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The reasonable allocation of grain production factors is of vital importance to food security and agricultural development. To assess the impact of agricultural factor misallocation on food security, this paper, based on the panel data from China spanning from 2005 to 2019, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural factor misallocation and food security coefficients across 31 provinces in China, using a spatial Durbin model to examine the effects of factor misallocations on food security. The findings are as follows: (1) Production factor misallocation has significant negative impacts on food security, among them, capital misallocation and labor misallocation inhibiting food security in the local and neighboring areas, and land misallocation has a significant negative impact on food security in local areas, while its spatial spillover effect is no longer significant. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that capital misallocation and labor misallocation hinder the development of transportation infrastructure and the transfer of rural labor, thereby reducing food security. Land misallocation has accelerated the construction of transportation infrastructure, promoted the migration of rural labor, and helped ensure food security. (3) The regional heterogeneity test reveals that capital misallocation and labor misallocation hinder food security in major grain-producing areas and both sides of the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line). Meanwhile, land misallocation hinders food security development in various grain-producing areas, as well as the southeast of the Hu Line. Based on the above conclusions, this paper proposes suggestions to improve the efficiency of land and labor resource allocation, accelerate the construction of transportation infrastructure, and encourage the transfer speed of surplus agricultural labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since entering the 21st century, many developing countries around the world have begun to enter a stage of rapid urbanization; large-scale "rural-urban" population migration has become a typical social phenomenon in these countries. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to elucidate the spatial migration characteristics of rural populations and to discuss future rural–urban development strategies. For this purpose, this paper takes China as a case and employs methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspot analysis, and network analysis to construct an intercity migration network of rural migrants and analyze its spatial characteristics and internal structure. The results indicate that the migration pattern of the rural population exhibits notable spatial clustering features. Cities in the eastern and central regions are, respectively, hotspots for the inflow and outflow of rural populations, with internal migration dominating in western cities and relatively inactive rural population movements in northeastern cities. Municipalities directly under the central government, sub-provincial cities, and provincial capitals show a significant tendency to attract rural populations, while prefecture-level and county-level cities mainly radiate rural populations outward. Cities nationwide form seven major clusters in the migration network, and these clusters exhibit distinct structural characteristics. Rural population migration is influenced by various factors. In the future, considerations should focus on the county as the primary unit, attracting rural populations for local employment, and promoting rural revitalization and agriculture development. The findings of this paper are of reference significance not only to China but also to many developing countries with similar national conditions in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of high grain production costs, which is not conducive to sustainable agricultural development and food security, is highlighted in the context of China's "large country and small household farmers". Reducing the grain production costs through factor allocation and organizational drive has become particularly important. Based on 768-grain peasant households in China, this paper uses OLS regression and robust regression to examine the effects of agricultural factor inputs and cooperatives on grain production costs. It analyzes the synergistic and substitution effects between farmers' factor inputs and cooperatives in grain production. It was found that: (1) in farmers' grain production, reductions in the grain production costs can be realized by expanding the area under cultivation, improving the use of agricultural machinery, and increasing technological inputs; (2) a reduction in the grain production costs can also be realized through cooperatives driving farmers into grain production; (3) cooperatives can provide farmers with various types of agricultural production services in grain production and cooperative-driven substitution effects between the agricultural factor inputs of farm households. The findings of this paper contribute to the enrichment of research in the field of agricultural production and are important for enhancing agricultural sustainability and reducing grain production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to assess the impact of agricultural investment on agricultural output in the Democratic Republic of Congo using secondary data for the period 1980 to 2019. Using the Johansen and Jusseleus cointegration test, agricultural investment and agricultural output were observed to have a statistically significant long-run relationship. Additionally, the error correction model (ECM) shows that the short-run coefficient of agricultural investment has a statistically significant positive impact on agricultural output, implying that investment (machine, infrastructure etc.) does spur agricultural output in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results show the presence of unidirectional causality between agricultural output toward agricultural investment. It was also observed that unidirectional causality from labour force to agricultural investment, labour force to education and agricultural investment to land use and a bi-directional causality between land use and labour force exists. The paper concludes that an increase in investment in the agricultural sector will result in agricultural output in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural modernization can only be attained through the high-quality development of agriculture, which is made possible by the deep integration of the digital economy with traditional agriculture. From the perspective of the entire agricultural industry chain, this paper offers a theoretical and empirical examination of the digital economy's role in enabling high-quality agricultural development. The fixed effects model, convergence test, threshold model, and spatial error model were implemented based on the panel data of 13 cities in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2021 to validate the role of the digital economy in enabling high-quality agricultural development. The findings indicated that first, for every 1% increased in the level of digital economy development, the level of high-quality agricultural development increased by approximately 0.183%. Second, the high-quality development of agriculture had the characteristics of absolute convergence and conditional convergence, and there was a non-linear character in the role of the digital economy in the high-quality agricultural development. Third, for every 1% increase in the development level of digital inclusive finance, the level of high-quality agricultural development in surrounding areas with similar economic levels will be improved by about 0.188%.In this regard, Jiangsu Province should grasp the opportunity of the era of digital economic development, continue to strengthen the construction of digital economic development in backward areas, and attach great importance to inter-regional exchanges and cooperation in the construction of digital agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper introduces a novel approach by combining a Backpropagation (BP) neural network with a non-angular and non-radial directional distance function to construct a BPNN-DDF model. This innovative model evaluates, decomposes, and analyzes China's agricultural sector's carbon emission rate across nine key subregions between 2010 and 2021. The key findings of this study are that China's agricultural carbon emission rate is decreasing, primarily due to technological advancements rather than technological efficiency. Subregions with robust economies and stable climates exhibit higher carbon emission efficiency, whereas those with underdeveloped economies, low agricultural technology, and volatile climates show relatively lower efficiency. The Dagum Gini coefficient analysis reveals a widening disparity in carbon emission rates among agricultural subregions, escalating from 0.174 in 2010 to 0.425 in 2021, indicating a growing gap between subregions that demands immediate attention. The kernel density distribution demonstrates an overall upward trend in China's carbon emission efficiency but also highlights an increasing divergence among subregions, particularly between the South China Area, the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, and other regions. Therefore, this paper posits that strategies focusing on technological progress, sustainable agricultural development, regional development initiatives, and addressing inter-subregional imbalances will be crucial pathways for China's future low-carbon agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology is the property of Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The income effect of rice–crayfish co-culture technology (RCT) is directly related to rate of adoption of farmers and the process of China's green development of agriculture. The aim of this study is to explore the income effect and income growth mechanism of rice–crayfish co-culture technology from the perspective of continuous adoption. With the treatment effect model (TEM), this paper empirically analyzes the income effect and income-generating mechanisms of RCT using field survey data from 736 farmers in the Jianghan Plain. As a result of this study, it was discovered that RCT will increase farmers' net agricultural income by RMB 83,430 if they continue to adopt it. Further examinations indicate that the optimal adoption period for RCT is four and a half years. Additionally, it has also been shown that non-farm employment positively moderates the relationship between continuous adoption of RCT and net agricultural income. Farmers who participate in non-farm employment and continue to adopt the RCT will experience an increase in net agricultural income by RMB 104,510. Therefore, our results suggest that it is necessary to encourage farmers to continuously adopt RCT and actively participate in non-farm employment to enhance the income effect of RCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities, such as mining, industrialization, industrial waste emissions, and agricultural practices, have caused heavy metals to become widespread and excessively accumulated in soil. The high concentrations of heavy metals in soil can be toxic to plants, severely affecting crop yield and quality. Moreover, these heavy metals can also enter the food chain, affecting animals and humans and leading to various serious illnesses. Selenium (Se) is not only an essential element for animals and humans but is also beneficial for plants, as it promotes their ability to respond actively to biotic and abiotic stresses. The global issue of Se deficiency in diets has made plants the primary source for human Se supplementation. This paper comprehensively reviews the effects of heavy metal stress on plant growth and development, physiological responses of plants to such stress, and the intracellular transport processes of heavy metals within plants. It particularly focuses on the mechanisms by which Se alleviates heavy metal stress in plants. Additionally, the study delves into how Se significantly enhances plant tolerance mechanisms against typical heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). This integrative research not only expands the boundaries of research in the field of plant heavy metal stress and Se application but also provides new perspectives and solutions for understanding and addressing complex environmental heavy metal pollution issues. By integrating these aspects, this paper not only fills existing gaps in the literature but also offers comprehensive scientific basis and strategic recommendations for environmental protection and sustainable agriculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of smart agriculture, autopilot technology is being used more and more widely in agriculture. Because most of the current global path planning only considers the shortest path, it is difficult to meet the articulated steering tractor operation needs in the orchard environment and address other issues, so this paper proposes a hybrid algorithm of an improved bidirectional search A* algorithm and improved differential evolution genetic algorithm(AGADE). First, the integrated priority function and search method of the traditional A* algorithm are improved by adding weight influence to the integrated priority, and the search method is changed to a bidirectional search. Second, the genetic algorithm fitness function and search strategy are improved; the fitness function is set as the path tree row center offset factor; the smoothing factor and safety coefficient are set; and the search strategy adopts differential evolution for cross mutation. Finally, the shortest path obtained by the improved bidirectional search A* algorithm is used as the initial population of an improved differential evolution genetic algorithm, optimized iteratively, and the optimal path is obtained by adding kinematic constraints through a cubic B-spline curve smoothing path. The convergence of the AGADE hybrid algorithm and GA algorithm on four different maps, path length, and trajectory curve are compared and analyzed through simulation tests. The convergence speed of the AGADE hybrid algorithm on four different complexity maps is improved by 92.8%, 64.5%, 50.0%, and 71.2% respectively. The path length is slightly increased compared with the GA algorithm, but the path trajectory curve is located in the center of the tree row, with fewer turns, and it meets the articulated steering tractor operation needs in the orchard environment, proving that the improved hybrid algorithm is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Digital agricultural technology service has the characteristics of high efficiency, convenience and flexibility, and plays an important role in the process of Chinese agricultural digitalization, which is of great significance for realizing the modernization and intelligent development of agricultural production. Methods: Based on micro-survey data of small-scale farmers in Sichuan Province, this study utilizes the OLS method and the mediation effect model to investigate the impact of digital agricultural technology services on farmers' willingness to adopt digital production technologies and its underlying mechanisms. Results: The results indicate that digital agricultural technology services effectively enhance farmers' willingness to adopt digital production technologies, especially among those engaged in cooperative. Further analysis of mechanisms suggests that digital agricultural technology services influence farmers' choices of household production and management methods by expanding their information channels, enhancing their cognition of digital production technologies, and facilitating access to technology. Moreover, heterogeneous analysis reveals significant differences in the willingness of farmers with varying levels of digital literacy to adopt digital production technologies. Digital agricultural technology services have a more pronounced impact on the willingness of highly digitally literate farmers. Discussion: The findings of this paper deepen our comprehension of the operational mechanisms of digital agricultural technology services in the context of agricultural development, and advocate for policy recommendations such as enhancing the supply of digital agricultural technology services, strengthening the role of new agricultural entities, improving farmers' digital literacy training, and enhancing policy support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main service mode and management mode of socialized service, agricultural production trusteeship services (APTS) are an important way to realize the tight link between farmers and modern agricultural development, which is highly important for ensuring national food security. By constructing a utility model of farmers, this paper deduces the decision-making mechanism of farmers' APTS from the dual mechanism of natural risk and non-agricultural employment income (NAEI) and uses the survey data of 956 farmers in the three northeastern provinces to verify the empirical results by using multivariate logit (Mlogit) and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. The research shows that natural risk hinders farmers' choice of the APTS; NAEI has a positive impact on APST, and an increase in NAEI weakens the negative effect of natural risk on the choice of the APTS, and has an enhanced moderating effect. In addition, the scale heterogeneity analysis revealed that the impacts of natural risk and NAEI on farmers of different scales are significantly different. The NAEI adjustment effect has the greatest impact on small-scale farmers, followed by medium-scale farmers. In view of this, the government should stabilize the nonagricultural employment market and improve the nonagricultural employment opportunities of farmers. APTS organizations should transfer natural risks and improve the agricultural insurance system. According to the differences of different scales of farmers, different promotion policies are formulated, and the expansion of management and deepening services is proposed to further promote the development of APTS and consolidate the foundation of food security in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's agricultural economy has been hindered by insufficient accumulation of agricultural capital and credit constraints. It is worth investigating whether China's county financial marketization reform policy can alleviate these constraints and promote high-quality development of the agricultural economy (HQDAE). This paper presents an empirical analysis of the impact of county financial marketization reform on the HQDAE, based on county panel data. The focus is on the mechanism of county urbanization in the above relationship. The results show that county financial marketization has a significant non-linear impact on the HQDAE. Specifically, it has a 'U-shaped' impact on the overall growth of the agricultural economy and an inverted 'N-shaped' impact on the quality improvement of the agricultural economy. Secondly, the relationship between county financial marketization and the HQDAE is influenced by a threshold effect based on the level of county urbanization. As the level of county urbanization increases, the promoting effect of county financial marketization on HQDAE also increases significantly. Additionally, county financial marketization helps to promote county urbanization and accelerate urban-rural integration, which in turn leads to HQDAE. The research in this paper suggests that county-level local governments should promote a differentiated county financial system. In the early stages of financial market-oriented reform, the government should enhance the capacity of financial services in rural areas through tax breaks, policy incentives, and other measures to prevent financial leakage from agriculture. In the later stages of financial marketization reform, the government should strengthen financial supervision to prevent financial resources from being diverted from industry to capital. Moreover, to achieve the HQDAE, it is necessary to promote county financial market-oriented reform and accelerate the construction of county urbanization. This will help break the dual economic structure of urban and rural areas and promote the flow of financial capital, technology, and human capital from county cities to rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating drones in Indian agriculture presents a transformative potential, ushering in a new era of sustainable farming practices. In India, various incidents tell a story of how pesticides, seeds, and many more applications, once deemed a boon for agricultural progress, have gradually unfolded into a complex web of ecological and health challenges. Presently, the case of drones for spraying purposes in agriculture brings forth compiling advantages. These include enhanced precision in results, alleviation of the diverse adverse effects linked with manual spraying methods, operational feasibility in inclement weather conditions, utility in cultivating tall-standing crops and addressing the complexities of manual spraying for crops such as paddy and sugarcane. This paper explores the role of drones in promoting spraying applications in Indian agriculture. The study addresses two research questions: how can the utilisation of drones for spraying applications contribute to the sustainability of Indian agriculture, and how can drone-assisted spraying applications contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indian agriculture? To accomplish this, a responsible innovation approach is adopted as a theoretical framework to explore the dimensions of innovations in drone mounted spraying in Indian agriculture, juxtaposed by erratic weather conditions and knitted by diverse values and norms. The snowball sampling technique was employed to identify the interviewees and collect qualitative data. For this, in-depth interviews were conducted in person or by using Zoom. The findings suggest that efficiency, capability, effectiveness, gender equality, trust, and accuracy are certain values embedded in drone technology that assist in achieving the SDGs in Indian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was to assess the impact of climate changes on agricultural development and food security in Ukraine and Slovakia using statistical data from Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, State Statistics Service of Ukraine, Eurostat, Food and Agriculture Organization and other sources. The comparison method was used to evaluate changes in agricultural development indicators, as well as climate changes in 1998-2021 in Ukraine and Slovakia. The main indicators of agricultural development used in the research were agricultural raw materials exports(%), agricultural raw materials imports (%), agriculture value added (% of GDP), agriculture value added (annual % growth), agriculture value added (current US$), cereal production (metric tons), cereal yield (kg per hectare), crop production index, food production index. Correlation and regression equations were used to establish the relationship between climatic factors and agricultural development indicators. The multiple correlations between air temperature and indicators of agricultural development was r=0.75 for Ukraine, r=0.69 for Slovakia. Using neuromodeling tools, the indicators of cereal production volumes and cereals yields in Ukraine and Slovakia in 2024-2033 were predicted. Tables were used to summarize the results. In conclusion, it should be noted that climatic conditions should be analyzed in each sector of crop production, and measures should be taken to adapt technologies for the gradual expansion of obligations for the production and export of agricultural products to world markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A century ago the New Age philosopher Dr Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called for the development of a differentiated. agriculture, one focussed on biology rather than chemistry. At his Agriculture Course at Koberwitz (now Kobierzyce), in the summer of 1924, Steiner founded the Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers and Gardeners. The Experimental Circle members each signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Their task was to test Steiner's ideas, establish what worked, and to publish the results. That injunction was arguably satisfied by the publication of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer's book 'Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening' in 1938. The results reported in the present paper are Experimental Circle results that were subject to the secrecy provisions of the NDA at that time (1936), and are now finally revealed. Immanuel Voegele (1897-1959) recorded yields for five crops under Biodynamic (BD) management in the years 1931-1933, comparing these results to yields in the pre-BD years 1920-1926. He reported yield increases for potatoes to 55%, rye up to 48%, oats to 31%, wheat to 14%, and barley to 9%. Voegele was well credentialed and grounded to report on Biodynamics. He had studied agriculture at Stuttgart, he attended the Agricultural Course of Rudolf Steiner at Koberwitz, and he was an inaugural member of the Experimental Circle. Voegele had served as a farm manager at the Koberwitz estate of Count Carl Keyserlingk (1869-1928) (until 1925). He subsequently worked at the Biodynamic farm of Ernst Stegemann (1882-1943) at Marienstein. The present paper reports longitudinal yield results for five crops at Voegele's farm at Pilgramshain, Silesia, Germany, before and after the conversion to BD. These early BD yield data were shared amongst 'the faithful' at the time, and only now publicly. From the high point of his reported successes with BD, life and prospects for Voegele would rapidly deteriorate. The Nazi regime was hostile to Rudolf Steiner, Anthroposophy, and Anthroposophic ventures (of which Biodynamics was one). All books by Rudolf Steiner were banned by the Nazis in 1935 (including the Agriculture Course). Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and slaughtered millions of Polish civilians, before eventually in 1945 the Russian Army routed the Nazi army. The Russians marched on 'Fortress Breslau' and on to Berlin, sparking a mass westward exodus of Germans, including Immanuel Voegele. Territory, including Pilgramshain, was relinquished to Poland at the Potsdam Conference of 1945. Immanuel Voegele's legacy of reported successes with Biodynamics at a time when secrecy prevailed is now shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital economy is integral in driving economic growth, particularly of high-quality standards. Against the backdrop of the "Double Carbon" project, exploring the impact of the digital economy on green agricultural development bears tremendous practical significance. Thus, this study aims to investigate how the digital economy affects agricultural green total factor productivity (GTFP). The entropy-TOPSIS method and SBM-GML index are used to measure core variables quantitatively. In addition, two-way fixed effects panel data models, Tobit, and intermediary effect models are implemented. Three research findings emerge. First, China's agricultural GTFP level generally experiences an upward trend, and the development of the digital economy has a significant positive effect on increasing agricultural GTFP. Second, the digital economy mainly promotes agricultural technology innovation that boosts agricultural GTFP. Third, Western China experiences a more significant positive effect of the digital economy on agricultural GTFP than Central and Eastern China. Finally, based on the findings, this paper proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote green and sustainable agriculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of sustainable agricultural development has started to be acknowledged in Romania as well, following the identification of various pollution sources and the restrictions affecting industrial and agricultural pollution, from both economic and ecological perspectives. Sustainable development signifies the necessity of raising awareness about environmental protection and educating the population, and this aspect is mirrored in the evolution of communal policies in recent years. These policies have transitioned from an approach based on constraints and sanctions to a higher level of flexibility, grounded in incentives. The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for enhancing the existing policy by evaluating economic incentives aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable farming systems. These systems should support a viable, sustainable agriculture capable of employing the latest technologies, leading to profitability, efficiency, and economic and organizational consolidation. In recent times, Romania has come to appreciate the critical role that sustainable agricultural practices play in safeguarding both the environment and the economy. The acknowledgment of various pollution sources, encompassing both industrial and agricultural sectors, has prompted a reevaluation of traditional practices in favor of more environmentally conscious approaches. Sustainable agriculture is essential to meet the world's growing food demand while mitigating environmental challenges. To achieve this balance, efficient management of key factors in agriculture is imperative. This paper explores optimal management approaches for several critical factors in sustainable agriculture, including soil health, water resources, biodiversity, and pest control. The integration of innovative techniques, precision agriculture, and policy support is vital for achieving sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents results of an analysis of 1060 academic articles published in the Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics and the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics from 1957 to 2015. Trends in research topics over time identified by the study include a decline in research on agricultural topics offset by growth in publications related to natural resources, the environment, trade, food and international development. Other trends include an increase in the average number of co-authors on each paper, a gradual increase in authorship by females, changes in the shares of top contributing institutions, increases in collaboration between institutions and a steady increase in the number of authors from outside Australia or New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agricultural progress is one of the world's greatest challenges in the twenty-first century as the global population is estimated to rise to over nine billion by 2050. Over the years, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the African Union (AU) have sought prosperous African Policies based on sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth. Additionally, the AU has adopted the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) policy framework. Given the growing need for innovative policies and studies to reduce the negative environmental effects of agricultural development in Africa, this paper investigates the significance of green finance and digital technologies on green agricultural growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2003 to 2018. Analysis of panel co-integration estimates indicates all variables are integrated. Using the panel-corrected standard errors estimator for long-run equilibrium co-integration assessment, the outcomes indicate mitigated green finance (MGF), internet and mobile phone use (IMU), as well as sustainable energy utilization (RE), individually and collectively exert a positive effect on agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (AVA). Additionally, panel causality estimates indicate (i) a bi-directional causality between MGF and AVA. (ii) A uni-directional causality running from IMU towards AVA without any rebound effect. For policy insights, the AU could urge member states to implement macro-policies to increase agricultural green credit to sustain food production and employment generation. Similarly, the FAO and AU could provide technical support in digital agricultural research and value chains towards ensuring sustainable agriculture development in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitization is becoming the key to achieving rural revitalization, and there is a complex inter-active relationship with farmer enrichment, and agriculture development, making it highly valued by governments around the world. Quantitatively evaluating the symbiotic relationship between rural digitization, farmer enrichment, and agricultural development, and reveal the driving mechanism behind them, which can provide evidence for the rural government, agricultural enterprises, and relevant stakeholders. This paper conducts an empirical study of 84 digital village national pilots in China based on coupling coordination model and geographically weighted regression, with focus on the spatial characteristics, symbiotic relationship and driving mechanisms of the pilots. The symbiotic relationship between rural digitization, farmer enrichment, and agriculture development has significant heterogeneity, with most of the pilots in coordination state. The driving mechanism of rural digitization, farmer enrichment, agriculture development, and symbiotic relationship were complicated, with significant heterogeneity and synergy in the driving forces of different factors, and special attention should be paid to spatial effects (the nature and intensity of regression coefficients in local regions) in the policy design and implementation. It is worth noting that population aging mainly plays a negative role, while industrialization, government support, resident capacity plays a positive role. The other factors play both positive and negative roles. Income gap between urban and rural residents, population aged 65 and above, financial self-sufficiency are the most critical factors. We suggest developing differentiated management policy, accurate management policy, and integrated management policy, which can provide a basis for digital village and smart village planning, construction and management in China. In view of the significant differences in rural digitalization and its driving mechanisms in different pilots as shown in the study, it is necessary to design differentiated spatial policies according to local conditions, to design accurate management policies based on the driving effects of key single factors, and to design integrated development policies by taking into account the interactive effects of multiple factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the development of county-level agricultural industries through a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits of agricultural products. Focusing on Hancheng City in Shaanxi Province, this paper calculates and analyzes the carbon emission intensity per unit output value and the economic benefits of major agricultural products, assessing their comprehensive advantage indices. The research methods include data collection, data processing, and model construction, utilizing a bi-factor matrix analysis to explore the balance between environmental sustainability and economic profitability of different agricultural products. The results indicate that pepper and vegetables have the highest comprehensive advantages, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits, while soybeans show lower comprehensive advantages, requiring improvements in cultivation techniques and management practices. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes policy and management recommendations for different agricultural products, including focusing on the development of high-comprehensive-advantage products, improving cultivation techniques for low-comprehensive-advantage products, promoting green agricultural technologies, establishing a carbon footprint monitoring system for agricultural products, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction. The study's conclusions provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the agricultural development strategies of Hancheng City and similar regions, contributing to the achievement of sustainable agricultural development and carbon reduction goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between income inequality and consumption, utilizing panel data from rural China over a span of four years to validate the application of relative income theory in the domain of food consumption. Food consumption represents a significant portion of expenditures for the low-income demographic and is of vital importance to China's food security and agricultural development. To ascertain the impact of income inequality on food consumption, this paper employs a bi-directional fixed-effects model, a mediation effect model, and machine learning causal analysis methods. Utilizing four years of rural resident survey data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey database, the study empirically tests the effect of income inequality on various types of food consumption, the channels through which it operates, and the heterogeneity among different income groups and educational backgrounds. The findings indicate that (1) income inequality within rural communities positively influences food consumption, and this conclusion remains robust under endogeneity treatment and robustness checks, positively affecting the transformation of food consumption and healthy intake; (2) income inequality among rural residents promotes food consumption through two mediating channels: the "demonstration effect" and the "ratchet effect;" (3) the impact of income inequality on food consumption exhibits heterogeneity among rural residents of different income levels and educational backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging climate-development processes jeopardize water supply, especially in the Global South. In the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, disrupted water flows driven by climate change and hydropower development have caused water scarcity, threatening agricultural systems in both upstream and coastal areas. Based on insights from desk reviews, stakeholder workshops and interviews with local informants, this paper argues that while grey (engineered) solutions take precedence in addressing water scarcity, securing water sustainability (water retention) for agricultural resilience demands integrated 'grey–green' (engineered-nature-based) solutions. This paper suggests demands for translating this approach into the water governance framework for the delta's agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that is still regarded as a public health issue in developing nations. This paper aims to discuss the epidemiology of anthrax in Africa, the current outbreaks in Ghana and Nigeria, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of anthrax, challenges associated with the transmission of the disease to both countries and recommendations to reduce this current outbreak and curb future outbreaks in Africa. Online databases (PubMed, and Google Scholar) and Nigeria Ministry of Agriculture report were used to provide detailed information on the paper. On June 1, 2023, two suspected human cases of anthrax were reported, via a letter sent to all stakeholders in the country, with one death in Binduri District, Upper East region of Ghana. The cases were due to the consumption of dead cattle. Four cattle were reported dead at the time, and eleven suspected human cases were identified through contact tracing. Afterward, on July 17, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria announced the first case of anthrax disease in Nigeria. The National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the case from samples collected from a suspected livestock farm in Niger State, Nigeria. No human case has been reported. Short conclusion: Anthrax poses significant challenges to public health and requires cooperation between nations, especially in regions like Ghana and Nigeria, where animal movement and ecological changes can impact disease transmission. Challenges attributed to the spread of anthrax in both countries were discussed, focusing on the role of government and the general public in addressing this public health concern. Given the endemicity of certain transboundary animal diseases such as anthrax in sub-Saharan Africa, the control of animal movement across intra- and international borders in the region needs to be tightened. Regulations governing the transboundary movement of animals should be based on the World Organisation of Animal Health Terrestrial Code and should be strictly enforced to prevent ongoing and future outbreaks in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of ill information with or without the intention of deceiving or causing harm has negatively impacted agricultural development both in social and digital spaces. This has led to a lack of trust in adopting new technologies and practices, which has hindered the process of facilitating agricultural development. Although the study of agri-food misinformation is still in its early stages, this paper draws on a scoping review of existing literature and lessons learned from other fields, such as political science and public health, which have extensive experience in combating misinformation in social settings. The article explores how Farmer Field Schools (FFS), a popular participatory and community-based approach, can incorporate media literacy education and how a local agricultural information hub, platform approach and a relatively new approach called technology stewardship in agricultural extension can help those working in the agri-food industry combat misinformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green agricultural development opens up a feasible way for China to construct sustainable communities and promote rural revitalization strategies. However, a clear gap on the subject sets apart various regions in China, resulting in off-balance development. This paper, based on the panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2013 to 2020, established an evaluation index system for China's green agricultural development levels, measured the green agricultural development in different regions, and applied the log(t) model, the Ordered Probit model, and the Ordered Logit model to identify convergence trends and causes of China's green agricultural development level club convergence, respectively. Our research found the following: (1) The green agricultural development levels in various regions in China are on the rise, and regional gaps are still significant. The output of green agricultural products is the focus of various regions in promoting green agricultural development. (2) The green agricultural development levels in China's 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have converged to four clubs. China is gradually forming a convergence pattern of green agricultural development levels, with the main agricultural production areas as the core. (3) The regional gap at the level of environmental regulation for green agricultural development first narrows, then expands, and then narrows. The intensity of environmental regulation in most areas is in the first stage. This indicates that China should continue to maintain the current intensity and promote green agricultural development levels to converge towards high-level clubs. In addition, the GDP, grain production area, fiscal support for agriculture, and rural human capital can narrow the gaps in green agricultural development levels between regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As a powerful statistical method, meta-analysis has been applied increasingly in agricultural science with remarkable progress. However, meta-analysis research reports in the agricultural discipline still need to be systematically combed. Scientometrics is often used to quantitatively analyze research on certain themes. In this study, the literature from a 30-year period (1992–2021) was retrieved based on the Web of Science database, and a quantitative analysis was performed using the VOSviewer and CiteSpace visual analysis software packages. The objective of this study was to investigate the current application of meta-analysis in agricultural sciences, the latest research hotspots, and trends, and to identify influential authors, research institutions, countries, articles, and journal sources. Over the past 30 years, the volume of the meta-analysis literature in agriculture has increased rapidly. We identified the top three authors (Sauvant D, Kebreab E, and Huhtanen P), the top three contributing organizations (Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Institute for Agricultural Research, and Northwest A&F University), and top three productive countries (the USA, China, and France). Keyword cluster analysis shows that the meta-analysis research in agricultural sciences falls into four categories: climate change, crop yield, soil, and animal husbandry. Jeffrey (2011) is the most influential and cited research paper, with the highest utilization rate for the Journal of Dairy Science. This paper objectively evaluates the development of meta-analysis in the agricultural sciences using bibliometrics analysis, grasps the development frontier of agricultural research, and provides insights into the future of related research in the agricultural sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term and stable development of agriculture is the key to China's economic development and social stability. Agricultural total factor productivity and the digital economy have become new kinetic energy and new engines driving agricultural high-quality development. It is of great significance to verify whether there are significant spatial and threshold effects in the process of high-quality development of agriculture and to explore the intrinsic relationship between high-quality development of agriculture and agricultural total factor productivity and digital economy. This paper takes 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020 as the research object. The coefficient of variation method is used to estimate the comprehensive evaluation index of agricultural high-quality development and digital economy. And Dea-Malmquist index method is used to estimate agricultural total factor productivity. On this basis, the spatial Durbin model and threshold regression model are constructed to explore the spatial and threshold effects of agricultural total factor productivity, digital economy and other factors and high-quality agricultural development. The conclusion is as follows: the high-quality development of agriculture has significant spatial autocorrelation. Agricultural total factor productivity and digital economy have significant direct effect and indirect spillover effect on the high-quality development of agriculture. Agricultural total factor productivity has stage differences in each range of digital economy level, but its influence on agricultural high-quality development shows a positive state. Based on this, the paper puts forward some countermeasures to promote the high-quality development of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the performance audit regarding the management of the agricultural sector subsidy funds in order to determine to what extent the actions undertaken boosted the agricultural development process in the Republic of Moldova. The analysis revealed that the activity of subsidizing agriculture is primarily aimed at increasing competitiveness and the sustainable development of the agri-food sector. This situation leads to the modernization of the agri-food chain, facilitating access to capital markets for agricultural producers, adapting to climate changes and mitigating their effects on agricultural production, increasing rural employment opportunities, developing agricultural businesses, etc. The data on the subsidy activity were taken from the database of the Agency for Intervention and Payments for Agriculture from the Republic of Moldova, which is responsible for managing the subsidy fund. The results of the study highlight a fairly efficient management of financial means for subsidizing the national agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By discussing the spatial spillover effect and regional heterogeneity of digital economy and green agricultural development level, this paper aims to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the better development of green agriculture in the contemporary era when digital economy is universally developed and at the same time provide development suggestions suitable for green agriculture's development characteristics and initial conditions for different regions. Design/methodology/approach: This paper discusses the theoretical foundation of the digital economy and green agriculture development and utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2018. By employing the Super-Efficiency Slack-based Measure and Malmquist-Luenberger (SBM-ML) model based on unexpected output to measure the total factor productivity of green agriculture and employing the spatial panel Durbin model to empirically test the spatiotemporal effects of the digital economy on green agriculture development from both temporal and spatial dimensions. Finally, the model is tested for robustness as well as heterogeneity. Findings: The research findings are as follows: First, from the perspective of time effect, digital economy has a continuous driving effect on the development of green agriculture and with the passage of time, this effect becomes more and more prominent; second, from the perspective of spatial effect, digital economy has a significant positive impact on the development of local green agriculture, while digital economy has a significant negative impact on the development of surrounding green agriculture. Finally, the impact of digital economy on the development of green agriculture shows significant differences in different dimensions and regions. Originality/value: As an important driver of economic growth, the digital economy has injected new impetus into agricultural and rural development. Along with the intensifying environmental pollution problems, how to influence the green development of agriculture through the digital economy is a proposition worthy of attention nowadays. This paper analyzes the relationship between the digital economy and agricultural green development in multiple dimensions by exploring the temporal and spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on agricultural green development, as well as the heterogeneity in different dimensions and in different regions and derives policy insights accordingly in order to improve relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of green agriculture is conducive to accelerating the agricultural modernization process, making a significance for the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment in China. This paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation model by selecting 17 representative indicators from the perspective of sustainability. Then, this paper uses the entropy value method to measure the level of green agricultural production in 31 provinces from 2011 to 2021. We use Dagum's Gini coefficient and decomposition method, the kernel density estimation method and spatial Markov chain analysis method to explore the main sources of spatial differences and dynamic evolution trends. The results show that: (1) The overall level of green production in Chinese agriculture is low, and the level in the central region is higher than that in eastern and western regions; (2) There are significant regional differences in the level of green production in China's agriculture, and this is likely to widen. The interaction of inter- and intra-regional differences is the main reason for overall differences; (3) The trend of polarization in the level of green agricultural production is more obvious in the eastern part of China, while it is weaker in central and western regions; (4) There is a spatial spillover effect in the dynamic evolution of China's agricultural green production level. And the longer the overall time, the more obvious the spillover effect is. This paper analyzes the past development of green agriculture in China, makes predictions and provides constructive suggestions for the improvement and development of green agricultural production in China in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this paper analyzes the mechanism and spatial spillover effect of agricultural insurance on the urban–rural income gap using a fixed effect model, an intermediary effect model, and a two-stage least square method. The results show that agricultural insurance has a significant inhibitory effect on the income gap between urban and rural areas. This inhibitory effect is realized through the path of "improving the development level of agricultural insurance-improving agricultural total factor productivity-reducing the income gap between urban and rural areas", in which the intermediary effect of agricultural total factor productivity accounts for 19.74% of the total effect. At the same time, the income gap between urban and rural areas in China exhibits typical spatial agglomeration characteristics. The western region has always been the region with the largest income gap between urban and rural areas, while the eastern region is the region with the smallest income gap between urban and rural areas. The development of agricultural insurance has had a spatial spillover effect on the income gap between urban and rural areas, and the development of agricultural insurance in neighboring areas expands the income gap between urban and rural areas in this region. In order to prevent the siphon effect, agricultural insurance investment should be increased in the neighboring regions. The results of this paper support the view of the resource flow model. Finally, we put forward some suggestions for the development of agricultural insurance, improvement in agricultural total factor productivity, and the narrowing of the income gap between urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the impact of high-speed railway linesonagricultural outputin the regions along their routes. It also investigated the heterogeneity of this impactbased on the terrain characteristics. The results of empirical testsusing county-level data show that ahigh-speed railway line can bring higher agricultural "dividends" to counties along the line. Notably, low altitude areas and regionswith gentle terrain exhibit a more pronounced promotional effect on local agricultural output. High-speed railways mainly promote agricultural output by promoting the mechanization of agriculture in counties along the route, thus reinvigorating the agricultural population and the development of specialty agriculture. Ourfindingsprovide quasi-microscopic evidence of the potential benefits of transportation infrastructure construction to break down geographical barriers and facilitate production factor flow, and providesa theoretical basis for the economic spillover effects of high-speed railway construction. Plain Language Summary: This paper studied the impact of high-speed railway lines on agricultural output in the regions along their routes. It also investigated the heterogeneity of this impact based on the terrain characteristics. The results of empirical tests using county-level data show that a high-speed railway line can bring higher agricultural "dividends" to counties along the line. Notably, low altitude areas and regions with gentle terrain exhibit a more pronounced promotional effect on local agricultural output. High-speed railways mainly promote agricultural output by promoting the mechanization of agriculture in counties along the route, thus reinvigorating the agricultural population and the development of specialty agriculture. Our findings provide quasi-microscopic evidence of the potential benefits of transportation infrastructure construction to break down geographical barriers and facilitate production factor flow, and provides a theoretical basis for the economic spillover effects of high-speed railway construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural technologies (agri-techs) have focused on developing the AI perspective of human-AI interaction rather than human perceptions and responses. A lack of understanding of their employees' behavioral responses when interacting with advanced technologies can lead to unexpected problems in the future. Drawing on the theoretical perspective of advanced user engagement, this paper examines the impact of five different technostressors on user engagement and, consequently, user experience. For data collection, 464 participants from the U.S. and Asian (Singaporean) agri-tech sectors were interviewed via an electronic survey. The U.S. study showed that techno-overload, techno-complexity, and techno-uncertainty were positively related to user engagement (t = 2.609; t = 6.998, and t = 6.013, respectively), whereas techno-invasion and techno-uncertainty were negatively correlated with user engagement (t = –2.167 and t = –3.119, respectively). The Singapore study showed that techno-overload, techno-complexity, and techno-invasion were negatively related to user engagement (t = –2.185, t = –2.765; t = –5.062, respectively), while techno-insecurity and techno-uncertainty surprisingly showed nonlinear correlations with user engagement. In both studies, user engagement is positively related to user experience (t = 2.009 for the U.S. study and t = 2.887 for the Singapore study). First, this paper provides agri-techs with a modern framework to better predict the behavioral responses of their employees when managing AI. Second, this paper expands the equation of change in the discipline of change management by introducing the dimension of readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]