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Search Results (176)

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27 pages, 1525 KiB  
Article
Understanding Farmers’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Eastern Rwanda
by Michel Rwema, Bonfils Safari, Mouhamadou Bamba Sylla, Lassi Roininen and Marko Laine
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156721 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 553
Abstract
This study investigates farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and adaptation strategies to climate change in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, integrating social and physical science approaches. Analyzing meteorological data (1981–2021) and surveys from 204 farmers across five districts, we assessed climate trends and adaptation behaviors using statistical [...] Read more.
This study investigates farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and adaptation strategies to climate change in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, integrating social and physical science approaches. Analyzing meteorological data (1981–2021) and surveys from 204 farmers across five districts, we assessed climate trends and adaptation behaviors using statistical methods (descriptive statistics, Chi-square, logistic regression, Regional Kendall test, dynamic linear state-space model). Results show that 85% of farmers acknowledge climate change, with 54% observing temperature increases and 37% noting rainfall declines. Climate data confirm significant rises in annual minimum (+0.76 °C/decade) and mean temperatures (+0.48 °C/decade), with the largest seasonal increase (+0.86 °C/decade) in June–August. Rainfall trends indicate a non-significant decrease in March–May and a slight increase in September–December. Farmers report crop failures, yield reductions, and food shortages as major climate impacts. Common adaptations include agroforestry, crop diversification, and fertilizer use, though financial limitations, information gaps, and input scarcity impede adoption. Despite limited formal education (53.9% primary, 22.3% no formal education), indigenous knowledge aids seasonal prediction. Farm location, group membership, and farming goal are key adaptation enablers. These findings emphasize the need for targeted policies and climate communication to enhance rural resilience by strengthening smallholder farmer support systems for effective climate adaptation. Full article
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17 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
The Practice of Community-Based Forest Management in Northwest Ethiopia
by Tesfaye Mengie and László Szemethy
Land 2025, 14(7), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071407 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) efforts are critical for sustainable natural resource governance in Northwest Ethiopia. This study investigated the various aspects of CBFM, emphasizing practical implementation in the context of the Awi Administrative Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was handed out to [...] Read more.
Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) efforts are critical for sustainable natural resource governance in Northwest Ethiopia. This study investigated the various aspects of CBFM, emphasizing practical implementation in the context of the Awi Administrative Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was handed out to 412 farmers across three districts—Dangila, Fagita Lokoma, and Banja. The quantitative data was analyzed using the Likert scale with SPSS version 23 software. Findings indicate that insufficient financial support (44%), limited community participation (30%), and weak institutional arrangements (19%) are the major factors impeding effective CBFM, with statistically significant regional variation (χ2 = 242.8, df = 3, p = 0.000). On the other side, increased awareness and international support (34%) and enhanced local participation (36%) were the leading facilitators (χ2 = 512.05, df = 11, p = 0.000). We look at the practical aspects of CBFM, from community-led conservation efforts to sustainable harvesting techniques, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge alongside modern methodologies. The CBFM project in the northwest part of Ethiopia have facilitated biodiversity protection and environmental resilience by integrating local perspectives with broader developmental goals. However, obstacles such as land tenure, resource conflicts, and capacity restrictions continue, requiring adaptive methods and legislative reforms. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable natural resource management by offering empirical insights into the dynamics of CBFM in the Awi administrative zone of northwest Ethiopia. Full article
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20 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Farmers’ Indigenous Knowledge of Soil Management in an Altitudinal Gradient in Southern Ecuador
by Génesis Hualpa, Vinicio Carrión-Paladines, Wilmer Jiménez, Daniel Capa-Mora, Pablo Quichimbo, Natacha Fierro and Leticia Jiménez
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114983 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 1458
Abstract
This study aimed to (i) identify soil management practices implemented by farmers at the local level, (ii) determine the local soil fertility indicators recognized by farmers along an altitudinal gradient, (iii) evaluate the influence of altitude on soil properties, and (iv) integrate local [...] Read more.
This study aimed to (i) identify soil management practices implemented by farmers at the local level, (ii) determine the local soil fertility indicators recognized by farmers along an altitudinal gradient, (iii) evaluate the influence of altitude on soil properties, and (iv) integrate local and scientific knowledge of soil indicators and soil management. A total of 368 surveys were conducted to document traditional knowledge, visible indicators of soil fertility, and perceptions of soil health. These were compared with field-based measurements of soil organic carbon, texture, and environmental variables. A significant convergence was found between farmers’ perception of soil texture and scientific classification. A moderate correlation was observed between soil color and soil carbon stocks. Altitude showed a clear influence on carbon stocks, with soil at a higher elevation, characterized by greater rainfall and lower temperatures, storing more carbon. This integration of local and scientific knowledge offers practical value for farmers, extension agents, and institutions by supporting context-specific soil management decisions. It empowers farmers to actively participate in the design of sustainable agricultural practices that are both ecologically sound and culturally relevant. The study demonstrates that combining experiential knowledge with scientific data contributes to more resilient agroecosystems in mountainous rural areas. Full article
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14 pages, 1248 KiB  
Article
Smallholder Cattle Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Rabies: A Regional Survey in Kazakhstan
by Nurbek Ginayatov, Zukhra Aitpayeva, Izimgali Zhubantayev, Leila Kassymbekova, Assylbek Zhanabayev, Gulmira Abulgazimova, Raikhan Arynova, Alim Bizhanov, Assiya Mussayeva, Maxat Berdikulov, Marat Aisin, Zaure Sayakova, Spandiyar Tursunkulov, Nurkuisa Rametov, Ainur Akhmadiyeva, Aigul Bulasheva, Nurgul Jussupbekova, Olzhas Yeskhojayev, Gulnara Baikadamova, Kaissar Kushaliyev, Nadezhda Burambayeva and Arman Issimovadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040335 - 4 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1498
Abstract
Rabies remains a significant public health and economic concern in Kazakhstan, particularly in rural livestock-farming communities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to rabies among livestock farmers in the Aktobe and Oral regions of West Kazakhstan. A [...] Read more.
Rabies remains a significant public health and economic concern in Kazakhstan, particularly in rural livestock-farming communities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to rabies among livestock farmers in the Aktobe and Oral regions of West Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and August 2022, involving 688 randomly selected participants. The data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 89% of respondents were aware of rabies, yet significant knowledge gaps existed regarding clinical signs, transmission, and prevention. While 87% recognized the importance of rabies vaccination in dogs, 81% were unaware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for cattle, and 72% lacked knowledge of PrEP for humans. Awareness of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen was significantly higher in the Aktobe region (p < 0.002). Attitudinal differences were observed, with the Oral region participants exhibiting more favorable perceptions of rabies control programs (p < 0.01). Additionally, the χ2 test revealed that the proportion of female respondents (p < 0.02), those with school-aged dependents (p < 0.003), respondents owning both exotic and indigenous cattle breeds (p < 0.002), and those possessing more than five cattle (p < 0.025) was statistically different in the Oral region. Practices such as free grazing, lack of protective equipment use, and improper carcass disposal were identified as potential risk factors for rabies transmission. This study highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve rabies awareness and promote safer livestock management practices. Enhancing veterinary surveillance, strengthening community engagement, and expanding vaccination efforts could mitigate rabies transmission risks. Full article
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16 pages, 1352 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with the Consumption of Indigenous Crops Among Farming Households in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
by Nomfundo Shelembe, Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo, Albert Thembinkosi Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi and Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi
Foods 2025, 14(7), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071092 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 966
Abstract
South African farming households face several challenges regarding food security, poverty, micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger. This is due to millions of households lacking access to food and an adequate food basket. Consumption of indigenous crops has been proposed to help sustain vulnerable [...] Read more.
South African farming households face several challenges regarding food security, poverty, micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger. This is due to millions of households lacking access to food and an adequate food basket. Consumption of indigenous crops has been proposed to help sustain vulnerable households since these crops have low production costs and are climate-resilient. However, research has found the consumption of these crops across South Africa to be relatively low. This study aims to examine the factors associated with the consumption of indigenous crops among farming households in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A sample of 260 farming households was selected using simple random sampling. The results showed that farmers commonly cultivate exotic crops, such as spinach, cabbage, carrot, and butternut, more than any indigenous crops, except for a few cultivating taro and sweet potato. The binomial logit regression results revealed that an increase in the number of females and children within a household and farmers’ experience increased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops, whilst monthly food expenses decreased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops. There is a considerable gap between the consumption and production of indigenous crops. The findings established that although many farming households indicated that they consume indigenous crops, this was not reflected in their cultivated crops. The study also concluded that farming households may be more aware of the nutritional benefits of indigenous crops, since an increase in the number of children in a household was linked to an increase in consumption of these crops. Additionally, experience in farming is vital, as it increases the consumption of indigenous crops. The study recommends government interventions that include increasing the production of indigenous crops by including them alongside the cultivation of exotic crops. Future work should also focus on awareness programs to promote the nutritional benefits of consuming indigenous crops. This, coupled with training centered on indigenous crops, could incentivize farming households to cultivate more of these crops for easier access. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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26 pages, 6906 KiB  
Article
Farmer’s Perception of Climate Change and Factors Determining the Adaptation Strategies to Ensure Sustainable Agriculture in the Cold Desert Region of Himachal Himalayas, India
by Pankaj Kumar, Rajesh Sarda, Ankur Yadav, Ashwani, Barbaros Gonencgil and Abhinav Rai
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062548 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Agricultural practices in the cold desert region of the Himalayas are frequently affected by climate-induced uncertainty in the past few decades. This research work aimed to examine the following questions: (a) Are there any significant climatic changes in the cold desert region of [...] Read more.
Agricultural practices in the cold desert region of the Himalayas are frequently affected by climate-induced uncertainty in the past few decades. This research work aimed to examine the following questions: (a) Are there any significant climatic changes in the cold desert region of Himachal Himalayas? (b) How do the local farmers perceive climate change? (c) What and how indigenous and modern climate sensitive resilience measures/practices are being adapted by farmers for risk mitigation? A modified Mann–Kendall (m-MK) test and anomaly index were used to examine the changes in climatic variables over the cold desert region. Data on the observed changes in climatic variables were investigated through gridded products provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and farmer perception, and their adaptation measures were collected by an extensive primary survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results indicate that farmers’ perceptions of changing rainfall, temperature, and seasons were consistent with historical climatic data. The drying water resources and crop damage were the most pressing concerns for farmers due to climate change activity. The farmers are adapting to climate change by altering their farming practices for agricultural risk management. The binary logistics regression (BLR) model was used to investigate the influence of different variables on the adopting farmer’s decision. The result revealed that various factors like landholding size, accessibility of transport, awareness of climate change, availability of water, and distance from market were responsible for choosing suitable climate resilience adaptation measures. This research contributes to recalibrating appropriate strategies across the cold desert region for designing sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
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23 pages, 5150 KiB  
Review
Genomic Advancements in Assessing Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Carcass Characteristics of Goats in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
by Keabetswe T. Ncube, Khathutshelo A. Nephawe, Takalani J. Mpofu, Nare J. Monareng, Mbongeni M. Mofokeng and Bohani Mtileni
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052323 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2085
Abstract
Goats play a vital role in global livestock systems, particularly in developing regions, where they contribute significantly to meat production and smallholder livelihoods. Indigenous goats in sub-Saharan Africa are essential to low-input farming systems, valued for their adaptability to harsh environments and their [...] Read more.
Goats play a vital role in global livestock systems, particularly in developing regions, where they contribute significantly to meat production and smallholder livelihoods. Indigenous goats in sub-Saharan Africa are essential to low-input farming systems, valued for their adaptability to harsh environments and their provision of meat, milk, and income. However, genomic research on these goats remains limited despite their importance. Recent advancements in genomic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping, have identified key genes like MSTN, IGF1, and CAST. These genes influence muscle growth, fat deposition, and meat tenderness, which are critical for improving growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Genomic selection offers a promising avenue for enhancing economically valuable traits, such as faster growth rates and adaptability to challenging climates. This review highlights the potential of integrating genomic tools with traditional breeding practices to optimise goat production systems, enhance meat quality, and improve economic outcomes for farmers. It also underscores the need for further research to fully characterise the genetic diversity of indigenous goat breeds in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these knowledge gaps could significantly contribute to the region’s food security and sustainable farming practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Ruminants)
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20 pages, 3296 KiB  
Article
Presence of Soybean Vein Necrosis Orthotospovirus (Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) in Pakistan, Pakistani Scientists’ and Farmers’ Perception of Disease Dynamics and Management, and Policy Recommendations to Improve Soybean Production
by Asifa Hameed, Cristina Rosa, Paige Castillanos and Edwin G. Rajotte
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030315 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus (SVNV: Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) is a well-recognized thrips-vectored and seed-borne virus common in the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Egypt. Pakistan started the commercial cultivation of soybeans in the 1970s, when some soybean cultivars were imported from the U.S. to [...] Read more.
Soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus (SVNV: Tospoviridae: Orthotospovirus) is a well-recognized thrips-vectored and seed-borne virus common in the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Egypt. Pakistan started the commercial cultivation of soybeans in the 1970s, when some soybean cultivars were imported from the U.S. to meet the country’s domestic requirement of oil, poultry, animal feed, and forage. A survey of farmers and scientists was conducted in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan to understand perceptions of SVNV in the indigenous Pakistani community. Concurrently, soybean fields were sampled for SVNV presence at the National Agricultural Research Institute in Islamabad, Pakistan. Based upon survey and SVNV detection results through ELISA and qRT-PCR, a policy was developed. Overall, we found that SVNV was present in Islamabad, Pakistan in USDA-approved soybean cultivars. Although scientists knew about general thrips biology and insecticides, knowledge about identification of vectors (Thrips species) was not significantly different between the scientists and the farmers. Scientists at the Islamabad location were more aware of crop production technology and pests. This study reports that Pakistan needs to strengthen its research institutes, scientists’ and farmers’ capacity building, and extension programs to understand the disease complex in soybean crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Viruses and Their Vectors: Epidemiology and Control)
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19 pages, 5681 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Quinoa Landraces Cultivated in the Ecuadorian Highlands Since the Early 1980s
by Hipatia Delgado and Juan Pedro Martín
Plants 2025, 14(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050635 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 581
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) landraces have been cultivated ancestrally in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, where they have had great social and nutritional importance for the native population. Currently, there is scarce information on its genetic diversity and conservation status, and none [...] Read more.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) landraces have been cultivated ancestrally in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, where they have had great social and nutritional importance for the native population. Currently, there is scarce information on its genetic diversity and conservation status, and none on the changes that may have occurred in recent decades. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of 268 accessions (1340 samples; five per accession) of quinoa landraces collected at two different times (1978–1988 and 2014–2015) in three representative Ecuadorian Andean provinces for this crop (Imbabura, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo) using eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 124 alleles were found, with a range of 11–24 per locus (mean = 15.5). Averages of expected heterozygosity (He) and Shannon information index (I) were 0.763 and 1.821, respectively. The most informative loci were 3_QAAT050 and 7_QAAT100, with discrimination power (D) values above 92%. Moreover, 1055 different genotypes were found, of which 939 were unique genotypes. This high level of genetic diversity could be explained by the intensive exchange of seeds between farmers in the Andean region. In addition, no significant differences were found in the main genetic diversity parameters between collections and/or provinces. If there is no significant quantitative loss of genetic diversity over the last four decades, this would indicate that indigenous farming communities of this Andean region are preserving their ancestral quinoa germplasm reasonably well. Furthermore, two genetic groups were found with a genetic distance of 0.337. Samples in these groups appear to be related to their provincial origin. This may be due to the different ways in which quinoa landraces are managed and conserved in the different Andean provinces. The results obtained may be very useful for the suitable management and conservation of this ancestral plant genetic resource, both on farm by indigenous farming communities and ex situ by the Germplasm Bank of the Ecuadorian National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIAP). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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14 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Social and Environmental Trade-Offs and Synergies in Cocoa Production: Does the Farming System Matter?
by Joseph Bandanaa, Isaac K. Asante, Ted Y. Annang, Johan Blockeel, Anja Heidenreich, Irene Kadzere, Christian Schader and Irene S. Egyir
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041674 - 18 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 803
Abstract
Although cocoa production addresses the livelihoods of several rural households, there is a global concern about its negative impact on the physical environment. How does this trade-off play out in different farming systems? This paper examined the social and environmental trade-offs and synergies [...] Read more.
Although cocoa production addresses the livelihoods of several rural households, there is a global concern about its negative impact on the physical environment. How does this trade-off play out in different farming systems? This paper examined the social and environmental trade-offs and synergies of organic and conventional cocoa farming systems. Using the ‘SMART Farm-tool’ and principal component analysis approach, data collected from 398 cocoa farmers in five communities in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana were analysed. We found that social and environmental trade-offs in the organic cocoa farming system are labour-related (EV = −0.38). The social and environmental trade-offs in the conventional cocoa farming system are health and safety and biodiversity-related (EV = −0.64). The organic farming system recognises indigenous knowledge in promoting biodiversity conservation and land degradation reduction (EV = −0.57). There can be more synergy than trade-off in both systems if support for capacity building and credit is provided and indigenous knowledge sharing is prioritised among low-income and vulnerable farmers. In this way, the labour conditions, biodiversity conservation, and health and safety-related concerns will be addressed. Addressing labour concerns in organic cocoa farming involves improving efficiency and working conditions. Strategies include training programs for organic techniques, introducing technology for tasks, and adhering to fair labour standards. This ensures labour concerns are addressed across the supply chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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18 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Livelihood Options Adopted by Rural Communities in Response to Climate Change Dynamics: A Case Study Approach in Vhembe District, South Africa
by Khathutshelo Hildah Netshisaulu, Hector Chikoore, James Chakwizira and Zongho Kom
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031284 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1809
Abstract
The Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause [...] Read more.
The Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause extreme losses in agricultural productivity, increasing the level of vulnerability among rural subsistence farmers. The study examines the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in response to climate change dynamics in the Vhembe district. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, both primary and secondary data from 365 rural community members were employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling and employed statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity at 30%, while vendor activity is common in Ṱhohoyanḓou at 29%. The findings indicated that the highest establishment of water tanks was in the Madimbo area, with 51% as a form of livelihood resilience. Further, 70% of respondents demonstrated livelihood sustainability activities such as agricultural forums, conferences, and the practice of indigenous activities. The proposed strategies can be used by policymakers to effectively consider the most vulnerable groups and articulate unique local vulnerabilities. Full article
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21 pages, 719 KiB  
Systematic Review
Extinction Status, Challenges, and Conservation Approaches of South African Indigenous and Village Chickens: A Systematic Review
by Sindisiwe Mbali Sithole, Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe, Takalani Judas Mpofu, Bohani Mtileni, Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi and Jabulani Nkululeko Ngcobo
Agriculture 2025, 15(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15020216 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
South Africa recognizes the value of indigenous breeds such as Potchefstroom Koekoek, Boschveld, Ovambo, Venda, Naked Neck, and nondescript village chickens. Indigenous chickens support sustainable food systems, improve nutrition, and enhance livelihoods in rural communities, thereby contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development [...] Read more.
South Africa recognizes the value of indigenous breeds such as Potchefstroom Koekoek, Boschveld, Ovambo, Venda, Naked Neck, and nondescript village chickens. Indigenous chickens support sustainable food systems, improve nutrition, and enhance livelihoods in rural communities, thereby contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 on Zero Hunger. These breeds are not only vital to rural farmers for food production, income generation, and subsistence but also provide rural farmers with cheap nutritious protein such as eggs and meat for household consumption. Moreover, they are preferred by rural farmers because they are relatively affordable to produce, can withstand harsh environmental conditions amid accelerated climate change compared to exotic breeds, and require less/no feed supplementation. However, despite the numerous advantages of keeping these chickens, it has been found that they are mostly in danger of extinction due to evolving production methods that favor exotic breeds. Therefore, understanding their extinction status, different implications for conserving their genetic material, challenges encountered, and future approaches to rescue these breeds remain vital. Hence, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the extinction status, challenges, and conservation approaches for these breeds. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were utilized to search for suitable articles addressing the objective of the current review. Research articles were grouped and evaluated for eligibility, and the data from the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System database were used. Records such as duplicates of studies addressing origins, phenotypic and genetic diversity, the conservation of indigenous chickens, semen cryopreservation of indigenous chickens, climate change effects on indigenous chickens, and the use of extenders with exotic chickens and other chicken types, reports in other languages, and reports that were inaccessible were excluded. Articles addressing origins, phenotypic and genetic diversity, the conservation of indigenous chickens, semen cryopreservation of indigenous chickens, climate change effects on indigenous chickens, and the use of extenders with indigenous chickens were included in this review. The keywords used to search articles online were as follows: South African indigenous chicken; extension status; conservation; genetic resources; genetic markers; effective population size; inbreeding; and characterization. This systematic review found that there is less information in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System regarding South African indigenous and village chickens, suggesting a lack of reporting in this system. Moreover, our review confirmed that most South African indigenous chickens are threatened and, hence, require interventions such as assisted reproductive technologies and other strategies in order to improve efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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17 pages, 613 KiB  
Article
From Airwaves to Farmlands: How Radio Programmes in Indigenous Languages Are Shaping Agricultural Development in North-Central Nigeria
by Babatunde Adeyeye and Abiodun Salawu
World 2025, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010009 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1860
Abstract
This study investigated agricultural radio programmes in specific indigenous languages (Hausa and Tiv) and their role in supporting agricultural development in North-Central Nigeria. Data were collected through interviews with the programme producers. Qualitative data were analysed using Systematic content analysis (SCA). The results [...] Read more.
This study investigated agricultural radio programmes in specific indigenous languages (Hausa and Tiv) and their role in supporting agricultural development in North-Central Nigeria. Data were collected through interviews with the programme producers. Qualitative data were analysed using Systematic content analysis (SCA). The results showed the programme format, the topics treated per season, the availability of discussants, the feedback mechanism of previous programmes, and the programme’s influence on the audience. The study concluded that radio programmes in indigenous languages play a crucial role in agricultural development. However, the study also highlighted the urgent need for more support for these programmes, particularly in partnerships with agricultural sector organisations for technical and financial support. The study drives a crucial political debate on the role of media in rural development, the promotion of indigenous languages, support for agricultural policy, and political influence, including creating more inclusive and community-focused policies and increased engagement between government, media organisations, and agricultural stakeholders. Full article
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19 pages, 1227 KiB  
Article
Farmer Perceptions of GIAHS: Analyzing Farmer Involvement and GIAHS Benefits in the Ifugao Rice Terraces
by Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo, Keshav Lall Maharjan, Jude Cadingpal Baggo and John Mervin Lasafin Embate
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122305 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1485
Abstract
The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been the Philippines’ first and only Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) since 2011. More than a decade later, this study assesses whether Ifugao farmers find this designation beneficial and if it enhances their sense of involvement. Through [...] Read more.
The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been the Philippines’ first and only Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) since 2011. More than a decade later, this study assesses whether Ifugao farmers find this designation beneficial and if it enhances their sense of involvement. Through a cross-sectional survey of GIAHS farmers in Banaue, Ifugao, this study examines perceived benefits and involvement, along with views on youth participation in agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and tourism management in Ifugao. The findings reveal that 65.1% of farmers see the GIAHS designation as beneficial and 58.7% feel involved. Farmers who perceive limited tourism benefits from the GIAHS are more likely to feel uninvolved, while those who value the designation’s potential for improving income and consumer demand for Ifugao rice report higher involvement. Cultural heritage and ancestral values are significant motivators, with some farmers viewing the GIAHS as a means of preserving traditions. Support from local government, subsidies, and media enhances involvement, particularly among those practicing rituals or growing the traditional Tinawon rice, which strengthens ties to the GIAHS. Additionally, farmers involved in discussions or training on Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) report a stronger connection to the GIAHS, as ECA practices align with their traditional, sustainable approaches. Overall, this study highlights the complex role of the GIAHS as a bridge between cultural heritage, livelihood, and sustainability, underscoring the need to integrate farmer perspectives more closely into GIAHS initiatives in Ifugao. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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16 pages, 5103 KiB  
Article
Rural Poultry Farming: Leveraging Higher Poultry Input Costs to Grow Zambia’s Indigenous Chicken Sector
by Christopher Manchishi Kanyama, Mathews Ngosa, Terence Z. Sibanda, Amy F. Moss and Tamsyn M. Crowley
Poultry 2024, 3(4), 383-398; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry3040029 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 3548
Abstract
(a) Introduction: Zambia’s poultry industry comprises commercial chickens and small-scale producers of indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs). Large, integrated entities run the commercial chicken sector, while the indigenous chicken sector (IC sector) is predominantly run by small-scale farmers (SSFs). Increased costs [...] Read more.
(a) Introduction: Zambia’s poultry industry comprises commercial chickens and small-scale producers of indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs). Large, integrated entities run the commercial chicken sector, while the indigenous chicken sector (IC sector) is predominantly run by small-scale farmers (SSFs). Increased costs and low access to formal markets for commercial chickens have motivated SSFs to enter the IC sector under the free-range system (FRS) and semi-intensive system (SIS). (b) Objective: This study aimed to highlight the price changes in poultry inputs and outputs and demonstrate that the IC sector has more potential to contribute to farm income than commercial chickens under family poultry production systems. (c) Method: We analysed the prices for inputs and outputs for Zambia’s poultry industry for the first quarter of 2016 to 2023 using data from the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ). We also analysed data from the 2021 Qualtrics survey to investigate the crops grown and crops used as feed and feed ingredients, the sources of feed, and the use of minerals and vitamins by SSFs for chickens. The gross profit (GP) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) were analysed to compare the viability and profitability of ICs and broilers under SSFs. (d) Results: Our study shows that prices for day-old chicks (DOCs) and point-of-lay (POL) pullets increased by 57–125%, broiler and layer feeds increased by 67–96%, and soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal rose by 143–229%. Prices for live ICs, commercial broilers, and ex-layers increased by 150%, 79%, and 71%, respectively. Egg prices rose by 100–124%. Farmers tried to look for local feed sources. Over 21% of the crops grown was maize, and nearly 43% was used for feed. (e) Conclusion: Our analysis and comparison between the ICs and broilers demonstrated that SSFs could achieve more farm income by producing ICs than commercial broilers. Full article
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