Connecting Small Farmers in the Caribbean to Knowledge,Networks, and Institutions Through ICTs

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to be useful in agricultural knowledge systems to improve communication linkages among research, extension services, and farmers. The end result would be new information and technologies being made available to those who need it the most in larger numbers and in a timelier manner. While the role of ICTs in stimulating technological, organizational, institutional, and policy innovations in developing countries has been recognized, in many Caribbean States where ICTs are becoming readily available, the development and use of ICT in agricultural research and innovation systems remain underexploited, despite the fact that the agricultural sector in these developing nations accounts for a significant amount of the total employed labor force. This article traces key developments in ICT use in the agricultural sector in the Caribbean region, while highlighting the challenges as well as the potential of this technology. Several initiatives in the region are described and suggestions made for the development of innovative, appropriate, and efficient information and communication systems.     

Awareness and Use of Information Communication Technologies by Farmers in Oyo State,Nigeria

Due to inadequate personnel, information communication technologies (ICTs) have become an attractive option for delivery of extension information. This study examined awareness and use of ICTs by farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 192 farmers were interviewed. Results indicate that most farmers had no formal education and small farm holdings. Awareness of older ICTs like radio and television was more prevalent among farmers as compared with newer ICTs such as Internet and cable television. However, use of modern ICTs like mobile phones and cable television was greater than that for older technologies such as fax machines. Farmers were constrained in ICT use by prohibitive cost and service failure. The Nigerian government should encourage a liberal policy for affordable prices for modern ICT products, especially mobile telephones.     

Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Among Private Agricultural Organization Workers in Oyo State,Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among private agricultural organization workers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. One hundred and five respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Frequency counts, percentages, chi-square, Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that respondents’ age is significantly related to the use of ICTs and that age and marital status are significantly related to attitude toward use of ICTs. In addition, the study revealed that respondents’ age was significantly related to the benefits derived from the use of ICTs. Recommendations include a better supply of electricity, periodic training and continuous retraining of workers in the use of ICTs, and the creation and enforcement of government policies that will bring about sustainable use of ICTs for agricultural development.     

Promoting the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Agricultural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Policy

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to reach many farmers with timely and accessible content. This article highlights the importance of ICTs in promoting agricultural transformation. It recommends the establishment of agricultural communication networks, which involve active participation of all stakeholders in agriculture and highlights the need for a participatory approach, the monitoring and evaluation of end users, and the integration of farmer knowledge and information needs into the content management system. Public institutions in agriculture should also be involved in developing a curriculum in ICTs for agricultural development and support ICT platforms to facilitate farmers’ access to quality agricultural information.     

Principal Areas of Applying Information and Communication Technologies in the Agricultural Extension System of Iran

This study investigated areas for potential application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural extension system of Iran. Two hundred forty-one extension staff (out of 1,145) in the Ministry of Agriculture were selected and studied as a sample through a stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that six factors/components containing 32 variables determined about 68.91% of the variations in the areas of application. The six factors were Management of documentation and preparation of extension information (14.88% of variance), Planning and implementation of extension education programs (13.6%), Professional empowerment of extension agents (10.8%), Expansion of intra-organizational relationships (10.27%), Facilitation of organizational processes (9.7%), and Improving communication through e-mail services (9.64%).     

Information Communication Technology Needs of Small-Scale Farmers in Anambra State,Nigeria

This study sought to identify the information communication technology (ICT) needs of small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a sample of 108 farmers. Results revealed that the majority used radio and television and owned mobile phones and video machines. Constraints to use included capacity, infrastructural/technical and logistical problems. The study recommends that the Nigerian government reorient its policies in order to harness the potential of ICTs to contribute to agricultural development and highlights the need to raise awareness of the agricultural uses of ICTs among the government, other national stakeholders, and rural communities.     

Farm Households' Simultaneous Use of Sources to Access Information on Cotton Crop Production

This study has investigated farm households' simultaneous use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information on cotton crop production. The study was based on a field survey, conducted in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from 399 cotton farm households using the multistage sampling technique. Important combinations of information sources were found in terms of their simultaneous use to access information. The study also examined the factors influencing the use of various available information sources. A multivariate probit model was used considering the correlation among the use of social networks, field extension, traditional media, and modern ICTs. The findings indicated the importance of different socioeconomic and institutional factors affecting farm households' use of available information sources on cotton production. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on findings.     

Education for Agriculture and Allied Subjects in India

India, predominantly an agricultural country, has significantly improved the well-being of its people in recent decades. However, poverty remains India's most compelling challenge. With over half a century of development, agricultural education and research have been instrumental in ushering in a Green Revolution in the country. The United States land-grant colleges’ model of teaching, research, and extension began in India in 1962 with the establishment of the first university specializing in agriculture. During the past 60 years, agricultural education has expanded rapidly in India to meet the nation's demand for human resources and agricultural technology. Currently, India has a total of 41 agricultural universities with a mandate for teaching, research, and extension in each of the states or regions. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an apex body established by the government of India, oversees the working and accreditation aspects of the State Agricultural Universities. This article gives an overview of the past and reviews the present structure of education in agriculture and allied subjects at various levels.     

Restoration strategies for water and salt transport in saline soils: A 20-year bibliometric analysis

World Soil Day 2021 encouraged the prevention of soil salinization and improved land productivity. As research underpins this effort, we analysed trends in research on water and salt mobilization in saline soils and groundwater over the past 20 years. We found that the average studies have increased by 30%, from 110 in 2003–2015 to 143 in 2016–2022, with agriculture, water resources and environmental science being the main research fields. The most common research interests were anthropogenic impact (28.6%) and climate change (27.8%), followed by agricultural irrigation management (20%). A keyword clustering analysis revealed that the studies could be classified into four categories: “Agricultural production,” “Freshwater and groundwater salinization,” “Seawater intrusion,” and “Solute dynamic migration.” The most frequently used keyword was “transport” while the use of “freshwater,” “groundwater,” and “seawater intrusion” has increased sharply, suggesting that seawater intrusion and freshwater salinization are an area of increasing interest related to climate change. We identified comprehensive simulating systems for seawater intrusion as an important area for future research. We recommend that promoting a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of water and salt transport in saline soil is needed to ensure stakeholders are provided with science-based information required for policymaking aimed towards sustainable development.     

世界主要农业发达地区农产品追溯体系发展现状

确保安全和提升品质是现阶段世界范围内农产品的两大主题。基于现代信息科技及物联网技术的农产品追溯机制主要涉及两方面功用,一方面通过将供应链的相关信息透明化,最大程度降低生产者和消费者之间的信息不对称;另一方面通过在农产品供应链上下游实现追踪和溯源两大功能,推进农产品安全责任制,迎合了人们对农产品安全和品质的需求,引起了世界范围内的广泛重视,纷纷予以推动和实施。该文从追溯法律与法规、标准与规范、推动与实施3个层面阐述了欧美、日韩及台湾等世界主要农业发达地区农产品追溯体系的推进和最新发展情况,在列举典型追溯系统实例的基础上对比分析并总结了各自发展的特点,指出综合与精简是农产品追溯体系的发展方向,最后从机构、立法、标准、实施、验证等多个角度对中国农产品追溯体系的进一步发展、推广与深化提出建议,以期真正发挥追溯体系效用、守护国人健康。     

Research effort allocation and the conservation of restricted-range island bird species

Knowledge gap analyses can be useful to highlight imbalances in research and to improve the distribution of conservation research efforts. We used ISI’s Web of Knowledge (WoK) and BirdLife International’s library catalogue (BLI) to examine the allocation of research effort amongst the extinction-prone island restricted-range birds (RRSs, n = 1321) and the island endemic bird areas and secondary areas (EBAs, n = 108; SAs, n = 58) previously identified by BirdLife International. We found that the distribution of research effort was very uneven across both species and areas. Half of the number of outputs obtained from WoK referred to 3.1% of the island restricted-range bird species and to 4.8% of the endemic bird areas and secondary areas, whereas 52.2% of the species and 34.3% of the areas had no output. The global distribution of research had a strong spatial component, with a limited number of places receiving most of the research efforts (Hawaii, New Zealand, Central America), while many species rich areas were very poorly studied (South East Asia, South Pacific, most Atlantic islands). Research amongst the most threatened RRSs tended to be less biased, with these species having a higher probability of having at least one output from WoK than less threatened species. Given that threats to the conservation of biodiversity are often highly context-dependent, we advocate prioriting the study of poorly known species and regions. Finally, we integrate the knowledge gaps we identify with previously established conservation priorities, in order to prioritize for future conservation research on RRS, EBAs and SAs.     

林学毕业综合实习的教学改革与实践

在特色专业建设中,通过建立稳定的校外实习基地,走与科研及林业生产项目相结合的道路,拓宽林学专业毕业综合实习覆盖面;遵循认识到位、精心组织,强化训练、严格考核的原则,建立相应的产学研相结合实习教学模式体系,从实习教材内容、实习基地、教学方法、教学手段以及思想教育等方面进行林学专业毕业综合实习教学改革措施的配置,教学实践取得了较好效果。     

A survey of plant analysis interpretations and applications in the United States

Abstract

A survey was conducted of 55 state and 371 commercial laboratories throughout the United States in order to document the current applications of plant analyses and the extent of application of the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) and to identify factors that have hindered or facilitated the implementation of the DRIS. State labs listed “research”; and commercial labs listed “diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies”; as the most common uses for plant analyses. Plant analysis results were widely used in combination with soil tests when diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and recommending corrective action (96% of state labs and 92% of commercial labs diagnosing nutrient deficiencies). Nationwide, the sufficiency range was the most commonly identified method of interpreting plant analyses (61% of the state and 58% of the commercial labs). The DRIS was used more extensively in the North Central region (14 labs) than in any other region. The two most commonly identified factors hindering the implementation of the DRIS were 1) lack of field verification and/or calibration and correlation data and, 2) unfamiliarity with the system. Computer availability appears to be the most important factor facilitating the implementation of the DRIS.     

宁夏新农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响分析

为了解农村信息化建设对农户生计改善的影响,基于对宁夏北部、中部和南部地区的9个县的628户农户进行的问卷调查,分析了农户的网络信息利用行为特点,研究了农民的生计改善与信息化的关系。结果显示,农村信息化建设影响了农民的生计,增加了农民受教育与培训的机会,改善了医疗和健康状况,丰富了文化生活,提高了农民收入。基于当前农户的利用行为特点,提出了相关政策建议。     

案例教学法在研究生创新教育中的应用

案例教学法是目前教育教学领域研究的热点之一,该方法是将学生带入特定的教学情境中进行思考,以加深学生对抽象原理和概念的理解,有助于培养学生运用理论知识解决问题的能力和创新能力。结合研究生培养中计算机图形图像研究方向的实践情况,探讨了案例教学法在研究生创新教育过程中的必要性,并详细介绍了案例教学法的基本原理及具体应用。实践证明,案例教学法是一种新颖而且有效的教学方法。     

模拟电子技术课程教学改革与实践

结合模拟电子技术教学研究和教学实践,介绍了该课程在教学内容、教学方法以及实践环节等方面所采取的具体措施,指出了应采取具有创新理念的教学模式,加强素质教育,提高学生的综合应用能力和创新能力。     

“通信原理”课程的教学改革探析

通信原理是现代通信系统和计算机发展的重要基础。在实际教学中,主要从教学方法的改革与探索来探讨该课程的理论与实践教学,并运用课程中的实例予以说明。同时提出运用科研活动和培养高素质的教师团队来促进教学,目的在于进一步提高＂通信原理＂课程的教学质量,培养学生实际动手能力,适应现代通信技术的发展。     

Texas entry-year agriculture teachers' perceptions, practices, and preparation regarding safety and health in agricultural education

The purpose of this study was to gather benchmark data for the assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding agricultural safety issues and curricula held by Texas agricultural teachers with less than two full years of teaching experience (entry-year teachers). Seventy-four of 118 well-distributed teachers responded to this survey. Researchers concluded that more females were entering a traditionally male-dominated field. Overall, teachers addressed safety within units of instruction rather than as separate units. The most useful forms of new teaching resources that this group of teachers would like to see produced were safety videos and study guides, and class demonstration/simulation activities. There was a significant difference in rankings between teachers less than 26 years old and teachers more than 26 years old regarding the usefulness of transparencies as a new teaching resource (F = 5.00, p = 0.0268). Few teachers were currently CPR and first aid certified, even though most had received training and completed a general safety and/or health related course while in college. Teachers generally agreed philosophically with most practices and exhibited personal beliefs consistent with proper safety preparedness and practice in agricultural settings. However, many of these teachers failed to practice what was expected of safe tractor operators, such as wearing safety belts and allowing younger drivers to operate the equipment.     

Assessing Sources of Information for Urban Mushroom Growers in Accra,Ghana

This study assessed information sources for urban mushroom farmers in Accra, Ghana. One hundred farmers were sampled, and a structured questionnaire was administered to solicit information from the respondents. Results showed that the majority of farmers were male (71%) and most (60%) with university education. The majority (44%) had 1–5 years of experience in mushroom cultivation. Co-farmers (89.8%), the Mushroom Growers Association (79.6%), training workshops (73.5%), and the Farmers' Forum (29.6%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The research revealed that, for 52% of farmers, ignorance of information sources was a major hindrance in their quest for information.