12 pages., Purpose
Pervasive use of poor quality seed remains an important reason for low yields throughout the developing world. We explore ways to increase the quality of the local stock of seed tubers among a sample of Ugandan potato farmers.
Design/methodology/approach: Using videos, we provide agricultural extension information on (i) how to select the best seed tubers and (ii) how to properly handle and store seed tubers until the next planting season. The relative effectiveness of the information interventions is tested using an individually randomized controlled trial where we model spillovers using a randomization-based framework for estimating causal effects under interference between units.
Findings: Especially the video on seed selection translated into increased awareness and adoption of recommended practices, increased probability of using improved inputs, as well as higher consumption.
Practical implications: Interventions aimed at improving seed quality are important in the absence of access to high-quality seed. Video messages are becoming increasingly useful as a complementary tool in agricultural extension.
Theoretical implications: Randomization-based inference can be used to take into account spillover effects in the analysis rather than the design phase of an experiment.
Originality/value: This is the first study to address seed quality of potato tubers in a real-world setting using videos.
33 pages, This study surveyed 258 organic grain farmers in Iowa in the U.S. Midwest. We identified seven areas of challenges related to organic grain farming adoption: organic farming operations, marketing, policy, finance, inputs and information, social pressures, and land tenure. Respondents reported three key areas where extension programs were needed: education, research, and technical services. Regarding outreach formats, organic farmers preferred events where peers were featured or provided leadership, such as field days, one-on-one mentor programs, and farmer-to-farmer workshops. Results provided empirical evidence to support theoretical discussions and policy implications on issues related to adoption of organic grain farming.
9 pages., The paper explored the policy options targeted at preventing extreme hunger after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 15 key informants across five purposively selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna and Ogun States for this study. Checklist (administered through recorded telephone calls) was used to elicit responses (qualitative data) on the impacts of COVID-19 on the food system. This paper concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted on the food system thus challenging the AES to employ more innovative and pragmatic approaches to reach the farmers. Major impacts of COVID-19 on food system were disruptions in agricultural production, limitation of field visit by extension personnel and distortion of technology delivery system. Major recommendations include: in response to the stay-at-home order in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agricultural extension services (AES) should explore virtual means to reach the clientele. To this end, farm operations and new techniques should be packaged into short clips and shared via various platforms. Also, legislative means to consider AEAS as essential services should be sought; and extensionists should be trained and provided with personal protection equipment (PPE) to enable them reach farmers. Such field officers should be insured and provided with adequate tangible mobility.
New Zealand: Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 132 Document Number: C20094
Notes:
8 pages; from Creating a Climate for Change : Extension in Australasia, Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN), National Forum 26-27 October 2000, Melbourne, Australia
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 146 Document Number: C23122
Notes:
Presented at the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Workshop of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, Kampala, Uganda, December 15-16, 2002. 7 pages.
Feder, Gershon (author), Zijp, Willem (author), and Willett, Anthony (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2001
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C19684
Notes:
Pages 313-353 in Steven Wolf and David Zilberman (eds.), Knowledge generation and technical change: institutional innovation in agriculture. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts. 371 pages.
Shu-Tzu, Chuang (author / National Taiwan University)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1999-03-22
Published:
Taiwan: Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 138 Document Number: C20959
Notes:
Burton Swanson Collection, 6 pages, Session A, from "1999 conference proceedings -- Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education", 15th Annual Conference, 21-24 March 1999, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 25-26, Tobago
