Decades of recurrent flooding in Nigeria have inflicted lasting and irreparable damage on communities, threatening human survival and leaving enduring scars. Therefore, the study assessed impact of flood on residents’ well-being in South west Nigeria. Four-staged sampling technique was adopted for selection of 250 households through questionnaire administration. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, canonical correlation analysis at α0.05. Most residents in flood-prone parts of Southwest Nigeria identified flooding was a common occurrence in their communities. However, 60% of residents signified that flooding was mitigated in most communities. The study showed a significant association of flooding in communities with residents’ housing wellbeing; mud house affected (χ² = 7.46, p = 0.02), consequences on mud house affected (χ² =7.85, p =0.02), increased brick house dilapidation (χ² =7.33, p =0.03). Worsen brick houses (p =0.01*, β= 0.608), food production and access (p =0.03*, β= 0.252), ethno-medicine affordability (p =0.04*, β=0.240), usefulness of motorcycle for farming activities (p =0.03*, β=0.734) were significant and positively influenced by flooding in communities. Residents’ wellbeing was implicated by flooding in communities in flood-prone parts of South-western Nigeria, and align with contribution to the achievement of SDG 13 (Climate Action) SDG 15 (Life on Land) in Nigeriay.

This study evaluated the agronomic, mechanization and economic performance of maize cultivated under three soil tillage systems: conventional tillage, minimum tillage and no-tillage, under irrigated conditions in south-eastern Romania during the 2024–2025 agricultural year. The experiment was conducted on a carbonatic chernozem soil in the Poarta Albă area and involved two maize hybrids, DKC 6897 and DKC 5812, arranged in a randomized block design with farm-scale plots. Agronomic assessments included morphological traits and grain yield, while mechanization performance was evaluated through fuel consumption, number of field operations and working time per hectare. Economic analysis was based on production costs, revenues, gross profit and profitability. Climatic conditions during the study period were characterized by thermal extremes, late spring frost events and uneven precipitation distribution, highlighting the importance of irrigation and adaptive soil management. The results showed that conventional tillage ensured the highest grain yields, particularly for hybrid DKC 6897, but at the expense of increased fuel consumption and higher production costs. Minimum tillage provided a balanced compromise between yield performance and reduced operational inputs, resulting in consistently high profitability for both hybrids. Although no-tillage systems produced lower yields, their reduced mechanization intensity and lower costs led to competitive profitability levels. The findings indicate that minimum tillage represents a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional soil management for irrigated maize production under variable climatic conditions. Long-term studies are recommended to further assess the cumulative effects of conservation tillage systems on yield stability, soil quality and farm-level economic resilience.

This study examined how institutional support shapes the implementation and sustainability of blue economy initiatives in post-conflict coastal settings, using the Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood (FishCORAL) Project (2016-2022) in Basilan, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines, as a case. Anchored in a theory-of-change framework, it employed document analysis of secondary data from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Food and Agriculture Organization and related policy reports. The study assesses roles of Local Government Units (LGUs) in terms of participatory coastal governance, integration of coastal resource management into local plans and budgets, and facilitation of fisheries value chains and livelihoods. Findings show that Local Government Units (LGUs) acted as co-financiers, planners, and livelihood enablers. However, their effectiveness was constrained by coordination gaps, limited financing, design-context misalignment, and post-conflict institutional capacity challenges. The study argues that sustainable blue economy outcomes depend primarily on strong local institutions and proposed capacity-building, diversified financing, and climate-resilient coastal planning to advance inclusive and resilient blue economy governance.

Traditional and local agri-food products are deeply embedded in the identity and cultural continuity of Romanian rural communities, contributing to the preservation of culinary heritage, region-specific production practices and local biodiversity. This paper examines Romanian consumers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding traditional and local agri-food products with certification potential, with the aim of assessing the expected impact of quality certification schemes on consumption behaviour. Particular attention is given to the potential development of voluntary regional certification schemes for products originating from the Apuseni Mountains, a region with rich gastronomic heritage but limited prior research on certification feasibility. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire conducted in spring 2025 using Google Forms, with responses from 1,033 Romanian consumers. The survey captured quantitative and qualitative data on consumer awareness, preferences, attitudes toward certification and purchasing behaviour. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential methods. The Shapiro–Wilk test indicated non-normality of Likert-scale responses, justifying the use of the Kruskal–Wallis H test to examine differences across age groups and residence types. Results show that traditional and local products are consumed regularly by most respondents, particularly in rural areas, with strong preferences for dairy, meat and preserved foods. Consumer motivations are closely linked to perceived quality, taste, authenticity and support for local producers, while trust in certified products is primarily driven by formal and institutional guarantees rather than informal promotional cues. Willingness to pay a premium for certified products is generally positive but limited to moderate price increases, with notable differences between rural and urban consumers. Furthermore, the findings reveal strong public openness toward both a regional certification scheme for products from the Apuseni Mountains and a national scheme for the preservation of traditional recipes, especially when certification is linked to authenticity, transparency and gastronomic tourism experiences. These findings highlight the relevance of territorially anchored, voluntary certification schemes as instruments for strengthening consumer trust, supporting rural economies and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, offering valuable insights for policy design and future research on agri-food quality systems.

Risk management is essential for ensuring the stability and sustainability of both agricultural enterprises and economic agents as a whole. The paper analyzes the evolution of the concept of risk in agriculture, highlighting the transition from a reactive to a proactive approach based on identification, assessment and control. The main risk management strategies are also presented, including the use of agricultural insurance instruments. The study is based on a review of the specialized literature and relevant research, emphasizing the importance of adopting effective practices to protect agricultural enterprises, but also for creating training programs for farmers so that they can move towards a digitalized agriculture that aims to ensure both socio-economic stability and the food needs of the global population.

This study analyzed the role of traditional agricultural practices in household food security among farming households in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 120 farming households using a multistage sampling technique and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the household food expenditure approach, and a binary logit regression model. The findings revealed that 79.2% of households were food secure, while 20.8% were food insecure. Farming households were predominantly male-headed, with a mean age of 41 years and an average farming experience of 17 years. Common traditional practices included mixed cropping, crop rotation, shifting cultivation, bush fallowing, and traditional irrigation. Regression results indicated that household size, years of farming experience, and shifting cultivation had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on household food security. Major constraints included limited government support, inadequate access to farm machinery, high cost of farm inputs, limited access to credit, land constraints, and climate-related challenges. The study concludes that traditional agricultural practices play a significant role in enhancing household food security. Strengthened policy support, income diversification, access to credit, and targeted capacity-building initiatives are recommended to sustain food-secure outcomes among farming households.

A homegrown restaurant is typically a restaurant that is locally owned and operated, often with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients and reflecting the local culture and cuisine. Homegrown restaurants are often considered to be more authentic and unique than chain restaurants or franchises because they are created and run by people who are passionate about their community and their food. The study investigated the experiences and challenges of the Binahon Farm Restaurant owner, manager, and employee. In which they attain sustainability in terms of the three pillars, namely economic, environmental, and socio-cultural, despite challenges. The study employed the qualitative narrative case study method of research and used the semi-structured interview guide question. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis modeled by Braun and Clarke (2006). Results revealed that Binahon Farm engaged in organic farming and home-grown resources mainly to deliver quality food to its visitors as well as to the family. Experiences of economic, environmental, and sociocultural practices lead to sustainability. Economic practices as sustainable practice were achieved through online selling, innovation of products, management of plantations through intercropping, and providing the needs of customers' demand for organic products. Environmental practices lead to more customers desiring agritourism in terms of natural amenities, freedom from pollution, and refreshing surroundings through the preservation of nature. Attaining socio-cultural sustainable practices of promotion of culture through sharing of arts and music with others and supporting the Indigenous people by providing trainings and livelihood.

Flowering plants have long been present in human activities and have been used for multiple purposes. Among the ornamental species cultivated in Romania, tuberose is widely appreciated for its decorative qualities and for its applications in the cosmetics, perfume, medical, and food industries. For the experimental study, a tuberose crop belonging to the “Avvatea” variety was established under ecological cultivation conditions. The experiment was conducted in a protected space within the Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzău, Romania. The research examined plant growth, bulb development, and flowering response in tuberose “Avvatea” following the application of a pelletized fertilizer produced from poultry droppings. The analysis of the experimental data indicated that, compared with the unfertilized control variant, the fertilized variants V2 (200 g/m²) and V3 (300 g/m²) recorded higher values for flower production per m², bulb yield, and plant growth and development. The results obtained provide a cultivation approach that can be applied by producers and individuals interested in cultivating flowering plants.

This paper presents a regional analysis of the Romanian agricultural sector for the period 2008–2024 based on statistical data published by the National Institute of Statistics. To this end, we analyzed five indicators: the number of active enterprises, the employed civilian population, gross value added, gross value added per employed person, and the average monthly net wage. To identify regional disparities, we calculated variability indicators. The data and calculations revealed regional disparities: small throughout the entire period for the number of enterprises; large throughout the entire analyzed period for the employed population; large for most of the analyzed time period in terms of gross value added; small and large in certain years regarding gross value added per employed person; very small and small regarding the average monthly net wage. Compared to the first year of the analyzed period, regional disparities: increased for the employed population and for gross value added per employed person; decreased for gross value added and for the average monthly net wage; remained relatively constant for the number of active enterprises.

The research conducted at NIRDPSB Brașov aimed to evaluate the influence of variety, density of vitroplants and sucrose concentration in the nutrient medium on the potato micro tuberization process, analyzing two elements: the number of micro tubers/plantlet and weight of micro tubers/plantlet. The experiment included four varieties (Azaria, Brașovia, Cosiana and Cezarina – control), two densities of vitroplants (15, as control and 10 plantlets/container,) and two concentrations of sucrose (80, as control and 90 g/l). The analysis of variance revealed that variety had a very statistically significant influence on both number of micro tubers/plantlet and the weight of micro tubers/plantlet. The sucrose concentration significantly influenced the weight of micro tubers, but did not cause significant changes for micro tubers number. The density of the vitroplants did not have a statistically significant influence on the analyzed parameters, although a tendency for micro tubers weight to increase was observed at lower densities. The best results regarding micro tuberization capacity were obtained for Brașovia variety, which recorded the highest number of micro tubers/plantlet and the highest values of micro tubers weight/plantlet were observed for Brașovia and Cosiana varieties, especially at the concentration of 90 g/l sucrose. The results highlight the importance of the genetic factor in the micro tuberization process, as well as the role of sucrose concentration in increasing micro tubers weight.

This study examines the underlying drivers behind smallholder cashew farmers’ choice between contract farming (CF) and warehouse receipt system (WRS) arrangements in Mkuranga District of Tanzania. Using cross-sectional survey data from 354 farmers during the 2023/2024 production season, a binary logit approach was applied to estimate the probability for choosing CF relative to WRS, with marginal effects computed for interpretation.The results show that transport cost is the most influential factor, substantially increasing the likelihood of CF participation, while distance to market also exerts a significant positive effect. Having access to reliable information on markets shows a weaker but positive influence. In contrast, socio demographic attributes such as sex and age, educational attainment, and landholding size do not significantly shape marketing system choice. These findings suggest that farmers’ decisions are driven primarily by transaction related and spatial constraints rather than personal characteristics. The study concludes that improving rural transport infrastructure and strengthening market information dissemination within the WRS framework are critical for enhancing its effectiveness and promoting balanced participation. By highlighting the dominance of transaction costs and information asymmetries over demographic factors, the study contributes empirical evidence to debates on institutional marketing arrangements in Tanzania’s cashew sector and informs broader discussions on agricultural commercialization in developing economies.

The smallholder farmers in Zambia have been constant victims of the lack of financial resources, technical expertise, and sustainable agricultural extension, which restricts their livelihood prospects and sustainability. This paper gives an analysis of the role of cooperative-level matching grants in promoting multidimensional livelihood capitals among smallholder farmers in Chipili District: human, social, financial, and natural. The survey data were obtained with 352 respondents (240 grant beneficiaries and 112 non-beneficiaries), and the results were analysed in terms of socioeconomic factors with such variables as age, education, farm size, household size, gender, and farm experience. Analyses of reliability established high internal consistency of all livelihood-capital indices (Cronbachs 0.67 or more). Descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests showed consistently greater scores among the grant beneficiaries in all dimensions of the capital, and medium-to-large effect sizes in human, financial, and natural capital. Adjusted ordinary least squares regressions, controlling for individual characteristics and clustering at the cooperative level, showed that grant participation remained significantly associated with increased livelihood-capital scores (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that matching grants that incorporate trainings provided to cooperatives may assist farmers to learn better farming skills and practices, and better management of their resources. Policy makers and development agencies ought to think of extending these matching grants and incorporate follow up support to enable small holder farmers to advance their capacities and enhance sustainable rural livelihoods.

Water apple (Syzygium aqueum) is a horticultural fruit commodity with high economic value and continues to be developed through vegetative propagation to obtain uniform and high-quality seedlings. However, the success of water apple propagation through cuttings is still influenced by differences in cultivars and plant responses to the application of growth regulators, especially auxins. Information regarding the interaction between water apple cultivars and auxin types on the initial growth of cuttings is still limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of cultivars and auxin types on shoot growth and rooting of water apple cuttings to support vegetative propagation of water apple. The study was arranged using a factorial randomized block design (5 × 4). Factor I: rose apple cultivars (Citra, Dalhari, Kancing Merah, Black Kingkong, and Madu Deli), Factor II: auxin application (control (without auxin, 4000 ppm IBA, 4000 ppm NAA and 30% Aloe vera). Each treatment was replicated four times, resulting in 80 experimental units, with each experimental unit consisting of 10 plant cuttings. Observations were made at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting. The results showed that the Madu Deli cultivar produced a higher number of shoots, number of roots, wet and dry root weights, and plant weight compared to other cultivars. Auxin application increased root growth of water apple cuttings compared to those without auxin, especially in the parameters of root number, root length, and root weight. The treatment of IBA and NAA 4000 ppm gave the best results and was consistently higher than the 30% Aloe vera treatment and the control. Although Aloe vera was able to increase cutting growth compared to those without auxin, its effectiveness was still lower than synthetic auxin. This study is important as a scientific basis in selecting the right cultivar and type of auxin to increase the success of vegetative propagation of water apple, especially in the Madu Deli cultivar.

This paper analyzes the relationship between the degree of urbanization and the main dimensions of quality of life in Central and Eastern European countries, using a set of secondary statistical indicators from the Eurostat database for the period 2021–2024. The research is based on a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach, structured according to the DEGURBA Level 2 classification, which distinguishes between municipalities, cities, and suburbs, as well as rural areas. The indicators analyzed focus on access to basic services (education), road mobility performance, housing structure, housing cost pressure, and subjective life satisfaction. The results highlight the existence of clear rural–urban gradients, particularly regarding mobility and housing typology, with high accessibility to primary education in most of the analyzed countries, but with visible differences in dispersed rural areas. The conclusions underscore the existence of relatively stable territorial patterns, marked by historical and structural characteristics common to the region, but also by internal contrasts specific to each country.

This study explores the potential economic viability of transforming mango production into a sustainable and profitable agro-processing business in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Although Limpopo is one of the country’s leading mango producing regions, especially Mopani and Vhembe District, a significant share of output is sold as fresh fruit with limited local value addition. The study adopts a case study design supported by secondary data analysis and a structured review of recent agricultural and agro-processing literature. Cost structures, market trends, and value chain opportunities are examined to determine the feasibility of processing mangoes into dried fruit, juice, pulp, and related products. Findings indicate that value addition enhances gross margins, improves price stability, and reduces post-harvest losses. However, constraints related to infrastructure, energy reliability, compliance costs, and market access remain significant. The results suggest that with coordinated institutional support and appropriate scale, mango processing in Waterberg can contribute to rural employment, enterprise development, and regional economic diversification. The study offers practical recommendations for producers, cooperatives, and policymakers seeking to expand agro processing in the district.

Climate change poses significant risks to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Nigeria, particularly among smallholder farmers whose activities are largely rain-fed. Agroforestry has emerged as a climate-smart agricultural practice capable of enhancing resilience while supporting income diversification. This study examined the role of agroforestry in climate change adaptation and its influence on farmers’ income in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 84 farmers using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results indicated that farming is predominantly male-dominated (73.8%) and concentrated among older age groups (51–60 years), with most farmers operating smallholdings of 1–5 hectares and cultivating staple crops such as maize and cassava. Regression analysis revealed that farmers’ years of experience (β=0.675, P<0.01), knowledge of climate change (β=0.89, P<0.01), and age (β=0.702, P=0.10) were positively associated with income from agroforestry, while larger farm sizes (β=-0.678, P<0.10) and initial adoption of new techniques (β=-0.089, P<0.01) negatively influenced income. Although 88.1% of farmers were aware of climate change, over half had no contact with extension services, highlighting a gap in practical knowledge dissemination. The findings underscore that agroforestry can enhance household income and resilience to climate change, but its effectiveness depends on farmers’ knowledge, experience, and access to technical support. The study recommends strengthening extension services, promoting targeted training, facilitating access to credit and inputs, encouraging gradual adoption of new technologies, and fostering crop diversification to optimize agroforestry outcomes and improve smallholder livelihoods.

This study examined the socio-economic structure and income distribution dynamics among cocoa beans value chain actors in the Ijebu produce inspection areas of Ogun State and assessed their implications for sustainable agricultural development. Despite the economic importance of cocoa to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and rural livelihoods, persistent disparities in value capture across actors continue to raise concerns about equity, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Using a cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected from 41 cocoa farmers, 47 local middlemen (Barakunas), 42 storekeepers, and 12 merchants operating within the grading zones of Ijebu Ode, Ogbere, and Ajebandele. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square (χ²) test of independence were applied to analyze socio-demographic characteristics, income distribution, and enterprise structures across stakeholder categories. The results revealed statistically significant differences in socio-demographic profiles (χ² = 35.0, p < 0.001), income distribution (χ² = 25.98, p < 0.001), and enterprise characteristics (χ² = 48.01, p < 0.001) among value chain actors. Farmers were generally older and operated predominantly small-scale farms, with over half cultivating less than six hectares. Income distribution patterns showed notable disparities, with a large proportion of middlemen earning below ₦0.5 million annually, while merchants dominated higher income brackets and controlled larger storage capacities and seasonal tonnage volumes. Educational attainment and capital intensity increased progressively downstream along the value chain, indicating structural stratification and concentration of economic power among actors engaged in aggregation and trade. The study concluded that significant structural heterogeneity exists within the cocoa value chain, influencing value capture, market participation, and sustainability outcomes. These disparities have implications for generational renewal, investment capacity, and inclusive agricultural development. Strengthening farmer cooperatives, expanding access to finance, promoting youth participation, and improving farm-level post-harvest infrastructure were identified as critical policy priorities.

This article documents the design, construction, cost, and productive performance of the Little Legon Mushroom (LLM) Farm, a small-scale oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) growing facility established in Little Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana. The farm was deliberately constructed around existing Leucaena leucocephala (white lead) trees, incorporating living vegetation into the structural and environmental design of the growing house — a strategy that simultaneously eliminates structural timber costs, provides natural shade, improves microclimate conditions, and enhances the aesthetic character of the facility. The article presents the complete construction process, itemised material costs, and a comparative materials analysis contrasting conventional-timber and tree-integrated construction approaches. It develops a detailed financial analysis at current market prices of GH₵55–75 (~$5.1–6.9) per kilogram of fresh oyster mushrooms, demonstrating that the LLM facility — producing 60–85 kg per harvest cycle with four to five cycles per year — generates annual gross revenue of GH₵13,200–21,250 (~$1,214–1,955) with a conservative net return that compares favourably with land-based agricultural investments of comparable capital requirement. The article further addresses the farm's role in household nutrition, its integration with animal husbandry through by-product feed for poultry, birds, and rabbits maintained on-site, and its employment-creation potential at two persons per facility. The LLM Farm is explicitly framed as an experiment in replication: the article presents a scalable model — from the household single-unit growing house to village-cluster enterprise networks — and identifies the research gaps that must be addressed to realise mushroom cultivation's full potential as a food security and income-generation intervention in sub-Saharan Africa.