Search Results (1,701)

Spineless cactus, known for its high heat tolerance and low water requirements, offers a sustainable alternative for animal feed in regions where conventional crops struggle to thrive. This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics, leg tissue composition, and non-carcass constituents of lambs fed increasing levels (0, 15, 30, and 45% based on dry matter) of spineless cactus as a replacement for Tifton hay. Additionally, we estimated body weight and carcass traits using biometric measurements (BM). Forty male lambs, with an average initial body weight of 23.6 ± 2.58 kg, were subjected to a feedlot regime. Empty body weight was the only variable that showed a significant orthogonal contrast between the control group (0%) and those fed spineless cactus (p < 0.05). A quadratic regression effect (p < 0.05) was observed for the weights of the cold half carcass, neck, shoulder, and leg cuts. No significant effects were found on non-carcass components or biometric measurements. Biometric measurements showed strong positive correlations with slaughter weight and carcass characteristics. Based on these findings, replacing 30% of Tifton hay with spineless cactus is recommended as the optimal level, as it maintains carcass quality, tissue composition, and non-carcass traits. Moreover, biometric measurements prove to be effective tools for predicting slaughter weight and carcass characteristics, offering practical value for farmers seeking efficient and sustainable production strategies. The inclusion levels of 24.25% to 27.50% of spineless cactus in the diet of confined sheep appear to be the most efficient, promoting high-value commercial cuts without compromising carcass quality parameters. These levels balance productive performance and sustainability, especially in semi-arid regions. Full article

In the Mediterranean Basin, increasing water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates the use of alternative water resources in agriculture. This study analyses farmers’ propensity to use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation in Basilicata, a region in southern Italy. Through a survey of 167 farms and the application of a logit model, this work quantifies the role of the main factors influencing farmers’ propensity to use this new resource. The results identify several key drivers and barriers. A higher level of education and participation in Producers’ Organisations make wastewater use approximately ten times (odds ratio equal to 9.84) and five times (odds ratio equal 4.96) more likely, respectively. Furthermore, an adequate knowledge of the relevant legislation nearly quadruples (odds ratio equal to 3.57) the likelihood of adoption. In contrast, concerns related to worker health and groundwater pollution are strong deterrents, reducing the odds of adoption by 90% and 87%, respectively. Concerns about product quality also significantly decrease the propensity to adopt (odds ratio equal to 0.25). The findings underscore the need for integrated interventions that enhance farmers’ awareness and knowledge of the characteristics and impacts of new practices, thereby fostering the innovative and sustainable management of water resources. Full article

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a socioeconomically and nutritionally important crop that is predominantly cultivated in the derived savanna and humid forest agroecosystems of Nigeria. Taro production in the country has declined since the taro leaf blight (TLB) outbreak caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski. This study conducted field surveys during the 2021–2022 production season to assess the status of taro diseases, as well as a structured questionnaire to capture farmers’ management practices and the socio-economic determinants of taro cultivation across seven major taro-producing states in Nigeria. Data was collected from 63 randomly selected farmers across 53 farms, and 449 corms were sampled from farms and markets to assess corm-borne diseases. Sixty-three percent of farmers identified biotic constraints as the major production challenge, with TLB recognized as the most significant threat. Virus-symptomatic plants were not observed in the farmers’ fields, but the occurrence of Dasheen mosaic virus (or Potyvirus dasheenis) (DsMV, genus Potyvirus) was detected among the plants regenerated from corms collected from farms and markets. The widespread occurrence of TLB and DsMV suggests that these two pathogens pose a serious threat to taro production and that there is a risk of further spread through the continuous recycling of self-sourced planting materials across seasons. Full article

Smart Agriculture (SA) combines cutting edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and real-time sensing systems with traditional farming practices to enhance productivity, optimize resource use, and support environmental sustainability. A key aspect of SA is the continuous monitoring of field conditions, particularly Soil Moisture (SM), which plays a crucial role in crop growth and water management. Accurate forecasting of SM allows farmers to make timely irrigation decisions, improve field management, and conserve water. To support this, recent studies have increasingly adopted soil sensors, local weather data, and AI-based data-driven models for SM forecasting. In the literature, most existing review articles lack a structured framework and often overlook recent advancements, including privacy-preserving Federated Learning (FL), Transfer Learning (TL), and the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs). To address this gap, this paper proposes a novel taxonomy for SM forecasting and presents a comprehensive review of existing approaches, including traditional machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid models. Using the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed over 189 papers and selected 68 peer-reviewed studies published between 2017 and 2025. These studies are analyzed based on sensor types, input features, AI techniques, data durations, and evaluation metrics. Six guiding research questions were developed to shape the review and inform the taxonomy. Finally, this work identifies promising research directions, such as the application of TinyML for edge deployment, explainable AI for improved transparency, and privacy-aware model training. This review aims to provide researchers and practitioners with valuable insights for building accurate, scalable, and trustworthy SM forecasting systems to advance SA. Full article

The soil of the Trifinio region, the tri-national territory between Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, is damaged by the expansion of monoculture, which decreases fertility and causes problems for local farmers. Furthermore, the region also faces issues of erosion and soil contamination. As an alternative to soil cultivation, soilless systems can be adopted, not requiring fertile soil, and significantly increasing yields and resource use efficiency. To encourage soilless technique application in the region, the aim of this study was to compare 18 different substrate mixes to identify the most suitable for the local cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The substrates were obtained comparing three rates of peat and compost (0%, 20% and 40%, by volume) in factorial combination, with the remaining being either coir or pumice (filling component). Plant growth, flower setting, physiological status (relative chlorophyll content and leaf temperature), and plant production were evaluated. Highest yield was achieved with 20% peat, while compost (20% and 40%) was able to increase fruit length and improve the relative chlorophyll content, but did not affect total production. However, when focusing on environmental sustainability as an important standpoint, a peat-free substrate should be utilized even though the results favored the 20% peat treatment for production. Considering that the differences in production in favor of 20% peat treatment were of limited practical relevance. In regard to the filling components (coir and pumice) yields were unaffected and only minor parameters were changed. Based on the results obtained, a substrate consisting of 60% coir and 40% compost resulted in the best option for the soilless cultivation of cucumber in the Trifinio region, with both materials being sustainable and easily available for local farmers. Full article

Digital tools and platforms offer significant potential to address critical gaps in market access, credit availability, and agricultural knowledge, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. This is especially relevant in regions like Sudan, where these opportunities remain largely underexplored. By providing real-time market information, facilitating financial access, and offering essential agricultural training, these tools can help bridge traditional barriers, improve decision-making capabilities, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Such advancements strengthen economic resilience and promote equity in agriculture, enabling these farmers to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. Our study was conducted in Omdurman’s Algamwai area during 2022 and 2023, and involved interviews with 100 female farmers. It explored the intersection of gender, technology, and socioeconomic equity. It highlighted how technological advancements can enhance agricultural productivity and market access while addressing challenges such as limited digital literacy and socioeconomic constraints. Despite structural inequalities—including restricted land ownership (45%), limited credit access (5%), and inadequate extension services—female farmers are driving innovation and sustainability by adopting sustainable practices, enhancing food security, and building community resilience. Digital urban agriculture provides income opportunities (76% rely on it) and serves as a platform for equitable participation. From a social science perspective, this research underscores the need to address systemic disparities to unlock the full potential of farmers. Policies ensuring equitable access to resources, credit, and technology are essential for fostering participation and maximizing the socio-economic benefits of digital agriculture in Sudan and similar contexts. Full article

Background/objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern, and misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to its emergence. In Blantyre, Malawi, small-scale pig and poultry farming is widespread, but the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) driving antimicrobial use (AMU) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding AMU and manure management among pig and poultry farmers in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 118 randomly selected farmers to assess AMU patterns, sources of antibiotics, adherence to withdrawal periods, disposal practices, and awareness of AMR and regulations. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests (with statistical significance set at p < 0.05). Results: Antibiotic use was reported by 88% of farmers, primarily for therapy (93.3%) and prophylaxis (85.6%), including for viral diseases such as Newcastle disease in poultry and African swine fever in pigs. Oxytetracycline (91.5%), penicillin (50.8%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (39.8%) were the most used antibiotics, predominantly sourced from agrovet shops (73.7%). While 61% of farmers knew antibiotic misuse could lead to AMR, significant gaps were observed: 68.6% had no formal training, 55.9% were unaware of regulations, and 42% sold/consumed products before the end of the withdrawal period. Most farmers disposed of expired antibiotics (80.5%) and packaging (92.4%) in household waste. Higher education and prior training were significantly associated with good knowledge. Conclusions: This study reveals significant knowledge–practice gaps and high-risk behaviors, such as misuse for viral diseases and unsafe disposal, that exacerbate AMR risks. Interventions must prioritize targeted farmer education, strengthening of veterinary extension services, and stricter regulation of agrovet shops to promote antimicrobial stewardship and support Malawi’s National Action Plan on AMR. Full article

This study assesses and inventories agrodiversity within eleven representative oases of the pre-Saharan regions of Morocco, ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate change and socio-economic pressures. The findings highlight the central role of fruit tree diversity in structuring and sustaining the resilience of oasis agroecosystems, complementing cereal and fodder crops. Special attention was given to the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a secondary but underutilized fruit species in Moroccan agriculture, which was found to hold a significant position in the surveyed oases. Farmer and community surveys identified five local denominations or varieties, including an original form known as “Guersmoum” or “Hamed,” distinguished by its spontaneous, non-cultivated character. This unique case exemplifies the remarkable coexistence between wild and domesticated forms, reflecting the complex dynamics between cultivated and wild biodiversity. The presence and use of this variety are closely linked to the production of a traditional local agri-food product, pomegranate molasses (“Amaghousse”), an artisanal know-how transmitted across generations and primarily preserved by women. The study documents several aspects of this practice, including processing techniques, yield ratios, and marketing channels, emphasizing both the economic and cultural significance of this local product. The discussion underscores the close interconnections between traditional knowledge, gendered practices, and the conservation of genetic diversity, showing how the promotion of local resources contributes not only to the preservation of agrodiversity but also to the maintenance of oasis cultural identities. Finally, the study highlights the broader implications of these findings for development initiatives, particularly through the recognition and promotion of distinctive local agri-food products, the integration of women in local conservation strategies, and the implementation of sustainable management approaches for fruit genetic resources. Full article

Agriculture has been widely practiced for food production, yet food insecurity remains a critical issue, especially in Africa. Due to the significant role played by small-scale farmers, urban agriculture has been acknowledged as a viable strategy for reducing food insecurity in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. This review analyzes urban household food insecurity factors through a systematic literature approach, retrieving data from various online databases. These databases include ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, UNIZULU online library, and PubAg. The search process involved the use of keywords to obtain relevant information along with the application of filters such as geographic location, publication period, language, article type, and accessibility. A total of 37 articles was included in this review after the application of the review eligibility criteria. This was achieved following PRISMA guidelines. Findings reveal a growing trend in the publication of articles on urban farming and an increasing acknowledgment of its importance by high-impact journals. It also shows various factors that determine household food insecurity, categorized as socioeconomic (11), institutional (5), and environmental factors (2). This led to the recommendation that urban government structures including policy makers and stakeholders should support food production and ensure an efficient urban food supply system. Full article

The study investigates how agriculture can serve as a driver of sustainable tourism and local development within the Vesuvius National Park under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) framework. Based on 14 semi-structured interviews with farmers, tourism operators, cultural institutions, and producer consortia, the findings reveal that agriculture plays a central role not only as a productive sector but also as a custodian of biodiversity, identity, and territorial resilience. Stakeholders emphasised the economic and symbolic value of traditional crops, highlighting how farm-based experiences, product certifications, and civil-society networks strengthen community cohesion and diversify visitor flows. Nevertheless, tourism remains predominantly concentrated in the vicinity of the volcano’s crater, thereby excluding the park’s other trails, limiting the positive impacts on rural and peripheral areas. Practical implications point to the need for improved mobility infrastructure, cross-sector coordination, and targeted incentives to link agrotourism circuits with regional branding and EU sustainability policies. Overall, the study shows that integrating agriculture into tourism governance can foster more inclusive, resilient, and territorially embedded forms of rural development in protected areas. Full article

The European Union (EU)’s commitment to promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the agri-food system prompts this study to recognize young farmers as essential stakeholders in maintaining agricultural productivity and a steady supply of healthy food. It addresses their under-representation in practice and research, as Romania transitions to a greener agricultural model, particularly regarding fertilizer use. Data were collected in 2025 targeting Romanian farmers aged up to 45 years. The research mapped fertilizer usage practices and perceptions, awareness of environmental measures, and access to EU subsidies, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. More precisely, this aims at identifying those behavioral determinants influencing fertilizer reduction among young Romanian farmers, with a focus on sustainability, food safety, and security implications. The findings reveal that while young Romanian farmers show potential for adopting sustainable practices, their chemical fertilizer usage is complex, as 21% reported reductions, 49% maintained, and 30% increased their use of chemical fertilizers. Despite their awareness of environmental impacts, their practices are often misaligned with the sustainability objectives of the EU and the Farm to Fork Strategy, highlighting the intersection of education, policy support, and broader agricultural realities necessary to achieve a more resilient and sustainable food system in Romania and beyond. The results are intended to inform targeted policy interventions and capacity-building programs that can better align young farmers’ actions with EU sustainability goals. Full article

Based on cross-sectional survey data from 574 grain farmers in Hebei Province, China, this study systematically analyzed, using an ordered Logit model and Bootstrap mediation effect tests, the mechanism by which information acquisition influences farmers’ adoption of green production technologies. The results showed that the diversity of information acquisition channels, content quality, and source credibility were all significantly and positively correlated with the degree of technology adoption, with content quality exhibiting the strongest correlation. Perceived usefulness played a partial mediating role between information acquisition and adoption behavior. Digital skills significantly and positively moderated the path through which information acquisition affects technology adoption—farmers with higher digital skills were more adept at converting information into technical knowledge and practices. Further heterogeneity analysis revealed that farmers with high digital skills in plain areas benefited more noticeably from information acquisition. Therefore, it is recommended that county-level agricultural technology extension centers take the lead in developing visualized technical materials to improve the quality of information content; conduct special digital skills training for elderly farmers to enhance their ability to acquire and identify information; and in regional practices, implement the supporting service of “targeted information & high-standard farmland” in plain areas while establishing a “technology demonstration household” dissemination network in mountainous areas. These measures will collectively form a differentiated and implementable technology promotion system, providing a feasible, practical path for advancing agricultural green transformation. Full article

Context: For decades, maize monoculture practices dominated Northeast China, causing significant damage to the local soil and ecological environment. Crop rotation has, in recent years, been promoted as an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology in China. Despite its numerous benefits for the environment and crop productivity, farmers’ willingness to adopt crop rotation remains low. Objective: This study aims to investigate the social–psychological factors influencing farmers’ intentions to adopt maize–soybean rotation, with the goal of informing strategies for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Methods: Based on a farm-level survey of 298 rural households in Northeast China, this study integrates value orientation into the Theory of Planned Behavior and employs structural equation modeling to investigate the social–psychological factors that affect farmers’ willingness to adopt soybean-based rotation. Results and Conclusions: The findings confirm the applicability of the extended Theory of Planned Behavior in explaining farmers’ decision-making. Farmers’ attitudes (0.384) and perceived behavioral control (0.323) had significant positive effects on adoption intentions, whereas subjective norms (0.018) were not significant. More favorable attitudes and greater perceived behavioral control, reflecting higher risk tolerance and better access to external support, promoted adoption. Value orientations strongly shaped farmers’ attitudes: altruism (0.148) and biospheric values (0.180) had positive effects, while egoism (0.044) showed no significant impact. These results offer guidance for policymakers to design targeted interventions promoting sustainable crop rotation. Significance: These results can help policymakers better understand what factors influence farmers’ adoption of rotation and what targeted measures can be taken to popularize the improved agricultural system. To foster farmers’ adoption of rotation, it is important to go beyond traditional supporting policies and to leverage innovative approaches to promote value orientation on sustainable farming practices. Full article

Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, which has been dominated by the production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), has held considerable potential to improve national food security, support livelihoods, and contribute to economic growth. Although Nigeria has been ranked among the world’s leading producers of farmed catfish, a persistent fish supply deficit that exceeds 2.5 million metric tons annually has been reported. This gap has been sustained by factors such as low productivity, genetic decline, inadequate hatchery systems, and limited export competitiveness. A comprehensive perspective is presented in this review, in which findings from recent researches, field surveys, and stakeholder consultations have been synthesized. The dominance of hybrid species such as Heteroclarias, which has been driven by consumer demand due to fast growth and large body size, is highlighted. Additionally, ecological and genetic concerns resulting from unregulated breeding are emphasized. Major systemic constraints, which include poor broodstock management, weak hatchery infrastructure, low technical capacity, and poor supply chain governance, have also been identified. A strategic approach involves modernizing fish breeding programs by developing a robust and active Fish Breeding Community of Practice (FCoP), enhancing physical infrastructure, improving data collection and management, standardizing germplasm exchange procedures, and increasing the number and capacity of fish breeders and technicians in breeding programs. Identifying traits preferred by farmers and end-users ensures that fish breeding is demand-driven and inclusive. Building capacity in genomic resources to implement an accurate predictive platform for performance assessment will significantly shorten the breeding cycle and increase the rate of genetic progress. This will be complemented by the adoption of modern aquaculture technologies, such as recirculating aquaculture systems, and the development of institutional frameworks for production, certification, and traceability schemes. Capacity development, which should be promoted through collaboration among academic institutions, industry actors, and government agencies, has been recommended. The alignment of aquaculture expansion with environmental sustainability, improved biosecurity, and habitat protection has been considered critical. By outlining strategies for innovation, investment, and policy reform, this review provides a roadmap through which Nigeria’s catfish industry can be transformed into a globally competitive and sustainable sector. Full article

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), an increasingly popular tropical fruit, has attracted global interest because of its distinct appearance, nutritional value, and health advantages. As cultivation has spread from its native Central and South American regions to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, there is an increasing demand for sustainable production approaches to address environmental, economic, and social issues. This study provides current knowledge on three different types of dragon fruits—H. megalanthus, H. undatus, and H. costaricencis—and their biology, agronomic requirements, and worldwide production trends, highlighting the critical need for management solutions. Conventional practices, which frequently rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, are compared with new sustainable approaches such as organic amendments, high tunnel systems, and agroforestry. This review examines regional challenges like climate variability, pest and disease issues, and pollination limits and explores innovative solutions to boost production and resilience. Socioeconomic factors, including market trends, farmer education, and policy frameworks, are recognized as key influences on the adoption of sustainable practices. This article highlights important research gaps, including the need for genetic improvement, digital agriculture tools, and strong certification mechanisms. This review integrates diverse views and provides actionable ideas for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to increase productivity, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability in dragon fruit agriculture. Full article