Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2018, Agricultural and Extension Education

More than half of the world today lives in urban areas. By 2050, this percentage is expected to reach 66 percent. As the shift toward urbanization occurs, individuals begin to participate in urban livestock production to supplement their diets with animal protein. Urban livestock production presents a myriad of challenges, including zoonotic disease and risk of bodily harm. An exploratory study, utilizing a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach, was designed to identify management practices that impact overall safety and health of livestock producers in Managua, Nicaragua. Through quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and researcher observations, the data were collected and analyzed in an 18-month U.S. Borlaug Fellowship in Global Food Security, sponsored by USAID. Immersed in the culture, the researcher interacted with 100 urban and peri-urban livestock owners. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study protocol used personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as a structure for identifying themes within urban and peri-urban livestock production. The themes related to producers' attitudes were safety, diseases and parasites, cleanliness, and enjoyment. Themes related to subjective norms were experts, family, other livestock producers, and neighbors. Perceived behavioral control themes were authority, knowledge, access, and income. Results found urban livestock producers think first of the safety and health of the animals, then of their family, a strong motivator. Producers would like to perform safe and healthy livestock handling procedures, but do not have the knowledge to improve safety and health. Income is also a limiting factor. Intention to perform safe and healthy livestock handling procedures is primarily limited by the producer's perceived control combined with actual control. Through researcher interaction during Phase 1 the livestock producers expressed interest in learning more about (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Shelly Dee Jepsen (Advisor); Mary Rodriguez (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Education; Agriculture; Animal Sciences

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2015, Latin American Studies (International Studies)

Research posits that the failure of developing countries to adopt new technologies at a desirable rate can be solved in part through the implementation of better information communication methods suited to farmers' needs. This research looks at the implementation of the hydroponics farming technique in region 4, Guyana in an effort to assess farmers' perceptions and preferences about the communication methods used in the diffusion of this innovation. Thirty-three adopters and 12 non-adopters were interviewed using structured interview technique to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis revealed that farmers prefer to receive information through inter-personal communication methods. However, due to lack of adequate information and timely information more than 50% of the farmers rely on farmer-to-farmer communication and their own search skills. Farmers' choices in information sources is significantly related to age and gender. The choice to adopt or not to adopt depends on farmers' personal preferences, the type of information received and how farmers influence each other.

Committee: Edna Wangui PhD. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Agricultural Economics; Agricultural Education; Agriculture; Agronomy; Latin American Studies

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural communications is a growing field in both industry and academic spheres. However, no such academic programs currently exist at any higher education institution in Canada. This single-case study explored the attitudes and opinions of current University of Guelph agriculture students and agricultural industry professionals regarding the potential development of an agricultural communications undergraduate program at the University of Guelph and what elements should be included in such a program. Findings established a definite need for and interest in such a program and highlighted a distinct gap in this discipline, and related disciplines, at the University of Guelph. While no distinct format for the program was unanimously agreed upon, participants agreed it should be available in a way that benefits the greatest number of students and also reach those outside of traditional agriculture. Findings imply that the program should encompass a wide range of communication skills and topics and should be differentiated from general communications programs with agricultural influence. Outside of these technical skills, students should have co-op or internship opportunities and have practical experiences during their time in the program.

Committee: Emily Buck (Committee Member); Annie Specht (Advisor) Subjects: Agriculture; Communication; Curriculum Development

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2009, Human and Community Resource Development

The recognition that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a major threat to sub-Saharan Africa's economic development has prompted researchers to focus on the economic impacts of the disease. In particular, given the importance of agriculture for livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), researchers have investigated the impact of HIV/AIDS on agriculture. Relatively little research has focused on the role agriculture plays in fueling the spread of HIV/AIDS. This study addresses this gap in the literature and examines how agricultural contexts in Kenya influence women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The study uses a regional analysis of Kenya using districts (similar to U.S counties) as administrative units and employs multilevel analysis to examine the impact of the regional agricultural context on women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. This study refers to regional agricultural contexts as agricultural-consumption regimes (ACRs). The term agricultural-consumption regimes (ACRs) draws from longstanding literature which examines how agricultural development in developing countries impacts women's agricultural productivity, hence their ability to fulfill the consumption needs of their households. ACRs encompass the key production-related factors in the women and development literature - agricultural commercialization (cash crop versus food crop production), land tenure, access to credit, and access to extension services. ACRs also include household survival strategies that women employ to counter constraints in agricultural production such as opportunities for wage employment, membership in cooperatives, and women's organizations. In examining the impacts of ACRs on women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, the study also takes into account women's decision-making autonomy and household food security. There is consensus in the HIV/AIDS literature that power imbalances in the household are a major factor driving women's vulnerability to this disease in sub-Saharan Africa, thus, the importance o (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Linda Lobao PhD (Advisor); Mark Erbaugh PhD (Committee Member); David Kraybill PhD (Committee Member); Kristi Williams PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Public Health; Sociology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2006, Agricultural Education

Statewide agricultural leadership programs were founded in 1983 by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. These programs now extended to 32 states and three countries, lay claim to thousands of alumni, and receive an immense amount of stakeholder support. Millions of dollars have been invested in these statewide agricultural leadership programs; however, little evaluation evidence exists that documents the outcomes of these programs with the program participants. This study attempts to evaluate outcomes of a statewide agricultural leadership program in Ohio by determining the affects of the program on participants after they graduate. The study explored three levels of outcomes on the individual, organizational and community level using the EvaluLEAD framework developed by Grove, Kibel and Haas (2005) to develop a conceptual model. The research employed a retrospective descriptive survey research design. An original web-based instrument was developed to collect the data from a census population of 262 alumni. The instrument was found to be highly reliable and valid and effectively measured the outcomes of this leadership program. The findings of this study are based on an alumni response rate of 75% (n=196). Conclusions from the study indicate that statewide agricultural leadership program alumni report several positive outcomes on the individual and organizational levels as a result of the program. On the community level, one positive level existed. Low outcome levels were reported by alumni on one organizational level and several community levels. The result of this study provides the first examination of the impact of a statewide agricultural leadership program at the post-program evaluation level utilizing a comprehensive instrument developed to gain insight into alumni outcomes and program achievements.

Committee: James Connors (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2004, Geography (Arts and Sciences)

This research assesses Participatory Action Research (PAR) through the Integrated Upland Agricultural Research Project (IUARP) in Luang Prabang province, Laos. The IUARP is designed to produce alternatives to shifting cultivation for smallholder farmers. Through interviews, observations, and a farmer database I analyzed who participates in the project, who benefits, and the level of participation developed between the project administrators and farmers. Village politics, farmer socio-economic status, village and land location, and gender affect the participation process. Village politics is the most important factor undermining PAR goals. In the IUARP the participation objective is functional with collaborative participation. Farmers are gaining material benefits and knowledge about a variety of agricultural technologies. PAR has the potential to alleviate poverty but it runs the risk of reinforcing social inequalities.

Committee: Brad Jokisch (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 1967, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics

In this dissertation, I model household behavior with respect to incentives and natural resources, with the goal of understanding the effects that individual's decisions have on their environment, and how the benefits of natural resources accrue to households. In my first chapter, I develop a spatial model of cattle ranchers responses to wolves and model their response to exogenous payments. Effective payments for conservation are an important tool to provide transfers between those who derive utility from wildlife and those who bear the economic costs in order to reduce poaching and promote coexistence. I build upon previous models to consider how these payments should be applied over space when farmers face heterogeneous depredation risk and thus heterogeneous incentives to poach wildlife. I find that while ex-post payments induce higher stocking rates as suggested by the previous literature, the effect is small compared to the ex-ante payment level needed to push farmers into the corner solution of zero poaching via ex-ante payments. I compare commonly used uniform ex-post compensation to spatially targeted compensation, finding that poaching can be reduced further by targeted payments given a limited government agency budget, and that, if ex-ante payments can be targeted, both types of payments can reduce poaching with similar costs. This work contributes to the literature on impact evaluation for payments for ecosystem services to promote conservation by considering spatial heterogeneity, and is the first to combine spatial risk mapping with farmer response to conservation payments. This work has important implications for the design and implementation of payments for conservation. In my second chapter, I quantify the effect of forest cover in mitigating acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in rural children in India. Acute respiratory infections, dependent on both indoor and outdoor air quality, have serious effects on the long-term well being of children. (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Daniela Miteva (Advisor); Jon Einar Flatnes (Committee Member); Mario Miranda (Committee Member); Henry Allan Klaiber (Committee Member); Sathya Gopalakrishnan (Committee Member) Subjects: Economics; Environmental Economics

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership

This qualitative study, utilizing Expectancy Value Theory (EVT) as a guiding framework, delves into the motivations and preferences of alternatively certified School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) teachers in Ohio regarding their engagement with Teacher Professional Development (TPD). Through individual interviews with 10 alternatively certified SBAE teachers, three overarching themes emerge: "Navigating Challenges in SBAE Teacher Professional Development," "Weaving Wisdom for Workforce Preparedness," and "Navigating Nuances in SBAE." These themes shed light on various aspects of the challenges encountered by alternatively certified SBAE teachers and offer recommendations for effective solutions. The discussion transitions from exploring these challenges to examining the multifaceted roles played by SBAE teachers in shaping agricultural education programs. Future research should prioritize evaluating the effectiveness of ready-to-implement TPD initiatives, exploring innovative delivery methods like virtual simulations and mentorship programs to enhance accessibility and efficacy, thereby fostering a supportive ecosystem for continuous growth and professional development within agricultural education.

Committee: Tracy Kitchel (Advisor); Kellie Claflin (Committee Member); Amanda Bowling (Committee Co-Chair) Subjects: Agriculture; Education

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2021, Agricultural and Extension Education

Youth in the United States are experiencing mental illness more frequently and severely than in the past. This is coupled with low rates of help-seeking and treatment resulting from factors such as stigma related to mental illness. The developmental period of adolescence and the changes and transitions that embody this time in a person's life mean that youth experience mental illness and topics related to mental health differently than other groups, with a range of personal, social and environmental factors serving as mediators. Youth who engage in programs which promote positive youth development represent an opportunity for research and improved practice. To study this population of youth, this transcendental phenomenology explored former Ohio FFA state officer and agricultural education program member experiences with mental health topics in the context of the FFA organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) and agricultural education programs in Ohio. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants. While individual experiences varied greatly, seven themes emerged which merit the consideration of agricultural educators, mental health professionals, researchers and any person involved in the development of youth. This relatively nuanced area of research has the potential to transform the lives of youth who experience mental health challenges through engagement in youth development organizations like FFA. The foundation for successful youth development has already been laid by these organizations. They present the opportunity to engage youth with mental health topics for the purposes of raising awareness, improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior for all youth, especially those who suffer with mental illness.

Committee: Jera Niewoehner-Green Dr. (Advisor); Caryn Filson Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Education; Mental Health

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2021, Agricultural and Extension Education

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique developmental challenges and vulnerabilities with food security. In particular, Caribbean Island SIDS continue to remain vulnerable to drastic shifts in global markets and natural disasters. Moreover, they are exposed to the inequities, fragilities, and underlying risks in the global food system. In the case of The Bahamas, explicitly, this reality holds as the country suffers from the lack of structured and sustainable agricultural programs that can supply agricultural products for the entire country. One solution to this ongoing food dilemma may be to shift developmental focus towards enhancing sustainable urban agricultural practices, such as backyard gardening. To that end, this descriptive quantitative research study appraised residents' current behavioral intentions on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama to adopt and engage in the practice of backyard gardening. This study also explored the current status of social and economic well-being on the two islands. The adoption of this behavior was analyzed using the theory of planned behavior and was supplemented by self-determination theory. Results indicated that there was a positive sense of economic and social well-being among residents. Concerning behavioral adoption, the inverse relationship with perceived behavioral control and positive relationship with subjective norms explained 16.7% of the variance in the model. Conclusions determine that residents had a stronger perceived sense of capability toward the practical aspect of backyard gardening versus the technical side. Further, the intention to engage was driven by a desire to be sustainable for the country's greater good. Recommendations include formulating backyard gardening programs that improve residents' technical abilities while promoting food sovereignty and food capacity.

Committee: Mary T. Rodriguez Dr. (Advisor); Amanda Bowling Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Agriculture; Caribbean Studies; Sustainability

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

The purpose of this thesis studies the possible incorporation of agricultural edible landscapes in new settlement designs in the Cluj region of Romania. Thereby evaluating the feasibility of developing a modern agricultural community in this area. Planning developments actively engage several aspects of urban agriculture and edible landscape practices in the design process. Through an in-depth research on the history of agriculture, this thesis determines that farming remains a theme of rural lifestyle and is a primary driver in new development. Derived from the study of present conditions in Cluj, this thesis analyzes current trends from precedents in agricultural community practices to identify opportunities incorporating modern agriculture development with rural planning. In response to the challenges of a post-communism era, Romanians have taken initiatives in restoring and generating new agricultural landscape development patterns that cater to the changing needs of suburban dwellers. This thesis examines three main methodological approaches in planning execution: the creative development scenario, the Rational Urbanism, and the Agrarian Urbanism. To adapt the natural condition while exploring planning rationales, the master plan reflects two main concepts: draw connections between neighboring communities, and incorporating farming lifestyle needs. Based on the thesis study, the master plan translates the research on the historical background, demographic profiles, and topographic features into zoning organization; and advances to research to the architectural design of a farmer's market.

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Area Planning and Development

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2017, Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics

In this dissertation, I present three essays in which I explore how disparity in access to assets influences intra-household decisions and how risk and financial constraints influence differential gender decisions in agricultural investments, with an aim to formulate evidence-based policy solutions. In essay 1, I empirically examine the role of women's land ownership, either alone or jointly, as a means of improving their intra-household bargaining power in the areas of own healthcare, major household purchases, and visiting family or relatives. Using the 2001 and 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys, I find two important results. First, accounting for the endogeneity of land ownership with inverse probability weighting and instrumental variable methods makes its impact on empowerment higher. Previous research in this area had largely ignored the potential endogeneity of land ownership. Second, the impact is generally stronger in 2011 than in 2001. As evidenced in a number of empirical studies, the increase in women's bargaining power can in turn translate into a redirection of resources towards women's preferences, including higher investment in human capital of the household such as education, health, and nutrition. Therefore, this study indicates that in places where agriculture is the main source of economy for women, policies enhancing land rights equity have the potential to increase women's empowerment and associated beneficial welfare effects. In Essay 2, I investigate whether coupling agricultural loans with micro-level and meso-level drought index insurance can stimulate the demand and supply of credit and increase technology adoption. To this end, in partnership with 14 rural banks and the Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool, we implemented a randomized control trial in northern Ghana that targeted maize farmers organized in credit groups. The empirical analysis indicates that on the demand side, coupling loans with micro-insurance increases the like (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Abdoul Sam (Advisor); Mario Miranda (Advisor) Subjects: Agricultural Economics; Economics

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1982, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Economics

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1981, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Economics

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1976, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2016, Agricultural and Extension Education

Apart from the absence of the agricultural curriculum in the Tanzanian primary public schools, youth development programs in agriculture are not sustained for number of reasons. External reliance on funding, expertise and leadership has been cited as reasons for some of the unsustainability. Since the `Education for Self-Reliance' policy was abandoned, schools have been educating youth with few practical skills and little interest in the field of agricultural and food production. Through focus group discussions, school board members, school heads, teachers DAICO, DEO and Village Agricultural Extension Officers were asked about their support for a youth development program in agriculture in their local primary school. Focus group discussion participants were asked their opinion of the possibility of designing a youth program in agriculture in their community. Funding, expertise and leadership (which often times have been viewed as major obstacles) needed to conduct the program in the Tanzanian context were discussed. Focus group participants expressed their willingness to support youth in learning about agriculture by providing expertise, funding, leadership and material support from community and family resources. The program was suggested to reflect the specific needs of the local community, based upon resources available, expertise and leadership with in the community. Involvement of youth in agricultural related issues was viewed to have a sustained impact on the production and food security of Tanzania.

Committee: Robert Birkenholz (Advisor) Subjects: Agricultural Education

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2015, Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics

This research develops three essays on environmental issues in Brazil. The first two essays look at the effects of rural credit and land-use change in Brazil. Previous economic models have come to the conclusion that rural credit loans extended to farmers increases deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon region by encouraging land expansion. The first essay is an analysis of deforestation in the Legal Amazon region. The paper uses municipality-level panel data to examine the effects of rural credit on deforestation while controlling for land constraints. The hypothesis is that farmers that are land constrained do not use rural credit to deforest. The land constraints that are considered include high population pressures, abundance of low quality soil, high areas of savannah, and low quality transportation networks. These constraints are included in a regression analyses to explain deforestation through the use of dummy variables and the interaction of the dummy variables with rural credit. Key findings suggest that credit in municipalities with high rural populations is associated with a decrease in deforestation. Credit in municipalities with low quality soil is associated with an increase in deforestation, suggesting the credit incentivizes the clearing of otherwise marginal land. No conclusions can be made about the effects of cerrado and poor transportation networks. The second paper is a countrywide analysis of biofuel crop acreage response to credit availability and availability risk using municipality-level panel data. In the first step, the model employs a participation model using a logit regression to describe the factors that determine whether or not a given municipality planted a particular crop. In the second step, an OLS-regression is used to describe crop acreage as a function of acreage in the previous time period, expected prices, and rural credit. The analysis compares the acreage response of sugarcane to that of beans, coffee, soybeans, ric (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Timothy Haab (Advisor); Ian Sheldon (Committee Member); Brent Sohngen (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Economics; Environmental Economics

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2015, Agricultural and Extension Education

This study investigated sources of agricultural information used by women farmers in Tanzania. Women farmers constitute the majority of farmers in Tanzania. Enabling them to increase food production will help achieve the government's goals of achieving food security and agro-based industrialization. However, it is not clear where women farmers obtain information on modern farming methods. Knowing these sources will enable the Tanzanian government and international aid organizations channel information directed toward women farmers through those sources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify women farmer's sources of information in agriculture. Due to limited funding and time constraints, the study involved a survey of 300 women farmers in Hai and Kilosa districts of Kilimanjaro and Morogoro Regions, respectively. The survey was completed using an interview schedule. Of the 300 respondents sampled, 288 provided usable data for the study yielding a response rate of 96%. Six research objectives guided this study, namely: (a) examine the demographic characteristics of women farmers in Tanzania; (b) describe sources of information on modern farming methods for women farmers; (c) assess innovative farming methods adopted by women farmers; (d) examine women farmers' access to and use of ICTs; (e) examine women farmers' access to and use of agricultural extension agents; and (f) examine other challenges facing women farmers in Tanzania. Key findings from this study were as follows: First, the demographic characteristics showed that the vast majority of women farmers in Tanzania aged 23 – 53 years, placing them in an age category whereby they are capable of making strong contributions to agricultural growth. Most women farmers had completed their primary education, which suggests that they can benefit from vocational education opportunities. The second finding was that radio and agricultural extension workers constituted the primary sources of agricultu (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Robert Agunga Dr (Advisor); Robert Birkenholz Dr (Committee Member) Subjects: Agricultural Education; Agriculture; Information Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2011, Geography

This dissertation interrogates connections between agricultural restructuring, development of rural livelihoods and conservation of agricultural biodiversity (agrobiodiversity) in Turkey, a center of origin and diversity for wheat domestication. Often, crisis narratives accompany these connections, reflected as simplified assumptions about transformations of nature, livelihoods and the state under neoliberalism. Through a multiscalar analysis that attends to state-international relations, ways the state articulates development and conservation policies and ways farmers engage with these policies, this dissertation argues that the crisis narrative is used to justify dominant solutions for conservation of agrobiodiversity and development of livelihoods. By engaging with different aspects of transformation under neoliberalism, in particular Turkey's 2006 Seed Law, the World Bank funded Agricultural Reform Implementation Program, and changes due to European Union accession, the dissertation treats current transformations as a snapshot of complex change for the role of the state, farmers' livelihoods and conservation of agrobiodiversity. The dissertation shows how neoliberal development and conservation practices have come to dominate (and yet appear beyond the reach of) global economic, political and environmental policy circles, and demonstrates the effects of such practices on access to agrobiodiversity and livelihood strategies. The dissertation is based on empirical research and archival work conducted in Turkey over eight months between 2007 and 2010. Methods included (1) semi-structured interviews with state officials and representatives of international, farmer and non-governmental organizations in Ankara and (2) ethnographic research and participant observation in the villages of two provinces in northwest and central Turkey, Kastamonu and Sivas, where traditional wheat varieties are grown. I link the empirical findings to broader analysis that connects North an (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Becky Mansfield (Advisor); Mathew Coleman (Committee Member); Kendra McSweeney (Committee Member); Joel Wainwright (Committee Member) Subjects: Geography