Successful Farming Research Articles

Exposure to High Concentrations of Tetrabromobisphenol A Slows the Process of Tissue Regeneration and Induces an Imbalance of Metabolic Homeostasis in the Regenerated Intestines of Apostichopus japonicus

Background: Tissue regenerative capacity following evisceration, potentially influenced by environmental contaminants and intestinal microflora, is essential for the financial success of Apostichopus japonicus farming. However, the morphological structure, gut microbiome composition, and genes expression pattern of the regenerated gut after exposure to high levels of TBBPA remain poorly unclear. Methods: In this research, the effect of TBBPA exposure on tissue regeneration in A. japonicus was investigated through a comprehensive multi-omics approach. Results: Our results showed that the integrity, the intestinal wall thickness, and the villi length of the regenerated intestines in A. japonicus decreased after treatment with high levels of TBBPA. The findings from PCoA and NMDS analyses revealed that the microbial community composition was significantly altered following exposure to high concentrations of TBBPA in the regenerated intestines of A. japonicus. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were predominantly enriched on metabolism and immunity-related signaling pathways after exposure to high levels of TBBPA. These included pathways involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, ECM receptor interaction, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation. Interestingly, the results have demonstrated that there are 77 transcript factors that were significantly different after exposure to TBBPA. Conclusions: These results suggested that high levels of exposure to TBBPA induces an imbalance of the metabolic homeostasis by regulating the expression levels of transcription factors in the regenerated intestines of A. japonicus.

Contract Farming in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Using Meta-Analysis and Factor Analysis

Purpose: Smallholder farmers' agriculture in developing countries particularly in low and lower-middle-income countries is known for poor production and productivity levels which has been related to the inadequate use of improved agricultural inputs and marketing systems, and in this case, contract farming. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the various factors which affect contract farming among smallholder farmers in developing countries. However, trying to investigate those contract farming determinants by a single analytical method leads it to have limited findings, narrowed generalizability and difficulty in investigating major determinants that determine contract farming success. Therefore, a joint approach using factor analysis and meta-analysis can give a more comprehensive understanding of contract farming factors. Methodology: The data was gathered through a Systematic Literature Review, finding a total of 3007 studies from SCOPUS, PubMed, PubAg, and EMBASE. The PRISMA method was applied to, and finally, 35 peer-reviewed articles in English between January 1990 to September 2023 were selected. Findings: The meta-analysis showed interesting insights into factors influencing contract farming participation. Education and household size exhibited a negative association, suggesting that farmers with higher education levels and larger families may be less likely to participate in contract farming arrangements. This could be due to a preference for independent decision-making or the need for family labor in alternative income-generating activities. On the other hand, farmers with larger landholdings are more inclined to participate. To encourage broader participation, policymakers, and program designers could consider targeted outreach and support services for these specific demographics. Originality and value: Our new approach, joining meta-analysis and factor analysis, sheds innovative light on contract farming determinants. While the expected determinants like farm and household size, along with education, remained significant, our analysis showed unexpected nuances. Age of the household head emerged as potentially favoring younger, less experienced farmers. Moreover, access to extension services played an important role, while large household size might have a more complex influence depending on age composition. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights for targeted outreach programs and collaboration with extension services to optimize contract farming adoption and success in developing countries.

Enhancing food security through the use of cluster cooperative societies in fish farming enterprises in South-East Nigeria

Food security remains a critical issue in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, where agricultural productivity faces challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure. This study explores the role of cluster cooperative societies in enhancing food security through fish farming enterprises. By pooling resources and creating collaborative frameworks, cooperative societies in the region have the potential to increase fish production, improve market access, and bolster livelihoods. This paper presents the findings from a study conducted among fish farmers in the South-East, evaluating the effectiveness of cooperative societies in addressing food insecurity. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that cooperative societies contribute significantly to fish farming success, with notable improvements in productivity and market linkages. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to support the development of cooperative societies in fish farming to further improve food security in the region. Keywords: Food Security, Fish Farming, Cluster Cooperative Societies, Market Access.

Assessing Organic Farming Adoption in Selected Districts of Tamil Nadu: Challenges, Practices, and Pathways for Growth

This study investigates the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on how region-specific practices influence the adoption and success of organic farming. It draws insights from a survey of 300 organic growers across five districts: Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Tirupur, and Villupuram. This study is particularly relevant because there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, with limited data on the long-term impact of government initiatives and region-specific management options, especially for smallholder farmers. Additionally, gaps exist in understanding the economic viability, market demand, and farmer perceptions of organic farming together with challenges like knowledge gaps, pest control, managing risks, and lower initial yields during the transition from conventional farming to organic farming. The research evaluated the factors affecting organic farming, including crop yield, the use of different organic formulations, the role of different information services, opportunities and challenges, and the impact on the perceived effectiveness of various agricultural outcomes. Various statistical analyses were performed, including K-means clustering, Poisson regression, and chi-square test. The results revealed significant variations in the adoption of various organic inputs and regionally practiced organic formulations. Crop residues (82.67%), Jeevamrith (78.33%), Amudhakaraisal (77.00%), and 3G-Extracts (74.00%) have high adoption rates, reflecting their perceived effectiveness and accessibility among farmers. However, the adoption of microbial bio-inputs such as Trichoderma viride (1.00%), Acetobacter spp. (19.00%), Azophos (consortium of phosphorus fixing microbes) (26.33%), and Azospirillum spp. (28.67%) was notably poor despite their known benefits for soil health and crop yield. The chi-square test also highlighted key challenges faced by farmers in adopting organic farming practices. The Poisson regression analysis showed significant positive impacts on crop growth and yield, disease resistance, insect control, overall plant health, and input efficiency due to organic farming. The study’s insights are essential for developing targeted strategies to overcome barriers, supporting the growth and sustainability of organic farming. Addressing these challenges and promoting effective information channels will better equip stakeholders to support organic growers, contributing to more resilient and productive agricultural systems in the region.

Importance-Performance Analysis of Factors Affecting the Sustainability and Development of Poultry Farms (Evidence from Broiler Farms in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan)

Ensuring adequate food supplies has become a critical issue with a rapidly growing global population and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. In Baghlan province, Afghanistan, many poultry farms have been forced to cease operations due to insufficient infrastructure and resources, leaving a significant gap in meeting the region's growing demand for poultry products. This study aims to identify the key factors affecting the sustainability and development of broiler farms in Baghlan province as perceived by farm owners. The primary research tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The study population comprised all broiler farm owners in Baghlan Province, from which a sample of 91 was selected using the Morgan table and complete enumeration sampling method. The findings revealed that approximately 54% of respondents expressed moderate satisfaction with their farms. Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was conducted to assess the relative importance and performance of various factors affecting the development and sustainability of the farms. The results indicated that having a qualified expert, the farmer's educational level, the poultry house ventilation system, and being a local resident were considered highly important factors for farm success but were underperforming. Based on limited existing research in the region, these findings provide valuable insights for enhancing poultry farm development and food security in Baghlan province and throughout Afghanistan. The study offers specific recommendations for addressing the identified challenges and improving the sustainability of poultry farming in the region.

INTERNET OF THINGS UNTUK MONITORING KONDISI AIR BUDIDAYA IKAN KELOMPOK ‘TUTUT JAYA’ KOTA MALANG

This service aims to improve the skills and knowledge of catfish farmers in the "Tutut Jaya" group related to the use of IoT technology in water quality monitoring. Through the training and implementation of IoT technology, it is expected that farmers can monitor and manage water quality more efficiently, thus increasing the productivity and sustainability of catfish farming. The dedication was carried out at the Catfish Farming Group "Tutut Jaya" in Arjowinangun Village, Kedungkandang District, Malang City. The methods used include training, technology implementation, as well as monitoring and mentoring. Training was given to improve fish farmers' understanding of the importance of maintaining stable pH and water temperature. In addition, IoT technology was introduced to monitor water quality in real time, enabling rapid intervention against inappropriate water conditions. Data was obtained through surveys, interviews, and analysis of IoT sensors that measure water pH and temperature. The results of the research show a significant improvement in the quality of pond water, which contributes to the health and growth of catfish. The use of IoT technology also increases operational efficiency, reduces resource consumption, and increases catfish production. Partners show a high level of satisfaction with the application of technology and the training provided. In conclusion, the implementation of IoT technology in water quality monitoring proved to be effective in increasing the success of catfish farming, with the potential to be applied more widely in the fishing industry.

Agri-Preneurial Resilience and Success: The Correlation and Demographic Characteristics of Smallholders in South Africa

The incentives and subsidies needed to stimulate growth, resilience, and success in agri-preneurial businesses will only be realized through numerous interventions as agri-preneurship contributes significantly to sustainable agricultural development in South Africa. This study provided a novel insight into agri-preneurial resilience and success and evidenced the hypothesis that there is no significant positive correlation between agri-preneurial resilience, farm success, and selected demographic characteristics of smallholders. We surveyed a total of 200 agri-preneurs who were willing and able to participate in this study. This study used a structured questionnaire that was divided into the following sections: (i) demographic information; (ii) agri-preneurial resilience; and (iii) agri-preneurial success. Descriptive statistics and a regression analysis were employed to articulate responses. Four distinct models were employed to ascertain the goodness of fitness and the hypothesis, and assess the relationship between success, resilience, and selected demographic characteristics of agri-preneurs. To determine resilience, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) with 10 items was used because the CD-RISC justifies the best psychometric characteristics that portrays the levels of resilience amongst agri-preneurs. In measuring success, the scale items were graduated and ranked on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5. The reliability of the scale was also tested, and α = 0.93 was obtained. This study obtained a Cronbach alpha value of 0.96, indicating optimum reliability. Additionally, we ran a factor analysis to certify the reliability of the variable, which gave one factor from the four items. Significant positive correlations were found between gender, age, education, income, household size, diversification, and agri-preneurial resilience and success. This study concluded that most of the selected demographic characteristics were predictors of agri-preneurial resilience and success. However, demographic variables may be influenced by numerous factors given the heterogeneity of agri-preneurs in the study area.

Transforming Small-Scale Farm Entrepreneurship Through Innovation: the Case of Cross Link

The study focuses on the critical role of innovation, education, and technology in fostering agricultural entrepreneurship among youth, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research highlights the challenges and opportunities encountered in the intersection of traditional agricultural practices and modern technology. The purpose of the research is to bridge the gap in literature regarding young agricultural entrepreneurs in Ghana, providing a detailed case study that could serve as motivation for other aspiring small-scale farmers. The paper investigates the factors that contributed to the success of Cross Link Farms, including the educational background, networking, and mentorship received by the entrepreneur, as well as the practical application of innovative technologies such as smart incubators and hydroponic systems. This case-paper demonstrates the importance of entrepreneurial education that instilled a passion in a student to become the co-founder of a farm entrepreneurship startup. The paper applied a case study approach; data were collected through the usage of interview. The interview was recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed interpretively. The main conclusions emphasize that innovation and technology, when coupled with a strong educational foundation and support system, are vital in transforming agriculture in Ghana and similar regions. Cross Link Farms serves as a model for how young entrepreneurs can leverage these elements to drive change, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development. The findings suggest that targeted policies and programs that foster entrepreneurial innovation in agriculture are essential for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the case-study findings, recommendations for future research include conducting empirical studies involving entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan countries to assess the role of curiosity, resilience and passion in their entrepreneurship journey.

Biochemical analysis and fertilization success of Cirrhinus mrigala ova during induced spawning

Fish egg quality is very crucial in aquaculture sector for production of healthy seed. Egg yolk is an energy reservoir for growth and development of embryo. This study evaluated the biochemical composition and quality of Cirrhinus mrigala eggs at three different hatchery sites of Pakistan, (Site 1= Fish Seed Hatchery, District Pakpattan; Site 2= Sidhuwan Hatchery, Head Balloki, District Kasur; Site 3= Chenab Fish Hatchery, Rangpur, District Muzaffargarh) during induced breeding. For this, a total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) fish brooders, 12 (06 males and 06 females) from each site were utilized. Fatty acids analysis revealed significant differences among three different sites. Saturated fatty acids i.e., palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acids (C18:0) were higher at site 2 compared to the others sites. Monounsaturated fatty acids i.e., Oleic acid (C18:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids i.e., Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6) exhibited considerably greater values at site 2 than those of other two sites. Egg mineral contents unveiled remarkable differences, particularly at site 2 indicating significantly higher mineral contents except copper (Cu) in comparison to the other sites. Significant variation exists in fertilization and hatching rates during induced spawning, with the highest values recorded at site 2. It is concluded that biochemical composition of egg especially fatty acid profile and mineral content greatly influences the embryonic development and hatching success of farm reared Cirrhinus mrigala.

Practical Management of Sheep Farming in Eastern Algeria: Situation, Constraints and Perspectives

Successful sheep farming requires hands-on management and a thorough understanding of the factors that influence it. This necessitates a practical, well-organized approach to ensure the flock's health, productivity, and profitability. Various factors, such as climate, available resources, and management strategies, play a crucial role in determining the success of sheep farming. This study, conducted in the Batna region of Algeria, aimed to assess sheep breeding practices and production performance through a questionnaire distributed to farmers and veterinarians. The study encompassed 14,124 sheep, including 9,435 ewes, from 33 Batna region farms to evaluate production and reproduction performance. The findings revealed that the Ouled Djellal breed is the most prevalent, comprising 61.02% of the sheep population. The results indicated that sheep farming in the region largely relies on traditional extensive grazing systems. It is worth noting that breeding practices have not consistently followed recommended guidelines, as evidenced by a suboptimal sex ratio of 36.28. Additionally, only 21.94% of breeders had employed heat synchronization methods, and artificial insemination was not utilized. The low adoption of artificial insemination is primarily attributed to factors, including a lack of knowledge regarding reproductive management, along with challenges related to illiteracy and limited access to essential resources. The analysis further demonstrated that all categories of sheep were profitable; however, profitability was influenced by factors, such as environmental conditions, feed availability, and the age of the animals. The study underscored significant findings, including the prevalence of the Ouled Djellal breed and the limited use of advanced breeding practices, such as artificial insemination, in the Batna region. The value of the current study lies in its comprehensive examination of traditional sheep farming practices and its recommendations for enhancing productivity. These include improving management practices, increasing access to resources, and promoting genetic improvement by adopting advanced breeding technologies.

Who (actually) gets the farm? Intergenerational farm succession in the United States

AbstractFarm succession is a central issue in agricultural policy. Yet although many studies explore succession planning, little is known about how farms are actually transferred. We provide the first population‐level evidence on intergenerational farm succession by linking US census records for millions of farmers' children in 1900 and 1910 to identify which children own and operate the family farm up to 40 years later. We first show that daughters are rarely successors. Using a within‐family identification strategy, we find that first‐born sons are slightly more likely than their younger brothers to be successors while their parents are working aged. However, birth order is not predictive of who receives the farm when parents are older or deceased. For later farm transfers, sons who were previously tenant farmers are much more likely than their brothers to be successors, possibly because they are better prepared. Fewer than one‐fifth of farmers transfer their farm to any son. Our study relies on rich historical data because current policy prevents the necessary data linkages for studying intergenerational farm succession. Providing a secure system for researchers to link modern agricultural data to population microdata, similar to what has been achieved with other data sources, would yield crucial insights into long‐term agricultural policy issues in the US.

Organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest and Northeast: Challenges and lessons learned

AbstractSmall grains provide agronomic benefits that are critical to the success of organic production, and opportunities within local food movements create expanded markets for small grains. However, diversifying rotations with small grains can present challenges related to production, infrastructure, and markets. Here, we draw upon over two decades of integrated research and Extension efforts to support organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and other regions of the United States where these crops are underutilized. Lessons learned have led to the development of guiding principles for a systems‐level approach to support regional organic small grain production. Forming innovative partnerships between farmers, researchers, and end users is critical. This enables research, production, and markets to adjust to local needs, adapt to available infrastructure, and foster local grain economies. The key research challenges that lie ahead are also discussed, especially adapting organic grain production practices to regional conditions and changing climates. The systems‐level approach to organic small grain research highlighted here will increase the success and resilience of organic farms across the United States and expand the adoption of organic small grain production.

Evaluation of Octopus maya enzyme activity of the digestive gland and gastric juice.

As the demand for Octopus maya grows, sustainable farming practices become essential to prevent overexploitation, so that farming can be developed as a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing. Understanding the digestive dynamics of the octopus is essential for devising optimal dietary formulations in aquaculture. Despite the progress in understanding cephalopod digestion, little is known about the specific functioning of the digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down protein substrates. This knowledge gap underscores the need for further research to support sustainable O. maya population management. In this paper, dietary formulations are identified for cephalopods by characterizing O. maya digestive enzymes present in the digestive gland and gastric juice. The investigation revealed that acidic proteases showed a peak activity at higher temperatures than alkaline proteases. Inhibitors confirmed the presence of H, L, and D cathepsins. The lower activation energy of alkaline enzymes compared to acidic ones observed highlights an intriguing aspect of O. maya's digestive physiology. This research provides valuable insights into O. maya digestive enzyme functions, representing a significant advancement in formulating diets crucial for successful octopus farming that may help to fully understand its physiology.

Facilitating unlearning in agricultural education: preparing for family-farm succession

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper seeks to explore the manner in which secondary vocational education in agriculture can facilitate unlearning among young farmers. In this context, ‘unlearning’ means deliberately letting go of mindsets, practices, and routines that are no longer fit for purpose. Design/Methodology/Approach We use a course on sustainable family-farm succession as a case study in order to illustrate how unlearning may feature in agricultural education. We organised focus-group sessions with three teachers of that course. The sessions focused on three subprocesses of unlearning: (i) initial destabilisation, (ii) ongoing discarding and experimentation, and (iii) developing and relinquishing. Findings We show that teachers can facilitate unlearning, and discuss how teachers may help students to navigate intergenerational tensions in unlearning. We conclude that unlearning is a layered concept: it involves adaptation to a changing agriculture sector context as much as emancipation from the social context. We also show how expressions of solidarity and loyalty may undermine unlearning. Practical implications Agricultural educators are increasingly being tasked with helping future food professionals to manage the complexity of food systems. Our analysis points to means by which teachers who are seeking to reshape agricultural education may adopt the concept of unlearning in order to foster young farmers’ consciousness and agency in food system transformation. Theoretical implications A pedagogy of unlearning can contribute to designing education that enables young farmers to overcome path dependency in farm succession. Originality/Value This paper proposes unlearning as an innovative pedagogy for farmers’ training in view of food system transformation.

What Triggers Change in Antimicrobial Use?

SummaryThis article considers how different ‘triggers' contribute to changes in the use of antimicrobials. Drawing on the Triggering Change model, the article suggests that the use of antimicrobials is path dependent: economically, socially and culturally invested in maintaining a steady trajectory, with incremental changes. Triggering events – such as farm succession, financial crisis, or disease outbreak – are required to break these dependencies and stimulate transitions to new farming trajectories. The article investigates which triggering events are significant in the context of responsible antimicrobial usage, in three European countries, spanning the beef, dairy, poultry and pig sectors. Results demonstrated that major reductions in antimicrobial use are often part of larger transition processes. Triggers led to major changes on farm which included reduction in antimicrobial use amongst other changes. When antimicrobial change occurred in isolation, it was typically in response to legislation, and progressed incrementally over time. To achieve major changes in antimicrobial use thus requires policies which work with trigger events such as supporting training of successors, and enabling farmers who have experienced major disease outbreaks to ‘build back better’. Working to shape what farmers understand as ‘good farming’ through education, regulations and benchmarking, are also important options.

CARP HATCHERY MANAGEMENT (Cyprinus carpio L.) NATURALLY AT THE PUNTEN AQUACULTURE INSTALLATION (IPB), BATU CITY, EAST JAVA

The large market demand for consumption fish makes some farming communities interested in farming, especially consumption fish farming. Fish hatchery business is the first step to the success of fish farming, because for each growing season the aquaculture business requires a supply of seeds from the hatchery business. Goldfish hatcheries are relatively easy because carp can spawn naturally or artificially. Goldfish have a relatively high fecundity or number of eggs, which ranges from 84,000-110,000 eggs per kilogram of brood. The implementation of carp hatchery techniques includes several processes, namely pond preparation, brood selection, kakaban installation, brood release, spawning, hatching eggs, larval care, checking water quality, seeding, pest and disease control. calculation of fecundity, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), and survival rate (SR). The data collection method used in this street vendor is primary data. Primary data include active participation, observation, interviews, and documentation. The carp hatchery technique (Cyprinus carpio L.) at IPB Punten, Batu City is carried out naturally, the carp mother used comes from Punten using a ratio of male to female parents of 1: 3. The feeding method, namely Blind Feeding, obtained an F value of 40,000 eggs, FR 84%, HR 84.5% and SR 90.2%.

Urban farming and food supply: A comparative review of USA and African cities

Urban farming plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges in both developed and developing regions. This comparative review explores the dynamics of urban farming and its impact on food supply in two diverse contexts: the United States (USA) and African cities. The study investigates the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban farming initiatives in these regions, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices. In the USA, urban farming has gained momentum as a sustainable solution to enhance local food production and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. The analysis delves into the policies, technological advancements, and community engagement strategies that have contributed to the success of urban farming in American cities. Additionally, the study examines the integration of rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and community-supported agriculture in the USA's urban landscape. Conversely, African cities grapple with distinct challenges in implementing and sustaining urban farming practices. The review explores the impact of rapid urbanization, limited resources, and diverse climatic conditions on the feasibility of urban agriculture in African contexts. Strategies such as community empowerment, micro-financing, and knowledge sharing are examined to understand their role in overcoming obstacles and fostering resilient urban farming systems. Keywords: Urban Farming, Food Supply, Sustainable Agriculture, USA, African Cities, Urbanization, Community Engagement, Agricultural Practices, Food Security, Comparative Analysis.

The Effect of Socio-Economic Factors and Crop Cultivation Techniques on the Increase in Shallot Plant Productivity Using SEM Method

The success of farmers in obtaining productive yields of shallot plants from stable and adaptive superior varieties plays a crucial role in increasing plant productivity. Technological innovations are conducted by examining the Socio-Economic Factors and Technical Factors of Shallot Plant Cultivation. However, merely considering the Socio-Economic Aspects and Technical Cultivation Factors (TCF) of shallot plants is insufficient in selecting stable and adaptive superior varieties. Hence, this research combined the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) method and SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). Through SEM-AMOS, the modeling of socioeconomic factors and Crop Cultivation Techniques was conducted while considering the physiological processes of growth and development of genotypes, which explained the interrelation of Socio-Economic Factors and Crop Cultivation Techniques (CCT) with yield components and their effect on the Increase in Shallot Plant Productivity. The results of the AMOS Modeling. If the Probability value (P) > 0.05, then H0 is accepted, and H1 is rejected; if the Probability value (P) < 0.05, then H0 is rejected, and H1 is accepted. Cultivation of Shallot Plants - Socio-Economic Aspect: It was observed that the P-value was 0.094, which is < 0.05. This value is significantly lower than 0.05; therefore, H1 is accepted. Hence, it can be said that socio-economic factors have a positive and significant effect on the cultivation of shallot plants. Cultivation of Shallot Plants - Crop Cultivation Techniques: It was observed that the P-value was 0.019, which is < 0.05. This value is significantly lower than 0.05; therefore, H1 is accepted. Hence, it can be said that there is a positive and significant effect of Crop Cultivation Techniques on Shallot Plants.

When mentally ill women become sexual preys in Zimbabwe: An African indigenous religio-cultural perspective

There is a phenomenal increase in the number of cases of women suffering from mental illness in our contemporary society, which is hard hit by pandemics. As scholarship reflects on this condition, there has been little attention paid to the impact of indigenous religion and cultural practices to the sexual and reproductive health of women with mental illness and indigenous entrepreneurs who seek economic fortunes in a post COVID-19 epoch. Largely, the Zimbabwean society detests mental illness and this has rendered mentally ill women to the social margins. However, cases of men from the mainstream society having illicit sexual intercourse with mentally ill women are rampant, both in urban and rural environments. So one can ask why men from the mainstream society are having sexual relations with the ostracised mentally ill women. Prioritizing ethical considerations, this qualitative study uses ritual theory as its theoretical framework, sociology of religion, phenomenology of religion and gendered cultural hermeneutics to explore the prevalence of these sexual practices. Data was gathered through interviews and desk research from January to December 2023. Findings of the study were that these sexual activities are ritualistic, done to enhance success in politics, business, farming and self-initiated churches. An analysis of the reasons behind the performance of these sex rituals showed that a mentally ill woman’s body is an entity which belongs to the spiritual world so the sexual relationship makes it possible for the male entrepreneur to access the spiritual world. Through these rituals, men with entrepreneurial wishes will be attempting to connect with and manipulate the spiritual world. The study concluded that mentally ill women have less choice over their sexual and reproductive lives. They are sexually exploited, yet they lack the capacity to disclose these heinous acts to the mainstream society. They are regarded by the patriarchal society as sexual preys where coercive sex and or rape are used for ritual purposes, with the intent of attaining socio-economic transformation.

A Breath of Fresh Air for Swine Farms

Ventilation systems and air filtration have become key to the success of swine farms in recent years in the face of the growing threat of disease and its damaging consequences. Here, Filtration+Separation examines current technologies and how innovation is playing a key role for successful farmers