cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25550078
title: Decoding the complexity of sustainable rice farming: a systematic review of critical determining factor of farmers’ sustainable practices adoption

description: The growing global concern about food security will be exacerbated by a projected population increase of nearly 10 billion by the year 2050. Rice cultivation is central to this discussion, as it feeds more than half of the world’s population. This systematic review addresses the urgent issue of global food security with an emphasis on sustainable rice farming. Traditional rice cultivation methods pose significant environmental challenges, such as methane emissions and high carbon footprints. Despite the increasing body of work on sustainable rice farming techniques, a gap exists from the absence of consolidated reviews. This study synthesised existing literature from SCOPUS and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Under strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 of the initial 3259 studies identified were analysed. This present study established three pivotal factors influencing the adoption of sustainable practices among rice farmers: individual characteristics, community and social variables, and institutional frameworks. These elements hold crucial implications for policy formulation and provide a foundation for multidisciplinary collaboration to foster sustainable rice farming. This study fills a critical research void by delineating the key parameters that guide the adoption of sustainable practices within the rice farming community.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25550078.v1
title: Decoding the complexity of sustainable rice farming: a systematic review of critical determining factor of farmers’ sustainable practices adoption

description: The growing global concern about food security will be exacerbated by a projected population increase of nearly 10 billion by the year 2050. Rice cultivation is central to this discussion, as it feeds more than half of the world’s population. This systematic review addresses the urgent issue of global food security with an emphasis on sustainable rice farming. Traditional rice cultivation methods pose significant environmental challenges, such as methane emissions and high carbon footprints. Despite the increasing body of work on sustainable rice farming techniques, a gap exists from the absence of consolidated reviews. This study synthesised existing literature from SCOPUS and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Under strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 of the initial 3259 studies identified were analysed. This present study established three pivotal factors influencing the adoption of sustainable practices among rice farmers: individual characteristics, community and social variables, and institutional frameworks. These elements hold crucial implications for policy formulation and provide a foundation for multidisciplinary collaboration to foster sustainable rice farming. This study fills a critical research void by delineating the key parameters that guide the adoption of sustainable practices within the rice farming community.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27988345
title: Development of a manual scissors-operated machine for producing feed blocks for small ruminants

description: This study addressed the need for affordable and nutritious feed by developing a cost-effective and user-friendly, manually-operated feed block-making machine specifically designed for small-scale farmers. The newly designed machine prioritizes affordability, with a production cost of approximately $130.00 USD. It features a simple design with a chamber, pistons, and a user-friendly, scissors-operated mechanism. The machine’s effectiveness was evaluated using two different feed mixtures and various compaction times. Mixture 1 (10% molasses) produced blocks at a rate of 12 blocks per hour with a 15-minute compaction time. These blocks exhibited low Post-Compression Expansion (PCE) (19.7%) and high durability (99.6%). Mixture 2 (5% molasses, 5% cement) produced blocks even faster (16 blocks per hour) with a 10-minute compaction time. These blocks also demonstrated good physical qualities, with a PCE of 16.3% and exceptional durability (99.8%). On storage stability, packed feed blocks maintained their colour, texture, and showed no signs of fungal growth after 30 d while unpacked blocks showed signs of deterioration and excessive cracking, highlighting the importance of using sealed containers to maintain feed block quality. This affordable technology empowers small-scale farmers to produce high-quality feed blocks for an improved small ruminant production and increased food security in the region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27988345.v1
title: Development of a manual scissors-operated machine for producing feed blocks for small ruminants

description: This study addressed the need for affordable and nutritious feed by developing a cost-effective and user-friendly, manually-operated feed block-making machine specifically designed for small-scale farmers. The newly designed machine prioritizes affordability, with a production cost of approximately $130.00 USD. It features a simple design with a chamber, pistons, and a user-friendly, scissors-operated mechanism. The machine’s effectiveness was evaluated using two different feed mixtures and various compaction times. Mixture 1 (10% molasses) produced blocks at a rate of 12 blocks per hour with a 15-minute compaction time. These blocks exhibited low Post-Compression Expansion (PCE) (19.7%) and high durability (99.6%). Mixture 2 (5% molasses, 5% cement) produced blocks even faster (16 blocks per hour) with a 10-minute compaction time. These blocks also demonstrated good physical qualities, with a PCE of 16.3% and exceptional durability (99.8%). On storage stability, packed feed blocks maintained their colour, texture, and showed no signs of fungal growth after 30 d while unpacked blocks showed signs of deterioration and excessive cracking, highlighting the importance of using sealed containers to maintain feed block quality. This affordable technology empowers small-scale farmers to produce high-quality feed blocks for an improved small ruminant production and increased food security in the region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.24814197
title: Farmers’ awareness and perceptions on Newcastle disease in chicken: Evidence from high and low rainfall regions of Kenya

description: Newcastle disease (ND) poses a major challenge to Kenyan farmers who raise local chicken in a free-range system. The lack of consistent poultry rearing practices makes it unclear how farmers manage the disease. Insufficient awareness and negative perceptions contribute to the problem, leading to poor management and increased disease outbreaks. The extent of Kenyan farmers’ awareness and perceptions of ND also remains poorly documented. This study examined ND awareness, perceptions, and factors influencing awareness using a binary logit model on data from 332 farmers in high rainfall (Kakamega) and low rainfall (Machakos) regions in Kenya. Limited access to support services (34% extension, 25% training and 25% credit) was observed. The ND was perceived as a significant chicken disease, causing high mortality and losses during outbreaks. Awareness of ND was higher in high-rainfall areas. The household type, access to extension services and credit, training, and group membership significantly influenced ND awareness. Strengthening group membership is recommended for improved access to relevant information. Kakamega and Machakos county governments should invest more in targeted extension services, potentially collaborating with private providers and development partners. Financial institutions should also tailor their products to fit chicken farmers’ needs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.24814197.v1
title: Farmers’ awareness and perceptions on Newcastle disease in chicken: Evidence from high and low rainfall regions of Kenya

description: Newcastle disease (ND) poses a major challenge to Kenyan farmers who raise local chicken in a free-range system. The lack of consistent poultry rearing practices makes it unclear how farmers manage the disease. Insufficient awareness and negative perceptions contribute to the problem, leading to poor management and increased disease outbreaks. The extent of Kenyan farmers’ awareness and perceptions of ND also remains poorly documented. This study examined ND awareness, perceptions, and factors influencing awareness using a binary logit model on data from 332 farmers in high rainfall (Kakamega) and low rainfall (Machakos) regions in Kenya. Limited access to support services (34% extension, 25% training and 25% credit) was observed. The ND was perceived as a significant chicken disease, causing high mortality and losses during outbreaks. Awareness of ND was higher in high-rainfall areas. The household type, access to extension services and credit, training, and group membership significantly influenced ND awareness. Strengthening group membership is recommended for improved access to relevant information. Kakamega and Machakos county governments should invest more in targeted extension services, potentially collaborating with private providers and development partners. Financial institutions should also tailor their products to fit chicken farmers’ needs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25597682
title: Unveiling terroir: evaluating the magnitude of the heterogeneity and its main drivers in the Canary Islands wines

description: The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean near the Saharan coast. The extensive intricacy and multitude of variables inherent in the Canary Islands winemaking tradition have posed a substantial challenge, preventing comprehensive research on the main factors contributing to the character of local wine, thus, far. This challenge arises from a convergence of factors including the presence of 14 different grape varieties, and radically different climatic, soil and geographic conditions. This investigation sought to start unraveling this complexity by discerning the impacts of various geographical (specifically, island-related) and management factors (namely, organic vs. conventional practices) on soils and wines within the Canary Islands. Additional variables, such as wine type (red and white) and island of origin, were explored and correlated with the chosen management system. Pairs of organic and conventional wine and soil samples, possessing similar characteristics, were systematically collected from each of the seven wine-producing islands in the Canary archipelago. An examination of elemental composition, oenological attributes and fertility parameters was conducted, followed by comprehensive statistical analysis. Among the variables examined, only the island of origin emerged as statistically significant within the sample. Concerning soil fertility, organic samples exhibited elevated levels of organic matter compared to their conventional counterparts. No notable disparities were observed between the two production methods in terms of soil metal composition and other fertility parameters. However, it is noteworthy that four soil samples surpassed the legally permissible limits for Nickel (Ni) and Mercury (Hg), with three of these instances originating from Lanzarote. Differences between organic and conventional vineyard management in wines remains unexplored. Comparative nutrient, oenological and elemental soil and wine profiles were performed. The study aimed to test whether volcanic soils presented specific characteristics. Organic and conventional management did not significantly influence wine parameters. Volcanic soils present certain toxic compounds in amounts requiring toxicological monitoring.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25597682.v1
title: Unveiling terroir: evaluating the magnitude of the heterogeneity and its main drivers in the Canary Islands wines

description: The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean near the Saharan coast. The extensive intricacy and multitude of variables inherent in the Canary Islands winemaking tradition have posed a substantial challenge, preventing comprehensive research on the main factors contributing to the character of local wine, thus, far. This challenge arises from a convergence of factors including the presence of 14 different grape varieties, and radically different climatic, soil and geographic conditions. This investigation sought to start unraveling this complexity by discerning the impacts of various geographical (specifically, island-related) and management factors (namely, organic vs. conventional practices) on soils and wines within the Canary Islands. Additional variables, such as wine type (red and white) and island of origin, were explored and correlated with the chosen management system. Pairs of organic and conventional wine and soil samples, possessing similar characteristics, were systematically collected from each of the seven wine-producing islands in the Canary archipelago. An examination of elemental composition, oenological attributes and fertility parameters was conducted, followed by comprehensive statistical analysis. Among the variables examined, only the island of origin emerged as statistically significant within the sample. Concerning soil fertility, organic samples exhibited elevated levels of organic matter compared to their conventional counterparts. No notable disparities were observed between the two production methods in terms of soil metal composition and other fertility parameters. However, it is noteworthy that four soil samples surpassed the legally permissible limits for Nickel (Ni) and Mercury (Hg), with three of these instances originating from Lanzarote. Differences between organic and conventional vineyard management in wines remains unexplored. Comparative nutrient, oenological and elemental soil and wine profiles were performed. The study aimed to test whether volcanic soils presented specific characteristics. Organic and conventional management did not significantly influence wine parameters. Volcanic soils present certain toxic compounds in amounts requiring toxicological monitoring.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.26302178
title: The value of traditional milk products among smallholder farmers of Southern Ethiopia: handling, consumption and making of butter

description: Although earlier studies reported on traditional dairying, there is limited information on variation in milk and milk products handling, production, and consumption across various dairy production systems (DPS) in Southern Ethiopia, which is why this study was initiated. This study assessed 360 smallholder dairy producer households across four DPSs in the Sidama and the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s (SNNP) Regional States of Ethiopia: cereal-based (CB) diversified crop-based (DCB), Ensete-based (EB), and cash crop-based (CCB). Over two-thirds of respondents in CCB use improved milk handling devices like aluminum cans and Mazzicans, compared to 21% in EB. Eucalyptus globulus were primarily used to clean milk equipment in the CB, DCB and EB DPSs, whereas enset plant residue (‘kacha’ in Amharic) was specific to CCB. Olea africana was commonly used to smock milk containers across all systems. More milk (18 liters) was required to produce one kg of butter from crossbred cows, while local breeds required 13 liters on average. In the CB system, crossbred cows needed a minimum of 15 liters of milk to produce one kg of butter. Higher annual milk production per household was reported in the CCB, with the lowest in the DCB. Whole milk consumption did not significantly vary among the DPSs (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). On average, 38% of the produced milk was processed into traditional butter, with the lowest proportion (27%) in CCB and the highest (42%) in DCB. These findings suggest the need for tailored development options in milk handling, processing and butter making along with the introduction and adoption of improved handling technologies for the different DPSs in Southern Ethiopia. This study explores the traditional practices of handling, consuming, and making butter from milk among smallholder farmers in Southern Ethiopia. By examining the methods used across various dairy production systems, including cereal-based (CB), diversified crop-based (DCB), enset-based (EB), and cash crop-based (CCB), we uncover the unique and resourceful ways farmers manage their milk products. The findings highlight significant variations in the use of different plant parts and methods for cleaning milk equipment and extracting butter, reflecting the cultural richness and diversity of these practices. Additionally, the study reveals differences in milk and milk product consumption, suggesting opportunities to improve household nutrition. Based on these existing practices, we propose tailored improvements in milk handling and processing to enhance the quality of milk produced, which could positively impact the nutrition and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the future.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.26302178.v1
title: The value of traditional milk products among smallholder farmers of Southern Ethiopia: handling, consumption and making of butter

description: Although earlier studies reported on traditional dairying, there is limited information on variation in milk and milk products handling, production, and consumption across various dairy production systems (DPS) in Southern Ethiopia, which is why this study was initiated. This study assessed 360 smallholder dairy producer households across four DPSs in the Sidama and the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s (SNNP) Regional States of Ethiopia: cereal-based (CB) diversified crop-based (DCB), Ensete-based (EB), and cash crop-based (CCB). Over two-thirds of respondents in CCB use improved milk handling devices like aluminum cans and Mazzicans, compared to 21% in EB. Eucalyptus globulus were primarily used to clean milk equipment in the CB, DCB and EB DPSs, whereas enset plant residue (‘kacha’ in Amharic) was specific to CCB. Olea africana was commonly used to smock milk containers across all systems. More milk (18 liters) was required to produce one kg of butter from crossbred cows, while local breeds required 13 liters on average. In the CB system, crossbred cows needed a minimum of 15 liters of milk to produce one kg of butter. Higher annual milk production per household was reported in the CCB, with the lowest in the DCB. Whole milk consumption did not significantly vary among the DPSs (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). On average, 38% of the produced milk was processed into traditional butter, with the lowest proportion (27%) in CCB and the highest (42%) in DCB. These findings suggest the need for tailored development options in milk handling, processing and butter making along with the introduction and adoption of improved handling technologies for the different DPSs in Southern Ethiopia. This study explores the traditional practices of handling, consuming, and making butter from milk among smallholder farmers in Southern Ethiopia. By examining the methods used across various dairy production systems, including cereal-based (CB), diversified crop-based (DCB), enset-based (EB), and cash crop-based (CCB), we uncover the unique and resourceful ways farmers manage their milk products. The findings highlight significant variations in the use of different plant parts and methods for cleaning milk equipment and extracting butter, reflecting the cultural richness and diversity of these practices. Additionally, the study reveals differences in milk and milk product consumption, suggesting opportunities to improve household nutrition. Based on these existing practices, we propose tailored improvements in milk handling and processing to enhance the quality of milk produced, which could positively impact the nutrition and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the future.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25347960
title: An analysis of the adoption of the “system of rice intensification” (SRI): why a homegrown technique has yet to take seed among rice farmers in Madagascar

description: To combat food insecurity in Madagascar, organizations have promoted the <i>Système de Riziculture Intensifiée</i> (SRI), or System of Rice Intensification, an agroecological rice-growing technique. However, despite its many benefits, adoption remains low (and disadoption remains high) in Madagascar. To better understand these dynamics, we use data from two surveys of 328 rice farming households in southeastern Madagascar to conduct an analysis of decisions to adopt SRI, as well as look at the differences between adopters and non-adopters. Results show that despite strong intentions to adopt the technique, actual rates of adoption were lower than expected. Indeed, while 89.8% (<i>n</i> = 291) of respondents stated intention to adopt SRI, only 21.6% (<i>n</i> = 60) had trialed it one year later. Results also indicate that exposure to SRI trainings did not have spill-over effects to “untreated” farmers, as nearly all (95%, <i>n</i> = 57) of the farmers adopting SRI had registered for the training, with the majority (89.5%, <i>n</i> = 51) attending some days of training. Reasons given for not adopting SRI included lack of rice seeds deemed suitable by farmers, as well as insufficient labor, time and other resources. Furthermore, using an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior - Technology Acceptance Model framework and structural equation modeling (SEM), we find that perceived behavioral control, training participation and household assets are significant predictors of adoption. This research is important in efforts to better support uptake of improved agricultural practices among food insecure farming populations. It also fills a gap in the literature regarding SRI adoption among lowland coastal farming populations.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25347960.v1
title: An analysis of the adoption of the “system of rice intensification” (SRI): why a homegrown technique has yet to take seed among rice farmers in Madagascar

description: To combat food insecurity in Madagascar, organizations have promoted the <i>Système de Riziculture Intensifiée</i> (SRI), or System of Rice Intensification, an agroecological rice-growing technique. However, despite its many benefits, adoption remains low (and disadoption remains high) in Madagascar. To better understand these dynamics, we use data from two surveys of 328 rice farming households in southeastern Madagascar to conduct an analysis of decisions to adopt SRI, as well as look at the differences between adopters and non-adopters. Results show that despite strong intentions to adopt the technique, actual rates of adoption were lower than expected. Indeed, while 89.8% (<i>n</i> = 291) of respondents stated intention to adopt SRI, only 21.6% (<i>n</i> = 60) had trialed it one year later. Results also indicate that exposure to SRI trainings did not have spill-over effects to “untreated” farmers, as nearly all (95%, <i>n</i> = 57) of the farmers adopting SRI had registered for the training, with the majority (89.5%, <i>n</i> = 51) attending some days of training. Reasons given for not adopting SRI included lack of rice seeds deemed suitable by farmers, as well as insufficient labor, time and other resources. Furthermore, using an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior - Technology Acceptance Model framework and structural equation modeling (SEM), we find that perceived behavioral control, training participation and household assets are significant predictors of adoption. This research is important in efforts to better support uptake of improved agricultural practices among food insecure farming populations. It also fills a gap in the literature regarding SRI adoption among lowland coastal farming populations.