scholarly journals Socio-economic contributions of small-scale plantations in Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 84-92
Author(s):  
Yilebes Addisu Damtie ◽  
Mandefrot Amare

In order to enhance the attention given by farmers, government and concerned bodies, the socio-economic contributions of small-scale plantations should be studied. This study identified the socio-economic benefits of small-scale plantations in the Godera Woreda of Gambella Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected through questioners and key informant interviews from 208 farmers and 8 key informants. Descriptive statistics and a regression model were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that of the average 1.72 ha of land possessed by small-scale farmers 0.81 ha was used for tree plantations. The main types of plantations were coffee, eucalyptus, banana and avocado. The mean annual production was 645 kg, 290 kg and 271 kg for coffee, banana and avocado, respectively. Small-scale farmers earned a mean of 4675.56 Birr from plantations which was 32.37 % of the total income. The Woreda government gained 365,022 Birr royalty payment during 2015/16.The regression results show income from plantations significantly affects the annual income of small-scale farmers (β = 0.436, p < 0.01). Access to basic services, land use change, expenditures, population growth, employment opportunities, and migration are social changes supported by small-scale plantations. The availability of a favourable environment, extension service, land, and peace are opportunities of plantations. In contrast, challenges of small-scale plantations are disease, low prices for product, lack of improved plantation varieties, shortage of land, lack of demand, climate change and rainfall reduction, lack of government support, and high transportation costs. It is recommended to strengthen the small-scale plantations for better positive socio-economic contributions of the sector through supporting the opportunities and management of identified challenges.

Author(s):  
S. Shupyk

The article analyzes the support for the US market, where the government has allocated almost $ 22.2 billion for the development of dairy cattle. direct and indirect subsidies to the country's dairy sector (35.02 c/l), which is equivalent to 73% of farmers' milk sales, showed relatively high domestic support, export subsidies, conservation programs, risk management programs, disaster relief programs, loan programs, crop insurance, livestock support. Surveys to support the Indian market, which ranks second in the world in raw milk production (9.5%), have shown that almost 80% of small-scale farmers are small-scale farmers. Milk collection is carried out by 130 thousand dairy cooperatives. NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) under DEDS, provides for subsidies of up to 25% of costs. China is investing heavily in the construction of large dairy farms and livestock complexes with up to 100,000 cows. The Australian market produces 9.3 million tonnes of milk, of which 36% is exported and is the world's fourth exporter of dairy products (6% of the world market). Australia's dairy cattle are characterized by a small amount of direct government support. During 2015-2016, agriculture received financial and commercial assistance over $ 147 million. US in the form of payments to farms. It has been established that price forecasting plays an important role in regulating the milk market in Australia, on the basis of which the profile Ministry, taking into account world prices, generates milk price indices. Analysis of milk production in Switzerland has shown that it remains highly subsidized. In 2013, state support for milk producers amounted to CHF 1.8 billion, incl. direct subsidies are estimated at 1.5 billion Swiss francs, which is 61 thousand Swiss francs per dairy farm, or 0.41 Swiss francs per 1 liter of milk. The state support system for dairy cattle in Canada has been found to include the following instruments: import tariffs that restrict dairy imports; minimum guaranteed prices for raw milk that are set at the maximum amount of milk sold to the dairies within the quota; a system of direct payments to farmers for milk production within the quota. The amount of direct payments per 1 liter of milk is set annually by the government. In order to support Canadian producers in technological modernization aimed at improving the efficiency of milk production, a dairy farm investment program (DFIP) is implemented with state support of $ 250 million. USA According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Iceland, Japan, Norway and Switzerland, the level of support for dairy producers exceeds on average 70% of the gross income of farmers, in Canada, the EU, Hungary, Korea and the USA the amount of support is 40-55%. An analysis of the support for the development of dairy cattle in the EU countries showed that the following instruments are allocated for these purposes: production restrictions (milk production quotas); government interventions and storage; Establishment of product sales regulations / regulations; the dairy package (including regulating contractual relations in the dairy sector); foreign trade (import regulations, export subsidies); government subsidies. It is found that the main factor that increases the profitability of dairy production in developed countries is the improvement of quality and differentiation of the range. Major factors contributing to the successful development of dairy cattle are increased government support and economical use of resources. Also used are a set of financial incentives, including reducing the tax burden. Key words: Livestock, milk market, domestic support, development programs, cooperation, financial incentives, subsidies, import tariffs, quotas.


Author(s):  
Shibu Jose

Agroforestry systems, the planting of perennial trees and/or shrubs with annual agronomic crops or pasture, have been proposed as more environmentally benign, alternative systems for agricultural production in both temperate and tropical regions of the world. Agroforestry provides a number of environmental benefits as confirmed by scientific literature. The four major environmental benefits of agroforestry are (1) climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, (2) biodiversity conservation, (3) soil health enrichment, and (4) air and water quality improvement. In addition to environmental benefits, the economic benefits of multiple crops within agroforestry systems have also generated interest in their adoption by farmers the world over. The major negative impacts come from conversion or degradation of forests following certain traditional practices, which may not fit in the definition of modern agroforestry. Challenges remain for widespread adoption of agroforestry, particularly in the temperate world; however, a new resurgence of interest in this land-use practice among small-scale farmers has shed light on a path toward its possible success. Past evidence clearly indicates that agroforestry, as part of a multifunctional working landscape, can offer not only economic return, but also a number of ecosystem services and environmental benefits for a sustainable society.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 524-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford James Fagariba ◽  
Shaoxian Song ◽  
Serge Kévin Gildas Soule Baoro

Abstract Countries and international organizations are making conscious effort to address climate change threat to humanity. Rising fossil fuel burning and land use changes to meet human demands continuously emit large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere thus causing climate change. The research used Talensi District as a case study to determine factors influencing farmers’ adaptation response and the actual practices used to avert climate change impact. A total of 225 small-scale farmers were sampled for survey and 100 key informants were used in focus group discussions. Utilizing the logistic regression model, the study indicated that education, transportation, inputs cost and extension services were the factors with high tendency of undermining farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change. In addition, Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes revealed that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Climate change adaptation practices assessed in the study showed that change in planting date, improved crops varieties and land rotation were the most preferred practices. The study concluded that farmers resilience could be enhanced if governments and concerned organizations intensify adaptation campaigns, increase access to weather information, and train farmers on adaptable practices including, timely planting and alternative sources of livelihood. In addition, intensifying government support for agriculture including input subsidies, and provision of irrigation facilities were also good interventions to improve climate change resilience.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adebayo Oluwole Eludoyin ◽  
Augustina Olichikwu Nevo ◽  
Peter Adeolu Abuloye ◽  
Oyenike Mary Eludoyin ◽  
Olusegun Olufemi Awotoye

Abstract The study examined the variations of selected climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) and the perceptions of small-scale farmers on the effects of extreme climate condition on cropping activities in the rain forest ecological region in southwest Nigeria. The area is characterized by three different subecological strata (the mountainous Akoko region in the north, the southern coastal area, and the middle, relatively lowland and more urbanized area) whose effects on the climate are made explicit in the relatively different values of the climate variables. Analysis of the responses to questions on perceptions of extreme climate effects indicated that about 70% of the farmers were aware of the effects of extreme climate events on crop production and yield, and over 50% indicated that too early rainfall, late rainfall, prolonged dryness after an initial rainfall, excessive rainfall, and windstorms were the common weather-related causes of low crop yields. More than 76% of the farmers changed planting dates and diversified their crops as mitigation measures, while about 72% adopted mulching and intercropping as adaptation strategies against extreme weather conditions. Only less than 20% had access to government support facilities and modern infrastructure. The study concluded that although the farmers respond to variable and extreme climate events in the study area, the responses, being not adequately supported by adequate farming infrastructure, do not guarantee sustainable food security in the region.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1096
Author(s):  
Tamás Mizik

Overpopulation and climate change are among the greatest challenges the world faces. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) provides an adequate answer by aiming for higher productivity, resilience, as well as GHG emission reduction. As small-scale farms are the cornerstone of the agricultural sector, especially in developing countries, their greater involvement in climate-related actions is essential. CSA practices seek a higher and more stable income sustainably. This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of how CSA is realized on small-scale farms, what the major CSA practices applied are, and what factors motivate and hamper higher CSA adoption. Based on 30 selected articles, the major message of the literature is a case/site-specific approach due to the tremendous heterogeneity of small-scale farms. As agricultural production is characterized by high risks and low returns, small-scale farmers must consider the length of the payback period when they decide on any CSA practices. This is the reason smallholdings, who implement any CSA practices, must achieve economic benefits, otherwise, they need to be compensated for providing environmental benefits. Moreover, simpler methods with low labor intensity are often applied. Access to the different financial instruments and inputs, knowledge/education/information, and land use security are the critical factors of the CSA adoption. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that, unlike off-farm activities/incomes, full-time farming is a serious commitment that positively influences CSA adoption.


Author(s):  
Jane Muthoni ◽  
Hussein Shimelis ◽  
Mbiri D. G. ◽  
Schulte-Geldermann Elmar

Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. It is a valuable cash and food crop mainly grown by small-scale farmers. Potato is cultivated mainly under rainfed production conditions at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 metre above sea level (masl). Consequently, National Performance Trials (NPTs) test sites are located in these highlands. Recently, potato production has spread to the mid-highlands (1200-1500masl) mostly due to high food demand occasioned by population increase, and migration of small scale farmers from the densely populated highlands to the more spacious midlands. Consequently, there is increased need to breed potato varieties that can grow profitably in the warmer mid-altitudes. This development called for identification of new conventional NPT test sites located in the mid-altitudes. Six mid-altitude sites were identified and client-managed conventional NPTs carried out. Twenty six potato genotypes were evaluated for two seasons. First season crop was planted in 2016 while the second season crop was planted in 2017. There was a significant (p≤ 0.001) effect of genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interaction in the first season. Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. All genotypes yielded between 10 and 25 ton/ha. In the second season, only environments showed significant (p≤ 0.001) effects. Again, Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. Across the two seasons, Trans-Nzoia gave an average yield of 26.96 ton/ha followed by Kabete at 18. 21ton/ha. All the other four sites yielded less than 10 ton/ha. The high yields at Trans-Nzoia and Kabete could be due to higher altitudes in these two sites compared to the others. In order to develop potato varieties that can produce profitably in the warm mid-altitudes, breeding and early generation selections activities should be based in these areas.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Manjari P ◽  
◽  
Manjari Kumar

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 3631-3644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samwel Mchele Limbu ◽  
Amon Paul Shoko ◽  
Hieromin Amon Lamtane ◽  
Mary Alphonce Kishe-Machumu ◽  
Masanja Charles Joram ◽  
...  

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 530a-530
Author(s):  
Brad Bergefurd ◽  
Gary Gao

Speciality crops are great alternative cash crops for small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are constantly searching for viable economic crops to grow. We have been conducting applied research on the production and marketing of culinary herbs, oriental vegetables, colored peppers, and muskmelons to name a few. These crops show excellent potential for southern Ohio. Field demonstration, seminars, and surveys were used to gather and disseminate information on these speciality crops. More than 230 people attended our seminars on alternative cash crops. More than 150 people attended our field days. In addition, we had identified many chefs that are willing to purchase from local speciality crop growers. It will be a win-win situation for both chefs and growers. Growers will be able to maximize their profitability while chefs will receive fresh and unique produce. As a result of our research, we were able to show small scale growers what they can grow successfully and how they can market their crops for most profit. These applied research projects received a combined funding of $10000.00 from OSU Extension-Innovative Grant program. These projects are a great way to establish credibility among clients. We would also like to demonstrate how other extension agents can help their clients. A lecture utilizing slides and overhead transparencies will be the format of the seminar.


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