scholarly journals Agroforestry as a Biodiversity Conservation Tool in the Atlantic Forest? Motivations and Limitations for Small-Scale Farmers to Implement Agroforestry Systems in North-Eastern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 6932
Author(s):  
Mauricio Sagastuy ◽  
Torsten Krause
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

Agroforestry practices support agricultural resilience against climatic variability, increase soil productivity, can diversify and increase farmers’ incomes, and support native fauna in agricultural landscapes. However, many farmers are still reluctant to implement agroforestry practices. We distributed questionnaires to 75 agroforestry and 64 “conventional agriculture” small-scale farmers working in the northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest to identify the motivations and limitations to implement agroforestry practices. We reveal the four main reasons why farmers worked with agroforestry: Higher income generation (89%), diversification of the production system (86%), increase in the land’s quality and productivity (86%), and increase in self-sufficiency (82%). The three most common mentioned reasons for conventional agriculture farmers to not shift to agroforestry practices were: Uncertainty if the system will work (62%), reduction in yield of the main agricultural crop (43%), and a lack of models and knowledge in the region (41%). Agroforestry in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest region can support native fauna, but farmers need to be educated about agroforestry practices and encouraged to switch from conventional agriculture to agroforestry through an increase in available technical assistance and capacitation/training in agroforestry practices.

scholarly journals Eksistensi Dan Transformasi Petani Gurem: Kasus Pertanian Wilayah Pinggiran Kota Bandung

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Yonas Hangga Saputra
Keyword(s):  
Land Tenure ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
The Status ◽  
Institutional Aspect ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

<em>This article aims at: (1) describing the existence and transformation of small-scale farmers; (2) identifying the problems of small-scale farmers related to the land tenure pattern, farming system, and institutional aspect; and (3) recommending the policy for small-scale farmers empowerment, case of sub-urban area of Bandung municipality.  The  research  results  show  that  the  existence  and  transformation  of small-scale farmers were degraded. The most problem faced by small-scale farmers in locale of the study was agricultural land conversion to non-agricultural purposes. Consequently, the proportion of small-scale farmers who operate their owned land was decreased and some of them transformed to the status of cultivated farmers either in rented or shared systems or became farm laborers. Moreover, the farm productivity was not optimal while the position of small-scale farmers especially the cultivated farmers became feeble in negotiation with owned land as well as in terms of capital aspect. The empowerment program intervention should be followed by technical assistance in line with aspiration of small-scale farmers toward collectively participatory in the organization of farmers. It should be implemented through participatory young generation both in on-farm and in off-farm activities.</em>

scholarly journals Adoption of dairy farming technologies by small farm holders: practices and constraints

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Quddus
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Crossbred Cows ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
High Level

In Bangladesh, usually, small scale farmers are not adopted to use all kinds of improved technologies in dairy farming. But, high level of technology adoption has a direct impact on milk yield and household’s income generation as well as dairy development. The objectives of this study was to determine the causes of adoption and non adoption of high yielding breed, the level of practices and constraints in adopting the improved technologies. The study was carried out in three different agro-ecological zones and 180 dairy cattle farmers were interviewed. Self practiced dairy technologies were listed, adoption score for each technology and adoption index for each farmer were studied. One-fourth farmers used artificial insemination for breeding purpose and two-fifth belonged to medium or high level of technology adoption. Only 35% farmers adopted crossbred cows and some others upgraded indigenous with exotic breeds. About 17.5% rural farmers and 70% semi-urban farmers reared crossbred cows and rural farmers are reluctant to utilize all kinds of improved technologies. Secondary and higher educated farmers were 9.7 times more likely to be adopting improved technologies compared to illiterate farmers. Top ranked constraints were ill equipped and negligible services at AI centre, no provision for testing of animals, poor knowledge of farmers about health care of animals and inadequate knowledge about proper feeding and balanced ration. Need more knowledge on improved technologies through training, availability of reliable and continuous technical assistance, availability and low price of concentrate feeds, increased and timely provision of medicine, increasing AI facilities, providing pure breed and strengthening extension services were the main suggestions from farmers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i2.14132Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2012. 41 (2): 124-135

scholarly journals Exposure to agricultural pesticides and use of personal protection equipment by small-scale farmers in a municipality of Minas Gerais, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Júlio César Barbosa da Silva ◽  
Felipe Lima Dipe ◽  
Camila Dos Santos Leite ◽  
Ana Aparecida da Silva Almeida ◽  
Oscar César Pires
Keyword(s):  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Agricultural Pesticides ◽  
Informed Consent Form ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

The use of agricultural pesticides in Brazil has significantly increased during recent decades, especially due to the competition between the internal Brazilian market and that for exports. Pesticides are among the most important risk factors for the health of the general population, especially workers, and the environment, resulting in a scenario of increased public spending on health and social damage due to pollution by such chemicals, with emphasis on organophosphates and carbamates. When these substances are managed incorrectly, such as when personal protection equipment (PPE) is not used, or when they are inadequately discarded without adhering to sanitary disposal guidelines, they can cause pollution and short- and long-term damage to health. This paper therefore surveys the knowledge base of small-scale farmers with respect to exposure to agrochemicals and the importance of use of PPEs. This qualitative and transversal study relied upon the voluntary participation of 64 residents of a rural area. The study was initiated after having received approval of the Committee for Ethics in Research, and after the participants signed an informed consent form. A questionnaire was given to the participants which used multiple choice and open-ended questions. All the participants stated that they use fertilizers and other agrochemicals, and that they do not use or only sporadically use PPEs. All the participants related that they have not had access to specialized technical assistance to help with proper use of agrochemical products, and that they store these products inadequately in their house or in other inappropriate places. These small-scale farmers do not use PPEs and underestimate the damage to their health and that of their family that can be caused by improper use of agrochemicals, and also demonstrate a lack of technical knowledge with respect to adequate management of these products.

scholarly journals Technical Efficiency of Mushroom Farmers in Swaziland

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nkosingiphile P. Dlamini ◽  
Micah B. Masuku ◽  
Jeremiah I. Rugambisa
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Mushrooms have been cultivated in Swaziland since 2001 as part of a long-term programme which sought to improve rural livelihoods through commercial production of non-conventional high-value commodities. Despite the mushroom enterprise gaining popularity in a number of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, where production is dominated by rural-based small-scale farmers, limited research has been done to study the technical efficiency of mushroom farmers in Swaziland.The primary objectives of this study were to determine the level of technical efficiency of mushroom farmers in Swaziland and identify factors which influence technical efficiency of mushroom farmers. Measures of technical efficiency were conducted with 62 farmers in the four Agro ecological zones of Swaziland. The list of current mushroom farmers was obtained from the Mushroom Development Unit in Malkerns. The Stochastic frontier production function was used to compute the level of technical efficiency (TE). The results revealed that the mean technical efficiency was 95%. The results suggest that substantial gains in output can be attained by improving present technical practices which includes the increase in the amount of substrate used. A two limit Tobit regression technique was used to examine the relationship between TE and various farm and farmer characteristics. The results showed that household size was significant at 5% level, technical assistance was also significant at 5% and access to credit was significant at 10% level. It was recommended that extension officers equip farmers on technologies that will help boost their efficiency level and policies that will make access to credit from government and NGO’s for mushroom farmers to acquire resources.

scholarly journals Influence of Environmental Knowledge on Small Scale Women Farmers Adoption of Conservation Agriculture Nakuru County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Eliud Garry Michura ◽  
Anne Jerotich Michura
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Environmental Knowledge ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Practice ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
Bonferroni Test ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Adoption of any technology especially in agricultural practices depends on environmental dynamics. This paper evaluated the influence of environmental knowledge on women small-scale farmers on adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) in Nakuru County. Kenya as one of the developing countries in Africa faced with numerous problems particularly food insecurity, hunger, poverty, diseases and biodiversity loss as a result of conventional agriculture practiced under poor backdrop of environmental knowledge. To alleviate all these problems mentioned above, the alternative method of agricultural practice should now aim at improving conservation agriculture which was discouraged long time ago. But environmental Knowledge to adopt conservation agriculture is needed as better option for maximum agricultural yields and protection of the environment. It is claimed that, CA adoption in Nakuru County by women small-scale farmers was low and there was inadequate research documentation regarding this claim. To establish the claim whether true or not, find out why CA adoption was low in the study area, the research sampled three sites; Naivasha, Rongai and Njoro selected purposefully for differences in ecological characteristics. The sample size of 360 women farmers were randomly selected from a target population of 120,000 women farmers of which, 120 were selected from each of three Sub Counties.  Descriptive survey design using structured questionnaires; interview schedule, personal observation and focus group discussion were used to collect data. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) was used in the data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics; frequency distributions, means, proportions, percentages and inferential statistics; Chi-square, ANOVA, Bonferroni test at alpha value (p < 0.05) level were employed to test the hypothesis. The findings concluded that knowledge of the environment influenced women small scale farmers’ adoption of CA and that CA adoption uptake was low. Recommendations; Policy and decision makers use the results to develop land and agricultural policies, provide incentives to promote small-scale women farmers, use new emerging technologies to speed up knowledge on adoption of CA in order to boost food security and conservation of the environment in Nakuru County and Kenya.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 49-69
Author(s):  
Lenah Mutindi Mulyungi ◽  
Sharon Chepkemboi Waswa
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Study Finding ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Climate variability poses a major challenge for small holder rain fed agricultural production with a relatively greater impact on small scale farmers worldwide. Kitui County, Kenya, particularly remains relatively less focused on climate change and farmer understanding of climate variability response strategies. This study sought to assess variability in climate (rainfall and temperature) in Kitui County from 1980-2012 and assess influence of household socio-economic factors on farmer’s level of knowledge on climate variability adaptation techniques. The study also investigated the challenges faced by farmers in applying climate variability adaptation techniques. To achieve the objectives outlined above, a survey design was employed and a sample of 387 respondents selected. Majority of the respondents were small scale farmers in Kitui County. Questionnaires were designed and administered to the selected subjects to solicit data on climate adaptation techniques and socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ knowledge levels on climate variability adaptation techniques. Data were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results discussed and presented in tables, charts and graphs. The study found that climate has over the years varied with temperatures having increased by 2⁰C in the 1980s and early 1990s. The rainfall has reduced to less than 600mm with the lowest rainfall (226mm) being recorded in 2006. This implies that the Kitui County is becoming drier and hotter. These findings were ascertained by majority of the respondents (91.1%) who agreed that rainfall patterns had varied in the last ten years. The study found that there were no significant differences on how local farmers adapted to the changes in climate with regard to income, age and even ownership of land. An exception however, was on education levels with the study finding significant statistical differences (p<0.005) on how farmers with different levels of education adapted to climatic variability and change.

Researching Alternative Cash Crops for Small Scale Farmers in Southern Ohio

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 530a-530
Author(s):  
Brad Bergefurd ◽  
Gary Gao
Keyword(s):  
Applied Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Cash Crops ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Culinary Herbs ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

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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