Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Information needs to be expressed by farmers have often been understood as extension needs. However, the mandate of extension services is more than just providing information about agri-inputs and its supply chain. The present study was undertaken to determine the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study sample comprised of 160 vegetable growers spread across four villages in two districts of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The data was collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. The study findings revealed that a large majority of the vegetable growers expressed high extension needs. Certain attributes of farmers such as age, education, farming experience, information-seeking behaviour, media exposure and income were found to have a significant relationship with the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study findings will help policymakers, technology developers, extension scientists and field extension agents learn about the extension needs of the vegetable growers and help in designing and developing appropriate extension strategies according to their extension need and convenience of the farmers so that they could get the maximum benefit out of it.

Beninese’s dietary habits related to Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) were studied in eleven districts of Republic of Benin. Data were collected from five hundred households on their consumption habits. Results showed that these leafy vegetables are consumed, either alone or accompanied by other leafy vegetables, depending on seasonal availability, health-promotion, and taste. Diversification and greater access to leafy green vegetables could improve individuals’ nutritional profile.

Knowledge management is considered as an essential factor for the sustainable development of enterprises in the agricultural context. A consecutive workshops were conducted for senior and junior agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of two Governorates of the Delta region namely: Beheira and Kafr-Elsheikh. A purposive sample of 11 senior AEWs and 20 junior AEWs was selected. The Wiig knowledge management model (KMM) of four stages was used to identify the knowledge management practices. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used for presenting interview responses and Chi Square Test was used to determine the differences between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses .The most important results were: the respondents obtain explicit knowledge from the statistics department and pamphlets. Types of formulating and documenting knowledge were the periodical minutes and reports. The available knowledge was compatible with the farmers' problems. Remembering the explicit knowledge was facilitated by frequent use of the acquired knowledge. Explicit knowledge was kept on computer bases of the specialized departments.  Aggregating and categorizing knowledge were rallying on personal efforts. The practical knowledge was provided through awareness-raising meetings with farmers. Significant differences were found between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses concerning: obtaining the tacit knowledge, compatibility of knowledge with farmers' problems, and retrieving knowledge. Among the most important recommendations were: conducting training programs on knowledge management concept and practices for AEWs and establishing knowledge management units at the central and the two Governorates level. Some suggested recommendations are: forming specialized team to organize and document the tacit knowledge, allocating storage units for knowledge including new tools and the required electronic devices, coordinating research institutions with agricultural extension organizations in transferring farmers' problems through formal procedures, and supporting the provision of AESs and developing the evaluation methods of the provided services. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.

The present study analyzed the status and performance of women’s Self Help Groups in fisheries of Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh state. Two blocks namely Kawardha and Bodla blocks of Chhattisgarh, India were selected for the study. Total 140 numbers of respondents from twenty SHGs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. It has been revealed that women participation in Self Help Groups made a significant impact on their empowerment despites the majority of them were being illiterate (42.85%). The performance analysis conducted using NABARD checklist revealed that sixty percent of the SHGs fall under the category of good and 20 percent as very good. Nevertheless, the major constraints that deter the activities of the SHGs were reported as political biasness existing in the study area followed by lack of capital and awareness among the members. And hence, it has been concluded that the women SHGs in the study area have greater influence and benefitted the respondent members both socially and economically.

The present paper is an endeavour to analyze the accessibility and usability of online and mobile media among farmers and to find out the relationship between socioeconomic variables and various online and mobile media. The primary data were collected from randomly selected 720 farmers from 16 villages of Punjab through self-structured questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that 99.17 per cent of farmers in the study area had access to mobile phones while 78.05 per cent farmers were using internet on their mobile phones. However, 60.56 per cent farmers had used agri-apps and agricultural websites to obtain agricultural information. Only 43 per cent of them had positive perception towards the usefulness of information attained through online and mobile media. Further, there was a positive correlation of socioeconomic characteristics such as education, income and land with usage of online and mobile media whereas age and experience had shown negative correlation. This implies that with the increase in age and experience of farmers, the possibility of using mobile and online media for agricultural information declined whereas higher education, larger landholdings and more income facilitated greater use of mobile phones and internet for agriculture purposes. Thus, the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers had a direct and deep relationship with the accessibility and usage of online and mobile media among farmers of Punjab. The study recommends that a policy should be framed to educate the elderly farmers regarding the use of the new media. The scope of formal education among the youth should also be expended to realize the full potential of this medium.