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Start date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.300208 Farm management, rural management and agribusiness

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    Exploring the role of mobile internet in the capability expansion of Nepalese farmers : a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2025-02) Ban, Bikas
    This research report aims to improve the understanding of the role mobile Internet plays in expanding the capabilities of Nepalese farmers. A notable gap is evident in the existing research literature regarding the value added by mobile Internet in enhancing farming and agricultural productivity in Nepal. Given the widespread adoption of the mobile Internet and its instrumental roles, a comprehensive study is needed to address this gap. This research report makes an initial exploration in that direction. Apart from the immediate impacts of mobile Internet in farming, the results and findings are also analysed using Sen’s Capability Approach to understand the role of mobile Internet technology in the capability expansion of the farmers. A sample of five farmers was selected using purposive sampling gain some initial insights. A qualitative data analysis method is used to codify and categorise the accumulated data into separate themes. The results showed a positive relationship between mobile Internet use and farmers' productivity and income. An expansion in their capabilities is also observed due to the benefits received using mobile Internet. However, specific barriers and challenges also remain that prohibit the benefits from being achieved to a greater extent. Suggestions received from farmers during the interview and policy recommendations formulated through the data analysis have been incorporated in the report to extend its potential benefits.
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    The contribution of kumala to traditional food systems in two districts of Tanna Island, and its potential for increasing food security : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture and Ethnobotany at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Nasse, Amanda
    Sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas) is considered a versatile food crop owing to its robust adaptability to diverse soil conditions and environmental conditions. In Vanuatu sweetpotato is a significant food security crop that smallholder farmers cultivated within traditional cropping system. Within the national and local context, sweetpotato has played a significant role as recovery crop that supports the farmers and increasing urban population buffer against food scarcity during the aftermath of natural disasters. The research reported in this thesis examined and explored how kumala (sweetpotato) contributed to smallholder farmers livelihood and enhanced food and nutrition security. The aim of the study was to understand the significant role of kumala within the traditional food system and draws on smallholder farmers perspectives. Storian is the overarching cultural approach that underpinned the research process in this study, supported with the use of qualitative methods of collecting data these included, semi structure interviews, secondary data, and field observation. Subsequently the data collected through the interviews and storian were analysed using qualitative data analysis. The research study was carried out in Tanna Island, a society with stronghold of traditions and cultural activities that are interwoven in the livelihood of smallholder farmers influencing the farmers perception on the production of kumala. This research highlights kumala is a favoured food security and recovery crop featured as response to recovery program. Kumala has a role in the traditional food system which is enhanced by existing social and cultural ties. The study put forward a critical perspective on leveraging on short term resilient crops that emerge through strengthening and revitalize the role of kumala within the local food system can strengthen household resilience and enhance food security for smallholder farmers.