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.
Price Spread, Farmer Share, and Marketing Channels in the Pigeon Pea Value Chain in Maharashtra State of India
Pigeon pea is one of the important crops in terms of area and production in Maharashtra, India, contributing about one-third of India's total pigeon pea production. It is also an important source of protein in Indian households. The present study focuses on a comprehensive analysis and mapping of the value chain of pigeon pea in Maharashtra. A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used in the study. Primary data was collected from 560 farmers and 149 other important stakeholders. The value chain mapping technique was used for visualisation and quantification. We found that the average cost of production was Rs. 3785 per quintal, and the benefit-cost ratio was 1.57, indicating economic viability. Five major marketing channels were identified. A majority of farmers (88.8%) sold their produce to commission agents at nearby government-regulated markets. The farmers' share in the consumer's price was between 65–74% across the channels. The price spread range was 35–55%, with the highest value addition (16–34%) occurring at the processor level. The lowest price spread (35%) was reported in a channel, which involves farmer-producer companies (FPC), and this channel not only gives farmers a higher share (74.16%) but also offers consumers a lower price. Our study is one of the few that compares FPC-led and traditional channels, reporting the quantification of benefits across the different marketing channels of pigeon pea. The policy recommendation is that the government should focus on post-harvest management and strengthening of FPCs, through partnering with private sector and non-governmental organisations.
Copyright © 2026 Sachin Kadam, Dilip Kajale, Sushant Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Agricultural Development in the Relationship between Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from RCEP Countries
This paper investigates how agricultural development contributes to the association between economic growth and carbon emissions among the member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The analysis uses updated panel data for 15 RCEP economies covering the period 2000–2023, employing a fixed-effects regression framework to examine how agricultural expansion, production intensity, and sustainable agricultural practices interact with economic growth to influence agricultural carbon emissions. Through the empirical findings, a positive relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions is statistically significant with one-billion-USD change in gross domestic product (GDP) being related to the rise in CO2 by about 0.038 MtCO2. The effects of agricultural land development and crop yield are positive but signal the problems of land-use transformation and intensification of production, having a positive but slightly significant implication on the environmental problem of emissions. Conversely, sustainable agricultural practices show a negative correlation with carbon emission, but this correlation is not statistically significant, which implies that the present level of implementation in RCEP countries is not high enough to produce a significant aggregate mitigation impact. On the whole, the results indicate a duality in the effect of agricultural development on carbon emission, being a source of this effect, as well as a possible mitigation measure. Although economic growth has continued to be the major cause of emissions in the area, there are specific policies aimed at encouraging sustainable farming practices that can be used to balance environmental demands in the long term.
Copyright © 2026 Shasha Wu, Yang Liu, Hengxin Xie, Yifan Wang, Elayaraja Aruchunan, Fumitaka Furuoka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From Carbon Accounting Quality to Green Investment: Moderated Mediation of Perceived Benefits and Access to Green Finance in Vietnamese Agriculture
While carbon accounting is recognized as a pivotal environmental governance tool, prior literature has not explored in detail the mechanisms through which this informational resource translates into tangible investment decisions. This gap is particularly pronounced in emerging market contexts, which are characterized by multiple barriers regarding managerial cognition and capital availability. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigates the impact of carbon accounting quality within Vietnamese agricultural enterprises. Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling on survey data collected from 235 senior managers, the empirical analysis identifies carbon accounting quality as the main driver that exerts the strongest direct influence (β = 0.496). Beyond this direct pathway, information quality also has an indirect effect (β = 0.185) by enhancing the perceived benefits held by management. A critical and novel contribution of the research is the validation of the positive moderating role of access to green finance (β = 0.250). The availability of such capital functions as a vital catalyst that alleviates resource bottlenecks to significantly amplify the translation of perceived benefits into investment actions. With the model explaining 47.2% of the variance in investment decisions, the findings confirm that sustainable transition requires both internal information transparency and a supportive external financial ecosystem to provide a robust quantitative basis for green governance strategies.
Copyright © 2026 Huy Manh Dao, Mai Phuong Dang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An Exploratory Analysis of Chinese Listed Fishery Companies’ Competitiveness Based on Financial Indicators: A PCA Approach
This paper is based on the financial data of Chinese listed fishery companies from 2018 to 2024, and constructs an indicator system that includes five dimensions: profitability capacity, operational capacity, capital structure, growth capability, and debt repayment capacity. Principal component analysis is used to evaluate their comprehensive competitiveness. The results show that the overall competitiveness of listed fishery companies is weak and volatile. When external shocks occur, the competitiveness of companies generally shows a significant decline, and the industrial support policies introduced by the government can improve the capital structure of companies and increase profitability in the short term. Further analysis reveals that insufficient growth capacity is the main weakness that constrains the long-term development of the industry, reflecting a lack of endogenous motivation within the company. In response to the above issues, this paper proposes the following policy recommendations: firstly, increase support for fishery technology innovation, focusing on key areas such as deep-sea aquaculture, intelligent equipment, and deep processing of aquatic products; Secondly, establish and improve the fishery risk warning and emergency response mechanism, and enhance the ability of companies to respond to emergencies; The third is to optimize fiscal subsidies and financial support methods, tilt more resources towards companies with high growth potential and sustainable operating capabilities, guide the industry to shift from scale expansion to quality improvement, and systematically enhance the comprehensive competitiveness of Chinese fishery companies.
Copyright © 2026 Litao Wang, Huaiyu Yang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Impact of Partnership Programs on Coffee Farm Performance: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis from Lampung Province, Indonesia
Global coffee consumption is increasing by 1–2% per year, making coffee a commodity with a growing market. More than 60% of the worldwide coffee supply depends on small farmers. However, small-scale coffee farmers still struggle with issues related to low coffee productivity and quality, as well as limited market access, which affect their farming performance. This study identifies critical variables that influence farmers' propensity to participate in partnerships and analyzes the impact of their participation on coffee farming performance. The Propensity Score Matching Method determines how agricultural producers can be classified as either partner farmers or non-partner farmers due to formal relationships between them or other factors. The data used for this analysis were obtained from a survey of 230 coffee farmers in three main sub-districts of Central Tanggamus. The survey included 126 partner farmers and 104 non-partner farmers. It was determined that farmer participation in partnerships was based on educational attainment, farmers' previous farming experience, the distances between the homes of farmers and their agricultural fields, and the sizes of their farms. Moreover, the partnership program increased coffee productivity by 22.29%, land productivity by 22.72%, reduced farming costs by 7.46%, and increased selling prices by 4.06%, thereby increasing farm income by 47.79% and land income by 47.51%. The findings indicate that the partnership program increases coffee productivity and creates cost efficiencies, thereby simultaneously improving agricultural economic performance. Therefore, these findings support the expansion of partnership programs that take into account the sociodemographic characteristics of participating farmers.
Copyright © 2026 Fembriarti Erry Prasmatiwi, Wuryaningsih Dwi Sayekti, Dyah Aring Hepiana Lestari , Rabiatul Adawiyah, Dewi Mulia Sari, Tri Novi Astuti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Drivers and Barriers Shaping Consumer Adoption of Organic Agri-Food Products: A Case Study in Can Tho City, Vietnam
The main factor driving the fast expansion of the international organic agri-food products markets is raising concerns related to food safety and hygiene, public health, and environmental protection. Nonetheless, in developing countries such as Vietnam, consumer acceptance of organic agri-food products remains relatively low due to the coexistence of driving and structural factors. The purpose of this research is to seek and measure factors influencing consumers’ acceptance of organic agri-food products in Can Tho City, using a theory combination: Intentional Behavior Theory (TPB), Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT), and Dual Factor Theory (DFT). A mixed research method was used, which consisted of expert interviews, mock surveys, and formal surveys with 398 consumers. The data is analyzed using a partial linear structure model (PLS-SEM) to simultaneously evaluate the measurement model and the structural model. The results showed that three driving factors, health awareness, quality safety, and quality labels, had a positive and statistically significant impact on acceptance intent, while three functional barriers, value barriers, use barriers, and risk barriers, had the opposite effect. The study model explained about 94.4% of the variation in acceptance intent, reflecting a very strong explanatory capacity for consumer behavior in the context of the study. Theoretically, the study contributes by simultaneously examining the dynamic structure and barriers in an integrated model, overcoming the limitations of previous studies that mainly looked at individual groups of factors. In practical terms, the results are the basis for businesses and regulators to develop market development strategies, emphasizing the health and welfare benefits of ecosystems, while minimizing perceived risks, inconveniences of use, and improving the perception of value for organic agri-food products in Vietnam.
Copyright © 2026 Quang Nguyen Phuong, Nennie Trianna Rosli, Aravindan Logeiswaran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rural Agricultural Efficiency, Climate Sustainability, and Economic Performance: An Examination of Organic and Conventional Farming
Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming, providing potential benefits in environmental conservation, crop quality, and market access. This study measures the impact of organic farming on agricultural productivity, resource utilisation, environmental sustainability, and trade competitiveness in Punjab, India. A comparative analysis of organic and conventional farming was conducted, focusing on key metrics such as crop yield per hectare, soil health, biological diversity, carbon footprint, and market access. As indicated by the research results, while conventional farming generated higher crop yield (e.g., the wheat crop: 4.47 vs. 3.82 t/ha, p = 0.034), organic farming improved in terms of resource utilisation, using less water (130.4 vs. 160.2 m3/t, p = 0.03) and energy consumption (225.6 vs. 270.8 kWh/t, p = 0.02). Organic farming was associated with better soil health (organic farming: 3.8% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.005) and superior biological diversity (species richness: 25 vs. 15, p = 0.008). Both findings were considered statistically significant. In terms of the marketplace, 68.2% of organic farming were able to access top marketplaces, whereas only 40.5% of conventional farming were (p = 0.01). By doing this, these individuals were able to negotiate higher costs (₹75.6 vs. ₹63.4/kg, p = 0.02). There is a clear result that organic farming products can be successful globally, as shown by the revealed comparative advantage (1.53).
Copyright © 2026 Hayder M. Ali, Gayathri Ananthakrishnan, Anusha Papasani , Suvathipriya Subramani, Tariq Qarem, Aseel Smerat , Zokir Mamadiyarov, Sudhakar Sengan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Digital Finance as a Dual Force: Growth Promotion and Risk Smoothing in Asia-Pacific Agriculture
The agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to external shocks. However, traditional financial services often have limited reach in rural areas. Digital finance has emerged as a transformative solution to this problem. Nevertheless, robust empirical evidence on its dual role in fostering growth and stability remains scarce, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Using a Panel Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) on data from 15 Asia-Pacific economies (2001–2021), this study examines the dynamic interplay among the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index (PKU-DFII, hereafter DF), agricultural value-added (lnAGDP), and the rolling standard deviation of output growth—the proxy for agricultural risk (RISK). The findings confirm a significant long-run cointegrating relationship. Digital finance exerts a strong, albeit delayed, positive effect on agricultural growth while simultaneously reducing output volatility, confirming its risk-smoothing function. Moreover, the error correction mechanism reveals rapid adjustment, and impulse response analysis verifies a bidirectional causal link. Agricultural growth, in turn, stimulates deeper digital finance penetration, establishing a reinforcing feedback loop. I conclude that digital finance serves as both a "growth engine" and a "stabilizer." Therefore, policymakers should prioritize building an integrated policy ecosystem that links digital finance with agricultural development, thereby fostering synergies that enhance economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Copyright © 2026 Zhenlian Tang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Halal Integrity Shapes Consumer Behavior in the Agri-Food Economy, with Lifestyle, Trust, and Perceived Risk Influencing Mak Halal Adoption
This study explores the factors that determine the purchase of halal, based on socio-religious, psychological, and market-based factors. The research places the concept of halal integrity in addition to consumer behaviour as an emerging economic driver that connects certified agri-food production and rural development, as well as sustainable trade. A theoretical model involving six main predictors, namely, religiosity, halal labeling, trust, Muslim lifestyle, risk perception, and perceived price, was developed; Muslim lifestyle was also investigated as an intermediate. The partial least squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse survey data of 293 respondents. The model used to measure was highly reliable and valid. The findings of the structural model revealed that the strongest predictors of halal consumption were religiosity (β = 0.31), halal labeling (β = 0.29), and trust (β = 0.27), and they were followed by lifestyle (β = 0.24) and risk perception (β = 0.18). The perceived price did not matter (β = 0.09). The model described 68 percent of the variance in halal consumption (R2 = 0.68) and had high predictive relevance (Q2 = 0.42). Mediation analysis proved that the Muslim lifestyle was one of the mediators of the effects of religiosity, trust, and halal labeling on consumption behaviour. The results are an extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, where lifestyle and trust are used as prime motivations in halal consumption. In practice, the findings highlight that authenticity, certification, and values are much more important to consumers than the price, and can provide recommendations to policy makers, certification agencies, and companies aiming to build trust and credibility in the halal market.
Copyright © 2026 Yaty Sulaiman, Saed Adnan Mustafa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Global Pepper Value Chain: A Geographic Scope Analysis of Indonesia's Pepper Exports under Comparative Advantage and Importer Non-Tariff Measures
Developing economies often participate in global value chains primarily through low-value-added upstream activities, while downstream processing rents accrue disproportionately to higher-income hubs. Indonesia is a case study of a developing country that is the largest producer of pepper, but still operates in the upstream segment. This study tests the hypothesis that export performance is increasingly governed by non-price market-access mechanisms, particularly non-tariff measures (NTMs) imposed by importers, rather than by export prices. Using a gravity model and panel data for 2014–2022 across fourteen major importing countries, we map the geographic reach of Indonesia's pepper exports and identify their key determinants. The empirical results demonstrate high explanatory power, with the model achieving an R-squared value of 0.85, indicating that the selected variables accurately capture the determinants of trade flows. The estimates show that exporter and importer economic size, economic distance, real exchange rates, revealed comparative advantage, and importer NTMs significantly shape export flows. In contrast, export prices are not robust predictors of export performance. This study contributes to the GVC and trade literature by providing empirical evidence that regulatory barriers and compliance-based competitiveness function as gatekeeping forces that condition market access and constrain upgrading opportunities for primary producers. The policy implication is the need to strengthen the capacity of the post-harvest industry, establish consistent quality standards, and implement upgrading strategies that can shift the export orientation from quantity to quality, making it competitive in the global value chain.
Copyright © 2026 Andi Tenri Darhyati, Rita Nurmalina, Tanti Novianti, Suharno https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Economic and Technical Efficiency Aspects of Biogas Production for Farm Waste Processing: Case of Slovakia Agriculture
The article focuses on evaluating both the economic and technical efficiency of biogas plants that are designed to process agricultural waste and farm by-products. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive assessment of economic performance, applied technological solutions, and different capacity configurations, while also examining their influence on biogas production efficiency and investment payback periods. The study compares various fermentation technologies, analyses the characteristics of input substrates, and explores optimization strategies aimed at maximizing energy output. Economic and technical efficiency is understood as the ability of a biogas plant to utilize available resources in the most effective way to produce energy and other outputs. To improve the allocation of agricultural land used for biomass production, the research applies the methodology of technical efficiency frontiers. This approach helps identify optimal production combinations. Furthermore, correlation and regression analysis are used to measure the relationship between farm income and selected variables, allowing the identification of the most influential factors affecting financial performance.Sensitivity analysis is also conducted to examine how key economic indicators, such as yields, Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), respond to changes in input parameters. The results emphasize the crucial determinants of profitability and highlight the role of biogas plants in supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Copyright © 2026 Peter Bielik, Izabela Adamickova, Erik Sandor, Stefaniia Belinska, Janina Belinska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Ethical Appetite: The Market Dynamics of Price Premiums for Animal Welfare-Friendly Food Products
This study examines the relationship between animal welfare standards labeled on packages and retail pricing using real-world data from a Swiss supermarket. This data collection, before the mandatory animal-based food labeling, helps provide a clean baseline that represents market prices unaffected by regulatory requirements by the Swiss government, which allows a genuine assessment of the observed existing price premiums. The front-of-package animal welfare scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest; the scores are available in categories of products where animal welfare is a relevant factor: Dairy & Eggs, Meat & Fish. On average, a one-point increase in the animal welfare score corresponds to a 16.0% price increase, with the effect most pronounced in Dairy & Eggs (24.2%) compared to Meat & Fish (14.7%). This premium likely reflects both consumer willingness to pay for an ethically aligned sustainable agri-food system and producer cost burdens associated with higher welfare standards. Broader cultural and educational contexts in Switzerland may further reinforce societal acceptance of animal welfare practices. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how market, production, and cultural factors interact, offering insight into how ethical attributes are reflected in retail food pricing, as well as sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Copyright © 2026 Voraprapa Nakavachara, Chanon Thongtai, Thanarat Chalidabhongse, Chanathip Pharino https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Micro Foundations of Dynamic Capabilities in Agri-Food MSMEs: Hierarchy of Management and Marketing Tactics for Competitive and Performance
The agility to respond to market dynamics determines the resilience and sustainable performance of agri-food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially in developing countries. The lack of capabilities of professional and skilled human resources is an obstacle to MSMEs taking agile steps to grow. The purpose of this study is to investigate the micro foundations of the dynamic capability framework, namely, management and marketing tactics for improving the competitive advantage and business performance of MSMEs. Amid the development of digital marketing research, this study explores marketing tactics in their entirety and examines their integration with fundamental management aspects within organizations. The research approach uses a quantitative method design with Partial Least Squares Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to process survey data collected from 95 coconut product-based MSMEs in Indonesia. The analysis shows that the model has predictive power of 87.3% of the variance in business performance. The micro foundation variable has a strong influence on competitive advantage and business performance. The study’s key findings show that management is the most critical factor in driving performance improvement. This research advances the dynamic capabilities framework (DCF) literature by empirically demonstrating that managerial competence represents the dominant capability for seizing and reconfiguring resources in resource-constrained emerging economies. It provides robust quantitative evidence from a vital yet understudied sector. The findings urge policymakers and development organisations to prioritise managerial capacity building over purely digital marketing interventions to foster competitiveness and long-term sustainability in similar emerging agri-food markets.
Copyright © 2026 Suryani Dewi, Arnita Irianti, Ariϔhan Ady DJ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing Sustainability in Super-Intensive Shrimp Farming by Implementing a Closed Ecological System
This study aims to assess the sustainability of super-intensive shrimp farming using a sustainability indicators analysis that considers various factors. The indicators were selected based on the current state of super-intensive shrimp farming activities and observations of specific natural conditions in the study area. The study identified 18 indicators across three dimensions for assessing the sustainability of shrimp farming, including economic, environmental, and social. Furthermore, the study proposed and successfully implemented a closed ecological system to improve sustainability in super-intensive shrimp farming. The waste from the shiphong water exchange process includes shrimp shells, shrimp feces, and residual pond waste. Shrimp shells or carcasses are collected for composting. The final organic fertilizer is used for orchard cultivation and as a replacement for chemical fertilizers. The treated water is recirculated to a primary settling pond for further treatment before being returned to the super-intensive shrimp farming ponds. The results show that the implementation of the closed super-intensive farming system, which emphasizes material and energy recycling along with increased farming density, resulted in a total gross outcome index (GO) of $925,717.23. This figure is 11.2 times higher than that of the traditional super-intensive farming system. However, intermediate costs (IC) increased by $723,113.68. The closed system operates on an area of 0.09 ha/kg of shrimp, uses 0.15 m3 of water, and needs 1.01 MJ of energy. Additionally, the Nitrogen to Phosphorus (N:P) ratio is 0.27:0.05, and the use efficiency of N and P reach 87% and 81%, respectively.
Copyright © 2026 Duong Mai Linh, Tran Trung Kien, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Nguyen Viet Thang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing Consumer Engagement in Agricultural E-Commerce: A Moderation Analysis of Blockchain Traceability in Live Streaming Contexts
This study investigates the moderating role of blockchain traceability adoption in enhancing consumer engagement and purchase intention within live-streaming agricultural e-commerce platforms in China. Drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework operationalized at the aggregate market level and information asymmetry theory, this research employs longitudinal market-level time-series data spanning 2019 to 2024, utilizing hierarchical regression analysis with Hayes's conditional process framework to examine main effects, mediation mechanisms, and moderation relationships. The empirical findings reveal that platform development and information transparency exert significant positive effects on market purchase behavior, with consumer engagement serving as a partial mediating mechanism transmitting these effects. The moderation analysis demonstrates that blockchain traceability adoption significantly strengthens the relationships between platform stimuli and consumer engagement, with the information transparency pathway exhibiting substantially stronger moderation effects than the platform development pathway, demonstrating that blockchain technology functions as a selective trust-enhancing mechanism that validates quality signals rather than operating as a general platform enhancer—a distinction representing the central empirical contribution of this study. These findings extend the traditional S-O-R framework by incorporating technological infrastructure as a boundary condition shaping stimulus effectiveness at the market level, while providing practical guidance for platform operators and policymakers to prioritize blockchain traceability infrastructure investment in conjunction with transparency enhancement initiatives for promoting high-quality development of agricultural live streaming e-commerce.
Copyright © 2026 Lin Wang, Siew Imm Ng, Norazlyn Kamal Basha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Agricultural Economic Growth in Immediate Regions of Mato Grosso, Brazil: The Impact of Institutional Changes since the Military Regime
This article examines the reason why growth in Mato Grosso's Immediate Regions has been diverging since the 1960s. The hypothesis is that difference came from the institutional changes, which were initiated during the Military Regime (1964–1985). This theoretical framework applies New Institutional Economics with an augmented Solow growth model, to investigate how the preexisting extractive institutions were replaced by inclusive ones, namely Land Market and Transports, to modify the path of regional development. The methodology applies an estimation by Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression and a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) with Agricultural Census data, from 1975 to the 2006. The findings reveal a significant regional division driven by these two institutions. Regions integrated into new infrastructure hubs and marked by the effects of Land Market, such as Sorriso along BR-163 and Primavera do Leste along BR-070, exhibited increasing returns to scale and reduced transaction costs. This institutional quality led to the division, which marks the emergence of a new institution, Rural Enterprise, which is the synthesis of the previous two. Conversely, regions with former institutions, remnants of the colonial era, such as Cáceres, experienced stagnation. Therefore, the study empirically validates the Seven Theses on the Brazilian Rural World, demonstrating a structural shift from land-expansion-based growth to a model driven by technological intensification and capital accumulation in the 21st century. Ultimately, the research concludes that specific institutional reforms fostered Schumpeterian creative destruction, establishing a new, technologically intensive capitalist agriculture that defined the state’s economic trajectory.
Copyright © 2026 Daves Cordova, Diego Procópio, Alexandro Ribeiro, Leonardo de Souza, Arturo Zavala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Demonstration Plots, New Technology Adoption, and Production Performance in Indonesia’s Largest Evaporation Salt Farming
The introduction of new production technologies, called geomembrane, is one of the Indonesian government’s national policies aimed at improving the quality and quantity of domestic salt production while supporting the national self-sufficiency program. Madura Island, the largest producer of evaporated salt in Indonesia, was the first location targeted for this policy implementation. Using cross-sectional data from the 2023–2024 salt production season, this study randomly collected information from 215 small- to medium-scale salt farmers on Madura Island. The research highlighted the importance of ensuring salt farmers’ access to demplots to encourage wider adoption of geomembrane technology and its impact on salt production performance. Production performance was measured using technical efficiency and land productivity indicators. The findings reveal that salt farmers’ access to geomembrane demonstration plots remains limited, with only 29% of farmers reporting such access. Interestingly, access to demonstration plots exhibited an anomalous relationship with production performance: while technical efficiency showed a positive correlation, land productivity demonstrated a negative association. This research concluded that the demonstration plots provide significant differences in technical efficiency and productivity. The study recommends that the Indonesian government, through the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency, should continue providing training, outreach, and technological introductions to salt farmers to expand demonstration plot access to increase the adoption rate of geomembrane technology. Demonstration plots should be situated near impoverished communities that rely on traditional salt production methods or in locations traditionally designated for pilot programs to ensure productivity gains for marginalized and low-income households.
Copyright © 2026 Campina Illa Prihantini, Yuli Purbaningsih, Faizal Amir, Mery Berlian, Deby Ananda Difah, Masitah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Technology-Enhanced Learning in Agricultural Extension and Farmers' Economic Performance: The Mediating Role of Digital Literacy
The digital transformation of agriculture has created new opportunities for smallholder farmers, yet the mechanisms through which technology-enhanced learning (TEL) translates into economic gains remain underexplored. This study investigates how technology-enhanced learning in agricultural extension education affects farmers' economic performance, with a specific focus on digital literacy as a mediating mechanism and the moderating roles of education level and extension service contact. Using survey data from 486 farmers across three provinces in China (2024), we employ hierarchical regression analysis, mediation analysis with bootstrapping, and heterogeneity analysis through group-wise regressions, with digital literacy measured as a composite index capturing information acquisition ability and technology adoption willingness. Results show that TEL participation significantly enhances farmers' annual income (β = 0.285, p < 0.01), with digital literacy mediating 30.2% of this total effect through two pathways: information acquisition (accounting for 53.5% of the mediated effect) and technology adoption (accounting for 46.5% of the mediated effect). Heterogeneity analysis reveals significant education-based gradients (Chow test F = 8.42, p < 0.001), with effects increasing from β = 0.218 (p < 0.05) for low-educated farmers to β = 0.395 (p < 0.001) for highly educated farmers, while age-based differences are also significant (Wald test χ² = 9.18, p = 0.002) and regional effects remain stable (p = 0.596). Digital literacy serves as a critical mediator in converting technology-enhanced learning into economic outcomes, with education and age significantly moderating this process, suggesting that policy interventions should prioritize digital skill development, particularly for low-educated and older farmers who face greater barriers to digital transformation.
Copyright © 2026 Jiaming Yang, Luh Putu Artini, I. Wayan Sukra Warpala, Made Hery Santosa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Technology Attributes and Preference Heterogeneity in IoT Adoption among Rice Farmers in IADA Barat Laut Selangor, Malaysia
Rice is central to Malaysia’s food security and rural economy, yet stagnant yields and rising import reliance signal an urgent need for productivity-improving upgrading in the sector. This study examined how rice farmers value key attributes of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and how preferences vary across farm sizes. A choice experiment (CE) was administered to 229 farmers in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area of Barat Laut Selangor (IADA BLS). Five attributes were evaluated, namely yield improvement, real-time data access, technical support, IoT system reliability, and subscription cost. The willingness to pay (WTP) was derived using a random parameters logit (RPL) model. Yield improvement emerged as the strongest driver of choice, indicating that productivity gains remain the primary motivation for WTP for IoT adoption. Farmers were willing to pay up to Malaysian ringgit (RM) 1,657 per hectare for high yield potential, RM 786 for moderate real-time information, RM 500 for advanced technical support, and RM 671 for a reliable no-risk IoT system. Preference heterogeneity was evident, since larger farms placed greater weight on productivity-related features and showed lower sensitivity to subscription costs. In contrast, smaller farms displayed stronger cost constraints. Policies that offer financial incentives, affordable subscription packages, and practical training are essential to encourage wider IoT adoption, improve rice self-sufficiency and support Malaysia’s digital transformation in agriculture.
Copyright © 2026 Nur Aziera Ruslan, Roslina Kamaruddin, Rozana Samah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of Postharvest Transportation and Storage on Fruits and Vegetables in Bong County, Liberia
Liberia’s diverse agroecological conditions are highly favorable for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables; however, the sector continues to face significant constraints related to inadequate storage systems and poor transportation infrastructure. These challenges contribute substantially to postharvest losses, reducing both the quantity and quality of produce that reaches markets and consumers. This study investigated the influence of transportation conditions and the availability of storage facilities on fruit and vegetable handling in Bong County, Liberia. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 170 randomly selected participants, including producers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers across five major locations. Findings reveal that 60% of respondents lacked reliable road access, a factor strongly associated with mechanical damage, spoilage, and transport delays. Additionally, 99% of participants indicated the absence of functional storage infrastructure, leading most stakeholders to rely on short-term, open-air storage practices that expose produce to heat, pests, and rapid deterioration. The combined effects of limited storage options and poor road networks significantly undermine the efficiency of the local value chain and reduce farmers’ economic returns. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, including investments in rural road improvements, the development of affordable storage technologies, the adoption of better harvesting and handling techniques, and capacity-building programs for smallholder farmers. Implementing these recommendations can substantially reduce postharvest losses and improve the overall shelf life, market value, and food security contribution of fruits and vegetables in Bong County.
Copyright © 2026 David P. Tokpah, Ovgu Isbilen, Francis Gbelee, Zipporah Page https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From Smart Adoption to Export Competitiveness: Innovation Diffusion and Value-Chain Upgrading in Agrifood Markets in the UAE and Bulgaria
This study examines how smart and agri-digital technologies contribute to export competitiveness in agrifood markets through innovation diffusion and value-chain upgrading, while considering the conditioning role of the climate risk and policy support. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from processed-food and dairy firms in the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with latent-moderation and serial mediation and multi-group analysis (MGA). Robustness is validated with 2-Stage Least Squares/Instrumental Variables (2SLS-IV) and Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) comparisons. The findings indicate that digital adoption stimulates both process and product innovation, which subsequently enhances value-chain upgrading and export competitiveness. Climate risk weakens the positive effect of innovation diffusion and upgrading, whereas policy support strengthens the conversion of upgrading outcomes into export performance. Comparative analysis shows stronger adoption-to-upgrading and upgrading-to-export pathways in the UAE than in Bulgaria, reflecting the institutional and logistical differences. The study advances the integration of the Diffusion of Innovations and the Global Value Chain theories by explaining when and how digital transformation yields export gains under varying risk and policy environments. These insights provide practical direction for the agrifood firms and policymakers seeking to strengthen digitalization strategies, innovation capacity, and climate-resilient export performance.
Copyright © 2026 Haitham M. Alzoubi, Yordanka S. Angelova, Mounir El Khatib, Cheng Ling Tan, Gouher Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Blockchain Traceability and Consumer Willingness-to-Pay (WTP): Behind the Construction of Transparency Index (TRPI)
This paper examines how consumers perceive and value blockchain-based traceability when food products are associated with health, quality, and sustainability claims. In markets where added value is increasingly communicated through transparency, safety, and authenticity cues, blockchain can act as a supporting tool rather than as a standalone innovation. Survey evidence shows that consumers clearly distinguish between search, experience, and credence attributes, and that willingness to pay for digitally certified products is mainly driven by credence-related concerns such as food safety, fraud prevention, transparency, and sustainability. To capture these attitudes, a Transparency Index (TRPI) is developed by combining perceptions of authenticity, ethical and environmental motivations, and trust in digital certification systems. Consumers who place greater importance on these aspects display a higher acceptance of blockchain-verified products, while standard socio-demographic characteristics explain only a limited share of variation in willingness to pay. The results indicate that blockchain mainly reinforces existing consumer expectations regarding product credibility rather than creating new demand. This is particularly relevant for value-added food markets such as functional, clean-label, allergen-free, and sustainability-oriented products, where trust in production processes and information reliability is essential. The findings suggest that blockchain-based traceability is most effective when combined with established certification schemes, as it strengthens transparency and credibility along the supply chain. By improving access to information on production practices and environmental performance, blockchain can also support consumer valuation of carbon-related attributes, making CO₂ reduction efforts more credible and economically relevant in agri-food markets.
Copyright © 2026 Caterina Sciortino, Filippo Sgroi, Federico Modica https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Impact of Rural Microfinance on Small Farmers’ Participation in Agri-Food Value Chains in South Africa: A Systematic Review
The study addresses empirical evidence on the impact of rural microfinance on smallholder farmers’ participation in agri-food value chains in South Africa. The study objectives were to categorize evidence on how microfinance influences smallholder farmers’ integration into agri-food value chains and evaluate which financial services have the most significant effect on productivity and market participation. The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, using the prescribed strategies to allow for transparency and replicability. The information sources encapsulate peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, and grey literature. Procedurally, databases and numerous sources were searched as follows: Academic Databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Science-Direct, EBSCOhost, SpringerLink; and regional sources such as African Journals Online (AJOL), Sabinet, Institutional Repositories which encompass the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Bank, and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) reports; ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) reports. The study reveals that access to microcredit and savings helps enhance smallholder participation in agri-food value chains by empowering investments in inputs, farm expansion, and productivity. For microfinance instruments, credit exhibited the strongest evidence of impact, facilitating market-oriented production and value chain integration. Savings groups significantly contribute to resilience and social capital, while insurance remains underutilized due to affordability and awareness constraints. Further, gender and socio-economic differences continue to mediate outcomes, necessitating tailored financial products and training programmes to ensure equitable participation. The study recommends improvement of micro-financial programme design, institutional partnerships, gender-responsive policies, and farmer education.
Copyright © 2026 Azikiwe Isaac Agholor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0