Abstract: An on-farm phenotypic characterization of the hararghe highland cattle population and their production system studies were conducted in three districts of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, field observations, and linear body measurements (LBM). A total of 150 households were randomly selected questionnaire survey and 450 cattle (115 male and 335 female) were sampled for morphological descriptio...
Abstract This paper examined the factors influencing rice productivity in Mwea Irrigation Scheme using the System of rice intensification (SRI) and conventional flooding (CF). Stratified sampling was used to obtain 364 smallholder rice farmers for interviewing. Data collection was done with the aid of a semistructured questionnaire and analyzed using the Endogenous Switching regression Model (ESRM). The results of ESRM revealed that factors such as household size, access to extension service...
Abstract Rice farming has received considerable attention in developing countries and particularly in Kenya due to its impact on smallholders’ income and food security. Irrigated rice is the largest consumer of water, and its sustainability is threatened by water shortage. *is has necessitated the development of alternative irrigation water technologies, such as the system of rice intensification (SRI), which are efficient in water use with improved yields. *is study analyzed the determina...
Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is promoted in arid and semi-arid areas for increased yields. Planting pits are RWH systems that are used for collecting rainwater and runoff. Recently, there has been increased interest in economic and environmental benefits of agricultural technologies for sustainable development. To contribute to this knowledge, economics of Chololo and Five by Nine planting pits and sorghum and pigeon pea mulch was investigated at two sites in semi-arid Eastern Kenya f...
Abstract The study was conducted to assess tomato productivity and determine characteristics that influence technical efficiency among smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County using the production function approach. Data were collected by administering structured questionnaires to a sample of 384 respondents randomly selected from six wards using multistage stratified and probability proportionate to size sampling procedures. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design and primary data on...
Abstract: Hararghe coffee improvement both for yield and quality is vital for the sustainability of its production and fetches premium prices in world market, but limited information on genetic variability and association of morpho-agronomic and bean quality traits of Hararghe coffee collections. This research was conducted to assess genetic variability and determine the associations among morpho-agronomic and bean quality traits in Hararghe coffee collections. Sixty-four collections evaluat...
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the Artificial insemination service and reproductive performance of dairy cattle. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and retrospective data. A total of 204 respondents were randomly selected from the three districts (68 from each) and 9 kebeles (3 kebeles from each).In addition to those, 10 AITs, and 6 animal health professionals from each district. The dairy cows were selected by using random sampling methods. ...
Abstract: Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world. It serves as a staple food for millions in Africa and Asia. Ethiopia is the centre of origin and diversity for this crop. Ethiopia is endowed with diverse genetic resources for sorghum. Many studies were done elsewhere on Ethiopian sorghum genotypes; none of them provides the nutritional profile of rich Ethiopian sorghum germplasm. The aims of this study were to estimate the genetic variability of sorghum genotypes for y...
Abstract: The study of genetic variability is the critical step in crop improvement programs either to use the natural variation that already exists or produce genetic variation. This study was conducted to assess the genetic variability of 20 bread wheat genotypes and determine associations among yield, yield related traits and protein content. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2017 at Raare research site of Haramaya University. T...
Abstract Productivity of rangelands in Kenya is affected by increasing crop farming especially in more fertile range areas. Among the key factors driving the encroachment of crops on rangelands are the changing opportunities brought about by markets. We hypothesize that the existing market inefficiencies characterizing livestock markets, especially the price disincentives that livestock producers face, are major risks rangelands face. To analyze the effect of livestock market conditions on r...
Abstract Most countries across the world are still adopting the crisis management approach in their drought management efforts. This approach has been criticized due to its reactive nature. Researchers emphasize the need for a more strategic and proactive drought management approach. In Kenya, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) was constituted to manage the persistent droughts that are experienced in the country. However, there is paucity on research focusing on the strategic m...
Abstract This study evaluated the financial factors influencing growth of horticultural sector in Nakuru County, Kenya. Of particular interest was the extent to which credit access and working capital affected the growth of horticultural firms. The study reviewed adverse selection theory and organizational theory of growth. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The study targeted the 300 accounts, finance, and management staff working with the registered horticultural farms i...
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic impact of productive safety net program (PSNP) on the livelihoods of the farming households in Chiro District of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The study has objectives to identify major features of PSNP have on households and community level, to identify the impact of PSNP on asset creation, HHs income, food consumption, and protection of asset from depletion, and to identify challenges that affect PSNP i...
Abstract: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most predominantly produced bulb crops in East Hararghe. The productivity of onion in the study area was mainly below the national average due to a number of production constraints, including a lack of specific fertilizer recommendations, depletion of soil fertility, improper agronomic practices, a lack of improved onion varieties and a lack to access seed, are generally to blamed for reduced bulb yields. To create management plans that maximize...
Abstract: Garlic is one of the vegetable crops grown in eastern Ethiopia, but the yield of the crop is low, often constrained by several factors of which the major ones are low soil fertility and poor fertilizer management practices applied. Therefore, this research was undertaken to assess the effects of biochar and NPS fertilizer on yield-related traits and yield of garlic and to estimate the cost-benefit of combined application of biochar and blended NPS fertilizer in garlic production. T...