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Potato is a key food security crop in Ethiopia, valued for its high yield potential and adaptability. However, productivity remains low due to limited use of improved varieties and inappropriate fertilizer application. A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 main cropping season in Toke Kutaye and Liban Jawi districts, western Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on the growth and...
Future of Sweet Potato Cultivation in Kenya's Drylands; Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Stress
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Climate change is reshaping sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production in Kenya’s semi-arid drylands, where increasing temperatures and rainfall variability continue to intensify water stress. This study assessed the future performance of sweet potato in Katumani using the FAO AquaCrop model, calibrated and validated with field data from 2018-2020 and historical climate records (1991-2016). Future projections under SSP2...
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Climate change is affecting the livestock sector in Uganda by reducing feed quality and availability. In response, various feeding initiatives have emerged to enhance the sector’s productivity and sustainability. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains inadequately documented, necessitating a systematic review to provide lessons going forward. This review aimed to compile existing literature on livestock...
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Vermicomposting is an effective technology for managing organic waste, transforming waste into nutrient-rich fertilizers while enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture. This study was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing improvements in nutrient compositions, types of earthworm species, influence of organic waste, and the agronomic advantages of applying...
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The article examined market women’s perception and attitudes towards the use of tricycles as modes of transport in the Tamale Metro of Ghana. Cross-sectional primary data was collected from a survey of 370 market women, selected from five main markets, using questionnaires, interview and focused group discussion guides, in a multi-staged sampling process. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the...
Performances Evaluation of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Ethiopia. A Review.
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This article was prepared with the objective of reviewing and packing information and facts related to productive and reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cows on the same document. A kind of these auricles helps policy makers, policy extensions and every stakeholder in dairy development. Dairy farming in Ethiopia plays an important role in social and economic livelihood of the smallholder farmers and pastoralists...
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Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a vital oilseed for Tanzania’s edible oil self-sufficiency agenda, yet productivity remains below its potential. This study employs a Multivariate Empirical (MVE) Simulation within a Monte Carlo–based stochastic framework, utilizing nationally representative data from the 2019/20 National Sample Census of Agriculture to assess yield variability and production risk across six farming...
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Oxidative stress arises when the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) surpasses the capacity of biological systems to neutralize them or repair the damage through antioxidant defences. Despite the natural antioxidant defence and repair mechanisms present in humans and other organisms, continuous exposure to free radicals inevitably causes biological harm that cannot be entirely...
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The cochineal insect Dactylopius opuntiae poses a serious threat to Opuntia ficus-indica cultivation in Morocco and other dry regions. This study assessed the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. Oils were extracted through hydrodistillation and tested at 1–5% (v/v) against eggs, larvae,...
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This study presents an IoT system for real-time monitoring of soil and air temperature and humidity in an agricultural field at ISFAR, Bambey. The system uses Arduino Uno microcontrollers and LoRa modules to wirelessly transmit data from three sensors. Collected data are processed with Python scripts for cleaning and visualization. To improve agricultural management, machine learning models—Random Forest, Lasso, Linear...
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Cowpea bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. vignicola (Burkh.), is increasingly becoming a major constraint to cowpea productivity worldwide. The use of genotypes that are resistant and/or tolerant to the pathogen is an effective means of controlling the disease. In this study, we evaluated the response of 12 cowpea genotypes of Burkina Faso to three strains (CFBP 7111, 7112, and 7113) of X. citri pv....
The Use of Cassava in Poultry Nutrition, in Nigeria: Prospects, Limitations and the Way Forward
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Rising costs of conventional poultry feeds, especially maize, have prompted the search for affordable, locally available alternatives in Nigeria. This study investigates the potential of cassava and its derivatives as substitute feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Drawing on field surveys, feed trials, and laboratory analyses, the research evaluates the nutritional value, performance outcomes, and economic benefits of...
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Integrated soil fertility management using organic(VC) and inorganic(Np) fertilizer is recognized as absolute soil fertility management aims to increase yield, a better option in improving Soil structure, providing a more balanced supply of nutrients and saving cost of production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of VC and NP on yields and yield components of wheat under vertisol, Afield experiment...
Economic and Environmental Assessment of Frost Protection Techniques.
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Frost events pose significant threats to agricultural productivity, particularly in regions where crops are vulnerable to low temperatures during critical growth stages. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of various frost protection techniques, focusing on both their economic viability and environmental impacts. The techniques discussed include passive methods, such as site selection and crop...
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Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa and plays a central role in food security and livelihoods. However, widespread vitamin A deficiency in the region necessitates the development of biofortified maize varieties with enhanced provitamin A (PVA) content. This study evaluated the performance of sixteen PVA maize hybrids for grain yield and agronomic traits in the Nigerian derived savanna during...
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Ethiopia is largest producers of coffea arabica seeds and important for international trade, foreign exchange for agriculture, and most popular drink. Many animal studies have shown that acrylamide is a carcinogenic, neurotoxic and genotoxic compound, dueto browning process, which is called Maillard Reaction. This study was done to determine Acrylamide level, caffeine and phytochemical analysis in some Guji and West Guji...
Participation in okra production, profitability and production constraints
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This study investigates factors influencing smallholder farmers' participation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) production and its profitability in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Data from 203 farmers were analyzed using Tobit, Truncated, and Probit regression models to identify key participation determinants. Profitability was assessed through gross and net margin ratios, while Kendall’s coefficient ranked production...
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Community-based participatory forest resource management (CBPFM) is crucial for conservation, especially in diverse ecosystems like Nech-Sar National Park, Ethiopia. This research utilized a stratified sampling method, resulting in 50 respondents from various sectors, including farmers, park officials, anglers, and local guards. Findings indicate a positive perception of the park's status at 92%, yet challenges such as...
Determinants and Barriers to Financial Inclusion in Ghana’s Agricultural Sector
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The paper examines determinants and barriers to financial inclusion among agricultural households in Ghana. Data from the 2017 Ghana Living Standards Survey is used to assess account ownership, credit availability, and insurance coverage. The relationship between demographic characteristics and financial inclusion indicators were evaluated using logistic regression, while reported barriers to financial inclusion are...
Mutation breeding of cassava for genetic resistance to cassava mosaic geminiviruses.
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Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a serious constraint to cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa. Several strategies have been deployed to limit the spread of the disease. In the current study, ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), a chemical mutagen was used for induction of mutation in stem cuttings of CMD-susceptible cassava varieties (Ex-Ndolo and Mucericeri for resistance to CMD and in control varieties Karembo and Tajirika...
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Fusarium wilt is a widespread and devastating disease affecting tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) worldwide, leading to significant crop losses and economic repercussions. The need for effective disease management strategies is critical. This study investigates the potential of the composite fungicide Ethylene-Bis-Dithiocarbamate (Mancozeb) to mitigate the impact of Fusarium oxysporum on tomato plants. A controlled...
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The Hausa potato, a lesser-known and underutilised crop species in Africa, is in danger of extinction. The crop's agronomic practices, production, processing and utilisation are poorly documented. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify research efforts in characterising the different accessions grown in Nigeria. The growth and yield evaluation of ten accessions of Hausa potato was carried out during the 2018 cropping...
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Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.) is a valuable root crop in western and southwestern Ethiopia, though its distribution and adaptation vary across the region. A field experiment was conducted in Horro Guduru Wallaga, Ethiopia, with eight accessions (Desta 01, 223098, 223101, Kuwe, 90801, 240407B, 223090, and 220563) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to evaluate their...
Surface irrigation and drainage system performance evaluation of Muvumba P8- Marshland
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The study evaluates the irrigation and drainage performance of an irrigation scheme in MUVUMBA P8 marshland, which has a total area of 1750 ha but only 1500 ha irrigated. The marshland faces water shortages, flooding, and inadequate land and water resource management. The research uses qualitative and quantitative techniques, including Cropwat 8.0 software, to determine crop water requirements and evaluate irrigation...
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The effect of partial substitution of urea with Calliandra calothyrus or maize stover on soil nitrogen, nitrogen uptake and maize biomass was studied in the long rains (LR) and short rains (SR) seasons in western Kenya. Two organic N sources; calliandra or maize stover were combined with urea in the following organic:urea ratios 0:0, 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, 0:100 so as to supply 75 kg N ha-1. Soil inorganic N...
The Impact of Improved Cashew Varieties on Smallholder Farmers’ Income in Mtwara, Tanzania
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: The study examines the impact of Improved Cashew Varieties (ICVs) on smallholder farmers in Mtwara, Tanzania, using data from 760 farmers and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis. Results show that adopters achieved significantly higher yields (1,097.4 kg/ha) compared to non-adopters (574.3 kg/ha), a 91.2% increase. Similarly, annual income from Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) sales rose by 85.1% for adopters, reaching TZS...
Characterization of smallholder maize cropping systems in Northern Ghana
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The major factors limiting and increasing maize yields in northern Ghanaian smallholder farming systems were to be identified and quantified in this study. A total of 240 maize farms in four districts (East Gonja, Kpandai, Nanumba North, and Nanumba South) participated in a thorough survey during the 2020 cropping season. The findings revealed substantial heterogeneity between farms (0.25-4.0 tons/ha) and low actual maize...
Economic Value of Forest Reserve on Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
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Forest reserves are essential for biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. This study analyzes the economic value of Gorongosa National Park (GNP) in Mozambique based on scientific literature and institutional reports, applying valuation methods such as production function, willingness to pay, and opportunity cost. The results show multiple benefits: a 95.25 tCO?(eq) increase in carbon...
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Smallholder cereal farmers in the Savannah region of Ghana are bearing the brunt of climate change and variability, the consequences of which are visible in decreasing agricultural productivity and food security. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has been promoted as part of the National CSA Action Plan as a viable strategy to mitigate these adverse effects and enhance farmers' resilience. This study examines smallholder...
Factors Influencing Post-Harvest Losses In Rice Production Amongst Smallholder Farmers In Liberia.
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Demand for rice remains high in Liberia with low farm-level productivity due to postharvest losses. Insects, rodents, spoiling, bruising, disease attacks, spillage, contamination, and poor storage practices are major factors influencing rice yield. Rice output has continuously declined with post-harvest losses accounting for about 10 to 40%. The ability of smallholder rice farmers to improve output levels and attain...
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Effective soil fertility management requires aligning nutrient applications with specific landscape and rainfall conditions to ensure better agronomic and economic outcomes. This study assessed the economic viability of landscape-based fertilizer strategies for wheat and maize in Ethiopia, using data from 194 wheat and 45 maize on-farm trials. Economic tools such as partial budget analysis, benefit-cost ratio, marginal...
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A pre-extension demonstration of improved tef varieties was conducted at Dalocha and wulbareg districts were selected in Silte Zone. From each district, 2 representative Kebeles and 2 farmer training centers were selected purposefully based on their accessibility and potentiality. After farmers had been selected, informative training was given in all kebeles. Tef sowing was done in collaboration with respective researchers...
Impact of climatic hazards on crop yields in Senegal: the case of groundnuts
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Senegal, a Sahelian country in West Africa, is facing growing challenges linked to climate change, threatening its agricultural sector. This in-depth study aims to analyze the impact of climatic hazards on agricultural yields in Senegal, with a particular focus on the groundnut crop. Using climate and agricultural data, the analysis looks at temperature variations, rainfall irregularities and extreme weather events. Two...
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This study analyzes the ‘‘Determinants of Participating in Non-Farm Activities and its impact on the income of smallholder rural farmers in Bibugn woreda in East Gojjam, Ethiopia using cross-section data. In the course of this study, primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected from 368 sample respondents using simple random sampling. Descriptive and econometric analysis was also carried out....
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This study analyzes the economic impacts of milling technology adoption among 587 rice farmers in Ghana’s Northern, Oti, and Volta regions using gross margin analysis. Results show modern milling technology yields the highest profit per hectare (GHS 20,048.60), followed by non-adopters (GHS 10,479.60), and traditional milling users (GHS 4,138.21). Modern milling enhances profitability through better value addition, higher...
Systems thinking and the future of dry chilli supply chains in india: from complexity to clarity
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Dry chillies are a key agricultural commodity in India, with Andhra Pradesh contributing over a third of national production as of TE 2021–22. To ensure long-term sustainability of the industry, this study applies a systems-thinking approach to analyze the dry chilli supply chain, identifying crucial leverage points to address ongoing price volatility. By incorporating insights from all key stakeholders—farmers,...
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The case study investigated intervention measures to control bullying in Secondary Schools in located in two sub-regions of the south and south East regions ( Moshupa and Gaborone)of Botswana. This descriptive study of the two subregions involved 22 secondary schools, 16 of which were junior secondary schools and 6 were senior secondary (high) schools. A closed ended questionnaire was used to gather data. The results...
Evaluation Of Hydraulic Performance And Soil Moisture Content Under Center Pivot Irrigation System.
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The sprinklers are mostly common by uniformity of water application above the crop canopy. The objective of this study was to evaluate hydraulic performance indicators. This study was conducted under center pivot irrigation system of eight spans and one overhang for different running speeds at the farm of Integrated Water and Agriculture Development (IWAD) in dry season of November to April 2022/23. Eighty four catch cans...
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Cocoyam production is hindered by the scarcity of seedlings in both quantity and quality for producers. This study seeks to evaluate the influence of Tithonia diversifolia on cocoyam seedling production using the PIF technique and the field performance of these seedlings compared to conventional seeds. Seedlings were established in propagators using white sawdust under four treatments: T. diversifolia fermented leaves...
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The failure to recognize the importance of farmers' education through extension service poses a threat to the effectiveness of agricultural development. The study assesses the impact that location, gender, and educational status have on small-scale farmers' access to extension services. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 1,440 farmers who were interviewed for this study. Results revealed that access...
Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities of Potato Production in Ethiopia: Review
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Potato production in Ethiopia has shown significant growth over the past two decades, with cultivation area expanding from 200,000 hectares in 2013 to 300,000 hectares in 2023, and production increasing from 525,000 tons in 2004 to over 1.8 million tons in 2020. Despite this expansion, productivity remains low, with an average yield of 12 tons per hectare, well below the global average of 20 tons per hectare. Key...
Effect of Cutting Age and IBA Hormone on the Rooting Ability of Arabica Coffee Hybrid
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Somatic embryogenesis is a powerful biotechnological tool to multiply elite genotypes including hybrid coffee. However, its efficiency relies heavily on technical capabilities and laboratory conditions. Rooted mini-cutting vegetative propagation system from rejuvenated somatic embryo-derived plants, on the other hand, considered a complement for hybrid coffee seedling multiplication and delivery. The aim of this study was...
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Barley is, one of the earliest cultivated cereal crops, and it production is constraints by disease caused by powdery mildew and rust in the district area. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability among 49 barley genotypes in their resistance to these diseases. Final disease severity scores ranged from immune (0) to highly susceptible, with 28 and 24 genotypes showing high adult plant...
Growth and Yield Responses of Cucumber to Different Quantities of Poultry and Cattle Manure
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Organic manures as a source of plant nutrients have received worldwide attention due to the rising costs, rapid nutrient loss and adverse environmental impacts from inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was conducted during the raining season at Njala University experimental site in kori chiefdom, Moyamba District in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications to determine growth and yield responses...
Adoption Factors Of Conservation Agriculture For Sustainable Farming In Southern Zambia
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The study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) among smallholder farmers in the Livingstone District, Southern Zambia, with a focus on promoting sustainability and resilience in farm production. Utilizing a regression model, the analysis identified six significant covariates impacting the adoption of CA practices. Notably, access to extension services emerged as a critical...
Drying of Maize with cob and maize grain in commercial solar bubble dryer in Ethiopia
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Drying of maize using the appropriate dryer and condition to the optimum storage moisture content minimizes the postharvest loss. However, knowledge on the drying characteristics of maize cob using solar dryer is lacking. In this study the drying characteristics of maize with cob and maize grain in solar bubble dryer was investigated. The performance of solar bubble dryer for drying of maize with cob and threshed maize was...
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This study explores farmer-led innovation among small-scale farmers in the Harry Gwala District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative approach was adopted to ascertain the innovative strategies used by small-scale farmers on their farms. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participant observation were used to collect qualitative data from 43 diverse participants in the Harry Gwala District...
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Globally, farmers manage multidimensional risks associated with agricultural business systems. This is sustained by the persistent triggers in production (e.g. drought, theft, pest and disease infestations), distribution (e.g. lack of investment in cold chains), processing (e.g. high costs of infrastructure), marketing (e.g. price volatility) and consumption (e.g. dynamic preferences of consumers). We present a review of...
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This study examined the impact of market access on coffee production and income among smallholder coffee farmers in Central Uganda. The study used two main theories,market access and transaction cost theories. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from 150 respondents across Wakiso, Mpigi, and Masaka districts and analysed using Atlas.ti software for qualitative data while SPSS and STATA for quantitative data...
Integrated control package for Orobanche crenata in faba beans
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A series of experiments were conducted to study the effects of Rhizobium leguminosarum, Bacillus megatherium var. phosphaticum, Trichoderma harzianum, and the herbicide imimazethapyr on Orobanche crenata germination, incidence and faba bean plant growth and yield in Sudan. According to the study, T. harzianum + BMP + TAL1399 + imazethapyr together significantly slowed down germination and postponed O. crenata emergence and...
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