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Research Article
Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Pixie Production in Makueni County, Kenya
Wambua Samuel Muuo*,
Simon Mwaura,
Christopher Maokomba
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
1-10
Received:
5 December 2023
Accepted:
20 December 2023
Published:
8 January 2024
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the farm technical efficiency in pixie farming in Makueni County, Kenya and the factors which influence the technical efficiency. The specific objectives of the study were: determination of technical efficiency in pixie production, examination of how socio-economic characteristics affect the technical efficiency in pixie production, and determination of how the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies influence the technical efficiency in pixie production. Primary data was collected where questionnaires and interview schedule were adopted to obtain information from a sample of 311 pixie farmers through both purposive and simple random sampling technique. Non-experimental cross sectional research design was adopted. Generalized linear regression model and stochastic frontier model were used. The study results found that the mean technical efficiency was 75%. There only existed a 25% potential towards realization of optimum output by the average farmer. Different socio-economic characteristics of the farmers were found to influence technical efficiency among the pixie farmers. Maximum likelihood estimates of technical efficiency derived from the stochastic frontier production function results indicated that use of fertilizer, manure and labour contributed to increased productivity. The adopters of the different sustainable agricultural technologies had higher technical efficiencies than the non-adopters. The study recommends young farmers be encouraged in the practice of pixie farming to help in realization of high pixie output. The government should: Put in place measures to increase credit access to farmers, harmonize the repayment time of the loans and design strategies in place for the pixie farmers to be educated on the need of adopting the sustainable agricultural technologies and how to use them in order to reduce the big gap in their productivity levels.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the farm technical efficiency in pixie farming in Makueni County, Kenya and the factors which influence the technical efficiency. The specific objectives of the study were: determination of technical efficiency in pixie production, examination of how socio-economic characteristics affect the technical effic...
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Research Article
Farmers' Perceptions and Improving Agricultural Productivity in Saline Soils in Northern Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
11-15
Received:
30 November 2023
Accepted:
26 December 2023
Published:
11 January 2024
Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure farmers' perceptions of the presence of salinity in their croplands and its impact on agricultural production and household food security. The survey data was collected from a total of 101 farmers from Raya-Alamata district in Ethiopia. Farmers were selected using a random sample from a household list. Focus group interviews were conducted with farmers in each district to explore their perceptions of soil salinity, its impacts and their adaptation strategies. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Farmers' responses showed they were concerned about increasing problems with soil salinity and its impact on the productivity and well-being of their crops. The results showed that observing the white crust (91.4% )and dark brown color of the soil(5.5%) are the main indicators farmers use to determine the salinity in their fields. Irrigation water quality (97.4%) and poor irrigation practices (96.2%) are considered to be the main causes of salinity development. Farmers' perceptions of salinity should be used by various stakeholders as a starting point for developing Strategies for salt-affected areas.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure farmers' perceptions of the presence of salinity in their croplands and its impact on agricultural production and household food security. The survey data was collected from a total of 101 farmers from Raya-Alamata district in Ethiopia. Farmers were selected using a random sample from a household list. Focus gro...
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Research Article
Interventions and Women Agricultural Productivity in Benue State, Nigeria
Ehigocho Peace Aimua,
Ilemona Adofu,
Joseph Okwori
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
16-29
Received:
31 October 2023
Accepted:
5 December 2023
Published:
18 January 2024
Abstract: This study investigates the effect of interventions on women agricultural productivity in Benue State, Nigeria. The study employs a robust ordinary least square (OLS) regression model to analyse this relationship using a cross-sectional data obtained from a sample of 421 women participating in agriculture drawn from eight local government areas in Benue State. The result of the analysis revealed that interventions such as training, credit, seedlings, pesticides, tools and machineries had no significant effect on women agricultural productivity in Benue State. Similarly the result showed that, the percentage share of female labour in agricultural activities had no effect on women’s agricultural productivity. However, years of education, farm size and age of the respondents were found to have a significant effect on women agricultural productivity in the study area. The findings of this study reveal that, present intervention approach does not impact women agricultural productivity in any form in Benue State. Hence, a better intervention approach that enables women to have access to more farm lands and other productive resources should be incorporated. Furthermore, interventions strategies that will encourage girl child education and adult education for women mostly in the rural areas should be prioritized by government and non-government agencies. The findings of this study are relevant in understanding the effect of interventions and the type of interventions that should be delivered.
Abstract: This study investigates the effect of interventions on women agricultural productivity in Benue State, Nigeria. The study employs a robust ordinary least square (OLS) regression model to analyse this relationship using a cross-sectional data obtained from a sample of 421 women participating in agriculture drawn from eight local government areas in ...
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Research Article
New Climate Resilience Rice Varieties for Coping with Climate Change HomThadokKham 17 (HTDK 17)
Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane*,
Leah Homsengchan,
Viengmani Mani,
Pradit Chanchanuvong,
Singty Voradet,
Nikham Chanphao,
Khamsuk Duangbupha,
Vorachit Sihathep,
Theerayut Toojinda,
Chang-Ho Shin
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
30-35
Received:
10 December 2023
Accepted:
4 January 2024
Published:
1 February 2024
Abstract: Rainfed rice cultivation dominates in Laos, covering an estimated 88% of the total area. This reliance on rainwater renders all production and planting activities vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, that can strike at any point during the growing season. Such events can devastate rice production, leading to losses of up to 20% of the total domestic output. Moreover, climate change has further exacerbated challenges faced by rainfed rice farming in Lao PDR. To address these issues, a research project aimed at developing rice varieties adapted to changing environmental conditions was initiated in 1993. The project employed a hybridization approach, utilizing TDK8 (a high-yielding variety with broad environmental adaptability) and RGD10033-77-MAS-22 (a aromatic variety tolerant to flooding, drought and blast disease). In 2019, a promising aromatic line, RGD13300-88-1-1-MAS-5-MAS-TDK-1-B, emerged from the research efforts. This line exhibits tolerance to flooding for 14 to 20 days and demonstrates good resistance to leaf blight and neck blast. Throughout 2021, production tests were conducted in four provinces: Luangnamtha, Vientiane Capital, Savannakhet, and Champasak. The new variety, named HTDK17, delivered superior yields compared to both parental lines and local varieties, achieving an average of 3,974 kg/ha, representing a 3% increase. HTDK17 exhibits a maturity date of 130 to 135 days and is insensitive to photoperiod. To facilitate the dissemination of this new variety to farmers, seed of this variety has produced 11,000 kg of seed during the dry season of 2022-2023. This seed was distributed to 1,100 farmers acroses the four aforementioned provinces.
Abstract: Rainfed rice cultivation dominates in Laos, covering an estimated 88% of the total area. This reliance on rainwater renders all production and planting activities vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, that can strike at any point during the growing season. Such events can devastate rice production, leading to l...
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Research Article
Development of the Agricultural Sector and Its Contribution to the Growth of the Ethiopian Economy
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
36-40
Received:
29 December 2023
Accepted:
16 January 2024
Published:
1 February 2024
Abstract: The study analyzed the development of the agricultural sector and its contribution to the growth of the Ethiopian economy. This study used annual time series data covering the period from 2006/07 to 2020/21. Secondary data were acquired from National Bank of Ethiopia, Planning and Development Commission, Ministry of Finance, Central Statistical agency and the Ethiopian Customs Commission. Agricultural gross domestic product, capital investment, export values, government agricultural expenditure data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that Ethiopian budgetary support to agriculture is not meeting the target of 10% set by Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) by investing only 3.2% of the national budgets per year which aimed at raising agricultural productivity by at least 6 percent per year. Beside this, in terms of investment capital, the share of the sector has decreased to 0.3% in 2020/21 compared to 13% in 2014/2015. Ethiopian agricultural gross domestic product (AGDP) increased by 1323 percent compared to 2006/07. However, the contribution of the sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) decreased from 45.7 percent in 2006/07 to 32.1 percent in 2020/2021. Despite the decreasing importance of agriculture in the country’s GDP, Ethiopia has shown an annual growth of 205.2 percent from 2006/2007, with annual sales of approximately 3.6 million dollars. Agricultural products are still Ethiopia's main export industry, generating USD 2.5 million, accounting for 70 percent of total sales in 2020/21. Furthermore, In 2020/21, Ethiopia's economy recorded a growth of 6.3 percent, which is slightly higher than the previous year’s 6.1 percent expansion. Agriculture, industry and services contributed 32.1 percent, 28.9 percent and 39 percent to the gross domestic product respectively in the 2020/21 fiscal year. In addition, between 2006/07 and 2020/21, the industry and manufacturing sector grew by 0.8 real GDP, but the agriculture and service sectors decreased by 2.6 and 0.8 real GDP respectively, resulting in a 5.8 real GDP decline in the overall Ethiopian economy. Generally, this result shows that the decrease in the contribution of the agricultural sector is not only that many natural and man-made problems do not need to be solved, but also that the government is giving less attention to the sector. Therefore, agriculture-led economic growth that is linked to improved livelihoods can become a long-lasting solution to Ethiopia’s chronic poverty and to support future needs.
Abstract: The study analyzed the development of the agricultural sector and its contribution to the growth of the Ethiopian economy. This study used annual time series data covering the period from 2006/07 to 2020/21. Secondary data were acquired from National Bank of Ethiopia, Planning and Development Commission, Ministry of Finance, Central Statistical age...
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