African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6932

AJAR Articles

Robustness of food security and policy trust on smallholder participation in Ghana’s planting for food and jobs programme

December 2021

The Planting for Food and Jobs programme was initiated in 2017 as a strategy to create jobs, promote food production and enhance food security in Ghana, especially among smallholder farmers. This research applies mixed research approach to explore the robustness of policy trust and food security risk on smallholder participation in the programme. Using multistage sampling, a total of 164 respondents were selected for...

Author(s): Nakuja Tekuni, Godwin H. Kyere, Samuel A. Anang and Nicholas O. Mensah

Utilisation of Zai pits and soil fertility management options for improved crop production in the dry ecosystem of Kitui, Eastern Kenya

December 2021

This study sought to address challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the drylands of Eastern Kenya including soil fertility decline and low profitability resulting from poor soil and water conservation measures. An experiment was set up at Kabati, Kitui County, Kenya in the year 2018/2019 seasons to evaluate the effects of the interaction of zai pits, cattle manure and fertilizer inputs on soil nutrients, sorghum...

Author(s): Ednah Kerubo Getare, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Felista Muriu-Ng’ang’a and Charles Kimani Ndung’u  

Yield variations of six common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties under salt-affected soils in the Lower Shire Valley, Southern Malawi

December 2021

Performance of six released bean varieties was assessed under salt-affected soils at Nkhate and Masenjere irrigation schemes in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts, respectively in Malawi. The six varieties, Chimbamba, Napilira, Kalima, BCMV-B1, BCMV-B3 and Maluwa, were grown during the 2014/2015 growing season, employing a randomized complete block design. There were five replicates at each site, arranged in the upper,...

Author(s): C. J. L. Tembo, H. R. Mloza-Banda, C. N. Makwiza and M. Lowole  

Traditional processing and quality attributes of Dambou, a steamed coarse semolina

December 2021

Dambou is a traditional cereal-based food consumed in northern Benin. The traditional production method, marketing and consumption of Dambou were evaluated through a field investigation. A semi-structured questionnaire composed of socio-cultural profile of the stakeholders, nature of raw materials and processing methods used in Dambou production, quality attributes and consumption forms of Dambou was administrated to...

Author(s): Janvier M. Kindossi, Carole N. A. Vihotogbe-Sossa, Ogouyôm H. Iko Afé, Véronique B. Codé and Paulin Azokpota  

Suitability analysis for scaling chickpea varieties in Ethiopia using multi-criteria evaluation and geographic information system (GIS)

December 2021

The land suitability analysis and mapping were carried out using a geographic information system and multi-criteria approach for scaling chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties in Ethiopia. Therefore, the biophysical variables of climate, topography, and soil were considered for suitability analysis. The environmental factors’ layers of chickpea varieties pixel values were classified and given a rate and ranked....

Author(s): Wondafrash Mulugeta, Demeke Nigussie, Adamu Molla, Zewdie Bishaw and Chandrashekhar Biradar  

Characterization of Alternaria brassicicola isolated from tomato in Burkina Faso, and use of two essential oils for its control in vitro

November 2021

Alternaria brassicicola is considered a weak pathogen of tomato in the field, but with a high potential for mycotoxin production in fruit. However, this species belongs to a diverse and closely related group of species (Alternaria with small spores), which often makes their morphological identification and control difficult. In the present research, a molecular identification of tomato Alternaria isolates was made using...

Author(s): Adama SIRIMA, Abdoulaye SEREME, Kadidia KOÏTA, Elisabeth ZIDA, Abel T. NANA, Drissa SEREME, Théodore NANA and Mahamadou SAWADOGO  

Soil fertility status, fertilizer application and nutrient balance in SNNPR, southern Ethiopia in contrasting agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia

November 2021

Soil fertility status evolution is a decision making tool for the sustainable soil nutrient management. To evaluate its status, about 29 research data were collected and meta data analysis were made using SPSS for the selected soil chemical parameters. The soil was moderately acidic and salt free, 93.2% of Zinc (Zn), 100% of Manganese (Mn), 100% of Iron (Fe) and 79.3% of Copper (Cu) status were in sufficient range...

Author(s): Francis Abuye, Mitiku Haile, Wassie Haile and Befekadu G/Hanna  

Food-fodder performance of food and malt barley cultivars in Ethiopian highlands

November 2021

In Ethiopia, barley selection has focused on grain yield traits. Limited information is available on straw yield and its nutritive value. The aim of this study was to screen cultivars for grain and straw yield and nutritive value using forty cultivars of food and malt barley types at two locations in Ethiopia (Bekoji and Kofele) in 2018. Food-fodder quality traits investigated were crude protein (CP), neutral detergent...

Author(s): Mulugeta Keno, Taye Tolemariam, Solomon Demeke, Ashraf Alkhtib, Jane Wamatu and Geert P. J. Janssens  

Economic efficiency of cricket production reared under improvised cage system for improved food production

November 2021

In the recent past, cricket production has attracted a myriad of interests in the Global Food Sector. However, low production, limited input resources and rearing systems constrain the utilization of crickets. Scanty information exists on sundry input resources for upscaling of cricket production and how such inputs can be efficiently managed. This study sought to determine economic efficiency of improvised cricket...

Author(s): Charles Adino Ngóngá, Christopher Obel Gor, Erick Otieno Arieda Okuto and Kevin Okoth Ouko  

A case study analysis of extension service provision in Malawi

November 2021

Evidence suggests that a lack of extension agents impedes the effective delivery of agricultural extension services in Malawi and many other developing nations. The purpose of this study was to examine the initiatives taken by the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services Delivery (MaFAAS) to address the extension shortage. The research questions were addressed using a qualitative case study approach. MaFAAS and...

Author(s): Kevan W. Lamm, Fallys Masambuka-Kanchewa, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Davis, Silim Nahdy and Millicent A. Oyugi  

Optimization of fertilizer recommendation for bread wheat production at Adiyo District of Kaffa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

November 2021

An experiment was conducted on farmer's fields during the main cropping season of 2016/2017 in Adiyo district, Southwestern Ethiopia to optimize fertilizer rate recommendation for major cereal production systems by using bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as test crop. Experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications for sixteen treatments. The grain yield and yield...

Author(s): Ute Guja, Shiferaw Boke and Addis Alemayehu  

Contribution of mechanization in rice production in Niger: Case of River Niger Area

November 2021

The study was carried out in three villages in the Niger River region where thirty producing farmers per village were surveyed. These surveys concerned the field’s methods of acquisition, the tools used, the labor productivity and the cultivated area extent. The results obtained show that the most dominant mode of acquisition of the rice fields is through contract. In all the three villages, the areas cultivated...

Author(s): Warouma Arifa and Issa Bounou Oumarou Aboubacar Sidikou  

Field performance of some potato varieties under different saline conditions of Bangladesh

November 2021

In the rabi season of 2019-2020, an experiment in three distributed replicas at three different locations: Satkhira (AEZ-11), Koyra (AEZ-13) and Bagerhat (AEZ-11) were conducted in the farmer’s field of Khulna division to select suitable soil salinity resistant varieties. Fourteen exotic potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum) have been characterized under saline stress conditions of the coastal areas of Bangladesh....

Author(s): Mashfiqur Rahman, Harunor Rashid, Mustafa Kamal Shahadat, Al-Arafat Topu, Arafat Hossain and Sheikh Arafat Islam Nihad  

Soil fertility status for potato production in the central highlands of Malawi

November 2021

The potato is one of the most important food and cash crops in Malawi, but current yields are low and the fertilizer recommendations rely on outdated soil fertility information. To understand the influence of soil factors in limiting current potato production, the mineralogical and physicochemical soil characteristics of 26 farms in the central highlands of Malawi were evaluated. Cluster analysis with clay, crystalline...

Author(s): Chandiona Munthali, Rintaro Kinoshita, Daigo Aiuchi, Jiwan Palta and Masayuki Tani  

Determination of proximate composition, amino acids, and some phytochemical properties of sesame seed capsule (Sesamum indicum L.) in semi-arid Zone of North-Eastern Nigeria

November 2021

The study was conducted to determine sesame seed capsules' proximate composition, amino acid, and phytochemical properties as a potential feed resource. Homogeneous triplicate representative samples were analyzed following scientific protocols. The results indicated that the sesame seed capsule contained 75.41% carbohydrate, 3.59% ether extract, 4.32% protein, 93.57% dry matter, 12.01% crude fiber, and 4.77% ash....

Author(s): Iliya Amaza Bagudu  

Evaluation of the effect of the use of anti-insect nets on vegetable production in southern Benin

November 2021

The objective of this research is to assess the effects of the use of insect nets in vegetable production. To achieve this goal, data were collected in four departments of southern Benin (Mono, Couffo, Ouémé and Plateau) using an interview guide and a structured questionnaire. A total of 223 producers chosen at random from these areas where the CRSP Horticulture Project is located were surveyed. The...

Author(s): F. Assogba-Komlan, C. Ahouangninou, P. Adégbola, S. Simon, M. Ngouajio and T. Martin  

Water and nutrient balances under selected soil and water conservation practices in semi-arid Ruzizi plain, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

November 2021

Soil water deficit is a major production-limiting factor in the predominantly rainfed agriculture of the Ruzizi plain, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Appropriate soil and water conservation (SWC) practices would be a valuable option for maximizing water uptake by plants in the context of water demand and supply unbalance. This study assessed the efficiency of selected SWC practices in improving water and...

Author(s): Espoir M. Bagula, Jackson G. M. Majaliwa, Gustave N. Mushagalusa, Twaha A. Basamba, John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Sarah Akello, Jean-Gomez M. Mondo, Geofrey Gabiri, Patrick Musinguzi, Cephas B. Mwimangire and Moses M. Tenywa  

Impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on household food security in the context of persisting droughts: Comparative quasi-experimental analysis of irrigation water users and non-users in Southwest Ethiopia

November 2021

A comparative quasi-experimental analysis was made on the impact of small-scale irrigation interventions on household food security, taking irrigation water and farm extension users and non-users in persisting drought contexts in South West Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from randomly selected respondents from both groups. The daily calorie intake was significantly different for the two...

Author(s): Filmon Hadaro Hando

Environmental factors influencing the presence of the Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) and phytoecological characterization of its habitat in Benin, Western Africa

October 2021

Understanding the habitat preference of the Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) is a crucial step for its conservation and management across different ecosystems. This study was focused on the environmental factors and the vegetation data of the species habitat which were collected from 60 plots surveyed along 6 perpendiculars transects. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the...

Author(s): Christelle Sevenou Aimee CODJIA, Anselm Ego ONYIMONYI, Toussaint Olou LOUGBEGNON and Jean Timothée Claude CODJIA

On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous Tswana sheep population in selected Districts of Southern Botswana

October 2021

This study aimed to phenotypically characterize indigenous Tswana sheep under its natural environment and develop prediction equations for body weight using linear body measurements in Kgatleng, Kweneng, Southern and South-East districts of Botswana. Multistage purposive sampling was used for selection of districts. Data on qualitative characters and quantitative measurements were made on 665 sheep stratified by...

Author(s): Monosi Andries Bolowe, Ketshephaone Thutwa, Patrick Monametsi Kgwatalala, Phetogo Ineeleng Monau and Cosmos Malejane  

Response of plant spacing on the morphology and yield of five hot pepper lines

October 2021

This study aimed to determine the effects of plant spacing on some morphological traits and yields of 5 hot pepper lines. The trial was laid out in a 5 × 3 factorial in randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Five pepper lines (ICPN16#3, ICPN16#4, ICPN16#6, ICPN16#7, and ICPN16#9) and 3 plant spacing (70 cm × 30 cm, 70 cm × 40 cm and 70 cm × 50 cm) were used. The results revealed...

Author(s): Boateng E., Adjei E. A., Osei M. K., Offei K. O. and Olympio N. S.

Dynamics and sustainability of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming in Yaoundé City, Cameroon

October 2021

In the context of rapid urbanisation of Cameroon, it is estimated that 70% of the total population will be dwelling in urban centres by 2060. Meanwhile, vegetable production has become an important economic activity for the urban and peri-urban poor because of its shorter production cycle. Thus, this study aims at describing the dynamics of the changes and sustainability within vegetable production systems in urban and...

Author(s): Lucien Armel Awah Manga, Régine Tchientche Kamga, Jean-Claude Bidogeza and Victor Afari-Sefa  

Economic and environmental benefits of sunflower contract farming: Evidence from a Greek region

October 2021

Contract farming involves agricultural production carried out on the basis of an agreement between buyers and producers. The aim of the research is to study the extent to which contract farming affects the income of producers. In addition, to study the indicators for the choice of contract cultivation. A quantitative, descriptive and correlational survey was conducted using an original questionnaire which consisted of...

Author(s): Siouzanna Gioumatova, Christos Karelakis and Polytimi Farmaki  

Nutritive value of common housefly (Musca domestica) prepupae reared on broiler by-products as source of animal feed

October 2021

Common housefly (Musca domestica) is one of the insects that is found in almost all parts of the world, it is found in diverse habitats making its life cycle stages such as larvae and pupae readily available for foraging poultry on free range systems. Large commercial poultry farms world-wide are experiencing low supply of animal based proteins and excess organic wastes generated from the farms. Common housefly prepupae...

Author(s): O. P. Eddy, C. O. Olweny and W. R. Mukabana  

Screening of rice endophytic natives biofertilizers with plant growth-promoting characteristics

October 2021

In Mali, rice cultivation is faced with declining yields due to insufficient soil nutrients and diseases with yield losses of up to 80%. The use of endophytic bacteria and fungi is a more ecological and effective alternative compared to chemicals. This study aims to select at least one endophytic rice bacterium in combination with mycorrhizal fungi to improve the rice production in Mali and effectively control the...

Author(s): Amadou Hamadoun Dicko, Djeneba Nantoume, Djeneba Ouattara, Adounigna Kassogue, Rokiatou Fane, Ibrahima Malle, Bakaye Doumbia, Amadou Hamadoun Babana and Linda L. Kinkel  

Simultaneous selection for grain yield and stability of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes in Northeast Ethiopia

October 2021

Sorghum is an important crop in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is low owing to lack of farmer-preferred and stable improved varieties. To identify suitable cultivars, multi-environment evaluation of sorghum genotypes was carried out at four locations for two years. The result of AMMI ANOVA showed that genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype-environment interaction (G×E) significantly (P<0.01) affected...

Author(s): Fisseha Worede, Fasil Tarekegn and Kebede Teshome  

Assessment of the parasite load of lettuce, tomato and cucumber from some large vegetables production sites in Mali

October 2021

Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Consumed raw, they could be agents of transmission of intestinal parasites. The frequency and variability of parasites eggs on thirty-two samples each of lettuce, tomato and cucumber form irrigated vegetable farms in Bamako, Kati, Baguineda, Samanko, Sikasso and Niono were evaluated. The parasite load was assessed using Uga et al. method, which consist the...

Author(s): Sanata Traoré, Mamadou Weleba Bagayoko, Fassé Samaké, and Amadou Hamadoun Babana  

Impacts on access to factors of production among smallholder farmers in central Uganda during COVID-19 lockdown

October 2021

The novel coronavirus 2019 which has brought about the covid 19 pandemics has hit the whole world starting from the super economies to underdeveloped economies. The impacts are being felt hard in developing countries whose economy relies on agriculture especially Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda is amongst the countries in Africa which observed the longest period of total confinement during the Covid 19 outbreak. Hence this...

Author(s): Beatrice Wamuyu Mbugua, Samuel Apori Obeng, Marius Murongo, Williams Opoku-Agyemang, Emmanuel Hanyabui and Abdoulaye Fofana Fall

Performance evaluation of a cassava solar dryer in Busia County

October 2021

Cassava roots are processed by peeling using knives, chopping into small pieces, then dried and milled into flour with dried maize, sorghum or millet. This traditional method of drying takes 7 to 14 days and is prone to contamination. The objective of this study was to add value to small scale farmers’ cassava in Busia County through solar drying. Fresh cassava roots were peeled and washed in running water and...

Author(s): Richard Njue and Noah Wawire  

Effect of fertilizer placement on storage root yield and leaf elemental concentration of ‘Whatley/Loretan’ sweetpotato variety

October 2021

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of various fertilizer placements on nutrient uptake, growth responses, storage root yield and leaf elemental concentration of Whatley/Loretan sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. The fertilizer placement treatments comprised broadcast (Br), banded at two different widths (Ba), side dressing (Sd) or applied in various combinations of the above, and an untreated...

Author(s): Daniel S. Ahiabor, Desmond G. Mortley, Conrad K. Bonsi and Eunice A. Bonsi  

Developing optimal irrigation scenario for onion (Allium cepa L.) in view of leaching requirement and drainable excess water at Werer Agricultural Center, Amibara, Middle Awash, Ethiopia

October 2021

The field experiment were performed on the site of Werer Agricultural Research Center (Ethiopia)  to study optimal irrigation scenario by taking in to account the leaching requirement and drainable excess water for three successive years. Six irrigation treatments were evaluated at different growth stages of onion plant namely at initial growth stage four irrigation event  23 mm (T1), 16.2 mm (T2) 21.0 mm...

Author(s): Fikadu Robi, Kebede Nanesa, Jemal Mohammed and Wondimu Tolcha

Effect of drip and furrow irrigation at different irrigation levels on water use efficiency and economics of maize (Zea Mays L.) at Werer, Middle Awash, Ethiopia

September 2021

Water is a vital resource to sustain civilizations and pecuniary development and most importantly agriculture. Agriculture is the main contributor to the Ethiopian economy. The field experiment was conducted at Werer Agricultural Research center to evaluate the effects of drip and furrow irrigation under different irrigation levels on maize water use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in an RCBD split-plot...

Author(s): Fikadu Robi Borena and Teshome Seyoum

Allometric functions for apple banana leaf area and above ground biomass

September 2021

Allometric relationships have been used widely as a fast approach to estimate biomass and leaf area in many plant species without destructive sampling. Several allometric functions have been developed to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) in field-grown East African Highland Bananas (EAHB). However, it is not clear if these functions apply to potted apple bananas hence the need for this study. Plants were randomly...

Author(s): Anna Nowembabazi, Godfrey Taulya and William Tinzaara

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae): State of knowledge and control methods

September 2021

The objective of this article is to review the knowledge on Spodoptera frugiperda and the possible management strategies against the pest to identify research areas for its integrated management.  A review of the literature shows that S. frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been causing considerable damage to maize and many other crops since its detection in several African countries and it is one of the most...

Author(s): Abissi Marc ADJAOKE, Appolinaire ADANDONON and Ghislain TEPA YOTTO

A review of microfinance banks’ effects on smallholder development in Nigeria

September 2021

The inauguration of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Nigeria in 2007 by the federal government was to provide finance to the low-income poor rural entrepreneurs, which is inclusive of the smallholder farmers located in rural areas that are often excluded from conventional banks’ financing. This paper systematically reviewed literature between January 2007 and April 2019 from the Web of Science and Scopus databases on...

Author(s): Oluwamayokun A. Fadeyi, Busayo V. Omojeso and Igbax S. Ityokumbul

Assessment of small holder farmers garlic (Allium sativum L.) production practices under irrigated farming system in the Highlands of Ethiopia

September 2021

Garlic is a fundamental component of many dishes in Ethiopia. However, there is a low production of this crop in the Yilmana Densa district of Amhara Region (Ethiopia). Thus, a study was initiated in 2014/2015 to assess farmer’s garlic production practices under an irrigated farming system in the Yilmana Densa district (Adet Zuria, Goshaye and Ambesit kebels) of Ethiopia. Production data were collected using...

Author(s): Shege Getu Yayeh, Melkamu Alemayehu, Amare Haileslassie and Yigzaw Dessalegn

Agronomic performance of provitamin A-rich banana cultivars in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo

September 2021

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major global health issue, contributing to morbidity and mortality. East and Central Africa face VAD prevalence that exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 15%. In Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), VAD prevalence is greater than 43% in rural communities. Promoting vitamin A-rich foods (including banana) is an effective and sustainable strategy to...

Author(s): Kamira Muller, Simbare Alice, Sivirihauma Charles, Mpoki Shimwela, Nabuuma Deborah and Ekesa Beatrice

Status and management of coffee plantations in Burundi: Reasons to worry

September 2021

Coffee is an important cash crop for smallholder farmers and provides more than 80% of hard currency in Burundi. To highlight coffee growing conditions, agronomic practices and coffee yield, a survey was carried out in Buyenzi, Kirimiro and Mumirwa natural regions of Burundi in 2008. Data on coffee yield, age after planting or after rejuvenation and agricultural practices were collected through interview with coffee...

Author(s): Anaclet Nibasumba, Laurence Jassogne, Gilbert Nduwayo, Evariste Ngayempore, Cyriaque Simbashizubwoba, Piet VanAsten and Charles Bielders

Cherry tomato production with different doses of organic compost

September 2021

Cherry tomato cultivation in protected environments ensures production in the off-season, reaching yields up to 100 t ha-1 with 150 days of cultivation. Fertilization with organic composts can influence the production components of cherry tomato. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate different doses and organic composts, based on their nitrogen contents, on the production components of cherry tomato. The...

Author(s): Oziel Furquin Pinto and Edmilson Evangelista Silva

Chemical composition and bioactivity of Lantana camara L. essential oils from diverse climatic zones of Kenya against leaf miner (Tuta absoluta Meyrick)

September 2021

In recent years, essential oils (EOs) as alternatives to synthetic pesticides in managing pests have been assessed. The use of bioinsecticide in pest management is encouraged in agroecology for a sustainable agricultural system. Essential oils of Lantana camara L. leaves from different climatic zones of Kenya were extracted by steam distillation and analyzed through GC-MS to identify...

Author(s): Liambila, Robai N., Wesonga, John M., Ngamau, Catherine N. and Wallyambillah Waudo

Gender disparity in cassava farmers’ access to agricultural productive resources in Rongo Sub County, Migori County, Kenya

September 2021

The disparities in access to productive resources keep on smothering agricultural growth and development, particularly in developing countries. This study was informed by the feminist political economy (FPE) framework to assessing the relationship between gender and access to agricultural productive resources among cassava farmers in Kenya. The research utilised mixed methods including the use of a survey instrument and...

Author(s): Joseph Odhiambo Awuor, Richard M. S. Mulwa and Nancy O. Openda

Bioformulations based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture: Biofertilizer or Biostimulant?

September 2021

Integrated production in sustainable agriculture aims to improve the efficiency of biological inputs through plant-based bioformulations or microorganisms, which are an excellent source of natural fertilisers. A variety of plant stimulants are increasingly used in crop production for environmentally sustainable agriculture. These products have different names and the designations are confusing. The aim of this work is...

Author(s): Marcel Yévèdo Adoko, Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato, Agossou Pacôme Noumavo, Olaréwadjou Amogou, Adolphe Adjanohoun and Lamine Baba-Moussa

Food production: Changing the job opportunities narrative by demonstrating agro-processing possibilities

August 2021

The potential of the agro-processing sub-sector in South Africa is under siege. This paper makes a critical view of this sector by identifying its opportunities and constraints so as to guide its improvement as well as the required interventions to unlock its potential. Given the contemporary issues of exponential population growth and soaring rates of unemployment and poverty, this paper explores agro-processing...

Author(s): Thembinkosi Twalo

Growth and yield response of okra (Ablemochus esculentus) to varying rates of different sources of organic soil amendments at Njala, Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone

August 2021

Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in vegetable production have negatively impacted the soils, water quality, food security and health of farmers and consumers. Hence, sustainable, economically feasible, environmentally friendly soil fertility, pests and disease management options are needed to improve vegetable production. This study evaluated the growth and yield of okra due to varying rates of different sources of...

Author(s): Ashadu Nyande, Melvin S. George, Fayia A. Kassoh and Alieu M. Bah

Pre- and post-harvest practices influencing yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in Southwestern Ethiopia: A review

August 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is one of the spices produced by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. It becomes one of income sources and acceptable for diversification of coffee. Turmeric and ginger have wider adaptation, perform in similar ecologies. Reports indicated that 3962.03 t produced in Ethiopia in three years, and values of USD 1.26 million, export of 1233 MT rhizomes in different seasons. Turmeric becomes best...

Author(s): Girma Hailemichael and Mohammedsani Zakir

Effectiveness of three pesticides against carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval) eggs on tomato in Botswana

August 2021

The carmine spider mite (CSM; Tetranychus cinnabarinus Bois.) is one of the most destructive pests of vegetables, especially tomatoes. Its management in Botswana has, for years, relied on the use of pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of abamectin, methomyl and chlorfenapyr against CSM eggs under laboratory conditions in Botswana. Each treatment was replicated three times. The toxic effect was evaluated in the...

Author(s): Mitch M. Legwaila, Motshwari Obopile and Bamphitlhi Tiroesele

Determinants of credit demand by smallholder farmers in Morogoro, Tanzania

August 2021

Agriculture plays a great role in the economy of many countries including Tanzania where the majority depends on agriculture-based activities for their livelihoods. Access to agricultural credit is vital for growth and development of agricultural sector in Tanzania, hence financing agriculture is a key issue in rural development. Despite effort of the Government to make agricultural credit services available and...

Author(s): Lazaro Athanas Mwonge and Alexis Naho

Fruit and seed physiological quality changes during seed development and maturation in African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.)

August 2021

This work aimed at determining the optimum harvest time of African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) seeds, cv. Oforiwa and cv. Kpando for maximum physiological seed quality under tropical (TCC) and temperate oceanic climatic (TOC) conditions. Fruit morphological metrics such as fruit weight and size were also related to seed physiological quality. Seeds were harvested at different maturation stages from 20 to 82 days...

Author(s): Botey H. M., Ochuodho J. O. and Ngode L.

Residual of the mixture of glyphosate and 2,4-d herbicides on yellow red latosol with soybean cultivation

August 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the residual effect of glyphosate and 2.4-D herbicides in the initial development of the soy crop in a Yellow Red Latosol. The experiment was conducted in randomized design, consisting of 4 different doses of herbicides (0, 1, 2 and 5 times the recommended dose of the glyphosate and 2.4-D mixture), applied at intervals of 0, 3, 7 and 10 days before sowing, with 4 repetitions...

Author(s): Sérgio Plens Andrade, Dionanta Silva Fernandes, Sayonara Andrade Couto Moreno Arantes, Kelte Resende Arantes, Gláucio Cruz Genúncio, Cassiano Spaziani Pereira and Emanuele Veiga

Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to foliar and soil applied fertilizers in the Semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

August 2021

This experiment was conducted in 2019 major cropping season in the Semi-deciduous forest Agro-ecological zone of Ghana to solve low maize yield and improve maize productivity and enhance farmer’s income using foliar and soil applied fertilizers as nutrient sources. Eight treatments (T) were used; T1= {N, P2O5, K2O (90-60-60) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS); T2= {Poultry manure (4 t/ha)} at 2 weeks...

Author(s): Daniel Kwasi Atsu Nyagorme, , Alice Afrakomah Amoah and Thomas Adjei-Gyapong

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