Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS)
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Economic evaluation of biological nitrogen fixation in flooded rice cultivation in subtropical lowlands
Full text linkThis study aimed to assess the economic viability of biological nitrogen fixation in flood rice cultivation in subtropical lowlands. A field experiment of seven treatments was carried out during the cropping seasons 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 at the Lowland Experimental Station of Embrapa, in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The evaluated treatments were: (1) negative control (without N and inoculant); (2) positive control with recommended N-fertilization (120 kg N ha-1, without inoculant) (standard recommendation); (3) inoculant 1 (accessions CMM 174 + CMM 175 + CMM 179); (4) inoculant 2 (accessions CMM 176 + CMM 197 + CMM 205); (5) combination of reduced N-fertilizer doses (90 kg N ha-1) + inoculant 1; (6) combination of reduced N-fertilizer doses (90 kg N ha-1) + inoculant 2; and (7) commercial inoculant [Azospirillum brasilense (strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6)]. A partial budget was used to compare evaluated treatments with the standard recommendation regarding nitrogen fertilisation. Inoculant 2 composed of bacterial accessions CMM 176 (Rhizobium sp.), CMM 197 (Bacillus sp.) and CMM 205 (Aeromicrobium sp.) combined with reduced mineral nitrogen fertilisation [90 kg N ha-1 (applied in top dressing)] demonstrates the best agroeconomic efficiency in the production of irrigated rice in subtropical lowlands with the cultivar BRS Pampa
Investigating the efficacy of common agricultural practices for the management of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) on cereal crops
Full text linkIn Benin, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important polyphagous noctuid pest. This study aimed to assess the impact of agricultural practices on the abundance of this pest and determine whether its feeding preference and larval development differ among four cereal types. First, we conducted a descriptive survey of 80 farmers randomly selected for farm visits and oral interviews using a structured questionnaire to ascertain their preferred agricultural practices for managing S. frugiperda. Secondly, rearing methods in the laboratory were used to assess the development of the S. frugiperda maize strain feeding on maize, millet, rice, and sorghum. Data were collected on the number of larval instars, pupae, and adults as well as their developmental times. Agricultural practices were found to influence the abundance of S. frugiperda in the farmers' fields. The number of larvae was higher in sampling fields treated with herbicides alone. S. frugiperda larvae were reported to be more abundant on young vegetative plants, while the highest mortality rate was obtained on rice. In addition, the development level of S. frugiperda was fastest in maize, followed by sorghum, millet, and rice. The Structural Equation Models (SEM) showed significant relationships between the crop types and the abundance of development stages. Conversely, these relationships were significantly negative across the different stages of insect development. This study allowed us to understand the development level of the pest according to the different farmer's agricultural practices and its feeding preference to its potential cereal host plants
Evaluation of the breeding soundness test for Bonga sheep in the context of a community-based breeding programme in Ethiopia
Full text linkThe aims of this study were to evaluate sire selection traits and semen characteristics for Bonga sheep. A total of 101 sires with different birth year from the Bonga sheep community based breeding programme (CBBP) were used to collect data. The data was analysed by using the GLM procedure of SAS and least square means was separated by using adjusted Tukey-Kramer method. The breeding soundness tests consisted of physical examinations, sire body condition score (BCS), scrotum circumference, estimated breeding value (EBV), six months body weight (SMWT), and semen characteristics (volume, motility, and concentration) collected using an artificial vagina. The overall least square means ± SE for scrotum circumference, EBV, and six-month body weight of Bonga sheep were 28.20 ± 0.381 cm, 2.13 ± 0.326, and 24.69 ± 0.547 kg, respectively. Similarly, semen volume, mass motility, sperm concentration, and total spermatozoa of Bonga sheep was 1.14±0.076 ml, 4.28±0.138 million/ml, 4.25±0.195 billion/ml, and 4.86±0.393 billion/ml, respectively. A sire with thin BCS resulted in low scrotum circumference (P 0.001) and questionable semen characteristics (P 0.05). The body weight and the scrotum circumference of the Bonga sheep increased with age, but the breeding value fluctuated. . Both a large scrotum and a good BCS sire produce a high volume of semen and has simultaneously better motility and concentration. This will enable to increase the fertility of a sire under CBBP. The scrotum circumference of Bonga sheep in relation to their body weight can be categorised as either satisfactory or excellent. Body weight of Bonga sheep was increased across sire birth year but fluctuating trend for breeding value. Scrotum circumference increased with increasing age from grower to mature stage of a sire. Both large scrotum circumference and good BCS sire produces high semen volume and has simultaneously better motility and concentration. This will enable to increase fertility of a sire under CBBP. We can categorize scrotum circumference of Bonga sheep either satisfactory or excellent with the proportion of their body weight
Intervention options for small-scale family poultry development in south-eastern Madagascar: an expert survey
Full text linkThe diets of resource-poor farmers in the Atsimo Atsinanana (AA) region of south-eastern Madagascar have limited diversity and are low in animal protein. Although poultry farming is widespread, productivity is low, and consumption of eggs is uncommon. To enable effective development interventions targeting poultry value chains, this study pursues two goals: (i) to describe current challenges in small-scale poultry rearing and egg consumption in AA, and (ii) to explore viable options for promoting poultry production. We employ a survey approach, carrying out semi-structured interviews with 16 international and 12 local key informants (KIs) on small-scale poultry development. We find that poultry production in AA is critically constrained by high mortality due to diseases and predation, poor husbandry, and lack of veterinary services. The major health constraint is the Newcastle disease. Given the high mortality rates and low egg-laying potential of local chicken breeds, only small numbers of eggs are consumed, as farmers prioritise hatching. The main identified solutions include improvements in veterinary health and animal husbandry. KIs emphasised the development of animal health support services, including village vaccinators, upgrading feed with locally accessible protein sources, and the need for biosecure housing. Furthermore, training for farmers on poultry management, marketing, and vaccinations was suggested, in addition to creating awareness about the nutritional benefits of poultry products. Our findings are relevant to local development practitioners, as achieving food and nutrition security requires a multifaceted approach that fits local conditions. Our study provides actionable recommendations for improving small-scale family poultry production in AA.
Plantain mycorrhization with native consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) induce solubilisation of metals (Fe2+ and Al3+) in soil from Azaguié (south-east of Côte d’Ivoire)
Full text linkNew agroecological practices propose to manage soil fertility using soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of plantain mycorrhization and metal (Fe2+ and Al3+) solubilisation in soil. This study evaluates the effectiveness of native AMF on plantain growth and metal leaching from soil. Trap plants (maize, sorghum and cowpea) were grown to produce various inoculums. Then, plantains were grown under controlled conditions, with six treatments (control, plantain without inoculum, plantain with maize root inoculum, vigna root inoculum, sorghum root inoculum and mixed root inoculum) replicated five times. Growth parameters were measured, and the rate of plantain root colonization was evaluated by determining the frequency or intensity of infection. The contents of metals in leached solutions were analyzed using ICP-OES. Results indicated the rate of plantain roots colonization by fungi was not significantly different between the different treatments. Plantain biomass remained very low whatever the treatment. However, plant inoculated with vigna roots inoculum had the highest biomass while plant inoculated with sorghum root inoculum showed the lowest biomass. Leached solutions from soils with inoculated plants had on average a pH value of one pH unit lower than leached solutions from soils without inoculum. In addition, plantain mycorrhization can promote the leaching of Fe2+ from the soil by acidification, whereas the difference between treatments was not significant for the concentration of Al3+ in solutions. These results suggest that the association of plantain with microorganisms remains a way for agroecological banana production in Côte d’Ivoire
Female farmers in the Galapagos: An invisible force
Full text linkDespite the crucial contributions of women to agriculture and food security, female farmers in the Galapagos Islands face persistent challenges that hinder the recognition and valuation of their work. Furthermore, the lack of gender-disaggregated data tailored to their local and contextual realities presents an ongoing challenge for evidence-based policy formulation, hampering the response to their specific needs and challenges. Taking a departure from the dominant quantitative approach in agricultural research, this scholarly article delves into the Galapagos Islands as a socio-ecological system, employing qualitative methods that integrate meaning and emotion. With the objective of exploring the role of women in Galapagos' agriculture, the study contributes to the gender discourses and advances knowledge on the gendered dimensions of agriculture in the Galapagos Islands. Employing semi-structured in-depth interviews, focus groups, and a thematic analysis guided by Ecofeminist Ethics of Care approaches, the research draws upon the lived experiences of 26 female farmers from six parishes in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Their narratives sheds light on the nuanced needs, responsibilities, challenges, and concerns that shape the experiences of these women. Our empirical findings reveal four key dimensions characterizing the role of female farmers: providing nutritious food to families and communities, transmitting knowledge and retaining skills, diversifying the agroecosystem, and conserving the environment. Moreover, our investigation highlights the ongoing marginalization experienced by these women across various domains. They encounter significant challenges that hinder their equitable and meaningful engagement in agriculture, including the double burden of childcare and household responsibilities, financial constraints, discriminatory practices, and tokenism. We arrive at the conclusion that, female farmers in the Galapagos exhibit a caregiving orientation within their farming practices. Recognising the significance of their role is imperative. To nurture these caregiving practices, addressing their challenges, such as improving living conditions and providing enhanced opportunities, is paramount. Consequently, we offer actionable recommendations for gender mainstreaming in the Galapagos' agricultural sector
Trade-off between carbon offset and economic benefit: Potential of cocoa-based agroforestry system implemented in voluntary carbon market
No full textAgroforestry systems (AFS) are a viable option for the mitigation of deforestation. Thus far AFS has been recognized and financed through the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) program; however, analysis of the potential carbon credit payment and productivity trade-off has rarely been conducted. This study aims to analyse the potential of cocoa-based AFS in terms of the trade-off of carbon accumulation and productivity in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The trade-off is shown through 20 years of financial analysis between the two schemes: AFS without the VCM scheme (agroforestry Business as Usual-aBAU); and AFS with the VCM scheme. A comparison is made between four types of cocoa plantations in West Sumatra: (i) Cocoa-Rubber (CR), (ii) Cocoa Multi-strata (CM), (iii) Cocoa-Coconut (CC), and (iv) Monoculture practice (M). The results showed that under the aBAU scheme, CC showed the highest Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2,423 USD and 2.73, respectively. Cocoa monoculture presented the group with the fastest payback period (PP) of two years. Utilising a VCM scheme under the Plan Vivo standard with Voluntary Emission Reduction (VER) as a selling unit, cocoa farmers stand to gain NPV by 15-25% at VER prices of $8 USD MgCO2e-1. It is thus concluded that cocoa-based AFS could be adopted under the VCM scheme with the dual purposes of enhancing carbon-storage through AFS and greater income for farmers
Estimation of growth parameters in Brahman cattle from Mexico
Full text linkThe objectives were to evaluate non-linear models (NLM) to define the growth curve of Brahman cattle in Mexico. The database was derived from weight development control, with live weight measurements (150,932 in females and 286,804 in males) taken in the interval from birth to 1095 days of age. Four NLM were evaluated: Brody, Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic. The selection of the NLM with the best adjustment was made based on the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria. Growth parameters were generated: adult weight (AW), growth rate (GR), correlation (ϒ) between AW and GR, age and weight at the inflection point, evolution of live weight (as a percentage of adult weight), maturity level, daily growth rate (DGR; kg/day). The model with the best fit was Brody, followed by Bertalanffy. For AW, the average value was 787.2 kg for males and 592.1 kg for females; for GR, the average values (%) were 0.28 for males and 0.25 for females. All ϒ were less than -0.90. The DGR, for males presented values in the range of 0.347 to 0.786 and a mean of 0.537; for females, the mean was 0.424 with values in the range of 0.274 to 0.620. Heifers at 15 months of age reach an average weight of 287 kg, representing 57.7% of the adult weight. The growth analysis shows the response and/or adaptation to tropical livestock, based on a growth curve with a constant growth rate and no inflection poin
Newly implemented crop-livestock-forest systems increase available water and aeration in soils of the Brazilian Savannah
Full text linkThere is a growing demand for cropping systems that guarantee food production by improving the use efficiency of natural resources such as soil and water. The crop-livestock-forest (CLF) system is a form of sustainable intensification in which biodiversity and yields are increased on the same area. In this study, the physical-hydric properties of a Ferralsol and Cambisol in Central Brazil within the Savannah biome (Cerrado) were investigated 2 and 1 year after implementation of CLF systems. Soil samples were collected at seven soil depths up to 1 meter deep in CLF systems, within and between rows of trees, in a native forest (NF) and in a non-cultivated pasture, which was used as a reference (P-REF) for comparing soil quality with CLF establishment. Statistical analysis of soil water retention capacity considered two soil layers, 0.0-0.3 and 0.3-1.0 m, using clay and gravel contents as covariates in a mixed model. Main differences were noted within 0.0-0.3 m soil layer. In the Ferralsol, the available water was 0.2-0.3 mm higher in the CLF than in the P-REF, mainly due to an improvement in Theta R and microporosity. The Cambisol, in turn, showed in CLF and in NF a higher aeration capacity by up to 0.3 m3 m-3 than in P-REF, as indicated by the Theta S and macroporosity values. The S index values showed that CLF can improve soil physical quality of light textured soils such as Cambisol in the short term compared to P-REF. This improvement in soil quality is key to sustaining food production under tropical conditions
Climate-smart production of coffee: Improving social and environmental sustainability by Reinhold Muschler (ed.)
Full text linkCoffee production changed dramatically over the years. Through mass marketing, coffee consumption increased exponentially until the 1970s. Speciality coffees emerged to satisfy a specific group of consumers, and such segmentation of the market continues until today based on refined gradations in quality and taste, along with a greater focus on social and environmental responsibility. Especially the latter trend in coffee consumption also highlights the need for coffee growers to shift their production system to a climate-friendly approach. Not only to meet the respective demand in the coffee market, but also to contribute their part to reduce the environmental impact of the coffee industry. How this can be done is outlined in this highly interesting and easy to read publication. The book is divided into parts, of which the first comprises seven chapters and starts with a description of the environmental sustainability of growing coffee and the farmers’ income - why do (smallholder) coffee producers earn so little? It clearly shows how the livelihoods of these producers can be improved and how a more sustainable coffee sector can be created. The challenges faced by small- and medium-scale coffee growers are presented and ways forward are identified. The environmental services that coffee farmers can provide, such as carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity protection, watershed protection, and cultural and recreational benefits, are also detailed.In the chapter on accessing and managing the environmental and social impacts of coffee production, for example, the carbon footprint of a cup of coffee as well as the greenhouse gas emissions on coffee farms are elaborated. Relevant factors that reduce environmental impacts, such as shade management and biodiversity management options, are presented to. The book also introduces the reader to the fair trade coffee market by asking the question “How fair is fair?”. It shows that an important aspect of fair trade should be the price paid to the producer. It should enable farmers to lead a decent life and finance additional investments to enable them shifting to more sustainable production methods and adjusting to climate change.Coffee breeding aspects are also covered in this publication, with a separate chapter on advances in Arabica coffee breeding. This chapter describes, among other things, the genetic resources of Arabica varieties, available germplasm banks, and variety selection criteria, such as yield, resistance to coffee leaf rust, as well as to other pest and diseases. Like most chapters in this book, this one also ends with a list of addresses where further information can be obtained. This extra information can be very helpful to practitioners and researchers alike.The last chapter of the book’s first part deals with post-harvest practices; here the steps and processes are discussed that ensure that a maximum amount of raw coffee beans is converted into a final, saleable product with maximum taste.The second part deals in depth with sustainable pest and disease management. It describes the insect pests and diseases that affect coffee production in different agroecosystems, as well as alternative pest control methods. Two diseases have their own chapter: coffee leaf rust and coffee wilt disease. The last three chapters of the second part present integrated management approaches towards control of nematodes, soil-borne insect and fungal pests, and weeds in coffee production systems.Overall, this book that is based on extensive research by a wide range of internationally recognised experts, is of interest to all stakeholders in the coffee value chain, including extension workers and their organisations