Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS)
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Manual de Bom Cafeicultor das terras altas. Diagnóstico, monitoria e auditoria das Boas Práticas Agrícolas (BPA) através da Metodologia do Sistema de Semáforo (SdS) em Cafezais de Angola by Pohlan, H.A.J. (Ed.)
Get PDFPohlan et al. verschreiben sich in der hier vorliegenden Veröffentlichung wiederum der Verbreitung Guter Anbaupraxis (GAP) als ein Muss zur Sicherung der Qualität eines erzeugten Produkts. Basierend auf dem Handbuch von Pohlan Slazar (2012) nutzen die Autoren ihre langjährigen Erfahrungen und passen die GAP in ihrem Handbuch für die Kaffeeerzeugung in Angola an. Es stehen wiederum 50 Kriterien oder Kontrollpunkte im Mittelpunkt, die sie zu den bekannten 13 Säulen (Rubriken) der GAP im Kaffeeanbau gruppieren. Um den richtigen Umgang mit dem Kriterien zu verdeutlichen, wird das bereits erprobte System auf Basis der Ampel benutzt. Die 13 Rubriken, hergeleitet aus den verschiedenen Abschnitten des Kaffeeanbaus, einbezogen dabei auch der Einfluss der natürlichen Umweltbedingungen und die Einbindung in das soziale Umfeld, haben das Ziel, eine Standort bezogene, mit beruflicher, unternehmerischer und ökologischer Verantwortung gepaarte Bewirtschaftung des Kaffeeanbaus sicherzustellen. Im Bereich der 50 einzelnen Kriterien stellt sich eine Gruppe von 11 Kriterien als absolute Ausschlusskriterien (rote Ampel) für den internationalen Marktzugang dar. Neben den zu erwartenden Barrieren bei unsachgemäßem Einsatz von Pestiziden, können auch Mängel in der Betriebsdokumentation und bei verschiedenen Analysen einen Marktausschluss herbeiführen. Besonders wichtig für die soziale Einordnung: Kinderarbeit ist vollkommen unzulässig. Weitere 15 Kriterien (gelbe Ampel) signalisieren bei Nichtbeachtung eine Gefahr für die Sicherung der guten fachlichen Praxis. Sie sind aber zunächst keine Ausschlusskriterien für den Marktzugang. In ihrer Mehrzahl beziehen sie sich auf Fehler im Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz bei den Arbeitskräften. Sie beinhalten aber auch Fehler im Bodenschutz und bei der Qualitätssicherung des verwendeten Pflanzmaterials. Es verbleiben schließlich 24 Kriterien, deren Einhaltung an und für sich die gute agronomische Praxis im Kaffeeanbau ausmachen. Fehler werden extern nicht sanktioniert, wirken sich aber durch zu erwartende Einbußen in Qualität und Quantität des erzeugten Kaffees aus. Pohlan et al. erweitern einen einheitlichen Standard für die Beurteilung der guten fachlichen Praxis (GAP) auf ein bedeutendes Anbaugebiet für Coffea arabica und C. canephora in Afrika. Sie ermöglichen jedem Anwender seinen Betrieb anhand klar definierter, quantifizierbarer Kriterien zu analysieren, so dass Fehler und Probleme eindeutig benannt sind. Im Resultat lässt sich ein Vorgehen zur Fehlerbehebung und -vorbeugung mit konkreten Maßnahmen ableiten. Die gute fachliche Praxis hält also, je nach Wunsch und Ausprägung, Einzug im Betrieb. Sie kann als Grundlage für ein internes Qualitätsmanagement eingesetzt werden. Einigen sich Produzentengruppen, Vermarktungsorganisationen und Käufer auf die Gültigkeit der dargestellten Kriterien (Kontrollpunkte), so ist auch eine externe Prüfung der angewendeten guten fachlichen Praxis möglich. Das Qualitätsmanagement wird damit regional oder sogar national anwendbar. Eine Stärkung der vielen kleinen Erzeuger ist sicherlich das Ergebnis. Ein zusätzlicher Höhepunkt des Buches ist die ausführliche Beschreibung der Herkunft und der Geschichte des Kaffeeanbaus in Angola. Sowohl C. canephora als auch C. arábica verfügen in Angola über eine lange Tradition. Diese in die gute fachliche Praxis einzubinden, sollte das Ziel für die künftige Entwicklung sein
Adoption and utilisation of Zai pits for improved farm productivity in drier upper Eastern Kenya
Get PDFInadequate and poorly distributed rainfall and declining soil fertility have led to low crop productivity in most smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, there has been a renewed quest for sustainable and resource-use efficient agricultural production practices. Zai pit technology is a practice that has the potential to alleviate water stress and enhance soil fertility. We assessed the factors that influence farmers' adoption and utilisation of Zai pits in Tharaka-Nithi County in upper Eastern Kenya. We interviewed 291 farm household heads. Descriptive statistical analysis and a logistic regression model were applied to evaluate socio-economic factors that affect the adoption of Zai pits by farmers. Binary logistic regression estimation revealed that the number of non-formal training, beneficiaries of nongovernmental organisations, wealth status and membership of a social group play an essential role in the adoption of Zai pits. Based on the findings, we recommend that farm characteristics and socio-economic characteristics of farmers should be considered in the promotion of Zai pits as a water harvesting technology. The results of the study will be useful to extension service providers in planning, designing and evaluating effective and efficient agricultural policies, programs and projects at local, regional and national scales in the dissemination of Zai pit technology among smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics
The effects of grain storage technologies on maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of grain storage practices on smallholder farmers’ maize marketing behaviour using primary data collected from 413 random households in Makoni and Shamva Districts of Zimbabwe. The data was analysed using the ordered probit model and the study results revealed that storage practices had significant effects on the maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers. Storage using insecticide and traditional granary increased the chances of farmers to become net sellers of maize. Using insecticide in storage reduces the amount of grain that is lost in storage hence farmers are able to preserve the amount of grain available for consumption and also for sale. This implies that safe storage of maize may increase household incomes thus reducing poverty. This also contributes to improved food security. Investment in safe grain storage technologies is thus a fundamental key policy issue in developing countries. Quantity harvested, market location, household head’s sex and other household factors influenced maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
Does backyard-keeping of native sows by smallholders in Quezon, Philippines, offer sustainability benefits compared to more intensive management of exotic sow breeds?
Get PDFThe present study in Quezon, Philippines, assessed the sustainability of small-scale production systems, based either on native or on exotic sow breeds, using different survey tools in a socio-economic approach. In two research periods, data sets with 49 households and 68 households, respectively, all smallholder farmers keeping ≤5 sows, were compiled. In 2016, four municipalities were purposively selected, each representing one of Quezon’s four districts. In 2017, two municipalities, both with larger populations of native pigs, were re-visited in order to review and supplement the previously obtained information.Small-scale pig production based on native sow breeds could result in less local environmental load than that based on exotic sows, as indicated by significantly closer approximation to organic standards, and a reduced public health impact. However, native sows were less productive than exotic sows, thus allowing only a reduced live weight offtake per household and year (274 vs. 607 kg). Regarding economic viability, both pig production systems were equally cost-effective and required similar weekly labour hours. The advantage of basing production on exotic sows was the possibility to make larger investments, a financial function that could not be met by native sows. The revenues from marketing piglets and porkers from native sows were low, preventing a better outcome. Conversion to organic production and certification could represent one strategy for development given that increasing the value added is putatively the only way to improve the cost-effectiveness of the production from native pigs in Quezon
Can calcium sprays alleviate jelly seed in mango fruits?
Get PDFJelly seed is a major challenge in mango production leading to enormous losses in the value chain. This internal fruit disorder is characterised by disintegration of cells, consistency of jelly and broken cells. Calcium plays an important role in enhancing tissue stability and firmness thus reducing cell disintegration. A two-year field study was conducted in Embu County, Kenya using ‘Van Dyke’ cultivar trees of approximately 10 years old. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of varied sources of calcium, applied at different rates and timing on jelly seed occurrence and tissue calcium distribution. Calcium in the form of calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and easygro® were applied at 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% or 0% (control) at three stages of fruit development (fruit set, 30 days after fruit set and 30 days to anticipated physiological maturity). The experiment was set up in a randomised complete block design with a split-split arrangement replicated three times. Fruits were harvested at physiological maturity and ripened at ambient conditions (28±1̊C, 75-80 RH). Data collected included: jelly seed occurrence, calcium distribution (exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp and cotyledon) and fruit weight. Jelly seed occurrence and calcium distribution were determined at ripe stage. All the calcium sources invariably suppressed the occurrence of jelly seed. Calcium chloride (2.0%) applied at fruit set had the lowest average jelly seed score of 1.2 and 2 in seasons I and II respectively. There was a significant negative relationship between fruit weight (r = -0.55, r = -0.52), calcium content in the exocarp (r = -0.56, -0.49), mesocarp (r = -0.52,-0.76), endocarp (r= -0.76, -0.66) and jelly seed incidence occurrence. This suggested that calcium has a role in alleviating jelly seed disorder. Application of calcium at fruit set was more effective in suppressing jelly seed occurrence than later applications. Calcium chloride (2.0%) applied at fruit set was more effective in reducing jelly seed occurrence. There is need to study further on soil based calciumand other calcium formulations on the effects on jelly seed occurrence
Morphology, biochemistry, and management of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) accessions in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan
Get PDFRussian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Elagnaceae) is a native multi-purpose medicinal shrub or tree of Asian regions and an integral component of high altitude terraced agroforestry systems of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. The strong increase in deforestation, urbanisation, and the loss of ethnically-based medication practices in local communities are gradually leading to depletion of its stands and knowledge of its use. In view of these circumstances, this study was undertaken to characterise Russian olive accessions as a first step towards the conservation of this important wild plant genetic resource. Ninety-three fruits (including seeds) and leaves were sampled to determine morphological variability among accessions. In addition, the phenolic composition of fruit pulp of 40 fruits was used for determination of phenolic compounds. To assess the local importance of the fruit, 42 Russian olive collectors and traders were interviewed. Data were analysed using PCA and clustering approaches. Fruit traits across groups were equally shared. Elevation had a positive effect on fruit and seed dimensions especially on length (r = 0.606 and 0.515, respectively) and weight (r = 0.618 and 0.695, respectively). Bioactive substances such as DPPH and flavonoids in the sampled fruits exceeded most values found in the literature by a factor of 100 and 30, respectively. The socio-economic household analysis highlighted that Russian olive harvest and trade is a purely additional income strategy. On average, about 90 € (ca. 16000 PKR) were earned by one household ranging from about 35 € to about 205 € per year. Data yielded a mixed picture on morphological and biochemical diversity as well as the socio-economic background, but indicated that northern regions of Pakistan might be an important centre for biodiversity of this species in Central Asia, which merits improved marketing
Specialty Coffee: Managing Quality by Thomas Oberthür, Peter Läderach, H.A. Jürgen Pohlan, Pih Lee Tan, James H. Cock
Get PDFSeven years after the 1st edition of “Specialty Coffee: Managing Quality” a fully revised 2nd edition is on the market - urgently expected and highly welcomed. Manifold and complex are the changes, both in conventional and specialty coffee cultivation, processing and trading since then. Despite all progress, there are two major challenges and risks to face: the climate change and the no-cost-cover-prices of coffee. This 2nd edition analyses the whole food chain from the coffee tree to the cup according to this risks, including new scientific, technological and social knowledge about it. Fortunately, the experienced team of five editors could orchestrate successfully the contributions of 43 experts in different scientific fields. The results are presented in three main parts: 1 - Background and Concepts, 2 - Crop Management and 3 – Value Chain Management. The background and concepts for specialty coffee are subject in part one of the book. The first chapter outlines the developments in coffee consumption and demand, including new markets and the role of specialty coffee. In chapter two, the influence of geographical parameters, e.g. soil, altitude and temperature on coffee growing and quality coffee is described. These geographical analyses are generating high data amounts and require new information technologies to identify sites with capacity of superior coffee quality. The comparison of different coffee growing regions, e.g. Ethiopia and Costa Rica, known from the 1st edition, is now more detailed and allows to identify areas with similar conditions. Chapter 3 deals with the adoption of coffee growing to climate change and was extensively revised. While in the 1st Ed. the effect of climate change in Mesoamerica on coffee was analysed only, now information is given for important coffee growing regions worldwide, e.g. East Africa, China; Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. It needs to be mentioned, that despite the sophisticated processing of unimaginable data volumes, all results for each region are free available. In chapter 4 a concept is developed, how farmers can interchange and compare their knowledge with this geographical data sets and capture own geo-referenced data. The 2012 founded World Coffee Research (WCR) organisation should take an active part in this process. In part two, the crop management of specialty coffee is analysed in seven chapters. All important components are involved, from coffee physiology, breeding, plant nutrition, field management practices until the impact of pests and diseases. Particular emphasis is given to the post-harvest processing and – new - the roasting procedures. Also the breeding chapter 3 is fully revised and updated. The genome of both, C. arabica and C. canephora is now available and permits new breeding methods. Selection targets (Limonene) for quality has been detected and public-private breeding networks can be expected. The plant nutrition chapter 4 is based on the 4R-principle: Right source, rate, time and place. Special consideration is given how to close the yield gap between different farms in a region. In the last two chapters the complex post-harvesting processing is analysed and recommendations for better cup quality are given. The third part of the book deals with the value chain management in six chapters. Prerequisites of sustainable business models for coffee, such as direct trading and vertical integration with roasters are outlined as well as business models for quality coffee, being de-commodification the first step to go. Finally, the book is completed by a comprehensive case study about specialty coffee in India. This 2nd edition has developed now to a standard for managing specialty coffee, leaving the regional level to a global approach. The concepts and principles in this book developed should be considered by conventional coffee growers too, because climate change and price vulnerability matter for most coffee growers worldwide
Optimising beekeeping development programs for improved productivity, income and welfare: a case study of Papua New Guinea
Get PDFBeekeeping can provide important sources of cash income for farmers in developing countries where land is unconducive to crop and livestock production systems. In many low-income countries however, attrition among beekeeping adopters remains a chronic problem, colony losses are high, support for and coordination of the sector is low, and practices, production and income from beekeeping is often inefficient. This study investigated the key drivers and practices influencing incomes from beekeeping, honey production and numbers of hives owned by beekeepers in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Survey data from 117 beekeepers revealed that beekeeping contributes to improving farmers resilience and security in times of financial hardship with 85% of beekeepers reporting using their honey as a form of a bank and beekeepers earning average annual net incomes of US$715.50. Specifically, our results highlight the importance of supplementary feeding, multiplying colonies by making splits, reinvestment into beekeeping enterprises and access to more than a single apiary site as key factors influencing productivity and income. This study provides guidelines for optimising beekeeping outcomes in low-income countries and provides recommendations to inform policy options for strengthening beekeeping for sustainable community development programs and partnerships
The diversity and contribution of indigenous edible fruit plants to the rural community in the Gayo Highlands, Indonesia
Get PDFThe Gayo Highlands offer different indigenous edible fruit species (IEFs) used by the rural community, essentially to provide products such as fruits, oil, medicine, nuts, and fodder. In recent times, these IEFs are being threatened by over-exploitation and biodiversity loss. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the diversity of IEFs and evaluate its contribution to the enhancement of the rural community income in the Gayo Highlands region. The plant materials were randomly collected from nine villages in three districts, while local knowledge was valued through a survey and in-depth interviews. Data were collected by surveying 225 people, 25 from each of the nine study areas,. A total of 38 species of fruits belonging to 19 families were found with the most utilised including Artocarpus integer, Baccaurea motleyana, Diospyros kaki, Durio zibethinus, Garcinia mangostana, Lansium parasiticum, Mangifera foetida, Mangifera odorata, Passiflora foetida, Syzygium aqueum, Syzygium attenuatum, Syzygium cumini, and Syzygium malaccense. These fruits made up the main source of food and income and were harvested by approximately 86 % of the respondents. Moreover, the sale of IEFs contributed to approximately 43 % of the total yearly household income. These findings confirmed the prior assumption that IEFs are of significant importance to the rural economy as a food and through income generation
Factors driving adoption and constraining the non-adoption of biofortified orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study sought to determine the factors that drive the adoption and constrain the non-adoption of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting sixty sweet potato farmers (thirty adopters and non-adopters each). Participatory tools such as structured interview schedule, key informant interviews and personal observation were employed for quantitative and qualitative data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools like, percentage, mean scores and factor analysis. The results of the study revealed that a greater percent of both adopters and non-adopters of OFSP were males. Although the adopters were older than the non-adopters, they were more educated, cosmopolite, cultivated larger farm sizes, earned more income, had more extension contact and access to credit than the non-adopters. The majority of adopters had high knowledge, while non-adopters had moderate knowledge of OFSP. The adopters were motivated to adopt the OFSP mainly as a result of its pleasant taste, profit from the sale of its roots and vines and not necessarily because of its perceived health benefits of supplementing vitamin A. Perceived constraints to the adoption of OFSP by non-adopters were particularly the complexity of OFSP production techniques and the high cost of OFSP vines and roots. Thus, extension agents should create more sensitisation and provide education about OFSP to farmers. Additionally, concerted eorts should be made by the research institutes to provide adequate and easily accessible inputs (vines and other planting materials) so that more farmers can produce vitamin A rich OFSP