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An investigation into soil fertility in two resource-poor farming communities in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: V.G. Roberts --- KwaZulu-Natal Dept. of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Republic of South Africa S. Adey --- , Republic of South Africa A.D. Manson --- KwaZulu-Natal Dept. of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Republic of South AfricaLow soil fertility is one of the major constraints affecting agriculture in Africa, a phenomenon that is also evident in fields of resource-poor farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. However, nutrient depletion status is field specific. This paper investigates the hypothesis that among... -
Cattle manure increases soil weed population and species diversity in a semi-arid environment
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: S.A. Materechera --- Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Science & Technology, South Africa L.N. Modiakgotla --- Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Science & Technology, South AfricaThis study investigated the quality of available cattle manure resources in selected villages of the North West province and its influence as a weed seed source when applied to soil. Analysis of manure samples showed a large variation in the... -
Quality as a factor influencing the possible utilization of eight exotic legume species as mulches
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: P. Ver Elst --- Department of Agronomy, P.J. Pieterse --- Department of Agronomy,Invasive exotic legumes need to be controlled by amongst others, mechanical control methods. Residues such as twigs and leaves of felled trees can possibly be utilized as a low cost, organic fertilizer. The quality of the organic materials influences their... -
Research note: Evaluation of the reliability of local farmer knowledge in Namaqualand, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: H.H. Hendricks --- Botany Department, Republic of South Africa F. van der Heyden --- , Republic of South AfricaLocal farmer knowledge of species distribution patterns and plant palatability in Namaqualand, South Africa, was assessed using Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques. These findings were compared with the results obtained using phytosociological techniques (species distribution), and with palatability indices published in... -
Climate change perceptions, drought responses and views on carbon farming amongst commercial livestock and game farmers in the semiarid Great Fish River Valley, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: CL Clarke --- Department of Environmental Science, South Africa SE Shackleton --- Department of Environmental Science, South Africa M Powell --- Department of Environmental Science, South AfricaThere is increasing evidence that climate change will be one of the primary challenges facing future development and agriculture. Farmers, whether crop or livestock farmers, will be faced with tradeoffs and constraints as climate change exposes them to greater risk... -
Perceptions of climate change and barriers to adaptation amongst commonage and commercial livestock farmers in the semi-arid Eastern Cape Karoo
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Claudette Muller --- Department of Environmental Science, South Africa Sheona E Shackleton --- Department of Environmental Science, South AfricaClimate change is expected to adversely affect agriculture in South Africa. A rise in variable and unfavourable conditions is likely to surpass the limits of current coping mechanisms of farmers, compelling them to implement more resilient adaptive measures to decrease... -
Challenges for emerging livestock farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: ND MacLeod CK McDonald FP van OudtshoornLand redistribution schemes (e.g. Settlement Land Acquisition Grant and Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development) initiated since the mid-1990s in Limpopo province under national land reform programs have sought to introduce a new generation of previously disadvantaged people to commercial livestock... -
Alternative approaches to Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea management: mass-capture for food
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology • Authors: Clive CH Elliott --- Blue Barn House, South Leigh, UK Boaz N Mtobesya --- Plant Health Services, Tanzania Robert A Cheke --- Natural Resources Institute, UKOrganophosphate pesticide spraying or the deployment of explosives as standard practices for controlling quelea breeding colonies or roosts that threaten small-grain crops in Africa have negative side-effects on non-target birds and on the environment. Mass-capture techniques were tested as an... -
Optimising drought adaptation by small-scale farmers in southern Africa through integration of indigenous and technologically-driven practices
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Rudzani A. Makhado --- Unit Manager, Research & Evaluation Section, South Africa Amani T. Saidi --- Stakeholder Manager, South African Environmental Observation Network, South Africa Phumudzo P. Tshikhudo --- Scientist, Plant Health Directorate, Department of Agriculture, South AfricaThis paper reviews and synthesises research-based literature on drought adaptation practices among small-scale farmers in southern Africa. The paper reviews the existing literature in order to identify ways in which small-scale poor farmers in southern Africa adapt to the effects... -
Innovation through knowledge sharing: Evidence from the informal sector in Harare, Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Tarisai Manyati --- Department of Sociology, ZimbabweThis research sought to establish how knowledge is circulated among the informal sector innovators who develop innovations in the manufacture of de-haulers, an agricultural technology used to thresh seed. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observation methods were used in collecting the... -
Disaster recovery experiences of a South African rural farming community
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Journal of Psychology in Africa • Authors: Christiaan Becker --- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, South Africa Vera Roos --- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, South Africa Hendri Coetzee --- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, South AfricaThis study explored the bush fire disaster experiences and coping of South African farmers. Participants consisted of seven male farmers (6 = White Afrikaans-speaking; 1 = Black Tswana-speaking). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, nine months after the disaster, and analysed thematically. The findings... -
Knowledge of Livestock Grading and Market Participation among Small Ruminant Producers in Northern Somalia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal • Authors: F. Wanyoike --- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya N. Mtimet --- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya N. Ndiwa --- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya K. Marshall --- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya L. Godiah --- Terra Nuova, Kenya A. Warsame --- IGAD Sheikh Technical Veterinary School (ISTVS), SomalilandThis study focused on market participation and producers’ knowledge of the indigenous livestock grading and pricing system applied to small ruminant marketing in Somaliland. Data were collected from a random sample of 144 men and women producers in three livelihood... -
The burden of responsibility and the breakdown of traditional paternalism on farms in the Western Cape
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Anthropology Southern Africa • Authors: Handri Walters --- Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, South AfricaThe transition that followed the 1994 democratic election in South Africa brought with it a host of progressive legislation aimed at the provision of a secure environment for those previously marginalised. The Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) (1997)... -
Small farmers’ adoption behaviour: Uptake of elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Sekondeko R. Noga --- Okavango Research Institute, Botswana Oluwatoyin D. Kolawole --- Okavango Research Institute, Botswana Olekae Thakadu --- Okavango Research Institute, Botswana Gaseitsiwe Masunga --- Okavango Research Institute, BotswanaThis paper invokes the adoption-diffusion model to examine two introduced elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations (ECDIs), and the factors influencing their adoption by small farmers in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Two communities (Gudigwa and Eretsha) were purposefully selected as case studies... -
The cropping potential of South Africa: land evaluation results obtained during the last 50 years
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Pieter AL Le Roux --- Soil, Crop and Climate Science, South Africa Malcolm Hensley --- Soil, Crop and Climate Science, South Africa Leon D van Rensburg --- University of the Free State, South Africa J Jacobus Botha --- Agricultural Research Council–Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Glen Research Institute, South AfricaReliable detailed information regarding the crop production potential of a country is necessary for the planning and execution of the proactive activities needed to avoid future food shortages due to increases in population and/or adverse climatic conditions. The land-type survey... -
Assessment of sweetpotato farming systems, production constraints and breeding priorities in eastern Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Stephan Ngailo --- Sugarcane Research Institute, United Republic of Tanzania Hussein A Shimelis --- African Center for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Julia Sibiya --- African Center for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Kiddo Mtunda --- Sugarcane Research Institute, United Republic of TanzaniaSweetpotato is an important food security crop in Tanzania. The crop is grown under diverse farming systems with very low yields. The objective of this study was to assess the present sweetpotato farming systems, farmers’ preferences, production constraints and breeding... -
Farmer perceptions of climate change impacts on Swaziland’s sugar industry
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Bon’sile Faith Nicollete Mhlanga-Ndlovu --- Department of Environmental Science, South Africa Godwell Nhamo --- Institute for Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa, South AfricaThis study investigates the perceptions of sugarcane farmers on climate change impacts and their potential alternative livelihoods in the Lowveld of Swaziland with the objective of informing research and policy initiatives. The study obtained data mainly from a survey involving... -
Key maize production constraints and farmers’ preferred traits in the mid-altitude maize agroecologies of northern Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Lameck Nyaligwa --- African Centre for Crop Improvement, South Africa Shimelis Hussein --- African Centre for Crop Improvement, South Africa Mark Laing --- African Centre for Crop Improvement, South Africa Habteab Ghebrehiwot --- African Centre for Crop Improvement, South Africa Beyene A Amelework --- African Centre for Crop Improvement, South AfricaMaize productivity in Tanzania is very low, owing to various biotic and abiotic production constraints. Examining production constraints and farmers’ preference in maize-growing agroecologies will assist in designing improvement strategies based on farmers’ priorities. The objective of this study was... -
Perceptions on organic farming and selected organic fertilizers by subsistence farmers in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: L. L. Mugivhisa --- Department of Biology, South Africa J. O. Olowoyo --- Department of Biology, South Africa D. Mzimba --- Department of Biology, South AfricaOrganic farming, which is a form of alternative or sustainable agriculture, makes a major contribution to the improvement of food security globally through recycling of natural resources. This study assessed 60 subsistence farmers’ perceptions of organic farming. Descriptive statistical analyses... -
Sustainable agriculture practices and livelihoods in pro-poor smallholder farming systems in 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, UgandaClimate variability and change threaten and impact negatively on biodiversity, agricultural sustainability, ecosystems, and economic and social structures – factors that are all vital for human resilience and wellbeing. To cope with these challenges, embracing sustainability in food production is... -
Determinants of market participation and marketing channels in smallholder groundnut farming: A case of Mudzi district, Zimbabwe
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Nelson Mango --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, Zimbabwe Clifton Makate --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, Zimbabwe Nicola Francesconi --- Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), The Netherlands Matthias Jager --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia Mark Lundy --- International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), ColombiaThis paper investigates the factors that are associated with market participation and choice of marketing channels by smallholder groundnut farmers in a semi-arid district of Zimbabwe. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge on groundnuts, especially the marketing aspect... -
Evaluation of agroforestry systems for maize (Zea mays) productivity in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Misheck Musokwa --- Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Paramu Mafongoya --- Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Simon Lorentz --- Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South AfricaMaize (Zea mays L.) is the staple food crop grown by most smallholder farmers in South Africa. Decline in soil fertility and expensive chemical fertilisers affect maize production by these farmers. Smallholder farmers cannot afford chemical fertilisers because these are... -
Socio-economic and Institutional Factors Influencing Uptake of Improved Sorghum Technologies in Embu, Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal • Authors: EL Chimoita --- Department of Agricultural Economics, Kenya CM Onyango --- Department of Crop Science and Protection, Kenya JP Gweyi-Onyango --- Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kenya JW Kimenju --- Department of Crop Science and Protection, KenyaFarmers’ socio-economic status and institutional support play a complementary role in influencing adoption of various improved agricultural value chain technologies. Despite considerable research efforts towards improving sorghum production and commercialisation to improve farmers’ socio-economic wellbeing in Kenya, a marginal number... -
Farmers’ trade skills: exploring the local food chain in Leeuwarden, the 2018 European Capital of Culture
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: Research in Hospitality Management • Authors: Marcelo de Mansoldo --- Academy of International Hospitality Research, Stenden Hotel Management School, The Netherlands Elena Cavagnaro --- Academy of International Hospitality Research, Stenden Hotel Management School, The Netherlands Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes --- Academy of International Hospitality Research, Stenden Hotel Management School, The NetherlandsLocal food chains have received increasing attention as an alternative to the mainstream, unsustainable global food model. Farmers who directly sell their products to consumers are an essential link in local food chains. Surprisingly, research on local food chains has... -
Commercialization and its determinants among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. A case of Shamva District, Mashonaland Central Province
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Theresa Rubhara --- Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South Africa Maxwell Mudhara --- Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, South AfricaEmpirical evidence supports the attainment of economic growth through commercialization of agricultural production. However, there are still high levels of subsistence farming in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine commercialization levels of smallholder farmers and the... -
Farmers’ Perceptions of Dairy Cattle Breeds, Breeding and Feeding Strategies: A Case of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Western Kenya
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal • Authors: M. N. Lukuyu --- University of New England, Australia J. P. Gibson --- University of New England, Australia D. B. Savage --- University of New England, Australia E. J. O. Rao --- International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya N. Ndiwa --- International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya A. J. Duncan --- International Livestock Research Institute, KenyaTo understand farmers’ preference and perceptions of breed attributes, breeding and feeding practices, 419 households in western Kenya were interviewed in a cross-sectional survey. Respondents scored their preference for cattle breeds, traits and breeding methods on a scale of 1... -
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... -
Information acquisition and adoption of conservation agriculture by smallholder farmers in South-West Nigeria: Recursive bivariate probit estimation
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Seyi Olalekan Olawuyi --- , South Africa Abbyssinia Mushunje --- , South AfricaThe persistent use of traditional farming practices and cultivation of low yielding variety of crops on scattered small farmland holdings by agrarian farming households in Nigeria has put pressure on land and water resources, consequently leading to depletion of soil... -
Understanding the relevance of indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation among mixed farmers in the Ngono River Basin, Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Theobald Frank Theodory --- , TanzaniaClimate change poses major threats to people and ecosystems. In many areas, climate change impacts have affected the availability of basic necessities including freshwater, food security, and energy. Developing countries are more adversely impacted by climate change and are less... -
Agricultural advisory and extension service approaches and inclusion in reaching out to Kenyan rural farmers
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Ann N. Kingiri --- , KenyaEfficient agricultural advisory and extension service (AES) is poised to lead to improved agricultural productivity as farmers utilize information and knowledge to optimize their use of limited resources. However, the role of AES has progressively evolved due to the changing... -
Influence of phosphorus fertiliser blends on grain yield, nutrient concentration, and profitability of soyabeans in the southern Guinea Savannah of Ghana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: Samuel Adjei-Nsiah --- , Ghana John K Ahiakpa --- , Ghana Kwesi Gyan --- , Ghana Fred Kanampiu --- , KenyaWe conducted on-farm trials in the southern Guinea savannah of Ghana in 2016 and 2017 to evaluate soyabean response to three fertiliser blends to guide farmers towards profitable adoption of appropriate phosphorus fertiliser blend for improved soyabean production. Old Yara... -
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... -
Smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to mitigate the effect of drought on maize production in OR Tambo District municipality
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Brian Muroyiwa --- , Lesotho Nasiphi Masinda --- , South Africa Abyssinia Mushunje --- , South AfricaThere is evidence that climate variability has affected agriculture and the expectation is that the situation will get worse over time. This study examined smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of drought on maize production in OR Tambo... -
Impact of rural, non-farm activities on smallholder farmers’ income-poverty in Eastern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Yohannes Halefom Gebrtetsadik --- , EthiopiaThis study aims at assessing the impact of rural, non-farm activities on smallholder farmers’ income-poverty. It answers these research questions: Is there any significant difference in the poverty indices between the participants and non-participants of non-farm activities? What is the... -
Determinants of profit efficiency among smallholder sheep farmers in South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Y. S. Nyam --- , South Africa T. O. Ojo --- , South Africa J. A. Belle --- , South Africa A. A. Ogundeji --- , South Africa A. A. Adetoro --- , South AfricaLivestock production contributes significantly to the agricultural sector in South African partly because it is a source of cash income especially for smallholder farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihood. This article analyzes the competitiveness and profitability of smallholder... -
Indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors reliability and its implication for climate adaptation in Ghana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Daniel Adu Ankrah --- , Ghana Nana Afranaa Kwapong --- , Ghana Seth Dankyi Boateng --- , GhanaThe study examined the reliability of indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors of climate and how this influences smallholder farmers’ practices and adaptations in Ghana’s three regions (Northern, Western and Volta regions). Two districts were selected in each region: Builsa South... -
Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions for the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique in Thaba Nchu, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Admire Rukudzo Dzvene --- , South Africa Weldemichael Tesfuhuney --- , South Africa Sue Walker --- , South Africa Andries Fourie --- , South Africa Cobus Botha --- , South Africa Gert Ceronio --- , South AfricaA systematic engagement strategy was used to identify contextual factors that prevent farmers from accepting the in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique. The purpose of the qualitative study is to assess farmers’ knowledge and attitudes about the technique, as well as... -
Smallholder vegetable farmers’ commercialization to enhance rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Lelethu Mdoda --- , South Africa Mzuyanda Christian --- , South AfricaThis study aims at establishing how vegetables can be commercialized to improve rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 120 multi-purposive selected smallholder vegetable farmers. Descriptive statistics,... -
Ghana’s pineapple innovation history: An account from stakeholders in Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Daniel Adu Ankrah --- School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, GhanaDespite the pineapple fruit contributing significantly towards Ghana’s non-traditional export, the empirical space deficiently accounts for innovations within the sector. This article addresses prime questions that beg answering such as: the origin of innovations, when, how, what conditions facilitate adoption... -
Performance of goats browsing on Vachellia karroo encroached communal lands and open grasslands in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: W Maguraushe --- University of Fort Hare, South Africa JF Mupangwa --- University of Namibia, Namibia S Washaya --- Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo V Muchenje --- University of Fort Hare, South AfricaThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of season, rangeland type, and herd size on the performance of goat browsing. A total of eighty communal household goat herds from Mbashe and Nkonkobe municipalities were monitored for twelve... -
Perceived impact of climate variability and change on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Lesotho
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Christopher Dick-Sagoe --- University of Botswana, Botswana Kwame Nkrumah Hope --- Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Peter Asare-Nuamah --- University of Environment and Sustainable Development, GhanaLesotho is a poor country that heavily depends on rain-fed agriculture for socioeconomic growth and development. However, climate change threatens the agriculture sector, which has implications on the ability of the country to harness its development, especially among smallholder farmers,... -
Sources of agricultural extension information and farmers’ willingness to pay for the information: Evidence from small-scale pineapple farmers in south-eastern Ghana
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: S. A. Manteaw --- CSIR – Institute for Scientific & Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI), Ghana B. Y. Folitse --- CSIR – Institute for Scientific & Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI), Ghana S. Mahama --- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana E. Wahaga --- CSIR-Food Research Institute (CSIR-FRI), GhanaThis paper examines sources, preferred format and language of agricultural extension information and the willingness of pineapple farmers to pay for the information. It is based on analysis of data collected using the structured interview schedule method administered on 132... -
Examining the continued intention of using the Ugunduzi app in farmer-led research of agro-ecological practices among smallholder farmers in selected areas, Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Luambano Lawlence Kihoma --- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania Ayubu J. Churi --- Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Camilius A. Sanga --- Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Eugenio Tisselli --- Institute of Integrative Biology, Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule, SwitzerlandFarmer-led research of agro-ecological practices could support smallholder farmers in identifying the best-fit practices to improve crop production. A smartphone based app named Ugunduzi was developed purposefully to support farmers in their research activities. The purpose of this study was... -
Determinants of smallholder livestock farmers’ adoption decisions of improved fodder technologies in Insiza District
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Trymore Nhundu --- , Zimbabwe Edward Mutandwa --- , Zimbabwe Jayne Stark --- Resilience Knowledge Hub, Mercy Corps, Zimbabwe Tafireyi Chamboko --- , Zimbabwe Arthur Tinashe Vambe --- , ZimbabweThe study investigated the factors that influence the extent of the use of fodder technologies in the Insiza District of Zimbabwe, as well as the reasons for their low adoption and the lower participation of women than men in fodder... -
Shepherding is not a shot in the dark: evidence of low predation losses from the Northern Cape province of South Africa
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: --- , South Africa --- University of Mpumalanga, South Africa --- University of the Free State, South Africa --- University of the Free State, South Africa --- Nelson Mandela University, South Africa --- Nelson Mandela University, South AfricaPredation threatens the viability of livestock farming, while lethal predator management can negatively influence wildlife ecology. There is renewed interest in non-lethal vs lethal methods of livestock protection, but a systematic comparison is lacking. Using multivariate models, we explored how... -
Farm operation injuries among cocoa famers in Ghana: Investigating the causes, choice of treatment and compliance to safety standards
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Gifty-Maria Sangber-Dery --- KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum --- KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana Fred Ankuyi --- KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana John-Eudes Andivi Bakang --- KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana Nathaniel Nii Lartey Lartey --- University of Michigan, USA Ernest Laryea Okorley --- University of Cape Coast, Ghana Ebenezer Osei Jones --- Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development, Ghana David Boansi --- KNUST-Kumasi, GhanaThis study investigated the socioeconomic factors that predispose cocoa farmers to farm operation injuries, their choice of treatment and compliance with recommended safety standards. It used the multi-stage sampling technique to collect data from 400 cocoa farmers. Descriptive statistics, the... -
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... -
Selection and evaluation of promising indigenous fodder trees and shrubs as supplemental diets for ruminant animals across different agroecological environments
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science • Authors: Shigdaf Mekuriaw --- Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Atsushi Tsunekawa --- Tottori University, Japan Toshiyoshi Ichinohe --- Shimane University Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Firew Tegegne --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Nigussie Haregeweyn --- Tottori University, Japan Nobuyuki Kobayashi --- Tottori University, Japan Assaminew Tassew --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Yeshambel Mekuriaw --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Misganaw Walie Belete --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Seid Ali --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Mitsuru Tsubo --- Tottori University, Japan Toshiya Okuro --- The University of Tokyo, Japan Derege Meshesha --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Getu Abebe --- Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, EthiopiaThe aim of this study was to select and evaluate promising potential indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) as supplemental feeds for ruminant animals. Through interviews with farmers and field inventories, 107 IFTS species were identified as ruminant feeds, from... -
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... -
Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ local knowledge-based adaption to build resilience in Wolaita zone, Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Workneh Fanta --- Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia Pat Gibbons --- University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland Berhanu Kuma --- Wolaita Sodo University, EthiopiaThis study aims to identify factors affecting local adaptation strategies smallholder farmers are practising to adapt multiple stresses. Primary data were collected from 400 randomly sampled households from six districts of Wolaita zone by face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and... -
Maize farmers’ perceptions of the use of agrochemicals and their impact on the environment: A case study of Iringa District Council, Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Caphlene Japhet Peter --- University of Dar es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education, Department of Geography and Economics, Tanzania Sospeter Jibunge Charles --- University of Dar es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education, Department of Geography and Economics, Tanzania Michael Elias Mgalula --- University of Dar es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education, Department of Geography and Economics, TanzaniaThis study examines farmers’ perceptions of agrochemical use in maize production and their harmful environmental effects. A convergent parallel mixed design was used to collect quantitative data from 254 respondents via structured interviews and qualitative data through in-depth interviews and... -
Evaluation of the effect of soil acidity amelioration on maize yield and nutrient interrelationships using stepwise regression and nutrient vector analysis
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil • Authors: H.G. Jansen van Ransburg --- Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa A.S. Claassens --- Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa D.J. Beukes --- ARC-lnstitute for Soil, Climate and Water, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South AfricaThe interrelationships between elemental content of selected soil and leaf nutrients and maize grain yield were evaluated in a liming experiment conducted on a Hutton and Oakleaf soil in a resource-poor farming area in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa... -
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... -
Teff (Eragrostis tef) Commercialization: Status, constraints and opportunities in Offa District, Southern Ethiopia
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Eyasu Hantalo --- Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia Alula Tafesse --- Wolaita Sodo University, EthiopiaThere is a lack of scientific work on identifying limiting factors of smallholder market orientation. This study investigated the status, constraints, and opportunities of Teff commercialization in southern Ethiopia. The study used both primary and secondary data sources to address... -
Determinants of adoption and intensity of mechanization in Ethiopia: Evidence from Arsi Zone
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Gizachew Mengesha Abebe --- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia Wondaferahu Mulugeta Demissie --- Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU), Ethiopia Markose Chekol Zewdie --- Bahir Dar University, EthiopiaMechanization has been recognized as a key thematic area by the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute for the period 2018–2030; however, research on its adoption determinants remains limited. This study examines the factors influencing the adoption and intensity of mechanization, focusing... -
Individual differences in technological readiness and the adoption of solar dryers: The case of horticultural smallholder farmers in Northern Tanzania
Item type: Journal Article • Journal: African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development • Authors: Dismas Jerome Kimaro --- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania Thomas Kivevele --- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania Anthony Nyangarika --- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), TanzaniaAdoption of solar dryers among smallholder farmers in developing countries remains low, despite their proven potential to enhance food security. While prior studies emphasize techno-socio-economic barriers, they often overlook individual psychological traits that likely shape adoption behaviour, assuming uniform adoption...