School Of Agriculture Research Articles

Challenges of implementing a climate-smart agriculture-based curriculum in agricultural vocational schools: evidence from Iran

The research aimed to identify the challenges of developing and implementing a climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-based curriculum in Iran’s agricultural vocational schools. It was exploratory descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in goal, in which data were collected with the library and deep interview method. The research methodology was based on grounded theory. The statistical population was composed of 16 researchers, authors, managers, and experts of the Office of Textbook Compilation of the Organization for Educational Research and Planning and the Research Center of Educational Studies. The participants were selected by the homogenous purposive sampling method. The interview with the target population continued until it reached theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The data collected in the interviews were subjected to open, axial, and selective coding, which resulted in deriving 119 concepts and 28 categories. The results revealed a seven-dimension structure composed of the challenges related to determining educational goals, trainees, trainers’ professional process, teaching methods, curriculum content selection and organization, curriculum implementation, and curriculum appraisal. The results can help the experts in the Office of Textbook Compilation experts adopt smarter policies and solutions to solve the challenges of developing and implementing a CSA-based curriculum in agricultural vocational schools in Iran.

Production and Quality of Radish Seeds with Sulfur in Top Dressing and Organic Compost at Planting Fertilization

Aims: This study evaluates the effects of top dressing sulfur (S) fertilization, with and without organic compost before planting, on radish seed production and quality. Study Design: Eight treatments were studied in a factorial scheme (4 x 2): four S doses in top dressing fertilization (0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha-1 of S), with or without organic compost (50 t ha-1) in fertilization before seeding. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was carried out in the São Manuel Experimental Farm (22°46’ South, 48°34’ West, 740 m above sea level) in the School of Agriculture (FCA) of the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) located in São Manuel, SP, Brazil. Radish sown happened in April, and harvest and seed analysis occurred in October 2017. Methodology: Radish seeds were manually harvested (188 days after being sown), cleaned, and dried. Evaluations of seed production per plant, weight of 1000 seeds, and seed quality (germination (%), germination first count, germination speed index, and dry weight of normal seedlings) were performed. Results: Applying organic compost increased radish seed production and the weight of 1000 seeds. Where no organic compost was applied, the higher the S dose, the greater the seed production per plant. With organic compost fertilization, the highest seed production and the weight of 1000 seeds were obtained with top dressing fertilization with 68 kg ha-1 of S. Germination and germination speed index were not affected by either factor, organic compost fertilization or S dose. Where no organic compost was applied, the higher the S dose, the lower the leachate level in the electrical conductivity test. Conclusion: The radish base fertilization with organic compost plus top dressing S fertilization (68 kg ha-1) is indicated for radish seed production.

Resource Use Efficiency and Economics of Summer Greengram as Influenced by Land Configuration and Irrigation Regimes in North-western Part of India

Background: Pulses form a crucial protein component of the human diet and among the pulses, greengram is third most important pulse crop in India. Water is a critical input for sustained crop production and is becoming limited day by day. Hence, the need of the hour is to evaluate effective resource conservation practices, such as land configurations and scientific scheduling of irrigation to achieve higher productivity, profitability and resource use efficiency. The aim of the study was to identify most resource efficient and economical land configuration, irrigation regimes for summer greengram under sandy loam soils of northwestern India. Methods: The experiment was conducted during the summer of 2022 on Student’s farm, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab to investigate the performance of summer greengram as influenced by land configuration and irrigation regimes. The experiment was carried out in a strip plot design consisting of 12 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment included three land configurations viz, (L1: Flatbed, L2: Ridge and furrow and L3: Broad bed furrow) and four different irrigation regimes [Irrigating at critical growth stages (I1), 0.60 IW/CPE (I2), 0.75 IW/CPE (I3) and 0.90 IW/CPE (I4)]. Result: Among three land configurations tried, L3 recorded significantly higher water productivity, NUE and net return. Similarly, I1 recorded significantly higher water productivity whereas I4 recorded significantly higher NUE and net return. Among the treatment combinations, I1L3 recorded significantly higher water productivity (0.262 kg m-3) whereas I3L3 recorded significantly higher NUE (25.16 kg seed kg nutrient-1) and net income (₹ 72,848 ha-1) as compared to other treatment combinations. Hence, I1L3 and I4L3 can be recommended to farmers for growing summer greengram under sandy loam soil conditions in water scare regions and assured irrigation situation, respectively.

Immersive virtual reality for learning about ecosystems: effect of two signaling levels and feedback on action decisions.

The goal of the present study was to test the effect of signaling associated with feed-back in learning forest ecosystems in the context of realistic living forest simulator, in IVR conditions for students in agriculture. Two signaling modalities, corresponding to two signaling levels, were investigated: visual flashing of forest elements (tree species, plants, flowers, fungi, wet-areas etc.) and marker-stones, both with text in pop-up windows, in a 2x2 experimental plan. Ninety-three pupils of an agricultural technological high school had to explore (including physically), interrogate (search for) and select (using the joysticks) relevant elements of the forest in three living forest areas (visually delimited inside of a broader forest area) in order to choose (and justify) the best area, among the three, in which an equipped public-tourist reception site (picnic, resting, reception site) could be built. The chosen site must have the least possible negative impact on the ecosystem of the forest and its development over time. After their decision (and justification) they were provided a feed-back with a series of VR desktop multimedia slides showing the effect of this choice on the ecosystem of the chosen area. After the feed-back they had to decide and justify again whether they would change or maintain their first decision. Finally, subjective scales were also used in order to investigate presence, cognitive complexity, sickness and overall enjoyment. Results showed significant positive effects of both signaling levels, and of the feed-back on the correct decision answers. Further, the combination, and interaction, between signaling and feedback seemed to enhance, the activation and retrieval from memory, of the task-relevant concepts. In addition, the results indicated a significant positive effect (medium size) of presence on decision performances, a finding which is consistent with the immersion principle.

Factors Affecting the Teaching and Learning of Agriculture in Secondary Schools in Bushenyi District Bitooma Sub-County

The teaching and learning of agriculture in secondary schools have faced challenges over the years, leading to a decline in student interest and performance. Despite its relevance in everyday life, the subject struggles to captivate students and has witnessed diminishing participation in national examinations. This study delves into the factors affecting the teaching and learning of agriculture in Bitooma-Kyamuhunga Sub-County, Bushenyi District, focusing on the period from 2007 to 2010. Previous research highlights various challenges, including teacher qualifications, instructional materials, traditional biases, and government support. Teachers' interaction with students, availability of textbooks, and societal perceptions significantly impact the effectiveness of agriculture education. A cross-sectional survey combining qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted in five secondary schools. Data was collected from head teachers, agriculture teachers, and students from different classes through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Findings revealed a lack of instructional materials, with only a fraction of students having access to essential resources like textbooks. Additionally, teacher qualifications varied, with only half possessing formal qualifications in agriculture. Traditional biases and parental attitudes further deterred student interest, contributing to the subject's poor performance. The study underscores the need for more qualified agriculture teachers, adequate instructional materials, and government support to improve the teaching and learning of agriculture. Recommendations include enhanced teacher training, provision of resources, and efforts to change societal perceptions towards agriculture. Addressing the identified challenges can revitalize agriculture education, fostering student interest and improving academic performance. Collaboration between stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and communities, is crucial in overcoming these obstacles and promoting agricultural literacy among students. Keywords: Learning, Agriculture, Secondary Schools, Students

Genotypic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Elite Genotypes of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study was conducted during the rabi season (October, 2021–April, 2022) at the Crop Research Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, focused on 30 chickpea genotypes to evaluate genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlations and path analysis among quantitative traits. Utilizing a randomized block design, the study found that the number of pods plant-1 exhibited the highest variability, while pod length showed the least variability. Significant phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation highlighted substantial variability among the genotypes, with shoot length, root length, and the number of secondary branches displaying high genetic advance and heritability. This suggested the predominant influence of additive gene action on these traits, making them suitable for selection-based improvements. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations were generally similar, indicating minimal environmental influence on most traits. Positive correlations were identified between the number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed index and other dependent traits, indicating their potential for enhancing crop yield through selection. The study further revealed significant direct associations among traits, emphasizing the presence of additive gene action and the feasibility of effective selection for improving chickpea characteristics. In conclusion, the findings offer valuable insights into the genetic variability and heritability of chickpea traits, guiding future breeding and selection programs for enhanced genotypes.

Socio Cultural Perceptions of Agriculture and Primary School Enrolment in Rural Areas, Vo Prefecture, Togo

Socio Cultural Perceptions of Agriculture and Primary School Enrolment in Rural Areas, Vo Prefecture, Togo

Innovation of Cultural Education Mode in Agricultural Higher Vocational Schools from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization

In recent years, rural revitalization has become a national strategy, aiming at the problems of unbalanced urban and rural development and lagging rural economic development, aiming at building a socialist modern country in an all-round way. Based on this, the research content of this article mainly focuses on the innovation of cultural education mode in agricultural higher vocational schools from the perspective of rural revitalization. Through in-depth study of the existing cultural education model, combined with the strategic needs of rural revitalization, this article puts forward an innovative cultural education model. Through practical exploration, agricultural higher vocational schools can form a cultural education mode with local characteristics, agricultural culture subject, industrial culture support and social culture assistance. This not only helps to improve students' cultural literacy and vocational skills, but also helps to promote rural revitalization and agricultural development. In addition, this article also puts forward some suggestions for future research to promote the sustainable development and optimization of cultural education mode in agricultural higher vocational schools. In order to provide strong talent support for rural revitalization and promote agricultural higher vocational schools to play a greater role in cultivating outstanding talents.

Transforming Rural Teaching

This qualitative study examines preparation of pre-service teachers for altering rural teaching through transformative curriculum and pedagogy. The study gathered the perspectives of 45 participants belonging to two universities in Tanzania, namely University of Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam University College of Education) and Sokoine University of Agriculture School of Education. The findings indicate that geographically isolated rural schools are associated with deficits resulting in poor quality of teaching and learning. Further, the findings establish that teacher educators and pre-service teachers are not open to transforming rural teaching. This has implications for the effectiveness of university teacher education provided. To develop pre-service teachers’ openness to transforming rural teaching, there is a need for transformative curriculum and pedagogy in teacher education. A transformative curriculum should include diverse knowledge of teaching contexts and be implemented through critical dialogue and reflective pedagogy.

Oral health status and behaviour among Kanikkaran tribes of Mundandhurai Hills in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu

BackgroundKanikkaran are semi-nomadic tribes inhabiting Mundandhurai hills in Tamil Nadu. Their traditional method of maintaining oral health, seclusion, ignorance, and limited access to dental resources has led to their poor oral health situation. Thus, the present study is designed to assess the oral health status of the Kanikkaran tribals residing in Mundandhurai Hill of Tirunelveli district. MethodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 907 Kanikkaran tribes in Mundandhurai hills. Mundandhurai Hills in Ambasamudram taluk of Tirunelveli district was selected by convenience method. World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form and its self–oral health assessment form (2013) were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 23.0. ResultThere is a significant negative moderate correlation between age and dental caries (r = −0.752). There is a significantly high risk among tribes with the primary school of education and agriculture as an occupation for periodontal disease (OR = 3.48), premalignant lesion (OR = 2.52), and non-carious dental lesions (OR = 3.14). Males with primary school education and agriculture as occupation had a significantly higher consumption of sugar and use of tobacco (p < 0.05). ConclusionPrimary school of education with agriculture/labor as occupation had a high prevalence of DMFT, periodontitis, premalignant, and non-carious dental lesions. The results of the present study punctuate the necessity of raising awareness of the significance of good oral health through education and implementation of necessary dental services in Kanikkaran tribes.

Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management and Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Hot and Sub-humid Region of Odisha

Background: Cereal-legume intercropping is an age-old practice in most of the countries. Among the major cereals, maize is a better choice to include in legume intercropping due to its morphology and wider row spacing. Therefore, legume intercropping in consort with proper nutrient management can enhance overall productivity of the system, further improving crop diversification, nutritional security and agriculture sustainability. Considering these aspects, the present study was performed to examine the growth and productivity of maize as influenced by precision nutrient management and cowpea intercropping. Methods: The present study was carried out during rabi season of 2022-23 at P. G. Research Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with five intercropping combinations and five nutrient management treatments. All the treatments were replicated thrice. The plot size maintained was 5.0 m x 4.8 m. In case of maize and cowpea, high yielding hybrid ‘JKMH 4510’ and ‘KBC 9’ variety were taken for the study, respectively. Result: The results revealed that the growth parameters were significantly affected by intercropping ratios and nutrient management treatments. Although the yield attributes of maize were differed non significantly among the intercropping treatments but were significantly influenced by the nutrient treatments. In case of grain yield of maize, the Green Seeker-based nutrient management gave highest value with cowpea intercropping ratio of 1:1 and 2:2. LER and ATER were greater than unity, which indicated that the intercropping was advantageous. However, the maximum LER and Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER) were obtained from C3 (M+C 1:2) with 140:70:70 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha, respectively. The study concluded that intercropping of maize + cowpea in 1:2 row ratio with Green Seeker-based nutrient management were advantageous over pure stand of maize fertilised with conventional nutrient management.

Effect of Seed Priming on Germination Behavior and Emergence of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different priming treatments on the germination, seedling emergence, speed of emergence, vigour index, seedling length, and seedling fresh weight of wheat seeds at the School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, from November to December 2022. Four treatments: Hydro Prime (T1), 2% KCl (T2), 1% KNO3 (T3), and 10% PGE-6000 (T4) were administered, and assessments were conducted Following two intervals viz., 12 and 24 hours of priming. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) followed by four replications. Notably, 2% KCl consistently demonstrated the highest germination rates, reaching 97.50% after 24 hours of priming. 1% KNO3 also performed well, outclassing other treatments in enhancing germination rates. While Hydro Prime generally exhibited lower germination rates and remained respectable. In terms of emergence, 1% KNO3 consistently showed the highest rates, followed by 10% PGE-6000 and 2% KCl. Hydro Prime displayed lower emergence rates, particularly at the 12-hours. The speed of emergence increased for all treatments, with 2% KCL consistently outperforming others, reaching 45.55% after 24 hours. Longer priming durations consistently resulted in higher vigour index values, with 2% KCL exhibiting the highest at 11.40 after 24 hours. The impact on seedling length varied; 1% KNO3 was most effective after 24 hours, reaching 25.27 cm, while 10% PGE-6000 excelled after 12 hours at 26.92 cm. 1% KNO3 also yielded the highest seedling fresh weight (0.23 gm) after 24 hours, with 2% KCl showing significant increases (0.21 gm). Hydro Prime consistently demonstrated the lowest weights. From the present study, it may be concluded that 2% KCL and 24 hours of seed priming is useful to achieve uniform germination, seedling emergence, and vigour index in wheat.

Effect of phosphorus and sulphur on productivity and profitability of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) to evaluate the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on productivity and profitability of blackgram. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four phosphorus levels viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha, along with three sulphur levels, viz., 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha, which were replicated thrice. Results revealed that among the P levels, the application of 60 kg P/ha recorded significantly higher number of pods/plant (25.9), number of seeds per pod (5.4), test weight (37.30 g), seed yield/plant (8.26 g), seed yield (1412 kg/ha), stover yield (3542 kg/ha), and biological yield (4954 kg/ha). While among the sulphur levels, application of 30 kg S/ha recorded significantly higher number of pods/plant (23.6), number of seeds/pod (5.1), test weight (36.33 g), seed yield/plant (7.84 g), seed yield (1255 kg/ha), Stover yield (3185 kg/ha), and biological yield (4441 kg/ha). Combined application of 60 kg P/ha and 30 kg S/ha produced significantly highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio. Thus, application of 60 kg P and 30 kg S/ha was found to be the more promising treatment for enhancing the yield in blackgram.

Effect of Need-based Nitrogen Scheduling on the Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Background: Under the present context of global warming and climate change, the choice of an ecologically hardy crop is having prime importance. Nutrient management is an important approach for improving crop growth and productivity. Among all the nutrients, nitrogen helps in the overall growth of the plant. Nitrogen helps to synthesize chlorophyll and thereby supports building the protein units that enhance plant growth. As nitrogen is highly mobile, it is lost through different ways such as volatilization, leaching, nitrification, etc. Split application of nitrogen through proper scheduling is an important approach to reduce nitrogen loss as well as to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Hence, the investigation was conducted to find out how the scheduling of nitrogen is affecting pearl millet growth and productivity. Methods: The present study was conducted in kharif season of 2022 on pearl millet at Post Graduate Experimental Farm, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 9 treatments, namely, T1: control, T2: 50% basal RDN, T3: 100% basal RDN, T4: 50% basal RDN + 50% at 30 DAS, T5: 50% basal RDN + 25% at 30 DAS and 45 DAS, T6: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95%, T7: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 90%, T8: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 85%, T9: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 80%. Result: The results showed that the application of 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95% gave the maximum growth, yield, and income was also significantly higher with this application. So, it could be recommended to the farmers for growing pearl millet during kharif season in southern Odisha to achieve higher growth and productivity.

Inducing the Growth and Yield of Mungbeans Applied with Different Level of Concentrations of Bio-Stimulant Solutions

The study sought to determine the effects of different levels of concentrations of bio-stimulant solution (BSS) in inducing the growth, flower, and yield of mung bean. The study was conducted at UNO-R School of Agriculture, Philippines last February to April 2022. Pag-asa 3 variety was used as planting material. The study was laid out in RCBD) with four treatments and replicated 4 times. The BSS was diluted in water and applied 6 inches from the base of the plant as per research protocol. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among treatments in growth parameters such as plant height and leaf area index (LAI) at 35DAS. Likewise, there was high significant difference among treatments on the days to 50% flowering of the plant. Furthermore, results showed highly significant differences among treatments in the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and yield of mung bean. For the highest plant height, LAI, and period of flowering they were obtained from plants applied with 150ml BSS, followed by 100ml BSS, and 50ml BSS. On the other hand, untreated plants have the shortest height, narrower leaves, and late in flower initiation. Mung bean pods per plant were great in number, heavier in weight from plants treated with 150ml BSS among the other treatments, the most number of seeds per pod, and the heaviest per 100-seed weight as well as the highest seed yield per hectare. This study recommends the use of 150ml BSS in inducing the growth and higher yield of mung bean plant production.

Analysis of Heterotic Potential for Earliness, Yield and its Attributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The present study was conducted during the late kharif season (July to November, 2023) at the Genetics and Plant Breeding Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab India. This study assessed heterosis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) for 12 traits, including earliness and fruit yield using Randomized Block Design. Thirty-five F1s were obtained from crossing 7 lines with 5 testers in line×tester method and compared with one commercial check (Punjab-8) to estimate standard heterosis and heterobeltiosis among better parents. Significance of mean square due to genotypes revealed the presence of considerable genetic variability among the material studies for almost all the traits. The best positive heterotic cross over better parent (Heterobeltiosis) and standard check (Punjab 8) for fruit yield plant-1 was Go-6×Arka Abhay (72.32%) and Phule Prajatiti×Arka Abhay (41.63%) respectively. While Punjab Suhanani×GAO-5 (-12.05%) was found as negatively heterotic cross for days to 50% flowering over better parent and GAO-8×Arka Abhay (-13.26%) over standard check respectively. For days to first picking Pusa Savani×VRO-106 (-14.44%) exhibited negatively significant heterosis over better parent and Phule Prajatiti×Arka Abhay (-14.49%) over standard check respectively, that are important to exploit the earliness traits in okra. The hybrid Phule Prajatiti×Arka Abhay, which has a high potential for yield and fruits can be picked earlier which may evaluated further for early kharif season in Punjab.

Planetary health education in the United States: four curricular models, one goal

ABSTRACT Global environmental crises demand scaled-up investment in education about planetary health. We identified college and university programs in the United States that focus on the human-animal-ecosystem nexus by systematically searching the 2023–2024 catalogs of more than 1000 schools. We identified four frequently-used curricular models: (1) One Health programs offered by universities with veterinary and agriculture schools that emphasize zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and wildlife conservation; (2) climate change and health (climate medicine) programs for graduate and professional students at large universities with medical and public health schools; (3) global environmental public health programs focused on pollution and other exposures; and (4) sustainability and health programs emphasizing food security, environmental justice, and other health issues that can be improved with ethical design and engineering. Highlighting the shared goals of these distinct academic models may help make planetary health a more visible area of teaching, research, and practice.

Between Lower Austria and Moravia: displaced local elites and the Feldsberg/Valtice agricultural school

ABSTRACT Since its founding in 1873, the Lower Austrian Regional Agricultural, Pomiculture and Viniculture School in Feldsberg, Lower Austria – today Valtice, Czech Republic – has played an important role in the local community. This secondary school has educated agricultural workers as well as provided continuing education for people in the region and beyond. Picture postcards from the turn of the twentieth century show the school with other notable town landmarks, reflecting its importance in the small, predominantly German-speaking border community. The Paris Peace Conference awarded Feldsberg/Valtice, a historically Lower Austrian town, to Czechoslovakia after the First World War. Analysis of this agricultural school provides a way to examine post-war borderlands from a regional perspective. The secondary educational institution became a point of conflict as the new Czechoslovak state transformed it from a German-speaking Lower Austrian school to a Czech-speaking one in Moravia. The Czechification of the agricultural institution in Feldsberg/Valtice was part of a larger effort to build a Czechoslovak national state. The author examines the life of the Lower Austrian school’s last German director, Matthias Arthold, who first studied at the school and then worked at other institutions across Lower Austria and Moravia, before becoming the Feldsberg/Valtice school’s director in 1908. Analysis of the alumni associations, one German, founded in 1913, and the other Czech, founded in 1924, illuminates the legacy of local elites and institutions that the provincial-turned-international border transformed.

Innovating methods of agricultural development research and practice

As we race towards 2030, the target date for achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, it is critical that we examine our approaches to agricultural development research and practice. We should not expect extraordinary results by using the approaches we have always used. Rather, we must innovate. To that end, Advancements in Agricultural Development held a Symposium on Methods of Agricultural Development Research and Practice in October 2023 on the University of Reading campus, co-hosted by the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. We invited recognized experts from around the world to develop papers focused on innovative methods of agricultural development practice or innovative methods of agricultural development research. We had ten papers presented that were authored by 26 researchers representing 13 universities/research institutes in 6 countries. Sixteen authors attended the symposium to present their papers. A healthy dialogue followed each presentation to help authors refine their papers, resulting in the articles published in this special issue. A summary of each article is provided.

Impact of Combined Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation and Farmer Market School Approaches on Income and Food Security

Impact of Combined Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation and Farmer Market School Approaches on Income and Food Security