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6 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development

by Michael Blakeney

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052698 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6593

Abstract

Global agriculture is confronted by a number of substantial challenges, with some of them being existential [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

Research

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15 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Selected Factors on Farmers’ Work Performance towards Fertilizer Application in Rice of Bangladesh

by Thahamina Bagum, Md. Kamal Uddin, Salim Hassan, Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman, Md. Zulfikar Rahman and Ahmad Numery Ashfaqul Haque

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10795; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910795 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

There is enormous possibility to increase rice yield in Bangladesh. Inefficient and often imbalanced fertilizer use impedes farmers from achieving expected yields. It is evident from past research that farmers have resorted to applying fertilizers at inappropriate rates that do not match well [...] Read more.

There is enormous possibility to increase rice yield in Bangladesh. Inefficient and often imbalanced fertilizer use impedes farmers from achieving expected yields. It is evident from past research that farmers have resorted to applying fertilizers at inappropriate rates that do not match well with the nutrient requirement of certain crops. Therefore, this study explores the contribution of selected factors that influence farmers’ work performance and determine the highest contributing factors on farmers’ work performance towards fertilizer application in rice. This research used a multistage simple random sampling method to select 355 farmers from twenty-one rice production areas of Bangladesh. Data, collected using a structured questionnaire, were subjected to multiple linear regression analysis to explore the contribution of selected factors and identify the highest contributing factors towards farmers’ work performance. Results revealed that all the factors explained 56.1% of the variance in farmers’ work performance. Motivation of farmers was found to be the highest contributing factor, followed by knowledge that influences farmers’ work performance. The study concludes that farmers need to be equipped with essential knowledge and motivation crucial to strengthening their work performance as this will subsequently increase rice production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

14 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Law-Driven Innovation in Cereal Varieties: The Role of Plant Variety Protection and Seed Marketing Legislation in the European Union

by Serena Mariani

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148049 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of EU legislation in shaping innovation in cereal varieties. The research focuses on two fields of law and their relationship, i.e., intellectual property and agricultural law. More specifically, the normative legal investigation concerns [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of EU legislation in shaping innovation in cereal varieties. The research focuses on two fields of law and their relationship, i.e., intellectual property and agricultural law. More specifically, the normative legal investigation concerns the role played by Community plant variety protection and the EU legislation on the marketing of seed and plant propagating material in shaping innovation and stimulating plant breeding of new cereal varieties. The focus is on cereal varieties because innovation in this field has a great socio-economic impact, as well as strategic scientific and environmental implications. Breeding new cereal varieties is essential for the competitiveness of the seed and agricultural sector of the EU, and it can contribute to food security and the achievement of sustainable development goals. The study finds that it is necessary to simplify the existing legal framework by coordinating intellectual property and agricultural law, providing for legislative review and better coherence in order to effectively shape innovation and meet the changing demands of society and the sustainability challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

16 pages, 7785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On Spatially Dependent Risk Preferences: The Case of Nigerian Farmers

by Omotuyole Isiaka Ambali, Francisco Jose Areal and Nikolaos Georgantzis

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115943 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2754

Abstract

Rice farmers’ attitudes toward risk-taking have been identified as one of the factors affecting investment decisions and wealth accumulation. While existing studies have identified the socio-economic factors driving farmers’ risk attitudes, spatial variables that may correlate with decisions are often ignored in the [...] Read more.

Rice farmers’ attitudes toward risk-taking have been identified as one of the factors affecting investment decisions and wealth accumulation. While existing studies have identified the socio-economic factors driving farmers’ risk attitudes, spatial variables that may correlate with decisions are often ignored in the risk models due to difficulties in measurement. We studied unobserved spatial heterogeneity in farmer’s risk preferences by incorporating spatial dependency into a farmer’s risk preference model. We used data from a survey conducted with Nigerian farmers between March and May 2016. The survey collected information on 2016 farmers’ socio-demographic characteristics and farm attributes including its geographical location as well as information on the quality of roads. In addition, a set of experiments design to elicit famers’ attitudes toward risk were conducted. We estimated a spatial autoregressive model using the instrumental variable method. We found that unobserved spatial heterogeneity (e.g., soil, topographic farmers emulating each other) was present in farmer’s risk preferences along with socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, and religion and farm characteristics such as farm size and road quality. These results are relevant for policy decision-making processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

International Comparison of the Efficiency of Agricultural Science, Technology, and Innovation: A Case Study of G20 Countries

by Xiangyu Guo, Canhui Deng, Dan Wang, Xu Du, Jiali Li and Bowen Wan

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052769 - 4 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

An efficiency-oriented innovation analysis will enhance the understanding of the operational quality related to the transformation process of limited innovation investments for improving innovation outputs. The purpose of this study was to measure the static-dynamic efficiency of agricultural science, technology, and innovation (ASTI) [...] Read more.

An efficiency-oriented innovation analysis will enhance the understanding of the operational quality related to the transformation process of limited innovation investments for improving innovation outputs. The purpose of this study was to measure the static-dynamic efficiency of agricultural science, technology, and innovation (ASTI) and identify the efficiency determinants across the Group of Twenty (G20) countries. First, the static comprehensive efficiency of ASTI was measured employing the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-BCC model, and some of the binding constraints to higher efficiency were investigated. Then, we applied the DEA-Malmquist index model to calculate the efficiency change of ASTI in certain periods and decomposed the sources of efficiency change. Finally, the G20 countries were classified into four-level clusters based on the rankings of efficiency measurement and capability evaluation of ASTI to locate the type of ASTI level and identify the type change in both the efficiency and capability. The empirical results indicate the following. (1) The efficiency range of the G20 developing countries was relatively larger than the G20 developed countries. The G20 developed countries showed a fluctuating downward trend, while the G20 developing countries showed an upward trend from the perspective of efficient proportion. The R&D expenditure redundancy and the agricultural journal papers deficiency were the main binding constraints to the higher efficiency of ASTI. (2) The total factor productivity change (TFPC) of ASTI showed an alternating trend of “decline–growth–continuous decline–growth recovery”, where the G20 developed countries experienced “growth–decline–growth” and the G20 developing countries underwent a fluctuating upward trend. The TFPC of ASTI in most G20 countries was primarily due to technological change. (3) The G20 developed countries usually had advantages in capacity, while the G20 developing countries performed better in efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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8 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Agricultural Innovations to Reduce the Health Impacts of Dams

by Andrea J. Lund, David Lopez-Carr, Susanne H. Sokolow, Jason R. Rohr and Giulio A. De Leo

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041869 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4278

Abstract

Dams enable the production of food and renewable energy, making them a crucial tool for both economic development and climate change adaptation in low- and middle-income countries. However, dams may also disrupt traditional livelihood systems and increase the transmission of vector- and water-borne [...] Read more.

Dams enable the production of food and renewable energy, making them a crucial tool for both economic development and climate change adaptation in low- and middle-income countries. However, dams may also disrupt traditional livelihood systems and increase the transmission of vector- and water-borne pathogens. These livelihood and health impacts diminish the benefits of dams to rural populations dependent on rivers, as hydrological and ecological alterations change flood regimes, reduce nutrient transport and lead to the loss of biodiversity. We propose four agricultural innovations for promoting equity, health, sustainable development, and climate resilience in dammed watersheds: (1) restoring migratory aquatic species, (2) removing submerged vegetation and transforming it into an agricultural resource, (3) restoring environmental flows and (4) integrating agriculture and aquaculture. As investment in dams accelerates in low- and middle-income countries, appropriately addressing their livelihood and health impacts can improve the sustainability of modern agriculture and economic development in a changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

23 pages, 448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is a Training Program Sufficient to Improve the Smallholder Farmers’ Productivity in Africa? Empirical Evidence from a Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Tanzania

by George Mgendi, Shiping Mao and Fangbin Qiao

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031527 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6672

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the effect of training programs on the yield of smallholder farmers. The empirical analysis employed a sample of data collected from a rice farming household in the Mvomero district of Tanzania. The results indicate that the yield outcome [...] Read more.

The article aims to analyze the effect of training programs on the yield of smallholder farmers. The empirical analysis employed a sample of data collected from a rice farming household in the Mvomero district of Tanzania. The results indicate that the yield outcome among trained and non-trained farmers with water access for irrigation was significantly more than double; however, the yield difference between trained and non-trained farmers was insignificant in non-irrigated plots. Our findings have policy implications for agricultural development in developing countries where training programs alone may not be a panacea for smallholder farmers’ productivity improvement. Therefore, respective governments, policymakers, and other agricultural stakeholders, should consider both farm and non-farm factors altogether, which may increase agricultural training effectiveness to address the challenges of low yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability of Traditional Rice Cultivation in Kerala, India—A Socio-Economic Analysis

by Jayasree Krishnankutty, Michael Blakeney, Rajesh K. Raju and Kadambot H. M. Siddique

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020980 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6819

Abstract

Traditional rice cultivars and cultivation are on the decline in most rice-growing areas, mainly as a result of their low productivity. Packed with nutritionally, environmentally and locally superior qualities, traditional cultivars hold the key for sustainability in rice cultivation. This study explored the [...] Read more.

Traditional rice cultivars and cultivation are on the decline in most rice-growing areas, mainly as a result of their low productivity. Packed with nutritionally, environmentally and locally superior qualities, traditional cultivars hold the key for sustainability in rice cultivation. This study explored the dynamics of traditional rice cultivation in Kerala, India. It examined the economic, institutional and socio demographic factors involved in the production and marketing of traditional rice. We employed a multinomial logit model and discriminant function analysis to extract the key factors governing farmers’ marketing behaviour, and various cost measures to study the economics of rice enterprises. The socio-demographic factors were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. Holding size and institutional support were the main factors governing the marketing behaviour of farmers. Even though traditional rice farming was not found to be cost-effective in implicit terms, it was remunerative when imputed personal labour and owned land costs were not considered. The study found that traditional farmers are ageing, have a lower education and use limited marketing channels. However, the majority of them were satisfied with their farm enterprise. By streamlining the market support mechanism and processing facilities, traditional rice would most likely gain momentum in key areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 1607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Security Factors Driving Farmer Decisions on Uptake of Tissue Culture Banana Seed in Central Uganda

by Lucy Mulugo, Florence Birungi Kyazze, Paul Kibwika, Bonaventure Aman Omondi and Enoch Mutebi Kikulwe

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10223; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310223 - 7 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3198

Abstract

Despite the promotion of tissue culture (TC) banana to curb the spread of diseases, farmer use of such quality planting material remains low. This study utilizes the Double-Hurdle model on cross-sectional data of 174 banana farmers in Central Uganda to analyze the drivers [...] Read more.

Despite the promotion of tissue culture (TC) banana to curb the spread of diseases, farmer use of such quality planting material remains low. This study utilizes the Double-Hurdle model on cross-sectional data of 174 banana farmers in Central Uganda to analyze the drivers for uptake of TC banana plant materials. Results show acceptability (β = 0.74; p < 0.01), adaptability (β = 0.69; p < 0.01) and availability for farmer use (β = 1.04; p < 0.01) along with social influence, farmer competences and socioeconomic factors positively influence farmer uptake of the TC banana plantlets. For uptake intensity, the main drivers include acceptability (β = 0.39; p < 0.05), accessibility (β = 0.39; p < 0.01) and farmer competences. This study demonstrates that seed security factors with farmer competencies, social influence and socioeconomic factors influence farmer decisions on uptake of TC technology for banana production. Findings emphasize the need for more involvement of extension services and research institutions in the education and promotion of TC plants in farming communities. We recommend that banana TC developers and promoters focus attention on banana varieties that are acceptable and adaptable to farmer environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 6546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Climate and Phenology on the Yields of Early Mature Rice in China

by Yahui Guo, Wenxiang Wu, Yumei Liu, Zhaofei Wu, Xiaojun Geng, Yaru Zhang, Christopher Robin Bryant and Yongshuo Fu

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310133 - 4 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Phenological variables are closely correlated with rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields as they play important roles in influencing and controlling the carbon allocations between plant organs, but their impacts on rice yields and their relative importance compared with climatic variables are not yet [...] Read more.

Phenological variables are closely correlated with rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields as they play important roles in influencing and controlling the carbon allocations between plant organs, but their impacts on rice yields and their relative importance compared with climatic variables are not yet well investigated. In this study, the impacts and the relative importance of climatic and phenological variables on the yields of early mature rice were assessed using the trial data from 75 agricultural stations across China, spanning from 1981–2010. We found that both daily maximum (Tmax) and daily minimum (Tmin) temperatures during the growing season (from transplanting to maturity) increased significantly, while sunshine duration (SD) and precipitation (Prep) did not change significantly. The average transplanting date was advanced by 3.18 days/decade, and the heading (maturity) dates were delayed by 2.47 (4.55) days/decade, with yields significantly increased by 9.65 g/m³ per decade across all sites. Partial correlation coefficients between most phenological variables and rice yields were negative, whereas most of the climatic variables were positively correlated with rice yields. The average of partial correlation coefficients between transplanting, heading, and maturity dates and rice yields were −0.10, −0.15, and −0.01, respectively, and the average of coefficients between Tmax, Tmin, SD, and Prep and rice yields were 0.08, 0.02, 0.12, and −0.05, respectively. Interestingly enough, phenological variables were the dominating influencing factors on rice yields at 63% of the sites, suggesting that the relative importance of phenology to rice yields may be even higher than that of climate. The climatic variables were closely correlated with rice yields as they are fundamental growth materials for crops, and phenological variables strongly influenced the growth and development of rice. Our results highlight that phenology should be precisely evaluated in crop models to improve the accuracy of simulating their response to climate change. Furthermore, due to limited understanding of phenological processes, manipulative experiments are urgently needed to comprehensively improve our understanding of rice phenology and rice yield response to ongoing climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement of the Spatial Complexity and Its Influencing Factors of Agricultural Green Development in China

by Hongpeng Guo, Shuang Xu and Chulin Pan

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219259 - 7 Nov 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4478

Abstract

The article focuses on the spatial complexity of agricultural green development (AGD) in different regions. The article first constructs an evaluation index system for the level of AGD from four dimensions: Social development, economic benefits, resource input, and ecological environment. Then, the article [...] Read more.

The article focuses on the spatial complexity of agricultural green development (AGD) in different regions. The article first constructs an evaluation index system for the level of AGD from four dimensions: Social development, economic benefits, resource input, and ecological environment. Then, the article uses an improved entropy weight method to evaluate the level of AGD with panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2007 to 2018. Finally, on the basis of Moran Index and the Spatial Durbin Model, the article analyzes the spatial heterogeneity of the factors that affect the green development of agriculture in China. The results show that: (1) From 2007 to 2018, the overall level of AGD shows a fluctuating upward trend in China, and there are differences among provinces. The level of AGD in the three major regions presents the characteristics of Eastern > Central > Western; (2) China’s provincial AGD level has an obvious positive autocorrelation in spatial distribution, showing significant spatial agglomeration characteristics in space; (3) the four factors of urbanization level, agricultural mechanization level, scientific and technological R&D investment, and arable area, have different effects on the level of AGD in three major regions. This study provides a reference for understanding the status of China’s agricultural green development level and policy recommendations on how to improve the level of agricultural green development. The results imply that some effective policy measures, such as prompting the integrated development of the three major industries and optimizing the industrial structure, should be taken to coordinate “green” with “development” from national and regional perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessReview

Digitalization for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Potential, Status, and Risks for the MENA Region

by Rachel A. Bahn, Abed Al Kareem Yehya and Rami Zurayk

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3223; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063223 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 14254

Abstract

Digital technologies offer a potential solution to improve sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—of agri-food systems around the globe. While developed countries have led the innovation and adoption of digital agriculture, the potential impact in developing countries—including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) [...] Read more.

Digital technologies offer a potential solution to improve sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—of agri-food systems around the globe. While developed countries have led the innovation and adoption of digital agriculture, the potential impact in developing countries—including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—is massive. This article synthesizes existing evidence to review the potential and current contribution of digital technologies to the agri-food sectors in MENA. Digital agriculture shows promise in addressing the key challenges facing the agri-food sector across MENA countries. Improvements in primary production, supply chain and logistics performance, and optimized use of scarce natural resources (notably agricultural water) could be notable, if digital technologies can be implemented as envisioned. Available evidence shows that adoption of digital agriculture is at early stages, generally led by high-value agricultural production targeting domestic markets in Gulf countries and export markets in Mashreq countries. Economic sustainability appears the strongest force for current adoption, with less focus on social or environmental sustainability. Public policies should not only foster the adoption of digital technologies in MENA but also ensure equity of access, transparency of use, data protections, and labor protections. Policymakers should move beyond traditional, production-centric views to deliver also on social and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

15 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessReview

Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Rice–Wheat Cropping Systems in South Asia

by Aman Ullah, Ahmad Nawaz, Muhammad Farooq and Kadambot H. M. Siddique

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041965 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5255

Abstract

The rice–wheat cropping system is the main food bowl in Asia, feeding billions across the globe. However, the productivity and long-term sustainability of this system are threatened by stagnant crop yields and greenhouse gas emissions from flooded rice production. The negative environmental consequences [...] Read more.

The rice–wheat cropping system is the main food bowl in Asia, feeding billions across the globe. However, the productivity and long-term sustainability of this system are threatened by stagnant crop yields and greenhouse gas emissions from flooded rice production. The negative environmental consequences of excessive nitrogen fertilizer use are further exacerbating the situation, along with the high labor and water requirements of transplanted rice. Residue burning in rice has also severe environmental concerns. Under these circumstances, many farmers in South Asia have shifted from transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice and reported water and labor savings and reduced methane emissions. There is a need for opting the precision agriculture techniques for the sustainable management of nutrients. Allelopathic crops could be useful in the rotation for weed management, the major yield-reducing factor in direct-seeded rice. Legume incorporation might be a viable option for improving soil health. As governments in South Asia have imposed a strict ban on the burning of rice residues, the use of rice-specific harvesters might be a pragmatic option to manage rice residues with yield and premium advantage. However, the soil/climatic conditions and farmer socio-economic conditions must be considered while promoting these technologies in rice-wheat system in South Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

12 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) as an Alternative Energy Source and Sustainable Crop

by Rahiel Hagos, Abdulwahab Saliu Shaibu, Lei Zhang, Xu Cai, Jianli Liang, Jian Wu, Runmao Lin and Xiaowu Wang

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7492; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187492 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5836

Abstract

Energy and food source crop demand claims to be vulnerable to climate change impacts. The new and orphan crops, which in the past have received only limited research attention but are sustainable to environmental systems, are needed. In this review, we summarize the [...] Read more.

Energy and food source crop demand claims to be vulnerable to climate change impacts. The new and orphan crops, which in the past have received only limited research attention but are sustainable to environmental systems, are needed. In this review, we summarize the available literature about Ethiopian mustard as an alternative energy source and its sustainable economic importance as a new promising Brassicacea crop for new opportunities in the face of producing sustainable environment and energy development. Ethiopian mustard has many advantages and can be adopted to replace crops that are susceptible to adverse environmental conditions. Ethiopian mustard is becoming a new promising Brassicaceae crop with the current global energy demand increases. However, researchers have only focused on energy source production which has resulted in developing high erucic acid varieties. This results partly in limited studies on developing Ethiopian mustard edible oil varieties. The adoption and scaling-up of this promising crop as an oilseed crop in developing countries and Mediterranean conditions can sustain the impact of climate change with the demand for food and energy debate concepts. Indeed, further agronomic, quality and genomic studies on oilseed nutritional traits for efficient breeding and utilization are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development)

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