Agricultural Administration最新文献

The last decade in Nigeria witnessed the genesis of many government-sponsored agricultural projects. These projects, which are financed partly through loans and partly from the oil revenue, are aimed at reversing the downward trend in food production and making the nation self-sufficient in food. The colossal investment in agriculture has, however, not shown appreciative results.

In this paper attempts are made at evaluating one of such projects and at developing a framework for such, especially where adequate time-series data are not available. The ANIMO project, which was initiated in 1976, was aimed at increasing rice production through the introduction of modern farming practices and new varieties of seeds. As at 1981 the social direct cost of production was estimated at

The nature of the relationships between industry and public agricultural research programs in USA land-grant universities (LGUs) is explored historical

An analysis has been made of industry-oriented reasons for the inclusion of new material in a sample of 267 single lectures given by lecturers in 55 agricultural colleges in England and Wales. Nine categories of reasons are identified and are quantified in terms of six subject groups.

Variation in the level of lecture renewal between the subject groups is discussed in terms of the nature of the source and of the subject matter. Comparisons are made with the practice adopted in agricultural education and extension in Australia and India. Recommendations are made for the management of curriculum development and related staff development.

Farming systems research (FSR) is continuously challenged to maintain the motivation of farmers and scientists to collaborate in on-farm research. This is especially true for livestock farming systems research, which tends to be overlooked. Factors such as mobility of animals and their long life-cycle, lack of synchronization of experimental units, non-divisibility and size of units, multiplicity of outputs, and high statistical variability also constrain livestock-oriented FSR and aggravate the problems of on-farm livestock research. During the testing stage of FSR, Regular Research Field Hearings (RRFH) can improve communication between scientists and farmers, thereby increasing mutual understanding and willingness to collaborate in evaluating potential technologies, and test results. Attendance records and discussion-participation rates indicate that RRFH have been successful in Indonesian small-ruminant research.

Chemicals to control the diseases and pests of cocoa have been used in Nigeria for over three decades. This paper examines the marketing system for these chemicals with the aim of identifying the causes of inefficiency in the system in relation to the problems of on-farm acquisition of subsidized chemicals. All channels through which the chemicals (subsidized and unsubsidized) are distributed were examined. Village markets were visited and 266 farmers from the main cocoa belt of Nigeria were interviewed as to the problems they encounter in acquiring and using chemicals. Over 72 per cent of farmers indicated that they bought their chemicals in the open market, and about 51 per cent indicated that they were not even aware of subsidized chemicals. Other findings include lack of knowledge about new chemicals, inappropriate packaging of some chemicals, late release of subsidized chemicals and release of the chemicals during the ‘lean’ season. The paper concludes with some recommendations and suggests a distribution system which could ensure more and better utilization of subsidized cocoa spraying chemicals.

Close farmer contact is a vital element in livestock component farming systems research in Java. Slow progress so far in livestock development may be partly associated with practical difficulties in achieving the degree of farmer contact needed in livestock research, while working mainly with male stock-rearers. Most men rearers in Java spend most daylight hours working away from home and their stock, and feel too busy to become involved in trials of new livestock technology.

The advantages of involving women in village livestock research include ease of communication during daylight working hours, interest amongst women (and some training) in nutrition, health and reproduction, and the ability of women to manage animals in farm trials requiring constant supervision. In some villages women are already involved in group activities, which can form a ready basis for the communication of ideas on livestock improvement.

The potential for improving productivity of Javanese livestock has been demonstrated under research station conditions, yet little improvement in village livestock production has been achieved. One approach to increasing progress in livestock development could be to promote research which involves women rearers or the wives of rearers. This may require special efforts to encourage women scientists to work in villages.