{"title":"The global rice agriculture towards 2050: An inter-continental perspective","authors":"P. Samal, S. Babu, B. Mondal, S. N. Mishra","doi":"10.1177/00307270221088338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221088338","url":null,"abstract":"The growth in rice consumption has either slowed down or become negative in all the continents although additional per capita demand for rice exists in Africa. The future additional rice demand will mainly come from the population growth in Africa and Asia. The production growth during the past led by growth in yield has helped in meeting rice demand around the globe. However, Africa continues to lag far behind other continents in achieving the desired level of yield. Additional research efforts are needed in all continents for the production of varieties with higher yield potential and desired grain quality with more emphasis on the African continent. The global demand for rice will be about 584 million tons or less towards 2050. With positive technological developments in the rice research arena, the shape of rice agriculture will change towards 2050. Asia may lose about 5 million ha and Africa gain about 10 million ha of rice land by 2050.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"164 - 172"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43240536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Mayanja, N. Mudege, K. Snyder, N. Kwikiriza, E. Munda, J. Achora, Fredrick E Grant
{"title":"Commercialisation of the sweetpotato value chain: Impacts on women producers in Mozambique","authors":"S. Mayanja, N. Mudege, K. Snyder, N. Kwikiriza, E. Munda, J. Achora, Fredrick E Grant","doi":"10.1177/00307270221105533","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221105533","url":null,"abstract":"Traditionally, sweetpotato is a woman's crop grown primarily for food in Mozambique. With the introduction of Vitamin A rich varieties, efforts were made to commercialize the crop. This study assessed the effects of this commercialization on women producers. Findings indicate that though women devoted more land to sweetpotato, men got higher yields, sold more and obtained better prices. Nonetheless, women dominated the roots value chain and increased their participation in markets. The more lucrative sweetpotato vine chain was dominated by men (75% men), as the resources and skills required to engage in this activity were a significant challenge for women. Women perceived that sweetpotato commercialization increased their ability to make production decisions, though it has not resulted in any changes in ownership of resources. Women and men both noted a subtle change in norms. Men for example perceived that their ability to make decisions had reduced, while women noted that they had taken on more leadership positions locally. These changes might be attributed to the role played by project implementors who encouraged men to allow their spouses to engage more in commercial activities. Whilst women faced challenges related to literacy, market entry and access to resources, they valued the experience obtained in improving their entrepreneurial skills. Future commercialization initiatives should work on linking women to business services and building stronger farmer-processer linkages. Efforts to sensitize men about the benefits of women's engagement in business showed some impact and should be included in further work on crop commercialization.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"349 - 358"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47994682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of small abattoirs in the delivery of the UK's new agricultural policy objectives","authors":"J. Franks, Rachel S E Peden","doi":"10.1177/00307270221103293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221103293","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines the impacts of the reduction in the network of private kill abattoirs on the delivery of public goods supported under the redesigned UK agriculture policy. An online survey was used to gather information about farmers selection and use of abattoirs, and a telephone survey of abattoir owners and managers complemented the farmer survey. Of the 300 respondents, 185 used abattoirs for private kill retail (PKR) services. 121 of these PKR farmers (65.4%) reported their PKR business as “essential” “or “very important” to the viability of their farm business. Seventy-five (41%) had no alternative abattoir, 21 of these 75 would have to close their PKR business if the abattoir they currently used closed, 22.7% would reduce their grassland area, releasing greenhouse gases, and 30% would stop farming native breeds, reducing the gene pool and conservation grazing environmental management options. 110 PKR farmers did have a viable alternative abattoir, but using it would increase livestock journeys, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and making it more likely farmers would need to use commercial rather than farm transport, further jeopardising animal welfare and biosecurity. Therefore, the continuing closure of private kill services threatens core government policy objectives. However, private kill services could be supported by government grant schemes, resolving confusion regarding food labelling, and reducing small abattoir costs by introducing “de minimis” derogation – as currently used on some Channel Island and mainland Europe abattoirs.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"323 - 333"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49641538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Nduwimana, S. Sylla, Y. Xing, A. Simbare, C. Niyongere, K. Garrett, Aman Bonaventure Omondi
{"title":"Banana seed exchange networks in Burundi – Linking formal and informal systems","authors":"I. Nduwimana, S. Sylla, Y. Xing, A. Simbare, C. Niyongere, K. Garrett, Aman Bonaventure Omondi","doi":"10.1177/00307270221103288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221103288","url":null,"abstract":"Seed system network analysis can reveal exchange connections between stakeholders and test scenarios such as those of seed systems shocks. We investigated the seed exchange network structure, disease surveillance risk, and gender contribution in Burundi, under two banana disease risk scenarios. Two sites where banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) is endemic in Cibitoke Province were compared with a site free of the disease in Gitega Province. All sites had formal seed interventions using community nurseries. A quantitative survey on seed sharing was done followed by a qualitative evaluation through focus group discussions. Banana seed sourcing options were fewer in the disease-free site, which also had higher cultivar diversity. Most farmers sourced seed informally within a three-kilometer radius. Seed sharing within and between villages was based on social and family linkages, especially for women. The interaction between the formal system and informal seed exchange was more active where new cultivars, or better seed quality was expected. The BBTD endemic region had lower seed quality assessment stringency. Farmers used both direct mother plant assessment and seed source reputation in seed evaluation. The formal banana seed systems are sources of new varieties, and trusted for clean seed but the informal system was still used as a main source of seed, especially local cultivars. Assessing disease surveillance scenarios shows women in a weaker position for healthy seed acquisition. Identifying the roles of individuals in seed systems can support decision processes for seed interventions in vegetatively propagated crops.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"334 - 348"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42981966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Katiyatiya, Jabulani Majaha, O. Chikwanha, K. Dzama, Nkgaugelo Kgasago, C. Mapiye
{"title":"Drought's implications on agricultural skills in South Africa","authors":"C. Katiyatiya, Jabulani Majaha, O. Chikwanha, K. Dzama, Nkgaugelo Kgasago, C. Mapiye","doi":"10.1177/00307270221103289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221103289","url":null,"abstract":"Drought is an inevitable feature of South Africa's climate. Its slow onset and recurrence threaten livelihoods dependent on agriculture. Responses to drought have mostly been ex-post impact management with little ex-ante resilience building in vulnerable areas. Implementation of ex-ante strategies has been severely challenged by lack of skilled human capital to predict and respond timely and effectively to the impacts of drought, particularly in smallholder farming areas. Human capital development, should therefore, be prioritised as a key drought management strategy. In this regard, it is important to determine farmers and agricultural professionals’ current and future needs for capacity development in drought management. This is important given that drought is projected to increase risks and introduce new ones with far more devastating impacts on agriculture. The current review outlines the implications of drought on agricultural skills in South Africa and the way forward.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"293 - 302"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45997681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changing gender role declines maize yield, but remittances offset: Findings from migrant households in the central Himalayas, Nepal","authors":"Kishor Atreya, H. Gartaula","doi":"10.1177/00307270221097984","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221097984","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, we investigate the interplay between labor out-migration, changes in gender roles, and their effects on the maize farming system. The paper unravels these interactions using the data collected from 1053 migrant households in the mountains of Nepal. The result shows that household size positively and the number of 17–60-year-old household members negatively influence maize yield. Remittance income and raising farm animals enhanced maize yield. Geography, especially maize farming in the mountains, showed a reduction (25.6%) in yield. The migrants’ wives stated less maize yield (5%) compared to the other household members. In addition to these contextual factors, women's increased participation in the household chores, rearing and caring of farm animals, and community activities significantly compromised maize yield. However, the remittance income offsets the loss. As women's role in agriculture is central, especially in the context of male labor out-migration, gender-transformative approaches to research and development practices would ensure social justice and equitable benefit sharing. Accounting for their choices and preferences in developing and designing agricultural interventions is thus vital for the long-term sustainability of the mountain farming systems.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"17 3","pages":"247 - 259"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41286957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Mathinya, A. Franke, G. V. D. van de Ven, K. Giller
{"title":"Productivity and constraints of small-scale crop farming in the summer rainfall region of South Africa","authors":"V. Mathinya, A. Franke, G. V. D. van de Ven, K. Giller","doi":"10.1177/00307270221091839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221091839","url":null,"abstract":"The South African policy sphere hails the commercialisation of small-scale farming as the answer to a myriad of socio-economic, ecological and political challenges of rural livelihoods. Yet the low agricultural productivity of this sector challenges the realisation of this pathway. Through comparison with large-scale farmers, this review sought to elicit the main reasons for differences in productivity and explore the prospects of small-scale farming. It highlights that low productivity of small-scale farming cannot be solely ascribed to biophysical constraints and that differences rather arise at farm and regional level. Therefore, intervention strategies should not be solely sought at field scale, which seems to be the norm. While the prospects of small-scale farming may seem gloomy at first glance, opportunities such as investing in horticulture exist. Prospects for small-scale farming are limited by the country's very competitive and thriving large-scale farming that saturate most agricultural markets. A key conclusion from this review is that we still do not know enough about small-scale farming systems in South Africa. For example, what is the contribution of small-scale farming to the living income of households? Are farming households food and nutrition secure? In particular, the role of agriculture in improving rural livelihoods is poorly understood. Farming is likely to remain an important supplementary livelihood opportunity for the majority of rural households. As such, small-scale farming needs to be rethought as part of a broader livelihood strategy by all stakeholders while continuously seeking alternative entry points towards thriving rural livelihoods. This means provision of support for transition to more commercial farming activities for those with interest and sufficient resources, while alternative employment or social protection is provided for others. A key question for research is what types of farming (crops and livestock) and what scale of operation is needed to achieve commercial success in different regions.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"139 - 154"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41433553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fitsumberhan Ghebremeskel Ghebreagziabiher, D. Griffin, J. Burke, M. Gorman
{"title":"Understanding the capacity of key actors and their role in the seed potato systems: The case of Eritrea","authors":"Fitsumberhan Ghebremeskel Ghebreagziabiher, D. Griffin, J. Burke, M. Gorman","doi":"10.1177/00307270221088330","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221088330","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the combined effects of the biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional components of a seed system can help to improve the effectiveness of seed system interventions. This study examined whether and how institutional factors are contributing to the inadequate supply of quality seed potato in Eritrea and identified where and how bottlenecks within the seed systems might improve the efficacy of seed potato interventions. The research methodology included semi-structured interviews with seed potato system actors, focus group discussions with farmers and local experts, a review of seed potato intervention program reports, farm visit reports, and other literature. The study identified some structural system failures that block the effective functioning of the seed potato intervention. The study recommendations include (i) investment in climate-smart technologies (such as water harvesting structures and new varieties) as well as for electricity supply in the high grades seed production center (ii) shifting the traditional supply-driven approach to a demand driven approach for greater participation of the actors in the seed potato intervention (iii) strengthening the human skill of the actors for greater interaction and collaboration between the different government actors and (iv) developing local strategies to encourage decentralized service provision systems. In the longer term, consideration should be given to greater private sector participation in sourcing and supply of seed and other inputs, even as a pilot-scale activity.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"260 - 269"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46235276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Helena Wehmeyer, A. Malabayabas, Suzana San, Aung Myat Thu, Myat Su Tun, A. Thant, M. Connor
{"title":"Rural development and transformation of the rice sector in Myanmar: Introduction of best management practices for sustainable rice agriculture","authors":"Helena Wehmeyer, A. Malabayabas, Suzana San, Aung Myat Thu, Myat Su Tun, A. Thant, M. Connor","doi":"10.1177/00307270221086008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221086008","url":null,"abstract":"Myanmar has experienced considerable economic and social changes since its political transition in the early 2010s. Its agriculture sector has demonstrated rapid intensification and modernization. Agricultural best management practices (BMPs), e.g., drum seeders and laser land levelling, were introduced to rice farmers in Bago Region in 2012 to increase sustainable production and counter negative environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to determine the socioeconomic and agronomic changes due to the adoption of BMPs between adopters and non-adopters. Using a digital survey questionnaire application to collect household data, 200 farmers in eight villages were interviewed in 2012 and 2017. Data were analysed using uni- and multivariate statistics. Mediation analysis was utilized to evaluate the effect of the farmer group on rice yields. Overall, all farmers in this study experienced substantial positive changes over the course of five years in line with the national development efforts. Differences among adopters and non-adopters were not significant, but notable distinctions existed between cropping patterns. Rice-pulse farmers had higher yields ( + 0.4 t/ha), yet rice-rice farmers had larger cultivation areas, received higher agricultural credits, and had superior income levels. Nevertheless, rice yields remained low (<4 t/ha). Education was found to be an important predictor of yield. Hence, this factor is crucial for accelerating agricultural development in Myanmar. Improving extension services and knowledge transfer are necessary to expand the dissemination of sustainable BMPs and make farmers more resilient against the negative implications of climate change.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"223 - 237"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43665742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hayet Kerras, Susana Bautista, María Dolores de-Miguel Gómez
{"title":"Technology, rurality and gender… false friends, but not enemies!","authors":"Hayet Kerras, Susana Bautista, María Dolores de-Miguel Gómez","doi":"10.1177/00307270221086007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221086007","url":null,"abstract":"Guaranteeing gender equality in the access and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has become today a determining element in the achievement of food security and as a consequence of the achievement of rural development, which constitutes one of the goals of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Indeed, the fight against digital gender gaps and other gaps in a general way allow a greater contribution in the agri-food sector, which is becoming increasingly digitized and technological. In fact, the objective of the study is to analyse the impact that have determined gaps, such as: force labour participation rate, literacy rate, pay rate and ICT study rate, on the participation rate gap in the agricultural sector. For this reason, a multiple linear regression is proposed that considers 64 countries and subsequently the situation of four of these countries is examined in more detail: France, Spain, Morocco and Algeria. The results of this show the existence of a positive correlation between our variables but also the effect that some socio-economic and cultural factors have on this achievement.","PeriodicalId":54661,"journal":{"name":"Outlook on Agriculture","volume":"51 1","pages":"238 - 246"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43432467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}