Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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How Do Arable Crop Farmers’ Adapt to Climate Change? New Evidence from Nigeria
No full textIn Nigeria, climate change is not a new phenomenon and arable crop production is vulnerable to climate change. Arable crop farmers have always responded to climate change with local strategies believed to be climate-smart. Arable crop farmers\u27 knowledge of climate change is an important step in understanding any action to be taken to reduce its effect. However, empirical studies on the link between climate change and crop farmers’ adaptation strategies are still relatively scanty in the area. This presents a dearth in research. Therefore, our paper examined how arable crop farmers adapt to climate change using cross-sectional data obtained through a structured focused group discussion and questionnaire from 120 arable farmers across critical farming communities in Imo State, Nigeria. We utilized multistage and purposive sampling procedure in the selection of arable crop farmers. The reason we utilized purposive sampling procedure was to select areas with high intensity of arable crop farmers and farming. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and mean (x̄) score analysis. Our result shows that the mean age was 42.00 years. Greater proportions (73.00%) were female. The average farm size was 1.45 hectares. Vegetables (100.00%), maize (99.17%), cassava (98.33%) and rice (96.67%) were among the crops produced in the area. The result confirmed the incidence of climate change in the area and farmers perceived rightly the direction of the change, which includes declining crop yields (x̄ = 3.00; σ = 0.50), increased in new pests and diseases infestation (x̄= 2.88; σ = 0.58); unstable decrease and increase in temperature and rainfall (x̄=3.63, σ = 0.83) among others. Our study further shows that the major climate change adaptation measures farmers practiced were diversification of livelihood (99.17%) and changing planting/harvesting dates (97.50%). Farmers identified inadequate information (99.17) and inadequate climate change adaptation fund (98.33%) among others as the barriers they faced in adapting to climate change in the area. We recommend that, since arable crop farmers are members of cooperatives, they are encouraged to take advantage of their strength to collectively project a common demand in obtaining funds and other necessary inputs in adapting to climate change in the area. Finally, our study also suggests that the agricultural extension service system should be strengthened so as to provide farmers with stable and right early warning signs which will be critical in minimizing risks of climatic threats in the area
Analysing Constraints Faced by Extension Personnel in Executing Kerala\u27s Premier Agricultural Development Initiative, LEADS: A Comprehensive Examination
No full textThis research explores the hurdles encountered by extension personnel during the execution of Kerala\u27s primary agricultural development initiative, LEADS (Lead Farmer-Centered Extension Advisory and Delivery Services). Through thorough examination, it investigates several constraints, including insufficient funding, delayed salary distribution, restricted crop coverage, and climate change challenges. Proposed strategies to enhance LEADS\u27 effectiveness involve improving funding mechanisms, streamlining administrative processes, and incorporating innovative technologies and climate-resilient practices. Addressing these challenges has the potential to promote sustainable agricultural development, enhance farmer livelihoods, and bolster food security in Kerala and beyond. The study involved 120 extension personnel across four Kerala districts: Kannur, Kollam, Palakkad, and Wayanad
Rise of Agritourism in India: A Scoping Review
No full textAgrotourism also known as agritourism, is a form of tourism that involves visiting rural areas to explore agricultural or farm-based activities, as well as to experience the culture and traditions of rural communities. This type of tourism mostly takes many forms, including farm stays, vineyard tours, rural bed and breakfasts, and other farm-based accommodations. Agritourism is a new phenomenon for Indian tourists (Eco India, 2017) department and hence has a great scope for tourists to explore and experience authentic Indian tradition and farmers and also can fetch extra income through their regular activities. Above 70% of the population are living in more than 6 million villages (Incredible India, 2017). The current study aims to understand the demand and supply pattern of budding agritourism sector of India. Through understanding limitation, farmer’s determination and perception, the research study also provides strategies to overcome the problems in order to conduct agritourism. This research paper begins with literature review which is followed by introductions to tourism in India and the study area. The qualitative research methodology is used (Semi-structured online questionnaire and interview) followed by analysis and the findings are discussed before conclusion
Paddy-based Cropping Systems and their Sustainability: A Micro-level Study of Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh, India
No full textA sustainable cropping system is needed to ensure profitable, productive and less risky crop production, particularly when the agricultural sector is experiencing climatic uncertainty and price volatility. Hence, the study aims to identify paddy-based cropping systems and their sustainability in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The study is based on primary data collected during 2022-23 with the help of a pre-structured schedule. The major cropping systems based on paddy were identified as system Ⅰ (paddy-groundnut), cropping system Ⅱ (paddy-paddy), & cropping system Ⅲ (paddy-cotton). The profitability analysis revealed that the gross returns for cropping systems I, II and III were computed to be Rs. 281916.83, Rs. 259072.90 and Rs. 330072.45. The farmers realized the highest net income, Rs. 169222.62, under cropping system III. The net returns for the cropping systems Ⅰ and Ⅱ were obtained as Rs. 141282.24 and Rs. 127048.48, respectively. The sustainability indices of paddy-groundnut (cropping system I), paddy-paddy (cropping system II) and cropping system III (paddy-cotton) were computed as 42.88%, 50.86% and 60.93%, respectively, and the paddy-cotton cropping system came out as the most profitable and sustainable in the study area. The regression analysis revealed that factors like returns to cost ratio and the cost used for environmentally friendly inputs relative to the overall cost of cultivation were found significant in all three cropping systems
Market Dynamics and Consumer Insights for Value-added Pearl Millet Products: Empirical Evidence from Rajasthan, India
No full textThe study provides an overview of the study on consumer preference and consumption patterns of value-added pearl millet products in Rajasthan. The research focused on identifying consumer preferences, understanding consumption patterns, and evaluating buying behavior based on individual preferences. The study includes various value-added pearl millet products such as cookies, cakes, bakery items, different varieties of batters, ready-to-eat items like khakhra, dhokla, puffs, and liquid items like lassi. Analysis was done using chi-square and weighted average method. Major findings from the study were that educated consumers showed a higher preference for pearl millet products. The largest consumer group had a monthly income of less than ₹10,000. Pearl millet cookies, cakes, and other bakery items were the most preferred products. The preferred channel for purchasing value-added pearl millet products was retail/grocery stores. Also, the most influential factor in consumer purchasing decisions was nutritional value. Factors such as price, flavor, packaging, and color had a relatively lower impact. This study offers guidance on consumers way of demand to businesses involved in the processed millet product industry
Constraints Faced by Rural Women in Changing Livelihoods in Bangladesh: A Study on the Impact of Microcredit through PDBF
No full textThe main purpose of the study is to determine the extent of the constraints faced by the women beneficiaries of Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF) on their socio-economic development and to explore the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and their constraints. A total of 3436 women beneficiaries of three upazilas under 55 districts of PDBF constituted the population of the study. A face-to-face interview survey was conducted to collect data from the randomly selected 346 respondents. Among the 13 selected problem items, ‘high rate of interest’ was ranked first (70.81%), ‘more savings have to be deposited while taking the loan’ was ranked second (68.69%) and third (68.40%) was ‘various income generating activities and social development training are inadequate’ The findings revealed a significant relationship between training exposures, decision-making ability, savings deposit, income-generating activities, communication & network, and constraints faced by PDBF beneficiaries. Therefore, the PDBF authorities should consider significant factors in reducing the constraints faced by rural women to change their livelihoods
Impact Caused by the Drip Irrigation System among Onion Growing Farmers in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, India
No full textDrip irrigation significantly reduces water consumption, optimizes water-energy relationships, and enhances crop growth by minimizing soil evaporation and deep percolation. It enhances the efficiency of water usage and also the crop’s yield, making it a sustainable solution for agriculture, especially in arid areas. Drip irrigation in onion cultivation enhances water use efficiency, reduces fertilizer costs, and minimizes disease risk. This study investigates the impact caused by the drip irrigation system for the onion growing farmers. The research was conducted in Thondamuthur block in Coimbatore district. Total of 119 onion-growing farmers were selected for the research study. Findings reveal most (77.31%) of the onion-growing farmers had a moderate level of impact caused by drip irrigation. Concerning the category-wise impact caused by drip irrigation among onion-growing farmers, the majority (84.90%) of the onion-growing farmers were capable of fulfilling their needs, followed by 45.38 percent of the respondents had increased respect in their village, most (96.60%) of the farmers reported that usage of water has dropped after the adoption of the drip irrigation, cent percent of the onion growing farmers reported that vigorous growth of weeds was suppressed after adopting drip irrigation, all the respondents reported that usage of labor was reduced in applying fertilizers, majority (93.30%) of the onion growing farmers felt that the produce obtained was of high quality and with reference to the general factors, majority (98.30%) of the respondents felt that the crop matured early. This paper would throw light on the impact caused by the drip irrigation system among the respondents, which could be utilized for further strengthening the drip irrigation system in onion cultivation
The Role of Agricultural Technology in Attaining Food Security among Small Farmers in Char Area in Mymensingh District
No full textFarmers in the char areas of Bangladesh are frequently affected by food insecurity due to their low engagement in modern agriculture such as less use of modern agricultural technology. This study evaluates the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample farmers to assess their nutritional status and the factors influencing char dwellers\u27 dietary diversity. Survey data were collected from 70 households, and focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire from Nilokhiya char under the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. An OLS regression model was used to estimate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics of sample households on the decision on factors influencing dietary diversity. The farming type of the farmers is another concern of this study where results show that 90% of farmers in the char areas rely on rice and vegetable farming, whereas more than 60% of the farmers are also involved in livestock and poultry farming at the same time. The nutritional status of char farmers shows that their diet includes a variety of foods but is deficient insufficient protein and healthy fats, which could have an impact on their overall nutrition. Cereals are a staple in the diet, as indicated by the high consumption rate (97.1%) and the substantial average intake (2.30 kg/day). Every household consumes fruits, though in smaller quantities (0.28 kg/day). Eggs are less frequently consumed (57.1%) despite a higher intake (2.64 kg/day). Dietary diversity has a strong positive correlation with supply (.913) at a 1 % significant level which means that efficient supply chains minimize delays, reduce spoilage, and ensure a continuous flow of food to markets to ensure food security. A positive correlation with total income (.373) leads to a higher total income also supports greater dietary diversity. Credit was significant at a 5% level (.267) indicating that a 1 % increase in credit leads to an increase in dietary diversity by 267%. On the contrary, Experience has a negative relationship with dietary diversity which means that experience does not influence food security. Lack of transport and communication, environmental hazards, and natural disasters are the most significant problems faced by the farmers in the char area
Assessing the District-Wise Growth and Instability of Rice Production in Chhattisgarh, India
No full textRice is the crop which is cultivated in 6 ft below sea level as well as at 2700 ft higher altitude from the sea level. In India farmers mainly depend on rainfall for its production as it depends on weather conditions. Therefore, there is a need to study the fluctuation in the production. Fluctuation in growth rate as well as instability affects the price and overall supply of product in the region. Chhattisgarh state contributes 8.1% rice area and 6.2% rice production of the country in 2021-22. Its contribution plays vital role in agricultural growth of the country. But, yield of the state is less than the national average yield. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken to analyze the growth rate and instability in area, production and yield of rice in Chhattisgarh state. District-wise compound annual growth rate and Instability index have been computed for various periods from 2000-01 to 2019-20. The districts have been classified into five classes based on instability. Growth rate ranges from -0.10 to 0.04 for area, 2.02 to 4.01 for production and 1.98 to 4.12 for yield in the state. The highest growth rate was recorded for production in period I while lowest growth rate was recorded for area in period II across the districts and periods. The instability of the state ranges from 0.80 to 1.92 for area; 13.21 to 24.43 for production and 12.97 to 23.73 for yield. Highest instability was observed for yield and lowest instability was recorded for area in period I. None of the districts were classified as very high instability for area, production and yield in all the periods. Similarly, none of the districts were classified as medium and high instability for area; and very low instability for production and yield. The study may be useful for planners of Chhattisgarh state to implement the plan for the state at district level based on the result of the study
Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Modern Agriculture in Peri-Urban Food Security
No full textThis study aims to explore the phenomenon of food security and identify the contribution of modern agriculture in overcoming food security problems in the peri-urban area of East Java. In recent decades, the development of Jongbiru areas has undergone a rapid transformation into an urban area where industrial development is relatively rapid and large. This research design is carried out through the Community pilot project development model scheme and FGD with stakeholders in the peri-urban area of East Java, Indonesia. Through the PRA-pilot project approach, this research found challenges faced by the community. Knowledge, skills regarding modern agricultural (particularly in hydroponic), accessibility about their economic viability being the major challenges to faced. The results show there are lot of postive responds from the pilot project. Participants eager to implement the material knowledge by themself at their own home. Further, this PRA have potential for village economic development and support the achievement of the SDGs, such as poverty alleviation, food security, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural innovation. The study also emphasizes the importance of policy and infrastructure support to ensure the initiative\u27s sustainability, which aligns with the literature highlighting the importance of millennial involvement in agricultural innovation