Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Soil Management Knowledge Transfer in Tanzania’s Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor: Actors, Methods and Challenges
No full textSoil management technology is essential for sustainable agricultural production systems, social and economic development for farmers. This paper follows an ethnographic research method to investigate soil management technology knowledge among actors in the southern agriculture growth corridor in Mbeya. The key informant interview,52 in-depth Interview, 2 focus group discussions, and observation data collection methods were used, and a thematic data analysis technique was employed to analyze data to understand the knowledge dynamic in agriculture. The study found that farmers use agroecology soil management technology (mulch application, planting of trees to add fertility and reduce erosion, crop rotation, intercropping, manure application, leaving crop and house/kitchen waste, minimal tillage), conventional soil management technology (soil testing, use of fertilizer and lime) and mix of the two. The study area used demonstration plots, farmer field school, training, agriculture shows, farm and home visits, mass media, and farmers\u27 field days. knowledge is transmitted by farmers, researchers, and extension agents from both the government and private sectors all these method makes adoption easier and faster for farmers. The study recommends increase in efforts to promote relevant soil management practices to the targeted groups in a coordinated way. Extension agents should capitalize on the farmers-to-farmer learning approach by creating e-lead farmers, empowering them, and closely working with them
Suggested Strategic Solutions to the Constraints in Funds and Investment Management of Urban Co-operative Banks
No full textAims: With a focus on their socioeconomic importance in urban and semi-urban regions, the essay offers a thorough analysis of the difficulties Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) encounter when managing capital and investments. It looks at things like operational inefficiencies, complicated regulations, scarce resources, and pressure from other competing financial institutions. It investigates topics such as non-performing assets, fraud prevention, contemporary banking services, loan and deposit mix, and regulatory compliance through the examination of primary data. The paper identifies systemic barriers and suggests technology adoption, improved employee training, and strategic policy changes to increase UCBs\u27 operational effectiveness and resilience while upholding their core cooperative values. The study used stratified sampling, selecting 12 UCBs across Kerala\u27s regions, with three directors representing diverse categories. The study emphasises the difficulties Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) encounter when managing their funds and investments. High non-performing assets (NPAs), a lacklustre technology infrastructure, and deficiencies in personnel training are among the main conclusions. Regular policy changes make it more difficult to comply with regulations. The mix of loans and deposits shows weaknesses in using analytics and adjusting to market conditions. Updated systems and improved training are necessary for fraud prevention measures. Customer resistance and integration issues are limiting the uptake of contemporary financial services. The suggestions include diversifying financial goods, using cutting-edge technologies, providing personnel training, and enhancing infrastructure.
Conclusion: Urban Cooperative Banks face regulatory constraints, limited funding, insufficient technology, and training gaps. Investments in modern tools, proactive compliance, and enhanced training programs are essential for growth and resilience
A Critical Analysis on Role Performance of Agri-input Dealers in Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textAims: The study aims to critically analyse the role performance of agri-input dealers in the Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on their effectiveness in delivering agricultural inputs and advisory services to farmers. It seeks to identify strengths and gaps in their performance, understand the challenges they face, and assess the need for capacity building and institutional support to enhance their contribution to agricultural development.
Study Design: An ex-post facto research design was used to critically analyse the role performance of agricultural input dealers in agro-advisory services.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, specifically in Kannauj and Farrukhabad districts, selected purposively. Data collection spanned from 2022 to 2023, covering 5 randomly chosen blocks from each district.
Methodology: A multistage random sampling method was used to select participants. From each of the selected blocks, 25 input dealers with a minimum of five years of experience were chosen, resulting in a final sample size of 250 dealers. These individuals were engaged in delivering both agricultural inputs and extension services to farmers.
Results: The study revealed that 64.80% of agricultural input dealers exhibited medium-level role performance in agro-advisory services, while 18.00% showed high performance and 17.20% low. Input dealers were most effective in delivering timely and relevant advice to farmers but less involved in training activities, field visits, and supplementary responsibilities. Item-wise analysis highlighted significant variation, suggesting the need for targeted capacity-building efforts.
Conclusion: The paper underscores the importance of building institutional mechanisms, region-specific training programs, and stronger communication frameworks to empower input dealers as credible agro-advisors. Such measures are vital for improving the quality and reach of extension services in the agricultural sector
Evaluating the Poverty-Reducing Impact of Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Kenya’s Arid Regions: Evidence from Hadado Sub-County
No full textRepeated droughts in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions erode livestock assets and perpetuate poverty among pastoralist households. Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) offers potential for mitigating such risks, yet empirical evidence of poverty reduction remains limited. This study analyzed primary data from 286 households in Wajir County using a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) regression framework to estimate the effect of IBLI on household poverty. The results demonstrate that IBLI participation significantly reduces poverty, with insured households experiencing a 1.35-point decline in the poverty index relative to non-participants (B = −1.350, p = .001). Moreover, the interaction between IBLI and the midline phase indicates an additional reduction (B = −1.253, p = .014), suggesting that program benefits strengthened as coverage expanded and implementation improved. These findings reveal a cumulative impact, where early gains deepen over time with sustained exposure to insurance. The results align with theoretical and empirical literature showing that index insurance protects assets, smooth consumption, and prevents poverty traps. Policy recommendations emphasize awareness creation, affordability, and timely claim settlement to enhance uptake and strengthen IBLI’s role as a social protection mechanism in drought-prone regions
Assessment of Water Use Efficiency in Vegetable Cultivation under Groundwater Conditions in Karnataka, India
No full textWater is a vital input for agriculture and essential for economic and social development, particularly in Karnataka, one of India’s most drought-prone states, where only 34 per cent of gross cropped area is irrigated and agriculture is heavily dependent on groundwater. The study examined the profitability and water use efficiency of major crops under groundwater irrigation in Bengaluru Rural district. A multistage random sampling method was employed, selecting 120 farmers from 10 villages across Hoskote and Nelamangala taluks known for cole crop cultivation. Primary data on input use, costs, yields and irrigation were collected using pre-tested schedules and analysed through cost and returns analysis, irrigation intensity and water use efficiency measures. Results indicated that vegetable crops, particularly cabbage and cauliflower, incurred higher cultivation costs but yielded substantially greater net returns compared to cereals such as ragi and maize, with per acre net returns and returns per rupee spent higher for vegetables. Water use efficiency analysis showed economic efficiency (₹ per acre-inch) was highest in cauliflower (₹ 18,420) and cabbage (₹ 15,034) followed by maize (₹ 9,257) and ragi (₹ 7,781) while technical efficiency (quintals per acre-inch) similarly favoured vegetables. The findings demonstrate that groundwater irrigation significantly enhances productivity, profitability and cropping intensity with vegetables providing superior returns and efficient water utilization compared to cereals. The study highlighted the strategic importance of using groundwater judiciously for high-value horticultural crops, suggesting that optimized irrigation and nutrient management practices can improve farm incomes and sustainable water use in water-scarce regions of Karnataka
Economic Valuation of Forest Restoration Programs in Togo: A Contingent Valuation Approach
No full textThis study assesses Togolese households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for forest restoration programs across the five economic regions of Togo: Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, Kara, and Savanes. Forests provide essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and soil protection, yet these services are often undervalued in economic decision-making. The assessment was conducted using the contingent valuation (CV) method, with labor contributions as the payment vehicle, subsequently converted into monetary equivalents. A total of 238 valid responses were analyzed after removing protest responses. The WTP values were examined using a Tobit regression model to identify the main sociodemographic determinants. The results reveal significant regional disparities: the Savanes region exhibits the highest average WTP (65,625 CFA), whereas the Maritime region shows the lowest (37,261 CFA). Young adults and women are generally more willing to contribute, although patterns vary across regions. Urban residence tends to reduce WTP in the Maritime and Kara regions, likely due to a lower perception of the direct benefits of forest ecosystem services. Overall, this study provides crucial empirical evidence to inform forest restoration planning and sustainable forest policy in Togo, demonstrating the value of contingent valuation for designing context-specific environmental policies in developing countries
Economic Viability and Market Potential of Cannabis Cultivation in Malawi: An Empirical Analysis of Smallholder Farmer Perspectives
No full textMalawi’s agricultural economy, historically dependent on tobacco, faces structural vulnerability as global demand declines, necessitating urgent diversification. The legalization of industrial and medicinal cannabis in 2020 provides a transformative opportunity for rural livelihoods, yet empirical evidence on its economic feasibility remains limited. This study quantitatively evaluates the economic and market dynamics of smallholder cannabis cultivation in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey of 60 licensed farmers was conducted across five major agricultural districts Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba, Rumphi, and Mzimba. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize production systems, cost–benefit analysis assessed profitability, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested cost differentials, and Chi-square (χ2\chi^2χ2) tests examined relationships among categorical variables. The mean production cost per grower was MWK 203,443.72 (± SD 18,188.95). ANOVA revealed no significant variation across region, cultivar, or experience level, indicating uniform production input structures. Sativa was the dominant strain (80%), while 60% of farmers experienced income increases. However, χ2\chi^2χ2 tests showed income change was independent of cultivation experience and water management, highlighting structural rather than individual determinants of profitability. Regulatory costs (56.7%) and restricted market access (65%) emerged as key constraints. The study concludes that cannabis is economically viable but requires inclusive policies, financial access, and streamlined regulations to achieve sustainable and equitable sectoral growth
Empirical Study on Interdependence of Coffee Futures Prices and Farm Gate Prices in Major Coffee Producing Countries
No full textCoffee is an export-oriented commodity for producing countries, and it is actively traded at international commodity exchange platforms viz., Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), New York and ICE Europe. This study examined the interrelationship between futures and farm gate coffee prices in major coffee producing countries. The study substantiates the presence of a stable long-run relationship between ICE coffee futures prices and farm gate prices (spot prices) in top coffee producing countries, inferring that both futures and spot prices react to the same set of market information. While, there is an indication of equilibrium between ICE Coffee futures (New York) and Arabica producer prices (at farm gate level) & ICE Coffee futures (Europe) and Robusta producer prices (at farm gate level). According to the study results, farm gate prices in Honduras, India and Uganda were dependent on ICE Futures prices, while Arabica farm gate prices in Brazil have substantial influence on the ICE New York futures price. The study results reveals that, Brazil with the lion share in global arabica coffee production, is the price maker in the international market. While, India and Uganda with the low share in global coffee production are basically ‘price takers’ rather than ‘price makers’ in the international market
Examination of Strategic Planning of Banks to the Context of India
No full textAim: This research is a modest effort to explore strategic analysis tools and growth aspects of the Indian banking sector. The objective of this research is to assess bank employees’ perceptions current stage of banks and identify sustainable growth strategies for the future.
Study Design: I purposively selected Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states. Multi-stage sampling (MSS) used for data collection. Statistical tools such as Correlation and Regression analysis, and Balance score-card were performed using advanced Excel. Financial ratios include DuPont model (Asset Turnover, Profit Margin, Return on Equity-ROE, and Return on Assets-ROA), were calculated.
Methodology: The study analyzing a combination of financial ratios and employing strategic tools, to evaluate the sector’s progress. Primary data was collected from the employees in the banking sector, secondary data were obtained from research articles, and magazines. The total samples covered are 50.
Findings and Results: The past two decades, the industry has transitioned from offering subsidized services with limited facilities to becoming more competitive. Key focus areas include achieving global standards like the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), reducing liability and servicing costs, and fostering product differentiation. ‘P’ value 0.370, there is no significant relationship between net banking and UPI transactions, and ‘r’ value 0.938, therefore there is a highly positive correlation between them, and so to increase the growth of the banking sector, a focus on enhancing net banking and UPI transactions is recommended to achieve the target. The adjusted R-square value is 82.70; therefore, 82% of the variance of the dependent variable is explained by the independent variable in regression analysis. Y=a+bx: Positive intercept in banking transactions suggests baseline activity regardless influencing factors. Negative slope means factors like features, services, size of transactions, and volume might decrease.
Policy Recommendations: Enhance resource utilization, global standards compliance, product differentiation, strategic implementation and cost management
Navigating Grassroots Innovation Journey in Tanzania: Factors Shaping Innovation
No full textGrassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross-sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth