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Demonstration of improved feed trough for efficient feed utilisation by small ruminants in Southern Mali
(2021-12-21)
The ruminant feeding systems of smallholder farmers in mixed crop and livestock systems in Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa are characterised by waste. To promote efficient feed use, the use of improved feed trough for small ruminants was demonstrated in Sirakele, Zanzoni and M’Pessoba in Koutiala district in southern Mali in the late (March/April 2019) and early dry (February 2020) seasons. Forty-five farmers were selected randomly in the study sites and were each provided with one improved feed trough which was ...
Aufsatz
Agroecological heuristics: Xi (Ξ) biomathematical models of alpha diversity and Lambda functional entropy index (λ) applied for macrofauna in diversified agroecosystems of Nicaragua
(2021-12-08)
Agriculture causes chaos on the macrofauna associated with agroecosystems. The functions developed by macrofauna species in agroecological environments are harmful, beneficial and fundamental for food production. In order to design Xi (Ξ) biomathematical models of alpha diversity and to create a functional entropy index (λ), the taxonomic identification of macrofauna was carried out in 10 agroecosystems with conventional and agroecological production approach in five locations of Nicaragua: Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, ...
Aufsatz
Effects of agroecological practices on soil organic carbon sequestration using synchronic and diachronic approaches in Madagascar
(2020-06-16)
Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in agricultural systems is a key indicator of soil fertility improvement and climate change mitigation at the global scale. In Madagascar, the effect on SOC sequestration of converting from traditional practices to agroecological ones remains unclear. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the impact of agroecological practices, such as agroforestry (AF), tree plantation (TP) and improved farming practices (IFPs), on SOC sequestration at the field level; and (ii) to ...
Aufsatz
Forage diversity and fertiliser adoption in Napier grass production among smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya
(2021-11-10)
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.) ...
Aufsatz
Adoption and utilisation of Zai pits for improved farm productivity in drier upper Eastern Kenya
(2020-03-06)
Inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall and declining soil fertility have led to low crop productivity in most smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, there has been a renewed quest for sustainable and resource-use efficient agricultural production practices. Zai pit technology is a practice that has the potential to alleviate water stress and enhance soil fertility. We assessed the factors that influence farmers' adoption and utilisation of Zai pits in Tharaka-Nithi County in upper Eastern Kenya. ...
Aufsatz
How do management practices and farm structure impact productive performances of dairy cattle in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador
(2020-11-11)
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 ...
Aufsatz
Optimisation of the seedball technology for sorghum production under nutrient limitations
(2021-04-13)
The seedball technology is a simple and affordable seed-pelleting technique that uses locally available materials such as sand, loam, wood ash and seeds to enhance early crop establishment. It has been shown to be effective for pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) subsistence production in Sahelian environments. The objective of this study was to optimise the seedball technology for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) under greenhouse conditions. Series of pot experiments were conducted in order to identify optimal ...
Aufsatz
Agricultural risk assessment to enhance the food systems of the Mbororo minority community in the Northwest region of Cameroon
(2021-10-29)
Increasing population pressure, coupled with the effects of climate change manifested by longer dry seasons, wildfires, and conflicts, threatens the food systems of minority communities. In the case of the Mbororo minority community of Northwest Region of Cameroon, these threats are exacerbated by already existing problems of marginalisation. This study assesses agricultural risks in the global context of food distribution and gross domestic product that also poses a specific threat to the food system of the Mbororo ...
Aufsatz
Variation in baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) root tuber development and leaf number among different growth conditions for five provenances in Malawi
(2020-08-21)
The baobab tree is an underutilised indigenous fruit tree in sub-Saharan Africa which, at the same time is vulnerable to overexploitation in areas close to centres of demand, as currently baobab use is limited to wild, baobab trees. Baobab seedlings are known to form root tubers, but little is known about their growth characteristics and its yield potential. This study aims to investigate the root tuber and leaf development of baobab seedlings grown from seeds of five provenances, sown at three different planting ...
Aufsatz
Determinants of Willingness to Pay (WTP) for organic fertiliser: a case of smallholder potato farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2021-12-01)
The South African smallholder sector is characterised by relatively low productivity due to persistent deterioration in soil fertility owing to declining organic matter and other essential soil nutrients. Consequently, adoption of sustainable agricultural inputs like organic fertiliser is essential. Although there is sufficient advocacy in the adoption of organic fertiliser, the economic linkage between farmers' socioeconomic factors and willingness to pay (WTP) remains under-explored. This study investigated the ...