Current issue No 1/2025, March | Agris on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics

Precision Crop Farming Framework for Small-Scale Rainfed Agriculture Using UAV RGB High-Resolution Imagery

Basuti Bolo Irina Zlotnikova Dimane Mpoeleng DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170101
No 1/2025, March
pp. 3 - 19

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a precision crop farming framework developed for small-scale rainfed agriculture using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) red, green, and blue (RGB) high-resolution imagery. The aim is to enhance farm management by providing precise spatial and temporal information in heterogeneous farming systems in Botswana's semi-arid regions. The precision crop farming framework integrates UAVs and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, introducing new vegetation indices and employing machine learning algorithms for high-accuracy crop and land use analysis. The framework comprises four components: data collection, applications, data processing, and users. Methods included UAV data acquisition, global navigation satellite system geo-referencing, and machine learning classification. Results demonstrated high spatial resolution and classification accuracy, providing actionable insights into crop conditions, planting patterns, and farm variability. The precision crop farming framework is a tool for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, providing a foundation for efficient, data-driven farm management practices.

KEYWORDS

Unmanned aerial vehicle imagery, small-scale rainfed architecture, geospatial information system, machine learning, remote sensing.

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Drivers of Credit Supply in Iran's Agriculture: Symmetric or Asymmetric Relationship?

Farzin Feizizad Shahriar Nessabian Reza Moghaddasi DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170102
No 1/2025, March
pp. 21 - 30

ABSTRACT

Agriculture, one of the most important sectors of the Iranian economy that plays a vital role in providing food security and job opportunities, has always been faced with a lack of financial and credit resources. Therefore, identifying the drivers of credit supply to this sector is of great importance. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting Agriculture Bank (Bank Keshavarzi of Iran) credit supply as the main source for financing agricultural activities, in Iran. In this regard, provincial panel data for period 2007-2020 and non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model, which distinguishes this research from those of previous years, have been used. The results indicate the asymmetric effect of all independent variables on credit supply of Agricultural Bank or the superiority of non-linear model in explaining the relationship between variables. For example, the positive shock on the value of bank assets with coefficient of 0.18 and its negative shock with coefficient of -0.05 will affect the growth of credit supply in the long run. Based on research findings and in order to increase credit supply, it is recommended that Agricultural Bank put the control of non-current receivable more effectively (especially through careful evaluation of borrowers' eligibility) in its policy priorities and, therefore, reduce credit risk and perform more effective services in financing of agricultural sector. In addition, an increase in the bank's assets through investment in modern information and communication technologies is strongly recommended.

KEYWORDS

Non-current receivable, NARDL, Agricultural Bank, Iran.

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Incorporating Systems Engineering into Project Management Enhances Operational Efficiency

Simona Huguet Petra Bláhová Radka Procházková Jan Saro Helena Brožová DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170103
No 1/2025, March
pp. 31 - 40

ABSTRACT

Project management (PM) orchestrates multiple processes and resources while ensuring compliance with quality standards. But as projects become increasingly complex, lifecycle PM struggles to optimize risk mitigation strategies. Nevertheless, Systems Engineering (SE) may complement PM in managing complex projects and mitigating associated risks. Testing this hypothesis, this study assesses whether integrating SE into PM improves project execution. Our qualitative research and data analysis highlight the adaptability of SE in addressing intricate issues. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that incorporating SE into PM methodologies substantially improves the execution of complex projects.

KEYWORDS

Collaboration, project, project management, project manager, systems engineer.

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Major Crops Water Requirements and Automated Irrigation Scheduling System

Amritpal Kaur Devershi Pallavi Bhatt Linesh Raja DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170104
No 1/2025, March
pp. 41 - 50

ABSTRACT

Agriculture is a critical factor that impacts a country's economy. The agriculture sector uses 70% of the available fresh water. There are challenges in water management and irrigation scheduling that require resolution. Farmers are using traditional irrigation methods that use a lot of water with low water efficiency. Smart irrigation and farm management technology is crucial to sustainable agriculture, as it saves water and provides farmers with more information about crop water requirements. However, managing irrigation water is a complex task that depends on factors such as soil, weather, and environment. Robust modeling is necessary to accurately estimate the water requirements of a crop. In this we developed a smart irrigation model to automate the irrigation system according to water requirements of crops. To estimate the water requirements of crops a review was done on different crop water requirements and crops features. To develop the automated irrigation system an analysis is done on different irrigation methods, irrigation scheduling and requirements of irrigation scheduling. The proposed system is used to automated irrigation system and real time data is sent to think speak server for regular monitoring. The developed automated irrigation system is working up to expectations and help farmers to control the irrigation and conserve water by avoiding over irrigation.

KEYWORDS

Internet of Things, water management, IoT, sensors, smart griculture, Irrigation Efficiency.

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A Farm-Level Exploration of the Factors Influencing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Rice Farmers in Kerala, India

Nedumchira Lasithamol Chittangadan Anver Sadath Chalambetta Prasanth DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170105
No 1/2025, March
pp. 51 - 66

ABSTRACT

Based on primary data collected through a farm-level survey of 600 households of the major rice-producing districts in the identified agroclimatic zones of Kerala, India, the study employs a multivariate probit model to study the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies of rice farmers. The estimation of the correlation of error terms of selected climate adaptation strategies supports the suitability of multivariate probit model. The results of the model confirm that the farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies is significantly affected by factors such as age, gender, level of education, farm size, credit access, reliance on climate information, and access to agricultural extension services. The study further emphasizes the role of institutional factors through government policies such as improving accessibility to affordable credit and provision of reliable climate information, along with effective extension services that enhance the capabilities of farmers enabling them to adopt better climate change adaptation strategies.

KEYWORDS

Climate change, agriculture, adaptation strategies, farm household, multivariate probit model.

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The Approach of Managers to the Internal Control System in Contemporary Agricultural Enterprises in Slovakia

Anna Látečková Petra Súlovská DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170106
No 1/2025, March
pp. 67 - 79

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, we consider it necessary that the accounting entities are built of high quality, stable, and should be equipped with an internal control system. We consider it important that they base their decisions on their own and up-to-date information and that there is feedback afterwards. In the work, we also focused on the preference for improving the internal control system in selected accounting entities. Preferences were analyzed based on a questionnaire survey of managers and executives in selected accounting entities. The database contains information on 46 respondents from the ranks of managers, financial directors, accountants and other responsible employees for the performance of control from the questionnaire survey. We decided to use the binary logit model in order to estimate the inclination of individual preferences in favor of the need to improve the internal control system. On the basis of which we came up with interesting findings from the point of view of management and executives in selected agricultural enterprises. With our findings from the analysis of managers' preferences, we can state that the decisive factors that contribute to the willingness to improve the internal control system are the automation of control processes. We found that managers who make a decision based on a thorough analysis of the problem contribute to the willingness to improve the internal control system. Managers' satisfaction with financial evaluation was also a decisive factor, and therefore those employees who were satisfied with their financial evaluation were also more willing to improve the internal control system. At the same time, it should be noted that the absence of current scenarios in which activities are developed, along with the need to adequately address constant changes and changes in market requirements, brings a significant change in business management.

KEYWORDS

Internal control system, accounting, business management, preference analysis.

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Food Insecurity in Asia Pacific: Climate Change and Macroeconomic Dynamic

Taufiq Marwa Hamira Sukanto Mukhlis Dirta Pratama Atiyatna Ichsan Hamidi DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170107
No 1/2025, March
pp. 81 - 94

ABSTRACT

This study analyzes the effect of climate change and macroeconomic factors on food security in Asian Countries with moderate to weak food security ratings. This study finds significant findings using panel data from 14 countries in the Asia Pacific Region from 2012 to 2021. First, climate change variables measured by CO2 carbon emissions significantly negatively impact food security. Increased carbon emissions can threaten crop production, alter rainfall patterns, and increase vulnerability to natural disasters. Second, macroeconomic variables such as agricultural value added, food price inflation, exports, and GDP per capita also show significant adverse effects. Global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and U.S. monetary policy have impacted food prices, agricultural production, and per capita income, disrupting supply chains and increasing food security risks. However, the positive findings related to food imports and the Per Capita Production Index suggest that food imports can improve supply diversification, food availability, and food price stability, which are essential strategies for strengthening food security in the Asian Region. This research highlights the importance of carbon emission mitigation, macroeconomic crisis management, increased local food production, and import policies in facing the complex challenges of food security amidst climate change and global economic dynamics.

KEYWORDS

Food insecurity, climate change, agricultural value added, food price inflation, gross production index per capita, agricultural net export.

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An Ontology-Driven Framework for Animal Traceability in Botswana

Tshepiso Larona Mokgetse Hlomani Hlomani Tshiamo Sigwele Irina Zlotnikova DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170108
No 1/2025, March
pp. 95 - 112

ABSTRACT

This study developed an ontology-driven framework for animal traceability (ODF-AT) in Botswana, aiming to enhance interoperability, integration, and standardization among stakeholders in the livestock sector. The framework addresses challenges in disease monitoring, theft prevention, and compliance with international trade standards. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing qualitative and quantitative data collection through interviews, structured questionnaires, and project mapping with NVivo software. Stakeholders, including farmers, veterinary professionals, government officials, and Botswana Meat Commission representatives, provided insights into current practices and traceability challenges. The ODF-AT consists of four layers: input, semantic core, knowledge management, and application. It integrates technologies like ontology-based knowledge management and sensor devices, enabling real-time data capture, secure processing, and user-friendly interfaces. Results show that the ODF-AT improves data exchange and communication among stakeholders, offering a scalable and reliable system for livestock management. Although the framework shows promise, further research is needed to adapt it for other regions, overcome practical implementation challenges, and validate its effectiveness through pilot projects.

KEYWORDS

Animal traceability, ontology-driven framework, interoperability, livestock management, food safety, disease control.

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The Influence of Climate Information Services on Climate-Smart Agricultural Investment Decisions among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Northern Ghana

Abdul-Fatawu Shaibu Kwabena Asomanin Anaman Yaw Bonsu Osei-Asare Abigail Ampomah Adaku DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170109
No 1/2025, March
pp. 113 - 132

ABSTRACT

Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity in Africa particularly in regions that are dependent on rainfed agriculture. Despite the critical role of climate Information Services (CIS) in promoting adaptive practices, there is limited understanding of their impact on investment in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining how different sources of CIS influence smallholder maize farmers’ decisions to invest in CSA practices. Using a cross-sectional survey of 566 maize-producing households across five districts in Northern Ghana, we employ descriptive statistics, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a binary logit model to identify key determinants of CSA investment. The findings revealed that frequent access to daily and seasonal weather forecasts, as well as indigenous weather predictions significantly influences farmers’ willingness to invest in CSA practices. Critical factors driving these decisions include maize farm size, level of commercialisation, gender, farm income and extension service visits. The results demonstrate that improving the accuracy and accessibility of CIS through traditional media, mobile platforms, and community engagement can significantly enhance investment in CSA. The key policy recommendations include promoting gender inclusivity, integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific forecasts, and expanding access to financial and advisory support. These are critical for promoting resilience and sustainability among maize-producing households in northern Ghana.

KEYWORDS

Climate information, climate-smart agricultural practices, farm-level decisions, CSA investment, Northern Ghana.

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The Inclusion of Ecosystem Service in Land Valuation and Impact on Cadastral Land Value – a Case Study

Josef Slaboch Michal Malý DOI: 10.7160/aol.2025.170110
No 1/2025, March
pp. 133 - 148

ABSTRACT

In the Czech Republic, a system of evaluated soil-ecological units (ESEU) is used for soil valuation, where the price is determined on the basis of production potential. In practice, the production potential of soil is also very important for spatial planning because it is used to determine the protection class of agricultural land with regard to the possibility of designating it for non-productive purposes. This paper focuses on the application of an econometric model to determine the effect on soil value in selected cadastral areas when the effect of the non-productive function of soil in the form of retention is taken into account. This is effectively an ecosystem service calculation, as only the production function is included in the ESEU price in the Czech Republic. For the purposes of the paper, three alternative scenarios are chosen in which the production price includes the price for the non-production function in the form of retention, in the amounts of 5%, 10% and 20%. The results show that even a 5% inclusion of soil retention has a significant impact on its price and, more precisely, on its value. The difference between the original value and the shadow value with the greatest effect of water retention at the 20% level is approximately CZK 12.3 million for the Ivančice site and approximately CZK 20.6 million for the Lysá nad Labem site, which indicates the importance of changing the current government methodology. The higher increase for the Ivančice site is due to the higher proportion of more productive ESEU and, at the same time, the higher retention capacity of the main soil units (MSU), which is absolutely necessary for the valuation of agricultural land in the main production areas of the Czech Republic. The results confirm that in these most valuable areas, the increased share of ecosystem components would lead to the greatest increase in the price of agricultural land, which can be considered as an adequate and meaningful result, if only in the context of comparing agricultural land prices between EU Member States. The water retention capacity of the soil is a qualitative indicator of the non-productive function of the soil and is increasingly supported as such.

KEYWORDS

Soil, ecosystems services, hydrological characteristics, econometric modelling, SUR model, land valuation.

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