Pub Date : 2023-06-13DOI: 10.1177/00307270231180900
F. Landini, Santiago Conti, A. Villalba
The linkage among agricultural research, rural extension and farmers is key to promoting innovation and development processes. In general, works addressing problems in this linkage usually do so tangentially or from specific case studies. A systematic literature review of articles written in English, Spanish and Portuguese was conducted with the aim of identifying and organising the problems affecting the research-extension-farmer linkage. The identified problems were classified into central problems, and problems related to the institutional and management environments, the resources and staff, the epistemological-ideological structure organising the relationship, and attitudinal and subjective factors. The detected problems make up a complex causal network and cannot be addressed independently. Moreover, since they implicitly shape the interaction among research, extension and farmers, the problems related to formal and informal institutional structures, to the incentive systems and to the ways of understanding innovation have a strong incidence in the dynamics of the different linkages.
{"title":"Problems in the linkage among agricultural research, rural extension and farmers: An international literature review","authors":"F. Landini, Santiago Conti, A. Villalba","doi":"10.1177/00307270231180900","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231180900","url":null,"abstract":"The linkage among agricultural research, rural extension and farmers is key to promoting innovation and development processes. In general, works addressing problems in this linkage usually do so tangentially or from specific case studies. A systematic literature review of articles written in English, Spanish and Portuguese was conducted with the aim of identifying and organising the problems affecting the research-extension-farmer linkage. The identified problems were classified into central problems, and problems related to the institutional and management environments, the resources and staff, the epistemological-ideological structure organising the relationship, and attitudinal and subjective factors. The detected problems make up a complex causal network and cannot be addressed independently. Moreover, since they implicitly shape the interaction among research, extension and farmers, the problems related to formal and informal institutional structures, to the incentive systems and to the ways of understanding innovation have a strong incidence in the dynamics of the different linkages.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46857893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-12DOI: 10.1177/00307270231180902
Zhenyu Zhang, Liberty B. Galvin
Weedy species invasions are a huge problem in rangeland and natural areas as they degrade the quality and quantity of forage for livestock and reduce biodiversity. Weed suppression using native grasses is an ecologically driven method of weed management, representing an opportunity for low-input and management over long temporal scales if these systems can be successfully established. A systemic literature review was conducted to explore the interactions between native grasses and weeds, and revealed the potential of native grasses to provide a reduction in weed presence through interactions with other biological communities. We proposed the merging of agronomic and breeding techniques with restoration efforts such as using specialized seeding techniques to establish native grasses in these systems. A generalized planning framework for land managers is also presented, emphasizing the consideration of functional traits for competitive advantage against weeds and germplasm availability as the main considerations for species selection. Management strategies that provide advantages to native grasses such as land clearance and strategic disturbances were also discussed. Suppression can occur through a variety of mechanisms including direct competition with weeds, indirect interactions through trophic levels of arthropods and grazers, and human-induced disturbances. From our results, we believe that native grasses can potentially play an important role in efficacious weed suppression if utilized tactfully.
{"title":"Native grasses’ potential of providing ecological weed suppression in rangeland and natural areas: A scoping review","authors":"Zhenyu Zhang, Liberty B. Galvin","doi":"10.1177/00307270231180902","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231180902","url":null,"abstract":"Weedy species invasions are a huge problem in rangeland and natural areas as they degrade the quality and quantity of forage for livestock and reduce biodiversity. Weed suppression using native grasses is an ecologically driven method of weed management, representing an opportunity for low-input and management over long temporal scales if these systems can be successfully established. A systemic literature review was conducted to explore the interactions between native grasses and weeds, and revealed the potential of native grasses to provide a reduction in weed presence through interactions with other biological communities. We proposed the merging of agronomic and breeding techniques with restoration efforts such as using specialized seeding techniques to establish native grasses in these systems. A generalized planning framework for land managers is also presented, emphasizing the consideration of functional traits for competitive advantage against weeds and germplasm availability as the main considerations for species selection. Management strategies that provide advantages to native grasses such as land clearance and strategic disturbances were also discussed. Suppression can occur through a variety of mechanisms including direct competition with weeds, indirect interactions through trophic levels of arthropods and grazers, and human-induced disturbances. From our results, we believe that native grasses can potentially play an important role in efficacious weed suppression if utilized tactfully.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"24 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41278530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-12DOI: 10.1177/00307270231179749
A. Newton, A. Karley
Modern agriculture is perceived to be unsustainable having pursued a high productivity, reductionist approach for many decades. The solution proposed for restoring ‘sustainability’ is often encapsulated in the term ‘diversity’ but this is frequently as ill-defined and open to wide interpretation as the word sustainable. Key to determining whether diversity is ‘the answer’ is defining what diversity means in practice in the field. We attempt to describe the concepts and components of diversity and, crucially, how they might combine and interact in agricultural systems. The key concepts are: (1) complexity, (2) variation, and (3) spatio-temporal interaction, with the latter comprising (a) heterogeneity, (b) spatial connectivity, and (c) temporal connectivity. We suggest that this might lead to new strategies of diversity deployment and an index of resilience, a key ingredient of sustainability. These measures of diversity are explored in the context of crop resistance to pests and pathogens and the potential to maximise the benefits for integrated pest management in arable crops.
{"title":"Concepts of trait diversity – the key to effective IPM for resilience in arable systems?","authors":"A. Newton, A. Karley","doi":"10.1177/00307270231179749","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231179749","url":null,"abstract":"Modern agriculture is perceived to be unsustainable having pursued a high productivity, reductionist approach for many decades. The solution proposed for restoring ‘sustainability’ is often encapsulated in the term ‘diversity’ but this is frequently as ill-defined and open to wide interpretation as the word sustainable. Key to determining whether diversity is ‘the answer’ is defining what diversity means in practice in the field. We attempt to describe the concepts and components of diversity and, crucially, how they might combine and interact in agricultural systems. The key concepts are: (1) complexity, (2) variation, and (3) spatio-temporal interaction, with the latter comprising (a) heterogeneity, (b) spatial connectivity, and (c) temporal connectivity. We suggest that this might lead to new strategies of diversity deployment and an index of resilience, a key ingredient of sustainability. These measures of diversity are explored in the context of crop resistance to pests and pathogens and the potential to maximise the benefits for integrated pest management in arable crops.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"264 - 272"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46821435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-01DOI: 10.1177/00307270231178889
R. Sakrabani, K. Garnett, J. Knox, J. Rickson, M. Pawlett, N. Falagán, N. Girkin, M. Cain, M. C. Alamar, P. Burgess, J. Harris, K. Patchigolla, D. Sandars, A. Graves, Jack Hannam, Robert W Simmons
The agricultural sector faces multiple challenges linked to increased climate uncertainty, causing severe shocks including increased frequency of extreme weather events, new pest and disease risks, soil degradation, and pre and postharvest food losses. This situation is further exacerbated by geopolitical instability and volatility in energy prices impacting on fertiliser supplies and production costs. Net zero strategies are vital to achieve both food security and address negative environmental impacts. This perspective paper reviews and assesses the most viable options (actions) to achieve net zero with a focus on the arable/livestock and protected cropping sectors in the UK. The methodology was based on a synthesis of relevant literature, coupled with expert opinions using the holistic PESTLE (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) approach to categorise actions, leading to formulation of a roadmap to achieve net zero. The PESTLE analysis indicated that there are technically and economically viable actions available which need to be prioritised depending on the ease of their implementation within the two crop sectors investigated. These actions include (i) policy changes that are better aligned to net zero; (ii) circular economy approaches; (iii) connectivity and accessibility of information; (iv) increased resilience to shocks; (v) changing diets, nutrition and lifestyles; (vi) target setting and attainment; and (vii) farm economics and livelihoods. The outputs can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to inform policy and drive meaningful changes in global food and environmental security.
{"title":"Towards net zero in agriculture: Future challenges and opportunities for arable, livestock and protected cropping systems in the UK","authors":"R. Sakrabani, K. Garnett, J. Knox, J. Rickson, M. Pawlett, N. Falagán, N. Girkin, M. Cain, M. C. Alamar, P. Burgess, J. Harris, K. Patchigolla, D. Sandars, A. Graves, Jack Hannam, Robert W Simmons","doi":"10.1177/00307270231178889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231178889","url":null,"abstract":"The agricultural sector faces multiple challenges linked to increased climate uncertainty, causing severe shocks including increased frequency of extreme weather events, new pest and disease risks, soil degradation, and pre and postharvest food losses. This situation is further exacerbated by geopolitical instability and volatility in energy prices impacting on fertiliser supplies and production costs. Net zero strategies are vital to achieve both food security and address negative environmental impacts. This perspective paper reviews and assesses the most viable options (actions) to achieve net zero with a focus on the arable/livestock and protected cropping sectors in the UK. The methodology was based on a synthesis of relevant literature, coupled with expert opinions using the holistic PESTLE (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) approach to categorise actions, leading to formulation of a roadmap to achieve net zero. The PESTLE analysis indicated that there are technically and economically viable actions available which need to be prioritised depending on the ease of their implementation within the two crop sectors investigated. These actions include (i) policy changes that are better aligned to net zero; (ii) circular economy approaches; (iii) connectivity and accessibility of information; (iv) increased resilience to shocks; (v) changing diets, nutrition and lifestyles; (vi) target setting and attainment; and (vii) farm economics and livelihoods. The outputs can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to inform policy and drive meaningful changes in global food and environmental security.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"116 - 125"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47498748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-01DOI: 10.1177/00307270231177721
R. Flor, H. Maat, A. Stuart, Rathmuny Then, Saban Choun, Sokunroth Chhun, B. Hadi
How can we reach farmers with ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) while creating a supportive context for adoption by farmers and relevant stakeholders? We assessed a new method – Adaptive Learning Networks – from reflections of varied stakeholders, farmer diaries and survey data procured in 2016 and 2019. This method is different from current IPM approaches, in that an explicit focus of learning was on engaging other stakeholders to enable adoption by farmers. For example, access to IPM products, providing new services and creating new policies were intrinsically part of the learning process, alongside learning on-farm IPM techniques. The main consideration is to ease farmers from being locked into the practice of pesticide reliance. The method facilitated multi-stakeholder learning that led to an adaptation of the IPM tools and techniques in the case examined. The priority of this new method was socio-technical learning, wherein varied stakeholders modify interactions, incentives and arrangements relating to pest management. Comparing 2016 and 2019 data, there was a significant reduction in insecticide, herbicide, and rodenticide applications. The observed outcomes indicate the potential to enable a wider spread of IPM technologies.
{"title":"Introducing an ecologically-based pest management approach in Cambodia through adaptive learning networks","authors":"R. Flor, H. Maat, A. Stuart, Rathmuny Then, Saban Choun, Sokunroth Chhun, B. Hadi","doi":"10.1177/00307270231177721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231177721","url":null,"abstract":"How can we reach farmers with ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) while creating a supportive context for adoption by farmers and relevant stakeholders? We assessed a new method – Adaptive Learning Networks – from reflections of varied stakeholders, farmer diaries and survey data procured in 2016 and 2019. This method is different from current IPM approaches, in that an explicit focus of learning was on engaging other stakeholders to enable adoption by farmers. For example, access to IPM products, providing new services and creating new policies were intrinsically part of the learning process, alongside learning on-farm IPM techniques. The main consideration is to ease farmers from being locked into the practice of pesticide reliance. The method facilitated multi-stakeholder learning that led to an adaptation of the IPM tools and techniques in the case examined. The priority of this new method was socio-technical learning, wherein varied stakeholders modify interactions, incentives and arrangements relating to pest management. Comparing 2016 and 2019 data, there was a significant reduction in insecticide, herbicide, and rodenticide applications. The observed outcomes indicate the potential to enable a wider spread of IPM technologies.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"200 - 211"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44287459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-01DOI: 10.1177/00307270231179240
Linus Kalvelage, Craig Hardie, K. Mausch, C. Conti, A. Hall
Starting from the observation that value chain research has informed much of agricultural development interventions in recent decades, this paper identifies five key challenges to current agricultural development policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): access to finance, infrastructure, land tenure, local linkages and knowledge transfer. Based on this review, it is argued that recent theoretical advances in the global production network (GPN) approach can help to achieve a more holistic view of agricultural development policies than the more linear value chain research. In particular, three key concepts from the GPN approach are highlighted: mobilisation of regional assets, strategic coupling and territorial embeddedness. These key concepts are used to propose a framework called ‘insight-out strategic coupling for smallholder integration’, which builds on the concept of strategic coupling in GPN research and applies it as a development tool to agricultural production. Using an in-depth case study approach, the usefulness of this framework is tested by examining the experience of Malawi Mangoes, a company established to promote smallholder exports. Malawi Mangoes was initially funded by private equity, but despite a number of challenges along the way, was soon able to attract development funding and integrate smallholders from surrounding villages throughout-grower schemes. Analysis of the case shows both the usefulness of the framework and the lost potential in implementing agricultural development policy. The authors conclude that the framework is useful for linking current debates on agricultural development interventions, but that the findings of critical GPN research need to be taken into account when developing agricultural development interventions in order to respect the ‘do no harm’ principle.
{"title":"Inside-out strategic coupling for smallholder market integration – Mango production in Malawi as a test case","authors":"Linus Kalvelage, Craig Hardie, K. Mausch, C. Conti, A. Hall","doi":"10.1177/00307270231179240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231179240","url":null,"abstract":"Starting from the observation that value chain research has informed much of agricultural development interventions in recent decades, this paper identifies five key challenges to current agricultural development policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): access to finance, infrastructure, land tenure, local linkages and knowledge transfer. Based on this review, it is argued that recent theoretical advances in the global production network (GPN) approach can help to achieve a more holistic view of agricultural development policies than the more linear value chain research. In particular, three key concepts from the GPN approach are highlighted: mobilisation of regional assets, strategic coupling and territorial embeddedness. These key concepts are used to propose a framework called ‘insight-out strategic coupling for smallholder integration’, which builds on the concept of strategic coupling in GPN research and applies it as a development tool to agricultural production. Using an in-depth case study approach, the usefulness of this framework is tested by examining the experience of Malawi Mangoes, a company established to promote smallholder exports. Malawi Mangoes was initially funded by private equity, but despite a number of challenges along the way, was soon able to attract development funding and integrate smallholders from surrounding villages throughout-grower schemes. Analysis of the case shows both the usefulness of the framework and the lost potential in implementing agricultural development policy. The authors conclude that the framework is useful for linking current debates on agricultural development interventions, but that the findings of critical GPN research need to be taken into account when developing agricultural development interventions in order to respect the ‘do no harm’ principle.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"174 - 185"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44865590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-01DOI: 10.1177/00307270231179747
B. Paul, J. Mutegi, M. Wironen, S. Wood, M. Peters, Sylvia S. Nyawira, M. Misiko, S. Dutta, S. Zingore, T. Oberthür, A. Notenbaert, S. Cook
Agri-food systems approaches have gained international recognition over the last years. The role of livestock—both in mixed crop-livestock and pastoral systems—in sustainable agri-food systems transformation remains contested. In this review paper we present new analyses of original data from an international livestock expert survey, a quantitative search in Web of Science, and a literature review to unravel the potential for livestock systems to sustainably transform agri-food systems through regenerating soils and restoring degraded landscapes. We (i) illustrate how livestock is important for people and planet alike; (ii) review how to harness livestock's potential for rehabilitation of soils and landscapes; (iii) demonstrate successful case studies of livestock solutions such as improved forages for cut-and-carry systems and grazing management; and (iv) identify four critical steps required for lasting change at continental scale. We conclude that livestock solutions can be key catalysts for sustainable agri-food systems transformation that merit accelerated public and private investments. More research is needed to develop concrete, operational and practical livestock solutions, and measure, monitor and report their contributions and progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
农业食品系统方法在过去几年中获得了国际认可。在可持续农业粮食系统转型中，牲畜(包括混合作物-牲畜和畜牧系统)的作用仍然存在争议。在这篇综述文章中，我们对来自国际畜牧业专家调查的原始数据进行了新的分析，在Web of Science中进行了定量搜索，并对文献进行了综述，以揭示畜牧业系统通过再生土壤和恢复退化景观来可持续地改变农业粮食系统的潜力。我们(i)说明牲畜对人类和地球的重要性;(ii)审查如何利用牲畜恢复土壤和景观的潜力;(iii)展示有关牲畜解决方案的成功案例研究，例如改良牧草收割和搬运系统和放牧管理;(iv)确定在大陆范围内进行持久变革所需的四个关键步骤。我们的结论是，畜牧业解决方案可以成为可持续农业粮食系统转型的关键催化剂，值得加快公共和私人投资。需要进行更多的研究，以制定具体、可操作和实用的畜牧业解决方案，并衡量、监测和报告它们对《2030年可持续发展议程》的贡献和进展。
{"title":"Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa","authors":"B. Paul, J. Mutegi, M. Wironen, S. Wood, M. Peters, Sylvia S. Nyawira, M. Misiko, S. Dutta, S. Zingore, T. Oberthür, A. Notenbaert, S. Cook","doi":"10.1177/00307270231179747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231179747","url":null,"abstract":"Agri-food systems approaches have gained international recognition over the last years. The role of livestock—both in mixed crop-livestock and pastoral systems—in sustainable agri-food systems transformation remains contested. In this review paper we present new analyses of original data from an international livestock expert survey, a quantitative search in Web of Science, and a literature review to unravel the potential for livestock systems to sustainably transform agri-food systems through regenerating soils and restoring degraded landscapes. We (i) illustrate how livestock is important for people and planet alike; (ii) review how to harness livestock's potential for rehabilitation of soils and landscapes; (iii) demonstrate successful case studies of livestock solutions such as improved forages for cut-and-carry systems and grazing management; and (iv) identify four critical steps required for lasting change at continental scale. We conclude that livestock solutions can be key catalysts for sustainable agri-food systems transformation that merit accelerated public and private investments. More research is needed to develop concrete, operational and practical livestock solutions, and measure, monitor and report their contributions and progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"103 - 115"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44796899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-29DOI: 10.1177/00307270231176577
Ted J. Lawrence, J. Vilbig, G. Kangogo, E. Fèvre, S. Deem, I. Gluecks, V. Sagan, E. Shacham
Productive global agriculture is under a convergence of pressures, and particularly climate change and population growth. The impact is especially stark in East Africa where crop production is mostly rain-fed and population growth rates are among the highest in the world. Our objective for this study was to understand how climate change and population growth have impacted the size of agropastoral areas across Kenya over 40 years. Climate-suitable areas for all primary crops decreased 28% over the study period. Climate-suitable areas for primary crops increased 3% in highly productive counties, decreased 25% in moderately productive counties, and decreased 62% in low productive counties. Climate-suitable areas over the study period decreased 13% for ranching areas, 21% for dairying areas, 24% for mixed crop and ranching areas, and 28% for mixed crop and dairying areas, while climate-suitable areas for pastoralism increased 12%. Population across Kenya more than tripled over the study period, while population relative to climate-suitable areas for crops increased nearly fourfold, and population relative to climate-suitable areas for pastoralism nearly tripled. Population relative to available climate-suitable areas for crops more than doubled in highly productive counties, increased more than four-fold in moderately productive counties, and was nearly 15 times higher in low productive counties. Examining the cumulative effects of climate change and population growth on agricultural sectors across Kenya can help to develop policies and strategies to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
{"title":"Spatial changes to climatic suitability and availability of agropastoral farming systems across Kenya (1980–2020)","authors":"Ted J. Lawrence, J. Vilbig, G. Kangogo, E. Fèvre, S. Deem, I. Gluecks, V. Sagan, E. Shacham","doi":"10.1177/00307270231176577","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231176577","url":null,"abstract":"Productive global agriculture is under a convergence of pressures, and particularly climate change and population growth. The impact is especially stark in East Africa where crop production is mostly rain-fed and population growth rates are among the highest in the world. Our objective for this study was to understand how climate change and population growth have impacted the size of agropastoral areas across Kenya over 40 years. Climate-suitable areas for all primary crops decreased 28% over the study period. Climate-suitable areas for primary crops increased 3% in highly productive counties, decreased 25% in moderately productive counties, and decreased 62% in low productive counties. Climate-suitable areas over the study period decreased 13% for ranching areas, 21% for dairying areas, 24% for mixed crop and ranching areas, and 28% for mixed crop and dairying areas, while climate-suitable areas for pastoralism increased 12%. Population across Kenya more than tripled over the study period, while population relative to climate-suitable areas for crops increased nearly fourfold, and population relative to climate-suitable areas for pastoralism nearly tripled. Population relative to available climate-suitable areas for crops more than doubled in highly productive counties, increased more than four-fold in moderately productive counties, and was nearly 15 times higher in low productive counties. Examining the cumulative effects of climate change and population growth on agricultural sectors across Kenya can help to develop policies and strategies to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"186 - 199"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46379718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-24DOI: 10.1177/00307270231176578
K. K. Kumar, Prasanta Moharaj
The relationship between farm size and productivity has been a topic of interest in agricultural research for decades due to the significance of agriculture in rural economies and its potential to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth. The relationship between farm size and productivity is influenced by factors such as the type of crop being produced, costs of cultivation, farm management practices, access to inputs and markets and socio-economic conditions. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between farm size and productivity in the context of farming households, their cost of cultivation and the types of crops they produce. Using the Cobb–Douglas production function, the present study estimates the regression function for principal crops such as cotton and paddy in the study area. The findings reveal strong evidence of an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, indicating that small and marginal farmers are more productive in wetland cultivation (paddy). In contrast, medium and large farmers are more productive in dry land cultivation (cotton). The paper also investigates the availability and accessibility of credit facilities for different farm sizes. It concludes that small and marginal farmers depend mainly on non-institutional credit agencies compared to medium and large farmers.
{"title":"Farm size and productivity relationship among the farming communities in India","authors":"K. K. Kumar, Prasanta Moharaj","doi":"10.1177/00307270231176578","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231176578","url":null,"abstract":"The relationship between farm size and productivity has been a topic of interest in agricultural research for decades due to the significance of agriculture in rural economies and its potential to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth. The relationship between farm size and productivity is influenced by factors such as the type of crop being produced, costs of cultivation, farm management practices, access to inputs and markets and socio-economic conditions. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between farm size and productivity in the context of farming households, their cost of cultivation and the types of crops they produce. Using the Cobb–Douglas production function, the present study estimates the regression function for principal crops such as cotton and paddy in the study area. The findings reveal strong evidence of an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, indicating that small and marginal farmers are more productive in wetland cultivation (paddy). In contrast, medium and large farmers are more productive in dry land cultivation (cotton). The paper also investigates the availability and accessibility of credit facilities for different farm sizes. It concludes that small and marginal farmers depend mainly on non-institutional credit agencies compared to medium and large farmers.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"52 1","pages":"212 - 227"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46671525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-19DOI: 10.1177/00307270231173137
Yifei Yang, Tianxu Liu, D. Nilsson, Kate Hartcher, Hao-Yu Shih, Zhong-Hong Wu, Zhongying Liu, M. Sinclair, Xochitl Samayoa, Kate Henning, K. Descovich
“Demonstration farms” can disseminate knowledge on farming practices and help to promote animal welfare. When on-farm visits are impractical, remote demonstrations are a feasible alternative. This study used videos of higher welfare beef, fish and free-range egg farms in China. It aimed to determine whether the videos affected attitudes and intentions toward animal welfare and whether such videos are useful training tools. Participants indicated a high acceptability of demonstration farm videos for learning about their industry and the needs of animals. Videos shifted participant attitudes toward animal welfare, but only when actively engaged in rating the farm on specific characteristics. Attitude changes suggested participants gained a greater understanding of animal welfare, a greater intention to improve on-farm welfare, and more confidence in peer support for welfare innovations after viewing the video. The findings indicate videos of demonstration farms are useful for remote training but passive viewing may be insufficient to create change, and outcomes should be monitored for success.
{"title":"Use of “demonstration farm” videos to affect attitude change toward animal welfare on beef, egg, and fish farms in China","authors":"Yifei Yang, Tianxu Liu, D. Nilsson, Kate Hartcher, Hao-Yu Shih, Zhong-Hong Wu, Zhongying Liu, M. Sinclair, Xochitl Samayoa, Kate Henning, K. Descovich","doi":"10.1177/00307270231173137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231173137","url":null,"abstract":"“Demonstration farms” can disseminate knowledge on farming practices and help to promote animal welfare. When on-farm visits are impractical, remote demonstrations are a feasible alternative. This study used videos of higher welfare beef, fish and free-range egg farms in China. It aimed to determine whether the videos affected attitudes and intentions toward animal welfare and whether such videos are useful training tools. Participants indicated a high acceptability of demonstration farm videos for learning about their industry and the needs of animals. Videos shifted participant attitudes toward animal welfare, but only when actively engaged in rating the farm on specific characteristics. Attitude changes suggested participants gained a greater understanding of animal welfare, a greater intention to improve on-farm welfare, and more confidence in peer support for welfare innovations after viewing the video. The findings indicate videos of demonstration farms are useful for remote training but passive viewing may be insufficient to create change, and outcomes should be monitored for success.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46746040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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