Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Community Engagement and Renewable Energy Transitions in Agricultural Landscapes: A Comparative Analysis of Global North and South

Tayná Padilha Basqueroto Antunes — 2025-10-22

This article aims to analyze community engagement processes in renewable energy transitions within agricultural landscapes from a socioeconomic perspective, with particular attention to the Global South. An integrative literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, enabling a structured synthesis of empirical and theoretical evidence related to renewable energy, governance, and rural development. The review was carried out between June and September 2025 and included studies published between 2007 and 2025 from Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar using Boolean operators and controlled descriptors. A total of 238 studies were identified, 68 were fully reviewed, and 20 met the eligibility criteria for final synthesis. Data were coded according to region, energy source, engagement strategies, governance models, and socioeconomic outcomes. Most studies originated from Europe (37%) and North America (26%), with comparatively fewer studies from Asia (12%), South America (9%), and Africa (5%). Solar and wind energy were the most studied technologies. Four major thematic clusters emerged: community engagement and social acceptance (38%), governance and participatory models (30%), socioeconomic impacts (22%), and integrated socio-technical approaches (10%). The findings indicate clear asymmetries in research production between the Global North and South. While Northern studies often emphasize structured governance frameworks and technological innovation, Southern contexts highlight local participation, community ownership, and social equity challenges. However, important limitations persist, including language bias, geographical concentration of studies in developed regions, and the predominance of short-term research designs. These gaps highlight the urgent need to expand research agendas, strengthen participatory approaches, and promote equitable renewable energy transitions.

Impact of Adopting Organic Fertilization, Improved Fallow on Income of Maize Producing Farmers in Togo: Using Endogenous Switching Regression Model

Dtorane T. Waibena — 2025-10-15

Background and Aims: In Togo, the maritime region is the most penalized by declining soil fertility and the effect of climatic variability, with the lowest average maize yield of all Togo's regions. This study therefore analyzes the determinants of the adoption of organic fertilization and improved fallow with Mucuna pruriens as a sustainable agricultural practice, and assesses the impact of these practices on the income of maize producers in Togo.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Togolese Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Lomé in Togo from January to July 2025.

Methodology: For this purpose, data were collected from 145 farmer-members of cereal producer organizations in the maritime region and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an Endogenous Switching Regression model to account for the heterogeneity in the decision to adopt sustainable practices.

Results: 33.6% of producers surveyed were women and 66.4% were men. The most represented age group is between 40 and 49, with 45.8% of growers. 56% of agricultural producers adopt sustainable farming practices. Econometric analysis using an endogenous switching regression model revealed that the variables soil fertility, tractor use, access to non-governmental organization extension services and training in integrated soil fertility management had a positive impact on the probability of adopting sustainable practices. In addition, the study shows that organic fertilization and improved fallow increase farm income by 14.15%.

Conclusion: Finally, these results call on research and agricultural extension institutions to adapt their actions to ensure the success of agricultural extension and increased income for producers. Thus, policies for the mechanization of agriculture and training of farmers in sustainable agricultural practices must be strengthened.

An Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Influencing the Performance of Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Kericho and Nakuru Counties, Kenya

V.J. Talam — 2025-10-22

This study examines how socioeconomic conditions shape the productivity of small-scale dairy farmers in Kenya's Kericho and Nakuru Counties—two regions central to the country's dairy value chain. Drawing on data from 336 farmers across six sub-counties (Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, Belgut, Kuresoi South, Kuresoi North, and Molo), the research employs a multi-stage sampling strategy. Data collection was conducted between May and August 2023 using structured questionnaires adapted from the World Bank’s Social Capital Assessment Tool (SOCAT). It applies ordinary least squares regression to identify key determinants of milk output per farmer. Findings indicate that the number of lactating cows (Coef. = 13.864, p = 0.000), access to credit (Coef. = 3.11, p = 0.02), and farmers' primary occupation (Coef. = 1.507, p = 0.004) have strong positive associations with productivity. Conversely, daily feed cost (Coef. = -0.011, p = 0.000) emerged as a significant constraint, negatively affecting milk yields across the sample. Education, household size, and access to extension services showed weaker or context-dependent effects, suggesting that their influence is mediated by factors such as group leadership dynamics or market proximity. The analysis highlights the need for tailored, locally responsive interventions that move beyond input provision and address the structural barriers faced by farmers. Strengthening cooperative governance, improving the accessibility and design of financial products, and supporting resilient feeding systems are critical for sustaining group performance. The study contributes to the current discourse by providing empirical insights to inform inclusive dairy development in high-potential rural areas.

Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Farming Methods on Economic Well-Being between Households Using Indigenous and Conventional Farming Practices in the Midlands of Embu County in Kenya

Mwenga Miriam Ngina — 2025-10-24

Agriculture is vital to Kenya’s economy, supporting over 80% of rural residents, contributing one-third of GDP, and supplying 65% of export earnings. Despite international and national efforts to promote conventional and sustainable farming, global food insecurity has worsened, with acute hunger rising by 10% to affect 343 million people in 74 countries. Industrial-scale, high-yield agriculture has often destabilized sustainability, causing environmental harm, social inequality, chronic diseases, and increased food insecurity. With the global population expected to reach 10.4 billion by the 2080s, transforming agri-food systems is crucial for resilient food security and economic stability. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture at the Midlands of Embu County in Kenya highlights the need to compare conventional and indigenous farming methods to better understand their economic and environmental effects. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of farming practices used in conventional and Indigenous farming methods on economic well-being. The study adopted the comparative research design and descriptive survey design. The study population comprised of 66,878 farmer households and key informants in the Midlands of Embu County. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview schedule and observation check lists. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to summarize results on farming practices while inferential statistical analysis included the use of simple linear regression analysis were used to reveal effect of the farming practices on economic well- being. Farming practice showed statistically significant negative coefficient for the indigenous farm households. The negative coefficient indicates that as the category value of farming practices increases (likely representing poorer practices), income significantly decreases. In the conventional farming practices: The analysis shows that conventional farming practice category has a non-significant effect on Income total (IT). The study recommends implementation of policies that promote sustainable farming, protect small scale farmers and encourage biodiversity conservation. The results obtained will guide adoption of sustainable farming practices, policy reviews and add to the existing knowledge of research.

Estimation of Marketing Efficiency, Margin and Price Spread of Guava Fruit under Different Marketing Channels in Gujarat, India

Ankita B. Vaza — 2025-10-27

The present research investigates the Marketing efficiency, marketable surplus, marketing cost, margin and price spread of guava in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Various marketing channels were analyzed to determine their efficiency. The Bhavnagar district was purposively selected, as it has the largest area and production of guava in Gujarat. A total sample of 120 respondents was selected for the study. For studying price spread, 40 merchants from each of the Bhavnagar and Mahuva regulated markets were selected as samples. The major analytical tools employed for the study were tabular analysis, price spread, marketing cost and marketing efficiency. The study found that selling through a commission agent incurred the highest marketing costs per quintal (Rs. 131.51), followed by wholesalers (Rs. 110.65), village traders (Rs. 99.87) and retailers (Rs. 83.95). The marketable surplus constituted 93.65 per cent of total guava production. Among the channels studied, Channel-III (Producer - Commission Agent - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer) incurred the highest marketing cost per quintal, followed by Channel-II (Producer - Village Trader - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer) and Channel-I (Producer - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer). Channel-II recorded the highest marketing margin per quintal (Rs. 1555.26), followed by Channel-III (Rs. 1361.71) and Channel-I (Rs. 1158.65). The producer's share in the consumer's rupee per quintal was greatest in Channel-I (77.98%), followed by Channel-III (72.41%) and Channel-II (71.66%). According to Acharya's method, Channel-I is identified as the most effective marketing channel among the three.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 of Food Security and Zero Hunger in Nigeria Through Land Remediation

SOTOMIWA, Yusuf Martins — 2025-10-30

The study was carried out to analyze the cost of remediation of arable crops farmland from sand mining in Ondo State, Nigeria to ensure availability of land for farming. This will enhance the achievement of SDGs 2 of food security and zero hunger. A total of 120 respondents using multistage sampling techniques were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, soil analysis and Net Present Value (NPV). The study showed that there is a severe nutrient depletion of the physical and chemical properties of farmland due to sand mining activities. The study further revealed that arable crop farmers are losing money by giving out their farmland to the sand miners in the study area. From the study, it will cost N2,586,000 ($1,668.39) to remediate a hectare of farmland that has been mined by sand miners for at least two years. The result of the NPV revealed that in the long run, the arable crop farmers who continue with their arable crop farming for five years will make N12,377,023 ($7,985.18) while their counterparts who lease their farmland to sand miners will only earn N7,245,240 ($4,674.35). The study therefore recommends that agricultural landowners should stop leasing out their land to sand miners in the study area. Government and other stakeholders should aim to regulate the activities of sand miners and assist the arable crop farmers to diversify their income especially during off season farming.

Economic Valuation of Forest Restoration Programs in Togo: A Contingent Valuation Approach

Kpanoga Kolombia — 2025-10-31

This study assesses Togolese households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for forest restoration programs across the five economic regions of Togo: Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, Kara, and Savanes. Forests provide essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and soil protection, yet these services are often undervalued in economic decision-making. The assessment was conducted using the contingent valuation (CV) method, with labor contributions as the payment vehicle, subsequently converted into monetary equivalents. A total of 238 valid responses were analyzed after removing protest responses. The WTP values were examined using a Tobit regression model to identify the main sociodemographic determinants. The results reveal significant regional disparities: the Savanes region exhibits the highest average WTP (65,625 CFA), whereas the Maritime region shows the lowest (37,261 CFA). Young adults and women are generally more willing to contribute, although patterns vary across regions. Urban residence tends to reduce WTP in the Maritime and Kara regions, likely due to a lower perception of the direct benefits of forest ecosystem services. Overall, this study provides crucial empirical evidence to inform forest restoration planning and sustainable forest policy in Togo, demonstrating the value of contingent valuation for designing context-specific environmental policies in developing countries.