Knowledge Transfer for Economic Development: Online Farmer Traning in Vojvodina

During the five-year period of the Vojvodina Economic Development Program implementation, €350 million has been invested in the target area. The aim of the present research is to review the process and achievements of farmer training and to introduce a model of successful knowledge transfer. The success of online farmer training was analyzed using statistical methods. A general model introducing a concrete practice example was developed using structural analysis and modeling. As a result of the research, we point out that improving the level of knowledge of farmers through training is a key issue in the operation of successful integration systems, in the production of crops of the right quality and quantity. Due to the fact that the design was made to be user-friendly, and requires a low-level technical equipment and IT skills, the knowledge base is equally accessible to farmers regardless of age, education and place of residence. The program expands the level of knowledge and digital competencies of the farmers, and provides useful information for further developments. The flowchart presented in the article is a suitable tool to increase the efficiency of the training today and can serve as a reference for other institutions engaged in similar activities.

Assessment of Hygiene Practices and Microbial Safety of Milk Supplied by Smallholder Farmers to Processors in Selected Counties in Kenya

Smallholder farmers dominate the Kenyan dairy sector producing 95% of the total milk. However, several concerns have been raised on the quality and safety of the milk they produce. This study assessed the hygienic practices and microbial safety of milk supplied by smallholder farmers to processors in Bomet, Nyeri, and Nakuru counties in Kenya. Interviews and direct observations were carried out to assess hygiene and handling practices by farmers and a total of 92 milk samples were collected along four collection channels: direct suppliers, traders, cooperatives with coolers and cooperatives without coolers. Microbial analysis was done following standard procedures and data analysed using GenStat and SPSS. This study revealed that farmers did not employ good hygienic practices in their routine dairy management. They used plastic containers for milking and milk storage (34.2%); they did not clean sheds (47.9%) and did not set aside cows that suffered from mastitis factors (83.6%), resulting in poor microbial quality of raw milk along the collection channels. The highest mean total viable counts (8.72 log10 cfu/ml) were recorded in Nakuru while Nyeri had the highest mean E. coli counts (4.97 log10 cfu/ml) and Bomet recorded the highest mean counts of 5.13 and 5.78 log10 cfu/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes respectively. Based on all above-mentioned parameters, the microbial load in most samples from all three counties exceeded the set Kenyan standards. Farmer training, improving road infrastructure, use of instant coolers at cooperatives, and quality-based payment systems are recommended as measures to curb microbial growth.

Pelatihan produksi pakan buatan skala rumah tangga untuk pembudidaya ikan di kota Sorong, Papua Barat

Purpose: This community service aimed to train fish farmers in Sorong City to produce artificial feed containing 30% feed protein . Methods: The methods implemented were lectures and direct practice of making fish diets. Pearson square method was used for the feed formulation. Results: The output of this dedication activity increased the knowledge and expertise of fish farmers to make fish feed independently so that farmers can save operational costs in farming activities. Conclusions: This activity was attended by 10 participants and all participants could understand the concept of the training and be able to make artificial fish feed independently. Keywords: Fish feed, Pearson square, Fish Farmer, Training

Introduction of Dryland Soybean Technology in Pandeglang Regency, Banten

odities in Indonesia is soybeans. Domestic soybean production is still low so that it can fill the gap in the domestic fever that is possible through imports. Farmers are less interested in planting soybeans because it is less profitable. Technological innovation and increasing farmer motivation to plant soybeans need to be done, one of which is through demonstration plots and farmer training. The research was carried out in Mekar Sari Village, Panimbang District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten. The study was conducted in the demonstration plot including the introduction of new high yielding varieties. Farmer responses were explored through farmer field day using a questionnaire. The aims of a research is to introduce the technology of dryland soybean cultivation and explore the interest of farmers in developing this technology. the majority of farmers were males with there were 65% of farmers had narrow land area that is ≤ 0,4 ha. Dena 1 variety produced the highest productivity of 1,820.1 kg/h compared to other varieties. The motivation to develop dryland soybean technology is based on the desire to develop more advanced and modern (72.5%), gain insight and knowledge (67.5%) and to develop the regional economy (66.25%).

Adoption Index of Women Goat Farmers in Various Aspirational District of Niti-Ayog in West Bengal, India

The Goat husbandry plays a key role in sustainable livelihood and income generation of the rural small-marginal farmers, landless laborers and specially women folk. The research work was carried out on adoption index of women goat farmers in purposively selected 05 nos. of aspiration districts, of NITI Aayog, GOI in W.B. From each one block of each district50 nos. of women goat farmers’ were randomly selected as respondents with total sample size of 250 nos. for the present study. The collected data were compiled and analyzed statistically with the help of pre-tested structured interview schedule for better interpretation of the findings of the study. The study had showed low level of adoption among the farm women, which indicated their lacking in application of improved husbandry practices in goat farming. The study revealed that, majority of farm women of Birbhum district were having higher % age of low adoption level in comparison to other four districts. The findings also revealed that, joint family married women were having more adoption index than nuclear family. The study explored that, South Dinajpur district had highest adoption level in terms of almost all enlisted adoption indicators than other four aspirational districts in the study. In future, a comprehensive farmer training and demonstration programme need to be conducted in this area for livelihood improvement of women goat farmers. The adoption level about goat farming need to be assessed for formulation of sustainable livelihood based promising endeavor in this functional area of the state of W.B.