Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Local Cassava Varieties and Characteristics Desired by Farmers in Sierra Leone

It has been observed that farmers adopt only a small number of the “improved” cultivars. A nationwide germplasm collection exercise in February 2018 provided the opportunity to collect indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) of the diversity of cassava varieties in terms of: their morphology, growth characteristics, uses (of tubers and leaves) and desirable characteristics. The objective is to see to what extent the objectives of the plant breeders are consistent with what farmers’ value. We performed 405 structured and semi-structured interviews with informants who were selected based on “purposive household sampling”. We found a considerable turn-over in cassava varieties, just over a third (45) have been in cultivation for at least 40 years, however, since the end of the civil war an additional 25 varieties are cultivated, while others varieties seem to have disappeared. One major issue with estimating turnover of varieties is whether the same variety might have several local names, and conversely the same name may be applied to different cultivars. Farmers overwhelmingly use ITK to select and preserve cassava germplasm for future use. Farmers have a clear preference for: sweet taste, high yield, early maturity and easy cooking and preferentially adopt cultivars that have those qualities. Cassava is primarily a human food eaten boiled or fried, some are processed into fufu and gari, and uses as livestock feed and medicine are reported but at low levels. The information produced during this study could help plant breeders choose selection criteria that will ensure their efforts are adopted and sustainable, the importance of preserving the genetic resources of local cultivars is also highlighted.

Climatic and non-climatic factors driving the livelihood vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Ahafo Ano North District,Ghana

Smallholder farmers in Ahafo Ano North District,Ghana,face multiple climatic and non-climatic issues.This study assessed the factors contributing to the livelihood vulnerability of smallholder farmers in this district by household surveys with 200 respondents and focus group discussions(FGDs)with 10 respondents.The Mann–Kendall trend test was used to assess mean annual rainfall and temperature trends from 2002 to 2022.The relative importance index(RII)value was used to rank the climatic and non-climatic factors perceived by respondents.The socioeconomic characteristics affecting smallholder farmers’perceptions of climatic and non-climatic factors were evaluated by the binary logistic regression model.Results showed that mean annual rainfall decreased(P>0.05)but mean annual temperature significantly increased(P<0.05)from 2002 to 2022 in the district.The key climatic factors perceived by smallholder farmers were extreme heat or increasing temperature(RII=0.498),erratic rainfall(RII=0.485),and increased windstorms(RII=0.475).The critical non-climatic factors were high cost of farm inputs(RII=0.485),high cost of healthcare(RII=0.435),and poor condition of roads to farms(RII=0.415).Smallholder farmers’perceptions of climatic and non-climatic factors were significantly affected by their socioeconomic characteristics(P<0.05).This study concluded that these factors negatively impact the livelihoods and well-being of smallholder farmers and socioeconomic characteristics influence their perceptions of these factors.Therefore,to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change,it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and context-specific approach that accounts for climatic and non-climatic factors.

Analysis on the Impact of Cattle Fattening Technology on Farmer Households in Atabae Timor-Leste

Agriculture is one of the priority sectors in Timor-Leste. Introducing new agriculture technology is crucial to enhance agricultural production. Practicing cattle fattening can increase beef cattle body weight and generate income to the beef cattle farmers. As farmers face problems including agricultural production decline, lack of forages and information and weather unfavourable. The study’s purpose was to examine the impact of adoption of cattle fattening technology on farmer households in Atabae administrative post, Bobonaro municipality in Timor-Leste. There were 200 beef cattle farmers households where randomly selected in four villages in Atabae. It consisted of 65 farmers practicing cattle fattening and 135 farmers non-practicing cattle fattening. Face to face interviews used structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis such as t-test and descriptive analysis were used to examine impact adoption of cattle fattening technology by farmers and factor constraints of cattle production and the solutions of it. The results indicated the average value of cattle and profit were significant different from zero and it is associated with practicing of cattle fattening. The average of labour used on cattle activities, the average of cattle sold, and total cost spent on cattle were not significant different from zero. The percentage of farmers said that factors constraints cattle production were shortage of water and forage (53%) and spend time on culture ceremony and lack of capital (33%). The number of farmers said that they collected water from river, feed cattle with sago and forage (55.3%) and cultivated forage (23.4%). This finding contributes information to the farmers, traders, and Timorese government to continue implementing cattle fattening activities as it enhances farmers’ income and developing cattle production.

Do Land Characteristics Affect Farmers' Soil Fertility Management?

Soil fertility management （SFM） has important implications for sustaining agricultural development and food self-sufifciency. Better understanding the determinants of farmers’ SFM can be a great help to the adoption of effective SFM practices. Based on a dataset of 315 plots collected from a typical rice growing area of South China, this study applied statistical method and econometric models to examine the impacts of land characteristics on farmers’ SFM practices at plot scale. Main results showed that in general land characteristics affected SFM behaviors. Securer land tenure arrangements facilitated effective practices of SFM through more diversiifed and more soil-friendly cropping pattern choices. Plot size signiifcantly reduced the intensities of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer application. Given other factors, 1 ha increase in plot size might reduce 3.0 kg ha-1 P2O5 and 1.8 kg ha-1 K2O. Plots far from the homestead were paid less attention in terms of both chemical fertilizers and manure applications. Besides, plots with better quality were put more efforts on management by applying more nitrogen and manure, and by planting green manure crops. Signiifcant differences existed in SFM practices between the surveyed villages with different socio-economic conditions. The ifndings are expected to provide important references to the policy-making incentive for improving soil quality and crop productivity.

Creation of "Regional Characteristic" in Planning and Design of Farmers' Residential Area at the South of Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River

After analysis of location feature of the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River and its construction of urban and rural integration,the paper pointed out harmonious combination between natural and artificial factors had been neglected in planning and design of farmers' residential area at the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River,"regional characteristic" losing,residential area in the form of "city community" and buildings in European style.In view of these problems,relevant planning and design thoughts and methods had been proposed as to how to create "regional characteristic" from the perspective of planning,architecture and landscape design.It discussed with emphasis the importance of construction base type and combination of environment with residential area construction;inspirations and design methods obtained from traditional architectures;and the content of landscape overall planning and specific design.It was hoped to enlighten designers to shoulder social and historical responsibility,make exploration unremittingly,and construct beautiful homelands for people.

An Evaluation of the Introduction of Modified Cropping Practices in Yunnan Province,China,Using Surveys of Farmers’ Households

Problems associated with land degradation are serious in China. Sloping land in South China has experienced a decline in crop productivity by 30-60% due to soil erosion and it has been predicted that most topsoil will be lost within the next 100 years if current erosion rates continue. Considering these situations, an agro-environmental research and development project （Sustainable Highland Agriculture in South-East Asia- SHASEA） was conducted in a catchment in Yunnan Province, China, to address the objectives of increasing crop productivity in sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways. A range of cropping practices was developed and implemented in a rural upland catchment （Wang Jia）. At the end of the project, farmers were surveyed to evaluate project effectiveness. All farmers from Wang Jia Catchment, who were involved in project implementation, were surveyed. A sample of farmers working in an adjacent catchment （not associated with the project） was surveyed for comparative purposes. Farmers had different perceptions of the cropping practices employed. Contour cultivation was preferred and likely to be adopted. Others practices such as straw mulching and intercropping were seen as less appropriate and unlikely to be adopted. Polythene mulch was recognized as effective, but likely to be adopted only if financial returns were favourable. The availability of relevant information had an important impact on the extent of technology testing by farmers and their willingness to adopt the practices in the future.

Agricultural Heritage Systems Tourism： definition,characteristics and development framework

Architectural heritage comprises one o the most important elements of mountain settlements in Greece. It holds high cultural value, represents the tangible continuation of the past and forms the unique character and identity of each mountain region. Yet, controversy regarding funding for its preservation often arises. In this paper, we used two Contingent Valuation surveys to estimate the socia benefit deriving from protecting the traditiona architecture in the mountainous village of Sirako and through it, to examine perceptions and attitudes o local residents and visitors. Research findings revealed a strong social will in favor of the good＇s protection followed by high percentages of positive willingness to pay（WTP）. However, WTP is significantly higher among residents. Cultura heritage value, of the good, appears to prevail, along with the environmental one. However, both residents and visitors pointed out that local heritage, if wellpreserved, will boost tourism development. Residents appeared to better recognize the true level o architectural decay, expressed higher apprehension for its protection and were willing to pay higher amount of money. Tourists, on the other side expressed high satisfaction for their visit, appreciated the beauty and serenity emerging from local built and natural environment and spent several days visiting the surrounding area. The longer they stayed and gotfamiliar with the village, the more willing they were to contribute to local heritage＇s protection. Percentages reflecting indifference for protecting architecture were extremely low. Yet, they were higher among tourists. Traditional architecture is considered as public good; an opinion resulting in an important percentage of visitors stating that national government should provide the necessary funding. In addition, the architecture appears to hold a high level of topicality. Those descending from Sirako or emotionally connected to it, of both social groups,turned out to be more concerned about the good and with a stronger sense of responsibility for it. Usevalue of the good holds high economic value, as well,while higher percentages of zero WTP appeared among non-users. Research findings revealed social attitudes and perceptions on what constitutes architectural heritage, in its cultural and economic frame. If taken under consideration, they may form useful drivers for local, heritage-based, sustainable

Agricultural production structure,market conditions and farmers’nutritional intake in rural China

Nutrition poverty alleviation is an effective measure to improve the nutritional status of economically disadvantaged individuals,fundamentally improving their health and reducing poverty.Based on the Entitlement Theory and using the China Health and Nutrition Survey(CHNS)data,this paper examines the relationship between farmers’nutritional intake,production structure and regional market conditions.Results show that farmers with diversified production have better nutritional intake than those who specialize.Furthermore,the correlation between regional market conditions and nutritional intake varies between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged households.Market conditions significantly influence the carbohydrate and fat intake of economically disadvantaged households and are positively associated with the dietary structure and nutritional intake of non-economically disadvantaged ones.Moreover,income is positively correlated with the nutritional intake of non-economically disadvantaged households but not with economically disadvantaged ones.

Research on Factors Influencing Fertilizer Application of Farmer Households in Anhui Province

Known as the " food of grain",chemical fertilizer plays a very important role in increasing the output of agricultural products. In the meantime,its negative externalities such as soil and water environment pollutions as well as the quality and safety hazards caused to agricultural products have been revealed gradually. Taking 126 farmer households in 5 counties( districts) of Anhui Province as samples,the fertilizer application behaviors of farmer households are analyzed. Research shows that farmers applying fertilizer are generally older in age with relatively lower degree of education,inveterate farming habits and small area of cultivation. Besides,the farmer households wish to receive training and guidance on techniques of fertilization,but very few of them have attended the trainings on agricultural technology. Moreover,the individual characteristics and family factors of farmer households have a significant impact on their fertilizer application behaviors. And the degrees of impact are also different for the fertilizer applying behaviors in different stages. Therefore,improving the educational level of farmer households,strengthening the training and promotion of agricultural techniques and accelerating land transfer among farmer households will play a fundamental role in regularizing the fertilizer application behaviors of farmer households and improving the quality and safety of agricultural products.

农村人居环境整治中妇女参与的组织路径与实践机制——以赣州“清洁家园”活动为例

农村人居环境整治是满足人民对美好生活的向往,实施乡村振兴战略的重要任务。作为面向农民生活的治理,其在实践中遭遇农民冷漠和不满的困境,需要激活和重建农民主体性,实现外部行政力量与内部自治力量的融合。在村妇女的“主内”特性及上升地位使其成为重要的治理主体资源,赣州“清洁家园”活动表明借助制度吸纳、事务匹配和双重激励等方式将妇女组织起来后,妇女能够通过调动村内治理资源,明确治理单元,累积自身治理权威等方式参与农村人居环境整治,实现治理的低成本与高效能。基于此,面向农民生活的治理要充分重视并推动在村妇女参与,但同时也应警惕生活化治理事务带来的固化女性家庭角色的风险,真正推动妇女参与公共事务,让妇女在村庄治理中发挥更大治理效用。

唐前期对农“四位一体”制度建构及其废毁

唐朝前期制定推行了控制广大均田农户的均田制、赋役制、计帐户籍制和州县乡里制。这四项制度密切关联,协调配套,建构起一个整体制度体系,形成“四位一体”组合结构。这是针对农户和农民制定的基本制度,也是维护国家治理的重要制度保障。但这一制度体系和组合结构具有理想化特色,在实际的关联配套中出现了多方面脱节失调,表现在均田制与赋役制脱节日益严重,全国性农户逃亡脱籍持续恶化,计帐户籍编制日渐紊乱,州县乡里官司腐败残暴等,这些造成了制度体系的结构性运行日趋失序混乱。到玄宗开天时期,实际结构性运行陷入废弛失效,整体制度体系也陷入废毁瓦解。唐朝前期对农“四位一体”制度建构由完善到废毁的过程,反映了唐王朝对农制度体系建构的兴废沿革和国家治理的由盛转衰。

习近平特色农业发展理念的科学内涵与时代价值

习近平特色农业发展理念萌芽于其七年知青时的乡村农业生产实践,形成于地方从政时的区域农业发展探索,升华于治国理政时的大国农业体系构建。随着社会主要矛盾转变,习近平认为新时代特色农业发展应着力解决发展不平衡不充分问题,构建现代产业体系、绿色生产体系和新型经营体系,营造良好的农业发展环境。习近平特色农业发展理念继承和丰富了马克思主义农业理论,是引领“大国小农”高质高效发展特色农业的行动指南,是推进实现全体人民共同富裕的根本遵循,为世界提供了推进实现农村农民共同富裕的中国方案。

劳动投入水平、要素禀赋与农户行为可分性检验——基于南方稻农地块层次数据的验证

生产和消费行为交织在一起是农户的重要特征。农户的生产和消费行为是否可分成为众多农户行为模型的基本假设前提,直接影响农户行为分析的结论和政策建议的合理性。通过构建农户模型,从农户农业生产劳动投入水平与家庭人地禀赋关系的视角切入,分析不同要素市场条件下农户行为可分和不可分特征。在此基础上,利用2015、2019年对中国南方稻农地块层次调研的混合截面数据对农户行为可分性进行实证检验。结果表明,当前中国南方稻农行为呈现出可分性特征,在处理了内生性、替换核心解释变量、替换被解释变量,结果依然稳健。进一步分析表明,劳动力市场越完善,农户行为可分性特征越明显;随着时间的推移,农户行为由不可分性向可分性发生转变。与前期关于农户行为可分性检验从劳动力配置视角切入不同,从劳动力投入强度和要素禀赋之间的关系来验证农户可分性,并利用一手调研的地块层面数据进行验证,为基于要素市场识别农户行为可分与不可分的具体情境研究提供了新的视角和经验证据。

家庭金融市场参与研究综述

作为家庭金融研究领域的重要方向之一,家庭金融市场参与引起了较大的关注。本文从宏观环境、背景风险、家庭特征和行为特征四个角度出发,对研究家庭金融市场参与影响因素的相关文献进行了回顾,并对国内外代表文献进行了系统梳理和探讨。由于家庭金融的发展时间较短,数据基础薄弱,针对家庭金融市场参与的相关研究还有待进一步完善。

甘肃小农户与特色农业产业链有效对接的实践路径

小农户与农业产业链对接是小农户与现代农业衔接的有效途径,是实现农业现代化的重要标志,是小农户牵手大市场的桥梁纽带,也是打造特色农业产业链的关键之举。基于此,首先对小农户与特色农业产业链对接的相关文献进行了梳理,其次阐述了小农户和特色农业产业链对接的内涵和逻辑机理,然后在此基础上,探析了小农户与特色农业产业链对接难的具体表现,最后提出相应的、有针对性的对策建议。研究认为:小农户和特色农业产业链对接既是必要的,也是可行的,这是由小农户的自身特征和农业现代化的发展规律决定的,要从激发小农户的内生动力、强化外部条件的支撑和探索多元利益联结新机制三个方面着手,实现小农户与特色农业产业链的有效对接。

农旅融合背景下休闲农业对农户收入的影响

已有研究表明,农旅融合背景下休闲农业对地区经济和社会发展具有重要作用,但从微观主体视角对农户收入的影响尚未得到足够重视和验证。本文以扬州、泰州和镇江地区草莓种植户为调查对象,将休闲农业纳入家庭收入模型,探讨了农户家庭收入的影响因素,并采用倾向得分匹配分析方法克服样本自选择性偏差,研究了休闲农业对其家庭收入的影响效应。研究表明,农户参与休闲农业对家庭收入具有显著的促进效应,平均年增收为1.272万元;农户所拥有的资源禀赋对家庭年收入有重要影响,以生产性固定投资和耕地面积为代表的物质资本、以技能培训为代表的人力资本,以家庭礼金支出和社会网络水平为代表的社会资本,以乡村旅游景点为代表的外部资本,对草莓种植户家庭年收入有显著正向影响,这对于农户减贫增收、改善经济状况具有重要意义。

特色农业联农带农机制优化路径探讨——基于桂北R县的个案分析

针对我国产业联农带农机制不够健全、带动农户受益不明显等问题,桂北R县对特色农业联农带农机制优化路径进行了探索。R县通过构建以基因种质为主导的全链条产业发展体系,优化了科技驱动模式;通过制定金桔市场标准和服务规范,提升产品定价权和市场话语权,优化了龙头企业带动模式;通过促进品牌与文化融合发展,完善品牌培育体系,优化了品牌营销带动模式;通过探索“新型经营主体+农户”的多元化经营模式,优化了“互联网+”农业带动模式;通过有效市场和有为政府有机结合,优化了优势主导产业带动和产业园区带动模式。R县特色农业联农带农机制仍存在很大的完善空间,建议地方政府进一步完善数字时代特色农业联农带农机制,强化农业新业态的联农带农作用,以促进共同富裕,降低社会风险。

新发展阶段粮食安全与农民增收路径

运用2010-2021年我国26个省份的面板数据,以粮食产量为产出变量,以劳动力、资本、水资源、土地资源、农药、化肥为投入变量,计算粮食生产效率,运用回归模型分析粮食生产效率对农民收入的影响。回归分析结果显示粮食生产效率对农民收入具有正的影响,据此提出降低农业生产成本、促进城镇化与农业现代化协同发展、优化财政支农形式等建议,以提高粮食生产效率,促进农民增收。

Modeling household car ownership using ordered logistic regression model

Considering both the discrete and ordered nature of the household car ownership an ordered logistic regression model to predict household car ownership is established by using the data of Nanjing Household Travel Survey in the year 2012. The model results show that some household characteristics such as the number of driver licenses household income and home location are significant.Yet the intersection density indicating the street patterns of home location and the dummy near the subway and the bus stop density indicating the transit accessibility of home location are insignificant.The model estimation obtains a good γ2 the goodness of fit of the model and the model validation also shows a good performance in prediction.The marginal effects of all the significant explanatory variables are calculated to quantify the odds change in the household car ownership following a one-unit change in the explanatory variables.

小农视角下中国特色农业农村现代化的内在逻辑与路径选择

推进农业农村现代化是实现中国式现代化和建设农业强国的重要任务,但在“大国小农”的国情农情下,中国只能走以小农为基础的发展道路,即中国特色农业农村现代化道路。中国特色农业农村现代化道路的选择有其深刻的现实、历史、制度、文化、时代逻辑。从战略方向上看,中国特色农业农村现代化是统筹小农有序退出、有效成长、有机衔接的多元化道路。从制度属性上看,中国特色农业农村现代化是坚持党的全面领导、发展壮大集体经济、最终实现共同富裕的社会主义道路;从推进方式上看,中国特色农业农村现代化是功能拓展、三产融合、数字赋能的时代化发展道路。