Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Assessment of Rural Farmers’ Perception and Utilization of Traditional Medicines in Imo State, Nigeria
No full textThe study assessed rural farmers’ perception and utilization of traditional medicines in Imo state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used. Randomly, 2 zones were sampled; 2 blocks chosen from each of the sampled zone; and 2 circles selected from each of the chosen block. A total of 96 respondents were randomly selected. However, only responses from 90 respondents were found useful for the data analysis. Respondents’ age and household size were measured at interval level while educational level was measured at ordinal level. Respondents’ perception to traditional medicine was measured using a 4 point Likert-typed scale and categorized as favourable (≥mean) and unfavourable (<mean). Use of traditional medicine was rated as frequently used(4), moderately used(3), rarely used(2), and not used(1) and ranked using mean criterion. Data were collected with well-structured questionnaire and analyzed with percentage, mean, and PPMC. Average age and household size were 51.28±10.06 and 8.00±3.00 respectively, while 40.0% had secondary education. Majority (70.0%) had favourable perception towards traditional medicine. Treatment of rheumatism and digestive issue with uziza (x̄=3.74), treatment of digestive problem with scent leaf (x̄=3.57), and treatment of rheumatism with ekpuaku (x̄=3.56) ranked most frequently utilized traditional medicine. Significant relationship existed between farmers’ perception and utilization of traditional medicine (r=0.427; p=0.000). The study concludes that despite varying educational background, majority of the respondents had favourable perception and frequent usage of traditional medicines. Extension professionals should be mandated by government to educate rural people on proper way of using traditional remedies so as to avoid their harmful effect
Perception of Vegetable Growers on Health Hazards Due to Uses of Pesticide
No full textVegetables, though highly perishable, are nutritionally valuable crops that contribute significantly to India’s agricultural economy, including in the state of Gujarat. This study was carried out in Banaskantha district, a prominent vegetable-growing area of Gujarat, with a specific focus on potato and tomato cultivation. A total of 150 farmers were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, comprising 75 potato growers and 75 tomato growers. Three talukas were purposively selected, and from each taluka, five villages were randomly chosen. In each village, ten farmers—five cultivating potatoes and five cultivating tomatoes—were randomly selected for the survey. Primary data were gathered through personal interviews conducted at the respondents’ homes and fields. The study aimed to explore the farming practices, perceptions, and key challenges faced by vegetable growers in the region
An Assessment of Structural Change in Sugarcane Cropping Pattern in Karnataka: Evidence from Markov Chain Analysis
No full textAims: The present study was undertaken in Kalaburagi with the overall objective of determining the structural change in sugarcane cropping pattern in Kalyana-Karnataka region.
Study Design: The study was conducted in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka state especially focused to Kalyan Karnataka region. The area of ten major crops of the Kalaburgi district were taken in to consideration such as Jawar, Wheat, Red gram, Chickpea (Gram), Groundnut, Sunflower, Banana, Onion and Others crops for study.
Material and Methods: The 20 year’s secondary data of sugarcane were collected from 2000-01 to 2021-22 to fulfill the objectives of the study. The required data were collected from different sources such as District Statistical Officer, DES, Bangalore, DAC, Indiastat.com, etc. The study used CAGR, CV, Markov chain analysis, Moving Average Methods and descriptive analysis to fulfil the objectives of the study.
Results: The results of the transition probability matrix (TPM) showed that sugarcane has retained 40 percent of its area over the study period and it has gained 38 percent of area from Jowar and 21 percent of area from Bengal gram in the Kalaburagi district. The study showed that the sugarcane productions were largely contributed from Afzalpur taluq in the Kalaburagi district followed by Jewargi and Aland during the period.
Conclusion: The study concluded that sugarcane crop has emerged as alternative crop in the irrigation belt of the Kalaburagi and it has high potentiality for improving socio-economic conditions of the farmers in the region
Adoption of Climate-smart Agriculture Innovations in Drought-prone Regions: A Global Bibliometric Review (2016-2025)
No full textThe 21st century has seen rapid changes in global climate, and agriculture, being strongly dependent on local weather and natural resources, is thus one of the most affected sectors. The adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations is indispensable in promoting drought resilience, but their uptake appears inconsistent in the vulnerable regions. This paper aims to systematically characterise the global research landscape concerning the adoption of CSA for drought adaptation, based on available evidence. The bibliometric review of the adoption research in drought-prone areas (107 Scopus-indexed articles ranging from 2016 to 2025) is performed in this study. In this paper, we ask five research questions on publication trends, geographic and institutional contributions to the field of DCSR, and an overview of key themes and knowledge gaps. The findings tell a story of an annual increase in publications by 31.8%, with nearly half (48.6%) involving international collaboration. Good technical performance of the ICT tools is reported in drought-prone regions by institutes like ICAR-CRIDA (India), KNUST (Ghana), and CIAT (Colombia). Research clusters are related to: (1) barriers in socio-technical adoption, such as access to extension and credit; (2) intersections between society and environmental systems, for example, drought-food security linkages; and to a lesser extent (3) the geography of SSA-Asia focus that leaves little space for Latin America. Key challenges persist, including significant gaps in gender inclusion, policy integration, and market connectivity. The type of research that has the highest impact is often too removed from the immediate local context in which it will be applied, and suggests that knowledge systems need to be better embedded in regions. This paper contributes to policy and research by supporting community-led CSA practices, South-South learning networks, and national resilience assessments. An innovation ecosystem, globally informed but locally grounded, will be crucial to the diffusion of CSA amongst drought-vulnerable smallholders. This review concludes that for decision makers to scale up Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), a locally rooted and globally connected innovation system is needed within which their constituents are encouraged
Influence of Fertilizer Subsidy Policy on Land Allocation for Rice Production in Western Kenya
No full textIt is recognized that one of the factors that hinders realization of the goals set out in the Kenya’s Agricultural Policy, is the high cost of farm inputs that limits smallholder rice farmers’ capacity to expand area under rice cultivation. This study, therefore, examines how Kenya’s fertilizer subsidy policy influences land allocation for rice cultivation among smallholder farmers in Kisumu and Busia Counties, Western Kenya. A cross-sectional research design was employed targeting a sample of 480 smallholder farmers, who were randomly selected in the study area. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. After adjusting for labor inputs and irrigation status, land distribution patterns were analyzed under various fertilizer use categories, namely; subsidized, unsubsidized, both subsidized and unsubsidized and none. The statistical techniques (descriptive analysis and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U)) revealed that land use was dominated by rice (62%) as opposed to maize (37%). Farmers who used only one category of fertilizer, allocated 1.70-1.31 acres of land, while farmers who used both subsidized and unsubsidized fertilizer categories dedicated a much larger amount of land of 1.91 acres to rice cultivation. Irrigated ecosystems had significantly larger rice acreage (2.25 acres) than rain-fed ecosystems (1.64 acres) which were significantly different (P>=0.005). The results indicated that land allocated to rice production was influenced by access to both fertilizer categories ( a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized). The study however, found that subsidized fertilizer did not significantly influence land allocation to rice cultivation
The Role of Local Cuisine: Building Nutritional Adequacy and Food Security of Indigenous Communities
No full textIndia, one of the 12 mega-biodiversity countries, hosts a rich diversity of traditional and wild foods. The indigenous knowledge of these foods is vital for sustaining their utilization and enhancing sustainable nutrition security. However, tribal communities face significant challenges, including malnutrition driven by poor food and nutrition outcomes, limited access to water, health and sanitation services, income poverty, and gaps in nutrition security. Modernization and settled agriculture have shifted tribal diets toward processed foods, reducing indigenous diet diversity, weakening nutrition, and increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. This nutrition transition, combined with sedentary lifestyles, has led to underutilization of more than half of traditional food resources. Addressing these challenges requires direct nutrition interventions and multi-sectoral approaches that integrate food security, health, and poverty reduction strategies. Effective interventions should utilize locally available resources, build pride in cultural food systems, strengthen community capacity, and foster inter-project communication. Supportive policies, infrastructure development, poverty alleviation programs, and active community organizations are essential for success. Future strategies should focus on developing nutrition gardens, conserving biodiversity, documenting indigenous knowledge, and promoting community biodiversity management. Strengthening in-situ and ex-situ conservation, encouraging transdisciplinary research, and offering fellowships to attract researchers will further enhance impact. Reviving traditional food systems and mainstreaming them into dietary diversification and supplementary feeding programs can improve tribal nutrition security, contribute to biodiversity conservation, and preserve cultural heritage. Such actions align strongly with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and broader sustainable development goals, fostering both nutritional resilience and cultural preservation
Aligning Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria: Implications of the Paris Agreement
No full textThe Nigeria’s ecological diversity ranges from savannas, montane forests to wetlands and mangrove coasts, supporting a wealth of biodiversity, environmental stability and human well-being. However, the nation faces threats from climate change, such as: deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable land use. This study examines the implications of the Paris Agreement for biodiversity conservation in Nigeria from the view of the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework, supported by Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and resilience thinking, using interdisciplinary data and institutional analysis for both governments, corporate and non-governmental. The research identifies and characterises Nigeria’s major ecosystems and resource units, such as forests, wetlands, and non-timber forest products, along with the governmental systems that regulate them. The findings further highlight the interdependencies between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and socioeconomic resilience. Also analyses interactions among key stakeholders, including governmental bodies, private sectors, international organisations, and civil societies. The study revealed the multifaceted governance landscape influencing conservation outcomes and also emphasised the urgency of aligning Nigeria’s biodiversity strategy with its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The integrated adaptation strategies, such as EbA, help identify for enhancing the resilience in vulnerable ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. The research concludes that successful biodiversity conservation in Nigeria needs an inclusive governance, effective implementation of climate policies, and the recognition of ecosystems as national sustainability and global climate goals
Assessing Training Need of the Extension Agents for Value Chain Development
No full textValue chain in agriculture has a huge potential for enhancing farmers income and livelihood. In this context, the extension agents can play a pivotal role in linking the farmers to better value chain. Along with the traditional professional competencies, extension agents also need to develop capabilities in the area of value chain development. Under this impression the current study was conducted to assess the training need of the extension agents in this specific domain. A total of 80 extension agents working in the state department of agriculture in Haryana, Delhi development board, KVK Hapur, and KVK karnal were selected randomly for the study. A training need index consisting of the dimensions, crop production, market analysis, agribusiness management, and promoting a viable value chain was developed. The training need index score showed that 10 percent of the respondents were in the very high level of training need, followed by 30 percent in the high level and 25 percent in the medium level of training need. In total 65 percent of the extension agents expressed training need ranging from medium to very high level. Therefore, it can be suggested that, while designing training programme, areas such as promoting a pro-poor value chain, value chain analysis, maintaining good business relationships, judicious use of inputs should be given due consideration by the policymakers
Farmers\u27 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Safflower Production: A Case of Mukulu Ward, in Iramba District, Tanzania
No full textAims: Guided by the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework, this study assessed farmers’ knowledge of safflower production, examined their attitudes toward cultivation, and identified key challenges in Mukulu Ward, Iramba District, Tanzania.
Place and Duration of Study: Iramba District, conducted between June 2024 and October 2024.
Study design and methodology: A mixed-methods design was used, involving a census of 105 safflower farmers. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and MS Excel, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data from three Focus Group Discussions and three Key Informant Interviews.
Results: Results showed that all farmers (100%) exhibited low knowledge of safflower practices, 57% held negative attitudes, and 85% showed low adoption of recommended practices, primarily due to limited extension services and market access, despite safflower’s economic and climatic potential.
Conclusion: The study concludes that low knowledge and negative attitudes significantly constrain safflower adoption in Mukulu Ward. Addressing gaps in extension support, input supply, and market access is essential for promoting safflower as a viable climate-resilient crop. The findings reaffirm the relevance of the KAP framework in explaining smallholder technology adoption
Does Belonging to a Farmer Organization Improve Extension Access? A Study of Cocoa Farmers in Fako Division, Cameroon
No full textThe literature on farmer-organization membership and access to agricultural extension services (AES) reports mixed findings, motivating further empirical study. This paper examines whether membership in farmer organizations (FOs) improves access to AES among cocoa farmers in Fako Division, Cameroon. Using structured questionnaires, primary data were collected from 396 randomly selected cocoa farmers. Descriptive statistics were first used to summarise sample characteristics (including FO membership status and gender) and the distribution of AES access. To address the specific objectives, a chi-square test was used to evaluate the bivariate association between FO membership and AES access, and a binary logistic regression was used to assess the effect of FO membership on AES access while controlling for education, farm size, age, and gender. Results show a large disparity in AES access: 83.5% of FO members reported access to extension services compared to 34.8% of non-members (difference ≈ 49 percentage points). The chi-square test confirmed a strong association between FO membership and AES access (χ² = 57.82, p < .001). The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ²(5) = 116.45, p < .001, with a Nagelkerke R² of 0.42, indicating that the predictors explained about 42% of the variance in AES access. FO membership was the strongest predictor (B = 1.84, SE = 0.28, OR = 6.30, p < .001), meaning members were over six times more likely to access AES than non-members. Years of education also had a positive and significant effect on AES access (B = 0.11, SE = 0.04, OR = 1.12, p = .008), while farm size showed a marginal effect (B = 0.07, SE = 0.03, OR = 1.07, p = .089). Age (B = –0.01, p = .215) and gender (coded 1 = Male; B = 0.15, p = .495) were not significant predictors. The Conclusion was that membership in farmer organizations substantially increases cocoa farmers’ likelihood of accessing agricultural extension services in Fako Division, and education further improves farmers’ ability to obtain those services. Based on these findings, we recommend strengthening of farmer organizations, promoting inclusive membership, and formally integrating FOs into extension delivery systems to improve the equity and effectiveness of service access