Rural Agricultural Communities Research Articles

The Effect of Agricultural Extension and Post-Harvest Processing Technology in Increasing Farmers' Income and Farm Business Sustainability in Rural Bandung Regency

This study examines the impact of agricultural extension services and post-harvest processing technology on farmers' income and farm business sustainability in rural Bandung Regency. A quantitative analysis of 160 farmers' responses, measured using a Likert scale, revealed that agricultural extension services significantly enhance farm sustainability and increase farmers' income. Similarly, post-harvest processing technology positively impacts both farm sustainability and income. These findings underscore the importance of these interventions in promoting sustainable agricultural development and improving farmers' livelihoods, highlighting the need for continuous investment in agricultural extension programs and the promotion of post-harvest technologies to support rural agricultural communities.

Individual Differences in Leveraging Regularity in Emergent L2 Readers in Rural Côte d’Ivoire

ABSTRACT Purpose Statistical learning (SL) approaches to reading maintain that proficient reading requires assimilation of the rich statistical regularities in the writing system. Reading skills in developing first- and second-language readers in English have been shown to be predicted by individual differences in sensitivity to regularities in mappings from orthography to phonology (O-P) and semantics (O-S), with good readers relying more on O-P consistency, and less on O-S associations. However, SL and its relation to reading has been primarily studied in English readers in high-income Western countries. Method We examine individual differences in sensitivity to regularities in emergent French readers in rural agricultural communities in Côte d’Ivoire (N = 134). Results We show that, in contrast to previous studies, in this cohort better readers are leveraging semantic associations more strongly, while individual differences in sensitivity to orthographic consistency did not predict reading skill. Relatively little variance in reading skill was explained by sensitivity to regularities, and we discuss these findings in terms of literacy acquisition in low-literacy and low-exposure contexts. This showcases the importance of cross-linguistic and cross-cultural research to back up universal theories of literacy, and suggests that current SL accounts of reading must be updated to account for this variance in reading skills.

Dhuli Danda Nata– Representation of Socio-religious and Agricultural Life of the People of Western Odisha

Danda Nata is a widely known as a folk theatrical performance like a religious festival by the rural agricultural communities of the Western and Southern part of Odisha. It takes place once in a year at the beginning of April (Chaitra) and continues for a period of 13 or 21 days that culminates on Maha Visubha Sankranti. In this folk theatre not only dance, music and drama, but also an elaborate range of rituals are performed. It is a festival that dates back to the 8th-9th century AD during the reign of the Somavansi of Subarnapur and the Bhanjas of Boudh. It is thus a religious-theatrical festival participated by the tribal and non-tribal people without any caste discrimination. A day of performance comprises five different phases of Danda or punishment or penance namely, Dhuli Danda, Pani Danda, Agni Danda, Bana Danda and Suanga Danda. Dhuli Danda is performed on the ground in the afternoon under the hot sun of April. It consists of short sequences that represent a mixture of rituals, sports, military drill, exercise, yoga, fertility rites, sacred drama, divine possession, dance and other cultural performances. Physical exercises, pranks and ritualized sequences are combined with one another to form a fluid, though sometimes prove ambiguous, a perfectly dynamic structure. Danda Nata, thus, has played a vital role in the development of folk literature in western Odisha.

Venomous snakebites: Exploring social barriers and opportunities for the adoption of prevention measures

AbstractNegative interactions between humans and venomous snakes are increasing, with the World Health Organization committed to halving snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030. Evidence‐based strategies are thus urgently required to reduce snakebite events in high‐risk areas, while promoting snake conservation. Understanding the factors that drive the adoption of snakebite prevention measures is critical for the effective implementation of snakebite management strategies. We conducted in‐person questionnaires (n = 535 respondents) with rural agricultural communities within the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India, a national snakebite hotspot. Using a health belief model framework, we explored current snakebite prevention measures and factors impacting their adoption. The majority of respondents reported using multiple snakebite prevention measures. Perceived self‐efficacy and perceived risk frequency of snakebites were important overall predictors of future adoption, whereas education, gender, relative wealth, and current adoption were important for specific measures. Achieving international commitments to support human–snake coexistence will require collective and collaborative action (e.g., governments, donor agencies, civil society organizations, researchers, and communities) underpinned by behavioural insights and context‐specific solutions.

"I sold my towel and shoes to pay the traditional healer": Care-seeking costs and productivity losses among snakebite victims in Eastern Province, Rwanda.

Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and generally over-represented in rural, remote, and impoverished agricultural communities. While poverty is an established risk factor, little research has been done to investigate the economic consequences of SBE. This cross-sectional, quantitative study aimed to measure out-of-pocket spending and lost income when a household member was bitten by a snake. In 2020, 732 snakebite survivors from Eastern Province (Rwanda) agreed to complete a survey administered by telephone. The survey focused on participant demographics, income, direct medical and non-medical costs, care-seeking decisions, and lost work during convalescence. Our results suggested that patients incurred the highest mean expenses when they sought care from hospitals (11 307 RWF or 12 USD) or traditional healers (5 836 RWF or 6 USD) but that the highest maximum cost was incurred from traditional healers (300 000 RWF or 313 USD). Across all victims, the total amount paid to traditional healers (3.4 million RWF or 3 537 USD) was 4.7 times higher than all other care providers combined. On average, families lost 111 814 RWF (117 USD) per snakebite in direct treatment costs and indirect productivity losses. Many victims sought care from traditional healers despite being eligible for free medical care. Altogether, this study serves as a reminder of the serious physical and financial consequences associated with SBE and provides justification for new investments into SBE prevention and care.

Agricultural production and food security implications of Covid-19 disruption on small-scale farmer households: Lessons from Kenya

A range of studies have highlighted the negative impacts of Covid-19 disruptions on incomes, food and nutrition security among rural agricultural communities in developing countries. However, knowledge of how such disruptions affect different categories of small-scale farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa is lacking. We used a mixed-method approach to collect data and determine the impacts of Covid-19 on farm input use, agricultural production, access to agricultural information services, and food security among small-scale farmers from Makueni, Nakuru, Siaya, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties in Kenya. A FAO-adapted farm household typology was developed with farm type 3 (wealthiest), farm type 2 (resource-constrained) and farm type 1 (most resource-constrained) farmer categories. Covid-19 related disruptions led to decreased use of improved seeds, fertilizers and access to extension services across the three farmer categories. Farm type 3 farmers recorded the lowest Covid-19 disruption driven reduction in the use of improved seeds and fertilizers, compared to farm type 2 and 1. Contrariwise, farmers increased manure application rates by 33%, with manure-associated expenditure rising by 129% across all counties. Average crop incomes decreased in three of the five study counties, i.e., Kakamega, Nakuru and Siaya, with the strongest decrease observed among farmers in type 1 and 2 households. A lower proportion of type 3 farmers were worried about not having enough food (43% of farmers) compared to type 1 (70%) and type 2 farmers (71%) across Counties. The sale of household assets and livestock commonly used as measures for household wealth implies that such disruptions leave vulnerable farmers poorer and hungrier. The findings propose that policy strategies are needed to recognize heterogenous Covid-19 effects and provide targeted interventions for household types most vulnerable to future disruptions of the agrifood system.

Factors influencing COVID-19 testing among Native Americans and Latinos in two rural agricultural communities: a qualitative study.

To examine factors influencing decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans on the Flathead Reservation in Montana and the Latino community in the Yakima Valley of Washington state. We conducted 30 key informant interviews with community leaders and six focus groups with community members to examine factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic from May 2021 to June 2021. Three major themes that impacted testing for COVID-19 were identified: (1) Social factors, including the influence of families and friends and employment practices; (2) health factors, including testing procedures, home-based testing, and health communication; and (3) contextual factors, including distrust for government and medical communities and the impact on cultural practices and celebrations. Social, health, and contextual factors influence the decision to test for COVID-19. Understanding the community's perception is critical for successful implementation of preventive strategies.

The Role of Sustainable Business Practices in Achieving the SDGS: a Case Study of Rural Agricultural Communities

Villages have a strategic role as the smallest locus of development to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is focused on accelerating the achievement of SDGs by restoring the national economy. Therefore, in accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), a practical role of sustainable business is needed for agricultural village communities. The method in this study is a qualitative method with an analytical descriptive approach, The data source is Library Research and other supporting literature, associated with phenomena that occur in the past, present and future. The results of this study are 1) The application of sustainable business model practices is one form of commitment of business people who are applied by having ethical governance and always contributing to economic development and not neglecting the quality of life of the workforce, local communities and surrounding communities 2) Obstacles in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in agricultural village communities include lack of effective land, lack of human resources, facilities, and government participation 3) Strategies in the role of agricultural village community development including Streamlining existing land, providing facilities and infrastructure, increasing human resources and optimal government participation

Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology: A comprehensive review of a global public health problem.

The term chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) refers to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the absence of diabetes, long-standing hypertension, glomerulonephritis, obstructive uropathy or other apparent causes. An increasing number of CKDu cases have been reported from Latin America, Sri Lanka, India and others over the last two decades. These regional nephropathies share the following common attributes: (a) they affect low-to-middle income countries with tropical climates, (b) involve predominantly rural agricultural communities, (c) male predilection, (d) absence of significant proteinuria and hypertension, and (e) chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis on kidney biopsy. The current body of literature suggests that CKDu may be caused by heat stress, agrochemicals, contaminated drinking water or heavy metals; however, considerable regional disparities in CKDu research make it difficult to establish a common causal link. In the absence of a definite aetiology, specific preventive and therapeutic interventions are lacking. Improvement of working conditions of farmers and labourers, provision of safe drinking water and changes in agricultural practices are some of the measures that have been implemented; however, there is lack of data to assess their impact on the incidence and progression of CKDu. There is a need for a concerted global effort to address the current knowledge gaps, and to develop effective and sustainable strategies to tackle this devastating disease.

221 Factors Influencing COVID-19 Testing among American Indians and Latinos in Two Rural Agricultural Communities: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Despite efforts to improve COVID-19 health outcomes through testing and vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 has exacerbated health disparities in underserved populations. Through this study we examined socio-contextual factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans in the Flathead Reservation and Hispanics in the Yakima Valley. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A series of 28 key informant interviews and 6 focus groups (N=39 focus group participants) were completed with community and tribal leaders using an interview guide informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Social Contextual Factor Frameworks. The interview guide was designed to examine the socio-contextual factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans and Hispanics in the Northwest. A codebook was developed to apply deductive coding to informant responses, followed by an inductive, constant comparison approach. Three analysts met to refine the codebook and conduct inter-rater agreement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Five themes (social, cultural, health, religious and political factors) were identified that impacted testing for COVID-19. For social factors, participants discussed the influence of families and friends and unfair employment practices influencing decisions to test. Cultural factors included deep rooted distrust for the government and historical trauma. Health factors participants reported included the importance of testing to save lives, distrust for medical system, and health communications around COVID-19 affecting decisions to test. There was some interaction between religious and political factors. While participants mentioned beliefs in putting things in God’s hands, some decisions to test seemed to be affected by their political views. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Several socio-cultural factors influence decisions to test for COVID-19. Understanding the community’s perception of COVID-19 testing is critical for successful implementation of preventive strategies.

Implications of atrazine concentrations in drinking water from Ijebu-North, Southwest Nigeria on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

There is an increasing overdependence and use of atrazine herbicide for the control of pre-and post-emergence broad leaf weeds on maize farms in rural agricultural communities in Nigeria. We carried out a survey of atrazine residue in 69 hand-dug wells (HDW), 40 boreholes (BH) and 4 streams from all the 6 communities (Awa, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, Oru and Ilaporu) in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria. The effect of the highest concentration of atrazine detected in the water from each of the communities on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of albino rats was investigated. Varying concentrations of atrazine were detected in the HDW, BH and stream waters sampled. The highest concentration of atrazine recorded in the water from the communities ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/L. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum levels of corticosterone, aldosterone and ROS of rats exposed to 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations of atrazine compared to control, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed at 0.08 mg/L. Catalase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) only at 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L of atrazine exposure. Butyrylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and serum ACTH of rats exposed to all the atrazine concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) compared to control. Atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L detected in the water may not affect the HPA axis, attention should be given to 0.08 mg/L, which increases the serum corticosterone and aldosterone of the exposed rats.

Prevalence and Geographic Distribution of Self-Reported Chronic Kidney Disease and Potential Risk Factors in Central America

Cases for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) are increasing in specific disease hotspots located in rural agricultural communities over Central America. The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of self-reported work-related CKD and associated risk factors for CKDu by industry sector in Central America. We calculated the prevalence and distribution of self-reported CKD, work-related CKD, and suspected CKDu risk factors among the 9032 workers in the Second Central American Survey of Working Conditions and Health (II ECCTS, 2018). We mapped the distribution of suspected CKDu risk factors to work-related CKDu and weather conditions using average annual temperatures. The primary and secondary industry sectors showed the highest proportion of males, suspected CKDu risk factors, and work-related CKD. Age (30-49 years: OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.03-5.51), ethnicity (mestizo: OR, 7.44, 95% CI: 2.14-25.82), and exposure to high physical work demands (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.18-5.09) were associated with work-related CKD. The majority of work-related CKD were reported in the western parts of Honduras and Nicaragua, in hot temperature regions, and overlapped with those areas with a high density of CKDu risk factors. Finally, some areas clustered CKDu risk factors without any work-related CKD points, mainly in the western part of Guatemala. Our findings supplement prior CKDu findings regarding a high prevalence of work-related CKD among 30- to 49-year-old mestizo males in the primary and secondary sectors, in hot temperature areas, in the central and western region, and overlapping with persons reporting two or more CKDu risk factors. Moreover, several geographic areas with CKDu risk factor clusters had no reported work-related CKD. These areas represent new industries and sectors to be monitored for possible future increases of CKDu cases.

Sensitive Issues in Agri-health: Training Agents in Academic Detailing to Engage Farm Families on Rural Health During the Opioid Crisis

Farm stress and opioid misuse is common in rural agricultural communities. This study assessed an education program to train Cooperative Extension agents to recognize and engage farm families on topics such as opioid misuse and mental health using academic detailing; a medical and health-based education tool. Although a majority (&gt;75%) had not heard of this method prior, agents agreed they had used similar methods in the past and felt confident they could employ these methods related to academic detailing in the future. Academic detailing should be considered a useful tool in training agents on engaging clients on topics considered sensitive in nature.

Health impacts for children in underserved U.S. rural agricultural communities (EPA)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 47, Issue 1 p. 6-6 Grants Alerts Health impacts for children in underserved U.S. rural agricultural communities (EPA) First published: 25 November 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.32731Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume47, Issue11 December 2022Pages 6-6 RelatedInformation

The Intersection of Workplace and Environmental Exposure on Health in Latinx Farm Working Communities in Rural Inland Southern California.

Workplace and environmental exposures pose health risks for racial/ethnic minorities in rural agricultural communities, placing them at a disadvantage in accessing needed health care. Over three fourths (76%) of the 2.4 million farmworkers in the United States are immigrants, mostly from Mexico. However, little is known of the community health concerns and barriers to care of Latinx farmworkers in inland southern California. This qualitative study used a community-based participatory research approach, conducting nine in-home meetings to obtain meaningful community input on health concerns and barriers to access healthcare services among rural residents of the Eastern Coachella Valley, who are also located near the desert-bound Salton Sea of inland southern California. All interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed via listening to the audio recordings and summarizing data in templates and matrices. Participants discussed health concerns related to agricultural labor, including heat-related illness, musculoskeletal ailments and injuries, skin disorders, respiratory illness, and trauma. Participants raised concerns about environmental exposures related to agriculture and the nearby Salton Sea, a highly saline lakebed, and proposed solutions to improve the health of their communities. The findings from this study suggest farmworkers are aware of the health risks posed by living and working in rural farmlands but lack resources and information to act upon and advocate for improved public health.

Understanding the information landscape in agricultural communities in rural Bangladesh

AbstractKnowledge sharing in rural agricultural communities is vital to the success of farmers and sustaining high yields. A range of actors in the knowledge landscape participate in knowledge sharing, and with this, a variety of complexities are introduced. In this paper, we report on a set of field visits, interviews and focus groups in various settings to understand this complex nature of the knowledge landscape. Our study was set within multiple locations within 20 miles North‐East of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Our findings highlight the high level of interconnectedness of different actors in the agricultural communities and the complexities involved in establishing trust of information. We report on the importance of fostering successful relationships within the communities and the growing strains of climate change.

The impact of farm animal exposures on Campylobacter jejuni antibody levels in rural agricultural communities of Iowa, USA

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Campylobacter infections transmitted primarily through improperly cooked meat are the leading bacterial cause of diarrhea worldwide. How exposures to farm animals and animal waste (e.g., through occupational contact or residential proximity to animal feeding operations [AFOs]) contribute to infections has been relatively understudied. METHODS: We measured antibodies against Campylobacter jejuni using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in participants from Iowa in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study (n=304 farmers; n=146 non-farming controls from similar communities). Participants self-reported occupational animal contact within the past year. We used a statewide database of permitted AFOs that included animal counts standardized by animal size and manure production to characterize the intensity of AFO exposure within 5km of participants’ residences. We performed linear regressions of log-transformed optical density units (ODs) for immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M antibody levels in relation to occupational animal and low/high AFO exposures, using non-farming controls with low AFO exposure (n=96) as the referent group. We adjusted for age, season, and other potential confounders. We further examined antibody levels by occupational contact with specific animal types. RESULTS: Occupational animal contact was associated with elevated IgA and IgG OD levels in those with low AFO exposure (geometric mean ratio [95% confidence interval]; IgA:1.34[1.07-1.67]; IgG:1.34[1.13-1.57]) as well as those with high AFO exposure (IgA:1.48[1.12-1.95]; IgG:1.34[1.09-1.65]). Antibody levels were higher in farmers raising poultry (IgA:2.20[1.03-4.71]; IgG:2.11[1.35-3.32]), swine (IgA:1.52[1.04-2.22]; IgG:1.50[1.17-1.94]), and dairy cattle (IgG:1.65[1.18-2.31]), particularly for IgG levels in those who reported spending time in poultry (2.29[1.25-4.19]) or swine (1.63[1.25-2.12]) confinements within the past month. We found no significant relationships between occupational animal contact and IgM or AFO exposure alone and any antibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational animal contact may be a stronger determinant of C. jejuni exposure than residential proximity to AFOs in agricultural communities. KEYWORDS: Campylobacter, animal exposures

Effects of Government Water Supply on the Smallholder Farmers’ Sustainable Nutrition in Togo

Water shortage is a global problem. It is predominantly visible in the agricultural sector and in farming communities. Togo is not an exception in this regard because some rural agricultural communities do not have access to water but rely on distance conveyance. Government is under constitutional obligation to supply water in rural areas to boost crop production off rain seasons especially. Can Government Water subsidy improve smallholder farmers&amp;rsquo; nutrition? This study, therefore, aims at investigating the impact of Government Water Supply (GWS) on the household of Kara agricultural region in Togo. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to collect panel data during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 cropping seasons. Different from previous studies, robust fixed effects regression is used to model the effect of government water subsidy. The core findings reveal that water subsidy improves farm household&amp;rsquo;s nutrition. The results also indicate that subsidized water influences available per capita calories per day, household&amp;rsquo;s months of good nutrition, and the probability of being well nourished from own production of cereals and legumes but has statistically insignificant effects on household annual consumption expenditure. The results provide several valuable insights from the policy point of view. A water supply subsidy program has a higher and better influence on the maximum good nutrition, bringing up the question of whether targeting households in the lowest food crops production percentiles give value for money to achieve the goal of sustainable nutrition.

Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Exposure among Vulnerable Populations in Perceived Non-Endemic Regions

Migrant and seasonal workers in the United States, among others in rural agricultural communities, may be at an elevated risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This research included a survey of over 250 such workers, both women and men, in 13 locations across five eco-systems in Texas, which is generally perceived as a non-endemic state. Employing a modified Horowitz Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome Questionnaire, a range of data was collected regarding living conditions, such as sleeping outside, along with queries about tick exposure, tick bite encounters, illnesses, and prior TBD diagnoses. Findings revealed that 67% of the respondents who scored highest on symptom severity suggestive of a TBD reported sleeping outdoors (compared to 29% of the lowest scoring), with 78% of the likely-to-highly-likely group also recalling tick-bite encounters (compared to 20% of the lowest scoring). Approximately 28% of those who reported severe symptoms also indicated previous Lyme disease diagnoses. This research serves as an initial investigation into the living conditions associated with increased risk of TBDs among vulnerable populations. It underscores the need for further assessments of TBD risk relative to vulnerable populations even in perceived non-endemic regions and highlights the paucity of actionable data as a critical public health issue.

Facilitating Systems Thinking Through Arts-Based STEM Integration.

Engaging with socio-scientific issues often involves making sense of how - and for whom - actions, choices, and policies might affect aspects of daily life. Understanding the complexity of socio-scientific issues also requires recognizing the interconnectedness of - and working across - multiple communities and professions. We suggest that art, whether musical composition, illustrations, or sculpture / collage across materials would promote the synthesis of different types of knowledge across different scales and systems. The present investigation seeks to understand how arts integration into STEM curriculum could support systems thinking around socio-scientific issues, specifically around the issue of pathogen transmission in rural-agricultural communities. Our after-school program, which works with 3rd - 5th grade students in rural-agricultural communities, leverages the arts to promote systems-level understanding of zoonotic diseases and ecosystem dynamics. A total of 23 students across two sites located in rural communities in the Western United States participated in our afterschool program. We found that after completing the program students expanded their understanding of both the connections between concepts and an understanding of careers related to ecosystem dynamics. We suggest that educators can integrate both arts and sciences together to enhance systems thinking and expand student perception of the interconnectedness of STEM disciplines and their everyday lives.