Search Results (74)

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a critical strategy to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, particularly among smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. This study reviews the existing literature on the adoption and scaling of CSA innovations among smallholder farmers in South Africa, focusing specifically on the roles played by institutional mechanisms, policy frameworks, and market dynamics. The findings reveal that while CSA interventions—such as conservation agriculture, drought-tolerant crop varieties, and precision irrigation—have demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing productivity, food and nutritional security, and climate resilience, adoption remains uneven and limited. Key barriers include insecure land tenure, insufficient extension and climate information services, limited access to credit and inputs, and fragmented institutional support. The analysis highlights the importance of secure land rights, functional farmer cooperatives, effective NGO involvement, and inclusive governance structures in facilitating CSA adoption. Further, the review critiques the implementation gaps in South Africa’s climate and agricultural policy landscape, despite the existence of comprehensive strategies like the National Climate Change Response Policy and the Agricultural Policy Action Plan. This study concludes that scaling CSA among smallholder farmers requires a holistic, multi-level approach that strengthens institutional coordination, ensures policy coherence, improves market access, and empowers local actors. Targeted financial incentives, capacity-building programs, and value chain integration are essential to transform CSA from a conceptual framework into a practical, scalable solution for sustainable agricultural development in South Africa. Full article

As global warming worsens, there is a growing need to reduce emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas. In agriculture, a water management method called alternate wetting and drying (AWD) has proven effective in mitigating methane emissions from paddy fields. It is, therefore, advisable to disseminate it efficiently. This study was conducted in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, to determine what influences AWD adoption behavior and examine the effectiveness of human networks in promoting AWD. Spatial statistical methods, including Moran’s I and Global G* and the spatial probit model, were employed for the purpose. The analysis results indicate that the behavior of surrounding farmers, which constitutes a spatial factor, influences that of the individual farmers. Moreover, farmers who acquire and use data, those with large-scale production, and those who mainly sell paddy rice tend to implement AWD, whereas corporate-managed farms do not. Therefore, to more efficiently improve the AWD implementation rate in Shiga Prefecture, this study makes several recommendations. Farmers’ active information sharing and technology exchange should be leveraged to strengthen networks and promote best practices for AWD dissemination. Advancing agricultural digitalization and data utilization is crucial, particularly by reducing digital equipment costs and securing technical personnel through public investment. Additionally, the approach toward corporate entities in AWD dissemination should be reconsidered, with market incentives playing a role. Lastly, promoting larger farmland parcels and increasing large-scale management farmers who are motivated to adopt AWD is essential. These strategies constitute this study’s original contribution. Full article

The promotion of farmers’ green production behavior (GPB) to accelerate agricultural green development and food system transformation is a popular issue worldwide. Based on the representative literature from 2015 to October 2024, this study reviews the connotation and stage characteristics of farmers’ GPB. The current research focuses primarily on the primary industry, particularly agriculture, which is not in line with the global trend of agricultural and rural development; thus, it seems necessary to reiterate the connotation. The driving factors of farmers’ GPB are discussed at the individual, household, and external levels, and the relationships and effects of each group of factors in the literature are reviewed; future research should re-examine the formation mechanism from the perspective of industry integration and upgrading. This paper refers to the agricultural transformation practices of major economies worldwide and summarizes the policy implications in the literature concerning the promotion of farmers’ GPB. A multiagent incentive mechanism system is constructed from the perspectives of government-led, market-oriented, and social participation. Finally, based on the evolving trends in global agriculture and rural development, three potential research directions are proposed as follows: (i) broadening the research scope of farmers’ GPB from the perspective of industry integration; (ii) empowering farmers’ GPB through digital intelligence; and (iii) increasing farmers’ GPB and food security. This review is beneficial for better understanding farmers’ GPB and promoting it globally. Full article

Agriculture is central to Nepal’s economy but faces growing challenges such as environmental degradation, labor shortages, and the increasing feminization of farming due to male outmigration. Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) offers a sustainable solution, yet adoption remains inconsistent due to knowledge gaps and resource constraints. This study examines the socio-demographic, economic, and environmental factors influencing the farmers’ willingness to learn about ECA and its relationship with women’s empowerment. A cross-sectional survey of 383 ECA farmers across the Kavre, Dhading, and Chitwan districts in Bagmati Province reveals that 72.6% are willing to learn about ECA, driven by climate change concerns, economic incentives, and market access. Farmers who have experienced climate-related crop losses (64%) and those engaged in consumer-driven markets (59%) show a greater inclination to learn ECA. Spearman correlation analysis highlights key factors influencing willingness to learn, including perceptions of ECA as a climate-resilient practice, interest in ECA, and awareness of FAO’s promotion of ECA. Farmers who believe that ECA enhances sustainability, resilience, and income are also more likely to engage, while market dissatisfaction presents a challenge. Receiving ECA subsidies is positively associated with willingness to learn, highlighting the role of financial support in adoption. Women play a crucial role in agriculture but face barriers such as household responsibilities (22%), lack of education and training (18%), and limited financial access (12%). Key motivators for their participation include capacity-building initiatives (48%), financial support (16%), and empowerment programs (5%). Notably, households where women participate in early decision-making are 19% more likely to express willingness to learn about ECA, and perceptions of ECA as empowering women are positively linked to willingness to learn. Addressing these barriers through targeted policies, institutional support, and market-based incentives is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. This study provides actionable insights for strengthening ECA adoption, promoting gender equity, and enhancing Nepal’s climate resilience. Full article

Considerable losses are inflicted by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) due to their obligate parasitism; serious damage occurs in many susceptible crops, and the parasites have a broad distribution worldwide. As most PPNs have a subterranean nature, the complexity of soils in the plant rhizosphere and the structures and functions of the soil food webs necessitate a grasp of the relevant biotic/abiotic factors in order to ensure their effective control. Such factors frequently lead to the inconsistent performance and untapped activity of applied bionematicides, hindering efforts to develop reliable ones. Research efforts that take these factors into account to back the usage of these bionematicides by combining the disease-suppressive activities of two or more agricultural inputs are highlighted herein. These combinations should be designed to boost useful colonization in the rhizosphere, persistent expression of desirable traits under a wide range of soil settings, and/or antagonism to a larger number of plant pests/pathogens relative to individual applications. Relevant ecological/biological bases with specific settings for effective PPN management are exemplified. Determining the relative sensitivity or incompatibility of some biologicals entails studying their combinations and reactions. Such studies, as suggested herein, should be conducted on a case-by-case basis to avoid unsatisfactory outputs. These studies will enable us to accurately define certain outputs, namely, the synergistic, additive, neutral, and antagonistic interactions among the inputs. In optimizing the efficiencies of these inputs, researchers should consider their multi-functionality and metabolic complementarity. Despite previous research, the market currently lacks these types of safe and effective products. Hence, further explorations of novel integrated pest management plans that boost synergy and coverage to control multiple pathogens/pests on a single crop are required. Also, setting economic incentives and utilizing a standardized regulation that examines the authentic risks of biopesticides are still called for in order to ease cost-effective formulation, registration, farmer awareness, and usage worldwide. On the other hand, tank mixing that ensures legality and avoids physical and chemical agro-input-based incompatibilities can also provide superior merits. The end in view is the unraveling of the complexities of interactions engaged with in applying multiple inputs to develop soundly formulated, safe, and effective pesticides. Sophisticated techniques should be incorporated to overcome such complexities/limitations. These techniques would engage microencapsulation, nanopesticides, volatile organic compounds as signals for soil inhabitants, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in pesticide development. Full article

Since 1990, approximately 420 million hectares of forest have been lost worldwide due to land conversion for various uses, including agriculture, infrastructure development, urbanization, and other human activities. This study aims to investigate the critical drivers contributing to deforestation and forest degradation (DFD) in Ondo State, Nigeria, thereby identifying areas where REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) interventions could be most effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is released through forest loss and degradation. A questionnaire survey was used to obtain data from construction professionals such as architects, engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, and project managers. Collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to report the background information of professionals, Mean Item Scores (MIS) to rank critical drivers of DFD, and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) to identify the most critical drivers. FSE analysis revealed that DFD is primarily motivated by agricultural expansion (including cattle ranching and shifting cultivation) and infrastructure extension (particularly transportation networks and market and service infrastructure) among the proximate drivers. The analysis also identified demographic, economic, and policy and institutional factors as the most significant underlying drivers. The emphasis on agricultural expansion and infrastructure extension suggests that targeted interventions in these areas could significantly mitigate DFD in the study site under consideration. This may involve implementing stricter regulations and incentives to promote sustainable land use practices among farmers and landowners. Additionally, integrating environmental impact assessments into infrastructure projects can help minimize forest loss associated with road construction and urban expansion. This study introduces an innovative approach by applying the Geist and Lambin conceptual framework of ‘proximate causes and underlying driving forces’. It is among the pioneering studies conducted in the study area to comprehensively analyze the drivers contributing to DFD using these frameworks. Although conducted in Ondo State, Nigeria, the findings can be extrapolated to similar regions facing similar challenges of DFD worldwide. Full article

This study investigates the continuation of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) practices among farmers in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in the Philippines. Through a cross-sectional survey of ECA farmers in the municipality of Banaue, this research explores the socio-demographic, environmental, and economic factors influencing the adoption and persistence of ECA. The findings reveal that while access to resources such as high-yielding seeds, modern farming equipment, and financial support is important for the adoption of ECA, the shift toward high-yielding varieties has contributed to a decline in the cultivation of Tinawon rice, which is vital for maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the terraces. This study underscores the importance of balancing modern agricultural practices with the continued cultivation of Tinawon rice to preserve biodiversity, soil health, and cultural identity, while also enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, the roles of community-based support systems, market access, and financial incentives are highlighted as key factors in sustaining ECA practices. Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for adaptation, making it essential to integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques to build resilience. Understanding the factors that shape ECA continuation is crucial for refining initiatives that address both the economic and cultural contexts. By emphasizing the importance of tailored, community-driven interventions, this study provides critical insights for enhancing ECA adoption in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, contributing to climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of this significant agricultural heritage system. Full article

Fertilizer carbon emissions contribute the largest proportion to agricultural carbon emissions in China, while the extension of low-carbon fertilization technologies (LCFTs) is an effective measure to address this issue. Research suggests that the relational networks surrounding farmers significantly influence their carbon reduction behavior. This study conducted a field survey of 239 large-scale grain producers in August 2022 on China’s Poyang Lake Basin, which is the nation’s largest freshwater lake and a vital agricultural production area. Using cross-sectional data, probit and ordered probit models were employed to analyze the impacts of multidimensional relational networks (market, government, and social networks) on the adoption of LCFTs by large-scale grain producers. Additionally, a mediating-effect model was used to examine the pathways through which relational networks influence LCFT adoption. The findings indicated that relational networks not only increased the likelihood of large-scale grain producers adopting LCFTs but also enhanced the intensity of adoption. However, the effects of different relational networks on low-carbon behavior varied. The market network exerted the most prominent influence on LCFT adoption, followed by the social and government networks. A mediation analysis identified information sharing, demonstration effects, and resource guarantees as the mediating pathways between multidimensional relational networks and LCFT adoption by large-scale grain producers. Furthermore, a heterogeneity analysis revealed that the effects of multidimensional relational networks on LCFT adoption differed across generations and carbon intensity levels. The impact was greater among older grain producers than the younger generation, and those in the high-carbon-intensity group exhibited a stronger incentive compared to the medium- and low-carbon-intensity groups. Full article

This study examines market actors’ perspectives on agri-food data sharing within traceability- and transparency-oriented digital systems, which are crucial for enhancing sustainable food supply chains. Drawing on the ‘Digital Food Passports’ pilot in Poland, the research aimed to identify factors influencing market actors’ willingness to share data to provide reliable and comprehensive information on the origin, journey, and quality of agri-food products. Through thematic analysis, key motivators and barriers to stakeholder engagement were identified. Findings highlight the necessity of a clear value proposition for all actors within the production and distribution chain to invest resources and time in additional data-exchange systems. For farmers, reducing burdensome reporting procedures and providing direct financial incentives were key motivators. Agri-food processing, transport, and packaging companies viewed data collaboration as a practical tool to ensure high-quality raw materials and promote premium-priced food. Appropriate data management policies were critical for all stakeholders. While sustainability was recognized as important, opportunities for collaboration going beyond economic considerations were not widely explored. Additionally, concerns about how data will be interpreted—even among producers demonstrating sustainable practices—emerged as a significant issue, a topic not extensively discussed in the existing literature. These findings underscore the need for data-sharing strategies that better align economic benefits with broader sustainability goals. Further research should also explore strategies to mitigate concerns over data misinterpretation to encourage greater involvement in data-sharing initiatives. Full article

Leveraging the transformative potential of digital technologies to support the farmers’ green production transformation (FGPT) is a critical catalyst for facilitating the accelerated green transformation and upgrading of agricultural systems, thereby achieving high-quality agricultural development. Using survey data from major watermelon- and muskmelon-producing regions in Henan, Shandong, and Xinjiang, and employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and the Logit model, this study examines the mechanisms through which digital technology influences FGPT. The findings reveal that the adoption of digital technology significantly reduces farmers’ use of pesticides and fertilizers, with a particularly pronounced effect on pesticide reduction. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of digital technology on reducing pesticide and fertilizer usage varies across regions: while its adoption leads to significant reductions in Henan and Shandong, the positive effects in Xinjiang remain statistically insignificant. Mechanism analysis shows that digital technology enhances FGPT by reducing information asymmetry, improving market access, and enhancing precision management practices. Based on these findings, this study recommends expanding awareness campaigns to accelerate the adoption of digital technology, enhancing digital infrastructure to bridge the urban–rural digital divide, and optimizing digital technology promotion systems. These actions can be taken alongside the implementation of economic incentives and compensation mechanisms. The insights and policy recommendations from this research provide valuable guidance for China and other countries seeking to leverage digital technology for sustainable agricultural development. Full article

This study examines key challenges and opportunities for improving ruminant productivity in East Africa, with a focus on enhancing access to forage seeds critical for livestock systems in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Despite high potential for increased livestock production, the region faces a significant feed deficit—nearly 40% of annual feed demand remains unmet—due to the limited availability and affordability of forage seeds. The research identifies a critical gap in quality seed access, with many farmers relying on outdated materials. We propose the promotion of recently improved forage varieties and local seed production as a solution to reduce dependence on costly imports and enhance adoption. Our analysis suggests that bridging the forage deficit would require the cultivation of 2 million hectares and the involvement of 1.5 million farmers, highlighting the scale of intervention needed. Additionally, the regional forage seed market presents an economic opportunity, potentially valued at USD 877 million over the next decade, underlining the importance of government policies, the development of seed systems, and market incentives. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering seed production, improving seed distribution, and addressing socio-economic barriers to ensure widespread adoption and enhance livestock productivity in the region. Full article

As the global pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices continues, organic farming is gaining increasing attention. In Pu’er, one of China’s major tea-producing regions, the factors influencing tea farmers’ willingness to adopt organic agriculture have not yet been fully studied. This study integrates the diffusion of innovations theory and the theory of planned behavior, using field surveys to thoroughly analyze the key factors and reasons affecting tea farmers in Pu’er in adopting organic farming practices. The findings indicate that perceptions of the economic benefits of organic farming are the primary drivers of farmers’ willingness to adopt. Experience with organic agriculture training and positive views on environmental and health benefits also significantly enhance the willingness to adopt organic farming. Contrary to common assumptions, education level, age, and household income have minimal influence on adoption willingness. However, low-income families that rely on tea cultivation are more inclined to adopt organic farming. Policymakers should prioritize economic incentives, strengthen training support, and enhance the promotion of the benefits of organic agriculture, while simplifying certification processes and expanding market channels to facilitate the transition of tea farmers to organic agriculture. This study offers insights into the sustainable tea industry and organic farming promotion. Full article

The agricultural machinery operation services (AMOS) market and the farmland transfer market are regarded by policymakers as complementary goals for promoting agricultural development in China. Nonetheless, the farmland transfer market in China is confronted with the threat of sustainable development. The relationship between AMOS and farmland transfer is not always complementary. To analyze the relationship between the AMOS market and the sustainability of the farmland transfer market, methods such as conditional mixed process, the Heckman two-step method, and the Sobel test were employed to explore the influence of AMOS on farmland transfer and its underlying mechanisms. The empirical results show the following: (i) AMOS inhibits farmland transfer-out but promotes farmland transfer-in, which will intensify the market competition of farmland transfer. This result remains valid after correcting for the potential endogenous bias and selective bias and is consistent across different variables and samples. This conclusion suggests that AMOS has emerged as a factor restricting the sustainable development of the farmland transfer market in China. (ii) The heterogeneity analysis results indicate that AMOS has a greater inhibitory effect on the farmland transfer-out of small-scale farmers, part-time farmers, and elderly farmers, and a greater incentive effect on the farmland transfer-in of large-scale farmers, professional farmers, and non-elderly farmers. (iii) Labor allocation and agricultural capital allocation are the potential mechanisms for AMOS to affect farmland transfer. AMOS indirectly inhibits farmland transfer-out and promotes farmland transfer-in by farmland operation ability of labor force and benefits of farmland operation. These results imply that there is a complementary relationship and substitution relationship between the AMOS market and the farmland transfer market. The substitution relationship may sometimes frustrate policies aimed at stimulating the farmland transfer market. The Chinese government is required to be wary of the potential menace that AMOS brings to the sustainability of China’s farmland transfer market. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition incentive programs can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and improve food security among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and others in the United States. This qualitative study explored SNAP participants’ and farmers’ market staff’s perceptions of and experiences with a pilot supplemental benefit program offered at seven farmers’ markets in 2023 as part of the California Fruit and Vegetable Electronic Benefit Transfer Pilot Project. The pilot introduced specific characteristics that differ from more traditional nutrition incentive program dollar-for-dollar match incentive models, particularly the traditional model operating in California. Specific differences included the following: (1) offering a monthly USD 60 supplemental benefit that could be redeemed in a single shopping trip; (2) providing the supplemental benefit as a match that could be spent on any SNAP-eligible item in any retail location (rather than solely on fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market). Methods: We conducted a qualitative, cross-sectional study including seven focus groups with 40 SNAP shoppers and six focus groups with 14 farmers’ market staff at six pilot-participating farmers’ markets in California. All focus groups were conducted by trained research staff and were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the immersion crystallization method. Results: Our findings include that shoppers appreciated several features of the pilot, particularly the ability to obtain an entire month’s supplemental benefit during one shopping trip and the ability to spend the benefit earned on any SNAP-eligible item at any SNAP retailer. Farmers’ market staff appreciated that the pilot benefited shoppers but found it difficult to manage due to staff and shopper confusion about the program, increased program utilization, subsequent long lines, and the spending of the earned incentives at other SNAP retailers. Both shoppers and staff reported that the program was difficult to understand. Conclusions: These findings can inform future nutrition incentive program designs to benefit SNAP participants while offering sustainable models for farmers’ markets. Full article

Exploring the adoption of green production technologies by farmers (GTA) is of great significance, given the context of global climate change and sustainable agricultural development. This article starts from the perspective of the transformation of the farmland transfer market, based on research data from 2076 farmers, and uses the endogenous disposal effect model to examine its impact on GTA. The results indicate that the transformation of China’s farmland transfer market has a significant “greening” effect on agriculture. Specifically, the paid transfer of farmland, written leases, and clear lease forms promote GTA, while acquaintance transactions are not conducive to it. Participation in the farmland transfer market has increased the likelihood of GTA by 18.7% and is statistically significant at the 1% level. However, the adoption level of green production technology by ordinary farmers remains low, and achieving green development in agriculture is a long and arduous task. Mechanism analysis shows that the transformation of the farmland transfer market can effectively enhance GTA by increasing the scale of operations, farmers’ income, and mechanization levels. When the transfer targets new business entities, such as family farms, professional cooperatives, and enterprises, it significantly promotes GTA. The findings suggest that deepening the reform of the farmland transfer market, promoting large-scale agricultural operations, strengthening the application of green production technologies, improving the level of agricultural mechanization, and accelerating the process of sustainable agricultural development are all essential steps toward enhancing GTA and, ultimately, achieving sustainable agricultural development. Full article