Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Uggayam as Indigenous Oral Heritage: Functions, Symbolism and Intergenerational Transmission in Villaviciosa, Abra
Uggayam, a traditional oral poetry of the Tingguian people in Villaviciosa, Abra, serves as a vital cultural practice that extends beyond artistic expression to encompass economic, political, and social functions. This study explores the role of Uggayam in contemporary society, particularly its contributions to local governance, economic development, and cultural preservation. This study utilized a qualitative research method with an ethnographic thematic approach, incorporating participant observation, structured interviews, and thematic analysis. Ten expert Uggayam practitioners from various barangays in Villaviciosa, including Poblacion, Tamac, Cal-lao, Calcalumatsi, and Ol-olingen, participated, sharing their knowledge of its significance and preservation. With the help of interviews with community members and local leaders, the study examines how Uggayam remains relevant in modern settings despite the challenges posed by globalization, digitalization, and cultural assimilation. Findings reveal that Uggayam significantly contributes to economic activities, particularly tourism and festivals, by generating income and fostering community engagement. Politically, Uggayam serves as a medium for civic participation, enabling citizens to voice concerns and communicate with local officials. However, the study also identifies key challenges in its preservation, including declining interest among the youth and the dominance of mainstream cultural influences. Moreover, indigenous knowledge systems are at risk due to modernization and shifting social preferences. To address these challenges, the research highlights the importance of integrating Uggayam into educational curricula and digital platforms to sustain its relevance. The study contributes to the growing discourse on indigenous knowledge systems and underscores the need for community-driven efforts for cultural preservation. Uggayam in itself remains a vital cultural heritage of the Tingguian people, reinforcing identity, economic growth, and political engagement in Villaviciosa. However, its sustainability requires collective efforts from local leaders, educators, and cultural practitioners. Future research could explore more extensive methods of digital preservation and policy support for Indigenous oral traditions, securing Uggayam’s place in both contemporary society and future generations
An Investigation into Nutrition-Led Extension with Mention to Agri-Livestock Systems: A Critical Review in India
Malnutrition is considered as one of the most important threats globally and brings about undesirable impacts both on health of humans and economic potential. In recent years, the emergency reduction of malnutrition has become utmost policy priority which is realized to be accomplished through nutrition-led extension; leading to its evolution in trends. The purpose of the study is to investigate the integration of nutrition and extension advisory services (EAS) that encompasses all activities/interventions/strategies aimed at providing information and services on nutrition sensitive farming needed by farmers and other stakeholders in rural settings, which assist them in developing their own technical, organisational, and management skills and practices, so as to improve their livelihoods and well-being achieving desirable food security satisfying both hunger and hidden hunger. The study also focused on realising the importance of agriculture, livestock and allied sectors as the crucial component in nutrition-led extension and determines the various challenges encountered; which need to be attained. The findings associated with systematic literature review concerning nutrition led extension revealed the major barriers like inadequate skills in training professionals, lack of funding, negligible pluralistic approaches, negligible role of women and other minor barriers. There is an essentialness by government, research institutions and other stakeholders in overviewing the existing schemes and policies and to work in overcoming the lacunae through employing different approaches to varied situations; which can be understood through analysing case studies discussed
Effectiveness of Training Farmers on Sugarcane Gleaning during Loading in Reducing Post-Harvest Loss among Smallholder Farmers in Awendo Sub-County, Kenya
Post-harvest sugarcane loss (PHSL) experienced in the sugarcane production process reduces incomes of smallholder farmers worldwide who invest their limited resources. As a result, Sony Sugar Company instituted infield practices in 2011 to reduce PHSL within its cane catchment areas. Training of farmers on sugarcane gleaning forms part of the company’s quasi-public extension (QPE) service to reduce PHSL. However, limited information is available on its effectiveness. In order to fill this gap, this study sought to examine effectiveness of training of farmers on sugarcane gleaning during loading in reducing PHSL among smallholder farmers in Awendo Sub-County. The study was guided by Theory of Change (ToC) using descriptive survey design. A sample of 105 contracted smallholder farmers were obtained from accessible population of 2,403 farmers distributed proportionately across North-East, Central, South and West Sakwa wards. The sample was increased by 40% to 147 taking cognizance that questionnaire was to be used to collect data. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficients for questionnaires were 0.749 for smallholder farmers’ and 0.711 for other stakeholders. Only 132 smallholder farmers’ questionnaires were valid giving 89.8% response rate. Descriptive statistics and spearman’s correlation were used to analyze data using SPSS version 21. Positive relationships were realized between PHSL and training farmers on sugarcane gleaning (r (130) = .142, p > .05.). This study recommends that farmers or their agents should enhance their participation on sugarcane gleaning and attend aligned trainings by the company. Sony Sugar Company should enhance training of farmers on sugarcane gleaning during loading. County and National governments should formulate sound policies to safe guard farmers
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Onion Seed Production Practices by Smallholder Producers in Karatu District, Tanzania
This study investigated the factors influencing adoption of onion seed production practices by smallholder producers for enhanced sustainable seed production in Mang’ola,Karatu district Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data collected from 86 onion seed producers through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings through Binary Logistic Regression revealed that socio-economic factors such as education level and access to agricultural extension services statistically influenced smallholder producers’ use of sustainable onion seed production practices. In addition, Kandall\u27s Correlation Coefficient indicated an association of socio-economic characteristics of respondents, such as age, marital status, education level, and farm size, having statistical influence on onion seed production per acre. Notably, married farmers and those with larger landholdings tend to produce higher yields. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers dominating higher production categories, indicating unequal access to resources. The study recommends, improving access to education opportunities, and strengthening agricultural extension services for enhancing use of sustainable onion seed production practices
Job Satisfaction among Food Delivery Drivers in Hanoi, Vietnam
This study aims to evaluate the job satisfaction of ShopeeFood delivery drivers in Hanoi, Vietnam, and to identify key factors influencing their satisfaction. The analysis is based on survey data collected in 2024 from 136 ShopeeFood drivers operating in Hanoi. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire employing a five-point Likert scale. After data cleaning, the responses were analyzed using SPSS software for both descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings reveal that over 50% of the respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their income and the flexibility of working hours. Additionally, more than 48% expressed satisfaction with the welfare policies provided. However, satisfaction levels declined when environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions and the stress associated with urban traffic were considered. Regression analysis indicates that income, the nature of the work, customer behavior, and driver qualifications significantly impact overall job satisfaction. The study recommends a set of integrated solutions, including improving income and welfare policies, providing professional training, optimizing digital platforms, and fostering an engaged and supportive driver community, to enhance long-term retention and performance
Hedonic Price Analysis of Beef Cattle Attributes in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
The study examined the effects of beef cattle attributes on its price in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Primary data collected from a sample of 100 cattle buyers, chosen through convenience sampling, were utilized for the study. . Frequencies, percentages and hedonic pricing model were used to analyze the data. The most preferred cattle attributes were good body conformation (91%), young adult age (87%), bull (82%), big body size (72%), large faced cattle (68%) and brown skin colour (59%).Cattle buyers would willingly pay over ₦30,000 for attributes such as big body size (₦63,270),medium body size (₦42,180), brown skin colour (₦33,393), and would discount over ₦30,000 for attributes such as Mbororo breed (₦40,423) and calf age (₦40,423). The study concludes that cattle buyers would willingly pay the highest premium price for big body size and discount the largest amount for Mbororo breed. It was recommended for producers and breeders to promote attributes that consumers show preference for and that influence willingness to pay which would improve cattle demand and increase sales
Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Indigenous Chicken Rearing in Coastal Communities of Bangladesh
Indigenous chicken rearing is an important part of rural livelihoods in Bangladesh, especially in economically challenged areas where it provides a primary source of income, nutrition, and employment opportunities for the poor people, especially for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics, management practices, consumption and income, gender participation, and factors influencing income from indigenous chicken rearing using a household-level survey in Bagerhat district, located in the coastal region. A mixed-method survey, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, was conducted among 488 randomly selected households from five villages in Bagerhat Sadar and Kachua Upazilas.The findings reveal that rural women play a crucial role in indigenous chicken rearing, as the majority of respondents were female (89.57%). The majority of the respondents were younger and middle-aged, and the mean age was 39.86±1.89 years. Most of the farmers completed the primary level of education (55.62%), as evidenced by their mean educational year was 6.95±0.65. The flock size was small (98.96%) and management practices are largely traditional with semi-intensive rearing (97.95%) using basic housing, and 88.00% depending on rice or rice bran, followed by household by-products (12.00%) for feed. However, vaccination coverage remains critically low at 11.00%. Households consumed an average of 149.76 eggs and 23.04 kg of chicken meat per year, while income from eggs and live bird sales averaged BDT 13136 and BDT 26288 annually, confirming that indigenous chicken has a dual role in nutrition and cash income generation. Women contributed most labour of husbandry activities (80–90%) and yet men controlled ownership, sales decisions, and retained income in most cases. Regression analysis identified flock size, farmer experience, vaccination, and rearing system as significant positive determinants of income from indigenous chicken rearing
Perceived Constraints in the Adoption of Green Products: Evidence from Fast Food Packaging in Assam, India
The growing dependence on non-biodegradable packaging, fuelled by the fast-food industry, is becoming an urgent environmental challenge. Although green marketing has been promoted for decades, the actual use of eco-friendly products remains disappointingly low. This study set out to explore the key obstacles that prevent wider adoption of green packaging in fast food outlets. The research was carried out in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam between August and October 2024, covering 16 outlets and engaging 115 consumers as well as 30 managers and staff. Using Garrett Ranking analysis, the results show that consumers are most concerned about the lack of trust in green claims, limited availability, and the high cost of eco-friendly options, while they worry least about understanding eco-labels. On the other hand, managers and staff point to high costs, supply shortages, and resistance to change as their main challenges, with regulatory issues having the least impact. These findings underline the need for practical strategies that can build trust, strengthen supply chains, and make green products more affordable, paving the way for greater acceptance and sustainable practices in the food service sector
Socio-Economic Status and Extension Participation of Marine Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, India
Aim: To assess the socioeconomic status, economic motivations, and extension participation of marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, and to examine the roles, linkages, and perspectives of resource managers and research experts in supporting sustainable fisheries development.
Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted across all coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh—Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Bapatla, and Nellore between 2023 - 2024, involving fishermen, fisheries officials, and experts from institutions.
Methodology: A comprehensive sampling design was employed to represent all stakeholder groups in Andhra Pradesh’s marine fisheries sector. Fishermen were categorized into mechanized (n = 120), motorized (n = 200), and non-motorized (n = 40) sectors to capture diverse socioeconomic conditions and practices. Additionally, 30 research experts from premier institutions Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Fishery Survey of India – Visakhapatnam (FSI), The National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training NIFPHATT, Andhra University located in Visakhapatnam and C.F.Sc. in Muthukur, Nellore District further 31 fisheries officials from the Department of Fisheries were included, bringing the total sample to 421 respondents.
Result: Marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh were predominantly middle-aged (mean 46.4 years) with substantial fishing experience (26.8 years), and 60% combined fishing with other livelihood activities. Participation in extension activities was generally low, with over 90% rarely attending field days or method demonstrations, while meetings and seminars recorded slightly higher engagement (24.9%). Economic motivation was moderate (mean score 0.52 ± 0.16), reflecting both a strong profit orientation and adherence to traditional practices.
Conclusion: The study highlights that marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh have moderate economic motivation but limited engagement with extension services and weak linkages with resource managers and research experts. Low participation in capacity-building programs indicate gaps in knowledge transfer. Strengthening extension outreach, fostering trust, and promoting targeted training and digital tools are essential to enhance adoption of innovations and support sustainable fisheries development. Addressing these socioeconomic and institutional gaps can contribute to more equitable and resilient coastal livelihoods
Identification of Socio-Management Issues Associated with Technology Adoption of Sericulture Farmers of West Bengal, India
Aims: Identification of the factors and variables on technology adoption tendency among sericulture farmers of West Bengal.
Study Design: Tendency of technology adoption is assessed using a total of 21 socio-management variables associated with sericulture, West Bengal, India using empirical data collected from 127 respondents under three districts.
Methodology: The independent 14 societal and 7 management factors were statistically analyzed using the path, and regression equations to understand the behavioral tendency of technology adoption amongst farmers’ community.
Results: Path analysis showed the direct effect of utilization of information sources (x10), socio-economic status (x14), and the number of employment days per labour per year (x19) on technology adoption. The regression analysis showed that utilization of information source (x10), socio-economic status (x14), number of employment days per year per labour (x19), benefit-cost ratio (x20), and social participation (x8) have a distinctive impact on the consequent factor technology adoption (y).
Conclusion: If the identified issues can be addressed in terms of technology adoption, the number of sericulture farmers will be increased in the future that will increase the raw silk production and followed by economy growth