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Agroecology is a sustainable farming method that has the potential to revolutionize the global agricultural sector by promoting cleaner and more environmentally friendly practices. However, the question of how to effectively transition to a sustainable agroecology system remains a topic of debate, particularly in developing economies. In many developing countries, subsistence farming plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of countless households. Therefore, it is essential to explore the connection between food self-provisioning and the shift towards agroecology. Using primary data from rural Nigeria and by applying an ordered logistic regression, the study demonstrates that when farmers are primarily dependent on their own produce for sustenance, there is a natural inclination towards methods ensuring long-term soil health and ecological balance. We observed that self-provisioning leads to a 10.9 % increase in agroecology transition, and this result was statistically significant (P-value 0.001). This paradigm not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also underscores a holistic approach where agriculture coexists harmoniously with nature. As the global challenges of climate change and increasing food demand loom large, understanding and supporting these farmer-driven solutions become paramount. The results beckon policymakers and stakeholders to frame strategies grounded in farmers' intrinsic motivations, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future that is ecologically viable, culturally resonant, and economically beneficial.

Improved and environmentally friendly agricultural waste management technology is needed to improve the environment and avoid some health issues as a result of poor waste management. Yet, its adoption is low and there is little documented work on the subject matter, especially in Nigeria. Therefore, this study assessed cassava processors’ willingness to adopt improved cassava waste management technology in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze data collected from 240 cassava processors using a structured questionnaire. The current cassava waste management practices among the processors were disposing of the solid waste through open dumping around the processing site, letting liquid waste run off and dry on the ground, channelling liquid waste to the drainage system, burning waste and disposing of waste on the farm. These methods caused insects and pests to breed and bad odor in the area, which resulted in an unhealthy environment and affected people's health. Awareness of biogas technology for cassava waste management was very low (21.25%) among the processors and only 10.83% were aware of its benefits. However, 74.17% were willing to adopt biogas technology to manage waste after the creation of awareness about biogas technology. The significant factors responsible for their intention to adopt improved technology were awareness of biogas technology, awareness of the benefits of biogas technology, age, experience, extension services, access to credit, and membership in an association. This study advocates the creation of awareness about modern improved waste management by institutions, and agricultural extension to have a healthy environment.

Background: A fundamental departure from subsistence to commercial agriculture is crucial for ensuring lasting household-level food security and poverty reduction. The absence of farm-level analysis of the market orientation decisions constitutes a bottleneck to commercialising smallholder rice farmers. Objectives: The study evaluated the determinants of smallholder rice farmers’ market orientation and the extent of market orientation among smallholder rice farming households. Methodology: The study adopted a survey design. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 288 smallholder rice farmers. Primary data was collected from the respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. The market orientation index and Heckman's two-stage model were used to realise the objectives. Results: A moderate market orientation index of 0.52 was established among the small-scale rice farmers. In addition, the results of the determinants of market orientation showed that the socioeconomic and institutional drivers of market orientation were education, distance to an established market, size of the rice farm, agricultural extension service, and land fragmentation. The extent of market orientation was driven by education, labour, fertiliser access, distance to the asphalt road, size of the rice farm, and market information. Conclusion: Small-scale rice farmers in Southeast Nigeria are moderately market-oriented, and the educational status of the household head principally drives the decision to be market-oriented and the extent of orientation. Unique Contribution: The study identified the key factors that drive or inhibit smallholder rice farmers’ market orientation in Southeast Nigeria. This will help government agencies and policymakers to enact precise policies that will effectively drive smallholder commercialisation. Key Recommendation: Agricultural extension services should be strengthened to include market-oriented training and information dissemination to provide farmers with timely information on market dynamics and opportunities.