Tag Archives: agriculture

xxx E. Rutabagaya, P. Burny, G.M. Ya-Bititi, E. Bisetsa, I. Mumararungu and J. Rwirahira
Gender and intersectional analysis of agricultural value chains for youth engagement in Rwanda
Abstract |
Full text PDF (317 KB)

Gender and intersectional analysis of agricultural value chains for youth engagement in Rwanda

E. Rutabagaya*, P. Burny, G.M. Ya-Bititi, E. Bisetsa, I. Mumararungu and J. Rwirahira

University of Liege, Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Department of Economics and Rural Development, Passage des Déportés 02, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
*Correspondence: eugene.rutabagayar@doct.uliege.be

Abstract:

Youth engagement in agriculture is recognized as a quick and effective way to address problems of rural unemployment, poverty and food insecurity. This paper explores factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural value chains across nine districts in Rwanda, focusing on five major crops in Rwanda: maize, Irish potatoes, beans, chilies, and avocados. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a survey of 635 youth engaged in selected value chains across nine districts in Rwanda, supplemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Results from this study revealed a segmentation of youth engagement in value chains along gender lines, both in the selection of value chains and accross different segments. The study identified differences in the prioritization of needs among different youth social identities in agricultural, along with gender disparities in the ownership and control of productive resources. The study further noted that young women encounter particular barriers limiting their participation in leadership roles in agricultural organizations, including limited skills, restricted mobility, low education, and heavy domestic responsibilities. The study recommends deliberate measures to address these challenges, entailing the introduction of financial solutions to improve youth access to productive resources, affirmative actions to enhance young women’s inclusion in lucrative value chain segments, and awareness interventions to address social norms. Likewise, strengthening governance structures of farmer cooperatives for youth engagement will unlock employment opportunities for young people in agriculture.

Key words:

, , , , ,



134-150 T.E.A. Mattila, E. Liski, M. Väre and R.H. Rautiainen
Diminished work ability as a contributing factor for farmer’s interest in switching to organic production
Abstract |
Full text PDF (487 KB)

Diminished work ability as a contributing factor for farmer’s interest in switching to organic production

T.E.A. Mattila¹*, E. Liski¹, M. Väre¹ and R.H. Rautiainen²

¹Natural Resources Institution Finland (‘Luke’), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
²University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-4388, USA
*Correspondence: tiina.mattila@luke.fi

Abstract:

Previous studies suggest organic producers have diminished work ability, but it is unclear if this is due to pre-existing conditions or work exposures in organic production itself. The current study explored whether diminished work ability is a contributing factor to the interest in switching from conventional to organic production. The study used data from 2018, Finnish farmer questionnaire, analysed by machine learning – based approach and logistic regression modelling. Nearly half (46%) of the survey respondents (n = 2,948) had a diminished work ability score. Seventeen percent (n = 501) of the respondents reported being interested in switching to organic production. Farmers with diminished work ability had greater odds (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26–1.92) for showing interest in switching. Those growing horticulture and special crops (vs. cereals) (OR 0.55) and those age 55+ years (vs. less than 35) (OR 0.51) showed less interest in switching. The interest in starting or expanding organic production was higher among those who already had an organic agreement on part of their farm (OR 5.7) and those who had other business activities on the farm (OR 1.36). In summary, this study suggests that diminished work ability predicts farmer’s interest for switching to organic production. Measures to protect the health and well-being of farmers and workers during and after switching to organic production is critically important in achieving not only policy goals to increase organic production, but also good quality of life of farmers.

Key words:

, , , ,



1312-1323 H. Taia, A.S. Bernoussi, E. Wozniak, M. Amharref and S. El Azizi
Using hyperspectral reflectance to evaluate the impact of irrigation and fertilization on mint
Abstract |
Full text PDF (953 KB)

Using hyperspectral reflectance to evaluate the impact of irrigation and fertilization on mint

H. Taia¹*, A.S. Bernoussi¹, E. Wozniak², M. Amharref¹ and S. El Azizi¹

¹University Abdelmalek Essaadi of Tangier, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory CBM-VR, BP. 416, MA90000 Tangier, Morocco
²Space Research Centre of the Polish, Academy of Sciences, Bartycka 18A, PL00-716 Warszawa, Poland
*Correspondence: halima.taia@gmail.com

Abstract:

In agriculture, water and fertilizer are two limiting elements of plant growth. Indeed, the lack or the excess of one of them disturbs the yields in terms of quality and quantity. Optimal irrigation/fertilization and precisely dosed nutrient supply allow fast-growing plants to reach their full potential, offering much larger and better quality yields. To monitor agricultural crop characteristics, Hyperspectral remote sensing provides an opportunity for an efficient nondestructive method. In this paper, we present a method for smart management of water irrigation and fertilizer using remote sensing. For this purpose, a protocol has been developed to detect the effects of nitrogen nutriments and water supply on potted mint by using UV-PIR field spectroscopy. Results suggest hyperspectral remote sensing has great promise to perfect smart agriculture. In fact, with this method, the effect of nutriments and water supply have been clearly detected.

Key words:

, , , , , ,



1224-1240 T.E.A. Mattila, V.-M. Tuure, U. Ovaska, I. Vänninen, M. Hokka, T. Elstob and R.H. Rautiainen
A participatory research approach in the development of safety and well-being in horticultural enterprises
Abstract |
Full text PDF (335 KB)

A participatory research approach in the development of safety and well-being in horticultural enterprises

T.E.A. Mattila¹*, V.-M. Tuure², U. Ovaska¹, I. Vänninen¹, M. Hokka³, T. Elstob² and R.H. Rautiainen⁴

¹Natural Resources Institute Finland (‘Luke’), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
²TTS Work Efficiency Institute, Kiljavantie 6, 05201 Rajamäki, Finland
³Satakunta TE office, Harjavallankatu 6, FIN-29200 Harjavalta, Finland
⁴University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-4388, USA
*Correspondence to: tiina.mattila@luke.fi

Abstract:

The process of improving the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the horticulture and agriculture sectors requires new effective means. The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of a participatory co-creative consultation process in order to improve occupational health and safety in horticultural businesses. The study was conducted across twenty-four small-scale enterprises (totalling eighty-two entrepreneurs and workers) from five different horticultural subsectors in Finland. Each business engaged in the development process, starting from the identification of development needs through to individual interviews and process analysis, and continuing with co-creation and the implementation of solutions. The results indicated that participatory consultation, when combined with a process analysis, was perceived as being very productive, particularly in terms of identifying development needs, but also in inspiring the co-creation of solutions and applying them to specific tasks and the working environment. Whilst long-term effects could not be measured, participation in the development process improved subjective well-being and the competence of entrepreneurs in managing well-being in their work setting. The findings suggest that participatory consultation can facilitate improvements in working conditions, which in turn can help to reduce workplace injuries and improve health conditions. The findings also highlighted the need for having a multidisciplinary consultation team, the effective cooperation of all involved parties, and facilitating peer discussions when it comes to resolving identified challenges.

Key words:

, , ,