Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
Not a member yet
2852 research outputs found
Sort by
Analysis of Agricultural Export Performance and Policy Prospects in India: A Two-Decade Review (2003–2023)
No full textThis study analyzes India\u27s agricultural export performance and policy prospects over two decades (2003-2023), examining trends, comparative advantage shifts, and changes in agricultural commodity exports. Furthermore, the study discusses the potential for enhancing agricultural exports in the future. As a backbone of the Indian economy, agriculture supports more than 50% of the population and contributes significantly to economic growth. Data for this analysis were collected from various sources, including the Ministry of Commerce\u27s export-import data bank and the World Trade Organization. Compositional changes in export data were analyzed using growth rates. These growth rates were calculated using a semi-log growth model and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The study findings indicate a decline in the global share of agricultural exports from India compared to leading exporting nations. Analyzing specific products, the export shares of cereals, spices, rice, maize, and meat & offals have increased, while wheat & meslin, coffee, tea, fish, vegetables & tubers, and fruits and nuts have experienced a decline in export shares from 2003 to 2013. Rice has maintained a consistent export share from 2014 to 2023, while other commodities have seen varying trends. However, examining the growth rates from 2003 to 2014, there has been significant positive growth in exports of maize, meat & offals, fruits & nuts, spices, cereals, rice, coffee, vegetables & tubers, fish, and tea, with notable variations among commodity groups. Conversely, wheat & meslin experienced negative growth. However, from 2014 to 2023, growth rates have declined for cereals, spices, rice, wheat & meslin, maize, coffee, tea, fish, vegetables & tubers, fruits and nuts, with meat & offals exhibiting a negative growth rate. Based on the findings, the study suggests that the government should promote exports across various sectors through targeted incentives, industry-friendly regulations, and a focus on competitiveness to capitalize on opportunities and drive growth in Indian agricultural exports
Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Society: A Global Perspective
No full textThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) represents a transformation through automation, AI, and advanced technologies, significantly affecting economies and societies worldwide. This study explores 4IR\u27s impact on Bangladesh, focusing on both opportunities and crises in adopting new technologies. Using a review methodology, the study examines literature, reports, and case studies from regional and global sources. Academic journals, industry reports, and publications from global organizations such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum are some examples of sources of information. Findings indicate that by 2030, 800 million unskilled workers globally may be displaced due to automation, with developing nations like Bangladesh facing significant challenges. Although Bangladesh is progressing towards digitalization, over 50% of the population lacks basic digital skills, and 38% lack internet access, contributing to social fragmentation. The rise of automation in Bangladesh\u27s RMG and leather industries is expected to increase productivity and reduce costs, but may also exacerbate gender discrimination and the rural-urban digital divide. In conclusion, Bangladesh must prioritize policies that enhance digital literacy, improve infrastructure, and promote ethical AI development. Policies that promote ethical AI development and ensure equitable access to digital tools are essential to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities. Investing in education, skills training, and digital inclusion is critical to ensuring that the benefits of 4IR are distributed equitably across all segments of society
Socioeconomic Determinants of Livelihood Income Shares of Rural Migrant Households in Southwestern Nigeria
No full textThere is a consensus that most rural migrants get involved in multiple income-generating activities, but there is little or no evidence on factors affecting the level of income shares generated from the different livelihood activities of the rural migrants. The total household income is the aggregate measure of all the outcomes of all activities (farm, non-farm, off-farm) the household is engaged in. The objectives of the study are to examine the level of human, social, natural and physical, and financial endowments among migrant households in the study area and estimate the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant household heads. This study estimated the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant households in Southwestern Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states were purposively selected from the six states of the South-west, Nigeria. 20% of the rural LGAs were selected in each state. 10% of wards in each LGA were selected, where a sampling frame was created for migrant households, 40% of households on the sampling frames were selected to arrive at 413 respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to collect data on generational status, duration of stay, household assets, livelihood activities and income generated and the major source of income of rural migrants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate regression model. The mean age and household size were 49.97 years and 7 persons, respectively. The majority (76.75%) of the respondents were first-generation migrants. The mean duration of stay in various locations was 29.51 years. The majority (55%) of household heads chose farming as their main occupation. The study suggested that respondents participate in three primary income-generating activities: farming, non-farm, and off-farm activities. Although farming is the primary occupation for most households, the majority have reasonably diversified income sources, recognising that sole reliance on farming may not sustain their desired livelihoods. The major factors that determine migrant households’ choice of non-farm activities and off-farm over farm activity were the size of land holdings. Therefore, policy on rural development should follow a multidimensional approach to enable rural households to sustain their livelihoods and also contribute to agricultural development and food security throughout the year
Women\u27s Participation in Climate-resilient Homestead Gardening in Bangladesh’s Haor Region: A Localised Pathway to Achieving SDGs 2, 5, and 13
No full textClimate-resilient homestead gardening is one effective approach that enables rural households, particularly women, to sustain food production throughout the year by applying flexible methods suited to shifting environmental challenges. In rural Bangladesh, homestead gardening typically includes growing vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs in the spaces surrounding the household. This study explores women’s participation in climate-resilient homestead vegetable cultivation in the haor region of Bangladesh, emphasising its potential to address Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Conducted in six unions of Tahirpur Upazila in Sunamganj District, a total of 100 women were randomly selected as the sample for the study from a population of 250 farmers who were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule from November to December 2024. Data were analysed using SPSS software-2025 version and MS Excel. Findings revealed that 44% of women demonstrated a high level of participation in climate-resilient gardening, 37% participated moderately, and 19% had low involvement. Key factors to consider in homestead vegetable cultivation included cultivating vegetables based on household nutritional needs (90%), maintaining multiple seedbeds (89%), using clean water and fertile soil (87%), ensuring proper sunlight and air circulation (86%) and applying organic compost (84%). However, practices like avoiding sowing during extreme conditions (45%) and timely planting (52%) showed lower adoption. Constraints such as lack of irrigation (ranked 1st), time scarcity due to domestic work (2nd), and limited access to quality inputs (3rd) were predominantly reported. Correlation analysis revealed that farming experience (r = 0.730, p < 0.01), extension media contact (r = 0.767, p < 0.01), and family size (r = 0.258, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with participation level, while variables like age, education, marital status, land size, occupation and training were not. This finding underscores the critical role of experimental knowledge, information access and household capacity in enabling climate-adaptive practices. The study highlights the value of supporting women-led homestead gardening through training and extension programs to build resilience in climate-vulnerable regions. By strengthening extension services, enhancing training and integrating gender-sensitive strategies, policymakers and development agencies can scale these practices to build more inclusive, resilient and food-secure rural communities
Farmers’ Socio-Economic Characteristics Influencing Poultry-egg Availability in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria
No full textBirds are pivotal in human diet as they produce quality eggs for animal protein which is required for healthy growth of an individual. Nigeria with poor animal protein consumption stemming from unavailability, thus, this research aimed at analyzing the socio-economic factors influencing poultry-egg availability in Bade Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe State. A multistage sampling method was applied in selecting 54 poultry-egg producers in the area with information elicited through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Result shows male constituting 65% of the sampled population, with one form of education or another, with less than 11 years of farming experience (72%), and 79% being below 48 years of age. Furthermore, majority of the respondents had medium size households of not more than 10 persons (72%), although, married (76%) with cooperative societies membership (65%), without extension visit (57%). Poultry-egg availability in the study area was influenced by flock size, capital, age, farming experience, extension contact, and income level of the farmer. This demonstrates how important socio-economic characteristics are to poultry-egg availability in the country. The study established that poultry-egg farmers were young literate married males with less poultry farming experience and medium size households who source for credit from informal channels to boost their income with little extension agents’ support even though they belong to cooperative societies. Therefore, the research recommends that: credit should be made available to farmers by agricultural stakeholders in order to encourage technical innovations and timely availability of necessary inputs for poultry-egg production; and extension agents in corroboration with other stakeholders should organize training on poultry-egg farming to increase the quantity of eggs supplied to the market considering the population of the State
Social Status as a Determinant of Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Information Chuka Sub-County, Kenya: A Case Study
No full textAim: The study was intended to generate information that would clarify the likelihood of farmers in Chuka Sub-County to access agricultural information based on their social status.
Study Design: Using correlational research design, data was collected through an expert-reviewed semi-structured questionnaire.
Place and Duration of study: Chuka Sub-county and was conducted between April and May, 2024.
Methodology: The study involved a sample of 377 farmers. Out of the 377 farmers who participated in the research, 197 were male (52.0%), and 180 were female (48%). The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression via SPSS.
Results: The study revealed that most respondents were of average social status. This is because 53.2% had either secondary or college education and 50.6% owned between 3.0 and 6.9 acres. The social status of the farmer (educational level, farm size, and farm income) had a significant association with access to agricultural information, F (3, 373) = 9.81, p = 0.05, R2 = 0.07.
Conclusion: Social status predicted access to agricultural information. The social statuses of the farmers in the sub-county were generally low as indicated by farm size and income. Farmers are thus encouraged to improve their social status through land registration, diversifying income sources, adult education, and acquiring agricultural funds
Growth and Production Trends of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in the Different Agro-Climatic Zones of Madhya Pradesh, India
No full textSoybean (Glycine max L.), a vital oilseed crop with over 40% protein and 20% oil, plays a critical role in India’s edible oil economy. Madhya Pradesh, the “Soya State,” contributed 48.4% of national production and 47.8% of area in 2019–20, with average productivity of 1,062 kg/ha. This study analyses trends and growth rates in soybean area, production, and productivity across seven major agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh from 2002–03 to 2019–10, divided into Period I and Period II, using simple growth rate (SGR), compound growth rate (CGR), and trend analysis. In Period I, area expansion was positive and highly significant in most zones, peaking at 9.02% SGR (Others) and 9.26% CGR, with state-level growth of 1.2% (SGR) and 1.21% (CGR). Period II saw contractions in several regions, most notably −11.2% SGR in Central Narmada Valley, while Nimar Valley recorded modest gains (1.4% SGR, 1.13% CGR). Production growth in Period I ranged from 3.77% (Nimar Valley) to 11.92% (Satpuda Plateau), with the state averaging 2.78% (SGR) and 3.02% (CGR). Period II declines were pronounced in Satpuda Plateau (−13.46% SGR) and Gird Region (−8.82% SGR), but Nimar Valley improved sharply (8.28% SGR, 10.41% CGR). Productivity growth in Period I was highest in Satpuda Plateau (7.08% SGR, 7.54% CGR) and Jhabua Hills (7.07% SGR, 7.53% CGR), with the state averaging 1.6% (SGR) and 1.79% (CGR). Period II saw negative growth in several zones, with the Vindhya Plateau dropping −8.31% (SGR). Hence, soybeans’ future in Madhya Pradesh—and by extension, India—depends on adaptive, region-sensitive strategies that marry scientific advancements with grassroots realities
The Nexus between Women\u27s Access to Financial Resources and Household Food Security in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
No full textGlobally, food insecurity remains a significant challenge. Women are disproportionately affected due to limited access to financial resources. In Kenya\u27s arid regions like Tharaka, gendered financial exclusion, poverty, and climate shocks further weaken household food security (HFS). This study examined how women\u27s access to financial resources (WAFR) influences HFS in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study sample comprised 341 women participating in the Uwezo Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), across three constituencies: Chuka Igamba Ng\u27ombe (143), Tharaka (99), and Maara (99). WAFR was proxied by an 8-item scale, rated on a 5-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to agree strongly. HFI had three outcomes: 1) Food Security proxied by the 18-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS); 2) Food Availability and Food Utilization proxied by the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) scale; and 3) Food Stability proxied by a 9-item Coping Strategies Index (CSI). The study adopted a correlational research design to establish how WAFR influences HFS. The simple linear regression results showed that WAFR had a significant negative effect on HFS, b = - 0.040, p = 0.041, R-square = 0.04, but has a positive significant effect on HDDS, b =0.112, p = 0.048, R-square = 0.020, and CSI, b = 0.089, p = 0.043, R-square = 0.014, at a 5% significance level. The findings showed that WAFR had no significant effect on food accessibility and availability (HFIAS), but significantly improved household dietary diversity (HDDS) and coping strategies (CSI). This was attributed by the fact that women mainly used loans for children’s education (53.1%), purchase farm inputs (36.4%), purchase food (31.1%), and starting small businesses (29.3%). While this enhanced dietary quality and resilience, immediate food security outcomes did not significantly improve, likely due to prioritization of finances on long-term investments. Policy interventions should therefore focus on flexible, low-interest loans with repayment schedules that account for seasonal food shortages, enabling women to balance investment and immediate household needs
Agriculture Credit Accessibility in India: A Comparative estimation of NSSO 70th and 77th round
No full textAn efficient and effective rural credit delivery system is imperative for providing timely, adequate, and equitable access to credit for raising agricultural productivity and income. Equitable access to institutional credit is important in this context of relative scarcity of credit and the high cost of informal credit. The research specifically investigates the evolving landscape of agricultural credit in India by conducting a comparative analysis between two National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) rounds - the 70th round (2012-13) and the 77th round (2018-19). Through this temporal comparison, the study explores both the structural changes in credit accessibility and the persistent socio-economic disparities in institutional credit access. Employing multivariate logistic regression analysis, the research identifies various determinants influencing credit accessibility and quantifies existing inequalities. The findings reveal a significant correlation between socio-economic status and institutional credit access, with deprived populations facing considerable barriers in accessing formal credit channels. Consequently, these marginalized groups continue to rely heavily on informal credit sources to meet their financial requirements. The analysis highlights multiple socio-economic and demographic variables that substantially impact credit accessibility patterns across India. The study\u27s findings underscore the urgent need for more precisely targeted and inclusive policy interventions. The research suggests that existing credit delivery mechanisms require substantial refinement to effectively reach and serve populations at the grassroots level. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the broader discourse on financial inclusion and agricultural development by providing empirical evidence of persistent inequalities in credit access, while simultaneously highlighting the necessity for policy reforms to address these systemic disparities in India\u27s rural credit landscape. This study recommends to prioritize financial literacy and deployment of special credit facilities to address the barrier of institutional access to credit among marginalised section of society
Impact of Adopting Organic Fertilization, Improved Fallow on Income of Maize Producing Farmers in Togo: Using Endogenous Switching Regression Model
No full textBackground and Aims: In Togo, the maritime region is the most penalized by declining soil fertility and the effect of climatic variability, with the lowest average maize yield of all Togo\u27s regions. This study therefore analyzes the determinants of the adoption of organic fertilization and improved fallow with Mucuna pruriens as a sustainable agricultural practice, and assesses the impact of these practices on the income of maize producers in Togo.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Togolese Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Lomé in Togo from January to July 2025.
Methodology: For this purpose, data were collected from 145 farmer-members of cereal producer organizations in the maritime region and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an Endogenous Switching Regression model to account for the heterogeneity in the decision to adopt sustainable practices.
Results: 33.6% of producers surveyed were women and 66.4% were men. The most represented age group is between 40 and 49, with 45.8% of growers. 56% of agricultural producers adopt sustainable farming practices. Econometric analysis using an endogenous switching regression model revealed that the variables soil fertility, tractor use, access to non-governmental organization extension services and training in integrated soil fertility management had a positive impact on the probability of adopting sustainable practices. In addition, the study shows that organic fertilization and improved fallow increase farm income by 14.15%.
Conclusion: Finally, these results call on research and agricultural extension institutions to adapt their actions to ensure the success of agricultural extension and increased income for producers. Thus, policies for the mechanization of agriculture and training of farmers in sustainable agricultural practices must be strengthened