Characterization of Small-Scale Farmers and Assessment of Their Access to Crop Production Information in Selected Counties of Kenya

Small-scale farming accounts for 78% of total agricultural production in Kenya and contributes to 23.5% of the country’s GDP. Their crop production activities are mostly rainfed subsistence with any surplus being sold to bring in some income. Timely decisions on farm practices such as farm preparation and planting are critical determinants of the seasonal outcomes. In Kenya, most small-scale farmers have no reliable source of information that would help them make timely and accurate decisions. County governments have extension officers who are mandated with giving farmers advisory services to farmers but they are not able to reach most farmers due to facilitation constraints. The mode and format of sharing information is also critical since it’s important to ensure that it’s timely, well-understood and usable. This study sought to assess access to geospatial derived and other crop production information by farmers in four selected counties of Kenya. Specific objectives were to determine the profile of small-scale farmers in terms of age, education and farm size;to determine the type of information that is made available to them by County and Sub-County extension officers including the format and mode of provision;and to determine if the information provided was useful in terms of accuracy, timeliness and adequacy. The results indicated that over 80% of the farmers were over 35 years of age and over 56% were male. Majority had attained primary education (34%) or secondary education (29%) and most farmers in all the counties grew maize (71%). Notably, fellow farmers were a source of information (71%) with the frequency of sharing information being mostly seasonal (37%) and when information was available (43%). Over 66% of interviewed farmers indicating that they faced challenges while using provided information. The results from the study are insightful and helpful in determining effective ways of providing farmers with useful information to ensure maximum benefits.

Analysis on Risk Prevention Mechanism for Farmers' Default in Small Amount Credit

Through analysis, it is believed that major reasons for default risks in operation of small amount credit include low management level and vacancy of normative system, vacancy of risk sharing mechanism, rating distortion due to imperfect credit investigation system, and uncertainty of borrower's credit. On the basis of these, static and dynamic models are established to analyze the prevention mechanism for default risk in small amount credit. It is concluded that we must establish a restriction mechanism during operation of small amount credit as long as three values increase, namely, N (potential loss of bad credit record due to farmers' default), Q (probability of successful recovery by small amount credit institution), and S (cost of small amount credit institution punishing farmers after successful recovery). Finally, following countermeasures and suggestions are put forward: perfect laws and regulations and credit reward and punishment mechanism for risk management of small amount credit; bring into play proper function of loan officer in small amount credit practice; widely promote rural "Group Credit Union" system.

Study of the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Farmers' Formal Financial Credit Demand and Credit Constraints in Sichuan and Chongqing

Based on a survey of 939 farmers in Sichuan and Chongqing,this paper analyzes the influencing factors of entrepreneurial farmers' formal financial credit demands and credit constraints with Probit model. It is found that entrepreneurial farmers have strong demand for formal financial credit,which is mainly production investment demand,but the formal financial credit constraint is obvious. Family size,cognition of loan procedures and conditions have a positive effect on entrepreneurial farmers' formal financial demand,while family per capita income,the distance between family location and the nearest formal financial organization,have negative influence. The relationship between householder'age and entrepreneurial farmers' successful formal loan presents inverted U shape,and educational level presents a negative correlation with successful loan. Compared with the traditional scale agricultural business,farmers engaged in other entrepreneurial businesses would get loan from formal financial institutions more difficultly. Understanding level of the loan procedures and conditions has a positive effect on successful loan. Compared with entrepreneurial farmers without employment,employed farmers are more likely to get loans. Statistically,householder' age and educational level,entrepreneurial business choices do not have significant effect on entrepreneurial households' formal financial credit demands. Family size,family per capital income,the distance between family location and the nearest formal financial organization,and the size of loan do not have significant influence on entrepreneurial households' successful loan. To get rid of formal financial credit constraints,we must implement the incremental reform of financial institutions,promote the formal finance of the villages and towns which can adapt to the farmers' financial demand,and create a good financial environment. Meanwhile,it is necessary to give impetus to innovation of financial management,products and services,reduce credit threshold,and adapt to the characteristics and demands of entrepreneurial households.

AHP Analysis of the Factors Influencing Credit for Temporarily Poor Farmers: Based on the Survey of Rongchang County of Chongqing Municipality

From the perspective of the influence on credit for farmers,this paper takes the temporarily poor farmers in Rongchang County of Chongqing Municipality as the respondents,and employs the expert survey method and on-site analysis to analyze the reasons and put forward three hypotheses. Using the AHP model,we carry out the empirical analysis of three major hypotheses concerning the credit for farmers. The study demonstrates that the state's unclear definition of property rights of farmers and farmers' lack of collateral are the primary factor influencing the credit for farmers,followed by insufficient targeted financial and technical support for the farmers who are engaged in the agricultural sector affected by the nature; farmers do not really get the assistance for them to use the natural resources to develop the rural economy,so that the banks complicate the loan procedures and increase the requirements of loans for farmers in order to ensure the capital liquidity and safety,thus further deepening the plight of credit for farmers.

Profitability Analysis of Small Scale Irrigation Technology Adoption to Farmers in Nasho Sector, Rwanda

The study aims to assess the effect of small scale irrigation adoption to farmers in Nasho sector, Kirehe District in Rwanda. The average yield was 12,309.73 Kg/2.62 ha or 4698.73 Kg/ha for adopters with the mean difference between adopters and non adopters ranged from 2819.63 Kg to 4766.59 Kg per unit area of production. For food security status, the average mean quantity of maize consumed at home level was 615.54 Kg with the mean difference ranged from 377.29 Kg to 474.68 Kg. For market participation, the average treatment effect of the treated (ATT) of quantity of maize sold was 11,694.24 Kg while the mean difference ranged from 7165.98 Kg to 9015.60 Kg. The Average Treatment Effect of the Treated market price was 213 Frws/Kg while the mean difference ranged from 44.51 Frws/Kg to 48.3053 Frws/Kg. The Average Treatment Effect of the Treated of farmer’s revenues for the users was 938,772 Frws/ha, however, the mean difference between adopters and non adopters ranged from 1,732,942 Frws to 2,007,039 Frws. The Average Treatment Effect of the Treated of farmer’s net farm income was 1,066,393 Frws while mean difference between users and non users ranged from 803,967 Frws to 854,141 Frws. For profitability analysis, the cost benefit ratio (CBR) was taken into account. The total benefit per unit area was 2,434,509 Frws and total average mean cost of 1,382,313 Frws and CBR = 1.761 > 1. The findings of this study will help the policy makers for deeper sector planning and also, it will facilitate other stakeholders to invest in irrigation technology to improve the livelihoods of Rwandan farmers and other surroundings.

Organic Connection between Small Farmers and Modern Agriculture Development Based on Farmers'Cooperatives in China

As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a new era,China's agricultural and rural development has also made remarkable achievements.However,the shortcomings of modernization are still in the field of agriculture,rural areas and farmers.The report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposes a strategy of rural revitalization.It is pointed out that the organic connection between small farmers and modern agricultural development should be promoted.In the development of modern agriculture,small farmers face the problems of scattered production factors,aging labor force and low labor quality,low industrialization,and low market position.This paper compares the characteristics of farmer cooperatives with other new business entities.Combined with the relevant contents of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Farmers'Professional Cooperatives newly revised in 2017,this paper analyzes the organizational,service,and intermediary functions of farmers'cooperatives to promote the organic connection between small farmers and modern agriculture development and reveals the role of farmers'cooperatives in China's agricultural development.

Problems in Development of Micro-credit Loans to Farmers in China and Countermeasures

There are problems of inadequate natural endowment and weak stamina in the development of micro-credit loans to farmers in China. Specifically,existing problems include narrow profit space,serious non-agricultural trend of funds,high dependence on government support,short life cycle,and constantly increasing operating risks. These problems are related to endogenous drawback in design,defect in operating procedure,lagging in relevant policies and measures,and vacancy in risk compensation mechanism.

Assessment of Pesticide Use against Tephritidae Fruit Fly and Other Pest among Small-scale Solanaceous Vegetable Farmers in Bugorhe-Kabare the Democratic Republic of Congo

Ninety-six farmers interviewed in Kabare,east of the DR Congo during 2021.Farmers majority were males(79.17%),ranging 30 to 60 years,used different pesticides in vegetable farms and the main solanaceous crops cultivated is tomato.The use of insecticide and fungicide were high,with many different formulations of the different class types recorded in use,(20%)endocrine disruptors,(40%)cholinesterase inhibitors,(35%)carcinogen and potential carcinogens suspected to be.A lot of out of those pesticides are unregistered for general use.Farmers applied pesticide once a week and they didn’t have specific instructions.The skin effects,headaches and dizziness are dominant.They do not have a good system of pesticide packaging management.For reducing pesticide application,we propose options of agro ecology.We suggest that the Congolese government must create a quarantine,control and surveillance service for phytosanitary products,fruits and vegetables within the DRC country and at these borders.Also,it needs urgent action from the federal and regional governments to formulate policy,design legislation,and enforcing for its implementation concerning the supply,transportation,storage,appropriateness,and application of harmful pesticides.

Sustainable Potato Production in the Mountain Area of Ecuador, an Approach to Increase Productivity with Small Scale Farmers

Ecuador potato crop is family based production system. Potato production has two roles in their economy, the first is providing food for their families and the second is a source of income for the household. However small scale farmers have limited access to local markets and most of the sales are through intermediates’ who purchase directly in the field at the lowest price possible. Potato production challenges for the small-scale farmers are among others availability of quality potato seed, direct sales, purchase of agrochemical inputs to maintain their crops and lack of education. In 2021, only 4% of potato farmers used certified seed. Potato yield is still low around 16.1 t·ha-1, in the last 10 years the total potato cultivated area was reduced by at least 50%. The farmers produce “Bokashi” and other organic fertilizer and these are effective to improve soil fertility and plant health. Homemade bio-pesticides reduce agrochemical pesticides. The Decision Support System (DSS) is a handheld device to control late blight, minimizes fungicide applications and improve fungicide rotation. In 2018 Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso), the causal agent of zebra chip, and its vector, the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli, together created havoc for farmers and researchers. Promotion of early potato varieties INIAP—Libertad is an alternative to lower the impact of this newest pest.

Empirical Research on the Credit Demand and Credit Behavior of Small and Micro Enterprises

This article uses discriminant sampling method to select 1062 small and micro enterprises from 25 provinces in China. Researches were conducted on their credit demand and credit behavior, with the Probit model to carry out metrologic tests on influential factors of these enterprises' credit demand and credit behavior.The metrologic analysis shows: Literacy level of leader, asset size, annual revenue of the enterprises have significantly positive effects on the credit demand of these small and micro enterprises. Annual revenue has significantly negative influence on overall credit behavior and the occurrence of informal financial behavior, but significantly positive influence on the occurrence of formal financial behavior. Literacy level of staff and asset size of enterprises have significantly positive influence on the occurrence of the overall credit behavior of small and micro enterprises.

Analysis of Farmers Adoption Behaviour of CRIG Recommended Technologies as a Package: The Case of Some Self Help Cocoa Farmer Associations in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Adoption of recommended technologies as a package is the prelude to increase cocoa productivity per unit area. This is due to the interactive benefits of individual technologies which have been recommended by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG). However, many surveys among cocoa farmers have reported low adoption of technologies resulting in low productivity of cocoa with an average of 450 kg/ha among small holder cocoa farmers in Ghana. The current study investigates the adoption behavior of some cocoa farmers belonging to some self help farmer associations in the Eastern Region who are being monitored by CRIG since 2011. Primary data was collected from 131 respondents using questionnaires to interview farmers between 2013 and 2015. The results showed that adoption of recommended cocoa technologies as a package was still low. Respondents, however, identified a number of challenges including high cost of inputs, lack of finance and access to credit, high cost of labour and old age as some factors hampering composite adoption of the full CRIG technologies. It is recommended that small-scale cocoa farmers need a sustainable and convenient microfinance that can motivate and help them afford the cost associated with the full package of technologies. Farmers’ savings culture should also be nurtured to enhance their financial capabilities and investment in the cocoa farm.

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Climate Trends in the Kyoga Plains of Uganda: Analysis of Meteorological Data and Farmers’ Perception

With global warming now a certainty, it’s important to investigate climate change elements at the local level so as to enable stake holders adapt in order to sustain their livelihoods. This study investigated local climate changes, farmers’ perception of the changes and factors affecting perception to climate change in the Kyoga plains of Uganda. Monthly maximum temperature, minimum temperature and total rainfall from four meteorological stations within the study area for period 1984-2014 were obtained to analyse seasonal, annual and decadal trends in rainfall and temperature while a survey based on 384 randomly selected farmers was carried out to investigate the perception of variation in climate change trends among small holder farmers of different socioeconomic characteristics across the Kyoga plains. Multi stage random sampling was applied in the selection of the population sample. Non parametric analysis (Mann Kendall test) was used for analyzing trends and testing significance. In the survey, farmers were asked their observations about the local climate using structured questionnaires and these were analysed using descriptive statics. Logistics regression was then used to identify the factors that determined the perceptions of farmers on climate change. Overall, trends in monthly temperature are increasing over the years but not significantly while rainfall is decreasing but equally not significantly. Seasonal and decadal temperature had significant positive trends at different stations and sub zones over the years. 67% of the farmers realised a decrease in rainfall while 56.8% perceived an increase in temperature across the agroecological zone. 56.3% perceived declining rainfall and 52% realized increasing temperature in the southern sub zone while 42% realised a decrease in rainfall and 40.6%, an increase in temperature in the northern sub zone. Belonging to a group and age has significant positive effect on farmers’ perception of climate while farming experience and access to extension workers had a significant negative effect. The results suggest the need for strengthening networking among farmers for peer learning and support and location specific intervention measures to improve perception and adaptation to climate for each of the sub zones.

Statistical Analysis of Small Holder Farmer Financial Exclusion: Case Study of Migori County, Kenya

There are estimated to be approximately 600 million small scale farmers globally, and they produce most of the food consumed, especially in the developing countries. The farmers, however, are often unable to obtain optimal crop yields due to their exclusion from the financial systems in their countries, which deem them too high risk to lend to. This results in the farmers being unable to afford optimal inputs into their farms, hence depressing their yields and the level of food security. This study aimed to statistically determine whether the small scale farmers of Migori County in Kenya are financially excluded or not, and to what extent. Data were collected from the farmers through a questionnaire survey, and subsequent statistical analysis has shown that indeed the small scale farmers of Migori are financially excluded to a large extent. Consideration of non-financial data in the farmers’ credit rating has been recommended as a way forward towards their financial inclusivity. This study provides scientific proof of smallholder farmer financial exclusion, which proof is generally difficult to find, especially in the developing countries.

Farmers＇ Perceived Impact of Fair Trade： The Case of Costa Rica

The perceived usefulness of Fair Trade influences both its effectiveness and farmers＇ long-term participation. The aim of this paper is to measure the perceived economic, social and environmental impact of Fair Trade by farmers in Costa Rica. One hundred farmers were interviewed, and their perceived change in living and working conditions due to Fair Trade participation was measured through a t-test analysis. The sample characters＇ influence on the perceived change was also measured, adopting a regression model and a t-test. The results showed a positive perception of the impact of Fair Trade, with a particularly strong perceived improvement in the farmers＇ technical, economic and managerial skills. There was relatively less perceived change in the environmental, educational and sanitary conditions. The results showed the need for Fair Trade to better adjust its strategy to the expectations of the farmers＇ communities.

Development of Coffee Value Chain for Value Added in Small Scale of Farmer

This study is development of the coffee value chain in small scale of farmers on highland in the upper northern region of Thailand with case study of Pamieng community,Muangpan District,Lampang Province,Thailand.The objective is the use of the value chain model for the value added of product(coffee).The results from objective to conduct in the value chain of Pamiang’s coffee bring economic benefits and community based environmental benefits and also show the cost and return of coffee production in the value chain of Pamieng’s coffee which found that the farmers have a way to reduce costs in order to increase returns.The most coffee growing is on highland,therefore it is very important to take care of the entire value chain to deliver the highest value to society and customers.

数字普惠金融服务小微企业融资研究--以全国首个小微企业数字征信实验区为例

数字普惠金融将数字技术与普惠金融深度融合,为纾解小微企业融资困境提供了可行的新路。根据对全国首个小微企业数字征信实验区的案例剖析和区内588家小微企业的问卷调查结果,小微企业融资行为符合普惠金融“短、小、频、急”的典型特征,融资方式以信用贷款为主,资金用途多样,但是信息和信用不对称制约其融资可得性。实验区以服务小微企业为中心,构建综合金融服务体系、全国首个区块链数字征信平台、金融科技创新监管试点“三位一体”的运行模式,充分发挥了数字普惠金融的赋能效应。但是,要复制、推广实验区的建设经验,仍面临一些制约因素,因此要完善相关法律法规,稳步扩大金融科技创新监管试点,深化数字技术和数据要素融合应用,探索构建全国互联互通的数字征信平台和数字普惠金融“元宇宙”,以期在更大范围更好地服务小微企业融资和实体经济高质量发展。

乡村振兴背景下小农户与新农人合作的利益联结模式选择研究

基于2021年中国6个省份的小农户调研数据,采用有序Probit模型,从小农户的个体特征、家庭特征、生产经营状况、市场状况以及与新农人合作目的等5个方面探讨影响小农户与新农人建立利益联结模式选择的关键因素。结果表明:现阶段小农户与新农人合作以松散型的利益联结模式为主,但地区之间仍存在差异,中西部地区小农户更倾向于选择紧密型的利益联结模式;从影响因素来看,家庭农业经营收入比例、风险承受能力、是否加入合作组织、是否在涉农企业就业等对小农户选择紧密的利益联结模式起到显著的正向影响,而受教育程度、保证农产品销路对小农户利益联结模式选择起着显著的负向影响。据此,建议培育发展农业专业合作组织,发展壮大涉农企业,加大政府政策支持,提高小农户的风险承受能力,以期助力小农户与新农人构建乡村利益共同体。

新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展的理论机理与实践进路

促进新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展是实现农民农村共同富裕的题中应有之义。本文在厘清新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展核心内涵的基础上,从协同发展的动力、模式、环境和效应等四个维度,阐释新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展的理论机理,全面刻画农村经济系统内部主体的基本特征及行为选择。新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展是在市场化发展和政策推动的双重影响下,各类农业经营主体对农业经营方式自主选择的结果。依据一般规律,从创新农村产业组织方式、健全完善利益联结机制、加快培育新型职业农民、强化协同发展政策保障等四个方面,提出新发展阶段促进新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展的实践进路。新型农业经营主体与小农户协同发展为破解“未来谁来种地、怎样种好地”等问题提供了一些思路。

数字素养对小农户衔接现代农业的影响研究——基于黄河流域9省区1592户小农户的调查

基于黄河流域9省区1592户小农户的调研数据,利用LPM和Probit模型分析数字素养对小农户衔接现代农业的影响。结果表明:数字素养的提升能够促进小农户衔接现代农业;机制分析发现,数字素养通过拓宽小农户信息获取渠道、提高小农户信息获取能力来影响小农户衔接现代农业;引入ESRM模型结合反事实推断分析发现,数字素养提升可以使小农户衔接现代农业的水平提高45.33%;小农户数字素养对地理邻近农户衔接现代农业的行为具有正向空间溢出效应;异质性检验发现,数字素养对衔接现代农业的影响在纯小农户中最大,其次是兼业型小农户,数字素养对中低收入小农户衔接现代农业的影响要大于高收入小农户。根据结论,提出加强对小农户的数字化培训和指导以提升其数字素养,对不同类型小农户有针对性地提供帮扶措施,通过示范效应带动周边小农户衔接现代农业等政策建议。

小农户联结新型农业经营主体的实践逻辑

基于可持续生计理论,从联结导向和治理机制两个维度出发,构建不同联结导向及其差异化治理机制的分析框架,探究小农户联结新型农业经营主体的实践逻辑。研究揭示了4种不同的联结类型及其治理机制:类型A(能力导向型联结-市场治理机制)强调市场机制在提升小农户生计能力中的作用;类型B(能力导向型联结-行政治理机制)通过政策扶持和环境优化提升小农户生计能力;类型C(权利导向型联结-市场治理机制)侧重于市场化方式激活农地“三权分置”改革红利,保障小农户生计权利;类型D(权利导向型联结-行政治理机制)则采用行政主导方式强化小农户生计权利保障。同时,小农户联结新型农业经营主体应以巩固拓展农地“三权分置”改革成效为契机,发挥“有效市场”和“有为政府”在联结过程中的作用,优化合作经营与可持续生计的协同制度体系。但是,小农户联结新型农业经营主体过程中,必须有效防范因生计能力不足和生计权利缺失导致的经营效能低下及其衍生风险。