Soil salinization is a critical global issue that undermines agricultural productivity, threatens food security, and compromises the sustainability of farming systems. In the coastal region of Navotas, Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, the increasing salinization of irrigated rice farmlands due to saline-sodic soils has become a pressing concern. The understanding of farmers' perceptions regarding the risks associated with soil salinity, as well as their insights into the causes, consequences, and coping mechanisms, remains inadequately explored. This gap in knowledge may hinder the development of effective countermeasures and appropriate policy interventions. In this study, farmers' perceptions of saline-sodic soils were assessed through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), which were analysed using thematic analysis and Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs). Saltwater intrusion was consistently identified as the primary cause of soil salinization, with subsequent reductions in rice yields ranging from 60% to 100%, depending on the growth stage of the crop. The most vulnerable periods were identified as June to August, particularly during the vegetative and flowering stages of rice. Farmers reported coping strategies such as irrigation with freshwater and the cultivation of salt-tolerant rice varieties; however, challenges related to delayed access to freshwater and seeds were frequently mentioned. The expansion of saline-sodic areas was identified as the most significant threat to rice production, with the condition of saline-sodic soils in lowland rice paddies increasingly viewed as a worsening problem. These findings underscore the severe impact of saline-sodic soils on both agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods, providing valuable insights that can inform the development of tailored management strategies and mitigation measures.

The migratory locust has become a principal threat to agricultural production in Kazakhstan, exacerbating risks posed by drought, fires, and other natural disasters. The widespread and persistent use of chemical pesticides, often referred to as "chemical press" tactics, has been the conventional approach to locust control. However, such methods are associated with escalating costs, environmental contamination, and the development of pesticide resistance. In response, alternative strategies that focus on preventive control and localized treatment have been explored. This approach aims to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of indiscriminate pesticide application by targeting locust populations with biological control agents and low-toxicity plant protection products in identified foci. This study evaluates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the precision application of biopesticides in Kazakhstan's locust-affected regions. Orthophotographic maps generated from UAV imagery were employed to detect locust presence based on indirect diagnostic indicators. These maps facilitated the identification of locust aggregations, which were subsequently treated with biologically based pest management solutions. The effectiveness of UAV-based localized treatments was assessed, demonstrating significant control over locust populations in focal areas, with minimal environmental impact. The results suggest that UAV technology, combined with targeted biological treatments, offers a promising alternative to traditional chemical methods, potentially reducing pesticide resistance and ecological harm while maintaining effective pest control. This approach aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and enhances the efficiency of pest management strategies in locust-prone regions.

Farmer regeneration has been recognized as a critical factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and preserving ecological and cultural heritage. This study aims to: (i) examine the socio-demographic characteristics of rice farmers, (ii) assess the state of farmer regeneration, and (iii) analyze the labor requirements within the rice farming sector in West Denpasar District, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining structured and in-depth interviews with 187 farmers, selected using the Slovin formula with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level from a population of 352 farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews and surveys to evaluate the agricultural system and workforce dynamics. The findings indicated that 59.36% of respondents identified farming as their primary occupation. However, a significant majority of their children pursued non-agricultural professions, citing the preference for stable income and professional careers. While most farmers endeavored to instill ecological values and emphasized the cultural significance of rice farming, 74.86% reported that their children had no engagement in agricultural activities. The labor force in rice farming primarily comprised family members supplemented by hired workers, particularly during labor-intensive periods. The employment of external workers was necessitated by extensive landholdings and the operational demands of mechanized and manual farming practices. These findings underscore the importance of addressing generational shifts in farming participation to ensure the sustainability of agricultural productivity and cultural heritage. Farmer regeneration was identified as pivotal to enhancing agricultural output, fostering ecological conservation, and improving community food security, while simultaneously addressing broader socio-economic challenges.