Small-scale Farmers Research Articles

Economic-ecological assessment of multi-crop small-scale model farms in the Republic of Armenia (piloting results from Gegharqunik region)

Background: Biogenic elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are major pollutants of Lake Sevan's water, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Untreated wastewater, sewage, agriculture, fish farming, and other activities are significant sources of these pollutants. Vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on mineral fertilizers and chemicals, and livestock breeding contribute substantially to nitrogen pollution in the lake. However, improved vegetable growing practices, including small-scale agriculture using organic fertilizers, natural soil improvers, and eco-friendly bio-liquids as growth stimulants, can enhance the socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Lake Sevan basin. These practices promote environmentally friendly, water-saving land-use methods, reducing nitrogen leaching into the lake. Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of applying innovative agro-technology to small-scale farming in the Lake Sevan watershed (Gegharkunik region). Specifically, the study objectives are to determine the quality characteristics of crops grown in small-scale farms and compare these quality indicators between yields obtained through the proposed technology and traditional cultivation methods. Methods: Field trials of multi-crop systems were conducted on 0.25 ha land plots in four variations across four different locations in the Lake Sevan watershed. The trials were evaluated for various parameters. Nitrate content, dry matter, starch, vitamin C, and sugar levels were determined in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, beets, and green beans, while fat content was measured in green beans and green peas. Results: Economic efficiency calculations revealed that utilizing the proposed innovative agro-technology in a multi-crop small-scale farm (0.25 ha) yielded a 20-25% increase compared to traditional cultivation with synthetic fertilizers, accompanied by notable environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that small-scale agricultural practices employing the proposed agro-technology have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts on local farmers. Keywords: Cultivation of non-traditional crops, organic farming, small-scale farming, activities, economic and ecological evaluation, and food quality characteristics.

Machine learning and analytic hierarchy process integration for selecting a sustainable tractor.

Selecting the appropriate tractor for small-scale farms is a complex process due to the multitude of technical, environmental, and economic criteria that must be evaluated. This study addresses this challenge by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with machine learning (ML) to reduce the number of criteria and simplify the decision-making process. The research aims to determine the most relevant criteria aligned with sustainable development goals for selecting the right tractor, focusing on small farms in the Egyptian Delta. Four tractors, with horsepower ranging from 55 to 95, were evaluated based on inputs from forty-two governmental service providers in the study area. Initially, nine criteria were identified, encompassing key technical, environmental, and economic factors. These criteria were reduced to three-price, power, and maintenance costs by weights 0.142, 0.334, and 0.525, respectively-using Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering with Euclidean distance. This reduction streamlined the selection process, making it more practical for farmers. Results show that the second tractor (T2), with a priority score of 0.326 and a normalized value of 33.4%, emerged as the optimal choice for small-scale farmers, outperforming the first tractor (T1) (28.7%) and third tractor (T3) (21%). Integrating AHP and ML simplifies tractor selection, ensuring sustainability, cost-efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria for sustainable tomato production

Numerous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are found in the rhizosphere, benefiting the host plant in different mechanisms and promoting sustainable agriculture. They improve soil fertility with minimum cost requirements using an eco-friendly approach, which is an essential attribute for small-scale farm production. Thus, isolation, characterization, and evaluation of symbiotic effectiveness are hierarchical procedures to develop bioinoculants. Using a dual (plate and liquid medium) screening technique and a greenhouse trial, four potential PSB strains (Mk-1–25, Mk-13–16, Mk-20–7, and Mk-20–20) were selected from tomato rhizosphere soil. All isolates exhibited the following traits: produced colony clear-zone, lowered liquid medium pH, gram-positive, produced urease and IAA, dissolved substantial P from various substrates, symbiotically effective, and improved tomato growth and yield. Taxonomically, they belong to Bacillus and Priestia species (i.e., Mk-1–25 Bacillus halotolerance, Mk-13–16 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Mk-20–7 Bacillus megaterium, and Mk-20–20 Priestia megaterium). Among the current strains, Bacillus halotolerance recorded higher SI (3.11), was able to grow in extreme conditions (10% salt, up to 45 °C), produced HCN and siderophore, and improved tomatoes’ shoot length and weight, in contrast, Mk-20–20 produced HCN, siderophore, was able to fix nitrogen, improved tomato germination, shoot dry weight, and fruit weight. Various P-supplements (Ca3(PO4)2, bonemeal, FePO4, AlPO4, compost, and DAP fertilizer) were added to induce tomato-strain symbiotic interaction; hence, compost substantially promoted the interaction and resulted in higher symbiotic effectiveness. Ca3(PO4)2 was a good media composite preferred by most PSB strains; consequently, a higher concentration (219 µg/ml) of dissolved P was recorded from the liquid medium after 10 days of incubation than other substrates. Based on the data obtained from laboratory and greenhouse trials, the current strains were found to be potential candidate. Future work should confirm their efficacy at the field level using model host crops at different sites to recommend them as farm inputs and biofertilizer.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Adoption of Mobile Phone Applications for Improved Small-scale Commercial Agriculture in Makonde District, Zimbabwe

Mobile applications have provided a new way for agricultural transformation. This is set to revolutionise the agriculture sector with easy access to vital agricultural information on weather, market trends, pest, and disease management, and best agriculture practices to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability. However, there is a dearth of studies on the adoption of mobile applications in agriculture. It was important for this study to understand the impact of farmers’ demographic characteristics on the adoption of mobile applications in small-scale commercial agriculture. The study applied the quantitative research approach, a sample size of 213 small-scale commercial farmers, a descriptive cross-sectional research design, and the structured household questionnaire survey instrument, purposive random and stratified sampling techniques to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed a higher adoption rate of mobile applications among young farmers than old farmers. The study indicated that female small-scale commercial farmers adopted mobile applications than male farmers. The study revealed that the majority of small-scale commercial farmers were literate. Further, the study highlighted that married farmers exhibited a greater tendency to adopt mobile applications than single, divorced, separated, and widowed. Furthermore, the study revealed that the majority of small-scale commercial farmers were engaged in agriculture as their primary occupation. The study argued that young farmers, female farmers, educated farmers, married farmers, and farming as a primary occupation positively influenced the adoption of mobile phone applications for improved small-scale commercial agriculture. The study recommends that policymakers and implementers should consider socio-demographic characteristics as critical determinants of the adoption of mobile phone applications for improved small-scale commercial agriculture to tailor strategies that promote the adoption of mobile applications based on different farmer age groups

Pendampingan Teknis Teknologi Tepat Guna Budidaya Udang Vaname Skala Kecil di Desa Pengambengan, Jembrana, Bali

Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is one of Indonesia's fishery commodities with high economic value in the domestic and foreign markets. They are applying appropriate technology through small-scale shrimp farming aimed to transfer technology in partner villages from traditional to intensive systems. This program was an effort to improve the welfare of the fishery community in Desa Pengambengan, Jembrana, Bali. This program was carried out in May‒July 2022, and it involved the Mina Jaya Fish Cultivator Group as the target community. The activity program was carried out through several stages, including audience activity, counseling, technical assistance, and monitoring and evaluation. The activity succeeded in increasing the knowledge and skills of the target community regarding vaname shrimp cultivation in detail. Technical assistance for cultivation activities has increased community understanding of small-scale intensive shrimp cultivation, minimizing errors and increasing program success. Monitoring and evaluation are carried out to determine the sustainability of activities in the target community. This community service activity has succeeded in increasing the productivity of Pacific white shrimp cultivation and technology transfer from the traditional system to a small-scale intensive system.

Cost of Productions and Partial Budget Analysis of Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.) Seedling Across Various Pot Sizes and Biochar-Based Media Preparations

Coffee cultivation mainly lies in the production of coffee seedlings with desirable characteristics under the recommended nursery management operations. Any improper handling made at early stage would remain to cause poor field performances. Biochar is considered as a soil conditioner and a carrier for plant nutrients, which improve the different soil functions, as an amendment to improve soil fertility, soil pH, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and water retention. The experiment was conducted to provide detail information on production costs and gross net profits of reduced sizes poly bag and biochar application used for coffee seedling production under small scale farmers. Biochar to topsoil blended at 1:3 ratio was found to increase (SVI) over the local and standard practice by 66.50% and 7.50%, respectively. Hence, combined effects of reduced pot size (13x19cm) with biochar mixed topsoil 1:3 noticed to significantly improve soil chemical conditions and growth response of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions at the study area. Besides, the result of simple partial budget analysis indicated the cost effectiveness with reduced polybag sizes as compared to the conventional pot sizes, especially for production, transportation and early stage field transplanting of quality coffee seedlings in large quantities. However, it is imperative to assess the effects of the present promising pot size and pot media treatments under field performance by considering growth, yield, and quality performances and profitability to smallholder coffee farmers over locations and year in the study area and other similar agro ecological zones in the country.

Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Biochemical Profile of Hedypnois cretica and Plantago coronopus Plants in Relation to the Cropping System and Growth Environment

The aim of the present work is to study the impact of salinity (i.e., 2 dS/m without addition of NaCl (control); 5 dS/m (EC-5); and 10 dS/m (EC-10) with the addition of 30 and 80 mM NaCl, respectively) on yield, organoleptic quality and the content of antioxidant compounds in Plantago coronopus and Hedypnois cretica plants in relation to different cropping systems and environmental conditions during growth (i.e., pots or floating hydroponics systems in the greenhouse and pots in the field (GPs, GH and FPs, respectively)). Almost all the growth parameters of the H. cretica plants in the greenhouse were impaired by both moderate (EC-5) and high (EC-10) salinity levels, especially in the floating hydroponics system, where, compared to EC-2, a reduction was observed of 33% in EC-5 and 76% in EC-10 in leaf area and of 24% and 75%, respectively, in fresh weight. On the contrary, the growth of the P. coronopus plants was negatively affected by salinity only in the GP system. However, salinity had no effect on most growth characteristics of both species grown in the field, suggesting a strong environmental effect on the impact of salinity in the tested species. On the other hand, the content of pigments, proline and total phenolics in the P. coronopus leaves, as well as their antioxidant capacity, were not affected by salinity in most cases, whereas in H. cretica the salinity effect was significant even at moderate levels (EC-5) in relation to the cropping system and growth environment. Moreover, both salinity levels reduced the nitrate content of P. coronopus plants in all cases (up to 61% in GP plants at EC-10) and of H. cretica GH plants (up to 67% in EC-10). Finally, regardless of the salinity level, the field-grown plants of both species showed a considerably higher content of total phenolics (by 59% in H. cretica and 58% in P. coronopus) and antioxidant activity (by 63% in H. cretica and 53% in P. coronopus, FRAP values), compared to the greenhouse ones. In conclusion, our results indicate that the tested combinations of cropping systems and growth environments could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable agronomic tool to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and to regulate the organoleptic and biochemical properties of the tested species, allowing small-scale farmers in the affected areas to cope with the ongoing climate change and the environmental pressures they currently face through the exploitation of alternative/underexploited species of high added value.

Foreign Direct Investment and Its Effect on Agricultural Productivity Kenya

Kenya has historically been one of Africa's top destinations for foreign direct investment. Foreign direct investment is critical for Kenya's agricultural sector, offering capital, technology transfer, and skill development that enhance productivity and economic growth. Despite agriculture being a primary economic driver, challenges such as limited capital, outdated farming techniques, and insufficient infrastructure continue to hinder growth. The research explores the contribution of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity in Kenya as well as to assess the effect of foreign direct investment on the productivity levels of small-scale and large-scale farmers in Kenya for a period 1993 to 2022. Neoclassical growth theory, Endogenous theory were key in guiding the study. This study adapted the causal research design employing time series data from World Bank spanning from years 1993 to 2022. Data was analyzed the data both descriptively and by inferential statistics. The findings of correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive relationships (r= 0.3213) between Foreign direct investment and agricultural productivity. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the significant positive effect of foreign direct investment on agricultural productivity with a coefficient of 0.3661 and p value 0.0014<0.05. This signifies that, in the short term, a 1% increase in foreign direct investment results in a 36.61% rise in the growth of Agricultural productivity, assuming all other variables remain constant. The findings implied that foreign direct investment inflow has the ability to create employment, technological development and improve access to international markets playing a pivotal role in accelerating the agricultural productivity. The Kenyan government should have more effective foreign direct investment strategies to facilitate technology transfer agreements between foreign investors and local agricultural enterprises, additionally, the government should pursue macroeconomic policies that attract foreign direct investment by providing an investor-friendly environment.

Device to Measure, Monitor and Control Variables for Agricultural Purposes

The measurement of meteorological variables is important for decision-making in the field. Accurate data can help farmers optimize their activities to improve food production. Traditional methods of monitoring variables can be expensive or complex for small-scale farmers to use. This indicates a need for low-cost and user-friendly devices. Currently, there is technology for developing these types of devices, which could be useful to automate processes based on variable monitoring and improve food production. Due to this, a device based on the Arduino Mega<SUP>TM</SUP> board was developed to monitor air temperature, relative humidity, rain, and soil moisture. In addition, equipment was developed to be controlled based on a rain gauge. The device has a TFT touch screen for easy-user interaction and 4 menus for information display (summary, floor, date-time and manual equipment control). The program of the device required more lines of code (59.65%) to establish user-device interaction compared to its internal processes (18.66%) and variable declarations (21.68%). A container was 3D printed to house all the integrated circuits and the device was tested under both indoor (Jun-10, 2024 to July-17, 2024) and outdoor (Jul-22, 2024 to Aug-18, 2024) conditions. Under indoor conditions, a 3% difference was found in the temperature measurements taken under the same conditions (using DS18B20 and MLX90614 sensors). Under outdoor conditions it was found that the air temperature decreased by an average of 2.33°C when increasing the height from 8ft to 16ft and the relative humidity decreased by an average 3.48% when increasing the height from 8ft to 16ft. There was a 3.4% difference in total rain measured by the rain gauges. Finally, the developed device performed adequately during the two months of testing in both conditions, measuring variables and controlling equipment (the equipment went from waiting mode to rain harvesting mode 92 times).

Contributing Factors to Quail Farming Failures in Brebes and Potential Mitigation Strategies

This study aims to identify the determinant factors leading to failure and to explore potential solutions for small-scale quail farmers in Brebes Regency. The research employs a quantitative approach, distributing questionnaires directly to 59 quail farmers in the Brebes region, including both active and inactive participants in quail farming. The questionnaire instrument is designed comprehensively to identify various factors contributing to failure in quail farming enterprises. The survey indicates that quail farmers face several major challenges, including high feed costs, low egg prices, and high quail mortality due to disease. All farmers also experience difficulties in marketing, limited capital, and threats from natural disasters. Lack of knowledge and poor farm management are additional issues, while competition with large-scale farmers makes it difficult for small-scale farmers to survive. Value-added products are considered highly profitable by all respondents. quail farmers in Brebes express a significant need for and strong support of government subsidies for feed costs, marketing assistance, training programs provided by veterinary departments, and the reinforcement of farmer organizations. Additionally, they concur that the adoption of advanced technologies, the enhancement of consumer awareness, the development of value-added products, and the expansion into new markets will contribute to greater efficiency and profitability within their operations.

Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil

The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (p > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible.

Cost-Effective Multispectral Sensor and Artificial Neural Networks for the Detection of Starch Adulteration in Raw Milk

This study aims to detect starch adulteration in dairy products utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Globally, milk fraud represents a significant challenge to food safety, posing substantial health risks to consumers. In this context, spectral data derived from milk samples with varying starch concentrations were processed using feature scaling and normalization techniques. The ANN model was rigorously trained and validated employing the stratified k-fold cross-validation method, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in detecting starch-adulterated milk samples and effectively differentiating among various starch concentrations. The principal findings indicate that the model achieved 100% accuracy, coupled with high levels of precision, sensitivity, and F1-scores. Future research should explore the application of this model to different types of adulteration and extend its validation on larger datasets. Furthermore, the potential adaptability of this method for other food products and field applications warrants investigation. This study offers valuable insights for milk producers, food safety professionals, and consumers, particularly highlighting the implications for small-scale rural farms, thereby enriching the discourse on food safety within short food supply chains.

Economic Analysis and Efficiency of Small-Scale Catfish Farms in Delta State, Nigeria

Economic Analysis and Efficiency of Small-Scale Catfish Farms in Delta State, Nigeria

Assessing the pig microbial health impacts of smallholder farming

The livestock industry has long been a hotspot environment for antibiotic resistance genes, with smallholder farming still holding a significant position in pig farming. However, the microbial antibiotic resistance and pathogen risks in pigs under the smallholder farming model remain unclear. We systematically analyzed the antibiotic resistance and microbial composition of pig feces from smallholder and large-scale farming models in Sichuan. The results indicated a lower abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and similar microbial composition in smallholder farming compared to large-scale farming. Beneficial bacteria were more abundant in small-scale farming, whereas large-scale farming exhibited more ARGs, virulence genes, and human pathogenic bacteria (HPBs), including ESBL Escherichia coli strains closely related to human strains, indicating higher zoonotic risk. The findings suggest that smallholder farming presents a relatively better microbial composition and resistance profile, highlighting its advantages over large-scale farming in terms of pig and human health. It is noteworthy that a considerable proportion of HPBs carrying ARGs still exist in the feces from smallholder farming, and given the openness of fecal handling, there remains a high risk of transmitting ARGs and pathogens to humans.

Effective technology of disinfecting ozonation of hatching chicken eggs

Relevance. The positive aspects of disinfecting ozonation of hatching eggs allow us to expect successful application of the method not only in large but also in small-scale farms, as well as for experimental and industrial purposes in laboratories and bio-enterprises related to the technological process based on the incubation of a small number of eggs. This determines the importance of expanding the range of ozonizers due to numerous portable devices. There are no clear recommendations for these devices and this causes the need to search for the most effective and harmless modes for the embryo, and schemes of disinfecting ozonation.Methods. The study used fertilized chicken eggs “Hysex Brown” and a portable ozonizer “OZON-OviV”. Ozone concentration 2.0 mg / l. Eggs were treated in a specially made chamber. Technology-1: twice for 30 minutes before incubation and on the 3rd day of incubation. Technology-2: three times for 30 minutes before incubation, on days 3 and 5. The range of studies included: assessment of total microbial contamination (densitometry); identification of microorganisms (MALDI-TOF-spectrometry); biological control of incubation (fertility, hatchability, mortality, developmental abnormalities); assessment of the adequacy of the internal organs (MicroCT); embryo morphometry (weight, length, chest circumference) and calculation of development proportionality indices; histological assessment of the liver.Results. The total ozone concentration during treatment by two methods was 240 mg/l and 360 mg/l, respectively. The disinfecting efficiency of ozonation has been proven, providing a decrease in the level of total microbial contamination by 30% and 40% with double and triple treatment. A tendency to maintain a low total microbial contamination, compared to intact eggs, up to 14 days of incubation has been revealed. The dynamics of the microbial landscape indicate the bacteriostatic effect of ozone in the concentrations used on a wide range of microorganisms. Microtomographic and histological methods confirmed the harmlessness of the technologies used. Along with the more pronounced antibacterial effect of technology-2, the presence of a stimulating effect on the body of the developing embryo was revealed, which determines the preference for its choice.

Pre-sowing treatments for a better germination of Myrianthus holstii seeds

ABSTRACT The cultivation of the indigenous fruit and food security tree, Myrianthus holstii, is seriously constrained by its seed dormancy, change in land use and overexploitation, decreasing its wild population and limiting its on-farm planting in Rwanda. Therefore, we determined the effects of different pre-sowing treatments on the germination and seedling growth of M. holstii to promote its domestication in Rwanda, using mechanical nicking of seeds, boiling seeds in water for 5 min and sulphuric acid (98%) scarification for 15 and 30 min. The shortest acid-scarification produced the highest germination (93%) within 6 weeks after sowing and seedlings with longer heights and more leaves within 3 months, comparable to mechanical nicking, indicating that the two techniques are effective in improving the germination and seedling growth of M. holstii. However, mechanical scarification was recommended to small-scale farmers, since it is eco-friendly, economical and user-friendly to contribute to M. holstii domestication in Rwanda.

Critically analyzing nature-based solutions: A political ecology framework of planning for the Yamuna River floodplains, Delhi

ABSTRACT “Novel” nature-based solutions, implemented through urban spatial plans and rezoning policies, paint an apolitical picture of the rejuvenation of the floodplains of Delhi. This paper uncovers the socio-ecological injustice rooted in these decisions that lead to the eviction of small-scale farms. This is discussed through the political ecology framework and examined as an approach of bourgeois environmentalism. The spatial policies in the Draft Master Plan for Delhi 2041 are traced through previous master plans, specifically for Zone O (river zone) of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This allows for the unpacking of a larger urban socio-ecological imaginary being produced. In this paper, we find that, first, the river zone plan erases the marginalized, and, second, it potentially makes the way clear for the ecologically sensitive floodplains to be used for developing recreational activities targeting the elite. Therefore, like previous plans, this plan leads to the marginalization of both the river and the marginalized by ontologically separating them.

Equitable food and nutrition security initiatives for farmers and fisher folks in Masbate, Philippines

Loss of income among Filipino farmers and fisher folks caused by the pandemic resulted to food and nutrition insecurity in their respective households. Their low level of education limited their source of livelihood into small scale farming, fishing, or both thus also limiting their income and opportunity to find additional sources of income. Descriptive statistics was used alongside Smith’s Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyze the data and understand the respondents’ lived experiences. The pandemics negative effect to their source of livelihood prompted them to institute drastic coping mechanisms for survival. Despite the dire situation the respondents still possess a positive outlook in life and have shown their usual resiliency to disasters. Life lessons drawn from them aided in the formulation of personal and organizational development policies in the context of the province of Masbate, Philippines. Finally, the Smart Sirungan Framework for a Food and Nutrition Secure Future was created and presented for possible utilization and further studies.

VERMICULTURE AND VERMICOMPOSTING: TWIN EARTHWORM TECHNOLOGIES, SUITABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO CONVERT WASTES TO WEALTH – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Many smallholder farmers in developing countries face interconnected challenges, including poor soil fertilisation, low agricultural output, and inefficient conversion of agricultural wastes into biofertilisers, all of which can be sustainably addressed through vermiculture and vermicomposting—twin earthworm-based technologies. This review aims to explore vermiculture and vermicomposting, their interconnections, and key optimisation factors, while also guiding smallholder farmers on setting up simple vermiculture and vermicomposting units using locally sourced materials. A wide literature search was conducted across databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on vermiculture, vermicomposting and earthworm utilisation in waste management. From an initial pool of articles, 35 studies were selected for their relevance, empirical data, and rigorous methodology. Findings show that earthworms' natural behaviours, such as burrowing, soil ingestion, excretion and rapid reproduction, are exploited by vermiculture and vermicomposting to produce both earthworm mass and vermicompost, a sustainable and efficient biofertilizer. Vermiculture focuses on maximising earthworm harvest, with vermicompost as a secondary product, while vermicomposting aims to maximise vermicompost production, often resulting in increased earthworm mass. Vermicomposting units can be constructed from locally available materials, including wood, organic and agricultural wastes, and earthworm food sources, like fermented cow and sheep dung. The review assesses the potential of these technologies for small-scale farms, emphasising their feasibility and benefits in resource-limited settings. Since low agricultural output by smallholder farmers is partly traceable to unaffordable costs of chemical fertilisers, this review will draw attention to the use of vermicompost as a cheap and sustainable alternative

Implementation of integrated nutrient management (MIN) on small agricultural properties: case studies in Mozambique

Integrated nutrient management is a sustainable approach that combines nutrient management practices to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impacts. This article reviews the implementation of integrated nutrient management on small holder farms, focusing on case studies globally and in Mozambique. Integrated nutrient management integrates the use of organic and inorganic fertilisers, crop rotation and soil cover to optimise nutrient efficiency and preserve soil health. Case studies show that, globally, integrated nutrient management can increase productivity and sustainability, while in Mozambique, practices such as green manuring and nutrient recycling have shown significant benefits. However, implementation faces challenges such as technical complexity, initial costs and the need for institutional support. Future prospects include strengthening public policies, adopting innovative technologies and adapting to climate change. Integrated nutrient management offers a promising path to transform small-scale agriculture, promoting food security and ecological resilience. Through a commitment to innovation and local adaptation, integrated nutrient management can become a standard agricultural practice, empowering farmers and contributing to global sustainability.