Agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs) faces challenges due to limited water and problematic soils. This study investigates the potential of superabsorbent materials like Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) and pumice to enhance water retention and agricultural productivity in Ngubreti in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya, representing ASALs. Using a randomized design with different material ratios and a control group, the research analysed soil parameters and plant growth indicators. Incorporating superabsorbent materials increased soil porosity, reduced bulk density, and improved water retention. Bell pepper production notably increased by 53.4%, with the SAP Pumice Double Half (SPDH) treatment showing the highest yield. This research underscores superabsorbent materials' ability to enhance ASAL soil conditions and agricultural output, particularly SPDH treatment. Precise material concentration control and consideration of their impact on soil penetration rates are crucial for optimal results. The study contributes to sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions, emphasizing soil management's role in crop productivity. Further research and region-specific experiments are needed for broader applicability. Farmers are advised to assess their soil characteristics and consider a recommended median soil-additives mixing ratio of 1:833. Long-term effectiveness warrants additional investigation
干旱和半干旱地区（ASALs）的农业因水资源有限和土壤问题而面临挑战。本研究调查了超级吸水材料（如超级吸水聚合物 (SAP)）和浮石在提高肯尼亚 Mogotio 子县 Ngubreti（ASALs 的代表）的保水性和农业生产率方面的潜力。研究采用不同材料比例的随机设计和对照组，分析了土壤参数和植物生长指标。加入超吸收材料增加了土壤孔隙度，降低了体积密度，提高了保水性。甜椒产量显著提高了 53.4%，其中 SAP 浮石双半（SPDH）处理的产量最高。这项研究强调了超吸水材料改善 ASAL 土壤条件和农业产量的能力，尤其是 SPDH 处理。精确控制材料浓度并考虑其对土壤渗透率的影响对于取得最佳效果至关重要。这项研究有助于缺水地区的可持续农业，强调了土壤管理对作物产量的作用。要想获得更广泛的适用性，还需要进一步的研究和针对特定地区的实验。建议农民评估自己的土壤特性，并考虑将土壤添加剂的混合比例中值定为 1:833。长期有效性需要进一步调查
{"title":"Effect of Mixing Ratio of Super Absorbent Materials on the Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper in the Ferric Luvisols of Mogotio, Kenya","authors":"Fridah Muriithi, J. Onyando, R. O. Okwany","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1885","url":null,"abstract":"Agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs) faces challenges due to limited water and problematic soils. This study investigates the potential of superabsorbent materials like Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) and pumice to enhance water retention and agricultural productivity in Ngubreti in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya, representing ASALs. Using a randomized design with different material ratios and a control group, the research analysed soil parameters and plant growth indicators. Incorporating superabsorbent materials increased soil porosity, reduced bulk density, and improved water retention. Bell pepper production notably increased by 53.4%, with the SAP Pumice Double Half (SPDH) treatment showing the highest yield. This research underscores superabsorbent materials' ability to enhance ASAL soil conditions and agricultural output, particularly SPDH treatment. Precise material concentration control and consideration of their impact on soil penetration rates are crucial for optimal results. The study contributes to sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions, emphasizing soil management's role in crop productivity. Further research and region-specific experiments are needed for broader applicability. Farmers are advised to assess their soil characteristics and consider a recommended median soil-additives mixing ratio of 1:833. Long-term effectiveness warrants additional investigation","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140671132","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}
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ginger powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, carcass traits and gut microbiota of growing rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 36 equal-sexed New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 weeks ± 5 days old were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 3 replicates each. The control animals (T0) received the basal diet without feed additive, while the 3 other groups T1, T2, and T3 respectively received diets 5, 10, and 15 g of ginger/kg of feed. Data was collected on feed intake, body weight gain, carcass indices and gut microbial load. Results revealed that the inclusion of ginger significantly (p<0.05) increased daily feed intake approximately by 16.02 g in T1 (5g ginger) compared to the control. The total feed intake followed the same trend. Daily weight gain increased approximately by 3.46g T3 (15g ginger). The feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by dietary ginger inclusion. The addition of ginger did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the carcass characteristics of rabbits; However, a reduction was observed in abdominal fat content with approximately 0.81% in T3. Ginger powder in rabbits’ diets caused a decrease in the population of pathogenic microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria) but did not have any effects on total coliforms (gram-negative bacteria). It can therefore be concluded that ginger could be added to growing rabbits’ feed to improve live weight and reduce levels of gram-positive bacteria
{"title":"Effect of Dietary Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Gut Microbiota in Weaned Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)","authors":"T. L. Anslem, N. A. J. Guiekep, A. T. Niba","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1881","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ginger powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, carcass traits and gut microbiota of growing rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 36 equal-sexed New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 weeks ± 5 days old were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 3 replicates each. The control animals (T0) received the basal diet without feed additive, while the 3 other groups T1, T2, and T3 respectively received diets 5, 10, and 15 g of ginger/kg of feed. Data was collected on feed intake, body weight gain, carcass indices and gut microbial load. Results revealed that the inclusion of ginger significantly (p<0.05) increased daily feed intake approximately by 16.02 g in T1 (5g ginger) compared to the control. The total feed intake followed the same trend. Daily weight gain increased approximately by 3.46g T3 (15g ginger). The feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by dietary ginger inclusion. The addition of ginger did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the carcass characteristics of rabbits; However, a reduction was observed in abdominal fat content with approximately 0.81% in T3. Ginger powder in rabbits’ diets caused a decrease in the population of pathogenic microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria) but did not have any effects on total coliforms (gram-negative bacteria). It can therefore be concluded that ginger could be added to growing rabbits’ feed to improve live weight and reduce levels of gram-positive bacteria","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140673643","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}
Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a devastating disease of cassava in Uganda. Limited information exists on the incidence and severity of CBSD in Northern Uganda. The prevalence of CBSD in the eight (8) districts in the Acholi sub-region is also unknown. Therefore, the current study intended to: a) determine the prevalence and severity of CBSD in the Acholi sub-region, and b) identify the drivers of CBSD epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems in Acholi. An assessment of 120 cassava fields was conducted in the 2018b season. CBSD field incidence was highest in Nwoya District (51.3%) and lowest in Kitgum (6.4%), with severity ranging from 2.1 to 3.4 in the sub-region. CBSD prevalence was also highest in Nwoya (76.2%) and lowest in Kitgum and Pader Districts (30.8%). The use of CBSD-susceptible varieties (TME 14, TME 204, and NASE 12) was identified as the main driver of the epidemic. The result of the current study highlights the need for a wide-scale CBSD awareness creation and community-based cassava seed multiplication and distribution system in the Acholi sub-region to promote the up-take of CBSD-tolerant cassava varieties
{"title":"Cassava Brown Streak Disease Prevalence in Smallholder Cassava Cropping Systems in Northern Uganda: The Case of Acholi Sub-region","authors":"A. Kumakech, Allan Tekkara, L. Turyagyenda","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1869","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1869","url":null,"abstract":"Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a devastating disease of cassava in Uganda. Limited information exists on the incidence and severity of CBSD in Northern Uganda. The prevalence of CBSD in the eight (8) districts in the Acholi sub-region is also unknown. Therefore, the current study intended to: a) determine the prevalence and severity of CBSD in the Acholi sub-region, and b) identify the drivers of CBSD epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems in Acholi. An assessment of 120 cassava fields was conducted in the 2018b season. CBSD field incidence was highest in Nwoya District (51.3%) and lowest in Kitgum (6.4%), with severity ranging from 2.1 to 3.4 in the sub-region. CBSD prevalence was also highest in Nwoya (76.2%) and lowest in Kitgum and Pader Districts (30.8%). The use of CBSD-susceptible varieties (TME 14, TME 204, and NASE 12) was identified as the main driver of the epidemic. The result of the current study highlights the need for a wide-scale CBSD awareness creation and community-based cassava seed multiplication and distribution system in the Acholi sub-region to promote the up-take of CBSD-tolerant cassava varieties","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697236","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}
Greenhouse technology has an important role to play in minimising adverse effects of climate variability on vegetable production. Studies indicate that greenhouse farmers face several challenges, sometimes leading to the abandonment of Greenhouses. The types and levels of severity of the challenges have not been adequately documented and acted upon on a context-specific basis, yet the demand for Greenhouse fresh produce is increasing, particularly in populated urban areas. This study identified and evaluated core challenges, available opportunities, and a concatenation of the challenges with productivity perceptions among Greenhouse farmers in Kericho County. A cross-sectional survey design drawing on data from 10% of Greenhouse farmers from each of the six Sub-counties was adopted for the study. Structured and unstructured interview schedules were administered to 59 sampled farmers and 16 Extension agents. The Henry Garret ranking method was used to analyse ranked data on challenges from farmers’ views and potential opportunities from Extension agents. A one-sample Wilcoxon test was used to analyse the deviation of views from ‘neutral’. Challenge due to pests and diseases was significantly higher than hypothesised median of 3 (neutral); Z = 5.198, P< .01. Cost of inputs and lack of finances for maintenance were significantly higher than neutral; Z = 5.061, P< .01 and Z = 3.810, P< .01 respectively. The top five challenges based on Garrett scores were pests & diseases, cost of inputs, maintenance costs, inadequate water, and initial costs. Top-ranked opportunities were integrated pest & disease management, farm-inputs subsidy, information on crop varieties, support from extension and capacity building in water harvesting. Concatenations existed between productivity of greenhouse units with quality of produce, ease of access to markets and profitability of greenhouses. The study recommends stakeholders’ concerted effort towards utilisation of the opportunities identified to enhance sustainable Greenhouse productivity among smallholder vegetable producers
{"title":"Evaluating Challenges and Opportunities in Greenhouse Farming among Smallholder Vegetable Producers in Kericho County, Kenya","authors":"M. Otiende, J. Cheruiyot, Jenifer Opunga","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1866","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1866","url":null,"abstract":"Greenhouse technology has an important role to play in minimising adverse effects of climate variability on vegetable production. Studies indicate that greenhouse farmers face several challenges, sometimes leading to the abandonment of Greenhouses. The types and levels of severity of the challenges have not been adequately documented and acted upon on a context-specific basis, yet the demand for Greenhouse fresh produce is increasing, particularly in populated urban areas. This study identified and evaluated core challenges, available opportunities, and a concatenation of the challenges with productivity perceptions among Greenhouse farmers in Kericho County. A cross-sectional survey design drawing on data from 10% of Greenhouse farmers from each of the six Sub-counties was adopted for the study. Structured and unstructured interview schedules were administered to 59 sampled farmers and 16 Extension agents. The Henry Garret ranking method was used to analyse ranked data on challenges from farmers’ views and potential opportunities from Extension agents. A one-sample Wilcoxon test was used to analyse the deviation of views from ‘neutral’. Challenge due to pests and diseases was significantly higher than hypothesised median of 3 (neutral); Z = 5.198, P< .01. Cost of inputs and lack of finances for maintenance were significantly higher than neutral; Z = 5.061, P< .01 and Z = 3.810, P< .01 respectively. The top five challenges based on Garrett scores were pests & diseases, cost of inputs, maintenance costs, inadequate water, and initial costs. Top-ranked opportunities were integrated pest & disease management, farm-inputs subsidy, information on crop varieties, support from extension and capacity building in water harvesting. Concatenations existed between productivity of greenhouse units with quality of produce, ease of access to markets and profitability of greenhouses. The study recommends stakeholders’ concerted effort towards utilisation of the opportunities identified to enhance sustainable Greenhouse productivity among smallholder vegetable producers","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140702066","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}
This study examined the agriculture crop price fluctuation and its effects on small-scale farmer income in Tanzania, specifically in Kilolo District in Iringa Region. The study sampled 90 respondents, where 84 respondents were for structured questionnaire and 6 for interviews. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data. The mixed-methods data were analysed using linear regression estimation techniques, estimated Ordinary Least Squares estimator, and content analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed that Agriculture cash crops positively influence the yearly income of small-scale farmers, signifying that increased engagement in cash crop cultivation contributes to higher income levels for these farmers. Conversely, the study unveiled the negative implications of crop price fluctuations on small-scale farmers’ yearly income, demonstrating that erratic price variations can substantially challenge their economic stability. These findings were robustly supported by statistical analyses, including the t-test and regression analysis, which underscored the significance of Agriculture cash crops and crop price fluctuations as determinants of small-scale farmers’ yearly income. The adjusted R² value of 0.607 further substantiated these results, signifying that the independent variables, Agriculture cash crops, and crop price fluctuations account for approximately 60.7% of the variation observed in the dependent variable. In such a sense, small-scale farmers’ yearly income is determined by agricultural cash crops done by small-scale farmers and the crop prices fluctuation in the markets. There is a need for marketing officers to provide marketing information to small-scale farmers from time to time for small-scale farmers to be aware of cash crop price fluctuations and what kind of cash crops will have a higher market value, hence lowering the level of price fluctuation in the markets. Such a move would increase small-scale farmers’ yearly income in Kilolo District
{"title":"Agricultural Price Fluctuation and Its Effects on Small-Scale Farmer Income: A Case of Maize Crop in Kilolo District","authors":"Kelvin Mbwilo","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1762","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1762","url":null,"abstract":"This study examined the agriculture crop price fluctuation and its effects on small-scale farmer income in Tanzania, specifically in Kilolo District in Iringa Region. The study sampled 90 respondents, where 84 respondents were for structured questionnaire and 6 for interviews. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data. The mixed-methods data were analysed using linear regression estimation techniques, estimated Ordinary Least Squares estimator, and content analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed that Agriculture cash crops positively influence the yearly income of small-scale farmers, signifying that increased engagement in cash crop cultivation contributes to higher income levels for these farmers. Conversely, the study unveiled the negative implications of crop price fluctuations on small-scale farmers’ yearly income, demonstrating that erratic price variations can substantially challenge their economic stability. These findings were robustly supported by statistical analyses, including the t-test and regression analysis, which underscored the significance of Agriculture cash crops and crop price fluctuations as determinants of small-scale farmers’ yearly income. The adjusted R² value of 0.607 further substantiated these results, signifying that the independent variables, Agriculture cash crops, and crop price fluctuations account for approximately 60.7% of the variation observed in the dependent variable. In such a sense, small-scale farmers’ yearly income is determined by agricultural cash crops done by small-scale farmers and the crop prices fluctuation in the markets. There is a need for marketing officers to provide marketing information to small-scale farmers from time to time for small-scale farmers to be aware of cash crop price fluctuations and what kind of cash crops will have a higher market value, hence lowering the level of price fluctuation in the markets. Such a move would increase small-scale farmers’ yearly income in Kilolo District","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139959527","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}
Samuel Ochieng Nguka, Collins Kalwale Mweresa, Alice Nakhumicha Muriithi
The adoption of aquaponics systems faces challenges due to the high cost of fish feed, lack of sustainability, and reliance on fishmeal as a primary input. One potential solution to replace fishmeal is the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in aquaponics. The study aimed to explore the effect of substituting fish meals with BSFL meals on the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in aquaponics. The study employed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A total of 135 catfish fingerlings were divided into three groups and stocked in nine water barrels of 100 litres each (filled with 60 litres of water). The fingerlings were fed twice a day for a duration of 56 days after a two-week period of acclimatisation using commercial feed. Water was cycled through the hydroponic media grow bed using an automatic timer, with a 15-minute cycle every hour throughout the day and night. Fish meal was replaced with BSFL meal at three different proportions: 0% (BSFL0), 30% (BSFL30), and 50% (BSFL50). The data collected was analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Tukey's ad-hoc and Dunn's tests, respectively, utilising JMP 16 software. The results indicated that the fresh leaf weight was significantly influenced by the diet types (p<0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on root weight, total dry weight, number of leaves, or root length (p>0.05). This study suggests that black soldier fly larvae meal can successfully replace up to 50% of fishmeal in aquaponics without compromising lettuce growth performance. Therefore, promoting the use of black soldier fly larvae meal can contribute to the sustainability of lettuce production in aquaponics
{"title":"Integrating Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Aquaponics System for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Production","authors":"Samuel Ochieng Nguka, Collins Kalwale Mweresa, Alice Nakhumicha Muriithi","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1716","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1716","url":null,"abstract":"The adoption of aquaponics systems faces challenges due to the high cost of fish feed, lack of sustainability, and reliance on fishmeal as a primary input. One potential solution to replace fishmeal is the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in aquaponics. The study aimed to explore the effect of substituting fish meals with BSFL meals on the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in aquaponics. The study employed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A total of 135 catfish fingerlings were divided into three groups and stocked in nine water barrels of 100 litres each (filled with 60 litres of water). The fingerlings were fed twice a day for a duration of 56 days after a two-week period of acclimatisation using commercial feed. Water was cycled through the hydroponic media grow bed using an automatic timer, with a 15-minute cycle every hour throughout the day and night. Fish meal was replaced with BSFL meal at three different proportions: 0% (BSFL0), 30% (BSFL30), and 50% (BSFL50). The data collected was analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Tukey's ad-hoc and Dunn's tests, respectively, utilising JMP 16 software. The results indicated that the fresh leaf weight was significantly influenced by the diet types (p<0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on root weight, total dry weight, number of leaves, or root length (p>0.05). This study suggests that black soldier fly larvae meal can successfully replace up to 50% of fishmeal in aquaponics without compromising lettuce growth performance. Therefore, promoting the use of black soldier fly larvae meal can contribute to the sustainability of lettuce production in aquaponics","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139600066","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}
Leonard Ninsheka, Edward Ssemakula, Christopher Tiyo, Rebecca Kalibwani, Ronald Kityo, Wilson Mugizi, Willbroad Byamukama
This paper reviews the current literature concerning the effect of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. The main objective of this review is to examine the impacts of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. Specifically, the paper reviews the impact of urban agriculture on income and food security as well as the benefits and challenges affecting urban Agriculture development in selected cities of sub-Saharan African countries. This paper reviews different articles and papers on urban farming in Sub-Sahara Africa and globally. The review posits that there is scanty information on how urban agriculture affects farmers' socio-economic status in sub-Saharan Africa. How farmers derive their social and economic status by engaging in urban agriculture, and the types and motivations of farmers are not clear. The review suggests that understanding the factors that are crucial for food security, income and related benefits in urban agriculture is essential to developing the right technologies and policies
{"title":"Effects of Urban Agriculture on the Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Cities of Sub-Sahara Africa. A case of Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Review","authors":"Leonard Ninsheka, Edward Ssemakula, Christopher Tiyo, Rebecca Kalibwani, Ronald Kityo, Wilson Mugizi, Willbroad Byamukama","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1709","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1709","url":null,"abstract":"This paper reviews the current literature concerning the effect of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. The main objective of this review is to examine the impacts of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. Specifically, the paper reviews the impact of urban agriculture on income and food security as well as the benefits and challenges affecting urban Agriculture development in selected cities of sub-Saharan African countries. This paper reviews different articles and papers on urban farming in Sub-Sahara Africa and globally. The review posits that there is scanty information on how urban agriculture affects farmers' socio-economic status in sub-Saharan Africa. How farmers derive their social and economic status by engaging in urban agriculture, and the types and motivations of farmers are not clear. The review suggests that understanding the factors that are crucial for food security, income and related benefits in urban agriculture is essential to developing the right technologies and policies","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139607108","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}
Derrick Wabusa, Margaret Namugwanga Masinde, Julius Opio
Increasing prices of fertilizers and low nutrient concentration in organic manure are highly contributing to poor soil conditions and increased yield gap of bio-fortified common beans. A field study was carried out to assess the effect of farmyard manure integrated with triple superphosphate on soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common bean Genotypes in central Uganda. The experiments were set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) conducted at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research Institute (MUZARDI) in two rainfall seasons. Treatments included; Cattle manure + TSP, Swine manure + TSP, Chicken manure + TSP, TSP alone and control replicated five times. Bio-fortified common bean genotypes studied were: Naro bean 1, Naro bean 3 and NABE16 a local check. Data was collected on; organic matter, soil pH, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content, harvest index, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, and grain yield of bio-fortified common beans. Data was subjected to statistical test and analysis of variance using GenStat statistical package (15th edition). Results showed that amending field plots with Swine manure + TSP significantly increased Organic matter by; 1.51% and potassium 1.22% than Chicken manure + TSP, Cattle + TSP, TSP alone and a control respectively. Chicken manure + TSP increased soil pH and Nitrogen by 1.80 and 2.20% while, TSP alone improved Phosphorus by 5.2 PPM than other treatments. Yield parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by treatments except weight of 100 seeds. However, bean genotypes grown in Swine manure + TSP recorded maximum yield of 14 pods, 4 seeds per pod, 32.93 g weight of 100seeds, grain yield was (1843 kgha-1) and lowest (1253 to 650 kg/ha) in TSP+ cattle manure and control. It was therefore, concluded that swine manure + TSP significantly improved soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common beans. Therefore, basing on these findings, farmers should adopt amendment of swine manure with TSP for improved soil conditions and yields of Naro bean 1
{"title":"Farmyard Manure Integrated with Triple Superphosphate for Improved Soil Conditions and Yield of Bio-Fortified Common Beans","authors":"Derrick Wabusa, Margaret Namugwanga Masinde, Julius Opio","doi":"10.37284/eajab.7.1.1710","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.7.1.1710","url":null,"abstract":"Increasing prices of fertilizers and low nutrient concentration in organic manure are highly contributing to poor soil conditions and increased yield gap of bio-fortified common beans. A field study was carried out to assess the effect of farmyard manure integrated with triple superphosphate on soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common bean Genotypes in central Uganda. The experiments were set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) conducted at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research Institute (MUZARDI) in two rainfall seasons. Treatments included; Cattle manure + TSP, Swine manure + TSP, Chicken manure + TSP, TSP alone and control replicated five times. Bio-fortified common bean genotypes studied were: Naro bean 1, Naro bean 3 and NABE16 a local check. Data was collected on; organic matter, soil pH, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content, harvest index, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, and grain yield of bio-fortified common beans. Data was subjected to statistical test and analysis of variance using GenStat statistical package (15th edition). Results showed that amending field plots with Swine manure + TSP significantly increased Organic matter by; 1.51% and potassium 1.22% than Chicken manure + TSP, Cattle + TSP, TSP alone and a control respectively. Chicken manure + TSP increased soil pH and Nitrogen by 1.80 and 2.20% while, TSP alone improved Phosphorus by 5.2 PPM than other treatments. Yield parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by treatments except weight of 100 seeds. However, bean genotypes grown in Swine manure + TSP recorded maximum yield of 14 pods, 4 seeds per pod, 32.93 g weight of 100seeds, grain yield was (1843 kgha-1) and lowest (1253 to 650 kg/ha) in TSP+ cattle manure and control. It was therefore, concluded that swine manure + TSP significantly improved soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common beans. Therefore, basing on these findings, farmers should adopt amendment of swine manure with TSP for improved soil conditions and yields of Naro bean 1","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139609434","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}
Sharai Silipiwe, Alice Nakhumicha Muriithi, Chris O. Ojiewo
The study was carried out to identify crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith). An experiment was set up with 24 maize plots measuring 6 m x 5 m in Siaya, JOOUST Campus field during the September to December 2021 short rain season for identification of crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm. Morphological and Molecular characterization was done to estimate the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi offal armyworm larvae specimens from the treatment plots. Each plot was separated by 2 m occupied with Brachiaria CV Mulato to counter the possibility of fall armyworm migration from one treatment plot to another as recommended by the ICIPE’s fall armyworm push-pull technology. The results showed that weeding was statistically significant (0.044) on fall armyworm larvae collected while only 2 species of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated for this crop management practice. The case was different with intercropping, though not statistically significant, over 50% of the isolated species were from this management practice. This could mean that intercropping is likely to reduce FAW larvae infestation whilst increasing fungal activity. This study therefore concludes that the threat that S. frugiperda poses also calls for the need for the development and adoption of good crop management practices such as intercropping, adequate fertilization, and weeding
这项研究的目的是确定有利于秋季军虫（Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith）的昆虫病原真菌的作物管理方法。在 2021 年 9 月至 12 月的短雨季期间，在西亚、JOOUST 校园的田地里设置了 24 块面积为 6 米 x 5 米的玉米地，进行了一项实验，以确定有利于诱杀秋绵虫的昆虫病原真菌的作物管理方法。通过形态学和分子特征描述，评估了处理地块中的害虫病原真菌多样性。按照 ICIPE 的秋天虫害推拉技术的建议，每个处理地块之间用 CV Mulato 蒲草隔开 2 米，以防止秋天虫害从一个处理地块迁移到另一个处理地块。结果表明，除草对收集到的秋刺吸浆虫幼虫有统计学意义（0.044），而这种作物管理方法只分离到 2 种昆虫病原真菌。间作的情况则不同，虽然没有统计学意义，但 50%以上的分离菌种来自这种管理方法。这可能意味着，间作可能会在增加真菌活性的同时，减少虫害幼虫的侵扰。因此，这项研究得出结论，蚕蛾造成的威胁也要求制定和采用良好的作物管理方法，如间作、适当施肥和除草。
{"title":"Integrating Entomopathogenic Fungi into Different Crop Management Practices for Fall Armyworm Management","authors":"Sharai Silipiwe, Alice Nakhumicha Muriithi, Chris O. Ojiewo","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1647","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1647","url":null,"abstract":"The study was carried out to identify crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith). An experiment was set up with 24 maize plots measuring 6 m x 5 m in Siaya, JOOUST Campus field during the September to December 2021 short rain season for identification of crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm. Morphological and Molecular characterization was done to estimate the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi offal armyworm larvae specimens from the treatment plots. Each plot was separated by 2 m occupied with Brachiaria CV Mulato to counter the possibility of fall armyworm migration from one treatment plot to another as recommended by the ICIPE’s fall armyworm push-pull technology. The results showed that weeding was statistically significant (0.044) on fall armyworm larvae collected while only 2 species of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated for this crop management practice. The case was different with intercropping, though not statistically significant, over 50% of the isolated species were from this management practice. This could mean that intercropping is likely to reduce FAW larvae infestation whilst increasing fungal activity. This study therefore concludes that the threat that S. frugiperda poses also calls for the need for the development and adoption of good crop management practices such as intercropping, adequate fertilization, and weeding","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138956730","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}
Passmore Temba Mudhanganyi, Calleb Olweny Ochia, James Madzimure
House fly maggot is a potential insect that has a relatively high crude protein and mostly used in feeding monogastric animals. Twenty-four Chinchilla giganta rabbit weaners (12 males and 12 females) were used in this experiment in a randomised complete block design. Each rabbit weaner was randomly allotted to four different treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate. Sex was used as a blocking effect. This was done to evaluate the effects of graded levels of maggot meal-based multi-nutrient block on feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and internal organs weight during feeding for 56 days at Chinhoyi University of Technology farm. Feed formulation was done using I.D.T Try and Error Iteration software. Sun-dried maggot meal was used to produce four iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic treatment multi-nutrient block diets with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% maggot meal. An increase in the inclusion level of maggot meal had a positive effect on feed intake (P<0.05 Results from this study in rabbits revealed that although maggot meal-based diets were iso-nitrogenous (18% CP level), they differed in mean live weight gain (LWG). The study found that diets where 10-15% of housefly maggot meal was included achieved better growth rates and internal organ weights relative to soya bean meal-based diets. These maggot meal levels represent 50-80% partial replacement of soya bean meal in the diet. However, diets did not differ in heart weight. These results suggest that housefly maggot meal is a good source of protein and a suitable replacement for soya bean meal in the diets of growing rabbits post-weaning. Dietary inclusions of up to 150 g/kg (50-80% dietary replacement of soya bean meal) were recommended to ensure optimum growth performance and body composition of growing rabbits. Commercial use of this insect meal as a feed ingredient in rabbit diets would depend on industrial-scale production of the larvae and reduced costs of maggot meal
{"title":"Effect of Maggot Meal-Based Multi-Nutrient Blocks on Slaughter Weight and Internal Organ Characteristics of Rabbit Weaners","authors":"Passmore Temba Mudhanganyi, Calleb Olweny Ochia, James Madzimure","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1644","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1644","url":null,"abstract":"House fly maggot is a potential insect that has a relatively high crude protein and mostly used in feeding monogastric animals. Twenty-four Chinchilla giganta rabbit weaners (12 males and 12 females) were used in this experiment in a randomised complete block design. Each rabbit weaner was randomly allotted to four different treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate. Sex was used as a blocking effect. This was done to evaluate the effects of graded levels of maggot meal-based multi-nutrient block on feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and internal organs weight during feeding for 56 days at Chinhoyi University of Technology farm. Feed formulation was done using I.D.T Try and Error Iteration software. Sun-dried maggot meal was used to produce four iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic treatment multi-nutrient block diets with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% maggot meal. An increase in the inclusion level of maggot meal had a positive effect on feed intake (P<0.05 Results from this study in rabbits revealed that although maggot meal-based diets were iso-nitrogenous (18% CP level), they differed in mean live weight gain (LWG). The study found that diets where 10-15% of housefly maggot meal was included achieved better growth rates and internal organ weights relative to soya bean meal-based diets. These maggot meal levels represent 50-80% partial replacement of soya bean meal in the diet. However, diets did not differ in heart weight. These results suggest that housefly maggot meal is a good source of protein and a suitable replacement for soya bean meal in the diets of growing rabbits post-weaning. Dietary inclusions of up to 150 g/kg (50-80% dietary replacement of soya bean meal) were recommended to ensure optimum growth performance and body composition of growing rabbits. Commercial use of this insect meal as a feed ingredient in rabbit diets would depend on industrial-scale production of the larvae and reduced costs of maggot meal","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138960973","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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