Tobacco is an essential cash crop in Zimbabwe and a strategic livelihood option for hundreds of thousands of rural households. However, the crop is linked to negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. The e...Tobacco is an essential cash crop in Zimbabwe and a strategic livelihood option for hundreds of thousands of rural households. However, the crop is linked to negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. The existing studies on tobacco cultivation in Zimbabwe present contradictory findings on the determinants and impacts of adoption, leaving unanswered questions about the crop’s sustainability impact in the country. This article investigates the determinants of smallholder farmers’ decisions to grow tobacco and the associated impacts of adoption. Random and purposive sampling were used to select 273 household surveys, including tobacco and non-tobacco smallholder farmers, and 56 expert interviews to answer the research questions. We employed regression models alongside expert interviews and document analysis to identify the determinants influencing the decision-making process of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe regarding tobacco cultivation. Additionally, our investigation aimed to elucidate the perceived impacts associated with the adoption of this agricultural practice. The regression analysis indicated that the farmer’s age, education level, farming experience, family size, household income, and perceived high farm profitability are significant drivers of tobacco adoption. We also discovered divergent and convergent perceptions of the critical impacts of tobacco cultivation. The study highlights the need for proactive multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainable financial arrangements to address the negative impacts of tobacco production. As the primary stakeholder responsible for regulating and promoting agricultural activities, the Zimbabwean government should provide meaningful financial support, increase access to credit, and ensure better market facilities for alternative crops to reduce the over-dependence on tobacco.展开更多
One of the many renewable energy sources that offer advantages is solar energy, which also lowers energy prices and promotes environmental sustainability and energy security. Despite these advantages, various barriers...One of the many renewable energy sources that offer advantages is solar energy, which also lowers energy prices and promotes environmental sustainability and energy security. Despite these advantages, various barriers, such as installation costs, have prevented small and medium-sized enterprises from investigating this invention. Malawi has a significant energy shortfall such that most businesses have been hindered from their profit maximization goals. The “Photovoltaic systems” (PV) that transform sunlight into electricity are the subject of this study. This type of solar energy system is situated on the building’s roof and generally produces electricity for businesses and even homes. Solar energy offers a great impact to small and medium enterprises in Mzuzu city with a cost-effective and dependable alternative to energy that has the potential to change the game. Therefore the aim of the study was to identify factors that encourage the adoption of solar energy among small medium enterprises in the city of Mzuzu city. And to identify some of barriers faced when adopting solar energy among small and medium enterprises in the city of Mzuzu. The research approach employed in the study was a survey. A survey is a type of research methodology in which primary data is gathered from a sample using a questionnaire. When information is to be gathered from a wider sample, a survey is employed. A bigger sample size was needed in this study in order to facilitate hypothesis testing. It is advised to apply a logical approach while using the survey. The survey utilized a five-point Likert scale. The study used convenience sampling to select study participants. The sample size in this study was determined using Cochran’s sample size formula. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. About 97.2% of the participants were aware of solar as a source of energy compared to 2.8 % who were unaware. The majority of participants use solar energy for lighting only, seconded by those who use electricity. The least number of participants use solar energy for cooling only. The majority of participants 21.5% indicated partnership and collaboration as the most motivating factor for the adoption of solar energy. This was followed by technical expertise 19.1 % the least number of participants 10.8% expressed that policy and regulatory frameworks were associated with the adoption of solar energy. This study found that there are no statistically significant factors influencing barriers to the adoption of solar energy. The price of solar energy adoption was identified as the least factor associated with the acceptance or rejection of solar energy. Nonetheless, the reasons given by the homes that had embraced solar technology aligned with the findings of other studies. This survey also found that although the public was aware of solar energy, and technology, there were still a number of factors that mattered, especially for non-adopters.展开更多
Jordan is one of many countries that intends to reform its public sector by adopting accrual accounting,which is primarily carried out through the International Public Sector Accounting Standards(IPSAS)implementation ...Jordan is one of many countries that intends to reform its public sector by adopting accrual accounting,which is primarily carried out through the International Public Sector Accounting Standards(IPSAS)implementation plan,scheduled to be completed by 2021.Considering the difficulties of adoption,this process cannot be completed without an appropriate Information Technology(IT)system capable of providing the accounting information required for this reform.Therefore,this study aims to examine the influence of IT on accrual accounting adoption in the Jordanian public sector.The study employed the quantitative survey approach.Based on 331 usable questionnaires,the descriptive findings showed that the use of IT in the Jordanian public sector is relevant to daily accounting transactions in general and to accrual accounting in particular.The regression analysis showed a positive,significant relationship between IT use and accrual accounting practice.The IT specialist should be able to understand the needs of public sector in adopting accrual-based accounting.In line with today’s digitalization age,which integrates advanced technologies and numerous techniques,this study suggests that a combination of accounting and IT experts is a value added to sharpen the competitiveness of public sector reform.This study contributes to the extant literature in public sector,concerning the relationship between IT and accrual accounting adoption in the context of Jordan.展开更多
This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the a...This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the adoption process from becoming aware of solar pumping systems to testing them, i.e. using them at least once, and then continuing to use them over time. The results show that the main variables affecting awareness of the use of solar pumping systems (PV) are age, marital status, experience, access to credit, the farmer’s knowledge of climate change, the farmer’s origin in the Thiès region and length of time in the Niayes area. The first use of PVs is influenced by factors such as the size of the plot, the distance of the plot from the main road or from the market. Finally, the decision to adopt or continue use is influenced by gender, experience, household size and access to credit. Surprisingly, access to credit does not affect the first use of solar pumping systems, but plays a key role in their continued use.展开更多
目的:探究ADOPT问题解决模式护理对大面积烧伤患者伤残接受度、创面愈合及美观满意度的影响。方法:前瞻性选择2020年1月-2022年12月笔者医院收治的患者460例大面积烧伤患者为研究对象,将2020年1月-2021年3月收治的患者纳入对照组,2021年...目的:探究ADOPT问题解决模式护理对大面积烧伤患者伤残接受度、创面愈合及美观满意度的影响。方法:前瞻性选择2020年1月-2022年12月笔者医院收治的患者460例大面积烧伤患者为研究对象,将2020年1月-2021年3月收治的患者纳入对照组,2021年4月-2022年12月收治的纳入观察组,对照组采用大面积烧伤后常规护理,观察组采用ADOPT问题解决模式护理,持续护理3个月。分别于干预前和干预3个月后,采用伤残接受度量表(Acceptance of disability scale,AODS)评估患者伤残接受度,采用视觉模拟评分(Visual analogue scale,VAS)评估患者创面疼痛程度,采用简明烧伤健康量表(Burn specific health scale,BSHS-A)评估患者生活质量;干预4周后,计算创面愈合率;干预3个月后,采用(Vancouver scar scale,VSS)评估患者创面愈合后瘢痕增生情况,采用美观满意度评分表评估患者美观满意度;记录创面愈合时间。结果:干预后,观察组患者AODS评分、创面覆盖率、美观满意度、BSHS-A评分均明显高于对照组,创面愈合时间明显短于对照组,VAS评分和VSS评分明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:ADOPT问题解决模式能够提高大面积烧伤患者伤残接受度和美观满意度,有利于创面愈合,患者生活质量也得以显著提高。展开更多
This study uses TAM to examine the factors that influence the adoption of mobile payment in China.The proposed model is empirically evaluated based on TAM by using data collected from 370 users concerning their percep...This study uses TAM to examine the factors that influence the adoption of mobile payment in China.The proposed model is empirically evaluated based on TAM by using data collected from 370 users concerning their perceptions of mobile payment.The findings indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have significant effects on users'attitude.Furthermore,network externality is also an important factor influencing the adoption.But customers have weak perceptions of the risks of M-payment.The results may provide further insights into mobile payment strategies.展开更多
The use of improved high yielding crop varieties is an important avenue for reducing hunger and food insecurity in developing countries. Using cross-sectional data obtained from a survey conducted during 2013 crop sea...The use of improved high yielding crop varieties is an important avenue for reducing hunger and food insecurity in developing countries. Using cross-sectional data obtained from a survey conducted during 2013 crop season, we performed a probit model (plot-level analysis) to determine the probability of adopting new improved rice varieties (NIRVs) by smallholder farmers particularly from two main agro-ecological regions (hills and tropical plain terai regions) of Central Nepal. The results revealed that education, extension services and seed access play significant roles in adoption decisions. Additionally, farm and field characteristic variables such as farm size, endowment of favorable land type (e.g. lowlands), and animal power (e.g. oxen) are the key factors influencing the probability of adopting NIRVs. The results showed that technology specific variables (e.g. yield potential and acceptability) are significant for explaining adoption behavior, implying that it is important to take farmers' preferences to varietal characteristics into consideration in the design of a research and development program. Given the significant role played by extension and access related variables, increased emphasis on information dissemination, field demonstration, and farmers' participatory research and training programs to popularize new rice varieties and enhance their adoption rate are required. This also suggests that policy intervention should be made on improving the educational status of farming households, and developing programs on varietal package of rice seed which offer farmers a variety of choices among the appropriate pools of germplasm. Such programs ultimately help farmers develop more profit-oriented behavior which are necessary to enhance adoption rate, production and food security in the long run.展开更多
Adoption of certified and improved high-yielding crop varieties is important avenue for increasing agricultural productivity and improving the living standard of the farmers in developing countries. The main objective...Adoption of certified and improved high-yielding crop varieties is important avenue for increasing agricultural productivity and improving the living standard of the farmers in developing countries. The main objective of the current study was to examine factors affecting adoption of improved rice varieties by smallholder farmers in Northern Sindh, Pakistan. The random sampling technique was used to collect data from 220 smallholder rice farmers through the face to face interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression model. The empirical results showed that year of education(P ≤ 0.093), farming experience(P ≤ 0.043), soil quality(P ≤ 0.077), farm machinery ownership(P ≤ 0.000), access to market information(P ≤ 0.055) and contact with extension agents(P ≤ 0.006) had significantly positive influence on adoption of improved rice variety, while age(P ≤ 0.053) had significantly negative effect.展开更多
China is characterized as ’a large country with many smallholder farmers’ whose participation in modern agriculture is key to the country’s modern agriculture development. Promoting smallholder farmers’ adoption o...China is characterized as ’a large country with many smallholder farmers’ whose participation in modern agriculture is key to the country’s modern agriculture development. Promoting smallholder farmers’ adoption of modern agricultural production technology is one effective way to improve the capabilities of smallholder farmers. This paper aims to explore the impact of Internet use on the adoption of agricultural production technology by smallholder farmers based on a survey of 1 449 smallholders across 14 provinces in China. The results suggest that Internet use can significantly promote technology adoption, with the probability of adopting new crop varieties, water-saving irrigation technology and straw-returning technology increasing by 0.200, 0.157 and 0.155, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of Internet use is found to be heterogeneous with a greater effect on smallholder farmers having low education levels, limited training, and high incomes. To increase agricultural production technology adoption by smallholders, rural Internet infrastructure and Internet use promotion should be the focus for the Chinese government.展开更多
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) contamination via wild birds and rodents poses a threat to food security and safety. As chicken meat comprises an increasing proportion of diet in China, it is useful to dete...Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) contamination via wild birds and rodents poses a threat to food security and safety. As chicken meat comprises an increasing proportion of diet in China, it is useful to determine whether broiler farmers are adopting wild bird and rodent controls to minimize the risk of HPAI impacts on food supply. Our study surveyed a cross sectional sample of 331 Chinese broiler farmers in six provinces. We find that only 47% of farmers (mainly farmers with large herds) adopted control measures against wild birds and rodents, while 14% adopted no measures. Farm size was the biggest driver of adoption followed by proportion of farm revenue derived from broiler production. However, southern farmers were at a far greater probability of non-adoption. We suggest that assistance in the form of education/training programs and subsidized traps or baiting controls across smaller producers could help raise of the adoption level toward more effective HPAI control.展开更多
Background:The rapid development of the blockchain technology and its various applications has rendered it important to understand the guidelines for adopting it.Methods:The comparative analysis method is used to anal...Background:The rapid development of the blockchain technology and its various applications has rendered it important to understand the guidelines for adopting it.Methods:The comparative analysis method is used to analyze different dimensions of the maturity model,which is mainly based on the commonly used capability maturity model.Results:The blockchain maturity model and its adoption process have been discussed and presented.Conclusions:This study serves as a guide to institutions to make blockchain adoption decisions more systematically.展开更多
Land degradation in the form of soil erosion presents a threat to food security and sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia.In response,governments and development agencies have invested substantial reso...Land degradation in the form of soil erosion presents a threat to food security and sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia.In response,governments and development agencies have invested substantial resources to conserve soil.However,the efforts put toward to conserve soil have failed to meet the anticipated objectives.Hence,the study was carried out to investigate the factors that are affecting the adoption of soil conservation measures in North Achefer District.The data were collected from 121 households by the use of household survey,focus group discussion,and key informant's interview.Descriptive,inferential,and binary logistic regression models were employed to analyze the factors determining adoption of soil conservation measures in the study area.The most important factors affecting the adoption of soil conservation were age,farmers'level of perception on soil erosion,family size and labor availability,livestock holding,farm size,farmers'contact with development agents,and farmers'access to training and credit services.For instance,the family size increases by one person,held other factors constant,the likely probability to adopt soil conservation measures increases by a factor of 2.04,livestock-holding increases adoption by a factor of 2.53,and so on.Therefore,in order to improve adoption of soil conservation measures by farmers'district officials,extension experts and development agents should give due attention to those significant variables that determine farmers'decision to adopt soil conservation measures.展开更多
文摘Tobacco is an essential cash crop in Zimbabwe and a strategic livelihood option for hundreds of thousands of rural households. However, the crop is linked to negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. The existing studies on tobacco cultivation in Zimbabwe present contradictory findings on the determinants and impacts of adoption, leaving unanswered questions about the crop’s sustainability impact in the country. This article investigates the determinants of smallholder farmers’ decisions to grow tobacco and the associated impacts of adoption. Random and purposive sampling were used to select 273 household surveys, including tobacco and non-tobacco smallholder farmers, and 56 expert interviews to answer the research questions. We employed regression models alongside expert interviews and document analysis to identify the determinants influencing the decision-making process of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe regarding tobacco cultivation. Additionally, our investigation aimed to elucidate the perceived impacts associated with the adoption of this agricultural practice. The regression analysis indicated that the farmer’s age, education level, farming experience, family size, household income, and perceived high farm profitability are significant drivers of tobacco adoption. We also discovered divergent and convergent perceptions of the critical impacts of tobacco cultivation. The study highlights the need for proactive multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainable financial arrangements to address the negative impacts of tobacco production. As the primary stakeholder responsible for regulating and promoting agricultural activities, the Zimbabwean government should provide meaningful financial support, increase access to credit, and ensure better market facilities for alternative crops to reduce the over-dependence on tobacco.
文摘One of the many renewable energy sources that offer advantages is solar energy, which also lowers energy prices and promotes environmental sustainability and energy security. Despite these advantages, various barriers, such as installation costs, have prevented small and medium-sized enterprises from investigating this invention. Malawi has a significant energy shortfall such that most businesses have been hindered from their profit maximization goals. The “Photovoltaic systems” (PV) that transform sunlight into electricity are the subject of this study. This type of solar energy system is situated on the building’s roof and generally produces electricity for businesses and even homes. Solar energy offers a great impact to small and medium enterprises in Mzuzu city with a cost-effective and dependable alternative to energy that has the potential to change the game. Therefore the aim of the study was to identify factors that encourage the adoption of solar energy among small medium enterprises in the city of Mzuzu city. And to identify some of barriers faced when adopting solar energy among small and medium enterprises in the city of Mzuzu. The research approach employed in the study was a survey. A survey is a type of research methodology in which primary data is gathered from a sample using a questionnaire. When information is to be gathered from a wider sample, a survey is employed. A bigger sample size was needed in this study in order to facilitate hypothesis testing. It is advised to apply a logical approach while using the survey. The survey utilized a five-point Likert scale. The study used convenience sampling to select study participants. The sample size in this study was determined using Cochran’s sample size formula. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. About 97.2% of the participants were aware of solar as a source of energy compared to 2.8 % who were unaware. The majority of participants use solar energy for lighting only, seconded by those who use electricity. The least number of participants use solar energy for cooling only. The majority of participants 21.5% indicated partnership and collaboration as the most motivating factor for the adoption of solar energy. This was followed by technical expertise 19.1 % the least number of participants 10.8% expressed that policy and regulatory frameworks were associated with the adoption of solar energy. This study found that there are no statistically significant factors influencing barriers to the adoption of solar energy. The price of solar energy adoption was identified as the least factor associated with the acceptance or rejection of solar energy. Nonetheless, the reasons given by the homes that had embraced solar technology aligned with the findings of other studies. This survey also found that although the public was aware of solar energy, and technology, there were still a number of factors that mattered, especially for non-adopters.
文摘Jordan is one of many countries that intends to reform its public sector by adopting accrual accounting,which is primarily carried out through the International Public Sector Accounting Standards(IPSAS)implementation plan,scheduled to be completed by 2021.Considering the difficulties of adoption,this process cannot be completed without an appropriate Information Technology(IT)system capable of providing the accounting information required for this reform.Therefore,this study aims to examine the influence of IT on accrual accounting adoption in the Jordanian public sector.The study employed the quantitative survey approach.Based on 331 usable questionnaires,the descriptive findings showed that the use of IT in the Jordanian public sector is relevant to daily accounting transactions in general and to accrual accounting in particular.The regression analysis showed a positive,significant relationship between IT use and accrual accounting practice.The IT specialist should be able to understand the needs of public sector in adopting accrual-based accounting.In line with today’s digitalization age,which integrates advanced technologies and numerous techniques,this study suggests that a combination of accounting and IT experts is a value added to sharpen the competitiveness of public sector reform.This study contributes to the extant literature in public sector,concerning the relationship between IT and accrual accounting adoption in the context of Jordan.
文摘This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the adoption process from becoming aware of solar pumping systems to testing them, i.e. using them at least once, and then continuing to use them over time. The results show that the main variables affecting awareness of the use of solar pumping systems (PV) are age, marital status, experience, access to credit, the farmer’s knowledge of climate change, the farmer’s origin in the Thiès region and length of time in the Niayes area. The first use of PVs is influenced by factors such as the size of the plot, the distance of the plot from the main road or from the market. Finally, the decision to adopt or continue use is influenced by gender, experience, household size and access to credit. Surprisingly, access to credit does not affect the first use of solar pumping systems, but plays a key role in their continued use.
文摘目的:探究ADOPT问题解决模式护理对大面积烧伤患者伤残接受度、创面愈合及美观满意度的影响。方法:前瞻性选择2020年1月-2022年12月笔者医院收治的患者460例大面积烧伤患者为研究对象,将2020年1月-2021年3月收治的患者纳入对照组,2021年4月-2022年12月收治的纳入观察组,对照组采用大面积烧伤后常规护理,观察组采用ADOPT问题解决模式护理,持续护理3个月。分别于干预前和干预3个月后,采用伤残接受度量表(Acceptance of disability scale,AODS)评估患者伤残接受度,采用视觉模拟评分(Visual analogue scale,VAS)评估患者创面疼痛程度,采用简明烧伤健康量表(Burn specific health scale,BSHS-A)评估患者生活质量;干预4周后,计算创面愈合率;干预3个月后,采用(Vancouver scar scale,VSS)评估患者创面愈合后瘢痕增生情况,采用美观满意度评分表评估患者美观满意度;记录创面愈合时间。结果:干预后,观察组患者AODS评分、创面覆盖率、美观满意度、BSHS-A评分均明显高于对照组,创面愈合时间明显短于对照组,VAS评分和VSS评分明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:ADOPT问题解决模式能够提高大面积烧伤患者伤残接受度和美观满意度,有利于创面愈合,患者生活质量也得以显著提高。
基金supported by China Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under Grant No.BUPT2011RC1005
文摘This study uses TAM to examine the factors that influence the adoption of mobile payment in China.The proposed model is empirically evaluated based on TAM by using data collected from 370 users concerning their perceptions of mobile payment.The findings indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have significant effects on users'attitude.Furthermore,network externality is also an important factor influencing the adoption.But customers have weak perceptions of the risks of M-payment.The results may provide further insights into mobile payment strategies.
文摘The use of improved high yielding crop varieties is an important avenue for reducing hunger and food insecurity in developing countries. Using cross-sectional data obtained from a survey conducted during 2013 crop season, we performed a probit model (plot-level analysis) to determine the probability of adopting new improved rice varieties (NIRVs) by smallholder farmers particularly from two main agro-ecological regions (hills and tropical plain terai regions) of Central Nepal. The results revealed that education, extension services and seed access play significant roles in adoption decisions. Additionally, farm and field characteristic variables such as farm size, endowment of favorable land type (e.g. lowlands), and animal power (e.g. oxen) are the key factors influencing the probability of adopting NIRVs. The results showed that technology specific variables (e.g. yield potential and acceptability) are significant for explaining adoption behavior, implying that it is important to take farmers' preferences to varietal characteristics into consideration in the design of a research and development program. Given the significant role played by extension and access related variables, increased emphasis on information dissemination, field demonstration, and farmers' participatory research and training programs to popularize new rice varieties and enhance their adoption rate are required. This also suggests that policy intervention should be made on improving the educational status of farming households, and developing programs on varietal package of rice seed which offer farmers a variety of choices among the appropriate pools of germplasm. Such programs ultimately help farmers develop more profit-oriented behavior which are necessary to enhance adoption rate, production and food security in the long run.
基金the College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China for its financial and moral support
文摘Adoption of certified and improved high-yielding crop varieties is important avenue for increasing agricultural productivity and improving the living standard of the farmers in developing countries. The main objective of the current study was to examine factors affecting adoption of improved rice varieties by smallholder farmers in Northern Sindh, Pakistan. The random sampling technique was used to collect data from 220 smallholder rice farmers through the face to face interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression model. The empirical results showed that year of education(P ≤ 0.093), farming experience(P ≤ 0.043), soil quality(P ≤ 0.077), farm machinery ownership(P ≤ 0.000), access to market information(P ≤ 0.055) and contact with extension agents(P ≤ 0.006) had significantly positive influence on adoption of improved rice variety, while age(P ≤ 0.053) had significantly negative effect.
基金supported by the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP-IAED-2020-06CAAS-ASTIP-IAED-2021-SR-02CAAS-ASTIP-IAED-2021-06)。
文摘China is characterized as ’a large country with many smallholder farmers’ whose participation in modern agriculture is key to the country’s modern agriculture development. Promoting smallholder farmers’ adoption of modern agricultural production technology is one effective way to improve the capabilities of smallholder farmers. This paper aims to explore the impact of Internet use on the adoption of agricultural production technology by smallholder farmers based on a survey of 1 449 smallholders across 14 provinces in China. The results suggest that Internet use can significantly promote technology adoption, with the probability of adopting new crop varieties, water-saving irrigation technology and straw-returning technology increasing by 0.200, 0.157 and 0.155, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of Internet use is found to be heterogeneous with a greater effect on smallholder farmers having low education levels, limited training, and high incomes. To increase agricultural production technology adoption by smallholders, rural Internet infrastructure and Internet use promotion should be the focus for the Chinese government.
基金supported by the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ASTIP-IAED-2016)the Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System,China (CARS42-G24)
文摘Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) contamination via wild birds and rodents poses a threat to food security and safety. As chicken meat comprises an increasing proportion of diet in China, it is useful to determine whether broiler farmers are adopting wild bird and rodent controls to minimize the risk of HPAI impacts on food supply. Our study surveyed a cross sectional sample of 331 Chinese broiler farmers in six provinces. We find that only 47% of farmers (mainly farmers with large herds) adopted control measures against wild birds and rodents, while 14% adopted no measures. Farm size was the biggest driver of adoption followed by proportion of farm revenue derived from broiler production. However, southern farmers were at a far greater probability of non-adoption. We suggest that assistance in the form of education/training programs and subsidized traps or baiting controls across smaller producers could help raise of the adoption level toward more effective HPAI control.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.71601090).
文摘Background:The rapid development of the blockchain technology and its various applications has rendered it important to understand the guidelines for adopting it.Methods:The comparative analysis method is used to analyze different dimensions of the maturity model,which is mainly based on the commonly used capability maturity model.Results:The blockchain maturity model and its adoption process have been discussed and presented.Conclusions:This study serves as a guide to institutions to make blockchain adoption decisions more systematically.
文摘Land degradation in the form of soil erosion presents a threat to food security and sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia.In response,governments and development agencies have invested substantial resources to conserve soil.However,the efforts put toward to conserve soil have failed to meet the anticipated objectives.Hence,the study was carried out to investigate the factors that are affecting the adoption of soil conservation measures in North Achefer District.The data were collected from 121 households by the use of household survey,focus group discussion,and key informant's interview.Descriptive,inferential,and binary logistic regression models were employed to analyze the factors determining adoption of soil conservation measures in the study area.The most important factors affecting the adoption of soil conservation were age,farmers'level of perception on soil erosion,family size and labor availability,livestock holding,farm size,farmers'contact with development agents,and farmers'access to training and credit services.For instance,the family size increases by one person,held other factors constant,the likely probability to adopt soil conservation measures increases by a factor of 2.04,livestock-holding increases adoption by a factor of 2.53,and so on.Therefore,in order to improve adoption of soil conservation measures by farmers'district officials,extension experts and development agents should give due attention to those significant variables that determine farmers'decision to adopt soil conservation measures.