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Challenges and Opportunities Towards Small-scale Irrigation Based Onion Production: The Case of Fentale District, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
244-249
Received:
26 August 2021
Accepted:
27 September 2021
Published:
5 November 2021
Abstract: Onion is one of the important vegetable crops grown by farmers mostly for market purpose. This study focus on explore the challenges and opportunities of small-scale irrigation onion production at fentale district. Samples of 180 onion producer smallholder households were selected through multi-stage random sampling from the three kebeles of Fentale district. Sources of data were both the primary and secondary sources. The primary quantitative data were collected through Interview schedule while the qualitative were collected by FGD and KIIs methods. The data analysis methods also encompassed both quantitative and qualitative. Descriptive statistics (percentage) were employed to analysis quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed by narrations and interpreting the meaning of words. The result of the descriptive statistic reveals that the high cost of inputs, fluctuation in irrigation access, disease and pest, the input supply shortage, high labour cost, flood problem and informal sources of seed were the challenges of onion production at the study area. Besides the high income gained from onion, access to irrigation, good weather condition and the high yield of onion from a small plot were the major opportunities to produce onion at the area. Finally, the researcher recommended that the Government organizations and other responsible bodies should ensure the equal distribution of irrigation water for both upper and lower streams, and strengthen inputs supply chains.
Abstract: Onion is one of the important vegetable crops grown by farmers mostly for market purpose. This study focus on explore the challenges and opportunities of small-scale irrigation onion production at fentale district. Samples of 180 onion producer smallholder households were selected through multi-stage random sampling from the three kebeles of Fental...
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Local People's Perceptions of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Technologies in Senegal
Tamsir Mbaye,
Mahani Cisse,
Katim Toure,
Ababacar Ndiaye,
Marième Fall Ba,
Dioumacor Fall,
Fatou Gning,
Daouda Ngom
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
250-255
Received:
14 October 2021
Accepted:
3 November 2021
Published:
23 November 2021
Abstract: This study analyses the perceptions of beneficiaries on market gardening and horticultural grafting technologies of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab). The study involved a representative sample of 106 individuals. The methodological approach adopted consisted of individual surveys, group interviews and statistical estimations. The Chi-square and Pearson's test of independence were used to test the dependence of perceptions on certain socio-economic characteristics (gender, source of income, etc.). Correspondence factor analysis (CFA) analyses and the non-parametric Krusall-Wallis test were applied to the frequency data matrices to relate the perception groups to the extended technologies and villages. The results showed that management style (p=0.003) and beneficiaries' access to high trees (p=0.04) differed between sites. However, the level of accessibility determines the satisfaction of fresh leaf needs which also induces the level of adoption of the technologies by the beneficiaries. In addition, it is shown that the reasons for adoption such as ease of collection, proximity, fruiting of large trees (p=0.04), depend significantly on gender and justify some of the changes made such as the reduction of time spent searching for leaves in the bush. The results obtained will be used in future campaigns to introduce grafting and baobab market gardening technologies. Indeed, the socio-economic determinants found will be mobilized to increase the adoption rates of baobab technologies and, more globally, of reforestation campaigns in Senegal.
Abstract: This study analyses the perceptions of beneficiaries on market gardening and horticultural grafting technologies of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab). The study involved a representative sample of 106 individuals. The methodological approach adopted consisted of individual surveys, group interviews and statistical estimations. The Chi-square and Pears...
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Determinants of Agro-pastoral Households' Livelihood Diversification Strategies in Awbare District, Fafan Zone of Somali State, Ethiopia
Sadik Abdi Hirsi,
Abdirahman Husein,
Abdirahmaan Awmuuse
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
256-263
Received:
22 October 2021
Accepted:
16 November 2021
Published:
23 November 2021
Abstract: Pastoralism and agro-pastoralism with extensive livestock production are the dominant livelihood sources for the Somali regional State's population. However, recent decades marked with climatic shocks such as recurrent drought have negatively impacted livestock production and forced many pastorals and agro-pastoral households to face livelihood crises. To cope with this situation, seeking alternative livelihood sources become inevitable. The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of agro-pastoral household's livelihood diversification strategies in Awbare district, Fafan zone of the Somali State, Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to capture the necessary data, and 153 respondents were randomly selected from the agro-pastoral population using a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, and key informant interview. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as ANOVA and chi-square and Multinomial logistic model were used to identify determinants factors. The study has revealed that 45.1% of the surveyed agro-pastoral households were engaging livelihood diversification of non-farm, off-farm, and farm+non-farm+off-farm whereas the rest of 54.90% of the respondents were unable to diversify and were practicing only farm activities. The multinomial regression model has identified that the educational status, farm size, use of agricultural farm input, and total annual income of the households were positively associated with the likelihood of engaging livelihood diversification strategies. In contrast, the age, dependent ratio, and access for credit use were negatively associated with the likelihood of livelihood diversification. In conclusion, livelihood diversification among Awbare agro-pastoralists was low due to underlying factors like education and income, and enchasing these factors could improve their livelihood asset. The study suggests that the future policy toward pastoral and agro-pastoralist should consider these factors.
Abstract: Pastoralism and agro-pastoralism with extensive livestock production are the dominant livelihood sources for the Somali regional State's population. However, recent decades marked with climatic shocks such as recurrent drought have negatively impacted livestock production and forced many pastorals and agro-pastoral households to face livelihood cri...
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Guangdong Tropical Agriculture Regional Distribution and Industrial Structure Situation: Perspective of Choice for Optimization and Adjustment
Huijian Zhang,
Junming Zhao,
Jun Jiang
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
264-275
Received:
8 October 2021
Accepted:
15 November 2021
Published:
24 November 2021
Abstract: It is necessary to clarify the current regional layout and industrial structure of Guangdong tropical agriculture. Speed up the research on the selection of suitable industries for tropical agriculture, scientifically guide the concentration of various agricultural industries in the most suitable areas, help all kinds of social funds clarify the investment direction and key areas, promote the professional division of labor in agricultural regions, deepen the structural reform of agricultural supply side, and form a reasonable distribution of agricultural productivity, are of great importance. Focus on situation of agricultural regional distribution and industrial structure in tropical area of Guangdong, this research analyzes the characteristics, industrial development model and existing problems, and puts forward the optimization and adjustment path and policy suggestions of tropical agriculture in Guangdong. The characteristics include agricultural environment rich in resources, the industrial regional characteristics are distinct, advantageous industries gradually concentrated on advantageous regions, industrial structure become more and more reasonable, modern agricultural model has taken shape with good basic conditions, the "dumbbell" characteristics of agricultural industrial organization structure have gradually emerged, agricultural operation service organization led by supply and marketing cooperatives has been preliminarily established. The existing problems in developing tropical agriculture in sub-tropical areas of Guangdong include industrial structure and variety structure among counties need to be optimized, imperfect industrial chain, land fragmentation leads to the miniaturization of production and operation, the agricultural socialized service system needs to be further improved, imperfect agricultural technology extension system. The optimization and adjustment path of tropical agriculture in sub-tropical areas of Guangdong are making efficient tropical agricultural industrial structure and layout with appropriate scale regional agricultural products as the main body, selecting suitable industries and extend their industrial chain, constructing professional agricultural socialized service system, strengthening construction of grass-roots agricultural technology popularization system, enhancing agricultural cooperation between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port.
Abstract: It is necessary to clarify the current regional layout and industrial structure of Guangdong tropical agriculture. Speed up the research on the selection of suitable industries for tropical agriculture, scientifically guide the concentration of various agricultural industries in the most suitable areas, help all kinds of social funds clarify the in...
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Review Study on the Effect of Different Varieties Seed Size to Yields and Economic Benefits of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
276-290
Received:
20 October 2021
Accepted:
11 November 2021
Published:
25 November 2021
Abstract: The main goal of this study is to determine the best plant population level of bread wheat crop by identifying the most economic-effective variety’s seed size and to deliver an overview of wheat production management requirements in general and specifically in Ethiopia, comparing with current research trends as well as to make some recommendations on the appropriate seed rates for yields, and economic benefits of bread wheat. This paper reviewed that application of the optimum seed rate under ideal environment availability of which may help in improving yield and yield components of bread wheat. To optimize seed rate and plant density of wheat, some experiments have conducted so far across most wheat growing areas of Ethiopia. The field experiments were conducted in different times at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center from July to November 2012. Quite similar field experiment was also conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center from June to 2018 cropping season, Three bread wheat varieties (Hidassie, Dendea and Shorima) representing different seed sizes of large, medium, small, respectively and four plant population levels of 250, 300, 350 & 400 plants m-2 were tested. The interaction effects of varieties seed size and plant population on grain yield showed statistically significant (p<0.01) variation, likewise biomass yield and straw yield indicated significant (p<0.05) variations. The grain yield resulted in (4.309 Ton ha-1), similarly biomass yield and straw yield are (11.00 Ton ha-1) and (5.28 Ton ha-1) respectively, and it suggests that these traits are generally enhanced by the genetic makeups of the variety Hidassie /large seed size. Economic analysis using partial budget procedure was performed on grain yields to determine the treatment with most profitable returns. The beneficial marginal rate of return (8.50) and benefit cost ratio (8.07) was obtained from the variety Hidassie/large seed size at a plant population of 300 seeds m-2 followed by a marginal rate of return (9.55) and benefit cost ratio (8.05) were also recorded again from the variety Hidassie/large seed size at plant population of 250 plants m-2. So the most cost-effective variety and plant population level for farmers with low cost of production and higher benefits were identified to be the variety Hidassie/large seed size at the plant population level of 300 plants m-2 in the rain fed cropping season is identified as low cost of production with highest benefit and can be recommended for the producers of wheat crop.
Abstract: The main goal of this study is to determine the best plant population level of bread wheat crop by identifying the most economic-effective variety’s seed size and to deliver an overview of wheat production management requirements in general and specifically in Ethiopia, comparing with current research trends as well as to make some recommendations ...
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African Swine Fever (ASF) Insurance Premium Estimate Test at Mont-Ngafula in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): A Model Under Construction
Alexandre Tona Tona,
Alphonse-Roger Ntoto M’vubu,
Rostin Mabela Matendo,
Freddy Okitayela Onawoma
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
291-299
Received:
3 October 2021
Accepted:
21 October 2021
Published:
25 November 2021
Abstract: In order to estimate the average insurable pig numbers held by breeders, their monetary value, the ASF insurance premium in the event of adoption of the product, a survey was carried out from January 2 to April 10, 2021, among 63 pig farmers. from Mont Ngafula in Kinshasa, DRC to collect information relating to the construction of a future model of local management of this risk. The average insurable pig population owned by a breeder from Mont-Ngafula in Kinshasa is 8,571 ± 3.48 and this represents an average monetary value of 2.604 ± 1.092,87 with an average ASF insurance premium of 169.27 ± 71.03 $. The correlation matrix showed a strong link between the pig workforce, monetary value of the pig herd, ASF insurance premium, frankness and indemnification. The model of linear regression explains 77.09% of the link between the insurable pig population held by a breeder and the premium payable in the event of adoption of ASF insurance. The equation for the line is Y = 17.916 x + 15.709. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) in turn shows that there are three variables that have a higher correlation for the management of this ASF and these are the level of study (0.65), the veterinary consultation (0.55) and the payment. of the PPA premium (0.42). The alignment of the first bisector for all variables suggests that they are normally distributed. Pig farmers complain about the lack of funding and support from the state services in charge of the pig sector.
Abstract: In order to estimate the average insurable pig numbers held by breeders, their monetary value, the ASF insurance premium in the event of adoption of the product, a survey was carried out from January 2 to April 10, 2021, among 63 pig farmers. from Mont Ngafula in Kinshasa, DRC to collect information relating to the construction of a future model of...
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Economic Analysis of Use of Non-Conventional Fertilizers in Maize and Bean Production in Vihiga County, Kenya
Mary Jepkemboi Kipsat,
Mose Phoebe Bwari,
Daniel Ochieng Osewe
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
300-304
Received:
14 October 2021
Accepted:
4 November 2021
Published:
25 November 2021
Abstract: The majority of smallholder maize farmers in the study area depend on farming whose returns are very low. This, together with low soil fertility and the inability of farmers to purchase chemical fertilizers, has resulted in the undertaking of research on non-conventional fertilizers, mainly organic fertilizers, by researchers in research institutions, universities, and NGOs. Researchers have registered high yield responses to the use of non-conventional fertilizers in demonstration farms and extension agents have been tasked with promoting the use of the fertilizers. Studies have shown that emphasis was put on informing farmers of the ability of the fertilizers to improve yields. Despite the high yields in research settings, smallholder farmers have continued to witness low crop yields. This begs the question, why was this the case? The purpose of this study was to analyze the promoted non-conventional fertilizers with the aim of determining whether there were significant profitability differences between their use and the use of inorganic fertilizers among smallholder farmers. The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative profitability analysis of the commonly used fertilizers, namely: inorganic fertilizers, farmyard, compost, agroforestry, and Thithonia difersifolia promoted in the study area. Stratified random sampling was used to select 150 respondents from Vihiga County, Kenya. Farmers were stratified into five strata based on the type of fertilizer that the farmers used, and at least 30 farmers were selected from each strata. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and the data collected was analyzed using net present value and gross margins. The results of the evaluation of the technologies on food production indicated that there were significant profitability differences at a 5% level between the use of non-conventional fertilizers and that of inorganic fertilizers. The study recommended that farmers be educated on the economics of the use of non-conventional fertilizers in order to enable them to select the most economically efficient technology. An economic analysis should also be done to determine the profitability of the use of non-conventional fertilizers on high-value crops such as vegetables and fruits. Maize/bean intercrop formed the basis of profitability analyses in this study because most farmers used them on the maize/ bean intercrop. Net present value profitability analysis should also be done on the use of organic materials on perennial crops such as fruits.
Abstract: The majority of smallholder maize farmers in the study area depend on farming whose returns are very low. This, together with low soil fertility and the inability of farmers to purchase chemical fertilizers, has resulted in the undertaking of research on non-conventional fertilizers, mainly organic fertilizers, by researchers in research institutio...
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Determinants of Onion Marketed Among Smallholder Producers in Gemechis District, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia
Ahmed Abrahim,
Kumilachew Alamerie,
Alelign Ademe
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
305-314
Received:
27 September 2021
Accepted:
22 November 2021
Published:
27 November 2021
Abstract: Onion plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and generates income for the smallholder farmers of Ethiopia. This paper was attempted to analyze the determinants of onion supplied to the market in Gemechis District, Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected by household survey using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and key informant interview using checklists. The data were collected from 176 farmers. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and econometric model. The descriptive statistics was used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers and econometric model was used to determine the factors affecting onion supplied to the market. The results of two-stage least square regression model showed that quantity of onion supplied to the market was significantly and positively influenced by the endogenous quantity of onion produced. In addition, distance from nearest market, non/off farming income, land allocated and lagged price significantly affect the onion marketed. The study findings suggest the need to improve rural road infrastructure, intensification of land to compensate through cash crop production and efficient utilization of the existing limited farm land and encourage investment on off/non-farm incomes as well as onion production.
Abstract: Onion plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and generates income for the smallholder farmers of Ethiopia. This paper was attempted to analyze the determinants of onion supplied to the market in Gemechis District, Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were col...
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Exploring Smallholder Farmers’ Perception on the Uptake of Agricultural Innovations in Kuje Area Council, Abuja
Aluko Kehinde Janet,
Sennuga Samson Olayemi,
Ezinne Merianchris Emeana
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
315-319
Received:
9 November 2021
Accepted:
6 December 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: This study explored smallholder farmers’ perception on the uptake of agricultural innovations in Kuje area council of Abuja, FCT. The study was carried out in three communities in Kuje namely, Chukuku, Chibiri and Dafara. The study was guided basically by four objectives which were all analysed using descriptive statistics. The communities in which the study was carried out were sampled purposively and 80 smallholder farmers were in total selected from the three communities. Well structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. However, assistance was given to a few farmers who weren’t literate enough to read the contents of the questionnaire. Findings from the study were presented in frequency and percentage distribution tables. Results from the study revealed that smallholder farmers had varying perceptions about agricultural innovations ranging from good, bad to indifferent. Most of the smallholder farmers in the study area believed that agricultural innovations are good, they however insisted that agricultural innovations were sometimes difficult to understand and also there were issues with poor follow up by the introducer of innovations (mostly agricultural extension agent). Based on this, it was recommended that: agricultural innovations should meet the needs of farmers and should be at their level of understanding. Also, introducers of agricultural innovations should endeavour to improve on their follow up activities to ensure ultimate uptake of innovation by farmers.
Abstract: This study explored smallholder farmers’ perception on the uptake of agricultural innovations in Kuje area council of Abuja, FCT. The study was carried out in three communities in Kuje namely, Chukuku, Chibiri and Dafara. The study was guided basically by four objectives which were all analysed using descriptive statistics. The communities in which...
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Technology Adoption Capabilities of Small Farm Dairy Cattle Holders in Gwagwalada, Abuja: Effects of Asymmetric Information and Extension Approaches
Lai-Solarin Winifred Ifeoma,
Adeoye Wasiu Adelabu,
Sennuga Samson Olayemi
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
320-328
Received:
9 November 2021
Accepted:
29 November 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: The study examined technology adoption capabilities of small farm dairy cattle holders in Gwagwalada, Abuja: effects of asymmetric information and extension approaches. The study was conducted in Gwagwalada Area Council in FCT. Three objectives guided the study. Structured questionnaires were adopted to evaluate the impact of asymmetric information and extension approaches on small farm dairy cattle holders in the study area. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Purposeful random sampling technique was employed in the choice of the study area and simple random sampling of 123 small farm dairy cattle holders. Primary data were generated for this study through a cross-sectional personal interview survey that was carried out randomly among small farm dairy cattle holders in Pikon Kore Grazing Reserves, Gwagwalada Area Council. Pikon Kore Grazing Reserves was purposefully selected because it is the most developed of the four Grazing Reserves in FCT with a large number of sedentary and non-sedentary pastoralist households and clusters with livestock rearing and dairy as the principal source of livelihood. Google Platform purposefully created for the study was analyzed with descriptive statistical tools. The descriptive statistical tools comprised frequency counts and percentages presented in pie and bar charts generated by google platforms. Results from the finding of the study revealed that Information Asymmetry is glaringly reflected in the huge gap between stakeholders with awareness of new technologies (96.7%) and utilization or adoption (3.3%) as well as those engaging indigenous methods (96.7%). Therefore, the following recommendations were made: multi-stakeholder backstopping mechanism may have to be evolved to address current levels of information asymmetry in smallholder dairy ventures and allied setups. Similarly, improved access to symmetric information and use of specialized bespoke extension approaches for livestock farmers should be encouraged to adequately translate awareness of technologies to utilization and adoption capabilities of small farm dairy cattle holders and indeed livestock farmers.
Abstract: The study examined technology adoption capabilities of small farm dairy cattle holders in Gwagwalada, Abuja: effects of asymmetric information and extension approaches. The study was conducted in Gwagwalada Area Council in FCT. Three objectives guided the study. Structured questionnaires were adopted to evaluate the impact of asymmetric information...
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Dynamics of Land Use Changes on the Livelihood of Local Communities in Baringo County: Effects of Land Use Changes
Edward Lekaichu Ole Kateiya,
Aggrey Daniel Maina Thuo,
Maurice Ochieng Ombok
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
329-345
Received:
26 October 2021
Accepted:
9 December 2021
Published:
29 December 2021
Abstract: This paper examined the effects of land use changes on the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo County. Land is a principal factor of production, a source of life and livelihoods. It provides a means of living and a variety of uses such as agricultural, human settlement, environmental conservation, urban and industrial development purposes among others. These uses compete for space in a fixed area, hence the rising land use conflicts and degradation. The situation has threatened lives and livelihoods, making it difficult to plan for the livelihood activities in Baringo County. This is happening against the backdrop of land use policy changes including; the National Land Policy, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Land Act, 2012, the Land Registration Act, 2012, the Community Land Act, 2016 and the National Land Use Policy that confers sanctity on land use. Using non-experimental survey design, 323 households were randomly sampled from Baringo South, Tiaty, Baringo North and Eldama Ravine Constituencies. Cobb-Douglas production model was used to analyze livelihood assets productivity. The study found out that land use changes decreased livelihood assets productivity at varied level of significance; human by 56.1% at 1%, physical by 53.4% at 10% and financial by 65.6% at 5% level. This decrease is related with the unregistered community land in dry areas (pastoral) largely in Tiaty constituency, where livelihood assets productivity decreased by 282.4% at 5%, and in the marginal areas (agro-pastoral) largely in Baringo South, where livelihood assets productivity decreased by 9% at 1% level of significance. In contrast, land use changes increased livelihood assets productivity in the highlands, particularly, in Eldama Ravine constituency, it increased by 139.3% at 10%, and in Baringo North Constituency, it increased by 5.1% at 1% level of significance. This increase in livelihood assets productivity in the highlands was associated with security of land tenure under registered private land use. The study concluded that unregistered community land is the main cause of unstable and uncertain livelihoods in Baringo County particularly in dry areas. The effects led to severe land use conflicts occasioning deaths, displacement and distorted livelihood perpetuating uncertain conditions for future livelihood development. The government, therefore, need to recognize, protect and register the local communities’ interest on community land. This will guarantee land tenure security, enhance livelihood assets productivity and secure future development for the local communities.
Abstract: This paper examined the effects of land use changes on the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo County. Land is a principal factor of production, a source of life and livelihoods. It provides a means of living and a variety of uses such as agricultural, human settlement, environmental conservation, urban and industrial development purpose...
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