Figure - available from: Agriculture & Food Security
This content is subject to copyright. Terms and conditions apply.
Source publication
Background
In Sub-Saharan Africa, drought is one of the prevailing climatic conditions that has led to the modification of improved seeds to be resilient enough to improve yield and increase farm households' welfare. However, like most climate-smart agricultural practices, the adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties is low. This study examines...
Similar publications
Climate-smart agricultural technologies (CSATs) are important for climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to have access to sustainable CSATs to cope with climate change. While coffee is an important commercial crop in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), farmers suffer from coffee fluct...
Citations
... In the context of small-scale rural farmers, these constraints could manifest in several specific ways. Regarding economic constraints, small-scale farmers will likely lack access to formal financial institutions and credit facilities (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023). This limitation could restrict them from procuring inputs such as storage and vehicles, leading to prohibitively high costs of transporting goods to distant markets, reducing profitability, and discouraging market participation. ...
... Social constraints can manifest in the form of educational barriers and gender differences. For instance, small-scale farmers may have low education levels, limiting their access to market information, while cultural norms and discriminatory practices often obstruct female farmers access to markets (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023). Another critical constraint 441 is institutional contingencies, such as weak or non-existent cooperatives and networks (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023). ...
... For instance, small-scale farmers may have low education levels, limiting their access to market information, while cultural norms and discriminatory practices often obstruct female farmers access to markets (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023). Another critical constraint 441 is institutional contingencies, such as weak or non-existent cooperatives and networks (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023). While farmer cooperatives might exist, they often suffer from poor management and limited support resources such as extension services and financing (Oyetunde-Usman & Shee, 2023;Valdes et al., 2023;Haile et al., 2022;Atube et al., 2021), reducing their effectiveness in market access. ...
This study sought to identify significant barriers to market access and marketing connections for small-scale rural farmers, evaluating the impact of demographic factors (gender, education level) and operational factors (years in farming, distance from home, type of commodity) on these constraints. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and inferential quantitative approach to examine the barriers to market access and marketing connections among small-scale rural farmers in Ghana's Volta area. The conceptual framework is based on a multi-theory approach. The contingency theory elucidates the significance of farm size, resource availability, and geographic location; the human capital theory delineates the impact of education level and years of farming experience; and the logistics and spatial analysis framework examines how transportation infrastructure, geographic location, and commodity type affect market access and connections. The investigation indicated that inadequate road infrastructure and elevated transportation expenses were the primary obstacles for small-scale rural farmers in accessing markets, with notable disparities based on gender and educational attainment. The commodity kind, years of cultivation, and distance from home substantially influenced limitations. The study concentrated on the Volta region, however the results are probably relevant to other regions in Ghana because of comparable agro-ecological zones and rural socio-economic traits. The rigorous research design, data collection techniques, and comprehensive analysis guarantee dependable and valid outcomes. Notwithstanding possible constraints in generalisability, the research provides comprehensive insights into the distinct issues encountered by small-scale farmers. It emphasises socio-economic factors affecting market access, illustrates the impact of farm-level contingencies on market access and linkages, identifies both diversity and uniformity among small-scale farmers, and addresses a gap in the literature by offering empirical evidence on market access constraints specific to the Volta region that may have global relevance. These contributions are significant for both academic comprehension and practical initiatives aimed at assisting small-scale rural farmers in Ghana and analogous environments worldwide.
... Farmers in Burkina Faso have long adapted to water scarcity by employing various strategies to conserve soil moisture and improve crop resilience [25]. These practices include constructing anti-erosion embankments, utilizing traditional planting techniques such as "zaï" and crescent methods, and cultivating drought-resistant crops [26,27]. These methods have not only rehabilitated degraded soils [28] but have also significantly increased agricultural yields and household incomes [29,30]. ...
... Farmers in Burkina Faso have long adapted to water scarcity by employing various strategies to conserve soil moisture and improve crop resilience [25]. These practices include constructing anti-erosion embankments, utilizing traditional planting techniques such as "zaï" and crescent methods, and cultivating drought-resistant crops [26,27]. These methods have not only rehabilitated degraded soils [28] but have also significantly increased agricultural yields and household incomes [29,30]. ...
Water conservation in arid and semi-arid regions faces significant challenges due to low and irregular rainfall, worsened by climate change, which negatively affects rain-fed crop productivity. Various techniques, including supplemental irrigation using runoff harvesting ponds, aim to address these issues but often suffer from water loss due to infiltration, influenced by the pond liner type. This study uses a factorial analysis to assess the farmers’ perceptions of four pond sealing techniques. Using the Waso-2 method, a survey conducted in 2022 among 41 rainwater harvesting pond owners across three regions of Burkina Faso revealed that farmers prioritized impermeability and ease of maintenance over cost and availability. Concrete, scoring 16/20, was the most preferred, chosen by over 75% of farmers for its durability and resistance to weathering, despite its high cost. Geomembrane, with a score of 12/20, was valued for its waterproofing properties but had durability concerns. Clay, although cheap and available, scored 8/20 due to poor waterproofing on unstable ground. Bitumen, the least favored with a score of 6/20, was hindered by scarcity and lack of familiarity. To enhance supplemental irrigation in Burkina Faso and similar regions, waterproof concrete or durable geomembrane liners are recommended. Further research into improving bitumen and clay liners is also suggested. These findings provide key insights into farmers’ preferences, offering guidance for developing effective water conservation strategies to boost agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in the context of climate change.
... The research regions, which span the states of Ogun and Ondo, are covered with swamp, deep forest, as well as woodlands. Forests cover the northern limit and extend all the way down to southern Guinea [10,41,45,71]. Kolapo et al. [46] claim that there are a variety of difficu1ties with agricultural output in the Southwest region of Nigeria, including ongoing crop losses from low soil quality and pest outbreaks. ...
Background
When considering new technologies that are not widely known such as agricultural smartphone apps, exposure plays a significant role in facilitating farmers’ decision to use the agricultural smartphone apps. In this study, we examine the role of exposure to agricultural smartphone apps on adoption of agricultural smartphone apps among smallholder farmers in Southwest, Nigeria and also evaluates the effect of use of agricultural smartphone apps on total factor productivity and technical efficiency of farmers. Through counterfactual framework evaluation approach, we used a multistage sampling procedure to select 380 farmers in Southwest, Nigeria through well-structure questionnaire.
Results
We found that the agricultural smartphone apps user rate in 2022 for the sub-sample of the exposed farmers was higher in both Oyo and Osun State, indicating that exposure to agricultural smartphone apps played an important and significant role in increasing the adoption and use of agricultural smartphone apps in Nigeria. We also found that the mean TFPI and TE of the treated (users of agricultural smartphone apps) is higher than the non-treated and control group (non-users) implying that the users of agricultural smartphone apps have higher productivity margin than the non-users.
Conclusion
Based on the result of the study, it was concluded that exposure to the technology has a higher chances of increasing the use of agricultural smartphone apps across farmers populations in Southwest, Nigeria.
... Despite the importance of this issue, empirical studies examining the effect of CSAPs on food security dimensions among maize farmers in Southeast Nigeria are limited. Furthermore, existing research (Ani et al., 2021;Akinyemi et al., 2021;Adebisi et al., 2022; Oyetunde-Usman and Shee, 2023; and Kalu, & Mbanasor, 2023) [7,6,1,42,25] often overlooks the regressive influence of constraints and challenges on the adoption and implementation of CSAPs in Nigeria in general and Southeast in particular. Consequently, there is a pressing need for comprehensive empirical analysis that not only assesses the impact of CSAPs on food security but also identifies and addresses the barriers hindering their adoption and effectiveness. ...
This study examines the effect of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAPs) on the food security dimensions of availability, accessibility, affordability, stability, and usability of maize production in Southeast Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling method was adopted to select 375 farmers. Censored and OLS regression analyses were conducted using R software to analyze the data. Results indicate that certain CSAPs significantly influence the availability and accessibility dimensions of food security. Water management, residue management, mulching, crop rotation, adopting early planting, and obtaining credit were associated with higher levels of availability and accessibility, while practices like minimum tillage and improving access to information were associated with lower levels. Practices such as water management, minimum tillage, and adopting early planting positively influence affordability and stability.
... The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at enhancing the resilience and productivity of maize farming systems in Southeast Nigeria. By understanding the determinants of efficiency and the role of CSAPs, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to support farmers in adopting practices that improve productivity, conserve natural resources, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change (Oyetunde-Usman, and Shee, 2023) [60] . Furthermore, by focusing on Southeast Nigeria, where maize production is a vital component of the agricultural landscape, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. ...
... As climate change continues to exert pressure on agricultural systems, there is an immediate requirement to evaluate the effectiveness of CSAPs in improving productivity, resilience, and sustainability in maize farming, as highlighted by Sadiq et al. (2019) [63] . Furthermore, while previous research such as Zakaria et al. (2020) [69] ; Acevedo et al. (2020) [2] ; Oyetunde-Usman & Shee (2023) [60] ; and Ankrah et al. (2023) [13] have examined the adoption and impact of CSAPs in various agricultural contexts, including Southeast Nigeria, there remains limited empirical evidence on their specific effects on maize production efficiency. Furthermore, the existing literature lacks a thorough analysis that combines CSAP variables with socioeconomic determinants to clarify the actual impact of these practices on maize output in Anambra State. ...
Efficient maize production and resource allocation are crucial for agricultural sustainability, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas like Southeast Nigeria. This study employs stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to investigate the efficiency of maize production and the determinants of allocative efficiency under climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). The study includes 375 maize farmers selected randomly for the research sample. The analysis begins with estimating the efficiency parameter of maize production, revealing a relatively low Sigma-square value (0.029) and a moderate Gamma value (0.786). The study found a positive association between various inputs such as landholding, seed quality, and organic manure application. The mean TE and AE are 0.894 and 0.747 respectively. Allocative efficiency analysis reveals that while water management practices significantly affect technical efficiency positively, they unexpectedly lead to lower AE. Access to information and adoption of early planting positively influence allocative efficiency. Further examination of socioeconomic determinants indicates the role of extension services (3.07)*** in enhancing AE, while cooperative membership negatively impacts it, possibly due to information asymmetry. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions to optimize resource allocation strategies and enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Southeast Nigeria, particularly amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Comprehending the complex dynamics of resource allocation and efficiency in agriculture is crucial for crafting efficient policies and interventions aimed at improving productivity and resilience amidst changing climate conditions.
Global food security is seriously threatened by climate change, which calls for creative agricultural solutions. However, little is known about how different smart technologies are integrated to enhance food security. As a strategic reaction to these difficulties, this review investigates the incorporation of remote sensing (RS) as well as artificial intelligence (AI) into climate-smart agriculture (CSA). This review demonstrates how these advances can improve agricultural resilience, productivity, and sustainability by utilizing AI’s capacity for predictive analytics, crop modelling, and precision agriculture, along with RS’s strengths in climate projections, land management, and continuous surveillance. Several important tactics were covered, such as combining AI and RS to regulate risks, maximize resource utilization, and enhance agricultural practice choices. The review also discusses issues like policy frameworks, capacity building, and accessibility that prevent these technologies from being widely adopted. This review highlights how AI and RS can further CSA and offers insights into how they can help ensure food systems remain secure in changing climates.
In the face of escalating climate change challenges, the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustainable development. This paper delves into the imperative adoption of e-Extension systems to enhance the delivery of climate-smart agriculture practices in Nigeria. The current state of climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria underscores the need for an integrated e-Extension framework. The study delves into the potential benefits of employing digital platforms, mobile applications, and web-based systems in disseminating climate-resilient agricultural practices. Emphasis is placed on the efficiency, scalability, and accessibility of e-Extension systems, which can bridge information gaps, promote sustainable farming methods, and empower farmers to adapt to evolving climate conditions. Furthermore, the article discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of e-Extension systems in the Nigerian agricultural landscape. In conclusion, this advocates for the strategic integration of e-Extension systems as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria. The synthesis of technology and agriculture is envisioned to empower farmers, improve productivity, and contribute to the nation's resilience in the face of climate variability.