Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Impact of Agricultural Credit on the Employability of Rice Farmers in a Context of Ecological Change: A Causal Analysis in the Logone Valley, Chad

Mahamat Mallah Choukou — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: In a context of demographic pressure and ecological change in sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural credit is promoted as a key lever for rural employment. This study assesses its causal impact on the employability of rice farmers in the Logone Valley in Chad.

Study Design: A mixed methodology combining a survey of 96 rice farmers with qualitative interviews.

Place and Duration of Study: Logone Valley, Chad; data collected in November 2025.

Methodology: Econometric models (Negative Binomial regression, OLS with interaction terms, Instrumental Variable (2SLS), and Propensity Score Matching) were employed to control for endogeneity bias linked to selective access to credit.

Results: The results reveal that credit preferentially targets farmers already endowed with land, social capital (cooperative) and human capital (training). Nevertheless, its causal effect is positive: it multiplies the creation of seasonal employment by 2.32 (IRR = 2.321, p = 0.003) and increases incomes (elasticity of 0.176, p < 0.001). However, this impact is doubly conditioned. It is amplified by access to training (interaction effect: +0.341, p = 0.047) and membership in a cooperative (interaction effect: +0.412, p = 0.008), but is severely attenuated by climatic shocks, which reduce incomes by 41.2% (β = -0.412, p = 0.003). Economic diversification is favored (OR = 3.459, p = 0.009), but the jobs created remain precarious.

Conclusion: Agricultural credit is an effective but imperfect and vulnerable lever. Its potential is conditioned by complementary services and cancelled out by uncovered climatic risks. A transformation of financial policies is required, integrating climate insurance, technical support and a systemic "service package" approach for inclusive and resilient rural transformation.

Impact of Solar Water Pumps Adoption on Crop Productivity and Farm Profitability in Rain fed Areas of Northeast Karnataka, India

Sai Sreekanth, Dhanaraj Chittapur — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Northeast Karnataka, energy constraints often hinder irrigation and limit crop productivity. To address this, solar-powered irrigation pump units were introduced to improve water accessibility for marginal and medium farmers in the Yadgir district. This study evaluates the impact of these pumps on productivity and profitability across three intervention blocks. Data was collected from 25 purposively selected beneficiaries through personal interviews, comparing pre-intervention (2021-2022) and post-intervention (November 2024) outcomes. Key metrics included changes in irrigation methods, energy sources, irrigated land holdings, crop cycles, yields, and income. The results show a significant shift from traditional methods; the number of farmers using flood irrigation dropped from 15 to 6, while adoption of sprinkler systems increased. Overall, land utilization grew by 47%, yields by 84%, and income per acre by 136%. These findings demonstrate that solar powered irrigation pumps serve as a sustainable, superior alternative to fossil fuel and electric sets, enabling farmers to cultivate high-value crops and significantly boost their net income.

Social Innovation in Farm Business Development of Small Farmers in Bangladesh: A Case Study from Chattogram District

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to assess the multifunctionality of the Common Interest Group (CIG) approach in creating social innovation by transforming smallholder farming into a farm business for sustainable agriculture and rural development in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district, Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews from two-selected farm entrepreneurs and key informants' interviews (KIIs) with various stakeholders. We have introduced a Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) analysis based on the semi-structured interview case studies. The analytical results clarified that the CIG approach has been found to provide farmers with access to better knowledge and technologies. It is an approach that meets the needs of rural households in order to improve their knowledge and skills for better farming practices and their livelihoods. Second, their efficiency in the use of resources, particularly land and labour, has improved, as their agriculture has been diversified. It has improved institutional access at the local level and empowered farmers. So, we could call this a social innovation. Third, the CIG approach helps farmers to promote their farming business both directly and indirectly. Therefore, our policy implications suggest that the CIG approach could be enhanced through the mainstream agricultural extension services from Department of Agricultural Extension. However, farmers have encountered major difficulties in entering the right value chain to sell their agricultural products. It therefore requires the necessary attention from policymakers.

Understanding the Constraints Faced by the Beneficiaries of Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme in Kerala, India

G. S. Shytha, K. A. Sunandha — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: The present study aims to analyze the major constraints faced by beneficiaries of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) in Kerala.

Study Design: The study was carried out using a descriptive research design to understand the constraints faced by beneficiaries of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS). An ex-post facto approach was followed since the study dealt with situations and experiences that had already occurred. Data were collected through focus group discussions with the help of a pre-structured interview schedule. This method made it possible to identify and analyze the financial, social, technical, administrative, and facility-related challenges faced by the beneficiaries.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kerala, India, among AUEGS beneficiaries during the period October 2025 to February 2026.

Methodology: A total of 180 beneficiaries (90 each from the Malappuram and Sreekandapuram Municipality) were surveyed through focus group discussion using a pre-structured interview schedule to identify the major constraints faced by them. The identified constraints were categorized into financial, social, technical, administrative, and facility-related groups. The Garrett ranking technique was used to convert ranks into scores and determine the relative importance of each constraint.

Results: The results revealed that delay in wage payments (Garrett mean score: 65) was the most significant financial constraint, followed by non-payment of unemployment allowance (56). Accident coverage (43), despite being a scheme provision, was perceived as a constraint, indicating implementation gaps. Lack of financial literacy (27) was also observed. Among social constraints, lack of knowledge about the program (64.25) ranked first. Technical constraints were led by lack of awareness and information (64.65) and a lack of proper knowledge about work (56.35). Administrative constraint of non-availability of assured 100 days of work (62.65) was significant. Facility constraints were most severe, with a lack of drinking water (74.19), resting facilities (60.80), and childcare support (49.96) affecting beneficiaries.

Conclusion: The study concludes that implementation gaps, inadequate awareness, and poor worksite facilities hinder the effectiveness of AUEGS. Timely wage payments, improved infrastructure, awareness programmes, and simplified procedures are essential to enhance the performance of the scheme