Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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An Analytical Study of the Relationship between Farmer Characteristics and the Use of Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Agriculture
No full textIndigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in Agriculture encompasses traditional practices and wisdom passed down from generation to generation, which is essential for sustainable agricultural practices in harmony with native ecosystems and cultural values. Integrating ITK with present-day agricultural practices boosts resilience and facilitates community-led innovation in agriculture. The present study examined the relationship between farmer Characteristics and the use of indigenous technical knowledge in agriculture. A total of 120 respondents were selected through multistage cum random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to determine the association between ITK and various selected independent variables. The results showed that the majority (75.00%) of the respondents were aged between 35 to 41 years, with a primary-level education. The majority (64.17%) of the respondents belonged to the Other Backwards Classes (OBC), 54.20 per cent lived in nuclear families, and 49.20 per cent were marginal farmers. Agriculture was identified as the main occupation by 65.80 per cent of the respondents, with a medium level of annual family income between Rs. 70920 to 241296. Additionally, 75 per cent of respondents had medium levels of mass media exposure. The results revealed that Age (0.0497), Sex (0.0326), Occupation (0.0158), and Mass Media Exposure (0.0142) were positively associated at the 0.05 level
Development of a Scale to Measure the Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation of Agriculture Students
No full textEntrepreneurial Attitude Orientation (EAO) is a multi-dimensional construct that plays a vital role in shaping the entrepreneurial behaviour and career choices of agriculture students. As entrepreneurship emerges as a viable alternative to traditional employment in the agricultural sector, assessing students’ attitudes becomes crucial for effective policy planning and educational interventions. However, attitude being a latent psychological trait, cannot be measured directly through a single indicator. This necessitates the development of a standardized and valid scale to assess entrepreneurial attitude orientation among agriculture students. In the present study, a reliable instrument was developed using the Equal-Appearing Interval Scale method. An initial pool of 80 attitude statements related to entrepreneurship was generated through literature review and student interviews. These items were refined based on Edward’s criteria and subjected to evaluation by a panel of experts from Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutions, and entrepreneurship training centres. Based on judges’ ratings, a final scale comprising 10 attitude statements was selected, ensuring content validity, a wide and uniform distribution along the psychological continuum, high scale values, low Q-values, and a balanced representation of favourable and unfavourable items. The resulting Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation Scale (EAOS) is a standardized tool with potential applications in academic assessments, entrepreneurship training programmes, and policy-level decision-making in agricultural education
Digital Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology for Ensuring Sustainable Development in India: A Review
No full textIndia is described as an agricultural powerhouse on a global scale due to its vast agri-ecological diversity. Even though attaining food adequacy in production, India still faces issues related resource-intensive agriculture and less farmer productivity, raising poverty and malnutrition. The involvement of information and communication technology (ICT) in evolving agriculture has become even more essential. It assists farmers with timely information related to environmental conditions, soil health, and crop management and beyond it, where it has the potential to stimulate growth in agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming through informed decision-making and resource management. This paper reviews the relevance of ICTs in farming for rural development, food security, and resilience. Newer technologies such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing provide exciting new possibilities to explore for a robust vision for Indian agriculture that is organised, data-oriented, and productive.
It can stimulate economic development through improved access to markets and knowledge sharing, with ICT playing an important role in supporting rural communities. However, challenges such as limited connectivity and low digital literacy must be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption of ICTs. ICT in agriculture draws parallels to the "Third Green Revolution," where there is a need to strive towards more affirmative inclusion of small farm households and women, especially amongst developing countries. Enhancing the agenda of sustainability through ICT and sustainable practices will be a major strategy in creating ecological balance, environmental health, and resilience for agricultural systems for the future
The Marketing Channels of Chia and Their Efficiency in Kalyana-Karnataka Region, India
No full textChia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an emerging super foodsuperfood and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and the centre of origin is in mountain areas of Guatemala and Mexico. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is gaining prominence as a superfood and medicinal plant within the Lamiaceae family, celebrated for its pseudocereal status and nutritional benefits worldwide. Introduced to India by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, it has swiftly spread across the country, including Karnataka\u27s Kalyan-Karnataka region, owing to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. The objective of the study is to estimate the economics of chia farming. The present study was conducted to study the efficiency of marketing channels of chia, focusing on Bidar and Kalaburagi districts, which are pivotal due to their significant chia cultivation areas. Primary data was gathered through surveys of 30 sample farmers from each district during the 2023-24 period, and a total of 15 marketing middlemen were chosen from each district. Thus, the total sample size was 90. The study showed that Channel-I is more cost-effective for chia growers, making it the preferred option despite its relatively higher transportation costs in the study area. The study revealed that the extent of producers’ share in consumer rupee in Bidar district was 87.42 and 83.50 per cent in Channel-I and Channel-II, respectively. Similarly, in Kalaburagi district, the extent of the producer’s share in consumer rupee was 87.56 and 85.85 per cent in Channel-I and Channel-II, respectively. The study revealed that chia growers in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts identified a lack of market information as the most critical issue, followed by price fluctuation. Strengthening the marketing information system and implementing a price support mechanism through the government could help empower growers, reduce costs, improve profitability, and ensure more sustainable chia cultivation in the region
Small-scale Agriculture, Women’s Empowerment, and Food Security: A Review of the Coastal Belt of Bangladesh
No full textSmall-scale agriculture is a cornerstone of livelihoods in Bangladesh’s climate-sensitive coastal belt, where women contribute substantially to production, processing, and market engagement. This study investigates how climate stressors, gender dynamics, and institutional constraints shape women’s empowerment and food security in coastal rural communities. Using mixed methods including household surveys, field trials, and literature synthesis across coastal regions of Bangladesh; we examine adaptive strategies, labor patterns, land access, technology adoption, and market participation. Results show that 50% of farmers use organic fertilizers, 42% cultivate climate-resilient crops, and 25% practice integrated cropping. Women’s engagement in paid work and migration increases household agency but entails social stigma and double workloads; they perform 7.6 times more household chores and 6 times more caregiving than men. Women’s land ownership remains limited (10–13%), and adoption of saline-tolerant varieties, despite 1–2 t/ha yield gains, is low due to extension and knowledge gaps. In fisheries and aquaculture, 1.4 million women participate in post-harvest activities, yet only 10% enter formal value chains. These findings highlight that climate adaptation, gender equity, and inclusive market access are interlinked drivers of resilient agriculture. Policies fostering women’s land rights, extension services, and value chain integration can strengthen empowerment and food security in coastal Bangladesh
Influence of Household Socioeconomic Factors on Agro-pastoralists Farming Practices in Dryland Areas of West Pokot County, Kenya
No full textAgro-pastoralist communities residing in dryland regions rely on livestock and crop production as their main source of livelihood. However, information on their socioeconomic characteristics and how they shape their farming practice is very limited. This hinders policy interventions in addressing constraints affecting farmers consequently making them vulnerable in the challenging arid and semi-arid conditions. This study was conducted in dryland areas of West Pokot County in Kenya. It involved multistage sampling techniques, stratified systematic random sampling to draw a representative sample. Data on socioeconomic variables and farming practices were collected using questionnaires and focused group discussions. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The research findings showed that household heads were mostly male dominated (82%), educated (59%), had an average age of 38 years and with a mean family size of seven members. Crop production and livestock sales were identified as the primary source of income by 84% and 45% of the respondents, respectively. Farming practices showed that crop farming was small-scale in less than 2 acres of land (75%), mainly under mixed cropping systems (69%) and incorporating organic manure (62%) using hand hoe (56%) and tractor (42%) for farming operations. The logistic regression analysis revealed significant influence of socioeconomic factors on farming practices, helping in understanding the adoption of adaptive strategies for improving soil health and farm productivity. These practices promote agricultural resilience by addressing challenges such as climate variability while supporting food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods in the fragile dryland ecosystems. This study recommends deliberate multi-sectoral support for inclusive farmer extension services, trainings, access to farm inputs and mechanization to improve operational efficiency and optimize crop production
Constraints Faced by Livestock Owners Regarding Livestock Farming in Jabalpur Division of Madhya Pradesh, India
No full textA study was conducted to identify the constraints faced by livestock owners in Jabalpur Division of Madhya Pradesh. Through multistage random sampling with a sample size of 240 livestock owners. The data were analyzed by Garrett’s technique. The findings of this study indicated that the major constraints faced by livestock owners as per the Garrett’s average score were low cost of milk as compare to the production (50.90%), lack of credit facilities for purchase of feeds, fodders and mineral mixture (47.50%), low price of milk provided by cooperative societies (46.88%), high cost of veterinary treatment (46.32%), unavailability of green fodder round the year (45.12%), poor conception rate (43.09), non availability of diagnostic facilities (42.54%), lack of A.I. facility (42.48%), unaware of heat symptom (42.00), inaduquate supply of vaccines (41.32%) and non availability of essential medicine (40.94)
An Assessment and Analysis of Financial Literacy in Kerala, India
No full textAims: To assess financial literacy levels in Kerala, India, using the OECD framework. Kerala\u27s financial literacy rate (39%, NCFE 2019) underscores the need for targeted education programs. This study identifies gaps in financial knowledge, behavior, and attitudes, offering insights for policymakers to integrate financial literacy into education systems and community initiatives.
Study Design: Cross-sectional quantitative survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Kerala, India across 14 districts from June to November 2024.
Methodology: A sample of 125 respondents, selected using stratified random sampling, was surveyed. Financial literacy was measured based on the OECD framework\u27s three dimensions: knowledge, behavior, and attitudes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify significant predictors.
Results: 84% of respondents were moderately literate, 12% highly literate, and 4% financially illiterate. Gaps were identified in understanding compound interest and risk diversification, and in adopting long-term financial planning and budgeting behaviors.
Conclusion: Education level significantly influenced financial literacy. The findings suggest integrating financial literacy programs into school curriculums and promoting community-based initiatives to address gaps in financial knowledge, behavior, and attitudes
Potential for Commercialisation of Value-Added Products: A Case Study of Banana Value Addition in Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru Counties in Kenya
No full textDespite being Kenya\u27s leading fruit crop, contributing 35.6% of total fruit production, the minimal value addition in bananas significantly limits their potential as a vital source of income for many growers. This study assessed the extent to which value addition is done for bananas in Kenya, as well as explored the potential for commercialization of banana-value-added products. It was done in Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru, which are banana-rich counties in Kenya. A structured questionnaire was administered to 509 respondents to collect data, which was subjected to χ2 and logistic regression analyses. Results revealed that majority (63.3% and 79.1%) of the farmers were female and over 40-years-old, respectively. A proportion of 27.1% had not completed primary education, 38.1% had completed primary education, and 24.2% had completed secondary education. The length of time spent on banana farming varied significantly by county (χ2 = 40.9, P<.001), with Tharaka-Nithi having the highest proportion (63.0%) with over 30 years. Similarly, contribution of bananas to household income differed significantly by county (χ2 = 48.6, P<.001), with 54.6% of Meru farmers reporting 76-100% contribution. The uptake of value addition was significantly (P<.001) low (2.4%). Value addition was only reported in Tharaka-Nithi (5.9%), where products included crisps (0.6%), flour (0.8%), ripened (0.8%), and roasted (0.4%) bananas. The dry products have long shelf-life, earn farmers more income than fresh produce, and are commercialisable through direct marketing, shops, supermarkets, and niche institutions. Age (P=.772), education level (P=.536), and gender (P=.335) did not significantly influence uptake of value addition. Nonetheless, males were 2.09 times more likely to add value, as compared to females. Farmers who had acquired secondary and tertiary education were 1.76 and 1.67 times more likely to add value, as compared to those who had no formal education. A significant association was found between counties and responses on whether processing facilities and quality control training were incentives for increased value addition (χ2 = 21.7, P=.006), with Embu showing the strongest agreement (77.6%). These results highlight the need for targeted interventions such as establishment of processing facilities, training on banana processing and quality control, addressing infrastructural challenges, and creating better market access, to promote value addition in the banana value chain
Evolution of Sustainable Development in Japan: From Historical Foundations to Green Transformation
No full textAim: This review examines Japan’s trajectory toward sustainable development, analyzing its historical evolution from the 20th century to present-day initiatives. It highlights Japan’s response to industrial and environmental crises, emphasizing its transition from rapid post-war economic expansion to the implementation of sustainability-driven policies. The study specifically explores the Green Transformation (GX) strategy as a key initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and aligning Japan with global sustainability objectives.
Methodology: This is a narrative review based on academic literature, policy documents, and case studies related to Japan’s environmental and economic sustainability strategies. Key themes include:(i) historical environmental challenges and the evolution of policy responses, particularly in the wake of industrial pollution and energy crises;(ii) the role of technological advancements and regulatory frameworks in shaping Japan’s sustainability agenda;(iii) the Green Transformation (GX) initiative, assessing its potential impact on domestic and international sustainability efforts. A critical analysis of Japan’s policies offers insights into the nation’s capacity to address environmental challenges while maintaining economic growth.
Findings of Results: Japan’s experience demonstrates how policy-driven sustainability strategies can foster economic and environmental resilience. While the GX initiative represents a transformative commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, its success depends on overcoming technological, economic, and institutional challenges. The review highlights the importance of adaptive policy frameworks, sustained investment in green technology, and international collaboration in driving effective sustainability transitions.
Conclusion: Japan’s approach provides valuable insights for nations seeking to balance industrial growth with environmental protection. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of the GX initiative, the role of public and private sector collaboration, and the applicability of Japan’s sustainability strategies in different socio-economic contexts