Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Mathematical Modelling for Crop Selection Using Fuzzy Logic
No full textIn today\u27s rapidly advancing world, research in agriculture is rapidly shifting towards mathematical modeling using soft computing techniques. Modeling techniques applied in agriculture can provide valuable insights into research priorities and the fundamental interactions of the entire soil-plant-atmosphere system. By using a model to estimate the significance and impact of specific parameters, a researcher can identify the most influential factors, leading to more informed decisions.
The primary objective of this paper is to present a decision-making tool constructed with a fuzzy logic model, designed to enhance precision and reduce ambiguity in crop selection based on available soil nutrients for better crop yields. The model is applied to five samples selected from different land areas, providing a robust and representative data set. The proposed fuzzy logic model provides a powerful tool for addressing the challenge of crop selection under conditions of uncertain and incomplete information, enabling agricultural experts to make informed decisions and optimize yields
Effect of Socio-economic Aspects on Women Work Force Participation Level in West Bengal, India
No full textThe participation of women in the workforce is crucial for the growth and development of an economy. Women contribute a significant portion of the total workforce, accounting for forty per cent. In rural India, the participation of women in the workforce is an important factor in bringing about social change. This has had a positive impact on women\u27s empowerment and financial inclusion, as well as the overall living standards of their families. However, due to differences in cultural norms, the acceptability of women\u27s working status varies across different regions in India. To shed light on this issue, the present study has been conducted in West Bengal state of India. Considering the regions defined by the NSSO, the study focused on five districts, one from each region, and interviewed 400 women engaged in economic activities. The results revealed that there are significant differences in livelihood opportunities across the regions. Education level is found to be a key factor in determining occupational status, job satisfaction, and decision-making power. Moreover, service is the most acceptable working status for family members of respondents. However, the study also finds that long working hours and location of work have significant impact on the acceptance level of women\u27s working status. Socio-cultural issues are the major predictors of women\u27s working status. To increase women\u27s participation in the workforce and improve their working status, it is important to provide diversified working opportunities, develop need-based skills, and increase social awareness
Effectiveness of Extension Communication Channel in the Adoption Process of Hermetic Bag Storage Technology in Nakuru, Kenya
No full textThis study sought to examine effectiveness of extension communication channel on adoption process of hermetic bag storage technology. This was prompted by the various maize post-harvest losses experienced by farmers despite maize being staple food in Kenya. Correlational study design was employed while proportional simple random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 120 farmers in the Njoro, Molo and Rongai sub-counties of Nakuru County. Content and face validity was assessed by subjecting the instrument to critique by experts in Egerton University. Cronbach alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the research instruments and was found to be 0.848. Descriptive statistics (means, percentages and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation) were employed for data analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used to test the hypotheses at significant level of α = 0.05. The results indicated that Pearson Correlation was highest at the decision-making stage 0.853 followed by the persuasion stage at 0.651, adoption stage at 0.624 then implementation stage came fourth at 0.466 and finally awareness stage at 0. 363. Therefore the study established that extension communication channel is effective in adoption process of hermetic bag storage technology. This is with strong positive influence at decision stage and weak positive influence at awareness stage of the adoption process. The study hence that Government should come up with policies to support extension service to facilitate the adoption of hermetic bag storage technology and hence attain food security
Profit Efficiency and its Determinants among Traditional Beef Cattle Farmers in the Meatu District of Simiyu Region, Tanzania
No full textTanzania has taken great steps to commercialize the beef cattle industry since 1997. However, despite efforts, 22% of farmers live in poverty, and industry\u27s contribution to GDP is low. This raises questions concerning beef cattle farmers\u27 profit efficiency (PE). This study, thus, sought to gain empirical evidence on the level of profit efficiency (PE) and its determinants among farmers to discover ways to optimize the industry\u27s commercialization to reduce poverty. This study uses field survey data from 393 farmers in the Meatu District of the Simiyu Region. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier profit function (CDSFPF), and Heckman treatment effect (HTE) models. The descriptive results showed that farmers had low levels of education, limited access to credit and veterinary services, and limited involvement in farmer cooperatives. Such limitations tend to lower profit maximization. Profit efficiency (PE) results showed that farmers lose 51% of their profits, with an average PE of 49%. Based on the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of CDSFPF, the cost of medications, supplements, labor, parasite eradication, marketing, transportation, and local breed beef cattle had a significant negative impact on PE at a 5% (P < 0.05) level. While grazing land owned and cattle herd size positively influenced PE at a 5% (P < 0.05) significant level. Thus, controlling variable costs to the utmost will increase PE and provide a substantial benefit. Besides, the estimated CDSFPF, along with the inefficiency variables and robustness test, show that access to market information, credit, educational level, farming experience, off-farm income, and cattle fattening all have a negative influence on profit inefficiency at the 5% (P < 0.05) significant level, thereby enhancing PE. Whilst the distance to the market increased the level of profit inefficiency, thereby decreasing PE. Therefore, the government should address factors that influence cattle production efficiency to boost farmers\u27 income, the economy, and food security and reduce poverty
Relationship between Socio-economic Characteristics of Sugarcane Growers with Their Knowledge and Adoption Level of IPM Practices
No full textThis investigation was conducted in two districts (Namely Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar) of Western Uttar Pradesh which were selected purposely. A total number of 240 Sugarcane growers were selected through random sampling from sixteen villages. The structured schedule was developed keeping in view the objectives and variables to be studied. Correlation coefficient (r) between different variables and knowledge. Out of 17 variables studied, the variables i.e. education, occupation, annual income, material possession, economic motivation, and risk motivation extent of contact were found highly significant and positively correlated with knowledge extent. The variable like age, caste, type of family, housing pattern, social participation and communication media possession, the extent of contact, scientific orientation, and experience in Sugarcane cultivation was found positively correlated with knowledge extent.
Correlation coefficient (r) between different variables and adoption. Among the 17 variables studied, the variables viz. occupation, annual income, and material possession were found highly significant and positively correlated with the level adoption. The variables like education and economic motivation were found significant and positively correlated with adoption extent. Caste, housing pattern, social participation, communication media possession, the extent of contact, scientific motivation, risk motivation, and experience in sugarcane cultivation positively correlated with extent of adoption
An In-depth Examination of Validity Assessment: Exploring Diverse Methodologies and Dimensions of Validity in Social Research Studies
No full textValidity refers to the extent to which a test accurately measures what it claims to measure. Validity is a matter of degree. The study is done to know the various methods of validity. Validity is a fundamental aspect of research quality, which is why it is important to assess the various methods of validity. Descriptive research was used for the study. It was examined that face validity refers to an indicator that seems to measure its construct “on its face”. Content validity is a form of judgmental validity, that involves determining if a test adequately represents the content domain. Criterion-related validity methods include concurrent and predictive approaches. Construct validity assesses how well theoretical ideas are translated into measurable variables. Face validity involves examining whether a measurement appears suitable based on its operationalization on the face of it. Lawshe\u27s content validity ratio quantifies expert agreement on the essentiality of individual items in a test or scale. In contrast, the content validity index considers overall expert agreement on the representativeness of items collectively within a test or scale. It considers the agreement among experts regarding the content validity of the entire set of items. Cohen’s Kappa is used to assess the level of agreement between two or more raters or observers when coding or categorizing data. The kappa coefficient is particularly useful when chance agreement among raters is possible. Item Objective Congruence evaluates the efficacy of items in measuring one or more objectives, accomplished by an unbiased expert panel provides evidence of content validity. The most significant assessment at this stage is determining if items and objectives are congruent. Concurrent and predictive validity are assessed using Pearson\u27s correlation and Spearman rank correlation coefficients respectively. The Multi-trait Multimethod Matrix (MTMM), evaluates the construct validity of measures. Validity is essential for ensuring credible and meaningful research findings by enhancing the trustworthiness of the measuring instruments
Factors Influencing the Impact of Mechanization in Rice Cultivation among Farmers of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting the impact of mechanization in rice cultivation among rice farmers. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 rice farmers of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh. Data was gathered by using a well structured interview schedule. The findings of the study showed that education, farm size, mass media exposure, extension contact, social participation, economic orientation and deferred gratification had a positive and significant relation with the impact of mechanization in rice cultivation at 1 per cent level of significance. Age and annual income had non-significant relation with the impact of mechanization in rice cultivation. The ‘R2’ value was 0.728 which portrayed that all the selected nine independent variables put together explained 72.80 per cent variation in the impact of mechanization in rice cultivation
Understanding Consumer Behavior in the Organic Food Market: Perceptions, Preferences and Purchase Factors
No full textIn light of the increasing consumer interest in health-conscious choices, particularly organic food products, this study aims to investigate the perceptions, preferences, and motivations that drive Indian consumers to purchase organic food items. Primary data was obtained from a sample of 120 consumers visiting organic stores for understanding the consumer perceptions, preferences and buying motives for organic food products in Bangalore city of Karnataka State. Factor analysis and cross tabulation are employed for analysing the data. The findings of the study indicated that consumers predominantly perceive organic food as healthy yet expensive. Core product factors influencing purchase of organic products include healthiness and quality, while augmentation factors include preservative-free, nutritional properties and certification. Branded organic stores are preferred place of purchase while social media and influencers are primary information sources. Purchase frequencies vary, from daily for fruits and vegetables to occasional for juices. Food safety ranks highest followed by influential and personal factors are major purchase drivers for organic food products. The study findings led to the development of consumer buying behaviour model for organic food products that majorly lay emphasis on personal, psychological and social factors considered during purchase of these products
Food Security Status and Coping Strategies of Households in Inland Fisheries: Evidence from Fishermen from Niger River Basin
No full textInland fisheries play an important role in economic growth and food security in developing landlocked countries. In Mali, fishing from the Niger River contributes to national food security and nutrition but the food status of fishermen remains a research question to be explored. The objective of this study is to analyze the security status and coping strategies of fishermen households\u27 in Pelengana municipality located along the Niger River in the Segou region. The adopted methodology is based on the food security index (FSI) which is a composite indicator based on Food consumption score (FCS), Economic vulnerability (EV), and Coping strategy index (CSI). The collection of data by survey concerned 204 households of fishermen in the municipality. The results of the FSI analysis indicate all fishermen\u27s households are food secure. According to the FCS, EV, and CSI analysis, 1.3%, 6.9% and, 8.3% are food insecure. The households sell the fish and buy 98% of their food at the market. In conclusion, fishing allows fishermen to ensure their food security through the generated income for purchasing food at the market. The study encourages development partners and the government of Mali to invest in the development of the fish value chain to improve incomes and strengthen the food security of stakeholders, especially fishermen. For further research, an in-depth analysis of the impact of fish chain development on national food security is needed
Profile of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh
No full textThe National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is a poverty alleviation programme implemented by The Ministry of Rural Development, GOI. The programme aims to promote self-employment and the organization of rural poor. The study was done during 2022-23 in Rewa and Shahdol districts in Baghelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh based on highest number of beneficiaries registered in selected districts under NRLM in the state of Madhya Pradesh. In this study Ex-post facto research design, and proportionate random sampling technique was adopted at 3 percent under multi-stage sampling procedures. Thus 221 respondents were selected which were personally interviewed to known the profile of beneficiaries. The results revealed that 65.60 percent of beneficiaries belong to young age, 24.00 percent have high school level of education, 47.07 percent have medium size of family, 55.20 percent have low level of farming experience, 50.20 percent have medium level of income, 53.86 percent have medium level credit accessible, 47.52 percent have marginal land holding, 38.00 percent had low level of information seeking behaviour, 41.17 percent have high level of mass media exposures, 39.82 percent have medium level of risk preference, 43.43 percent have medium level of awareness towards diversification, 51.58 percent have medium level of economic motivation, 46.15 percent have medium level of innovative, 41.65 percent have medium decision-making ability and 39.80 percent of beneficiaries have low level of management efficiency