Traditional Agricultural Practices Research Articles

The Oasis Loop: Vernacular Agricultural Landscapes in Arid Conditions

The commonplace image of the oasis is of a natural occurrence emerging from the desert sands. However, most oases are agricultural landscapes, that is, environments built to produce food for human consumption. Agriculture often constitutes a driving force in land degradation, but in some of the most arid regions of the world, traditional agricultural practices sometimes lead to the rise and long-term establishment of vegetation at levels of abundance and intricacy that would otherwise not be possible. In this article, I investigate some of these vernacular oases at the intersection of their geomorphological and technological causes. On the one hand, there are tectonic and climatic processes that give shape to the geomorphological structure of these arid lands. On the other, there are myriad infrastructural and agronomic techniques – many of which can be traced a thousand years back through Islamic traditions of agroecology – aimed at increasing vegetation cover through water harvesting and topsoil conservation. Because of their fragility, these landscapes have historically been associated with the decline of ecosystems, economies, and cultures. In the current context of climate change and environmental degradation, the possibilities and limitations of these arid landscapes offer great insights into the future of the built environment.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Global Crop Yields and Farming Practices

Climate change is recognized as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with profound implications for global food security. This review article delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on crop yields and farming practices on a global scale. By synthesizing recent research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between climate change and agriculture. The effects of climate change on agriculture are diverse and far reaching. Alterations in weather patterns, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and frequency of extreme events, pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and food security. These changes disrupt traditional farming practices, exacerbate water stress, soil erosion, and crop loss, and threaten the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Additionally, changes in pest and disease dynamics have further compounded the challenges faced by agricultural systems under pressure from climate variability. These challenges, there are opportunities for innovation and adaptation in the agricultural systems. This review highlights the potential of climate-smart agricultural practices such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and precision farming to enhance resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop yields. investments in climate-resilient crop varieties, improved water management techniques, and sustainable land management practices offer pathways for building adaptive capacities and ensuring food security in a changing climate. addressing the complex challenges of climate change adaptation in agriculture requires concerted action at multiple levels. This review emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts among policymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders in developing and implementing effective adaptation strategies. Such strategies should be context-specific, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable, considering the diverse needs and priorities of different regions and communities. This review underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to build resilient and sustainable food systems in the face of a changing climate. By synthesizing the latest research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the imperative of addressing climate change’s impacts on agriculture. Only through collaborative and transformative action can we ensure food security for the present and future generations in a rapidly changing world.

Smallholder Farmers' Use of Indigenous Knowledge Practices in Agri-food Systems: Contribution of Food Security Attainment Drive

Most of the world's poor, including those in Nigeria, live in rural and agrarian settings and are engaged in agricultural practices for sustenance. Meanwhile, increasing agricultural productivity requires the adoption of modern technologies and improved farming systems, which entail considerable cost outlays for initial adoption and continued use. These costs may be out of reach for resource-poor smallholder farmers, hence the need to embrace indigenous knowledge practices (IKPs) in an agrarian economy such as Nigeria. This research examined the contribution of farmers' food security attainment efforts through the use of IKPs. Drawing on a documentary review of literature and empirical evidence, as well as data collected from 349 randomly selected smallholder farmers, the study applied descriptive statistics, a standardized food insecurity experience scale survey module, and a multivariate probit regression model to analyze the dataset. The findings revealed that almost 86% of the farmers have a strong and positive perception of the effectiveness of IKPs on agricultural production, while approximately 90% of the farmers are food insecure (those in the chronic and moderate food insecurity categories). The results also indicated that farmers’ food security status, household size vis-à-vis dependency ratio, awareness of IKPs, age of the farmers, years of farming experience, access to extension services, and frequency of visits by extension personnel significantly influenced farmers’ use of traditional farming practices, crop selection/rotation strategies, and water management techniques in the study area. Despite the farmers' use of IKPs, most of them are still largely food insecure, which raises serious concerns. Given this, the study recommends a multi-stakeholder partnership to foster synergies between the use of indigenous knowledge and modern scientific approaches by farmers, harnessing the complementary strengths of both knowledge systems to address the contemporary challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the agri-food systems.

Remote Controlled Agricultural Robot

Abstract: The Agri Bot project presents a pioneering endeavor in the realm of autonomous agriculture by seamlessly integrating robotics, IoT, and mobile application development. Utilizing an Arduino UNO microcontroller, ESP32 camera module, servo motors, and various sensors, the system excels in executing precise agricultural tasks such as digging, filling, seed sowing, and fertilizer dispensing. The accompanying mobile application, developed through MIT App Inventor and utilizing Bluetooth communication, provides an intuitive interface for users to remotely oversee and manage the Agri Bot's operations. Beyond its successful hardware and software integration, the project holds transformative potential for traditional farming practices, evident in the incorporation of advanced technologies such as obstacle detection sensors and machine learning for crop recognition. The modular design and collaborative potential of swarm robotics hint at scalability and adaptability for evolving agricultural needs. As the project lays the groundwork for autonomous agriculture, future prospects include autonomous navigation, sustainable power solutions, data analytics for decision support, and enhanced remote monitoring. Collaboration with agricultural experts and ongoing refinements based on real-world feedback are crucial for optimal deployment in diverse farming environments. The Agri Bot project represents a significant milestone in the convergence of technology and agriculture, heralding a future where autonomous systems play a central role in shaping the agricultural landscape.

Enhancing water management in smart agriculture: A cloud and IoT-Based smart irrigation system

It is widely acknowledged that traditional agricultural practices must effectively address the increasing global demand for food while facing water scarcity and climate change challenges. The imperative for environmentally sustainable agricultural approaches has never been more urgent. In response, IoT-based Smart Agriculture has emerged as a promising solution. Smart Agriculture can significantly bolster agricultural development by integrating renewable energy sources, particularly in arid regions with abundant sunlight. Real-time control systems utilizing big data acquisition and processing are pivotal in this advancement. This study introduces a cloud-based smart irrigation system to connect numerous small-scale smart farms and centralize pertinent data. The system optimizes irrigation water usage through comprehensive big data collection, storage, and analysis. Leveraging the insights from this data can facilitate informed decision-making regarding water management, thereby fostering conservation efforts, particularly in arid regions. Additionally, this research explores weather prediction services to enhance irrigation control, particularly during intermittent rainy periods, within a real-world testbed powered by solar energy. The testbed incorporates a sophisticated big data management system. It showcases a Smart Farm prototype leveraging the Internet of Things, embedded systems, low-cost Wireless Sensor Networks, NI CompactRIO controller, and Cloud Computing. Encouragingly, the results demonstrate tangible improvements in water conservation. Furthermore, the deployment methodology outlined in this study provides a clear roadmap that can be readily adapted for similar research endeavors.© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unveiling the Potential Scope of Nanoparticles in the Current Era of Crop Productivity

Nanotechnology, a revolutionary field encompassing the manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular scale, holds immense potential for upgrading wide areas, including agriculture. Understanding the scope of nanotechnology, researchers have directed their focus towards addressing the challenges in agriculture and enhancing crop productivity. Nanoparticles offer unique properties, including high surface area and reactivity, that can be harnessed to optimize nutrient delivery, mitigate soil toxicity, and enhance plant growth. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanoparticles in increasing crop yields, improving nutrient uptake efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts associated with conventional agricultural practices with sustainable agriculture. Nanotechnology overcomes various challenges encountered in traditional agricultural practices including limited availability of nutrients in the soil, inefficient nutrient uptake by plants, soil degradation, and environmental pollution by providing targeted nutrient delivery, improving nutrient absorption, and mitigating environmental impacts. Also, nanoparticle interactions with plants and microbes and strengthening symbiotic relationships by providing active nutrient supplies to microbes. Furthermore, nanoparticles can improve soil structure and fertility by reducing compaction, increasing water retention, and enhancing soil aggregation. These improvements in soil quality not only benefit crop growth but also contribute to sustainable land management practices.This review paper provides an overview of the current research landscape in the application of nanoparticles in agriculture, highlighting key findings, challenges, and future prospects. By leveraging the principles of nanotechnology, agricultural scientists and practitioners aim to revolutionize crop production, meet the needs of farmers, and ensure food security in the face of evolving environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Women’s associations in Cotopaxi, Ecuador: from rights to agroecological markets

ABSTRACT Smallholder, indigenous farmers play a key role in the food system in Ecuador, applying traditional farming practices that ensure the sustainability of their food production and meeting the dietary demands of many urban consumers, especially for organic vegetables and dairy products. This study examines the position of six women’s associations in the central Ecuadorian Andes, discussing their evolution from rights-based to market-oriented organizations producing and selling agroecological products. We discuss how the history of these associations has led them to play a role in local politics and national policies around agriculture and highlight how these organizations have succeeded both economically and socially, while also noting the challenges they face, as observed by themselves and outsiders. While the history of women’s agroecological production organizations in Ecuador may be unique, as it is entrenched in indigenous rights movements, our results also point to opportunities and obstacles that are more common across small scale farmers and deserve attention from both policymakers and agricultural organizations.

Impact of Climate Change on the Farming Community of Bhaktapur District of Nepal

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of climate change on the farming community in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The study considered rainfall, temperature, flood/drought, harvest and sowing time, and pest and disease incidence over 20 years as primary factors to be considered. A household survey of 120 houses was conducted following the set of questionnaires prepared. As a result, significant changes were observed in climatic aspects as well as biological aspects. The obtained result demonstrated that the precipitation observed drastic change as there was an incidence of erratic and heavy rainfall on summer days while the intensity and frequency of rainfall decreased during winter. These abnormalities certainly do not favor agriculture and farming. Similarly, the temperature of the study area has increased annually over the last two decades. The data suggests that the average annual temperature is increasing at the rate of 0.038°C per year. Moreover, the survey showed that the time of harvest and time of sowing seeds have been delayed respectively to the time a few decades back while the climatic aberrations have increased the incidence of pests and diseases. In a nutshell, the changes in climatic conditions have a drastic change in the farming system and thus the agricultural produce and productivity. The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on traditional farming practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It underscores how changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and the incidence of extreme weather events like floods and droughts have disrupted agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting cycles. The research not only identifies challenges but also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on farming communities. By linking research findings to policy recommendations and practical interventions, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders striving to build resilience in agricultural systems.

Vertical Farming: Addressing the Challenges of 21st Century Agriculture through Innovation

Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges faced by 21st century agriculture. As the global population continues to grow and urbanization increases, traditional agricultural practices are struggling to meet the rising demand for food while also grappling with issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. Vertical farming offers a sustainable and efficient alternative by leveraging innovative technologies and controlled environments to grow crops in vertically stacked layers within urban settings. This article explores the concept of vertical farming, its advantages, and the challenges associated with its implementation. It delves into the various technologies and systems employed in vertical farms, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, and discusses their potential to optimize resource utilization and enhance crop yields. The article also examines the economic viability and social implications of vertical farming, highlighting its potential to create jobs, reduce food miles, and improve food security in urban areas. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges and limitations of vertical farming, such as high initial costs, energy requirements, and the need for specialized skills. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of further research, investment, and collaboration to scale up vertical farming and harness its full potential in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.

Smart Agriculture Management System: Integration of IoT Technology and Mobile Application for Enhanced Farming Practices

Abstract: This paper presents a collaborative effort between Computer Science and Electronics and Communication Engineering students aimed at developing a comprehensive smart agriculture management system. Traditional farming practices face challenges related to climate variability and resource optimization, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Leveraging IoT technology and mobile application development, this project proposes a holistic approach to address these challenges. The system integrates wireless sensors, microcontrollers, cloud computing, and a user-friendly mobile application to enable real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of agricultural processes. The paper discusses the architecture, design, implementation, and performance evaluation of the Smart Agriculture Management System (SAMS), emphasizing its potential to revolutionize farming practices and enhance productivity.

Paisaje Agrario: Producción Agrícola Familiar en la Campaña Dange-Quitexe 2019-2022

Family farming in Angola has pre-colonial historical roots. It faced challenges during the colonial period and the war of independence, but after 1975, the government promoted it as essential for economic development. Despite the obstacles, the province of Uíge plays a crucial role in food security and rural development, receiving investment for strengthening and sustainable growth. The aim of the research was to analyse the influence of agricultural practices on food availability in the region and to represent the temporal evolution of land use and land cover in the agricultural production of families in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe. The methodology used was a temporal land use study, involving the collection of data on traditional agricultural practices, analysing soil conditions, defining sustainability goals and implementing management practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, water management and soil conservation techniques. The results of this study offered a deeper understanding of family farming over the two agricultural seasons, and provided valuable information to guide future actions and initiatives in the area of agriculture and regional development, land use revealed significant improvements in productivity and resilience, the implementation of sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping and water management, resulted in healthier harvests and more stable yields over time, in addition, it presented the level of production for food security in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe-Uíge in the 2019-2022 agricultural seasons.

Harvesting Efficiency: The Rise of Drone Technology in Modern Agriculture

The articles delves into the transformative impact of drone technology on modern agriculture, specifically focusing on its role in enhancing harvesting efficiency. Drones, equipped with advanced sensors and imaging capabilities, have revolutionized traditional farming practices by offering real-time data collection and analysis. This abstract explores how drones facilitate precision agriculture through the optimization of harvesting processes, including crop monitoring, yield estimation, and targeted harvesting. By leveraging drones, farmers can make informed decisions to improve productivity, minimize waste, and maximize yield. The abstract highlights the integration of drone technology into agricultural operations as a sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for food production while minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, it underscores the need for further research and development to fully harness the potential of drones in modern agriculture and address challenges such as regulatory hurdles and cost-effectiveness.

Design and Development of a Prototype of Web Controlled Tomato Plucking Robot using IOT

In agriculture, the integration of robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has revolutionized traditional farming practices, offering efficient solutions for tasks such as harvesting. This paper presents the design and development of a web- controlled Tomato Plucking Robot (TPR) utilizing IoT principles. The TPR consists of a robotic arm mounted on a rover platform, enhancing mobility and reach. A dedicated storage unit within the rover facilitates the collection of harvested tomatoes. The entire system is remotely operated via a web interface, enabling real-time control and monitoring from any location with internet connectivity. Additionally, an ESP32 cam module is integrated to provide live navigation views, aiding in precise maneuvering and tomato detection. This research contributes to the advancement of automated agricultural practices, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for tomato harvesting while showcasing the potential of IoT-enabled robotics in optimizing farm operations

Design and Development of Multipurpose AGRO-BOT

n today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, the integration of technology has become paramount in enhancing efficiency and productivity. One such innovation is the design and development of a multi-purpose agricultural robot “AGRO-BOT”. This project aims to address the challenges faced by modern farmers by creating a versatile solution capable of performing key tasks such as ploughing, seeding, and irrigation autonomously. Utilizing components like servo motors for movement, Arduino for control, and a lithium battery for charge backup, this robot represents a fusion of traditional farming practices with cutting-edge technology. Through its implementation, the project seeks to revolutionize agricultural processes, offering farmers a reliable and efficient tool to streamline their operations and optimize yields. Keywords— AGRO-BOT, Irrigation, Ploughing, Seed sowing,

Occurrence and risk assessment of pesticides and their transformation products related to olive groves in surface waters of the Guadalquivir river basin

Pesticides are considered one of the main sources of contamination of surface waters, especially in rural areas highly influenced by traditional agricultural practices. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact caused by pesticides and their transformation products (TPs) related to olive groves in surface waters with strong agricultural pressure. 11 streams were monitored during four sampling campaigns over 2 years. A solid-phase extraction, followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis was used in the quantitative target approach, with more than 70 validated compounds. Target method was combined with a suspect screening strategy involving more than 500 pesticides and TPs, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to identify additional pesticides and TPs out of the scope of analysis. A total of 43 different compounds were detected with the target method. The herbicide MCPA was present in all samples and at the highest concentration (1260 ng L−1), followed by the fungicide carbendazim (1110 ng L−1), and the herbicide chlorotoluron (706 ng L−1). The suspect screening strategy revealed the presence of 7 compounds out of the target analysis (1 pesticide and 6 TPs). 6 analytes were confirmed with the analytical standards. Semi-quantification results revealed that TPs exhibited higher concentrations than their corresponding parent compounds, indicating higher persistency. Some small streams showed a comparable number of pesticides and concentrations to the most polluted large river. The determined pesticide and TPs concentrations represented an estimated environmental hazard in almost all sampling sites under study. This work underscores the importance of including pesticide TPs and small streams impacted by extensive agricultural activities in water quality monitoring programs.

The Impact of Machine Learning in Agriculture: Revolutionizing Farming Practices

Machine learning (ML) and big data analytics have emerged as transformative technologies in the agricultural sector, offering innovative solutions to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This abstract provides an overview of how ML and big data are revolutionizing traditional farming practices by leveraging advanced algorithms and data analytics. It discusses the potential of ML and big data in optimizing crop yield and quality, promoting sustainable practices, enabling precision agriculture, and addressing crop diseases through advanced predictive modelling. The abstract emphasizes the potential of ML and big data to reshape the future of agriculture, fostering resilience and prosperity for farmers and stakeholders worldwide. The application of machine learning in the field of agriculture and its correlation with weather patterns delves into various ways in which machine learning techniques can be used to analyze and predict the impact of weather conditions on agricultural productivity. The paper discusses specific machine learning algorithms and models that have been successfully applied in this domain, providing insights into the potential benefits and challenges of integrating machine learning into agricultural practices.

Containerized deep learning in agriculture: Orchestrating GoogleNet with Kubernetes on high performance computing

SummarySmart Farming has become a cornerstone of modern agriculture, offering data‐driven insights and automation that optimize resource utilization and increase crop yields. The use of cutting‐edge technologies in agriculture has given rise to Smart Farming, which has transformed traditional farming practices into efficient, data‐driven operations. This paper explores the synergy between high‐performance computing (HPC) systems, Kubernetes orchestration, GoogleNet architecture, and containerization to redefine the future of farming. At the heart of this transformation lies the GoogleNet architecture, a deep learning powerhouse recognized for its efficiency and accuracy in image recognition tasks. The orchestration capabilities of Kubernetes, a versatile tool for managing containerized workloads efficiently on HPC clusters. Hence, in this work, we investigate the intricacies of deploying GoogleNet‐based deep learning models within containerized environments orchestrated by Kubernetes on HPC infrastructure. It explores resource optimization, scalability, security, and adaptability, all tailored to the unique demands of the agricultural domain to evaluate the effectiveness of the given technique it is compared with the existing techniques namely Hermes, Horus, CYBELE, and RZ‐SHAN. The attained ranges of proposed method of various measures of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score are 98.65%, 97.45%, 97.87%, and 98.12% for the Pilot Wheat Ear dataset. Also, the processing time for the proposed approach is 181.50 and 120.2 m for the Pilot Wheat Ear Dataset and the Pilot soya bean farming dataset. The latency of the proposed approach attains a lower value of 1.5 and 1.1 s pilot soya bean farming dataset and Pilot Wheat Ear dataset. The experimental outcome demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed approaches to improve Smart Farming agriculture.

The Guidelines for Developing Competitiveness of Thai Agricultural Products: A Case Study of Durian Production in 14 Southern Provinces, Thailand

This study explores ways to make Thai durian production more competitive, concentrating on sustainable practices and difficulties experienced by durian growers. Multiple techniques were used. A thorough grasp of the market dynamics was gathered through in-depth interviews with 30 industry stakeholders, including durian producers, exporters, distributors, government officials, and industry professionals. 200 responders from 14 southern regions of Thailand, where durian production is crucial because of traditional farming practices and a favourable climate. Examining quality control practises, distribution effectiveness and sustainable farming methods revealed areas that might be improved to increase industry competitiveness. The study also revealed difficulties, including losses from post-harvest handling, barriers to entry into the market, regulatory limits, and inconsistent quality. The study also examined consumer preferences for sustainable products and their willingness to pay more. The findings reveal a sustainably produced durian goods market since they show an increasing consumer trend towards eco-friendly alternatives. Future recommendations call for incorporating technology into the supply chain, doing in-depth customer preference research, conducting a comparative analysis, and conducting long-term evaluations of sustainable practices. Policymakers, businesspeople, and researchers working to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Thai durian industry will find this study helpful.

Smart Irrigation and Pesticides System for Enhancing Harvesting in Agriculture Using IoT

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of many countries, serving as a primary source of food. However, traditional farming practices often face challenges such as inefficient water usage, over-reliance on pesticides, and inconsistent monitoring of crop conditions. In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a promising technology to address these challenges by providing real-time monitoring and control of agricultural processes. This leads in excessive water use, which has an impact on agricultural output. This integrated system means that farmers only need to perform little manual monitoring. The opening and closing of the reservoir and field gates, as well as the verification of the plant's age and the matching optimal water level necessary for that time of plant age, are all automated. Farmers may use their mobile phones to check the water level in the field since they are continually receiving updates on the field work. The most labour-intensive and time consuming activity in agriculture is water management. In our project, the water level in the agriculture harvest sting is measured, and if it is lower than the required level, the paddy field is automatically irrigated for the water source or tank using a water pump. It can comprehensively monitor air temperature and humidity, light intensity, ultraviolet light and other environmental elements. In specific use, the agricultural production environment monitoring system starts from the actual needs of the plantation zone and is assembled according to the environmental elements it needs to monitor.

Characterization of urban agriculture and farmers’ climate change adaptation: the case of Urban Wa, Ghana

Urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve urban food security and feed the underprivileged when promoted. In Ghana, urban agriculture has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional farming practices. However, climate change poses a significant threat to urban agriculture, as changing weather patterns can lead to droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that damage crops and animals. This study explored the characteristics of urban food crops and livestock production in the Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods of data collection and analysis were employed. A sample of 362 urban households was administered survey questionnaires supplemented with 12 key informant interviews. Descriptive and content analysis were carried out, with the results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The study found that amidst climatic stressors, urban agriculture is characterized by the production of animals such as chickens, sheep, and goats and crops like maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin. Land is acquired through purchasing, though other farmers obtain land from relatives and friends. There is a very strong relationship between residential class and the type of urban farming (Cramer’s V = 0.291 > 0.25) and a moderate relationship between residential class and land acquisition type (Cramer’s V = 0.108 > 0.10). The study concludes that urban farming is characterized by mixed farming coupled with crop diversification, which has implications for climate change adaptation measures. To adapt urban agriculture to climatic stressors, the study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should streamline agricultural policy interventions in urban agriculture to promote agriculture intensification.