This book emanated from the research outputs of different authors whose diverse academic traditions and wide geographic spread play a major role in enriching its contents. The volume is mainly a compilation on smallholder farmers and their practices. The book also highlights the challenges, which small farmers frequently encounter, and the opportunities or prospects, which abound in their farming operations. Compartmentalized into three major sections, this 10-chapter volume provides an account of thought-provoking scenarios and narratives, which are rich and well suited for policy development and praxis. The book, therefore, compels policy-makers to see opportunities in every challenge associated with smallholder agriculture rather than see challenges in every opportunity therein. While some of the chapters present the results of field experimentations that highlight the impacts of certain geographic features and fertilizer use on root tuber cultivars’ production, some explore the effect of climate change on smallholder farming practices and how small farmers counteract the vagaries of weather conditions, which might impede their livelihoods. Nonetheless, most of the chapters largely rely on sociological methodologies to identify pertinent issues affecting the smallholder agriculture. While some of the issues underscore the advocacy for organic farming and its associated benefits or opportunities, others emphasize the uniqueness of certain agro-ecological farming systems and the opportunities, which they might offer resource-poor, smallholder farmers. A number of the chapters specifically provide some historical perspectives on the political economy of smallholder agriculture and identify the motivating and demotivating factors influencing young farmers’ affection for farming while some accentuate the pertinent role of research in determining small farmers’ response to the adoption of improved biotechnology in achieving food security.
Author(s): Oluwatoyin Dare Kolawole
Series: Agriculture Issues and Policies
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 306
City: New York
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Section I: Introduction, Soils and Climate-Related Issues
Introduction
The Structure of the book
References
Chapter 1
Cropping System, Tillage and Effects of Fertilizer Treatment on the Grain Yields of Sorghum and Green Grams in Makueni County, Kenya
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Trial Sites
Soil Analysis
Treatments, Experimental Designs and Data Collection
Data Collection and Management
Results and Discussion
Weather Data
Soil Survey and Fertility Analysis Data
Crop Yield Results
Conclusion and Recommendations
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 2
Environmental Double Whammy: Climate Change and Land Degradation in the Context of Ghanaian Smallholder Farmers
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical Underpinnings and Conceptual Model
Methodology
Study Area
Methods of Study
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
Section II: Small Farms, Cultural Practices, Opportunities and Challenges, and Policy Issues
Chapter 3
Organic Agriculture in the Tropics
Abstract
Introduction
Basis for Organic Agriculture in the Tropics: Africa as a Reference Point
Cases Where Organic Agriculture Has Improved African and Asian Farmers’ Lots
Conclusion, Policy Issues and Implications
References
Chapter 4
On Green Economy: Exploring Green Economy-Oriented Agronomic Practices among Youth Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Methods
Results and Discussion
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
Respondents’ Sources of Information
Respondents’ Awareness Index of Pro-Green Economy Agronomic Practices
Respondents’ Involvement Index for Pro-Green Economy Agronomic Practices
Constraints to Youths’ Involvement in Pro-Green Agronomic Practices
Correlates of Farm Youths’ Involvement
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5
Food Security and Flood Recession Farming in the Okavango Delta, Botswana: Policies and Practices
Abstract
Introduction
Molapo Farming - A Peculiar Agro-Ecological Farming System
Ecological Challenges and Coping Strategies
Weed Control
Molapo Farming, Land Use and Policy Issues
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6
Dryland Crop Production in Botswana: Constraints and Opportunities for Smallholder Arable Farmers
Abstract
Introduction
Research Methods
Agriculture in Botswana
Dryland Crop Production Challenges in Botswana
Crop Production Trends in Different Regions of Botswana
Land Tenure and Its Impact on Dryland Crop Production
Climate Change
Opportunities for Dryland Crop Production in Botswana
Arable Agriculture Policy Strategies
Conservation Agriculture
Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board
Conclusion and Policy Implications
References
Chapter 7
Cassava Production in a Semi-Arid Environment: The Case of Mutomo Sub-County in Kenya
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Participatory Rural Appraisal
Interviews and Data Analysis
Results and Discussion
Cassava Production Experience
Sources of Cassava Planting Materials
Potential Conflict between Farmers and Pastoralists
Cost of Planting Materials
Ownership of Communication Channels and Information Technology (IT) Knowledge
Education Level
Cassava Utilization and Consumption
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8
Small Scale Horticultural Business: Challenges and (De)motivating Factors of Young Farmers in Glen Valley Horticultural Farms of Botswana
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results and Discussion
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Horticultural Production
Opportunities for Horticultural Farming
Sources of Funds for Establishing Horticultural Projects
Marketing Channels for Horticultural Produce
Young farmers’ Perception of Productions of Production Constraints at Glen Valley
Management Strategies for Addressing Production Constraints at Glen Valley
Factors Influencing the Participation of Youths in Horticultural Farming
Motivating Factors of Youths’ Participation in Horticultural Farming
Demotivating Factors of Youths’ Participation in Horticultural Farming
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9
Sustainability and Growth: Future Challenges for Agricultural Practices
Abstract
Introduction
Growth versus Sustainable Development
From Ecological Agriculture to Agroecology - A Drive towards Sustainable Development
Empowerment: The Key to Sustainable Development
Conclusion
References
Section III: Conclusions
Chapter 10
Smallholder Farming Practices: Synthesis, Critical Reflections and Policy Issues
Challenges of Smallholder Farmers
Prospects Inherent in Smallholder Farming Practice
Policy Issues in Smallholder Agriculture
The Need to Develop Organic Fertilizers Cottage Industrial Base
Land Tenure, Producer Incentives and Credit Facilities
Collective Action, Social Capital Development and Market Infrastructure
Training and Effective Farmer-Extension Linkage
References
About the Editor
About the Contributors
Index
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