Small Farmers Research Articles

The Impact of Forestry Technological Innovation on the Welfare of Farm Households Managing Jujube Forests (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) in the Lüliang Mountains of the Yellow River’s Middle Reaches

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) makes up a traditional characteristic industry with ecological significance in the Lüliang Mountain of middle reaches of the Yellow River (LMMRYR). However, low economic efficiency has reduced local farm households’ willingness to continue jujube cultivation, threatening the sustainable maintenance and development of jujube forests and the ecological environment. In response, Lüliang City implemented a technological innovation program, that is, the Jujube Forest High Grafting and Optimization Program (JFHGOP), in 2018. Based on survey data from 302 local farm households, an empirical analysis using propensity score matching and ordinary least squares methods revealed that the program significantly enhanced the economic, ecological, and social benefits for participating farm households, improving their overall welfare. Robustness tests confirmed these findings, and a heterogeneity analysis showed varied impacts across different dimensions. The program improved welfare through government support and cooperatives’ assistance. To further promote green development and farm households’ welfare, recommendations include advancing forestry innovation technology, supporting small farm households with policy, capital, and technology, optimizing subsidy mechanisms, supporting new business entities, and promoting cooperation and benefit-sharing among stakeholders.

System behaviour of water and environmental law

Rules and procedures of mechanical things might be revealed by a piece by piece, linear analysis, while large unorganised masses can be approached by means of statistics. However, there is a vast middle layer of entities with complex structure and hardly calculable non-linear procedures that offer themselves for system science. System thinking makes possible that we understand wicked problems, perfect storms and other similar phenomena that otherwise resist the old, positivist, silo-thinking. In these cases, we learn that elements of a system form structures, develop procedures through which they together produce such results that could have been unimaginable solely by the elements alone. Is it possible that with the help of system thinking we will be able to better grasp the essence of laws, moreover, we can design and implement laws with higher effectiveness? Is law a system? Or rather a complex tiered system of sub-systems, embedded into larger social-economic systems? In order to test these questions we analyse two intriguing sets of legal problems, to learn if we can describe and interpret them as systems that are – like systems generally – protecting their integrity with accommodation and resilience. The first example is the development of the segment of water laws that regulates drilling of small size wells for farms, where we see a 140 years process off gradual, more and more successful accommodation to the double social needs of protecting the interests of small farmers and sustainable development in respect to underground waters. This system resisted successfully an abrupt change that would have not fit to its goals. The second example is climate law as such – a relatively new development in the short history of modern environmental law, which can be hardly called a success story, because of the stiff resilience of the relevant branches of law. Indeed, resilience of law, as a complex, flexible and effective system does not always work according to our wishes.

Personality traits of the small and medium oil palm farmer and crop productivity

Personality traits are the intrinsic factors that shape each person's behavior in different scenarios, situations, and contexts. Therefore, the present study, carried out in the municipality of Tibú, Norte de Santander, was proposed with the objective of analyzing the personality traits of the small and medium oil palm growers of the associations ASOPALSER and ASOPALCATDOS of the municipality of Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia, which affected the Productivity of the crop in the period 2020-2021. The methodology used had a quantitative and descriptive approach, where two associations of small-scale African palm oil producers were chosen, Asopalser and Asopalcatdos, totaling 101 small producers, a population to which the Big Five test was applied, which measures five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, responsibility, neuroticism, and openness to change. The mean scores of the individuals were analyzed to detect which traits were most frequently present, and then the correlation with Productivity was studied, taking as a measure the income of each association. The results indicate that most of the population presents a medium level in terms of the final score for the personality traits evaluated, highlighting extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to change, which also have the highest coefficients with respect to Productivity. On the other hand, it was found that the correlation between personality traits and Productivity is low for all the dimensions, which leads to rejecting the hypotheses of the study. For this reason, group activities are proposed to improve this, and the other dimensions are evaluated in the personality test in order to improve the Productivity of the producers

Assessment of wind power potential and economic viability at Al-Hodeidah in Yemen: Supplying local communities with electricity using wind energy

Wind energy is a promising sector in the power generation industry because it is renewable and globally available. This study assessed the wind power potential and the economic viability of utilizing wind turbines at the chosen location to produce electricity. This work uses wind speed data collected during (2012–2014) at 10 m height. This research presents the maximum and mean values of measured wind speeds. We have analyzed annual, seasonal, and monthly variations of wind speed. The wind characteristics and wind power potential of the study site have been investigated using Weibull and Rayleigh distribution functions. The annual mean wind speed and Weibull parameters (shape and scale) have been determined to be 4.477 m/s, 2.494, and 5.046 m/s, respectively, according to the actual data collected over the three years. The annual mean power density and energy density have been computed to be 86.39 W/m2 and 757.226 kWh/m2 according to the actual data collected over the three years, and the predicted annual mean power density and energy density have been computed to be 86.492 W/m2 and 758.358 kWh/m2 using Weibull parameters and 164.372 W/m2 and 1441.2 kWh/m2 using Rayleigh distribution, respectively. Accordingly, the power density computed using the Weibull parameters was similar to the power density computed using real wind data, whereas the power density calculated by the Rayleigh function was higher. An economic analysis has been done to choose a suitable turbine for the study site. The results indicate that the wind turbine ZEFIR D14-Px-Ty is indeed a viable option for wind power generation in Al-Hodeidah. It has a relatively low cost of energy of $0.03/kWh and a high capacity factor of 0.428, indicating its efficiency in converting wind energy into electricity. Therefore, the selected location is recommended for some small stand-alone systems as well as small wind farms.

AN ECONOMICS OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

In Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its disease-free quality seed potato production, an economic study of 200 growers grouped into small (105) and large (95) farms revealed an overall cost of cultivation at Rs. 94,667 per farm and Rs. 3,08,051 per ha in 2022-23. Among all inputs, potato seed accounted for 29% per hectare, while human labor constituted 27% of costs. The total variable cost was 89%, with fixed costs at 11% per ha. Gross income averaged Rs. 4,67,705 per ha. Efficiency analysis across farm categories showed the cost of potato production at Rs. 250 per quintal (q). Large farms exhibited a slightly higher output-input ratio (1.52) compared to small farms. Production costs ranged from Rs. 1,195 to Rs. 1,270 per q for large and small farms, respectively, with variable costs higher on small farms (Rs. 1,117) than on large ones (Rs. 1,074) per q. The reported benefit-cost ratio stood at 1.88, indicating favorable returns. Potato prices ranged from Rs. 1,860 to Rs. 1,880 per q, with larger farms realizing higher prices. Break-even analysis suggested the need for small, large, and overall farm categories to achieve at least 50.72, 38.02, and 44.14 q of potatoes, respectively, to maintain a no-profit, no-loss condition. The analysis underscores potential profit increase by optimizing human labor, manure, and fertilizer use.

Utilization Patterns of Milk and Milk Products among Various End Users in Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

The utilization patterns of milk and milk products in Karnataka were investigated through a study of 100 farmers and 50 consumers. The focus was on how milk was retained, consumed and transformed into various products. It was found that significant variation existed in milk production and consumption across different herd sizes. Small, medium, and large farmers were reported to produce an average of 33.80, 45.18 and 66.26 liters of milk per day, respectively, with family consumption accounting for 19.23 per cent, 17.37 per cent and 15.84 per cent of their production. Larger herds were associated with increased milk production, which allowed for a greater surplus to be sold. Utilization patterns showed that small farmers retained 6.5 liters of milk daily, consuming 32.94 per cent as liquid milk and converting 64.23 per cent into curd, with minimal ghee production. In contrast, large farmers retained 10.5 liters daily, consuming 43.80 per cent as liquid milk and converting 53.12 per cent into curd. This indicated a trend towards higher liquid milk consumption and varying product transformation depending on herd size. Consumer data indicated that rural households spent an average of ₹141.18 on 2.41 kg of milk products daily, while urban households spent ₹142.10 on 2.25 kg. Despite higher costs, urban consumers spent more on liquid milk, whereas rural consumers allocated more to curd and ghee. These findings reflected regional price differences and consumption preferences. Overall, the study highlighted the complex dynamics of milk utilization, with varying consumption patterns and product transformations observed across different farmer categories and consumer demographics. This information was deemed crucial for optimizing milk production and distribution strategies in Karnataka.

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF POTATO GROWERS IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

This study investigates the socio-economic status of potato farmers in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This district was chosen specifically because it has a substantial area under potato cultivation. The required information was gathered from two potato-growing blocks in the district. The study revealed that the majority of household heads (57%) are between the ages of 16 and 40, with an average family size of five to seven people. Agriculture and livestock rearing emerge as the primary sources of income for most farms, with an average farm size of 1.76 ha, 74% of which are irrigated. During the Kharif season, vegetable crops are dominant, while potatoes are important during the Rabi season, with an average of 21.23 ha per farm. Potato productivity varies, with large farms producing 253.75 q/ha versus 246.43 q/ha on small farms. Agriculture-related earnings, or farm earnings, account for 45.2% of total farm income, with potatoes accounting for 8%, while non-farm income accounts for ~26.5%. Future research topics include investigating the impact of climate change on potato farming and evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural policies in terms of income and productivity. Further research could look into the effects of modern farming techniques on sustainability and profitability, potentially providing insights into improving agricultural practices in the region.

Examining the Intersection of Agricultural Production, Farm Revenue, Gender Dynamics and Adaptation Strategies in the Face of Climate Change

In recent times the context of climate change has become a complex and multifaceted issue as it affects agricultural production by altering weather patterns and by shifting the growing seasons of the crops, increasing pest and disease prevalence, thus reducing the yield, affecting the quality of the produce and threatening the food security in both the global and regional level. The farm revenues fluctuate significantly due to the unpredictable yields and the increased costs associated with the adaptation measures. Greater financial instability due to the changing climate scenario is faced by small and marginal farmers, as it affects market dynamics, potentially leading to price volatility. It also exacerbates the existing gender inequalities in agriculture by making them more vulnerable to the challenges of adopting climate-resilient practices, access to resources, education and decision-making opportunities which can hinder their ability to adapt to climate change. Thus the intersection of crop production, farm revenue and gender disparity under climate change highlights the need for integrated approaches to address the impacts of climate change.

Exploring the Influence of Export Environment on Market Standard Dimensions and Horticultural Market Growth in South Rift, Kenya

The inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in the export of horticultural products has two major implications: increased household income through a promising global market, which is a catalyst for productivity, cumulatively growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange. So far, there are an estimated 2500 smallholder farmers who participate in the export of horticulture in Kenya. As a result, the current study sought to establish the influence of export environment on the relationship between market standard dimensions and export market growth of the horticultural products from small scale farmers in south rift of Kenya. The study collected quantitative data using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 334 small-scale horticultural farmers who were randomly selected. Validity and reliability tests were performed before the main study. Then, descriptive and multiple regression was used to analyze the data. Export environment was measured through: government support and services for export, government regulations and certifications and trade agreements and market access. Findings indicated that there was a statistically significant influence relationship between market standard dimensions and the growth of horticultural export market, where export environment on each predictor variable had the highest influence on market dynamics, followed by quality control, traceability and post-harvest handling practices being the least. This implies that the export environment plays a critical role in making the smallholder farmers’ products more competitive in export market. The study concluded that, appropriate policies, regulations and trade agreements were critical in market standards compliance. The government should create a framework to effectively disseminate information on trade agreements so as to benefit farmers and in addition establish collaboration between farmers, the government and private sector in export intervention measures. Keywords: Export, Horticulture, quality, Post-harvest, Traceability, Market

Growth of Horticultural Export Market: The implication of Post-harvest Handling Practices among Small Scale Farmers in South Rift, Kenya

The inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in the export of horticultural products has two major implications: increased household income through access to a promising global market and enhanced productivity, cumulatively contributing to the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange. Currently, there are an estimated 2,500 smallholder farmers participating in horticultural exports South Rift of Kenya. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between post-harvest handling practices by smallholder farmers and the growth of the horticultural export market. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 334 small-scale horticultural farmers, randomly selected for the study. Validity and reliability tests were conducted prior to the main study. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were employed to analyze the data. Post-harvest handling practices were assessed through the utilization of packaging materials, storage facilities, energy supply, hygiene, and transportation facilities. The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between post-harvest handling practices and the growth of horticultural export markets. However, deficiencies were observed among small-scale farmers in South Rift, Kenya, in managing horticultural products after harvest. The study recommended for strategic interventions for the adoption of modern technologies in every stage of the supply chain and establishes collaborations with key stakeholders in order to minimize cost of investment per farmer and ultimately enhancing market standards compliance and competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable export market. Keywords: Post harvest, storage, packaging, Hygiene, Export, Markets

Impact of Potassium Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Small Millets

Aims: To evaluate the impact of varying potassium application levels on the growth and yield of small millets and to assess the economic viability of potassium fertilization in small millet farming. Methodology: A split plot design experiment was carried out, featuring four crops as the main treatments: C1 - Proso millet, C2 - Barnyard millet, C3 - Kodo millet, and C4 - Browntop millet. Potassium fertilizer was applied at four different rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg/ha) as sub-treatments. Throughout the cropping period, various morpho-physiological traits were monitored, including plant height (cm), tiller count per plant, and yield-related metrics such as the number of panicles per plant, 1000-grain weight (g), and biomass production per plant (g). At harvest, yield data and yield attributes were recorded, followed by an economic analysis. Results: The results indicated that, Proso millet showed a plant height increase from 75.85 to 94.37 cm, number of productive tillers (4.73) with high potassium doses, while Barnyard millet reached a maximum height of 119.13 cm, grain yield significantly increased from 1547 kg/ha without potassium to 2055 kg/ha with the highest potassium dose. Barnyard millet (achieving the highest gross return of Rs 61650/ha and a B: C ratio of 2.20 with the highest potassium dose. Conclusion: Application of potassium 20 kg/ha, along with the recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus, recorded 31.8% higher yield, greater tolerance to lodging, reduced pest and disease incidence and remunerative economics in millet cultivation.

Battery-Operated Power Weeding Machines: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the development and adoption of battery-operated power weeding machines, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional weed management methods. Previous studies have highlighted several critical benefits of these machines, particularly in reducing labor costs and minimizing environmental impact. Battery-powered weeders have been shown to significantly cut down on manual labor requirements, thus reducing the physical strain on farmers and decreasing the reliance on hired labor. This reduction in operational costs makes them an economically viable option for small and medium-sized farms. Furthermore, the environmental advantages of these machines are notable. Unlike chemical herbicides, which pose risks of soil and water contamination and potential health hazards, battery-operated weeders offer a clean alternative, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Technological advancements have further enhanced the efficiency and usability of these machines. Modern battery-powered weeders are increasingly equipped with lithium-ion batteries that provide longer operation times, precision sensors for accurate weed targeting, and automated control systems that simplify operation. These innovations have not only improved the effectiveness of weed management but have also made these machines more accessible and user-friendly for farmers. Field trials and studies conducted in various agricultural settings have consistently demonstrated the practicality and reliability of battery-operated weeders, making them a transformative solution in modern agriculture. The integration of these machines into farming practices has been shown to improve productivity, reduce costs, and promote sustainability, solidifying their role as a critical innovation in the future of agriculture. This review article aims to build upon these findings by providing a detailed examination of the design, development, and performance of battery-operated weeding machines, and exploring their broader applications in diverse agricultural environments.

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

Extent of adoption and its limiting factors affecting improved vegetable cultivation practices by small farmers in the eastern Himalayan region

Extent of adoption and its limiting factors affecting improved vegetable cultivation practices by small farmers in the eastern Himalayan region

Economic Analysis of Broiler Poultry Production in Uttar Pradesh

Poultry farming is an important income-generating activity for farmers. The present study looked into the costs and returns of broiler poultry farming in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Primary data collected from 60 broiler units in the district was used for analysis. The overall average cost of production was around `138.46 per bird and `111.41 per kg live weight. The cost of production was highest for small farms and lowest for large farms. Chick and feed costs together accounted for more than 75 per cent of the total cost of production. The net return realized per kilogramme of broiler chicken was `11.34, 15.05, and 17.14 in small, medium, and large farms, respectively, with an overall average of `13.27. The overall average value of NPK content of poultry faecal matter produced in the farms in a year was `12241.88. Only a few (11.67 per cent) farmers were using poultry waste for compost making. Many (41.67 per cent) of them were disposing of it as waste. The study stressed the need for interventions to reduce chick and feed costs, training on scientific poultry farming, and proper management of poultry waste. Keywords: Broiler poultry, costs, returns, waste disposal. JEL Codes: D20, Q10, Q12.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of smart farming technology for small scale farmers in paddy production: A case study in Melaka

Knowledge, attitude and practices of smart farming technology for small scale farmers in paddy production: A case study in Melaka

Socioeconomic determinants of small and medium-sized dairy farms in the Ecuador-Colombia border area

The socioeconomic factors influencing small-scale dairy producers in the border area between Ecuador and Colombia were meticulously identified. Employing a non-experimental design, the study leveraged multivariate statistical analysis to discern key determinants. Data processing was executed using the statistical software SPSS v27, facilitating comprehensive analysis. A random survey was administered to 532 small and medium-scale dairy producers in the Carchi province of Ecuador, employing a structured questionnaire supplemented with a Likert scale for nuanced insights. Based on 35 original variables, seven determining factors were identified in dairy farms: political representation, adequate housing, equipment, innovation, empathy, profitability, social welfare, which combined explain 60.95% of the system’s variability. Such factors affect production, the level of household income, as well as their effect on the standard of living of households. Three groups were formed, the first with a low perception of economic development (Traditionalists 33.3%); the second with a better expectation of economic development (Modernizers 27.6%); and the third, identified with greater economic development (Innovators 10.3%). Each group presents cases with a low to high standard of living perspective. The groups have peculiarities in terms of their performance that can be applied to the entire population. A significant relation was established between socioeconomic factors and standard of living.

Impact of Integrated Agricultural Productivity Project on the Smallholder Beneficiaries in Mithapukur Upazila, Rangpur District of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, plenty of development projects are assumed, though success of very few is evaluated. This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of Integrated Agricultural Productivity Project (IAPP) on the smallholder beneficiaries. The proportionate random sampling technique was used to select 90 smallholder beneficiaries from seven project villages implemented. Data were collected during 2018 to 2019 using a predesigned interview schedule. The perceived advantages of the project and the beneficiaries' annual income change were utilized to assess the impact of the project on the smallholder beneficiaries. Majority (58.8%) of the smallholder project farmers were under young to middle age category, with literacy belonged to moderate family size, small farm category, average annual income of BDT 134989 and 227633 during before and after the project intervention, respectively. They showed moderate contact with the extension source (95.6%) and moderate organizational participation (64.5%). Benefits derived from different components of the project were caused change in the usages of different agricultural improved technologies by the beneficiaries. The technologies implemented were improved fish, crop, livestock and water technology. All technologies had statistically significant contributions to the beneficiaries. The changes were significant for all the cases, viz. improved fish technology (t=13.65), improved crop technology (t=24.36), improved livestock technology (t = 20.43) and improved water technology (t= 22.29). There was also significant change in annual income comparing before and after the project intervention. Major problems faced during the intervention of the project were poor coordination of activities followed by training, poor quality deliverables and inadequate supply of project incentives. It is recommended that the authority needs to consider necessary measures to sustain the tempo and resolve the problems experienced by the beneficiaries in the future interventions.

ICT adoption, commercial orientation and productivity: Understanding the digital divide in Rural China

This study investigates the impact of Chinese smallholders’ adoption of Information and Communication Technologies—the use of smartphones and computers connected to the internet—on their commercial orientation, land, and labor productivity. Commercial orientation is the share of farm output for sales in the market. We used a control function approach and a selectivity-corrected model. The study uses national survey data from rural sample households, the China Household Database, and the China Household Finance Survey and Research Center. Findings reveal that the adoption of information and communication technologies by Chinese farmers increased the commercial orientation of farming. Furthermore, adopting information and communication technologies increases land and labor productivity by about 21.3 % and 28.2 %, respectively. Farm households’ commercial orientation improved labor productivity by about 35.9 %. Heterogeneity indicates that the adoption of information and communication technologies has a more significant effect on improving productivity for young household heads and small farmers. Policymakers should establish information and communication technologies training programs, develop digital infrastructure, and promote smallholder commercial production to increase agricultural productivity.

Introducing Saffron and a few medicinal and high value plants for small farms and water deficit conditions of northern New Mexico

This document reviews the potential of cultivating saffron and other high-value medicinal and aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, and Damask rose on small farms in northern New Mexico, particularly under water deficit conditions. Medicinal and aromatic plants, rich in secondary metabolites, are crucial to various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. With an increasing global market for herbal products and a rising interest in traditional medicine, these plants offer economic benefits and sustainability for small-scale farmers. Northern New Mexico's diverse climate and soil conditions are suitable for growing a wide range of these plants, which are more lucrative and adaptable to dryland farming compared to traditional crops. Saffron (Crocus sativus), the most expensive herb globally, thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions and requires minimal resources. Its cultivation can enhance farm profitability through the integration of summer vegetable production. Lavender (Lavandula spp.), another high-value crop, is well-suited for the region and offers multiple uses in essential oils and personal care products. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are also highlighted for their drought tolerance and medicinal properties. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Damask rose (Rosa damascena) are noted for their medicinal uses and potential in commercial production. The document underscores the importance of proper soil and water management, organic farming practices, and the role of secondary metabolites in enhancing crop quality under stressful conditions. Intercropping and the use of farm residues for soil conservation are also discussed. The review concludes that these high-value crops can diversify farm income, improve land use efficiency, and offer sustainable agricultural solutions for water-scarce regions in northern New Mexico.