List of articles (by subject) Extension of Sustainability
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Open Access Article
1 - Constraints to Farmers Willingness to Pay for Private Irrigation Delivery in Nandom, Ghana
Yussif K Obeng K Hudu ZakariaThe study investigated the constraints to farmers’ intention to pay for private irrigation in Nandom District, Ghana. Using a key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, the study collected data from 236 farmers. Data was analyzed with descriptive MoreThe study investigated the constraints to farmers’ intention to pay for private irrigation in Nandom District, Ghana. Using a key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, the study collected data from 236 farmers. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Kendall coefficient of concordance was used to determine the level of agreement among farmers in ranking of constraints. The study found financial constraint (low income) as the most important constraints to farmers’ readiness to pay for private irrigation. Other important constraints were lack of ready market for output, crop pest and diseases, unstable output price, costly private services, inadequate supply of complementary inputs and lack of credit services. We concluded that lack of ready market, unstable price for farm produce and lack of credit services jointly worsen farmer's finances and consequently constraint their ability to pay even under condition of perfect knowledge of the benefits that could accrue from the technology. This study recommends the implementation of the proposed private irrigation service but management of the service should incorporate an efficient value chain in the management of the service. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Factor Analyses the Management Skills in Development of Organic Agriculture in West Azerbaijan Province Farms
Solieman Rasouliazar Maryam Sadeghi Nouraldin ShayestehOrganic agriculture, sometimes called biological or ecological agriculture, combines traditional conservation-minded farming methods with modern farming technologies .The purpose of this research was to identify management skills in development of Organic Agriculture in MoreOrganic agriculture, sometimes called biological or ecological agriculture, combines traditional conservation-minded farming methods with modern farming technologies .The purpose of this research was to identify management skills in development of Organic Agriculture in West Azerbaijan Province (Iran) farms. The target population of this research included all agricultural experts who work in West Azerbaijan Province. By using a Cochran formula a number of 200 agricultural experts selected as statistical sample. The research instrument was a structural questionnaire including close-ended questions which its validity was confirmed by using expert panel and reliability by Cranach’s alpha test (α= 0.89). According to the results of the factor analysis finding shows that six factors included the skills of using methods and technologies of organic agriculture, informing skills, farming skills, and production skills involved 51.46 % of the total variance and played crucial roles in in development of organic agriculture in the West Azerbaijan Province farms. Among these factors, the factor of using methods and technologies of organic agriculture involved 12.44% of the total variance and played a more important role in using the management skills in development of organic agriculture in West Azerbaijan province Farms. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Farmers’ Perception and Willingness to Pay for Technical Agricultural Information on Maize Production in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Olumuyiwa Olaniyi Oluwatoyin IsmailaAgricultural extension services have been playing a central role in transformation process of agricultural sector in Nigeria but there are challenges which affect the quality of service delivery especially increasing cost of services and poor funding and therefore, prom MoreAgricultural extension services have been playing a central role in transformation process of agricultural sector in Nigeria but there are challenges which affect the quality of service delivery especially increasing cost of services and poor funding and therefore, promoting emergence of new extension strategies offered by private sector . The study investigated the perception of maize crop farmers and willingness to pay for technical agricultural information in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected by administering interview schedule to 127 maize crop farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; Mean age of the respondents was 46.7 years with modal class of age category of 41-50 years. Majority (66.1%) of the sampled respondents were males, 81.9% were married with average household size of 6 members. Technical agricultural information the respondents were willing to pay for include improved high yielding maize varieties (MS=1.09), method of fertilizer application (MS=1.07) and selection rate of chemical application for weed control (MS=l.06). Majority (52.8%) of the respondents had unfavourable disposition to willingness to pay for technical agricultural information. Respondents’ household size (r=0.365, P<0.05), farming experience (r=0.568, P<0.05) cultivatable farm size (r=0.228,P<0.05) were significantly related to willingness to pay for technical agricultural information on maize production. The study therefore recommends that technical agricultural information on maize production should be made available to farmers through a private extension service in order to meet the extension information need of farmers in the study area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Agricultural Extensification and Biodiversity Loss in Ikom Cross River State, Nigeria
Odey Ogah Tsue Peter Terfa Ugorja, Comfort LivinusThe study analyzed agricultural extensification and biodiversity loss in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study used primary data with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from one hundred and ten respondents (110) through simple random sampling tec MoreThe study analyzed agricultural extensification and biodiversity loss in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study used primary data with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from one hundred and ten respondents (110) through simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics. The results revealed that animals like hare, wild cat, gorilla, hyena and elephant with mean scores of 2.53, 2.89, 3.40, 3.09 and 3.21 respectively were almost lost. Gorilla was at danger of extinction. Plants like ropes, otasi, hotleaf, bamboo and iroko with mean scores of 1.66, 1,62, 1.64, 1.61 and 2.00 respectively were not completely lost. Analysis of logic regression results revealed that age with coefficient 0.161, slash burn (2.734), awareness of biodiversity (3.392) years before fallow (0.842) were positive and significant at 10% level of probability. The results also revealed that the coefficient of mixed cropping (2.495), trees felling (3.006), herbicides (0.494) were positively significant at 5%. These variables, increases the probability of high extent of biodiversity loss. Farming experience, extension visit and acreage increase have negative coefficients and are significant at 5%, also land conflict (-1.996) was negatively significant at 10% implying that these variables increases the probability of biodiversity loss. The study recommended that government should enact or enforce a law to prevent human activities from engaging in excess deforestation and exploitation of organisms so as limit biodiversity loss, education of the farmers on the implication of biodiversity loss is advocated. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Factors Affecting Tendency towards Organic Production (Case Study: Greenhouse Producers of Tabriz Township, Iran)
Leila Bahrami Nokandeh Javad Mahmoodi KaramjavanThe Purpose of this survey was to research the major factors affecting the tendency of greenhouse producers towards organic production in Tabriz County. The statistical research population involves all greenhouse owners in Tabriz county (N=70). The necessary data were c MoreThe Purpose of this survey was to research the major factors affecting the tendency of greenhouse producers towards organic production in Tabriz County. The statistical research population involves all greenhouse owners in Tabriz county (N=70). The necessary data were collected using questionnaires, after that the validity and reliability of questionnaire was approved by the academic members of the scientific board, and its validity was justified through alpha Cronbach (0.74<α<0.83). The results of this study indicated that the participant greenhouse owners showed positive attitude towards organic agriculture, and revealed high tendency towards producing organic greenhouse products. Moreover, the results of stepwise multiple regression indicated that, among the all investigated factors, the eight factors namely “Being notified over the negative outcomes of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides”, “contact with agricultural promoters and experts”, “age of greenhouse owners”, “participation in the organic related educational-promotional sessions”, “Education”, “Attitude towards organic agriculture”, “Acquaintance with organic agriculture” and “the experience in the greenhouse production” can explain around 61% of the changes in the variance of the tendency of greenhouse producers for organic production. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Specialists’ Perception Regarding Effective factors in Development of Organic Agriculture in Ardabil Province
Leila KarpisheOrganic agriculture (OA) includes a comprehensive production management system that is considered as one of the strategies to reduce negative impacts of industrial agriculture in many countries. This research was identifying factors affecting the development of OA in Ar MoreOrganic agriculture (OA) includes a comprehensive production management system that is considered as one of the strategies to reduce negative impacts of industrial agriculture in many countries. This research was identifying factors affecting the development of OA in Ardabil province. A descriptive– correlation survey approach was used in this study. Participants were agricultural specialists of Jihad Keshavarzai organization in the province of Ardabil- Iran (N=313). Research samples was selected using randomly stratified method with using Cochran formula (n= 126). Questionnaire reliability was determined by pilot test out of the main sample (Cornbach’s alpha). Validity of instrument was determined by investigating the attitudes of agricultural specialists in universities of Tehran and Ardabil. The results showed that Specialists’ attitude toward organic agriculture was positive. The results of factor analysis led to the identification of four factors (governmental and policy, infrastructure, extension and education, and economic), accounted for cumulative variance of 62.74 percent. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Assessment of Indigenous Pest and Disease Management Among Sweet Potato Farmers
Sijuwade Adebayo Robert UddinII Olorunfemi Malomo Rukayat OlabodeSweet potatoes are extremely adaptable to adverse environmental conditions; they can help increase food security in times of drought and famine. In recent times sweet potato production has been on the decline due to many factors regarding pest and disease management. Th MoreSweet potatoes are extremely adaptable to adverse environmental conditions; they can help increase food security in times of drought and famine. In recent times sweet potato production has been on the decline due to many factors regarding pest and disease management. The objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of the sweet potato farmers; (ii) identify the common field/storage pest and disease of sweet potato in the study area; (iii) investigate the indigenous measures of controlling field/storage pests and diseases used by the sweet potato farmers; (iv) ascertain the benefits of using indigenous method of controlling pest and disease; (v) identify the challenges to the indigenous method of controlling pest and disease. One hundred and twenty-two sweet potato farmers were randomly selected from two local government areas. The study shows that majority (89.3%) of the sweet potato farmers in the study area were male and very high percentage (80.4%) of the respondents was married. The major field and storage pests are armyworm, grasshopper, rabbit, and rat. Black rot, leaf spot and bacterial wilt are the major field and storage diseases of sweet potato. The major challenges faced by the sweet potato farmers were unavailability of natural herbs. The study concluded that the use of indigenous measures to control sweet potato pest and diseases are very effective and beneficial. Therefore, the study recommends that Extension agent should work with the farmers on how the natural herbs will be available and preserved within the study area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - Mango Farmers’ Perception on the Effect of Fruit Flies Infestation
Sijuwade Adebayo Robert UddinII Ajoke Kayode Adetayo AbdulsalamThe reductions in quality and quantity of marketable mango fruits due to fruit fly infestation have impact on farmers through revenue losses. The study identified the common fruit flies on mango plantation; assessed the control measures of fruit flies infestation; among MoreThe reductions in quality and quantity of marketable mango fruits due to fruit fly infestation have impact on farmers through revenue losses. The study identified the common fruit flies on mango plantation; assessed the control measures of fruit flies infestation; among others. Interviewers administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from 200 mango farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were males (55.5%), had non-formal education (47.5%), with mean age of 60 years, mean household size of 4 members and years of farming experience was 20 years. The study further revealed that marula fruit fly (92.5%) was ranked first. Hand picking (94.0%) was identified as the most prominent control measure. The respondents perceived fruit flies as causing premature dropping of fruits (62.0%) as the major effect of fruit flies on mango. The result further revealed that at p<0.05, age (r=0.267), household size (r=-0.297) and years of experience (r=-0.158) were significant to farmers’ perception on the effect of fruit flies infestation. The study concluded that fruit flies infestation affect mango farmers in several ways. The study therefore recommended that extension training in orchard management should be organized for the mango farmers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Perception of Inter-generational Farm Transfer among Cocoa Farmers in South-west, Nigeria
Tosin Ogundiran Sijuwade Adebayo Isreal OgunladeInter-generational farm transfer, a multifaceted process involving succession plan, retirement and inheritance has been recognized as the main and major approach to overcome the issues of ageing population and family farm sustainability. The study therefore focused on t MoreInter-generational farm transfer, a multifaceted process involving succession plan, retirement and inheritance has been recognized as the main and major approach to overcome the issues of ageing population and family farm sustainability. The study therefore focused on the perception of inter-generational farm transfer by cocoa farmers in South-west, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 331 cocoa farmers. The data was collected through interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using percentage, frequency distribution, means, charts and chi square. Results showed that majority of the respondents were male (77.0%), having farm size of 5 ha and below, the mean age of the respondents was 58 years while the mean household size was 6. The result showed that 77.0% of the respondents have not retired from active involvement on cocoa farm while 83.0% of the have not identified a successor. The result further shows that 85.0% of the respondents have high (positive) perception of inter-generational transfer. Moreover, only few of the respondents (5.4%) had a formal or written inter-generational farm transfer plan. The study concluded that majority of the cocoa farmers have not retired from the farm and had positive perception of inter-generational farm transfer. The study recommended that cocoa farmers should start planning for inter-generational farm transfer early by selecting and grooming selected individuals in their family. Moreover, relevant stakeholders should create more awareness and orientate cocoa farmers on the importance and need to identify and engage possible successors early in order to ensure family farm sustainability and food security. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Beyond The Covid-19 Global Pandemic: An Assessment of Agri-Food Related Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ Uptake of Insurance Covers
Adeyemi Ayinde-Olawale Idowu OgunyemiThis study examined the impact of the global pandemic on level of production income and the uptake of insurance covers among agri-food related MSMEs’ in South West Nigeria. The study adopted treatment effects model, the logistic regression model, Pearson’s a MoreThis study examined the impact of the global pandemic on level of production income and the uptake of insurance covers among agri-food related MSMEs’ in South West Nigeria. The study adopted treatment effects model, the logistic regression model, Pearson’s and Cramer’s V correlation coefficient to analyse the data for the study. Sampled households were selected through a snowballing sampling technique using the online survey method to arrive at 192 MSMEs from Urban South West region of Nigeria comprising of 132 controls and 60 treated MSME operators. The treatment variable for this study is the uptake of insurance cover. Analysis of the sample for the study showed that the uptake of insurance cover MSMEs’ in the study area stand at 31.25%.The result showed that MSMEs’ who were affected by the global pandemic are more likely to take up insurance cover to mitigate future risks than those who were not seriously affected. The result of the treatment effect models further revealed that the production income and MSMEs’ willingness to take insurance cover were both significantly impacted by the global pandemic. It was therefore recommended that insurance companies come up with tailor-made insurance products for MSMEs. Also, that flexible payments methods be allowed so that more micro enterprises can get cover which will in turn boost their confidence that in the event of an adverse market condition they will not be worse off. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
11 - Application of SEM Analysis for Designing Strategic Model for Agricultural Sustainable Development (ASD) in Iran
Keivan Torfi Ahmad Reza Ommani Azadeh Noorollah Noorivandi Mohammadsadegh SabouriThe main purpose of this study is identifying strategies for agricultural sustainable development in Iran. This research is a mixed exploratory research and has been carried out in a combination of qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative part, various met MoreThe main purpose of this study is identifying strategies for agricultural sustainable development in Iran. This research is a mixed exploratory research and has been carried out in a combination of qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative part, various methods such as semi-structured interviews and focus group techniques were used. In a quantitative part, the population of the study consisted of wheat farmers of Khouzestan province, Iran. The stratified random sampling method was selected as the research sampling method. In order to formulate strategic planning, the model of analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) was used. Also, in the quantitative part of the research through Structural Equation Model (SEM), the role of the identified strategies was evaluated and the designed model was approved. Based on the results, it can be found that the predictive positive effect of WO1 (β=0.512, t-value=3.453, p<0.001), WO2 (β=0.533, t-value=3.516, p<0.001), WO3 (β=0.581, t-value=4.129, p<0.001), WO4 (β=0.916, t-value=5.821, p<0.001), WO5 (β=0.861, t-value=4.523, p<0.001), WO6 (β=0.823, t-value=5.123, p<0.001), WO7 (β=0.694, t-value=5.212, p<0.001), WO8 (β=0.761, t-value=4.928, p<0.001), WO9 (β=0.832, t-value=5.257, p<0.001) and WO10 (β=0.621, t-value=4.153, p<0.001) on the ASD. Based on the results, the amount of R2=0.74 was estimated. This indicates that 10 strategies and 34 construct have the ability to explain 74% of the ASD variance. Based on the results obtained, the overall goodness of the fitting statistics showed that the structural model is well consistent with the data. The designed strategic plan can play an effective role in the sustainable development of agriculture. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
12 - Attitude of Agricultural High School Educators in Khouzestan Province Regarding Sustainable Agriculture
Seyed Ahmad MarashiThe purpose of research was analyzing attitude of agricultural high school educators in Khouzestan province, Iran regarding sustainable agriculture. The method of research was correlative descriptive. All agricultural high school educators in Khouzestan province (n=55) MoreThe purpose of research was analyzing attitude of agricultural high school educators in Khouzestan province, Iran regarding sustainable agriculture. The method of research was correlative descriptive. All agricultural high school educators in Khouzestan province (n=55) were selected for participation in the study. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding attitude of educators regarding sustainable agriculture. Questionnaire reliability was estimated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Appropriate statistical procedures for description (frequencies, per cent, means, and standard deviations) were used. Based on results there is significant correlation between attitude of agricultural educators about sustainable agriculture with knowledge of agricultural educators about sustainable agriculture, communication channel, social participation, social status, individual competency, professional competency and specialized skills. Also the result for regression analysis by stepwise method shows approximately 67.3% of the variances in the attitude of agricultural educators regarding sustainable agriculture could be explained by the knowledge of agricultural educators about sustainable agriculture, communication channel, social participation, social status, individual competency, professional competency and specialized skills. Manuscript profile