Everlyne Katilo Kitavi, Charles Kimani Ndung’u, Moses Mwangi
Soils perform various functions for the purpose of supporting agroecosystems. Numerous agroecosystem support functions rely on the properties of soils. Inappropriate agricultural techniques and land usage have led to a global 12.5% drop in soil health during the previous few decades. Inappropriate cultivation, nutrient mining, and overuse of inorganic chemical treatments are some of the activities that may have degraded soil quality. A study on the influence of intensive agriculture on soil properties and nutrient availability under different cropping systems and locations was done in the years 2018 and 2019 in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of Kitui County, Kenya. Four commonly occurring cropping systems, namely, vegetable, cereal, fruit, and agroforestry, were selected in the two locations. Uncultivated land in the area was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments, which were replicated five times in each of the locations. During the typical long (March, April, May) and short (October, November, December) rainfall seasons, composite soil samples were randomly taken from the cropping systems. Analysis of the results revealed that the influence of cropping systems on locational variation of soil quality parameters varied significantly (p<0.05). Further, the interaction between cropping strategies and locations significantly influenced soil pH and soil organic carbon. In Zombe, the vegetable cropping system registered the lowest soil pH and electrical conductivity values. Similarly, Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium mean values under the vegetable farming system were higher in Zombe compared to Kauwi ward, probably due to the heavy application of fertilisers. Based on the results from the study, farmers in the area should be sensitised to embrace sustainable agricultural practices that promote moderate application of fertilisers to maintain healthy soils
{"title":"The Influence of Intensive Agriculture on Soil Properties and Nutrient Availability in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of Kitui County, Kenya","authors":"Everlyne Katilo Kitavi, Charles Kimani Ndung’u, Moses Mwangi","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1628","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1628","url":null,"abstract":"Soils perform various functions for the purpose of supporting agroecosystems. Numerous agroecosystem support functions rely on the properties of soils. Inappropriate agricultural techniques and land usage have led to a global 12.5% drop in soil health during the previous few decades. Inappropriate cultivation, nutrient mining, and overuse of inorganic chemical treatments are some of the activities that may have degraded soil quality. A study on the influence of intensive agriculture on soil properties and nutrient availability under different cropping systems and locations was done in the years 2018 and 2019 in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of Kitui County, Kenya. Four commonly occurring cropping systems, namely, vegetable, cereal, fruit, and agroforestry, were selected in the two locations. Uncultivated land in the area was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments, which were replicated five times in each of the locations. During the typical long (March, April, May) and short (October, November, December) rainfall seasons, composite soil samples were randomly taken from the cropping systems. Analysis of the results revealed that the influence of cropping systems on locational variation of soil quality parameters varied significantly (p<0.05). Further, the interaction between cropping strategies and locations significantly influenced soil pH and soil organic carbon. In Zombe, the vegetable cropping system registered the lowest soil pH and electrical conductivity values. Similarly, Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium mean values under the vegetable farming system were higher in Zombe compared to Kauwi ward, probably due to the heavy application of fertilisers. Based on the results from the study, farmers in the area should be sensitised to embrace sustainable agricultural practices that promote moderate application of fertilisers to maintain healthy soils","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138997245","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}
C. Lissu, B. J. Manyanda, Luther Luhongano Lulandala
The smallholder livestock keepers in Tanzania, like any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, depend heavily on the natural pastures that lack quality and nutrients for livestock. Efforts to establish pasture with Bracharia grass in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa to supplement the deficiency are inevitable. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the performance of Brachiaria grass (Mullato II) at Ubiri Village, Lushoto District, Tanzania. The study used two treatments, i.e., the number of harvest and fertility improvement options, whereby Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were used. Data was collected on plant tiller number per bunch, tiller height (m), biomass (tha-1) and leaf area indices per treatment in replications. R software version 3.5.0 was employed to analyse the gathered data sets. We compared the mean difference using the standard error of the mean. The result indicated that tiller height, number of tillers, biomass yield and leaf area index, of the hybrid Brachiaria grass had increased significantly (P<0.05) by 59, 48, 68%, and 76 %, respectively, in the second Harvest (i.e., 22 weeks). It was revealed further that manure fertilisation showed positive effects on the growth response of the grass. The study recommended that the integration of farmyard manure should be promoted in Tanzania and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, a study should be conducted to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the nutritional value of Brachiaria grass in the area studied
{"title":"Effects of Organic Fertilization on Growth Response of Brachiaria (Mulato II) in Lushoto, Tanzania","authors":"C. Lissu, B. J. Manyanda, Luther Luhongano Lulandala","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1584","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1584","url":null,"abstract":"The smallholder livestock keepers in Tanzania, like any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, depend heavily on the natural pastures that lack quality and nutrients for livestock. Efforts to establish pasture with Bracharia grass in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa to supplement the deficiency are inevitable. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the performance of Brachiaria grass (Mullato II) at Ubiri Village, Lushoto District, Tanzania. The study used two treatments, i.e., the number of harvest and fertility improvement options, whereby Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were used. Data was collected on plant tiller number per bunch, tiller height (m), biomass (tha-1) and leaf area indices per treatment in replications. R software version 3.5.0 was employed to analyse the gathered data sets. We compared the mean difference using the standard error of the mean. The result indicated that tiller height, number of tillers, biomass yield and leaf area index, of the hybrid Brachiaria grass had increased significantly (P<0.05) by 59, 48, 68%, and 76 %, respectively, in the second Harvest (i.e., 22 weeks). It was revealed further that manure fertilisation showed positive effects on the growth response of the grass. The study recommended that the integration of farmyard manure should be promoted in Tanzania and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, a study should be conducted to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the nutritional value of Brachiaria grass in the area studied","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138599801","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}
To mitigate the shortage of bee forage and help increase honey production, the use of cultivated perennial and annual nectar and pollen sources is highly important in beekeeping development. The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating and identifying adaptable honey bee forage species for beekeeping development. The planting materials were Aschynomene uniflorum, Miloletus alba, Fagopyrum esculentum, Sinaps alba, and Vicia sativa. The species were evaluated based on germination date, time to set flower, days to 50% flowering, number of flower heads per plant (at 50% flowering of the plant), flowering length (blooming duration), maturity date, and plant height at the flowering stage. Among the five evaluated herbaceous bee forage species, three of them, Aschynomene uniflorum, Fagopyrum esculentum, and Sinaps alba, are adapted and perform well in the most important agronomic parameters. Therefore, the selected bee forage species can be promoted, and beekeepers in the study areas and other areas with similar agroecology can utilise the forage species for beekeeping development. Moreover, evaluation of other agronomic parameters such as seeding rate, fertiliser rate, nectar and/or pollen yield, foraging intensity, and others over different locations of the Borana zone is recommended
为了缓解蜜蜂饲料的短缺，帮助提高蜂蜜产量，利用多年生和一年生栽培的花蜜和花粉源对养蜂业的发展非常重要。本研究旨在评价和鉴定适合养蜂业发展的蜜蜂饲料品种。栽植材料为单花泻泻子、白Miloletus alba、Fagopyrum esculentum、Sinaps alba和Vicia sativa。根据发芽期、坐花时间、开花至50%的天数、每株花头数(开花50%时)、开花长度(开花持续时间)、成熟期和花期株高进行评价。在5种被评价的草本蜜蜂饲料中，Aschynomene uniflorum、Fagopyrum esculentum和Sinaps alba 3种对主要农艺参数适应性较好，且表现良好。因此，可以促进蜜蜂饲料品种的选择，研究区和其他具有类似农业生态的地区的养蜂人可以利用饲料品种发展养蜂业。此外，建议对Borana区不同地点的播种率、施肥量、花蜜和/或花粉产量、觅食强度等其他农艺参数进行评估
{"title":"Herbaceous Bee Forage Adaptation Trail in Lowlands of Borana Zone Southern Oromia","authors":"Wayema Amano, Olyad Daniel, Siraj Kelil","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1558","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1558","url":null,"abstract":"To mitigate the shortage of bee forage and help increase honey production, the use of cultivated perennial and annual nectar and pollen sources is highly important in beekeeping development. The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating and identifying adaptable honey bee forage species for beekeeping development. The planting materials were Aschynomene uniflorum, Miloletus alba, Fagopyrum esculentum, Sinaps alba, and Vicia sativa. The species were evaluated based on germination date, time to set flower, days to 50% flowering, number of flower heads per plant (at 50% flowering of the plant), flowering length (blooming duration), maturity date, and plant height at the flowering stage. Among the five evaluated herbaceous bee forage species, three of them, Aschynomene uniflorum, Fagopyrum esculentum, and Sinaps alba, are adapted and perform well in the most important agronomic parameters. Therefore, the selected bee forage species can be promoted, and beekeepers in the study areas and other areas with similar agroecology can utilise the forage species for beekeeping development. Moreover, evaluation of other agronomic parameters such as seeding rate, fertiliser rate, nectar and/or pollen yield, foraging intensity, and others over different locations of the Borana zone is recommended","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135724870","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}
Denver Masidza Barasa, Nakhumicha Alice, Charles H. O. Angira
Edible-winged termites in Kenya, especially in Kakamega County, are widely consumed and offer an opportunity for food security and income generation during the swarming season. However, the processing and marketing of termites lack scientific evidence on food safety and hygiene, leading to potential contamination. This study was conducted to establish food safety awareness among termite vendors and consumers in Kakamega County. Data was collected through questionnaires and assessment tools, and the results showed that 98% of respondents consume termites, with the majority having secondary-level education and farming as their main occupation. The study revealed that the consumption of raw termites poses more risks compared to cooked termites. Moreover, inadequate food safety practices were observed among vendors, such as lack of handwashing, proper wear, and clean preparation surfaces, which exposes consumers to health risks. The study recommends educating stakeholders in the termite value chain on food safety and hygiene practices and enforcing food safety policies by the government to achieve food safety
{"title":"Food Safety Awareness and Practices Among Vendors and Consumers of Macrotermes subhyalinus","authors":"Denver Masidza Barasa, Nakhumicha Alice, Charles H. O. Angira","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1549","url":null,"abstract":"Edible-winged termites in Kenya, especially in Kakamega County, are widely consumed and offer an opportunity for food security and income generation during the swarming season. However, the processing and marketing of termites lack scientific evidence on food safety and hygiene, leading to potential contamination. This study was conducted to establish food safety awareness among termite vendors and consumers in Kakamega County. Data was collected through questionnaires and assessment tools, and the results showed that 98% of respondents consume termites, with the majority having secondary-level education and farming as their main occupation. The study revealed that the consumption of raw termites poses more risks compared to cooked termites. Moreover, inadequate food safety practices were observed among vendors, such as lack of handwashing, proper wear, and clean preparation surfaces, which exposes consumers to health risks. The study recommends educating stakeholders in the termite value chain on food safety and hygiene practices and enforcing food safety policies by the government to achieve food safety","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135868573","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}
Christabell Isaac, Emmanuel James Matiku, Enock J. Wikety
This study investigated factors affecting smallholder crop farmers' willingness to join crop insurance schemes in Tanzania: a case of Iringa rural district. Specifically, the study examined the awareness of the existing agriculture insurance schemes in the Iringa Rural District. The study's sample size was 88 respondents, where 73 were selected randomly while 15 were selected purposively. A descriptive survey design was applied, where simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data. The quantitative data was analysed using (SPSS) version 21, where descriptive statistics analysis was performed by generating frequency distribution tables, as appropriate, based on objectives. In addition, correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationship between variables. The qualitative data was collected through interviews and was analysed thematically. From the result, the level of awareness has a positive relationship with the willingness of smallholder crop farmers to join crop insurance. Ensuring understanding of the existing agriculture insurance schemes among smallholder crop farmers increases the level of willingness of farmers to join crop insurance in the Iringa Rural District. Also, setting affordable crop insurance prices depending on smallholder farmers' ability to pay increases the willingness of smallholder crop farmers to join agriculture insurance. It was therefore recommended that awareness of insurance premiums be a continuous process since it increases the willingness of farmers to join crop insurance schemes
{"title":"Effects of Awareness Creation on Smallholder Crop Farmers' Willingness to Join Crop Insurance Schemes in Tanzania: A Case of Iringa Rural District","authors":"Christabell Isaac, Emmanuel James Matiku, Enock J. Wikety","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1552","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated factors affecting smallholder crop farmers' willingness to join crop insurance schemes in Tanzania: a case of Iringa rural district. Specifically, the study examined the awareness of the existing agriculture insurance schemes in the Iringa Rural District. The study's sample size was 88 respondents, where 73 were selected randomly while 15 were selected purposively. A descriptive survey design was applied, where simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data. The quantitative data was analysed using (SPSS) version 21, where descriptive statistics analysis was performed by generating frequency distribution tables, as appropriate, based on objectives. In addition, correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationship between variables. The qualitative data was collected through interviews and was analysed thematically. From the result, the level of awareness has a positive relationship with the willingness of smallholder crop farmers to join crop insurance. Ensuring understanding of the existing agriculture insurance schemes among smallholder crop farmers increases the level of willingness of farmers to join crop insurance in the Iringa Rural District. Also, setting affordable crop insurance prices depending on smallholder farmers' ability to pay increases the willingness of smallholder crop farmers to join agriculture insurance. It was therefore recommended that awareness of insurance premiums be a continuous process since it increases the willingness of farmers to join crop insurance schemes","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135819503","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}
Strychnos henningsii is a traditional medicinal plant distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas. It belongs to the family Strychnaceae but formally in the family Loganiaceae. In order to understand the genetic variation across the populations and geographical regions of this plant, RAPD markers were used to assess the genetic diversity in nine populations of this species in Kenya. Two hundred and seventy samples were randomly selected from the nine populations, each comprising thirty individuals. The genetic variation within and among populations was evaluated using RAPD Primers. RAPD markers detected an average of 38.97% polymorphism in all populations studied. The most polymorphic population revealed was Kitui with 75 (55.15 %) polymorphic loci, while Baringo was the least polymorphic population with 25 (25.74%) polymorphic loci detected. The markers also revealed twenty-five specific population loci, which could be responsible for specific population traits. A higher molecular variance was revealed among the population (54%; p<0.001) than within populations 46%; p<0.001). According to Nei’s unbiased genetic matrix, the most genetically close populations were Taita-Taveta and Kitui with the highest genetic identity of 0.955, while Ngong and Baringo populations were the most genetically distant populations with a genetic identity of 0.836. Clustering analysis grouped the nine populations into two groups. Cluster I comprised Kitui, Taveta, Karura, Marsabit, Ngong, Nyeri and Narok. Cluster II consisted of Jirore and Baringo. These results were supported by the principal Coordinate Analysis. However, the clustering analysis did not correlate to the geographical areas of plant collection. The values for genetic diversity (H) and Shannon index (I) obtained from this study ranged from 0.0867-0.1483 and 0.1289 -0.2337, respectively, indicating that a low genetic diversity exists among the S. henningsii genotypes. It is recommended that all existing populations be conserved and further studied conducted using codominance markers to provide more insight into the genetic variation that exists within and among S. henningsii genotypes
{"title":"Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Strychnos henningsii Selected from Nine Populations in Kenya Based on RAPD Markers","authors":"Mary Wahu Kuria","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1497","url":null,"abstract":"Strychnos henningsii is a traditional medicinal plant distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas. It belongs to the family Strychnaceae but formally in the family Loganiaceae. In order to understand the genetic variation across the populations and geographical regions of this plant, RAPD markers were used to assess the genetic diversity in nine populations of this species in Kenya. Two hundred and seventy samples were randomly selected from the nine populations, each comprising thirty individuals. The genetic variation within and among populations was evaluated using RAPD Primers. RAPD markers detected an average of 38.97% polymorphism in all populations studied. The most polymorphic population revealed was Kitui with 75 (55.15 %) polymorphic loci, while Baringo was the least polymorphic population with 25 (25.74%) polymorphic loci detected. The markers also revealed twenty-five specific population loci, which could be responsible for specific population traits. A higher molecular variance was revealed among the population (54%; p<0.001) than within populations 46%; p<0.001). According to Nei’s unbiased genetic matrix, the most genetically close populations were Taita-Taveta and Kitui with the highest genetic identity of 0.955, while Ngong and Baringo populations were the most genetically distant populations with a genetic identity of 0.836. Clustering analysis grouped the nine populations into two groups. Cluster I comprised Kitui, Taveta, Karura, Marsabit, Ngong, Nyeri and Narok. Cluster II consisted of Jirore and Baringo. These results were supported by the principal Coordinate Analysis. However, the clustering analysis did not correlate to the geographical areas of plant collection. The values for genetic diversity (H) and Shannon index (I) obtained from this study ranged from 0.0867-0.1483 and 0.1289 -0.2337, respectively, indicating that a low genetic diversity exists among the S. henningsii genotypes. It is recommended that all existing populations be conserved and further studied conducted using codominance markers to provide more insight into the genetic variation that exists within and among S. henningsii genotypes","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135803847","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}
Amri Swaibu Yusuph, Emmanuel Fred Nzunda, Sixbert Kajumula Mourice, Tommy Dalgaard
Climate change variability and its impact on agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa pose a significant challenge to food security. In Tanzania's semi-arid regions, there is growing concern regarding the use of agroecological Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices by smallholder farmers that adhere to agroecological principles. This study aimed to investigate the use of agroecological CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Tanzania's semi-arid regions, specifically in Dodoma and Tabora regions. In addition, this study sought to identify the key factors influencing the use of these practices to enhance food security, income, and climate resilience. Data were collected from 299 households in Dodoma and Tabora using various methods including questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse factors influencing the usage of agroecological climate-smart agriculture practices. The findings revealed that most households in the study area use agroecological CSA practices. These practices include cereal-legume intercropping, mixed cropping, crop residue retention, crop rotation, and improved seed variety. Water harvesting, terraces, and cover crops were not used by many households. Several factors positively influenced the use of agroecological CSA. They include assistance from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), training in CSA practices, drought perception, access to credit, distance to market, membership in an organisation, education level of the household head, and total household income. To promote the use of agroecological CSA practices, both governments and NGOs should prioritise training programs. Moreover, providing frequent extension services and facilitating easier access to credit for farmers can further support the widespread use of these practices. In doing so, local communities can adapt better to the challenges of climate change, ensuring improved food security and climate resilience in the region
{"title":"Usage of Agroecological Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices among Sorghum and Maize Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Areas in Tanzania","authors":"Amri Swaibu Yusuph, Emmanuel Fred Nzunda, Sixbert Kajumula Mourice, Tommy Dalgaard","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1490","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1490","url":null,"abstract":"Climate change variability and its impact on agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa pose a significant challenge to food security. In Tanzania's semi-arid regions, there is growing concern regarding the use of agroecological Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices by smallholder farmers that adhere to agroecological principles. This study aimed to investigate the use of agroecological CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Tanzania's semi-arid regions, specifically in Dodoma and Tabora regions. In addition, this study sought to identify the key factors influencing the use of these practices to enhance food security, income, and climate resilience. Data were collected from 299 households in Dodoma and Tabora using various methods including questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse factors influencing the usage of agroecological climate-smart agriculture practices. The findings revealed that most households in the study area use agroecological CSA practices. These practices include cereal-legume intercropping, mixed cropping, crop residue retention, crop rotation, and improved seed variety. Water harvesting, terraces, and cover crops were not used by many households. Several factors positively influenced the use of agroecological CSA. They include assistance from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), training in CSA practices, drought perception, access to credit, distance to market, membership in an organisation, education level of the household head, and total household income. To promote the use of agroecological CSA practices, both governments and NGOs should prioritise training programs. Moreover, providing frequent extension services and facilitating easier access to credit for farmers can further support the widespread use of these practices. In doing so, local communities can adapt better to the challenges of climate change, ensuring improved food security and climate resilience in the region","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135696667","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}
Kimako Joseph Richard, Valerian C. K. Silayo, Geoffrey C. Mrema
Sweet potatoes' high perishability after harvesting is one of the major factors limiting their potential. This is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate storage methods. This study aimed to evaluate different storage technologies for the storage stability of white-coloured sweet potato roots under farmers’ conditions in Tanzania. The study was carried out at the Crop Science laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for 77 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The experiment included four treatments: improved traditional raised, woven Polypropylene Bags, bamboo buckets, and ventilated bags. Each treatment was replicated three times. Physiological loss in weight, hardness, total soluble solids, colour, and beta-carotene content were measured at the Food Science laboratory at SUA during the experiment storage period. Analysis of variance and comparison of means for the sample collection was performed using GenStat® Executable release 16 Statistical Analysis Software. White-coloured sweet potato roots stored in ventilated bags and the improved traditional raised platform resulted in a weight loss of 49.4% and 68.7%, respectively. It was also observed that the improved traditional raised platform had a significantly high total soluble content /concentration, with a value of 21.27% while Ventilated bags resulted in a Total soluble solid content of 17.02 %, which was significantly low. Furthermore, results show that Ventilated bags had the lowest beta carotene content (8.72 µg/g) compared to other treatments. The findings of this study strongly suggest that storing white-coloured sweet potato roots in ventilated bags is an appropriate method. In the context of the current study, further research on different sweet potato roots packaging materials is recommended
{"title":"Performance Evaluation of Different Storage Technologies on Storage Stability of White-Coloured Sweet Potato Roots Under Farmers’ Conditions in Tanzania","authors":"Kimako Joseph Richard, Valerian C. K. Silayo, Geoffrey C. Mrema","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1473","url":null,"abstract":"Sweet potatoes' high perishability after harvesting is one of the major factors limiting their potential. This is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate storage methods. This study aimed to evaluate different storage technologies for the storage stability of white-coloured sweet potato roots under farmers’ conditions in Tanzania. The study was carried out at the Crop Science laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for 77 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The experiment included four treatments: improved traditional raised, woven Polypropylene Bags, bamboo buckets, and ventilated bags. Each treatment was replicated three times. Physiological loss in weight, hardness, total soluble solids, colour, and beta-carotene content were measured at the Food Science laboratory at SUA during the experiment storage period. Analysis of variance and comparison of means for the sample collection was performed using GenStat® Executable release 16 Statistical Analysis Software. White-coloured sweet potato roots stored in ventilated bags and the improved traditional raised platform resulted in a weight loss of 49.4% and 68.7%, respectively. It was also observed that the improved traditional raised platform had a significantly high total soluble content /concentration, with a value of 21.27% while Ventilated bags resulted in a Total soluble solid content of 17.02 %, which was significantly low. Furthermore, results show that Ventilated bags had the lowest beta carotene content (8.72 µg/g) compared to other treatments. The findings of this study strongly suggest that storing white-coloured sweet potato roots in ventilated bags is an appropriate method. In the context of the current study, further research on different sweet potato roots packaging materials is recommended","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135198987","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}
Eugene O. Olung’ati, Samuel O. Gudu, Mercy Mumbua Joseph, Evans Ouma, Julius Ochuodho, Oliver Kiplagat, Kurgat Kiplagat
Maize is an important cereal crop rated third to rice and wheat on the global scale of agricultural production. It is use spans a vast array of industrial as well as domestic uses, with its consumption as food and feed being the primary reason for its cultivation This globally produced and consumed commodity is however faced with an array of biotic and abiotic constraints with regard to its production, such as MSV, MLND, Smut, Lepidopteron pests, soil acidity, P deficiency, poor rains and drought. This study aimed at assessing tolerance, heterosis, and heritability of Al toxicity tolerance in the laboratory for MSV/AL single crosses in terms of Net root length. The research methodology followed the Magnavaca protocol for Al tolerance screening in nutrient solution. The genotypes in the study varied significantly in terms of response under Al toxicity, with 22.58% tolerant, 19.35% moderately tolerant, and 58.6% being susceptible. From the study, 22.6% of the single crosses were found to be tolerant to the stress under controlled condition and 12.9% were found to have positive heterosis for the trait. While all the female parents were tolerant except AO809, only one male (54B) was moderately tolerant, this could have led to the low heritability expressed by the single crosses for the trait. The identified single crosses should be further screened for tolerance and heterosis in the field. However, this study showed low heritability for Al tolerance (estimated at 16.9%) when crossing is done between susceptible and tolerant genotypes
{"title":"Tolerance, Heritability, and Heterosis for Aluminium Toxicity Tolerance for ALXMSV Maize Single Crosses","authors":"Eugene O. Olung’ati, Samuel O. Gudu, Mercy Mumbua Joseph, Evans Ouma, Julius Ochuodho, Oliver Kiplagat, Kurgat Kiplagat","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1471","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1471","url":null,"abstract":"Maize is an important cereal crop rated third to rice and wheat on the global scale of agricultural production. It is use spans a vast array of industrial as well as domestic uses, with its consumption as food and feed being the primary reason for its cultivation This globally produced and consumed commodity is however faced with an array of biotic and abiotic constraints with regard to its production, such as MSV, MLND, Smut, Lepidopteron pests, soil acidity, P deficiency, poor rains and drought. This study aimed at assessing tolerance, heterosis, and heritability of Al toxicity tolerance in the laboratory for MSV/AL single crosses in terms of Net root length. The research methodology followed the Magnavaca protocol for Al tolerance screening in nutrient solution. The genotypes in the study varied significantly in terms of response under Al toxicity, with 22.58% tolerant, 19.35% moderately tolerant, and 58.6% being susceptible. From the study, 22.6% of the single crosses were found to be tolerant to the stress under controlled condition and 12.9% were found to have positive heterosis for the trait. While all the female parents were tolerant except AO809, only one male (54B) was moderately tolerant, this could have led to the low heritability expressed by the single crosses for the trait. The identified single crosses should be further screened for tolerance and heterosis in the field. However, this study showed low heritability for Al tolerance (estimated at 16.9%) when crossing is done between susceptible and tolerant genotypes","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135537781","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}
Annah Nawambisa Manyasi, Ndiema Alice Chesambu, James Bill Ouda, Stephen O. Odebero
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategies to be employed to mitigate challenges facing students in selection and progression in agriculture careers in tertiary institutions of Bungoma and Kakamega counties, Kenya. Further, the study formulated a conceptual framework based on the research variables, which also aided the formulation of hypotheses. Using a pragmatic philosophical standpoint as a lens, the study applied convergent design and convergent exploratory strategy for data collection, coupled with mixed methods applying both quantitative and qualitative for triangulation. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview protocols. Due diligence was taken into consideration while collecting and processing data to ensure both the reliability and validity of the study. The study used both descriptive and inferential techniques to analyse the collected data. Thematic analysis was appropriately used to guide and validate the contributions of the study. The greatest challenge to progression was poor Ministry policies on program selection in agriculture subjects in secondary schools of Kakamega and Bungoma Counties. The study revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture could review salary scales and create more job opportunities while the Ministry of Education could make agricultural programs business-oriented and lower entry grades to university or Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions, among other issues. The model coefficient analysis on strategies showed that creating more jobs (β=.221, p<.05), career guiding and counselling (β=.392, p<.05) and provision of scholarships (β=.137, p<.05) were some of the significant strategies to mitigate challenges facing progression in an agricultural career. The findings imply that the mentioned significant strategies are effective in mitigating challenges to progression in agricultural careers. The results obtained should guide efforts for suggesting strategies to promote the career progression of students in agricultural programs in Kenya and inform policymakers on the re-orientation of agriculture education
{"title":"Strategies to Mitigate Challenges Facing Students in Selection and Progression in Agriculture Career in Tertiary Institutions of Kenya","authors":"Annah Nawambisa Manyasi, Ndiema Alice Chesambu, James Bill Ouda, Stephen O. Odebero","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1448","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1448","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategies to be employed to mitigate challenges facing students in selection and progression in agriculture careers in tertiary institutions of Bungoma and Kakamega counties, Kenya. Further, the study formulated a conceptual framework based on the research variables, which also aided the formulation of hypotheses. Using a pragmatic philosophical standpoint as a lens, the study applied convergent design and convergent exploratory strategy for data collection, coupled with mixed methods applying both quantitative and qualitative for triangulation. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview protocols. Due diligence was taken into consideration while collecting and processing data to ensure both the reliability and validity of the study. The study used both descriptive and inferential techniques to analyse the collected data. Thematic analysis was appropriately used to guide and validate the contributions of the study. The greatest challenge to progression was poor Ministry policies on program selection in agriculture subjects in secondary schools of Kakamega and Bungoma Counties. The study revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture could review salary scales and create more job opportunities while the Ministry of Education could make agricultural programs business-oriented and lower entry grades to university or Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions, among other issues. The model coefficient analysis on strategies showed that creating more jobs (β=.221, p<.05), career guiding and counselling (β=.392, p<.05) and provision of scholarships (β=.137, p<.05) were some of the significant strategies to mitigate challenges facing progression in an agricultural career. The findings imply that the mentioned significant strategies are effective in mitigating challenges to progression in agricultural careers. The results obtained should guide efforts for suggesting strategies to promote the career progression of students in agricultural programs in Kenya and inform policymakers on the re-orientation of agriculture education","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134886890","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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