Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2018.1443413
A. Chebet, Njoroge Ruth, Otinga A. Nekesa, W. Ng’etich, K. Julius, R. Scholz
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations on maize yields using the transdisciplinary (TD) process. The TD process utilizes knowledge from science and practice. Farmers, extension officers, local financial institutions, and other practitioners collaborated with local scientists from the University of Eldoret in the process of financing, purchasing, and applying fertilisers in adequate amounts and composition. A total of 144 farmers participated in the study, which lasted for two seasons. The data sampling was based on a randomized 2 × 3 × 4 × 2 factorial complete block design, including the following factors: TD (non-participation vs participation in the TD process); ST (soil testing in the following categories: fertiliser application with no soil testing, fertiliser application following government recommendations, and application of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations), and location (Kapyemit, Kipsomba, Ng’enyilel, and Ziwa). The “no soil testing” (ST1) category refers to farmers’ own practices at an average fertilisation of about 60 kg N ha−1 and 15 kg P ha−1. The government recommendation (ST2) calls for 75 kg N ha−1, 25 kg P ha−1, and 6 t ha−1 manure, and site-specific fertiliser recommendations (ST3) were based on actual soil-testing results; generally, this resulted in the recommendation of 90 kg N ha−1, 30 kg P ha−1, 25 kg K ha−1, 2 t ha−1 lime, and 1 t ha−1 manure. Highly significant effects were seen where farmers participated in the TD process (TD) for soil testing (ST). The farmers’ yields in Uasin Gishu County of 4.5 t ha−1 increased by approximately 1.5 t ha−1 based on site-specific, soil-testing fertilisation recommendations and by approximately 1.0 t ha−1 based on participation in the transdisciplinary process. However, as indicated by a significant interaction of the variables ST and TD—and while there is a significant main effect of participating in a TD process—the latter increase occurs only if site-specific, soil-testing-based recommendations can be used in the transdisciplinary process with farmers.
本研究利用跨学科(TD)方法评估了基于土壤测试的特定地点施肥建议对玉米产量的影响。TD过程利用科学和实践中的知识。农民、推广官员、当地金融机构和其他从业者与埃尔多雷特大学的当地科学家合作，在融资、购买和施用适当数量和成分的肥料的过程中进行合作。共有144名农民参与了这项持续了两个季节的研究。数据抽样采用随机2 × 3 × 4 × 2因子完全区组设计，包括以下因素:TD(未参与与参与TD过程);ST(以下类别的土壤测试:不进行土壤测试的肥料施用，根据政府建议施用肥料，以及使用特定地点、基于土壤测试的肥料建议)和地点(Kapyemit、Kipsomba、Ng 'enyilel和Ziwa)。“无土壤测试”(ST1)类别是指农民自己的做法，平均施肥量约为60公斤N - 1和15公斤P - 1。政府建议(ST2)要求使用75 kg N - 1、25 kg P - 1和6 t ha - 1粪肥，而特定地点的肥料建议(ST3)是基于实际的土壤测试结果;一般来说，建议施氮量为90公斤，磷肥量为30公斤，钾肥量为25公斤，石灰量为2公斤，粪肥量为1公斤。在农民参与土壤测试过程(TD)的地方，可以看到高度显著的效果。wasin Gishu县农民的产量从4.5 t hm2增加了约1.5 t hm2，这是基于特定地点的土壤测试施肥建议，基于参与跨学科进程，增加了约1.0 t hm2。然而，正如变量ST和TD之间的重要相互作用所表明的那样，虽然参与TD过程有显著的主要影响，但后者只有在特定地点、基于土壤测试的建议可以在与农民的跨学科过程中使用时才会增加。
{"title":"Efforts Toward Improving Maize Yields on Smallholder Farms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, through Site-specific, Soil-testing-based Fertiliser Recommendations: A Transdisciplinary Approach","authors":"A. Chebet, Njoroge Ruth, Otinga A. Nekesa, W. Ng’etich, K. Julius, R. Scholz","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1443413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1443413","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations on maize yields using the transdisciplinary (TD) process. The TD process utilizes knowledge from science and practice. Farmers, extension officers, local financial institutions, and other practitioners collaborated with local scientists from the University of Eldoret in the process of financing, purchasing, and applying fertilisers in adequate amounts and composition. A total of 144 farmers participated in the study, which lasted for two seasons. The data sampling was based on a randomized 2 × 3 × 4 × 2 factorial complete block design, including the following factors: TD (non-participation vs participation in the TD process); ST (soil testing in the following categories: fertiliser application with no soil testing, fertiliser application following government recommendations, and application of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations), and location (Kapyemit, Kipsomba, Ng’enyilel, and Ziwa). The “no soil testing” (ST1) category refers to farmers’ own practices at an average fertilisation of about 60 kg N ha−1 and 15 kg P ha−1. The government recommendation (ST2) calls for 75 kg N ha−1, 25 kg P ha−1, and 6 t ha−1 manure, and site-specific fertiliser recommendations (ST3) were based on actual soil-testing results; generally, this resulted in the recommendation of 90 kg N ha−1, 30 kg P ha−1, 25 kg K ha−1, 2 t ha−1 lime, and 1 t ha−1 manure. Highly significant effects were seen where farmers participated in the TD process (TD) for soil testing (ST). The farmers’ yields in Uasin Gishu County of 4.5 t ha−1 increased by approximately 1.5 t ha−1 based on site-specific, soil-testing fertilisation recommendations and by approximately 1.0 t ha−1 based on participation in the transdisciplinary process. However, as indicated by a significant interaction of the variables ST and TD—and while there is a significant main effect of participating in a TD process—the latter increase occurs only if site-specific, soil-testing-based recommendations can be used in the transdisciplinary process with farmers.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"201 - 213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78767398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2017.1364479
Shalini Goyat, A. Grewal, K. Hima Bindu, D. Singh, R. Katiyar, S. K. Tewari, R. Nainwal
ABSTRACT Betel vine has been identified as an important cash crop in India. It is a vegetatively propagated plant and more than 100 landraces (cultivars) are cultivated in India. They are often named after the localities where they are grown. To assess the molecular genetic diversity among 10 betel vine cultivars, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used. Five AFLP primer combinations produced 323 bands of which 155 were polymorphic, leading to a 47.99% polymorphism. Average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.14 over all primer combinations. Genetic similarity was calculated from the Jaccard's similarity coefficient (r) value for all accessions which varied from 0.39 to 0.81, with an average of 0.60 implying a medium level of genetic variation between investigated cultivars. Cluster analysis divided the cultivars into two main clusters where M2 and M3 were closely related but F3 was separate from all others. The cluster analysis based on AFLP data indicated that cultivars were not grouped according to their geographic place of collection but rather by genetic relatedness. The principle coordinate analysis (PCA) of the markers was linked to the dendrograms generated by employing UPGMA.
{"title":"Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Based Genetic Diversity Studies in Betel Vine (Piper betle L.)","authors":"Shalini Goyat, A. Grewal, K. Hima Bindu, D. Singh, R. Katiyar, S. K. Tewari, R. Nainwal","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1364479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1364479","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Betel vine has been identified as an important cash crop in India. It is a vegetatively propagated plant and more than 100 landraces (cultivars) are cultivated in India. They are often named after the localities where they are grown. To assess the molecular genetic diversity among 10 betel vine cultivars, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used. Five AFLP primer combinations produced 323 bands of which 155 were polymorphic, leading to a 47.99% polymorphism. Average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.14 over all primer combinations. Genetic similarity was calculated from the Jaccard's similarity coefficient (r) value for all accessions which varied from 0.39 to 0.81, with an average of 0.60 implying a medium level of genetic variation between investigated cultivars. Cluster analysis divided the cultivars into two main clusters where M2 and M3 were closely related but F3 was separate from all others. The cluster analysis based on AFLP data indicated that cultivars were not grouped according to their geographic place of collection but rather by genetic relatedness. The principle coordinate analysis (PCA) of the markers was linked to the dendrograms generated by employing UPGMA.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"11 1","pages":"118 - 129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88292695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2018.1436842
Felix Lamech Mogambi Ming’ate
ABSTRACT Several studies have been conducted on the implementation of co-management of forests. There is a significant gap in the current literature regarding the extent to which the implementation of co-management regimes is having an effect. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve (ASFR) co-management approach in Kenya with the aim of understanding its current status and what needs to be done to improve the co-management approach in developing countries. The paper also provides insights into policy options for implementing a co-management approach. The ASFR has been in operation for over two decades thus making it an important example for evaluating implementation, as one could expect it to have established discernible criteria for evaluation. Information was gathered from a combination of participant observations and interviews with key players in the Arabuko-Sokoke co-management team. To analyse data, all audio-recorded interviews were checked for audibility prior to transcribing and transcripts were then quality checked by comparing them with the original interview recordings. Similar themes were grouped together to answer the study objectives. The results highlight six areas that are critical for the successful implementation of a co-management approach: legalizing co-management; adequate involvement of communities in the enforcement of co-management rules; provision of adequate safety for community members threatened by illegal operations; establishment of clear individual household boundaries; designing long-term income-generating activities; and strongly supporting the establishment of co-management for the entire forest. It is concluded that co-management is viable but requires adjustments as new issues emerge.
{"title":"An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve Co-management Approach in Kenya","authors":"Felix Lamech Mogambi Ming’ate","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1436842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1436842","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Several studies have been conducted on the implementation of co-management of forests. There is a significant gap in the current literature regarding the extent to which the implementation of co-management regimes is having an effect. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve (ASFR) co-management approach in Kenya with the aim of understanding its current status and what needs to be done to improve the co-management approach in developing countries. The paper also provides insights into policy options for implementing a co-management approach. The ASFR has been in operation for over two decades thus making it an important example for evaluating implementation, as one could expect it to have established discernible criteria for evaluation. Information was gathered from a combination of participant observations and interviews with key players in the Arabuko-Sokoke co-management team. To analyse data, all audio-recorded interviews were checked for audibility prior to transcribing and transcripts were then quality checked by comparing them with the original interview recordings. Similar themes were grouped together to answer the study objectives. The results highlight six areas that are critical for the successful implementation of a co-management approach: legalizing co-management; adequate involvement of communities in the enforcement of co-management rules; provision of adequate safety for community members threatened by illegal operations; establishment of clear individual household boundaries; designing long-term income-generating activities; and strongly supporting the establishment of co-management for the entire forest. It is concluded that co-management is viable but requires adjustments as new issues emerge.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":"227 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88245222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2018.1460786
L. Jimu, L. Mujuru
ABSTRACT The Zimbabwean forestry industry, which contributes significantly to the economy, was introduced in the 1940s and is dominated by Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia mearnsii De Wild. This paper assembles and consolidates literature on diseases and pests of forest plantations to serve as a foundation for management and future studies. Most of the outlined diseases and pests have been known since the early days of forest plantations (i.e. the 1960s) whilst some are recent, signifying their increasing importance to the forest industry. Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and A. mearnsii are affected by pathogens and pests originating from the native areas of the hosts while the origins of others are not known. Disease outbreaks resulted in discontinuous cultivation of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus radiata D. Don. that were important species in eastern and southern Africa. Forest health issues impacting on forest production are poorly understood and there is an urgent need to implement a structured forest health survey program and appropriate support to identify current and emerging pest and disease issues. Additionally, this information is important to support the forestry seed and timber export program.
{"title":"Pathogens and Pests Threatening Plantation Forestry in Zimbabwe","authors":"L. Jimu, L. Mujuru","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1460786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1460786","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The Zimbabwean forestry industry, which contributes significantly to the economy, was introduced in the 1940s and is dominated by Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia mearnsii De Wild. This paper assembles and consolidates literature on diseases and pests of forest plantations to serve as a foundation for management and future studies. Most of the outlined diseases and pests have been known since the early days of forest plantations (i.e. the 1960s) whilst some are recent, signifying their increasing importance to the forest industry. Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and A. mearnsii are affected by pathogens and pests originating from the native areas of the hosts while the origins of others are not known. Disease outbreaks resulted in discontinuous cultivation of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus radiata D. Don. that were important species in eastern and southern Africa. Forest health issues impacting on forest production are poorly understood and there is an urgent need to implement a structured forest health survey program and appropriate support to identify current and emerging pest and disease issues. Additionally, this information is important to support the forestry seed and timber export program.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"236 - 245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89316192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225
M. B. Muli, D. Kengo, A. Mzingirwa, R. Musila
ABSTRACT The average annual rainfall in coastal Kenya is 450–700 mm per annum in most places while the total annual evapotranspiration is 1200–1800 mm. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), farmers grow maize varieties for medium to high rainfall zones without considering the need for water harvesting to enhance crop yield. To address the moisture constraint, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of drought tolerant maize varieties under different water harvesting technologies (Zai pits, tied ridges and conventional). The treatments were laid out in a split - plot design with water harvesting methods as the main plots and maize varieties as the sub-plots. The response of four maize varieties (DK8031, DUMA 43, KDV1 and PH4) to three water harvesting technologies was evaluated. Variety Duma 43 produced the highest grain yield (P < 0.05) compared to the other varieties whereas yields for Zai pits and tied ridges were higher (P < 0.05) than for conventional treatment. Economic analysis revealed a higher gross margin for tied ridges than for Zai pits. Conventional planting showed a negative gross margin under the ASAL conditions. The variety DUMA 43 was selected for yield and cob size components whereas PH4 was selected for grain recovery when pounded and high stover biomass.
{"title":"Performance of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties under Water Harvesting Technologies in the Coastal Region of Kenya","authors":"M. B. Muli, D. Kengo, A. Mzingirwa, R. Musila","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The average annual rainfall in coastal Kenya is 450–700 mm per annum in most places while the total annual evapotranspiration is 1200–1800 mm. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), farmers grow maize varieties for medium to high rainfall zones without considering the need for water harvesting to enhance crop yield. To address the moisture constraint, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of drought tolerant maize varieties under different water harvesting technologies (Zai pits, tied ridges and conventional). The treatments were laid out in a split - plot design with water harvesting methods as the main plots and maize varieties as the sub-plots. The response of four maize varieties (DK8031, DUMA 43, KDV1 and PH4) to three water harvesting technologies was evaluated. Variety Duma 43 produced the highest grain yield (P < 0.05) compared to the other varieties whereas yields for Zai pits and tied ridges were higher (P < 0.05) than for conventional treatment. Economic analysis revealed a higher gross margin for tied ridges than for Zai pits. Conventional planting showed a negative gross margin under the ASAL conditions. The variety DUMA 43 was selected for yield and cob size components whereas PH4 was selected for grain recovery when pounded and high stover biomass.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"34 1","pages":"168 - 174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90812632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2017.1363686
J. Ogolla, C. Dede, M. Okoth, O. Hensel, B. Sturm
ABSTRACT This study determined the seasonal fluctuations in camel milk yield, consumption, spoilage and spillages, and explored its forms of consumption and the acceptability of camel milk powder in Isiolo County, Kenya. In addition, the utilization of non-marketed milk, preservation technologies, and strategies for milk loss reduction employed along the camel milk supply chain were examined. Quantitative data was collected from 216 respondents (producers, traders and transporters) using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected through participant observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving the camel milk supply chain participants. For quantitative data, descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted whereas for qualitative data thematic analyses were utilized. Camel milk yield, consumption, spoilages and spillages increased by 45.5%, 40%, 81.0% and 79.1% respectively in the wet season. Camel milk was often consumed in smoked and boiled forms or as tea but never in pasteurized or powder form. Transportability, affordability and shelf life were mentioned as important attributes for camel milk powder acceptability. For non-marketed milk, 28.8% and 9.0% was discarded in the wet and dry seasons respectively while 11.2% and 22.4% was processed. The main strategies employed for milk loss reduction were: maintenance of hygienic practices (88% producers, 61% traders), smoking of the milk handling equipment (68% producers, 10% traders), and simple cooling (13% producers). High cost and limited technical feasibility restricted the utilization of preservation technologies (chilling and refrigeration). These findings show the need for appropriate milk preservation technologies for longer shelf life of milk products in arid and semi-arid areas.
{"title":"Strategies and Technologies for Camel Milk Preservation and Utilization of Non-Marketed Milk in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas","authors":"J. Ogolla, C. Dede, M. Okoth, O. Hensel, B. Sturm","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1363686","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1363686","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study determined the seasonal fluctuations in camel milk yield, consumption, spoilage and spillages, and explored its forms of consumption and the acceptability of camel milk powder in Isiolo County, Kenya. In addition, the utilization of non-marketed milk, preservation technologies, and strategies for milk loss reduction employed along the camel milk supply chain were examined. Quantitative data was collected from 216 respondents (producers, traders and transporters) using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected through participant observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving the camel milk supply chain participants. For quantitative data, descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted whereas for qualitative data thematic analyses were utilized. Camel milk yield, consumption, spoilages and spillages increased by 45.5%, 40%, 81.0% and 79.1% respectively in the wet season. Camel milk was often consumed in smoked and boiled forms or as tea but never in pasteurized or powder form. Transportability, affordability and shelf life were mentioned as important attributes for camel milk powder acceptability. For non-marketed milk, 28.8% and 9.0% was discarded in the wet and dry seasons respectively while 11.2% and 22.4% was processed. The main strategies employed for milk loss reduction were: maintenance of hygienic practices (88% producers, 61% traders), smoking of the milk handling equipment (68% producers, 10% traders), and simple cooling (13% producers). High cost and limited technical feasibility restricted the utilization of preservation technologies (chilling and refrigeration). These findings show the need for appropriate milk preservation technologies for longer shelf life of milk products in arid and semi-arid areas.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"52 1","pages":"144 - 167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74670603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-10-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2018.1469950
B. Bett, B. Bebe
ABSTRACT Smallholder dairy farmers aim to maximize the proportion of potentially high milk yielding dairy genotypes in their herds as a breeding strategy to increase milk production for home consumption and cash income. This study describes how farmers aiming at attaining increased milk yield practice animal identification and recording; source breeding stock; determine animal performance and the usefulness of such information; and preferences that farmers express for specific traits when choosing a sire or a dam for mating. Data on these parameters was obtained through a stratified random sampling survey in milk deficit and milk surplus regions. Data were analysed using descriptive, non-parametric test statistics and logistic regression modelling. Cattle identification was predominantly by naming and rarely by ear tagging, while cattle recording was predominantly on production and breeding history of the stock. Farmers obtained their replacement stock from farm reared cattle and from fellow farmers. Breeding sires came from own reared bulls and fellow farmers while artificial insemination (AI) was rarely used. Cattle information was mainly obtained from fellow farmers and farmers were more interested in knowing about the breed, breeder and performance history of dams or sires of dairy cattle than the progeny history. The traits of highest preference when selecting dams were milk yield and fertility while sires were chosen depending on their fertility and body conformation and milk yield of their progeny. Extension services and dairy development interventions should emphasize the contribution of cattle records in informing breeding decisions. To increase the uptake of AI will require innovation in service delivery including involving various farmer groups such as the dairy hubs and cooperative movements. There are business opportunities to repackage artificial insemination service delivery systems to satisfy the unmet demand for replacement heifers.
{"title":"Use of Animal Information and Trait Preferences for Making Breeding Decisions on Smallholder Dairy Farms","authors":"B. Bett, B. Bebe","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1469950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1469950","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Smallholder dairy farmers aim to maximize the proportion of potentially high milk yielding dairy genotypes in their herds as a breeding strategy to increase milk production for home consumption and cash income. This study describes how farmers aiming at attaining increased milk yield practice animal identification and recording; source breeding stock; determine animal performance and the usefulness of such information; and preferences that farmers express for specific traits when choosing a sire or a dam for mating. Data on these parameters was obtained through a stratified random sampling survey in milk deficit and milk surplus regions. Data were analysed using descriptive, non-parametric test statistics and logistic regression modelling. Cattle identification was predominantly by naming and rarely by ear tagging, while cattle recording was predominantly on production and breeding history of the stock. Farmers obtained their replacement stock from farm reared cattle and from fellow farmers. Breeding sires came from own reared bulls and fellow farmers while artificial insemination (AI) was rarely used. Cattle information was mainly obtained from fellow farmers and farmers were more interested in knowing about the breed, breeder and performance history of dams or sires of dairy cattle than the progeny history. The traits of highest preference when selecting dams were milk yield and fertility while sires were chosen depending on their fertility and body conformation and milk yield of their progeny. Extension services and dairy development interventions should emphasize the contribution of cattle records in informing breeding decisions. To increase the uptake of AI will require innovation in service delivery including involving various farmer groups such as the dairy hubs and cooperative movements. There are business opportunities to repackage artificial insemination service delivery systems to satisfy the unmet demand for replacement heifers.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"50 1","pages":"214 - 226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87754086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-07-26DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2017.1346903
J. Wambua, M. Ngigi, M. Lutta
ABSTRACT Green grams and pigeonpeas have multiple benefits to the rural poor as food security, fodder for livestock and fuel for small-scale farmers, despite low smallholder yields in Kenya. However, little is known about the factors between different farmers that influence the yields of green grams and pigeonpeas. The objectives of this study therefore were to describe and compare how the groups of farmers in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) LM 4 and LM 5 differ by their yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and to estimate the parameters of the variables which explain the yields. Data collection was through a well-structured questionnaire, administered to 364 respondents, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Each AEZ had an equal sample size (182 respondents). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression were used during data analysis. The ANOVA results showed that the mean of the green gram yields in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 was 19.90 and 173.67 kg ha−1 while the mean of the pigeonpea yields was 109.26 and 34.01 kg ha−1, respectively. The multiple linear regression model results showed that the green gram yields were positively related to the use of improved seed (p = 0.001), cultivated farm sizes (p = 0.011), green gram crop intensity (p = 0.005), oxcart (p = 0.003) and agro-ecological zone (p = 0.000). The farmer differences in the use of improved seed were found to be significantly and positively related to the yields of pigeonpeas (p = 0.057), while the sizes of the cultivated farms (p = 0.057) and the agro-ecological zones (p = 0.000) showed inverse relationships (IRs). Based on the given research evidence, it was therefore concluded that the groups of farmers in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 have different yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and there are factor gaps in productivity.
尽管肯尼亚小农的产量很低，但绿色克豆和鸽子豆作为粮食安全、牲畜饲料和小农燃料，对农村贫困人口有多重好处。然而，人们对不同农民之间影响绿克豆和鸽豆产量的因素知之甚少。因此，本研究的目的是描述和比较农业生态区(aez) lm4和lm5的农民群体在绿克和鸽豆产量方面的差异，并估计解释产量的变量参数。数据收集是通过一份结构良好的问卷，对364名受访者进行管理，通过多阶段抽样技术选择。每个经济特区的样本量相等(182名受访者)。数据分析采用单因素方差分析(ANOVA)和多元线性回归。方差分析结果表明，绿豆4号和5号的平均产量分别为19.90和173.67 kg ha - 1，鸽豆的平均产量分别为109.26和34.01 kg ha - 1。多元线性回归模型结果表明，绿克产量与改良种子的使用(p = 0.001)、耕地规模(p = 0.011)、绿克种植强度(p = 0.005)、牛车(p = 0.003)和农业生态区(p = 0.000)呈正相关。农户使用改良种子的差异与鸽豆产量呈显著正相关(p = 0.057)，而耕地规模(p = 0.057)与农业生态区(p = 0.000)呈负相关(ir)。综上所述，综上所述，经济区4号和5号农民群体的绿克和鸽豆产量不同，生产率存在要素差距。
{"title":"Yields of Green Grams and Pigeonpeas under Smallholder Conditions in Machakos County, Kenya","authors":"J. Wambua, M. Ngigi, M. Lutta","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1346903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1346903","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Green grams and pigeonpeas have multiple benefits to the rural poor as food security, fodder for livestock and fuel for small-scale farmers, despite low smallholder yields in Kenya. However, little is known about the factors between different farmers that influence the yields of green grams and pigeonpeas. The objectives of this study therefore were to describe and compare how the groups of farmers in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) LM 4 and LM 5 differ by their yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and to estimate the parameters of the variables which explain the yields. Data collection was through a well-structured questionnaire, administered to 364 respondents, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Each AEZ had an equal sample size (182 respondents). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression were used during data analysis. The ANOVA results showed that the mean of the green gram yields in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 was 19.90 and 173.67 kg ha−1 while the mean of the pigeonpea yields was 109.26 and 34.01 kg ha−1, respectively. The multiple linear regression model results showed that the green gram yields were positively related to the use of improved seed (p = 0.001), cultivated farm sizes (p = 0.011), green gram crop intensity (p = 0.005), oxcart (p = 0.003) and agro-ecological zone (p = 0.000). The farmer differences in the use of improved seed were found to be significantly and positively related to the yields of pigeonpeas (p = 0.057), while the sizes of the cultivated farms (p = 0.057) and the agro-ecological zones (p = 0.000) showed inverse relationships (IRs). Based on the given research evidence, it was therefore concluded that the groups of farmers in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 have different yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and there are factor gaps in productivity.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":" 3","pages":"117 - 91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91514998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-07-05DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2017.1340141
A. Parmar, S. Kirchner, B. Sturm, O. Hensel
ABSTRACT Excoriation (skinning injury) is a serious post-harvest problem for sweetpotato roots. In industrialized countries, sweetpotatoes are exposed to post-harvest curing to facilitate skin toughening and wound healing. However, in developing regions, such a practice is barely undertaken. Pre-harvest curing (PHC), where sweetpotatoes are subjected to defoliation before harvest, is a potential alternative to post-harvest curing. A field trial was conducted in southern Ethiopia. Roots underwent PHC treatment for 3, 7, 10, and 14 days, with 0 days as a control sample. Skin adhesion and chemical composition (ash, crude fibre, crude protein, dry matter, and starch) of the parenchyma and the periderm were measured. Storage testing at ambient conditions for 30 days was conducted. Skin adhesion among all the treatments was significantly increased. The maximum skin adhesion was observed after 14 days (358.92 mN.m); however after 7 days of PHC, no significant change occurred. Root dry matter and ash content remained unaffected by the treatments. An increase in periderm crude fibre was observed for treatment samples, indicating lignification. Parenchyma crude protein concentration demonstrated a sudden drop in value from the control to 3 days of PHC (5.19 to 2.32%). For successive durations, crude protein started to increase from 3 days, demonstrating an active protein metabolism. Starch, the most important constituent affecting palatability and processing of sweetpotato, was not affected by PHC. Roots subjected to PHC for 10 and 14 days presented a potential for enhancing shelf life by having a significantly lower weight loss after 30 days of storage.
摘要:红薯根茎擦伤(表皮损伤)是红薯收获后常见的严重问题。在工业化国家，红薯在收获后进行腌制，以促进皮肤增韧和伤口愈合。然而，在发展中区域，几乎没有采取这种做法。采收前养护(PHC)，即在采收前对甘薯进行落叶处理，是采收后养护的潜在替代方法。在埃塞俄比亚南部进行了实地试验。根分别接受3、7、10、14天的PHC处理，0天作为对照。测定了薄壁组织和周皮的粘附性和化学成分(灰分、粗纤维、粗蛋白质、干物质和淀粉)。在环境条件下进行了30天的储存试验。各组间皮肤粘连均显著增加。第14天皮肤粘连达到最大值(358.92 mm .m);PHC治疗7天后，无明显变化。根系干物质和灰分含量不受处理的影响。处理过的样品外周粗纤维增加，表明木质化。PHC作用3 d后，薄壁组织粗蛋白质浓度突然下降(5.19% ~ 2.32%)。连续饲养后，粗蛋白质从第3天开始增加，表明蛋白质代谢活跃。淀粉是影响甘薯口感和加工的最重要成分，PHC对其没有影响。经过PHC处理10天和14天的根在储存30天后的重量损失明显降低，有可能延长保质期。
{"title":"Pre-harvest Curing: Effects on Skin Adhesion, Chemical Composition and Shelf-life of Sweetpotato Roots under Tropical Conditions","authors":"A. Parmar, S. Kirchner, B. Sturm, O. Hensel","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1340141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1340141","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Excoriation (skinning injury) is a serious post-harvest problem for sweetpotato roots. In industrialized countries, sweetpotatoes are exposed to post-harvest curing to facilitate skin toughening and wound healing. However, in developing regions, such a practice is barely undertaken. Pre-harvest curing (PHC), where sweetpotatoes are subjected to defoliation before harvest, is a potential alternative to post-harvest curing. A field trial was conducted in southern Ethiopia. Roots underwent PHC treatment for 3, 7, 10, and 14 days, with 0 days as a control sample. Skin adhesion and chemical composition (ash, crude fibre, crude protein, dry matter, and starch) of the parenchyma and the periderm were measured. Storage testing at ambient conditions for 30 days was conducted. Skin adhesion among all the treatments was significantly increased. The maximum skin adhesion was observed after 14 days (358.92 mN.m); however after 7 days of PHC, no significant change occurred. Root dry matter and ash content remained unaffected by the treatments. An increase in periderm crude fibre was observed for treatment samples, indicating lignification. Parenchyma crude protein concentration demonstrated a sudden drop in value from the control to 3 days of PHC (5.19 to 2.32%). For successive durations, crude protein started to increase from 3 days, demonstrating an active protein metabolism. Starch, the most important constituent affecting palatability and processing of sweetpotato, was not affected by PHC. Roots subjected to PHC for 10 and 14 days presented a potential for enhancing shelf life by having a significantly lower weight loss after 30 days of storage.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"130 - 143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89172615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-02DOI: 10.1080/00128325.2016.1219543
A. I. Okunlola, O. C. Ogungbite, G. Hassan
ABSTRACT Ocimum species are well known for their medicinal values and this has increased demand from individuals and the pharmaceutical industry. In order to meet the demand for this plant species three different Ocimum species (Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum) were propagated by two methods (stem cutting and seed) and their morphometric characteristics were evaluated after six and eight weeks. The chlorophyll content, proximate composition and phytochemical content of the plants were determined. The results obtained showed that the stem cutting propagated Ocimum species performed better than the seed propagated species. The results also revealed that there was a strong correlation between plant height and other morphometric characters. Also, it was discovered that the Ocimum species propagated by seed contained more phytochemicals than those propagated by stem cutting. However, gratissimum species propagated by stem cutting appeared to perform better than two other Ocimum species in terms of plant height, leaf number, stem girth and number of branches.
{"title":"Growth and nutritional qualities of three ocimum species as affected by methods of propagation","authors":"A. I. Okunlola, O. C. Ogungbite, G. Hassan","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2016.1219543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2016.1219543","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Ocimum species are well known for their medicinal values and this has increased demand from individuals and the pharmaceutical industry. In order to meet the demand for this plant species three different Ocimum species (Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum) were propagated by two methods (stem cutting and seed) and their morphometric characteristics were evaluated after six and eight weeks. The chlorophyll content, proximate composition and phytochemical content of the plants were determined. The results obtained showed that the stem cutting propagated Ocimum species performed better than the seed propagated species. The results also revealed that there was a strong correlation between plant height and other morphometric characters. Also, it was discovered that the Ocimum species propagated by seed contained more phytochemicals than those propagated by stem cutting. However, gratissimum species propagated by stem cutting appeared to perform better than two other Ocimum species in terms of plant height, leaf number, stem girth and number of branches.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"39 1","pages":"36 - 46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77699707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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