Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Assessing the Role of Safe Agricultural Practices in Enhancing Farmers\u27 Income from Vegetable Cultivation
No full textIn Bangladesh, farmers grow both general and high-value vegetables, which are essential for providing necessary vitamins and minerals and are cultivated throughout the year across different seasons. However, due to limited knowledge of modern farming techniques, many farmers are hesitant to produce high-value vegetables. This study aims to examine the development of vegetable farming after the implementation of safe cultivation methods for both general and high-value crops, along with the resulting changes in farmers\u27 income. The research utilized and restructured data collected during various baseline and impact assessments to meet the study objectives. By using structured questionnaires, the study gathered key insights into the socio-economic conditions, land use for agriculture, farming techniques, marketing, and financing practices during the project period. The findings reveal that average vegetable production, revenue, and profits have increased by 20 percent, 53 percent, and 48 percent respectively since the project’s inception. The adoption of safe farming methods and improved marketing strategies has led to higher employment, better-quality vegetables free from harmful substances, enhanced soil quality, and greater income for farmers. Raising awareness and providing appropriate training along with logistical support will enable farmers to commercially grow and process both general and high-value vegetables
Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) on the Enhancement of the ABACA (Musa Textiles Nee) Production System in Las Navas, Northern Samar, Philippines
No full textCommunity-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) on the Enhancement of the Abaca Production in Las Navas, Northern Samar, is a technical extension service, intervention designed to respond to the pressing problems of the abaca industry. This author tapped by the Ching Bee Trading Corporation (CBT) - a private abaca fiber export company, inspired by its sincere commitment in alleviating the low abaca production in Northern Samar viewed in a previous five-year productivity status survey. Iidentifying key challenges, assessing existing practices, and developing innovative solutions, this study seeks to improve the livelihoods of local farmers and contribute to sustainable agricultural development. Data collection involved interviews, surveys, and observations, followed by analysis of the findings. The results revealed significant constraints related to abaca fiber quality, pests, and limited access to markets. Based on these findings, recommendations for improving abaca cultivation practices and strengthening value chains were developed. The project\u27s success in fostering community engagement and capacity building has paved the way for further initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture in the province and region. The compelling outcome of declining fiber production for the last five years came into a condition compromising the fiber production and quality, prompted Ching Bee Trading Corporation to invest on an intervention directly in the countryside as a way of helping our abaca farmers together with the other stakeholders in finding solutions to revitalize the industry, hence this study. This CBPAR project in order to concretize its impacts and attain its vision, goals and objectives adopted these approach: 1.) the need to expand community-based managed abaca nurseries into an individual contract abaca growing; 2.) the conduct of a study on the physical characterization of local abaca varieties in Las Navas (Collection and Germplasm establishment); 3.) Geotagging of specific areas of production source of these local varieties in Las Navas (to preserve indigenous varieties) ; and 4.) continue the Capability Building and Education Program to sustain farmers commitment and enthusiasm in supporting some initiated projects
Evaluation of Constraints to Women Participation in Agricultural Grant Funded by SEEFOR in Delta and Rivers States, Nigeria
No full textThe study evaluated the constraints to women participation in State Employment Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) funded agricultural grant in Delta and Rivers States of Nigeria. It described the socio-economic characteristics of the women and evaluated the constraints faced in participating in the project. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 403 beneficiaries. Questionnaire and personal interviews were used to elicit data from the respondents. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean, percentage, Likert scale and inferential statistics such as independent t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation was used to present and analyse data collected. The results revealed that the mean age of the women participants were 45 and 48 years in Delta and Rivers States, respectively; 87.3% in Delta State and 71% in Rivers State were married; 64.3% and 73.3% in Delta and Rivers States had one form of education or the other. The respondents had a mean household size of 6 and 5 persons in Delta and Rivers States, respectively; 91.6% in Delta and 79% in Rivers State had farming as a major occupation; 95% in Delta State and 47.5% in Rivers State had a small enterprise size. The mean monthly income were N31,818.62 and N25,013.01 for Delta and Rivers States respectively. In Delta State, lack of land (=3.40), poor involvement of local people (=3.31) and insecurity (=3.07) while in Rivers State issue of theft (=3.35), youth restiveness (=3.00) and insecurity (=2.96) were found to be the most serious constraints encountered by the respondents. The hypothesis revealed there was a significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the participants and their level of participation in the project. The study concludes that the project has relatively affected the socio-economic status of women and community development in Delta State. Based on the findings it was recommended that the government, should collaborate with the local people and intensify efforts to address the issues of insecurity in the rural areas of Delta and Rivers States, which posed a major constraint to women participation in the project
Profitability Analysis of Selected Garden Crops in Santa Subdivision of North West Region in Cameroon
No full textAims: To undertake a profitability analysis of selected garden crops (leek, celery, carrot, and cabbage) in the Santa subdivision, North West Region of Cameroon, in order to determine the crop with the highest financial returns.
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Five village communities in Santa subdivision a key gardening hub in Mezam division, North West Region of Cameroon, between 2023 and 2024.
Methodology: Empirical data was collected from 307 farmers (97 leek farmers, 80 celery farmers, 70 carrot farmers, and 61 cabbage farmers) through a cross-sectional survey. Profitability analysis, Net Farm Income Margin (NFIM), Economic Farm Income (EFI), and Return on Investment (ROI) were performed for each crop and compared. Production costs and revenue were calculated for each crop.
Results: Leek cultivation incurred the highest production cost (FCFA 2,265,011.27/ha), followed by celery (FCFA 2,321,519.81/ha), carrot (FCFA 1,925,666.23/ha), and cabbage (FCFA 1,380,926.47/ha). Leek cultivation generated the highest revenue (FCFA 3,661,353/ha). Economic farm income (EFI) analysis revealed the highest profit for leeks (FCFA 2,294,558.64/ha), and a return on investment (ROI) of 1.01, followed by celery, carrot, and cabbage in descending order of profit relevance. Overall, leeks performed financially better than the other studied garden crops.
Conclusion: Leeks can generate higher revenue and profits followed by celery, carrots, and cabbage in the Santa subdivision. Profitability analysis is a prerequisite for investing in gardening when optimizing profit is the ultimate goal. Further research in other contexts is needed to confirm if this trend persists across space and time.
**Note: 1 USD ≈ 610 FCFA (West African Financial Community Franc
Transformative Impact of Vocational Training on Socio-economic Development of Deprived Women in Haryana
No full textThe present study examined the socio-economic impact of vocational training in cutting and tailoring on the life of marginalized women in Haryana state. The research was conducted in KVKs located in Kurukshetra and Kaithal districts. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select the study sample. Data were collected through personal interviews and Google Form from a total of 160 women, comprising 80 participants and 80 non-participants. The data were analysed using SPSS software for appropriate statistical tools. The study followed a quantitative research approach and a comparative and evaluative research design for impact assessment. The investigation assessed the impact of training on five key development indicators, including knowledge, adoption, income, employment, and socio-economic status. The findings revealed a statistically significant (Z=2.380, P<0.05) increase in knowledge levels among participants. Results show that majority of participants fully adopted the vocation, while 38.75 percent partially adopted due to barriers such as time constraints, lack of skills, familial responsibility and financial limitations. A positive impact on the additional income generation among participants was also reported. The study had a profound impact on employment as majority of participants created employment for themselves, as well as for the family members, in contrast to non-participants. Further reduction in household’s clothing expenditures and increased spending on children’s education, healthcare and nutritious food indicates a significant socio-economic impact of training on the life of deprived women
Impact of Rearing Systems on the Carcass Characteristics and Composition of Meat of Nellore Brown Lambs
No full textTo know the carcass quality and proximate composition of Nellore brown lambs under three systems of rearing i.e. intensive, semi-intensiveand extensive system.36 Nellore brown lambs of 3 months age from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district were randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e. Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 12 animals. The mean dressing percent of lambs on pre slaughter and empty body weight was 52.23 ± 0.56, 47.29 ± 0.33 and 44.13 ± 1.27; 62.63 ± 0.66, 59.19 ± 0.29and 56.57 ± 0.88, respectively in G1, G2 and G3 groups. The dressing percentage of the lambs had significant (p < 0.05) effect between G1 and G3 group and had no significant (p < 0.05) effect between G2 and G3 group. The mean weight (kg) of skin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in G3 (2.07 ± 0.03) group than G1 (1.76 ± 0.06) and G2 (1.73 ± 0.05) group. The total non- edible offals weight (kg) was higher in G3 than G1 and G3 group and had no significant (p < 0.05) effect between the three groups of the study
Socio-Economic Analysis of Grape Export Farmers from Marathwada Region of Maharahtra, India
No full textThis study analyzes the socio-economic characteristics, land utilization, cropping patterns, livestock holdings, and the impact of socio-economic factors on grape productivity across different farm sizes among grape export farmers. Data was collected and analyzed from small, medium, and large-scale grape growers. Key findings indicate variations in age groups, educational levels, land use efficiency, and livestock investment, all influencing grape productivity significantly. The socio-economic profile of grape export farmers was assessed across three farm size categories: small, medium, and large. The majority of farmers belonged to the middle-aged group (36–50 years. Educational Status of most farmers were educated, with college graduates being the most prominent. Family Size, Families were categorized as small (1–4 members), medium (5–7), and large (8+). Small family size was most common, This shows a trend toward nuclear family systems among farmers, regardless of landholding size. Occupation, Agriculture was the primary occupation across all sizes Some farmers also engaged in business (20% overall) and services (17.5% overall), reflecting moderate occupational diversification.
Land Utilization Pattern, Land utilization among grape growers shows. The average land utilization increases with farm size, with a notable portion under irrigation. Small farmers had 1.5 ha total land, with 93.33% cultivated and 80% irrigated. Medium farmers held 2.81 ha, with 94.66% cultivated and 85.4% irrigated. Large farmers owned 4.6 ha, with 96.95% cultivated and 92.6% irrigated. Overall, grape farmers utilized land efficiently, especially for irrigated farming, crucial for grape cultivation.
Cropping Pattern, Cropping patterns varied by season and farm size. Grapes dominated across all sizes due to their high commercial value. Small farms, Grapes covers 58.82% of the area with Cropping intensity 121.42%., Medium farms, Grapes accounted for 54.49% with Cropping intensity 117.29%., Large farms, Grapes constituted 64.65%. Cropping intensity with110.98%., Overall, Grapes covered 54.76% with a cropping intensity of 122.18%. Kharif crops included jowar and soybean, while rabbi crops were wheat and gram. Sugarcane was also a key crop on larger farms.
Livestock Holdings, Livestock contributed significantly to farm income and assets Small farms Total livestock value ₹114,550 where bullocks comprised 40.99%. Medium farms Total livestock value ₹143,240 where bullocks 45.30%., Large farms Total livestock value ₹150,900 where bullocks 53.01%. Bullocks were the most valuable livestock across all sizes, reflecting their importance in vineyard operations.
4.5 Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Grape Productivity, Regression analysis revealed the effect of socio-economic factors on grape productivity, Small farms R² = 0.69. Significant factors are age, capital assets, and livestock (p < 0.05). Medium farms R² = 0.67. Significant are capital assets (p < 0.01), family size (p < 0.05)., Large farms R² = 0.71. Significant factors are capital assets (p < 0.01), landholding, and occupation (p < 0.05). Overall R² = 0.68. Capital investment and livestock were significant (p < 0.01) factors. These findings confirm that investment in assets and livestock positively affects grape productivity, with other socio-economic variables playing supplementary roles
Assessment of Training Needs for Pangas Fish Farmers in Disease Management: A Study in Selected Areas of Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh
No full textEnhancing the capacity of fish farmers is crucial for ensuring the profitability and sustainability of aquaculture in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the training needs of fish farmers in managing diseases affecting Pangasius hypophthalmus (Pangas) and to identify the socio-economic factors influencing these needs. The research was conducted in three purposively selected villages—Bashkuri, Kanhor, and Hodder Vita—within Bailor Union of Trishal Upazila in Mymensingh District, an area with a high concentration of Pangas farmers and significant dependence on aquaculture for their livelihoods. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), while quantitative data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire with 101 randomly selected fish farmers. Training needs were evaluated across 13 key aspects using a four-point rating scale, and individual training need scores were calculated accordingly. The findings revealed that 52% of the respondents had medium-level training needs, 40% exhibited high training needs, while only 8% had low training needs. Priority training areas included disease diagnosis, water quality management, appropriate use of medications, and the preparation of high-quality fish feed. The training need assessment across 13 disease management aspects identified key priority areas: identification of major Pangas diseases, water quality management, application of different types of medicine and their doses against disease in Pangas fish, and preparation of quality fish feed. These findings highlight the farmers’ urgent need for both foundational knowledge and technical skills, suggesting that future training programs should be structured around three core modules: disease diagnosis, preventive farm management, and remedial treatment practices. Results from linear multiple regression analysis indicated that education level, household size, training exposure, organizational participation, social mobility, extension media contact, and knowledge of disease management were significant determinants of training needs. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and relevant stakeholders develop and implement targeted, need-based capacity-building programs to address the identified training gaps, thereby enhancing disease management practices and promoting more sustainable and profitable pangas culture among fish farmers in the study area
Economic Vulnerability of Tribal Households in Southern India: The Role of on-Timber Forest Products
No full textThis study quantitatively assessed the economic vulnerability of tribal households in the Wayand District of Kerala, India with a specific focus on their dependence on Non timber Forest Products (Medicinal plants) as a primary livelihood source. A survey of 90 tribal households was conducted and Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) was constructed based on three parameters: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The results reveal that both male-headed and female-headed households are highly dependent on income derived from Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), particularly medicinal plants, which contribute approximately 75% and 70% of their total household income, respectively. Female heads, bear the burden of household expenditure with less resource base, reduced overall income, and lower capacity to adjust, especially to climate change and environmental degradation. Female-headed households (FHHs) also showed a lack of preparedness and recovery skills. Economic vulnerability was found to be significantly influenced by a number of factors, including gender, the presence of chronic illness in the household, asset ownership, and monthly per capita. The proportion of households that were not warned of an upcoming natural disaster was the most influencing indicator for exposure while the average livelihood diversification index influenced the sensitivity of medicinal plant collectors. The average livelihood diversification index followed by annual income status was found to be contributing to adaptive capacity. MHHs benefited from broader social capital, stronger institutional linkages, and better access to productive resources, resulting in lower vulnerability scores. In contrast, FHHs experienced structural disadvantages including weaker social networks and income volatility highlighting pronounced gender disparities. By addressing differential vulnerabilities between MHHs and FHHs, this study contributes to the empirical understanding of socio-economic dynamics in forest-dependent tribal communities. The findings underscore the critical role of medicinal NTFPs in enhancing livelihood resilience and inform the development of gender-sensitive, ecosystem-based adaptation strategies
Influence of FPO-Led Interventions on Knowledge Level of Tribal Millet Growers in Central India
No full textIndian agriculture, known for its diversity and resilience, continues to be a major source of livelihood for a large section of the rural population, particularly small and marginal farmers. The study was undertaken in Tamia block of Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, to assess the impact of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on the knowledge of tribal millet growers cultivating Kodo and Kutki. A total of 110 respondents, comprising 55 FPO members and 55 non-members, were selected through random sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage, Z-test, correlation and regression analysis. Findings indicated that most FPO members possessed medium to high levels of knowledge regarding millet production technology, whereas non-members were concentrated in the low to medium categories. The Z-test with a calculated Z-value of 11.75, which is greater than the critical value of 1.96 (at 1% level of significance) confirmed a statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores between members and non-members, clearly reflecting the positive contribution of FPO membership. Correlation analysis showed positive and significant associations of knowledge with education, scientific orientation, mass media exposure and training exposure. Multiple R value of 0.755 reflects a strong positive and significant relationship with the knowledge level of FPO member. Regression results further revealed that education and training exposure were the most influential predictors of knowledge gain among farmers. Multiple R value of 0.755 reflects a strong positive and significant relationship with the knowledge level of FPO member. The study underscores the importance of FPOs as instruments for knowledge transfer, capacity building, and sustainable millet promotion in tribal areas