A

SEMINAR REPORT

ON

FARM DECISION MAKING PROCESS USING COMPUTER SOFTWARE

BY

JOLAYEMI NURUDEEN

AGE/18/6494

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE, ONDO STATE,

NIGERIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG) DEGREE IN
AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

SEPTEMBER 2024
 CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that JOLAYEMI NURUDEEN with the matriculation number AGE/18/6494 of
the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of
Technology, Akure, Ondo State, wrote this report on the topic Farm Decision Making Process
Using Computer Software, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor of
Engineering (B. ENG.) Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. Also, the progress
and completion of this report was monitored by my supervisor Prof. F. R. Falayi

……………………………. …………………………………..

JOLAYEMI NURUDEEN DATE

(STUDENT)

……………………………... ………………………………….

PROF. F. R. FALAYI DATE

(PROJECT SUPERVISOR)

……………………………… …………………………………

PROF. K.F JAIYEOBA DATE

(COORDINATOR)

……………………………… …………………………………

PROF. A.E. AJAYI DATE

(H.O.D)

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 DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty for making the research and writing of this seminar report
a success. I also dedicate this report to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jolayemi, my supervisor, Prof. F.
R. Falayi, and everyone who contributed to the completion of this work.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting me the opportunity and
strength to successfully begin and complete this seminar report. My deepest appreciation goes to
my loving and supportive parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jolayemi, for their unwavering moral, financial,
and emotional support, as well as their prayers throughout my academic journey in this esteemed
institution. May God continue to bless you abundantly.

I extend my sincere thanks to my supervisor, Prof. F. R. Falayi, for his invaluable guidance,
fatherly advice, and the wealth of knowledge I gained under his mentorship. I am also deeply
grateful to the authorities of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, particularly those in the
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, as well as the distinguished lecturers
of the department, for the knowledge and wisdom they imparted to me.

Finally, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues who contributed in various ways to the
success of this report. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I am truly
grateful to each one of you.

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 ABSTRACT
The integration of computer software into farm decision-making processes is revolutionizing
modern agriculture by enhancing efficiency, optimizing resource use, and improving productivity.
As agriculture faces increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and market
demands, traditional farming methods that rely on intuition and historical practices are becoming
less viable. The adoption of computer software facilitates a shift towards data-driven decision-
making (DDDM), allowing farmers to leverage real-time data for informed choices. This transition
is not merely a technological upgrade, it represents a fundamental change in how agricultural
operations are managed.

Modern agricultural software encompasses a wide array of functionalities tailored to meet the
diverse needs of farmers. Key features include data management, which centralizes information
related to crop growth, soil health, weather patterns, and financial records, enabling farmers to
monitor their operations comprehensively. Predictive analytics utilizes historical data and
advanced algorithms to forecast yields, optimize planting schedules, and manage resources more
effectively. Resource optimization tools facilitate precise management of inputs such as water,
fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring they are used efficiently to maximize yields while minimizing
waste. Additionally, risk management tools empower farmers to assess risks related to weather
changes, pest infestations, and market fluctuations, allowing them to develop contingency plans.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 AIMS OF THE REPORT

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE REPORT

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF FARM DECISION MAKING SOFTWARE

2.2 BENEFITS OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN FARM DECISION MAKING

2.3 CHALLENGES FACING COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN FARM DECISION MAKING

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 DECISION MAKING PROCESS

3.1 ADAPTIVE DEVELOPMENT APPRAOCHES

3.2 DESIGNING A COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE

3.3 DEVELOPING A USER-FRIENDLY APPLICATION

3.4 PROVIDING A PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATION

3.5 INTEGRATING WEATHER APIs

3.6 INCORPORATING COLLABORATION FEATURE

3.7 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH UPDATES

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CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 CONCLUSION

4.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

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 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Farm decision-making is a critical aspect of agricultural management that influences productivity,
sustainability, and profitability. With the advent of technology, particularly information and
communication technologies (ICT), farmers now have access to various software tools designed
to enhance decision-making processes.
Several studies have been conducted on farm management, technology, and decision making.
According to Caulfield et al. (2021), off-farm livelihood diversification, household characteristics,
and farm management are interrelated in the rural Andes. This study highlights the need to develop
tools and strategies to support the decision-making process for smallholder farmers. In another
study by Visconti et al. (2020), the authors developed a sensor-based agri-food traceability system
remotely managed by a software platform for optimized farm management. This study emphasizes
the importance of the use of technology in farm management, particularly in enhancing traceability
and transparency.
Agnolucci et al. (2020) conducted a study on the impacts of rising temperatures and farm
management practices on global yields of 18 crops. The study found that rising temperatures could
significantly reduce crop yields and that the adoption of sustainable farm management practices
could mitigate these impacts. Arvanitis and Symeonaki (2020) explored the role of innovative
smart technologies towards sustainable farm management. This study highlights the potential of
precision agriculture, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance farm
management and decision making.

1.1 Aim of the Report

The aim of this research is to develop a farm decision-making process using computer software
that will enable farmers to make data-driven decisions to improve their overall farm management
activities.

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1.2 Objectives of the Report
1. To identify the decision-making pain points of farmers through interviews, surveys, and
observation of their farm operations.
2. To create a user-friendly application that farmers can use to input data, access recommendations,
and track progress.
3. To collect and analyze data from farmers to provide personalized recommendations for farm
management.
4. To integrate weather API to provide temperature and other environmental factors for better
decision-making.
5. To design a database that integrates various farm data sources, such as weather, soil, crop yields,
equipment, and financials.
6. To incorporate collaboration features for farmers to share knowledge and best practice
7. To regularly update the software with new data, algorithms, and user feedback for continuous
improvement.

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 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Background of the Study
The literature on farm management decision-making software highlights several key factors
influencing adoption and effectiveness. A study by Allen and Wolfert (2011) identified 127
different farm management tools available to farmers, with a focus on areas such as stock
management, financial planning, and nutrient management. However, there remains a gap in tools
for newer areas like labor management.
Research indicates that the adoption of decision-making software is often hindered by factors such
as lack of awareness, insufficient training, and resistance to change among farmers ResearchGate,
2019. Additionally, the integration of software into existing farm practices can be challenging due
to the diverse needs of different farming operations. The review will further explore these themes,
drawing on case studies and existing research to illustrate the current state of software utilization
in agriculture.
The EIP-AGRI (2016) report on the data revolution in the agri-food sector discusses emerging new
data-driven business models that can be leveraged through decision-making software. These
models emphasize the importance of data collection, analysis, and application in enhancing farm
productivity and sustainability.
In recent years, computer software has been developed to assist farmers in making informed
decisions. The farm decision-making process using computer software involves several stages,
including requirements gathering, data integration, application development (Website, Mobile, or
Desktop), data collection and analysis, weather API integration, collaboration tools, and
continuous improvement.
Requirements gathering is the initial stage of the farm decision-making process. This stage
involves interviewing farmers, conducting surveys, and observing farm operations to identify
decision making pain points. The findings from this stage are essential in designing software that
caters to farmers' needs and preferences. According to Lacoste et al. (2021), on-farm
experimentation is an effective method in transforming global agriculture, which can provide
useful data for requirements gathering.

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2.1 Classification of Farm Decision-Making Software
Farm decision-making software can be classified into several categories based on their
functionality and application:
1. Farm Management Systems (FMS): Comprehensive tools that integrate various aspects of farm
management, including financial planning, crop management, and inventory control.
2. Precision Agriculture Tools: Software that utilizes data from sensors and GPS technology to
optimize farming practices, such as soil management and yield prediction.
3. Financial Management Tools: Applications focused on budgeting, forecasting, and financial
analysis to help farmers manage their economic resources effectively.
4. Risk Management Software: Tools designed to assess and mitigate risks associated with
farming, including weather-related risks and market fluctuations.
5. Data Analytics Platforms: Software that analyzes large datasets to provide insights into farming
practices and market trends, aiding in strategic decision-making.

2.2 Benefits of Computer Software in Farm Decision Making

In recent times, technology has been integrated into various sectors, including agriculture. With
the increasing need for more efficient and effective farm practices, researchers have explored the
use of computer software in the farm decision-making process. The use of computer software in
the farm decision-making process has numerous benefits.
• Increased efficiency: According to Rezaei (2015), the best-worst multi-criteria decision-
making (MCDM) method is an efficient way of making decisions. With computer software,
farmers can use the MCDM method to make decisions by ranking options based on their
preferences. This process eliminates the need for manual ranking, which is time-
consuming. Additionally, the use of computer software reduces the likelihood of errors that
may occur during manual ranking.
• Accuracy: The use of computer software in the farm decision-making process can improve
the accuracy of decisions made. According to Treviño (1986), the person-situation
interactionist model asserts that an individual's decision-making process is influenced by
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 their personality and the situation they find themselves in. By using computer software, the
decision-making process is automated, thereby eliminating the influence of an individual's
personality and the situation. As such, the decisions made are more objective and less likely
to be influenced by non-relevant factors.
• Improves farm profits: According to Hwang and Yoon (1981), the multiple attribute
decision-making (MADM) method is a useful tool in making decisions under multiple
criteria. With computer software, farmers can use the MADM method to analyze various
options based on different criteria such as market demand, cost, yields, and soil quality.
This analysis provides farmers with a comprehensive understanding of the different
options, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions that improve farm profits.
• Enhance collaboration among farmers: Collaboration among farmers is crucial in the
exchange of knowledge and best practices. According to Jones (1991), ethical decision-
making in organizations is influenced by the issue at hand. By using computer software,
farmers can share their experiences and best practices, which is crucial in ethical decision-
making. This collaboration fosters a sense of community among farmers, thereby leading
to improved decision-making processes.
The use of computer software in the farm decision-making process has numerous benefits. As
such, it is crucial for farmers to embrace computer software in their decision-making processes to
improve their farm practices. However, it is important to note that the use of computer software
should be supplemented with human judgment. The software should only be used as a tool to aid
in the decision-making process and not a substitute for human judgment.
Finally, it is crucial for researchers to continue exploring the use of computer software in the farm
decision-making process to increase its efficiency and effectiveness.

2.3 Challenges Facing Computer Software in Farm Decision Making

Farm decision making is essential to the success of any agricultural enterprise. With the advent of
computer software, farmers can now make better-informed decisions by leveraging data and
analytics. However, there are several challenges that farmers face when using computer software
to make decisions.

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• Lack of data integration: According to Lampkin, Measures, and Padel (2008), different
farm data sources, such as weather, soil, crop yields, equipment, and financials, need to be
integrated into a single database to enable effective decision making. Data integration
ensures that farmers have access to relevant information that can help them make informed
decisions. However, integrating data from different sources is often challenging due to
differences in data formats and quality.
• Integration of Emerging Technologies: Modern agricultural software must incorporate
technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data
analytics. However, developing software that effectively integrates these technologies is
complex and costly, posing a significant barrier to adoption.
• Data Management: The ability to collect, analyze, and utilize vast amounts of real-time
data is essential for informed decision-making. Designing software that can handle this
data efficiently presents a substantial challenge, especially given the variability in data
sources and formats.
• Security Concerns: With the rise in cyberattacks, agricultural software must prioritize
data security and compliance with privacy regulations. This requires robust security
protocols, which can complicate software development and increase costs
• User Adoption and Training: Ensuring that farmers adopt new software is a significant
hurdle. Many farmers may find new technologies intimidating or may lack the necessary
training to use them effectively. This necessitates the development of intuitive software
and comprehensive training programs to facilitate user acceptance.
• Understanding Specific Needs: Agricultural software must be tailored to meet the diverse
needs of different farming operations. This requires a deep understanding of the
agricultural sector, which can be challenging for developers who may not have direct
experience in farming.
• Lack of Decision Support Systems: There is a notable scarcity of comprehensive decision
support systems specifically designed for agriculture. While some software exists, many
farmers find that it does not adequately address their unique decision-making needs.

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• High Upfront Costs: The initial investment required for advanced technologies can be
prohibitive for many farmers, particularly those with limited financial resources. This
includes not only the cost of software but also the necessary hardware and training.
• Cost-Benefit Uncertainty: While many farmers recognize the potential benefits of using
computer software for decision-making, there is often a lack of objective economic
assessments of these technologies. Farmers may hesitate to invest without clear evidence
of potential returns

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Decision Making Process (DMP)
Decision Making Process (DMP) is the arriving at best management practices to ensure better farm
enterprise productivity.
Also Decision Making in farm management is a structured method of selecting the most effective
course of action among various alternatives to achieve specific goals related to farm productivity
and sustainability. It encompasses identifying problems, gathering relevant information, analyzing
options, making informed choices, implementing decisions, and evaluating outcomes. This
iterative process helps farmers adapt to changing conditions and optimize their resources
effectively.
DMP involves the following steps:
❖ Adaptive Development Approaches
❖ Designing a Comprehensive Database
❖ Developing a User-Friendly Application
❖ Providing Personalized Recommendations
❖ Integrating Weather APIs
❖ Incorporating Collaboration Features
❖ Continuous Improvement through Updates
3.1 Adaptive Development Approaches
Adaptive development approaches are essential for the successful implementation of decision-
making software in agriculture. These approaches emphasize flexibility, continuous learning, and
responsiveness to changing conditions in the agricultural landscape. To effectively integrate
software into their practices, farmers must be supported through comprehensive training and
access to relevant resources. Referring to the provided objectives, Identifying Decision-Making
Pain Points which effectively address farmers' challenges, it is essential to conduct interviews,
surveys, and observations of their operations. This qualitative data collection will help identify
specific pain points in the decision-making process, such as:
• Information Overload: Farmers often face an overwhelming amount of data from
various sources, making it difficult to make informed decisions.

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 • Time Constraints: Limited time for data analysis and decision-making can hinder
effective farm management.
• Technology Familiarity: Varying levels of comfort with technology can affect the
adoption of software solutions.
3.2 Designing a Comprehensive Database
Creating a database that integrates various farm data sources is crucial. This database should
include:
• Weather Data: Real-time and historical weather patterns.
• Soil Information: Soil health metrics and nutrient levels.
• Crop Yields: Historical yield data to inform future planting decisions.
• Equipment Status: Maintenance schedules and operational efficiency.
• Financial Records: Profit and loss statements to assess economic viability.
This integrated database will serve as the backbone for the decision-making software, allowing for
seamless data access and analysis.
3.3 Developing a User-Friendly Application
A user-friendly application is essential for farmer engagement. Key features should include:
• Data Input: Simple forms for farmers to input data regarding their operations.
• Recommendations: Automated suggestions based on the data entered, such as optimal
planting times or pest management strategies.
• Progress Tracking: Dashboards that allow farmers to visualize their performance over
time. Ensuring that the application is intuitive and accessible will encourage widespread
adoption.
3.4 Providing Personalized Recommendations
To enhance decision-making, the software should collect and analyze data from users to generate
personalized recommendations. This can be achieved through:
• Machine Learning Algorithms: Utilizing historical data to predict outcomes based on
current inputs.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Allowing farmers to provide feedback on recommendations,
which can be used to refine algorithms over time.

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3.5 Integrating Weather APIs
Incorporating a weather API will provide farmers with critical environmental data, including:
• Temperature and Humidity: Essential for crop health monitoring.
• Precipitation Forecasts: Helping farmers plan irrigation and planting schedules.
• Extreme Weather Alerts: Enabling proactive measures against adverse conditions.
This integration will enhance the decision-making process by providing timely and relevant
information.

A WEATHER API INTEGRATED FOR THE COLLECTION OF WEATHER

INFORMATION

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3.6 Incorporating Collaboration Features
To foster a community of knowledge sharing, the software should include collaboration features
such as:
• Forums or Chat Functions: Allowing farmers to discuss challenges and solutions.
• Best Practices Sharing: Enabling users to share successful strategies and experiences.
This collaborative environment can lead to improved practices and innovation within the farming
community.

3.7 Continuous Improvement through Updates

Finally, to ensure the software remains relevant and effective, it is crucial to regularly update the
system based on:
• New Data: Continuously integrating fresh data sources to enhance accuracy.
• Algorithm Enhancements: Updating predictive models based on user feedback and new
research findings.
• User Feedback: Actively soliciting user input to identify areas for improvement.
By adopting these adaptive development approaches, the software can evolve alongside the needs
of farmers, ultimately leading to better decision-making and enhanced agricultural productivity.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Conclusion
The use of software in farm decision-making presents significant opportunities for enhancing
productivity and sustainability. However, challenges such as adoption barriers and the need for
tailored solutions must be addressed. By adopting adaptive development approaches, the
objectives of facilitating knowledge sharing and enhancing the adoption of decision-making
software among Nigerian farmers can be effectively achieved. This comprehensive strategy not
only addresses the current challenges but also positions the agricultural sector for sustainable
growth and innovation in the future.
4.1 Recommendation
To ensure the successful adoption and utilization of decision-making software among farmers, the
following strategies are recommended:
1. Assess the Current Landscape of Farm Decision-Making Software
➢ Conduct Comprehensive Surveys: Implement a detailed survey of software tools
available to farmers, focusing on their functionalities, usability, and relevance to local
farming practices. This will help identify existing solutions and gaps in the market.
➢ Collaborate with Software Developers: Engage with software developers to understand
the challenges they encounter in creating tools suitable for the Agricultural sector. This
collaboration can lead to the development of more effective and user-friendly software
solutions.
2. Identify Barriers to Adoption
• Engage with Farmers: Utilize focus groups, interviews, and surveys to identify specific
barriers that farmers face in adopting decision-making software. Understanding these
barriers is crucial for developing effective solutions.
• Develop Targeted Training Programs: Create training programs and resources aimed at
addressing identified barriers, such as lack of digital literacy and resistance to change.
These programs should be tailored to the needs of different farmer demographics.

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 • Partner with Local Agricultural Extension Services: Collaborate with local agricultural
extension services to facilitate the adoption of software tools among farmers. These
partnerships can provide essential support and resources to enhance adoption rates.
3. Analyze Impact on Farm Productivity and Sustainability
• Implement Pilot Projects: Launch pilot projects in selected farming communities to
assess the impact of decision-making software on productivity, sustainability, and
profitability. These projects will serve as case studies for broader implementation.
• Collect Key Performance Data: Gather data on key performance indicators, such as yield,
input efficiency, and income, to quantify the benefits of software integration. This data will
provide evidence of the software's effectiveness.
• Conduct Cost-Benefit Analyses: Perform cost-benefit analyses to demonstrate the
economic viability of adopting decision-making software. These analyses will help farmers
understand the potential return on investment.
4. Explore Future Trends and Innovations
• Stay Informed on Emerging Trends: Keep abreast of emerging trends in agricultural
technology, particularly in software development, by participating in industry events and
collaborating with research institutions. This knowledge will inform future software
development initiatives.
• Encourage Innovation: Organize hackathons and competitions that challenge developers
to create solutions tailored to the Agricultural context. This will foster innovation and
generate new ideas for software applications.
• Establish Partnerships with Technology Incubators: Collaborate with technology
incubators and accelerators to support the growth of Agri-tech startups in Nigeria. These
partnerships can facilitate the development of innovative software solutions.
5. Recommend Best Practices for Implementation
• Develop a Comprehensive Guide: Create a guide outlining best practices for
implementing decision-making software, based on lessons learned from pilot projects and
stakeholder feedback. This guide will serve as a valuable resource for farmers and
extension agents.

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 • Advocate for Policy Inclusion: Promote the inclusion of software integration in
agricultural policies and extension programs to ensure widespread adoption and support.
Advocacy efforts can help create a conducive environment for software implementation.
• Establish a Network of Software Champions: Form a network of software champions
among farmers and extension agents to promote the benefits of decision-making software
and provide peer-to-peer support. This network can facilitate knowledge sharing and
encourage adoption.
6. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing
• Create a Centralized Information Platform: Develop a centralized platform or portal
that aggregates information on available decision-making software, case studies, and
success stories. This platform will serve as a valuable resource for farmers seeking
information.
• Organize Workshops and Seminars: Host regular workshops, seminars, and field days
to facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers, extension agents, and software developers.
These events can foster collaboration and learning.
• Encourage Farmer-to-Farmer Learning Networks: Promote the establishment of
farmer-to-farmer learning networks to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best
practices. These networks can enhance community support and knowledge dissemination.

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 References
Allen, J., & Wolfert, S. (2011). Farming for the Future: Towards Better Information-Based
Decision-Making and Communication[1].
EIP-AGRI. (2016). Data Revolution: Emerging New Data-Driven Business Models in the Agri-
Food Sector[1].
Hwang, C. L., & Yoon, K. (1981). Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications.
Springer-Verlag.
Jones, T. M. (1991). Ethical decision making by individuals in organizations: An issue-contingent
model. Academy of Management Review, 16(2), 366-395.
Lacoste, M., Lawes, R., Ducourtieux, O., & Flower, K. (2021). On-farm experimentation to
transform global agriculture. Nature Food, 2(8), 600-609[1].
Lampkin, N., Measures, M., & Padel, S. (2008). 2009 organic farm management handbook.
Organic Research Centre.
ResearchGate. (2019). Factors Impacting Farm Management Decision Making Software
Adoption[1].
Treviño, L. K. (1986). Ethical decision making in organizations: A person-situation interactionist
model. Academy of Management Review, 11(3), 601-617.

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