ABSTRACT Market liberalization has been one of the most important and widely implemented aspects of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in sub –Saharan Africa (SSA). The general objective of the study was to investigate the effect of cotton market liberalization on the smallholder cotton farmers’ livelihoods in two districts in Shinyanga region, Tanzania. Specificically the study sought to assess cotton production and marketing, examine income change, and establish wellbeing of sm...
ABSTRACT Tilapia farming is expanding across the world because this type of fishes can be cultured under very basic conditions and so is ideal for rural subsistence farming, yet is amenable to more sophisticated, market-oriented culture programmes. This therefore informed the decision to look into the operation of tilapia farmers. The study focused on assessing the operations of tilapia farmers in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive approach. The study relied on ...
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to analyze the socio-economic and environmental effects of urban fish farming in Dar es Salaam. Gross Margin was used to determine the profitability of urban fish farming. Results indicate that urban fish farming are operating profitably. The gross margin obtained by tilapia farmers ranges from TZS 658 000/= to 2 515 350/= per pond per production cycle. While gross margin obtained by African catfish farmers ranges from TZS 3 750 000/= to 9 590 000/=. Contrib...
Abstract: Indigenous breeds adapt and survive in often challenging environments and diverse agroecological areas representing an important genetic resource for livelihood of their owners and the national economy at large. Therefore, there is a need to improve the productivity of indigenous animals through developing sustainable breeding programs so as to enhance their competitive advantage in the face of crossbreeding threats. The current study was performed in Kafta Humera district of Tigra...
Abstract: Edible insects are a sustainable source of high-quality animal protein. Insect farming is gaining interest globally, particularly in low-income countries, where it may provide substantial nutritional and economic benefits. To enhance insect farming practices in Africa, new farming systems are being developed. However, knowledge on how to best promote uptake of these systems is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the effectiveness of educational interventions ...
ABSTRACT This project was focused at designing and implementing an android cropguard and pest control application system which will assist farmers to acquire farming knowledge and know how they can deal with pests and diseases so as to improve the output. Experts in farming will be able to offer expert advice to farmers and as well acquire additional knowledge and try new crops. Farmers would be able to report their needs to the ministry of agriculture and make the ministry of agriculture rec...
ABSTRACT This study analyses the performance of small-scale-tobacco producers under contract farming system and farmer characteristics that influences tobacco production in Songea district. The Specific objectives were: (i) To examine the cost and return of tobacco small-scale farmers under contract farming scheme in the study area; (ii) To assess the influence of contract farming characteristics on tobacco production; (iii) To examine the resource use efficiency in contract farming; (iv) T...
Abstract/Overview Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, which can reduce the provisioning of ecosystem services in managed ecosystems. Organic farming and plant diversification are farm management schemes that may mitigate potential ecological harm by increasing species richness and boosting related ecosystem services to agroecosystems. What remains unclear is the extent to which farm management schemes affect biodiversity components other than speci...
ABSTRACT The rise of contract farming and vertically integrated firms of production and marketing is undoubtly one of the most important changes in Tanzania economy. The study examined new role of contract farming (CF) in Tanzania towards designing partnership model in the light of transformation and industrialization of agriculture. The specific objectives were (i) To describe contractual arrangement found in the study area (ii) To examine the role of contractual arrangement in reducing tra...
Aggressive growth of land-based solar photovoltaic (PV) farms can create a land use conflict with agricultural production. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved using the concept of agrivoltaics, which is co-development of land area for both solar PV and agriculture. To investigate and quantify PV generation potential, without harming agriculture output, this study explores the viability of agrivoltaic farms deployment on existing grape farms in India. Considering the shade tolerance of gra...
BSTRACT This study aimed at assessing the impact of climate change on traditional irrigation farming systems and adaptation strategies was conducted in Lushoto District. The specific objectives were to establish the trend and magnitude of climate change in the study area for the past 30 years (1985-2014), to assess the impact of climate change on crop yield in Ndiwa and Chamazi traditional irrigation farming systems, to analyse the way traditional irrigation farmers‘ adapt to climate change...
Abstract: The invasion by Striga in most cereal crop fields in Africa has posed an acute threat to food security and socioeconomic integrity. Consequently, numerous technological and research developments have been made to minimize and even control the Striga impacts on crop production. So far, efforts to control Striga have primarily focused on the manipulation of the genetics of the host crops, as well as understanding the phenological and physiological traits, along with the chemical comp...
ABSTRACT If warnings can be provided efficiently and reliably as input to private dissemination systems, and if the public perceives a value and desire to receive these warnings, then private enterprise has a clear mandate to justify the development of new distribution systems or modification of existing systems. The technology exists not only to add such a feature, but to have the local receiver personalize the warnings to say, for example, “Tornado two miles southwest of you. Take co...
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the utility of climate change and variability information for rice farming in Babati district of Manyara region.The subjects in this study were 122, comprising of 97 rice farmers, 07 key informants and 18 members of FGDs. Primary data were collected through questionnaire and checklist. Multiple responses analysis, chi-square test, linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the collected data. The result showed that 95.1% of the respondent...
ABSTRACT Traditional/backyard pig production systems are found in the larger Western Kenya while commercial systems are predominant in Eastern and Central Kenya including Nairobi. The pig holdings in Coast and few in North-Eastern are commercial systems. The expansion and improvement of the market for pigs and pig products generally in Kenya may explain why pig- keeping is beginning to be found outside traditional pig-keeping areas. The objectives of the study were: 1) To characterize pig pro...