Global Research Trends in Family Farming: A Bibliometric Insight

Swati Suman; Ajay Kumar Prusty; Atanu Deb; Alka Kumari

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2025.61105

Authors

Swati Suman PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha
Ajay Kumar Prusty Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3670-802X
Atanu Deb Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha
Alka Kumari PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61105

Keywords:

Agriculture sustainability, Agroecology, Climate resilient, R Studio, VOSviewer

Abstract

Family farming is considered as most sustainable form of agriculture, which is accepted worldwide. It is integral to food production, rural livelihood and cultural heritage. The concept of family farming changed significantly over time. The study utilizes the bibliometric analysis approach to examine the dynamic concept of family farming in the agricultural sector over the decade. The data is extracted from the Scopus database from 2015-2024 and analysed using bibliometric tools such as R Studio and VOSviewer. The study presents a thorough and measurable evaluation of the contributions from different countries, keyword frequencies and research trends with thematic evolution, offering a more empirical knowledge of the subject. The study investigates that the research has increasingly emphasized integrated and sustainable practices such as agroecology, gender role in farming and rural development policies. This shift reflects a growing recognition of family farming’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture, addressing global challenges and shaping a food-secure future for generations to come. To advance this crucial area of research, researchers, policymakers, and family farmers themselves must continue to work together.

Author Biography

Ajay Kumar Prusty, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha

Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha

References

Alam, G. M., & Shrestha, R. B. (2021). Promote sustainability of family farming for climate-resilient food systems in South Asia. Regional action plan to implement the UNDFF for achieving the SDGs in South Asia, 16,175.

Aubron, C., Bainville, S., Philippon, O., & Dorin, B. (2022). Neither corporate, nor family: the Indian “Patronal” Farm. Frontiers in Sustainable FoodSystems, 6:850545. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.850545

Cecconello, E. R. F., Moro, L. D., Foguesatto, C. R., Breichtenbach, R., Neckel, A., Spanhol, C. P., Vieira-Filho, J. E. R.,& Mores, G. d. V. (2023) Challenges and potentialities of sustainability in the institutional food market of family farming. Sustainability, 15, 15796. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215796

Chandana, T. S., Praveena, P. L. R. J., Lakshmi, T., Subramanyam, D.,& Reddy, B. R. (2022). Sustainable livelihood security of integrated farming systems practicing farmers through different enterprise combinations in Andhra Pradesh. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 59(1), 101-106. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJEE/article/view/131873

Chandran, V., Saurav, S.K., Chakravarty, R., & Ashok, K. (2023). Contribution of integrated farming system (IFS) units towards household income in Kerala. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 59(3), 69–73. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2023.59313

Chao, K. (2024) Family farming in climate change: Strategies for resilient and sustainable food systems. Heliyon, 10(7),1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28599

Das, D. (2007). Persistence of small-scale, family farms in India: A note. The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, 16(3), 401–410. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638190701527004

Food and Agriculture Organization (2014). Family farmers feeding the world, caring for the earth. Available from: https://www.fao.org/docrep/019/mj760e/mj760e.

Food and Agriculture Organization (2024). Family farming and climate-resilient agrifood systems.https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8791a135-9fef-45f7-a54a-ad3fedf0b5cb/content

Fuller, A. M., Xu, S., Sutherland, L.,& Escher, F. (2021). Land to the tiller: The sustainability of family farms. Sustainability, 13(20), 11452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011452

Graeub, B. E., Chappell, M. J., Wittman, H., Ledermann, S., Kerr, R. B.,& Gemmill-Herren, B. (2016). The state of family farms in the world. World Development, 87:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.05.012

Holloway, L., Catney, G., Stockdale, A.,& Nelson, R. (2021). Sustainable family farming futures: exploring the challenges of family farm decision making through an emotional lens of ‘belonging.’ Sustainability, 13(21):12271. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112271

Javed, S., Husain, F., Malik, N.,& Pandey, K. (2024).Bibliometric analysis of leverage, liquidity and profitability: revealing literature gaps, author collaborations, and key insights. International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Scope, 5(3):583-598. http://dx.doi.org/10.47857/irjms.2024.v05i03.01014

Kumar, S., Bhatt, B. P.,& Dwivedi, S. K. (2015). Family farming- a mechanism to contribute towards global food security. Indian Farming,64 (12), 13–18.

Kumari, A., Deb, A., Prusty, A. K., Suman, S., Rout, D. S., & Amar, A. K. (2024). Preservation of the indigenous medicinal knowledge network of the Bonda tribe. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 60(4), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2024.60408

Lowder, S. K., Sánchez, M. V.,& Bertini, R. (2021). Which farms feed the world and has farmland become more concentrated? World Development, 142, 105455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105455

Mishra, B., Nanda, S. S., Mishra, R., & Panda, P. K. (2022). IFS approaches for sustainable livelihood of small and marginal farmers in Odisha. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 47(3&4),153-157. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJEE/article/view/129084

Nain M.S., Singh Rashmi & Sharma J.P. (2014). Promotion and investment in family farming for food and nutritional security. Indian Farming.64(8),2-6

Roy, P., Maji, S., Jirli, B., Singh, P., & Nain, M. S. (2024). Scopus indexed Indian Journal of Extension Education: Crafting improvement strategy through altmetric and bibliometric analysis. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 60(2),1-10. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2024.60201

Saha, P., Prusty, A. K., Nanda, C., Ray, S., & Sahoo, B. (2024). Professional insights provided by women extension personnel in Odisha. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 60(3), 101-105. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2024.603RN03

Suess-Reyes, J.,& Fuetsch, E. (2016). The future of family farming: A literature review on innovative, sustainable and succession-oriented strategies. Journal of Rural Studies, 47:117–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.07.008

Szydlik, M. (2008). Intergenerational solidarity and conflict. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 39(1), 97-114. https://doi.org/10.3138/jcfs.39.1.97

Valverde, R. O., Mesías, P. A.,& Peris-Blanes, J. (2022). Just transitions through agroecological innovations in family farming in Guatemala: enablers and barriers towards gender equality. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 45, 228–245.

Ye, J., & Pan, L. (2016). Concepts and realities of family farming in Asia and the Pacific. International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) Working Paper No. 139. Available from https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/06920fee-8cf8-4fb8-8b29-f7bea68a7683/content