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Research Article
Socio-Economic Status of Fennel Growers in Bharatpur District of Rajasthan
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
68-75
Received:
1 January 2026
Accepted:
15 January 2026
Published:
30 March 2026
Abstract: The study was conducted during the year 2020–21 in Veerampura village of Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, with the objective of assessing the socio-economic status of fennel growers and estimating the costs and returns associated with fennel cultivation across different farm sizes. The area falls under the flood-prone Eastern Plain Zone (3B) of Rajasthan, known for its agro-climatic diversity. A total of 46 fennel growers were selected using purposive non-random sampling, classified into marginal, small, medium, and large farm categories. The study was based on primary data and included variables such as landholding size, family composition, literacy levels, and fixed asset distribution. The study found that the average farm size was 2.14 hectares, with landholdings ranging from 0.67 ha in marginal to 4.41 ha in large farms. The average family size was 5.43 members, and male members formed the majority of the agricultural labor force. Literacy levels were relatively high, with only 17.68% of the farm population being illiterate; marginal farms had the highest literacy rate. Fixed asset values per farm averaged ₹2,17,731.12, increasing with farm size. However, the per hectare value of fixed assets was highest among marginal farms (₹2,35,563), reflecting a more intensive use of resources. Livestock contributed the highest share to fixed assets, followed by machinery and buildings. The analysis concluded that farm size significantly influences socio-economic outcomes. Marginal and small farmers, despite having limited land, exhibited greater mechanization and literacy levels, whereas larger farms benefited from economies of scale but faced higher dependency ratios. These insights are critical for designing effective policies focused on improving resource utilization, income generation, and educational outreach in fennel-growing regions. The ANOVA results found significant differences between the farm-size groups for all the major variables. The findings highlight the need for targeted support to marginal and smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and income.
Abstract: The study was conducted during the year 2020–21 in Veerampura village of Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, with the objective of assessing the socio-economic status of fennel growers and estimating the costs and returns associated with fennel cultivation across different farm sizes. The area falls under the flood-prone Eastern Plain Zone (3B) of Rajas...
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Review Article
Empirical Literature Review on Determinants of Farmers' Access to Agricultural Credit in Ethiopia
Lemma Gutema*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
76-82
Received:
8 March 2026
Accepted:
25 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260102.12
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Views:
Abstract: Agriculture plays a fundamental role in Ethiopia’s economy, serving as the main source of livelihood for a large proportion of the rural population. The sector contributes significantly to employment, food supply, and income generation. Nevertheless, its overall performance remains constrained by several structural challenges, among which limited access to agricultural credit is particularly critical for smallholder farmers. This study provides a comprehensive review of existing empirical studies to explore the factors that determine farmers’ access to agricultural credit in Ethiopia and to examine its implications for farm performance. A systematic review methodology was used, drawing on evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional publications, and reports. The review identifies a range of factors that influence credit accessibility. These include socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, human capital attributes, and farming experience, as well as economic factors. In addition, institutional factors as well as physical factors play an important role in shaping farmers’ ability to obtain credit. Furthermore, the evidence consistently showed that access to agricultural credit was associated with improvements in farm productivity and household income. However, disparities in access persist, with women and resource-poor farmers facing greater barriers to financial services, thereby limiting their capacity to benefit from credit opportunities. Therefore, strengthening inclusive rural financial systems is essential for improving agricultural productivity, enhancing market integration, and supporting long-term agricultural development in Ethiopia. Furthermore, policy intervention should prioritize expanding financial service coverage, addressing structural constraints, and reinforcing institutional support systems to ensure that rural household farmers can access credit on equitable terms.
Abstract: Agriculture plays a fundamental role in Ethiopia’s economy, serving as the main source of livelihood for a large proportion of the rural population. The sector contributes significantly to employment, food supply, and income generation. Nevertheless, its overall performance remains constrained by several structural challenges, among which limited a...
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Research Article
Determinants of Improved Maize Variety Adoption and Its Impact on Smallholder Farm Productivity Evidence from Gesha Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia
Netsanet Gizaw*,
Mathiwos Kifle
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
83-95
Received:
19 January 2026
Accepted:
23 March 2026
Published:
13 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260102.13
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Abstract: Despite the availability of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia, adoption among smallholder farmers remains uneven, contributing to persistent yield gaps. This study investigates the determinants of improved maize variety adoption and its impact on smallholder farm productivity in Gesha Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional household survey data, a binary logit model is employed to identify factors influencing farmers’ adoption decisions. To address potential selection bias arising from observable differences between adopters and non-adopters, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) were applied to estimate the causal effect of adoption on maize productivity. Multiple matching algorithms, including nearest neighbor, radius, and kernel matching, are used to assess the robustness of the estimated treatment effects. Descriptive results indicate significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in age, education, farm size, farming experience, and credit access. Logit model results show that the sex of the household head, education level, farm size, farming experience, access to credit, and distance to markets significantly affect adoption decisions. PSM results revealed that adopters produce significantly higher maize yields than non-adopters, confirming the positive effect of IMV adoption. The results underscore the need for policies that expand farmer access to extension services and rural credit, strengthen dissemination of improved seed technologies, and enhance farmers’ human capital through education and training programs to accelerate adoption and improve smallholder productivity.
Abstract: Despite the availability of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia, adoption among smallholder farmers remains uneven, contributing to persistent yield gaps. This study investigates the determinants of improved maize variety adoption and its impact on smallholder farm productivity in Gesha Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional household s...
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Research Article
The Role of Climate-Smart Agricultural Lending in Improving Food Security in Palestine: An Empirical Study of Sustainable Rural Finance
Haroon Mohammed Alataweneh*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
96-100
Received:
21 January 2026
Accepted:
10 February 2026
Published:
13 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260102.14
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Abstract: Food security in Palestine is increasingly threatened by climate change, water scarcity, political instability, and limited access to appropriate agricultural finance. Smallholder farmers face growing production risks while lacking the financial capacity to invest in resilient and sustainable farming systems. Climate-smart agricultural lending (CSAL) has emerged as an innovative rural finance mechanism that integrates climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and productivity enhancement within agricultural credit systems. This study empirically examines the role of climate-smart agricultural lending in improving food security outcomes in Palestine. Primary data were collected from smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural financial institutions across selected governorates in the West Bank using structured questionnaires. Econometric regression analysis and propensity score matching were applied to assess the impact of CSAL on adoption of climate-smart practices, income stability, and household food security measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The results show that access to climate-smart agricultural credit significantly enhances farmers’ adoption of sustainable practices, reduces climate-related production risks, and improves household food availability and access. The study concludes that strengthening climate-smart rural finance frameworks can play a vital role in supporting climate-resilient agriculture and long-term food security in fragile and resource-constrained contexts such as Palestine.
Abstract: Food security in Palestine is increasingly threatened by climate change, water scarcity, political instability, and limited access to appropriate agricultural finance. Smallholder farmers face growing production risks while lacking the financial capacity to invest in resilient and sustainable farming systems. Climate-smart agricultural lending (CSA...
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