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of the region and the purpose of the brand. If the natural environment of the region is outstanding, the characteristics of the region can be emphasized through a brand that directly expresses the natural environment. On the other hand, if the region is rich in culture or history, the identity of the region can be emphasized through a brand that embodies living elements. In addition, if you want to appeal to the diverse charms of the region, you may want to consider a brand that emphasizes both the natural environment and living elements. This study provides the following implications for the development and management of regional agricultural co-brands. First, agricultural co-brands that reflect the characteristics of the region well can help attract the attention of consumers and effectively promote the excellence of regional agricultural products. Therefore, local governments should develop agricultural co-brands that reflect regional identity well by considering the natural environment and living elements of the region in an integrated manner. Second, agricultural co-brands should be managed from a long-term perspective as a marketing asset for the region. Therefore, local governments should continue to improve the design, logo, and marketing strategies of agricultural co-brands, and make efforts to raise awareness among consumers. Third, agricultural co-brands can play an important role in strengthening the competitiveness of regional agriculture. Therefore, local governments should prepare various support policies to revitalize agricultural co-brands and encourage the participation of local farmers.

Women's Participation in Dairy Livestock Farming in Pokhara

This study examines contribution of women participation in dairy livestock farming in Pokhara. For this, two objectives, to assess the integration between dairy livestock enterprise and crop production and to examine the dairy livestock farming income and household food in-security were set.As a commuter zone ward number 5, 18 and 23 of Pokhara Metropolitan City was purposively taken as research area. Those people who were actively engaged in milk business and contributing whole family income and expenditure were purposively taken as universe of this research. Out of those universe, 60 household of women actively engaging in milk business were taken as research sample. Study clearly shows the financial gain to the family from milk business. The saving from milk business itself can pay back initial livestock purchasing investment within a single year. In viewed through the gender prospects livestock farming supports married women in participation on community organization and strengthen the role of women in decision making as a social agent. This business not only engages married women in milk business but also helped to increase the productivity of crops by using cattle manure. Additionally, use of cattle faces in biogas has reduced the fuel wood and fossil fuel consumption and supports sustainable development by providing clean energy together with forest conservation and reduced indoor air pollution. The policies addressing the availability of good source of fodder, business startup fund facilitation, a sustainable market to sell milk, good insurance policy and adoption of cutting-edge technologies can attract young and educated people in the milk business.

A Study of Farmer’s Awareness Level and Usage of Different ICT Tools

ICTs refer to a wide range of technological tools and resources that are specifically developed for the creation, storage, evaluation, and management of information. ICTs have experienced substantial changes in recent years, becoming crucial instruments for expediting agricultural development, especially in developing countries like India. This study examined Haryana farmers' ICT knowledge and use. Agriculture farmers and individual interviews were used in the study. Every farmer underwent thorough interviews to assess their level of knowledge and utilization of ICT resources, such as email, radio, kiosks, computers, and mobile phones. The study analyzed data from 480 farmers, indicating that every participant owned mobile phones that lacked internet connectivity. The findings revealed that all the farmers possess knowledge of fundamental mobile features such as making phone calls and sending SMS messages. However, the majority of respondents reported not utilizing email, radio, kiosks, and computers for agricultural purposes. Surprisingly, 33% of the participants demonstrated proficiency in accessing different online sites, office documents, and presentations. Farmers are increasingly utilizing information and communication technologies (ICTs), like as mobile phones and kiosks, to access precise information regarding crop yield, daily wholesale rates at mandi markets, climatic conditions, crop diseases, and other pertinent agricultural knowledge. It is clear that there is a technology divide in the contemporary era dominated by ICTs, which poses issues for a significant portion of the farming community. The study highlights the importance of implementing focused interventions, such as conducting needs assessments and involving farmers directly, in order to effectively address this disparity. Although cell phones have become essential for farmers, there is still untapped potential for the broad use of various ICT technologies to improve agricultural practices and overall output. Keywords: ICT Awareness, Mobile Usage, internet Usage and Participation of Farmers in ICT.

Selection of traditional rice varieties for Galle District based on agronomic characteristics and farmer-consumer preferences

In response to the growing trend of cultivating traditional rice varieties in the Galle District this study aimed to select suitable varieties that align with the preference of farmers and consumers. A survey of traditional rice varieties cultivated in the Galle district led to the collection of thirty traditional rice accessions from the Germplasm collection of the Plant Genetic Resource Center (PGRC) for preliminary evaluation with 4 traditional varieties from the Rice Research Station Labuduwa (RRSLd). Preliminary evaluations were conducted during the 2017 Yala season at the RRSLd. Subsequently, five accessions/varieties from the preliminary evaluations, six varieties from Regional Rice Research and Development Center-Bombuwala (RRRDCBw/RRSBw), and two improved rice varieties; (Ld 368 and Bw 372) were further evaluated during the 2017/18 Maha season using a Randomized Complete Block Design with two replicates in RRSLd. The evaluations involved the active participation of farmers, researchers, consumers, and traders. Varieties were assessed on eight morphological characteristics. using the pair-wise ranking method of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach. Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis One Way ANOVA model. Bw 372 and Ld 368 received above-average rankings, with Suwandal (RRSLd) achieving the highest score for cooked rice quality. In the overall evaluation Ld 368, Kahawanu (4250), Kuruluthuda (RRSBw), and Suwandal (RRSLd) emerged as preferred choices. These selections were tested in farmer fields during the 2018 Yala season with Ld 368, Kuruluthuda (RRSBw), and Kahawanu recording higher yields. In the 2018/19 Maha season, all the varieties tested in the 2018 Yala season were tested in farmer fields except Kahawanu (4250). Ld 368 and Bw 372 outperformed others in farmer fields. Based on farmer preference and yield performance, Gonabaru (farmer selected) and Kuruluthuda (RRSBw) were the most preferred traditional rice varieties, followed by Suwandal (RRSLd) and Rathdal (RRSLd).

Tingkat Keberdayaan Peserta Program Kecamatan Jati Agung Kabupaten Lampung Selatan

The empowerment of farmers in the P2L Program is the output of the empowerment activities carried out. The empowerment process is carried out by involving the participation of farmers who are members of women farmers groups. The purpose of this research is to explain the level of empowerment of P2L participants in Jati Agung District. Researched was conducted in Jati Agung Sub-district. in March-June 2022. The respondents in this study amounted to 50 members group women farmers participating in the P2L Program in Jati Agung District. This research used survey method and the data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive. The results of the study are. the level of empowerment of the P2L Program participants, namely the level awareness and desire to change (power to) and skill to increase capacity to gain access (power within) is in the high category while the level of skills. dealing with obstacles (power over) and skill cooperation an solidarity (power with) P2L participants in Jati Agung District is still belongs to the medium category

Sustainable intensification of grass-based beef production systems in alpine regions: How to increase economic efficiency while preserving biodiversity?

CONTEXTBeef production on grasslands has multiple positive impacts. In addition to the production of high-quality protein, marginal lands in particular enable high biodiversity and landscape quality. However, this type of production is perceived as less economical than more intensive meat production systems. OBJECTIVEThe aim of the study is to develop recommendations on how different grass-based production systems can be economically improved without endangering biodiversity. METHODSThirty-five suckler cow farms supplying into two different brand programmes (Natura-Veal: slaughter age at five months; Natura-Beef: slaughter age at 10 months) were grouped into four production systems across two production sites in Switzerland: Natura-Veal, mountain region, extensive (VMount); Natura-Beef, mountain region (BMount); Natura-Veal, hilly region, intensive (VHill) and Natura-Beef, lowlands (BLowla). On the farms, beef production was analysed in detail on the basis of technical production data as well as full cost accounting. The farms were grouped into one model farm (farm type) per production system. On each model farm, optimisation options were simulated and checked for practicability with farmer participation. The optimisation focused primarily on improving cow efficiency via the sale of more slaughter animals per cow, through lower animal losses, higher fertility or the additional purchase of calves suckled by a nurse cow. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSDescriptive statistics showed significant positive correlations between stocking rate and land productivity and significant negative correlations between stocking rate/land productivity and the share of biodiversity areas (SBA), confirming previous findings. These relationships were also reflected in the production site of the farms, as mountain farms with lower productivity had a significantly higher SBA, while farms in areas with better grass growth had fewer biodiversity areas but higher productivity. Accordingly, the optimisation options were adapted to the production site under the constraint of a constant stocking rate. In favourable forage-growing areas, further intensification via improving cow efficiency by buying foreign calves led to significant improvements in profitability (VHill and BLowla). In mountain areas, the optimisation potential is lower. Site-adapted, i.e., small-framed and robust, cow types lead to better cow efficiency, which also contributes to good profitability in extensive production with a high biodiversity share, although this is strongly determined by national direct payments (VMount and BMount). Both income and biodiversity can be optimised if cow efficiency is increased and production systems are adapted to the site as closely as possible. SIGNIFICANCEThe study shows practicable recommendations for sustainable intensification in grass-based meat production systems in the current discussion on maintaining or increasing biodiversity in agriculture.