This study examines the relationship between per capita protein consumption and poverty levels in Indonesia using a Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) approach within a simultaneous equations framework. The analysis employs panel data from 34 provinces over the period 2015-2024, based on provincially aggregated household-level data, to capture the reciprocal interaction between nutritional outcomes and economic well-being, while accounting for socio-economic factors such as income, education, food prices, and income inequality. The results show that protein consumption variations are more strongly linked to structural factors, especially education and income inequality, rather than short-term income fluctuations. Income inequality significantly shapes protein consumption patterns, reflecting unequal access to animal-based protein across income groups. In terms of prices, beef prices exhibit a more pronounced effect on aggregate protein consumption, while chicken prices tend to be absorbed through substitution mechanisms and price stabilisation, resulting in a weaker direct impact. The findings also confirm a bidirectional relationship between protein consumption and poverty, where higher poverty levels are associated with lower protein intake, and improved protein consumption contributes to poverty reduction through indirect channels such as health and productivity. These results emphasize the need to address poverty reduction and improved access to protein as complementary policy goals. Policy interventions should therefore focus on reducing income inequality, strengthening human capital, and maintaining food price stabilisation to promote more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.
Despite numerous innovations introduced to the agricultural domain to achieve food sufficiency and promote smallholder social-economic growth, limited research has been conducted on the post-adoption stage. This study aims to identify the determining factors of continuance intention in agricultural innovation. A systematic literature review was performed using the PRISMA protocol, with peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2006 and 2024 sourced from Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Following a rigorous selection process, 21 relevant studies were synthesized. This study classified agricultural innovation into program, technological, and administrative scope, each with unique variables affecting continuance intention. The research identified two primary categories influencing farmers' intention to continue: internal and external variables. Internal aspects comprised personal and cognitive elements. Methodologically, regression analysis was predominantly used to examine personal elements, while both regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were employed for external factors and cognitive elements. This review demonstrates that the determinants of continuance intention in specific agricultural innovation characteristics is valuable in understanding farmers' decisions. By gaining insights into factors influencing continuance intention, stakeholders can more effectively modifying the actionable factors and contribute to the long-term engagement of agricultural innovation despite the inherent complexities in agriculture.
This study evaluated the anti-methanogenic and nutritional effects of Moringa oleifera leaf slurry (MLS) in growing Yankasa rams. Sixteen rams (16.6 ± 3.00 kg) were assigned to four treatments supplying 0, 4, 8, or 12 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM intake in a completely randomised design. All animals received the same total mixed ration at 5% of live weight for 85 days, followed by a 7‑day digestibility trial. Enteric methane was measured using a portable IRCD4 infrared gas analyser. MLS supplementation improved (p < 0.05) nutrient utilisation and growth performance, and reduced CH₄ per unit of feed intake and CH₄ per unit of NDF digested. Rams receiving 8 and 12 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM showed higher (p < 0.05) volatile fatty acid concentrations than the control. Principal component analysis revealed negative associations between MLS phytochemicals and CH₄/feed intake, CH₄/NDF digestibility, and feed conversion ratio. Overall, MLS inclusion up to 12 g kg⁻¹ DM increased feed intake (3.70–8.64%), weight gain (41.4–44.7%), feed efficiency (19.6–24.5%), nutrient utilisation, and volatile fatty acids, while lowering methane emission ratios. Although 4 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM appears effective for improving performance, further research should explore alternative feeding strategies and higher MLS levels in Yankasa rams and other ruminants.
Digital agriculture technologies are widely promoted as enablers of climate-resilient and efficient farming, yet empirical assessments of their financial, social, and ecological viability in tropical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain limited. This study evaluates the perceived return on investment, cost efficiency, and socio-environmental co-benefits of DATs among 389 agro-SMEs across Costa Rica's seven provinces using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The analysis focuses on three commonly adopted technologies: sensor-based irrigation systems, GPS-enabled machinery, and drone-assisted crop monitoring. The analysis integrates the Technology Acceptance Model, Technology-Organisation-Environment, and classical investment theory to explain adoption behaviour and performance outcomes. Results show a mean return on investment of 34.8% and a median pay-back of 2.4 years, driven primarily by improved input management. Financial access significantly moderates the relationship between technology use and economic returns, with supported adopters achieving higher economic returns. Socio-environmental benefits, such as reduced resource use and improved labour quality, are partially mediated by gains in cost efficiency. Robustness checks confirm that outcomes are consistent across regions, firm sizes, and digital service types. The findings suggest that digital agriculture technologies represent a viable investment even in fragmented, resource-constrained contexts, provided that financial and infrastructural barriers are addressed. Policy recommendations include targeted loan guarantees, rural broadband corridors, inclusive training programmes, and results-based public–private partnerships. The study contributes to the evidence base for scaling digitalisation in tropical agriculture and positions digital technologies as drivers of productivity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Future research should expand longitudinal tracking, explore fintech-enabled models, and quantify environmental co-benefits for climate-finance eligibility.
The study examined how socioeconomic factors shape the use of Digital Communication Tools (DCTs) among poultry farmers in South-West Nigeria. The research aimed to describe the farmers’ socioeconomic profiles, gauge their awareness of DCTs and assess the extent to which these tools are used in poultry production. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 322 poultry farmers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS). Findings showed that the majority of respondents were male (76.2%) with an average age of 45±8.42 years, indicating a relatively mature and active farming population. While there was near-universal awareness of platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Google and YouTube, fewer respondents (55.8%) were familiar with more specialised tools such as poultry management software. Notably, only 47.3% reported frequent use of DCTs, pointing to gaps between awareness and actual adoption. The OLS regression results identified age (β = -0.438), marital status (β = 0.190), income (β = 0.313) and stock size (β = 0.128) as significant factors influencing DCTs usage. Younger farmers with higher incomes and larger flock sizes were more inclined to adopt these tools. The study concludes that socioeconomic characteristics play a crucial role in DCTs adoption. Bridging the awareness-utilisation gap through targeted interventions may help drive wider adoption and enhance productivity in poultry farming.
