Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS)
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Use of palm kernel expeller and empty fruit bunches in beef cattle feed pellets in Malaysia
Full text linkThis study evaluated the effects of an oil palm by-product-based (OPB) feed pellet on beef cattle growth and feed intake. A total of 42 beef cattle were assigned to two groups and fed either the OPB or a commercial (COM) feed pellet at 1% of body weight (BW) over a 90-day trial, with ad libitum supply of oil palm fronds daily. Daily feed intake and monthly BW changes were recorded. Proximate analysis showed that the OPB feed pellet was isonitrogenous and isocaloric to the COM pellet. At the end of the feeding trial, a similar BW increment was observed, from 165 kg to 222 kg and 159 kg to 212 kg for OPB and COM, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG) of the OPB group was slightly higher than that of the COM group with 0.63 kg day-1 and 0.59 kg day-1, respectively. Similarly, feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the OPB group was slightly better at 9.59 as compared to the COM group with 9.98. Additionally, meat from cattle on the OPB diet showed higher redness and yellowness values (p 0.05), indicating improved meat appearance. In conclusion, the oil palm-based feed pellet provides complete nutrition for beef cattle and is comparable to commercial feed pellets in supporting growth performance
Effect of Acacia mearnsii as a source of tannins on rumen fermentation in vivo and gas production kinetics in vitro
Full text linkThis study investigated the effect of Acacia mearnsii forage (AMF) inclusions in maize silage on the rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs) (acetic, propionic and butyric acid); and AMF inclusions in maize silage and A. mearnsii tannin extract (ATE) in pellets on in vitro gas production kinetics. To determine the VFA profile, twenty-four crossbred (Holstein-Friesian and Jersey) cows were equally assigned to four treatments; 0, 5, 15 or 25 % (as fed) AMF in maize silage in a completely randomized study design. Cows were subjected to 14 d adaptation period to treatments then 21 d of weekly rumen fluid sampling per treatment followed. The above-mentioned treatments were assessed for their effect on the in vitro gas production kinetics along with 0, 0.75 , 1.5 or 3 % (as fed) ATE inclusion in concentrate pellets and incubated for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. Dietary AMF inclusions did not affect (P0.05) total rumen volatile fatty acids but linearly increased (P0.05) propionic and butyric acid. Similarly, it did not change (P0.05) the in vitro gas production kinetics, while ATE decreased the gas production rate linearly (P0.05). In conclusion, AMF and ATE slightly affected rumen fermentation since AMF inclusions increased propionic and butyric acid linearly up to the 25% inclusion while ATE inclusions decreased the gas production rate
Strengthening rice crop insurance for sustainable rural development: Addressing farmers' needs and policy challenges
Full text linkEffective risk management is essential for ensuring agricultural sustainability and rural economic stability, particularly for smallholder farmers who are vulnerable to climate risks. To address these challenges, the Indonesian government launched the Asuransi Usaha Tani Padi (AUTP) scheme, which provides financial protection for rice farmers. However, its effectiveness is undermined by low farmer participation, inefficient claims processing and policy constraints. This study uses a SWOT-TOWS framework and AHP to evaluate the factors that influence AUTP's performance. It identifies farmers' needs, policy support, budget feasibility and human resource availability as critical determinants. Based on these insights, three priority strategies are proposed: (1) developing new insurance models while maintaining subsidies; (2) strengthening socialisation and farmer awareness; and (3) integrating premium payments with farmer cards to improve accessibility. These findings provide a practical approach to improving agricultural insurance programmes, promoting financial resilience and advancing sustainable rural development
Economic valuation of the use of irrigation water in rice production in the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS), Jigawa State, Nigeria
Full text linkWater is a vital resource increasingly threatened by population growth and climate change. As the largest consumer of water, irrigation agriculture often uses this resource inefficiently. Accurate valuation and pricing of irrigation water are essential for promoting its efficient use. This study employed the residual value method (RVM) to assess the economic value of irrigation water for sustainable food production in the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS), Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 244 rice farmers, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. The economic value of irrigation water was estimated at ₦228 ($ 0.76) per cubic meter, while its technical productivity among rice farmers under HVIS was 0.79 kg m-³. Findings revealed that the price currently paid by farmers is significantly lower than the water’s economic value. This discrepancy stems from a flat-rate pricing system based on cultivated area, which overlooks actual water usage. The study recommends adopting volumetric pricing, using the residual economic value as a reference point, while ensuring affordability. To support sustainable irrigation practices, pricing should remain below the residual value to preserve farmer profitability
Cloche duration and auxin-based regulators using standardised indole-3-acetic acid for growth dynamics of rose (Rosa chinensis) cuttings
Full text linkRoses (Rosa chinensis) are widely favoured ornamental plants due to their captivating blooms and vibrant colours. Propagation through stem cuttings allows for the replication of superior traits from parent plants but often faces challenges due to suboptimal environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cloche duration and types of auxin-based plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the growth dynamics of rose stem cuttings. A factorial completely randomised design (CRD) was employed with two factors: cloche duration (P) and auxin-based PGRs (A), each with three replications. Cloche duration (P) included: P1: 2 weeks, P2: 4 weeks, and P3: 6 weeks, while auxin-based PGRs (A) included: A1: No PGR, A2: commercial PGR containing 6 mg naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)/10 mL, A3: mung bean sprouts extract containing 6 mg indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)/10 mL, and A4: garlic extract containing 6 mg IAA/10 mL. The experiment involved 36 plots, each with three plants, totalling 108 plants. Results indicated that the interaction between cloche duration and auxin-based PGRs had no significant effect on the observed parameters, which included bud sprouting time, survival rate, plant height, number of branches, number of flowers, and root volume. However, the individual factors—cloche duration and auxin-based PGRs—showed significant effects on several of these parameters. . A cloche duration of 6 weeks (P3) significantly improved survival rate and root volume, while a duration of 2 weeks (P1) promoted plant height. Among the PGR treatments, commercial PGR (A2) significantly enhanced plant height, whereas garlic extract (A4) increased branch numbers. These findings highlight the potential of optimizing cloche duration and natural auxin-based treatments to improve propagation efficiency in roses
Evaluation of the synergistic influence of selenium and vitamin E on juvenile growth, antioxidant status, and physiological responses of heat-stressed broiler chickens
Full text linkHeat stress is a growing concern in broiler production and this has been exacerbated by climate change. This study involved 300-one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks, which were divided over five treatments with five replicates of 12 chickens each. The chickens were assigned in a completely randomised design as follows: conventionally reared chicks (CC), chicks subjected to early-age thermal conditioning (EATC) at 38°C for 24 h on day 5 (TC), EATC-treated chicks supplemented with vitamin E at 250 mg kg-1 feed (TCV), EATC-treated chicks supplemented with selenium at 0.5 mg kg-1 feed (TCS), and a combination of TCS and TCV (TCVS). Growth performance data and blood samples were collected and analysed at the end of the third week of the experiment. The results showed that TCVS chickens had higher body weights than CC chickens. The plasma concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly (P0.05) higher in the TCVS chickens. Higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were detected in the TCVS, TCV and TCS groups. The plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was the lowest (P˂0.05) in the TCVS chickens. The results demonstrated that EATC combined with supplemental vitamin E and selenium (TCVS) improved performance and oxidative status in broiler chickens
Factors influencing empowerment of rural women in farm households in Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Full text linkRural Ethiopian women play a critical yet under-documented role in farm production and household welfare, but entrenched socio-economic and cultural barriers persistently hinder their empowerment. This study examines the determinants of empowerment among 415 women farm households in Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, using a mixed-methods approach that combines the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), binary probit regression, structured surveys, and focus group discussions via multi-stage sampling (purposive selection of four districts, random selection of eight farmer associations, and stratification into microfinance participants and non-participants). Findings reveal that only 18% of women exceed the empowerment threshold, highlighting severe disempowerment driven by excessive workloads, lack of leisure time, limited social group involvement, and nervousness in public speaking a WEAI leadership indicator reflecting constrained agency amid cultural norms. Probit analysis identifies age, education, landholding size, livestock ownership, total assets, savings, aspirations, social capital, and dependency ratio as significant positive influencers, with education boosting empowerment probability by 19.2% and total assets by 30.9%. These results underscore the need for integrated, context-specific policies to enhance access to education, economic resources, and social networks, thereby fostering women's agency, inclusive rural development, and amplified agricultural contributions
Challenges and stakeholder perspectives on livestock traceability systems in subtropical Botswana for improved food security and economic sustainability
Full text linkThis paper examines stakeholder perspectives on the challenges facing livestock traceability in Botswana, focusing on systemic, institutional, and usability constraints that hinder effective implementation. Using a mixed-methods design, the study collected quantitative survey data and qualitative interview narratives from 66 participants, including farmers, veterinary officers, and policy actors, across all nine administrative districts. An NVivo-based analysis revealed that the current Botswana Animal Identification and Traceability System (BAITS) is widely perceived as fragmented, inaccessible, and poorly adapted to local practices, particularly by older and less digitally literate farmers. Key concerns included unreliable infrastructure, lack of inter-institutional coordination, and limited user engagement. Despite these challenges, participants expressed interest in affordable technologies, localised training, and cross-sector integration. While this paper focuses on empirical insights, a separately published solution framework offers a technical response to the issues raised. This study provides a grounded, context-sensitive understanding of livestock traceability in sub-Saharan settings, offering policy and design recommendations for inclusive, interoperable systems
Structural analysis of Uganda’s pig semen value chain: Actor networks, challenges, and opportunities
Full text linkUganda's pig sector has expanded significantly, supporting households and value chain actors, and stimulating development in boar semen production. Despite this growth, the relationships and roles among actors within the boar semen production node remain unclear. This study conducted key informant interviews with six companies that were operating in Uganda between 2019 and 2023. These interviews examined a range of issues including the boar breeds reared and sourcing information, semen production and quality control practices, as well as constraints and opportunities. High-quality genetics enter Uganda through imported boars and gilts, with the six semen-production companies keeping a total of 23 boars (between two to six per company) predominantly of Duroc, Large White and Landrace breeds. Semen quality control involved both macroscopic (colour, temperature, smell) and microscopic (motility, concentration, viability) analyses, which conform to the set semen quality assessment methods. However, challenges remain in maintaining semen viability during storage, controlling storage temperature at 17℃, the high cost of boar genetics, and the lack of clear standards and regulations. Despite these issues, opportunities exist with the growing demand for quality genetics and farmers’ investment interests. Therefore, improved coordination and collaboration between actors along the boar semen value chain could streamline the sector and increase the productivity of Uganda's pig industry
Determinants of poverty in the cassava stick sector in the Haut Ogooué province in southeastern Gabon
Full text linkTo escape poverty, Gabonese rural populations have moved overwhelmingly to the country's cities. Due to a lack of skills for better jobs, they are mostly engaged in informal activities, particularly in the agri-food sector. This study focuses on the poverty of direct actors in the cassava stick sector (CSS) in the province of Haut Ogooué (HO) in southeastern Gabon. The sample consists of 30 farmers, 157 cassava stick producers, 33 mill managers and 3 cassava paste importers. The socio-demographic, economic and poverty probability index (PPI) characteristics of these individuals were reported. Using a multivariate linear regression model with the PPI score as the dependent variable, the determinants of poverty were sought. The results show that women (90%) dominate this sector, almost a third of whom are heads of household. These actors are relatively old, poorly educated and the majority have less than 15 years of professional experience. Revenues from the activities of the CSS are used only to meet daily needs (76%). With an average PPI score of 51.9, the linked reference table indicates that 33.7% of farmers live below the poverty line. Importers of cassava pastes are less affected (2.2%). Finally, the money earned by most actors is insufficient. According to the model, it is the activity that the person does or does not perform outside this sector that determines whether this actor lives below the poverty line (P0.05)