Agricultural Extension and Education

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) serve as pivotal institutions for disseminating agricultural knowledge, technology, and skills aimed at enhancing farm productivity and sustainability. This study reviews the role of KVKs as catalysts in promoting agricultural production through skill and knowledge development programs. By empowering farmers to transition from subsistence farming to market-oriented production, KVKs contribute directly to economic development and rural transformation. Special emphasis is placed on the need to address gender-specific challenges, thereby strengthening the participation of women in agriculture. The review further highlights the importance of aligning KVK initiatives with emerging techno-social structures to maximize their efficiency in fostering farmer empowerment. As knowledge hubs, KVKs are envisioned as repositories of agricultural innovation, supporting sustainable rural development. Recent interventions such as the integration of drone technology, collaboration with Atal Tinkering Labs for student engagement, and initiatives like the Landscape Diagnostic Survey (LDS) in pulses demonstrate their adaptability to modern challenges. With 731 KVKs functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and over 8,875 Farmers Producing Organization (FPO) societies registered nationwide, KVKs also play a crucial role in nurturing 117 FPOs as Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs). These multifaceted efforts underscore the holistic contribution of KVKs to strengthening India's agricultural ecosystem.

This study analysed the factors influencing adoption of improved cotton
production practices by farmers in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 101 respondents for the study. Primary data used for this study were collected using interview schedule administered to the cotton farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage and inferential statistic (logit regression). Results of analysis reveal that sole cropping (66.3%) was the major farming system used; land acquisition was essentially by inheritance (67.3%); while the major sources of cotton information were community head (33.6%) and other farmers (27.3%). Also, a majority of them were aware of improved cotton production technologies, such as varieties
(80.2%) and time of planting (71.1%). Also, 80.2% of them adopted improved varieties, and time of planting (71.1%). Age (0.09788), education (0.08310), household size (0.08174), farming experience (0.09613) and extension contacts (0.02156) significantly influenced adoption of  mproved production technologies. However, major constraints to adoption of improved cotton technologies were inadequate capital (87.1%), high cost of inputs (85.0%) and pest and diseases (65.4%). The study concluded that the adoption of improved cotton production practices was found to be low despite high awareness. Dedicated campaigns on
the advantages inherent in cotton production technologies should be vigorously mounted by extension agencies.
Keywords: Adoption, cotton varieties, production practices, technologies

Pembangunan Kawasan Solo Baru dan Kartasura memberikan daya dukung bagi pertumbuhan ekonomi Kabupaten Sukoharjo dan Kota Solo. Konsep Kawasan Solo Baru dan Kartasura sebagai kota satelit mandiri dengan konsep permukiman yang didukung oleh ketersediaan fasilitas penunjang akan berimbas pada perubahan pemanfaatan lahan. Perubahan pemanfaatan lahan memberikan dampak pada sektor pertanian. Keberadaan sektor pertanian sebagai penyedia lumbung pangan nasional di Kabupaten Sukoharjo semakin terancam karena lahan pertanian berubah fungsi menjadi kawasan industri non pertanian. Pemberdayaan petani menjadi perhatian penting untuk menghadapi kondisi perubahan ini. Pelibatan petani sebagai penyuluh pertanian swadaya merupakan alternatif solusi pemberdayaan petani. Alternatif solusi ini sesuai UU Nomor 16 Tahun 2006 Tentang Sistem Penyuluhan Pertanian, Perikanan dan Kehutanan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan peran penyuluh pertanian swadaya dalam mendukung perlindungan lahan perta...

Globally, more than 5 million children die every year from diseases linked to the environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to explore environmental risk factors influencing diarrhoea morbidity of children under five. A community based cross sectional study was conducted to explore incidence and environmental risk factors associated with children under five. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants interview (KII) and observational check list were employed as data collection instruments. Microbial water quality was conducted to check on presence of faecal coli forms. Residual chlorine levels were also assessed through laboratory analysis. A sample size of 384 households was used with 10% to account for non response was incorporated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data from both questionnaire and Key Informants interview guide were triangulated. Water collection from the water points ...

Pertanian pedesaan di Indonesia tengah berada pada persimpangan jalan. Lahan yang luas masih tersedia, namun cara mengelola dan memanfaatkannya sering kali belum beranjak jauh dari pola lama. Hidayati et al. (2025) menemukan bahwa rendahnya produktivitas sebagian besar terkait dengan terbatasnya adopsi teknologi. Mesin pertanian modern, varietas unggul, atau sistem irigasi cerdas jarang benar-benar masuk ke ruang praktik petani. Faktor penyebabnya berlapis: keterbatasan modal, rendahnya literasi digital, hingga desain teknologi yang tidak selalu sesuai dengan kondisi agroekologi lokal.

Environmental Cost Accounting (ECA) is a conceptual framework for the integration of sustainability within economic decision-making, and yet its adoption in Nigeria's organic farming is still minimal. Awareness, use, and sustainability performance impact of ECA among 34 Nigerian organic farms were investigated. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with the focus being on environmental cost practices, perceived benefits, and implementation challenges. Low awareness has been found by the results, as fewer than one-third of the farmers are familiar with practices like Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA), and adoption levels are low. Farmers applying ECA have benefits including higher resource efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced credibility in markets. Key barriers include limited technical knowledge, perceived high costs, and weak regulation enforcement. The findings indicate that ECA can contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability positively, promoting profitability, waste reduction, and improvement in soil and water management. The study recommends capacity development programs, financial benefits, and standardized reporting frameworks to facilitate mass adoption. The findings guide policymakers, farmer cooperatives, and NGOs toward promoting sustainable agriculture and aligning organic farming practices with national and international sustainability goals.

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria's economy and a major source of livelihood, and possesses vast untapped potential to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth. Despite employing a significant portion of the population, the nation faces substantial challenges that hinder optimal crop production, necessitating a reliance on imports to meet its domestic food demands. This review identifies key interconnected obstacles, including the pervasive impact of insecurity and conflicts, the increasing threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation, the persistent challenges of pest and disease outbreaks, the burden of high production costs coupled with limited access to essential inputs, and significant logistical and market access hurdles. To transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, this review proposes a comprehensive research agenda focused on unlocking Nigeria's agricultural potential. Prioritizing research in crucial areas, such as developing climate-resilient crop varieties suitable for diverse agro-ecological zones, implementing integrated pest and disease management strategies, advancing efficient post-harvest loss reduction technologies, exploring cost-effective and sustainable input management practices, improving market access and supply chain efficiencies, and promoting the adoption of appropriate technologies, is paramount. Furthermore, research into effective agricultural policies and the role of innovative financing mechanisms will be vital. By strategically addressing these research priorities, Nigeria can enhance crop productivity, improve the livelihoods and resilience of its farmers, build robust food systems capable of withstanding climate-related shocks, and ultimately achieve national food security and sustainable agricultural development, positioning the nation as a key player in the global agricultural landscape. [Akinrinola TB, Tsado MU. Unlocking Nigeria's Agricultural Potential: Research Priorities for Enhanced Crop

Across the world, the demand for quality tea and coffee is increasing, and so are the efforts to come up with cost-efficient and competitive ways to produce them sustainably. Nigeria is still a marginal player in the international coffee market nd so, issues such as weak infrastructure market integration, and reliance on rain-fed cultivation have to be solved. This research examined the quality and yield determinants coffee production in Taraba State along with the economic and policy implications. Randomized complete block designed drip irrigation, and rain-fed systems. Data on yield per hectare, and on other parameters such as cup quality were collected as per industry standards, and then, economic evaluation was conducted through partial budget analysis. The study showed that the sprinkler and drip irrigation methods improved the yield. Those beans were able to meet the standards set for specialty-grade coffee and also, some sensory attributes were possessed, as showed in the analysis. Those quality premium cases showed the positive net margins, for the recovery potential of irrigation systems on proven economic analysis. Nigeria can is going coffee market integration rationalized on irrigation. The market is Taraba State, for cooperative aggregation focused on irrigation infrastructure, and certification policy.

This study aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of oil palm plantation workers at PT Kencana Sawit Indonesia in controlling pests through the application of the Early Warning System (EWS). Based on findings from a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), four major challenges in pest control were identified: limited employee knowledge, inefficient task distribution, challenging topography, and delayed responses to pest outbreaks. An outreach program was conducted involving educational sessions supported by pre-test and post-test assessments. The results revealed a significant improvement in employee knowledge, with the average score increasing from 37% to 83%. Furthermore, participant satisfaction with the outreach activities reached 86.50%, as measured by a Likert scale survey. These results confirm that the EWS-based extension program successfully addressed critical knowledge gaps, fostered motivation among employees, and improved the overall efficiency of pest management practices. As a result, this initiative is expected to support more effective pest control and positively impact plantation productivity.

Sustainable public procurement (SPP) is a process of purchasing goods, services, works and utilities for public needs in a way that ensures benefi ts not only to the organization, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimizes damage to the environment. SPP can be part of the overall mechanism of sustainable development. Th e purpose of this paper is to investigate how SPP can contribute to sustainable development, what is the legal framework for it, what factors promote and inhibit SPP, how SPP can be implemented in practice. By analyzing regulatory legal acts, the international SPP experience, a large body of international academic research and reports of international organizations involved in the promotion of SPP, we advance two key features that make public procurement an eff ective mechanism of sustainable development: (1) the scale of public procurement and (2) the power and authority of procurement bodies. We distinguish between several diff erent schemes of legal support of SPP. Th e main drivers of SPP are leadership, clarity of strategies and plans that articulate SPP goals, the legislative support of the SPP process, and the information support of procurement specialists. Our review of international experience in SPP is expected to contribute to a more vigorous implementation of SPP by procurement authorities.

Bangladesh's food security and rural livelihoods heavily rely on vegetable cultivation, and implementing GAP promotes sustainable farming practices and environmental protection. This study explored the attitudes of vegetable growers in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, about Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). The goal was to offer data-driven suggestions to enhance smallholders' adoption of GAP. That's why a stratified proportional random sample survey of 252 vegetable producers in six upazilas of Narsingdi was carried out by researchers using a mixed-methods strategy. A 15 statement attitude scale (score range: 15 to 75) was utilized to assess attitudes regarding GAPs. Six focus group discussions were held to acquire the true limitations, and SPSS was used to evaluate the quantitative data. Findings indicate that the majority of responders are middle-aged (59.5%), have secondary education (50.4%), and run small farms (36.9%). While organizational engagement and training exposure are varied, extension contact is usually medium (66.7%).
Farmers' attitudes regarding GAP are, on average, 51.09 percent, with 47.2 percent being highly favorable and 36.9 percent being somewhat positive. A strong correlation was found between positive attitudes and training experience (r = 0.491**), education (r = 0.598**), and extension
contact (r = 0.621**). Pest and disease resistance, inexperience, poor training, resource and financial limits, record-keeping costs, and low market incentives for GAP-certified food were among
the main obstacles. Farmers appreciate food safety, nutrition, and environmental benefits, but they encounter real-world obstacles that prevent adoption. Enhancing the favorable attitude of vegetable
growers toward adoption can be achieved through appropriate monitoring and evaluation, strengthening extension ability, supporting smallholder-friendly GAP adoption, and creating market incentives through buyer alliances and consumer awareness initiatives.

Part of the colonial mandate of the education of the apartheid system in the thoughts and minds of an authentic African scholar was to discourage learning. In the South African context, emerging farmers fall within the group of previously disadvantaged groups with low literacy levels. The government addresses the disconnect between knowledge or skills and appropriate qualifications by recognising prior learning programs. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) supports the principle of lifelong learning by encouraging individuals to improve their skills continuously. This intellectual piece aims to critically evaluate the perspectives of emerging farmers on the facilitation methods employed during RPL assessments. Two hundred (200) emerging farmers in the Free State province of South Africa participated in an RPL assessment session to be recognised for two agricultural courses. The data was generated following assessment sessions conducted in a classroom setting for three months. The text and talks were processed and analysed using critical discourse analysis to expose hidden meanings and discursive practices. Emerging farmers prefer a learning environment where they are viewed as active participants in the teaching and learning process during assessments and can demonstrate their power. The findings of this study support the evaluation process that observes the adult learning principles to create an environment where emerging farmers realise their power during assessment sessions.

This study explores the benefits and challenges of adopting Smart and Innovative Agricultural Solutions (SIAS) in Nigeria, with a focus on building resilient future farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A quantitative research approach using a modified Manifest Content Analysis (MCA) technique was employed to deduce the narratives of more than a few researchers to identify several benefits of integrating SIAS into Agricultural education, including enhanced crop yields, increased efficiency and productivity, improved market access, and environmental conservation. However, challenges such as financial constraints, knowledge gaps, climate change, and policy barriers hinder the adoption of SIAS. A theoretical framework based on Resilience Theory is proposed to address these challenges. The study recommends a SIAS framework that incorporates resilience enhancement measures, Agricultural education, sustainable agriculture practices, digital innovations, and policy support. The findings highlight the importance of building resilience among future farmers to ensure a sustainable food future in Nigeria. Based on this narrative, the study recommended among others that the Delta State Government should invest in agricultural infrastructure and digital technologies, develop and implement policies that encourage SIAS adoption, and enhance agricultural education and training.

Introduction: The Indian economy has historically been based primarily on agriculture, which provides a signifi cant portion of the country's workforce with a means of subsistence. Dairy farming plays a vital role in the socioeconomic life of rural communities and provides supplementary income to small and marginal farmers in India. Context: Some of the existing problems of dairying in West Bengal are low productivity of dairy animals, nondescript and indigenous breeds, low profi tability due to lack of infrastructure in milk procurement and processing. Objective: For the Rajbanshi people who heavily depend on dairy farming activities, there is a need to explore dairy farming practices and perceived constraints to develop eff ective strategies and government interventions for sustainable dairy farming.

The unprecedented climate changes are impacting agrarian livelihoods worldwide. Since lives heavily depend on agriculture, alternative farming mechanisms should be promoted to counter the effects. Homestead agriculture has a long tradition of compensating for the vagaries of weather and offering subsistence to the growers, at the same time conserving the ecosystem. The resilience of the practice is reviewed in this article with a focus on agroforestry's unique characteristics, high biodiversity and multifaceted benefits as a land use system. A better understanding of the resilience potential of the homesteads to varying environments is important to integrate the system into the agricultural production scenario of nations, thereby bridging the unpredictable events of climate change. The best illustration of an effective indigenous resilience strategy is the tenacious persistence of homestead farming across millions of hectares.

The methodological opportunities and conceptual frameworks of theory of institutional disintegration developed by the author and the implication of the theory in market studies are analyzed. The problem of institutional transformation is one of the main theoretical problems in new institutionalism. The author believes that social institutions

Climate change is global problem. It has location specific effects. In this study annual and weekly climate variability in terms of rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature were analyzed for the period from 1998 to 2019 for Akola station. The increase in average annual maximum and minimum temperature for Akola station was found as 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The average reduction in annual rainfall for Akola station was 99.02 mm (11.76%) over the period of study.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi keputusan petani kopi di Kabupaten Lampung Barat bermitra dengan PT. Nestle. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survey dengan menggunakan data primer dan sekunder. Analisis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis regresi logistik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel tingkat pendidikan, pengalaman berusahatani dan luas lahan usahatani kopi berpengaruh terhadap keputusan petani bermitra dengan PT. Nestle.

From the point of view of philosophy, naturalistic models of social qualities and phenomena are useful provided that they are productive in the context of understanding the essence of human existence. From the scientific point of view, such models can be justified by the simulation of complex biological and social processes and phenomena, necessary on the path to forming a holistic understanding of anthropogenesis, identifying patterns of ethnosocial and demographic processes, and studying the genesis and dynamics of civilization.

This study investigated the usage of ICTs among farmers and the socioeconomic factors influencing their usage. It was to fill a gap in ICT usage among crop farmers in rural communities in Northern Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect primary data from 210 crop farmers (105 males and 105 females) from seven (7) districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. Structured interview questionnaires were used to collect data on key ICT Knowledge and awareness issues, usage and perceptions, challenges and constraints, and benefits of usage. The data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Probit regression). The results indicated that the popular ICT devices among the farmers were mobile phones (48.5%), radio (34.9%), and television (13.9%). Younger farmers (40 years and below) were more predisposed to using ICTs than their older counterparts. [With 75.21% (CI 0.28503-1.21918, P=0.002)]. Farming experience (71.50%; CI 0.23258-1.19742, p=0.004 and ICT training (136.76%; CI 0.78537-1.94986, p=0.004) also influenced the use of ICT tools. The main constraints of ICT usage among the farmers in the study included poor reception, language, and content limitations. Others were the high cost of recharge credit and ICTsparticularly televisions, computers, and a lack of awareness about specific ICTs like email and the internet. The government and policymakers need to provide customized and subsidized ICTs, particularly mobile phones, for farmers in the study area. Agricultural extension officers should also consider training farmers to use mobile phones, televisions, and radios to obtain current information relevant to farming and marketing of agricultural produce, both in Ghana and abroad, to help curb poverty and food insecurity.

This study explores the entrepreneurial journey of small businesses owners in Valencia City, Bukidnon, focusing on their challenges, strategies and practices that align with their experience. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis, the research identifies six key themes: (a) capital shortage, (b) market rivalry, (c) optimism, (d) emotional resilience, (e)marketing strategy, and (f) innovation. Findings reveal that limited funding and high competition pose significant obstacles, while optimism and emotional resilience allow entrepreneurs to continue through setbacks. Participants highlight the role of digital platforms and continuous innovation as essential for business growth and competitiveness. The study highlights the importance of adaptability in meeting evolving consumer demands and suggests recommendations for fostering resilience and leveraging digital marketing. Expanding research to other locales and including larger businesses could further enhance in understanding of entrepreneurial challenges and strategies across various factors.

Farmer groups play a role in improving farmers' skills through education, optimizing commodity trade and distribution, and providing agricultural input to increase output. This research aims to determine the various roles of farmer groups and analyze various factors that influence the improvement of farming skills and income of lowland rice farmers. This research was carried out in Buyumpondoli Village, Poso Regency.
Buyumpondoli Village was chosen deliberately because it is a rice production center. Sampling was carried out using the proportional random sampling method, with a population of 570 farmers from 21 rice farming groups. By applying the Slovin formula, a sample size of 122 rice farmers was determined. Farmer groups function as learning and production units, helping farmers improve their abilities in cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest, and marketing. However, farmers' farming capabilities are considered moderate and tend to reduce rice farmers' income due to less than an optimal implementation of the cultivation, post-harvest, and marketing processes. Despite this, farmers' income remains high, reaching an average of IDR 5.624.103 per month.
Farmer groups should enhance their role as learning platforms by providing regular training and fostering collaboration among members to share knowledge. Additionally, adopting modern agricultural technologies and marketing strategies can help improve productivity and farmers' income.

This study examined technological innovations in agricultural extension, surveillance, and risk management in Southern Taraba. Data were collected from 384 respondents using a multistage sampling technique involving purposive selection of Local Government Areas (LGAs), stratified villages, and systematic random sampling of farmers. Instruments included structured questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools such as pairwise ranking and problem tree analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed that 68% of farmers and 75% of extension agents utilize mobile advisory services, GPS mapping, and remote sensing. The Technology Adoption Index averaged 0.71, indicating moderate adoption across the study area. Pairwise ranking identified inadequate extension personnel, poor digital infrastructure, and insecurity as the top constraints, each scoring 5.0 in severity and cited by over 85% of respondents. Problem Tree Analysis showed root cause severity scores ranging from 3.0 to 5.0, with low productivity, poor climate response, and weak conflict mitigation cited by 89%, 85%, and 84% of respondents respectively. Linear regression analysis indicated that access to technology (β = 0.34*), training (β = 0.29*), and extension support (β = 0.27*) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced productivity and resilience outcomes. The study concludes that addressing these institutional and infrastructural constraints is vital for improving agricultural outcomes. It is recommended that strengthening extension services, expanding rural digital infrastructure, promoting localized content, and building digital literacy are essential for enhancing innovation uptake and improving farmers' resilience in Southern Taraba.

The present study was aimed to find out the factors affecting by tribal women and association of different factors with livelihood security of the tribal women in animal husbandry based livelihood activities. The study was conducted in three districts of Rajasthan namely Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara. A total of 100 respondents constituted the sample of the study. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule. The research findings revealed that there was highly significant association between all the factors and livelihood security of the respondents as the calculated chi-square values were greater than the tabulated values. This indicates that the livelihood security of the respondents was associated with all the factors i.e. access to resources (χ 2 = 25.80**), access to technological information (χ 2 = 15.17**), market and regular income (χ 2 = 29.24**, χ 2 = 15.62**), risk factors (χ 2 = 19.88**), risk taking ability (χ 2 =30.74**) and decision-making ability (χ 2 = 34.55**). It can be inferred that all these factors affected to livelihood security of the tribal families with animal husbandry based livelihood. m Study was conducted to understand the association of various factors with livelihood security among tribal women in Animal Husbandry activities. m There was close association with various factors such as access to resources, access to technological information, market and regular income etc.

The present study was aimed to find out the factors affecting by tribal women and association of different factors with livelihood security of the tribal women in animal husbandry based livelihood activities. The study was conducted in three districts of Rajasthan namely Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara. A total of 100 respondents constituted the sample of the study. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule. The research findings revealed that there was highly significant association between all the factors and livelihood security of the respondents as the calculated chi-square values were greater than the tabulated values. This indicates that the livelihood security of the respondents was associated with all the factors i.e. access to resources (χ 2 = 25.80**), access to technological information (χ 2 = 15.17**), market and regular income (χ 2 = 29.24**, χ 2 = 15.62**), risk factors (χ 2 = 19.88**), risk taking ability (χ 2 =30.74**) and decision-making ability (χ 2 = 34.55**). It can be inferred that all these factors affected to livelihood security of the tribal families with animal husbandry based livelihood. m Study was conducted to understand the association of various factors with livelihood security among tribal women in Animal Husbandry activities. m There was close association with various factors such as access to resources, access to technological information, market and regular income etc.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of government input support and extension services in stabilizing commodity prices in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Using a sample of 321 farmers selected through stratified random sampling, data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed with multiple regression, correlation, descriptive statistics, and factor analysis. Multiple regression results revealed that input availability, extension contact, credit access, and farmer education significantly influenced commodity price stabilization, with the log-linear model explaining 72% of the variance (R² = 0.72). Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between extension contact frequency and farmer adoption of recommended practices (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Descriptive statistics indicated moderate to high farmer satisfaction levels with advisory services and input quality, but lower satisfaction regarding credit access and subsidy distribution. Factor analysis extracted four key factors impacting program effectiveness: Input Accessibility, Extension Service Quality, Market and Policy Support, and Financial Facilitation, collectively explaining 68.5% of the variance. The study concludes that integrated and coordinated government efforts across input supply, extension services, financial facilitation, and market support are essential for sustainable commodity price stabilization. Recommendations include improving input supply chains, strengthening extension services, enhancing financial access, and facilitating market linkages to optimize program outcomes and support farmer livelihoods.

Agricultural extension is an essential strength in agricultural development and social innovation factor. It is a key that can capacitate sugarcane farmers to accelerate the adoption of technology in farm production. Furthermore, agricultural extension services are instrumental in bridging the gap between agricultural research and practical farming. This study aims to determine the influence of extension services on the production of sugarcane in the Philippines. Descriptive method of research was employed in the study. The respondents were 320 sugarcane farmers that were randomly identified from seven locations in the Visayas. The instrument used was the validated survey questionnaire used by Oñal, et al (2021). Results show that there is a significant difference in the production of sugarcane among location with a mean of 2.28 or an average of 50-64 TC/ha (ɑ=0.05). The advocacy on planting of high yielding varieties (HYVs) that are adaptable to sugarcane farms (m=3.87, ɑ=0.05) and the dissemination of different projects to the farmers (m=3.98, ɑ=0.05) had a significant impact on sugarcane production at >65 Tons/ha. Furthermore, the two agricultural extension services mentioned are moderately correlated with the production. The study recommends that the advocacy for planting of HYVs suitable to farms should be further prioritize including the strong dissemination of various agricultural development to bolster the sugarcane production in the area.

This study examined the experiences of smallholder farmers in Lantapan, Bukidnon, amid the challenges posed by modernization and industrialization an issue of growing importance given agriculture's vital role in local livelihoods and food security. Despite farming's deep cultural roots and economic significance, there was limited understanding of how modernization specifically affected farmers' motivations, challenges, and coping mechanisms in this community. The study aimed to fill this gap by exploring these impacts in depth to inform more effective support strategies. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, the research involved 10 purposively selected farmers who participated in semi-structured interviews and participant observations, complemented by a review of relevant policy documents. Thematic analysis revealed that farmers were primarily motivated by family traditions and the need to support their households, yet they faced considerable financial difficulties, labor shortages, environmental threats such as pests and unpredictable weather, and unstable market prices intensified by modernization. Despite these hardships, farmers showed remarkable resilience and hope, emphasizing perseverance while calling for increased government support such as subsidies for inputs, stable pricing mechanisms, and protection against crop failures. The findings illustrate that modernization brings both opportunities and serious challenges that threaten the sustainability of small-scale farming. The study highlights the need for comprehensive support that extends beyond financial aid to include infrastructure improvements, education, and market reforms addressing systemic issues. Ultimately, this research underscores the urgent necessity for community-centered policies that empower farmers to adapt and thrive, safeguarding farming as both a livelihood and a cultural heritage in Lantapan.

Retirement is a notable life transition that can bring both freedom and challenges. Many seek to stay active and find meaning in their lives as they transition into retirement, while others re-enter the workforce, especially within the academic sector. This study explores the experiences of retirees who have chosen to return to work in the academic sector in Bukidnon. It focuses on their satisfaction with retirement, motivations for re-entering the workforce, workplace challenges, and advice for future retirees. The research employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through a questionnaire comprising four key questions: retirees' satisfaction in retirement, reasons for returning to work, struggles faced in the workplace, and advice for others considering similar paths. The findings reveal a complex interplay of personal fulfillment, financial needs, and social connections as primary motivators for returning to work. Participants reported various challenges related to adapting to new work environments and balancing personal life. The study concludes with an emphasis on the importance of understanding these experiences to support retirees in their transitions back to work and to recognize the value of their contributions to the academic community.

Adopting climate-smart agriculture in the coastal area of Bangladesh faces challenges, as well as farmers' vulnerability to frequent natural disasters and salinity intrusion. The main aims of this study were to assess the extent of CSA technologies adopted by the farmers and to explore the contributions of the selected characteristics of the coastal farmers to the adoption of CSA. An interview schedule was used to collect data from 354 coastal farmers of three districts, namely Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat, through a 'Multistage random sampling method' in 2022. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used. A complete model multiple regression analysis was used to investigate how the predictor variables affected the outcome variables. Results indicate that about 57.91% of the coastal farmers had medium adoption, followed by 22.88% high and 19.21% poor adoption of CSA. Out of the 19 identified CSA technologies, "the use of thread pipe/plastic pipe for irrigation" ranked first and indicated the highest extent of adoption by the coastal farmers. Farmers' annual agricultural income, extension contact, training exposure, knowledge of CSA, and attitude towards CSA significantly positively contributes to their adoption of CSA. Extension services, community-based training, and awareness campaigns can play a vital role in escalating farmers' adoption of CSA. Therefore, addressing climate change and building climate resilience in agriculture requires practical support to enable farmers to adopt and sustain CSA.

This systematic review explores the emergence and utilisation of agricultural technology (“AgTech”) in secondary schools globally. A total of 14 studies published between 2000 and 2020, inclusive, were reviewed, each exploring the use of agricultural technologies in secondary school classrooms and barriers to adoption. For all reviewed studies, each had aimed to address one of three major objectives: (a) to determine or increase teacher knowledge of AgTech; (b) to evaluate the effectiveness of AgTech professional development (PD); or (c) to evaluate the effectiveness of AgTech classroom activities. Requirements for future AgTech PD or classroom activities were also identified, including the use of improved pre-service learnings and in-service PD. This study highlights the importance of improving the opportunities of teachers for AgTech learning, including both an introduction to the technologies and support for classroom implementation. Applications of these findings could be used b...

In this research, we investigate how to include a Trust Management System (TMS) into fog computing-a decentralized computing architecture that expands cloud computing's capabilities to the edge of a network. We conduct an inquiry into the application and evaluation of a new multi-criteria trust mechanism designed specifically for fog computing settings. This approach, which combines "soft trust" with "hard trust," is essential to assessing and controlling the dependability and credibility of entities in the fog computing environment. We discover that the implementation of trust models in this setting improves the reliability and usefulness of Electroencephalography (EEG) applications in various domains, including neurology and clinical medicine. Additionally, these models aid in the creation of implementations that are safe, intuitive, and compliant with ethical standards.

Developing a road transportation network is crucial for enhancing Tomato's productivity. The road transportation system for Tomato marketing in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria was investigated, using a multistage sampling procedure to select 120 respondents. Data on respondents' socioeconomic characteristics, conditions of the road system, the extent of utilisation of the transportation means, effect of the road system on the marketing of tomatoes, and road system coping mechanisms embraced were collected using an interview schedule; and analysed using percentages, frequency, weighted mean score, Pearson Moment Correlation, and Chi-square at α0.05. The results showed that respondents were male (82.5%), with mean age (43.0 years), years of marketing experience (17.0 years), and annual income of (₦416,500).. The most prevailing conditions of the road system were portholes (100%) and dustiness (96.7%), while the most utilised road transportation means were a Panel van (WMS=3.73), pickup (WMS=2.59), and motorcycle (WMS=1.60). The highest impact of the road transportation system was high cost (WMS=4.36) which was high for 76.9% of the respondents. However, the coping strategies employed were sales to middlemen (WMS=2.85) and selling at ridiculous prices (WMS=2.68); which was low for 65.4%. A significant relationship existed between respondents' years of marketing experience (r=0.450), members of the Tomato marketing association (χ2=320.56), coping strategies (r=-34.48) and utilisation of the transportation means (r=0.664). The road transportation system reduced the respondent's income despite the various coping mechanisms used. The stakeholders should rehabilitate the road transportation system for hitchfree sustainable marketing of tomatoes.

The main purpose of the study was to determine Common Interest Group members' attitude towards National Agricultural Technology Programme (NATP) (phase-I) interventions in the selected areas of Mymensingh district and to explore the relationships between eleven selected characteristics of the CIG members and their attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions. A total of 110 CIG members were selected from CIG groups reside in Bailor and Rampur unions of Trishal upazila following simple random sampling technique. Data were collected during 23 September to 20 October, 2018 using a structured interview schedule through face-to-face interview method by the principal author himself. Data were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics and inferential statistical technique. Eleven selected characteristics of the CIG members namely; age, education, household size, farm size, annual income, farming experience, organizational participation, training received, credit received, agricultural subsidy received and extension media contact were considered to show relationships with their attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions. The majority (60%) of the CIG members had highly favourable attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions compared to 39.09% of the respondents had moderately favourable attitude and only 0.91% of the respondents had slightly favourable attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions. Correlation analyses indicated that the farm size, annual income, agricultural subsidy received and extension media contact had significant positive relationships with respondents attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions. So, these four characteristics had significant contributions on the attitude of CIG members. Age, education, household size, farming experience, organizational participation, training received and credit received had no significant relationship with respondents attitude towards NATP (phase-I) interventions. So, these characteristics had no significant contributions on the attitude of CIG members. The CIG members were found with very much enthusiastic about NATP (phase-I) interventions that could help policy makers to continue their efforts on that issue.

The present study attempts to know the effective sources of agricultural information and usage of mobile phones by seed spice growers. The total 450 respondents were interviewed from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh during 2018-19. The results found that sixty-six percent of the respondents approached private agencies whereas forty-four percent farmers relied upon government sources. A large group of medium farmers approached to input dealers, whereas small and medium farmers preferred government agencies. Further, we found that ninety-five percent of the farmers owned mobile phones, and ninety percent of them used it to access agricultural information. Eighty-nine percent of smart phone owners were using social media platforms to share and access agricultural information. Logit analysis of socio-economic factors influencing farmers� access to information sources found that literacy considerably enhanced the likelihood in favor of government sources over private...

The present study was conducted in Udaipur district of Rajasthan state selected purposely since the district has the
highest livestock population in Southern Rajasthan. It was observed that the majority of the respondents were from the
middle age group, middle level of education, medium family size and medium dairy experience. Further, the majority of the
respondents had not attended any training related to livestock farming. Majority of the respondents were having medium
level of economic motivation, extension contact and mass media exposure. Based on the findings it is suggested that
awareness about the right to education, and livestock training programmes should be carried out to educate, enhance the
knowledge and skills of livestock owners. Majority of the livestock owners (68.05%) had a favourable perception towards
livestock service delivery (LSD) systems followed by 22.22 per cent with a less favourable perception and 9.73 per cent with
a more favourable perception.

How to cite this manuscript: Saini Pawan, Goyal Tikam C, Singodia Manisha, Kumar Rohitash, Thakan Pooja, Gautam Lokesh and Choudhary Umesh (2024). Livestock owner’s perception on existing livestock service delivery systems in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Ruminant Science 13(1):99-106.

In order to solve the significant market access and financial inclusion issues that smallholder palm oil producers in the Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria confront, this study investigates the transformative potential of SocialFian, a developing integration of social networking and decentralized finance (DeFi). This study evaluates farmers' perceived hurdles, desire to implement block chain-powered platforms, and digital preparedness using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys and qualitative input. Even if there are problems with literacy and infrastructure, the results demonstrate that people are willing to use digital tools. Real-time pricing, direct buyer ties, and low-interest financing have all been identified as important factors that speed things along. This study provides a conceptual framework to demonstrate that SocialFi can help people become financially independent. This framework emphasizes the need for cooperative onboarding, easy-to-use platform design, and digital literacy programs. Giving farmers in underserved areas practical ways to make the market more accessible and sustainable ads to the discussion about the digital revolution in agriculture.

In order to solve the significant market access and financial inclusion issues that smallholder palm oil producers in the Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria confront, this study investigates the transformative potential of SocialFian, a developing integration of social networking and decentralized finance (DeFi). This study evaluates farmers' perceived hurdles, desire to implement block chain-powered platforms, and digital preparedness using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys and qualitative input. Even if there are problems with literacy and infrastructure, the results demonstrate that people are willing to use digital tools. Real-time pricing, direct buyer ties, and low-interest financing have all been identified as important factors that speed things along. This study provides a conceptual framework to demonstrate that SocialFi can help people become financially independent. This framework emphasizes the need for cooperative onboarding, easy-to-use platform design, and digital literacy programs. Giving farmers in underserved areas practical ways to make the market more accessible and sustainable ads to the discussion about the digital revolution in agriculture.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran perempuan single parent dalam menjaga kemandirian ekonomi di Kelurahan Gurabesi, Distrik Jayapura Utara. Single parent perempuan di wilayah ini dihadapkan pada berbagai tantangan, mulai dari keterbatasan akses terhadap pekerjaan hingga tanggung jawab ganda sebagai pencari nafkah dan pengasuh anak. Urgensi penelitian ini terletak pada pentingnya memahami strategi yang digunakan perempuan single parent untuk memenuhi kebutuhan rumah tangga mereka, serta faktor-faktor yang mendukung atau menghambat kemandirian ekonomi mereka. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, di mana data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dengan sejumlah perempuan single parent yang tinggal di Gurabesi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar perempuan single parent mengandalkan pekerjaan di sektor informal, seperti perdagangan kecil, namun menghadapi kendala seperti modal yang terbatas dan beban ganda. Meskipun demikian, mereka berhasil menjaga kemandirian ekonomi dengan mengembangkan jaringan sosial lokal dan beradaptasi dengan tantangan ekonomi. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya pemberdayaan ekonomi dan sosial bagi perempuan single parent untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan mereka serta berkontribusi pada ekonomi lokal.

With the change in context of agricultural development, the innovation approaches has also changed. Different approaches namely National Agricultural Research System (NARS), Agriculture Knowledge and Information System (AKIS), farmer first and last, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are/have come up to mitigate rapid changes over the years. The present agricultural research efforts are failing to bring about the social and economic transformations due to one or the other reasons. To cope, compete and survive in emerging challenges, it becomes necessary to develop new approaches. In this context, the concept of Agriculture Innovation System (AIS) approach offers a new framework for analyzing the role of science and technology and their interaction with other actors to generate goods and services. It recognizes the importance of certain types of relationships and linkages for information flow in ever-changing biophysical and social environments....

American agriculture is undergoing a silent but profound transformation, driven by the growing adoption of sustainable nitrogen fixation techniques that promise to revolutionize not only agricultural productivity but fundamentally the health and wellbeing of rural workers. This article comprehensively examines how the implementation of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) technologies in American farms is creating a new paradigm of sustainable agriculture that drastically reduces rural workers' exposure to toxic chemical substances, significantly improving their occupational health conditions. Research reveals that the transition from traditional chemical fertilizers to microbial nitrogen fixation systems can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers by up to 40%, simultaneously eliminating hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 equivalent emissions and drastically reducing workers' exposure to harmful chemical compounds. Through analysis of occupational health data, case studies of innovative companies like Pivot Bio, and scientific evidence from multiple sources, this work demonstrates that sustainable nitrogen fixation represents not only an environmental solution but a critical public health intervention that can save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of American rural workers.

Farming as a profession provides opportunities to contribute to the mission of eradicating hunger and enabling food security.Woman plays a very significant role in farming throughout rural India but in hilly regions their role become more prominent as farmer, given the migration of male members to towns as a widespread phenomenon.Thus, under the study for assessing the attitude of tribal farm women towards farming as an occupation a reliable scale was constructed. The scale was materialized to analyze hill women’s attitudes towards farming as an occupation which was conducted in Chamoli and Dehradun districts of Uttarakhand. The field survey was carried out among a sample of 200selected tribal farm women, 100 from each tribe i.e. Bhotiya and Jaunsari. The attitude in this study was operationalised as the degree of positive or negative feeling of farmers’ towards farming as anoccupation. The method of summated rating was followed in the development of the scale. Respondents were cate...

The study examined factors influencing adoption of improved agricultural technologies (IATs) among smallholder farmers in rural communities of Kaduna State.The study was conducted in Giwa and Sabon-gari Local Government Areas. Three objectives guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the farming communities for the study. Two rural communities (Bassawa and Shika) were purposely selected out of 16 villages primarily because of their age-long agricultural technologies. The sample size of the study was 200 smallholder farmers made up of 100 farmers from each of the communities which were purposively selected. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule, focus group discussion and in-depth interview while the secondary data which relate to the objectives of the study were collected from the office of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU, Zaria. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. Results from the findings of the study revealed a positive significant (p<0.05) influence on adoption of agricultural technology and farmers' educational levels, gender and age also had a positive significant influence on the adoption of technology. Therefore, the following recommendations were made: there is need to increase farmers' capital and credit facilities and make funds accessible to the farmers. Also, it is therefore imperative for Government to ensure that policies that support the adoption of improved agricultural technologies are put in place.

This study investigated the factors influencing the sustainability of cross-border remote employment among Filipino professionals, namely organizational support systems, technological frameworks, cross-cultural integration, and economic conditions. This research employs a quantitative approach to assess their individual and combined effects on sustainability perceptions. Data were collected from 403 Filipino remote workers engaged in cross-border employment through a structured survey. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships and predictive influences. Findings reveal that cross-cultural integration, organizational support, and economic conditions significantly and positively influence the sustainability of remote employment, with cross-cultural integration emerging as the strongest predictor. Interestingly, the technological framework exhibited a negative association with sustainability perceptions, suggesting that technology's role is complex and mediated by other factors. The study contributes to the understanding of remote work sustainability by highlighting the multifaceted nature of sustaining cross-border employment and offers actionable recommendations for organizations and policymakers to foster inclusive, supportive, and resilient remote work environments. This research advances the discourse on digital labor markets and aligns with global sustainable development goals by promoting equitable and sustainable employment practices in an increasingly interconnected world.

On-farm and cottage fish feed industries of three upazilas-Mymensingh Sadar, Trishal and Muktagacha in Mymensingh district were investigated to understand gender participation ratio, and to evaluate their socioeconomic status and working environment. A total of 150 respondents were randomly interviewed where 60% of feed mill owners and workers were middle aged group. Relatively high average wage (9000-10,000 tk/month) found in Mymensingh sadar. However, others factors such as family size, income, socioeconomic status etc. found similar among three studied areas. Among the surveyed fish feed industries, 53.33% industries produced feed for their own fish farm and 10% produced feed commercially. Locally available ingredients were used to prepare feed without scientific knowledge. Hundred percent workers claimed unhealthy working environment. A lower number of women participation observed in fish feed industries of studied areas. Therefore, government and non-govt. interference is necessary to encourage and motivate more women participation in aquaculture industries for sustainable economic development.

The study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rice farmers in Valencia City, Bukidnon, regarding paddy farming technologies. Data were collected from 53 randomly selected farmers using a structured questionnaire. Most respondents were male, over 55 years old, and had only elementary education. Despite their extensive experience and management of medium-sized farms, farmers showed only moderate understanding of modern paddy farming technologies. Traditional farming methods are still common, with many hesitant to adopt new techniques due to aging, limited education, and poor access to extension services. The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and extension programs that address the specific challenges faced by older and less-educated farmers. Improving access to information and resources is vital to closing knowledge gaps and promoting the adoption of modern technologies. These efforts are key to increasing rice productivity and ensuring sustainable farming in Valencia City.

This paper analyzes the education on farmers' adoption of modern agricultural techniques in South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon. Using quantitative correlational design, the study has found that farmers with higher educational levels, particularly with college degrees are likely to adopt innovative practices and tools. So, the study finds evidence in support of Schultz's hypothesis that education is crucial in the context of modernized agriculture. The study suggests that agricultural extension workers must be prioritized in organizing workshops, training, and extension services easily accessible to farmers to boost farmers' knowledge on how to adopt updated agricultural techniques and methods.

This study specifically examined various issues related to access to credit by both male and female crop farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Sixty male and sixty female crop farmers were randomly sampled and used for data collection. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data needed for analyses. Descriptive statistics and Logit model regression based on the maximum likelihood estimation were used to analyze the data collected. The explanatory variables used in the Logit model were derived following a careful review of the literature on credit access among farmers in Nigeria. The descriptive analysis revealed the presence of aging farming population; low formal education among farmers and importance of remittance to agricultural production in the region. The study also identified rotating credit and local savings as the major sources of credit to both male and female farmers in the region. The estimated Logit model revealed that farmers’ household expenditure, cost of fertilizer...

The study aimed to investigate how the adoption of e-commerce affects the business performance of micro and small enterprises. The research evaluates e-commerce adoption in terms of technology utilization, integration into business processes, customer engagement, and market reach. A descriptivecorrelational research design was used, employing a survey questionnaire distributed to 358 randomly selected micro and small enterprises. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed a moderate level of adoption and business performance. A significant positive correlation was found between e-commerce adoption and business performance. Customer engagement and market reach were found to be statistically significant predictors of business performance, with market reach exerting the strongest influence. The findings highlight the potential of digital tools to enhance MSE competitiveness and suggest the need for greater support in expanding e-commerce integration in rural areas.