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Climate risk poses significant challenges to agriculture in The Gambia, especially for smallholder farmers reliant on rain-fed farming. Adaptation efforts will be ineffective unless farmers' perspectives of climate change are understood. The objectives are to examine smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate risk, identify their adaptation strategies, and examine the factors that influence the adoption of these adaptation strategies at farm and off-level. Data were collected from 420 smallholder farmers across three regions of rural Gambia using a survey and multistage sampling technique. Binary logistic and multivariate probit models were used to analyse the determinants of farmers' decision to adopt adaptation strategies. The empirical result of the binary logistic model indicates that land tenure, access to government support, access to markets, witness to extreme weather events, and climate change perception influenced farmers' choice to adopt adaptation measures. The findings further indicate that female farmers are less likely to adopt adaptation measures. However, the multivariate probit model revealed that age, education, access to extension services, membership of farm groups, and perceived climate change are the main determinants of on-farm adaptation strategies. Off-farm strategies such as petty business are mainly influenced by being female, middle age, and primary education. The results suggest that gender-disaggregated support and targeted policies are necessary to encourage the adoption of adaptation strategies among female farmers. It is recommended that the government enhance access to credit, provide tailored support for women farmers, and improve extension services to foster effective adaptation in rural Gambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A causal decomposition analysis allows researchers to determine whether the difference in a health outcome between two groups can be attributed to a difference in each group's distribution of one or more modifiable mediator variables. With this knowledge, researchers and policymakers can focus on designing interventions that target these mediator variables. Existing methods for causal decomposition analysis either focus on one mediator variable or assume that each mediator variable is conditionally independent given the group label and the mediator‐outcome confounders. In this article, we propose a flexible causal decomposition analysis method that can accommodate multiple correlated and interacting mediator variables, which are frequently seen in studies of health behaviors and studies of environmental pollutants. We extend a Monte Carlo‐based causal decomposition analysis method to this setting by using a multivariate mediator model that can accommodate any combination of binary and continuous mediator variables. Furthermore, we state the causal assumptions needed to identify both joint and path‐specific decomposition effects through each mediator variable. To illustrate the reduction in bias and confidence interval width of the decomposition effects under our proposed method, we perform a simulation study. We also apply our approach to examine whether differences in smoking status and dietary inflammation score explain any of the Black‐White differences in incident diabetes using data from a national cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW) infestation and control strategies used by maize farmers in two districts of Ghana's Upper West Region were studied. We first identified the various strategy maize farmers use to manage FAW infestations from cross-sectional data. Next, we employed a multivariate probit model to analyse factors influencing control strategy choices. FAW infestation is a major issue farmers in the study area face, as 67% of them perceived it to be increasing year after year since 2016. Farmers responded to FAW infestation with crop uprooting and disposal (88%), early planting (86%), pesticide use (68%), improved seeds (67%), handpicking (30%) and powdered soap or OMO (27%) as control measures. While several factors influenced farmers' choices of these control strategies, farmers participating in contract farming were more likely to choose improved seeds, while those receiving agricultural training were more likely to plant early or use improved seeds as FAW control measures. Well-designed farmer-friendly contracts and provision of agricultural training can help farmers adopt appropriate agronomic practices that enable them to contain the FAW outbreak in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper investigates the association and causality between household financial knowledge and their corresponding financial behaviours in financial asset allocation and financial market participation. The 2014 data of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) is used to examine the financial behaviours of Chinese households. Our empirical results suggest that the level of financial knowledge is positively correlated with the number of various types of financial assets. Additionally, by utilizing a multivariate probit model with binary responses, allowing for pairwise correlations among unobservable factors, it is found that household heads with higher financial knowledge are more likely to participate in certain financial markets, such as term deposits, mutual funds and stocks. When using the instrumental variable approach, it confirms that financial knowledge has some positive impacts on the number of assets and ownership of mutual funds and stocks. We argue that financial knowledge can be a predictor of financial behaviour, but it has its limitation for market participation. The removal of institutional barriers and the improvement in information discourse in China should also be implemented to help Chinese households participate the financial market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degraded land is a major danger to agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Sustainable land management technologies (SLMTs), through targeted interventions, have been applied to address this problem. Notwithstanding some of the known agricultural and environmental benefits connected with the adoption of some SLMTs, the adoption rate remains below expectations. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationships and determinants of the adoption of SLMTs in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 sampled households selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model were used to analyze data. Estimated results of MVP revealed that the adoption of SLMTs is positively and significantly influenced by education level, livestock, membership in a social group, extension contacts, access to SLM information, training, credit, land tenure, and slope, while age, farm distance, and the number of active family members due to youth migration abroad had negative effects. The widely adopted SLMTs on farmlands were inorganic fertilizer (49.5%), soil bunds (48.4%), bench terraces (47.2%), intercropping (46.1%), and manure (38%). This study concluded that farmers invested a blend of SLMTs, some of which complemented and others substituted for one another. Therefore, policy-makers and planners should focus on fortifying human and local institutions' capacity to implement SLM and consider SLM technology interdependencies before communicating with farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degraded land is a major danger to agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Sustainable land management technologies (SLMTs), through targeted interventions, have been applied to address this problem. Notwithstanding some of the known agricultural and environmental benefits connected with the adoption of some SLMTs, the adoption rate remains below expectations. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationships and determinants of the adoption of SLMTs in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 sampled households selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model were used to analyze data. Estimated results of MVP revealed that the adoption of SLMTs is positively and significantly influenced by education level, livestock, membership in a social group, extension contacts, access to SLM information, training, credit, land tenure, and slope, while age, farm distance, and the number of active family members due to youth migration abroad had negative effects. The widely adopted SLMTs on farmlands were inorganic fertilizer (49.5%), soil bunds (48.4%), bench terraces (47.2%), intercropping (46.1%), and manure (38%). This study concluded that farmers invested a blend of SLMTs, some of which complemented and others substituted for one another. Therefore, policy-makers and planners should focus on fortifying human and local institutions’ capacity to implement SLM and consider SLM technology interdependencies before communicating with farmers.

Abstract The adoption of improved agricultural technology packages is vital in Ethiopia, as the expansion of cultivable land appears nearly exhausted and population size has skyrocketed. However, the country has shown a low adoption rate. Thus, this study aimed to explore the factors that hinder or facilitate the adoption of multiple maize technology packages and intensity of adoption in the northern Sidama zone of Ethiopia. A multistage sampling procedure was applied to gather cross-sectional data from 424 farm households owning 545 maize plots. A multivariate probit and two-limit Tobit models were applied to address the study objectives. The conditional probability results confirmed that maize technology packages are complementary (positive relationship). This infers that agriculture-focused policies that influence the adoption of a single component of technology packages can have a reinforcing advantage over the adoption of other technologies. Furthermore, the results from the models showed that farmers with greater experience, family size, plot size, livestock and oxen ownership, number of maize plots owned, off-farm income, access to credit, extension services and membership in institutions are more likely to adopt at least one of the improved technology packages and achieved a better status of intensity of adoption. Therefore, it is crucial to reinforce and deliver quality extension services, provide credit access, motivate youth to be involved in farming activities, inspire membership and ease the system to access inputs and technologies for broader adoption of technology packages.

Introduction: There is a global priority to ensure food security, environmental conservation and sustainability. The adoption of inputs such as organic manures, biofertilisers, and biopesticides has been widely promoted as a way to enhance agricultural sustainability, yet their adoption rates remain notably low. The study examines the determinants and impact of the adoption of multiple sustainable inputs by paddy farmers in India. The study also examines the drivers behind the intensity of their adoption and their technical efficiency. Methods: The study utilises the survey dataset on paddy farmers from "Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households and Land and Livestock Holdings of Households in Rural India" of the 77th National Sample Survey (NSSO) round. The reference period for data collection was the agricultural year from July 2018 to June 2019. The analytical methods employed include the Multivariate Probit and Ordered Probit models, Seemingly Unrelated Regression, Regression Adjustment model, and Stochastic Frontier method. Results: The empirical findings reveal that the adoption and intensity of sustainable inputs depend significantly on factors such as the household head's age and education, household size, and access to extension services. Adopting sustainable inputs has significant benefits, such as increased harvest value. However, the currently available technical advisory services are limited in effectively promoting the expenditure on sustainable inputs. Technical efficiency analysis underscores the potential for improvement and the importance of utilising optimal input levels. The research findings provide strong evidence in favour of advocating for the use of sustainable inputs in paddy farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyse the computational advantages of the spherical parametrisation for correlation matrices in the context of Maximum Likelihood estimation via numerical optimisation. By using the special structure of correlation matrices, it is possible to define a bijective transformation of an n × n correlation matrix R into a vector of n (n - 1) / 2 angles between 0 and π . After discussing the algebraic aspects of the problem, we provide examples of the use of the technique we propose in popular econometric models: the multivariate DCC-GARCH model, widely used in applied finance for large-scale problems, and the multivariate probit model, for which the computation of the likelihood is typically accomplished by simulated Maximum Likelihood. Our analysis reveals the conditions when the spherical parametrisation is advantageous; numerical optimisation algorithms are often more robust and efficient, especially when R is large and near-singular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding farmers’ perceptions and responses to climate change (CC) is crucial for decision-makers to design effective adaptation strategies. This study examines farmers’ perceptions of CC, their adaptation responses, and the determinants influencing their decisions on CC adaptation strategies in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 339 randomly selected household heads in two districts using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additionally, focus group discussions were held at each Kebele to support the findings from the quantitative survey. Farmers in the study area are aware of CC and its adverse impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. In response, they adopt various strategies, including changing planting dates, switching to short-maturing varieties, practising soil and water conservation, livestock diversification, destocking livestock, and small-scale irrigation. Results from the multivariate probit model employed indicate that the educational level of the household head, farm size, income, farm experience, livestock ownership, and membership in a farmer cooperative significantly influence farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies. The study’s findings suggest the need for substantial investment in farmer schooling, diversifying farmers’ sources of income to generate backup savings, and focusing on the start-up of local community organizations. Furthermore, there is a need to improve the capacity of farmers to adopt autonomous and policy-driven adaptation strategies.

The promotion of climate-resilient practices (CRPs) requires the development of the capacity of farmers to adopt these practices owing to the knowledge-intensive nature of technologies. Extension services serve as a conduit for facilitating the conceptualization of CRPs and are instrumental in improving the resiliency and mitigation of climate change. We used a social-ecological framework and a multivariate probit model to analyze the drivers of the CRP uptake in moisture-stressed areas in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on extension services. Unlike previous studies that investigated a single technology, we considered a bundle of technologies. We focused on the use of two capital-intensive CRPs (drought-resistant seed and inorganic fertilizer) and four knowledge-intensive CRPs (minimum tillage, farmyard manure, water-saving technology, and crop residue retention). The role of extension services in promoting other CRPs beyond input and capital-intensive technologies was insignificant. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the correlation between extension services and the adoption of other knowledge-intensive natural resource management practices holds irrespective of the proximity to the extension service providers. This finding highlights the need for targeted and tailored interventions that support farmers to address the challenges faced by them in moisture-stressed areas. Accordingly, we propose continuously improving the ability of the extension service providers to promote climate-change adaptation knowledge and practices. This should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen a pluralistic extension system, improve land tenure security, and decrease transaction costs for farmers through output market linkages.

Agricultural mechanization is one of the key components that enhance agricultural intensification. Thus, this study investigates determinants of agricultural machine renting of smallholder farmers using cross-sectional data obtained from 192 agricultural machine users and 208 non-users of agricultural machine smallholder farmers from West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. Three districts were selected because of the presence of agricultural mechanization intervention The data were collected from 400 households selected randomly and proportionally from Wonberma, Burie Zuria, and Dembecha districts from January to April 2021 year. To describe and analyze the data descriptive statistics and econometric model were used. The descriptive statistics show among agricultural machine renting households about 25.3% households were rented tractor, 22.3% combine harvester 28.54% maize Sheller and other farmers use two or all three types of machines simultaneously. The result of multivariate probit model showed that correlation coefficient between tractor and combine harvester, tractor, and maize Sheller, and combine harvester and maize Sheller were 63.1, 48.2, and 68.6%, respectively. The positive sign indicates the adoption of one type of machine enhancing the marginal productivity of other types of machines. Adoption of agricultural machine renting were influenced by age of households, level of education, ownership of oxen, total cultivated land, extension visit, and information access from extension agent positively and significantly. On the other hand, family size, distance to development agent and distance to the nearest market were negatively and significantly affect agricultural machine renting. Based on the finding, this paper recommends that the governmental and non-governmental organization should focus on the strengthening of formal and informal education, development of infrastructures, and extension visit which promote agricultural machine renting services.

Despite the numerous advantages of soil fertility management (SFM) practices and substantial investments to promote adoption, uptake of these technologies remains low across sub-Saharan Africa. We study the adoption and intensity of key SFM practices - improved fallow, animal manure, compost, crop residue retention, minimum tillage, inorganic fertilizer, and intercropping among rural farmers in Zambia. Data from 1234 rural farms and the multivariate probit (MVP) and generalized Poisson regression models are used. The MVP model highlights interconnections among practices, emphasizing the need for integrated interventions. Socio-demographics like gender, age, education, and household labor availability significantly influence adoption of SFM practices. Farm characteristics including experience, land ownership, livestock, and off-farm income also play pivotal roles. Accessibility of information via phones, radio, and farmer groups emerged as a crucial enabler, while extension services, credit, and proximity to markets and roads shape adoption decisions. Results indicate education, household labor, off-farm income, and group membership drive intensity of adoption. Extension contacts, training, and agro-ecological region location also affect intensity with regional variations. Key policy implications emerge. First, the complementarities among practices underscore the need for holistic strategies recognizing these synergies. Second, enhancing education specifically for younger farmers can promote adoption of SFM technologies by increasing knowledge. Third, spurring farmer groups facilitates knowledge exchange, input access, and collaborative adoption. Fourth, strategic extension services and training programs are vital to address knowledge gaps for sustained adoption. Overall, this study provides insights to guide policies for promoting SFM practices among rural farms.

AbstractProduct upgrading is the most viable solution for small holder farmers to increase their income and capture more of the value of their product in the value chain. This paper was aimed at assessing factors affecting smallholder tomato producers’ participation decisions in product upgrading (adopting improved variety, pesticide application, and staking). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources of data. Semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and personal observation were used to collect data. To analyse data obtained from sample respondents, descriptive and econometric models (multivariate probit model) were used. The result of the study implied that family size, farming experience, year of school, access to market information, training, seed, and pesticide significantly and positively influenced one or more product upgrading techniques while age and market distance had negative and significant association with product upgrading. Therefore, policy and development interventions should give emphasis towards the improvement of such institutional support system so as to foster household participation in product upgrading.

Climate-smart agricultural technologies (CSATs) are important for climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to have access to sustainable CSATs to cope with climate change. While coffee is an important commercial crop in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), farmers suffer from coffee fluctuation in production attributed to climate variability. Accordingly, various coffee-related CSATs, notably coffee cultivars, manure and intercropping have been introduced in Kalehe Territory of the DRC to build climate resilience and adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, coffee cultivars are not widely used. This study fitted a two-step Heckman model to correct for selection bias on a randomly selected cross-sectional sample of 442 smallholder coffee farmers to examine the drivers of CSATs uptake in Kalehe Territory. The model results showed that family labour, non-farm income, access to credit and extension services, and residing in Butumba Village were the major factors influencing the decision of coffee farmers to use CSATs. The results revealed that manure and new coffee cultivars, manure and intercropping combined with manure had the potential to be substitutes for each other. The study recommends that policy makers and other stakeholders in CSATs support the dissemination of CSATs, especially coffee cultivars, to facilitate access. There is need to promote extension services so that the combination of intercropping and manure can help to increase coffee farmers’ welfare. The government should support farmers’ use of CSATs through either the subsidization of coffee cultivars or the provision of cheap agricultural credit.

Climate change and soil fertility decline are major hurdles to agricultural ecosystems. Despite the importance of climate-resilient practices (CRPs) in enhancing food security, poverty alleviation and nutritional security, awareness and adoption remain low in most developing countries, including Kenya. We assessed the determinants of simultaneous awareness and adoption of CRPs and their intensity in Central Highlands of Kenya. The CRPs considered in this study were inorganic fertilizer and manure integration, manure, mulching, crop residues, cover crop, crop rotation and intercrop. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from 400 smallholders in Central Highlands of Kenya. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit and Poisson regression. Our findings showed that awareness and adoption of specific CRPs and their intensity were determined by occupation, age, farming experience, household size, soil fertility management, climate change adaptation, agricultural training, and geographical location. Smallholders’ agricultural training was an important determinant of awareness, adoption level, and intensity. Our findings underscored the need for agricultural policymakers and extension systems to design farmer-driven training programs for enhanced awareness and adoption of CRPs.

Heat-tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) can be used to alleviate the impact of climate variability, increase productivity, and increase income of smallholder vegetable farmers under tropical conditions. Adoption of improved nursery practices and willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties under tropical conditions was examined. Using data from 432 tomato farmers, multivariate probit and tobit regression models were used to assess willingness to adopt heat-tolerant varieties and number of nursery practices. Willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties was positively influenced by education, experience, and extension contacts. Adoption of improved nursery practices was influenced by sex, household size, off-farm income, credit, education and extension. These results will enable decision-makers to prioritize strategies that target educated farmers with more years of experience in tomato production and have contacts with extension to enhance the adoption of heat-tolerant tomato seeds with complementary improved nursery practices to increase productivity and income of smallholder tomato farmers under tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a sizable body of research concerning innovation and intellectual property (IP) performance exists, there has been limited attention on whether the state of IP strengthens or curtails innovation activity in the global south, specifically among sub-Saharan Africa firms. This article analyzes the direct impacts of IP on innovation performance in sub-Saharan Africa, namely patents, copyrights, industrial designs, and trademarks. The paper responds to firms extracting value from intellectual property strategies through innovation activities and overall performance. Using the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) and Innovation Follow-up Survey (IFS), we find that appropriation channels are essential for transforming innovation pursuits into a competitive advantage. Our results further reinforce that appropriation mechanisms are crucial to innovation and may allow firms to gain returns on their innovation activities. Regardless of the weaknesses and limitations of the patenting strategy in sub-Saharan Africa, the probability of patenting an innovation relates to a process and product innovation while controlling for several other effects. More importantly, we demonstrate how industrial designs and improved or changed trademarks can foster inclusive performance. In addition, we show that beyond perception-based innovations, intellectual property strategies also matter to innovation intensity and sales growth. Consequently, our results indicate that the significance of innovation for competitiveness puts intellectual capital at the critical juncture of knowledge management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable human development are fundamentally dependent on having access to modern energy services. Energy supplies that are dependable, reasonably priced, and sustainable are vital to modern societies. In achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG7) and access to clean energy supplies, this study, using cross-sectional data from 180 randomly sampled rural households, analyzed the key factors determining the choice and intensity of energy sources used for lighting and cooking in rural Nigeria. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate probit (MVP) and zero-truncated Poisson (ZTP models)) were employed for the analyses. The result showed that there is evidence of fuel stacking in their choice of cooking and lighting energy, and it increases with rising income levels but is more pronounced for lighting than cooking. The result also revealed that reliable access to clean energy (9% of sampled households for LPG and 23% of the households for grid electricity) is very low, as these households still rely on fuelwood (70%) for cooking, but the predominant usage of kerosene (39%) for lighting, as reported in the literature, has drastically changed to dry cell battery (51%). The results using a multivariate probit model to capture the multiple fuel usage phenomenon among rural households show that access to clean energy, improvement in rural poverty, usage of indoor kitchens, household size, and an increase in the education of household heads' spouses significantly influence the use of clean energy in the rural areas. In the same vein, the result of the ZTP model showed that income, access to energy sources, and occupation of the household head were the drivers of the intensity of cooking and lighting energy sources. Thus, it is recommended that any policy interventions that are targeted at encouraging rural households to use clean energy should start by improving rural access to these clean energy sources, improving their poverty status while also increasing the level of education and awareness of rural women concerning the risks of using dirty energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to analyse farmers' access to various agricultural extension service sources, their preferences and to delineate underlying determinants for their access. The study used NSSO 77th survey dataset of 14,782 households of IGP states (Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal). Farmers' preferences varied, with private agencies--particularly input dealers-- emerging as the top choice, followed by traditional mass media channels and the public extension system. Utility of Cooperative model, and farmer-based organizations have not yet been fully explored for information needs. The inputs (seeds, fertilizers, plant protection) were the most sought-after information. However, in an era of changing needs, farmers should strive to acquire additional information on aspects such as marketing, climate change, and post-harvest functions. The type of information sought by the farmers, influences their preferred sources of extension services. Irrespective of the source, the degree of access diminishes with the decreasing landholding. Among the five IGP states, Haryana emerged as the champion of information access for farmers, while Bihar lagged. Multivariate probit analysis reported that the likelihood of access to agricultural information sources was positively influenced by age, gender, education, size of operational landholding, irrigated area, and sale of produce at MSP. The study suggests making the extension services for small and socio-economically marginalized farmers more inclusive. Inclusiveness of extension services is essential for sustainability because it ensures that all farmers, regardless of their landholding, gender, age, caste, etc., have access to knowledge and resources they need to adopt improved agricultural practices and thus, secure prosperous livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production is affected by the threats of climate change, such as changes in the frequency of extreme events (such as flood and drought), changes in rainfall patterns, and increased pest attacks and diseases. As a result, the farmers face huge socio-economic losses in the form of loss of lives, loss of cultivable lands, loss in crop yield, and loss to infrastructure. The smallholder farmers who primarily depend on rainfed agriculture for a living bear major crop losses and threats to food security due to climate change. In order to enable the farmers to cope with the challenges associated with climate change, climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices were introduced. It must be noted that CSA practices depend on economic, environmental, and social attributes; hence, location-specific studies are required to identify the determinants of CSA adoption. The present study aims to identify the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption of CSA strategies in the highly vulnerable Nagaon district of India. Our study has incorporated six forms of capital: physical capital, social capital, human capital, financial capital, natural capital, and institutional capital in its analytical framework. The influence of these capitals is examined on the farmers’ adoption decision. We use a mixed-method approach to conduct the analysis. A multivariate probit model is used for the quantitative analysis, and excerpts from focus group discussions are presented as qualitative information gathered from field surveys. Three unique variables are included in the present study: the use of agricultural applications by smallholder farmers, the application of indigenous technical knowledge, and access to government-provided seeds. Each of the three variables was found to be statistically significant. Further, the study found the variables under social capital, physical capital, and institutional capital to be critical determinants affecting CSA adoption by smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the outcomes for scientists from science-industry collaboration projects and study the conditions under which these outcomes emerge. While previous research analyses the motivations for scientists to collaborate and the characteristics of such collaborations, we focus on the generated outcomes. We provide a new conceptualisation of collaboration outcomes and distinguish three different types: scientific outcomes, commercialisable outcomes, and follow-up cooperation. We argue that scientific factors influence the generation of scientific outcomes, and economic factors the generation of commercialisable outcomes, accordingly; interaction factors are proposed to influence the emergence of follow-up cooperation. We further propose that these outcomes depend on each other and hence are co-generated. We test our propositions with survey data from scientists in the German state of Thuringia. We develop novel survey items about characteristics of scientists' last collaboration with an industry partner and its outcomes. Multivariate probit estimations show that scientific factors positively relate to scientific outcomes, and interaction factors are relevant for follow-up cooperation. However, when it comes to economic factors, we find mixed evidence of their relation to commercialisable outcomes. The outcome interdependence exists between scientific outcomes and the other two types of outcomes but not between commercialisable outcomes and follow-up cooperation. Our results can be used by policymakers and science managers to design and strengthen the support for collaboration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite global and developing countries' efforts to address maltreatment across various sectors, limited attention has been given to its impact on agriculture. This study investigates the effects of maltreatment of smallholder youth farmers specifically physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse on agricultural productivity among smallholder youth farmers. Employing a statistical research design, data from the Tanzania Integrated Labor Force Survey 2020/21 are analyzed. The study utilizes a Multivariate Probit (MVP) model to estimate determinants of maltreatment, and instrumental variable models (Two Stage Least Squares, Two Stage Residual Inclusion, and Control Function Approach) to estimate the effects of maltreatment on agricultural productivity with proximity to local law enforcement as an instrument to control endogeneity. The results reveal that Tanga (21.46%), Morogoro (17.08%), Kilimanjaro (17.06%), and Dodoma (15.00%) exhibit a high prevalence of maltreatment practices among youths, whereas Geita, Kusini Pemba, Kusini Unguja, Mjini Magharibi, Njombe, Rukwa, Simiyu, and Tabora display relatively few instances. Furthermore, factors such as gender, age, residence, and disabilities are key determinants of maltreatment. Additionally, maltreatment has varying effects in reducing agricultural productivity significantly such that physical abuse (β = −0.2315, p < 0.01), sexual abuse (β = −0.4281, p < 0.01), and emotional abuse (β = −0.1965, p < 0.01). This study implies that addressing maltreatment is crucial for enhancing the well-being and productivity of smallholder youth farmers. Moreover, it informs policy on the need for targeted interventions to mitigate maltreatment and recommends gender-sensitive agricultural policies, rural development initiatives, educational and skill-building programs, disability-inclusive policies, workplace support, and mental health resources, and the integration of technology for sustainable agricultural practices.

IntroductionThere is a global priority to ensure food security, environmental conservation and sustainability. The adoption of inputs such as organic manures, biofertilisers, and biopesticides has been widely promoted as a way to enhance agricultural sustainability, yet their adoption rates remain notably low. The study examines the determinants and impact of the adoption of multiple sustainable inputs by paddy farmers in India. The study also examines the drivers behind the intensity of their adoption and their technical efficiency.MethodsThe study utilises the survey dataset on paddy farmers from “Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households and Land and Livestock Holdings of Households in Rural India” of the 77th National Sample Survey (NSSO) round. The reference period for data collection was the agricultural year from July 2018 to June 2019. The analytical methods employed include the Multivariate Probit and Ordered Probit models, Seemingly Unrelated Regression, Regression Adjustment model, and Stochastic Frontier method.ResultsThe empirical findings reveal that the adoption and intensity of sustainable inputs depend significantly on factors such as the household head’s age and education, household size, and access to extension services. Adopting sustainable inputs has significant benefits, such as increased harvest value. However, the currently available technical advisory services are limited in effectively promoting the expenditure on sustainable inputs. Technical efficiency analysis underscores the potential for improvement and the importance of utilising optimal input levels. The research findings provide strong evidence in favour of advocating for the use of sustainable inputs in paddy farming.

Frequent climate variability and change had the strongest direct influences on the availability and accessibility of food through reducing agricultural productivity and cropping patterns. Despite the Ethiopian government having made substantial efforts to boost production and productivity through the introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs), the implementation of these practices by smallholder wheat farmers has remained low. This study, therefore, tried to investigate the determinants of the adoption of CSAPs in Northwestern Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered from 385 randomly selected wheat producers (including 702 plot-level observations). The CSAPs considered in this investigation were wheat row planting, crop rotation, and improved wheat varieties. The factors that influence the adoption of CSAPs were determined using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The results revealed that the age of the sampled wheat producer farmers, education level of sampled wheat farmers, livestock holding, contact with development agents, credit access, off-farm activities participation, distance to input supply institution, slope of the plot, and soil fertility status of the plot were the major determinants of the adoption of CSAPs. The study suggested that policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen farmers’ skills by providing sufficient and effective short-term training. Moreover, encouraging mixed crop-livestock production systems, strengthening credit access, development agents, and access to near-input supply institutions are required to scale-up the adoption of CSAPs.

Increasing agricultural productivity through the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) offers a credible pathway to addressing food insecurity while preserving vital ecosystem resources, as such, factors that drive farmers' decisions to adopt these SAPs need examination. Most extant studies, on the adoption of SAPs, however, tend to place emphasis on socioeconomic incentives, giving little attention to the role of professional networks and institutional factors especially on oil palm which has strong links to deforestation and reduction in tree cover despite the numerous economic benefits. Using cross-sectional data from six oil palm producing regions in Ghana, this study analyses the role of producer membership, links with institutions such as NGOs, and extension access in the adoption of improved seeds, fertilizers, pest management practices, soil and moisture conservation practices, and legume cover crops among oil palm farmers in Ghana. The study employs a multivariate probit model to examine the probability of adopting SAPs and a poisson regression to model the intensity of SAPs adopted. The study also uses the instrumental variable approach to circumvent the issue of endogeneity. Results indicate that these networks and institutions significantly affect farmers’ adoption of SAPs. The study also finds heterogeneous associations with the adoption decisions depending on the type of innovation. In particular, we show evidence that farmers’ link with formal institutions is negatively associated with the adoption of diverse input intensive technologies, whereas it is positively associated with the adoption of natural resource management technologies. However, we find a consistent positive association of membership of producer organization on the adoption of different SAPs except legume cover cropping. Though differing relationships, we find that extension access and membership of producer organization are significantly associated with the intensity of SAPs adoption. Taken together, our findings suggest an integrated approach by the actors in the promotion of SAPs.

Heat-tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) can be used to alleviate the impact of climate variability, increase productivity, and increase income of smallholder vegetable farmers under tropical conditions. Adoption of improved nursery practices and willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties under tropical conditions was examined. Using data from 432 tomato farmers, multivariate probit and tobit regression models were used to assess willingness to adopt heat-tolerant varieties and number of nursery practices. Willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties was positively influenced by education, experience, and extension contacts. Adoption of improved nursery practices was influenced by sex, household size, off-farm income, credit, education and extension. These results will enable decision-makers to prioritize strategies that target educated farmers with more years of experience in tomato production and have contacts with extension to enhance the adoption of heat-tolerant tomato seeds with complementary improved nursery practices to increase productivity and income of smallholder tomato farmers under tropical conditions.

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

A study was undertaken to analyse farmers’ access to various agricultural extension service sources, their preferences and to delineate underlying determinants for their access. The study used NSSO 77th survey dataset of 14,782 households of IGP states (Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal). Farmers’ preferences varied, with private agencies—particularly input dealers—emerging as the top choice, followed by traditional mass media channels and the public extension system. Utility of Cooperative model, and farmer-based organizations have not yet been fully explored for information needs. The inputs (seeds, fertilizers, plant protection) were the most sought-after information. However, in an era of changing needs, farmers should strive to acquire additional information on aspects such as marketing, climate change, and post-harvest functions. The type of information sought by the farmers, influences their preferred sources of extension services. Irrespective of the source, the degree of access diminishes with the decreasing landholding. Among the five IGP states, Haryana emerged as the champion of information access for farmers, while Bihar lagged. Multivariate probit analysis reported that the likelihood of access to agricultural information sources was positively influenced by age, gender, education, size of operational landholding, irrigated area, and sale of produce at MSP. The study suggests making the extension services for small and socio-economically marginalized farmers more inclusive. Inclusiveness of extension services is essential for sustainability because it ensures that all farmers, regardless of their landholding, gender, age, caste, etc., have access to knowledge and resources they need to adopt improved agricultural practices and thus, secure prosperous livelihoods.

Smallholder households in developing countries often face challenges related to market access. Despite being proposed as a potential solution, cooperatives in the north of Benin have reportedly failed to effectively address this issue. The alternatives channels used by smallholder famers and the factors that influence their choices remain unclear. This paper adopts a mixed approach, combining qualitative analysis with quantitative methods, particularly the multivariate probit model, to investigate the distribution channels of maize used by farmers in the Kandi district of Benin. The study aims to identify the current distribution channels of maize in Kandi and analyze factors that affect, smallholder producers choice of marketing channel. Initially, the study identified four primary channels for marketing maize—namely, collectors, wholesalers, brokers, and cooperatives—and producers typically commonly engage in multiple channels simultaneously. Subsequently, It becomes evident that factors such as age, cooperative membership, distance to market, reliance on informal credit, average maize bag prices, and the timing of sales significantly influence producers' selection of marketing channels. Interestingly, despite cooperatives offering comparatively higher prices, the majority of farmers opt for collectors due to the informal credit they provide and their practice of purchasing large volumes of maize bags at pre-agreed prices. In conclusion, enhancing joint-selling capabilities of cooperatives and establishing a credit provision business tailored to maize producers are identified as crucial steps. These measures aim to alleviate producers’ financial strain, diminish their dependence on collectors for credit, and bolster their bargaining power in the market.

Frequent climate variability and change had the strongest direct influences on the availability and accessibility of food through reducing agricultural productivity and cropping patterns. Despite the Ethiopian government having made substantial efforts to boost production and productivity through the introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs), the implementation of these practices by smallholder wheat farmers has remained low. This study, therefore, tried to investigate the determinants of the adoption of CSAPs in Northwestern Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered from 385 randomly selected wheat producers (including 702 plot-level observations). The CSAPs considered in this investigation were wheat row planting, crop rotation, and improved wheat varieties. The factors that influence the adoption of CSAPs were determined using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The results revealed that the age of the sampled wheat producer farmers, education level of sampled wheat farmers, livestock holding, contact with development agents, credit access, off-farm activities participation, distance to input supply institution, slope of the plot, and soil fertility status of the plot were the major determinants of the adoption of CSAPs. The study suggested that policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen farmers' skills by providing sufficient and effective short-term training. Moreover, encouraging mixed crop-livestock production systems, strengthening credit access, development agents, and access to near-input supply institutions are required to scale-up the adoption of CSAPs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Smallholder households in developing countries often face challenges related to market access. Despite being proposed as a potential solution, cooperatives in the north of Benin have reportedly failed to effectively address this issue. The alternatives channels used by smallholder famers and the factors that influence their choices remain unclear. This paper adopts a mixed approach, combining qualitative analysis with quantitative methods, particularly the multivariate probit model, to investigate the distribution channels of maize used by farmers in the Kandi district of Benin. The study aims to identify the current distribution channels of maize in Kandi and analyze factors that affect, smallholder producers choice of marketing channel. Initially, the study identified four primary channels for marketing maize-namely, collectors, wholesalers, brokers, and cooperatives-and producers typically commonly engage in multiple channels simultaneously. Subsequently, It becomes evident that factors such as age, cooperative membership, distance to market, reliance on informal credit, average maize bag prices, and the timing of sales significantly influence producers' selection of marketing channels. Interestingly, despite cooperatives offering comparatively higher prices, the majority of farmers opt for collectors due to the informal credit they provide and their practice of purchasing large volumes of maize bags at pre-agreed prices. In conclusion, enhancing joint-selling capabilities of cooperatives and establishing a credit provision business tailored to maize producers are identified as crucial steps. These measures aim to alleviate producers' financial strain, diminish their dependence on collectors for credit, and bolster their bargaining power in the market., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)