89 research outputs found
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Agro-Morphological Diversity of White Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima) for Climate Change Adaptation in Burkina Faso
Get PDFClimate change intensifies the variability of agroclimatic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, threatening food security through increased droughts, rainfall gaps, and soil degradation. In this context, endogenous adaptation approaches based on local resources, such as White Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima), are strategic due to their hardiness and dual food and textile uses. This study aims to characterize the agro-morphological diversity and performance stability of ten local white roselle cultivars from Burkina Faso to identify genotypes best adapted to contrasting climatic environments. The experiment was conducted over two agricultural seasons, dry and wet, in three locations with distinct ecological conditions. A randomized complete block design with three replications was implemented. Thirteen agro-morphological traits were measured. Data were analyzed using multifactor ANOVA, Tukey\u27s HSD test for pairwise comparisons, calculation of the amir index, and stability analyses based on Finlay-Wilkinson and Ammi methods. Results showed a significant influence of cultivar and site factors. Kongkrou, Nikiema, and Konde exhibited good performance and high stability. Bakaridjan and Bala were more sensitive to environmental variations. These findings highlight the importance of valorising local cultivars in breeding strategies for resilient agriculture in West Africa
Influences of Different Transplanting Methods on Vegetative and Reproductive Traits of Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Belbari, Morang, Nepal
Get PDFThis study assessed the effects of five transplanting methods on the growth and yield performance of spring rice in Belbari, Morang, Nepal. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed across treatments for major vegetative and reproductive traits. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) produced the highest plant height, tiller number, and effective tillers per hill, resulting in the greatest grain yield (7121.48 kg/ha) and biomass yield (11,037.50 kg/ha), followed by mechanical transplanting. Traditional, farmer’s practice, and dry-bed methods showed comparatively lower performance. Days to 50\% flowering did not differ significantly, though SRI and mechanical transplanting slightly prolonged maturity. Multivariate analyses further clarified treatment responses. PCA distinctly separated SRI and mechanical transplanting along yield-associated components, driven by strong loadings from tiller number, effective tillers, plant height, and panicle traits. The correlation matrix confirmed strong positive associations of grain yield with biomass yield, effective tillers, grains per panicle, and test weight. Radar chart patterns highlighted the holistic superiority of SRI across all measured traits, with mechanical transplanting showing moderate-to-high performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that improved transplanting methods; particularly SRI and mechanical transplanting; enhance rice productivity through stronger trait interrelationships and better resource-use efficiency. These methods offer practical solutions for addressing labor constraints and improving profitability and sustainability in Nepal’s eastern Terai
Dietary Behaviors and Nutrition Knowledge Among Farm Households: A Comprehensive Review and Action Framework
Get PDFThis systematic review gathers evidence from 85 peer-reviewed studies, spanning 2004 to 2023, drawn from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Agricola according to PRISMA standards, to explore the intricate patterns of dietary practices and nutritional awareness in these communities. Concentrating on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we investigate how farming methods, economic limitations, gender roles, cultural traditions, and climate adaptation approaches influence nutritional health. Findings indicate that financial pressures, scarce nutrition education, gender disparities, and seasonal changes persistently erode dietary variety and overall well-being. For example, many households trade nutrient-rich crops for income, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies, while just one-third attain sufficient dietary diversity for women. On the other hand, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and programs targeting gender show potential: educational efforts have markedly increased vegetable consumption, and households led by women often surpass those led by men in dietary diversity. Empowering women has also lowered child stunting by enhancing resource access. Yet, gaps in knowledge dissemination, cultural adaptation, and equitable resource distribution hinder wider success, with rural outreach often limited by funding shortages. We suggest a nutrition-sensitive agriculture framework integrating gender-inclusive policies, climate-resilient farming, and community-based education to tackle these issues, supporting global aims for zero hunger and gender equality. This study calls for long-term research over 5–10 years to evaluate intervention sustainability and cost-effectiveness, alongside qualitative work to decode cultural barriers. Our practical insights aim to steer policymakers, researchers, and practitioners toward improving farm household nutrition, ensuring these essential food producers also prosper
Mapping Gully Erosion Dynamics Near Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra: A Cloud-Based Geospatial Analysis Using Google Earth Engine
Get PDFGully erosion represents a significant global environmental challenge, severely impacting land productivity, water resources, and ecological sustainability. The Nagar tehsil and the surrounding area of Ahilyanagar city in Maharashtra belong to semi-arid regions where gully erosion is a major threat to agriculture and water resources. This study used the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to map and assess gully erosion dynamics. By analyzing multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery, NDVI, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and other environmental data, researchers were able to accurately map gully-affected areas and identify the main factors contributing to their formation. A spatial analysis using a 5 km multi-ring buffer around Ahilyanagar city identified six gully erosion hotspots, revealing that about 40 villages in Nagar Tahsil are highly susceptible to erosion. The study found that the northeastern part of the region had the highest concentration of gullies, while the southern and southeastern parts had very few. The main causes were identified as both human activities, such as deforestation and unsustainable farming, and natural factors like steep slopes and drainage density. This research demonstrates that GEE is an effective, large-scale, and cost-efficient tool for mapping erosion. The findings provide a valuable framework for policymakers to implement targeted conservation strategies, directly supporting global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India\u27s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) mission
Characterization and Nutrient Imbalance Diagnosis of Important Humid Tropical Acidic Coastal Soils of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe worlds population is growing at an alarming rate amidst global hunger and soil nutrient deterioration. The objective of this study was the assessment characterization and nutrient imbalance diagnosis of important humid tropical acidic coastal soils of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in triplicates from each of the five locations using an auger at 0–20 cm depth The samples were prepared and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. The experiment was laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Generated data were analyzed using analyses of variance and significant means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results showed that soil pH ranged from 4.60 in Akaba to 5.40 in Ogbogoro, indicating strongly to moderately acidity. Soil organic carbon (SOC) ranged from 10.0 g/kg in Ikpetiama to 16.20 gkg-1 in Kpansia. Available phosphorus ranged from 3.75 mgkg-1 in Gbarama to 9.45 mgkg-1 in Kpansia, suggesting moderate availability. Exchangeable bases, calcium (4.78–7.58 cmolkg-1), magnesium (2.59–4.31 cmolkg-1), potassium (0.31–0.73 cmolkg-1). Fertility indexing showed that Akaba and Kpansia possessed comparatively better soil quality, Ogbogoro and Gbarama fell within the low fertility category, and Ikpetiama rated poorest due to combined acidity stress (1.43–1.85 cmolkg-1). Strong correlations between soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and base saturation underscore the importance of maintaining organic matter for sustained fertility. The obtained results of this study necessitates, pressing need for location- specific liming and nutrient management strategies to ameliorate soil acidity and optimize crop productivity in the soils of Yenagoa
Using Digital Tools to Assess Soil Variables in Selected Counties in North Rift, Kenya
Get PDFThe need for techniques and instruments that enable rapid soil testing has gained attention in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. This could improve efficiency and productivity by providing real-time, high-quality, and accessible data for decision-making. This study used GPS tools to visualize, analyze, and gather essential field information and applied Near Infra-Red Spectrometry to assess soil parameters and recommend corrective action for sustainable livelihood in five Counties in North Rift Kenya. Soil reaction varied from 5.5 in Kaptega, Transnzoia, to 7.8 in Kospir, Turkana counties. Low soil pH and CEC were recorded in parts of Nandi and Transnzoia counties. Soils from the dryland ecologies in Turkana, W. Pokot, and Samburu were predominantly alkaline. Total organic Carbon was generally low in the dryland ecologies of Samburu and Turkana. Low soil fertility was generally indicated in Samburu, Turkana, and W. Pokot. This was attributable to the low organic carbon levels and low precipitation, which may have negatively influenced soil microbial activity. Sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, mulching, mixed farming, cover cropping, and minimum/conservation tillage are recommended in areas where crop cultivation is feasible. Amelioration of soils with agricultural lime and organic matter is highly recommended in the affected areas within the agropastoral counties for improved production to guarantee food security and sustainable livelihoods
Territorial Governance and Inclusive Development in Drâa-Tafilalet’s Date-Palm Sector: Assessing the Green Morocco Plan
Get PDFThe Green Morocco Plan (2008–2020) aimed to modernize agricultural value chains, yet its territorial implications for governance, inclusivity, and sustainability remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates its implementation in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region, a major date-palm area characterized by both agricultural potential and persistent socio-economic disparities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of producers, interviews with policymakers and stakeholders, and analysis of policy documents. The findings indicate significant improvements in agricultural performance, including an increase of more than 20% in average production and a marked rise in rural household incomes. However, these benefits were unevenly distributed across territories and social groups, with cooperative members capturing greater advantages and some provinces experiencing limited infrastructural progress. Qualitative evidence highlights persistent governance bottlenecks, such as centralized decision-making, weak participatory mechanisms, and insufficient integration of water management. These constraints limited the transformation of technical achievements into durable socio-ecological resilience. By linking agricultural modernization outcomes with territorial governance processes, this research contributes to the literature on agricultural policy and multilevel governance. It also formulates recommendations for the ongoing Generation Green strategy, emphasizing the need for regionally budgeted program contracts, inclusive territorial committees, and integrated resource management to reinforce equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in oasis-based agricultural systems
Role of Livestock Fattening Farms in Bridging the Red Meat Food Security Gap in Egypt: An Economic Analysis
Get PDFThe persistent gap between local red meat production and domestic needs in Egypt threatens national food security, with the real self-sufficiency rate declining sharply from 71.2% in 2006 to 36.5% in 2023. This study evaluates the economic potential of cattle fattening farms to bridge this gap. Using econometric time-series analysis (ARCH models) and a field survey in Alexandria Governorate, we analyzed factors influencing production and efficiency. Key findings indicate that red meat supply is significantly influenced by long-term structural economic factors. A 10% increase in available calves and alfalfa production was associated with a 4.14% and 1.9% increase in production, respectively (p < 0.01). Forecasting models predict that raising the operational efficiency of specialized farms from its current average of 57% to a target of 80% could boost total production to approximately 960,065 tons by 2027. The field analysis identified the two-cycle (six-month) fattening system as the most economically efficient (Revenue-to-Cost Ratio: 1.40). This study provides a data-driven framework for policymakers to enhance domestic production through targeted support for farm efficiency and de-risking the critical calf-rearing phase
Long-Term Influence of Coal Mining Activities on Physico-Chemical and Hydraulic Properties of Sandy Tropical Soils
Get PDFLong-term surface coal mining near agricultural zones can degrade arable land and reduce soil productivity. This study evaluated the effects of extended coal mining on sandy soil properties in three mining areas of Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, Nigeria—Okaba-Odagbo (55 years), Okobo-Enjema (12 years), and Onupi (9 years). Soil samples were collected from both mining sites and adjacent fallow (arable) lands and analyzed using standard methods. Statistical comparisons were made using t-tests and Pearson correlation. Across all locations, mining significantly influenced (p < 0.05) soil pH and bulk density. Mining sites showed lower pH (t = –2.49) and higher bulk density (t = 2.35) compared to fallow lands. Site-specific analysis revealed pronounced effects only at Okaba-Odagbo, where the longest mining history corresponded with increased clay content and bulk density (t = 5.00 and 5.69, respectively). No significant differences were observed at Okobo-Enjema and Onupi. When averaged across locations, mining sites had slightly higher values for clay content (10.68%), soil organic carbon (1.81%), exchangeable sodium (0.38 cmol/kg), porosity (0.44), water holding capacity (20.94%), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (56.66 cm/h) compared to fallow lands. The reduced pH at mining sites was linked to sodium and clay enrichment and loss of base-forming elements, while higher bulk density was attributed to decreased macro-aggregation. The findings suggest that coal mining alters the physical and chemical properties of tropical sandy soils, leading to acidification and compaction, which can impair soil quality, permeability, and long-term agricultural productivity
Impact of Vertical and Horizontal Expansion on Employment Generation in the Egyptian Broiler Sector
Get PDFThe Egyptian broiler sector constitutes a central component of national food security, yet the socio-economic consequences of its various expansion strategies remain inadequately quantified. This study investigates the differential impacts of vertical and horizontal expansion on employment generation, investment returns, and wage outcomes within the sector. Utilizing time-series data spanning 2000 to 2024, the analysis applies growth rate calculations alongside independent samples t-tests to assess the effectiveness of these expansion approaches. The results demonstrate that both vertical and horizontal expansion significantly enhance productive capacity and stimulate job creation. Horizontal expansion, on average, generates approximately 0.46 thousand additional jobs per year, accompanied by potential investment returns of EGP 5.93 million. In contrast, vertical expansion contributes around 0.34 thousand jobs annually, with associated investment returns of EGP 4.36 million. Despite these positive outcomes in productivity and employment, the analysis reveals that neither expansion model produces a statistically significant increase in aggregate wage levels. This finding showed a notable decoupling between sectoral productivity gains and labor compensation, suggesting that employment growth does not necessarily translate into improved worker earnings. These insights provide critical quantitative evidence for policymakers and sector stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of adopting integrated policy frameworks that not only promote production expansion but also incorporate labor market interventions