Agricultural extension in transition worldwide

Agricultural extension in transition worldwide

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2020-04-01

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9251322945

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This publication contains twelve modules which cover a selection of major reform measures in agricultural extension being promulgated and implemented internationally, such as linking farmers to markets, making advisory services more demand-driven, promoting pluralistic advisory systems, and enhancing the role of advisory services within agricultural innovation systems. The reform issues consider the changing roles of the various public, private and non-governmental providers, and highlights the collaboration required to create synergies for more efficient and effective high quality services responding to the needs and demands of smallholder farmers. The modules draw on reform experiences worldwide and provide an introduction, definitions and a discussion for each specific reform measure, as well as case studies, tools, exercises and a reference list. The reform topics are envisaged for policy-makers, management and senior staff of institutions providing agricultural and rural advisory services. It can also be very useful for students studying agriculture, rural development, and extension in particular. This is a substantially updated version of the 2009 publication of the same title, but with only nine modules. These nine modules were restructured and up-dated, and three modules were added. The layout of the modules changed to allow a better overview for the reader.


Grand Successes and Failures in IT: Public and Private Sectors

Grand Successes and Failures in IT: Public and Private Sectors

Author: Yogesh K. Dwivedi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-06-22

Total Pages: 688

ISBN-13: 3642388620

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This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the IFIP WG 8.6 International Working Conference on Transfer and Diffusion of IT, TDIT 2013, held in Bangalore, India, in June 2013. The 35 revised full papers presented together with an invited paper, 12 short papers and 3 poster papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 65 submissions. The full papers are organized in the following topical sections: IS success and failure; studies of IT adoption; software development; IT in the public sector; and theory and methods.


Evolution and Advances in Computing Technologies for Industry 6.0

Evolution and Advances in Computing Technologies for Industry 6.0

Author: C. Kishor Kumar Reddy

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2024-12-19

Total Pages: 410

ISBN-13: 1040165141

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This book provides a comprehensive exploration of Industry 6.0, which marks the convergence of intelligent systems, machine learning (ML), deep learning, and human–robot collaboration (HRC) in various sectors. It focuses on how these technologies enable businesses to harness insights from vast datasets, optimize operations, forecast maintenance requirements, and mitigate outages. In this comprehensive book, the authors cover the major aspects of Industry 6.0, including the latest advances in technology, new applications, and the many challenges that accompany the process that is changing it. This book acts as a compass, guiding readers through the labyrinth of Industry 6.0, revealing the complex interactions between technologies, new applications, innovations, and business ecosystems. From a multidisciplinary perspective, the book explores the far‐reaching impact of Industry 6.0 on the business world, revealing its potential to increase productivity, improve decision‐making, and open new opportunities for development. Discusses the transformative impact of Industry 6.0 driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), ML, and the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in manufacturing Explores the transformative potential of HRC in modern manufacturing, emphasizing the ability of HRC to boost productivity, flexibility, and safety Compares several service models in cloud computing, with a focus on private, public, and community cloud deployment methods Presents information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and the advanced technology of convolutional neural networks used to detect autism in children Describes the accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease through integrating state‐of‐the‐art technologies, especially deep learning Focuses on digital adaptation in India’s agricultural sector, especially Uttar Pradesh, highlighting challenges and prospects Presents a visionary leap into Agriculture 6.0, where technology and tradition converge for sustainable farming solutions Provides the mitigation strategies for climate change over multiple locations Explores the transformative impact of recent computational intelligence advancements in vehicle surveillance and recognition, particularly through CCTV analysis Focuses on the exploration and development of a supply chain network design (SCND) model of milk products This book will be of interest to researchers, academics, practitioners, technology providers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, scholars, consultants, advisors, and doctors. It can be used by undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing Industry 6.0 programs in computer science and engineering across the globe.


Farmers’ Participation in India’s Futures Markets

Farmers’ Participation in India’s Futures Markets

Author: Kushankur Dey

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-08-23

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 9811634327

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Futures markets offer numerous advantages in the marketing of agricultural commodities, and in this context, the book examines the major factors and issues that determine the participation of India’s farmers in the futures markets. These include the efficiency of the futures markets in price discovery, the convergence of spot and futures prices, the dissemination of spot price information, and the socio-economic and exchange-related issues affecting farmer participation. It also examines the factors affecting the demand and supply of participation, and the access to futures trading services. The purpose is to identify different factors that can enhance or constrain farmer participation in the futures markets, which may include market characteristics, institutional features, socio-economic issues, and behavioural aspects of farmer participation. A number of organizations related to rural development, as well as farmer producer companies have sought to facilitate farmer participation in the forward/futures market through offering aggregation and other trading services, and the book also examines these efforts towards the exchange-traded derivative markets and the direct and indirect benefits that accrue. The book also studies the efficiency of futures markets in price discovery and price dissemination applying co-integration tests, and error correction and volatility models, using available data of wheat, rapeseed-mustard, cotton, guar seed, castor, cumin and coriander futures contracts traded in the largest agricultural commodity exchanges in India. Besides, case studies are used to examine and understand the institutional roles of aggregators in aggregation efforts towards the forward/futures market. This book covers several states and locations in India to enhance the representation and validity of the findings. It also examines representative farmer organizations which have obtained institutional membership in the forward or futures markets, and identifies areas of further research. In the current scenario, the book would be of immense importance and relevance to governments, commodity exchanges/markets, aggregators, many private and development organizations, as well as interested researchers and students.


Commonwealth Trade Review 2018

Commonwealth Trade Review 2018

Author: Commonwealth Secretariat

Publisher: Commonwealth Secretariat

Published: 2018-04-16

Total Pages: 111

ISBN-13: 1849291802

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The theme of Commonwealth Trade Review 2018 is ‘Strengthening the Commonwealth Advantage: Trade, Technology, Governance’. It presents new empirical findings, rich insights and practical recommendations on how to boost the ‘Commonwealth advantage’ in trade and investment.


RURAL MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

RURAL MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

Author: GUPTA, DEEPA

Publisher: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.

Published: 2023-11-01

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 8119364538

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This book provides a comprehensive understanding of rural marketing and management practices in India, with a focus on targeting rural consumers. It covers topics such as rural market segmentation, consumer behaviour, product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and promotional activities. The book also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with rural marketing and management, such as infrastructure issues, limited resources, cultural differences, and regulatory barriers. In addition, the author discusses case studies and real–world examples of successful rural marketing and management initiatives, including those of companies like Hindustan Unilever, ITC, and Mahindra & Mahindra. The book also offers practical insights and recommendations for marketers and managers who want to tap into the rural market and make their products and services more accessible to non-urban consumers. Overall, the aim of the book is to equip undergraduate and postgraduate students, academicians, marketers, managers, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the challenging and dynamic environment of rural markets. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOOK • All important aspects of rural marketing and management from product development and consumer behaviour to trends, practices, challenges and government initiatives. • Case studies and real–life examples of successful rural marketing and management, emphasizing best practices and lessons learned from different industries and regions around the world. • Exclusive chapters on Rural Digital Marketing, E-commerce and Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation. • Up-to-date data, graph/charts, diagrams for references and clear understanding. • Equips students and academicians, with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the challenging and dynamic environment of rural markets. TARGET AUDIENCE • MBA (Marketing) • PG Diploma in Rural Marketing/Development • B.Com/M.Com • B.Tech (Recently Introduced) For learning aids go to https://www.phindia.com/rural_marketing_and_management_gupta


Reading in the mobile era

Reading in the mobile era

Author: West, Mark

Publisher: UNESCO

Published: 2014-04-28

Total Pages: 85

ISBN-13: 9231000233

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Millions of people do not read for one reason: they do not have access to text. But mobile phones and cellular networks are transforming a scarce resource into an abundant one. Drawing on the analysis of over 4,000 surveys collected in seven developing countries and corresponding qualitative interviews, this report paints a detailed picture of who reads books and stories on mobile devices and why. The findings illuminate, for the first time, the habits, beliefs and profiles of mobile readers in developing countries. This information points to strategies to expand mobile reading and, by extension, the educational and socio-economic benefits associated with increased reading. Mobile technology can advance literacy and learning in underserved communities around the world. This report shows how.


World Development Report 2016

World Development Report 2016

Author: World Bank Group

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2016-01-14

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 1464806721

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Digital technologies are spreading rapidly, but digital dividends--the broader benefits of faster growth, more jobs, and better services--are not. If more than 40 percent of adults in East Africa pay their utility bills using a mobile phone, why can’t others around the world do the same? If 8 million entrepreneurs in China--one third of them women--can use an e-commerce platform to export goods to 120 countries, why can’t entrepreneurs elsewhere achieve the same global reach? And if India can provide unique digital identification to 1 billion people in five years, and thereby reduce corruption by billions of dollars, why can’t other countries replicate its success? Indeed, what’s holding back countries from realizing the profound and transformational effects that digital technologies are supposed to deliver? Two main reasons. First, nearly 60 percent of the world’s population are still offline and can’t participate in the digital economy in any meaningful way. Second, and more important, the benefits of digital technologies can be offset by growing risks. Startups can disrupt incumbents, but not when vested interests and regulatory uncertainty obstruct competition and the entry of new firms. Employment opportunities may be greater, but not when the labor market is polarized. The internet can be a platform for universal empowerment, but not when it becomes a tool for state control and elite capture. The World Development Report 2016 shows that while the digital revolution has forged ahead, its 'analog complements'--the regulations that promote entry and competition, the skills that enable workers to access and then leverage the new economy, and the institutions that are accountable to citizens--have not kept pace. And when these analog complements to digital investments are absent, the development impact can be disappointing. What, then, should countries do? They should formulate digital development strategies that are much broader than current information and communication technology (ICT) strategies. They should create a policy and institutional environment for technology that fosters the greatest benefits. In short, they need to build a strong analog foundation to deliver digital dividends to everyone, everywhere.


Information and Communications for Development 2018

Information and Communications for Development 2018

Author: World Bank

Publisher: Information and Communications

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781464813252

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The Information and Communications for Development series looks in depth at how information and communications technologies are affecting economic growth in developing countries. This new report, the fourth in the series, examines the topic of data-driven development, or how better information makes for better policies. The objective is to assist developing-country firms and governments in unlocking the value of the data they hold for better service delivery and decision making and to empower individuals to take more control of their personal data. We are undoubtedly experiencing a data revolution in which our ability to generate, process, and utilize information has been magnified many times over by the machines that we increasingly rely upon. This report is about how the data revolution is changing the behavior of governments, individuals, and firms and how these changes affect the nature of development: economic, social, and cultural. How can governments extract value from data to improve service delivery in the same way that private companies have learned to do for profit? Is it feasible for individuals to take ownership of their own data and to use it to improve their livelihoods and quality of life? Can developing-country firms compete with the internet majors on their own turf and be even more innovative in their use of data to serve local customers better? Though the report is aimed primarily at government policy makers, it also has great relevance for individuals concerned about how their personal data is used and how the data revolution might affect their future job prospects. For private sector firms, particularly those in developing countries, the report suggests how they might expand their markets and improve their competitive edge. For development professionals, the report provides guidance on how they might use data more creatively to tackle long-standing global challenges, such as eliminating extreme poverty, promoting shared prosperity, or mitigating the effects of climate change. The report's chapters explore different themes associated with the supply of data, the technology underlying it, and the demand for it. An overview chapter focuses on government use of data and presentation of definitions. Part I of the report then looks at the "supply side" of the data sector, with chapters on data connectivity and capacity (where data comes from, how it is stored, and where it goes) and data technology (specifically big data analytics and artificial intelligence) and how this is contributing to development. Part II looks at the sector's "demand side," with a chapter on people's use of data and another that examines how firms use digital platforms in the data economy and how that contributes to competitiveness. Part III brings together the policy implications for developing-country stakeholders, with a chapter considering government policies for data, including data protection and privacy. A closing Data Notes appendix looks at statistical indicators associated with the use of data and presents the 2018 update of the Digital Adoption Index (DAI), a composite indicator introduced in the 2016 World Development Report: Digital Dividends.


Resilience and seizing opportunities

Resilience and seizing opportunities

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2022-08-24

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 9251366683

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The study, "Resilience and seizing opportunities – Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture businesses that thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic in South and Southeast Asia", attempts to evaluate and compare the pre- and post-pandemic situation and scenario of the concerned groups of the fisheries and aquaculture industry in eight countries. It reveals how these groups survived by adopting innovations in various country contexts and social settings and how the production, supply and market continued operation. The study shows how responsive the government policies and interventions were in supporting the concerned groups. It also shows the preventive measures taken to contain the mass spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the manner in which the community livelihoods were impacted by these measures. The case studies included provide evidence of the resilience of the small-scale fishers, aquaculture operators and fisheries-based business operators and illustrate how opportunities may be seized by them and others affected by similar pandemics and other natural disasters and events. The study sheds light on areas where more focus should be given so that all parties may be better prepared for future crises, have equitable and inclusive support policies, have transparency in policy responses as well as take into account gender equality. The recommendations of the study can be applied at national, regional and international level while adaptation policies, investment and action plans may be taken for the sustainabillity and resilience of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture businesses in the future.