This study assessed the business operations of onion cold storage facilities in Nueva Ecija, focusing on organizational, marketing, technical, and financial practices to identify areas for improvement aligned with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A quantitative-descriptive approach was used, with survey-based questionnaires administered to 75 workers across five cold storage facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and determine the level of practice in each operational domain. Findings indicate strong operational capacity, as organizational, marketing, and technical operations were highly practiced, particularly in adhering to legal regulatory requirements, managing environmental impacts, and customer-relationship practices. Consequently, financial management practices were only moderately practiced, particularly in developing investment plans, managing cash flows, and assessing profitability. While organizational, marketing, and technical practices were widely adopted, financial practices were less developed, suggesting a gap in business sustainability and strategic planning. This study provides a basis for strengthening financial operations and promoting sustainability through targeted staff training, the adoption of digital financial-management tools, investments in energy-efficient technologies, and enhancements to customer-relationship-management systems. Through these measures, improved resilience, competitiveness, and long-term viability can be achieved, aligning with SDGs 2, 7, 8, and 12.
Corporate Farming (CF) is widely proposed as a strategy to enhance smallholder performance. This study was conducted to understand the current situation and stakeholder dynamics to recommend an optimal strategy. Data from 135 respondents across two cooperatives, Tawon and KSMJ, were analyzed using SWOT and MACTOR models. CF management was assessed based on its long-term planning, economies of scale, legality, centralized management, networking, and technology. Results indicate that CF is feasible for farmer groups. KSMJ, initiated through a bottom-up approach, can yield higher performance but requires robust technical and managerial capabilities. KSMJ’s managerial expertise and financial capability emerged as strong, critical factors. In contrast, Tawon’s establishment was heavily supported by a top-down approach, helping the cooperative address limited capacity and progress toward improved performance. MACTOR results revealed that KSMJ possesses high influence and dependency, making it the central actor with the highest competitiveness. Conversely, Tawon exhibits weak influence, very high dependency, and the lowest competitiveness; thus, it is not considered a key actor. While a top-down approach may suit many farmer groups, this study recommends that all groups strive for greater independence to achieve superior CF performance.
The ability of vermicomposting for the ecosystem can be a source of recycling organic waste for ecosystem protection by recycling or by making the soil productive for arid or arid zones, but the earthworm can provide greatly different performance depending on the seasons and species. Seasonal growth, reproduction, compost production, and compost quality of earthworm vermicomposting species (Eisenia fetida or Red Wiggler (RW), Eudrilus eugeniae or African creeper (AC), and Perionyx excavatus or Malaysian blue (MB)) are tested in arid conditions in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The trial period for seven treatments was 70 days in winter and 70 days in summer, in outdoor shaded boxes prepared with plant residue and cow dung. Vermicompost production, worm biomass, reproduction, and compost characteristics (including total N, available P, exchangeable K, organic carbon, C:N ratio, and pH) were measured. The highest amount of vermicompost was produced by AC during summer, and RW was relatively more successful in winter, producing the largest populations for the colder seasons, while MB produced the least amount at any time of year. Each treatment yield was comparable in C:N content and nutrient-rich compost, indicating maturity state. As such, these observations suggest season-matched species selection and, ultimately, the benefits of moisture care and shading as key management strategies to maintain vermicompost productivity in arid environments. This is among the few studies investigating their species-specific performance in Saudi Arabia. The main contribution of the paper is the empirical revelation that Eisenia fetida has an advantage in waste conversion performance over other species.
Abaca, one of the country’s significant sources of export earnings, remains the Philippines’ most important natural fiber crop and a key source of livelihood for rural households, particularly in major producing areas, including Aklan. Despite its economic importance, abaca production continues to operate below potential, indicating technical inefficiency among producers. Focusing on the stalk production stage, this study estimates technical efficiency and identifies the factors influencing inefficiency among producers in Aklan province. A total of 369 abaca producers were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A single-step stochastic production frontier analysis was employed to simultaneously estimate the production function and inefficiency effects. Results reveal that abaca producers are, on average, 87.23% technically efficient, suggesting that output could still be increased by 12.77% through improved input utilization and technology adoption. Factors such as farmers’ age, household size, education, farming experience, and farm distance to market were found to significantly influence technical inefficiency. The estimated returns to scale of 0.424 demonstrate decreasing returns to scale in abaca stalk production. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy and program interventions focused on productivity enhancement and integrated support mechanisms, particularly through strengthening farmer capacity-building initiatives, improving institutional support, and strengthening public investment in market access.
This study assesses the causal effect of the intensity of participation in agricultural advisory services on the adoption of three groups of technologies by maize and soybean farmers in Benin. A multivariate Probit model with instrumental variables was applied to data collected from 2,300 farming households over three growing seasons. The results show that participation intensity in agricultural advisory services significantly increases the probability that farmers will adopt improved maize and soybean varieties, as well as integrated soil fertility management practices related to maize cultivation. A nonlinear relationship between extension intensity and technology adoption was also revealed through the dose-response function. Beyond a certain threshold of extension intensity, the marginal effect on the adoption of improved varieties begins to decline. Furthermore, a significant correlation is observed between the error terms of the adoption equations, indicating that the technologies studied are interdependent within each crop. It also emerges that agricultural extension is effective only when the main barrier to technology adoption is informational in nature. Consequently, improving the coverage and intensity of participation in agricultural advisory services constitutes the primary policy lever for increasing the dissemination of agricultural technologies and innovations among smallholder farmers.
Agriculture is increasingly recognized as a strategic sector that ensures food security and plays a critical role in alleviating poverty. Rapidly changing climate and digitalization have boosted the significance of support policies for sustainable rural development. Efficient policy implementation requires robust estimation of policy results. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of state support programs promoting livestock and crop production in the Republic of Armenia (RA). A difference-in-differences approach was applied using R programming based on data from the Statistical Committee of RA for marzes over the period of 2007-2024. The results indicated that support programs for crop production had a statistically significant positive effect on performance indicators. Particularly for program participants, the area of fruit and berry plantations increased by 971.7 and 728.7 hectares, respectively. The yield of cereal and leguminous crops grew by 7.85 centners per hectare relative to non-participants. Meanwhile, support programs in the livestock sector had an insignificant or even negative impact on sector performance indicators. The outcomes of this research are essential for policymakers to make adjustments in state support programs to increase the efficiency of rural development policy in RA.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a promising alternative crop in the Philippines due to its nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environments. The study evaluated the performance and stability of eight quinoa genotypes under three planting dates in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines, to determine the most suitable planting time. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications per planting date. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), while genotype x environment (G x E) interaction was assessed through combined ANOVA and the Additive Main-effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model. Genotype G3.2 showed the highest values for plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, and panicle width; whereas M1 produced the highest grain yield, 1000-seed weight, and harvest index. AMMI analysis indicated that planting time accounted for the highest portion of the G x E interaction. Genotypes G3.2 and K3 were the most stable and adaptable across planting dates. Planting in May is recommended to achieve higher seed yield and reduce potential yield losses associated with typhoon occurrence in the study area.
Landslides represent a major climate-induced hazard in the Himalayan region, posing serious risks to smallholder farmers whose livelihoods are already constrained by fragile ecosystems and limited resources. This study investigates the challenges faced by farm households in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, India, with particular emphasis on the socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional dimensions of vulnerability. Primary data were collected through household surveys with 120 respondents across three villages, and the Garrett Ranking Technique (GRT) was applied to identify and prioritize constraints. This study marks the first application of GRT in analyzing livelihood constraints linked to landslide impacts within the Himalayan context, contributing a methodological perspective to mountain vulnerability research. The results reveal that limited awareness programs are the main social challenge, while the high cost of seeds emerged as the dominant economic barrier. Poor soil quality was identified as the leading environmental constraint. These findings underscore the interplay between natural hazards, resource scarcity, and institutional gaps that collectively exacerbate livelihood vulnerability. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening farmer awareness and extension services, improving access to affordable quality inputs, and enhancing marketing and credit facilities. Additionally, investments in soil conservation, irrigation infrastructure, and non-farm income opportunities are essential to reduce exposure and build resilience.
Agricultural profitability is critical for smallholder farmers in developing regions who face low productivity and high production costs due to limited use of mechanization. This study examines the relationship between the use of appropriate agricultural mechanization and farm profitability among smallholder rice and maize farmers in Uganda. The study used primary data from 1,056 smallholder farmers (528 users and 528 non-users of appropriate agricultural mechanization) across four regions of Uganda, collected through stratified cluster random sampling. Gross margins were used to measure farm profitability. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Tobit regression models were employed to identify factors influencing farm profitability. Results reveal that farm profitability differs significantly between users of different mechanization technologies. The use of motorized micro-tiller and weeder, motorized sprayer, walking tractor, and maize sheller influenced farm profitability positively, while the use of ox-plough showed a negative effect. Land ownership, access to credit, and access to extension services positively influenced farm profitability, while being female negatively influenced profitability. These findings suggest that promoting appropriate agricultural mechanization through inclusive extension services and enhancing farmers' access to credit are essential for improving farm profitability. Policymakers should prioritize context-specific mechanization technologies that match smallholder farmers' needs and resource endowments rather than promoting mechanization indiscriminately.
The rapid expansion of intensive pig farming in Vietnam has increased environmental pollution pressures, raising an urgent need to assess the ecological efficiency of different production organization models. Contract farming is expected to enhance sustainability through standardized technical practices and management; however, empirical evidence on its impact on ecological efficiency remains limited. The purpose of this study is to examine whether contract farming helps improve ecological efficiency compared to NCF and to identify the factors that influence ecological efficiency. The data for this study were collected from 70 contract pig farms and 30 non-contract pig farms in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ecological efficiency is measured using a directional distance function with undesirable outputs; its influencing factors are analyzed using a Tobit regression model. The results indicate that the average ecological inefficiency scores of contract and non-contract farms are 4.41 and 9.95, respectively, demonstrating that contract farming helps improve ecological efficiency. The factors influencing ecological efficiency include the household head’s education level, the number and types of biogas digesters, biogas digester volume per pig, and the feed conversion ratio. Based on the findings, the study proposes several key solutions such as encouraging farms to use brick biogas digesters, controlling the number of pigs so that it does not exceed the capacity of the waste treatment facility, and improving feed efficiency.
This study aims to analyze the comparative effectiveness and efficiency of post-harvest coffee pruning based on gender differentiation at Malangsari Coffee Plantation, Indonesia. While pruning is widely recognized as a critical agronomic practice affecting productivity, limited empirical evidence exists on how gender influences operational performance at the task level. The research employed direct field observation and surveys involving 14 pruners, comprising seven males and seven females, with three repetitions for each treatment. Effectiveness was evaluated based on compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly the number of remaining branches per tree, while efficiency was measured using time and motion analysis and labor requirements expressed in working days (HOK per hectare). The findings reveal a distinct trade-off, where male pruners achieved significantly higher effectiveness with 86% compliance compared to 43% for females. Conversely, female pruners demonstrated superior efficiency, completing tasks in an average of 2.01 minutes per tree against 2.44 minutes for males, resulting in lower labor inputs (9 HOK/ha versus 11 HOK/ha). Independent sample t-tests confirmed that these differences in both effectiveness and efficiency were statistically significant. These results imply that gender differentiation significantly influences labor performance, suggesting that plantation management should adopt gender-sensitive strategies by allocating tasks based on specific strengths to optimize both productivity and operational efficiency.
Karo Regency, a highland area in the Bukit Barisan range of North Sumatra, relies heavily on agriculture, especially maize. Recently, farmers have faced low yields, rising production costs, and higher urea prices, raising concerns about farm-level cost efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to generate cost efficiency estimates for corn production and provide insight into the factors that are driving cost inefficiency. The estimation method used is the Stochastic Frontier Cost Model, and the data are cross-sectional farm-level, of 360 corn farmers drawn purposively from six sub-districts, where the sample size was allocated between locations proportionately. We found that production costs are substantially influenced by land rental fees, fertilizer utilization, labor input, seed costs, and corn output. The mean cost inefficiency is estimated to be 62.9%, indicating a significant level of inefficiency in resource use and that there is a considerable distance from the minimum cost surface. In addition, social and environmental constraints, weak farmer institutions, low levels of access to technical knowledge, and the nature of mountainous terrain are identified as major sources of inefficiency. In particular, mountainous terrain increases financial and transportation costs, restricting costs to inputs and outputs at harvest time so that poor people do not benefit. These findings point to the need for interventions such as policies targeted at enhancing farmer organization, extension services access, and rural infrastructure to improve cost efficiency and sustainable agricultural development of highland areas.
Agricultural competitiveness is fundamental to Namibia’s pursuit of sustainable growth, export diversification, and food security in a highly climate-constrained production environment. This study assesses the trade competitiveness of Namibia’s crop sector over the period 2003–2022 using the Relative Trade Advantage (RTA) index, which integrates export and import performance (RTA = RXA − RMA). Trade data were sourced from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and FAOSTAT databases and averaged over three-year intervals to smooth short-term volatility and capture structural trends. The analysis covered cereals, vegetables, fruits, and selected milled products. The results indicate persistent trade advantages in grapes, onions, and maize flour, reflecting gains in irrigated horticulture and agroprocessing. In contrast, cereals such as wheat and millet remain structurally uncompetitive because of recurrent droughts, limited irrigation capacity, high input costs, and continued dependence on imports. Although competitiveness in some subsectors has improved over time, performance remains uneven and climate-sensitive. The findings suggest that targeted policy interventions, particularly the Market Share Promotion Scheme (MSPS), irrigation expansion under the Green Scheme, and investments in cold-chain and storage infrastructure, positively influenced horticultural competitiveness. However, strengthening cereal competitiveness requires productivity-enhancing technologies, climate-resilient production systems, and deeper integration along the value chain. Sustained public–private coordination will be critical to enhancing trade resilience and reducing Namibia’s structural dependence on food imports.
Agricultural production remains largely dependent on the choice of suitable fertilizers. The selection of appropriate fertilizers in relation to the land and native factors has been observed to be inefficient and suboptimal. This creates opportunities for new and relevant methods of fertilizer selection compared to archaic and inefficient practices currently in use. The current study proposes a recommendation model aimed at improving the fertilizer selection process by utilizing ensemble learning techniques. Models such as Bagging, AdaBoost, GBoosting, Extra Trees, and CatBoost are employed to enhance predictability and robustness. These models were trained on primary soil parameters, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and moisture content, specific to the native agricultural lands of Andhra Pradesh, using an indigenous dataset. Experimental results demonstrated high performance, with Bagging achieving 89.68%, AdaBoost 90.59%, GBoosting 91.81%, Extra Trees 91.81%, and CatBoost reaching the highest accuracy of 94.78%. The results clearly indicate that ensemble-based machine learning models can produce accurate, context-specific fertilizer recommendations. Consequently, this framework offers a data-driven approach to improve fertilizer application, enhance crop productivity, and support sustainable land management practices.
Price stability and food security are crucial in Indonesia's rice sector, which exhibits persistent inefficiencies. This study examines these inefficiencies rooted in institutional issues, arguing that transaction costs and governance failures within the value chain reduce performance and equitable value distribution. The case study was conducted in Karawang and Indramayu Regencies using a mixed-method approach. The analysis integrated quantitative methods, such as price margin analysis from farmer to consumer, NIE assessment, transaction cost structure (ex-ante and ex-post), and Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD). Data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and document analysis. The study highlights a highly unbalanced value distribution, with milling actors gaining the largest share (26.79%), while farmers receive only a small return (58.36%) given their production risks. Governance is assessed as moderately dynamic but poor in institutional coordination and transparency, with a lack of formal institutional support. Although transaction costs are relatively low (IDR 210,000/ha), farmers face significant production risk costs (over IDR 2 million/ha), indicating systemic vulnerabilities. The Indonesian rice value chain demonstrates inefficiency primarily rooted in institutional weaknesses. Governance deficits reveal the weak position of farmers and the concentration of value-added power among post-harvest actors. Institutional restructuring must be prioritized in policymaking.
The study explores how cost structures affect market yield in rural Odisha's agro-allied startups. A survey of 151 startup owners across six districts gathered data on expenses and cost pressures. Using Welch's t-test with effect sizes, Chi-square test, k-means clustering, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression analyses to compare cost structures, describe expenditure profiles, and model yield determinants, it was determined that: 1) agro-allied startups report significantly higher levels of both total expenditure and market-oriented yield than agricultural startups (as evidenced by larger than very large effect sizes across nearly all expenditures (Cohen's d = 3.18-4.31)). The chi-square test confirmed a significant association between startup type and success (χ² = 18.162, p < 0.001, Cramér's V ≈ 0.35). Factor analysis identified three latent cost orientations: technology intensity, labor intensity, and infrastructure expenditure, with excellent reliability (α = 0.92). The regression model explained about 70% of yield variance, with water/electricity, labor, and technology costs as key predictors. This suggests policymakers and incubation agencies should focus on integrated cost support, emphasizing operational inputs, credit access, and infrastructure to boost agritech competitiveness in rural areas.
This study aimed to examine the costs and benefits and scrutinize the factors determining the profitability of organic rice farming in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, to address the financial challenges faced by producers. The study employed a cross-sectional design and a multistage sampling method to select 300 organic rice farmers as respondents. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Cost-benefit analysis, net profit margin assessment, and binary logistic regression modeling were employed for data analysis. Results revealed that the organic rice farming business is profitable, generating an average net profit of $2,029.81 per crop/ha, with a net profit margin of 37.39%. These findings indicate that organic rice production in the study area is highly profitable for small-scale farmers. Statistical analysis identified that farmers’ training, off-farm income, organic rice farming size, and expenditure on organic pest control products are significantly associated with profitability (p < 0.01). The study concludes that although organic rice farming can be profitable, policy interventions should prioritize enhancing the effectiveness of training programs through practical applications, encouraging larger-scale operations to improve efficiency, and supporting optimal pest management.
This study evaluates the job satisfaction and morale of women actively involved in agriculture by examining their participation in agricultural production, decision-making processes, and overall engagement in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Data were gathered from 90 women farmers using a survey questionnaire supplemented by unstructured interviews to gain deeper insights into their experiences. The mixed-methods approach enabled a comprehensive assessment of both quantitative participation patterns and qualitative barriers affecting women's agricultural roles. Results reveal that women play vital roles across the agricultural value chain, with 78.3% participating in planting crops, 43.2% in tending crops, 38.89% in caring for farm animals, and 25.56% in marketing harvested products. Most respondents are long-term married tenants (81.11%), with 58.89% being tenants and 65.56% possessing over ten years of farming experience. Despite their significant contributions, structural barriers, including limited land ownership, low educational attainment, and restricted access to credit, substantially hinder their decision-making power and economic opportunities. Additionally, women's job satisfaction and morale face compounding challenges from agricultural automation, pest infestations, financial constraints, and debts resulting from natural disasters. The findings underscore the pressing need for targeted gender empowerment programs and policy interventions that enhance women's access to land, education, and financial resources. Recognizing and supporting women's vital roles in agriculture through institutional reforms can significantly enhance their morale, productivity, and overall well-being while contributing to sustainable rural development and food security.
Button mushroom cultivation in Himachal Pradesh is economically significant, providing a profitable venture for farmers, contributing to rural income generation, and offering a valuable source of protein and other nutrients. The present study was designed with the primary objective of examining the economics of button mushroom cultivation in the study area. Primary data were collected from 60 mushroom growers residing in 7 randomly selected blocks of the purposively chosen Kangra district. The respondents were categorized into two groups, small and large, based on the number of compost bags they maintained, using the cumulative square-root frequency method. The results indicated that the fixed cost of production per 100 bags varied from 32.80% on small farms to 22.97% on large farms, while variable costs ranged from 67.20% on small farms to 72.21% on large farms. The gross return per 100 bags of button mushroom ranged from Rs. 40,587 to Rs. 47,109, whereas the net return over total cost per kilogram varied from Rs. 34.08 to Rs. 63.73 on small and large farms, respectively. The break-even output, where growers neither made a profit nor incurred a loss, was 100 kg overall, with 150 kg for small farms and 69 kg for large farms. Factors influencing mushroom production included the number of compost bags, human labor, expenditure on plant protection materials, and the management index, which are significant variables affecting production on the sampled farms.
The study examines the relationship between social capital, measured through cooperative, social media, and social club memberships, and agricultural productivity in North-Central Nigeria. It also evaluates the moderating effect of youth empowerment. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire from 447 smallholders. Multiple linear regression analysis with interaction terms was employed to interpret the data. The model explains 47.4% of the variation in agricultural productivity, with youth empowerment emerging as the most significant predictor (b = 0.405, p < 0.001), followed by social media membership (b = 0.226, p < 0.001). Participation in cooperative membership also showed a substantial effect (b = 0.128, p = 0.010), while social club membership had a marginal influence (b = 0.089, p = 0.079). The interaction effects reveal that youth empowerment significantly moderates the relationship between social club membership and productivity (B = 0.049, p < 0.001), and has a smaller but notable moderating role in the association between social media membership and productivity (B = 0.025, p = 0.055). However, it does not significantly influence the relationship between cooperative membership and productivity. The interaction model accounts for 48.9% of the variance in productivity. These findings underscore the importance of empowering youth through skills development, leadership training, digital literacy, and access to finance and technology to enhance social networks and increase farm income. The study recommends integrating empowerment programs with digital inclusion and cooperative initiatives to maximize their impact on agricultural productivity.
