Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Decomposition Analysis of Soybean Production in Yawatmal District of Maharashtra
No full textYawatmal is among the major Soybean producing districts in the Maharashtra state. In year 2021-22, Yawatmal contributed to 6.26 per cent of total area under Soybean cultivation and 5.23 per cent of total production of Soybean in Maharashtra which is among the largest producer states of Soybean crop in India. The present research was aims at analysing the changes in soybean production. The study was carried out in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra for the period of 15 years from 2007-08 to 2021-22. The study used time series secondary data on area, production and Yield of Soybean in Yawatmal district collected from authorized government sources. The additive model of decomposition was used to determine the drivers behind the production of Soybean in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra through contribution of each of area and yield effect over the change in production viz., increase/decrease in Soybean production was studied. In the present study it was revealed that, the yield effect was the major contributing factor during the overall study period which was observed from the average annual growth rate of 15.04 percent and the contribution of 85.58 percent by yield of Soybean crop in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra. Whereas the average annual growth in area was observed to be negative at -2.92 percent with the contribution of 14.42 percent over the study period both collectively resulted in the average annual growth of Production to be 12.12 percent. The crop was found to have unstable yield over the years and more often the yield derived was very low from the very high coefficient of variations. The present study concluded that, the change in Soybean production was due to the yield effect in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra throughout the study period and the suggestions were made to increasing and stabilizing the yield of Soybean crop to improve the overall performance of Soybean in Maharashtra
Comparative Analysis of Constraints Faced by Solar Water Pump Adopters and Non Adopters in Haryana and Rajasthan, India
No full textThe shift towards Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems (SWPS) presents significant potential for sustainable agricultural advancement in India, especially in regions facing water scarcity and energy shortages. This research examines the barriers impacting the uptake of SWPS in Haryana and Rajasthan—two prominent states in solar pump deployment. A comparative study was performed utilizing data from 240 farmers (120 who adopted and 120 who did not) across six intentionally chosen districts. Findings indicate that the decision to adopt is shaped by a mix of technical, financial, extension-related, farm-level, operational, environmental, and socio-personal barriers. Among those who adopted, technical issues such as the absence of standardization and insufficient post-installation support were notable, whereas non-adopters were mainly impeded by high upfront costs, limited access to credit, and a lack of awareness. Gaps in extension services, particularly the lack of demonstrations and follow-up assistance, were evident in both groups. Comparisons between states revealed that adopters in Haryana encountered significantly greater levels of constraints across various categories compared to those in Rajasthan, indicating dissatisfaction post-adoption and gaps in implementation. Conversely, non-adopters in both states reported similar obstacles, highlighting pervasive structural challenges. The research emphasizes the necessity for tailored interventions, including quality assurance, timely subsidies, improved extension services, and awareness initiatives. Tackling these multifaceted constraints is crucial for promoting the fair and effective integration of solar technology in Indian agriculture
Adoption of Agricultural Water Management Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya
No full textAgricultural water management refers to the planning, development, distribution, and efficient use of water resources for agricultural purposes. Effective agricultural water management is vital for sustainable farming, especially in the face of climate change and increasing demand for food. It requires a combination of technological, ecological, and policy solutions tailored to specific regions and farming systems. Agricultural water management practices include rainwater harvesting, irrigation, soil moisture conservation, and use of drop resistant crops. Adoption of these practices can be affected by factors such as socio economic, institutional, environmental and cultural factors. This study examined the level of adoption of agricultural water management practices among smallholder farmers in Rongai Sub-county Kenya. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted, while proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the respondents. The accessible population was 6,230 smallholder farmers from the target population of 26,804 smallholder farmers in Rongai sub county Kenya. The study was done in August 2023 to November 2023 and included 120 smallholder farmers in Rongai Sub County. A questionnaire was used to collect data, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings of this study indicates that adoption of agricultural water management practices is low, being at 35.8% since 64.2% of the farmers did not adopt the practices. This low adoption may be associated with low income and lack of access to extension services in Rongai sub-county. The findings may help in improving adoption of agricultural water management by creating awareness about the practices, training smallholder farmers and advocating for supportive policies through collaborative engagement between local government and agricultural organizations
The Role of Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Enhancing Household Food Security among Pastoralists in Hadado Sub-County, Kenya
No full textPastoralist households in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands face recurrent droughts and climate variability, which undermine livestock-based livelihoods and compromise food security. Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) has been promoted as an adaptation tool that provides payouts based on satellite-derived vegetation indices rather than direct household-level loss assessments. This study examines the role of IBLI in enhancing household food security in Hadado Sub-County, Wajir, Kenya. Primary data were collected from 286 randomly selected households using a semi-structured questionnaire, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to estimate food security outcomes. The results show that IBLI participation significantly reduced reliance on less-preferred foods (ATT = 0.206, p < .05), indicating a protective effect on dietary quality during droughts. However, no significant impacts were observed on food run-outs (p = 0.46) or skipped meals (p = 0.30). Probit regression further revealed that household size (β = −0.043, p = 0.098) and age of the household head (β = −0.021, p = 0.105) were negatively associated with uptake, while gender was not statistically significant (β = −0.082, p = 0.618). Qualitative evidence indicated that payouts helped households avoid distress sales of livestock and purchase food, though basis risk and limited financial literacy constrained effectiveness.
These findings suggest that IBLI supports dietary diversity in drought-prone pastoral systems, but complementary measures such as financial literacy training, gender-sensitive programming, improved market connectivity, and emergency aid are needed to maximize its food security impacts
Food Security Implications of Traditional Maize Storage Methods: A Case Study of Market Traders in the Volta Region, Ghana
No full textMaize storage is important for ensuring food security in Sub-Saharan African countries, due to changes in seasonal production and the risk of crop failure. In Ghana, market traders and farmers store maize in traditional structures, such as silos, granaries, sacks or bags, baskets, and cribs made from locally available materials. The choice of storage methods impacts the quantity and quality of maize. Despite the importance of storage, post-harvest losses remain a challenge, limiting maize availability. We argue that increasing maize production alone is insufficient to ensure food availability. Storage is important for improving food security. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the contributions of existing storage methods in reducing post-harvest losses. This study examines the food security implications of traditional maize storage methods among traders in Ho municipality of Ghana’s Volta Region. A structured questionnaire was randomly administered to 138 maize traders in March 2024. The questions focused on the storage methods, duration, moisture content, maize quality and quantity, sales frequency, and storage and transportation losses. The study is rooted in the indigenous knowledge systems theory, the post-harvest loss theory, and the food security framework to explain the food security implications of the traditional maize storage methods. We found that respondents (84%) bagged maize and packed it on pallets in wooden rooms, while 81% did so in concrete rooms. Despite bagging, maize remained susceptible to post-harvest losses, highlighting the need for improved storage technologies. Due to a lack of moisture meters, 71% of respondents stored maize at 14.1% to 15.0% moisture content, resulting in a limited shelf life of approximately 15 weeks. All traders reported insect infestations during storage, with 62% using phosphine gas (Phostoxin) for fumigation. Traders showed good interest in improving storage practices to reduce post-harvest losses. For this interest, gender education and capacity building were key for their decision-making. These findings emphasize the need to develop and implement policies, adopt improved storage technologies, and strengthen capacity-building programs to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance regional food security
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 of Food Security and Zero Hunger in Nigeria Through Land Remediation
No full textThe study was carried out to analyze the cost of remediation of arable crops farmland from sand mining in Ondo State, Nigeria to ensure availability of land for farming. This will enhance the achievement of SDGs 2 of food security and zero hunger. A total of 120 respondents using multistage sampling techniques were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, soil analysis and Net Present Value (NPV). The study showed that there is a severe nutrient depletion of the physical and chemical properties of farmland due to sand mining activities. The study further revealed that arable crop farmers are losing money by giving out their farmland to the sand miners in the study area. From the study, it will cost N2,586,000 (7,985.18) while their counterparts who lease their farmland to sand miners will only earn N7,245,240 ($4,674.35). The study therefore recommends that agricultural landowners should stop leasing out their land to sand miners in the study area. Government and other stakeholders should aim to regulate the activities of sand miners and assist the arable crop farmers to diversify their income especially during off season farming
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Cage Fish Farming in Kerala’s Backwaters
No full textThis case study research paper addresses the environmental impacts of cage fish farming in Kerala with special reference to Ernakulam district. The study has analyzed the economic viability of cage fish farming and its impact on backwaters. The study has found out that cage fish farming is an effective way of raising the fish production, sustainable utilization of water bodies, and generation of additional income to the fishermen. The study has also brought out some evidence to show the capability of cage fish farming in reverting the problem of tragedy of commons. The study has revealed that the water quality (temperature, PH, nitrate and nitrite etc.) in the study area has improved to an extend over time which is evident from the water quality status reports. The study through primary data analysis found out that the cage fish farmers in the study area have taken steps to maintain the water quality, for the survival and proper breeding of their fish culture and thereby trying to maximize their profit from cage fish farming. The study has found out a positive correlation between fish farming and sustainability of common areas (especially the lakes) in the study area unlike the problems of Commons mentioned by Garrett Hardin in his theory “The tragedy of commons”. The study recommends strengthening waste management procedures, implementing community-based monitoring, and ensuring adherence to scientific recommendations for stocking and feeding to enhance water quality and secure a sustainable future for the backwaters
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Farmer- and Government-Led Mitigation Measures for Human Wildlife Conflict in Kannur District, Kerala, India
No full textAims: The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies adopted by both farmers and government institutions regarding Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in the agricultural sector of Kannur district.
Methodology: A total of 150 farmers (75 each from the Aralam Farm and Kottiyoor Range) who had experienced economic losses due to HWC were surveyed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The Index Method was used to calculate the perceived effectiveness of different mitigation measures, based on a five-point rating scale given by the farmers.
Results: The study found that Farmers prioritize measures that offer immediate, short-term relief (scare devices) and physical exclusion (fences/trenches). The lowest rating went to night guarding (Index 35.25), reflecting the operational unsustainability and extreme human cost (sleep deprivation, risk of injury) associated with this method. Coming to the Effectiveness of Government-Adopted Mitigation Measures, the highest ratings are for the physical exclusion barriers (Solar Fences, EPTs), confirming the belief that structural prevention is the most effective approach. The most significant failure is the compensation scheme, which received the lowest score (Index 28.5). This failure is systemic, as payments are often delayed and inadequate (covering only a fraction of the actual loss), which ultimately undermines public trust and tolerance for conservation. the farmers\u27 priorities when selecting a human-wildlife conflict mitigation scheme are overwhelmingly focused on economic viability and proven success. Regarding the mitigating measures\u27 economic evaluation Farmers think their investment in self-defense measures is not financially beneficial (Index 29.5) and have an "Extreme Loss Perception" (Index 98.75). The most vulnerable marginal farmers, who comprise 84% of the population, perceive the expense of high-quality measures as prohibitive (Index 20.75).
Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for a more scientific, transparent, and farmer-centric compensation framework to mitigate the socioeconomic burden of HWC and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife
Soil Erosion Assessment Using the RUSLE Model and Geospatial Techniques (Remote Sensing and GIS) in Kalyani River Watershed of Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textSoil erosion significantly impacts environmental sustainability, agriculture, and water quality. This study examines soil erosion in the Kalyani River within the Nindoora and Fatehpur blocks of Barabanki District, Uttar Pradesh, India, where seasonal fluctuations and steep banks exacerbate the issue. The region experiences severe soil degradation due to uncontrolled land use, deforestation, over-cultivation, overgrazing, and biomass exploitation driven by population growth. To address this, GIS and Remote Sensing technologies were utilized, employing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to identify erosion-prone areas. The RUSLE model involves calculating parameters such as the runoff-rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), topographic factor (LS), cropping management factor (C), and support practice factor (P). Layer-wise thematic maps of each factor were generated using a GIS platform, incorporating various data sources and preparation methods. The study\u27s results indicate that value of K factor is found to be 0.025 indicates that the soil is relatively resistant to erosion. Higher LS factor values are scattered across the area, especially near the Kalyani River. The southeastern regions show higher C factor values, indicating less effective soil cover and management against erosion. It has also been estimated that 90% of the Kalyani River watershed faces low soil erosion risk (0–10 ton/ha/yr), while 0.20% primarily near riverbanks experiences high to very high erosion risk (10–40 ton/ha/yr). Sandy and sandy loam soils near riverbanks, exacerbated by seasonal water level fluctuations and steep slopes, are highly prone to erosion. The RUSLE-based GIS approach allowed for the precise identification of erosion hotspots, facilitating the development of targeted soil conservation strategies to mitigate soil degradation and promote sustainable land management
Red Meat Finishing Strategies and Pasture Management for Drought Adaptation in Kajiado and Isiolo Counties, Kenya
No full textIn Isiolo and Kajiado Counties, red meat offers an opportunity for increasing household food, nutrition and income security. Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Productivity (KCSAP) groups were involved in different finishing management strategies to add value before marketing. Hence this activity focused on determining the economic practicability of the various management practices in order to identify and recommend the most appropriate opportunity.
The broad activity was to conduct economic analysis of finishing management strategies and pasture production as a business in the red meat value chain. The data ware collected from 451 households belonging to KCSAP groups, Community Interest Groups (CIGs) and Most Venerable Groups (VMGs) using semi structured questionnaire. 10 Focus group discussions (FGDs) of 120 participants (30 men and 90 women) within the groups, 18 key informant interviews (KIIs) with public and private sector actors.
Priority livestock production constraints in Kajiado were; diseases, pastures, while in Isiolo were; pastures, limited access to water and diseases. Priority livestock technology needs; pasture production technologies. water harvesting, drugs and vaccines.
Fenced plot Management strategies for finishing Sahiwal bulls, Zebu cattle, Sheep and Goats were profitable. Pasture in fenced plots and livestock being confined hence reduced long distances enabled weight gains with a higher market value of approximately KES 70,000. Open grazing management strategies for finishing Sahiwal bulls, male sheep and goats were not profitable, degradation of rangelands, spread of transboundary diseases and un-controlled invasive plant species. In Isiolo county, land is communally owned hence fenced grazing systems cannot be practiced. Nevertheless, finishing of Zebu cattle on hired ranches was practiced in Oldonyiro ward-but may not be sustainable since land privately owned in Laikipia county. Pasture production on a fenced plot as an input in red meat value chain and a business, fencing using locally available materials (acacia thorns), removing invasive plant species, has huge gross margins of KES 626,000 in a normal rainfall year