Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Evaluating Agricultural Extension Training and Education as Information-inputs for Maize Productivity in a Rural Set-up of North-Rift, Kenya
No full textMaize (Zea mays L.) is an important source of staple food in Kenya. Research innovations and physical inputs, and the capacity of farmers to use them are major ingredients for crop productivity enhancement. This study evaluated agricultural extension training and formal education as elements of farmers’ capacity to use innovations and inputs. The study was conducted in a rural setup of North Rift in Kenya. Data were gathered by use of interview schedules through cross-sectional survey from 502 households sampled purposively and by simple random sampling. Welch’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to test for differences between means. 42.8% of the participants reported that they had not received agricultural extension training, 57.2% had. 65.2% had up to primary level education, 34.8% had secondary and above. Formal education up to primary was regarded as basic. Results indicated that fertilizer-use rates and maize yields differed significantly between groups ‘who had received Extension training’ and those who ‘had not been trained’; t (482.785) = -9.228, P = .000 and t (496.513) = -7.095, P = .000, respectively. Regarding formal education, fertilizer-use rates and maize yields differed significantly between ‘basic education’ category and ‘higher than basic’; t (332.28) = -5.699, P = .000 and t (290.29) = -5.438, P = .000 respectively. The alternative Mann-Whitney U test showed similar results. Effect sizes as measured by Eta-squared (ƞ2) ranged from .06 (medium) to .1445 (large). It is concluded that Agricultural extension training had a highly significant influence on maize productivity. Formal education showed a positive impact on fertilizer-use adoption and maize productivity. This study has significance in the formulation of policy on agricultural extension training and investments to ensure all segments of society are equipped with relevant information for crop yield enhancement and food security
Economic Impact of Yam Value Chain in Nigeria
No full textThis study analyzed the profitability and marketing margins obtained by actors at various nodes of the yam value chain; and examined the organizations of the value chain, linkages among the key actors as well as the challenges faced by actors in the value chain in Nigeria using Baruteen Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State as a case study. 120 respondents consisting of 40 producers, 20 processors, and 60 sellers were selected through a three-stage sampling technique and were interviewed accordingly using structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed with; descriptive statics, statistics budgetary, marketing channels and Chi-Square analyses. Findings revealed significant difference in the net income of the value actors, with the processors having the highest share 3,558,63statistics
0, followed by the marketing agents 1,426,497 and the least 26,773.34 by the producers. Marketing margins also differed markedly among the actors. Sellers had the highest marketing margin per kg of yam. The identified constraints affecting yam value chain were high cost of production, inadequate market information, storage facilities, transport facilities, record keeping, and unfavourable government policies. The study recommends the need to scale up level of awareness in the value chain among smallholder farmer
Research on Blockchain-based Traceability System for Agricultural Products
No full textTo solve the problems of the existing agricultural products traceability system data storage security is not high, centralization is serious, data is easy to be tampered with and data trust, as well as to protect the quality and safety of agricultural products, safeguard the rights and interests of consumers and strengthen the supervision of agricultural products industry. In this paper, we propose a research on the safety traceability system of agricultural products based on blockchain on the traceability business process of the existing agricultural products traceability system. The decentralization of blockchain can ensure the immutability, transparency and accuracy of data traceability, solve the problems in traditional agricultural products traceability, improve the safety of agricultural products, and provide strong data support for the supervision of agricultural products industry. The advantages and challenges of implementing blockchain-based agricultural products traceability system are also elaborated, and the important links when applying blockchain technology to agricultural products traceability system are analyzed to provide reference for the research and establishment of blockchain agricultural products traceability system
Suitability of Idi-Apa Oke-Oyi Soil for Groundnut Cultivation
No full textSoil supplies most of the mineral nutrients for plant growth through the plant’s root system. The need to determine the soil nutrient supplying capacity of the soil at Idi-Apa, Oke-Oyi area of Kwara State, Nigeria for groundnut cultivation is of major concern before embarking on large-scale cultivation of groundnut to avoid great loss. The project was therefore conducted to analyse the soil at Idi-Apa, Oke-Oyi area based on the fertility for the cultivation of groundnut.
Soil samples were taken at depths 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm (which is the maximum rooting depth for groundnut) from the land. The samples which were collected through the random method were sent to the laboratory and analysed for chemical parameters: pH; organic carbon (OC); organic matter (OM); calcium (Ca); magnesium (Mg); sodium (Na); potassium (K); and nitrogen (N). Physical properties (textural class) and other properties such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR); exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP); base saturation (BS) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined.
The result of the analysis showed that the pH (7.1-7.8), OM (2.36-6.93%), OC (1.37-4.98%), Na (0.04-0.15%), ESP (1.04 – 1.28%) and BS (95.37-95.85%) were found to be in the range of the requirements for groundnut production, while the other analyses parameters were outside the required range.
Generally, some of the major nutrients like and potassium needed by the crop have deteriorated while some others like calcium are available in sufficient quantities. This calls for the application of fertilizer to the soil to provide the lost nutrients and proper monitoring of the soil before the cultivation of groundnut. An integrated approach that involves the cultivation of nutrient-efficient varieties of groundnut on nutrient-deficient soils is suggested. In the absence of magnesium-efficient varieties, the application of magnesium as fertilizer is recommended.
There were no significant differences (p >.05) in the results between the two soil layers for all chemical properties considered except for organic where OM was significantly higher in the subsoil than in the topsoil
Comparative Analysis of the Drying Parameters of Theobroma cacao (Cocoa Beans) and Musa paradisiaca (Plantain)
No full textIn order to prevent microbial spoilage and degradation responses during storage, agricultural products are typically dried to eliminate moisture from them. The removal of moisture is required for the preservation of this substance (drying). Under- or over-drying a product might result in loss through product damage. This work therefore focuses on the drying of two major crops grown by local farmers and agricultural companies; Musa paradisiaca and Theobroma cacao, obtained from a local farmer within Auchi, Edo state. The drying characteristics, including moisture content, moisture loss, and drying rates, were examined experimentally in this study at the university laboratory and Pax Herbal Clinic & Research Laboratories Ltd. This was obtained with the use of a locally fabricated cross and through circulation dryer for drying and a moisture analyzer to obtain moisture contents while taking into account temperature ranges between 40 and 80°C and time intervals from 5 to 40 minutes. The result of the experiment showed that, the crops' moisture loss and drying rate depend on the time and temperature they are exposed to. The Musa paradisiaca crop has more natural moisture than Theobroma cacao and hence, it takes a longer time to dry with a rapid moisture loss in the early 40 minutes of drying time and at temperatures within 40 and 70°C. Theobroma cacao dries more rapidly with a 72% moisture lost at temperatures between 40 and 60 C. A temperature range of 60 to 70°C at any drying time would therefore be sufficient to dry Theobroma cacao and Musa paradisiaca for their drying preservation
Macro Faunal Diversity in Date Palm Plantation Soils of Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
No full textThis research assessed the macro-faunal diversity in soil of date palm plantation of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. Parameters evaluated included; assemblage and diversity of soil macro invertebrates based on growth performances of the date palm. The plantation was divided according to growth variabilities. Assessment of macro fauna species was carried out using plots of 20m × 20m which was randomly selected, using plots of 1m x 1m that where laid at each anger point,Top soil for biological assessment of soil samples, were collected using trowels at depths ranging from 0-30cm depth. The soil samples was immediately spread on board of about 60cm2 and sorted for the presence of macro fauna. Soil macro-invertebrates ‘identification and enumeration. Soil macro-invertebrate assemblage was analyzed for diversity indices of species using relevant formulae. Results showed a total of 648 macro fauna scattered within the study area. Seventeen (17) Families of macro fauna were also identified in the study. Lumbricus terrestris (earthworm), the Heterotermes species (termites) and those belonging to the Formicidae family (ants) were the groups having the highest number of individuals. Leading to the conclusion that soil Macro fauna were present in the study area. However, the numbers of macro fauna were very active in the date palm plantation soil. This is an indication that strong relationship exists between macro fauna-invertebrates the date palm trees
The Contribution of Community Forestry on Livelihood Improvement and Environmental Protection in Cameroon
No full textThe sustainable management of community forests in Cameroon is a success story for the achievement of Community-Based natural Resources Management (CBNRM). This approach empowers local communities to take the lead on natural resources management, giving them a sense of responsibility and ownership. This study was carried out in three community forest (Woteva, Bakingili and Bimbia-Bonadikombo community forests) in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The aim of this research was to verify the contribution of community forestry to the wellbeing of the local population, and how it enhances the conservation of biodiversity. In this study, 135 (45.8%) of the 295 respondents were from Bimbia-Bonadikombo, 109 (36.9%) from Bakingili and 51 (17.3%) from Woteva. From this total, 155 (52.5%) were female and the rest (140 or 47.5%) were male. 89.4% of the population use the forests for fuelwood collection, 25.7% for timber exploitation, 40% for farming, and 41.3% for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) harvesting. Interestingly, only 17.9% of the respondents reported an increase in community members income under community forestry, 53.9% perceived no change especially as not everyone in the community is committed to community forestry. However, an improved adoption of sustainable exploitation practices was noted, and this can be explained by the numerous sensitization and training workshops and field demonstration carried out by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife through the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources-Southwest (PSMNR-SW), as well as Mount Cameroon prunus africana Association (MOCAP)
Integrated Effect of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] in Gobu-Sayo District
No full textFinger millet is an important food and beverage crop in the highlands and mid lands of Ethiopia, however marginal cultivation and suboptimal fertilizer application have caused soil nutrient depletion and yield decline of the crop. With this in view, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrated effect of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer blended NPSB with urea on yield and yield components of finger millet. The treatments consisted of combination of four levels of vermicompost (25, 50, 75, and 100%) and three levels of recommended NPSB and urea (25, 50 and 75%) rates; control (non-treated), recommended vermicompost alone (4.64 t ha-1), and inorganic fertilizer alone (100kg NPSB ha-1 and 90kg urea ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in fifteen treatments with three replications. Significantly (P<0.05) higher value in number of days to 50% flowering (99.6 days) and days to 90% to maturity (149.33 days) of finger millet were obtained with the application of 50:75% vermicompost and recommended NPSB with urea, the longest (70 cm) plant height was obtained with the application of inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, the highest number of tillers per plant (6.4) and productive tillers per head (3.96) was obtained with the application of 100:75% vermicompost and recommended NPSB with urea, while the maximum (10730.4kg ha-1) dry biomass weight and straw yield (88235kg ha-1) was obtained with the application of 100 : 25% vermicompost and recommended NPSB with urea. The highest net benefit ETB 56475.9 ha-1 with a marginal rate of return of 93.63% was recorded from application of 25:50% vermicompost (1.16 tons ha-1) and blended NPSB with urea, (50kg NPSB ha-1 and 45kg urea ha-1), fertilizer. Therefore, farmers in the study area are advised to use 25:50% vermicompost (1.16 tons ha-1), and blended NPSB with urea, (50kg NPSB ha-1 and 45kg urea ha-1), fertilizer to increase finger millet productivity. However, the experiment has to be repeated across locations and seasons to provide a reliable recommendation for sustainable finger millet production for similar agroecology
Assessment of the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products in Livelihoods’ Sustenance of the Flood Proximate Communities of the Indus Basin, Pakistan
No full textFlood-proximate communities are the most affected from the destructions caused by floods occurring almost every year in Pakistan. The people in these areas, due to frequent natural calamities, usually have poor economic conditions. These communities mainly rely on conventional income-generating strategies i.e. agriculture, fishing, daily wages etc. But due to natural disasters, these methods end up yielding the least profit, thus different means of income-inducing strategies are needed to explore for the community’s sustainable growth. The current study focuses on the potential of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the region of D I Khan in supporting the livelihoods of the inhabitants. The research utilized a mixed method approach (blend of quantitative and qualitative) through a semi-structured questionnaire aiming to assess the livelihood sustenance of flood proximate communities through NTFPs. A total of 150 respondents were randomly selected from 05 administration units, tehsils. The results revealed that communities in non-flooded areas (NF) used collecting NTFPs mostly for construction material whereas those in flooded areas (F) used it for construction as well as utensil making (F:41 %; NF: 39%; P<0.05; c2: 0.812). Both groups were involved in harvesting and using shrubs such as S. munja, T. latifolia, N. ritchiana, S. sesban and T. dioca and trees such as E. camadulensis, V. nilotica, and D. sissoo for firewood and cottage industry. Both groups were significantly different in meeting their livelihood needs such as their income source and meeting household expenses efficiently (F: 48%; NF: 100 %; P<0.01; c2: 12.03). The present study concludes that the NTFPs sector in flood-proximate areas has been neglected as a profitable income strategy for sustainable livelihood of the poor in this region
Growth and Productivity of Cauliflower in Aonla Based Multistoried Agroforestry System
No full textFruit tree vegetable-based agroforestry systems (FVAS) are being introduced in highland cropping systems of Bangladesh. This combined production system is applicable against changing climate, ensuring nutritional requirements along with food security, ecological balance, and economic profitability. The present study explored the performance of cauliflower as lower story crop in aonla based multistoried agroforestry system. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replication. The treatments were T1= Aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit + cauliflower, T2= Aonla + dragon fruit + cauliflower, T3= Dragon fruit + cauliflower, T4= Cauliflower in the open field (Control). Among different combinations of agroforestry systems, the highest curd yield of cauliflower (15 t ha-1) was recorded under dragon fruit-based system (T3) whereas most of the morphological parameters were maximum in the aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit-based system (T1). The highest benefit–cost ratio (2.95) was noted in aonla+dragon+cauliflower-based system (T2) followed by dragon fruit based system (T3), while the highest land equivalent ratio (3.78) was calculated in the aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit-based system (T1). This study revealed that, aonla + dragon + cauliflower based agroforestry system showed relatively higher economic returns and maximum land use efficiency in the upland cropping system