Factors Affecting the Perception and Practice of Iranian Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Pastoralists in Regard to Biosecurity Practices in Sheep and Goat Farms: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study

Preventing the spread of diseases between and within farms (biosecurity) is essential for minimizing animal mortality and morbidity, as well as for reducing the risk of spread of zoonotic diseases. These effects are even greater in countries such as Iran, which have to deal with multiple ongoing epidemics of infectious disease. However, there is currently no published information about biosecurity practices on sheep and goat farms in Iran in published research. The aim of this study was to collect such information and to identify some of the factors affecting biosecurity practices. Data were gathered using a checklist and in-depth interviews with 99 nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationships between the collected variables and the biosecurity scores. The results showed that neither within- nor between-farm disease prevention measures were appropriately applied on most farms (median total score of total biosecurity was 37.3/90; Q1 = 29.0 and Q3 = 44.7). Almost all the farmers reported slaughtering animals on farms and nobody properly disposed of the bodies of the dead animals. Additionally, the majority of the participants did not disinfect the umbilical cords of newborns. Of the collected variables, the annual mortality rate was associated with most within-farm biosecurity practices. The increase in annual mortality rates was associated with the regular cleaning of troughs (p = 0.03), preventing feed and water from being contaminated by urine and feces (p = 0.02), providing a clean and dry place for animals to rest (p = 0.05) and disinfecting the navel cord (p = 0.03). The results of this survey suggest that there is a clear need for extension programs to enhance Iranian and sheep and goat farmers’ perceptions and practices regarding biosecurity measures.

Institutional Factors Driving Participation of Marginalized Section(s) in Livestock Extension Programs in Tamil Nadu

Livestock plays an important role in livelihood of small and marginal farmers with 5.47 per cent of state GDP (Gross domestic product) and one of the primary sources of employment to marginalized section(s) of rural Tamil Nadu. This study was undertaken to identify the factors driving participation of marginalized section(s) in livestock extension programs in Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu from February 2020 to September 2021 at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India. Primary data was collected from the selected sample of 23 extension centres using structured questionnaire in google form and secondary data was collected from the Directorate of Extension Education, TANUVAS for the period of 2017 to 2019. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test) were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that better staff availability in the centre and higher proportion of off-campus programs significantly influenced the inclusiveness of marginalised sections in overall extension programmes. Furthermore, improving transport facilities through mobility innovations such as pooling of transport and hiring models during on-campus programmes may facilitate better participation / inclusion level of marginalised sections.

Need Based Information Media for Farmers in Hill Regions of Uttarakhand: Implications for Extension

Farmers use different information sources and channels for seeking reliable, timely andrelevant information on improved agricultural practices. Developing appropriate farmereducational and marketing strategies will depend on how farmer groups differ in theirinformation search behavior. Understanding what information farmers need, how they searchfor their information, which sources they depend on for accessing information can help indesigning effective extension programs. The study examined farmer’s communicationcharacteristics with an intent to assess farmer’s accessibility and use of extension mediaand information sources for fulfilling their information needs pertaining to agricultural andallied activities in three hill districts of Uttarakhand state. A sample of 1318 farmers wasselected through a stratified random sampling technique. Interpersonal communicationsources were used more by farmers as these were more easily available and accessible toobtain information related to agriculture. Majority of farmers were categorised as lowsearchers. Gender, primary occupation, land size and education significantly affected searchbehaviour of farmers. Implications for policy and extension have been given for improvinginformation dissemination among farmers of hill regions. Emphasis on extension systemproviding a context for the flow of authentic knowledge through authentic media amongfarming communities on an equal basis is emphasized.

Household Food Waste in A Sample of the Libyan Community

Background: Consumer behaviors at the household level have an impact on the quantity of food waste and the economic resources of the family and the country. This study aimed to assess food waste in a random sample of the Libyan community. Methods: A questionnaire was designed for the study and distributed randomly through social media, short message, e-mails, and via face to face interviews from November 26 to December 21, 2019. Results: Forty percent of the respondents used a shopping list for food; while 15% of the respondents discarded food. The percentage of monthly expenditure on food was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with shopping list, income, education level, and employment. Meanwhile, the quantity of food waste was associated (P < 0.05) with education level and place of living. Moreover, the economic value of food waste was associated (P < 0.05) with the shopping list. The bread was the most food waste commodity followed by vegetables and pasta. The quantity of discarded food accounted for 2661 tons/year with an estimated value of 163 million Libyan dinars/year. Conclusion: To reduce household food waste by the Libyan community it is required to improve the quality of bread and raise consumer awareness of the impact of food waste on the environment, economy, and society. This could be achieved through mass media extension programs as well as seminars and workshops.

Developmental Evaluation for Extension Programs

Logic models have garnered acclaim for their usefulness and disdain for the time required to create good ones. We argue that the orderly, analytical nature of logic models is opposed to many Extension programs, and we explain developmental evaluation, an approach that highlights ongoing development, adaptations, and rapid response. We use our recently completed evaluation of the 4-H Science: Building a 4-H Career Pathway Initiative to demonstrate developmental evaluation’s key principles. Recommendations for Extension include the need to embrace developmental evaluation for program planning and evaluation and for Extension evaluators to conduct case studies using developmental evaluation and other approaches.

Toward Fraudulent Pesticides in Rural Areas: Do Farmers’ Recognition and Purchasing Behaviors Matter?

The growth of fraudulent pesticide trade has become a threat to farmers’ health, agrochemical businesses, and agricultural sustainability, as well as to the environment. However, assessment of the levels of farmers’ exposure to fraudulent pesticides in the literature is often limited. This paper conducted a quantitative study of farmers’ recognition and purchasing behaviors with regard to fraudulent pesticides in the Dakhalia governorate of Egypt. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected by face-to-face interviews with 368 farmers in three districts of the governorate. The questionnaire included questions on socioeconomic characteristics, risk perception, recognition behavior, and purchasing behavior regarding fraudulent pesticides. The findings indicate that farmers perceived high risks to farmer health and crop yield (a score of 4 out of 5) and a moderate risk to the environment (3.5 out of 5) from fraudulent pesticides. Nonetheless, nearly three-fourths of the farmers had purchased fraudulent pesticides anyway. The statistical analysis suggests that farmers who resist purchasing fraudulent pesticides have higher education, longer experience in farming, and better recognition of fraudulent pesticides. To improve farmers’ ability to distinguish and avoid fraudulent pesticides, the paper recommends communication-related anti-counterfeiting measures such as awareness extension programs, as well as distribution measures in cooperation with other stakeholders.

Evaluating the Structure, Demographics, and Effectiveness of the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program

The purpose of our evaluation was to assess the structure, demographics, and effectiveness of the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program (MMNP) from 2015-2019. Results show that racial diversity within the MMNP was low and offering basic training courses during the work week attracts more retirees. Subsequently, an average retiree completed nearly three times more annual volunteer service hours than a non-retiree. Therefore, targeting retirees may be the most effective means of enhancing environmental stewardship within this program. Additionally, the results of this evaluation highlight that active recruitment of underserved populations is necessary to increase the diversity of participants in Extension programs.