Search Results (1,577)

Climate change and variability are characterized by unpredictable and extreme weather events. They adversely impact the highly susceptible smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, who heavily rely on rain-fed agriculture. Climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices have been extensively promoted as offering long-term solutions to changing climate conditions, while enhancing the productivity and sustainability of African agricultural systems. Despite this, the adoption rate remains low among smallholder farmers. Understanding the factors that influence adoption of these practices among this key farming community is therefore necessary to increase their adoption. In this paper, we review and summarize findings from existing studies on the factors that influence the adoption of CSA practices by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Our review reveals that land tenure security, access to information and extension services, and affiliation to group membership positively influence adoption. On the other hand, gender, risk perception, and off-farm income had conflicting effects by reporting both positive and negative influences on CSA adoption. We conclude that CSA adoption options are local-specific, and their development and implementation should emphasize locally tailored knowledge, skills, and resources. Full article

To facilitate the adoption of a food safety standard by producers, it is essential to understand their perception of it. However, few empirical studies have examined how livestock farmers perceive food safety standards in Vietnam. This research examines sheep farmers’ attitudes towards Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP), a type of a food safety standard in Vietnam. A sample size of 109 farmers was selected for interviews and a structured questionnaire was generated to collect data. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were employed. The study results show that sheep farmers were well aware of most VietGAP requirements. They perceived that adopting VietGAP requires practical changes in sheep farming systems, including: selecting breeding stock from clear sources to ensure sheep product traceability, collecting and treating wastes daily to protect the environment, and frequent sterilization of sheep cages. The farmers were changing several practices to comply with VietGAP. Key changed practices identified included: bought breeding stock from clear and reliable sources, frequent collecting and treating of sheep wastes, and used veterinary medicine according to instructions of veterinary medicine producers. Statistically significant relationships existing between the sheep farmers’ perceptions and their education level (Pearson = 0.229, p = 0.017), farm size (Pearson = −0.193; p = 0.049), gender (Eta = 0.173, p = 0.060), practice of using labours (Eta = 0.202, p = 0.028), training participation (Eta = 0.211, p = 0.022), credit participation (Eta = 0.177, p = 0.050), community-based organisations (Eta = 0.153, p = 0.087), and veterinary/extension contacts (Eta = 0.217, p = 0.019) were found. This means that a male sheep farmer who had a higher education level, possessed a smaller farm, practiced hired labours, participated in training/credit programs, was a member of community-based organisation, and had contacts with veterinary/extension workers likely perceived VietGAP better than their counterparts. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the promotion of VietGAP for livestock farmers should be developed and carried out as joint attempts along the value chain actors. New food marketing practices and legal framework and policy for using safe food certifications are required to address to promote farmers’ adoption of VietGAP and facilitate transition towards a sustainable agri-food system in Vietnam. This study provides significant insights into safety food standard adoption by livestock farmers and highlights aspects that require to be considered when developing policies to improve the adoption of safety food standards in developing countries. Full article

Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study aims to explore factors that influence agricultural productivity in Senegal. The multinomial probit model is estimated using maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) methods. This approach is necessary due to the presence of multiple-choice categories. The results highlight that young farmers aged 18–30 are less likely to achieve high production (>10 tons) compared to their older counterparts (p < 0.01). In contrast, older farmers (31–60) report higher income stability (p < 0.05). Education levels also impact production, with farmers having lower or upper secondary education being less likely to attain high production than illiterate farmers (p < 0.05). Receiving subsidies reduces the likelihood of high production (p < 0.01). Larger landholdings (>1 ha) correlate with lower production odds (p < 0.01), suggesting diminishing returns. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers being 45.6% more likely to report income declines (p < 0.1). Marginal effects show that acquiring land through rental or purchase significantly boosts income (p < 0.01), while traditional ploughing increases the sown area (p < 0.01). Policymakers should enhance training in agriculture, improve subsidies, secure land tenure, and promote certified seeds to boost productivity. This study highlights the need for targeted policies on training, subsidies, land tenure, and sustainable practices to enhance Senegal’s agricultural productivity. Full article

This study investigates the impact of climate variability on wheat production in Algeria’s semi-arid interior plains from 2014 to 2024, aiming to curb the challenges of rainfed wheat cultivation, optimize irrigation, and improve water productivity. The Soil–Water–Atmosphere–Plant (SWAP) model-driven approach refined irrigation scheduling to mitigate climate-induced losses and improve resource efficiency. Using historical climate data, soil properties, and wheat growth observations from the experimental farm of the Technical Institute for Field Crops, the SWAP model was calibrated and validated using one-factor-at-a-time sensitivity analysis, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.93 and a Normalized Root Mean Squared Error (NRMSE) of 17.75. Two drought-based irrigation indices, Soil Moisture Drought Index (SMDI) and Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), guided adaptive irrigation strategies, showing a significant reduction in crop failure during drought periods. Results revealed a strong link between rainfall variability and wheat yield. Adopting a 9-day irrigation interval could increase water productivity to 18.91 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹, enhancing yield stability under varying climatic conditions. The SMDI approach maintained soil moisture during extreme drought, while CWSI optimized water use in normal and wet years. This study integrates SMDI and CWSI into a validated irrigation framework, offering data-driven strategies to enhance wheat production resilience. Findings support sustainable water management and provide practical insights for policymakers and farmers to refine irrigation planning and climate adaptation, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability. Full article

: The changing climate poses a significant challenge to the dairy industry, particularly in Punjab’s Faisalabad region, a central milk production hub. Rising temperatures and humidity exacerbate heat stress, endangering rural livelihoods. This study quantifies the impacts of these climatic stressors on milk yield, evaluates smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate risks, and projects future losses to guide adaptive policymaking. By integrating Likert-scale surveys of 450 dairy farmers with advanced panel regression models (including fixed and random effects) and a dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) approach for forecasting, we analyzed eight years of milk production and climate data (2017–2024) under IPCC scenarios (+2 °C, +10% humidity). The results revealed significant declines: a 1 °C temperature increase reduced milk yields by 1.72 L per month (p < 0.01), while a 1% rise in humidity decreased output by 0.59 L per month (p < 0.01). Compounded losses under combined stressors reached 2.25 L per month, with hotter regions (Faisalabad’s semi-arid zone) experiencing the steepest declines. Farmers' perceptions are closely aligned with empirical trends, identifying heat humidity interactions as the most critical risks. To mitigate these losses, adaptive strategies such as heat-resistant cattle breeds, humidity-responsive cooling systems, and targeted financial support for smallholders are critical. This study connects farmers’ insights with econometric modeling to provide practical strategies to enhance resilience in Punjab’s dairy sector. Full article

Integrated soil fertility management is essential for improving soil productivity, rice yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study investigated the combined effects of the chemical fertilizer rate, humic acid (HA), and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FG) on the soil chemical properties, rice yield, NUE, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) in acidic paddy soil. The following three factors were evaluated: (1) fertilization based on farmer practices and rice nutrient requirements; (2) HA at 0 and 975 kg ha⁻¹; and (3) FG at 0, 23, and 636 kg ha⁻¹. Fertilization based on rice requirements reduced the nitrogen (N) input by 14.5% compared to farmer practices while still maintaining similar grain yields. Under farmer practice, HA enhanced total N content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), rice yield, NUE, and NAE. HA with FG (636 kg ha⁻¹) increased total organic carbon (TOC) levels, total N levels, and exchangeable ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), but decreased the yield. In contrast, HA combined with FG at 23 kg ha⁻¹ enhanced the soil exchangeable Ca and S levels, as well as resulting in a high rice yield (7.7 t ha⁻¹), NUE (39%), and NAE (32 kg kg⁻¹). The findings suggest that to maintain farmer fertilization practices while improving soil properties and rice yield, HA should be applied with FG (23 kg ha⁻¹). Full article

Flax cultivation is influenced by geographical conditions and soil properties, affecting yield and fiber quality. This study examines the performance of two fiber flax varieties, Artemida and Hermes, in 2021–2023 in central–eastern Poland’s agroclimatic and soil conditions using a value chain approach. Field trials were conducted in soils of varying fertility under a continental climate, employing a randomized block design with four replications. Flax straw underwent dew-retting, and long fibers were extracted through laboratory scutching. Results showed significant differences between the varieties. Artemida achieved higher straw yields, particularly in moderately fertile soils, while Hermes produced a higher proportion of long fibers and adapted better to less-fertile soils. Hermes fibers were thinner and more delicate, whereas Artemida fibers were coarser and stronger. The average straw yield of the Artemida variety was higher by 1.5 t ha⁻¹ than that of the Hermes variety. The yield and quality of fiber were determined by soil fertility and climate, and the genotype–environment interaction was of the greatest importance. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and stakeholders in selecting suitable flax varieties for different soil and climatic conditions in central–eastern Poland. The value chain approach also supports optimizing cultivation practices and improving the economic sustainability of flax production. Full article

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen (N) management in saline soils is critical for sustainable cotton production in arid regions that have been subjected to climate change. In this study, a two-year factorial field experiment (3 salinity levels × 3 N rates × 3 irrigation quotas) is integrated with the RZWQM2 model to (1) identify water–N–salinity thresholds for cotton yield and (2) to project climate change impacts under SSP2.4-5 and SSP5.8-5 scenarios (2031–2090) in Xinjiang, China, a global cotton production hub. The results demonstrated that a moderate salinity (6 dS/m) combined with a reduced irrigation (3600 m³/hm²) and N input (210 kg/hm²) achieved a near-maximum yield (6918 kg/hm²), saving 20% more water and 33% more fertilizer compared to conventional practices. The model exhibited a robust performance (NRMSE: 5.94–12.88% for soil–crop variables) and revealed that warming shortened the cotton growing season by 1.2–9.5 days per decade. However, elevated CO₂ (832 ppm by 2090) levels under SSP5.8-5 increased yields by 22.6–42.1%, offsetting heat-induced declines through enhanced water use efficiency (WUE↑27.5%) and biomass accumulation. Critically, high-salinity soils (9 dS/m) required 25% additional irrigation (4500 m³/hm²) and a full N input (315 kg/hm²) to maintain yield stability. These findings provide actionable strategies for farmers to optimize irrigation schedules and nitrogen application, balancing water conservation with yield stability in saline-affected arid agroecosystems that have been subjected to climate change. Full article

Broomrapes (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are parasitic weeds that significantly impact the productivity of major crops in the Mediterranean region, like tomato (Solanum spp.) and faba bean (Vicia faba) species. This review article extensively discusses management strategies to control broomrapes, which range from preventive measures to curative approaches. Additionally, it includes meaningful information on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the broomrape–host interaction, focusing on the host recognition of parasitic plant molecular patterns and the hormonal crosstalk that regulates the establishment of parasitism. Moreover, this article highlights the potential of breeding for resistance in cultivated crops, such as tomato and faba bean, as a sustainable, long-term solution to combat broomrape infestation. This review serves as a valuable resource for both researchers and farmers, offering insights for developing, implementing, and adapting effective and environmentally sustainable management practices for broomrape in Mediterranean agricultural systems. Full article

The structural characteristics of hickory trees exhibit a significant correlation with their fruit yield. As a distinctive high-quality nut of Zhejiang Province, hickory is a unique high-end dry fruit and woody oil plant in China. However, the long growth cycle and extended maturation period make their management particularly challenging, especially in the absence of high-precision 3D digital models. This study aims to optimize hickory tree management and identify trees with the most optimal structural features. It employs gradient-boosted machine learning modeling based on 23 key tree characteristics, transforming the experiential knowledge of forest farmers into quantifiable parameters. The consensus model achieved an LOOCV average accuracy of 87%, a training set accuracy of 100%, and a test set accuracy of 78%. Through this approach, three structural parameters that significantly impact the hickory tree were identified: the number of branches, the total length of all branches, and the crown base height from the ground. These parameters were used to select trees with superior structural traits. Furthermore, a novel method based on distance metrics was developed to assess the structural similarity of trees. This research not only highlights the importance of incorporating tree structural characteristics into forest management practices but also demonstrates how modern technological tools can enhance the productivity and economic returns of hickory forests. Through this integration, both the sustainability and economic viability of hickory forests are improved. Full article

Fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) are vital components commonly used in feed formulations. However, their supply, which generally comes from capture fisheries, is being exhausted, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. In a two-part study, the first part evaluated the FM and FO derived from smoked salmon by-product (SSBP) over a 12-week accelerated shelf-life test, comparing their lipid oxidation, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles to those of commercial whitefish meal and oil. In the second part, the SSBP FM and FO were then included in three experimental feeds at 25%, 50%, and 100% inclusion levels. These feeds were tested on juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis) cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The results indicated that the quality of SSBP FM and FO was lower than the commercial product (less amino acids (23.98% vs. 60.30%) and omega-3 fatty acids (9.46% vs. 26.6%), respectively). SSBP FO exhibited high initial peroxide value (21.00 ± 0.00 meq/kg oil), with gradually increasing total oxidation value and p-Anisidine value during storage. Regarding the feeding trial, all fish showed signs of Mycobacterium marinum infection after one month. While there was no significant difference in feed palatability (p > 0.8559), the feed conversion ratio was less efficient for the 100% SSBP feed (1.44 ± 0.14) compared to commercial feed (1.36 ± 0.13), but these differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that SSBP FM and FO can be used as supplements at lower levels (25% and 50%) without negatively affecting growth, feed efficiency, or survival. Our findings may be useful for enabling beneficial collaborations between smoked salmon processors, feed manufacturers, and striped bass farmers, therefore contributing to sustainability in aquaculture practices. Full article

The circular bioeconomy is the key tool for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Changes in agricultural production are crucial to its development. Farmers are not only responsible for biomass production but also account for approximately 13% of GHG emissions in the EU. This article addresses the following questions: (Q1) To what extent are farmers implementing the values and practices of the circular bioeconomy? (Q2) Are agricultural advisors promoting these values and practices? (Q3) What are the potential barriers preventing farmers from transitioning to a circular bioeconomy? The study was conducted among two groups. A CATI questionnaire survey was conducted with farmers, and in-depth interviews with agricultural advisors. Most farmers do not apply circular bioeconomy principles in their production practices. However, cluster analysis revealed variation: in addition to the disinterested mainstream group, a cluster of relatively affluent farmers was identified as more engaged in circular practices. The analysis of agricultural advisors’ attitudes revealed an insufficient level of engagement in promoting circular bioeconomy practices. It also indicated significant variation in the advisors’ values and attitudes, which may affect the type and quality of information they pass on to farmers. The study identified several barriers to the implementation of circular bioeconomy solutions, stemming from both farmers’ attitudes and institutional conditions. Full article

The cattle sector plays a critical role in Peru’s agricultural economy, yet it faces challenges related to low productivity and environmental degradation. Sustainable alternatives like silvo-pastoral systems (SPSs) offer promising solutions to enhance both economic returns and ecological outcomes in cattle farming. This study examines the economic viability of an intensive SPS (SPSi) compared to traditional monoculture grass systems in San Martín, Peru. The SPSi under study is in the evaluation phase, integrates grasses, legumes, shrubs, and trees, and has the potential to enhance cattle farming profitability while simultaneously offering environmental benefits such as improved soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Through a discounted cash flow model over an eight-year period, key profitability indicators—Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit–Cost Ratio (BC), and payback period—were estimated for four dual-purpose cattle production scenarios: a traditional system and three SPSi scenarios (pessimistic, moderate, and optimistic). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to assess risk, ensuring robust results. The results show that the NPV for the traditional system was a modest USD 61, while SPSi scenarios ranged from USD 9564 to USD 20,465. The IRR improved from 8.17% in the traditional system to between 26.63% and 30.33% in SPSi scenarios, with a shorter payback period of 4.5 to 5.8 years, compared to 7.98 years in the traditional system. Additionally, the SPSi demonstrated a 30% increase in milk production and a 50% to 250% rise in stocking rates per hectare. The study recommends, subject to pending validations through field trials, promoting SPSi adoption through improved access to credit, technical assistance, and policy frameworks that compensate farmers for ecosystem services. Policymakers should also implement monitoring mechanisms to mitigate unintended consequences, such as deforestation, ensuring that SPSi expansion aligns with sustainable land management practices. Overall, the SPSi presents a viable solution for achieving economic resilience and environmental sustainability in Peru’s cattle sector. Full article

Climate variability and land-use changes are critical challenges impacting agriculture globally, with Zimbabwe’s Gwayi catchment area experiencing noticeable effects. This study investigated how smallholder farmers in the region perceive these changes and their influence on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The research addresses the gap in understanding local farmer experiences with climate change and land-use modifications in the context of food security. A cross-sectional survey (n = 483) was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to capture demographic information, perceptions of climate variability, land-use changes, and their impacts on agriculture. The results indicate a trend of increasing droughts, dry spells, and heatwaves, alongside altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, corroborating the observed climate data. Environmental degradation, including deforestation, gully formation, and land expansion, exacerbates these changes. Consequently, farmers reported substantial reductions in crop yields, with 84.05% experiencing significant-to-very negative impacts, alongside declining livestock health (32.51% reporting very negative impacts), increased water scarcity (43.3% reporting drying water sources), and more frequent disease outbreaks. These challenges collectively contributed to heightened food insecurity, with 74.12% of households reporting negative impacts on their food supply. The study underscores the synergistic impacts of climate variability and land-use changes, highlighting the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable land management to enhance resilience and ensure long-term food security for smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment. Full article

The aim of this study was to provide information on post-harvest losses (PHLs) along the main value-added chains in the soybean industry, and on farmers’ strategies for reducing these losses in Benin. Data were collected using a subjective method (questionnaires) from 152 direct actors in the soybean value chain and an objective method (technological monitoring using technological monitoring sheets) from 27 processing units using a two-stage sampling technique in eighteen of the country’s municipalities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that post-harvest losses in soybean value chains ranged from 0.03% to 7.98%. The highest loss percentages were 7.98% (production), 10.0% (processing), and 4.27% (marketing), and were obtained during the subjective measurements. The link most affected by PHL was the production link. These losses were mainly observed during threshing, winnowing, sorting, and harvesting operations. The main causes of these losses were poor mechanization and a lack of skills for post-harvest operations. The main strategies developed by players to cope with this situation remained traditional (timely harvesting, use of appropriate equipment, and good storage practices). However, additional efforts in terms of infrastructure, adapted subsidies/credits, and recruitment of specialists are needed to mechanize the operations most sensitive to losses and to reinforce the capacities of agricultural actors in order to considerably reduce post-harvest losses. Full article