Enhancing sorghum yield through demonstration of improved sorghum varieties in Tanqua-Abergelle Wereda, Central Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia
January 2019
With the aim of improving food security through enhanced production and productivity of sorghum a demonstration of two improved sorghum varieties (Chare and Melkam) was conducted in two selected Kebelle (Shekha-Tekhli and Agbe) of Tanqua-Abergelle Wereda. A total of 100 farming households (88 male and 12 female) who are beneficiaries of the Productive Safety Net Program were purposively selected. Each farmer planted the...
Review on gendered perspective of household’s participation in agricultural activities in Ethiopia
January 2019
Gender is a crosscutting issue that attracts the attention of development professionals, policy makers and politicians. It is due to the fact that in any development, interventions involvement of women has become compulsory. To this end, considering the roles of men and women is very important, and gender roles vary across culture. In Ethiopia where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the participation of women...
Beekeeping management practices and gap analysis of beekeepers at different agro-ecological zones of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia
December 2018
The study was conducted to assess beekeeping practices, seasonal colony management gaps in eastern, south-east and central zones of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. About 384 beekeepers were interviewed. The trend of honeybee colonies indicated an increase in the last five years but with variables (72%) in honey production. Majority (77.3%) of beekeepers inspected their apiary and honeybee colonies externally and...
Determinants of commercialization of teff crop in Abay Chomen District, Horo Guduru wallaga zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
December 2018
This paper aims to identify factors affecting teff commercialization in Abay Chomen District using primary data collected during February and January 2017 from teff sampled household producers. Semi structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and heckman two stage models were used to analyze the data collected. The paper showed that among sixteen...
Gender roles in fisheries post-harvesting activities in catch-locations within Coastal Areas of Lagos State Nigeria
December 2018
This study examined the gender roles in Fisheries Post-harvesting Activities (FPhA), which stems from a significant knowledge gap regarding gender roles in the subsistence fishery industry. The research was conducted in five catch-locations within the coastal areas of Lagos State, Nigeria, namely: Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Lekki and Makoko. The respondents were selected using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques....
Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ participation in degraded forest rehabilitation practices. The case of Gemachis District, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
November 2018
The global forest coverage has declined from year to year due to human and natural factors. To address the problems, different rehabilitation strategies have been implemented through government and community in a coordinated manner. This study investigated factors affecting smallholder farmers’ participation in degraded forest rehabilitation at participatory forest management in Ethiopia. We used two-stage...
Pastoralist’s perceptions on the impact of Vachellia karrooencroachment in communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
November 2018
The study was conducted in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate farmers’ perceptions on the impact of Vachellia karroo encroachment on livestock production and vegetation. Forty farmers (62% females and 38% males) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The results showed that goats and cattle were mainly kept for cash sales and sheep for wool...
Livelihood diversification strategies among the Borana pastoral households of Yabello District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
October 2018
This study is aimed at identifying and describing the existing livelihood options and the determinants of the choice of the households’ livelihood strategies in the pastoral areas of Yabello District. The data for this study were obtained from a survey of 180 household heads selected using simple random sampling technique in the year 2016. The key...
Review of challenges and opportunities for dairy cattle farming under mixed system of Homa Bay County, Western Kenya
October 2018
The objective of this review was to determine challenges and opportunities facing dairy cattle production in Homa Bay County, which lies within the Lake Victoria basin. Three cattle production systems were included: farms keeping indigenous breeds; farms keeping crosses of indigenous and exotic breeds and farms keeping exotic breeds. Both primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires, key informant...
Public discourse on Khat (Catha edulis) production in Ethiopia: Review
October 2018
Agriculture is the most important economic activity and employment opportunity in Ethiopia. Globally, the country is the largest producer of Khat. The producers and consumers of Khat are increasing combined with earning for the national exports. Despite several controversies have continued on Khat practice, the legal stance of the Ethiopian government and studies on environmental impact are minimal. The review results...
On-Farm Demonstration of Improved Varieties of Faba bean (Vicia fabaL.) in Gemechis, Chiro and Tullo Districts of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia
September 2018
The experiment was carried out in Gemechis, Chiro and Tulo districts of West Hararghe Zone with the objectives of enhancing production and productivity of faba bean on farmers’ fields and to improve linkage among stakeholders and create awareness on improved faba bean varieties. Three kebeles were selected purposively based on faba bean production potential. Accordingly, Walenso Defo kebele from Gemechis,...
Success story of implementing the self-sustaining agricultural extension system in Rwanda
September 2018
Rwanda is implementing the self-sustaining extension system through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Farmer Promoters (FP) approaches. The objective of this paper was to find out the impact of self-sustaining extension system in order to help stakeholders to improve its current implementation. The methodology includes a desk review of reports, face to face interview with 60 participants and 5 focus group discussions...
Choices and implications of livelihood diversification strategies on smallholder farmers’ income in Saesietsaeda Emba District, Eastern Tigray Region of Ethiopia
August 2018
Farmers’ life without livelihood diversification into off-farm and non-farm income activities becomes difficult due to unstable and meagre agricultural context of the study area. Farm income alone cannot feed the ever increasing population. Hence, livelihood diversification is a matter of life or death for majority of the households in the study district. The objectives of the study were to identify household...
Participatory on farm evaluation of improved mungbean technologies in the low land areas of North Shewa Zone Amhara Region, Ethiopia
August 2018
The study was conducted in four selected potential areas of North Shewa zone namely; Kewot, Efratana gidim, Ensaro and Merhabete district. The main objective of the study was to evaluate, select the best performing mungbean varieties and to assess farmer’s technology preference. The experiment was done using three improved varieties namely; Rasa (N-26), NLV-1, and Arkebe improved varieties and local variety as a...
Factors affecting paddy farmers' perception of utilizing agricultural machines in Indonesia
August 2018
This paper aims to identify factors affecting farmers’ negative perception on utilizing rice transplanters and combine harvesters. To this end, data obtained from interview survey in the westernmost part of Java Island, Banten Province was analyzed, where agricultural labor wages increase at a faster pace as compared to other regions and a rapid diffusion of agricultural mechanization is anticipated. The...
Technological gaps of agricultural extension: Mismatch between demand and supply in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
August 2018
This paper examines technological challenges of the agricultural extension in North Gondar Zone of Ethiopia. Understanding technological gaps in public agricultural extension helps to devise demand driven and compatible technologies to existing contexts of farmers. The study used cross sectional survey using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources using household...
Technology tracking: Understanding decisions to adopt, not to adopt, and dis-adopt household greywater filtration systems
July 2018
Jordan is one of the world’s water-poorest countries. The demand for potable and productive water is ever increasing due to population growth, climate change, increasing numbers of refugees hosted by the country, as well as heightened demand from a growing economy and its different sectors. Household greywater filtration systems (HGWFS) are ideal for repurposing greywater, from wastewater into productive use for...
Prospects and challenges of management of smallholders' Wovwe Rice Irrigation Scheme in Malawi through participatory approach
July 2018
The concept of participatory approach in irrigation management was adopted in Malawi in the mid 1990s, but fully implemented in early 2000. This research was designed to analyze the challenges and benefits which Water User Associations (WUAs) encountered during implementation of irrigation projects using Wovwe Water User Association (WWUA) as a case study. The study thus examined the legal framework of WUAs in Malawi,...
Participatory evaluation of the adaptability of released maize varieties to moisture stress areas of Dugda Dawa, southern Oromia
June 2018
Maize is an essential food crop in Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted to establish and select adaptable maize variety/ies with better agronomic performance and to familiarize farmers with improved agronomic practices for moisture stress within the study area. The experiment was conducted on agro-pastoralists’ land by the researcher together with some selected members of agro-pastoralists. Three maize varieties...
Gender and youth challenges and opportunities in rural community: The case of Goregora, West Dembia district of North West Ethiopia
June 2018
The study was conducted in Goregora, North West Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to analyze gender role, gender and youth challenges and opportunities in the study area. Two stage sampling technique was employed. Male (32) and female (28), in total 60 sample respondents were interviewed. The sample size for this study was a function of the variability of the population characteristics, time and resource...
Farmers’ knowledge and practice of organic vegetable cultivation: A field level study of two villages from Bangladesh
May 2018
The study aimed to determine farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding organic vegetable cultivation as well as to ascertain farmers’ awareness concerning health and environmental aspects. The study was conducted at two villages of Kishoregonj District. The selected villages were Shadullar Char and Borobag Char. The total number of household was 800 in two villages. Among them 400 households were randomly...
Pollinator habitat: A cooperative project between the landfill industry and blueberry growers
May 2018
Bee decline is a threat worldwide. An extension project was initiated to make the general public, industry, and municipalities aware of this problem. This study demonstrated pollinator habitat suitable for Maine farms by developing cooperation between the Maine wild blueberry industry and a regional commercial waste landfill. The reason for involving the landfill industry was to demonstrate and encourage non-farm...
Impact of productive safety net program in rural community of Ethiopia: A review study
May 2018
Ethiopia lunched Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) as social protection program since 2005 to tackle the causes of food insecurity. Even though, the country lunched the PSNP there are different challenges that hinder proper implementation of program for attaining intended impact on rural community. This paper seeks to review the impact of Ethiopia’s PSNP and its implementation challenges through qualitative...
Determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in seed producing cooperatives in Southern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia
April 2018
This research attempted to examine smallholder farmers’ participation in seed producing cooperatives with the objectives of assessing factors affecting farmers’ participation and identify the determinants of participation in seed producing cooperatives in southern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed to select 192 sample households. Interview...
The implications of smallholdings of water and land for the sustainability of a community based water management system in Oman
April 2018
This paper investigates the implications of smallholder farming, that is, characteristic of a community based water management system in Oman known as a falaj (pl aflaj). The aflaj are naturally sustainable, and for centuries have provided water in an arid region, supporting agriculture and livelihoods. With over three thousand active aflaj in Oman, the typical falaj is small; conveying enough water to irrigate a...
Influence of social networks and social support on credit utilization in the Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Soroti District, Uganda
March 2018
Microfinance models and programs tend to mimic local people’s support systems, especially their social networks, to ensure high repayment rate, efficient administration, and effective economic decisions. However, there is limited empirical evidence of their influence on credit use decisions. This paper examines the influence of social networks and social support on credit use decisions among SACCO members in...
Knowledge and perception of farmers on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Ife-Central Local Government Area of Osun State: Implications for rural development
March 2018
This study focused on knowledge and perception of farmers on information and communication technology (ICT) use in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. A pretested and validated interview schedule was used to source information from 150 farmers selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze the data collected. The result revealed among...
Smallholder farmers’ experiences of climate variability and change on pineapple production in Ghana: Examining adaptation strategies for improved production
February 2018
Climate variability and change presents enormous risk to agricultural production globally due to the impacts on yields. While global scholarship on climate change impacts and adaptation measures on agriculture has been well-documented, little is known about climate and pineapple production. This study examined smallholder pineapple farmers experiences of climate variability and change on production, as well as ranked...
Agricultural knowledge, source and information system in central highland of Ethiopia
February 2018
The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the current agricultural information management system and communication, and the gap between required and available information to extension personnel at central highland of Ethiopia. Consulting with head of districts agricultural office, 5 to 6 farmers training center (FTC) from Welmera and Ejera districts were selected randomly. 92 development agents and eleven subject...
Evaluation of frontline demonstration of herbicide (Pyroxsulam) for weed control in bread wheat in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
January 2018
Frontline demonstration of herbicide was conducted in four districts of Tigray Region with objective of improving productivity of unit area and enhancing the income of farming community. Technology demonstration followed by perception assessment survey was conducted on the direct beneficiaries of the technology. A total of 40 farmers were selected purposively. The herbicide and improved bread wheat was offered. Yield,...
Perceptions and choices of adaptation measures for climate change among teff (Eragrostis tef) farmers of Southeast Tigray, Ethiopia
January 2018
This study was conducted in Southeast Tigray of Ethiopia using teff (Eragrostis tef) producing farmers. Teff production with regards to climate change has significant implications on food security and poverty in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to analyze factors influencing choice of adaptation strategies among teff farmers in Ethiopia. A stratified simple random sampling technique was employed to select 210 farm...
Assessment of on-farm storage of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) and roselle grains (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in Niger
January 2018
The objective of this study was an assessment of on-farm storage practices for Bambara groundnut and roselle grains in Niger. It is based on a random sample of 164 farmers producing both crops in the Dosso and Maradi regions using a semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data used Probit regression and budgeting. Fifty four percent of respondents use some type of potentially hermetic container for storage of...
Assessing the performance of an irrigation scheme in Okyereko, Ghana
December 2017
Assessing the performance of an irrigation scheme is an important management function which will indicate the state of the scheme and suggest possible remedial measures to improve the effectiveness of the scheme. This study was conducted to assess the technical and agricultural performances of the Okyereko irrigation scheme in the Central Region of Ghana. Secondary data were collected from the scheme with respect to...
Rural agricultural development and extension in Mexico: Analysis of public and private extension agents
December 2017
Agricultural extension in Mexico significantly favors rural development and considers agriculture as a means of promoting economic development by solving problems associated with poverty and food security. The Mexican extension system, as in other Latin American countries, has been transformed into services provided by extensionists (also known as extension agents, or professional service providers). Due to the social,...
Effect of contract tobacco farming on the welfare of smallholder farmers in Angonia District, Mozambique
December 2017
The use of contract farming, which constitutes a subject of current debates, especially on the issue of whether or not participating farmers improve their welfare and thus contribute to the local economy as an agricultural intervention is being adopted by many African countries including Mozambique. The Mozambique government adopted contract farming which is being implemented in the central region, mainly involving...
Access to dry season water and small ruminants market integration in the Nadowli District of Upper West Region of Ghana
November 2017
Against a background of disconnect between high demand for small ruminants and limited market integration of small ruminants in the interior savannah agro-ecological zone of Ghana, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of differential access to dry season water on small ruminant production and market integration in the Nadowli District of Ghana. The study obtained data from 389 small ruminant households...
Harmonization of extension messages on climate smart agriculture in Malawi: Do we speak with one voice, and to whom?
November 2017
Poor access to extension services has been one of the major challenges that smallholder farmers in Malawi face. Dissemination of agricultural technologies is mainly done through field level extension workers and lead farmers; however, such workers are few in number. In addition to this, there is lack of harmonization of messages, approaches and methods in extension delivery at field level. Using baseline cross-sectional...
Understanding actor innovation behavior: The application of network governance theory in agricultural innovation platforms
November 2017
Innovation platforms are increasingly being used as a means of operationalizing innovation systems thinking. Agricultural innovation platforms are intended to bring together a number of stakeholders to promote an identified agricultural innovation. This is done through exchange of knowledge and other valuable resources to solve common problems. However, given the relatively new nature of innovation platforms, there is...
Management performance of farmers’ groups and its impact on membership: A prerequisite for group sustainability in Trinidad
October 2017
The Government of Trinidad has implemented plans to promote the establishment of new farmers’ groups and also strengthen existing groups. It is expected that extension officers will work more with farmers in groups to increase extension-to-farmer interactions. Groups however, have not been sustainable in Trinidad. The study examined group members’ perceptions of how management functions are performed, and...
Gender division of labor and rural women’s control over productive resources: The case of Dita and Mirab Abaya districts, Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia
October 2017
This study aimed to identify the existing gender division of labor, rural women’s control over productive resources and its effect on the stated poverty reduction strategy. Group discussion with key informants, field observation and interview with rural women was done to obtain primary data. The analysis was done by using SPSS software. Man biased division of labor, particularly on productive activities and...
Utilization of climate change adaptation strategies among rice farmers in three states of Nigeria
October 2017
The phenomenon of climate change has negative impacts on rice production in Nigeria as it lowers its output and reduces farmers’ income with a resultant depreciation in their livelihood. This accentuates the need for adaptation to climate change in order to reduce the growing dependency on rice importation, ensure food security as well as achieve a sustainable rice production system in Nigeria. The study therefore...
The role of rural land registration and certification program for land tenure security in Hulet Eju Enese District, Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia
September 2017
Land tenure security is an important concept that helps to improve the productivity of a specified land. Whether the land is privately or publically owned, countries design various strategies to assure land tenure security. As a country, Ethiopia implement rural land registration and certification program in different regions. Therefore, the general objective of this article was to investigate the role of rural land...
Malawi’s experiences with the implementation of pluralistic, demand-driven and decentralised agricultural extension policy
September 2017
Clear agricultural policies and strategies are very crucial for influencing the performance of agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS). Malawi has implemented its agricultural extension policy titled “agricultural extension in the new millennium: towards pluralistic and demand driven services in Malawi” for a period of seventeen years. The policy specified seven guiding principles which include...
Analysis of factors influencing information access among rural communities in Tanzania
September 2017
Information access in rural communities of Tanzania is very important as it keeps its members aware of what happened and what happening in the world. This importance can not be undermined since it helps farmers and other members of the rural community to make the right decision about their activities. Rural community areas are surrounded by many factors which in one way or another influence or hinder accessibility...
An investigation of gender division of labour: The case of Delanta district, South Wollo zone, Ethiopia
September 2017
In the household and agricultural production, men and women are involved in different activities to ensure the availability of goods and services for family consumption and well-being. The main objective of this study is to address gender division of labour in Delanta district, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. It addressed the different assortment of activities that are carried out by women, and identified some drawbacks...
Factors contributing to continued dependence on family food and income among graduate farmers of School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI)
September 2017
The main focus of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to continued dependence on family food and income among graduate farmers of School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI) in Malawi. The study used two step sampling approach where purposive sampling was used in the first place to select SAFI graduates and secondly, systematic sampling was used to select 35 SAFI graduate farmer families for...
Value of modern extension methods in improving image and quality of extension: Perception of extension agents in Trinidad and Tobago
August 2017
Agricultural extension services have undergone a significant transformation in order to effectively address issues of poverty and hunger. It is expected that modern methods of extension will improve image and quality of extension services offered in low-income regions. In Trinidad and Tobago, vibrant and transformative initiatives include institutional pluralism, farmer-led methods, farmer field schools, plant clinics,...
The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) attack in Nigeria: effect of climate change on over-sighted pest or agro-bioterrorism?
August 2017
The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) destroyed tomato plants in seven of the Northern states in Nigeria, and has been found in two other states in the South in 2016. The study assessed the incident of the tomato leafminer attack using a questionnaire survey in one of the affected states, for a case study of the problem. A short literature review on bio-ecology of T. absoluta was also conducted, and responses to...
Patterns and problems of domestic water supply to rural communities in Enugu State, Nigeria
August 2017
This study investigated the patterns, problems and options for improved domestic water supplies to the rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to determine the gap between supply and demand, physical and socio-economic variables that influence the supply situation and suggest options for improved water supply in the area. Data on water use habits were collected from 340 households, in 17...
Contributions of farmers’ organizations to rural development: Case of North West farmers’ organization in Mezam Division, Cameroon
July 2017
This works aim to discuss the contribution of farmers’ organizations to rural development, particularly the case of North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR). This study was carried out from January to November, 2014 in Mezam Division of the North west Region of Cameroon. 100 farmer’s members of NOWEFOR were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and 20 leaders were interviewed using an...
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