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Effects of relay inter-cropping summer cover crops with maize on cover crop biomass and maize yields in a warm-temperate region of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: F.S. Murungu --- Department of Agriculture, South Africa C. Chiduza --- Department of Agronomy, South Africa P. Muchaonyerwa --- Department of Agronomy, South AfricaLittle research attention has been given to growing summer cover crops as part of conservation agriculture systems. Three cover crops (sorghum [Sorghum bicolor], mucuna [Mucuna pruriens] and sunhemp [Crotalaria juncea]) were relay-intercropped into maize [Zea mays] 42 days after planting... -
Carbon stocks in fynbos, pastures and vineyards on the Agulhas Plain, South Africa: a preliminary assessment
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: AJ Mills --- Department of Soil Science, South Africa SC Birch --- , South Africa JD Stephenson --- , South Africa RV Bailey --- , South AfricaLarge tracts of fynbos on the Agulhas Plain are being converted to agriculture. Carbon (C) stocks in fynbos, pastures and vineyards were measured in this preliminary study to determine whether conservation of fynbos results in greater C storage relative to... -
Biomass production, weed suppression, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in white oat (Avena sativa L.) and grazing vetch (Vicia dasycarpa L.) cover crop bicultures under an irrigated no-till system
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: L Muzangwa --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa C Chiduza --- Department of Crop Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, South Africa P Muchaonyerwa --- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South AfricaCultivation of a multipurpose cover crop is of interest to Eastern Cape farmers experiencing soil infertility and weed pressures. The objective of the study was to investigate effects of oat–vetch bicultures on biomass production, weed suppression, and nitrogen (N) and... -
A vetch winter cover crop can improve response to nitrogen fertiliser and profitability of no-till maize
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Ernest Dube --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Cornelius Chiduza --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Pardon Muchaonyerwa --- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South AfricaA high nitrogen (N) fertiliser requirement can be a deterrent to the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA). A field trial was carried out to test whether a high biomass-yielding vetch (Vicia dasycarpa L.) winter cover crop can be used to... -
The ‘youth and agriculture’ problem: implications for rangeland development
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: MelvinB Swarts --- Agricultural Research Council–Animal Production Institute, c/o Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, South Africa Michael Aliber --- Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, South AfricaThere is a common perception in South Africa that the youth are not interested in agriculture, leading to two concerns: first, that this is exacerbating the youth unemployment crisis, and second, that the already low levels of agricultural activity in... -
Addressing the HIV/AIDS—food insecurity syndemic in sub-Saharan Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of AIDS Research • Authors: DavidA Himmelgreen --- Department of Anthropology, United States Nancy Romero-Daza --- Department of Anthropology, United States David Turkon --- Department of Anthropology, United States Sharon Watson --- Department of Anthropology, United States Ipolto Okello-Uma --- Department of Animal Science, Lesotho Daniel Sellen --- Departments of Anthropology and Public Health Sciences, CanadaRecently a few vocal health experts have suggested that some of the billions of dollars currently used to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS be reallocated to address more basic problems such as malnutrition, tuberculosis, malaria, and enteric and diarrheal... -
Human impact on lake ecosystems: the case of Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: GeorgeE Otiang'a-Owiti Ignatius Abiya OsweLake Naivasha is a wetland of national and international importance. However, it is under constant anthropogenic pressures, which include the quest for socioeconomic development within the lake ecosystem itself as well as other activities within the catchment. The lake is... -
Determining grazing capacity in Namibia with the aid of remote sensing
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: C Espach --- Ministry of Agriculture, LG Lubbe --- Ministry of Agriculture, N Ganzin --- Ifremer, FranceThe Namibian rangelands consist of a mixture of herbaceous and woody components. The main source of income is from farming systems with grass production the predominant source of forage. For rangeland managers to utilise this source sustainably, the accurate determination... -
Mineralisation of organic fertilisers used by urban farmers in Harare and their effects on maize (Zea mays L.) biomass production and uptake of nutrients and heavy metals
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Armwell Shumba --- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Zimbabwe Ronald Marumbi --- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Zimbabwe Blessing Nyamasoka --- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Zimbabwe Phillip Nyamugafata --- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Zimbabwe Justice Nyamangara --- Matopos Research Station, Zimbabwe Simon Madyiwa --- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, ZimbabweNutrient release patterns and heavy metal contamination risks associated with animal manure and organic municipal wastes used as basal fertilisers are largely unknown in Zimbabwe. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus mineralisation patterns were determined in a 56-day incubation experiment of domestic... -
Repositioning agricultural development in Africa through appropriate technology transfer
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Okey F Obi --- Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Nigeria Joel N Nwakaire --- Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, NigeriaThe advancement in agricultural technology frontiers over time has resulted in continuous upward shifts in the production, distribution and consumption of agricultural produce worldwide. Such dramatic shifts in the technology frontier have increased the technology gap between countries and regions... -
The dynamics of local innovations among formal and informal enterprises: Stories from rural South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Alexandra Luis Mhula Links --- Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa Tim Hart --- Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa Peter Jacobs --- Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South AfricaExploiting the developmental potential of innovation for marginalised communities requires a context-specific understanding of the features and mechanics of innovation. In this article we explore the nature of innovation with the aid of evidence collected from formal and informal enterprises... -
Effects of climate change on a peri-urban farming community in Lagos, Nigeria
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Taibat Lawanson --- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Nigeria Olabode Orelaja --- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Nigeria Michael Simire --- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, NigeriaThis paper investigates the effects of climate change on agricultural activities in Igbe Farming Community, Lagos, Nigeria. The paper adopts a case study methodology in which structured questionnaires were administered on 161 farmers in the community. Information on the socio-economic... -
Spring body condition, moult status, diet and behaviour of white-faced whistling ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) in northern South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Scott A. Petrie --- Centre for Water in the Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, South AfricaMany white-faced whistling ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) have responded to European colonization by overwintering on irrigation and stock-watering ponds in the semi-arid interior of South Africa. I studied the body condition, diet, behaviour and moult intensity of whitefaced whistling ducks prior... -
Homecoming of Brachiaria: Improved Hybrids Prove Useful for African Animal Agriculture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal • Authors: B. L. Maass --- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Kenya C. A. O. Midega --- African Insect Science for Food and Health, (ICIPE), Kenya M. Mutimura --- Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), Rwanda V. B. Rahetlah --- Centre de Développement Rural et de Recherche Appliquée, Madagascar P. Salgado --- Mediterranean and Tropical Livestock Systems, CIRAD, UMR SELMET, Madagascar J. M. Kabirizi --- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), Uganda Z. R. Khan --- African Insect Science for Food and Health, (ICIPE), Kenya S. R. Ghimire --- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA)-ILRI Hub, Kenya I. M. Rao --- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), ColombiaSpecies of the genus Brachiaria originate primarily from Africa, where they are constituents of natural grasslands. Due to their adaptation to acidic, low-fertility soils, millions of hectares of Brachiaria species have been sown as improved pastures in South and Central... -
Habitat use and home range of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) on farmlands in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Zoology • Authors: Bruce D Humphries --- School of Life Sciences, South Africa Tharmalingam Ramesh --- School of Life Sciences, South Africa Trevor R Hill --- School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, South Africa Colleen T Downs --- School of Life Sciences, South AfricaBlack-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are an abundant mesopredator on farmlands (croplands and rangelands) across South Africa. Given their adaptability in a changing anthropogenic landscape, knowledge of spatial movements can provide important ecological information on the species. We captured, collared and... -
Household market participation and stunting in preschool children in Lilongwe, Malawi
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition • Authors: Al Howard --- Department of Global and Community Health, Mk Komwa --- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, R. Yohane --- Kanengo AIDS Support Organization, Kh Jacobsen --- Department of Global and Community Health,Background: Stunting among Malawian preschool children continues to be a concern. -
Grey Crowned Crane threat assessment around the wetlands of eastern Uganda
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: William Olupot --- Nature and Livelihoods, UgandaThe Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum was uplisted to globally Endangered in 2012. There is urgent need to determine the threats they face at local levels for their conservation. I conducted formal point-count surveys around the wetlands of eastern Uganda... -
Tillage and crop rotation effects on carbon sequestration and aggregate stability in two contrasting soils at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Arnold N Njaimwe --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Pearson NS Mnkeni --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Cornelius Chiduza --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Pardon Muchaonyerwa --- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Isaiah IC Wakindiki --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South AfricaIntensive tillage and monocropping have adversely affected the quality of soils in South Africa through accelerated loss of soil organic matter. Two clay loam soils, a Bonheim at Burnshill and a Shortlands at Lenye, at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme in... -
Reckoning the risks and rewards of fertilizer micro-dosing in a sub-humid farming system in Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Lutengano Mwinuka --- Department of Economics and Statistics, Tanzania Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi --- School of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Tanzania Jeremia Makindara --- School of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Tanzania Stefan Sieber --- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e. V., GermanySmallholder farmers are reluctant to risk investing in fertilizers. To understand how risk is perceived and how economic returns are distributed before the decision to invest in fertilizer use is made, needs a systematic approach using localized applications. This study... -
Effect of varying degrees of plant residue cover from different crops on annual medic pasture re-establishment and production
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Andries A Le Roux --- Directorate Plant Sciences, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Johann A Strauss --- Directorate Plant Sciences, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Petrus J Pieterse --- Department of Agronomy, South AfricaAnnual medics can play an important role as a pasture crop in short-rotation pasture-cropping systems in the Overberg district of South Africa. Permanent soil cover, an important aspect of conservation agriculture, and different crops in rotation may be, amongst other... -
Nitrogen leakages and vegetable dry matter yield in a subtropical wetland soil amended with cattle manure and mineral nitrogen fertiliser
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Johnson Masaka --- Department of Land and Water Resources Management, Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture, Zimbabwe Eliton Chivandi --- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, South AfricaThe response of nitrous oxide emission and nitrate leaching to increased nitrogen (N) fertiliser and cattle manure applications to wetland vegetable cropping in subtropical Africa have significant impacts on the atmospheric and terrestrial environments. Two field experiments were carried out... -
Effect of land use on water quality and phytoplankton community in the tropical Khami River in semi-arid southwest Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: T Dzinomwa --- Department of Environmental Science and Health, Faculty of Applied Science, Zimbabwe HGT Ndagurwa --- Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Science, ZimbabweThe water quality and phytoplankton community assemblage of the Khami River, a tropical river sub catchment in semi-arid southwest Zimbabwe impacted by agriculture and urban land use, were examined in March 2015. Conductivity, sulphates, total dissolved solids and salinity were... -
Assessment of food gardens as nutrition tool in primary schools in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition • Authors: Sunette M Laurie --- Agricultural Research Council - Vegetable and Ornamental Plants, South Africa Mieke Faber --- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa Mamohkele M Maduna --- Department of Basic Education, Directorate Sustainable Food Production in Schools, South AfricaObjectives: To assess knowledge, perceptions and practices on food production amongst learners and educators, gardening activities and management of school food gardens in schools participating in the National School Nutrition Programme. -
Grazing management that regenerates ecosystem function and grazingland livelihoods
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Richard Teague --- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, USA Matt Barnes --- Shining Horizons Land Management LLC, USAAdopting a systems view and regenerative philosophy can indicate how to regenerate ecosystem function on commercial-scale agro-ecological landscapes. Adaptive multi-paddock grazing management is an example of an approach for grazinglands. Leading conservation farmers have achieved superior results in ecosystem improvement,... -
The development of reforestation options for dryland farmland in south-western Australia: a review
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science • Authors: Richard J Harper --- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Australia Stanley J Sochacki --- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Australia John F McGrath --- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, AustraliaCurrent forest industries in south-western Australia are based on regrowth natural eucalypt forests and Pinus and Eucalyptus spp. plantations, and restricted to areas with >600 mm y−1 annual rainfall. Dryland farming systems have been developed across 20 million ha in... -
Farm household typology and adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices in smallholder farming systems of southern Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Clifton Makate --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Zimbabwe Marshall Makate --- Department of Economics, USA Nelson Mango --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, UgandaEnhancing adoption rates of climate-smart agriculture practices and their impact on livelihoods requires promotional persistence, complemented by a thorough socioeconomic analysis that recognizes the heterogeneity of smallholder farmers. Farm typologies are a useful tool to assist in understanding and unpacking... -
Considering soil quality when comparing disc and tine seed-drill openers for establishing wheat
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Pieter A Swanepoel --- Department of Agronomy, South Africa G André Agenbag --- Department of Agronomy, South Africa Johann A Strauss --- Directorate Plant Sciences, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South AfricaWheat (Triticum aestivum) is planted widely in the Western Cape of South Africa in conservation agriculture systems. Although most producers rely on tine openers to establish wheat, the interest in planters with disc openers is increasing. Given that the soils... -
A review of conservation agriculture research in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Corrie M Swanepoel --- Agricultural Research Council–Institute for Soil, South Africa Lourens H Swanepoel --- Department of Zoology, South Africa Hendrik J Smith --- Grain SA, South AfricaConservation agriculture (CA) is advocated as a sustainable farming method to improve soil health, increase crop yields and food security, while reducing input costs. In South Africa, a country with low rainfall, limited agricultural lands and a large smallholder farming... -
Sensitivity of selected chemical and biological soil quality parameters to tillage and rotational cover cropping at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Arnold N Njaimwe --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Pearson NS Mnkeni --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Pardon Muchaonyerwa --- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Cornelius Chiduza --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South Africa Isaiah IC Wakindiki --- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, South AfricaSustainable management of soils requires knowledge of the impact of agronomic practices such as tillage and crop rotation on soil quality. The objective of this study was to identify soil chemical and biological soil attributes with high sensitivity to tillage... -
Review of anthropogenic threats and biodiversity assessment of an Ethiopian soda lake, Lake Abijata
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: S Wagaw --- Department of Biology, Ethiopia S Mengistou --- Department of Zoological Sciences, Ethiopia A Getahun --- Department of Zoological Sciences, EthiopiaThe intention of this review is to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the biodiversity of Lake Abijata. The lake was established as a National Park, together with Lakes Shalla and Chitu, to conserve water birds. It has high... -
Developing pathways to improve smallholder agricultural productivity through ecological intensification technologies in semi-arid Limpopo, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Farirai Rusere --- Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, South Africa Siyabusa Mkuhlani --- Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, South Africa Olivier Crespo --- Climate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, South Africa Lynn V. Dicks --- School of Biological Sciences, UKAgriculture faces an enormous global challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050. This means a comprehensive intensification of agriculture is required. Ecological intensification is gaining momentum as a clearly defined vision for increasing agriculture productivity and sustainability. How ecological... -
Local food and tourism in the Global South
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Research in Hospitality Management • Authors: Gabriel CM Laeis --- Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management, GermanyMany countries in the Global South import a significant share of the food served to tourists. For decades, closer linkages of local food producer and the resort industry have been heralded as an antidote to this unsustainable circumstance, further encouraged... -
Effect of short-term maize–cover crop rotations on weed emergence, biomass and species composition under conservation agriculture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Joyful T Rugare --- Department of Agronomy, South Africa Petrus J Pieterse --- Department of Agronomy, South Africa Stanford Mabasa --- Department of Crop Science, ZimbabweRecent advances in crop production have identified crop rotation with cover crops as a key component of sustainable crop production. However, the implementation of conservation agriculture (CA) systems involving crop rotations in Zimbabwe is still minimal partly due to the... -
Effects of long-term grazed crop and pasture systems under no-till on organic matter fractions and selected quality parameters of soil in the Overberg, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Jacques DV Smith --- Department of Soil Science, South Africa Johann A Strauss --- Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Ailsa G Hardie --- Department of Soil Science, South AfricaThere is limited soil research on semi-arid, grazed no-till crop and pasture systems. The long-term (10 years) effect of three grazed no-till dryland crop and pasture rotation systems, and perennial lucerne pasture were assessed on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen... -
Vulnerability, institutional arrangements and the adaptation choices made by farmers in the Western Cape province of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Sanne Raaijmakers --- Fagelstraat 75-HS, the Netherlands Pieter A Swanepoel --- Department of Agronomy, South AfricaFrom 2015 to 2018, South Africa suffered from the worst drought since 1904. Climate change is predicted to increase both the frequency and intensity of droughts in parts of South Africa. In this light it is evident that agricultural systems... -
Does conservation agriculture technology reduce farm household poverty? Evidence from rural Zambia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Abdul Nafeo Abdulai --- , Ghana Awal Abdul-Rahaman --- , GhanaThis study examines the adoption and impact of conservation agriculture on farm household poverty in Zambia using both provincial and average poverty lines, given that the poverty line is a key driver to the determination of household poverty. We probe... -
Supporting innovation through a multi-level platforms approach: A case study of the South African fresh fruit industry
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Richmore Dondofema --- , South Africa Sara S. (Saartjie) Grobbelaar --- , South AfricaAgricultural innovation platforms have become recognized as a key mechanism through which to stimulate innovation for inclusive development (I4ID) by serving as a space for agricultural stakeholders to engage, and to develop and diffuse agricultural innovations. This study investigates how... -
Relationships between farmer perceptions and temporal variation in nutritive value of browse species on savanna rangelands
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Clarice P Mudzengi --- , Zimbabwe Amon Murwira --- , Zimbabwe Tinyiko Halimani --- , Zimbabwe Herve Fritz --- , France Chrispen Murungweni --- , ZimbabweIn livestock-based livelihoods of the developing world, determination of the nutritive value of browse species is mainly associated with farmer perceptions. Additionally, little is known on seasonal variation in nutritive value of these species in some areas. Therefore, chemical analysis... -
Trends in populations of Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus in agricultural landscapes of Western Cape, South Africa, as measured by road counts
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Donella J Young --- , South Africa James A Harrison --- , South AfricaPopulation trends of the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus were monitored by volunteers participating in Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR) in the Overberg and Swartland agricultural regions of the Western Cape province from 1993 and 1996, respectively, until 2019 in the Overberg... -
Maize (Zea mays) yield and its relationship to soil properties under integrated fertility, mulch and tillage management in urban agriculture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: A Shumba --- , Zimbabwe N Dunjana --- , Zimbabwe B Nyamasoka --- , Zimbabwe P Nyamugafata --- , Zimbabwe S Madyiwa --- , Zimbabwe J Nyamangara --- , ZimbabweUrban agriculture improves people’s livelihoods in developing countries. An experiment was carried out to assess effects of soil fertility, mulch and tillage on soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate stability (Ima), bulk density (BD), steady state infiltration rate (SSIR) and maize... -
Trends in chemical pollution and ecological status of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia: a review focussing on nutrients, metals and pesticides
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: LB Merga --- , The Netherlands AA Mengistie --- , Ethiopia JH Faber --- , The Netherlands PJ Van den Brink --- , The NetherlandsAquatic ecosystems contribute to human well-being by delivering ecosystem services, but their protection has been given low priority in Africa. Lake Ziway in the Ethiopian Rift Valley basin provides services including irrigation, drinking water and fish food in the region... -
Intra-seasonal activity of ground dwelling spiders following six years of tillage, fertiliser and weeding treatments in an agricultural field in northern Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Nilton Mashavakure --- , Zimbabwe Delight Vhembo --- , Zimbabwe Arnold B Mashingaidze --- , Zimbabwe Edson Gandiwa --- , ZimbabweSpiders are important biological control agents whose activity and diversity can be negatively affected by agricultural practices. A study was conducted at Chinhoyi University of Technology experimental farm, northern Zimbabwe, to determine the impact of tillage, fertiliser application and weeding... -
The new soil classification system in South Africa, its history, important changes made and implications for users
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: George van Zijl --- , South Africa Dave Turner --- , South Africa Garry Paterson --- , South Africa Jaco Koch --- , South Africa Johan van Tol --- , South Africa Kurt Barichievy --- , South Africa Cathy Clarke --- , South Africa Martiens du Plessis --- , South Africa Piet van Deventer --- ,The board of the Soil Science Society of South Africa endorsed the “Soil Classification: A Natural and Anthropogenic System for South Africa”, in 2020 making it the official soil classification system to be used in South Africa. This classification system,... -
Strategies of coping with the effects of HIV/AIDS in Chinamhora communal lands, Goromonzi rural district, Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of AIDS Research • Authors: Wilberforce Kurevakwesu --- , ZimbabweThis qualitative study assesses the impacts of HIV/AIDS on rural households in Chinamhora communal lands, explores the coping strategies of these rural households and establishes possible interventions towards improving their coping strategies. The study comes at a time when deaths... -
The use of sustainable agricultural methods amongst smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: David Bese --- , South Africa Elliot Zwane --- , South Africa Priviledge Cheteni --- , South AfricaThere is increasing concern over the role that modern agricultural methods play in the degradation and destruction of natural resources such as water, soil, forests, and microorganisms, and the wider environment. Modern agricultural production methods, though they are effective at... -
Quality assessment of groundwater in an agricultural belt in eastern Nigeria using a Water Quality Index
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: Ogechi L Alum --- , Nigeria Chukwuma OB Okoye --- , Nigeria Hillary O Abugu --- , NigeriaThe physico-chemical and microbial analyses of fifteen hand-dug wells (HDWs) and six boreholes (BHs) in the Ezeagu and Uzo-uwani Local Governments Areas (LGAs) of Enugu State in south-eastern Nigeria were conducted to evaluate their water quality for potability. Samples were... -
Species composition and diversity of epiphytic microalgae on Myriophyllum spicatum in the El-Ibrahimia Canal, Egypt
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Aquatic Science • Authors: Eman Ibrahim Abdel-Aal --- , EgyptThe El-Ibrahimia Canal is one of the main irrigation sources in Egypt, that it supplies perennial irrigation to approximately 600 000 ha (one-fourth of the Egyptian cultivated land). An annual study on species composition of microalgae attached to the submerged... -
Conservation Agriculture farming systems in rainfed annual crop production in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: R van Antwerpen --- , South Africa MC Laker --- , South Africa DJ Beukes --- , South Africa JJ Botha --- , South Africa A Collett --- , South Africa M du Plessis --- , South AfricaSouth Africa is, relative to the rest of the world, a water scarce country with a limited amount of arable land, especially land with a long-term sustainable agricultural production potential. Agriculture should therefore focus on the implementation of soil and... -
Weed species diversity and shifts in Conservation Agriculture-based crop rotation systems on the Highveld area of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Elbé Hugo --- , South Africa Maryke Craven --- , South Africa Andries A Nel --- , South AfricaThe occurrence and infestation levels of weed species are known to vary greatly within Conservation Agriculture (CA) systems as weed species will react differently to different habitats. Two on-farm CA trial sites, near Buffelsvallei and Viljoenskroon respectively, were established during... -
Conservation Agriculture in rainfed annual crop production in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: JA Strauss --- , South Africa PA Swanepoel --- , South Africa MC Laker --- , South Africa HJ Smith --- , South AfricaPressures from population growth, changing diets and climate change are driving transformation of our global food production to ensure more efficient, reliable and sustainable production. In South Africa, arable land for crop production and permanent pastures accounts for 10–12% of... -
Soil management for carbon sequestration
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Rattan Lal --- , United StatesAn increase in atmospheric CO2 by ∼146% and global temperature by ∼1 °C since the year ca. 1750 has created an urgency to identify potential sinks for storage of excess CO2. The historic depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC) from... -
A history of Conservation Agriculture in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: JA Strauss --- , South Africa PA Swanepoel --- , South Africa H Smith --- , South Africa EH Smit --- , South AfricaConservation Agriculture (CA) is a holistic farming system aimed at the conservation of natural resources by halting soil erosion and increasing biodiversity in cropping systems, while still effecting sustainable production. Conservation agriculture is based on three principles, namely minimum soil... -
Importance of detailed soil surveys for Conservation Agriculture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: JL Schoeman --- , E Verster --- , HB Booyens --- , MJ du Plessis --- ,This paper explores the role that detailed soil surveys can play in Conservation Agriculture (CA). While it is widely acknowledged that CA practices have to be adapted to local conditions, it appears as if in-field physical soil and hydrological properties,... -
Response of soil carbon fractions in a Haplic Cambisol to crop rotation systems and residue management practices under no tillage in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: I Gura --- , South Africa PNS Mnkeni --- , South Africa CC du Preez --- , South Africa JH Barnard --- , South AfricaSoil organic carbon (SOC) is a major indicator of soil quality and/or health but its slow short-term response to management changes has prompted the search for more sensitive indicators for monitoring short-term changes in soil organic matter (SOM). This study... -
Tillage, crop rotation, residue management and biochar influence on soil chemical and biological properties
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Patrick Nyambo --- , South Africa B Thengeni --- , South Africa Cornelius Chiduza --- , South Africa Tesfay Araya --- , South AfricaSoil and crop productivity cannot be maintained unless declining soil fertility is replenished. A three-year factorial experiment using a split-split-plot design, replicated three times, was used to evaluate the response of pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K and... -
Access to credit and agricultural sector performance in Nigeria
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Romanus Osabohien --- , Nigeria Anita Mordi --- , Nigeria Adeyemi Ogundipe --- , NigeriaThis study examined how agricultural sector performance will be enhanced in Nigeria through access to credit. The study engaged a time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin and the World Development Indicators (WDI) of... -
Assessing mobile phone use in farming: The case of Nigerian rural farmers
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Chioma Anadozie --- , Nigeria Mathias Fonkam --- , Nigeria Jean-Paul Cleron --- , NigeriaMost existing literature in the field of mobile phones for agriculture and rural development adopted an economic stance that focused mainly on agriculture marketing and pricing. Little attention has been given to other areas of the farming value chain. To... -
Social protection intervention and agricultural participation in West Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Romanus Osabohien --- , Nigeria Isaiah Olurinola --- , Nigeria Oluwatoyin Matthew --- , Nigeria Daniel E. Ufua --- , NigeriaThis study contributes towards the achievement of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1.3 which is to ‘implement appropriate social protection for all to mitigate risk and vulnerability’ by examining how social protection interventions contribute to agricultural... -
Technology and innovation trajectories in the Rwandan Agriculture sector: Are value chains an option?
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Parfait Yongabo --- , SwedenTechnology and innovation are important in addressing complex problems in the agricultural sector in many developing communities. However, ways and mechanisms to integrate them in the agricultural sector are still a challenge due to the lack of clear pathways and... -
Effects of form, fineness and placement of lime with and without soil tillage on barley and canola growth and development
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: JR van der Nest --- , South Africa AG Hardie --- , South Africa J Labuschagne --- , South Africa PA Swanepoel --- , South AfricaNo-tillage systems and slow movement of surface-applied limestone can lead to stratification of soil acidity. Incorporation of lime by tilling soil is not preferred by producers following conservation agriculture practices. There is limited research on ways to facilitate lime movement... -
Food security in HIV/AIDS response: Insights from Homa Bay, Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS • Authors: Dipankar Datta --- Concern Worldwide, India James Njuguna --- Concern Worldwide, KenyaThis paper examines the viability and effectiveness of a pilot farming initiative in reversing impacts of HIV/AIDS on the most affected households in Homa Bay, Kenya. The paper argues that once patients are stable, they can effectively be engaged in... -
Herpetofaunal utilisation of riparian buffer zones in an agricultural landscape near Mtunzini, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: The Journal of the Herpetological Association of Africa • Authors: Bryan Maritz --- University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa GrahamJ. Alexander --- University of the Witwatersrand, South AfricaWe measured herpetofaunal species richness and abundance in riparian and non‐riparian habitats of an agriculture‐dominated landscape to compare herpetofaunal utilisation of these two habitat types. Riparian areas hosted higher mean species richness and abundance than non‐riparian areas. Riparian and non‐riparian... -
A balanced perspective on the contribution of extensive ruminant production to greenhouse gas emissions in southern Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Michiel M Scholtz --- , South Africa Frans J Jordaan --- , South Africa N Thuli Chabalala --- , South Africa Georgette M Pyoos --- , South Africa M Joel Mamabolo --- , South Africa Frederick WC Neser --- University of the Free State, South AfricaThere is a general perception that ruminants produce large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) which contribute to global warming. Ruminant production is also known as the world’s largest user of land, and southern Africa is no exception. Recent estimates indicate... -
The effect of crop rotation and tillage practice on residue decomposition and wheat performance in the Western Cape, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Johannes Stephanus Theron --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa Gerhardus Johannes van Coller --- , South Africa Lindy Joy Rose --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa Johan Labuschagne --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa Pieter Andreas Swanepoel --- Stellenbosch University, South AfricaConservation agriculture relies on residue retention, crop rotation and reduced tillage. Crop rotation determines residue type, while tillage affects residue load and distribution. Although crop residue retention is often beneficial, residues can create challenges, including obstruction of planters during establishment... -
Precision agriculture and the prospects of space strategy for food security in Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Lere Amusan --- North West University, South Africa Samuel Oyewole --- North West University, South AfricaPrecision agriculture generally refers to the methods of crop, livestock and fish farming that are meant to eliminate or minimize uncertainty and maximize products with relative accuracy that matches predetermined expectations. Amidst these, the relevance of space assets such as... -
Explicating the adoption of an innovation Fintech Value Chain Financing from Aarti (Middlemen) perspective in Pakistan
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Sayeda Zeenat Maryam --- University of the Punjab, Pakistan Ashfaq Ahmed --- University of the Punjab, Pakistan Syed Waqar Haider --- Govt. College for Women University, Pakistan Tasneem Akhter --- University of Central Punjab, PakistanIn the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the Fintech industry and Islamic banking were striving to fill the existing void through innovation and different business approaches. Losing trust in conventional banking, advancement of technology and internet globally, and... -
Consolidation of human factors limiting the success and sustainability of e-Agriculture projects in sub-Saharan Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Ezra Misaki --- , TanzaniaHuman factors affecting e-Agriculture should be identified and understood to ensure the success and sustainability of e-Agriculture projects. However, specific human factors influencing e-Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa have never been consolidated. In this regard, the current study reviewed diverse literature... -
The effect of crop rotation on soil health in the north-western Free State region, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Melanie de Bruyn --- University of the Free State, South Africa Andre Nel --- University of the Free State, South Africa Johan van Niekerk --- Independent research agronomist,Soil health is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture. By maintaining soil health, crop yields can be consistently successful without negatively affecting the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects that different cropping systems have on... -
Perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Asrat Mulat Asegie --- Wollo University, Ethiopia Samuel Tadesse Adisalem --- Wollo University, Ethiopia Amogne Asfaw Eshetu --- Wollo University, EthiopiaThis study analyzed the perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in the South Wollo and Oromo Administrative Zones of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 270 randomly selected respondents from September 5 to October 10, 2020. Data... -
Lucerne establishment in dryland conditions: effects of crop residues and wheat as a nurse crop
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Stephan le Roux --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa Pieter A Swanepoel --- Stellenbosch University, South AfricaEstablishing lucerne (Medicago sativa) in dryland conditions poses challenges due to unpredictable rainy seasons and seedling vulnerability. A potential solution is adopting a nurse crop during the first year in the same field. This study aimed to assess the impact... -
Experiences of participants in an agricultural livelihood support initiative for people living with HIV in central Uganda
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of AIDS Research • Authors: Christopher Tumwine --- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Uganda Isaac Yeboah Addo --- University of New South Wales, Australia Henry Zakumumpa --- Makerere University, Uganda Janet Seeley --- , UK Lazarus Oucul --- , UgandaThis study aimed at assessing the experiences of people living with HIV who participated in an agricultural livelihood support initiative in selected districts of Uganda. The initiative, implemented from 2017 to 2018, involved the provision of agricultural inputs such as... -
Measuring culturable microbial populations and filamentous microbial growth in soil of wheat plots subjected to crop rotation and monoculture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: A. Marais --- Institute for Plant Production, Department of Agriculture: Western Cape, Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, South Africa M.B. Hardy --- Institute for Plant Production, Department of Agriculture: Western Cape, Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, South Africa C.D. Morris --- Agricultural Research Council - Range & Forage, c/o Grassland Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, South Africa A. Botha --- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, South AfricaCrop management practices, including the addition of fertilisers, often lead to different microbial communities in agricultural soils. Soil dilution plates were used to enumerate yeasts, basidiomycetous fungi, general heterotrophic microbes, as well as actinomycetes in soils sampled at three times... -
Integration of livestock into conservation agriculture systems in the Mediterranean climate region of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Pieter A Swanepoel --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa Hendrik PJ Smit --- Stellenbosch University, South AfricaWithin the Mediterranean climate region of South Africa, the livestock sector constitutes a substantial contributor to the regional economy. Livestock integration is prevalent in conservation agriculture systems in this region. Crop rotation involving small grains and canola is combined with... -
Adapting to climate change amidst innovation diffusion and declining indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices in Ghana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Pius Siakwah --- University of Ghana, Ghana Austin Dziwornu Ablo --- University of Ghana, Ghana Rosina Sheburah-Essien --- University of Ghana, Ghana Mariama Zaami --- University of Ghana, Ghana Joseph Awetori Yaro --- University of Ghana, GhanaThis paper examines how farmers adapt to climate change through innovation diffusion amidst declining indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices in Ghana. Small-scale farmers rely on indigenous practices and technological diffusion to cope with change even where the adoption levels of... -
Predation of free-range chickens by invasive House Crows Corvus splendens in Dodoma, Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Kelvin Ngongolo --- University of Dodoma, Tanzania Naza Mmbaga --- University of Dodoma, Tanzania Doreen Mrimi --- University of Dodoma, TanzaniaThis study reports on the perspectives of local farmers on predation on chickens by the invasive House Crow Corvus splendens, together with their coping strategies, in Dodoma, Tanzania. A survey was conducted among 391 farmers of free-range chickens in urban... -
Adoption of precision agriculture practices in South African field crop production systems: a national survey
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: KJ Truter --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa H Glas --- Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), South Africa M Delport --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa FH Meyer --- Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), South Africa PA Swanepoel --- Stellenbosch University, South AfricaThe implementation of precision agriculture practices can enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and on-farm profitability. Nonetheless, adoption rates vary widely across regions and farming operations, particularly in South Africa’s diverse agricultural landscape. This study builds on prior regional analyses by providing... -
The role of academic institutions in leveraging innovation through patenting activities: A diagnostic of the Moroccan experience focusing on the agricultural sector
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Sanaa Zebakh --- Ibn Tofail University, Morocco Jaouad Anissi --- EUORMED Research Centre EI-BIOMEDTECH, EUROMED University of Fes, Morocco, Salim Bounou --- EUORMED Research Centre EI-BIOMEDTECH, EUROMED University of Fes, Morocco, Mohammed Sadiki --- Rabat-Instituts, MoroccoIn the late 2000s, Morocco implemented various actions and programmes to establish a National Innovation System, which has helped to bolster innovation and patenting activities within higher education and research institutions. This article investigates the Moroccan innovation framework that facilitated... -
Determinants of modern agricultural technology adoption: Evidence from Western Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Tamiru Chalchisa Geleto --- Jimma University, Ethiopia Seid Sani --- Wolkitie University, Ethiopia Obsu Hirko Diriba --- Jimma University, EthiopiaThis study explores the factors influencing agricultural technology adoption among settlers and native farmers in selected districts of Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to gather data from 380 randomly chosen participants. The major data... -
A Portuguese urban vegetable garden under the gaze of hospitality
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Research in Hospitality Management • Authors: Cynthia Luderer --- Social Sciences Institute, University of Minho, PortugalThis work concerns an urban vegetable garden in the north-west of Portugal and aims to describe the hospitality surrounding this environment. This study resulted from a two-year field investigation, which was methodologically driven by ethnography and supported by the anthropology... -
Palearctic White Storks Ciconia ciconia in the Western Cape, South Africa, in the 20th century
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Les G Underhill --- University of Cape Town, South AfricaAt the start of the 20th century, the southern limit of the nonbreeding range of the White Stork Ciconia ciconia, a migrant from the Palearctic, was considered to be at the Orange River; they moved around opportunistically in this area... -
Model and measure: comparing soil organic carbon stocks quantification approaches at field scale in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Willie Herman Cloete --- North-West University, South Africa Gerhard du Preez --- North-West University, South Africa George Munnik van Zijl --- North-West University, South AfricaThere is an ongoing debate about the most appropriate approach for quantifying changes in soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the Rothamsted carbon (RothC) modelling approach against the re-measured SOCS... -
Functional diversification and performance of wheat–canola rotations in the Western Cape
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: A Louw --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa PA Swanepoel --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa S van der Westhuizen --- Stellenbosch University, South Africa J Strauss --- Stellenbosch University, South AfricaCrop rotation serves as a fundamental pillar within conservation agriculture (CA) farming systems, enabling the integration of more diverse crops and livestock. With increasing weather variability, new methods are needed to assess the long-term effects of diversification on the agronomic...
