Small Farmers Research Articles

Iridaea cordata lipid extract associated with the rCP01850 protein of C. pseudotuberculosis elicited a Th1 immune response in immunized sheep

Sheep farming contributes to the socioeconomic development of small and medium-scale livestock farmers. However, several factors can hinder successful animal production, as is the case for infectious diseases, such as the one caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, known as caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). CLA has >90% prevalence in Brazilian herds and antibiotic treatment is not effective, consequently causing significant economic losses to farmers. Given the above, effective vaccines need to be developed to prevent this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the adjuvant activity of the lipid extract from the macroalgae Iridaea cordata as a candidate for developing an effective vaccine formulation. For such, four groups of six sheep each were inoculated with sterile 0.9% saline solution (G1), rCP01850 (G2), rCP01850 + I. cordata (G3), and rCP01850 + saponin (G4). Each sheep received two vaccine doses 30 days apart. Total IgG production levels significantly increased in experimental groups G3 and G4 on days 30, 60, and 90. On day 90, G3 showed higher total IgG production (p < 0.05) when compared to G4. When analyzing cytokine production, G3 was the only experimental group with significantly increased IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA expression levels. Our results show the vaccine formulation containing rCP01850 adjuvanted with the I. cordata lipid extract elicited a Th1 immune response in sheep, indicating I. cordata lipid extract may be a promising adjuvant for developing an effective vaccine against infection caused by C. pseudotuberculosis.

Perceived Survival Risk, Motivation for New Enterprises, and Entrepreneurship Knowledge: A Case from Small Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Tennessee

Entrepreneurship can create significant positive changes for economic development in rural areas. Specific to small farmers, who find it difficult to directly compete with large operations through conventional production in local and global marketplaces, the development of new feasible enterprises could be an important sustainable strategy. To understand the motivations of farm businesses, perceived survival risks, and entrepreneurship knowledge, we conducted a primary survey among small agricultural entrepreneurs (SAEs) in Tennessee. Based on the findings from our sample, SAEs are highly passionate and motivated in farming, the majority have business-related education or background (67% of the sampled SAEs) and consider themselves as self-employed (51% of sampled SAEs). Over half of our sampled SAEs developed 1 to 3 new enterprises in their farm or related businesses in the past 5 years while a few SAEs developed up to six new enterprises. However, we found that SAEs find their operation risky to continue and are challenged mainly by the shortage of skilled and reliable labor, finance and loans, and competitive markets. We also examined SAE’s level of understanding of different aspects of entrepreneurship and discussed the implications of our findings.

Epidemiology, Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Small Brazilian Farms Producers of Raw Milk Fresh Cheese.

This study aimed to identify contamination sources in raw milk and cheese on small farms in Brazil by isolating Escherichia coli at various stages of milk production and cheese manufacturing. The study targeted EAEC, EIEC, ETEC, EPEC, STEC, and ExPEC pathotypes, characterizing isolates for the presence of virulence genes, phylogroups, antimicrobial susceptibility, and phylogenetic relationships using PFGE and MLST. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and serogroups was also determined. Three categories of E. coli were identified: pathogenic, commensal, and ceftriaxone-resistant (ESBL) strains. Pathogenic EPEC, STEC, and ExPEC isolates were detected in milk and cheese samples. Most isolates belonged to phylogroups A and B1 and were resistant to antimicrobials such as nalidixic acid, ampicillin, kanamycin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. Genetic analysis revealed that E. coli with identical virulence genes were present at different stages within the same farm. The most frequently identified serogroup was O18, and MLST identified ST131 associated with pathogenic isolates. The study concluded that E. coli was present at multiple points in milk collection and cheese production, with significant phylogroups and high antimicrobial resistance. These findings highlight the public health risk posed by contamination in raw milk and fresh cheese, emphasizing the need to adopt hygienic practices to control these microorganisms.

Biochemical value of table grape varieties when grown in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine

The study of the possibilities of using the existing biodiversity of table grape varieties to meet the usefulness of the human diet is a key component of improving the existing cultivation of fruit products within the framework of modern agricultural development strategies. The purpose of the study was to establish the possibilities of meeting the needs of the population for valuable nutritional elements based on traditional table grape varieties, which are mainly introduced in the region at the level of small farms and household plots. Five table grape varieties – Arcadia, Nadezhda AZOS, Preobrazhenie, Rumeyka, Dubovsky pink – were investigated for the content of calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, glucose, dietary fibre, vitamins A, C, E, PP, and the dependence on the factors of the year and variety, their interaction, and the classifying ability of features in the space of canonical functions were calculated. The presence of minerals was analysed by atomic emission spectrometry, glucose – by sugar meter, dietary fibre – by enzymatic gravimetric method, vitamins – by fluorometric method, and vitamin C – by titrometric analysis. The possibilities of traditional table grape varieties in meeting the needs for basic valuable food elements are shown and a conclusion is made about the possibilities of selecting appropriate forms, which in the complex are quite capable of meeting modern requirements in this aspect of agricultural development. A predominantly low variability of the studied traits was revealed, which indicates the good reproducibility of the obtained result and the predominant influence of the genotype on the development of the corresponding trait in conditions of contrasting environmental characteristics of years. It was found that improvement in only one of the signs – the content of vitamin PP – is problematic. The low differentiating ability of varieties of the Dubovsky pink, Preobrazhenie, and Rumeyka group leads to the need for further clarification of the ability of only the first of the varieties to be a component in the proposed complex. It is recommended to grow a complex of varieties Nadezhda AZOS and Dubovsky pink

SME Owners' Willingness to Adopt Renewable Energy Technologies for Socio-Economic Development: A Perspective for Policy Decision Makers

This study investigates the willingness of small and medium enterprise (SME) owners and farmers in the rural Khairpur district of Sindh, Pakistan, to adopt clean energy initiatives (CEIs) in the agricultural sector. The research applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate eight hypotheses related to attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC) factors influencing the adoption of CEIs. Data was collected from 108 participants, and IBM SPSS was used for analysis. Key factors such as production quality, seasonal expenses, peer influence, market demand, and switching costs were examined. The results indicate that attitudes toward CEIs, such as improved production quality, lower seasonal expenses, and peer influence, positively impact the willingness to adopt CEIs. However, government policies and the diffusion of technologies were found to have an insignificant effect. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at facilitating the broader adoption of CEIs in agriculture to promote socio-economic development.

Second Bread: Potato Cultivation and Food Security in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan experienced a remarkable boom in potato production over the past thirty years, driven almost entirely by small farms. Today, potatoes are at once the backbone of national food security, a central source of income for many Kyrgyz households, and a non-trivial source of export earnings. This paper documents the central characteristics of the Kyrgyz potato economy and explains the conditions of its emergence and resilience. We show that Kyrgyzstan’s potato economy is driven by three main features: land reforms that dispersed ownership of land early in the post-Soviet transition, dense social networks that connect producers to input suppliers and markets, and a match between the potato and the country’s mountainous terrain and continental climate. Together, these features have given rise to a food security model that leverages the potato’s well-known nutritional qualities, its cultural status as a food staple across the region, and Kyrgyzstan’s geography and climate. We term this the Kyrgyz Potato Model (KPM). Unlike critics that stress the inefficiencies of Kyrgyz potato production, we highlight the model’s strengths: it is extremely effective in feeding citizens, generates much-needed household incomes, and has been remarkably resilient in the face of recent global economic crises.

Reasons and Criteria for Selecting and Culling Dairy Cows in Small and Medium Farms in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

The objective of this study was to investigate the criteria for cow culling and the methods used for semen selection in small and medium dairy farms in Thailand. Dairy cows on small and medium farms are culled for many different reasons. Methods of selection and culling were examined using data collected from a questionnaire asking about the number of milking cows, farm experience in raising dairy cows, criteria used for culling cows, selection of new cows, replacement cattle, and semen for breeding. Ninety-one farms were randomly selected using a snowball technique from dairy cooperatives in Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Sakon Nakhon Provinces, Thailand, with data analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square statistics. The results showed that most farmers did not cull cows due to low milk production or aging (71.43%, 72.53%) and used 5 to &gt;12 insemination events as a criterion for involuntary culling (50.55%). Chronic mastitis was the highest health reason for culling cows (52.10%). Farmers usually kept on-farm female calves as replacement cows (41.67%), chosen by considering their dams’ milking ability. Most farmers (67.00%) let an artificial inseminator select suitable semen for their cows. When selecting pregnant heifers for replacement, the farmers considered body conformation, udder characteristics, and cow price. Farmers with small and medium farms conducted low levels of voluntary culling and paid less attention to the genetic information of the semen. In summary, this study explains various factors influencing the selection and culling of dairy cows. Challenges leading to cattle culling included mastitis and infertility. Educating farmers on hygiene, reproductive systems, and household accounting is imperative as it facilitates sustainable cattle rearing practices.

Set when the sun rises, rise when the sun sets: Climate change adaptive strategies of small holder farmers in Vietnam

Set when the sun rises, rise when the sun sets: Climate change adaptive strategies of small holder farmers in Vietnam

Socio-Economic Perspective of Milk Producers of District Ghazipur of Uttar Pradesh, India

Socio-economic analysis play crucial role in implementation of any policy. This study, conducted in the Gazipur District of Uttar Pradesh, focuses on the current state of milk production costs. The research employs a descriptive and analytical design, using a survey methodology to categorize cattle owners into small, medium, and large-scale operations based on the number of cattle owned. A total of 10 villages were randomly selected from two blocks, with 150 milk producers chosen for in-depth study from each size category (small, medium, and large). The survey collected data on various demographics, including age, gender, education level, and social categories, as well as detailed information on milk marketing and socioeconomics. Results indicate that out of the 150 respondents, 76 were small-scale farmers, 43 were medium-scale, and 31 were large-scale. The majority of respondents (78%) were male. Economic analysis revealed that small households had an average annual income of Rs. 198,879, medium households Rs. 158,044, and large households Rs. 274,970. Non-farm income was highest for large farms (Rs. 148,140), followed by medium (Rs. 123,024) and small farms. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and marketing practices of milk producers in Gazipur, highlighting key areas for potential improvement and policy intervention.

FORMATION OF HYBRID ORGANIC AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS BASED ON CONSORTIUMS

The article discusses the hypothesis of combining small and large producers of organic food into associations and consortiums, where each business entity will receive certain advantages. In the course of the study, the author took into account the features of the types and experience of state support for existing organic agro-food systems, the main beneficiaries of the progressive development of these systems. The study is based on the synthesis of types of modern, traditional and mixed organic agro-food systems, which made it possible to identify the possibility of forming a new type of system — ​hybrid organic agri-food systems. The results of the study showed that cooperatives and associations can become the most acceptable forms of hybrid systems at the initial stage of their formation. The addition of an agro-industrial holding to the system will allow the formation of consortiums, which are proposed to be considered as the main form of hybrid organic agri-food systems and a mechanism for scaling them up to create export sectors based on small and medium-­sized businesses. In order to identify the interests of the main beneficiaries of the consortiums, the stakeholder analysis method was used, which shows that it is the state that is the main recipient of the positive effects from the development of hybrid organic agro-food systems. These effects include: preservation of natural capital, reduction of unemployment in rural areas, slowing down the rate of rural migration, involvement in the circulation of unused land, strengthening the health of the nation and increasing farmers’ incomes. At the same time, a necessary condition for the formation and scaling of organic consortiums are state support measures that can be aimed at stimulating the interaction of business entities and protecting the interests of small farmers.

Factors Determining the Level of Maize Production among Small Scale Farmers in Chisamba District, Zambia

Factors Determining the Level of Maize Production among Small Scale Farmers in Chisamba District, Zambia

Deep, Comprehensive and Free Trade With The Euroepan Union For The Agricultural Sector of Georgia, Is it a Threat or an Opportunity Expansion?

In the article - "Deep, comprehensive and free trade with the European Union for the agricultural sector of Georgia, is it a threat or an opportunity expansion?" - the question raised is discussed from the perspective of the future development of Georgian agriculture. The article mentions that no country in the world can develop properly without foreign trade. So is Georgia. Therefore, the association agreement signed by the European Union with Georgia gave it wide opportunities to expand trade in the European Union countries and, therefore, to develop the economy. The article mentions that in Georgia agriculture, that is, the agro sector, is considered a priority field. The country should focus on the agricultural sector to expand exports to the European Union. Implementation of this policy has begun, but it faces many obstacles. In the article, it is substantiated by proper calculation that today the agro-food products of Georgia are not competitive in the European Union market. The reason for this is high costs, low quality, small volume of export flows and others. In turn, this is caused by the abundance of small farmers in the agro sector of Georgia, who are easily defeated in the market by large European agro-firms of the same profile. The article ends with the statement that no positive transformation has taken place in the agro-sector of Georgia associating with the European Union. The share of EU markets in its exports is minimal. Moreover, large European Union companies, which have the opportunity to sell products at a low price, are gradually capturing the domestic food market of Georgia. Keywords: Opportunity and threat; Agro-food products; EU market; Concurrency.

Agricultural sector circular economy development: Agroecological approach

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using agroecological concepts to establish a circular economy in the agricultural industry. The paper examined circular economy as a novel economic development paradigm that seeks to optimise resource utilisation and reduce waste, particularly in the agriculture industry. The main principle of the circular economy is resource conservation, which includes the rational use of land, water and energy, as well as the preservation of biodiversity and the improvement of soil fertility. An analysis was conducted on the economic advantages of adopting a circular economy in the agriculture industry, which include the reduction of production costs, enhancement of productivity, and generation of new employment opportunities. The study also addressed the importance of digitalisation, which can significantly increase the efficiency of agricultural production using modern digital technologies for monitoring soil conditions, managing water resources and optimising processes. This paper examined the effects of the war in Ukraine on the agricultural industry, specifically highlighting a substantial decrease in the output of key crops and livestock products. A comprehensive examination of the destruction of infrastructure, soil, and water contamination exposed severe environmental issues resulting from the attacks. The successful circular concepts implemented by European countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and France can be applied to the post-war revival of the Ukrainian agriculture industry. The study also addressed the experience of the Ukrainian company Kernel, which successfully implements circular practices such as recycling of production waste, use of biomass and introduction of precision farming, which reduces environmental impact and increases production efficiency. Based on the analysis, recommendations for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine’s agricultural sector were proposed, including the identification of priority regions for recovery, stimulation of innovation and modern technologies, support for small and medium-sized farms, development of irrigation systems, environmental restoration and protection, international cooperation and support, and education and training

Sounding the alarm for digital agriculture: Examining risks to the human rights to science and food

Digital agriculture is described as a solution to population growth and climate change. It entails technologies such as robots, drones, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. However, with the adoption of digital agriculture comes the concern that existing power asymmetries may deepen, and inequalities between farmers may be exacerbated. This article focuses on small farmers due to the correlation between a large farm size and the adoption of digital agriculture, cautioning that digital agriculture may progressively drive more and more farmers out of agriculture. This article examines the risks that digital agriculture poses to the human rights to science and food. On the right to science, this article covers access to technology, especially in relation to barriers for small farmers in adopting digital agriculture. It also explores the obligation to protect from the negative effects of (digital agricultural) technology. On the right to food, the article analyses the impacts on its elements, such as availability and accessibility. Finally, the article presents State obligations under the right to food, alongside an examination of potential measures to ensure State compliance with this right.

Microbiome of craft hard cheeses from raw goat milk during ripening

The production of craft cheeses from goat milk in small farms in Ukraine is becoming increasingly widespread. The uniqueness of goat cheeses made from raw milk is attributed to the significant diversity of microbiological processes that occur during their ripening, involving natural strains of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and cheese mites. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the microbial composition of Caciotta and Canestrato goat cheeses during their ripening process. The number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (MAFAM) in Caciotta cheese was stable on the 10th day, the 1st, and the 12th month, and decreased by 1.18–1.27 lg CFU/g by the 24th month of ripening. The number of mold fungi and yeasts in Caciotta cheese peaked in the 1st month but they were not detected in the 12th and 24th months of ripening. Lactic acid bacteria in Caciotta cheese formed the basis of MAFAM and were represented by Lactobacillus plantarum on the 10th day and the 1st month of ripening, Lactobacillus brevis and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides in the 12th month, and L. brevis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides in the 24th month. In 24-month-ripened Caciotta cheese, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter ludwigii, E. durans, E. faecalis, and E. hirae were detected. Lactic acid bacteria in Canestrato cheese formed the basis of MAFAM and were represented by L. mesenteroides from the 10th day to the 3rd month of age, L. pseudomesenteroides in the 6th month, and L. plantarum in the 12th month. Canestrato cheese was characterized by a significant presence of mold fungi and yeasts in all ripening periods except for the 6th month. In 12-month-ripened Canestrato cheese, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus durans, E. hirae, and E. faecalis were isolated. Cheese mites, Acarus siro, in various stages of development were found in the rind of both cheeses starting from the 6th month of ripening. The results of the researchers provide new data on the microbiome of craft hard cheeses made from raw goat milk and can be used to develop methods for controlling the population size of A. siro mites during their ripening.

Empowering small farmers for sustainable agriculture: a human resource approach to SDG-driven training and innovation

PurposeAmid the growing global emphasis on sustainable agriculture, organizations and governments face a pressing need to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary for the adoption of sustainable farming practices, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, understanding the complex relationship between training programs and the adoption of sustainable practices among small-scale farmers remains a critical challenge. Taking a human resource approach, this paper attempts to understand the interrelationships between training effectiveness, farmers’ psychological and demographic characteristics in explaining the adoption of sustainable farming practices.Design/methodology/approachWe employed a multi-stage random sampling method and administered a structured questionnaire to collect data from 331 small farmers who were part of a government-led, large-scale intervention aimed at training them in sustainable farming practices.FindingsOur research findings not only emphasize the critical role of HR approach through training but also underscore its importance in the broader mission of aligning with the SDGs. Specifically, we demonstrate that sustained exposure to training, intrinsic motivation to acquire knowledge, and the innovative capacity of farmers collectively enhance the effectiveness of training programs, thereby contributing significantly to the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices in line with SDGs.Originality/valueDrawing from self-determination theory, training effectiveness literature, and the call for improved alignment with the SDGs, this study presents a model that explains how psychological characteristics, combined with the quality and quantity of training influence the adoption of sustainable farming practices among small-scale farmers.

The Contribution of Conservation Agriculture on Environmental Protection in Rwanda

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the contribution of Conservation agriculture on Environmental protection in Rwanda: case of Kayonza District. Materials and Methods: The study reviewed different studies related to Conservation agriculture and Environmental protection and used qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Data were collected using a questionnaire and face-to-face interview on Sample composed by 404 Respondents from Kayonza district. The data collected and analyzed by using Distributive statistics. Findings: The study indicated that CA techniques are contributing in environmental protection and there is a relationship between adopting Conservation Agriculture (CA) techniques and environmental protection. The decrease in organic matter content and high soil erosion are affecting soil fertility and health and one of the main causes of global warming is also intensive chemical fertilization of agricultural crops. In contrast, CA techniques combine minimum soil disturbance, mulching, water holding capacity, reduce soil compaction, reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility and application of organic fertilizers and re use of crop residues, Study have shown that farmers who adopt CA experience the improvement and there improve. The study underscores the importance of adopting CA techniques to reduce the cost and protect environment. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: By adopting CA practices, farmers can contribute to the protection of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change while maintaining agricultural productivity by promoting sustainable land management practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and reduce environmental degradation associated with conventional agricultural practices. But not all small holder farmers involved in implementing all CA techniques due to different factors, NGOs and Government can collaborate to develop subsidies, grants, and funding programs specifically aimed to promote conservation agriculture. By adopting CA techniques, agriculture in the next decade will have to sustainably produce more food from less land through more efficient use of natural resources and with minimal impact on the environment in order to meet growing population demands.

Challenges of Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Perspective from Roger Thurow's, The Last Hunger Season

Small holder farmers are the small-scale farmers who own the land from one hectare to less than ten hectares. These farmers often depend on the family labour for farming activities, and a significant portion of their production is used to support their own livelihoods. Africa is a region where eighty percent of the farmland is cultivated and food is produced by small holders, yet they face multiple obstacles in sustaining their routine. The death rate of children is increasing due to poverty and malnutrition. Major challenges include the lack of sustainable agricultural practices, insufficient planting techniques, inadequate access to fertilizers and markets, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change. The author aims to raise awareness about global hunger and the importance of long-term viability and economic development. He delves into the lives of small farmers, revealing the complexities of market failures, food insecurity, and the inability to access modern agricultural tools. The author also highlights the efforts of organizations and initiatives, such as One Acre Fund, which provide farmers with high-quality seeds and fertilizers on credit, and require them to attend local farming classes. This paper focuses on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Africa, as depicted by Roger Thurow in "The Last Hunger Season”. The objective of the study is to emphasize the need for awareness and policy interventions, including family planning and literacy programs, to empower rural communities, achieve food security and improve economic resilience in the face of population growth and agricultural challenges.

An Effective Tag Estimation Method Based upon Artificial Neural Networks and Signal Strength for Anticollision in Radio Frequency Identification Systems

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been widely used in applications such as access control, inventory management, spatial positioning, and object identification. Accurate tag estimation is one of the major challenges in RFID reader systems particularly in areas where large tag populations are to be identified such as shopping carts, warehouse inventory monitoring, and small ruminant farms. This paper proposes a new tag estimation technique employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) and signal strength to read large tag populations. The technique estimates the number of tags through the signal strength of the backscatter channel for efficient implementation of dynamic framed slotted Aloha (DFSA) protocol by analyzing the RN16 and the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The ANN model is trained using the signal strength of various tag populations and can identify the number of tags with minimal errors. The proposed technique does not require any modification in the tags and is implemented as a minimal software script to be added to the tag estimation module of the reader. The proposed signal strength-ANN model is able to estimate the accurate number of tags thereby improving the performance of the employed DFSA model.

The Russia‐Ukraine War and the Peruvian Agrarian Crisis

This article analyses the effects of the Russia‐Ukraine war on Perú's agricultural sector. Studies have shown that the war has created a sudden ‘shock’ in Peruvian agriculture because of disruptions to the import of Russian fertilisers. These findings highlight that fertiliser scarcity has provoked a disastrous decline in Perú's agricultural production, primarily affecting small farmers. While these approaches might lead to considering the war‐led agricultural ‘shock’ in Perú as an anomalous and externally generated catastrophe, this article argues that the ripple effects of the war should have been expected thanks to domestic historical inequalities and structural dynamics that are intrinsic to the global food system.