Showing papers in "Agricultural and Food Science in 2018"

Millets: a solution to agrarian and nutritional challenges

Abstract: World is facing agrarian as well as nutritional challenges. Agricultural lands with irrigation facilities have been exploited to maximum, and hence we need to focus on dry lands to further increase grain production. Owing to low fertility, utilization of dry lands to produce sufficient quality grains is a big challenge. Millets as climate change compliant crops score highly over other grains like wheat and rice in terms of marginal growing conditions and high nutritional value. These nutri-cereals abode vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phyto-chemicals and antioxidants that can help to eradicate the plethora of nutritional deficiency diseases. Millets cultivation can keep dry lands productive and ensure future food and nutritional security.

Climate change impacts and adaptation among smallholder farmers in Central America

Abstract: Smallholder farmers are one of the most vulnerable groups to climate change, yet efforts to support farmer adaptation are hindered by the lack of information on how they are experiencing and responding to climate change. More information is needed on how different types of smallholder farmers vary in their perceptions and responses to climate change, and how to tailor adaptation programs to different smallholder farmer contexts. We surveyed 860 smallholder coffee and basic grain (maize/bean) farmers across six Central American landscapes to understand farmer perceptions of climate change and the impacts they are experiencing, how they are changing their agricultural systems in response to climate change, and their adaptation needs. Almost all (95%) of the surveyed smallholder farmers have observed climate change, and most are already experiencing impacts of rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather events on crop yields, pest and disease incidence, income generation and, in some cases, food security. For example, 87% of maize farmers and 66% of coffee farmers reported negative impacts of climate change on crop production, and 32% of all smallholder farmers reported food insecurity following extreme weather events. Of the farmers perceiving changes in climate, 46% indicated that they had changed their farming practices in response to climate change, with the most common adaptation measure being the planting of trees. There was significant heterogeneity among farmers in the severity of climate change impacts, their responses to these impacts, and their adaptation needs. This heterogeneity likely reflects the wide diversity of socioeconomic and biophysical contexts across smallholder farms and landscapes. Our study demonstrates that climate change is already having significant adverse impacts on smallholder coffee and basic grain farmers across the Central American region. There is an urgent need for governments, donors and practitioners to ramp up efforts to help smallholder farmers cope with existing climate impacts and build resiliency to future changes. Our results also highlight the importance of tailoring of climate adaptation policies and programs to the diverse socioeconomic conditions, biophysical contexts, and climatic stresses that smallholder farmers face.

Agricultural extension and its effects on farm productivity and income: insight from Northern Ghana

Abstract: In agricultural-dependent economies, extension programmes have been the main conduit for disseminating information on farm technologies, support rural adult learning and assist farmers in developing their farm technical and managerial skills. It is expected that extension programmes will help increase farm productivity, farm revenue, reduce poverty and minimize food insecurity. In this study, we estimate the effects of extension services on farm productivity and income with particular reference to agricultural extension services delivered by Association of Church-based Development NGOs (ACDEP). The study used cross-sectional data collected from 200 farm households from two districts in the Northern region of Ghana. The robustness of the estimates was tested by the use of regression on covariates, regression on propensity scores and Heckman treatment effect model. The study found positive economic gains from participating in the ACDEP agricultural extension programmes. Apart from the primary variable of interest (ACDEP agricultural extension programme), socio-economic, institutional and farm-specific variables were estimated to significantly affect farmers’ farm income depending on the estimation technique used. The study has reaffirmed the critical role of extension programmes in enhancing farm productivity and household income. It is, therefore, recommended that agricultural extension service delivery should be boosted through timely recruitment, periodic training of agents and provision of adequate logistics.

The role of crop diversification in improving household food security in central Malawi

Abstract: This paper concerns the role of crop diversification in improving household food security in central Malawi. In this country, the agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder farming and rain-fed food production systems that are facing increasing challenges from land degradation and declining soil fertility. Maize is the staple food crop, and as such, the majority of farmers grow it regardless of land suitability. This has led to what scientists have labeled as “maize poverty trap.” In the event of prolonged drought, maize fails thus leaving farmers food insecure. However, research in Sub-Saharan Africa has shown that crop diversification provides smallholder farmers with a diversity of diet, improves their income, and nutrition security. Due to increased cases of malnutrition and food insecurity, in the wake of climate change, government of Malawi has in the past few years intensified extension efforts for crop diversification. The study is based on a sample of 271 randomly selected smallholder farming households from central Malawi. It investigates the influence of crop diversification and other household socioeconomic characteristics on the household Food Consumption Score and Household Food Insecurity Access Score. In our analysis, we rely heavily on a combination of ordinary least squares techniques and some descriptive statistics. Our results show that crop diversification, cattle ownership, access to credit and attaining of education have a positive and significant effect on the household Food Consumption Score. Precisely, crop diversification, cattle ownership and access to credit are all significant at 5% level, while education is significant at 10%. In addition, crop diversification and attaining of formal education by household head were found to have a negative and significant effect on Household Food Insecurity Access Score and were all significant at 1% level. Based on our study findings, we conclude that crop diversification is one viable option in smallholder farming that can ensure establishment of resilient agricultural systems that can contribute significantly to household food security. In terms of policy, the results imply that the current efforts by government of Malawi to intensify promotion of crop diversification should remain a priority policy direction due to the continued malnutrition and food insecurity threat. This is particularly so in this era of climate variability that poses an extra burden to farmers.

Salicylic acid alleviates salinity-caused damage to foliar functions, plant growth and antioxidant system in Ethiopian mustard ( Brassica carinata A. Br.)

Abstract: Soil salinity is considered as one of the major environmental factors that has reduced plant productivity worldwide This study investigates the impact of salinity on plant growth attributes, biochemical and physiological leaf characteristics in two cultivars (Adet and Merawi) of Brassica carinata and also explores the role of salicylic acid (SA) in mitigating the effect of salt stress Four-week-old cultivars were treated with NaCl (50, 100 and 150 mM) and SA (05 mM) and watered regularly with 100% field capacity Thus, they were grown under eight different treatments (T1 = no NaCl, no SA; T2 = 0 mM NaCl with 05 mM SA; T3 = 50 mM NaCl without SA; T4 = 50 mM NaCl with 05 mM SA; T5 = 100 mM NaCl without SA; T6 = 100 mM NaCl with 05 mM SA; T7 = 150 mM NaCl without SA; and T8 = 150 mM NaCl with 05 mM SA) Nine-week-old cultivars were sampled for analyzing the growth attributes, plant water status, nitrate reductase activity, proline accumulation, photosynthetic traits, lipid peroxidation level and activity of antioxidant enzymes Salinity treatments hampered the overall plant growth performance in a dose-dependent manner Salinity also reduced photosynthetic efficiency by inhibiting chlorophyll synthesis, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic and transpiration rates and plant water status On the other hand, SA application alleviated the adverse effects of salinity and improved the performance of the studied parameters in both the cultivars Higher dose of salinity increased proline production, but SA application mitigates this impact in both the cultivars studied The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased under salt stress in a dose-dependent manner SA treatment to normal or salinity-stressed plants increased the enzymes activity, showing that SA has a crucial role in modulating the cell redox balance and protecting the plants from oxidative damage SA significantly reduced the salinity-caused effects on the overall performance of plants and their antioxidant systems in both the cultivars Of the two cultivars, Adet was more tolerant to salinity than Merawi Foliar application of SA improved the performance of Ethiopian mustard cultivars and mitigated the damage caused by salt stress

Concentration and formation behavior of naturally occurring formaldehyde in foods

Abstract: In recent years, formaldehyde is reported to be widely used as a food preservative to increase the shelf life of fruits and fishes in tropical countries. Formaldehyde is detrimental to human health. Hence, use of formaldehyde as a food preservative is legally prohibited in most of the countries. To regulate formaldehyde application in foods, the regulatory bodies often conduct on-the-spot analytical tests to detect artificially added formaldehyde in food items. However, formaldehyde is ubiquitous in the environment and is present in many animal and plant species as a product of their normal metabolism. This naturally occurring formaldehyde may interfere in the detection of artificially added formaldehyde in foods. It is, therefore, important to study the concentration and formation mechanism of naturally occurring formaldehyde in food items. In this study, the formaldehyde contents of food samples were determined using spectrophotometric technique. The naturally occurring formaldehyde contents of a wide range of fruit, vegetable, milk, poultry, mutton and meat samples were determined. In addition, formaldehyde contents of processed food items, such as: cooked beef and poultry, beverages, and commercially available UHT milk and powdered milk samples, were also assessed and analyzed. The naturally occurring formaldehyde contents of fruit, vegetable, milk, poultry, mutton and meat samples were found up to 58.3, 40.6, 5.2, 8.2, 15.2 and 8.5 ppm, respectively. Formaldehyde contents of commercially available UHT milk, powdered milk, beverages, cooked beef and poultry were found up to 187.7, 194.1, 21.7, 4.3 and 4.0 ppm, respectively. This study also analyzed the time dynamic behavior of the formation of endogenous formaldehyde content of banana (AAB genome of Musa spp.), mandarin and beef. The experimental results provide a baseline data of natural occurring formaldehyde content of the analyzed food items. The formation behavior of formaldehyde may vary according to food types, storage temperature, storing time, and aging pattern of the food items. The findings of this study will be useful for the consumers, researchers, legal authorities and other stakeholders working on food safety and preservation.

Effect of climate-smart agricultural practices on household food security in smallholder production systems: micro-level evidence from Kenya

Abstract: Climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa has had a negative impact on agricultural production leading to food insecurity. Climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices have the potential to reverse this trend because of its triple potential benefits of improved productivity and high income, reduction or removal of greenhouse gases and improved household food security. Hence, we empirically find the determinants of choice and the effect of CSAs on household food security among smallholder farmers in Kenya. Primary data were collected in Teso North Sub-county, Busia County of Kenya, among smallholder farmers. CSA practices used by farmers were grouped by principal component analysis and linked to food security by multinomial endogenous switching regression model. With the application of principal component analysis, we clustered the CSA practices into 4 components: crop management, field management, farm risk reduction and soil management practices. We find that the greatest effect of CSA adoption by smallholder farmers on food security is when they use a larger package that contains all the four categories of practices. Adopters of this package were 56.83% more food secure in terms of HFCS and 25.44% in terms of HDDS. This package mitigates upon the impacts of climate change as well as enhancing nutrient availability in the soils for higher productivity. Further, adoption of this package was positively influenced by gender of the household head, farm size and value of productive farm assets. CSAs have the potential to alleviate food insecurity among smallholder farmers if used in combinations and to a larger extend. To enhance adoption, land fragmentation should be discouraged through civic education and provision of alternative income-generating activities for farmers to benefit when practiced on relatively bigger land. Farmers should be sensitized on the need to invest in farm productive assets in order to absorb the risks of climate change while enhancing adoption of CSA practices.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates on grain yield and nitrogen uptake and use efficiency of bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) varieties on the Vertisols of central highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract: Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients limiting yield of bread wheat in Ethiopian highlands. Application of a large amount of N fertilizer has been a method of increasing yield in the study area which is costly and can cause environmental pollution. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) to evaluate the effect of N application rates on grain yield, nitrogen uptake and N use efficiency of bread wheat varieties. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of four rates of nitrogen (0, 120, 240 and 360 kg ha−1) and three popular wheat varieties (Menze, Tsehay and ET-13) in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The two-way interaction of year and N rate, N rate and variety significantly affected grain nitrogen concentration. The interaction of year and variety and N rate and variety affected grain and straw nitrogen concentrations, respectively. The three-way interaction of year, N fertilizer rate and variety significantly affected (P < 0.01) grain yield, grain and total nitrogen uptake, agronomic efficiency, agro-physiological efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency. The highest grain yield (5718.32 kg ha−1) was obtained from variety Menze at N rate of 360 kg ha−1 in 2015 which was statistically at par with the application of 240 kg N ha−1 and with variety Tsehay at N rate of 240 and 360 kg N ha−1 during the same growing season. The highest grain and straw (2.7 and 0.35%, respectively) nitrogen concentration were produced by variety Tsehay at N rate of 360 kg ha−1. The highest apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency was recorded for variety Tsehay at N rate of 120 kg ha−1 in both growing seasons. Hence, it could be concluded that varieties Menze and Tsehay produced the highest grain yield followed by variety ET-13. All wheat varieties tested did not show a significant variation in most of the nitrogen use efficiency parameters, and these efficiency parameters decreased with the increasing rate of N beyond 120 kg ha−1 in both growing seasons.

Determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in Eastern Tigray Region of Ethiopia

Abstract: In Ethiopia, farm households engage and pursue diverse off-farm and non-farm livelihood activities to cope with diverse challenges such as drought. Due to the unstable and meagre agricultural context of the study area, farm income alone could not feed the ever increasing population. Without adopting context based livelihood diversification strategies; the challenge it presents could neither meet nor attain household food security and improve livelihood security. The objective of the study was to analyse the determinants of livelihood diversification strategies among rural households in Eastern Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the study sites and 485 sample respondents. Data were triangulated with information collected using focus group discussion and key informants interview to draw qualitative conclusion. Majority (83.1%) of the farmers were able to diversify their livelihoods into either off-farm or non-farm or combined income activities, whereas the remaining 16.91% of the households were unable to diversify; often lacking the means to engage in any form of income-generating activity apart from agricultural activities. Results of the multinomial logistic regression model revealed that households choice and adoption of livelihood diversification strategies were positively affected by households level of education, access to credit, income, membership to cooperatives, land size, and farm input use, whereas age, dependency ratio, family size, access to extension services, distance to market, livestock ownership and agro-ecology negatively affected. Diversification into non-farm activities plays a significant role in the context of inadequate and rain-fed-dependent agricultural income households. Households who diversified their livelihood activities are the ones who able to build better asset and less vulnerable than the undiversified ones. Smallholder farmers’ food security and livelihood improvement can only be realized if the government give due attention and put the right policy measures in place that support non-farm livelihood diversification as part of national job creation for saving life of many people and better livelihood.

Climate change and potential impacts on agriculture in Bhutan: a discussion of pertinent issues

Abstract: The Himalayan country of Bhutan is typically an agrarian country with about 57% of the people depending on agriculture. However, farming has been constrained by the mountainous topography and rapid changes in environmental variabilities. With climate change, agricultural production and food security is likely to face one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century. The country has already been experiencing some impacts of climate change, such as crop loss to unusual outbreaks of diseases and pests, erratic rainfalls, windstorms, hail storms, droughts, flash floods and landslides annually. In 1996, rice farmers in high-altitude areas were devastated with 80–90% crop loss to blast disease. Turcicum leaf blight of maize in 2007 damaged more than 50% of the farmers’ harvest. Also, in 2008, a severe windstorm flattened all maize crops belonging to hundreds of households. These were some gruesome reminders of the impacts of climate change that continues to threaten farming in Bhutan. The current agricultural practices are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their total dependence on monsoon rains and shorter growing periods. The mountainous topography makes the country more vulnerable due to large climatic swings in the mountainous ecosystem. Field evidences have also shown that shifts in cropping pattern are taking place across agroecologies, thus indicating that farming in Bhutan is quite stressed. Further, climate modelling outputs have projected that there is likely to be marked changes in the pattern of precipitation and upward trend in temperatures. In the mountainous topography of Bhutan, food production is a challenge and the impacts of climate change are likely to add to the burdens of farming. Since climate change impacts are already being felt, it is of paramount importance to focus on research works to understand and mitigate the impacts. The information generated from this study could contribute to both short- and long-term planning and policy development works related to food security and climate change in the near future.

Bioactive compounds, food applications and health benefits of Parkia speciosa (stinky beans): a review

Abstract: The plant community comprises certain underutilized plant species which has proven to be beneficial to human health. Parkia speciosa is considered as one of the highly underutilized plants with multidimensional utility and benefits. The nutritional composition of the seeds is substantial with rich proteins (6.0–27.5%), fats (1.6–13.3%), carbohydrates (68.3–68.7%), minerals (0.5–0.8%) and fibers (1.7–2.0%). Edible part (100 g) contains essential minerals like calcium (108–265.1 mg), magnesium (29 mg), potassium (341 mg), phosphorous (115 mg), and iron (2.2–2.7 mg) required for different metabolic reactions in human body. Bioactive compounds like phenols [51.9–84.24 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g], flavonoids [47.4–49.6 mg retinol equivalent (RE)/100 g on dry weight basis], terpenoids like β-sitosterol (3.42% of fatty acid content), stigmasterol (2.18% of fatty acid content), lupeol (0.71% of fatty acid content), campesterol (2.29% of fatty acid content) are also present. These bioactive compounds and peptides possess different medicinal properties like anti-hypertensive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-microbial activity and antinociceptive. P. speciosa is traditionally consumed as vegetable, salad and in boiled form. Rich nutrient value and photochemistry suggest that there is tremendous need of scientific work to explore its food utilization. The review describes nutritional, phytochemical compound and the potential of P. speciosa for functional food formulation.

Water purification and antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera Lam

Abstract: Plants are rich in secondary metabolites and are being used for the treatment of various ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. Many developing countries are facing illnesses, and deaths among children are caused by germs, which get into the mouth via water and food. In addition, it has been estimated that up to 80% of all disease and sickness in the world is caused by inadequate sanitation, polluted water or unavailability of water. Thus, this study investigates the water purifying property of Moringa oleifera seed powder and determines the role of seed extracts against a few bacterial growths. Water samples were obtained randomly during January and February, 2015, from the Angereb and Shinta rivers, Gondar, Ethiopia. Both sites of water samples were subjected for purification studies and treated with dried seed powder. Treated water samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis using most probable number technique. Addition of aluminum sulfate as a coagulant lowered the water pH from 7.2 to 3.66, while the seed extract water pH remained the same. Treatment of 0.016 g/L of M. oleifera decreased water turbidity from 208.3 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 33.66 NTU (83.84%) and from 129 NTU to 16.8 NTU (86.98%) for the Shinta and Angereb river water samples, respectively. The highest microbial load reduction was found with the Angereb (97.17%) and Shinta (97.50%) rivers. The acetone extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with 19.00 mm against Salmonella typhii (clinical isolate), while Shigella dysenteriae (clinical isolate) was the least sensitive with 7.66 mm on the aqueous extract. The most frequent MIC value was 6.25 mg/mL followed by 12.5 mg/mL. The acetone extract is the most potent in inhibiting and killing the test organisms at a very low concentration for Shigella typhii. Taken together, the seed powder exhibits a remarkable reduction in turbidity and coliform count which makes the seed powder a good source for water purification. The acetone extract of seed had a strong antibacterial activity. It reveals that the seed powder and its extract can control and reduce waterborne bacterial diseases. This investigation facilitates benefits to those who cannot afford and or have access to clean drinking water in Ethiopia and elsewhere.

Crop diversification and household food security status: evidence from rural Benin

Abstract: The government of Benin has initiated since 2006 many policies to promote crop diversification. The aim was to help rural household to be more resilient to food insecurity. The objective of this research is to determine how crop diversification has affected the food security status of the rural household. Primary data from 420 rural households were collected in the Collines Region in Benin. We use principal component analysis (PCA) to construct a multidimensional food security indices and a Simpson diversity index has been used to measure the degree of crop diversification. A linear regression model was used to determine the effect of crop diversification on household food security status. We found that crop diversification has a positive effect on household food security status. The diversity of crops grown through dietary diversity can improve household food security. In rural remote areas where household access to food depends largely on it production, crop diversification provides farmers with the different crops that they cannot access either because of the cost or because of the poor infrastructure constraints (physical access). Beyond, the results also show that some other factors are also affecting the household food security status such as access to extension services and storage facilities.

Potassium (K)-to-magnesium (Mg) ratio, its spatial variability and implications to potential Mg-induced K deficiency in Nitisols of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract: Potassium (K) availability depends on exchangeable K and relative amounts of other cations. Yet, the latter has mostly been overlooked. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate availability and spatial distribution of soil K in Nitisols of Wolaita area, southern Ethiopia, with particular regard to emphasis on assessing the potential for magnesium (Mg)-induced K deficiency. About 789 soil samples were investigated and mapped using ordinary kriging method. The result showed that 14.8% of the samples were K-deficient based on exchangeable K rating, whereas the K deficiency due to antagonistic effects of Mg was 54%. The spatial analysis also revealed that 68% of the study area (i.e., 57, 120 ha) has shown Mg-induced K deficiency. The finding is against the long belief that soils of the study area and the country contain sufficient quantity of K. The findings of this study imply the need for inclusive approach while assessing the K status of soils and also call for greater attention toward K fertilizer intervention that was not in place in the study area. Nonetheless, further study including fertilizer application rates is suggested.

Agricultural mechanization, a key to food security in developing countries: strategy formulating for Iran

Abstract: Mechanization is a multi-dimensional concept and widely used in agriculture. There is, however, a major difference between the application of mechanization in developed and developing countries The developing countries tend to design their own strategies in food security given the challenges they face in all aspects of their economy including feeding a growing population, reducing poverty, protecting the environment, managing the effects of climate change and fighting malnutrition all which may further contribute to a reduction in economic growth and political instability. The goal of the strategies, with the help of appropriate technologies, is to lead to a sustainable agricultural development and, ultimately, food security. The policy making in each country should be based on its own conditions. This article uses Iran as an example of a developing country and considers the country’s specific climate as well as political and economic conditions to present development-oriented policies for achieving sustainable food security based on agricultural mechanization that may be adaptable to other developing countries. The main objective of this paper is to identify and provide guidelines to the current and future challenges of Iran’s food security, and it argues that for any strategy to succeed in producing a sustainable agricultural production, it will need a proper analysis and a formulation of an appropriate mechanization plan. To achieve the objective of a self-sustaining agricultural mechanization strategy, a SWOT analysis technique was used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and help us provide a framework by which policies can be defined. The framework includes internal and external factors that affect the development of agricultural mechanization and seek to provide ideas for agricultural development with the help of mechanization. These factors were then prioritized using the Hierarchical Analysis Method, and based on the obtained results, the final strategies were extracted and prioritized by the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a multi-criteria decision analysis method. According to the results, weaknesses and threats were the most important factors. Environmental threats, especially water shortages, economic problems as well as availability of the mechanization fleet and compatibility of the equipment within the country’s agricultural system were identified as the most important factors affecting the agricultural development. In order to achieve sustainable food security, with regards to the identified factors the necessary recommendations and Governmental-support policies in the agricultural sector were presented: 1. reforming the country’s planting pattern according to the climatic conditions considering the relative advantage of agricultural production, 2. modernizing the mechanization fleet; 3. investing in research and development of agriculture and modern knowledge; the production and import of agricultural machinery and modern technologies according to their suitability with the country's conditions and future needs of the country; strengthening of the supply chain and maintenance services.

Small Farmers’ Preferences for Weather Index Insurance: Insights from Kenya

Abstract: Smallholder farmers in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks but often lack access to agricultural insurance. Weather index insurance (WII) could reduce some of the problems associated with traditional, indemnity-based insurance programs, but uptake has been lower than expected. One reason is that WII contracts are not yet sufficiently tailored to the needs and preferences of smallholder farmers. This study combines survey and choice-experimental data from Kenya to analyze the experience with an existing WII program and how specific changes in the contractual design might encourage uptake. Many smallholders struggle with fully understanding the functioning of the program, which undermines their confidence. Regular provision of relevant rainfall measurements and thresholds would significantly increase farmers’ willingness to pay for WII. Mechanisms to reduce basis risk are also positively valued by farmers, although not to the same extent as higher levels of transparency. Finally, offering contracts to small groups rather than individual farmers could increase insurance uptake. Better training on WII and regular communication are needed. Group contracts may help to reduce transaction costs. Farmer groups can also be important platforms for learning about complex innovations, including novel risk transfer products. These concrete results are specific to Kenya; however, they provide some broader policy-relevant insights into typical issues of WII in a small-farm context.

Sugarcane expansion and farmland prices in São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract: Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer, and its production is concentrated in south-central and northeast regions, particularly in the state of Sao Paulo. The land use change, principally from the increasing sugarcane production, may reflect in the farmland prices. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent to which agricultural land prices in Sao Paulo are determined by variations in cultivation and prices of three products that represent a significant share of agriculture in the state: sugarcane, soy and corn, in a low-inflation environment. Analysis is based on data from the Rural Development Offices (EDR) from 1997 to 2013. A simple panel data model is constructed with land price as the dependent variable, subdivided, according to the definition of the Sao Paulo State Institute of Agricultural Economics, into first- and second-class croplands. Cultivation area, unit price of the products, and lease value are explanatory variables, according to each crop. Inflation and the overall production value of Sao Paulo’s farming production, excluding the production values of corn, soy and sugarcane, also serve as explanatory variables. The results show that in Sao Paulo, although part of the land price variation can be explained by the variables associated with their productive use, the impact of inflation indicates that land’s function in storing value contributes significantly to land prices. The most prominent conclusion is that expansion in sugarcane cultivation has led to higher farmland prices in the state of Sao Paulo.

Determinants of crop–livestock diversification in the mixed farming systems: evidence from central highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract: This paper devotes to determinants of crop–livestock diversification in the mixed farming systems in the Gudo Beret watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. In the highland agro-ecologies, the mixed farming-dominated agriculture is persistently confronted with food insecurity, feed scarcity and land degradation. During heavy rains or drought periods, farmers become vulnerable to food and feed shortfalls. To fill such gaps, the government of Ethiopia has made efforts to enhance the productive capacity of soils and thereby increase productivity on diversified farms in different agro-systems. Anthropogenic and natural calamities adversely affect the livelihoods of smallholders in general and crop–livestock systems in particular. The aim of this study is to examine the determinants of crop–livestock diversification and evaluate the link between farm activities and household food supplies. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 211 randomly selected household-heads in Gudo Beret watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and econometric models were employed for analysis. Tobit model results revealed that livestock holding is positive and significantly influence the extent of crop–livestock diversification at 1% significant level. Extension contact and irrigated land are also positive and significantly influence the extent of diversification at 5% level, while land rent-out, improved seed and soil fertility status are negative and significantly influence the crop–livestock diversification at 1, 5, and 5% significant levels. Ordinary least square regression results show that barley, wheat- and faba bean-based farming have positive correlation and significant effects on the household food energy, while vegetables and highland fruits production have negative correlation with the household food supply and significant at 1% level. Crop–livestock diversification is the best potential livelihood strategy for farm households. Barley, wheat and faba bean are the most dominant crops that have immense contribution for human nutrition and crop residue mainly used to feed livestock. Therefore, crop–livestock producers, agricultural practitioners, the Ethiopian government and partner organizations need to give due attention for agricultural extension service, investment for supplementary irrigation and integrated mixed crop–livestock systems.

Determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in Borena pastoralist communities of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract: Livelihood diversification strategies play a key role in development process. However, identification of the factors that determine households’ choice of livelihood strategies of pastoralists has received little attention. This research was therefore proposed with the aim of generating location specific data on livelihood strategies and its determinants in Borena district of southern Oromia, Ethiopia. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 110 household heads from three kebeles of Borena district. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model have been employed to analyze the data. The income portfolio analysis revealed that pastoral production still plays a leading role by contributing higher share of the total household income. Different socioeconomic characteristics of the household significantly influence the level of livelihood diversification. Age of household head, farm input use, extension contact, market access, credit access and owned cattle size are the main factors. Therefore, household livelihoods are highly diverse and policy makers need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting this diversity and they should empower pastoralists to engage with policy formulation on more appropriate pastoral legislation that protect pastoral land rights and sustainable livelihoods options.

Food insecurity of rural households in Boset district of Ethiopia: a suite of indicators analysis

Abstract: Despite several efforts made so far to improve the overall food insecurity situation, the challenge is still a major problem in Ethiopia since a long time ago Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the food insecurity situation and identify the determinants among the rural households of Boset district To this end, 397 household heads were selected through systematic sampling technique from six sample kebeles In addition, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and personal observations were also used to supplement the survey data Then, the food insecurity status of households was measured with a suite of indicators The results revealed that 265%, 217%, and 413% of respondents were highly food insecure through Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and Household Dietary Diversity Score, respectively On top of these, 569%, 461%, and 640% of the respondents did not have access to water supply, not owned latrine, and dispose waste in an unsafe way, respectively Furthermore, results from the inferential statistics showed that educational status, farmland size, total annual income, distance from health facilities, and the availability of supporting organizations were positively associated with household food security situation, while access to irrigable land, frequent drought, distance to input/output markets, and distance to road transport were negatively associated From the study findings it can be observed that all the dimensions of food (in)security should be focused for effective intervention More specifically, those determinants with both positive and negative associations with food security may deserve the attention of the local authorities Similarly, there is a need for a reorientation of an approach which is beyond a quick and simple fix Besides, an integration of efforts between different sectors at both local and national levels is sought to bring a lasting solution to food insecurity

A critical review of rural development policy of Ethiopia: access, utilization and coverage

Abstract: Agriculture is the mainstay of Ethiopian economy involving major source of employment and gross national product. By African, standard rural development programme has long history in Ethiopia. It has also enjoyed a considerable attention by the government. However, the expected level was not achieved. The main objective of this review is to indicate the policy gaps in terms of access, utilization and coverage of rural development policy programme packages by different segments of people in rural areas. The programme packages of rural development policy of the country were reviewed over the past three regimes. It was indicated that there were significant gaps in access, utilization and coverage due to wrong policy priority, institutional and technological variables.

Evidence of rapid spread and establishment of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in semi-arid Botswana

Abstract: Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), a major invasive pest of Solanaceous plants, was recently detected in Botswana. Abiotic and biotic factors, together with a suite of population demographic traits are likely key for species propensity and invasion success. First, we determined the movement of T. absoluta from its core detection centre to new invasion areas using pheromone baiting and established likely biotic dispersal drivers. Second, we measured thermal tolerance vis critical thermal limits and lower and upper lethal limits to determine how these traits shape population establishment. We detected T. absoluta in all 67 pristine sites across nine districts of Botswana. Within-district trap catches varied between cultivated and wild hosts but were generally not statistically significant (P > 0.001). We report three major wild host plants for T. absoluta as biotic dispersal drivers: Solanum coccineum (Jacq.), Solanum supinum (Dunal) and Solanum aculeatissimum (Jacq.). Solanum coccineum and S. supinum were omnipresent, while S. aculeatissimum distribution was sporadic. Thermal tolerance assays showed larvae were more heat tolerant, with a higher critical thermal maxima (CTmax) than adults (P < 0.001), whereas the adults were more tolerant to cold with a significantly lower (P < 0.001) critical thermal minima (CTmin) compared to larvae. The upper lethal temperatures ranged from 37–43 °C, whereas the lower lethal temperatures ranged from − 1 to − 12 °C for 0–100% mortality, respectively. In the light of prevailing environmental (habitat) temperatures (Thab), warming temperature (7.29 °C) and thermal safety margin (22.39 °C) were relatively high. Tuta absoluta may not be under abiotic physiological or biotic constraint that could limit its geographical range extension within Botswana. The ubiquity of wild Solanaceous plants with the bridgehead of year-round intensive monocultures of Solanaceous crops within a favourable climatic framework may mean that environmental suitability aided the rapid spread of T. absoluta.

Determinants of inadequate minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: secondary data analysis from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016

Abstract: Inadequate feeding practices are a significant reason for the onset of malnutrition in young children, and their consequences are one of the major obstacles to sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty reduction Dietary diversity is one of the useful indicators to assess the nutrient adequacy and can examine how different food groups contribute to the nutrient adequacy of the diet in a specific area Minimum dietary diversity is the intake of at least four food types from the seven categories Secondary data analysis of Ethiopian Demographic health survey of 2016 was conducted to explore significant predictors that make children inappropriate to meet minimum dietary diversity There were 2972 weighted samples, and we have used “SVY” command by STATA 140 during data analysis to run the complex survey data This study has identified the possible factors of inadequate minimum dietary diversity of children The proportion of inadequate minimum dietary diversity in Ethiopia was found 851% Frequency of reading newspaper or magazine, frequency of listening to radio, father’s educational level and household wealth index were found significant predictors to determine the minimum dietary diversity of children Dairy products and grain, roots and tubers account more than half of consumed foods Among breastfed children who attained minimum dietary diversity, majority of them were in the age group of 6–11 months Minimum dietary diversity is still low in Ethiopia, and most of mothers feed their child the most and easy accessible food rather than of diverse food In the way of addressing the Sustainable Development Goal, Ethiopia requires substantial improvement in complementary feeding practices Appropriate infant and young child feeding messages should to be developed and delivered through mass media

Factors affecting market outlet choice of wheat producers in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract: Selecting the appropriate channels to deliver farm products is not an easy task because there are various factors that affect producers to select such relevant channels. Hence, the study was aimed to investigate the factors that influence market channel choices among wheat producers in Northwestern Ethiopia. Using multistage sampling technique, 163 smallholder wheat producers were selected to collect primary data through semi-structures questionnaires. Combinations of data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics and econometrics model (multivariate probit model) were used. The study identified four major wheat market channel choices such as retailers, assemblers, consumers and wholesalers as alternatives to wheat producers to sell majority of their products. Thus, retailers who accounted for 40.49% of total sold, assemblers (39.2%), consumers (37.5%) and wholesalers (23.93%). The results of a multivariate probit model indicated that age of household, education status, credit access; livestock number, off-farm income and total land-holding size of farmers significantly affected the market channel choice decisions in one or another way. Therefore, strengthening institutions to deliver timely and appropriate credit service and training to a farmer is among the major recommendations from this study.

Agro-morphological diversity of Nepalese naked barley landraces

Abstract: Naked barley is a traditional, climate-resilient and highly nutritious crop of the high mountains of Nepal. Knowledge of agro-morphological diversity among the naked barely genotypes is fundamental for their efficient utilization in plant breeding schemes and effective conservation programs. The primary objective of this study is phenotypic characterization and diversity assessment of naked barley landraces in Nepal for pre-breeding purposes. Data on quantitative and qualitative traits of 25 naked barley landraces from diversity blocks established across the four mountainous locations of Nepal (Humla, Jumla, Dolakha and Lamjung) were subjected to calculation of descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis (UPGMA cluster analysis/principal component analysis). Frequency distribution of various categories of qualitative traits and Shannon–Weaver diversity indices were computed. The UPGMA cluster analysis using both quantitative and qualitative traits individually categorized the 25 naked barley landraces in five clusters in each case with no distinct regional grouping patterns in such a way that the landraces from same or adjacent regions of origin and collection amassed in different clusters. NGRC04894, Lamjung Local, NGRC02306, NPGR1579, NGRC02327 and NPGR1579 exhibited morphoagronomical superiority and potentiality for utilization as genitors in crop improvement programs. Principal component analysis revealed the quantitative traits, viz. grain yield, plant height and earliness, and qualitative traits, viz. grain color, overall phenotypic performance, lemma awn/hood and lemma awn barbs, to be the principal discriminatory characteristics of the Nepalese naked barley landrace collection. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) ranged from 0.32 to 0.99 with a mean value of 0.73, inferring tremendous diversity in the collection for the qualitative traits. The marked diversity observed among the Nepalese naked barley landraces could be utilized in crop improvement for various traits. The information generated complements the robust breeding program of competitive, stable and climate-resilient varieties of end users’ preferences in different mountainous agro-ecologies and also bolsters the employment of innovative and proven participatory plant breeding approach using diversity kits and informal research and development kits to expand and promote the varietal choice options for expeditious benefits to the farmers in the high mountains, considering that only one naked barley variety, viz. Solu Uwa, has been released in Nepal to date.

Effect of split application of different N rates on productivity and nitrogen use efficiency of bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract: Bread wheat is an important staple and cash crop grown by smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop is constrained by low soil fertility and poor nitrogen fertilizer management in the area. For example, there is limited information on optimum rates and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in the area. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) under rain-fed condition to determine the effect of N fertilizer rate and timing of application on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of bread wheat. Factorial combinations of three N levels and five application times plus one control were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The optimum grain yield (6060.04 kg ha−1) was recorded when 240 kg N ha−1 was applied ¼ at sowing, ½ at tillering and ¼ at booting, and it showed no significant additional response to N fertilizer above this rate. Higher N level (360 kg N ha−1) always increased N content in the grain and nitrogen uptake by wheat crop. The best recovery of nitrogen (59.74%) by wheat was found when 120 kg of nitrogen was applied (¼ at sowing, ½ at tillering and ¼ at booting). The nitrogen use efficiency traits decreased with increased N rate (120–360 kg N ha−1) indicating poor N utilization. The split application of nitrogen (¼ at sowing, ½ at tillering and ¼ at booting) produced the highest nitrogen use efficiency traits. The application of 240 kg N ha−1 in three split doses (T5) was required to obtain optimum wheat yield. In addition, increasing the rate of nitrogen beyond 120 kg N ha−1 decreased nitrogen use efficiency traits.

Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana’s maize farmers matter?

Abstract: Whether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used. The results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers. Efficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry.

Yield of faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) as affected by lime, mineral P, farmyard manure, compost and rhizobium in acid soil of Lay Gayint District, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract: Soil acidity with associated low nutrient availability is one of the major constraints to faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production on Ethiopian highlands. Integrated use of organic and inorganic amendments is believed to reduce soil acidity and improve crop production. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of lime, mineral P, farmyard manure (FYM), compost and rhizobium in acid soil of Lay Gayint District, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia, in 2016–2017 main cropping season. The experiment comprised twenty sole and combined treatments arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Combined application of 8 t FYM ha−1 + 30 kg P ha−1 + 3.6 t lime ha−1 significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, pod length, biological and straw yields. Grain per pod, grain yield and thousand grain weight were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the application of 4 t FYM ha−1 + 15 kg P ha−1 + 7.2 t lime ha−1. This treatment resulted in 102% grain yield advantage over the control. The next higher grain yield advantage of 89% was achieved with 4 t FYM ha−1 + 15 kg P ha−1 + 3.6 t lime ha−1. Nodule number and nodule dry weight per plant were also improved due to 4 t FYM ha−1 + 15 kg P ha−1 + 7.2 t lime ha−1 application. Among sole treatments applied separately, 8 t FYM ha−1 was observed to be superior in all parameters considered followed by 7.2 t lime ha−1. Combined application of 4 t FYM ha−1 + 15 kg P ha−1 + 3.2 t lime ha−1 could be suggested as effective amendment to improve the yield of faba bean and therefore contribute the effort to insure food security in strongly acid soils of the study area.

Assessment of postharvest loss along potato value chain: the case of Sheka Zone, southwest Ethiopia

Abstract: Ethiopia has possibly the highest potential for potato production than any country in Africa. Postharvest loss (20–25%) is one of the major problems in the potato production. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing postharvest losses along potato value chain actors and identifying its determinants in the study area. The descriptive result indicated that the quantity of postharvest losses at producer, local trader, wholesaler and retailer level was 21.724, 1.838, 3.406 and 4.07 kg/qt, respectively. The average gross margin with loss of producers, local traders, wholesalers and retailers was 6464.70, 282,169.89, 219,644.61 and 345,826.36 Birr, respectively, which is less than the average gross margin without loss (10,146.12, 284,015.83, 221,274.69 and 352,986.62 Birr, respectively). Distance to the nearest market, area allocated for potato and total output determine postharvest loss positively, and sex, experience, family size of working age, selling price and access to credit determine postharvest loss negatively. In the study area, lack of storage facilities for potato was raised by farmers and other actors as a priority problem. Intervention of government from input supply until the end consumers is paramount and preparing storage mechanism is a must.

Magnitude and associated factors of household food insecurity in Fedis Woreda East Hararghe zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Abstract: Poverty and food insecurity remain as the major challenges to achieve economic development in Ethiopia. Explaining the household food insecurity situation and identifying associated factors will help in making better decision and resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and identify the associated factors of household food insecurity in Fedis Woreda that has been affected by food insecurity for the quite time with a total population estimated to be 133,382 persons, of which the estimated urban population is 26,575 and estimated rural population is 127,877. The Woreda is in food deficit every year where the food gap is covered by food aid amounting to 15–25% for the poorest households of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was used to collect data on calorie availability at household level, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors and coping strategies from 743 households. Household food insecurity was obtained by comparing the total food calorie available for consumption in the household per adult equivalent to the minimum level of subsistence requirement per adult equivalent of 2200 kcal. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution. Binary logistic regression analysis is used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. About 58% of the sampled households in the study area were food insecure. The binary logistics regression analysis identified educational status of the household head [AOR, 95% CI 0.59 (0.38–0.91)], annual farm income [AOR, 95% CI 0.44 (0.287–0.675)], sufficient crop production [AOR, 95% CI 0.45 (0.274–0.748)], dietary diversity [AOR, 95% CI 0.548 (0.382–0.786)] and oxen ownership [AOR, 95% CI 0.454 (0.323–0.639)] were the major factors inversely associated with food insecurity status. On the other hand, large family size [AOR, 95% CI 6.143 (2.40–15.0)], lower than average monthly off-farm income [AOR, 95% CI 1.85 (1.18–2.91)] and small land size [AOR, 95% CI 3.04 (2.04–4.52)] were increased the chance being food insecure household in the study area. The findings imply that more than half of the community was food insecure where improvement in food security situation needs to promote family planning, undertake different income generating activities and improve access to farmer’s education. These areas could provide entry points for policy intervention to reduce food insecurity and create community livelihood opportunities.