International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics (11 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Information needs and information seeking behavior of dairy farm managers  
  by Afsaneh Jalali, Asghar Bagheri, Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari, Farzad Mirzaei Aghjehgheshlagh, Jhalukpreya Surjulal, Anastasios Michailidis 
  Abstract: Similar to global trends, the livestock sector in Iran is one of the fastest growing sectors. Congruent to its growth is the need for timely and up-to- date information. This study investigated dairy farm managers' attitudes and perceptions towards information sources. A quantitative research approach was used to collect data from 300 dairy farms in the Khorasan-Razavi Province in the North-Eastern part of Iran, using stratified random sampling. Frequencies, inferential statistics, exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that agricultural conferences and seminars, universities, and technical-vocational training centers were perceived as the most useful information sources. In contrast, television farming programs, visits to progressive dairy farms, and the Internet were characterized as never used/low usefulness information sources. Given that there is a move away from traditional-based training approaches this may have serious implications. Furthermore, farmers should be provided information and training regarding the different websites and their trustworthiness.
  Keywords: attitudes; perceptions; information sources; livestock sector; Iran.
  
  
• Impact of climatic variability on Aman rice production using Fuzzy Logic  
  by Himadri Shekhar Mondal, Mustafa Kamal Shahadat, Zubaida Azad Shikha, Md. Mahbub Hossain 
  Abstract: Modern world is blessed by technical development. The revolution of scientific research keep its foot print in almost all the sectors related to human and other species. Developing agricultural sector has become a great demand now a days, because people are increasing and the land is decreasing. So huge production is needed for the growing number of people. In this research Fuzzy logic is used to analyze the Aman rice production. We considered the main factors related to Aman rice productions are temperature, rainfall and AREA. We analyzed the production estimation using collected data and an estimation is presented by using the Fuzzy based simulated result.
  Keywords: Fuzzy logic; Aman rice; production.
  
  
• Making food supply chain sustainable: participating smallholder farmers in modern retail channels  
  by Alim Setiawan Slamet, Rika Ampuh Hadiguna, Heti Mulyati 
  Abstract: Modern retail channels of food products require continuity of supply of food products such as fruits and vegetables from farmers. The relationship between farmers and retailers in modern retail channels can be created with sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM). SFSCM is needed in response to increasing consumer concerns about health, food security, and social and environmental issues. The research objective is to determine the enabler to implement SFSCM based on the participation of small-scale farmers in modern retail channels, focused on fruit and vegetable products. The method applied is interpretive structural management (ISM) that has the ability to combine and clarify the possibilities and interactions. This helps to discuss direct and indirect relations between farmers and modern retailers. Some enablers, such as physical infrastructure and collaboration and work among supply chain members and stakeholders, are found to have strong and fundamental driving forces in SFSCM.
  Keywords: ?nabler; modern retail; smallholder farmer; ISM; sustainable food supply chain.
  
  
• Developing a typology for residents and local development: A case study in Northern Greece  
  by Eleftheria Fytopoulou, Spyridon Galatsidas, Stilianos Tampakis, Evangelia Karasmanaki, Georgios Tsantopoulos 
  Abstract: ?he understanding of residents profile and attitude toward local development is critically important since it can guide the efforts to promote local development especially in rural areas which suffer economic disadvantage. Using Categorical Principal Components Analysis and Categorical regression, this paper identifies resident types in the Regional Unit of Drama in Greece based on the variables constituting local development and the factors contributing to local development. According to our analysis, the desire for development and development potential were the most important dimensions in local development and these dimensions were affected by participants demographic characteristics. Moreover, there were three types of residents with the majority belonging to the first type which expressed a positive desire for development and perceived that the region involves a moderate development potential. Moreover, the results can be used to highlight implications for policymakers and local authorities as well as to point to opportunities for future research.
  Keywords: local development; regional development; development potential; residents’ attitudes; typology; tourism development; sustainable development; Categorical Principal Component Analysis; Categorical regression; Prefecture of Drama.
  
  
• Optimization of a Food Waste Composting Process with a Sawdust  
  by Alžbeta Maxianová, Magdalena Daria Vaverková 
  Abstract: The paper is focused on food waste disposal by the form of composting. Food waste represents a big global problem. According to a Life Cycle Assessment study, composting is one of the best methods for organic waste disposal. Food waste composting is not simple and to reach its optimum, various additives are supplied to the process in order to enhance resulting compost parameters. In our research, we used sawdust as additive. Since sawdust is used not often as an additive in the process of composting, we can speak of novel approach. This research was specifically aimed to compare food waste composting with and without using sawdust. We chose leftovers such as potatoes, rice and vegetables. These composting ingredients were mixed and put in an electric composter. The sawdust was added at ratios of 40% of the total weight. The composting process lasted 28 days. After this period of 28 days, the final tests were conducted for physical-chemical and biological properties of the composts. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were monitored as ones of the most important parameters for the final compost quality. Biological properties were determined by using the test of phytotoxicity. Test results revealed that unlike the compost with the addition of sawdust, the compost without sawdust was phytotoxic to plants. It is recommended that sawdust proportion is 40 % because the compost with such an amount of sawdust as additive exhibited more favourable parameters.
  Keywords: biodegradable waste; compost; compost parameters; phytotoxicity; seed germination; electric composter; in-vessel composting.
  
  
• Back to the future: simplifying Sustainable Development Goals based on three pillars of sustainability.  
  by Evropi-Sofia Dalampira, Stefanos Nastis 
  Abstract: Until 2030, the United Nations (UN) agenda for Sustainable Development (SD) comprises of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) each one of which includes the environment, economy and society dimension of SD. This paper aims to better depict SDGs targeting to the communication and awareness of SD to the public. Network analysis techniques were used to streamline the UN diagram of SDGs by linking each one of them to the classic three-Pillar Venn diagram of SD, according to the publics understanding. The UNs description of SDGs seems to be clearly multidimensional in these three pillars, as the public rated them almost the same. SDG agenda has fulfilled its good communication goal. But was revealed that a simple form of SDG diagram like the Venn diagram of 3 Pillars of SD could help to deeper understanding and changing attitudes of SDGs. Thus, the SDG agenda is communicative for the public in wording, but a better communication diagram is a necessity for the future of SD implementation to various stakeholders.
  Keywords: Attitude change; network analysis; sustainable development; sustainable development goals.
  
  
• Green House Method of Production Significance and Sustainable Development Criteria  
  by Sedigheh Asghari Baighout, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Serdar Vural UYGUN 
  Abstract: Saffron, recognised as the most expensive spices in the world. In Iran, saffron is one of the main water treatment, employment. Saffron is one of the most export products of non-petroleum segment that given its production and processing processes can give a significant amount of Income for the country. To increase the production and export of this product by modern methods should replace traditional methods in different production areas Saffron So that the production for higher quantity. Therefore, in the present research, for the first time, we are going to compare two of these methods (Indigenous and modern methods) in saffron production in sustainable development parameters. This research data hs applied in aa comparative way, in term of time Cross-sectional about Saffron production in the year 2016 2017. The number of greenhouse farmers in this city was surveyed by census method to determine the sample size of farmers who cultivate saffron by the modern (greenhouse) method and determine the sample size of farmers growing the traditional (Indigenous) method use of the Cochran formula the sample size was 101 for this group t should also be noted that in the research. The required information (data) and statistics were drawn through questionnaire design for research purpose and referral to the farmers of the region. As per research objective, a suitable method has used to rank the two production methods with the Sustainable Development Index (the Topsis method). The results of the Topsis Technique show that the traditional method for social indicators of sustainable development is more appropriate than the greenhouse method. The results of the Topsis technique show that the conventional approach is more suitable for sustainable development and environmental protection.
  Keywords: Saffron; Topsis Technique; Sustainable Development Indicator.
  
  

Special Issue on: ETAGRO 2018 Formulating a New Framework for Rural Development under the Impact of the Digital Revolution

• Students training needs towards Precision Agriculture  
  by Aikaterini Paltaki, Anastasios Michailidis 
  Abstract: SPARKLE is a European Union project, where one of the main objectives is to help narrow the innovation divide on entrepreneurship and the effective application of sustainable precision agriculture. Precision agriculture (PA) is an innovative production method but the lack of training does not allow farmers to properly assess the negative and positive aspects of PA. Data were collected through questionnaires from 100 students of northern Greek Agricultural Science Universities. The aim of this paper was to provide input for the identification of students training needs and lack of knowledge in skills and their willingness or interest in PA. Our results indicate that most respondents have a low level of knowledge about precision farming and its practices. Significantly, the findings reveal the students attitude that this production system requires constant and relevant training. A more detailed discussion can be found in the SPARKLE project report, available through the website (http://sparkle-project.eu/).
  Keywords: Training; Technology; Sustainable agriculture; Precision farming; Categorical Regression.
  
  
• Assessment of the Impact of Pillar I and II Policy Measures on the Local Economy: The Case of the Central Macedonia Region  
  by Christos Karelakis, Georgios Lampiris, Efstratios Loizou 
  Abstract: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has gone through numerous reforms since it was launched in the early 60s. The most important reform corresponds to the period of 20142020, which was particularly significant for the Greek economy due to the ongoing economic vulnerability. The present paper endeavours to assess the possible impacts that the reformed CAP may have on a Greek regional economy, employing an Input-Output model. Particularly, the paper evaluates the impact of the Pillar I and II measures on the output, income and employment of the region using an Input-Output (I/O) model with the GRIT method. Utilising the FLQ quotient as a regionalisation method, the results designate that the implementation of the Pillar I and Pillar II policy measures have a positive effect on the regional economy in terms of both the output and the income.
  Keywords: Policy Measures; Pillar I; Pillar II; policy impacts; Input-Output; regional economy.
  
  
• Cost Recovery and Water Pricing: The Influence of Current Charging of Irrigation Water on Users Willingness to Pay  
  by DIMITRA LAZARIDOU, Anastasios Michailidis, Marios Trigkas 
  Abstract: The cost recovery approach is introduced by the Water Framework Directive poses an important challenge for Greece, where agricultural users traditionally pay water charges according to the irrigated land area. Given that the viability of farming depends largely on the efficient use of agricultural water, the full cost recovery could be an incentive for the sustainable use of water resources and a factor contributing to the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. This survey attempts to investigate irrigators willingness to pay any extra money in order to attain the water quality targets set by the WFD. In particular, it is estimated the value that farmers, with heterogeneous characteristics related to irrigation conditions, place on water quality improvement. As it arises from the results, the current charging of irrigation water constitutes a crucial factor in shaping their willingness to contribute monetarily for the environmental protection and restoration of water.
  Keywords: Cost Recovery; Water Pricing; Environmental Charge; Irrigation Water; Water Framework Directive.
  
  

Special Issue on: SUSCOM-2019 Data Intelligence Techniques for Sustainable Agriculture

• Various Configuration and Control Techniques for Photovoltaic fed motor driven water pumping system  
  by Anuj Rawat, Shyama Kant Jha, Bhavnesh Kumar 
  Abstract: In view of diminishing conventional energy sources, global warming and ecological issues, worldwide researchers are engaged tirelessly to explore the renewable energy sources. In developing countries like India, most of the population depends upon the agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural production is greatly dependent on the effectiveness of the irrigation methods. Irrigation of the fields is required to be carried out at multiple times on regular basis. Traditionally, farmers either use, gasoline pump sets or electric motor pump set for the irrigation. To reduce the expenditure on the irrigation along with the carbon footprints, solar based water pumping is nowadays getting popular. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of configurations and controls applied to develop efficient solar based water pumping systems for irrigation in India. In addition, scope and constraints of photovoltaic based solar water pumping system are also presented.
  Keywords: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)rnIncremental Conductance (IC) rnSolar Water Pumping Systems (SWPS).