scholarly journals Mind the adoption gap: Findings from a field experiment designed to scale up the availability of fodder shrub seedlings in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Hughes ◽  
Decolius Kulomo ◽  
Bestari Nyoka
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Sustainable Land Management ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Production Distribution ◽  
Fodder Shrubs

While dairy production has the potential to diversify smallholder agriculture and increase incomes, there are multiple constraints. One is the consistent provision of quality feed. High protein, leguminous fodder shrubs—also referred to as Fodder Tree Technology (FTT)—can help address this constraint, yet adoption levels are generally low. Implemented in Kenya and Malawi, the Shrubs for Change (S4C) project is employing several approaches to address this situation, including those informed by behavioural science. Given that approximately 500 shrubs per cow are needed to generate enough leaf matter to bolster milk production, promoting FTT at scale necessitates the production, distribution, and successful planting of large numbers of shrub seedlings. We implemented a field experiment in Malawi’s Southern Region in late 2021 to test the effectiveness of a social learning intervention intended to motivate dairy farmers to significantly scale up the production of FTT seedlings. This intervention involved meeting with dairy farmers in 39 randomly selected milk production zones to review the numbers of seedlings being produced vis-à-vis local demand, coupled with the development of action plans to address identified production gaps. While we find that this intervention increased the setting up of private nurseries by 10% (p<0.05), it only increased overall seedling production by an average of 20 additional seedlings per dairy farmer (p>0.1). We offer several explanations for this lower than expected and statistically insignificant result, which point to the need for iterative rounds of engagement with farmers when supporting them to take up FTT and other complex agronomic and sustainable land management innovations.

scholarly journals Perception and Adaptation Strategies of Dairy Farmers Towards Climate Variability and Change in West Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marthe Montcho ◽  
Elie Antoine Padonou ◽  
Marlise Montcho ◽  
Meshack Nzesei Mutua ◽  
Brice Sinsin
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Climate Zones ◽  
Fodder Production

Abstract In West Africa, dairy production plays a vital role in the economy and the wellbeing of the population. Currently, dairy production has become vulnerable due to climate variability. The main objective of this study was to investigate dairy farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies towards climate change in West Africa. Individual interview and Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 900 dairy farmers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to assess dairy farmers’ perception on climate change. Multiple Correspondence Analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal component analysis were used to access the adaptation strategies of dairy farmers. The results revealed that dairy farmers perceived a decrease in the rainy season and the annual rainfall but an increase of the dry season and the annual temperature that affect their activities. Dairy farmers that fed the cattle mainly with natural pastures, crops residues and agroindustrial by-products in the climate zones of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, used as climate change adaptation strategies, transhumance in wetland, animal manure to improve fodder production and quality; plants to improve milk production, milk conservation and to treat animal diseases. They sold milk or produced local cheese with the remaining unsold milk. They use crops residues, mineral supplements, herd size reduction; water supply with community pastoral wells and dams, purchase water. Dairy farmers that mainly invested in fodder production and conservation in the climate zones of Mali, sold milk produced to dairies and cheese production units; used plants to improve milk production, pasteurization for milk conservation and veterinary service for animal care. This study provided relevant information for West African policymakers in designing appropriate policies and programs to assist dairy farmers to improve milk production under climate variability and change.

scholarly journals Information asymmetry among dairy producers in Paraná, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Marcela Casali ◽  
Bruna Sesco de Mendonça ◽  
Marcel Moreira de Brito ◽  
Marcio Gregório Rojas dos Santos ◽  
Pedro Gustavo Loesia Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Milk Quality ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Production Characteristics

Milk production has great social and economic importance in Paraná, Brazil. However, dairy farmers have abandoned the activity over the past few years because of difficulties in meeting institutional and market demands for increased milk production and quality. Information asymmetry between dairy farmers and market agents may be contributing to this scenario. It occurs when one agent in a transaction has more or better information than another. Information asymmetry can encourage opportunistic behavior and negatively affect the relationship between parties. These problems can be minimized or resolved by horizontal collaboration, such as participation in farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, or associations. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of information asymmetry among dairy farmers and investigate whether participation in farmers’ organizations strengthens buyer–seller relationships and stimulates compliance with milk quality standards. A total of 204 semi-structured questionnaires were applied to head farmers of dairy production systems in Paraná. Two sets of variables were analyzed: variables related to socio-economic and production characteristics and variables related to transactions between farmers and the dairy industry and the head farmer’s knowledge about milk quality regulations. The second set of variables was subjected to common factor analysis, which generated four factors: F1, knowledge about institutional requirements; F2, technical support from the buyer; F3, technical knowledge; and F4, level of trust in the buyer. Dairy farmers who did not participate in farmers’ organizations operated under greater information asymmetry and were disadvantaged with regard to F2, F3, and F4 (P < 0.05). Participation in horizontal collaborations can help farmers survive and thrive in the dairy activity.

scholarly journals Ekonomiczne i organizacyjne zmiany w gospodarstwach mlecznych należących do Europejskiego Stowarzyszenia Producentów Mleka

2017 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 99-111
Author(s):  
Ewa Kołoszycz
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Organization Of Production ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Price Situation ◽  
Made In

The paper aims to discussion of the changes that have been made in farms specialised in milk production in the period before and after changes the dairy market in Europe. To research is based on the selected 124 farm belonging to the European Dairy Farmers (EDF), which in period 2012-2016 participated in the analysis of the cost of milk production. There were examined changes in the organization of production, used resources, and the economic effects on farms. The results indicate that all groups of farms have increased their milk production, resulting from the growth of both the multiplicity of cow herds as well as with the improvement of milk yield. It has been observed an increase in the intensity of land use and labor, and has worsened the productivity of capital involved in dairy production. The biggest differences between the groups in the incurred costs in milk production were in the opportunity cost and depreciation. Unfavorable price situation on the market in 2016 resulted in the situation that, the total cost of milk production were lower than the prices of milk only by 12% in the analysed farms.

LIME AND DAIRY PRODUCTION

1982 ◽  
pp. 93-103
Author(s):  
N.A. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
The Third ◽  
One Year ◽  
Plasma Magnesium

In a four year grazing trial with dairy cows the application of 5000 kg lime/ ha (applied in two applications of 2500 kg/ha in winter of the first two years) significantly increased annual pasture production in two of the four years and dairy production in one year. In three of the four years lime significantly increased pasture growth over summer/autumn with concurrent increases in milk production. In the last year of the trial lime had little effect on pasture growth but a relatively large increase in milkfat production resulted. A higher incidence of grass staggers was recorded on the limed farmlets in spring for each of the four years. In the second spring immediately following the second application of lime significant depressions in both pasture and plasma magnesium levels were recorded. By the third spring differences in plasma magnesium levels were negligible but small depressions in herbage magnesium resulting from lime continued to the end of the trial. Lime significantly raised soil pH, Ca and Mg levels but had no effect on either soil K or P. As pH levels of the unlimed paddocks were low (5.2-5.4) in each autumn and soil moisture levels were increased by liming, these factors may suggest possible causes for the seasonality of the pasture response to lime

Attitude of Dairy Farmers Towards Cultivation of Green Fodder Crops in Bidar District of Karnataka

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakash Kumar Rathod
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Personal Interview ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Fodder Crops ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
Green Fodder

An ex-post-facto exploratory study was conducted to assess the attitude of dairy farmers towards cultivation of green fodder crops and constraints faced by them for fodder cultivation in Bidar district of Karnataka, India using an attitude scale through personal interview method. The study reported that majority of the respondents had medium level of favorable attitude towards green fodder cultivation and the variables education and scientific orientation of the farmers was found to be significantly correlated with attitude towards green fodder cultivation. The respondents perceived that non-availability of inputs and scarcity of water was the major constraints for cultivation of fodder in the study area. The study concluded that, there is a need to educate the farmers about green fodder cultivation and feeding through various extension approaches for improved dairy production in the study area.

Use of information and communication technologies in small-scale dairy production systems in central Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-779
Author(s):  
Juan de Dios García-Villegas ◽  
Anastacio García-Martínez ◽  
Carlos Manuel Arriaga-Jordán ◽  
Monica Elizama Ruiz-Torres ◽  
Adolfo Armando Rayas-Amor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

AbstractThe objective of the study was to characterize small-scale dairy production systems to identify the technological preferences according to the farmer and farm characteristics and to analyze the importance and role of the information communication technologies (ICTs) in the dissemination of information related to management and livestock activities. To collect the data, a survey was applied to 170 small-scale dairy farmers from central Mexico. To characterize the farms, a factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) were performed. To compare and identify differences between groups, a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted. Four factors that explain 70.93% of the accumulated variance were identified; these factors explain the use of technology, production characteristics, social connections, and use of ICTs. The cluster analysis identified four groups. Group 1 was integrated by farmers with more experience and the largest farms. Group 2 had higher studies and use of ICTs. Group 3 was formed by young farmers but had a low use of technology. Group 4 contained older farmers with a low use of technology. The young farmers with higher studies have begun to incorporate ICTs into their daily activities on the farm, as observed in Group 2. Smartphones were the most used and were considered important by the farmers of the four groups, since they enable interaction with other farmers and the dissemination of topics of interest related with the farm. In conclusion, four group of farmers were differentiated; therefore, different extension approaches should be implemented to take into account the preferences and the technologies considered most important for each group. The ICTs are emerging technologies among small-scale dairy farmers to communicate information related to livestock management, mainly by young farmers with studies of secondary, as observed in Group 2.

A scale-up field experiment for the monitoring of a burning process using chemical, audio, and video sensors

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 891-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Stavrakakis ◽  
A. Agapiou ◽  
K. Mikedi ◽  
S. Karma ◽  
M. Statheropoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Burning Process ◽  
Video Sensors

scholarly journals Relationships and the Determinants of Sustainable Land Management Technologies in North Gojjam Sub-Basin, Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6365
Author(s):  
Alelgn Ewunetu ◽  
Belay Simane ◽  
Ermias Teferi ◽  
Benjamin F. F. Zaitchik
Keyword(s):  
Land Management ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Policy Issue ◽  
Farm Households ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Sustainable Land Management ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Blue Nile ◽  
The North

Sustainable land management (SLM) is a leading policy issue in Ethiopia. However, the adoption and continuous use of SLM technologies remain low. This study investigates the interrelationship of adopted SLM technologies and key factors of farmers’ decisions to use SLM technologies in the North Gojjam sub-basin of the Upper Blue Nile. The study was based on the investigation of cross-sectional data obtained from 414 randomly selected rural household heads, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and Econometric models (i.e., Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression) were used to analyze quantitative data, while a content analysis method was used for qualitative data analysis. Results indicate that at least one type of SLM technology was implemented by 94% of farm households in the North Gojjam sub-basin. The most widely used technologies were chemical fertilizer, soil bund, and animal manure. Most of the adopted SLM technologies complement each other. Farm size, family size, male-headed household, local institutions, perception of soil erosion, livestock size, total income, and extension service increased the adoption probability of most SLM technologies. Plot fragmentation, household age, plot distance, off-farm income, market distance, and perception of good fertile soil discourage the adoption probability of most SLM technologies. To scale up SLM technologies against land degradation, it is important to consider households’ demographic characteristics, the capacity of farm households, and plot-level related factors relevant to the specific SLM technologies being promoted.

scholarly journals Competencies in Dairy Production Needed by Dairy Farmers of Kuku Cooperative Dairy Society in Khartoum State, Sudan

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Mahmoad H. Ibnouf ◽  
Maen N. Sheqwarah ◽  
Kamel I. Sultan
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Vaccination Program ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Proper Management ◽  
High Repeatability

<p>The dairy farmers of Sudan are facing the lack of some competencies needed for improving the dairy productivity of their cattle. Therefore it is very important to study the farmers competencies in order to put plans for improving the farmers conditions and go for better productivity. The main objective of this study was to identify the competencies in dairy production of Kuku Cooperative Dairy Society (KCDS) in Khartoum State. A random sample of 81 dairy farmers was drawn from the total 162 members of KCDS. A questionnaire was carefully prepared that included a list of 8 understandings and 27 important abilities in the field of dairy production. A rating scale was provided with a 0 to 4 range of the abilities and understandings. The personal interviews with the farmers in the sample were conducted during January, 2013. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). It was concluded that the dairy farmers need more competencies in dairy production. Some competencies need more emphasis than others. The dairy farmers felt that they possessed fewer competencies in dairy production than their actual need. Farmers indicated that they need more competence in areas related to calculating net farm income, selecting sires with high proofs and high repeatability, identifying mastitis problems and treating mastitic cows, recognizing symptoms of sick animals, following the vaccination program, the proper management and the adequacy of feeding calves and herd replacements, and the identification of common parasites.</p>

scholarly journals Constraints in Adoption of Animal Husbandry Practices in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
A. Lavanya ◽  
G. Prasad Babu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Very High

The present study was carried out to find out the constraints in implementation of improved dairy related activities among the dairy farmers in adopted villages who have been receiving regular guidance and technical support from KVK, Banavasi, Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 120 farmers from 3 mandals were selected using simple random sampling method and a series of questions covering aspects like breeding, feeding, health care and clean milk production were administered and constraints were recorded and categorised. The beneficiaries perceived "non-availability of green fodder throughout the year" (81.66%) and "A.I. centre not/distantly located" (64%) as the most serious infrastructural constraints. "Cost of rearing crossbred cows is very high" (89.66%) and "excess workload" (84%) as the main constraints of socio psychological nature encountered by the beneficiaries.

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