Research on World Agricultural Economy (RWAE) is an international, gold open access journal. The journal aims to publish research related to agricultural economics with a focus on studies on agricultural policies, production, trade, and marketing, as well as analysis of global agricultural trends and their implications for economic development. By being open-access and peer-reviewed, the journal strives to ensure that its content is accessible to a wide audience and meets rigorous standards of quality and accuracy, serving agricultural economics and rural development. View full aims and scope ISSN: 2737-4777 (Print) 2737-4785 (Online) Frequency: Quarterly (March, June, September, December) Journal Abbreviation: Res. World Agric. Econ. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Declare: We are committed to disseminating the latest academic research results, adhering to publishing ethics and standards, and publishing high-quality articles. We accept and welcome oversight from scholars within the research community. If you find any problems or have concerns, please contact the editorial office at rwae@nassg.org. We will actively respond to your feedback and suggestions and continuously improve and enhance the quality and influence of the journal. We will reward scholars with positive suggestions. Thanks to all the scholars for their help and support.
Pesantren-Based Food Estate: Integrating Agrarian Reform, Islamic Principles, and Food Security in Indonesia
Indonesia’s food estate policy was launched to mitigate the decline of agricultural land, address population growth, and enhance food self-sufficiency amid limited farmland capacity. However, the conventional model—dominated by corporate control—has often marginalized smallholders and reduced rural employment opportunities. This study proposes an alternative food estate model that broadens farmers’ access to land and promotes inclusive rural development through the involvement of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as institutional managers. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates literature review, in-depth interviews, and farmer surveys, the research investigates the feasibility of pesantren-based governance on redistributed state land. The model envisions state land allocation to pesantren, which then implement al-musaqoh (yield-sharing) partnerships with local farmers. Farmer perceptions were assessed using a Likert scale and analyzed through Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA). The findings reveal that pesantren possess strong potential to act as mediating institutions that combine moral legitimacy, social capital, and managerial capacity in food estate governance. Nonetheless, improvements remain necessary in pre-cultivation, cultivation, and support systems to ensure operational efficiency. By embedding Islamic principles of justice, cooperation, and stewardship within agrarian reform, this model bridges state agricultural policy with community-based religious institutions. The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable food governance by offering a faith-based institutional innovation that harmonizes productivity, equity, and cultural legitimacy.
Copyright © 2026 Ujang Maman, Achmad Tjachja Nugraha, Zulmaneri Manir, Iwan Aminuddin, Lilis Imamah Icdayati, Holil Nawawi, Gunawan Prayitno https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Community Empowerment as a Mediator Between Social Capital and Economic Independence: Evidence from Karangpatihan Village, Ponorogo Regency, Indonesia
This study examines the influence of social capital on economic autonomy in rural Indonesia, with a focus on the mediating role of community empowerment. Adopting a sequential exploratory–confirmatory mixed-methods design, we first conducted 12 focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews to capture local perspectives, and then implemented a structured household survey involving 128 respondents in Karangpatihan Village, Ponorogo Regency. Quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (SmartPLS 4) reveals that social capital exerts a strong positive influence on community empowerment (β = 0.66, p < 0.001), which subsequently enhances economic independence (β = 0.46, p < 0.001). A direct, though weaker, pathway was also identified between social capital and income generation (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis confirms that empowerment partially mediates this relationship (VAF = 0.59), highlighting empowerment as a critical mechanism through which social resources are converted into economic outcomes. Qualitative findings enrich these results, highlighting structural constraints, particularly poor feeder roads and limited market access, which hinder the full benefits of social capital. To conceptualize these dynamics, we propose a Layered Conversion Model, in which social capital functions as latent potential, community empowerment serves as the conversion mechanism, and infrastructure constitutes the payoff ceiling. This model not only extends Sen’s capability approach but also offers a replicable analytical framework for evaluating the effectiveness of Indonesia’s village fund programmes. Our findings underscore the need to integrate empowerment strategies with infrastructure investment to strengthen pathways toward sustainable rural economic independence.
Copyright © 2026 Aulia Putri Salsabila, Achmad Tjachja Nugraha, Gunawan Prayitno, Agus Dwi Wicaksono, Fadhila Hasna https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Labor Dynamics and Productivity in High-Value Crop Farming: Evidence from Melon Growers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
High-value melon farming in Nueva Ecija is a cornerstone of the province’s agrarian economy and rural livelihoods, yet its sustainability is threatened by labor shortages, workforce aging, and youth disengagement. Understanding labor dynamics and their impact on productivity is essential for promoting inclusive and resilient agricultural growth. This study employed a descriptive-quantitative design, using Migration Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV) to examine the labor status and productivity of 38 melon growers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Results from descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis show that age, farming experience, skill level, and labor adequacy positively influence yield and profitability, highlighting the strategic importance of human capital. Conversely, rising wage costs, declining youth participation, and low succession interest constrain productivity, as the limited willingness of the next generation to continue farming reduces labor continuity, delays adoption of modern techniques, and weakens long-term farm management. These findings align with Migration Theory, illustrating how rural–urban and overseas migration exacerbate labor depletion and demographic imbalances. While experienced farmers maintain short-term productivity, limited succession interest threatens long-term competitiveness. Overall, labor composition, demographic shifts, and generational engagement critically shape agricultural performance and progress toward SDG 1 and SDG 8.
Copyright © 2026 Dave Mayuga Pastorfide https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect of Protectionism and Competition on South Africa’s Avocados: What Realistic Export Market Opportunities Can Be Explored?
South Africa’s avocado industry largely relies on the European Union (EU) as its main export market. However, this presents a significant level of competition from other suppliers in the EU as well as protectionism, especially in terms of non-tariff barriers. We use a gravity flow framework to evaluate the effect of protectionism and competition as measured by the mean trade-weighted ad valorem equivalents on avocados originating from South Africa. Furthermore, the study finds feasible new export markets for South African avocados using the decision support model. The findings highlight that a unit increase in protectionism and competition towards avocados in South Africa’s key export markets is associated with a 36.3% decline in revenue as well as a 31% decrease in the quantity exported. Findings based on the decision support model suggest that the United States, Japan, and China offer realistic potential export opportunities to be explored by the avocado industry. It is recommended that South Africa, in partnership with authorities in the identified markets with realistic export opportunities, develop implementable market access protocols for the avocado industry, drawing much attention to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) market access concerns. There is also an urgent need for the Department of Agriculture (DoA), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), and industry stakeholders, among other relevant government departments, to explore the existing value chain round tables to review prioritized commodities to the identified markets.
Copyright © 2026 Moses H. Lubinga, Ezra Steenkamp, Samkelisiwe Ngwenya, Corne’ Dempers, Bernard Manganyi, Thulani Ningi, Thabile Nkunjana, Funzani Sundani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cooperative Participation and the Perception Gap in Livestock Farmers’ Quality of Life: Evidence from a Small African Economy
Cooperatives in the primary sector have played an important role in increasing income, strengthening capacities, and empowering citizens, especially in less developed countries, where strong public institutions to promote quality of life are lacking. This research, applied to São Tomé and Príncipe, studies the reasons for joining livestock cooperatives and the benefits that members report receiving, and relates them to their perceived quality of life. Data from a sample of 106 breeders, who are currently active members of livestock cooperatives was used. A logit model relates the perception of change in quality of live to socio-demographic variables and cooperative action. Additionally, a multinomial logit was used to assess the alignment between perception in change in quality of life and tangible changes. The logit model shows that participating in cooperative decision-making has the strongest effect on the perception that a cooperative positively impacts members’ quality of life. Access to credit, technical support, and provision of market information are the cooperative services that have a significant impact, being positive for all. The multinomial logit revealed the presence of two groups in the sample, the aligned and the optimists. For the aligned group, perceptions and tangible gains match, while for the optimists there is a perceived improvement in the quality of life, but without tangible gains. It seems that optimists value other dimensions such as knowledge, empowerment, and participation, resultant from engagement. To foster inclusive and lasting development, cooperative leaders and policy makers must consider both the tangible and intangible dimensions of quality of life, ensuring members feel not only materially supported, but also socially recognized and empowered.
Copyright © 2026 Daniela Lopes, Isabel Dinis, Paula Simões https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prioritizing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Tea-Producing Households: A SWOT–AHP Approach
Climate change poses significant threats to sustainable agricultural livelihoods, particularly in tea-growing regions such as Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. This study aims to identify and prioritize effective climate change adaptation strategies for tea-producing households. The integrated SWOT–AHP (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats – Analytic Hierarchy Process) approach enables a quantifiable and systematic evaluation of strategic elements, allowing for the determination of their relative importance and guiding the ranking of adaptation priorities. The research employed the integrated mixed-method approach, including semi-structured interviews with tea farmers and experts to explore their perceptions and local adaptation practices, and structured AHP interviews with experts to assign weights to SWOT factors, sub-factors, and proposed strategies. The results indicate that the top-ranked adaptation strategies, in descending order of importance, are: (1) promoting sustainable organic tea production and applying advanced technologies; (2) developing value-added processing, diversifying tea products, and experiential tourism; (3) enhancing community capacity and disaster response; and (4) establishing an insurance system and climate risk mitigation mechanisms. The study proposes several practical policy implications for local implementation, including providing technical and financial support for organic production and technology transfer, integrating climate adaptation into cooperative training, investing in value-added processing and tourism infrastructure, and piloting insurance schemes in high-risk areas. This integrated SWOT–AHP framework offers a practical and replicable tool for strategic adaptation planning, supporting sustainable development in tea-producing regions across northern Vietnam.
Copyright © 2026 Xinh Luong Ho, Ha Thi Thu Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Mobile Technology Adoption in Developing Sustainable Agricultural Marketing Efficiency and Reducing Transaction Costs Among Smallholder Farmers
The main objective of the present study is to investigate how smallholder farmers (SF) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, are using mobile technology to develop sustainable access to markets for agricultural products and reduce transaction costs. This research employs a mixed-methods approach (MMA) to examine the effects of mobile payment systems, diverse technologies, and mobile devices on TC, MA, and LoI. A total of 273 farmers were surveyed, of whom 137 were initial adopters and 136 did not participate at any time. A subset of 27 farmers and vital stakeholder groups was then subjected to a complete evaluation. The experimental results of this investigation validate that MTA significantly minimises TC for SF, particularly search costs (SC) (by 35.85%) and negotiation costs (NC) (by 31.00%). The results showed a significant 83.97% increase in LoI and a 43.21% increase in MA among farmers who implemented MTA, compared with those who did not. The experimental results presented here show that MTA can improve MA and LoI in rural agricultural backgrounds, predominantly when challenged by environmental changes. This research study highlights problems with MTA, including limited setup and electronic data issues, but also validates that MTA supports livestock farmers in NC and MA by enabling real-time data collection for SA.
Copyright © 2026 Hayder M. Ali, Sathiyasuntharam Velayutham, Keerthi Samhitha Babu, Firas Tayseer Ayasrah, Aseel Smerat, Subhashree Balasubramanian, Asqar Absamatov, Sudhakar Sengan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Integrating Consumer Preference into Sustainable Development Planning for Fresh Shrimp Products in Indonesia
Shrimp is one of Indonesia’s leading fishery commodities, holding strategic economic importance and playing a crucial role in supporting national food security. However, evolving consumer demand characterized by increasing emphasis on affordability, quality, and sustainability necessitates the integration of consumer preferences into development planning. This study aims to analyze consumer preferences for fresh shrimp products in Indonesia and to provide insights for sustainable development planning within the shrimp sector. A conjoint analysis was conducted to examine seven major attributes: price, quality, size, packaging, aroma, processing type, and practicality, using data from 100 purposively selected respondents across Java Island. The results reveal that price (21.99%), quality (17.86%), and practicality (17.07%) are the most influential attributes in purchasing decisions, while packaging, size, and processing type have moderate importance. Aroma shows the lowest influence. Consumers exhibit a strong preference for affordable, high-quality shrimp, particularly in headless or whole form and packaged in boxes. These findings highlight the need for consumer-oriented development strategies through the integration of competitive pricing schemes, quality assurance systems, and sustainable product design. The study contributes to the literature by linking consumer behavior with sustainable development planning, thereby providing a policy-relevant foundation for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of Indonesia’s shrimp industry.
Copyright © 2026 Vela Rostwentivaivi, Rita Nurmalina, Harmini, Netti Tinaprilla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Estimating The Impact of Agricultural Investment and Food Price Volatility on Poverty Levels in Iraq
The research aims to estimate the impact of food price volatility and agricultural investment on poverty levels in Iraq, using quarterly data from 2004 to 2022. The relationship between the variables was studied using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model methodology. The results showed the existence of a long-term cointegration between the dependent variable (poverty level Y) and the independent variables (agricultural investment X2) and the real global food price X1. As a result, the error correction coefficient was negative and statistically significant at the 5% significance level. The research concluded that food prices (X1) are positively associated with the degree of poverty in the long term and had a significant effect at the 1% probability level. In the long term, agricultural investment (X2) is negatively associated with the degree of poverty and has a significant effect at the 1% probability level. The study results also showed that the control variables have a statistically significant effect on the level of poverty in the long term. Inflation is positively associated with poverty, while the average per capita GDP and population growth are negatively associated with poverty, as poverty levels decrease with an increase in per capita income and population growth. The research concluded with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are the necessity to control food price volatility, enhance investments in the agricultural sector, and improve its infrastructure in order to reduce inflation by promoting macroeconomic stability.
Copyright © 2026 Noor Yousif Outhman, Arkan Mnawer Hamad, Ammar Abdel Hadi Shallal, Subhi A. Hammad, Mustafa Fadel Hamad, Saad A. Hammad, Faisal Ghazi Faisal, Thakir Hadi Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Dynamic Modelling of the Impact of Fiscal and Exchange Rate Policy on Agriculture and Welfare Applied to South Africa
This study examines the effects of macroeconomic policies on growth and equity in South Africa, focusing on agriculture's links to the broader economy. We extend existing work by employing a dynamic agriculture-centred computable general equilibrium model to quantify the impacts. The focus is on fiscal and exchange rate policies and assessing how these policies affect agriculture and the nation's welfare. Findings indicate that expansionary fiscal policies impede agricultural expansion, regardless of how the fiscal expansion is financed. Positive effects on rural consumption only arise if budget deficits are managed through taxes on household income, which minimises adverse effects on agriculture and rural growth more than on urban sectors. A depreciated exchange rate enhances sectors driven by exports, such as agriculture and mining, but slightly detracts from the economy by affecting private services industries that constitute a large share of the economy, less tradable, and sensitive to income changes. The overall impact on consumption income is neutral but is marginally challenging for urban dwellers. These findings have two main policy implication. To be suitable for the agricultural sector and the broader economy, the orientation and framework of the current macroeconomic policy need adjustment to sustain fiscal balance and prevent exchange rate overvaluation. In the policymaking, two key considerations are: first, quantifying how macroeconomic policies interact with the agricultural sector, structural factors, and broader equilibrium effects, as these can significantly alter policy outcomes. Second, recognising the distributive impacts of policies, especially on agriculture and rural markets, and integrating agriculture's role in income distribution and political economy consequences into policymaking.
Copyright © 2026 Ramos E. Mabugu, Ismaël Fofana, Margaret Chitiga‑Mabugu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Strategic Interventions for Rice Farming: Analyzing Challenges and Opportunities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
This study addresses the critical challenge of declining farm viability by investigating the chronic difficulties encountered by rice farmers in Nueva Ecija, a province vital to Philippine food security. Employing a descriptive research method, data was systematically collected via a survey instrument administered to a sample of 30 farmers selected through convenience sampling from the key municipalities of Llanera, Laur, and Guimba. The analysis utilized descriptive statistics to establish the farmer profile and quantify the socioeconomic and operational hurdles. The findings portray a demographic of aging, highly experienced farmers working small, 2–3 hectare farms with basic education. The central issue identified is severe income volatility due to seasonal differences, where profitable dry-season harvests are often negated by rainy-season losses. Operational struggles include prohibitively high input costs, often exacerbated by a lack of crucial government support like fertilizer vouchers. Other critical weaknesses encompass persistently low palay prices, the detrimental use of poor-quality seeds, limited access to essential post-harvest facilities, and restricted avenues for formal financing. These core problems are magnified by climate change, which introduces extreme weather risks that severely depress yield and overall income. The study concludes by urging a comprehensive, collaborative action plan. Key interventions must prioritize augmenting effective government aid, establishing stable price guarantees, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices, and developing vital infrastructure. Such efforts are paramount to stabilizing farmers' livelihoods and ensuring the long-term integrity of the Philippines' rice sector.
Copyright © 2026 Rhea Malaca Villacorte https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Modeling Factors Influencing the Adoption of Low-Emission Practices in Rice Farming in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a vital rice-producing region in Vietnam, but conventional rice farming continues to generate considerable greenhouse gas emissions, placing increasing pressure on the sector to transition toward more sustainable production models. This study investigates the socio-economic and perception-based factors shaping farmers’ adoption of low-emission rice farming practices. Using survey data collected from 748 farmers across six provinces, a generalized ordered logit model is employed to identify key determinants and adoption patterns. Results show that farmers with larger landholdings, higher education levels, and stronger perceptions of economic and environmental benefits are more likely to adopt low-emission practices. In contrast, household size, land fragmentation, and limited access to resources constrain participation. Financial uncertainties, market instability, higher input requirements, and concerns over pest and disease risks remain major barriers. While farmers adopting multiple low-emission practices often achieve greater profitability and improved resource efficiency, perceived risks related to yield variability and cost fluctuations continue to discourage widespread uptake. Reputational gains, environmental stewardship motivations, and policy-driven incentives also play an important role in supporting adoption. To accelerate the transition to sustainable rice production, the study recommends enhanced financial support mechanisms, targeted training and capacity-building programs, improved market linkages, and robust institutional frameworks to mitigate risks and strengthen farmer confidence.
Copyright © 2026 Vo Hong Tu, Nguyen Thuy Trang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Modeling the Impact of Climate Risks on Food Security in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Global climate change creates significant risks for food security in countries with vulnerable agro-ecological systems, including the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study aims to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the impact of key climate factors—average annual temperature and precipitation—on grain crop productivity at the regional level during the period 2015–2024. Using fixed-effects panel regression modeling and scenario forecasting, the research identifies a negative relationship between rising temperatures and agricultural yields, as well as a positive correlation between increased precipitation and productivity. The results highlight the high climate sensitivity of southern and western regions, where the combination of drought, soil degradation, and water scarcity intensifies threats to food system stability. A short-term forecast to 2029 indicates a gradual decline in crop yields under an inertial development scenario, contrasted with a potential increase in productivity if adaptive measures are implemented—modernization of irrigation infrastructure, adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, digital monitoring tools, and optimization of crop structures. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrating climate risk assessments into Kazakhstan’s national agricultural strategy and developing regionally differentiated adaptation policies. These results provide a scientific basis for strengthening food security management, guiding strategic planning, and mitigating economic losses associated with accelerating climate change.
Copyright © 2026 Gulnur Baidauletova, Ainur Mukhamedkhanova; Maksat Yelikbay; Altynay Turlybekova, Madina Sergaziyeva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of Inclusive Agricultural Policies as an Effort to Address the Challenges of Agricultural Development in Nagan Raya Regency
One of the agricultural centers in Indonesia, Nagan Raya Regency in Aceh Province, has experienced a decline in rice production and stagnation. This problem is accompanied by low farmer exchange rates and a low food security index. This research aims to analyze the implementation and challenges of inclusive agriculture in Nagan Raya using a qualitative case study approach by integrating stakeholder mapping and challenge analysis using Inclusive Growth indicators. The method used in this study is qualitative research using NVivo 12 software and data collection using a triangulation system to ensure the validity and reliability of the results. The results show that key actors have a significant influence but have not been able to establish effective coordination that can include all farmer groups in Nagan Raya to actively participate in agricultural programs. Local government policies related to simultaneous planting have proven to have an impact in supporting the agricultural sector in Nagan Raya. However, obstacles still arise in the form of weak agricultural infrastructure, uneven distribution of aid, and low participation of all farmer groups, including smallholder and women farmers. Therefore, systematic and integrated policies are needed, with focus on infrastructure revitalization, establishment of agricultural machinery centers, quotas for women's participation, and distribution system based on the planting calendar. As a form of contribution to policy development, this study proposes implementation of an inclusive agricultural policy development program as strategic step to realize a fair, productive, and sustainable agricultural system in Nagan Raya.
Copyright © 2026 Nellis Mardhiah, Agus Pratama, Putri Kemala Sari, Agatha Debby Reiza Macella, Nila Safrida, Safrida https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Factors Influencing Lowland Rice Farmers' Productivity: Evidence from East Kalimantan, Indonesia
The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the productivity of rice farmers. This study employed a quantitative research design with an inferential statistical approach using SmartPLS. The research was conducted in five rice farming areas in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, with a sample size of 146 respondents. The results indicate that extension communication has a positive and significant effect on farmers' knowledge. However, the effect on farmers' skills is positive but not significant. Extension communication has a negative and insignificant effect on innovation adoption, and a positive but insignificant effect on farmer productivity. The effect of farmers' knowledge on innovation adoption was negative and an insignificant, while its effect on farmer productivity was positive but not significant. In contrast, the effect of farmers' skills on innovation adoption and farmer productivity was positive and significant. This study has several limitations. First, it focuses only on rice farmers in the five agricultural areas designated by the Kutai Kartanegara Regency government, so the results cannot be generalized to other areas with different conditions. Second, this study does not consider external factors that may influence the successful adoption of agricultural technology innovations, such as government policies, market access, and weather conditions.
Copyright © 2026 Ida Bagus Made Agung Dwijatenaya, Ince Raden, Yonathan Palinggi, Sundari, Akhmad Arief, Eka Rahmawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Consumer Decision-Making in Livestream Agricultural Retail: Evidence from Northern Vietnam
This study explores the determinants shaping consumers’ decisions to purchase agricultural products through livestreaming in Vietnam’s northern mountainous provinces-regions constrained by underdeveloped e-commerce infrastructure. The research seeks to uncover key behavioral and contextual drivers influencing online agricultural purchasing behavior. Based on 1323 valid survey responses, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test seven hypothesized relationships. Results indicate that livestream timing (β = 0.415), viewer interaction (β = 0.226), livestream environment (β = 0.124), and product information (β = 0.122) exert significant positive effects on purchase decisions. In contrast, seller reputation, customer understanding, and interface intuitiveness are found to have no statistically significant impact. This research advances the theoretical understanding of consumer decision-making in the context of agricultural livestream commerce by extending existing frameworks to digital markets in low-connectivity areas. It also provides empirical insights specific to Vietnam’s highland regions, where technological access and digital literacy remain limited. Practically, the findings suggest that optimizing the timing of livestream sessions, enhancing audience interactivity, and ensuring transparency and accuracy in product information can significantly improve consumer engagement and sales performance. Overall, this study contributes both to academic discourse on digital consumer behavior and to the sustainable development of agricultural e-commerce ecosystems in emerging rural economies.
Copyright © 2026 Linh Nguyen‑Thi Thuy; Quynh Pham‑Ngoc‑Huong, Nga Nguyen‑Thi‑Minh; Mai Dong‑Thanh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Impact of Digital Technologies Adoption on the Resilience of Agricultural Supply Chains: A Study on Traditional Market Actors
In the context of escalating global and localized disruptions, ensuring the resilience of agri-food supply chains has become paramount, particularly in developing economies where traditional markets remain crucial channels for food distribution. Existing literature has predominantly focused on digital transformation within large, formalized supply systems, creating a significant research gap regarding the impact of digital technology adoption (DTA) among small-scale traders in informal, resource-constrained environments. Building on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) Theory, this study investigates how DTA (including mobile ICT, e-commerce, and digital payments) enhances supply chain resilience (SCR) through the development of three key supply chain capabilities: Information, Collaboration, and Adaptability. Data were collected from a survey of 170 small-scale agricultural traders operating in traditional markets in Hanoi, Vietnam, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The robust empirical findings confirm that DTA significantly enhances all three capabilities. Furthermore, the results validate that the impact of digital technologies on SCR occurs primarily through the significant mediating mechanism of supply chain capabilities. Notably, Adaptability capability emerged as the strongest and most influential predictor of resilience. Theoretically, this study extends the application of the RBV–DC framework by providing novel, context-specific evidence on how digital resources are utilized as dynamic capabilities to foster resilience in highly informal market settings. Practically, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and technology providers, demonstrating that even basic, widely accessible digital tools are crucial for enabling continuity of operations and enhancing operational resilience in traditional agricultural supply chains.
Copyright © 2026 Ngoc Huong Quynh Pham, Chi Anh Phan, Thu Ha Nguyen , Dinh Phuong Trieu, Thi Thuy Dam, Thi Kim Hoa Dang, Thi Thuy Duong Nguyen, Van Phuong Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Anatomy of an Urban Food Supply in the Global South—The Case of Vegetable Supply to Hanoi City
Documenting urban food supply systems is essential for understanding their functioning, impacts, and future evolution. While this task is a critical step in implementing urban food policies, it faces significant challenges—particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Through a case study of Hanoi, Vietnam, we use diverse empirical data sources to tackle the issue. We quantify the urban food supply system of Hanoi for one key product: fresh vegetables. By combining multiple investigative methods, we employ social network analysis to map the intermediary networks connecting production and consumption. Volume of food flows moving through different supply channels and the spatial expansion of the entire system have been determined. Our findings reveal that Hanoi currently sources vegetables from a vast area, encompassing all of northern Vietnam and parts of China. While local production (within Hanoi) still accounts for 46% of the supply, most locally grown vegetables pass through intermediaries—such as wholesalers, retailers, and street vendors. These intermediaries play a crucial role by bringing fresh produce closer to consumers, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain. The results align with predictions from previous research, indicating that food supply systems in Southern cities are increasingly following trends observed in Northern cities as urbanization progresses. We recommends that future food policies should explicitly address the role of middlemen, particularly street vendors. The roles and contributions of these informal operators to the urban food systems of the Global South should be formally recognized.
Copyright © 2026 Hai Vu Pham, Vu Quang Hoang, Thi Tan Loc Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Performance and Strategies to Enhance Sustainability of Cocoa-Based Agroforestry in Lampung Province, Indonesia
The sustainability of cocoa-based agroforestry in Indonesia is challenged by low yield and quality, pests and diseases, and climate change, raising questions about its continued sustainability. The objectives of this research are to examine existing performance, sustainability, and strategies to enhance the sustainability of cocoa-based agroforestry in Indonesia. Research was conducted in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province, which applied a survey method, located in 3 sub-districts chosen purposively among the main producers of cocoa, and interviewed 116 farmers of cocoa agroforestry, who were randomly sampled from cocoa farmer groups. This research performed descriptive statistics, Revenue/Cost (R/C), and Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA). Results indicate that cocoa agroforestry is economically viable, with cocoa yield reaching 740 kg per hectare and income of IDR 40.4 million with R/C 5.86, while non-cocoa production (mainly coffee, banana, and black pepper) generates an additional equivalent of 231.8 kg of dry cocoa bean, bringing total income to IDR 50.1 million and R/C 7.69. Sustainability analysis reveals a "moderately sustainable" status with an MSA index of 62.87. The findings conclude that enhancing the performance and sustainability of cocoa agroforestry requires integrated strategies, including improved financial access, adoption of farm accounting systems, market development, optimization of post-harvest processing (drying and fermentation), enhanced marketing systems, guaranteed availability of production inputs, and increased cocoa productivity.
Copyright © 2026 Rusdi Evizal, Fembriarti Erry Prasmatiwi, Dedy Prasetyo, Liska Mutiara Septiana, Sumaryo, Tri Novi Astuti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Mixed-Methods Approach to Discover the Relationship of Sustainable Agriculture-Based Value Chain Integration and Market Access for Smallholder Farmers
Market access (MA) and value chain integration (VCI) are problematic in India, but smallholder farmers (SF) are vital for multiple developing countries' agricultural sectors. Differences between regions in agricultural environments, socioeconomic setups, education levels, and formal support mechanisms have limited Indian farmers' VCI. Farmers in Nimar and Vindhya have more logistical problems and low-income participation relative to those in the Malwa Plateau, who have better organizational skills and MA. Cultural and social standards limit studies for women in traditional regions. This mixed-methods study addresses how agricultural mediators and organizations impact MA and VAI's benefits and drawbacks in the Malwa Plateau, Nimar, and Vindhya districts. In Nimar and Vindhya, VAI can be boosted by investing in physical infrastructure, adopting a cross-sectional method, minimizing transportation costs (TC), improving MA, cultivating network collaboration, and providing proper farming support. While VCI has significantly increased farmers' income, regional disparities impede the establishment and implementation of MA. This study groups farmers by region, organization, and crop yield using random samples' quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys, interviews, and market data from 236 Madhya Pradesh SF with > 2 ha were collected to ensure data reliability. Sample data show 40% of farmers are from the Malwa Plateau and 35% from Nimar. The findings show that MA needs supportive relationships and specific methods to lower TC, improve setups, and increase farmers' market participation. The study proposes measures to optimize VCI and boost economic development for SF in India's unique agricultural environment to increase farmer income by 15% while minimizing TC by 20%.
Copyright © 2026 Hayder M. Ali, Deeptha Ramamurthi, Santhi Sri Tatavarthy, Srinivasarao Bhukya, Aseel Smerat, Chandra Balasubramanian, Ashurali Avliyakulov, Sudhakar Sengan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Intention to Participate in the Circular Economy Model: A Case Study of Rice Farmers in Hau Giang, Vietnam
The circular economy is emerging as a vital strategic model to minimize environmental impacts and enhance agricultural production efficiency in Vietnam. In the rice production sector—a core industry in Hau Giang—the shift toward a circular economy has become an urgent priority for sustainable development. This study employs the Theory of Planned Behavior and incorporates an additional factor, Technical and Output Support (TOS), to better capture the substantive support provided by professional agencies, local authorities, and consumer markets. This contextualized factor addresses a notable gap overlooked in previous research. Survey data from 160 rice-farming households in Hau Giang were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and Ordinary Least Squares regression. The findings indicate that attitude, perceived economic benefits, environmental concern, and technical and output support positively influence the intention to participate in the circular economy model, while subjective norms do not show statistically significant effects. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that TOS plays a particularly critical role in shaping farmers’ confidence in adopting new production practices, especially in contexts where market volatility and resource constraints persist. The incorporation of this factor improves the explanatory power of the TPB framework within agricultural settings. These results offer important empirical insights for policy formulation and the design of intervention programs aimed at advancing the circular economy model in rice production in Hau Giang and the broader Mekong Delta region.
Copyright © 2026 Le Tran Minh Nhat, Dao Duy Huan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rural Revitalization and Agricultural Economic Growth in China: Policy Impacts and Structural Transformation
This study examines the economic effects of China's Rural Revitalization Strategy on agricultural development through an integrated triadic dynamic mechanism framework comprising technological innovation, agricultural industrialization, and industrial structure optimization. Drawing on balanced panel data from 31 provincial-level regions spanning 2013-2022, we employ fixed-effects models, mediation analysis, and dynamic System GMM estimation to systematically identify and quantify transmission pathways and their synergistic interactions. The empirical results demonstrate that rural revitalization policies significantly enhance total agricultural output, with particularly pronounced effects on crop production (coefficient: 1.796), forestry (1.845), livestock (1.093), and fisheries (1.646). Mediation analyses reveal that agricultural industrialization accounts for the largest share of policy impact (62%), followed by technological innovation (46%) and industrial restructuring (17%), confirming their interdependent nature. Regional heterogeneity analysis indicates that eastern provinces exhibit stronger policy responsiveness due to superior fiscal capacity and infrastructure, while central and western regions face resource constraints requiring differentiated policy intensities and longer transformation periods. These findings advance theoretical understanding of rural development mechanisms by demonstrating simultaneous operation of multiple transmission channels rather than isolated pathways. The research provides actionable policy recommendations for enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable rural transformation, and achieving balanced regional development in China and other developing economies facing similar structural challenges in agricultural modernization.
Copyright © 2026 HAI-OU YU, Nur Marina Abdul Manap https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Methodology of Carbon Sink Accounting and Evaluation Model for the Full Chain of "Consolidation-Carbon Sequestration-Transaction" of Arable Land
The urgent challenge of climate change has made carbon neutrality a central policy goal worldwide.Farmland soil in China holds significant potential for carbon sequestration, yet small-scale, scattered household management has constrained the development of large-scale farmland carbon sink projects. To address this gap, this study constructs a full-chain methodological framework of “Consolidation-Carbon Sequestration-Transaction,” integrating land consolidation theory, agroecological principles, and ecosystem service valuation. A “scale-cost-benefit” analysis model was developed to quantify the economic viability of farmland carbon sinks under different land-use conversion scenarios. Results show that under the current carbon price of 40 yuan/ton, the per-mu benefit of farmland carbon sequestration is only 8–12 yuan, which is insufficient to cover monitoring and transaction costs at small scales. However, when farmland is consolidated into contiguous plots, costs can be reduced by 30–40%, allowing the cost-benefit balance point to be reached. This study provides a standardized quantitative method for farmland carbon sink evaluation, offering practical guidance for designing large-scale carbon sequestration projects in China. Furthermore, the proposed framework has broader international relevance for countries with smallholder-dominated agricultural structures, where land consolidation and carbon sink standardization can similarly promote sustainable agricultural modernization and climate mitigation.
Copyright © 2026 Manlu Yi, Chang Chen, Yueqi Li, Fei Wang, Yanping Liu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Globalization, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Implications for Economic growth and Sustainable Development
The evolving discourse on globalization has increased academic and heightened scholarly interest in its effects on economic growth, agricultural transformation, and sustainable development in both developed and developing nations. This study examines the causal relationships between entrepreneurship development, agricultural performance, economic growth, and sustainability in Saudi Arabia over the period 2000–2020. Recognizing the agriculture’s strategic role played in food security, rural employment creation, and environmental balance, the study situates it within the globalization–entrepreneurship nexus to assess development pathways aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Applying Granger causality within a VAR framework, augmented by impulse response analysis and variance decomposition, the study reveals that entrepreneurship development is a significant driver of economic growth and exerts a positive influence on agricultural value-added and sustainability outcomes. Globalization is shown to boost agricultural efficiency through technological transfer, border market access, and increased investment, thereby supporting long-term sustainable growth. Based on these findings, policymakers should pursue targeted strategies that cultivate sustainable entrepreneurship and promote innovation driven practices in agriculture. The study underscores the interconnected roles of globalization, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable development within the Saudi context. By fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting knowledge spillovers, the findings point to a path where economic resilience and environmental stewardship reinforce one another, aligning prosperity with sustainable agricultural transformation and broader societal well-being.
Copyright © 2026 Mohamed Neffati, Fahad Abdullah Aldubayan, Mounir Ben Mbarek, Badr Abdulaziz Binzaid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Relationship Between Agricultural Carbon Dioxide Emission and Agriculture Subsectors Production: Static Panel Data Approach
Human activities contribute to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which have serious environmental, economic, and social effects of climate change. This has sparked efforts to find large-scale solutions to eliminate the causes of climate change. While these solutions mainly involve reducing carbon emissions through global agreements, individual nations have also taken steps to cut emissions by changing production methods, such as irrigation and fertilisation, to ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and the proper storage and transportation of food. As a result, the agricultural sector is both a source and a victim of this process. The sector’s environmental impact varies due to differing production techniques and energy needs across various sub-sectors like vegetable, grain, and fruit production. Increases in carbon dioxide emissions in this sector are connected not only to production activities but also to demographic and social factors, such as the rural population proportion. This study aims to explore the effect of vegetable, grain, and fruit production, as well as the rural population ratio, on carbon dioxide emissions. To achieve this, a static panel data analysis was conducted across 21 European countries from 1970 to 2023. According to the research findings, vegetable production increases carbon emissions from agriculture. However, it was found to have a significant, albeit borderline, impact on fruit production and to reduce carbon emissions. These results demonstrate that agriculture's contribution to carbon dioxide emissions varies by sub-sector and provide valuable information for developing sustainable agricultural policies.
Copyright © 2026 Ayşe Esra Peker, Nuran Akdağ, Dilek Veysİkaranİ, Mustafa Göktuğ Kaya, Perihan Hazel Kaya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
What Drives and Shapes Smallholder Participation in Agricultural Commercialization in Malawi? Evidence from the AGCOM Project
Smallholder agricultural commercialization is increasingly recognized as a pathway for rural transformation, yet its determinants remain underexplored in Malawi. This study examines both the decision to participate in markets and the intensity of commercialization among 2,400 households across 15 districts using data from the Agricultural Commercialization Project (AGCOM) collected in 2023. A double hurdle model was employed, allowing separate analysis of market participation (Probit) and commercialization intensity (Tobit) after diagnostic tests indicated no significant sample selection bias. Results show moderate commercialization, with an average Household Commercialization Index (HCI) of 0.61; 67% of households were commercialized (HCI > 0.5), while 33% were non-commercialized. By value chain, layers (HCI = 0.94), honey (0.91), and coffee (0.88) were the most commercialized, whereas beeswax was the lowest (0.56). Market access, landholding size, labor availability, and institutional support significantly influenced commercialization. Each additional kilometer from a main road reduced participation by 2.4%, households with more working-age members were 3% more likely to commercialize, and larger landholdings increased commercialization probability by 2.3% per hectare, with diminishing returns beyond 7 hectares. AGCOM participation, credit access, and television ownership further enhanced commercialization. Regional and agroecological disparities were evident: farmers in the North were 27.5% less likely to commercialize, while those in the South, Lakeshore Plains, and Highlands were 8.6%, 24.5%, and 29.4% more likely, respectively, compared to reference areas. The findings highlight the importance of infrastructure, financial inclusion, ICT-enabled information, and programmatic support. Policy should prioritize these areas, while future research should track commercialization dynamics and their links to food security and resilience.
Copyright © 2026 Nicholas Delson Mkandawire, Julius Henderson Mangisoni, Innocent Pangapanga‑Phiri, Kennedy Machila https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Stage-Dependent Dynamics of the Digital Economy, Agricultural Innovation, and Growth in Asia-Pacific Economies
Digital development is transforming agriculture; however, the relationship between the digital economy, technological innovation and economic growth varies significantly across stages of national development. The present study proposes a tripartite “Digital–Innovation–Growth” framework to investigate and understand its mechanism of operations. To achieve this, data from 15 Asia-Pacific economies for the period spanning 2000 to 2021 are used through a Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) model. This framework operates through a tripartite mechanism: First, digital infrastructure lowers information and transaction costs, which in turn helps in adopting new types of agricultural technological innovation. Secondly, innovation enhances agricultural productivity through total factor productivity enhancements. Finally, agricultural growth generates demand and surplus capital, thereby stimulating further digital investment and application. Distinct stage-dependent patterns emerge in the analysis. The results of the Granger causality tests indicate that agricultural economic growth is a significant driver of digital development. The heterogeneity analysis shows three regimes: one for the developed economies with a bi-directional reinforcement mechanism; growth-driven digitalization in emerging economies and weak systemic linkages in developing economies. The findings confirm the proposed stage-dependent framework and provide a basis for analyzing differentiated policy interventions to reduce the agricultural digital divide.
Copyright © 2026 Zhenlian Tang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
ESG Practices and Customer-Based Brand Equity in Dairy Agribusiness: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Markets
The dairy sector contributes significantly to agricultural economies through its role in food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Although agri-food firms increasingly adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, empirical evidence on how these practices translate into brand-related market outcomes in emerging agricultural markets remains scarce. Drawing on stakeholder theory and signaling theory, this study investigates whether ESG practices function as signals that shape customer-based brand equity in the dairy industry. Survey data collected from 280 dairy consumers in Vietnam were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate asymmetric effects of ESG dimensions on customer-based brand equity. Governance practices influence all brand equity dimensions, environmental practices are associated with brand associations and brand loyalty, while social practices primarily relate to brand loyalty. These results suggest that ESG initiatives help reduce information asymmetry and strengthen the perceived credibility of agri-food brands. This study contributes to branding and agri-food sustainability research by providing evidence of asymmetric ESG signaling effects in an emerging market context. The findings further inform managers and policymakers about the importance of governance transparency and ESG communication in building consumer trust and enhancing competitiveness in developing dairy markets.
Copyright © 2026 Thi Chung Du https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Inclusive Agri-Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Development: A Systematic Literature Review of Smallholder Farmer Integration
More than 80% of farms worldwide are smallholders, making them crucial for food security. Moreover, smallholder farming creates employment and enhances rural development, necessitating their integration into high-value and sustainable agriculture supply chains. Despite their importance, institutional, financial, technological, and structural constraints continue to hinder their incorporation into high-value agriculture supply chains. Thus, the overall purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms for smallholder inclusion in agricultural value chains and propose an improved hybrid model based on existing literature. The models used to incorporate smallholder farmers into agricultural value chains are examined in this study through a systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A thorough screening process using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar resulted in the selection of 25 peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports published between 2008 and 2025. The study employed thematic analysis and qualitative meta-analysis to identify key patterns, including financial barriers, infrastructure deficits, and digital exclusion. Findings indicate that the most common inclusion models are farmer cooperatives, out-grower schemes, and contract farming, which promote market access, collective bargaining, and input provision. However, these models are often limited by poor infrastructure, low digital literacy, and restricted access to finance. The study proposes a hybrid model that combines market access, input support, and collective action from existing inclusion mechanisms with digital tools for coordination, pricing, and traceability. The study concludes that effective integration of smallholder farmers into high-value agricultural supply chains can be achieved through a hybrid model that merges inclusive strategies with digital technologies to overcome barriers and ensure sustainable, equitable participation. Future research should explore digital agri-tech impacts, gender-sensitive integration, and policy frameworks supporting inclusive agri-entrepreneurship in South Africa and other developing regions.
Copyright © 2026 Wimbayi Chasaya, Charles Tsikada, Ayansola O. Ayandibu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Human Resource Development and Enhancement of Core Competencies for Sustainable Agro Tourism Community Enterprises: A Creative Economy Perspective
This study investigates the role of Human Resource Development (HRD) and enhancement of core competencies in promoting the sustainability and competitiveness of agro-tourism community enterprises in Thailand. Utilizing a quantitative method design, data were collected from 265 participants using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among variables. Results indicated that HRD significantly influenced both the enhancement of core competencies (β = 0.53, p < 0.001) and enterprise sustainability and competitiveness (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Additionally, core competencies positively impacted sustainability and competitiveness (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), confirming the mediating role of competencies in the HRD-performance linkage. The final structural model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI = 0.977, RMSEA = 0.075), affirming the model’s robustness. These findings underscore the importance of integrated HRD strategies tailored to rural tourism contexts, with implications for policy, training design, and sustainable development. The study highlights that well-structured HRD initiatives, including skill development, leadership training, and knowledge-sharing practices, can equip local communities with the capabilities required to adapt to market changes and environmental challenges. Strengthening competencies not only ensures long-term sustainability but also enhances the competitiveness of agro-tourism enterprises in domestic and international markets. Moreover, the results provide practical insights for policymakers and educators in designing interventions that align with community needs, thereby fostering inclusive growth and resilience in Thailand’s rural tourism sector.
Copyright © 2026 Chumpon Rodjam, Panyada Chanthakit, Eakolarn Chotianusorn, Pachoke Lert‑asavapatra, Wutipong Janmuangthai, Boonchan Phansuwa, Opal Suwunnamek, Muhammad Shahid Khan, Majid Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Digital Transformation and Green Agricultural Development: Evidence from Agricultural Value Chain Integration in China
This study examines how digital transformation promotes green agricultural development through value chain integration in China. Using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces during 2013–2023, we employ fixed effects models, mediation analysis, and moderation tests to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances green agricultural development with a coefficient of 0.298 (p < 0.01), and this effect remains robust after IV-2SLS and System GMM estimations. Value chain integration serves as a partial mediator, accounting for 27.5% of the total effect, indicating that digital platforms connect dispersed farmers with markets, standardize green production, and improve resource allocation efficiency. Environmental audit intensity positively moderates this relationship, with the marginal effect rising from 0.187 in low-audit regions to 0.468 in high-audit regions, implying that stricter supervision amplifies the green payoff of digitalization. Placebo permutation tests confirm the causal nature of these relationships, and alternative specifications, such as internet penetration as a proxy for digitalization and agricultural green total factor productivity as the dependent variable, orroborate external validity. These findings contribute to understanding sustainable agricultural transformation in the digital economy era and suggest that realizing digital technology's green potential requires the coordinated advancement of technological innovation, value-chain organization reform, and institutional arrangements. The study provides empirical evidence for policymakers to design integrated strategies promoting agricultural digitalization while strengthening environmental governance mechanisms.
Copyright © 2026 Deng Wei, Obed Rashdi Syed, Gong Hong https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Impact of Government Subsidies on the Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices and Their Long-Term Effects on Rural-Agricultural Economic Development Practices
The study proves the importance of smart farming (SF) practices in addressing environmental changes (EC) and helping sustainable agriculture (SA). It investigates the effects of government subsidies (GS), farmer awareness (FA), and market access (MA) on SF adoption in Bihar, India, utilizing data from 582 farmers in five distinct regions. The research employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze relationships among GS factors like farm size (FS), water resource management (WRM), soil quality (SQ), SF adoption, and the impact of FA and MA on financial outcomes. Results highlight that GS provides direct and indirect benefits for SF practices, particularly when FA is increased. GS impacts SF through an indirect pathway (GS → FA → SF) and proves a direct effect on SF adoption, with MA acting as a mediator. The findings indicate that SF adoption critically supports rural GDP growth and emphasize the importance of research and development for economic advantages. Also, SQ and WRM are very important to the adoption method. Farmers who practice SA are predicted to make more cash flow by having better market access, which is good for the sustainable environment. The model's validity is validated by fit measures, indicating robust results.
Durai Arumugam Sivakolunthu Sreevelu Latha
Copyright © 2026 Hayder M. Ali, Sathiyasuntharam Velayutham, Komali Govindu, Durai Arumugam Sivakolunthu Sreevelu Latha, Aseel Smerat, Malathi Eswaran, Zokir Mamadiyarov, Sudhakar Sengan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comprehensive Review on the Production, Cultural, and Medicinal Applications of Cannabis Plant for Sustainable Economic Development
Cannabis sativa is a versatile plant which is recognized as an exceptional carbon sink and sustainable biofuel that addresses economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Its cultivation has historically been prohibited in many countries due to its psychoactive effects. However, the global movement towards the legalisation and decriminalisation for its medicinal and industrial uses has recently intensified, prompting new research into its botanical, ecological, and agronomic aspects. This review explored the available scientific information for a holistic and understanding of the Cannabis’ medicinal and industrial applications. The review applied a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA principles to synthesize published work on Cannabis sativa. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were sourced from multiple databases and repositories using defined keywords. No lower time limit was applied, and literature coverage published work up to December 2023. After screening 625 records, 180 studies were retained and thematically grouped into six areas: historical or cultural significance, legality, botanical and chemical characterization, agronomic practices, medicinal potential, and economic contributions. A narrative synthesis highlighted key findings, contradictions, and knowledge gaps, while noting potential biases such as English-only sources and uneven geographic representation. The study further discussed the historical overview of cannabis, current global scenarios and legality issues, classification concerning botany and cannabinoid contents, agronomic and ecological practices, chemical composition, its biological activities, and economic importance. The study concludes that by balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, cannabis can be a promising cornerstone crop for sustainable development in South Africa and globally in the 21st century.
Copyright © 2026 Azile Dumani, Ifeanyi Egbichi, Tembakazi Theodora Silwana, Babalwa Mpambani, Olwetu Antonia Sindesi, Hlabana Alfred Seepe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Leveraging FinTech Solutions for Efficient, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa
African food systems are at a crisis point. Climate change, rapid population growth, hyperinflation, wars, conflicts, and pandemics are among the causes of this disarray. Deliberations on transforming the system and empowering it to meet its mandate are ongoing. This article contributes to these ongoing deliberations by exploring the diagnostic potential of financial technology (FinTech) to improve African food systems, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is achieved by identifying the challenges of SSA food systems and exploring how FinTech can be used to address these challenges. The review article draws from a content analysis of secondary literature on food systems and FinTech, focusing on the possibilities of intersection. The article shows that Fintech can help streamline financial processes in SSA food systems, facilitating digital payments and lending, making it easier for food system actors to access credit and insurance, thus improving their operations. FinTech solutions like blockchain can also improve supply chain transparency and traceability. FinTech enables AI-powered tools for monitoring crop and animal health and optimising operations, ultimately contributing to food systems' efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Despite several challenges, the article concludes that FinTech wields much potential to transform SSA food systems by improving financial access, enhancing transparency, promoting sustainability, and optimising operations across the food chain.
Copyright © 2026 Emmanuel Ndhlovu, Daniel F Meyer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Aligning Agricultural Development with ESG Goals: Pathways for Central Asia in the Global Context
Agriculture in Central Asia faces a dual challenge: sustaining economic growth while addressing profound environmental degradation and social vulnerabilities. This study explores how the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) can be applied to align agricultural development in the region with global sustainability standards. Based on a qualitative review of academic literature, policy documents, and international experiences, the analysis highlights both the shared legacies and the divergent reform trajectories of the five Central Asian states. The findings reveal that while economic reforms have created new opportunities, ecological and social dimensions of sustainability remain weak. Kazakhstan demonstrates the potential of organic agriculture to attract investment and enhance competitiveness, yet institutional support and certification systems are underdeveloped. Kyrgyzstan illustrates the promise of community-based governance through pasture and water user associations, although financial fragility limits scalability. In Tajikistan, smallholder diversification and conservation farming contribute to resilience but are constrained by governance weaknesses. Turkmenistan’s highly centralized agricultural system illustrates the limits of ESG integration under conditions of opacity, while Uzbekistan represents a system in transition where diversification and liberalization offer progress but water management and certification remain unresolved. Across the region, three themes are decisive: the urgent need for efficient water governance, the importance of social inclusion to strengthen rural livelihoods, and the central role of credible institutions in ensuring transparency and accountability. The study concludes that ESG integration is essential not only for securing access to international markets but also for building resilience and ensuring long-term competitiveness of Central Asian agriculture.
Copyright © 2026 Chinara Usenbekovna Adamkulova, Arsen Stalbekovich Akhunbaev, Yujie Liu, Nelli Ilyinichna Akylbekova, Nuri Bekposunovna Mambetkazieva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Selection of Application in Smart Farming Systems
The research presented in this paper was carried out using the example of selecting applications for smart farm management, specifically focusing on the Farmland company. To facilitate this selection process, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods were employed, including the fuzzy SiWeC (simple weight calculation) method, which was utilized to subjectively assess the significance of the criteria involved, alongside the Entropy method, which objectively evaluated the importance of these criteria. Additionally, the fuzzy CORASO (compromise ranking from alternative solutions) method was applied to rank the alternatives. The assessment of the significance of the criteria, along with the assessment of the applications based on the selected criteria, was conducted by experts. They carried out this assessment by utilizing linguistic values, which required a fuzzy approach. The findings from this approach indicated that, following the application of the SiWeC and Entropy methods, the most critical criterion for assessing applications is their efficiency. Through the application of the fuzzy CORASO method, it was determined that the A1 application most effectively satisfies the established criteria, making it the preferred option for the implementation of the smart farming system. This research has demonstrated that applications are an essential tool for the realization of smart farming, and it has illustrated how applications can be chosen using the MCDM method.
Copyright © 2026 Jurica Bosna, Adis Puška, Miroslav Nedeljković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0