2026-04-04T14:30:15Z http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/oai

oai:jarts.info:article/891 2013-06-21T16:14:21Z tropenlandwirt:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/1396 2013-11-05T09:53:00Z jats:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/1425 2013-11-07T17:26:15Z jats:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/1422 2013-11-07T17:26:15Z jats:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/895 2013-06-18T19:48:33Z tropenlandwirt:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/1429 2013-11-05T10:27:39Z jats:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/893 2013-06-19T06:41:24Z tropenlandwirt:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/1421 2013-11-07T17:26:15Z jats:ART

oai:jarts.info:article/6197 2026-03-26T14:34:30Z jarts:ART

Ecological and economic performance of integrated pest management as a pathway to organic agriculture in rice farming in Indonesia Amalia, Amalia Purnama, Indra Nizar, Rini Yasid, Hamdan Mutamima, Anisa Agricultultural economics; Agroecology; Natural resource management Agroecological transition, Stochastic frontier, Smallholder farming, Tropical rice systems, Sustainability Sustainable rice production in tropical systems increasingly depends on farming strategies that balance productivity, input efficiency, and environmental integrity. Integrated pest management (IPM) is widely promoted as a pathway toward safer and more sustainable rice (paddy) cultivation; however, evidence on its economic performance and efficiency relative to conventional practices remains mixed, particularly in Indonesia. This study compares the economic efficiency of IPM and non-IPM rice farmers in Kampar District, Kampar Regency, Riau, Indonesia, using cost-based stochastic frontier analysis applied to cross-sectional survey data from 100 farm households. The results indicate that IPM farmers achieve significantly higher economic efficiency (0.67) than non-IPM farmers (0.46). This performance difference is primarily driven by higher technical efficiency, while allocative efficiency remains comparable between the two groups. IPM practices reduce pesticide expenditure by 63.1% and increase yields by 43.4%, although they require substantially higher labour inputs, highlighting a key barrier to adoption in regions experiencing labour-saving transitions. Strengthening IPM-aligned farmer networks and enhancing extension-based training may help accelerate progress toward ecologically resilient and economically competitive rice production systems in Indonesia. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2026-01-26 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411802 10.17170/kobra-2026011411802 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 127 (2026); 35-43 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411802/1176 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4971 2023-02-21T20:51:31Z jarts:ART

Morphological characterisation of three indigenous Mozambican cattle populations King, Félix João Manuel Banga, Cuthbert Visser, Carina Body measurements, Livestock, Morphometric qualitative traits, Smallholder Information on phenotypic and morphometric variation is important in the characterisation of indigenous cattle breeds.  The objective of this study was to assess the morphological variation of the indigenous Angone, Landim, and Tete cattle breeds of Mozambique, kept under traditional management systems. These breeds are farmed mainly for meat and draught power, although they can produce some milk, especially the Landim. Data were collected through a survey of twenty-three villages in Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane (southern Mozambique), and Tete (central Mozambique) provinces. A total of 614 heads of adult animals including 140 Angone, 292 Landim, and 182 Tete were sampled.  The collected qualitative and quantitative data were examined using SPSS version 16. The dominant coat pattern was even (no spotting) (59.5 %), with black being the most common coat colour (51.5 %), followed by light brown (26.5 %). The three breeds showed morphological differentiation based on size, body weight, and horn shape. Landim males and females were significantly (p0.05) heavier than their Tete and Angone counterparts. Across breeds, the majority of cattle (95.2 %) had horns, and 66.9 % of these horns were curved. Individual assignment using discriminant function analysis revealed that 73.0 % of Landim, 77.4 % of Angone, and 59.9 % of Tete cattle were correctly assigned to their respective populations. Results from this study indicate a considerable phenotypic variation of Mozambican indigenous cattle and will assist in future improvement and conservation programs. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2022-12-06 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202212057192 10.17170/kobra-202212057192 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 123, No 2 (2022); 225-234 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202212057192/1076 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202212057192/2442 Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3578 2020-01-13T13:30:22Z jarts:ART

The impact of uncertainty on smallholder farmers' income in Kyrgyzstan Azarov, Azamat Maurer, Martin Klaus Weyerhaeuser, Horst Darr, Dietrich Agricultural economics Agricultural trade, farming-systems economy, Kyrgyzstan, Monte Carlo simulation The farming systems in the mountain areas of Kyrgyzstan are primarily characterised by small-scale crop and livestock activities. Farmers are faced with several environmental, socio-economic and political challenges and constraints that result in significant uncertainties affecting their operations. This paper attempts to model how various sources of uncertainty collectively affected the smallholders’ farm incomes during a mid-term horizon using Monte Carlo simulation. The analyses were based on data collected through a survey of 235 smallholder farms in the medium and high-elevation mountains ranges and expert interviews. We defined a static and a dynamic scenario, the latter of which incorporating likely adjustments in land use and production methods by farmers in response to changing prices and factor costs. Our results suggest that to benefit from improving market opportunities, farmers should adjust and modify their farm management by expanding cash crops in the medium-elevation ranges or increasing herd sizes and fodder cultivation in high-altitude ranges. Results also indicate that farmers in the medium elevations benefit more from these opportunities than farmers in higher altitudes. The paper concludes with some practical recommendations for agricultural policy making in Kyrgyzstan. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 2019-12-12 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191127816 10.17170/kobra-20191127816 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 120, No 2 (2019); 183-195 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191127816/983 Copyright (c) 2019 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/59 2016-04-06T08:03:53Z jarts:ART

Socio-economic and Technical Characteristics of Backyard Animal Husbandry in Two Rural Communities of Yucatan, Mexico Santos Ricalde, R. Hau, C. E. Belmar Casso, R. Armendariz Yañez, I. Cetina Góngora, R. Sarmiento Franco, L. Segura Correa, J. Socio-Economics; Animal husbandry backyard animal rearing; socio-economic status; technical level; Yucatan; Mexico This research work was conducted in order to asses the socio-economic and technical aspects of backyard animal rearing in two communities of Yucatán, México. One hundred and thirty nine families were interviewed in Sudzal (C1) and 117 families in San Jose Tzal (C2). A structured questionnaire was used to interview the families on technical and socio-economic aspects. Using this information the technical level of animal husbandry and a index of socio-economic status of the families involved in backyard animal rearing in both communities were determined. In C1 46.8% of the interviewed families reared animals in their backyard in comparison to 70.9% in C2. Main animal species kept in the backyard were chickens (C1= 92.3% and C2= 88.0), turkeys (C1= 63.1% and C2= 55.4%) and pigs (C1= 38.5% and 1C2= 5. 7% in C1 and C2 respectively). In C2 100% of pigs kept in the backyard were of the commercial type. Technical level in animal production was significantly higher (P 0.0001) in C2 than in C1, because utilisation of commercial diets was higher in C2 (P 0.001) than in C1. The families of C2 had a higher socio-economic level (P 0.002) than families from C1, because families of C2 have houses built with lasting materials (P 0.0001) and the occupation of the head of the family was associated with higher income (merchants or employees) (P 0.0001). The correlation coefficients between socio-economic status and technical level in backyard animal production showed that 84% of the technical level was explained by the socio-economic status. It can be concluded that socio-economic status has a high influence on backyard animal production characteristics. The socio-economic status determine the number of animals kept and the technical level in animal rearing. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2004-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/59 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 105, No 2 (2004); 165-173 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/59/53

oai:jarts.info:article/2019 2016-06-10T14:36:12Z jarts:ART

Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of potato pests and their management in Uganda Okonya, Joshua Sikhu Kroschel, Jürgen Entomology;Agronomy; Solanum tuberosum, ethnoentomology, integrated pest management, participatory technology development, local knowledge As we initiate entomological research on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Uganda, there is need to understand farmers’ knowledge of existing insect pest problems and their management practices. Such information is important for designing a suitable intervention and successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. A farm household survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among 204 potato farmers in six districts of Uganda (i.e., Kabale, Kisoro, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Mubende, and Kyegegwa) during August and September 2013. Diseases, insect pests, price fluctuations, and low market prices were the four highest ranked constraints in potato production, in order of decreasing importance. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)) were the three most severe insect pests. Ants (Dorylis orantalis Westwood), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)), and leafminer flies (Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard)) were pests of moderate importance. Major yield losses are predominantly due to late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) and reached 100% without chemical control in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Mbale, and Kapchorwa. On average, farmers had little to moderate knowledge about pest characteristics. The predominant control methods were use of fungicides (72% of respondents) and insecticides (62% of respondents). On average, only 5% of the 204 farmers knew about insect pests and their natural enemies. This lack of knowledge calls for training of both farmers and extension workers in insect pest identification, their biology, and control. Empowering farmers with knowledge about insect pests is essential for the reduction of pesticide misuse and uptake of more environmentally friendly approaches like IPM. Field surveys would need follow-up in order to assess the actual field infestation rates and intensities of each insect pest and compare the results with the responses received from farmers. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) BMZ 2016-03-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016012549800 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2016012549800 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 117, No 1 (2016); 87-97 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016012549800/868

oai:jarts.info:article/288 2013-04-16T21:30:37Z jarts:ART

Evaluating partial root-zone irrigation and mulching in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under a sub-humid tropical climate Panigrahi, Pravukalyan Sahu, Narendra Nath Pradhan, Sanatan Agronomy and Crop Science okra; partial root-zone irrigation; irrigation water use efficiency; yield; production economics The field experiments were conducted to compare the alternate partial root-zone irrigation (APRI) with and without black plastic mulch (BPM) with full root-zone irrigation (FRI) in furrow-irrigated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) at Bhubaneswar, India. APRI means that one of the two neighbouring furrows was alternately irrigated during consecutive watering. FRI was the conventional method where every furrow was irrigated during each watering. The used irrigation levels were 25% available soil moisture depletion (ASMD), 50% ASMD, and 75% ASMD. The plant growth and yield parameters were observed to be significantly (p 0.05) higher with frequent irrigation (at 25% ASMD) under all irrigation strategies. However, APRI + BPM produced the maximum plant growth and yield using 22% and 56% less water over APRI without BPM and FRI, respectively. The highest pod yield (10025 kg ha-1) was produced under APRI at 25% ASMD + BPM, which was statistically at par with the pod yield under APRI at 50% ASMD + BPM. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), which indicates the pod yield per unit quantity of irrigation water, was estimated to be highest (12.3 kg m-3) under APRI at 50% ASMD + BPM, followed by APRI at 25% ASMD + BPM. Moreover, the treatment APRI at 50% ASMD + BPM was found economically superior to other treatments, generating more net return (US $ 952 ha-1) with higher benefit–cost ratio (1.70). German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2012-06-12 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012060641256 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2012060641256 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 112, No 2 (2011); 169-175 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012060641256/160

oai:jarts.info:article/5725 2025-01-15T11:38:46Z jarts:ART

Weighing benefits in cocoa farming systems: An analysis of profitability in certified and non-certified cocoa farming schemes in Cameroon Shillie, Peter Ngek Balgah, Roland Azibo Mbufor, Eteindem Frederick Agribusiness; Agricultural Economics; Farming Systems Benefits, Farming systems, Profitability, Theobroma cacao The environmental and economic benefits of certified cocoa production are well documented in the current literature. Yet, adoption rates remain largely suboptimal, at least partially due to insufficiently documented empirical evidence on comparative advantage of certified cocoa schemes over conventional production systems.  This study estimates profits in certified and non-certified cocoa farming systems in Meme Division in Cameroon. Mixed methods research design and the multistage sampling technique were applied to collect and analyse data, and comparatively estimate profits by applying the gross margins (GM), net farm income (NFI), net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and internal rate of return (IRR) analyses on 460 individual cocoa farmers. The results showed that GM, NFI, NPV and BCR were significantly higher for certified cocoa farmers compared to non-certified cocoa farmers (p=0.000). The study concludes that certified cocoa production is more profitable than non-certified cocoa production, and therefore has a significant positive impact on the livelihoods of those involved. It is recommended that farmers in the study area be encouraged to adopt certified cocoa production, for example by facilitating access to relevant resources for certified cocoa production, such as access to credit and other policies and programmes designed to motivate participation. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Cameroon Ministry of Higher Education 2024-12-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024121610772 10.17170/kobra-2024121610772 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 2 (2024); 259-269 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024121610772/1139 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/2024121610772/2806 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4509 2021-12-31T15:56:33Z jarts:ART

Effect of different mechanical seed scarification methods on germination and emergence dynamics of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Jansen, Lennart Wichern, Florian Gebauer, Jens Agroforestry; Agronomy and Crop Science; Conservation Ecology Baobab, Cotyledon damage, Propagation, Seed dormancy, Seedling development The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose fruit-producing tree that is indigenous to the African savannahs. Commercial interest in the species has grown in recent years. The major obstacle of seed-based propagation of baobab is its inherent seed dormancy. Therefore, in this study the effects of different mechanical seed scarification methods on seed germination parameters and seedling development of A. digitata were tested. The results show that mechanical scarification had a significant effect on germination and emergence dynamics of A. digitata. The highest total emergence percentage with 61.7% was achieved by scarifying the seeds with a saw on the hilum side. Cotyledon damage due to mechanical scarification occurred in all treatments. Proportions of damage categories depended significantly on treatment. The largest proportion of undamaged cotyledons was with 63.6% achieved by scarifying the seeds with a saw on the hilum side. This precise technique may be suitable for mass propagation of baobab in a rural setting but the effects of scarification methods on seedling emergence should be further investigated. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) 2021-10-28 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202107134322 10.17170/kobra-202107134322 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 122, No 2 (2021); 183-192 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202107134322/1041 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202107134322/2226 Copyright (c) 2021 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3082 2018-07-02T09:22:06Z jarts:ART

Impact of agricultural activities on pesticide residues in soil of edible bamboo shoot plantations Wang, Yali Yu, Hongshi Gao, Wei Bai, Liqun Hu, Jiafu Agroforestry management; soil management agricultural activity, bamboo plantation, remediation of soil, soil pollution Edible bamboo shoot is one of the most important vegetables in Asian countries. Intensive agricultural management measures can cause many negative influences, such as soil acidification and excessive pesticide residues. In the present study, more than 300 soil samples were collected from edible bamboo shoot plantations in six areas throughout Zhejiang province, China, to investigate the soil pesticide pollution and its change after different agricultural activities. Thirteen organic chemicals were detected; nine less than that detected during a similar study executed in 2003–2004. All the detected residues were far below the Chinese national environmental standards for agricultural soils. The pesticide residues in bamboo plantations showed a decline over the past decade. Organic materials used for mulching and plantation’s background of being formerly a paddy field are two important factors increasing the pesticide residues. Conversely, lime application to acidified soil and mulching with uncontaminated new mountain soil could decrease the residues significantly. Our results indicated that the current agricultural activities are efficient in reducing pesticide residues in the soil of bamboo shoot plantations and should be further promoted. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Forestry Department of Zhejiang Province 2018-04-04 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2018010454120 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2018010454120 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 119, No 1 (2018); 37-44 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2018010454120/935 Copyright (c) 2018 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/25 2016-04-06T08:16:06Z jarts:ART

Effect of NaCl Salinity on Growth and Mineral Composition of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. Sohail, M. Saied, A. S. Gebauer, Jens Buerkert, Andreas Plant sciences foliar injury, fruit tree, ion content, neglected species, salt stress-tolerance Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. is a fruit tree species growing wild in arid and semi-arid areas of Asia and Africa where rural populations intensively use its fruits, leaves, bark and wood. However, little is known about the effects of salinity, a widespread problem in these regions, on early growth and mineral composition of this species. This study was conducted under controlled conditions to contribute to filling this gap. Six weeks old seedlings of Z. spina-christi germinated in a full strength Hoagland solution were subjected to 0, 40, 80 and 160 mM NaCl. Compared to the unstressed control salinity levels of 80 and 160 mM reduced plant height, leaf number, leaf chlorophyll, total leaf area and dry matter by 50%. Salinity levels of 40, 80 and 160 mM enhanced leaf water contents by 14, 16 and 17%, respectively and 160 mM NaCl raised the concentration of Na and Cl ions in leaf tissues 81- and 21-fold. The K/Na ratio, in contrast, was hardly affected by increasing salinity indicating adaptation or tolerance of Z. spina-christi to low or moderate NaCl salinity. These results suggest that Z. spina-christi could be an interesting species for re-vegetation of moderately degraded saline lands. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2010-05-03 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/25 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 110, No 2 (2009); 107-114 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/25/22

oai:jarts.info:article/1761 2014-12-31T17:26:13Z jarts:ART

Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies used by rice farmers in Southwestern, Nigeria Arimi, Kayode agricultural extension improved seed; adaptation strategies; information; climate change; rice-farmers Poor adaptation to climate change is a major threat to sustainable rice production in Nigeria. Determinants of appropriate climate-change adaptation strategies used by rice farmers in Southwestern Nigeria have not been fully investigated. In this study, the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies used by rice farmers in Southwestern Nigeria were investigated. Data were obtained through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and field survey conducted in the study areas. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as percentage and regression analysis. The major climate change adaptation strategies used by the respondents included; planting improved rice variety such as Federal Agricultural Research Oryza (FARO) (80.5 %), seeking early warning information (80.9 %), shifting planting date until the weather condition was favourable (99.1 %), and using chemical fertilizer on their farms in order to maintain soil fertility (20.5 %). The determinants of climate change adaptation strategies used by the farmers, included access to early warning information (β=43.04), access to fertilizer (β=5.78), farm plot size (β=–12.04) and access to regular water supply (β=–24.79). Climate change adaptation required provision of incentives to farmers, training on drought and flood control, and the use of improved technology to obtain higher yield. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2014-12-31 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2014121946886 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2014121946886 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 115, No 2 (2014); 91-99 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2014121946886/818

oai:jarts.info:article/116 2016-04-06T10:30:01Z jarts:ART

Properties of New Reclaimed Soils in the Merowi Irrigation Project of North Sudan Elhagwa, Abdalla Richter, Christian Gedamu, Ashenafi Soil Science colloidal activity; desert soils; salinity; sodicity; Sudanese soils This study is a correlation analysis between main productivity limiting soil parameters of desert soils of North Sudan. The indications are based on data of 52 soil profiles representing the desert plain as the main land form of the region. The results show a high significant correlation of cation exchange capacity with both clay and silt in two soil depths. This positive correlation is a new guide for better understanding of the colloidal behaviour of desert soils. The salinity and sodicity interactions of the studied soils were tested via correlation analyses of ECe, ESP and SAR for salinity and sodicity, respectively. The high positive correlation between ECe and ESP indicates a strong association of saline and sodic soils in the desert plain of Northern Sudan. The high positive correlation of ESP and SAR enables a formula to estimate ESP by using the SAR data. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2007-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/116 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 108, No 2 (2007); 113-121 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/116/103

oai:jarts.info:article/5287 2024-02-23T09:07:20Z jarts:ART

Exploring the non-genetic factors that affect reproduction traits of Saanen Goats in Indonesia Mamutse, Janet Susanto, Agus Purwantini, Dattadewi Sumaryadi, Mas Yedi Subagyo, Yusuf Sodiq, Akhmad Animal Science Small ruminants, Animal breeding, Parity, Prolificacy, Reproductive perform Adjustment of trait records for different non-genetic factors increases the accuracy of genetic parameters and enables more accurate selection. This study aimed to investigate the non-genetic factors affecting reproductive traits in Saanen goats at the Baturraden breeding centre, Indonesia. The data of 71 Saanen does from the years 2014 to 2021 consisted of reproductive traits, namely, total birth weight (TBW), age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KI), litter size (LS), multiple birth rate (MBR) and kidding failure rate (KFR). Non-genetic factors explored included parity, season of kidding (SK), and year of kidding (YK). The data was analysed using STATISTICA statistical package version 8.0. First, the descriptive statistics of reproductive traits were analysed; second, the effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive traits was analysed using one-way ANOVA. The mean ± SE values for the descriptive analysis were LS (1.28±0.41), TBW (6.35±0.24 kg), KI (9.46±0.28 months), AFK (15.63±0.64 months), MBR (29%) and KFR (17%). The one-way ANOVA results indicated significant effects of parity (p0.05) on TBW and LS, while SK had a significant effect on AFK (p0.0001), and YK had significant effects on TBW, AFK (p0.0001), and LS (p0.001). The TBW, LS and MBR increased as parity advanced, while KI declined with parity. The AFK was higher in dry season (19.3±3.58 months) than in wet season (13.3±3.05 months). Therefore, the study concluded that non-genetic factors have a significant effect on reproductive traits. Adjusting reproductive traits for significant non-genetic factors increases the accuracy of estimated genetic parameters and selection programs for these traits in Saanen goats. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Ministry of Research and Technology and Higher Education the Republic of Indonesia BBPTUHPT Baturraden 2023-11-13 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202311028939 10.17170/kobra-202311028939 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 124, No 2 (2023); 129-135 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202311028939/1096 Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4249 2020-07-08T15:19:55Z jarts:BREV

Manual de Bom Cafeicultor das terras altas. Diagnóstico, monitoria e auditoria das Boas Práticas Agrícolas (BPA) através da Metodologia do Sistema de Semáforo (SdS) em Cafezais de Angola by Pohlan, H.A.J. (Ed.) Borgman, Jörg Pohlan et al. verschreiben sich in der hier vorliegenden Veröffentlichung wiederum der Verbreitung Guter Anbaupraxis (GAP) als ein Muss zur Sicherung der Qualität eines erzeugten Produkts. Basierend auf dem Handbuch von Pohlan Slazar (2012) nutzen die Autoren ihre langjährigen Erfahrungen und passen die GAP in ihrem Handbuch für die Kaffeeerzeugung in Angola an. Es stehen wiederum 50 Kriterien oder Kontrollpunkte im Mittelpunkt, die sie zu den bekannten 13 Säulen (Rubriken) der GAP im Kaffeeanbau gruppieren. Um den richtigen Umgang mit dem Kriterien zu verdeutlichen, wird das bereits erprobte System auf Basis der Ampel benutzt. Die 13 Rubriken, hergeleitet aus den verschiedenen Abschnitten des Kaffeeanbaus, einbezogen dabei auch der Einfluss der natürlichen Umweltbedingungen und die Einbindung in das soziale Umfeld, haben das Ziel, eine Standort bezogene, mit beruflicher, unternehmerischer und ökologischer Verantwortung gepaarte Bewirtschaftung des Kaffeeanbaus sicherzustellen. Im Bereich der 50 einzelnen Kriterien stellt sich eine Gruppe von 11 Kriterien als absolute Ausschlusskriterien (rote Ampel) für den internationalen Marktzugang dar. Neben den zu erwartenden Barrieren bei unsachgemäßem Einsatz von Pestiziden, können auch Mängel in der Betriebsdokumentation und bei verschiedenen Analysen einen Marktausschluss herbeiführen. Besonders wichtig für die soziale Einordnung: Kinderarbeit ist vollkommen unzulässig. Weitere 15 Kriterien (gelbe Ampel) signalisieren bei Nichtbeachtung eine Gefahr für die Sicherung der guten fachlichen Praxis. Sie sind aber zunächst keine Ausschlusskriterien für den Marktzugang. In ihrer Mehrzahl beziehen sie sich auf Fehler im Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz bei den Arbeitskräften. Sie beinhalten aber auch Fehler im Bodenschutz und bei der Qualitätssicherung des verwendeten Pflanzmaterials. Es verbleiben schließlich 24 Kriterien, deren Einhaltung an und für sich die gute agronomische Praxis im Kaffeeanbau ausmachen. Fehler werden extern nicht sanktioniert, wirken sich aber durch zu erwartende Einbußen in Qualität und Quantität des erzeugten Kaffees aus. Pohlan et al. erweitern einen einheitlichen Standard für die Beurteilung der guten fachlichen Praxis (GAP) auf ein bedeutendes Anbaugebiet für Coffea arabica und C. canephora in Afrika. Sie ermöglichen jedem Anwender seinen Betrieb anhand klar definierter, quantifizierbarer Kriterien zu analysieren, so dass Fehler und Probleme eindeutig benannt sind. Im Resultat lässt sich ein Vorgehen zur Fehlerbehebung und -vorbeugung mit konkreten Maßnahmen ableiten. Die gute fachliche Praxis hält also, je nach Wunsch und Ausprägung, Einzug im Betrieb. Sie kann als Grundlage für ein internes Qualitätsmanagement eingesetzt werden. Einigen sich Produzentengruppen, Vermarktungsorganisationen und Käufer auf die Gültigkeit der dargestellten Kriterien (Kontrollpunkte), so ist auch eine externe Prüfung der angewendeten guten fachlichen Praxis möglich. Das Qualitätsmanagement wird damit regional oder sogar national anwendbar. Eine Stärkung der vielen kleinen Erzeuger ist sicherlich das Ergebnis. Ein zusätzlicher Höhepunkt des Buches ist die ausführliche Beschreibung der Herkunft und der Geschichte des Kaffeeanbaus in Angola. Sowohl C. canephora als auch C. arábica verfügen in Angola über eine lange Tradition. Diese in die gute fachliche Praxis einzubinden, sollte das Ziel für die künftige Entwicklung sein. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2020-07-08 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Non-refereed Book Review application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/4249 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 1 (2020); 147 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/4249/1005 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2452 2018-06-20T09:01:08Z jarts:ART

Risks, resources and reason: understanding smallholder decisions around farming system interventions in Eastern Indonesia Grünbühel, Clemens M. Williams, Liana J. animal husbandry; agricultural economics; economic sociology adoption, common sense, decision analysis, Indonesia, smallholders, social network analysis Adoption of new cattle management practices by Indonesian smallholders occurs less as a ‘technology transfer’ in the classical sense but rather as a series of conscious decisions by farming households weighing risks and resources as well as matching innovations to livelihood strategies. This paper uncovers the context of decisions and communication of innovations by way of social networks. The research looks at two geographically distinct cases where new cattle management practices have been introduced. We apply the lens of a common sense framework initially introduced by Clifford Geertz. Smallholder decisions are analysed within a socio-cultural context and a particular set of resources, risks and livelihood objectives. We show that the respective value placed on land, cattle and food security is central to adoption of new cattle management techniques. Far from accepting everything novel, smallholders are selective and willing to make changes to their farming system if they do not conflict with livelihood strategies. Innovations are communicated through a range of existing social networks and are either matched to existing livelihood strategies or perceived as stepping-stones out of agriculture. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) CSIRO 2016-11-18 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016101851052 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2016101851052 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 117, No 2 (2016); 295-308 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016101851052/892 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/339 2018-06-20T09:17:17Z jarts:ART

Economic evaluation of proposed pure and mixed stands in Central Vietnam highlands Salek, Lubomir Sloup, Roman Forestry Economic evaluation; plantations; Central Vietnam; mixed stands; average profit; net present value In comparison with mixed forest stands, the cultivation of pure plantations in Vietnam entails serious ecological consequences such as loss of biodiversity and higher rate of soil erosion. The economic evaluation is elaborated between pure plantations and mixed forests where the fast-growing tree species are mixed with slow growing tree species which are planted in stripes separating the segments with fast-growing tree species (Acacia sp.). For the evaluation, the input values were used from local costs of goods, services and labour. The results show that the internal rate of return is the highest in the case of pure plantation in comparison with mixed forests – 86% to 77%(first planting pattern: Acacia sp. + noble hardwood species) and 54% (second planting pattern: Acacia + Dipterocarpus sp. + Sindora sp.). The average profit per hectare and year is almost five times higher in the case of mixed stands. The first planting pattern reaches 2,650 $, the second planting pattern 2,280 $ and the pure acacia plantation only 460 $. From an economic point of view, the cultivation of mixed forests that corresponds to the principles of sustainable forestry generates a good economical profit while maintaining habitat complexity and biodiversity. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2012-09-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012061541313 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2012061541313 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 113, No 1 (2012); 21-29 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012061541313/173

oai:jarts.info:article/5903 2026-01-12T14:09:21Z jarts:ART

Plant growth-promoting potential of Bacillus species isolated from the rhizosphere of crops in Sudan and Saudi Arabia Idris, Elsorra Elamin Hemkemeyer, Michael Wichern, Florian Plant Science; Soil Science; Soil Microbiology; Bacillus cereus group, Indole-3-acetic acid, Maize and wheat crops, Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, rhizosphere-microbe interaction There is an increasing interest in using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria as alternatives for fertilisers and pesticides in sustainable agriculture. In this study, rhizosphere soil samples from 15 crop species in Sudan and Saudi Arabia were extracted, and 113 rhizobacterial isolates were obtained. Out of eight Bacillus isolates, seven were identified as members of the Bacillus cereus group, which is mainly differentiated by their plasmid-driven phenotypes. The eight strains were tested for their plant growth stimulatory effects on maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using a model biotest under controlled environmental conditions in a growth chamber. Depending on application form, i.e. viable cells or their culture supernatant, and applied concentrations, six isolates stimulated maize plant growth. Similarly, six isolates enhanced wheat growth, but the influence of the single isolates differed between and within plant species, indicating plant-specific responses. Furthermore, diversity of rhizospheric members of the B. cereus group is highlighted, as all seven isolates differed in terms of colony traits, capacity to produce indole-3-acetic acid, and response by the maize and wheat plants. Overall, this study indicates the potential of plant growth-promoting Bacillus strains for commercial application promoting further investigation in soil and under field applications. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 2025-11-14 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025081111375 10.17170/kobra-2025081111375 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 126, No 2 (2025); 233-244 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025081111375/1167 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/kobra-2025081111375/3024 Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4792 2022-10-04T13:14:29Z jarts:ART

Perceptions and practices of pesticides safety measures of rice farmers in the central region of Vietnam Sen, Le Thi Hoa Dung, Nguyen Tien Hasan, Md. Mainul Rice farming, Agrochemicals, Plant protection, Safety measures The use of pesticides is increasing rapidly and the pesticide use crisis is badly damaging the environment, the economy, and public health in Vietnam. However, the country is yet to become successful in reducing pesticide use mostly because of policy implementation and inadequate understanding of farmers. This study examined and discussed the perceptions and safety level of using pesticides by applying a widely used index of 39 indicators equivalent to 39 safety measures grouped into four categories to assess the safety behaviour of rice farmers in the central region of Vietnam. A field survey of 320 rice farmers and 12 local leaders was conducted in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces. The result revealed that there exists a significant difference (p0.001) between the perception and practices of pesticide safety measures of rice farmers in the study area. The overall score appears relatively high (4.09 and 3.89 out of 5.0 for perception and practices, respectively), indicating that farmers believe what they are doing is safe, though there are significant variations among the categories and among farmers in practicing pesticide safety measures. Regarding the farmers’ safety level, it was observed that there are still 18.1% and 34.4% of rice farmers are under unsafe and potentially unsafe conditions, respectively. Hence, an effective extension and communication program regarding the management and safety use of pesticides is the most vital policy solution to protect the rice farmers from potential health risks and ensure the sustainability of agriculture. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Hue university 2022-04-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202203085852 10.17170/kobra-202203085852 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 123, No 1 (2022); 121-130 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202203085852/1065 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202203085852/2331 Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3364 2019-11-19T17:17:05Z jarts:ART

Comparison of decent work status among smallholder pig farmers in Kenya; An empirical approach using Principal Components Muthui, Jonah Matofari, Joseph W. Kingori, Anthony Hülsebusch, Christian Animal science; socioeconomics; biostatistics Decent work, smallholders, principal component analysis Agricultural production in Kenya is dominated by smallholder enterprises which provide up to 60% of the country's workforce. The agrarian transition to enhance smallholder participation in neoliberal capitalistic markets demands compliance to sanitary and phytosanitary standards and with codes for worker's welfare and thus the concept of decent work. Evaluation of decent work deficits in the informal economy however remains a challenge associated with sector uniqueness and differences in socio- cultural attributes of labour. Nevertheless, there is need to build on analytical methods prescribed by the International Labour Organisation of the United Nations that make use of sector specific data and indicators. This study used 27 variables from a survey of 144 pig enterprises in three geographically and demographically distinct Counties in Kenya to develop five indices using Porter's diamond methodology. The five indices were subjected to Principal Component Analysis using SPSS statistical software to extract two components which were latent variables for decent work. The two components were then subjected to Analysis of variance with Tukey's test to separate the means. Results showed that decent work deficits were more pronounced (p ≤ 0.05) in pig enterprises in Busia County as compared to enterprises in Nakuru or Kiambu Counties. Decent work deficits became more pronounced (p ≤ 0.05) as the education level of household head reduced. Decent work deficits were also more pronounced (p ≤ 0.05) in enterprises where the age of the household head was 35 years and below. The study identified enterprises in Busia County as deficient in their decent work status with low technology adoption and production efficiency, weak market access and quality control as the most important determinants of decent work status. This study recommends that approaches to address decent work deficits should focus on training farmers to improve technology use and improve production efficiency as well as enhancing surveillance for quality. For further research, the study recommends that evaluation of decent work in smallholder systems could be done through aggregation of the many indicators around the concept of competitiveness where PCA can be used for data convergence. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) DAAD through ICDD 2019-11-07 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20190613559 10.17170/kobra-20190613559 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 120, No 1 (2019); 79-90 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20190613559/970 Copyright (c) 2019 Authors http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/50 2016-04-06T07:59:08Z jarts:ART

Factors Influencing Adoption of Soil Conservation Measures in Southern Ethiopia: The Case of Gununo Area Tadesse, Million Belay, Kassa Socio-Economics; Development Soil degradation is one of the most serious environmental problems in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian highlands have been experiencing declining soil fertility and severe soil erosion due to intensive farming on steep and fragile lands and other factors attributed to population pressure. This study used a binomial logit model to identify factors that determine adoption of physical soil conservation measures, namely soil bunds and fanyajuu in Southern Ethiopia, Gununo area. Data collected from a random sample of 120 heads of households were used to estimate the binomial logit model. The results show that adoption of soil conservation measures depends on a host of factors.Ab out 78 percent of the sample cases were correctly predicted using the model. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2004-05-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/50 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 105, No 1 (2004); 49-62 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/50/44

oai:jarts.info:article/1822 2015-11-25T15:46:39Z jarts:ART

Transaction costs of farmers’ participation in forest management: Policy implications of payments for environmental services schemes in Vietnam Manasboonphempool, Areeya Milan, Florence M. Zeller, Manfred Agricultural economics; Forestry forest, payments for environmental services, household, mountainous area, transaction costs, Vietnam Recent research on payments for environmental services (PES) has observed that high transaction costs (TCs) are incurred through the implementation of PES schemes and farmer participation. TCs incurred by households are considered to be an obstacle to the participation in and efficiency of PES policies. This study aims to understand transactions related to previous forest plantation programmes and to estimate the actual TCs incurred by farmers who participated in these programmes in a mountainous area of northwestern Vietnam. In addition, this study examines determinants of households’ TCs to test the hypothesis of whether the amount of TCs varies according to household characteristics. Results show that average TCs are not likely to be a constraint for participation since they are about 200,000 VND (USD 10) per household per contract, which is equivalent to one person’s average earnings for about two days of labour. However, TCs amount to more than one-third of the programmes’ benefits, which is relatively high compared to PES programmes in developed countries. This implies that rather than aiming to reduce TCs, an appropriate agenda for policy improvement is to balance the level of TCs with PES programme benefits to enhance the overall attractiveness of afforestation programmes for smallholder farmers. Regression analysis reveals that education, gender and perception towards PES programmes have significant effects on the magnitude of TCs. The analyses also points out the importance of local conditions on the level of TCs, with some unexpected results. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) The Foundation Fiat Panis the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Food Security Centre from the University of Hohenheim 2015-11-10 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015092949079 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2015092949079 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 116, No 2 (2015); 199-211 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015092949079/856

oai:jarts.info:article/301 2018-06-20T09:31:42Z jarts:ART

Using a Double-pass solar drier for drying of bamboo shoots Banout, Jan Ehl, Petr Food Science; Agricultultural economics solar drying; drying efficiency; drying rate; bamboo shoots; central Vietnam Three different drying methods, a forced convection double-pass solar drier (DPSD), typical cabinet type natural convection solar drier (CD) and traditional open-sun drying (OSD) were used for draying of bamboo shoots in central Vietnam. During drying the operational parameters such as drying temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, insolation and water evaporation have been recorded hourly. The mean drying temperatures and relative humidity in the drying chamber were 55.2°C, 23.7%; 47.5°C, 37,6%; 36.2°C, 47.8% in DPSD, CD and OSD, respectively. The mean global radiation during all experimental runs was 670 Wm−2. The result also shows that fastest drying process was occurred in DPSD where the falling-rate period was achieved after 7 hours, in change to OSD where it took 16 hours. The overall drying efficiency was 23.11%, 15.83% and 9.73% in case of DPSD, CD and OSD, respectively. Although the construction cost of DPSD was significantly higher than in CD, the drying costs per one kilogram of bamboo shoots were by 42.8% lower in case of DPSD as compared to CD. Double-pass solar drier was found to be technically and economically suitable for drying of bamboo shoots under the specific conditions in central Vietnam and in all cases, the use of this drier led to considerable reduction in drying time in comparison to traditional open-sun drying. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (Project No.MZe/B/8). 2011-10-06 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/x-pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2011072538416 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2011072538416 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 111, No 2 (2010); 119-127 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2011072538416/128

oai:jarts.info:article/5418 2025-01-15T11:38:46Z jarts:ART

Morphometric characterisation of indigenous taurine cattle in their natural environment in Cameroon Ojong, Emmanuel Takor Hako, Touko Blaise Arnaud Etchu, Kingsley Agbor Sob, Joseline Motsa’a Wozerou, Nghonjuyi Ndaleh Matenchi, Youchahou Poutougnigni Oben, Pius M. Tiambo, Christian Keambou Animal breeding and conservation; Animal husbandry; Animal genetics Bakossi cattle, Kapsiki cattle, Namchi cattle, Indigenous Taurine breed The morphometric characterisation of indigenous taurine breeds of cattle in their natural environment was undertaken in three agroecological zones of Cameroon. Descriptive traits for 97 animals, such as sex, age, coat colour, skin pigmentation, ear shape, and temperament, were observed visually and recorded for each breed identified. Biometric information was got by measuring body parts such as live weight (LW), body length (BoL), ear length (EL), head length (HL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), horn length (HoL), height at wither (HW) and thigh diameter (TD). There was a strong association (P0.0001) between the breed and the localities. Bakossi breed were dominated by a black/white coat colour while Namchi and Kapsiki breed demonstrated a high coat colour polymorphism. All the taurine had dark skin pigmentation, and 60.83% were docile. Their LW ranged from 199.9 kg (Namchi) to 229.9 kg (Kapsiki), BoL from 116.6 cm (Namchi) to 121.4 cm (Kapsiki), tail length (TL) from 11.1 cm (Kapsiki) to 17.4 cm (Bakossi), HG from 134.4 cm (Namchi) to 142.7 cm (Kapsiki), HoL from 21.4 cm (Bakosi) to 27.3cm (Kapsiki), and HW from 105.0 cm (Namchi) to 116.9 cm (Kapsiki). Apart from LW, BoL, and shoulder length, the other linear body measurements presented significant differences between breeds (0.05, 0.01). This study provides new information regarding the qualitative and quantitative traits of taurine breeds in Cameroon. Therefore, deep molecular characterisation should be carried out to confirm the breed’s types and possible admixture. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) GreenGold Agroventure Cameroon AU-IBAR 2024-09-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024070910496 10.17170/kobra-2024070910496 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 2 (2024); 167-174 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024070910496/1128 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4414 2021-06-29T11:30:55Z jarts:ART

Potassium iodide influence on iodine-leaf concentration and growth of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.). Eifediyi, Ehiokhilen Kevin Idowu, Samson Adeunie Ogedegbe, Felix Omonkeke Agbede, Taiwo Michael Kareem, Isiaka Agronomy and Crop Science Bio-fortification,Micronutrient malnutrition, Performance ,Amaranths Low iodine content in soils is a common feature in lowland and in mountainous regions far from oceans. The diets of the people living in these regions are often deficient in dietary iodine, resulting in chronic iodine deficiency syndrome, goiter, hearing loss and other debilitating diseases. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ilorin, Nigeria during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons, to evaluate the response of amaranths to iodine enrichment using an agronomic approach. The trial consisted of potassium iodide (KI) applied as foliar spray at 0, 3.5, 7, 10.5, 14 kg ha-1 and soil applied at the rates of 4, 8, 12 and 16 kg ha-1. These treatments were in four replicates laid out in a randomized complete block design. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, crop growth rate, yield and iodine-leaf concentration. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by mean separation using Duncan`s Multiple range test p 0.05. The results indicated that the use of KI improved the growth of amaranthus at the low level of application, but foliar application at 10.5 and 14 kg ha-1 yielded the highest iodine leaf concentration. Although application of iodine in amaranthus improved iodine leaf concentration, there was a colour change at higher rates of application which may affect the acceptability of the vegetable by consumers. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Nill 2021-05-25 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202104133654 10.17170/kobra-202104133654 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 122, No 1 (2021); 83-89 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202104133654/1032 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202104133654/2125 Copyright (c) 2021 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2731 2018-01-03T17:08:13Z jarts:ART

Assessing the impact of social grant-dependency on participation of KwaZulu-Natal rural households in farming: Application of the generalised propensity score method Sinyolo, Sikhulumile Mudhara, Maxwell Wale, Edilegnaw Agricultural Economics continuous treatment, farm labour, incentives to farm, social grants Social grants are an important instrument of social protection in South Africa, reaching millions of the poor each month. Although social grants have been found to reduce poverty and promote human development, considerable uncertainty remains about some of their incentive effects. This study uses a sample of 984 rural households selected from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to investigate the potential incentive/dis-incentive effects of social grant-dependency on rural households’ participation in farming activities. The data are analysed using the generalised propensity score (GPS) matching method and ordinary least squares. The results showed that the effect of social-grant dependency on households’ farm participation levels varies at different dependency levels. While social grants had a negative effect on the households’ farming participation levels when social grants income contribute 20–60 %, they had a positive effect at lower ( 20 %) and higher ( 60 %) dependency levels. The positive effect of social grants at the lower and higher levels supports the hypothesis that social grant beneficiaries use part of the grant income to alleviate financial constraints in agricultural production. However, the negative effect at the 20–60 % dependency levels is consistent with the dis-incentive hypothesis, suggesting that social grants may generate dis-incentives to farm production. The study identified several policy variables that affect the participation of rural households in smallholder farming activities, highlighting the importance of expectations of farming success as a key motivator. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2017-11-03 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017110153630 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017110153630 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 2 (2017); 233-244 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017110153630/919 Copyright (c) 2017 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/16 2016-04-04T15:22:16Z jarts:ART

Hydrothermal Variations and Physio-Osmotic Conditioning E.ects on Five African Millet Varieties during Short Term Substrate Desiccation Kader, M. A. Jutzi, Samuel C. Plant Science hydrothermal variations, desiccation; GA3; Pennisetum americanum (L.) Environmental factors di.erentially a.ect the germination of millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and impact both the rate and extent of .eld emergence. The extent and uniformity of emergence depends on hydrothermal variations in both soil moisture and temperature levels. To determine the impact of these two factors and counteracting physiological and osmotic conditioning seed treatments, two growth chamber trials were conducted on African millet. Five genotypes responded to di.erences in temperature or osmotic seed conditioning. Seed conditioning with GA3, Kinetin, NaCl and KNO3 was tested. Increasing incubation temperature decreased the final proportion of seeds germinating and slowed germination for each of the five genotypes tested when exceeding a 29°C threshold. GA3 improved the performance of seed lots, while physio-osmotic conditioning and temperature interacted to affect the proportion of germinating millet seeds. These germination tests partially explain interspecific differences in the impact of timing of heat fluctuations in the field. Patterns of millet germination in response to temperature and rainfall fluctuations could be explained by its response to seed conditioning, temperature or moisture levels. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2003-05-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/16 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 104, No 1 (2003); 41-49 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/16/13

oai:jarts.info:article/708 2014-02-04T16:57:28Z jarts:ART

Cassava root peel as a replacement for maize in diets for growing pigs: effects on energy and nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics Akinola, Olufemi S. Fanimo, Amos O. Agunbiade, J. Adeniyi Susenbeth, Andreas Schlecht, Eva Animal Husbandry energy value; free amino acids; Manihot esculenta; Nigeria; weight gain Two experiments were conducted to evaluate cassava root peel (CRP) as diet component for fattening pigs. In the first experiment, ten male pigs were used to investigate the nutrient digestibility and the nutritive value of CRP as replacement for maize in the diet at 0 %, 30 %, 40 %, 50 % and 60 %, while supplementing free amino acids (fAA). During two experimental periods, faeces were quantitatively collected and analysed for chemical composition. In the second experiment, 40 pigs received the same diets as in Experiment 1, and daily feed intake and weekly weight changes were recorded. Four pigs per diet were slaughtered at 70 kg body weight to evaluate carcass traits. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and gross energy were depressed (p0.05) at 60 % CRP; digestible energy content (MJ kg^(−1) DM) was 15.4 at 0 % CRP and 12.7 at 60 % CRP. In the second experiment, CRP inclusion had only a small impact on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p0.05) as well as on the length of the small intestine and the Longissimus dorsi muscle area. The missing correlation of daily weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio up to a CRP inclusion of 40 % indicates that negative effects of CRP on pig growth can be avoided by respecting upper feeding limits. Hence, a combined use of CRP and fAA can reduce feeding costs for small-scale pig farmers in countries where this crop-by product is available in large amounts. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2014-01-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013112644621 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2013112644621 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 114, No 2 (2013); 159-166 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013112644621/791

oai:jarts.info:article/103 2010-05-13T20:36:58Z jarts:ART

Estimation of Erosion Danger Lands of the Reclamation Fund in Georgia Gogichaishvili, G. P. Urushadze, T. T. Soil Science; Agronomy and Crop Science Georgia; erosion danger; lands of Georgia; erosion forecast; USLE Erosion danger of lands of the reclamation fund in Georgia was studied by means of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) (Wischmeier and Smith, 1978), which was modified in the Problem Lab of Soil Erosion and River Bed Processes of Moscow State University (Anonymous, 1982). By the investigation was established that average annual potential soil loss, which was counted by means of USLE, is 10,5 % less than real loss of soil. If for the calculation of the potential soil loss we use only rains which provoke soil erosion, the difference between real and counted soil losses is only 1.77 % i.e. exactness of soil erosion forecast increases 5-6 times. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2006-04-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/103 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-103 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 107, No 1 (2006); 85-94 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/103/94 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/103/8

oai:jarts.info:article/3378 2019-01-16T09:29:19Z jarts:ART

Physical and chemical optimisation of the seedball technology addressing pearl millet under Sahelian conditions Nwankwo, Charles Ikenna Mühlena, Jan Biegert, Konni Butzer, Diana Neumann, Günter Sy, Ousmane Herrmann, Ludger Pearl millet early growth, seedball technology, local resources, dry sowing, seedling emergence, subsistence farming, smallholder farmer, cheap seed pelleting technique This study deals with the development of the seedball technology in particular for dry sowing under Sahelian conditions and pearl millet as crop. At first, our participatory evaluation in Senegal showed that (i) local materials needed for seedball production are locally available, (ii) the technology conforms to the existing management systems in the Sahel, and (iii) socio-economic conditions do not hinder seedball adoption. Afterwards, seedball was mechanically and chemically optimised. Pearl millet seedlings derived from the seedball variants were grown and compared to the control under greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that the combination of 80 g sand + 50 g loam + 25 ml water is the standard seedball dough, which produces about ten 2 cm diameter-sized seedballs. Either 1 g NPK fertiliser or 3 g wood ash can be added as nutrient additive to enhance early biomass of pearl millet seedlings. Ammonium fertiliser, urea and gum arabic as seedball components hampered seedlings emergence. Seedball + 3 g wood ash and seedball + 1 g NPK-treatments enhanced shoot biomass by 60 % and 75 %, root biomass by 36 % and 94 %, and root length density by 14 % and 28 %, respectively, relative to the control. Shoot nutrient content was not greatly influenced by treatment. However, multiplying biomass yield with nutrient content indicates that nutrient extraction was higher in nutrient-amended seedballs. On-station field tests in Senegal showed over 95 % emergence under real Sahelian conditions. Since early seedlings enhancement is decisive for pearl millet panicle yield under the Sahelian conditions, on-farm trials in the Sahel are recommended. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collabourative Research on Sorghum and Millet through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Cooperative Agreement No. AID–OAA–A–13–00047 2019-01-16 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2019011596 10.17170/kobra-2019011596 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 119, No 2 (2018); 67-79 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2019011596/951 Copyright (c) 2018 Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/39 2016-04-06T08:33:22Z jarts:ART

Jatropha curcas L.: Visions and Realities Grass, Martin Agricultural Economics Jatropha curcas; biofuel Since several years Jatropha is experiencing a renaissance. The main drivers for this development are the biofuel boom in general and the special attributes of Jatropha itself. This paper discusses the current knowledge as well as expectations of Jatropha and the consequential outcomes starting with data availability and quality followed by economic and political needs and constraints. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2009-04-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/39 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 110, No 1 (2009); 31-40 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/39/36

oai:jarts.info:article/1739 2018-06-20T09:06:10Z jarts:ART

Effect of within-litter birth weight variation on piglet survival and pre-weaning weight gain in a commercial herd Marandu, Norest Halimani, Tinyiko Edward Chimonyo, Michael Shoniwa, Andrew Mutibvu, Tonderai Animal Production, Pig breeding pre-weaning mortality; relative birth weight; litter weight variability; piglets; sow There are several factors that affect piglet survival and this has a bearing on sow productivity. Ten variables that influence pre-weaning vitality were analysed using records from the Pig Industry Board, Zimbabwe. These included individual piglet birth weight, piglet origin (nursed in original litter or fostered), sex, relative birth weight expressed as standard deviation units, sow parity, total number of piglets born, year and month of farrowing, within-litter variability and the presence of stillborn or mummified littermates. The main factors that influenced piglet mortality were fostering, parity and within-litter variability especially the weight of the individual piglet relative to the average of the litter (P0.05). Presence of a mummified or stillborn littermate, which could be a proxy for unfavourable uterine environment or trauma during the birth process, did not influence pre-weaning mortality. Variability within a litter and the deviation of the weight of an individual piglet from the litter mean, influenced survival to weaning. It is, therefore, advisable for breeders to include uniformity within the litter as a selection criterion. The recording of various variables by farmers seems to be a useful management practice to identify piglets at risk so as to establish palliative measures. Further, farmers should know which litters and which piglets within a litter are at risk and require more attention. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2015-09-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015061048480 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2015061048480 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 116, No 2 (2015); 123-129 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015061048480/846

oai:jarts.info:article/186 2013-04-16T21:33:58Z jarts:ART

Assessment of the strategies of organic fruit production and fruit drying in Uganda Chongtham, Iman Raj Neergaard, Andreas de Pillot, Didier Agricultultural economics; conventional agriculture; decision; dried fruits; export; household; organic agriculture; coffee husk Organic agriculture in Uganda is developing at a fast pace and despite this trend Uganda is still unable to produce enough fresh and dry organic fruits mainly pineapple to meet the exporters demand. This current research investigated the strategies of farmers at production level by assessing the pros and cons of fruit growing, organic agriculture and fruit drying in order to understand the underlying causal factor for the low production of organic dry fruits in a major fruit producing district of Uganda.The study was carried out in two separate and distinctive areas; one which only produces and export fresh organic pineapple and the other which exports dried fruits (mainly pineapple and papaya). About 10% of the farmers in the two study areas were surveyed using questionnaires which were further followed by semi-structured interviews and participatory rural appraisals activities with various types of farmers in order to understand the different decisions and strategies of farmers.82% and 74% of farmers in the two study areas grew fruits as it gave better economic returns and for 77% and 90% respectively in the two study areas, the reasons for growing fruit was the ease of selling compared to other crops. All the farmers were relying on coffee husk for growing organic pineapples. However, 50% of the farmers want to grow pineapples (either organic or conventional) but couldn't afford to buy coffee husk. Fruit drying was mainly a strategy to utilize cheap fruits during harvesting seasons for value addition. 71% and 42% of farmers in the two study areas wanted to dry fruits but it was beyond their economic capacity to buy the driers.Decision of the farmers whether to grow fruits or cereals, organic or conventional agriculture and selling the fruits as fresh or dry were dependent mainly on the economic, knowledge and resource availability of each type of practices. It is concluded that the main barrier for an increase in the production of organic dried fruits is at the processing level, and the limited capacity for investments in drying facilities. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2010-09-07 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/x-pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2010082734328 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2010082734328 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 111, No 1 (2010); 23-34 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2010082734328/120

oai:jarts.info:article/5483 2025-03-26T14:30:34Z jarts:ART

Effect of storage conditions on soybean seed quality produced by smallholder farmers within two districts of Gauteng, South Africa Mahlangu, Annah Zanele Truter, Mariette Kritzinger, Quenton Agronomy and Crop Science; Horticulture; Plant Science; Deterioration, Germination, On-farm, Seed moisture, Storage period, Vigour Seed quality comprises of physical, physiological, and health attributes. Moreover, significant aspects of seed quality include seed viability and vigour. Maintaining good seed quality under sub-optimal storage conditions is one of the major challenges smallholder soybean farmers face. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of on-farm storage conditions on the seed quality of soybeans from smallholder farmers within the Gauteng Province, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to i) evaluate and compare the viability and vigour of farm-saved soybean seeds, and ii) evaluate the effect of seed moisture and simulated storage period on the rate of deterioration of the seeds. Farm-saved seed samples collected from the twenty-two smallholder farmers from two districts within the Gauteng Province showed significant variations in terms of seed moisture, viability, vigour [accelerated aging (Aa) and conductivity], and in the rate of deterioration. The seed moisture content ranged from 7.8-30.8 %. The majority of the farm-saved seed samples had a germination percentage significantly higher than 75 %, irrespective of the storage conditions. On the other hand, seeds subjected to Aa and to the controlled deterioration test resulted in less vigourous seedlings. Seeds that were subjected to 24 hr Aa had a significantly (p 0.05) higher germination than those subjected to 72 hr Aa. The 72 hr Aa results verified the reduction of seed vigour as the storage period increased. A similar declining germination trend was observed on seeds subjected to deterioration tests under high moisture content levels. The study gives an indication of how the sub-optimal storage facilities used by smallholder soybean farmers affect seed quality. Based on the vigour tests, it can be assumed that storing seeds with high SMC under high relative humidity coupled together with high temperatures for prolonged periods tends to deteriorate the seeds rapidly and thus reduce seed vigour. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment 2024-05-22 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202403129758 10.17170/kobra-202403129758 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 1 (2024); 85-92 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202403129758/1114 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202403129758/2684 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4106 2020-12-28T07:40:01Z jarts:ART

Are farmer perceptions among significant determinants of adoption of agricultural diversity in Malawi? A case of Lilongwe district Fatch, Paul Falakeza Masangano, Charles Kamoto, Judith Jordan, Irmgard Hilger, Thomas Mambo, Isaac Kalimbira, Alexander Nuppenau, Ernst-August Agricultural Extension, agronomy and crop science, animal husbandry, agricultural economics Crop production, Extension, Innovation diffusion, Livestock production Agricultural diversity can strengthen resilience of livelihood of farmers to climate change and market uncertainties while, potentially at the same time, offering better dietary and nutritional prospects for households. Adoption of agricultural diversity in Malawi is low. Policy-makers, researchers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and extension staff need to understand dynamics of adoption of agricultural diversity in order to develop appropriate policies and interventions to promote agricultural diversification.This study was conducted in Lilongwe District of Malawi to identify factors influencing adoption of agricultural diversity and particularly to test if farmer perceptions were among significant determinants of adoption of agricultural diversity. A survey of 424 randomly sampled households was conducted in 2016 and 2017. A Tobit model, having 16 possible determinants, was run against a holistic agricultural diversity index that combined number of crop, livestock, and fruit tree species and cropping patterns.The study found that farmer perceptions were among significant determinants of adoption of agricultural diversity. Some farmers perceived that they faced problems to find seeds of preferred varieties, droughts posed problems to farming; some crops produced good yields while other crops did not. Farmers with such perceptions were less likely to practice agricultural diversification. In addition to perceptions, engagement in off-farm sources of income also negatively affected agricultural diversity. Other factors, namely farmers’ access to land and credit, irrigation farming, selling of crops, ownership of radios, and farmer group membership fostered adoption of agricultural diversity. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany University of Hohenheim, Germany German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) Federal Office of Agriculture and Food (BLE) 2020-12-14 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202011262276 10.17170/kobra-202011262276 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 2 (2020); 277-288 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202011262276/1022 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2465 2017-06-21T12:21:38Z jarts:ART

Participatory Rural Appraisal for Diagnostic Analysis of spate irrigation systems in Raya Valley, Ethiopia Castelli, Giulio Bresci, Elena Agricultural engineering, Hydraulic engineering, Social Sciences participatory rural appraisal, indigenous knowledge, rural development, water harvesting, Ethiopia, Tigray, arid climates Spate irrigation is a complex and unique form of water management, which represent the main source of irrigation water in semi-arid river catchments. Water is diverted from seasonal rivers by using diversion structures made by stones, earth and brushwood, located within the river bed. The modernisation of spate irrigation realised in Raya Valley (northern Ethiopia) resulted in disappointing performances. One of the main reasons for this failure was the poor consideration of the characteristics of seasonal catchments and local communities’ needs and preferences. Local farmers, who showed a deep knowledge of the river system, were involved only at the level of consultation. The aim of this research was to develop a participatory Diagnostic Analysis (DA) for a traditional non-modernised spate irrigation system in Raya Valley, in order to involve local farmers within the development process, and to build a solid knowledge basis for effective improvements. A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) of the Harosha spate irrigation system was undertaken. PRA techniques focusing on spatial, temporal, socio-economical and spatiotemporal aspects of the system were performed with local farmers in order to identify and rank main problems and constraints to development. Farmers recognised the need of more resistant diversion structures and gabion walls for the stabilisation of the river bank. The involvement of farmers also helped to highlight that not only irrigation-related problems, but also flood-related problems threaten agricultural production and rural livelihoods. Rather than an irrigation system approach, an approach integrating irrigation development and flood risk mitigation is suggested for framing future development strategies. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) UNESCO-IHE Delft, Mekelle University, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze 2017-05-12 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017031552237 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017031552237 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 1 (2017); 129-139 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017031552237/907 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/7 2016-04-04T15:08:47Z jarts:ART

Adoptability of New Technology in the Small-Holdings Tea Sector Jayamanne, V. S. Wijeratne, Mahinda Wijayaratna, C. M. Agricultural Economics adoption, correlation, packages, sub indicators, tea The degree of adoption of recommended technology is a crucial factor in the tea smallholdings sector of the low country Sri Lanka as far as the yield is concerned. An empirical study was carried out to ascertain the present situation. Almost all the recommendations were grouped into 11 packages (selection of clones, fertilizer application, soil and moisture conservation, field establishment, training, infilling, weed control, pruning, shading, pest and disease control and plucking). A package consisted of sub indicators to reveal farmers’ adoption level. High, middle, low and non-adopters were given justified scores (according to their importance to the yield). The total of marks given to sub indicators was the adoption index of farmers. Though the mean adoption level was 71%, some packages such as pest and disease control, and weed control were marginally adopted. Highest adopted packages included plucking, clone selection, field establishment, and fertilizer application (above 75% level). Adoption level was positively correlated to education, number of dependents, labour use pattern, and subsidies and further, it was negatively correlated to land extent. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2002-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/7 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 103, No 2 (2002); 125-131 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/7/4

oai:jarts.info:article/620 2013-08-10T17:32:15Z jarts:ART

Pesticide-handling practices of smallholder coffee farmers in Eastern Jamaica Henry, Dwayne Feola, Giuseppe Agronomy and Crop Science; Sustainability studies; Public health smallholding farmers; pesticide management; safety; personal protective equipment; coffee; Jamaica Pesticide use among smallholder coffee producers in Jamaica has been associated with significant occupational health effects. Research on pesticide handling practices, however, has been scarce, especially in eastern Jamaica. This explorative study aims at filling this gap and provides a first basis to develop effective interventions to promote a safer pesticide use. A random sample of 81 coffee farmers was surveyed. The majority of farmers reported to suffer from at least one health symptom associated with pesticide handling, but safety practices were scarcely adopted. There was also the risk that other household members and the wider local community are exposed to pesticides. The lack of training on pesticide management, the role of health services and the cost for protective equipment seemed to be the most significant factors that influence current pesticide handling practices in eastern Jamaica. Further research is recommended to develop a systemic understanding of farmer’s behaviour to provide a more solid basis for the development of future intervention programmes. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2013-08-09 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013030542613 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2013030542613 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 114, No 1 (2013); 59-67 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013030542613/430

oai:jarts.info:article/93 2016-04-06T08:14:23Z jarts:ART

Effect of Irrigation Regime on Growth and Development of Two Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Nigerian Savanna Onyibe, J. E. Agronomy and Crop Science irrigation regime; wheat growth; wheat yield; available soil moisture; Pavon 76; Siete cerros; Nigeria; savanna Field trials were conducted at irrigation research stations of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Kadawa (11° 39’N, 08° 27’E, 500m asl). The objective was to study the effect of irrigation regime (60, 75 and 90% Available Soil Moisture (ASM) on the growth and yield of two recently introduced wheat cultivars (Siete cerros and Pavon 76). The result revealed that increase of irrigation regime from 60 to 90% ASM did not significantly affect most of the growth, yield and yield parameters evaluated in the study. Each increase in irrigation regime however increased days to maturity, water use and thermal time but decreased water use efficiency. Pavon 76 produced superior grain yield than Siete ceros only in one season. Pavon 76 had a higher LAI, more tillers and spikes/m2 and larger grain size, but had shorter plants, lower grain weight and grain number/spike and matured earlier than Siete cerros. Irrigation level of 60% ASM is recommended for both varieties in the Sudan savanna ecology. At this ASM the highest water use efficiency of 4.0-4.8kg/mm/ha was obtained and grain yield was not significantly compromised. Grain yield was more strongly correlated with grain weight per spike than with grain number per spike. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2005-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/93 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 106, No 2 (2005); 177-192 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/93/86

oai:jarts.info:article/74 2016-04-06T08:40:00Z jarts:ART

Vernacular Languages and Cultures in Rural Development: Theoretical Discourse and Some Examples Nercissians, Emilia Fremerey, Michael Development; Sociology language; culture; social inclusion; rural development; Iran The role of language and culture in rural development projects is investigated. Examples taken from the context of Northern Iran, the significance of which is not confined to its agricultural and forestry resources and extends beyond national borders, are presented. A starting point of the analysis is an appreciation of diversity, not only in the biological, but also in the cultural sense, as an asset and viewing development endeavors as sense making acts. It is further argued that new intangible forms of capital are increasingly gaining in importance in the contemporary world. Capital is considered not merely as an asset, but as a relation having accumulation moment as well, and impact on the regeneration of cultural and economic divides. A central concern is enhancing social inclusion and promoting conditions for making voices of otherness heard. It is deemed that vernacular voices encompass valuable indigenous knowledge and modes of perception, the negligence of which can undermine the success of rural development projects. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2008-04-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/74 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 109, No 1 (2008); 65-84 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/74/67

oai:jarts.info:article/2270 2016-12-14T05:44:45Z jarts:ART

Towards an assessment of on-farm niches for improved forages in Sud-Kivu, DR Congo Paul, Birthe K. Muhimuzi, Fabrice L. Bacigale, Samy B. Wimba, Benjamin M. M. Chiuri, Wanjiku L. Amzati, Gaston S. Maass, Brigitte L. Forage Science, Farming Systems Science mixed crop-livestock systems, tropical forages, Napier grass, farming system research, participatory research Inadequate quantity and quality of livestock feed is a persistent constraint to productivity for mixed crop-livestock farming in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. To assess on-farm niches of improved forages, demonstration trials and participatory on-farm research were conducted in four different sites. Forage legumes included Canavalia brasiliensis (CIAT 17009), Stylosanthes guianensis (CIAT 11995) and Desmodium uncinatum (cv. Silverleaf), while grasses were Guatemala grass (Tripsacum andersonii), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) French Cameroon, and a local Napier line. Within the first six months, forage legumes adapted differently to the four sites with little differences among varieties, while forage grasses displayed higher variability in biomass production among varieties than among sites. Farmers’ ranking largely corresponded to herbage yield from the first cut, preferring Canavalia, Silverleaf desmodium and Napier French Cameroon. Choice of forages and integration into farming systems depended on land availability, soil erosion prevalence and livestock husbandry system. In erosion prone sites, 55–60%of farmers planted grasses on field edges and 16–30% as hedgerows for erosion control. 43% of farmers grew forages as intercrop with food crops such as maize and cassava, pointing to land scarcity. Only in the site with lower land pressure, 71% of farmers grew legumes as pure stand. When land tenure was not secured and livestock freely roaming, 75% of farmers preferred to grow annual forage legumes instead of perennial grasses. Future research should develop robust decision support for spatial and temporal integration of forage technologies into diverse smallholder cropping systems and agro-ecologies. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Universite Evangelique of Afrique (UEA), Institut National pour l’Etude et la Recherche Agronomique (INERA), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) 2016-10-20 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016092050939 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2016092050939 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 117, No 2 (2016); 243-254 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016092050939/887 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/354 2018-06-20T09:17:29Z jarts:ART

Is export orientation a major motivator for the adoption of food safety systems in the Turkish dried fig firms? Cobanoglu, Ferit Agricultultural economics adoption drivers; aflatoxin control; dried fig firms; export inclination; food safety Food safety management systems (FSMSs) and the scrutinisation of the food safety practices that are intended for adoption on the firm level both offer strategic value to the dried fig sector. This study aims to prove the hypothesis that export orientation is a major motivating force for the adoption of food safety systems in the Turkish dried fig firms. Data were obtained from 91 dried fig firms located in Aydin, Turkey. Interviews were carried out with firms’ managers/owners using a face-to-face questionnaire designed from May to August of 2010. While 36.3 percent of the interviewed firms had adopted one or more systems, the rest had no certification. A binomial logistic econometric model was employed. The parameters that influenced this decision included contractual agreements with other firms, implementation of good practices by the dried fig farmers, export orientation and cost-benefit ratio. Interestingly, the rest of the indicators employed had no statistically significant effect on adoption behaviour. This paper focusses on the export orientation parameter directly in order to test the validity of the main research hypothesis. The estimated marginal effect suggests that when dried fig firms are export-oriented, the probability that these firms will adopt food safety systems goes up by 39.5 percent. This rate was the first range observed among all the marginal probability values obtained and thus verified the hypothesis that export orientation is a major motivator for the adoption of food safety systems in the Turkish dried fig firms. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Adnan Menderes University 2012-09-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012061541329 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2012061541329 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 113, No 1 (2012); 31-42 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012061541329/174

oai:jarts.info:article/5991 2026-01-12T14:09:21Z jarts:ART

Forest conservation practices: Insights of local communities near wildlife-protected areas in Ghana Amankwah, Afua Amponsah Kouassi, Edouard Konan Porembski, Stefan Quaye-Ballard, Jonathan Arthur Zrehon, Michel Weblegnon Mendy, Pierre Anthony Okorie, Blessing Chinomso Jacques Agboka, Kossi-Messan Dwumah, Kwasi Aning Opuni-Frimpong, Nana Yeboaa Adu-Bredu, Stephen Forestry; Natural resource management Biodiversity conservation, Forest-savannah transition zone, Sustainable forest management Effective forest conservation relies on active community participation; however, local communities in Ghana are often excluded from policy development. This study explored community perspectives on forest conservation by identifying practices that local inhabitants believed could help preserve the forests in two wildlife-protected areas within the forest-savannah transition zone of Ghana: Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) and Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR). A cross-sectional survey involving 300 respondents was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires to gather insights into locally suggested conservation practices. A Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) model was employed to assess whether the socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, educational level, occupation and residential status influenced these perspectives. Wildfire prevention was the most emphasised conservation strategy in BFMS (38.6%), while respondents in KSNR (37.2%) emphasised increased staffing for effective forest monitoring. Socio-demographic variables had no statistically significant influence (p 0.05) on respondents’ perspectives. The findings highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge and community-driven conservation approaches for effective forest management. Strengthening participatory strategies can enhance conservation outcomes and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land), which focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) 2025-08-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025052211170 10.17170/kobra-2025052211170 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 126, No 2 (2025); 151-158 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025052211170/1157 Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4513 2022-10-04T13:14:29Z jarts:ART

Factors influencing technology adoption among smallholder farmers: a systematic review in Africa Fadeyi, Oluwamayokun Anjorin Ariyawardana, Anoma Aziz, Ammar A. Crop science; Farm management; Technology adoption Adoption, Agriculture, Finance, Smallholder farmers, Technology adoption Smallholder agriculture has been identified to be critical in the creation of employment, improving food security and improving the economy. However, smallholder agriculture in Africa is characterised by a low production level which has been linked to the limited use of technologies. Several factors influence the adoption of technologies among smallholder farmers in Africa. This systematic literature review focuses on the factors influencing technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Africa and identified 128 peer-reviewed papers in English between January 2000 to December 2019. The majority were carried out in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, with the major crops being maize, legumes and rice. This review identified 29 factors that were broadly classified into five main categories: (i) farmers’ characteristics; (ii) farm characteristics; (iii) technology characteristics; (iv) institutional factors; and (v) finance. Of these, finance (81 articles), gender of household head (71 articles), age (68 articles), education (64 articles), farm size (62 articles) and extension access (59 articles) are the most prominent factors mentioned. The factors identified in this review were then related to existing technology adoption theories, and it was concluded that finance does not adequately feature in any of these extant theories. As illustrated by the relatively high occurrence of finance, this review puts forward a comprehensive framework for technology adoption and also provides critical recommendations to improve technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Africa. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2022-01-25 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202201195569 10.17170/kobra-202201195569 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 123, No 1 (2022); 13-30 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202201195569/1056 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202201195569/2276 Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3704 2020-12-28T07:40:01Z jarts:ART

Factors driving adoption and constraining the non-adoption of biofortified orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria Chah, Jane M. Anugwa, Ifeoma Q. Nwafor, Ifeanyi M. Agronomy and Crop Science;Agricultultural economics Adoption, constraining factors, farmers, motivational factors, orange fleshed sweet potatoes varieties, vitamin A This study sought to determine the factors that drive the adoption and constrain the non-adoption of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting sixty sweet potato farmers (thirty adopters and non-adopters each). Participatory tools such as structured interview schedule, key informant interviews and personal observation were employed for quantitative and qualitative data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools like, percentage, mean scores and factor analysis. The results of the study revealed that a greater percent of both adopters and non-adopters of OFSP were males. Although the adopters were older than the non-adopters, they were more educated, cosmopolite, cultivated larger farm sizes, earned more income, had more extension contact and access to credit than the non-adopters. The majority of adopters had high knowledge, while non-adopters had moderate knowledge of OFSP. The adopters were motivated to adopt the OFSP mainly as a result of its pleasant taste, profit from the sale of its roots and vines and not necessarily because of its perceived health benefits of supplementing vitamin A. Perceived constraints to the adoption of OFSP by non-adopters were particularly the complexity of OFSP production techniques and the high cost of OFSP vines and roots. Thus, extension agents should create more sensitisation and provide education about OFSP to farmers. Additionally, concerted eorts should be made by the research institutes to provide adequate and easily accessible inputs (vines and other planting materials) so that more farmers can produce vitamin A rich OFSP. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2020-09-22 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202007291509 10.17170/kobra-202007291509 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 2 (2020); 173-183 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202007291509/1012 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2579 2017-06-21T12:21:38Z jarts:ART

Beyond good wood: Exploring strategies for small-scale forest growers and enterprises to benefit from legal and sustainable certification in Indonesia Maryudi, Ahmad Nawir, Ani A. Sumardamto, Purnomo Sekartaji, Dewi Ayu Soraya, Emma Yuwono, Teguh Siswoko, Bowo Dwi Mulyana, Budi Supriyatno, Nunuk Forestry smallholder growers, certification, market access, premium prices, entrepreneurial skills, market networks There is a growing trend towards small-scale forest operators engaging in certification initiatives in response to growing demands for certified timber. We aimed to analyse whether certified smallholders gain better access to timber markets and better financial incentives. We used three smallholder forest enterprises from Gunungkidul and Kulon Progo districts, Java, Indonesia as case studies of different managerial operations. Two were farmer cooperatives and the other was an external trading company in partnership with village-level farmer groups. Different certification schemes and managerial approaches were analysed whether such factors influenced the ability of smallholders to access certified timber markets and obtain improved offers for their timber. We found that smallholders find it challenging to enter and participate in certified timber markets and to obtain the promised premium prices. The obvious costs of certification and uncertain benefits are major challenges for smallholders. Even when market opportunities are present, certification alone is insufficient to tap into these markets. Certified forest enterprises need dedicated managers with adequate entrepreneurial skills to establish networks and contacts with potential buyers, and to actively seek information on what is specified by certified timber processors. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) 2017-01-20 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017010351816 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017010351816 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 1 (2017); 17-29 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017010351816/897 Copyright (c) 2017 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/616 2018-06-20T09:16:23Z jarts:ART

Strategies for coping with feed scarcity among urban and peri-urban livestock farmers in Kampala, Uganda Katongole, Constantine Bakyusa Nambi-Kasozi, Justine Lumu, Richard Bareeba, Felix Presto, Magdalena Ivarsson, Emma Lindberg, Jan Erik Animal Husbandry feed scarcity; coping strategies; urban livestock; Kampala; Uganda Livestock keeping is increasingly becoming more popular in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. However, lack of feed is a real challenge. Inadequate feed supply in urban areas is due to many interacting factors, which include among others land shortage, high cost of feeds, climate risks and poor quality of feeds. The objective of this study was to identify and examine the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by livestock farmers in urban and peri-urban areas of Kampala, Uganda to cope with feed scarcity. A total of 120 livestock farmers from Kampala were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Dairy cattle (48.3%) and chickens (37.5%) were the most common species, followed by pigs (34.2%), goats (26.7%) and sheep (3.3%). Farm size was generally small both in terms of herd size and total landholding. Cattle and pig farmers in urban and peri-urban areas of Kampala ranked feed scarcity as their first major constraint, while chicken farmers had high cost of feeds. These farmers have adopted several strategies for coping with feed scarcity. Among the major coping strategies adopted were: changing of feed resources based on availability and cost (37.5%), purchasing of feed ingredients in bulk (29.7%), using crop/food wastes (26.6%), harvesting of forages growing naturally in open access lands (23.4%) and reducing herd size (17.2%). However, most of the coping strategies adopted were largely aimed at dealing with the perennial challenge of feed scarcity on a day-by-day basis rather than dealing with it using sustainable and long-term strategies. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2013-03-02 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012092441842 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2012092441842 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 113, No 2 (2012); 165-174 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012092441842/197

oai:jarts.info:article/83 2016-04-06T08:09:04Z jarts:ART

Effect of different types and doses of nitrogen fertilizers on yield and quality characteristics of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Sing) cultivated on wheat straw compost Demirer, Tuncay Röck-Okuyucu, Bärbel Özer, Irfan Agronomy and Crop Science Agaricus; mushroom; compost; N-fertilizers The most important prerequisite for a successful mushroom production is a high-quality compost substrate.F or the present study wheat straw was used as bulk ingredient for the compost substrate preparation. In order to improve the C/N ratio and to accelerate the composting process, all substrate formulas need the addition of nitrogen-rich supplements at the outset of composting. Besides organic nitrogen sources, inorganic nitrogen supplements are also applied, when high-carbohydrate bulk ingredients are used. In the present work four different nitrogen fertilizers (urea (46 % N), ammonium nitrate (33.5 % N), calcium ammonium nitrate (26 % N) and ammonium sulfate (21 % N)) in three doses were applied as nitrogen sources and the effect on yield and some quality characteristics (cap weight, stalk weight, cap diameter, stalk diameter and stalk length) was investigated. The fertilizer application had only an unimportant effect on the cape diameter, which is an important characteristic for the classification of mushrooms, but had a stronger effect on the stalk length, which is also important for the classification. The highest dose of calcium ammonium nitrate produced the significant highest yield at the same time this variant also resulted in good results regarding the investigated quality characteristics. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2005-04-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/83 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 106, No 1 (2005); 71-77 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/83/76

oai:jarts.info:article/6235 2026-03-26T14:34:30Z jarts:ART

Effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf slurry on performance, rumen metabolites and enteric methane emission of growing Yankasa rams Ibrahim, Taofik Adam Lawal, Muhammad Adejoro, Festus Adeyemi Abdu, Salisu Bakura Yusuf, Hauwa Mustapha Dodo, Saizah Francis Animal Science Feed efficiency, Greenhouse gas mitigation, Methanogenesis, Nutrient digestibility, Small ruminants This study evaluated the anti-methanogenic and nutritional effects of Moringa oleifera leaf slurry (MLS) in growing Yankasa rams. Sixteen rams (16.6 ± 3.00 kg) were assigned to four treatments supplying 0, 4, 8, or 12 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM intake in a completely randomised design. All animals received the same total mixed ration at 5% of live weight for 85 days, followed by a 7‑day digestibility trial. Enteric methane was measured using a portable IRCD4 infrared gas analyser. MLS supplementation improved (p  0.05) nutrient utilisation and growth performance, and reduced CH₄ per unit of feed intake and CH₄ per unit of NDF digested. Rams receiving 8 and 12 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM showed higher (p  0.05) volatile fatty acid concentrations than the control. Principal component analysis revealed negative associations between MLS phytochemicals and CH₄/feed intake, CH₄/NDF digestibility, and feed conversion ratio. Overall, MLS inclusion up to 12 g kg⁻¹ DM increased feed intake (3.70–8.64%), weight gain (41.4–44.7%), feed efficiency (19.6–24.5%), nutrient utilisation, and volatile fatty acids, while lowering methane emission ratios. Although 4 g MLS kg⁻¹ DM appears effective for improving performance, further research should explore alternative feeding strategies and higher MLS levels in Yankasa rams and other ruminants. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2026-03-26 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411807 10.17170/kobra-2026011411807 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 127 (2026); 93-101 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411807/1181 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/5149 2023-11-07T09:13:59Z jarts:ART

Contribution of dairy goat farming to household dietary diversity among smallholder farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya Njue, Priscilla Nyaguthii Isaboke, Hezron Nyarindo Migose, Salome Atieno Agicultural economics; Nutrition Food security, Nearest neighbour matching, Optimal diets, Propensity score matching In Kenya, dairy goat farming has highly been practiced for food provision and as an income-generating enterprise. However, there is scanty information on the contribution of dairy goat farming to the quality of diets consumed at household level especially among rural smallholder farmers. This study therefore analysed the contribution of dairy goat farming to household dietary diversity of the smallholder farmers. Data was collected at the end of the wet season (April-May) from a sample of 385 households in Kirinyaga County, using structured questionnaires programmed in the KoboToolbox. Household dietary diversity scores (HDDS) was used as a measure for food security, where 12 food groups commonly consumed in the area were considered. Propensity to score matching (PSM) with a probit regression framework was used to minimize the selection bias while determining the effect that dairy goat farming (treatment) had on dietary diversity. The nearest neighbour matching (NNM) estimated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT). Results revealed that vegetables, cereals, beverages, fats and oils were consumed more compared to meat, fish and eggs. Age, gender, title deed ownership, and monthly household income significantly influenced the likelihood of practicing dairy goat farming. The ATT showed that dairy goat farmers had higher HDDS by 1.014, an implication of diversified diets. The results suggest that dairy goat farming should be encouraged and improved among smallholder farmers in an effort to minimize malnutrition. Besides, there is need to conduct training on the optimal intake of the different food groups. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Kirinyaga County Dairy Goat Association of Kenya, Kirinyaga County Hezron Isaboke, University of Embu Salome Migose, University of Embu 2023-02-21 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202302217524 10.17170/kobra-202302217524 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 124, No 1 (2023); 1-11 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202302217524/1083 Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3462 2020-07-08T15:19:55Z jarts:ART

The effects of grain storage technologies on maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe Chuma, Teresa Mudhara, Maxwell Govereh, Jones Agricultural economics Smallholder farmers, net buyer, net seller, maize, ordered probit regression This study investigated the effects of grain storage practices on smallholder farmers’ maize marketing behaviour using primary data collected from 413 random households in Makoni and Shamva Districts of Zimbabwe. The data was analysed using the ordered probit model and the study results revealed that storage practices had significant effects on the maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers. Storage using insecticide and traditional granary increased the chances of farmers to become net sellers of maize. Using insecticide in storage reduces the amount of grain that is lost in storage hence farmers are able to preserve the amount of grain available for consumption and also for sale. This implies that safe storage of maize may increase household incomes thus reducing poverty. This also contributes to improved food security. Investment in safe grain storage technologies is thus a fundamental key policy issue in developing countries. Quantity harvested, market location, household head’s sex and other household factors influenced maize marketing behaviour of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) CIMMYT 2020-01-17 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191217882 10.17170/kobra-20191217882 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 1 (2020); 1-12 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191217882/989 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/64 2016-04-06T08:36:11Z jarts:ART

Green Gram Rotation Effects on Maize Growth Parameters and Soil Quality in Myanmar Kywe, Myo Finckh, Maria R. Buerkert, Andreas Agronomy and Crop Science Maize; Green gram; Rotation; Manure; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Myanmar At present maize–green gram crop rotations are not widely practiced among farmers in Myanmar. However, this cropping system might become more popular in the future given raising prices for green gram and maize grain and scarcity of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers in this Asian country. The results of a cropping systems experiment with continuous maize versus a green gram-maize rotation, manure application (0 and 2 t ha−1) and phosphorus (P) fertilization (0 and 15 kg P ha−1) in each of five consecutive seasons revealed a strong decline in total dry matter and grains yields for both crops irrespective of the treatment. Treatment effects on yield components, nutrient concentrations, mycorrhizal infection and nematode infestation were small or negligible. The data show that in addition to manure used at 2 t ha−1, application of mineral N fertilizers is essential to maintain particularly maize yields. A comparison of different green gram cultivars did not indicate genotype specific effects on maize growth. The incorporation of legume residues, unless they are used as animal feed, is recommended to increase the recycling of N and to balance N fluxes when green gram is cultivated for seed. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2008-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/64 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 109, No 2 (2008); 123-137 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/64/58

oai:jarts.info:article/2152 2018-06-20T09:04:39Z jarts:ART

Exploring the potential of cassava in promoting agricultural growth in Nigeria Rahman, Sanzidur Awerije, Brodrick O. Agricultural Economics cassava sector, constraints on cassava, Nigeria, sources of growth decomposition, trend analysis, Nigeria Cassava is one of the major food crops in Nigeria, with multiple uses from human consumption to industrial applications. This study explores the potential of cassava in Nigerian agriculture based on a review of cassava development policies; performs a trend analysis of the cultivation area, production, productivity, and real price of cassava and other competing crops for the period 1961–2013; identifies the sources of growth in production; and examines the production constraints at the local level based on a survey of 315 farmers/processors and 105 marketers from Delta State. The results revealed that several policies and programmes were implemented to develop the cassava sector with mixed outcomes. Although cassava productivity grew at 1.5% per annum (p.a.) during the post-structural adjustment programme period (1993–2013), its real price declined at a rate of 3.5% p.a. The effect of yield is the main source of growth in production, contributing 76.4% of the total growth followed by the area effect (28.2%). The cassava sector is constrained by inadequate market infrastructure, processing facilities, and lack of information and unstable prices at the local level. The widespread diffusion of improved tropical manioc selection technologies and investments in market and marketing infrastructure, processing technologies, irrigation/water provision and information dissemination are recommended to enhance the potential of the cassava sector to support agricultural growth in Nigeria. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2016-05-27 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016050350174 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2016050350174 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 117, No 1 (2016); 149-163 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016050350174/874 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/294 2013-04-16T21:30:37Z jarts:ART

Resource use pattern and agroecosystem functioning in Rawanganga micro-watershed in Garhwal Himalaya, India Bagwari, Hari Krishan Todaria, Nagendra Prasad Forestry; Agroforestry agroecosystem; altitude; energy consumption; energy input-output ratio; agricultural crops; Garhwal Himalaya Agro-ecological resource use pattern in a traditional hill agricultural watershed in Garhwal Himalaya was analysed along an altitudinal transect. Thirty one food crops were found, although only 0.5% agriculture land is under irrigation in the area. Fifteen different tree species within agroforestry systems were located and their density varied from 30-90 trees/ha. Grain yield, fodder from agroforest trees and crop residue were observed to be highest between 1200 and 1600 m a.s.l. Also the annual energy input- output ratio per hectare was highest between 1200 and 1600 m a.s.l. (1.46). This higher input- output ratio between 1200-1600 m a.s.l. was attributed to the fact that green fodder, obtained from agroforestry trees, was considered as farm produce. The energy budget across altitudinal zones revealed 95% contribution of the farmyard manure and the maximum output was in terms of either crop residue (35%) or fodder (55%) from the agroforestry component. Presently on average 23%, 29% and 41% cattle were dependent on stall feeding in villages located at higher, lower and middle altitudes respectively. Similarly, fuel wood consumption was greatly influenced by altitude and family size. The efficiency and sustainability of the hill agroecosystem can be restored by strengthening of the agroforestry component. The approach will be appreciated by the local communities and will readily find their acceptance and can ensure their effective participation in the programme. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Department of Land Resource, Ministry of Rural Employment, Govt. of India, New Delhi. 2012-06-12 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012011740340 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2012011740340 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 112, No 2 (2011); 101-112 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2012011740340/155

oai:jarts.info:article/5631 2025-06-10T08:34:54Z jarts:ART

Impact of potato business on household food security: An empirical study from Tigray regional state, Ethiopia Bsrat, Aregawi Beyene Gebru, Kebede Manjur Ayele, Tekleyohannes Hailekiros Lema, Goitom Gebrehiwot Rural development and agricultural extension Cash crop, Food access, Food utilisation, Household diet diversity Food insecurity remains a persistent global challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the role of cash crops in influencing household food security continues to be debated. To address this gap, this study examines the impact of potato cash crop production on household food security in the Atsbi Wonberta District of Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A comprehensive survey of 173 households was conducted. The study employed a binary probit model to analyze factors influencing farmers’ participation in potato production and used propensity score matching to assess the impact of this participation on food security. The results show that factors such as oxen ownership, educational attainment, access to irrigated land, and training opportunities were positively associated with farmers’ involvement in potato production. Furthermore, participation in potato production significantly improved household income and food security. Based on these results, the study recommends the implementation of capacity-building initiatives, including targeted training programmes for smallholder farmers. In addition, governments and stakeholders should prioritise investment in rural infrastructure and irrigation development to increase the positive impact of potato production on household food security. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Mekelle University 2025-02-20 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025011410818 10.17170/kobra-2025011410818 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 126, No 1 (2025); 53-63 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025011410818/1145 Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4197 2021-12-31T15:56:33Z jarts:ART

Forage diversity and fertiliser adoption in Napier grass production among smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya Njarui, Donald M.G. Gatheru, Mwangi Ndubi, Jessica M. Gichangi, Anne W. Murage, Alice W. Binary logistic, Diary cattle, Forage diversification, Livestock production, Smallholder farmers, Sown forages Feed scarcity is one of the major challenges affecting smallholder dairy production in Kenya. Forages are the foundation of livestock nutritional requirements; forage diversification and fertiliser are intensification options that can increase productivity. A sample of 316 and 313 smallholder farmers were surveyed in eastern midlands and central highlands of Kenya, respectively, to establish the types of forages cultivated and the factors that influence fertiliser adoption in Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach.) production. Independent t-tests were applied to compare the effect of continuous variables on social economic and institutional characteristics between adopters and non-adopters on fertiliser and area allocated to different forages. Chi-square tests were used to compare nominal variables for the proportion of farmers growing different forages, criteria they consider in selection of suitable forages, and social economic and institutional characteristics of adopters and non-adopters of fertiliser. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors that influence fertiliser adoption. The study revealed that forage diversification was low with Napier grass being the only forage cultivated by most farmers (~90%). Urochloa (Urochloa spp), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jaq.) were cultivated by less than 11% of farmers. The fertiliser adoption rate was high (77%) and was influenced by gender of household head, membership of groups, access to extension services and labour. Future research should focus on promoting of forage diversification and investigate quantity and fertiliser application regimes in order to enable development of appropriate advisory services. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) EU Horozon 2020, KALRO 2021-11-10 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202110274962 10.17170/kobra-202110274962 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 122, No 2 (2021); 245-256 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202110274962/1047 Copyright (c) 2021 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3038 2018-07-02T09:22:06Z jarts:ART

Genetic variability among wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm for resistance to spot blotch disease Tembo, Batiseba Sibiya, Julia Tongoona, Pangirayi Agronomy and Crop Science Bipolaris sorokiniana, disease, management, screening, host resistance Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. is the most devastating disease limiting wheat productivity in warm and humid environments. One hundred and fifty wheat genotypes were evaluated under field conditions in 2013 and 2014 in six different locations in Zambia. The genotypes showed different levels of resistance to spot blotch. Genotypes 19HRWSN6 (Kenya Heroe), 19HRWSN7 (Prontia Federal) and 19HRWSN15 (BRBT2/METSO) were resistant lines across environments. The genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot grouped the six environments (E) into three mega-environments (ME) with respect to spot blotch severity. ME I contained Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) (E6) only. Mpongwe (E4), Mt. Makulu (E5 and E2) and GART (E3) formed ME II, while ME III contained only Mutanda (E1). Genotypes 16HRWYT5, SB50 and 20HRWSN33 were the most susceptible genotypes in ME I, II and III, respectively. Genotype 19HRWSN7 was the most resistant across test locations. The locations in ME III were highly correlated indicating that they provided similar information on genotypes. This suggests that one location could be chosen among the locations in ME III for screening spot blotch resistance each year if the pattern repeats across years. This could aid in reducing the cost of genotype evaluation and improve efficiency as genotypes would be handled in fewer environments. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) 2018-06-21 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2018022754656 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2018022754656 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 119, No 1 (2018); 85-93 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2018022754656/940 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/2018022754656/1398 Copyright (c) 2018 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/30 2016-04-06T08:31:33Z jarts:ART

Vitamin E Supplementation to Sows and Effects on Fertility Rate and Subsequent Body Development of their Weanling Piglets Umesiobi, D. O. Animal nutrition and health litter size; dl- α-tocopheryl acetate; physiological status; pigs; South Africa The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin E to sows on sow fertility and serum α-tocopherol, growth and physiological state of their weanling pigs. A total of 60 Large White gilts were randomly allotted to three groups (20 gilts per group) from coitus to lactation phases over a two-parity period to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E on fecundity rates and litter size of sows. Each of the three dietary vitamin E treatment combinations involved 0, 40 or 70 IU/kg of dl- α-tocopheryl acetate/kg of diet, and parity 1 and 2. Sow serum α-tocopherol and Selenium (Se) were collected at 30 day post coitum, 99 day of gestation and 21 day lactation. Serum α-tocopherol and Se were collected from piglets at 1 day post natum and on day 21 (weaning age). Data relating to sow fecundity and litter size were also recorded. Results indicate that body weights and body weight gains of sows and their litters increased significantly (P 0.01) by parity, increasing more from parities 1 to 2, mostly when dietary vitamin E was increased from 40 to 70 IU/kg diet. The highest number of total piglets and number of piglets born alive (12 ± 8.9 vs. 11 ± 0.1) were obtained at parity 2 when dietary vitamin E was increased to 70 IU/kg diet. There was an increase in weights of the piglets when dietary vitamin E was increased in sow’s diet. There was a dramatic increase in serum α-tocopherol and Se concentrations following 40 and 70 IU/kg of vitamin E supplementation during the 30 and 99 day gestation and 21 day lactation periods as parity increased. Se concentrations were about 3 fold higher in the 70 IU/kg vitamin E supplemented group in parity 2 compared to the other groups. In both parities, female piglets had higher serum α-tocopherol and Se concentrations at both 2 day post natum and on day 21 (weaning) compared to the male piglets. Results from this study suggest that supplementing 70 IU/kg α-tocopheryl acetate in sow’s diets appears to enhance growth of their weanling piglets. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2010-05-03 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/30 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 110, No 2 (2009); 155-168 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/30/27

oai:jarts.info:article/1919 2018-06-20T09:09:57Z jarts:ART

Utilisation of Giant African snail (Achatina fulica) meal as protein source by laying hens Diarra, Siaka Seriba Kant, Rashmi Tanhimana, Jemarlyn Lela, Patrick Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutrition protein sources; feed cost; snail meal; egg production A 12-week experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of substituting Giant African snail meal for fish meal in laying hens diet. Four diets were formulated to contain snail meal as replacement for fish meal at 0 (control), 33, 67 and 100%. A total of 120 Shaver Brown pullets aged 18 weeks were allocated to the dietary treatments in a randomised design. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and ten birds per replicate. Feed intake increased only for the 33% treatment as compared to the 67% replacement diet but did not differ from the other treatments. There were no significant treatment effects on egg performance parameters observed (egg production, egg weight, total egg mass, feed conversion ratio and percent shell). The overall feed cost of egg production reduced on the snail meal-based diets. The organoleptic evaluation of boiled eggs revealed no difference between the treatments. Based on these results it was concluded that total replacement of fish meal with cooked snail meat meal does not compromise laying performance or egg quality. The substitution is beneficial in terms of production cost reduction and the reduction of snails will have a beneficial impact especially where these snails are a serious agricultural pest. The manual collection and processing of snails can also become a source of rural income. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) University of the South Pacific's research office 2015-05-22 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015011347178 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2015011347178 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 116, No 1 (2015); 85-90 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015011347178/838

oai:jarts.info:article/121 2016-04-06T10:31:43Z jarts:ART

A Research on the Impacts of Tourism on Rural Household Income and Farm Enterprises: The Case of the Nevsehir Province of Turkey Tanrıvermis, Harun Sanlı, Hasan Economics rural tourism; income and employment benefits; complementary activities; Cappadocia (Turkey) This article is aimed at investigating the impact of tourism activities on the income and living conditions of rural households, and reflecting the views of both households and tourists on tourism related activities. An economic assessment of households that deal both with agriculture and tourism in the Nev¸sehir Province (Cappadocia) has been carried out based on primary survey data. Agriculture is the main economic activity in Nevsehir, and households generally have the characteristic structure of small family enterprises. While 59.8% of household labour forces are utilised in agriculture, 7.0% are engaged in tourism activities. The agricultural and tourism related activities, such as pottery making, handicrafts and lodging, are often in competition for the generally insufficient working capital of households, as well as time and labour. Total average household income in the region has been determined as $9,949, of which $7,315 (73.5%) is drawn from agriculture and $2,587 (26%) from tourism-related activities. Tourism cannot be regarded as an activity that constitutes an alternative to agriculture, but rather a complementary source of income. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2010-05-16 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/121 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 108, No 2 (2007); 169-189 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/121/107

oai:jarts.info:article/5522 2024-02-23T09:07:20Z jarts:ART

Association between metabolic and immunological changes during the transition period of dual-purpose cows in the Veracruz tropic, Mexico Avalos-Rosario, Ivan Lagunes Moreno, Claudia Karina Van Dorp, Chantel Sanchez Montes, Daniel Sokani Huerta-Peña, Javier Hernández-Carbajal, Gabriela Romina Lammoglia-Villagómez, Miguel Angel Animal Science; Veterinary Medicine; Animal Health Energy, Immunosuppression, Metabolism, Peripartum, White blood cells The objective of this study was to identify changes and associations in body condition score (BCS), serum glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, and white blood cell populations in dual-purpose cows during the transition period in the Veracruz tropic. BCS was evaluated and blood samples were taken weekly to determine white blood cell populations, serum glucose and BHB concentrations of 30 multiparous dual-cows (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) from 3 weeks before the expected date of calving to 3 weeks postpartum. During the prepartum period, BCS (3.56 vs 3.11 points), leukocytes (8.964 vs 7.032 × 103 cells µL-1), neutrophils (3.353 vs 2.201 × 103 cells µL-1), lymphocytes (4.750 vs 4.051 × 103 cells µL-1), and monocytes populations (222 vs 126 × 103 cells µL -1) were higher compared to the postpartum period. Contrarily, BHB concentration was higher in the postpartum period (1.34 vs 0.84 mmol L-1) than in the prepartum period. No differences in basophils and eosinophils populations and glucose concentration were identified. Associations between BCS, BHB, glucose, and populations of neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils were detected. The higher BCS, the higher the monocyte population (r = 0.22). The lower the glucose concentration, the higher the BHB concentration (r = −0.51). The higher the concentration of BHB, the lower the number of neutrophils (r = −0.22), monocytes (r = −0.32) and basophils (r = −0.23). In conclusion, low-producing dual-purpose cows experienced fluctuations in BCS, BHB, and immune cell populations during the transition period, suggesting similar metabolic and immune changes as in high-producing dairy cows. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2023-12-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202312229277 10.17170/kobra-202312229277 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 124, No 2 (2023); 181-187 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202312229277/1101 Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/6159 2026-03-26T14:34:30Z jarts:ART

Climate resilience in Tanzanian farming cooperatives: Adaptive strategies for food security Kimaro, Beatrice Judica Kilonzo, Rehema G. Matunga, Benta N. Agriculture sciences-agricultural economice, Climate change, rural developemnt Climate-smart adoption, Collective action, Farmer organisation, Hydrological risk, Irrigation governance Smallholder irrigation schemes in Morogoro, Tanzania, underpin rice-based farming systems, which are further supported by maize, cassava, and small-scale trade. These households face recurrent flooding, waterlogging, and persistent pest infestations, which threaten crop yields and income stability. Using surveys (n = 192) and key informant interviews, the study examines how cooperative irrigation schemes foster climate resilience through governance, shared infrastructure, and training. Results show high exposure to hydrological hazards, moderate livelihood diversification alongside rice cultivation, and higher adoption of climate-smart practices among members who received cooperative training and access to pooled inputs. The study identifies three cooperative mechanisms, resource pooling (including shared inputs), learning systems (including training sessions), and financial intermediation (such as access to credit), that reduce adaptation costs and increase the uptake of drought- and flood-tolerant practices. The study argues that cooperative governance links individual, farm-level adaptations to create a cohesive, system-level resilience within the irrigation command area.   German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2026-01-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411798 10.17170/kobra-2026011411798 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 127 (2026); 1-9 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2026011411798/1172 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/kobra-2026011411798/2896 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4779 2023-02-21T20:51:31Z jarts:ART

Use of corncob biochar and urea for pakchoi (Brassica rapa l.) cultivation: Short-term impact of pyrolysis temperature and fertiliser dose on plant growth and yield Haryanto, Agus Megasepta, Riri Wisnu, Febryan Kusuma Asmara, Sandi Hasanudin, Udin Hidayat, Wahyu Triyono, Sugeng Agricultural Engineering; Biological and Bio System Engineering; Environment Science and Engineering Biochar, Canopy, Crop yield, Number of leaves, Water productivity This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pyrolysis temperature of corncob biochar as a soil amendment and urea fertiliser on the growth and yield of pakchoi. Pakchoi was cultivated in pots (13 cm height, 19 cm upper diameter, and 13.5 cm bottom diameter). Two factors including pyrolysis temperature of biochar and urea dose were combined with four levels each. Pyrolysis temperature factor consisted of B0 (no biochar), B1 (250 °C), B2 (300 °C), and B3 (350 °C). Urea dose consisted of F0 (no urea), F1 (0.6 g pot–1), F2 (1.2 g pot–1), and F3 (1.8 g pot–1). All treatment combinations were randomly designed in triplicates. The amount of biochar was 90 g with total growing media of 3000 g. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature influenced significantly (a = 0.05) growth parameters, fresh yield, and water productivity. Pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C resulted in the highest growth and production with average yield of 30.6 g pot–1, water productivity of 10.09 g cm–3, and fertiliser productivity of 27.59-53.39 g g–1 depending on the dose. In order to have optimal benefits, biochar application should be combined with fertiliser application. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2022-10-18 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202210116963 10.17170/kobra-202210116963 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 123, No 2 (2022); 189-195 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202210116963/1072 Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3510 2020-01-13T13:30:22Z jarts:ART

Liming effects on reproductive growth and yield components of maize grown on an acid rainforest soil Adikuru, Ndubuisi Chinedu Ogoke, Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Anyanwu, Chinyere Prisca Uzoho, Bethel Ugochukwu Agronomy and Crop Science; Crop Production and Physiology Anthesis-silking interval, flowering synchrony, kernel number, lime, southeastern Nigeria Maize was planted on limed and unlimed plots to study the effect of soil acidity on reproductive growth and yield components of the crop in Owerri southeastern Nigeria. Eight (8) maize varieties (Factor A) and two lime levels (0 and 2 t ha-1, Factor B) were arranged as a factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design with three replications. The number of days to 50 % anthesis and silking, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), physiological maturity and grain filling duration were measured to determine the effect on reproductive development. The effect on yield and yield components were determined by measuring the number of grain rows cob-1, grains row-1, grains cob-1, weight of hundred seeds and grain yield. Soil acidity induced the distortion of the synchrony in maize flowering by a 45.9 % increase in ASI. This caused a reduction in yield components and ultimately reduced grain yield by 35.5 %. Among the varieties, AK 9928-DMRSR, OBA SUPER II and AMA TZBR C1 with ASI of 3.0, 4.0 and 4.0 days respectively, were the least affected by distortion of synchrony in flowering. These varieties also had the highest grain yield (3.3, 2.9 and 3.1 t ha-1, respectively), greatest number of grains cob-1 (kernel number, 358, 327 and 339) and were therefore the best among this set of maize varieties under the prevailing acid soil conditions. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria (for the supply of maize seeds) 2019-12-03 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191127812 10.17170/kobra-20191127812 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 120, No 2 (2019); 141-147 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20191127812/978 Copyright (c) 2019 Authors http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/55 2016-04-06T08:01:46Z jarts:ART

Access to Rural Land in Eastern Ethiopia: Mismatch between Policy and Reality Belay, Kassa Manig, Winfried Socio-Economics; Development access to land; land borrowing, land fragmentation; land redistribution; land renting; land tenure; state ownership; usufruct rights SociThis paper explores the different means of access to land in three districts of Eastern Ethiopia. Data collected from a random sample of 313 heads of households were used in the study. The results show that as land is state-owned and farmers have only usufruct rights on land allocated to them by local authorities, access to additional cultivable land is achieved through land rental transactions (mainly in the form of sharecropping) and land borrowing. Another important finding of this study is that the average land holding has been declining over the years as a result of increased demographic pressure, resulting in individual farm units that are generally too small to be economically viable. The study also makes it clear that the issue of access to cultivated land is inextricably linked to other important factors such as availability of credit, market integration, effective advisory service, etc. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2004-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/55 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 105, No 2 (2004); 123-138 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/55/49

oai:jarts.info:article/2147 2018-06-20T09:03:06Z jarts:ART

A survey of brassica vegetable smallholder farmers in the Gauteng and Limpopo provinces of South Africa Mandiriza-Mukwirimba, Gloria Kritzinger, Quenton Aveling, Theresa A.S. Agronomy and Crop Science; Plant Pathology smallholder farmers, brassicas, pathogens, disease control A study was taken to investigate the types of brassica vegetables mostly grown by smallholder farmers in two provinces of South Africa. Thirty-one smallholder vegetable farmers in the Gauteng province and Waterberg district in the Limpopo province were surveyed. In addition, the study also sought to establish the common diseases, the management strategies used and problems encountered by the farmers. Farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire with closed and open–ended questions. The results indicated that the smallholder farmers mostly grew cabbage (93.6%) as their main brassica crop followed by rape (41.2%). Thirty percent of farmers could not identify or name the predominant disease/s encountered in their fields. Major diseases encountered by farmers surveyed were an unknown disease/s (33.3%), black rot (26.7%), Alternaria leaf spot (6.7%) and white rust (6.7%). Smallholder farmers have inadequate technical information available especially relating to crop diseases, their identification and control. Farmers encountered challenges with black rot disease especially on cabbage, rape and kale and the disease was a problem during winter and summer. Generally, the smallholder farmers used crop rotation (74.2%) as a major practice to manage the diseases experienced. They rotated their brassica vegetables with other crops/vegetables like tomatoes, onions, beetroots and maize. Most of the farmers interviewed (61.3%) did not use chemicals to control diseases, whereas 38.7% of them used chemicals. This was mostly because they lacked information and knowledge, high costs associated with use of chemical fungicides and some were shifting towards organic farming. From the study it was noted that there was a need for technical support to improve farmers’ knowledge on disease identification and control within the surveyed areas. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) EU FP7 funded project: TESTA 2016-02-23 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016010549535 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2016010549535 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 117, No 1 (2016); 35-44 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2016010549535/861

oai:jarts.info:article/134 2018-06-20T09:29:57Z jarts:ART

Methods for short-term control of Imperata grass in Peruvian Amazon Lojka, Bohdan Hlasna Cepkova, Petra Navratilova, Lenka Van Damme, Patrick Banout, Jan Polesny, Zbynek Preininger, Daniel Agronomy and Crop Science; Agroecology Agroforestry, Imperata brasiliensis, slash-and-burn farming, small farmers, weed control The traditional control of Imperata brasiliensis grasslands used by farmers in the Peruvian Amazon is to burn the grass. The objective of this study was to compare different methods of short-term control. Biological, mechanical, chemical and traditional methods of control were compared. Herbicide spraying and manual weeding have shown to be very effective in reducing above- and below-ground biomass growth in the first 45 days after slashing the grass, with effects persisting in the longer term, but both are expensive methods. Shading seems to be less effective in the short-term, whereas it influences the Imperata growth in the longer term. After one year shading, glyphosate application and weeding significantly reduced aboveground biomass by 94, 67 and 53%; and belowground biomass by 76, 65 and 58%, respectively, compared to control. We also found a significant decrease of Imperata rhizomes in soil during time under shading. Burning has proved to have no significant effect on Imperata growth. The use of shade trees in a kind of agroforestry system could be a suitable method for small farmers to control Imperata grasslands. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Czech Development Cooperation 2012-01-13 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2011101139358 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2011101139358 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 112, No 1 (2011); 37–43 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2011101139358/142

oai:jarts.info:article/5643 2025-01-15T11:38:46Z jarts:ART

Evaluating growth performance, haematological indices, and serological responses in weaner rabbits fed flesh coontail leaf (Ceratophyllum demersum) Ade, Samson Sanubi, Jovita Oghenenyerhovwo Obakanurhe, Oghenebrorhie Moemeka, Adimabua Mike Osuzoka, Emeka Ngozi Animal Production Micro livestock, Animal protein, Blood indices, Growth performance Effect of fresh coontail leaf (FCL) feeding on growth performance, haematology indices, and serological responses was assessed in weaned rabbits. A total of 120 unsexed crossbred rabbits with an average initial weight of 650 g were allocated to 5 dietary treatment groups with three replicates each and 24 rabbits per group. In a fully randomised design, the inclusion percentages for FCL were (control), 30 %, 50 %, 70 %, or 100 % of the basal diet. The results show that feeding a diet with 50 % FCL significantly improved total weight gain, while complete feeding of FCL decreased total weight gain compared to the control. Feeding FCL at 30, 50, and 70 % of the diet significantly increased total feed intake compared to the control or 100 %FCL feeding. Feed conversion ratio was significantly the best with 50 % FCL of the diet. Haematological measurements indicated that white blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly higher when feeding FCL 30 or 50 % of the diet, red blood cell (RBC) counts were significantly higher when feeding FCL at 30, 50, or 70 % of the diet, while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher when feeding FCL at 50 % of the diet. It could be recommended to feed FCL up to 50 % of the diet to weaning rabbits without a negative effect on growth performance. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2024-11-06 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024093010898 10.17170/kobra-2024093010898 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 2 (2024); 219-224 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2024093010898/1135 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4465 2021-06-29T11:30:55Z jarts:ART

Growth performance and immunological response of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles reared in biofloc system Popoola, Omoniyi Michael Oguntade, Samuel Temitayo Adebayo, Olabode Thomas Aquculture biotechnology Aquaculture, Food production, Immune system, Lysozyme, Myeloperoxidase This study was conducted to examine the growth and immune performance of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles cultured in a biofloc fish farming system. To achieve this, 900 C. gariepinus juveniles (9.0 ± 0.23 g) were cultured in an intensive zero water exchange biofloc system for 72 days in 9 separate tanks (2 m3 each) aerated by an air blower, after which growth assessment of fish was conducted. The trial consisted of three treatments in triplicates, a control without carbon source addition, and two biofloc treatments with carbon source addition of rice bran or cassava flour. The two carbon sources added had a C/N rate of 15:1 to form the floc. The results showed no significant difference between dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature in all the treatments, however, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity showed significant differences between the bioflocs and control treatments and the treatment group. Nevertheless, the obtained values for the water parameters were within the range required for culturing C. gariepinus.  Survival rate of catfish was significantly higher in the biofloc culture with a cassava carbon source (98.3%) compared with the control experiment (64.3 %). Weight gain of the fish was highest in rice bran based biofloc (44.9 ± 3.00 g) and lowest (37.0 ± 4.15 g) in the control treatment. The non-specific immune assay revealed that monocytes, serum lysozyme, and myeloperoxidase were higher in the biofloc treated groups compared to the control group. In contrast, neutrophils' percentage was lower in the treated groups than in the control group. Therefore, this study demonstrated the suitability of biofloc as an aquaculture wastewater purifier, growth-promoting, and immune-enhancing technology for the small-scale culture of C. gariepinus. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Tertiary Education Trust Fund/ Federal University of Technology,Akure, Nigeria 2021-06-08 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202105253967 10.17170/kobra-202105253967 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 122, No 1 (2021); 137-145 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202105253967/1037 Copyright (c) 2021 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3020 2018-01-03T17:08:13Z jarts:ART

Effect of pre-plant treatments of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) setts on the production of healthy seed yam, seed yam storage and consecutive ware tuber production Claudius-Cole, Abiodun Olufunmilayo Kenyon, Lawrence Coyne, Danny L. Crop Science, Crop Protection, Plant pathology hot water treatment, mancozeb, neem, pesticide dip, seed health, yam tubers Numerous pests and diseases of yams are perpetuated from season to season through the use of infected seed material. Developing a system for generating healthy seed material would disrupt this disease cycle and reduce losses in field and storage. The use of various pre-plant treatments was evaluated in field experiments carried out at three sites in Nigeria. Yam tubers of four preferred local cultivars were cut into 100 g setts and treated with pesticide (fungicide + insecticide mixture), neem extract (1 : 5 w/v), hot water (20 min at 53 °C) or wood ash (farmers practice) and compared with untreated setts. Pesticide treated setts sprouted better than all other treatments and generally led to lower pest and disease damage of yam tubers. Pesticide treatment increased tuber yields over most treatments, depending on cultivar, but effectively doubled the production as compared to the control. Pesticide and hot water treated setts produced the healthiest seed yams, which had lower storage losses than tubers from other treatments. These pre-treated seed yams produced higher yields corresponding to 700 % potential gain compared to the farmers usual practice. Treatments had no obvious influence on virus incidence, although virus-symptomatic plants yielded significantly less than nonsymptomatic plants. This study demonstrated that pre-plant treatment of setts with pesticide is a simple and effective method that guarantees more, heavier and healthier seed yam tubers. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) DFID 2017-12-27 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017112153823 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017112153823 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 2 (2017); 297-306 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017112153823/927 Copyright (c) 2017 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/21 2016-04-04T15:24:54Z jarts:ART

Grain Yield Response of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to Tied Ridges and Planting Methods on Entisols and Vertisols of Alemaya Area, Eastern Ethiopian Highlands Gebrekidan, Heluf Plant production; Farming systems research Entisols; Flat bed planting; Furrow planting; NP fertilizer; Ridge planting; Tied ridge; Vertisols Field experiments were conducted under rain-fed conditions between 1986 and 1995 to investigate the effects of soil and water conservation treatments (tied ridges and planting methods) on the yield of an improved sorghum variety (ETS-2752) grown with and without N and P fertilizers on two major soils of Alemaya area, eastern Ethiopian highlands. The yield responded significantly (P ≤ 0.01) to the treatments both under fertilized and unfertilized conditions of the soils studied. However, the magnitude of the yield response and the relative efficiency of the tied ridges and planting methods varied with soil type, fertilization, and total rainfall and its distribution during the cropping season. Regardless of the type of tied ridge used, furrow planting, specifically, closed end tied ridge planting in furrows gave the highest yield in three of the four sets of experiments. Flat bed planting produced the lowest grain yields on all sets of experiments except under the unfertilized condition of Entisols in which open end planting on ridges produced the lowest sorghum yield. Within the tied ridges, closed end performed better than open end in all except the Vertisols without N and P fertilizers. Compared with the traditional (flat bed) planting method, the highest yield increment of 1361 kg/ha (34.5%) due to tied ridges was obtained on the Entisols with NP followed by 1255 kg/ha (48.5%) on the Alemaya black clay soils (Vertisols) under fertilized condition, indicating that the yield response to water conservation treatments was higher under fertilized than under unfertilized conditions on the two soils. Fertilization increased the yield of sorghum by as high as 1576 kg/ha (69.5%) on Vertisols and by 1468 kg/ha (38.3%) on Entisols both from planting in the furrows of closed end tied ridges. The study also revealed that the yield response was higher in seasons with low or poorly distributed rains and on shallow and coarse textured soils.T he results indicate that in areas with low and erratic rainfall such as the Alemaya area, soil and water conservation is indispensable for increasing crop yield. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2003-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/21 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 104, No 2 (2003); 113–128 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/21/18

oai:jarts.info:article/801 2014-08-07T15:42:08Z jarts:ART

Smallholder pig production systems along a periurban-rural gradient in the Western provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kambashi, Bienvenu Picron, Pascale Boudry, Christelle Théwis, André Kiatoko, Honoré Bindelle, Jérôme pig rearing; smallholder farming; feeding strategies; health In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), pigs are raised almost exclusively by smallholders either in periurban areas of major cities such as Kinshasa or in rural villages. Unfortunately, little information is available regarding pig production in the Western part of the DRC, wherefore a survey was carried out to characterize and compare 319 pig production systems in their management and feeding strategies, along a periurban - rural gradient inWestern provinces of the DRC. Pig breeding was the main source of income (43%) and half of respondents were active in mixed pig and crop production, mainly vegetable garden. Depending on the location, smallholders owned on average 18 pigs, including four sows. Piglet mortality rate varied from 9.5 to 21.8% while average weaned age ranged between 2.2 and 2.8 months. The major causes of mortality reported by the farmers were African swine fever 98 %, swine erysipelas (60 %), erysipelas trypanosomiasis (31 %), swine worm infection (17 %), and diarrhoea (12 %). The majority of the pigs were reared in pens without free roaming and fed essentially with locally available by-products and forage plants whose nature varied according with the location of the farm. The pig production systems depended on the local environment; particularly in terms of workforces, herd structure and characteristics, production parameters, pig building materials, selling price and in feed resources. It can be concluded that an improvement of Congolese pig production systems should consider (1) a reduction of inbreeding, (2) an improvement in biosafety to reduce the incidence of African swine fever and the spread of other diseases, and (3) an improvement in feeding practices. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2014-08-07 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2014020344851 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2014020344851 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 115, No 1 (2014); 9-22 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2014020344851/811

oai:jarts.info:article/108 2016-04-06T10:34:14Z jarts:ART

Economic Viability of Small Scale Organic Production of Rice, Common Bean and Maize in Goias State, Brazil Wander, Alcido Elenor Didonet, Agostinho Dirceu Moreira, José Aloísio Alves Moreira, Fabio Pires Lanna, Anna Cristina Barrigossi, José Alexandre Freitas Quintela, Eliane Dias Ricardo, Tiago Ribeiro Agronomy and Crop Science economic feasibility; organic farming; organic rice production; organic common bean production; organic maize production This study was conducted to assess the economic feasibility of small scale organic production of rice, common bean and maize in Goias State, Brazil. During 2004/05 and 2005/06 growing seasons, rice, common bean and maize were produced at the organic farm of Embrapa Rice and Beans in five mulching systems (fallow, Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan, Mucuna aterrima and Sorghum bicolor ), with and without tillage. Soil tillage consisted of heavy disc harrowing followed by light disc harrowing. All operations and used inputs were recorded. Based on those records, the production costs for each crop were estimated for each cropping season. The costs included operations like sowing, ploughing, harrowing, spraying, fertilizer broadcasting and harvesting, as well as inputs like seeds, inoculant strains of Rhizobium, neem oil and organic fertilizers. The benefits include the gross revenue obtained by multiplying the production amount with the market price for non-organic products. For the purpose of analysis of competitiveness of organic production in comparison to conventional farming the market prices assumed were those of conventional production. In the analysis, the costs of certification were not considered yet due to lack of certifiers in the region. For comparison between traits, net revenue, the benefit-cost-ratio (BCR) and the break even point were used. In 2004/05 growing season the BCR varied from 0.27 for common bean on S. bicolor mulch system with tillage up to 4.05 for green harvested maize produced after C. juncea in no tillage system. Common bean and rice were not economically viable in this growing season. In 2005/06 growing season the BCR varied between 0.75 for common bean after S. bicolor in tillage system and 4.50 for green harvested maize produced after fallow in no tillage system. In this season common bean was economically viable in leguminous mulching systems and green harvested maize was viable in all mulching systems. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2007-05-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/108 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 108, No 1 (2007); 51-58 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/108/99

oai:jarts.info:article/5161 2023-11-07T10:02:21Z jarts:ART

Investigating the efficacy of common agricultural practices for the management of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) on cereal crops Adjimoti, Wilfrid K. Dassou, Anicet G. Pitan, Femi Toffa, Joelle Loko, Laura Y. E. Idehen, Emmanuel Afolabi, Clément Anagonou, Corinne M. Dansi, Alexandre Agronomy and Crop science; Entomology; Natural resource management FAW larvae, feeding preference, maize, sorghum, rice, millet, Benin In Benin, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important polyphagous noctuid pest. This study aimed to assess the impact of agricultural practices on the abundance of this pest and determine whether its feeding preference and larval development differ among four cereal types. First, we conducted a descriptive survey of 80 farmers randomly selected for farm visits and oral interviews using a structured questionnaire to ascertain their preferred agricultural practices for managing S. frugiperda. Secondly, rearing methods in the laboratory were used to assess the development of the S. frugiperda maize strain feeding on maize, millet, rice, and sorghum. Data were collected on the number of larval instars, pupae, and adults as well as their developmental times. Agricultural practices were found to influence the abundance of S. frugiperda in the farmers' fields. The number of larvae was higher in sampling fields treated with herbicides alone.  S. frugiperda larvae were reported to be more abundant on young vegetative plants, while the highest mortality rate was obtained on rice. In addition, the development level of S. frugiperda was fastest in maize, followed by sorghum, millet, and rice. The Structural Equation Models (SEM) showed significant relationships between the crop types and the abundance of development stages. Conversely, these relationships were significantly negative across the different stages of insect development. This study allowed us to understand the development level of the pest according to the different farmer's agricultural practices and its feeding preference to its potential cereal host plants. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Coopération Suisse 2023-07-07 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202306128205 10.17170/kobra-202306128205 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 124, No 1 (2023); 83-91 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202306128205/1092 Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3656 2020-07-08T15:19:55Z jarts:ART

Scaling up community-based goat breeding programmes via multi-stakeholder collaboration Kaumbata, Wilson Sostern Nakimbugwe, Helen Haile, Aynalem Banda, Liveness Mészáros, Gábor Gondwe, Timothy Woodward-Greene, M. J. Rosen, Benjamin D. Van Tassell, Curtis P. Sölkner, Johann Wurzinger, Maria Animal breeding/husbandry Community-based institutions, dissemination partners, scaling up strategies, selective breeding, smallholders, stakeholder engagement Community-based livestock breeding programmes (CBBPs) have emerged as a potential approach to implement sustainable livestock breeding in smallholder systems. In Malawi and Uganda, goat CBBPs were introduced to improve production and productivity of indigenous goats through selective breeding. Scaling up CBBPs have recently received support due to evidence-based results from current implementation and results of CBBPs implemented in other regions of the world. This paper explores strategies for scaling up goat CBBPs in Malawi and Uganda, and documents experiences and lessons learned during implementation of the programme. A number of stakeholders supporting goat-based interventions for improving smallholders’ livelihoods exists. This offers an opportunity for different actors to work together by pooling financial resources and technical expertise for establishment and sustainability of goat CBBPs. Scaling up strategies should be an integral part of the pilot design hence dissemination partners need to be engaged during the design and inception stages of the pilot CBBPs. Creation of self-sustaining CBBPs requires early collaborative programme planning, meaningful investment and long-term concerted and coordinated efforts by collaborating partners. Permanently established actors, like government agencies and research and training institutions, are better placed to coordinate such efforts. The overall goal of the scaling up programme should be creation of a financially sustainable system, in which smallholders are able, on their own, to transact and sustain operations of their local breeding institutions using locally generated revenue/ resources. Since CBBP scaling up is a ‘learning by doing process’, an effective monitoring and evaluation system should be an integral part of the process. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services (USDA/ARS) 2020-05-28 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202005281298 10.17170/kobra-202005281298 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 1 (2020); 99-112 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202005281298/1001 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/6062 2026-01-12T14:09:21Z jarts:ART

Economic valuation of the use of irrigation water in rice production in the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS), Jigawa State, Nigeria Adamu, Yasir Mukhtar, Umar Wudil, Abdulazeez Hudu Orifah, Martins Olusegun Agricultural Economics; Natural resource managment; Agricultural Extension Residual value, Sustainable, Technical productivity, Volumetric, Water pricing Water is a vital resource increasingly threatened by population growth and climate change. As the largest consumer of water, irrigation agriculture often uses this resource inefficiently. Accurate valuation and pricing of irrigation water are essential for promoting its efficient use. This study employed the residual value method (RVM) to assess the economic value of irrigation water for sustainable food production in the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS), Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 244 rice farmers, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. The economic value of irrigation water was estimated at ₦228 ($ 0.76) per cubic meter, while its technical productivity among rice farmers under HVIS was 0.79 kg m-³. Findings revealed that the price currently paid by farmers is significantly lower than the water’s economic value. This discrepancy stems from a flat-rate pricing system based on cultivated area, which overlooks actual water usage. The study recommends adopting volumetric pricing, using the residual economic value as a reference point, while ensuring affordability. To support sustainable irrigation practices, pricing should remain below the residual value to preserve farmer profitability. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2025-10-07 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025081111371 10.17170/kobra-2025081111371 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 126, No 2 (2025); 213-220 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/kobra-2025081111371/1163 Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4572 2022-10-04T13:14:29Z jarts:ART

The ‘fine balance’ of West African savannah parklands: biomass generation versus firewood consumption Callo-Concha, Daniel Harou, Issoufou Liman Krings, Laura Ziemacki, Jasmin Agriculture, Agroforestry, Rural Development, Agroforestry, dry savannah, fuelwood, balance, offer, demand In sub-Saharan Africa, the long-awaited fuelwood gap, resulting of the unbalance between a declining supply of firewood and the increasing demand of households, remains a latent social-ecological challenge. As its quantitative basis remains elusive, we have assessed agroforestry parklands, assumedly main providers of firewood, and firewood consumption in Dassari, Benin and Dano, Burkina Faso, both in the West African savannah. Data collected included botanical inventories, tree biomass estimations, householders’ firewood collection habits and consumption. Our findings show a drifting in preference for firewood-provider species, either by resource exhaustion or as preventive strategy. Tree biomass stock is a misleading proxy of firewood availability, by the increased use of other species, and the bias in calculations caused by non-used larger species. Firewood gathering has expanded towards communal lands and even natural reserves and its trade is emerging, what aside the ecological harm, started to weaken regulatory institutions and the internal social networks. Although the estimated firewood per capita consumption rounds 1 kg day-1 (inferior to precedent estimations), the signs of forest degradation persist. Commercial uses, like local breweries, pose the main challenge, as their demands are disproportional, up to one third of the whole; their demand of larger pieces that leads to more detrimental chopping, and contributes to emerging firewood markets fed by pieces of doubtful origin. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) German Federal Ministry of Research and Education 2022-03-15 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202203085848 10.17170/kobra-202203085848 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 123, No 1 (2022); 75-85 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202203085848/1061 Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3346 2019-11-19T17:17:05Z jarts:ART

Open field screening of the productive parameters, protein content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of maize (Zea mays L.) in the marginal uplands of southern Madagascar Palchetti, Enrico Calamai, Alessandro Valenzi, Elena Rella, Giacomo Whittaker, Anne Masoni, Alberto Bindi, Marco Moriondo, Marco Brilli, Lorenzo Agronomy and Crop Science; Food Science maize, Madagascar, genotypes, yield, polyphenols, proteins, antiradical power Madagascar is recognised as having both a high level of poverty and a food shortage. The contribution of the agricultural sector to the national income is higher than for any other sector, though this sector remains insufficiently developed to sustain national food demand. In order to increase food production, the diversification of staple food in conjunction with the detection of best-yield genotypes may be considered the simplest and least expensive alternative approach. For this reason, the response of productive parameters, protein content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of maize (Zea mays L.) were tested in two different marginal uplands of southern Madagascar using 24 different genotypes. The length of the growing cycle and soil properties were shown to be key aspects for attaining optimal maize performances when cropped in the virgin soils of southern Madagascar. The results also indicated that maize may be considered a reliable alternative to the local staple food currently represented by rice, with sufficient protein and functional compounds for human health. The highest yields, protein content, total polyphenols, and antiradical power (ARP) were observed in the varieties Gasti, Local, Clariti, and Korimbos, respectively. To achieve a good compromise between yield and functional compounds, the varieties Maggi and Gasti are recommended for cultivation. The present results emphasise the effectiveness of maize cultivation in increasing food production in an undernourished country such as Madagascar. Further experiments are required to test maize performances under different soil, cultural and management conditions. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2019-10-14 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20190613556 10.17170/kobra-20190613556 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 120, No 1 (2019); 45-54 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/20190613556/957 Copyright (c) 2019 Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/46 2016-04-06T07:57:16Z jarts:ART

Factors Influencing Farmer-to-Farmer Transfer of an Improved Cowpea Variety in Kano State, Nigeria Kormawa, P. M. Ezedinma, C. I. Singh, B. B. Agronomy and Crop Science; Development; Farmer-to-farmer; seed; improved varieties; dissemination; cowpea; logit; Nigeria Diffusion of improved technologies among small-scale farmers, especially where formal methods and market mechanisms are inefficient, can be enhanced through the participation of farmers. Unfortunately, formal methods of disseminating improved seed in most African countries have not taken advantage of the farmers’ traditional transfer methods. This article deals with the role of farmer-to-farmer transfer and dissemination of an improved cowpea seed variety in Nigeria. Using household and farm level data from 133 respondents, the study adopts a logit model to investigate the determinants of the farmers’ decision to transfer the new seed variety to other farmers.Area of improved cowpea cultivated, yield, market price of seed, use of pesticides and threshing quality were found to be significant variables affecting farmers’ decision to transfer the improved cowpea variety. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2004-05-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/46 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 105, No 1 (2004); 1-13 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/46/40

oai:jarts.info:article/1982 2015-11-25T15:46:39Z jarts:ART

Evaluation of major feed resources in crop-livestock mixed farming systems, southern Ethiopia: Indigenous knowledge versus laboratory analysis results Talore, Deribe Gemiyo Animal Production, forage research crop residue, fodder tree, natural pasture, nutritive value, indigenous knowledge Evaluation of major feed resources was conducted in four crop-livestock mixed farming systems of central southern Ethiopia, with 90 farmers, selected using multi-stage purposive and random sampling methods. Discussions were held with focused groups and key informants for vernacular name identification of feed, followed by feed sampling to analyse chemical composition (CP, ADF and NDF), in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and correlate with indigenous technical knowledge (ITK). Native pastures, crop residues (CR) and multi-purpose trees (MPT) are the major feed resources, demonstrated great variations in seasonality, chemical composition and IVDMD. The average CP, NDF and IVDMD values for grasses were 83.8 (ranged: 62.9–190), 619 (ranged: 357–877) and 572 (ranged: 317–743) g kg^(−1) DM, respectively. Likewise, the average CP, NDF and IVDMD for CR were 58 (ranged: 20–90), 760 (ranged: 340–931) and 461 (ranged: 285–637)g kg^(−1) DM, respectively. Generally, the MPT and non-conventional feeds (NCF, Ensete ventricosum and Ipomoea batatas) possessed higher CP (ranged: 155–164 g kg^(−1) DM) and IVDMD values (611–657 g kg^(−1) DM) while lower NDF (331–387 g kg^(−1) DM) and ADF (321–344 g kg^(−1) DM) values. The MPT and NCF were ranked as the best nutritious feeds by ITK while crop residues were the least. This study indicates that there are remarkable variations within and among forage resources in terms of chemical composition. There were also complementarities between ITK and feed laboratory results, and thus the ITK need to be taken into consideration in evaluation of local feed resources. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) SARI 2015-10-08 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015061048507 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2015061048507 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 116, No 2 (2015); 157-166 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2015061048507/851

oai:jarts.info:article/114 2013-04-16T21:32:53Z jarts:ART

Factors influencing the success of animal husbandry cooperatives: A case study in Southwest Iran Azadi, Hossein Hosseininia, Gholamhossein Zarafshani, Kiumars Heydari, Aligholi Witlox, Frank Animal Husbandry; Agricultultural economics; Rural economy and farm management agricultural cooperative; animal husbandry; success; Southwest Iran This survey study aimed at identifying the factors influencing the success of animal husbandry cooperatives in Southwest Iran. Using a questionnaire, the data were collected from 95 managing directors of the cooperatives who were chosen through a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. This study showed an essential need for a systemic framework to analyze the cooperatives’ success. The results showed that the “Honey Bee”, “Cattle (dairy)”, and “Lamb” cooperatives were the most successful among different kinds of the cooperatives. Also, among individual attributes, “interest”, “technical knowledge”, and “understanding the concept of cooperative”; among economic variables, “income” and “current investment”; and among external factors, “market access” have significant correlation with the success while structural variables have no significant relation. Furthermore, among all the factors, four variables (“interest”, “understanding the concept of cooperative”, “market access”, and “other incomes”) can explain the variations of the success. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2011-10-06 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/x-pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2010091334568 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2010091334568 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 111, No 2 (2010); 89-99 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2010091334568/129

oai:jarts.info:article/5610 2025-03-26T14:30:34Z jarts:BREV

Book Review: An Introduction to Agroforestry: Four Decades of Scientific Developments.2022. P.K. Ramachandran Nair, B. Mohan Kumar and Vimala D. Nair. Springer International Publishing. 666 p. ISBN: 3030753573, 9783030753573 Callo-Concha, Daniel German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2024-08-11 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Non-refereed Book Review application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/5610 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 1 (2024) 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/5610/1120 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/4198 2021-06-29T11:30:55Z jarts:ART

Determinants of protected tomato production technologies among smallholder peri-urban producers in Kiambu, Kenya Ateka, Josiah M. Mbeche, Robert M. Muendo, Kavoi M. Agricultural Economics; Horticulture Protected farming, Greenhouses, Adoption, Agricultural household model, Probit maximum likelihood Climate variability and the rise in incidences of pests and diseases continue to undermine production of high value vegetables among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to respond to these challenges, protected farming technologies (PFT) (such as greenhouses) which modify the plant environment and therefore aid in avoiding the harmful eects of climatic factors have been promoted. Greenhouses protect the crops against high solar radiation and heavy rainfall that have the potential of destroying vulnerable crops like tomatoes. Consequently, PFT is associated with better yields and farm incomes. However, the adoption of PFT among smallholder farmers, not least in Kenya is low. Drawing on the Agricultural Household Model (AHM) theoretic framework, this paper assessed the determinants of adoption of PFT among smallholder tomato farmers in Kenya. Tomato is the second most important horticultural vegetable crop in Kenya after potatoes in terms of production volumes and value. Data for the study were collected from a cross sectional multistage random survey of 104 tomato farming households and analysed using maximum likelihood probit model. The probit results revealed that the age of a farmer, educational level, household size, total household income and access to credit positively influenced the likelihood of PFT adoption. The likelihood of adoption was negatively related to distance to input markets and access to the county government extension services. Overall, the results of this study suggest that an integrated promotional strategy that accounts for household heterogeneities and focuses on institutional arrangements that support the accumulation of human and financial capital would enhance PFT adoption. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology 2021-03-05 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202102113203 10.17170/kobra-202102113203 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 122, No 1 (2021); 43-52 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202102113203/1028 http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/downloadSuppFile/202102113203/2066 Copyright (c) 2021 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2436 2018-06-15T12:19:45Z jarts:ART

Technical efficiency and production potential of selected cereal crops in Senegal Okuyama, Yodai Maruyama, Atsushi Takagaki, Michiko Kikuchi, Masao Agricultural economics production function, agricultural extension, data envelopment analysis (DEA), rice, West Africa This study focused on the production outcomes for five crops cultivated in Senegal: upland rice, lowland rice, groundnut, maize, and pearl millet. Technical efficiency (TE) of the production of each crop was estimated using data envelopment analysis, and the determinants of TEs were assessed using generalised linear regression analyses. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with 66 farmers in the Kaolack region of Central Senegal during November 2011–February 2012. Average TEs for upland rice, lowland rice, groundnut, maize, and pearl millet were estimated as 0.76, 0.88, 0.89, 0.94, and 0.90, respectively. The identified factors that had a positive impact on TE were years of cultivation experience, amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied, and participation in a farmers’ association. Weeding hours, seeding rate, size of the cultivated area, and delays in sowing time were negatively associated with TE. The factors that significantly affected TE differed among the crops. Optimising these factors could enable potential yield increase of upland rice, lowland rice, groundnut, maize, and pearl millet by 24, 12, 11, 6, and 10 %, respectively. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2017-08-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017062752900 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017062752900 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 2 (2017); 187-197 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017062752900/914 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/12 2016-04-04T15:15:18Z jarts:ART

Phosphorus Availability Studies on Ten Ethiopian Vertisols Mamo, Tekalign Richter, Christian Heiligtag, Burkhard Soil Science Available P; Ethiopian soils; Vertisols Three chemical extraction methods (Olsen, Truog, and Warren and Cooke) were earlier recommended for soil available P determination on Ethiopian soils. In the present study, the applicability of these methods and two others ( Bray II and CAL methods) on ten Ethiopian Vertisols was tested using durum wheat and chickpea, which are traditional Vertisol crops in Africa. Results showed that the magnitude of soil available P extraction was in the order Truog CAL Olsen Bray II Warren and Cooke. The four methods excluding the CAL were highly significantly (P0.001) correlated with each other and also with crop P uptake. The CAL method was also correlated with most of the parameters, but the significance was not as high as that with the other extraction methods. The highest correlation was also obtained between wheat P uptake and the four extraction methods. None of the correlations involving dry matter yield were significant. Based on the results it can be generalized that wheat is a better indicator for P availability than chickpea. The results also show that the earlier recommended three methods are applicable to Vertisols and each method may be used in substitution of the other (with the exception of the Warren and Cooke method , the applicability of which on high pH soils may be limited) in case of need. Due to the shortage of chemicals often encountered in soil laboratories in Ethiopia, the need for testing multi-element extraction methods is recommended. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2002-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/12 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 103, No 2 (2002); 177-183 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/12/9

oai:jarts.info:article/663 2018-06-20T09:13:18Z jarts:ART

Assessing adaptation – Climate change and indigenous livelihood in the Andes of Bolivia Vidaurre de la Riva, Marolyn Lindner, André Pretzsch, Jürgen Natural resource management; Agroecology Andes; climate change; adaptation; vulnerability assessment; traditional knowledge Based on a case study of Charazani – Bolivia, this article outlines the understanding of adaptive strategies to cope with climate change and its impact on environmental and socioeconomic conditions that are affecting rural livelihoods. Mainly qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze data following the framework for vulnerability assessments of a socio-ecological system. Climate data reveals an increase of precipitation and temperature during the last decades. Furthermore the occurrence of extreme weather events, particularly drought, frost, hailstorms and consequently landslides and fire are increasing. Local testimonies highlight these events as the principle reasons for agricultural losses. This climatic variability and simultaneous social changes were identified as the drivers of vulnerability. Yet, several adaptive measures were identified at household, community and external levels in order to cope with such vulnerability; e.g. traditional techniques in agriculture and risk management. Gradually, farmers complement these activities with contemporary practices in agriculture, like intensification of land use, diversification of irrigation system and use of artificial fertilizers. As part of a recent trend community members are forced to search for new off-farm alternatives beyond agriculture for subsistence. Despite there is a correspondingly large array of possible adaptation measures that families are implementing, local testimonies point out, that farmers often do not have the capacity and neither the economical resources to mitigate the risk in agricultural production. Although several actions are already considered to promote further adaptive capacity, the current target is to improve existing livelihood strategies by reducing vulnerability to hazards induced by climate change. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) German Federal Foreign Office German Academic Exchange Service Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 2014-01-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013081343342 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2013081343342 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 114, No 2 (2013); 109-122 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013081343342/787

oai:jarts.info:article/99 2010-05-13T20:36:58Z jarts:ART

Crop Coefficient of Haricot Bean at Melkassa, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia Laike, Samson Tilahun, Ketema Hordofa, Tilahun Agronomy and Crop Science crop coefficient; Ethiopia; haricot bean; lysimeter Crop coefficient (Kc), the ratio of potential crop evapotranspiration to reference evapotranspiration, is an important parameter in irrigation planning and management. However, this information is not available for many important crops. A study was carried out at the experimental farm of Melkassa Agricultural Research Center of Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, which is located in a semi arid climate. Four drainage type lysimeters were used to measure the daily evapotranspiration of haricot bean, Awash Melka variety on a clay loam soil. Crop coefficient was developed from measured crop evapotranspiration and reference evapotranspiration calculated using weather data. The measured values of crop coefficient for the crop were 0.34, 0.70, 1.01 and 0.68 during initial, development, mid-season and late-season stages. These locally determined values can be used by irrigation planners and mangers at Melkassa and other areas with similar agroecological conditions. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2006-04-30 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/99 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-99 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 107, No 1 (2006); 33-40 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/99/90

oai:jarts.info:article/5160 2025-03-26T14:30:34Z jarts:ART

Cost and return analysis of organic and conventional farming systems in the Ganga River Basin, India Singh, Sukhpal Priya, Priya Sajwan, Komal Agricultural economics Sustainability, Profitability, System analysis Conventional farming (CF) has significantly increased the aggregate supply of food grains and ensured food security for the growing population in India. However, it proved environmentally unsustainable due to its higher reliance on chemical inputs. Organic farming (OF) becomes an alternative approach that ensures the sustainability of the agricultural system. But, the transition from CF to OF can be a lengthy process, and farmers may experience income loss during its course. Farmers will switch only when they are convinced that the long-term benefits of OF are higher than those of CF. Therefore, a study on cost and return analysis can help policymakers take appropriate measures to promote the adoption of OF. The current study aims to examine the costs, returns, and profitability for three crops (sugarcane, wheat, and paddy) under OF and CF, using data collected through a primary survey of 600 farmers (300 organics and 300 conventional) for the crop year 2020-21 in two districts of the Ganga River Basin. The study finds OF less profitable than CF for all three crops. Further, the results of crop-wise economics of OF and CF show that sugarcane is the most profitable crop and paddy is the least remunerative crop among all the three crops in the study area under both farming systems. The findings suggest that the policy focus must be on raising productivity through reorientating RD and extension services, establishing strong marketing networks, and institutionalizing the system of payments for ecosystem services for organic farmers. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2024-02-26 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202402239637 10.17170/kobra-202402239637 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 125, No 1 (2024); 21-31 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202402239637/1106 Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/3816 2020-12-28T07:40:01Z jarts:ART

How do management practices and farm structure impact productive performances of dairy cattle in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador Castro Muñoz, Eloy Andriamandroso, Andriamasinoro L. Blaise, Yannick Ron, Lenin Montufar, Carlos Kinkela, Patrick Mafwila Lebeau, Frédéric Bindelle, Jérôme Agronomy and Crop Science Grazing rotation, Tillage, Slopes The combination of "ancestral knowledge" and modern agricultural techniques are increasingly used by Andes farmers, demonstrating its great importance as an ideal alternative to achieve international standards of productivity and sustainability. Pasture management has demonstrated its relevance in terms of milk volume and quality in farms located in the Ecuadorian highlands, showing a wide range of types of forage resource use, in its constant search for better animal yields from the occupancy rate. However, while inclination of land has a clear impact on energy expenditure of grazing animals, there are no reports on the influence of the diversity in management practices and their consequences on animal performance, considering the slope of pastures animals are grazing. The objective of the present investigation was to document management practices in dairy systems in the tropical highlands of central Ecuador and to understand the influence of the slope of pastures on those practices. A survey was carried out in the rural area of the province of Pichincha in 42 dairy farms using a questionnaire to identify the productive and management activities in the herds and to evaluate the average slope of the pastures of the farms based on GIS data. Results showed that farms had an average acreage of 40 ha, the herds were composed of 60 ± 63 cows in milk, predominantly Holstein (65 %), and the daily production of individual milking cows reached 15.1 ± 3.4 kg. Highest productivity was found on farms with the highest re-population rates using rotatory grazing with high intensity of instantaneous grazing with very short occupation times (12 h) and a flat topography of the pastures (p 0.05). The daily production of individual cows was negatively correlated (r = −0.323, p = 0.037) with the average slope of the farms. It is concluded that the use of rotational grazing with very short occupation times seems relevant to maximize individual yields. More research should clarify whether the specific pasture design and the rotation system can contribute to reducing the observed negative impact of high slopes on individual milk production. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Precision Agriculture Unit of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Central University of Ecuador Ecuadorian Agency for Quality Assurance (AGROCALIDAD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture 2020-11-11 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202010191971 10.17170/kobra-202010191971 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 121, No 2 (2020); 233-241 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/202010191971/1018 Copyright (c) 2020 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/2415 2017-06-21T12:21:38Z jarts:ART

Effects of exogenous cellulase and xylanase enzyme preparations on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth, and economics of rearing Mongolian lambs Togtokhbayar, Norovsambuu Urankhaich, Chuluunbaatar Ayushjav, Otgonjargal Tsevegmed, Munkhnasan Odongo, Nicholas E. Animal husbandry feed intake, nutrient digestibility, exogenous enzyme preparations, average daily gain, Mongolian lambs In a completely randomised design, twenty four 12-months old Mongolian breed male lambs averaging 21.6 ± 0.48 kg of body weight (BW) were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous cellulase and xylanase enzyme preparations on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, growth and economics of rearing lambs. The lambs were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with four animals per treatment. The treatment combinations comprised: i) two enzyme preparations, i.e. cellulase vs. xylanase (ENZc, ENZx), ii) two ration types, i.e. wheat straw + wheat bran (diet W) vs. barley straw + wheat bran (diet B) and iii) two control diets (diet W and diet B without enzyme preparations, –ENZ). Lambs were fed the cellulase and xylanase treated wheat and barley straws ad libitum whereas the wheat bran was offered at 400 g DM per day. Significant effects were observed for nutrient intake of diet B+ENZc, and for crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility of diet W+ENZc. The average daily gain (ADG) increased in all enzyme treated groups with highest values found in diet B+ENZc, but without significant differences found between the two enzyme preparations. Both enzyme preparations had positive effects on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of both diets, where by the highest values were found for diet B +ENZc. Enzyme preparation had no effect on the total feed cost for both diet types and showed positive effects on other economic parameters, where by cellulase yielded better results than xylanase. These results suggest that cellulase addition is effective for improving digestibility of nutrients, growth performance and net revenue ingrowing lambs. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) IAEA Coordinated Research Project D3.10.27 2017-03-29 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017010351864 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2017010351864 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 118, No 1 (2017); 81-89 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2017010351864/903 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

oai:jarts.info:article/549 2018-06-20T09:14:27Z jarts:ART

Factors affecting farmers’ decisions on utilization of rice straw compost in Northeastern Thailand Supaporn, Poungchompu Kobayashi, Tsuneo Supawadee, Chantanop Agricultural Economics compost; logit model; organic fertilizer; rice straw Rice straw is used in Northeastern Thailand as an alternative to organic fertilizer for crop production. This enables farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers which leads to a decrease in production costs. In spite of the beneficial effects in agricultural production, rice straw compost cannot be produced in large amounts because the burning of rice straws is a common farming practice. The decisions of farmers who use rice straw compost have been investigated by interviewing 120 households belonging to the members of an organic fertilizer user group using a household questionnaire. The study was conducted to evaluate the factors that affect the use of rice straw compost in Khon Kaen Province in Northeastern Thailand. Results of the logit model showed that the farmers’ education, number of rice straw compost trainings in which the farmer participated, lack of knowledge about technology, insufficient labour  and difficulty in making rice straw compost had a significant impact on the farmer’s decision to use rice straw compost. Difficulty in making rice straw compost appeared to be the root cause because the procedure of making rice straw compost is complex and labour intensive. Repeated trainings thus, will have a positive and significant influence on farmers’ adoption of the technology. Training provides more knowledge and will presumably change the perception of the farmers towards new technologies and the awareness of positive effects of rice straw compost utilization. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) Khon Kaen University 2013-08-09 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013030542579 urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2013030542579 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 114, No 1 (2013); 21-27 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/2013030542579/434

oai:jarts.info:article/88 2016-04-06T08:11:47Z jarts:ART

Assessing NGDOs’ Targeting Performance and Characteristics of Households Participating in Child Development Programmes in Rural Eastern Kenya Irungu, Charity Zeller, Manfred Mburu, John Development rural poverty; targeting performance; participants’ characteristics; NGDOs; Kenya Targeting beneficiaries of development interventions in the context of poverty alleviation remains a challenge to most development agencies and policy-makers. Due to limited resources and the small scale of operations, most non governmental development organisations’ (NGDOs) practice targeting in order to limit themselves to interventions that only select a group of individuals considered to be most in need. This paper analyses the targeting performance of two child-safety net programmes operating in rural Kenya and examines the factors influencing it. In addition, an econometric model is developed to identify the characteristics of the households participating in these programmes. Data for this paper was collected through a household survey of 120 randomly selected households, stratified equally into participants and non-participants. The targeting performance of the studied NGDOs’ interventions was found to be poor due to reliance on local social structures that led to under-representation of the poorest group of households in programme activities. The paper further shows that although the case study NGDOs and their child programmes could be supporting households with characteristics that indicate that they are not among the well-off in the society, such households do not necessarily belong to the poorest group of community members in relative terms. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2005-11-01 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/88 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 106, No 2 (2005); 119-129 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/88/81

oai:jarts.info:article/5369 2023-11-02T13:28:12Z jarts:BREV

Climate-smart production of coffee: Improving social and environmental sustainability by Reinhold Muschler (ed.) Tielkes, Eric Coffee production changed dramatically over the years. Through mass marketing, coffee consumption increased exponentially until the 1970s. Speciality coffees emerged to satisfy a specific group of consumers, and such segmentation of the market continues until today based on refined gradations in quality and taste, along with a greater focus on social and environmental responsibility. Especially the latter trend in coffee consumption also highlights the need for coffee growers to shift their production system to a climate-friendly approach. Not only to meet the respective demand in the coffee market, but also to contribute their part to reduce the environmental impact of the coffee industry. How this can be done is outlined in this highly interesting and easy to read publication. The book is divided into parts, of which the first comprises seven chapters and starts with a description of the environmental sustainability of growing coffee and the farmers’ income - why do (smallholder) coffee producers earn so little? It clearly shows how the livelihoods of these producers can be improved and how a more sustainable coffee sector can be created. The challenges faced by small- and medium-scale coffee growers are presented and ways forward are identified. The environmental services that coffee farmers can provide, such as carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity protection, watershed protection, and cultural and recreational benefits, are also detailed.In the chapter on accessing and managing the environmental and social impacts of coffee production, for example, the carbon footprint of a cup of coffee as well as the greenhouse gas emissions on coffee farms are elaborated. Relevant factors that reduce environmental impacts, such as shade management and biodiversity management options, are presented to. The book also introduces the reader to the fair trade coffee market by asking the question “How fair is fair?”. It shows that an important aspect of fair trade should be the price paid to the producer. It should enable farmers to lead a decent life and finance additional investments to enable them shifting to more sustainable production methods and adjusting to climate change.Coffee breeding aspects are also covered in this publication, with a separate chapter on advances in Arabica coffee breeding. This chapter describes, among other things, the genetic resources of Arabica varieties, available germplasm banks, and variety selection criteria, such as yield, resistance to coffee leaf rust, as well as to other pest and diseases. Like most chapters in this book, this one also ends with a list of addresses where further information can be obtained. This extra information can be very helpful to practitioners and researchers alike.The last chapter of the book’s first part deals with post-harvest practices; here the steps and processes are discussed that ensure that a maximum amount of raw coffee beans is converted into a final, saleable product with maximum taste.The second part deals in depth with sustainable pest and disease management. It describes the insect pests and diseases that affect coffee production in different agroecosystems, as well as alternative pest control methods. Two diseases have their own chapter: coffee leaf rust and coffee wilt disease. The last three chapters of the second part present integrated management approaches towards control of nematodes, soil-borne insect and fungal pests, and weeds in coffee production systems.Overall, this book that is based on extensive research by a wide range of internationally recognised experts, is of interest to all stakeholders in the coffee value chain, including extension workers and their organisations. German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics (DITSL GmbH) 2023-05-02 info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Non-refereed Book Review application/pdf http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/5369 Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS); Vol 124, No 1 (2023) 2363-6033 1612-9830 eng http://www.jarts.info/index.php/jarts/article/view/5369/1088 Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 3f14f7f8fda5a034ee8f7ff238186cee