Impacts of improved extension services on awareness, knowledge, adoption rates and perceived benefits of smallholder dairy farmers in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (12) ◽  
pp. 2175 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Warriach ◽  
P. C. Wynn ◽  
M. Ishaq ◽  
S. Arif ◽  
A. Bhatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Family Approach ◽  
Knowledge Adoption ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Extension Program

The provision of effective extension services to smallholder farmers across both developing and developed countries remains a challenge worldwide. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the impacts of improved extension services on awareness, knowledge, adoption rates and perceived benefits of smallholder dairy farmers in Pakistan. An extension program was developed and implemented in five districts of Punjab (Okara, Pakpattan, Jhelum, Kasur and Bhakkar) and two districts of Sindh (Thatta and Badin) provinces. The extension program involved the provision of research-based information on a monthly basis to smallholder farming families (FF = 523) over a 4-year period. The extension program was primarily a knowledge transfer-based system, but also relied on farmer engagement and feedback to help drive research and topics for discussion. No financial incentives were provided to the farmers for their participation. A ‘whole-family approach’ was used in the extension program, where comprehensive interdisciplinary training on the whole dairy-farming system was provided to the males, females and children of the farming household. To encourage greater participation and support different learning strategies, several information transfer media were used (including group discussions, one-on-one visits, practical demonstrations, problem-based learning techniques and videos). To assess the impact of this extension program on farms involved, data on farmer awareness, knowledge, adoption and their perceived benefits were collected using a mixed-method approach from three different groups of farmers; registered (IMPreg = 179) farmers directly involved in the extension program, non-registered (IMPnon-reg = 116) farmers indirectly benefiting from the program and traditional (IMPtrad = 104) farmers not associated with any project activities. Overall awareness, knowledge and adoption rates relating to seven different recommendations in the extension program were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the registered farmers than in the non-registered and traditional farmers. The perceived benefits of the adopted recommendations varied between the different extension messages, but farmers described that they observed increases in milk production, improvements in animal health (body condition and morbidity) and labour efficiency (time savings). These results suggest that adopting improved extension services using a whole-family approach we can significantly achieve higher adoption rates, leading to on-farm benefits to smallholder dairy farmers and their families.

A parametric test evaluating smallholder farmers’ training needs in Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanita Kataike ◽  
Durga Prasad Venkata Modekurti ◽  
Eric Butali ◽  
David Magumba ◽  
Andrew Ronnie Mugenyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Pearson Coefficient ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Milk Marketing ◽  
Training Programmes

PurposeEffective rural agribusiness development requires dedicated training programmes therefore, this paper is an attempt to investigate smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness sector. The purpose of this paper is to study a bigger research project of the dairy value chain in agribusiness framework in the Rwenzori region.Design/methodology/approachA sample size of 100 dairy farmers were randomly selected from two Districts in the Rwenzori region. The descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) provided a basis for discussion. Furthermore, parametric Pearson coefficient test was conducted to examine the smallholder farmers’ TNs and assess its association with selected socio-demographic characteristics of the dairy farmers.FindingsThe analysis indicated that dairy farmers expressed the need for a training program. Most frequently requested topics include: fodder cultivation, quality and safe milk handling, milk marketing, calf feeding and rearing, animal nutrition and financial literacy out of 12 topics. The least desired TNs was record keeping.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings contribute to the understanding of dairy farmers’ TNs.Practical implicationsThe identified 12 key training intervention areas for the dairy farmers inform policymakers Dairy Development Authority and other development bodies in the Rwenzori region to address the challenges and improve smallholder dairy farming practices.Originality/valueThe study applies a synthesis review to identify theoretically acceptable variables that measure smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness. The paper also shares the empirical evidence of a pioneering attempt to identify smallholder dairy farmers’ TNs in Uganda.

scholarly journals Determinants of the Adoption of Sustainable Intensification in Southern African Farming Systems: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Guo ◽  
Oreoluwa Ola ◽  
Emmanuel Benjamin
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Sustainable Intensification ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Extension Service ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
The Impact

Climate change and environmental degradation are major threats to sustainable agricultural development in Southern Africa. Thus, the concept of sustainable intensification (SI) i.e. getting more output from less input using certain practices such as agroforestry, organic fertilizer, sustainable water management etc. has become an important topic among researchers and policy makers in the region in the last three decades. A comprehensive review of literatures on the adoption of SI in the region identify nine relevant drivers of adoption of SI among (smallholder) farmers. These drivers include (i) age, (ii) size of arable land, (iii) education, (iv) extension services, (v) gender, (vi) household size, (vii) income, (viii) membership in farming organization and (ix) access to credit. We present the results of a meta-analysis of 21 papers on the impact of these determinants on SI adoption among (smallholder) farmers in Southern African Development Community (SADC) using random-effects estimation techniques for the true effect size. While our result suggests that variables such as extension services, education, age, and household size may influence the adoption of SI in SADC, factors such as access to credit is also of great importance. Decision-makers should therefore concentrate efforts on these factors in promoting SI across the SADC. This includes increasing the efficiency of public extension service as well as involvement of private sector in extension service. Furthermore, both public and private agriculture financing models should consider sustainability indicators in their assessment process.

scholarly journals Impact of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiota and Management: A Review

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Meena ◽  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
Rahul Datta ◽  
Rattan Lal ◽  
Vinod Vijayakumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
World Health ◽  
Soil Microbial Diversity ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Nutritional Security ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in developing nations, there are three million cases of agrochemical poisoning. The prolonged intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals adversely affected the soil biodiversity, agricultural sustainability, and food safety, bringing in long-term harmful effects on nutritional security, human and animal health. Most of the agrochemicals negatively affect soil microbial functions and biochemical processes. The alteration in diversity and composition of the beneficial microbial community can be unfavorable to plant growth and development either by reducing nutrient availability or by increasing disease incidence. Currently, there is a need for qualitative, innovative, and demand-driven research in soil science, especially in developing countries for facilitating of high-quality eco-friendly research by creating a conducive and trustworthy work atmosphere, thereby rewarding productivity and merits. Hence, we reviewed (1) the impact of various agrochemicals on the soil microbial diversity and environment; (2) the importance of smallholder farmers for sustainable crop protection and enhancement solutions, and (3) management strategies that serve the scientific community, policymakers, and land managers in integrating soil enhancement and sustainability practices in smallholder farming households. The current review provides an improved understanding of agricultural soil management for food and nutritional security.

scholarly journals Feeding Management and Extent of Commercialisation among the Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4(J)) ◽  
pp. 32-42
Author(s):  
Tawedzegwa Musitini ◽  
Abbysinia Mushunje ◽  
Joseph Muroiwa
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Dairy Cooperatives ◽  
The Cost

This study assessed the effects of grazing and feeding management on the extent of commercialization among the smallholder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe. Using a sample of 225 smallholder dairy farming households selected randomly across 11 smallholder dairy cooperatives in Zimbabwe, data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the ordinary least squares regression method. The study used milk yield as a proxy for commercialization. Farmers whose cows produced higher yield were considered more commercialized than farmers whose cows produced a lower yield. The results indicated that access to better pastures, better feed types, more area under fodder and more feeding frequency positively impact on milk yield. This result indicates that smallholder farmers with better access to enough, appropriate and consistent feed obtain better milk yield from the dairy cows while the poor quality and quantity of feeds are the primary reasons why most smallholder dairy farmers in developing countries like Zimbabwe continue to produce low/uneconomic milk yields. Since purchased dairy feed concentrates are essential in enhancing milk yield, the study recommends that farmers who can afford these should continue using them and where applicable agro-dealers selling these inputs should be supported to establish selling outlets within the farmers reach. However, given the cost of the commercial dairy feeds visa the economic capacity of smallholder milk producers, the study recommends farmer to consider producing their feed by putting more area under fodder than buying commercial feed.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of a novel strategy for delivering animal health interventions to smallholder farmers

2017 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
pp. 108-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Richard Bessell ◽  
Peetambar Kushwaha ◽  
Roggers Mosha ◽  
Roy Woolley ◽  
Lamyaa Al-Riyami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Novel Strategy ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Impact of Training of Small-Scale Dairy Farmers on Milk Production and Income in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wongel Getachew Seble ◽  
Kubota Satoko ◽  
Kanayama Toshihisa ◽  
Tiana Navalona Randrianantoandro ◽  
Hiroichi Kono
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Propensity Score Matching ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Average Treatment Effect ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Average Treatment ◽  
Management Condition ◽  
Smallholder Dairy

This paper examined dairy husbandry training impact on milk production and milk income under smallholder farmers’ management condition. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two districts in Ethiopia and the data was collected from a total of 180 smallholder dairy farmers (60 of the participants were trained on dairy husbandry practices). Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was employed to construct suitable comparable group and to calculate the average treatment effect on the treated sample. The average treatment effect on the treated shows that dairy husbandry training increased milk production, volume of milk processed and milk income by about 21.7%, 56.5% and 22.5% respectively. This study confirms that training on dairy husbandry plays great role to bring change in dairy technology adoption which further enhance milk production and milk income under smallholder farmers’ management condition. Keywords: milk income; milk production; Ethiopia; propensity score matching; smallholder dairy farmers, training

scholarly journals Impact of ICT Based Extension Services on Dairy Production and Household Welfare: The Case of iCow Service in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Mwita Erick Marwa ◽  
John Mburu ◽  
Rao Elizaphan James Oburu ◽  
Okeyo Mwai ◽  
Susan Kahumbu
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Information And Communication

Smallholder dairy farmers have the challenges of accessing timely and reliable agricultural information, and this limits them from realizing maximum farm output. The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) as a farming extension tool by smallholder farmers has the potential to reverse the scenario and improve farmers’ outputs and incomes leading to increased welfare. This study employed the Propensity score Matching approach to evaluate the impacts of ICT-based extension services, in this case, iCow services on milk production, milk income, and household income using cross-sectional data from a survey of dairy farmers in Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua and Bomet counties of Kenya. The use of ICT-based iCow services is shown to increase Annual milk production per cow, milk income, and household income by 13%, 29%, and 22%, respectively. Partnerships between network providers and research institutes should be encouraged as part of bridging the extension gap occasioned by reduced public expenditure on extension services.

scholarly journals Effect of seasonal fodder availability on smallholder dairy farmers’ participation in markets in Mosop sub-county, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice C. Tuei ◽  
Christopher A. Onyango ◽  
Bockline O. Bebe ◽  
Evelyne C. Kiptot ◽  
Sammy Carsan
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Social Scientist ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Market Participation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Smallholder Dairy

The growing demand for animal products in developing countries presents opportunities for smallholder dairy farmers to participate in markets. However, seasonal fodder scarcity is a pervasive limitation to dairy productivity and disrupts market participation. The objective of this paper was to determine the influence of seasonal fodder availability on the participation of smallholder farmers in fodder and milk markets. Primary data was collected in a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 176 farmers, in Mosop sub-County, Nandi County of Kenya. Complete data for computation of fodder scarcity and market participation was available from 130 farmers. Data was processed in Excel and subsequently analysed in Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS version 21) software using descriptive and logistic regression statistics. Study results revealed that an increase in fodder deficit was associated with a decline in milk sales (β= -.95, p=0.002), leading to an increase in milk price (β= 0.59, p=0.024) and increase in the quantity of purchased concentrate feed (β=0.17, p=0.038). The study concludes that fodder scarcity leads to low farmer market participation and recommends the strengthening of producer organizations to facilitate feed and milk marketing, capacity building on feed formulation and utilization, conservation and processing. These capacities would enable farmers to meet fodder demands in the dry season and would stabilize milk prices if supported with incentives for private and public partnerships investments in the feed value chain. 

Instant Insights: Heat stress in dairy cattle

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Smallholder Dairy ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Economic Constraints ◽  
The Impact

This specially curated collection features four reviews of current and key research on heat stress in dairy cattle. The first chapter outlines technologies to breed for more heat tolerant dairy cattle, exploiting either between or within breed genetic variation in the trait. It discusses future perspectives on the use of different tools to achieve accelerated improvements of this important trait. The second chapter discusses breeding goals and multi-trait selection to balance production and non-production traits. It considers newer breeding objectives such as ensuring that cattle can adapt to a changing climate, including breeding for heat tolerance. The third chapter reviews challenges facing smallholder dairy farmers in Asia. These include the impact of high temperatures and humidity on milk yield, reproductive efficiency and animal health. The chapter places these challenges in the context of the broader economic constraints faced by smallholders and how they can be overcome. The final chapter highlights constraints in improving smallholder dairy production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Issues include developing breeds balancing yield with resilience to local climatic conditions. The chapter reviews ways of Improving breeding and productivity, as well as broader organisational support.

The impact of best practice health and husbandry interventions on smallholder cattle productivity in southern Cambodia

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 629 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Young ◽  
L. Rast ◽  
S. Suon ◽  
R. D. Bush ◽  
L. A. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
The Impact

Future food security has become a major global concern and is particularly important in the Greater Mekong Subregion where several countries have seen rapid urban economic development and increasing demand for red meat. In Cambodia, the majority of livestock producers are subsistence or semi-subsistence rural smallholder farmers using cattle as a source of protein, fertiliser, draught power, and asset storage. Potential income from smallholder cattle is limited by a range of factors that compromise productivity, including endemic diseases, poor nutrition, and lack of knowledge of husbandry techniques and marketing practices. To address the developing opportunities to improve rural incomes from cattle production in Cambodia, a 4-year longitudinal study was conducted to examine ‘best practice’ interventions that could improve productivity and profitability of cattle within smallholder farming systems. The study involved six villages from three provinces, with two villages in each of the provinces of Takeo, Kandal and Kampong Cham paired and designated as either high intervention (HI) or low intervention (LI). A best practice intervention program was introduced to the HI villages to develop the husbandry skills of farmers, including implementation of forage technology, disease prevention through vaccination for foot-and-mouth disease and haemorrhagic septicaemia, deworming, and education in nutrition, biosecurity, disease control, and marketing. Between April 2008 and February 2012, eight repeat-measures capturing data on animal health and production, including cattle weights used to evaluate the impact of interventions on average daily gains, were completed. Cattle in HI villages had significantly (P < 0.01) higher mean liveweight during the last three sampling periods, and average daily gains were 2.4 times higher than in cattle of the LI villages. This study provides evidence that best practice interventions resulted in improved cattle productivity, farmer knowledge and positive impacts on household income over time, offering a pathway that can address food security concerns and more rapidly alleviate rural poverty in the GMS.

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