Sources Of Agricultural Information Research Articles

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers' Choices of Agricultural Information Sources and Outlets: Evidence from East Gojjam zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers' Choices of Agricultural Information Sources and Outlets: Evidence from East Gojjam zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farming

The agricultural and social landscape of rural Australia is changing, with many farmers interested in, and some actively moving towards, regenerative agriculture—but what do we understand of the farmers undertaking these transitions? Regenerative agriculture is a holistic way of managing landscapes that aims to move beyond sustainability to regenerate natural systems, while supporting farming system viability. While several authors have discussed the higher-level philosophical underpinnings of regenerative agriculture, there are few empirical studies exploring the motivators for farmers to implement a suite of practices within the regenerative agriculture tool-kit. By undertaking an online survey targeting regenerative farmers, this study identifies common attributes of regenerative farmers, as well as key motivators for, and barriers to change, including perceived benefits arising from the approach. An online survey was promoted through the social media pages of three farming groups, resulting in 96 self-identifying Australian regenerative farmers included in this analysis. Results demonstrate that a clear and recent shift has taken place for this group, who may feel ostracized within their local community, hence often rely on information from online and international sources of agricultural information. This article builds a core understanding of the goals, attributes, aspirations and challenges of regenerative farmers and offers a definition of regenerative agriculture that is derived from farmer responses.

Understanding Attendees’ Feedback and Outcomes from the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) Training Programme

Input dealers serve as a key source of agricultural information for farmers at the village level, functioning as a one-stop shop. Therefore, they need to be well-versed in location-specific crop production technologies related to broad-based agriculture and proficient in managing agricultural inputs. This expertise ensures they can offer accurate advice to farmers dealing with field issues. In this context, MANAGE introduced the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI), a significant national program by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This program aims to train agri-input dealers across the country, equipping them to serve as para extension workers and provide farmers with reliable technical knowledge. Ex-post facto cause to effect research design has been followed for the present study. This empirical study on the attendees’ perception and experiences of DAESI programme showcases not only their socio-economic profile of the input dealers undergoing training but also their insights on training programme package (satisfactorily good as a whole); their feedback on resource material and mode of delivery (suitable); their outlook of the facilitator of the programme (cooperative and favourable) as well as their experience regarding the activities performed during the training (satisfactory); and lastly the attendees’ perception regarding the objective to attend the DAESI Training Programme (amongst which majority of them attended the programme to either obtain certificate or to become a para-extension worker).The DAESI program is a trailblazing way that offers participants, who lack formal agricultural qualifications, a chance to acquire agricultural knowledge. Obtaining the diploma is a compulsory step for renewing their licenses, which drives many, particularly those with business interests, to enroll in the DAESI program. To enhance the DAESI training program, updating cost norms, incorporating digital learning, introducing refresher courses, tailoring the curriculum to local needs, strengthening public-private partnerships, increasing practical exposure, and promoting gender inclusivity could be followed.

Could social media be a game-changer in improving agricultural extension delivery in Ghana?

In this study, we set out to investigate the transforming power of social media for agricultural extension delivery services in Ghana. We employed a quantitative research approach and drew insights from 374 farmers. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Cocoa farmers have some level of awareness of agricultural information on social media (Overall Mean = 1.88). Farmers regard social media platforms as potential sources of agricultural information (Perception Index = 3.38). Majority of farmers own smartphones (53.74 %) and have internet access (53.74 %). About 31.86 % of farmers spend 30 min to 1 h daily time browsing social media for agricultural information. About 57.65 % use social media for accessing agricultural information and implementing farming practices. According to 89.38 % of farmers, social media information helps to improve crop yield and pest management. The main constraint facing farmers in the use of social media is high data costs (Mean = 7.30). We recommend that the government in collaboration with telecommunication companies should explore innovative pricing models to reduce the cost barrier for farmers accessing agricultural content online.

Perception and Adoption of Government Agricultural Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Western Uganda

Agriculture production and productivity remain key to feeding the growing population with agriculture extension being at the centre of the performance of the agricultural sector in Uganda. Research shows that improved technologies promoted through extension service provision could have an even greater impact on food production and on farmers’ livelihoods in developing countries like Uganda. This study was conducted to investigate the perception and adoption of improved agriculture technologies under the government extension system among smallholder farmers in Kagadi District, mid-western Uganda. Data was collected using a questionnaire from 149 randomly selected households in three sub-counties. Results generated using Excel and SPSS revealed a high positive perception index of +0.63 for government extension services. The level of adoption of improved technology based on generalised partial adoption was 54.3% with farm size and training attendance being the significant factors affecting adoption of improved agricultural technologies in the study area. It is clear from the results that notable differences exist in terms of the perceptions of government extension services and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. The general observation of farmers’ perception is that government extension service is helpful to farmers and is the major source of agricultural information in the area. Efforts should be made to support access to arable land and intensification of agricultural training sessions coupled with appropriate mobilisation of farmers to attend such training. Further studies should be done to understand these aspects on a wider scope in the country since this study was only conducted in one district. There is also needed to study the factors individually as well as the relationships with other factors to determine the adoption processes of technological advancement

Seeds of Change: Assessing Wheat Knowledge and Socio-profile in Rural Areas of Kharar, Tehsil of Punjab, India

This study investigates the socio-profile status, agricultural practices, and knowledge acquisition among farmers in rural villages of the Punjab region, India. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from farmers residing in five villages through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The demographic analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with a significant proportion falling within the 40-60 years age bracket, highlighting the maturity of the farming population. Educational attainment varied, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance access to higher education and vocational training programs. Findings indicated a high prevalence of smartphone usage among farmers, presenting opportunities for leveraging digital technology in agricultural extension services. Family compositions leaned towards nuclear families, while landholding patterns showcased the varied socio-profile landscape within the farming community. Peer networks and institutional support emerged as significant sources of agricultural information, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in knowledge dissemination. A notable increase in knowledge was observed among farmers after video presentations on wheat varieties, highlighting the efficacy of multimedia approaches in agricultural education. The study aimed to assess the impact of a video presentation on wheat cultivation on farmers' knowledge. Data from 60 farmers showed significant improvements in various aspects of wheat cultivation knowledge, including identifying suitable wheat varieties, understanding sowing and harvesting timing, and recognizing common wheat diseases. The mean percentage increase in knowledge was 103%, indicating the effectiveness of the educational program. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods. Continued support and education efforts are essential for sustaining and enhancing these positive outcomes. However, the preference for sowing previous year's seeds over newly released varieties indicates the persistence of traditional practices and the need for targeted interventions to promote varietal adoption. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design context-specific interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring food security for rural populations in the Punjab region and beyond.

Exploring popular information sources and determinants of farmers’ access to agricultural extension services in the Indo-Gangetic plains

A study was undertaken to analyse farmers’ access to various agricultural extension service sources, their preferences and to delineate underlying determinants for their access. The study used NSSO 77th survey dataset of 14,782 households of IGP states (Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal). Farmers’ preferences varied, with private agencies—particularly input dealers—emerging as the top choice, followed by traditional mass media channels and the public extension system. Utility of Cooperative model, and farmer-based organizations have not yet been fully explored for information needs. The inputs (seeds, fertilizers, plant protection) were the most sought-after information. However, in an era of changing needs, farmers should strive to acquire additional information on aspects such as marketing, climate change, and post-harvest functions. The type of information sought by the farmers, influences their preferred sources of extension services. Irrespective of the source, the degree of access diminishes with the decreasing landholding. Among the five IGP states, Haryana emerged as the champion of information access for farmers, while Bihar lagged. Multivariate probit analysis reported that the likelihood of access to agricultural information sources was positively influenced by age, gender, education, size of operational landholding, irrigated area, and sale of produce at MSP. The study suggests making the extension services for small and socio-economically marginalized farmers more inclusive. Inclusiveness of extension services is essential for sustainability because it ensures that all farmers, regardless of their landholding, gender, age, caste, etc., have access to knowledge and resources they need to adopt improved agricultural practices and thus, secure prosperous livelihoods.

Effectiveness of Agricultural Information Disseminated Through Mobile Apps and Social Media

The present investigation was conducted during June, 2021 to February, 2022 in twelve villages under DAATTC, six each in Bhuvanagiri and Jangaon districts, Telangana, India on the use of social media as a source of agricultural information, use pattern, preference, purpose, ranking of different social media used, information processing and its effectiveness among farmers. Social media emerged as highly powerful tools in facilitating online social interactions and has shown tremendous potential in facilitating information exchange among individuals. These tools are meant for digital communication helping in interaction among a group of people. The data were collected from farmers of Bhuvanagiri and Jangaon districts, with a sample size of 120 respondents through a structured interview schedule. 84.16% of the farmers used social media platforms for getting agriculture related information, the most preferred social media were WhatsApp, Youtube and Facebook. Garrett ranking analysis revealed that information seeking was the most preferred purpose of social media use among farmers followed by chatting/connecting with peers and watching agricultural videos. 54.17% of the farmers preserved this information obtained from social media for future use. 45.00% of them discussed this information with progressive farmers and 42.50% of them discussed with friends. 72.50% of the respondents had enhanced knowledge about pest and diseases. The personal variable of the respondents’ such as education, farm-size, scientific orientation, social participation, income, innovativeness and information seeking behaviour were significant and positively correlated (at 0.01% level of probability) with social media use.

A MULTIVARIATE LOGISTIC ANALYSIS ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE MARKET PARTICIPATION OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS GOAT FARMERS IN MAKUYA VILLAGE OF THE HAMAKUYA COMMUNITY, MUTALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Livestock farming, particularly indigenous goat farming, is essential for rural economies, providing food and income. The demand for goat products is growing, encompassing meat, milk, fibres, and skins. Nevertheless, there's limited participation by farmers in formal markets, with most transactions happening privately. The study examined 45 smallholder indigenous goat farmers in Makuya Village, located in the Mutale Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a multivariate logistic model to explore factors influencing market participation. The findings highlighted the diverse community, with a notable presence of male smallholder goat farmers. Several factors affecting market participation were identified, including the age of the farmer, the number of goats owned, distance to the market, and the source of agricultural information. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting sustainable goat farming and enhanced market engagement in rural areas.

A SCALE TO MEASURE THE ATTITUDE OF AGRO-INPUT DEALERS TOWARDS THEIR OCCUPATION

In India, agro-input dealers play a crucial indirect role in enhancing farm productivity and income. Due to their locational advantage and easy accessibility, they serve as important sources of agricultural information, offering guidance on technologies, recommendations, and input supply, contributing to farmers’ decision-making processes. This study was conducted to develop a valid and reliable statements to be used for measuring attitude of agro-input dealers towards their occupation. The scale-product method is used to develop the scale. This method is a combination of Likert and Thurston technique. 28 statements were assessed by 50 judges on a 5 point continuum. Then, after comparing S and Q value 16 statements were selected to form a scale to measure attitude towards occupation. The reliability coefficient (r) was determined to be 0.86, indicating reliability, using the split-half method. A questionnaire- based proportionate random sampling survey was conducted on 120 agro-input dealers in Anand district of Gujarat state. The statistical measures, such as SPSS and Microsoft excel were used and nearly two-third (67.50 per cent) of the agro-input dealers had favourable attitude towards their occupation.

Production and Marketing Risks for Tomato Growers in Halabja and Sulaymani Governorates in the Kurdistan Region / Iraq

The study aimed to identify the level of production and marketing risks facing tomato growers in the governorates of Halabja and Sulaymani, As well as determining the discrepancy between the independent variables studied for the respondents and the production and marketing risks, The data was collected using a questionnaire and the method of personal interview by taking a multi-stage random sample by selecting four regions famous for tomato cultivation in Halabja and Sulaymani governorates with (2050) farmers. Then, in the second stage, a proportional stratified random sample (16%) of the research population was taken. The sample size was (328) farmers. The results showed that the level of production and marketing risks facing tomato growers is high and tends to be medium. The result showed that there is no discrepancy in the opinions of farmers about the production and marketing risks facing tomato growers according to the research variables (Age, Size of farm holding, Type of farm holding, and Contact with the Agricultural Extension Worker), Conversely, disparities arise in relation to the research variables (Educational level, Years of agricultural experience, Volume of tomato production during the year, Involvement in training programs, Sources of agricultural information). Therefore, the researchers recommend intensifying specialized Involvement in training programs in the field of tomato production, marketing, and distributing production and marketing requirements to farmers at reasonable prices or supported by the government.

Examining the Level of Rice Farmers’ Awareness about Sources of Agricultural Information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria

Agricultural information is essential to effective farming activities and related decisions, however, farmers need to find the best sources of agriculture information. Despite numerous sources of information, rice farmers still find it challenging to identify convenient information sources due to time and cost effectiveness. The purpose of this study was thus to examine the level of rice farmers’ awareness about the sources of agricultural information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria -West Africa. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 2,203 households with a sample size of n = 220 heads of farmers’ household. The sample size determination was based on Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table for ±5% precision and 95% confidence levels. The study utilized Questionnaire, for data collection. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure it measures the expected objectives. Data on farmers’ demographic profile were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages then translated on tables and graphs. While the study objective was analysed quantitatively based on the study design. The study findings revealed that the sources of agricultural information farmers in Bunkure were aware of included agricultural agents at 31%, radio 19%, farmer association 16%, agricultural show 12%, and TV 6%, farmers groups 4%, newspaper 3%, Facebook 3%, agricultural database 2.6%, library 2.4% and internet 2.4%. The study also found that information awareness had significant association with agricultural productivity at 0.05 (1-tailed) (r = 0.278, n =634, p<1268). The study concludes that most of the rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria are aware of multiple sources of agricultural information and awareness of sources of agricultural information is essential for these rice farmers to improve their production and profitability. The study thus recommends that the government and other stakeholders should use a participatory approach in involving rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State.

Where do Smallholder Farmers get Their Information? An Exploration of the Sources of Agricultural Information in Northwest Cambodia.

Where do Smallholder Farmers get Their Information? An Exploration of the Sources of Agricultural Information in Northwest Cambodia.

Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of integrated soil fertility management technologies among sorghum farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya

AbstractClimate change manifestations and population pressure are some of the most critical challenges that affect agricultural productivity. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies are among the agricultural innovations that have been developed to address declining crop productivity. These technologies have been promoted across diverse areas including marginal agro‐ecological zones. Despite the nobility and versatility of ISFM technologies, their adoption is still low particularly across Kenya landscapes. Consequently, there is limited knowledge explaining the adoption of these technologies especially in the dry areas. This study therefore, applied Cragg's Double Hurdle model to determine the factors affecting adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies among farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya, who mainly grow sorghum both as a food and a cash crop. The results revealed that gender, dependants, farming goal for subsistence purpose (p < .01), decision on information use, farm size, extension services, research awareness, ISFM awareness and ISFM access, significantly affected household decision on adoption of ISFM technologies. On the other hand, gender of household head, farm size, main source of agricultural information and formal agricultural training had significant influence on adoption intensity of ISFM technologies. There is a thus a crucial need for integration of determinants surrounding adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies in policy making and planning processes to enhance sorghum crop productivity in marginal Upper Eastern areas of the country.

Indonesian rice farmers’ perceptions of different sources of information and their effect on farmer capability

Abstract The diverse sources of agricultural extension information do not guarantee increased farmers’ capabilities to adopt agricultural innovations. Consequently, efforts to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovations should pay particular attention to farmers’ compatibility with different information sources. This study aims to analyze farmers’ perceptions of various information sources about rice commodity innovations and determine the information sources influencing farmers’ capabilities in adopting rice innovations. The study was conducted from June to December 2019 through a structured survey approach with 270 rice farmers in Subang, West Java and Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia, by using structural equation model analysis. The results showed that rice farmers had positive perceptions of government, private, and self-subsistent extension. The capability level of rice farmers showed that all indicators were significantly different. Farmers could improve their capabilities and sustainability of rice farming by adopting agricultural innovations. Information from government and private extension providers had a positive effect on the capacity and capability of rice farmers. The role of self-subsistent extension was more of a facilitator and did not directly affect the capacity and capability of farmers. Participatory extension activities are recommended as a form of intervention that can improve rice farmers’ capacity and capability in terms of technology adoption processes. The extension activities should be provided as a series, rather than one-off events, so that farmer knowledge accumulates over time through a style and pace to match their skills and level of education.

Assessing the contribution and impact of access to extension services toward sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Public Extension services remain the repository and main source of agricultural information for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Their role includes linking farmers to relevant institutes and disseminating research-based knowledge and technology to rural people with the aim of improving their livelihoods. Extension officers disseminate information about new innovative techniques to crop and livestock farmers and related production and management practices leading to the improved socio-economic status of the rural communities. Despite this and farmers having access to extension services, smallholder farming appears to be struggling to meet the rural population's daily food and employment needs. Moreover, empirical and detailed evidence of the contribution and effect of extension services toward sustainable farmer livelihoods remains scanty in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Therefore, the study sought to investigate the contribution and impact of extension services toward sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance in Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study used a multi-stage sampling procedure to collect data from 258 smallholder farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Binary Logistic regression and Propensity score matching was used for analysis. The study results showed that most respondents were females with an average age of 47 years and twelve years of farming experience. Moreover, the results show that farmers had ten years of schooling and operated on average farm sizes of 3 ha. The findings also indicated that farmers had access to extension services and were members of farm organizations contributing to their farming and building self-resilience. Farmers also indicated that financial support, distance to market outlets, and lack of transportation were among the challenges threatening their livelihood. Binary logistic regression showed that age, years spent in school, off-farm income, and farm size affected farmers’ access to extension services. Propensity Score Matching results showed that farmers with access to extension services had better sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance than farmers without access. The study concludes that extension services have a positive effect on the sustainable livelihood of farmers. The study recommends that governments and NGOs invest more in agricultural extension officers for farmers to reach their farming potential and ensure sustained livelihoods and self-reliance. Key words: Eastern Cape, Extension Services, Smallholder Farmers, Sustainable Livelihoods, Propensity Score Matching

To What Extent Do Media Channels Serve as A Source of Agricultural Information for Vegetable Growers in Saudi Arabia?

To What Extent Do Media Channels Serve as A Source of Agricultural Information for Vegetable Growers in Saudi Arabia?

Constraints to the use of ICT tools in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study investigated whether there are some constraints to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multi-stage, purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 120 rice farmers for the study. The data was collected with a well-structured questionnaire, and analyzed with descriptive statistics and mean scores from the 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed that the majority (60%) of the respondents were males with a good level of education and a mean age of about 49 years among other socioeconomic profiles. With regards to information needs, the study found that the majority (90.80%) of the farmers needed information on pests and disease management, followed by information on appropriate planting dates and techniques (87.50%), among others. Major sources of agricultural information among the rice farmers were fellow farmers or progressive farmers (98.30%), extension agents (87.50%), and mobile phones (84.20%). However, farmers preferred channels for receiving information are through fellow farmers and extension agents. Haven found that the major constraints to the effective use of ICTs are inadequate funds, the high cost of acquiring ICT tools, irregular power supply, and inadequate time for farmers. The study recommends that key stakeholders should be encouraged to provide affordable credit facilities to farmers to reduce the financial burden of acquiring and maintaining certain ICT devices.

Determinants of mechanized technology adoption in smallholder agriculture: Implications for agricultural policy

Agricultural mechanization is viewed as a tool for transforming agriculture in the Global South. Despite gaining traction among governments across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with many countries now having dedicated agricultural mechanization subsidy programs, recent evidence shows that adoption is not universal among farmers. While adoption of mechanized agriculture is generally theorized as an outcome of the interaction of cultural, political, ecological, and socioeconomic factors, little is known about the specific factors that may be driving ongoing differences in the adoption of mechanized agricultural technologies by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey (n = 1100) with smallholder farmers, we explored the determinants of the adoption of mechanized technologies. Results from the logistic regression analysis indicate that remittances (OR=12.27; P < 0.001), access to formal (OR=4.27; P < 0.001) and informal (OR=9.65; P < 0.001) credit, farm labor (OR=0.88; P < 0.01), farm size (OR=1.83; P < 0.001) and local agricultural information sources (OR=0.50; P < 0.01), emerged as significant correlates of mechanized technology adoption among smallholder farmers. The standardized beta coefficients further revealed that access to credit and remittances were the strongest predictors of mechanized technology adoption. These findings highlight the potentially strong role of economic factors in shaping mechanized technology adoption in smallholder farming contexts. Coupled with the fact that a significant proportion of farmers are yet to adopt these technologies, there is a need to rethink the agricultural transformation agenda of governments. There are two potential ways to address the needs of poorer farming households who are unable to afford mechanized technologies: the introduction of more subsidies and the promotion of alternative low-cost techniques of food production. However, given the failure of existing mechanization packages to benefit many farmers, governments need to simultaneously promote alternative production methods like agroecology which do not rely on mechanized technologies.

ICTs, smallholder agriculture and farmers’ livelihood improvement in developing countries: Evidence from Tanzania

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are among the profound tools to help the poor and marginalized rural smallholder farmers make a difference in their lives. This paper seeks to understand how the recent development of ICTs helps increase agricultural productivity and improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Tanzania. We employed a fuzzy sets Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) technique to select the most relevant 24 literature from 2163 literature and analyze the drivers ( conditions) that influence ICT use among the smallholder farmers, which in turn leads to increased agricultural productivity and improved farmers’ livelihoods ( outcomes). In addition, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with some local smallholder farmers in Tanzania's same regions, as shown in the reviewed literature, to understand how ICTs worked in the field. Findings revealed that ICTs had been increasingly used for and directly linked with agricultural transformation, increased agricultural productivity and improved rural livelihoods in Tanzania in the past two decades. Smallholder farmers rely on ICT tools, particularly mobile phones and radios, to access agricultural-related information, which helps them increase agricultural productivity. The limited number of public extension service agents forces most smallholder farmers to opt for ICTs as an alternative source of agricultural information. In this case, the agricultural extension department from the ministry of agriculture should work closely with telecom, broadcasting companies and other stakeholders to strengthen and initiate more appropriate ICT infrastructure and services targeting the smallholder farmers.