scholarly journals Responsible Agricultural Mechanization Innovation for the Sustainable Development of Nepal’s Hillside Farming System

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachana Devkota ◽  
Laxmi Prasad Pant ◽  
Hom Nath Gartaula ◽  
Kirit Patel ◽  
Devendra Gauchan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Responsible Innovation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Mechanization

Agricultural mechanization in developing countries has taken at least two contested innovation pathways—the “incumbent trajectory” that promotes industrial agriculture, and an “alternative pathway” that supports small-scale mechanization for sustainable development of hillside farming systems. Although both pathways can potentially reduce human and animal drudgery, the body of literature that assesses the sustainability impacts of these mechanization pathways in the local ecological, socio-economic, cultural, and historical contexts of hillside farms is either nonexistent or under-theorized. This paper addresses this missing literature by examining the case of Nepal’s first Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Policy 2014 (AMPP) using a conceptual framework of what will be defined as “responsible innovation”. The historical context of this assessment involves the incumbent trajectory of mechanization in the country since the late 1960s that neglected smallholder farms located in the hills and mountains and biased mechanization policy for flat areas only. Findings from this study suggest that the AMPP addressed issues for smallholder production, including gender inequality, exclusion of smallholder farmers, and biophysical challenges associated with hillside farming systems, but it remains unclear whether and how the policy promotes small-scale agricultural mechanization for sustainable development of agriculture in the hills and mountains of Nepal.

scholarly journals SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ RESOURCE ALLOCATION DECISIONS IN A MAIZE-FARMING SYSTEM UNDER CLIMATE RISKS IN MALAWI

AGROFOR ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth MAGRETA ◽  
Henderson NG’ONG’OLA ◽  
Julius MANGISONI ◽  
Kennedy MACHILA ◽  
Sika GBEGBELEGBE
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
The Body ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Climatic Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Allocation Decisions ◽  
Resource Allocation Decisions

Using household data from Lilongwe districts, along with crop phenology, agronomic management and climatic data from Chitedze Research Station, the Target-MOTAD and DSSAT-CSM models examined the resource allocation decisions of smallholder farmers in maize farming systems under climate risk in Malawi. Specific aims were to evaluate the ability of DSSAT to predict and collate DTM and non-DTM yields under climatic risk and to use a bio-economic procedure developed using DSSAT and Target-MOTAD to explore the impact of climatic risk on allocation of resources to DTM and non-DTM production. The paper argues that higher average yields observed from DTM varieties make it the most optimal maize production plan, in maximizing household incomes, food security, and minimizing deviations from the mean while meeting the set target incomes of farmers compared to non-DTM varieties. The multidisciplinary nature of this paper has contributed to the body of research by providing a powerful analytical procedure of modelling farmers’ resource allocation decisions in maize based farming systems in Malawi. This study necessitates the use of a combination of biophysical and economic procedures when evaluating promising lines prior to variety release in order to identify the high yielding variety that will continuously bring sustained profits to the farmers amidst climate change.

scholarly journals Platform, Participation, and Power: How Dominant and Minority Stakeholders Shape Agricultural Innovation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen M. Eidt ◽  
Laxmi P. Pant ◽  
Gordon M. Hickey
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Innovation Systems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Agricultural Innovation ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Institutional Contexts ◽  
Access And Quality ◽  
Agricultural Innovation Systems

Within agricultural innovation systems (AIS), various stakeholder groups inevitably interpret ‘innovation’ from their own vantage point of privilege and power. In rural developing areas where small-scale and subsistence farming systems support livelihoods, dominant policy actors often focus heavily on participatory modernization and commercialization initiatives to enhance productivity, access, and quality. However, existing social hierarchies may undermine the potential of such initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable farmer-driven innovation. Focusing on the chronically food insecure smallholder agricultural systems operating in Yatta Sub-county, Eastern Kenya, this paper explores how power dynamics between stakeholders can influence, and can be influenced by, participatory agricultural innovation initiatives. Findings suggest that there are often significant disparities in access to, and control over, platform resources between smallholder farmers and other stakeholder groups, resulting in large asymmetries. We discuss how these power dynamics may increase the risk of agricultural intervention, further marginalizing already disempowered groups and reinforcing power hierarchies to the detriment of smallholders. This study highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the institutional contexts that facilitate and maintain relationships of power within agricultural innovation systems, as well as the complexities associated with promoting transformational agricultural innovation.

scholarly journals Understanding the Dynamic of Rice Farming Systems in Southern Mozambique to Improve Production and Benefits to Smallholders

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1018
Author(s):  
Fátima Ismael ◽  
Aires A. Mbanze ◽  
Alexis Ndayiragije ◽  
David Fangueiro
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Multinomial Logit Model ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Rice Farming ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Crop Types ◽  
Mixed Crops

Rice farming systems (RFSs) in southern Mozambique are very heterogeneous and diversified, which has implications for smallholders’ adoption of each RFS, as well as on rice production and productivity in the region. In this regard, it is important to understand: (i) which RFS typologies can be leveraged to improve rice production and productivity; (ii) the drivers for smallholder farmers’ decisions to adopt an RFS; and (iii) which policies/incentives could enhance existing RFSs. The present study was based on surveys of 341 smallholder rice farmers in the Chókwè Irrigation Scheme (CIS), southern Mozambique. Data on the productivity of rice, size of the herd, and total other crop types were used to frame the RFS typologies. A multinomial logit model (MLM) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were applied to determine the driver for each RFS, and predict the constraints for production and yield. Based on cluster analysis, four typologies of RFSs were identified: the subsistence farming system (FS), specialised rice FS, mixed crops FS, and rice–livestock FS. Farms with longer experience reported applying more fertiliser and seedlings per unit hectare. The availability of labour increased the likelihood of adopting the mixed crops FS and rice–livestock FS. Older households were more likely to adopt the subsistence FS, and live closer to the farming fields. Yield of rice was positively associated with inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and seedlings, as well as years of experience of the household. Our results suggest that smallholder farmers need more assistance and technical support to identify and adopt more productive and less costly RFSs in this region.

Economic risk analysis of alternative farming systems for smallholder farmers in central and north-east Thailand

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satit Aditto ◽  
Christopher Gan ◽  
Gilbert Nartea
Keyword(s):  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Risk Averse ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
Study Results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate farmers’ risk aversion using the equally likely certainty equivalent approach and the negative exponential utility function to identify risk preference classification. Design/methodology/approach – Stochastic efficiency with respect to a function is applied to determine the risk efficient farming systems for the farmers in central and north-east regions of Thailand. Findings – The study results showed that maize followed by sorghum is the most risk efficient farming system for the extremely risk averse rain-fed farmers in the central region of Thailand. Intensive planting of wet rice and dry rice cultivation is preferred by the extremely risk averse central region irrigated farmers. Wet rice and cassava together with raising small herd of cattle is the most economically viable farming system for the extremely risk averse rain-fed farmers in the north-east region, while two rice crops with raising cattle is preferred by the extremely risk averse north-east irrigated farmers of Thailand. Originality/value – The findings of this study provide useful information to reinforce the empirical basis for risk analysis for Thai farmers. The results will provide more accurate information regarding risk at the farm level to policy makers and researchers.

scholarly journals Determinants of Smallholder Households’ Resilience to Livelihood Insecurity in Goncha District, Northwest Highlands of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermias Debie ◽  
Amare Wubishet Ayele
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Tree Plantation ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Productive Assets

Poor households are more likely less resilient under climate change, risks of productive assets, social-related shocks, and decline of land productivity. The ability to deal with household resilience against poverty under the uncertain condition of risk is limited in the highlands of Ethiopia. The study aims to identify determinants of household resilience to livelihood insecurity under the crop-livestock mixed farming systems in Goncha district, Northwest highlands of Ethiopia. Primary data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews among 280 households using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test and structural equation modeling were used to analyse the data. The results disclosed that sustainable management of the farming systems, cultivation of more fertile farmland, saving performance, diversification of income-earning activities, intensification of livestock husbandry practices, access to irrigation, and familiarity with practical technologies were found to be significant determinants at p<0.001 to household resilience of smallholder farmers. Social network development and tree plantation were explained household resilience to livelihood insecurity at P<0.01 and P<0.1 significant levels, respectively. The study concluded that scaling up sustainable management of the farming system and practical technologies, enhancing saving behavior, promoting income diversification, and intensifying agroforestry are significant for household resilience to livelihood insecurity of smallholders across agro-ecologies.

MANURE MANAGEMENT BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE KANO CLOSE-SETTLED ZONE, NIGERIA

2001 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Harris ◽  
M. A. Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Production Quality ◽  
Manure Management ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Application Rates

Manure is a key input to smallholder farming systems, especially in the semi-arid environment of West Africa where cost and availability limit the use of inorganic fertilizers. This paper considers manure management by farmers in an intensive integrated farming system in the Nigerian savanna. The paper reports farmers' indigenous knowledge concerning manure production, quality and application, chemical analysis of manure nutrient content and application rates of manure. The potential manure supply of the livestock population of the Kano close-settled zone is calculated and compared with application rates. Recommendations are made concerning methods for improving manure quality through changes in management practices.

scholarly journals Journey of awareness : an exploration of identity through design

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Marlene De Beer
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
The Body ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Reflective Journal ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Visual Journal ◽  
Transformative Process ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
Small Working

My journey of awareness which is an exploration of my identity through design has resulted in a body of artefacts presenting as sculptures and various pieces of jewellery and a written dissertation. The sculptures include bronze castings as well as stoneware ceramic pieces. I produced silver jewellery and vitreous enamelled pieces which include some gold and glass bead detail. Although my sculptures could be considered as fairly small, working on this scale was a new experience to me as a jewellery designer who is used to working on an even smaller scale. I found it challenging to express the necessary emotion and meaning in my work while creating on such a relatively small scale. The body of artefacts is a concrete manifestation of my exploration of identity and was produced as an intuitive expression of memories and emotion. My memories are of personal experiences within a specific cultural and historical context, and the exploration forms part of a critical transformative inquiry. The motivation for this transformative inquiry forms part of a holistic de-fragmentation of my personal and cultural identity in an attempt to construct meaning and authenticity through design. The artefacts were produced in holistic cycles presenting in two distinct phases which are discussed chronologically. I recorded the process and my thoughts and feelings in a reflective journal which included a visual journal in my studio and served as a reference for my discussion of the cycles. I experienced the process of making as a ritualistic enactment of healing and the construction of meaning. In the written and illustrated submission for the award of this degree, I have endeavoured to offer an explanation of my professional and emotional development that formed part of the transformative process. I have chosen not to separate my explanation of my development as a designer and my personal development as it occurred concurrently. Digital imagery of my body of artefacts forms a record of my work offered for exhibition purposes and is included with the written dissertation.

scholarly journals Smallholder farmers’ perception of climatic and socio-economic factors influencing livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Derkyi ◽  
Samuel G.K. Adiku ◽  
Valerie Nelson ◽  
Benjamin Delali Dovie ◽  
Samuel Codjoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Transition Zone ◽  
Road Network ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Pests And Diseases

Background: The study analyzed smallholder farmers’ perception with regards to climatic and socio-economic changes influencing their agriculture livelihoods and coping strategies thereof in the transition zone of Ghana. Methods: We used semi-structured questionnaires for household survey involving 59 households and focus group discussions (n=60) for data collection in three communities. Results: Farming systems are influenced by high and extreme temperatures, delayed onsets of rain, short raining season as well as unpredictable raining seasons. Similarly, socioeconomic factors affecting the communities and their households’ livelihood included i) bad road network; ii) high prices of farm inputs; iii) prevalent crop pests and diseases and iv) absence of irrigation facilities. It was ascertained that though  most farmers have not made conscious efforts to adapt strategies in their farming system to climate change and the social stressors, as expressed in ‘doing nothing or bearing losses’ and we are at the ‘mercy’ of the weather, there are hidden resilience mechanisms that can be harnessed to strengthen their adaptation capabilities. Women in the study area have adapted to the changes in the weather and safeguarded against post-harvest loss of cassava more effectively as compared to their male counterparts. Similarly, the prevailing group farming and maintenance structure (locally known as ‘Noboa’) strengthen the shared responsibility and reciprocity among migrant’ farmers. Conclusions: Though these agrarian communities have some coping strategies to overcome some climatic and socioeconomic challenges, their general adaptive capacity in terms of physical, financial and human assets are limited. This, therefore, calls for the capacity building of both men and women on best farming practices, adaptation strategies and piloting of irrigation systems to enhance their major livelihood but these must be complemented with good road network for ease of access to the market centres.

scholarly journals Evaluating Irrigation and Farming Systems with Solar MajiPump in Ethiopia

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Tewodros T. Assefa ◽  
Temesgen F. Adametie ◽  
Abdu Y. Yimam ◽  
Sisay A. Belay ◽  
Yonas M. Degu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Water Saving ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Overhead Irrigation ◽  
Small Scale Irrigation

Small-scale irrigation in Ethiopia is a key strategy to improve and sustain the food production system. Besides the use of surface water for irrigation, it is essential to unlock the groundwater potential. It is equally important to use soil management and water-saving systems to overcome the declining soil fertility and the temporal water scarcity in the region. In this study, the solar MajiPump was introduced to enable dry season crop production in Ethiopia using shallow groundwater sources. The capacity of the MajiPumps (MP400 and MP200) was tested for the discharge head and discharge using three types of solar panels (150 W and 200 W rigid, and 200 W flexible). Besides, drip irrigation and conservation agriculture (CA) farming systems were evaluated in terms of water productivity and crop yield in comparison to the farmers’ practice (overhead irrigation and tilled farming system). Results indicated that the maximum discharge head capacity of the MajiPumps was 18 m, 14 m, 10 m when using MP400 with 200 W rigid, MP400 with 200 W flexible, and MP200 with 150 W rigid solar panels, respectively. The corresponding MajiPump flow rates ranged from 7.8 L/min to 24.6 L/min, 3 L/min to 25 L/min, and 3.6 L/min to 22.2 L/min, respectively. Compared to farmer’s practice, water productivity was significantly improved under the CA farming and the drip irrigation systems for both irrigated vegetables (garlic, onion, cabbage, potato) and rainfed maize production. The water productivity of garlic, cabbage, potato, and maize was increased by 256%, 43%, 53%, and 9%, respectively, under CA as compared to conventional tillage (CT) even under overhead irrigation. Thus, farmers can obtain a significant water-saving benefit from CA regardless of water application systems. However, water and crop productivity could be further improved in the combined use of MajiPump with CA and drip irrigation (i.e., 38% and 33% water productivity and 43% and 36% crop productivity improvements were observed for potato and onion, respectively). Similarly, compared to CT, the use of CA significantly increased garlic, cabbage, potato, and maize yield by 170%, 42%, 43%, and 15%, respectively under the MajiPump water-lifting system. Overall, the solar-powered drip irrigation and CA farming system were found to be efficient to expand small-scale irrigation and improve productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals The sustainability of small-scale sheep farming systems in the Northern Cape (Hantam Karoo), South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-121
Author(s):  
M. Zenda ◽  
P. Malan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Trade Relations ◽  
Northern Cape

The objective of the study was to assess the current sustainability of small-scale sheep farming systems in the Hantam Karoo, Northern Cape Province (South Africa). The influence of economic, social, and environmental variables (indicators) in promoting the development of sustainable sheep farming was taken into account. Thirty-two small-scale sheep farmers were interviewed using questionnaires which consisted of structured and unstructured questions. The results showed that the sheep farming system was mostly not economically viable due to low sheep numbers, but partially sustainable in the social context. Small flocks result in low income and profitability which is not sustainable. Market access was not a limitation because farmers had good trade relations. Farming benefitted farmers’ families and the community and farmers had access to basic resources. Secure tenure was a major challenge to small-scale farmers. With regard to environmental variables, grazing conditions were poor. In 2017, stocking density was within the norm, which means that frequent droughts and continuous grazing methods rather than sheep stocking rates were probably responsible for poor grazing conditions. Extension advisors could teach the practice of rotational grazing and it might be a good idea to promote gender equality in order to alleviate poverty and increase food security. 

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