Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Adoption Behaviour of the Rural Farming Household in South West Nigeria: A Panacea for Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP)
No full textThe study examined the adoption behaviour of the rural farming household in South-West Nigeria. A cross-sectional sample survey of 200 farmers were randomly chosen for the study. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression were used to calculate the probability of adoption. The study showed the magnitude of change in the level of adoption of agroforestry-based technologies by performing simulated analysis on some identified variables that could influence government policies. The simulation is done with an increase in the values of the variables by 5%, 10% and 20%. The results of this simulation of policy variables revealed that adoption will decrease with increase in age and credit facility. Also, any policy that will improve the quality and/or coverage of extension education is likely to increase adoption of agroforestry-based technologies. Landowners are likely to adopt agroforestry based technologies than tenants. Any policy that provides land to prospective farmers is likely to increase adoption of agroforestry-based technologies. Some of the general conclusion which have emerged from this investigation are that: Only availability of credit to farmers has significant effect on adoption of agroforestry-based technology at 0.05 level. However, at 0.10 level of significance, distance of input source from farm, membership of cooperative society and farmers’ educational status are significant in explaining adoption decision of farmers in the area. It is therefore recommended that there is need for provision of regular and better extension services to keep farmers abreast of the latest agroforestry-based technologies
Trigona Honey Home Industry Development for Economic Recovery in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in North Lombok West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
No full textThe devastating earthquake on 28 July 2018 in Lombok and the COVID-19 pandemic have put high economic pressure on the community. It is not only the damage to economic infrastructure that stops business activities, but also very strict health protocols, especially social distancing and avoiding crowding that make business activities impossible. Trigona bee farm has been one of the productive activities to support the family economy for the people of North Lombok since decades ago. During the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been running for almost 10 months, the activities of Trigona beekeeping are still running; in fact, the demand has actually increased. This research aims to develop the best strategy to make business scale of Trigona honey and community income increase, using the SAST (Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing) method and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process). The results showed that the demand for trigona honey during the pandemic has actually increased, because this honey has a very complete nutritional content, which can be used to increase immunity against of COVID-19. There are three main problems that were faced by the trigona bee farmers to develop their business: Trigona seeds, cultivation technology, and business management. The best strategy to increase their business and income is cultivation system technology and providing added value
Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products Bitter Kola, Njangsang and Palm Wine to the Income of Marketers in the Mifi Division of the West Region of Cameroon
No full textThe objective of the study is to contribute to the promotion of NTFPs (Bitter kola, Njangsang and palm wine) by assessing their contribution to the income of marketers in the Mifi division. The study was carried out in the Mifi division in the West Region of Cameroon between January and May 2020. Respondents were drawn from a cross-section of marketers. Data was collected through the administration of semi-structure questionnaires and interview guide as well as direct observations. 81 persons involved in the economic sector in five main markets were identified during the reconnaissance survey, of which 65 were interviewed accounting for 80.24%. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics for processing quantitative data and to generate tables and graphs. Results revealed that every stratum of the community participates in the trade, but the main actors were of the middle age group (45 to 55 years old). Economic analysis revealed that measurement unites for NTFPs in various markets are not standardized and there is a high variation in price between period of abundance and period of scarcity. Wholesalers were able to make an annual benefit of 2 338 900 FCFA, 1 077 400 FCFA and 178 600 FCFA per person from palm wine, bitter kola and Njansang respectively. This benefit was related to the origin of products, thus, the proximity of the supply area of palm wine permitted the concerned persons to meet higher benefit. The benefit observed is this study still includes transportation cost, so in reality, the final benefit is a variable value due to the constant variation (usually little variation) of transportation cost depending on the means of transport. Nevertheless, NTFPs are of real contribution to the income of the Mifi division population, but the supply areas are out of the Mifi division and this implicates some constraints such as high transportation cost, seasonality of products and high variation of sale prices. There is a real need of domestication of species to promote their sustainable management in the actual context of climate change
Meta-analysis of Technical Efficiency in Selected Agricultural Sub-sectors: Implications for Policy Making in Developing Countries like Sri Lanka
No full textAims: To evaluate the technical efficiency (TE) in selected agricultural sub-sectors and to propose possible policy interventions to the government with the aim of reducing the poverty of farmers in the developing world.
Study design: A meta-analysis based on empirical studies conducted by various scientists throughout the developing world.
Methodology: Research articles for the meta-analysis were selected using a thorough screening process based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) concept. Selected 94 articles were sub-divided in to three main agriculture sub-sectors for detailed analysis; (a) paddy, other field crops-OFC and vegetables, (b) fruits, and (c) livestock. Mean TE of each crop or livestock type was calculated by averaging the TE values for a particular crop or livestock type across different studies included in this study.
Results: TE data presented in the original articles showed a considerable dispersion within a given study. The highest mean TE was recorded in B-onion (0.83±0.15) whereas the lowest was recorded in maize (0.703±0.09) and in soybean (0.705±0.13). The TE of chili cultivation was 0.78 with the greatest variability (standard error of mean [SEM] 0.19) among the crops considered, which signifies the unpredictable nature of the chili cultivation. Mango was found to be the least technically efficient crop among the studied, with a mean TE of 0.596±0.11. Dairy, poultry and aquaculture farming operations were found to be highly technically efficient having mean TE values of 0.80±0.16, 0.89±0.02 and 0.88±0.08 respectively.
Conclusion: Findings of this study will lead to several key policy implications including, improvement of the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, implementation of farmer field schools (FFS) and establishment of a cautious and gradual strategy for expansion of the rural financial institutions
Livelihood Improvement of Farmers through Agroforestry Practices in Teesta and Jamuna River Basins
No full textAgroforestry is one of the most sustainable land management systems practiced around the world due to the socioeconomic benefits to farmers. In Bangladesh, farmers practice agroforestry, applying indigenous knowledge. The objectives of the study are to explore the dominant agroforestry systems and species preferred by and to assess the socio-economic impact of agroforestry technologies on their livelihoods of farmers of the Char dwellers in Jamuna and Teesta river basins. The study was conducted at four Char Upazillas such as Kazipur, Shariakandi, Kaunia and Dimla. A total 120 farmers were surveyed during the research period using structured questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions. The majority of the respondents (56.67%) having low score in adoption of traditional agroforestry practices. Most of the farmers (94.17%) in Teesta and Jamuna river basins are practicing traditional homestead agroforestry system. The most frequent strategy was boundary tree plantation (44.17%) followed by scattered tree plantation technique on composite planting system, and the alley of cropland. A total of 41 tree species are abundant in Char areas of Teesta and Januna basins. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is widely adaptable in Bangladesh including Char areas followed by Mango (Mangifera indica) in homestead besides, Mahagony (Swietenia mahagoni) is another abundant species planted in croplands boundaries of Char areas along with Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis). The farmers mentioned different problems they were facing in practicing agroforestry but ‘shade cast by trees’ was the major problem. Majority farmers of Char areas plant trees in homestead for fruits (63.33%) and in cropland for fuel wood (95.83%) and timber production (82.50%). Farmers’ livelihoods improved enormously by practicing agroforestry as they have more access to food, fodder and fuel wood which is reflected by greater access to livelihood capitals except social capital. However, the farmers have experienced increased incidences of pests and diseases to annual crops and trees. Agroforestry practices increases species diversity, ensure economic return and sustain farmers’ livelihoods. The respondents, local leaders and experts suggested the constrains of adopting agroforestry in Char areas are lack of awareness, education, technical skills, capital, technical assistance, interest, marketing and transportation facilities at the study areas . The government should initiate some agroforestry focused projects, especially in the Char areas for the capacity building of the farmers and equip them with the new farming techniques through trainings and orientation workshops. The farmers should be provided scientific guidance about suitable tree species grown on agricultural land with field crops, their silvicultural operations and tree management practices along with free services and inputs including seeds, seedlings and loan schemes for promoting agroforestry
Effects of Some Drying Methods on the Quality of Dried Nigerian Onion Varieties
No full textThis research aimed to study the effects of some drying methods on the qualities of dried Nigerian onion varieties. Sliced onion samples of 1.5kg from each variety were dried in the three dryers at varying pre-determined temperatures of 50, 60, and 70oC. At 50, 60, and 70oC, the electrically powered dryer dried red onion for 13.55, 12.10, and 10.30 h, dried white onion for 14.10, 12.25, and 10.55 h, and dried cream onion for 14.10, 13.15, and 11.35 h. The kerosene-powered dryer at 50, 60, and 70oC dried red onion for 14.45, 13.22, and 11.55 h, dried white onion for 14.50, 13.15, and 11.15 h, and dried cream onion for 14.25, 13.05, and 12.20 h. The solar dryer at 57oC dried red onion for 72.45, dried white onion for 72.20 h, and dried cream onion for 72.50 h. Therefore, using kerosene, solar, and electrically powered dryers significantly affects onion quality (constituents and flavor). However, the electrically powered dryer could attain the required temperature quickly and further maintained the temperature, which proved to be the best method for drying the onions at 70oC
Socio-Economic Drivers for Farming Households’ Decision to Conserve Nature around Mount Uluguru, Tanzania
No full textNature conservation means preservation or restoration of the environment and wildlife. The activity is just beyond someone's will; it is highly influenced by socio-economic factors. This study examined the drivers for farming households to conserve the nature around Mount Uluguru in Morogoro, Tanzania. A survey was conducted in five villages around the Arc Uluguru Mountain, and only 106 respondents were randomly selected. To supplement the information, focus group discussions were held with village leaders and environmental committee members in each village who gave their precious information for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies, percentage, and mean for examining characteristics of the sampled population, while the binary logistic model was used to analyze the factors that drive farmers to participate in nature conservation. It was found that farming experience, access to support services and awareness in bylaws and regulations increase the chances of participating in environmental conservation amongst the household members. Also, being a male individual and having old age decreases the chances of engagement to nature conservation activities. The study recommends that, in conservation activities, gender roles should be taken into consideration, as anyone can take charge and participate in nature conservation. Furthermore, more training, materials, and equipment are needed from governmental and NGO’s to help nature conservation in Mount Uluguru
Indigenous Knowledge of Bamboo Products and uses in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
No full textIntroduction: Today, bamboo is a resource frequently used by local people for their wellbeing and rural development in poor localities.
Aims: This study aimed at identifying the ecosystem services offered by bamboo to the local population for their wellbeing.
Duration and Place of Study: The study was carried out in January to February 2021 in Western highlands Agro ecological zone of Cameroon; more precisely in areas with high bamboo density according to literature review.
Methodology: Three hundred and ten (310) questionnaires were administered to persons involved in bamboo activities including a direct observation in the field. This was complemented with key informant interviews.
Results: The results showed that bamboo is highly utilized for subsistence purposes in many households in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, with at least 97 bamboo uses and products identified. These uses/products were grouped into 11 sectors/domains making use of bamboo. Agriculture, silviculture, handicrafts, furniture and house construction are the sectors using more bamboo products. Only 5% of respondents used bamboo in more than 10 sectors/domains.
Conclusion: This baseline survey presents results which could orientate decisions of Policymakers and Development planners on how bamboo products could be valorized in the Western Highlands
Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Swamp Forest of Atan Ukwok Village in Ini L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
No full textThe Floristic inventory of the swamp forest at Atan Ukwok was carried out using the Systematic and Transect Sampling Methods where the line transect was the main path of the forest and Sampling units were chosen along the path at a distance of 14m × 14m and 6 sampling plots were sampled. The frequency, density and abundance of the identified species were calculated using standard formulae. A total number of 61 species from 35 families were identified. The number of species recorded for the plant families were, Cyperaceae 5, Euphorbiaceae 4, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Aspidiaceae and Poaceae 3 each, Arecaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Melastomataceae, Schizaceae, Thelypteridaceae and Verbanaceae 2 each and Athyriaceae, Costaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Dracaenaceae Gleicheniaceae Araceae, Davillianaceae, Malvaceae, Commelinaceae, Clusiaceae, Selaginellaceae, Combretaceae, Convolvulaceae, Colchicaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae, Lycopodiaceae and Rutaceae 1 each. The highest species frequency and density of 66.7% and 9.5% respectively was found in Setaria megaphylla and the highest abundance value of 50.0 was found in Dracaena arborea. The frequency percentage of the plant species showed that the forest is fast loosing vegetation due to the obvious encroachment of parts of it by the inhabitants of the community for the purpose of cultivation. This calls for concerted conservation measures in order to ensure the sustainable use of the floral diversity of the forest. 
Effect of Environmental Factors on Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Yield in the City of Jerusalem Occupied, Palestine
No full textApricot is a deciduous perennial tree, which classified within to the Rosacea family, sensitive to climatic factors, and its production has an economic role for many countries of the world, including Palestine. Mean annual temperatures and precipitation were analyzed, using data from a meteorological station of Jerusalem, Palestine, which has recorded between the year (1993-2012), and with the same number of years of apricot production, knowing that production data were taken from the Palestinian Statistics Center for the mentioned period. On the other hand, we used Professor Salvador Ravers Martins' methodology to classify the Earth in the process of analyzing environmental factors, there are two aspects of the factors: The first is climatic, which is the amount of rain or precipitation, mean monthly temperature and soil water reserve, and the second factor is the bioclimatic, which is annual ombrothermic index, simple continentality index, compensated thermicity index, and water deficit. In conclusion, Jerusalem was adversely affected by mean monthly temperature, precipitation, compensated thermicity index, deficit water, annual ombrothermic index during (1997-2002 and 2007-2012), but positively influenced by soil water reserve on apricot production, during (1993-1997 and 2002-2007), with a great rate of the variance in axis F1 (98.8%), axis F2 (0.82%) and symmetrical plot axes F1and F2 (99.8%), when the correspondence analysis was applied. However, humid areas characterized by mild summers are the suitable region for apricot production and productivity, with a temperature ranging between 22-24°C, at which high quality production can be obtained, the amount of rain is between 600 - 800 mm annually. Final, environmental regions in the thermomediterranean and the Mesomediterranean, with simple continentality index is 17 - 22, annual ombrothermic index is 2.5, while the compensated thermicity index is about 250/420, to obtain the highest ideal production of apricots in Jerusalem, Palestine