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...
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...
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...
Women’s empowerment: A gender outcome of an improved agriculture health and nutrition project in Zambia and Malawi
June 2021
HIV Aids has had a major impact on resource-limited African rural Sub-Saharan communities, especially upon women who typically experience greater gender inequity, have fewer assets and greater food insecurity and vulnerability. Coordinated interventions in crop productivity, nutrition, AIDS treatment, and livelihood security can have significant positive impacts on individuals and households; however their impact upon...
Do agricultural research and rural extension organizations satisfy households’ agricultural demands? Evidence from maize growers in Sussundenga district, Mozambique
June 2021
This paper compares the supply and demand of agricultural technologies related to maize crop in Sussundenga district, Mozambique. The field work was carried out in February and March 2018 and comprises of a survey of 140 households’ maize growers, interviews with 15 agricultural technicians and six focus group meetings (four with maize growers and two with agricultural technicians). Data analysis was done using...
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...
On the Challenges Faced by Female Members of Agricultural Cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria
May 2021
This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) and path diagram techniques to examine challenges faced by women in the agricultural sector cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria. The data are from a cross-section survey of randomly selected women cooperative members. Results suggest that women with poor economic status are less likely to have access to improved technology, labour, off-farm employment, and improved...
Farmer preference for selected finger millet (Eleusine coracana) varieties in Rift Valley, Kenya
March 2021
Lack of awareness and information on the traits of orphan crops such as finger millet is a major constraint to finger millet production. Farmer participatory and varietal selection (FVPS) is an efficient method of achieving productivity through enhancing adoption of improved high yielding varieties. A study was conducted in two major growing areas in central Rift Valley, Agri-ecological zone III (ATC-Nakuru and Bomet),...
Role of agricultural cooperatives in rural development in the era of liberalization in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon
February 2021
The focus of this research was to identify the role played by agricultural cooperatives in rural development in the era of liberalization in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Primary sources were used for data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 329 respondents from 52 agricultural cooperatives in 40 villages with a response rate of 78.7% in the North West Region and 21.3% in the South West...
Predicting the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Sierra Leone
February 2021
In Sierra Leone cassava plays a major role in households’ food and income security. Plant breeders have concentrated on improved varieties with an increasing yields per unit area. This study was designed to identify factors that influence adoption or rejection of improved cassava cultivars by growers. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and field walks; locations were selected using...
Transportation inefficiencies in the cocoa value chains in Ivory Coast: Is sustainability possible?
February 2021
The purpose of this investigation is to examine transportation inefficiencies and the sustainability of cocoa value chains in Ivory Coast. Problems addressed include unidentified major actors, types of transportation and how it is measured, and lastly, improving efficiency in transportation with respect to society, costs and greenhouse gas emissions. A mixed method methodology is followed in which qualitative and...
Impact of Fadama III additional financing (AF) on the yield and income of beneficiaries in some selected lgas of Sokoto state, Nigeria
February 2021
Successive administration in Nigeria has initiated different projects with the aim of improving the income and productivity of the small-scale rural farmers thereby ensuring food security. However, most of these projects have not achieved the desired goal of improving the productivity, income and the living standard of the poor rural farmers in Nigeria. It is on record that since independence, the Government of Nigeria...
Women participation in fish processing and packaging in rural communities of Delta State, Nigeria
February 2021
The study investigated women participation in fish processing and packaging in Delta State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 180 respondents for the study. Data for the study was collected using structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and participatory observation. Data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, mean scores and inferential statistics. The...
Factors influencing credit access among small-scale poultry farmers in the Sunyani West District of the Bono region, Ghana
February 2021
The study assessed the factors influencing credit access among small-scale poultry farmers in the Sunyani West District. In the sampling process, multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. The study showed that small-scale poultry farmers in the Sunyani West District accessed credit facilities mainly from informal sources such as relatives, friends, traders,...
Aquaculture extension service in Kenya: Farmers and extension officers perspectives
January 2021
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to examine the aquaculture extension service in Kenya. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 292 randomly selected fish farmers and 56 extension officers in different counties in Kenya. Descriptive statistics mainly mean and frequencies were computed to determine key characteristics of farmers and extension officers. Inferential...
Mobile phone technology for increasing banana productivity among smallholder farmers in Uganda
January 2021
This study aimed at assessing the level of mobile phone use in Ugandan agricultural extension, and to establish the extent to which mobile phone Viamo’s 3-2-1 service, hosted by Airtel Uganda, was being accessed and how the facility can be improved to boost banana productivity. The results of the study indicate that use of mobile phones for increased banana productivity were dependent on age, gender, household...
Survey on indigenous knowledge of farmers in identifying enset varieties at Labu Koromo Kebele in Dore Woreda, Sidama Zone
December 2020
Enset is a multipurpose plant, of which every part is thoroughly utilized, cultivated, as a food and crop only in Ethiopia, particularly in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. The main objective of this research is to assess the indigenous knowledge of farmers for identifying the different enset varieties grown in Labu Koromo kebele, Dore woreda. The data were collected using open and close ended...
Modernizing extension services to improve rice productivity: Lessons from Ghana’s planting for food and jobs program
December 2020
The Government of Ghana introduced Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program in 2017 to help raise farm productivity, improve food security, create jobs and modernize agriculture. Among the core pillars of PFJ program include the provision of modernized extension service to farmers. This study analyzed the productivity difference between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the modernized extension service among rice...
Effects of soil organic resource management practices on crop productivity and household income in Chipata district of Zambia
December 2020
Soil organic resource management practices such as use of green manure, cover crops, improved fallows, mulch, animal manure, compost and residue retention are options that promote the environment and potentially increase farmer crop yields and income. However, there have been low levels of adoption of most of these practices, and their ability to improve crop yields and farmer income has come into question. The...
Trends in livelihoods options over a five year period: A case of Murewa smallholder farmers
October 2020
Inter and intra seasonal trends in livelihoods options have been reported at country and rarely at ward level in Zimbabwe. Evidence based on local level trends in livelihoods options is rare. This study thus reviewed data on livelihoods activities based on the Agriculture Food Security Monitoring System (AFSMS) surveillance system. It was conducted by the Department of Crop and Livestock Production formerly...
Seasonal climate dynamics, perceptions and multiple risk adaptations: Lessons from Smallholder mixed agro ecosystems in Semi-arid Kenya
September 2020
Climate variability is frequently associated with instances of dry spells and droughts, which principally result from highly variable rainfall and increasing temperatures. In mixing agro ecosystems, these phenomena primarily affected crop and livestock practices of smallholder farmers through generating social, economic and environmental losses. Resulting water scarcity, in quality and quantity, at household and...
Determinants of adoption of agricultural extension package technologies by smallholder households on sorghum production: Case of Gemechis and Mieso districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
August 2020
This study identified the socio-economic factors that significantly influence adoption of agricultural extension package technologies on sorghum crop production. Primary and secondary data were collected for the study. In the sampling procedure, multi stage sampling procedure was used. Data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and econometric models. In econometric models Multivariate Probit (MVP) and Double...
ICT and challenges of agricultural extension education
August 2020
After the novel coronavirus outbreak, many countries closed universities. This situation urges to implement online delivery as an alternative method. This study aimed assessing the access to and use of ICT by students, the ICT competencies possessed by the students, and assesses the current level of students’ readiness for online education methods in the developing country like Ethiopia. Sample of 106...
Local appropriation of socio-technical innovation: Case study of the shared mechanisation in Benin
July 2020
The paper explored different processes of appropriation that sustain experiences of shared mechanisation in Benin. It analyzed the links between groups’ homogeneity, the member’s representations of shared mechanisation and the processes of setting cost recovery rules for sustainable utilization of farm equipments. We identified some gaps between formal and applied rules in cooperatives and revealed that...
Status of pests and diseases of sorghum and their management practices by “Fadama†III participating farmers in Abuja, Nigeria
June 2020
A diagnostic survey was carried out at the end of 2018 and early 2019 to assess the status of sorghum pests, diseases and their management strategies by the “Fadama” III participating farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Data were collected from the 28 production clusters in 10 Fadama Development Areas in the six Area Councils. Instruments used were semi-structured interview, farm...
Analysis of the profitability and marketing distribution channels of sweet potato business in Sierra Leone
May 2020
The objective of this study is to examine the profitability and channels of distribution of sweet potato in Sierra Leone. Multistage sampling was used to select 150 sweet potato marketers from five major districts. Data was collected on socio-economics characteristics, distribution channels, market margins and net income, drivers and barriers of sweet potato marketers with aid of android devices programme with the...
Fertilizer subsidy policy and smallholder farmers’ crop productivity: The case of maize production in North-Eastern Ghana
May 2020
Crop yield enhancing technologies such as inorganic fertilizers present opportunities for improving smallholder farmers’ crop yields, food security and incomes. This study examines maize productivity response to Ghana’s fertilizer subsidy policy focusing on yield differences between participants and non-participants in the Tempane District in Ghana among smallholder farmers. An Endogenous Switching...
Relationship between women demographic characteristics, household structure and socio-economic status in Morogoro District, Tanzania
March 2020
Factors responsible for poor household socio-economic status (hSES) vary in different social groups. Little information exists to explain how demographic and household characteristics are related to hSES in rural societies of Tanzania. This cross-sectional study assessed associations between selected women demographic characteristics, household structure and hSES in a rural area in Morogoro District, Tanzania. The study...
Comparison between public and private extension services for sugarcane production in Muzaffargarh District, Punjab, Pakistan
February 2020
Sugarcane industry is at second position after textile industry in Pakistan. By the export of refined sugar, it plays a significant role in the economy of the country. Public and private sectors extension field staff work with sugarcane growers to improve their per acre yield. The research was conducted to compare and identify the services provided by those two sectors. A total of 150 respondents were selected randomly...
Assessment on rural poultry production and marketing system of Horro chicken ecotypes in Western Ethiopia
December 2019
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess production and marketing system of Horro chicken ecotypes, and to determine poultry health and marketing constraints across different agro-ecologies of western Ethiopia. A total of 360 householders were interviewed for the survey in Horro area (western Ethiopia) where the Horro chicken ecotypes are mainly found; the sample size was determined using proportionate sampling...
Factors determining crop farmers’ willingness to pay for agricultural extension services in Tanzania: A case of Mpwapwa and Mvomero Districts
December 2019
This study assessed crop farmers’ willingness to pay for AESs and identified factors influencing their willingness to pay for AESs. Data were collected from 292 randomly selected crop farmers’ households between December 2017 and February 2018 using a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and Tobit regression model. The study found that 92% of...
Economic valuation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Lake Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
December 2019
The purpose of this study is to investigate the economic value of fish (Nile Tilapia) in Lake Hawassa and determine the factors affecting the households’ willingness to pay for a quality improved fish product. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interview of 467 households consuming fish caught from the lake. The respondents were aware on the poor quality of the fish due to domestic and industrial...
Current scenario and challenges of agricultural production to future food security in Bangladesh
November 2019
Ensuring food security is a global challenge that can be mitigated by improving agricultural production. From the last few decades, many developed nations have introduced modern and sustainable agricultural system to abate this challenge. Now, developing countries also demand the blessings of sustainable agricultural system to face this globally burning issue. The purpose of this study is to examine the current...
Turning challenges into opportunity: Potential for adoption of e-extension in Lesotho
November 2019
Farmers in Lesotho mostly depend on rain-fed agriculture and are in need of access to agricultural information and knowledge in a timely, complete and quality manner. The traditional practice for delivering agricultural information has mainly relied on agricultural extension staff visiting farmers in order to provide advisory services. Due to the limited number of extension staff and other challenges, the delivery of...
Determinants of adoption of improved sorghum package in agro-pastoral households of Somali Region of Ethiopia: A gender perspective
November 2019
The study analysed determinants of adoption of improved sorghum package between male-headed and female-headed households. The specific objectives were to analyse adoption differentials of improved sorghum package, and to identify factors that affect adoption decision of improved sorghum package by male and female-headed households. Purposeful sampling method was employed to select Woreda of sorghum growers with greater...
Factors influencing the adoption of improved cowpea varieties in the Sudan Savannas of Northern Nigeria
November 2019
The study was undertaken to determine the level and factors influencing adoption of improved cowpea varieties introduced by the Sudan Savanna Taskforce project in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Data were collected from a random sample of 300 households from ten communities in the study area. The analytical tools used for data analysis include descriptive statistics to examine the level of adoption of...
Causes of losses and the economic loss estimates at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain in Uganda
October 2019
Uganda’s beef industry has been growing slowly and requires sustained monitoring of actors at post-harvest handling points in order to decrease public health risks and losses. This study documented causes of losses and estimated economic values at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain. It was carried out at slaughter houses, transporters and butcher shops in the districts of Western, Central and...
Enhancing community participation to improve sustainability of irrigation projects in Geita District, Tanzania
October 2019
The research on which this paper is based was conducted in Geita District, Tanzania, to assess the nature of community participation in irrigation projects in three villages (Nzera, Lwenge and Nyamalulu) to find out whether community participation used in the projects was likely to lead to their long term sustainability. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in which a combination of purposive and simple random...
Review on market re-orientation of extension services for value chain development in Borno State, Nigeria
October 2019
Hitherto the primary focus of agricultural extension in Borno State has been to ensure increasing agricultural production for food security. However, the current emphasis is on enhancing rural incomes through market re-orientation. This change was necessitated by the realization that subsistence food production can no longer provide for a decent living and therefore increased engagement in commercial food production and...
Rural communities access to community and social development projects in North Central Nigeria
September 2019
This study on rural communities’ access to community and social development projects in North Central Nigeria was carried out in North Central Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique and a sample size of 418 respondents was selected for the study. Data for the study were collected from primary sources. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. 58.7% of the respondents were males whereas...
Pre-scaling up of improved maize variety in Highlands and Midhighlands of West Guji Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
September 2019
This study was conducted at Bule Hora district of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia with the objective of further disseminating the already evaluated and selected variety maize, Jibat (AMH-851) to the farming community. The district was selected purposively based on potentiality and accessibility for maize production; and two potential peasant associations (PAs), Hera Liphitu and MetiTokuma were selected. A total of 20...
Role of farmers’ organizations to agricultural development in Mezam Division, Cameroon
August 2019
This study was carried out from January 2018 to March 2019 in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon on the role of farmers’ organizations to agricultural development, particularly the case of the Program for the Improvement of Competiveness of Family Agro-pastoral Farms and the North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR). The objective of the study was to analyze the role of farmers...
Effectiveness of learning and experimentation approaches for farmers as a community based strategy for banana xanthomonas wilt management
July 2019
Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) is a devastating disease for banana and enset in east, central and Horn of Africa since 1968. The disease has spread to all banana growing countries in the region in the last decade, causing yield losses of up to 80 to 100%. Several efforts have been undertaken to develop and implement technologies for BXW management and their effective deployment with varying successes. This paper presents...
Revisiting the status of pastoral women’s access to and control over livelihood assets; evidences from Fafan zone, Somali region, Ethiopia
June 2019
This paper focuses on assessing the status of pastoral women’s access to and control over livelihood assets in Fafan zone of Somali region, Ethiopia. In this study, the emphasis was given to the study populations’ level of access to and control over livelihood assets, factors affecting pastoral women’s asset ownership and the effects of pastoral women’s access to and control over livelihood...
Challenges and contributions of informal finance to the livelihoods of rural households in Gamo Gofa Zone, Ethiopia
May 2019
This study was to identify challenges and contribution of informal financial services on rural households’ livelihood in selected Woredas of Gamo Gofa Zone. A multistage sampling technique was employed. Primary data on households’ motives, challenges and contribution of informal financial services were collected from household heads and focus group discussants. The collected data were analysed using...
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