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Trends in communication strategies through traditional medicine: Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study sought to establish trends in communication strategies through traditional
medicine in Tanzania. The study employed the descriptive content analysis design as it was crucial for
gaining insights into how language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional
medicine in the context of COVID-19 management in Tanzania. The study involved a comprehensive
documentary review of COVID-19 communication materials used in Tanzania to establish how
language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional medicine in the context of
COVID-19 management in Tanzania. Data was analyzed through the qualitative content analysis
approach.The study concludes that COVID-19 communication materials made commendable efforts to
reach the diverse linguistic communities in Tanzania, taking into account the country's linguistic
diversity. Kiswahili and English emerged as the dominant languages, which aligns with the linguistic
distribution of the population. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures access to information.
The materials demonstrated effective translation and interpretation, highlighting a commitment to
accurate translation and cultural sensitivity. It is advisable to incorporate multiple languages, including
local languages, to make the campaigns more accessible and relatable to linguistically diverse
communities in Tanzania. Secondly, it is imperative to maintain clear communication strategies that
empower individuals with varying levels of health literacy. Furthermore, when discussing traditional
remedies, adopting an objective approach and stressing the significance of consulting healthcare
providers for well-informed decision-making is essential. Moreover, the strategic use of visual
elements should be employed to ensure a consistent and well-structured presentation of crucial
information
Impact of sowing date and level of phosphorus application on economic returns in cotton
No full textOriginal ResearchThis study explored the economic dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
production in Msilale village, Chato District, Tanzania. The experiment utilized a
factorial design with sowing dates on November 25th, December 15th, and January
4th, and phosphorus levels at 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1, replicated three times.
Results indicated significantly higher cotton yields (6.1 t ha-1 and 6.3 t ha-1) for
November and December sowings compared to January (3.8 t ha-1). This is a 61%
and 66% increase in cotton yields for November and December sowings,
respectively relative to January sowing. Though not significant, 20 kg P ha-1 and
40 kg P ha-1 applications yielded 5.8 t ha-1 and 5.4 t ha-1, respectively, while 60 kg P
ha-1 yielded 5.3 t ha-1. This is a 9.4% and 1.9% increase in cotton yields at 20 and
40 kg P ha-1, respectively relative to absolute control and 60 kg P ha-1 application.
Economic analysis revealed that late sowing (January) had the lowest net profit
(Tshs. 3,723,400 ≈ USD 1,486) and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 11.2. Early sowings
recorded higher net profits (Tshs. 6,679,527 ≈ USD 2,666 and Tshs. 6,861,283 ≈
USD 2,738) and BCRs (18.4 and 18.8, respectively). This is a 79% (BCR = 64%) and
84% (BCR = 68) increase in net benefits from early sowings compared to late
sowing. Applications of 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1 resulted in net benefits of Tshs.
5,452,572 ≈ USD 2,176 (BCR = 19.2), Tshs. 5,209,904 ≈ USD 2,079 (BCR = 15.1), and
Tshs. 5,748,786 ≈ USD 2,294 (BCR = 14.1), respectively, with a significant (p = 0.017)
BCR at 20 kg P ha-1 indicating cost-effectiveness. This is a 36% and 7.1% economic
benefit at 20 and 40 kg P ha-1, respectively compared to 60 kg P ha-1 application.
Optimizing sowing dates and P levels can boost economic returns in cotton
production and promote sustainability
Crop storage practices and occurrence of fungi with public health importance from rodents’ trapped inside and outside the storage facilities in Mbeya, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationAnimals play an important role in the dispersal of seeds and fungal
spores. Several species that consume fruiting bodies of fungi play a
primary role in dispersal networks. Through the rodent-mycorrhizal
dispersal relationship, the study was conducted in selected wards of
urban and peri-urban areas of Mbeya-Tanzania to discover whether
rodents could act as the network for the dispersal of other fungi
related to public health. As well as assessment of knowledge,
awareness, and practices based on storage conditions, that may
influence rodent infestation: implication to fungal contamination in
storage facilities. A total of 210 rodents were trapped in and outside
the storage facilities in selected wards in Mbeya city of which Rattus
rattus (51.0%) was a dominant species, Praomys 40(19.0%),
Lophuromys 29(13.8%), Mastomys natalensis 19(9.0%), Mus
musculus 9(4.2%), and Lemnicomys spp 4(1.9%). Fresh fecal
samples from the rectum were collected. The second form of
samples were 77 pellets collected from the ground making a total
number of 288 fecal pellets. Both samples were preserved at -20 0C
at Mbeya National Research Institute (NIMR) for further laboratory
analysis. Colony morphology obtained through Microbiological
analysis and identification in selective media. A total number of 6
different fungal isolates were observed and Aspergillus fumigatus
was the dominant fungal species from the cultured samples, with a
prevalence of 26% (76/288) showing the potential for aspergillosis in
humans followed by Aspergillus niger and Fusarium species with a
prevalence of 9% (27/288), Aspergillus flavus 3% (10/288) and
Aspergillus ochraceus 1% (4/288). Nested PCR confirmed the
presence of aflR gene from suspected isolates of Aspergillus flavus,
bands observed at 800kb for the first round and 400kb for the
second round. Indirect Competitive ELISA performed on 10 maize
samples that infected with A. flavus isolates, 10 maize samples free
from isolates contamination, and 4 pure isolates of A. flavus. The
aim was to check whether the isolates were capable of producing
toxins and their respective concentrations (ug/ul) were calculated. To confirm the findings a cross-sectional survey was conducted and
a total number of 50 facility storage owners were questioned based
on grains storage practices, factors for rodent infestation, facility-
building conditions, type of material used for storage of grains,
Storage facilities owners’ knowledge based on the effects of rodent
infestation and ways to reduce the effects. Poor storage practices,
types of storage sacks, facility maintenance and longevity of the
facility, and poor knowledge of controlling pests and losses due to
rodents and moulds were the major findings. The 74% of
respondents indicated that they stored only maize, while 26% stored
maize along with other grains such as rice and beans. Among the
respondents, 28% agreed that storing maize with other products
facilitated rodent infestation, 22% disagreed with this opinion, and
the remaining participants were unsure. The 58% of the participants
expressed confidence in their understanding of the factors that
influence rodent infestation, while 42% did not. Regarding major
maintenance of their storage facilities, 38% of the storage keepers
performed it annually, while 20% did it whenever they deemed it
necessary. In terms of rodenticide application within the storage
premises, 54% of the respondents indicated its use.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology
Development (ACE IRPM and BTD
In the midst of global anti-tobacco farming and smoking campaigns: how resilient and sustainable are the tobacco farming co-operatives in southern Africa?
No full textJournal articleCognizant of the harms registered through tobacco farming and consequently smoking on the
environment and human health, the world is witnessing campaigns against both tobacco farming
and smoking. These campaigns are expected to affect the tobacco sub-sector, which contributes to
the economies of the leading tobacco-producing countries, namely Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania,
Malawi, and Mozambique. The campaigns have in some countries been followed by governments’
partial engagement or total disengagement from providing inputs, credit, extension services, and
price support. To protect this subsector, tobacco farmers, inter alia, had to engage agricultural
and marketing cooperative societies (AMCOS). However, the extent to which AMCOS engagement
by farmers has been realized is empirically unknown. Amid these campaigns, understanding how
resilient and sustainable tobacco cooperatives have been, remains imperative. Resilience building
supports people and institutions in adapting to new circumstances, hence sustainability. This article
analyses the resilience and sustainability of Tobacco co-operatives using a documentary research
method. In this article, resilience has been analyzed based on (i) networks, (ii) innovation, and,
(iii) the role of the state. Varied degrees of government support to the tobacco sub-sector have been
identified. Contract farming has been exploited to fill the gap where the minimal role of the state
has been registered. Despite the global anti-smoking campaigns, tobacco production is on the
increase in southern Africa. Resilience and sustainability have been observed to vary country-wise.
Due to tobacco’s economic value in these countries, the campaigns cannot bear significant positive
results in the absence of alternatives to tobacco farming
Analysis of formal institutions and power relations along timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationTimber is among rising highly value product worldwide. The
utilization of timber can help in promoting jobs to as many people as
possible through its value chain. In Tanzania, most past studies
conducted on timber value chain concentrated on market analysis
and illegal activities that are undertaken along the chain, fewer
studies assessed the institutions and power relations along the
chain. This study therefore analysed formal institutions and power
relations guiding timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts.
The study followed an institutional framework from which a sub
framework of legal and regulatory framework was formed. Therefore,
a definition provided by Douglass North on institutions was adopted.
The study defines institutions as the rules of the game. The study
also follows an Actors’ interface framework which was developed by
Norman Long an English socialist who studied the behaviours of
actors in agriculture value chain context. In the theory, actors in the
interface are characterized by discontinuities in interest, values and
power. There are however power struggles that cannot be avoided
in the actor’s interface but they can be solved through negotiations
and accommodations of all stakeholders thinking or ideas.
This study was conducted in Liwale and Ruangwa districts located in
the southern part of Tanzania. The study adopted an exploratory
cross sectional study design, in which qualitative data were collected
through in- depth key informant interviews, formal and informal talks
with people who are working along the timber value chain, focus
group discussion (FGDs), researchers own observations and
document reviews. Purposive and simple random sampling were
used to select participants for this study. 20 timber dealers, 5 forest
officers, 4 TFS agents, 15 members from the VNRCs, 3
representatives from MJUMITA, MCDI and TFCG and 2
representatives from FORVAC were involved in the study.
Qualitative data were analysed following six steps of thematic
analysis including transcribing interviews into text, going through the text, coding the text, grouping the codes to form themes, reviewing
the themes, describing the themes and assessing their relationships.
Dedoose platform was used for qualitative data analysis. Findings
show that institutions which are the rule and regulations created to
guide value chain activities, largely affect the development of timber
value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts. The government
remains to be the sole regulator of the value chain through
established rules and regulations. It was also discovered that all
actors along the timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts
operate under the same regulatory framework. Furthermore, the
study finds that there are power relations that exist among the timber
value chain actors in Liwale and Ruangwa districts respectively.
These are institutional, strategic and supportive power relations.
In addition to that there are power struggles that exists among some
of the timber value chain actors. For instance, the forest officers and
the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) agents experience power
struggles among themselves this is mainly caused by the desire that
these two sides have on getting the revenues collected from the
timber dealers when sanctioned. Based on these findings, it is
concluded that formal institutions and power relations have a great
influence on the development of timber value chain in Liwale and
Ruangwa districts. Therefore, the policy makers should include all
actors in the timber value chain so as to avoid complaints and power
imbalance that comes with the established rules and regulations.FORVAC, a Finnish developmental progra
Assessing the perceptions of teachers and students on the integration of technology- enhanced teaching and learning in Secondary Schools in Dodoma City
No full textInternational
Journal for
Multidisciplinary
Research (IJFMR)The increase in demand for technology usage has influenced many sectors, including education. However,
teachers’ and students’ perceptions have a great impact on the effectiveness of technology-enhanced
teaching and learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess teachers’ and students’
perceptions of the use of technology-enhanced teaching and learning and find out if there was an
association between teachers’ and students’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of
technology use in teaching and learning. A cross-sectional design was used to gather information from the
field. Secondary school teachers and students in Dodoma City constituted the study population. 83
teachers and 393 students from 10 secondary schools were selected purposefully. The self-administered
questionnaire was used to gather data from both categories (teachers and students). The data was analyzed
by using percentages and statistical tests, including Chi-square goodness of fit and one-way ANOVA, to
determine the association and relationship between teachers’ and students’ perceptions in relation to the
selected demographic characteristics. The study found that teachers and students have positive perceptions
of the use of technology in teaching and learning in public secondary schools. Furthermore, it was found
that the education level of teachers, the class of students, and the age of teachers influenced the perceptions
of the use of technology in teaching and learning. The study recommended that the government should
ensure pieces of training for teachers, motivation, and a conducive environment for the use of technology
in teaching and learning in secondary schools
Irrigation performance of a water distribution system: The case of Kigugu irrigation scheme-Mvomero district Morogoro region Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThis study assessed the performance of the Kigugu Irrigation Scheme's water distribution system in Tanzania with an emphasis
on its impact on crop yields. We used a combination of participatory tools and direct observation to gather comprehensive data,
including weather patterns, water discharge rates, and farmer input levels. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed significant
variations in water distribution across canals, with Relative Water Supply (RWS) values ranging from 0.7 to 5.9, indicating
instances of both over- and under-supply. Despite these variations, satisfactory performance was demonstrated by the irrigation
system, with high Water Delivery Performance Ratio (WDPR) values consistently recorded above 0.65, indicating that water
demands were largely met across the system. Furthermore, the study found that equity in water distribution improved
significantly during the growing season, with the equity index dropping from 0.2 to 0.1. This underscores the critical need for fair
water allocation practices, particularly during low-flow periods, to ensure that all farmers receive an adequate supply. Based on
these findings, several recommendations for irrigation system modifications were proposed to further improve water distribution
and equity. In terms of productivity, a notable correlation between water distribution and crop yield was observed. A canal with a
design discharge of 0.0228 m 2 /s produced a yield of 552.18 metric tonnes, demonstrating efficient water utilization. In contrast,
canal SC.4-2, with a lower discharge of 0.0185 m2/s, achieved a smaller yield of 274.31 metric tonnes, further highlighting the
importance of optimal water distribution for enhancing agricultural productivity. Overall, the Kigugu Irrigation Scheme
maintains a reliable water supply, contributing positively to sustainable water resource management and agricultural
productivity. This, in turn, supports local economic growth, enhances food security, and improves community well-being. The
study’s findings provide critical insights for future improvements in irrigation management and resource allocationMinistry of Agriculture in Tanzani
Influences of different types of fertilizers on the agronomic characteristics of chloris gayana forage in a selected area of Tanzania
No full textTanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2024) Vol. 23 No. 1, 48-60A study was undertaken from January to April 2021 in a commercial dairy farm in Iringa, Tanzania, to determine the effects of applying different types of fertilizers on the agronomic characteristics of Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass). Four types of fertilizers, namely cattle farm yard manure (CFYM), blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Zinc (NPSZn), Sulphate of Ammonium (SA), and Urea, were applied in experimental plots using six different combinations in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The combinations were control (T1) with no fertilizer, CFYM alone (T2), CFYM and NPSZn (T3), NPSZn alone (T4), NPSZn with SA (T5), as well as NPSZn with Urea (T6) allocated in four replications per treatment. The physical and chemical properties of the soil in the experimental plots and the CFYM were also determined. The application of the fertilizers followed the protocols of the manufacturers. The seeds of C. gayana were broadcasted in all the experimental plots at a rate of 20 kg/ha. On the 90th day, forages in their respective sub-plots were clipped to obtain representative samples for the determination of the agronomic characteristics. Parameters considered were plant population (PP), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), stem height (SH), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), leaf width per plant (LWPP) and stem diameter (SD). Results showed that the soil texture was primarily sandy clay loam. The soil and manure contained total N (%) of 0.15 and 1.76 respectively. The amounts of extractable P (mg/kg) in soil and manure were 3.38 and 40.35, respectively. The study showed that the plots fertilized by a combination of NPSZn and Urea (T6) produced the highest (p0.05) mean values of PP (27.6 plants/m2), NTPP (5.3), SH (53.9 cm), NLPP (3.7), LLPP (23.4 cm) LWPP (0.5) and SD (1.5 mm). It is concluded that a mixture of blended NPSZn and Urea could improve the soil fertility and hence promote the growth parameters of C. gayana. Further studies to determine biomass yield and quality of the forage fertilized with different fertilizers under similar soil and environmental conditions are recommended
Interactive radio-based agricultural knowledge sharing: a case study of women crop farmers in dodoma city, Tanzania.
No full textMSc DissertationThis study was conducted in the area under the jurisdiction of
Dodoma City Council, in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. The data
collection took place between March and April 2023. The main
objective of the study focused on assessing interactive radio-based
agricultural knowledge sharing by women crop farmers in Dodoma
City. The selected administrative streets were Mchemwa, and
Azimio from Makutupora ward, Maendeleo and Chihanga from
Chihanga ward, and Hombolo Bwawani B from Hombolo ward. The
study focused on assessing interactive ways used by radio
programmers to obtain women crop farmers’ agricultural reactions
and demands. The study specifically intended to identify women
crop farmers’ agriculture-related radio programs co-decided as
relevant. Also, the study intended to identify women crop farmers’
limitations to be involved in the co-deciding process. To achieve
these objectives, face-to-face interviews, Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) and key informant interviews were employed. Purposive and
snowball sampling procedure was used to identify study participants.
Questionnaires with open-ended questions were used to allow the
study participants to provide views in their own words. Afterward,
content analysis was used to analyse the data according to the
study objective and themes.
The study revealed that radio programmers interact with women
crop farmers by visiting them in their fields/ home to conduct face-to-
face interviews while recording their agricultural reactions and
demands. Moreover, radio programmers provide opportunities for
women crop farmers to call and share their opinions or ask for
information clarifications. Likewise, the programmers invite women
crop farmers as guests in the studio to talk on various topics.
Despite such interactive ways available, the study found that there is
inadequate interaction between women crop farmers and radio
programmers. The low interaction results from women crop farmers'
many household responsibilities, being prohibited by their husbands
from speaking on behalf of their families (taboos), language barriers
and not being contacted by radio programmers. Moreover, identified
barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of
electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of
spousal disapproval, and non-contact by programmers, voucher
purchase costs, and language obstacles.
Second, radio programmers inadequately align with the agricultural-
specific needs of women crop farmers. The majority of women crop
farmers have time between 20:00 and 22:00 hours at night. The
reason attributing to this is that women crop farmers are busy with
household responsibilities at other times. The study further found
that radio programmers prefer the morning sessions. Moreover,
women crop farmers preferred language differ from that used by
radio programmers when airing agricultural radio programs. The
study found that women crop farmers prefer the use of both Swahili
and vernacular languages. Unluckily, the study found that most of
the licenses provided by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory
Authority (TCRA) to radio stations recommend the use of Swahili
only.
Third, women crop farmers lack knowledge on who is responsible for
preparing agricultural radio programs. The study found that women
crop farmers know that those responsible for preparing agricultural
radio programs are radio programmers only. This situation makes
some women crop farmers to demand gifts especially money for
them to give their agricultural information. The tendency makes radio
programmers to decide alone on what agricultural radio programs to
air.
The study concludes that although interactive radio programs are
crucial in promoting agricultural knowledge sharing for women crop
farmers, they are still some challenges related to the scarcity of
radios and mobile phones ownership, the absence of electricity for
device charging, domestic responsibilities, and spousal disapproval.
Moreover, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs,
and language obstacles remain a barrier. Therefore, the government
through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
should address financial constraints hindering women's crop farmers
from interacting with radio programmers. This will align with the
TCRA's core value of commitment to prioritizing information
consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science,
and Technology is urged to empower school girls by providing
agricultural education through secondary levels. In turn, the school
girls will share the information to their mothers. The proposed
initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information
for women crop farmers and contribute to their socio-economic
development.Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI
Adapting coffee (Coffea Arabica, L.) production to climate change through types of seedlings and soil fertility management practices in Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisIn Tanzania, coffee is the second largest traditional export commodity
after tobacco, accounting for 24 % of the country‘s total foreign
exchange earnings. Average annual production has stagnated at
about 50,000 metric tons over the past 35 years. One of the widely
held reasons is climate change, manifested by high rainfall variability
and decline as well as increase in temperature. Elsewhere different
adaptation strategies like use of shade trees, drought tolerant coffee
varieties and organic fertilizer have been proposed to deal with the
effect of climate change on coffee production. However, climate
change adaptation studies for coffee production in Tanzania are
largely missing. An overall objective of this work was to develop
agronomic techniques for adapting Coffea arabica, L. production to
climate change. Specifically, the study aimed to: 1) asses coffee
growers‘ perceptions on climate change; 2) asses the relationship
between scientific climate change record and production records; 3)
evaluate field performance of compact coffee variety under selected
propagation methods and soil fertility amendment practices and 4)
determine the role of type of seedling and fertilizer management
practices in increasing resilient of coffee species to the changing
climate.
The study was undertaken in the Northern Highland zone (Kilimanjaro
and Arusha regions) and Southern Highland zone (Songwe, Mbeya
and Ruvuma regions), purposively selected based on the level of
Arabica coffee production. First a survey was conducted to examine
smallholder farmers‘ perceptions of climate change. The findings
indicate that, 163 (67 %) farmers perceived climate change has been
taking place in their areas (increase in temperature and decrease in
rainfall); the most influential factors in their perception being level of
education, farming experience and access to climatic information.
Farmers‘ perceptions were also consistent with meteorological data
both pointing to significant decline in rainfall and increase in
temperature. Smallholder farmers have been responding to climate
change through planting shade trees, use of disease-tolerant
varieties, soil fertility management, and irrigation practices. A follow-
up study was conducted to assess the impact of current climate change on Tanzania‘s Arabica coffee production. The findings reveal
minimum temperature has been increasing at a higher rate than the
maximum temperature in both zones. Increase in minimum
temperature by 1°C during short rains and annual mean temperature
resulted in a significant coffee production decrease in Kilimanjaro and
Arusha regions by -6,041 and -4,450 tons respectively. Field
experiments were also established to evaluate performance of
cutting, grafting and seed propagules when combined with 75 g N. P.
K tree-1, 37.5 g N. P. K +10 Kg Farmyard manure (FYM) tree-1 and
37.5 g N. P. K +20 Kg FYM tree-1. Two split plot experiments laid out
in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications were
established at the two locations (Lyamungu-Hai district and Burka -
Arusha district) based on the existing climatic gradient; cutting-
propagated plants resulted into highest yield ranging between 1800-
3600 Kg green coffee ha-1 while grafted-propagated plants had the
lowest green coffee yield (600-1700 Kg ha-1.). The fourth study
utilized climatic data from Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling
Experiment under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 to
evaluate the potential of cutting, seed and grafted seedlings in
attenuating the effects of climatic conditions using Dynamic
Agroforestry Coffee model.
During the Near-term period (2026-2056) rainfall will increase in
Kilimanjaro region at the range of 0.2-13 % while in Arusha region the
increase will be 6.05-13 %. Minimum temperature is expected to
increase at higher rate than maximum temperature at the range of
1.4-1.48 °C in Kilimanjaro region and in Arusha region at the range of
1.36-1.64 oC. The use of cutting, seed and grafted propagated coffee
plants when combined with FYM will result into 40% 35 % and 10%
yield reduction respectively. Specific Leaf Area (SLA) among the
three types of seedlings also varied; 28 (cutting), 19 (Seed) and 9
(grafted). Higher SLA observed in cutting-propagated plants may
affect coffee production since it is linked to high loss of water in
plants. Future higher yield loss was observed with the use of
inorganic fertilizer (38%) than FYM (18%) in all the three types of
seedlings. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that during the last
40 years, coffee farmers from the Northern and Southern Highlands
zone of Tanzania have experienced increase in temperature and
decrease in rainfall. Rise in minimum temperature and decline in long
rains has significantly affected coffee production in the Northern
Highlands zone. Similar to the historical period, minimum temperature
is expected to increase at the higher rate than maximum temperature
in the Northern Highlands zone during the Near-term period.
Integrated nutrients sources are able to provide sufficient nutrients to
the three types of seedlings as the recommended rates of inorganic
fertilizer. Yield of cutting propagated plants under the age of four
years if established at the same time with seeds and grafted
propagated plants is significantly higher than that of its counterpart.
However, grafted propagated plants are more resilient to climate
change. It is therefore recommended that, integrated soil fertility
management (37.5 g N.P.K +10 Kg FYM) tree-1 to be used as one of
the adaptation strategies because apart from providing nutrients to
the coffee plants the package also helps in improving water retention
properties of the soil. In addition, seedling distribution should be
location specific, with cuttings-propagated plants being distributed in
areas with rainfall above 1200 mm year-1.
The findings hold significant policy implications for enhancing coffee
production in regions affected by climate change. Policymakers
should enhance timely and accurate weather information delivery
along with developing institutions responsible for education and
extension services provision. Multiplication and adoption of improved
coffee varieties has to be enhanced and promoted by the
policymaker. By promoting adoption of improved coffee varieties
policymakers can enhance farmers' adaptive capacity and reduce the
vulnerability of coffee production to climate-related risks. Future
studies will focus on monitoring the response of three types of
seedlings above the age of four years assuming that at a later age
coffee tree will have reached its maximum production and so more
nutrients and water will be required