MEL submissions

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/124956

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Baseline study: Digital fisheries and scaling postharvest technologies to reduce aquatic food waste and loss in coastal Kenya
(Dataset) Manyise, Timothy; Brako Dompreh, Eric
The baseline study on Digital Fisheries and Scaling Postharvest Technologies to Reduce Aquatic Food Waste and Loss in Coastal Kenya provides a comprehensive dataset on the socio-economic characteristics, fisheries management practices, and postharvest challenges faced by fisherfolk and fish traders. Conducted across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, this study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the adoption of postharvest technologies, digital tools, access to resources and participation, and infrastructural gaps affecting fisheries productivity and fish loss and waste. The findings highlight critical barriers, including limited awareness of digital technologies, inadequate cold storage facilities, and financial constraints that contribute to significant postharvest losses. The dataset serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners seeking to enhance fisheries management, strengthen fisheries value chains, and promote sustainable aquatic food systems in Kenya’s coastal regions.
Chemodiversity and antimicrobial activities of Eucalyptus spp. essential oils
(Journal Article, 2024-08-06) Ammar, Hajer; M’Rabe, Yassine; Hassan, Sawsan; Chahine, Mireille; de Haro Marti, Mario; Soufan, Walid; Andres, Sonia; López Puente, Secundino; Hosni, Karim
The essential oils extracted from the leaves of five Eucalyptus species: E. astringens, E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, E. leucoxylon, and E. sideroxylon, were investigated for their antimicrobial properties. These species were growing in the same plantation area, exposed to identical conditions, and subjected to uniform agronomic practices. Processed and analyzed under consistent parameters, the essential oil yields ranged from 0.14 to 0.96% (w/w). Chromatographic analysis were resolved into 48 compounds, with 11 common to all oils. Terpenoids (oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes) dominated the oil profiles, constituting 55.66–76.67% of the composition. Major components identified included 1,8-cineole (21.97–50.93%), α-pinene (2.18–15.95%), p-cymene (0.83–15.94%), spathulenol (0–20.49%), globulol (4.09–14.26%), and aromadendrene (2.37–15.03%). Genetically driven interspecific variation in composition was observed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and heatmap clustering. Moreover, distinctive components were identified for each essential oil, offering a valuable tool for discriminating between Eucalyptus species and ensuring authentication and quality control in commercial samples. Results from antimicrobial disc-diffusion assays indicated robust antimicrobial activity in all essential oils, with those derived from E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, and E. leucoxylon exhibiting the highest effectiveness.
From Feeding the Hungry to Nourishing All People: A Tribute to Dr M. S. Swaminathan
(Video) Wismen, Bendula; Thilsted, Shakuntala
CGIAR Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact Platform organized a special tribute session to Dr M. S. Swaminathan at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug Dialogue Week of Events/ 2024 World Food Prize. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan was the inaugural World Food Prize Laureate in 1987, recognized for his significant contribution in the Green Revolution, and his research on important crops including potato, wheat and rice. His contributions went beyond improving breeding lines; for example, the inclusion of women in rice farming systems was important for him to realize his goal of 'a world without hunger'. These approaches continued through the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, including the use of science and technology in nature-based solutions to improve agricultural production.
Introducing the Nusatupe innovation hub – showcasing the best of the sustainable island food systems
(Video) Palmer, Neil; Eriksson, Hampus; Wate, Jillian Tutuo; Bennet, Greg; Saeni-Oeta, Janet
It must be one of the most unusual and remote research outposts within CGIAR: The Nusatupe innovation hub inhabits the southwestern corner of the tiny coral atoll of Nusatupe, in Western Province, Solomon Islands. Surrounded by aquamarine waters, and with a Marine Protected Area close by, Nusatupe has been the site of a WorldFish research station for 40 years or so – remote from the rest of the world but very close to the lives of Solomon Islanders. Its recent transformation from a research station into an innovation hub is part of a much needed reinvention of the facility, to ensure it is responsive to the needs of local institutions, fishers, farmers and youth. It now undertakes and showcases a range of activities from coral replanting to fish preservation and handling, to indigenous food gardens, bringing in visitors from around Solomon Islands to show what nutritious, sustainable island food systems can look like.
Big Data for Small-scale Fisheries - Peskas in Timor-Leste
(Video) Palmer, Neil; Tilley, Alexander; Sozinho, Villiam
Small-scale coastal fisheries in Timor-Leste (East Timor) are a vital source of food and income for thousands of people. But the lack of data on where fishers go and how much they catch has made it challenging for the government to develop policies to support and sustain the sector. Enter Peskas, a groundbreaking digital catch monitoring system developed by WorldFish with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, Pelagic Data Systems, and the CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods. Peskas captures and shares critical fish catch data that enables smarter decision-making, and more sustainable management of coastal fisheries. In this short film you’ll learn all about how the innovation works, set in the stunning surroundings of Timor-Leste. Peskas is now being scaled up to four African countries with the support of UK International Development. Shot and produced by Neil Palmer for WorldFish.
The CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands
(Presentation, 2024-12-01) Baum, Michael
Presentation on the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands.
CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands
(Internal Document, 2024-07-01) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
CGIAR is dedicated to creating a world where sustainable and resilient agrifood systems provide safe, healthy, and affordable diets, improve livelihoods, and ensure greater social equality while keeping within environmentally sustainable boundaries . Transforming dryland food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis through science and innovation is crucial for achieving this mission. Drylands cover 46% of the world’s land , are home to around 38% of the global population, and support nearly 44% of the world’s agricultural systems, including half of its livestock . The drylands - already challenging areas for predictable food production - face mounting pressures from extreme climate change and variability, water scarcity, land degradation, and loss of the biodiversity and ecosystem services that support agrifood systems. Our efforts must keep pace with these challenges, for the sake of the current drylands, and for the areas that may turn into drylands in the future as the impacts of climate change become ever more evident. The CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands has been developed to align with the 2030 CGIAR Research and Innovation Strategy. It presents the informed and coordinated approach that CGIAR will take to contribute to the sustainable and resilient transformation of dryland agrifood systems, building on our unique value proposition and track record of co-creating and co-delivering innovative research and impact in the drylands. It also aligns with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This strategy was developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders across CGIAR and our partner network, informed by research and a foresight study on future global dryland scenarios. This process brought together expertise across CGIAR Centers, our partners, countries, and disciplines to build consensus on the opportunities and challenges to realizing our vision. As a result, five key opportunities for dryland transformation and investment were prioritized: (1) optimized agrifood systems for climate adaptation; (2) conserving and using biodiversity for community and ecosystem resilience; (3) managing soil, land, and water systems for sustainable production; (4) ensuring access to sustainable, healthy diets to alleviate hunger and malnutrition; and (5) translating evidence-based approaches into policy for development. Underpinning these opportunities are our cross-cutting approaches to gender equality, youth, and social inclusion; innovation, scaling and adoption; working in fragile and conflict-affected areas; and partnerships and advocacy. Through a coordinated systems approach, we will pool our capacity and expertise, including through our diverse network of partners, to move beyond incremental change and towards structural transformation for dryland communities.
Mapping and Profiling Legume Seed Value Chain Actors in Morocco: Chickpea and Lentil
(Internal Document, 2024-12-01) Bishaw, Zewdie; Imtiaz, Muhammad; Yigezu, Yigezu; Lammari, Abdelali; Rredani, Latifa; Boughlala, Mohamed
In Morocco, food legumes occupied as large areas as 600 thousand ha in the early 1970s. Thereafter, however, the area under food legumes fluctuated with a general downward trend. For the period 2001-2010, the annual average was 427 thousand ha per year which decreased to 404 thousand ha between 2011 and 2022. In 2024, the area allocated to food legumes is about 200 thousand ha. The decline in food legumes area is due not only to climate variability (periodic droughts) but mainly to other factors such as diseases (including Orobanche and Ascochyta Blight), increased mono-cropping of cereals and other crops, and lack of appropriate technologies (such as lack of high yielding, water efficient, and short duration varieties which are also amenable to mechanization). Moreover, the market for food legumes still suffers from poor organization because it remains controlled by several intermediaries that are exploiting their power to extract more than their fair share of the price without making comparable value addition thereby reducing the price received by food legume producers. In these conditions, more efforts are needed to improve food legume production and rehabilitation. As part of the solution to revitalize food legumes, this study aims to investigate the systemic challenges of the seed system and identify the constraints and opportunities of the main stakeholders. Due to time and resource constraints, only lentils and chickpeas were targeted. According to the results of interviews and surveys, legumes-certified seed production is far from being a priority for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests (MARDWF). However, it is important to note that many actors are involved in the seed sector and the most important ones are AMMS, INRA, FNIS, ONSSA, ONCA, and COMADER. The private sector is involved in the seed sector but not in food legumes. According to the Moroccan Seed Growers Association (AMMS), the Department of Agriculture will launch a new initiative in the 2024-2025 cropping season by targeting seed multipliers operating within the aggregation system and including them under contracts for certified seed multiplication. The constraints of the legume sector do not pertain to only the production of certified seed, but also to the lack of appropriate varieties, limited number of herbicides, lack of sufficient incentives, high demand for labor, and mechanization.
Where Do We Stand After Ten Years of Harmonized Seed Trade Regulations in COMESA? Case Studies from Egypt and Sudan
(Policy Contribution, 2024-12-01) Bishaw, Zewdie; Yigezu, Yigezu; Berhane, Guush
1. Background and context Effective seed systems that provide farmers access to well-adapted and quality seeds are crucial for food system transformation and improving food security in Sub-Sahara Africa. However, seed systems across SSA are at early stages of development and only a fraction of farmers in this region have access to improved varieties and quality seeds (FAO, 1998, Cromwell, 1987, Rohrbach et al., 2003, Hunga et al 2023) particularly for food security crops. Lack of access to quality seeds of well adapted varieties thus remains a critical bottleneck to transforming Africa’s food systems, in general, and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) region, in particular (Gaffney et al., 2016). An important historical precedence in the global varietal release and seed system development is that countries need not wait until local capabilities are developed to generate their own improved varieties. Historically, countries have benefited from sharing of imported improved high-yielding varieties developed through research and breeding programs elsewhere and facilitated by deliberate cross-border seed trade. A notable example is the cross-border trade of high-yielding rice and wheat varieties among the participants of the Green Revolution in Asia (Hazel, 2019). Besides facilitating the transfer of technologies, such cross-border seed trade allowed the introduction of diverse crops adapted to regions with unique environmental and agroclimatic conditions and enabled them to mitigate local challenges. Cross-border seed trade is however unlikely to occur in a vacuum and involves a robust national and regional seed sector organized with coherent and transparent seed laws and regulations that facilitate trade (Rohrbach et al., 2003; Hunga et al., 2023). An efficient and transparent seed regulatory system is crucial to ensure that farmers have timely access to high quality seed at an affordable price (See e.g., Kuhlmann et al., 2023). While cross-border seed trade and integration of regional markets can help resolve this challenge, lack of harmonized, lengthy, and bureaucratic varietal release and registration system, seed quality assurance and certification procedures, and inadequate phytosanitary and quarantine measures for seed import and export as well as non-transparent, and non-inclusive domestic seed regulations stand out as obstacles in this process (Daniel et al., 2019; Hunga et al 2023). Harmonizing varietal release and seed regulations is thus crucial for promoting regional seed trade and ensuring the safe movement of improved varieties and quality seeds across borders (Rohrbach et al., 2003, Kuhlmann, 2015, Kuhlmann, 2023). Regional organizations such as COMESA (The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) have been aspiring to bridge cross-border trade through harmonized seed regulations across member states (Kuhlmann, 2015; Hunga et al., 2023). A notable example is the strategic initiative of COMESA’s specialized agency of the Alliance for Commodity Trade in East and Southern Africa (ACTESA) to harmonize seed trade regulations across the COMESA region. The initiative, which is known as the COMESA Seed Harmonization Implementation Plan (COMSHIP) was signed by all member states in 2014 (COMESA, 2014; Kuhlmann, 2015). The launching of COMESA’s seed trade harmonization regulations is considered an important milestone for Sub-Saharan Africa’s seed sector development1. COMESA has collaborated with other regional organizations, including the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to establish the COMESA-SADC-EAC Tripartite Free Trade Area, which includes harmonized seed trade regulations that aimed to streamline the marketing, and removal of barriers for variety release and registration as well as seed production, certification, and marketing (UNECA, 2012; Hunga et al., 2023). The COMESA regulations aim primarily to harmonize variety release and registration procedures, seed quality assurance and certification schemes, and phytosanitary and quarantine measures in the region (Kuhlmann, 2015; Gaffney et al. 2016; Munyi, 2022). An important feature in this regulation is that a variety is released and registered in the COMESA catalogue
Realizing the potential of plant genetic resources: the use of phenomics for genebanks
(Journal Article, 2025-01-01) Ghamkhar, Kioumars; Hay, Fiona; Engbers, Marleen; Dempewolf, Hannes; Schurr, Ulrich
Societal Impact Statement Genebanks contribute to global food security, directly influencing societal well-being, by providing access to seed or genetic material that is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. The ability to develop crops adapted to changing environmental conditions and with high nutritional value means societies can better cope with the adverse effects of climate change, safeguarding food production and rural livelihoods. Enhancing sustainable crop traits, such as improved water-use efficiency and nutrient utilization, supports the transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices. New technologically advanced phenotyping tools are required to optimally realize the potential of these genetic resources, to identify plant genetic resources that will best enable us to address current global challenges. Summary Plant genebanks have a crucial role as specialized repositories, preserving diverse plant genetic resources and providing essential access to researchers, breeders, and farmers for developing resilient crops. With over 7 million global accessions, these genebanks significantly contribute to global food security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. This opinion paper, inspired by an international workshop in 2022 in Wageningen (Netherlands), focuses on the transformative impact of phenomics technology within genebanks, offering a view on its potential applications and implications for preserving and utilizing plant genetic resources. Discussions from the 2022 workshop organized by the International Plant Phenotyping Network are integrated, emphasizing the potential of phenomics for global collaboration without requiring major policy developments. The workshop prioritized traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance, highlighting roots as a critical organ for phenotyping. Participants expressed a keen interest in global collaboration, emphasizing the need for partnerships between genebanks and advanced phenotyping facilities. The workshop's outcomes underscore the transformative impact of phenomics on genebanks, promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable agricultural practices. These results will guide future pilot studies, marking a significant step toward integrating phenomics into genebank practices and ensuring the continued prosperity of plant genetic heritage.
Small-Scale Mechanization Adoption and Scalability: Consultation Workshop and Policy Dialogue in Egypt
(Internal Document) Devkota Wasti, Mina; Attaher, Samar
Implementing small-scale mechanization in Egyptian agriculture can increase productivity, promote sustainability, and enhance socio-economic resilience among smallholder farmers. However, in overall, adoption of mechanization is low in Egypt. In this context a stakeholder consultation and policy dialogue was organized with focusing on option for scaling out scale appropriate mechanization for smallholder farmers in Egypt. On 9th December 2024, ARC and ICARDA held a pivotal workshop titled Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Mechanization Scalability in Egypt to address the critical issues and opportunities surrounding agricultural mechanization in Egypt. The workshop was held at the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AEnRI- ARC) in Dokki-Giza. This workshop brought together 58 diverse groups of experts, including agricultural engineers, economists, industry representatives, researchers, and policymakers, to discuss and evaluate the current state and prospects of small-scale agricultural machinery in Egypt. Recommendations from the workshop included revising cooperative laws, exploring funding programs for small-scale projects, and promoting multi-purpose machinery to enhance cost efficiency. Participants also emphasized the need for collaboration between manufacturers and researchers to create tailored solutions for small plots and fragmented landholdings. Digital tools, such as online platforms for machinery promotion and technical support, were proposed to bridge gaps in communication and accessibility. The workshop underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to address the barriers to mechanization and drive sustainable agricultural practices in Egypt. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovation, the sector can unlock its potential and significantly improve productivity for smallholders. To improve the state of agricultural mechanization, coordinated efforts among government bodies, private sector players, NGOs, and research institutions are essential. Recommendations include subsidizing machinery costs, promoting local manufacturing, and developing cooperative-run machinery pools. Training farmers and creating financing options, such as leasing or installment plans, will further support smallholders in adopting mechanization. Private sector involvement in designing compact, affordable machinery tailored to small-scale farming is also critical. Strengthening spare parts availability, improving diagnostic capabilities, and fostering collaboration between manufacturers and farmers will also be pivotal in driving mechanization. With strategic investments and focused initiatives, Egypt's agriculture can transition toward higher productivity and sustainability. Addressing the gaps in mechanization will reduce dependency on manual labor, improve crop yields, and ensure food security, particularly for small-scale farmers who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Sustainable Land Productivity and Community Resilience: Micro and Meso-Scale Water Harvesting in Jordan's Rangelands and Rainfed Areas
(Working Paper, 2024-12-31) Dhehibi, Boubaker; Haddad, Mira; Souissi, Asma
This section should provide a snapshot of the entire document and highlight the most important findings. This working paper highlights the economic and environmental benefits of implementing micro and meso-scale water harvesting (RWH) technologies in Jordan’s arid and semi-arid regions, emphasizing their potential for sustainable water and land management. Technologies analyzed include Vallerani RWH, Marab RWH, and olive farming techniques (soil and stone bunds) tailored to diverse topographical and ecological conditions. Key findings demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and profitability of these systems. Olive soil bunds emerge as the most cost-efficient option, with a low investment of US$76 per hectare and an exceptional Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 23.36, reflecting significant economic returns. Marab RWH shows moderate capital expenditure (US$918/ha) but offers strong financial viability with a Net Present Value (NPV) of US$6,699 and a payback period of just three years. Vallerani RWH, while having a more extended payback period (6 years), provides extensive ecosystem restoration benefits alongside economic returns. Beyond financial indicators, these technologies enhance ecosystem services by reducing runoff and soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and increasing water retention. They support agricultural productivity, stabilize degraded lands, and contribute to climate resilience. The integration of these systems into national water management strategies can address pressing challenges like water scarcity, desertification, and land degradation. Policy recommendations emphasize scaling up these RWH systems across suitable regions, ensuring community engagement, and integrating them into broader watershed management frameworks. Strategic investment in these technologies will not only enhance agricultural sustainability but also strengthen Jordan’s resilience to climate variability and resource scarcity.
Research for Promoting Sustainable Farming Systems in arid and semi-arid areas of Morocco: Challenges, achievements and future prospects
(Book, 2024-12-01) Moussadek, Rachid; Ouabbou, Hassan; El Gharras, Oussama; Dahan, Rachid; El Mourid, Mohamad
This book introduces research axis results that aim conserving natural resources, improving the efficiency of resource use, and research schemes to developing crop varieties that can improve productivity by increasing yield, reducing the crop cycle to mature, increasing tolerance to stresses such as drought, salinity, pests, and disease, and improving technological quality of crops, in all, solutions on the ground that farmers can adopt to enhance positive effects towards greater adaptive capacity.
2024 harvest age data for rohu (G4) and catla (G1) spawned in 2023
(Dataset) Hamilton, Matthew; Akhter, Md
WorldFish Carp Genetic Improvement Program growth data collected at harvest age for rohu (G4) and catla (G1)
Rapid Assessment Report: Promoting Resilient Nutrition-sensitive Deltaic Agri-Food Systems
(Report) Sokchea, Moeun; Thy, Or
IRR-Cambodia has studied on nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems policies, literatures review, and consultation workshop with stakeholders since 2022. It also conducted a study on scoping of nutrition sensitive agri-food system interventions in Mekong Delta, 3 case studies on nutrition and gender sensitive agri-food system interventions, and organized synthesis workshop to derive lessons, good practices and policy implications on designing and implementing nutrition sensitive agri-food systems. The findings will be used for replicating at community level in Ba Phnom district of Prey Veng province, and then disseminate to other target area, especially in the Mekong Deltas.
Report on Nutrition-Sensitive Deltaic Agri-food Projects/Systems on Nutrition and Health
(Report, 2024-12-31) HQ, WorldFish
This report examines nutrition-sensitive interventions (NSIs), and agri-food systems positioned in the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), specifically focusing on Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These countries face distinct socio-economic and environmental challenges, making them pivotal in addressing food and nutrition security (FNS). Despite progress in agricultural productivity, economic growth, and nutrition and health, these countries are also faced with the triple burden of malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity rates. Limited access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods, compounded by climate variability and environmental degradation, exacerbates these nutritional issues. The report utilized a scoping desk review as its primary methodology. This involved qualitative data collection through an extensive review of documents related to NSIs and agri-food systems in the deltaic regions of Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The study analyzed reports, policy documents, and literature provided by AMD and WorldFish, covering implemented projects and national strategies. Key findings highlight persistent nutritional issues like stunting, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, with all three countries falling short of global nutrition targets. Despite increases in food production, access to diverse, nutritious diets remains limited, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Report on the progress of selection of TiLV disease resistance
(Internal Document, 2024-12-31) Izadi, Fariba
Infectious disease is one of the main issues threatening the success and sustainability of Nile tilapia production. The Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) has emerged as a major threat to Nile tilapia. Combining the new trait data with genomic tools identified several significant QTLs throughout the Nile tilapia genome. In addition, the first tests of genomic selection have been performed in the GIFT breeding program, which promises to increase the response to selection while also reducing the inbreeding rate compared with a pedigree-based approach.
Pilot cum scaling: Inclusion of nutrient-dense small fish powder in diets among pre-school children of Anganwadi Centers and LP School children through a partnership approach at Bongaon Block in Kamrup District of Assam, India
(Internal Document, 2024-12-31) Ratha, Baishnaba; Bayan, Baban; Shenoy, Neetha; Panemangalore, Arun
This report documents an innovative pilot project aimed at combating malnutrition among children. The initiative introduced small fish powder—a rich source of essential micronutrients—into the diets of pre-school children at Anganwadi Centers and primary school children, leveraging a collaborative approach with local government departments, Anganwadi workers, school authorities, and self-help groups. The report highlights the project's design, implementation, and scaling strategy, emphasizing its success in improving dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes while fostering community engagement and capacity building to ensure sustainability.
Standard Operating Procedure: Fish in Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) Assam, India
(Demonstrator, pilot, prototype, plan designs, 2024-12-31) Ratha, Baishnaba; Shenoy, Neetha; Gichohi, Wanjiku
This document outlines the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for integrating fish into the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) in Assam, India. It provides detailed guidelines for planning, implementation, and monitoring, including sourcing, preparation, distribution, and quality control of fish-based products. The SOP aims to enhance the nutritional value of SNP meals, address malnutrition among vulnerable populations, and ensure compliance with food safety and government standards.
Farmers' Participation in Messenger-Based Social Groups And Its Effects on Performance in Irrigated Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
(Journal Article, 2024-11-09) Kurbanov, Zafar; Tadjiev, Abdusame; Djanibekov, Nodir; Govind, Ajit; Akramkhanov, Akmal
he penetration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in farming communities is increasing the use of smartphone-based instant messaging apps. Despite this, the reasons behind participation and the impact on farm productivity in developing countries remain unexplored. This study uses survey data of cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore factors explaining participation in social media groups and its impact on farm performance. The results show that the factors and benefits differ across these two countries. Participation in social media groups has a positive effect on cotton yields in both countries, but increases revenue only in Kazakhstan. We discuss possible reasons for contrasting results and policy implications for improving agricultural extension and advisory services in Central Asia. Scaling up smartphone-based e-extension should focus on younger, more educated farmers. Emphasizing associated economic benefits and fostering decision-making autonomy among farmers will be crucial for creating conducive environment for benefiting from e-extension services.

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