The role of farmer research networks’ (frn) principles in influencing farmers’ adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in Singida Rural District of Semi-Arid Central Tanzania
June 2023
Farmer Research Networks (FRN) is a participatory approach aimed at supporting the agroecological intensification of smallholder farming. FRN was envisaged in Latin America and Africa, however, little has been documented on how the application of FRN principles influences adoption of agricultural technologies. Guided by networking, innovation systems and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations, this research...
Economic costs of aflatoxin contamination in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties of Kenya
May 2023
Aflatoxin resulting from the consumption of contaminated cereals has always been a concern in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic costs of aflatoxin contamination in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties in Kenya. A multi-stage cluster sampling using the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) design was used to select clusters and households. Once clusters were identified, households were...
Determinants of adoption of short season soybean (Glycine max) (L.) varieties in the Sudan Savannas of Northern Nigeria
May 2023
This study assessed the level of adoption of short season early-maturing soybean varieties in the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zones of the Nigeria savannas. The study identified determinants of adoption of short-season early maturing soybean varieties. It was conducted on a sample of 600 farming households from 20 communities in Bunkure and Shanono Local Government Areas in Kano State. Descriptive (frequencies and...
Perceived effectiveness of teaching and learning of agricultural science in colleges of education in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana
May 2023
The lack of resource and the marginalization of the place of agricultural science in the general curricula in pre-university education in Ghana are identified as the key constraints in the study of the subject. The purpose of this study was to ascertain students’ perceived effectiveness of the teaching and learning of agricultural science in colleges of education in Hohoe Municipality. A simple random sampling was...
Socioeconomic factors considered in adoption and use intensity of certified groundnut seed in Northern Ghana: Cragg’s double-hurdle model approach
April 2023
Groundnut production is a major economic activity of smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana. However, these farmers face production losses through Aflatoxin infestation and bad weather conditions which require the use of right planting materials by farmers. This study seeks to analyze determinants of certified groundnut seed (CGS) adoption in Northern Ghana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect...
“It All Goes Back to Trust”: A qualitative exploration of extension professionals’ perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in rural Florida
March 2023
While urban communities experienced high levels of infection at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities experienced an increase of confirmed cases during the fall months of 2020. Rural Americans were also among the most hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of [State] extension professionals related to the COVID-19 vaccines in rural communities....
Assessment of rural women participation in farmers’ multipurpose cooperatives: The case of Agarfa District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
March 2023
Rural women face different obstacles in joining and being active participants in typically male dominated farmers’ cooperatives. The purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting rural women’s participation in multipurpose cooperatives in the Agarfa district. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 204 women members of the multipurpose farmer’s cooperatives from whom data were...
Understanding pluralistic agriculture extension services through a social governance lens in Northern Uganda
February 2023
This study analyzed the relationship between smallholder farmers’ perceptions of pluralistic agricultural extension service and social governance. This was aimed at the identification of significant factors that improve social governance practices of local government planning and budgeting process in northern Uganda. Structured interviews with leaders of smallholder farmer associations were conducted. A...
Interactions pathways for information exchange among avocado value chain stakeholders
February 2023
Multi-stakeholder platforms facilitate interaction between stakeholders in the agricultural innovation system. A multi-stakeholder platform is essential to enhance the innovation of avocado value chain stakeholders and avocado planting as a climate-smart practice. Avocados can make a significant contribution to food security and nutrition. Research has shown that research on climate-smart agriculture mainly focuses on...
Influence of plant health clinic training services on potato production: Evidence from smallholder farmers in molo sub-county, Kenya
January 2023
As compared to other African countries, Kenya continues to depend on agriculture as source of food and for economic development. Horticulture forms the bulk of agriculture with potato being ranked first in the vegetable category in terms of production and value. It is a lucrative cash and food crop grown in many parts of Kenya. Molo Sub County being one of the regions where the crop is grown enjoys economic value in...
Economics and welfare of broiler chicken from selected farms in Kenya
January 2023
Broiler farming creates wealth for farmers, but the system faces myriad constraints. The objectives of this study were to determine farmer’s willingness to adopt welfare practices, farm biosecurity risks and cost of production from selected farms in Kenya. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 60 medium-scale and 60 large-scale farms, and secondary data collected on product condemnation and...
Agricultural technologies, territorialization from below and land-use conflicts in agro-pastoral areas of Northern Benin
December 2022
For some years, the Republic of Benin has promoted mechanization and modernization of its agricultural sector as a driver of food security, socio-economic development and sub-regional solidarity. New agricultural technologies such as tractors and pesticides have been introduced into the small scale farming systems and have reached record adoption rates in various agro-ecological zones of the country. However, rural...
Knowledge of subsistence maize farmers on aflatoxin contamination and determinants for adoption of artisanal control technologies in Kitui, Kenya
December 2022
Widespread aflatoxin contamination of maize is a public health hazard in Sub-Saharan Africa and its management requires strategies which are implemented both at pre- and post-harvest stages of cereal production. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and practices for aflatoxin contamination of maize and factors associated with adoption of artisanal aflatoxin control technologies. A semi-structured questionnaire was...
Adoption of German International Corporation (GIZ) technology intervention on shea nut processing in Niger State, Nigeria
November 2022
This study assessed the activities GIZ technology intervention on Shea nut processing in Niger State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the available improved shea nut processing technologies and the level of adoption of the improved GIZ shea nut processing technologies in the study area. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Data were collected through interview schedule and analysed using...
Substantial factors influencing the performance of rice farmers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania
October 2022
Crops production subsector depends on various factors including natural factors as well as non-natural factors. Meanwhile, in vast areas of Tanzania including the Mbeya Region, rice farmers struggle to make their living through rice farming regardless of various challenges with which the subsector is crumbled. This study aimed at assessing the factors influencing the performance of rice farming in the Mbeya Region of...
Exploring the impact of agricultural policies on the documentation and sharing of indigenous knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa
October 2022
The study sought to explore the extent to which agricultural policies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and its impact on the efforts to document and share agricultural IK through communication efforts. A qualitative content analysis of policy documents from seven SSA countries and eight key informant interviews with knowledge management officers from the seven countries was...
Predicting the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture technologies in Tambacounda and Kolda, Senegal
October 2022
Uptake of farming technologies by smallholder farmers is necessary to speed up the transition to climate-smart agriculture so as to address the potential impacts of climate change on agricultural production, food security, and reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Using survey data from 341 households, this study analyzes the factors that determine the probability and level of adoption of multiple climate-smart...
Use of climate-smart agriculture practices and smallholder farmer market participation in Central Malawi
September 2022
In the past few decades, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been promoted to improve food security and raise incomes as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development. The adoption rates among smallholder farmers, particularly in Africa, remain low and have varied in different contexts. This study investigated the market participation spillover effects from the adoption of CSA practices in central Malawi using the...
Effect of replacing freshwater shrimp meal (Caridina nilotica) protein with a mixture of plant protein on growth, apparent digestibility, and economic returns of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)
September 2022
This study investigated the effects of substituting varying levels of a plant protein mixture (PPM) with freshwater shrimp meal (FSM) on growth, digestibility, and economic returns of Nile tilapia. Monosex male Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (initial body weight, 28 ±0.01 g) were cultured in cages installed in an earthen pond and tanks for 180 and 60 days, respectively. The PPM comprised 50% soybean meal, 25%...
Alternative agricultural extension functionaries in India: Substantive role of (ICTs) - study of e-Choupal
September 2022
Agricultural extension is now backing on the development agenda. The acknowledged failure of the traditional extension model in India has stimulated debate on extension reforms and the introduction of new extension models. Further, Indian agriculture has recorded an alarming ‘knowledge gap’ where ‘knowledge’ became central to agricultural production. The role of extension functionaries today is...
Impact of the agricultural advisory service on the productivity of maize and cotton in the cotton-growing zone of North Benin
July 2022
Agricultural advisory services play a key role in disseminating agricultural information and technology to farmers. This study aims to assess the impact of agricultural advisory on improving agricultural productivity in Benin. The study uses cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected maize and cotton farmers located in the cotton basin of northern Benin. A total of 809 cotton and maize farmers (with...
An overview of agricultural extension in Ghana and Burkina Faso and implications for sustainable agriculture in West Africa
July 2022
Agricultural extension is the medium through which external agricultural technologies have been transferred to and transplanted in Africa to improve agricultural performance. Over a period of close to a century, different agricultural extension models have been proposed but their structure and content has virtually been the same: top-down, linear, non-participatory transfer of technology with no feedback loops for...
The nexus between the interaction among Cowpea actors and its market shares in Uganda. A case of Oyam District
July 2022
With the increased use of technology in agriculture, new improved farming and varieties of seeds have been adopted. The study explored how the interaction among the actors helped in sharing vital information on market shares of improved cowpea and relative to improved beans. A cross-sectional research design was used, while quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. The respondents were purposively selected...
Time is not always money: A preliminary study on socially sustainable strategies for banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) mitigation efforts in Mbarara region, Uganda
June 2022
Following the Ugandan government’s announcement in 2016 that banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease was under control, national-level anti-BXW support dwindled to the point of leaving farmers effectively on their own to continue controlling it. This qualitative case study utilizes data from group and individual interviews, as well as observational walkthroughs of plantations, in one of the previously hardest-hit...
Training needs assessment of smallholder farmers in rice post-harvest value addition technologies in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone
June 2022
Training needs assessment study was conducted on rice post-harvest value addition technologies. The study was done in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone to assess the competence of smallholder farmers in rice post-harvest value addition. As a quantitative research method, a descriptive research design, which called for a survey by randomly and proportionately selecting 400 smallholder farmers across the four districts...
Farmer field school extension approach: A knowledge booster in Calabar Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria
May 2022
The aim of this research was to evaluate Farmer Field School’s (FFS) capacity to boost the knowledge of farmers in Calabar Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research aimed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents; assess the effectiveness of FFS on training farmers, improving their knowledge and utilization of new technologies; and ascertain constraints faced by...
Consumer research in Papua New Guinea: Exploring preferences and purchasing behaviours for staple foods in an urban market
May 2022
The supermarket expansion throughout emerging economies has caused dramatic shifts in fresh produce markets, impacting consumers and smallholders. As supermarkets begin to compete with open markets in the sale of fresh produce, new market opportunities emerge for smallholders, and new purchasing behaviours emerge for consumers. This research explores how the expansion of large-scale supermarkets is impacting the sale of...
Marketing of dairy goat products in Kenya: A survey of the dairy products in selected supermarkets in Nyeri, Meru and Kiambu counties
May 2022
Dairy goat farming is a significant source of income, particularly for low-income families. However, 75% of the dairy goat products business is still unorganized in Kenya, making its marketing difficult. This study surveyed dairy products in selected supermarkets in Nyeri, Meru and Kiambu counties. The purpose was to identify the types of dairy products sold in supermarkets, the sales preferences, reasons for stocking...
Communication strategies employed by the Barangay health workers in promoting reproductive health in Magsaysay, occidental Mindoro
April 2022
The descriptive research aims to identify the communication strategies employed in promoting topics on Reproductive Health and the communication problems encountered in promoting Reproductive Health information. The study was conducted in selected Barangays in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. This study employed descriptive research method. The sample size was determined by the epinfoTM software with 80% confidence level....
Effects of stakeholder interaction in REDD+ implementation: The case of two forest districts in Ghana
March 2022
The study adopted a qualitative approach and relied enormously on primary data obtained through interviews and focus group discussions to assess the type of interaction and its effects in the implementation of the REDD+ initiative in two forest districts in Ghana. The country’s involvement in REDD+ began in 2008 and received approval in 2010. Many partners from civil society, private sector, government,...
Does access to credit influence the adoption of good agricultural practices? The case of smallholder potato farmers in Molo Sub-County, Kenya
February 2022
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is the major food and cash crop for many rural and semi-urban people in Kenya. It contributes to the national food security, nutrition, and income generation for those who are involved in its value chain. Despite its importance, smallholder potato farmers in Molo sub-county are still recording low potato yields which could partly be attributed to the low adoption of Good Agricultural...
Economic empowerment of rural women: Assessing the effectiveness of the rural enterprise program (REP) in Ghana, West Africa
February 2022
This survey study examines the effectiveness of a Rural Enterprise Programme (REP) in improving the livelihood of rural women in Ghana, using ex-anti and ex-post income determinants of the programme. Some 217 beneficiary women drawn from farm-based, agro-processing, traditional craft, agro industrial and petty trading economic sub-sectors selected to participate in the survey using snow-ball sampling method. Using...
The use of local knowledge in agricultural extension: A systematic review of the literature
January 2022
Smallholder farms are complex systems, constantly adapting to context and rely on local, place-based knowledges. The vital role of local knowledge in smallholder farming systems has seen attempts throughout low- and middle-income countries to entwine local knowledge with scientific knowledge to improve outcomes from agricultural extension. Using a systematic review and exploratory meta-synthesis of selected literature,...
Shaping interaction among improved cowpea’s farming: Do Institutions have a role to play? A case of Oyam district in Uganda
December 2021
This paper examines the roles played by institutions in shaping the interactions among improved cowpea farmers in Oyam district. A cross sectional research design and qualitative approach was used. Focus Group discussions were held and members were purposely selected. The study found out that the cowpea farmers normally provide and share farm saved seeds preserved from the previous harvest with fellow farmers while...
Agripreneurship development among small scale farmers In Anambra State, Nigeria
December 2021
The continuing decline in the price of the crude oil in the international market is a pointer to the fact that oil sector can no longer guarantee economic viability and sustainability in any nation. In Nigeria, this realization has led to increased urgency of the need to revitalize the agricultural sector, possibly return to its glorious days in the immediate post- independence. To drive the process, scholars argue for...
Effect of adoption of improved cassava variety tme 419 on farmers’ livelihood in Ekiti State, Nigeria
December 2021
The study examined the effect of adoption of improved cassava variety TME 419 on farmers’ livelihood in Ekiti State. Specifically it examined the effect of adoption of TME 419 variety on farmers’ cassava output, income and livelihood activities. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 192 respondents for the study from Agriculture Development Project Extension Zones in Ondo State....
For whom will the crop be promoted? A search for gender equity along the grain-legume value chains in Uganda
November 2021
There is growing interest in gender analysis and value chain analysis as tools for ensuring equitable participation in agricultural commodity markets. This study examined the gender factors that influence the patterns and levels of participation by women and men in grain value chains in Uganda. Data were collected from six districts in three regions of Uganda using qualitative gender tools. Findings show that marked...
Extension support for cassava (Manihot esculenta) production and processing in Nigeria: Effects on farm practice adoption
October 2021
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important regional food source, providing food and income to over 30 million farmers, processors, and traders in Nigeria. Extension programs support awareness and interest in new technologies; they facilitate the adoption and adaptation of new approaches to crop production, post-harvest processing, and marketing. Extension can be understood as an intermediary or catalyst in the...
Factors influencing smallholder farmers to participate in farmer-led research of agro-ecological practices in selected areas, Tanzania
October 2021
Declining crop productivity is a great challenge facing smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Agro-ecological practices can improve crop productivity in a sustainable way and produce healthy food among smallholder farmers. Initiation of “Farmer-Led Research of Agro-Ecological Practices” (FLRAG) may enhance farmers’ capacities for innovation and co-develop suitable agro-ecological practices. This study aimed...
Extrapolating technology from research plots to commercial scale and challenges involved: Case study of plantain macro-propagation technique
October 2021
Commercialization of research technologies and innovations by research institutes is being intensified due to declining government funding for research and dwindling donor inflows. Lack of quality planting materials continues to be a major challenge in the production of plantains. CSIR-Crops Research Institute signed a three-year contract with a private company to supply quality plantain plantlets using the...
Influence of seasonal fodder scarcity on milk production among smallholder dairy farms in the north rift region of Kenya
September 2021
This study assessed the extent of seasonal fodder scarcity influence on milk production in smallholder farms (n=130) in the north rift region of Kenya. A cross-sectional survey to obtain primary data was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data processing was done in excel, thereafter, data was analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). Results...
Responses of smallholder farmers on sorghum production preferences and constraints in the Upper East Region of Ghana
September 2021
In spite of several strategies implemented to improve sorghum production in Ghana, average grain yield in farmers’ fields remains low and far below the estimated potential. The development of effective strategies requires continuous, in-depth understanding of production constraints as well as farmer preferences for crop traits. To this end, a participatory rural appraisal using focus group discussions, interviews...
Effectiveness and limitations of the recently adopted acaricide application methods in tick control on dairy farms in South-Western Uganda
August 2021
In Uganda, control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) largely depends on the use of chemicals applied using different methods. This cross-sectional study assessed 17 factors to determine the effectiveness and limitations in the use of the recently adopted acaricide application methods on dairy cattle farms in south-western Uganda. The average annual morbidity and mortality due to tick-borne diseases were 42.6 and...
Farming methods and the livelihood outcomes of women in Eastern Uganda
August 2021
Farming methods are closely linked to the livelihood outcomes of women. The techniques of farming and the manner in which they are applied affects realization of livelihood outcomes. Even though rural women aim at attaining positive outcomes, their efforts are jeopardized by poor farming practices. This situation is exacerbated by gender disparities in knowledge and skills, inadequate access to productive resources and...
Effect of bioslurry effluent on growth, biological yield and nutritional content of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.)
August 2021
Swiss chard is amongst the widely cultivated green leafy vegetables that play a significant role in alleviation of food insecurity and malnutrition in South Africa. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Bioslurry effluent on growth, biological yield and nutrient content of Swiss chard. Two cultivars of Swiss chard (Fordhook giant and Star 1801) were planted in 10 plots of 4.5 m² using sand...
On-farm evaluation and pre-scaling up of improved finger millet technologies under rainfed condition in Western Oromia, Ethiopia: A case of East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
July 2021
The average yield of finger millet is low in Ethiopia, specifically in Western Oromia due to different production constraints such as limited availability of improved varieties, lack of formal seed delivery system, and limited adoption of the available technologies. To this, BARC in collaboration with AGP-II conducted the pre-scale up and popularized full packaged improved finger millet varieties in cluster...
Evaluation of tillage practices on selected soil chemical properties, maize yield and net return in O. R. Tambo District, South Africa
July 2021
The costs of maize production per ha in the Eastern Cape Province are escalating due to an increase in mechanization and input costs. Conservation agriculture (CA) has been identified as one of the systems that can reduce costs of production and improve maize productivity. Most famers in the district still require tangible evidence on the benefits and impacts of minimal soil disturbance. Hence it was necessary to...
Effectiveness of bylaws in supporting sustainable crop intensification: A case of potato farming in Southwestern Uganda
June 2021
The study assessed the effectiveness of formal and informal bylaws in supporting sustainable crop intensification in potato farming regions of Southwestern Uganda. An exploratory case-study descriptive design was adopted, involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study relied on data from the review of the existing formal and informal bylaws on sustainable crop intensification, key informant...
Factors influencing adoption of improved maize seed varieties among smallholder farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria
June 2021
This study ascertained factors influencing adoption of improved maize seed varieties in three local government areas of Kaduna State, North-central Nigeria. It collected cross-sectional data for a sample of 180 randomly selected farming households across three local government areas of the State in 2015/16. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were performed on the data. The descriptive statistics differentiated...
Socioeconomic and demographic predictors for adoption of new sugarcane varieties in Nandi County, Kenya
June 2021
Despite there being high demand for sugarcane products globally, low yielding varieties in Kenya persist. A study was conducted in Nandi, Kenya to assess age, level of education, gender, level of awareness, price of produce and cost of changing to new varieties, perception of risks, planting materials and scale of farm operations as predictors of adoption for new sugarcane varieties. Purposive and multistage sampling...
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