Abstract: A study on mechanisms used by subsistence farmers to cope with climate variability and change was conducted in the Taita Hills, Kenya from January 2014 to March 2015. Household surveys together with key informant interviews were used to collect data to assess farmers’ use of crop diversification as a strategy to cope with climate variability and change. Further there was an assessment of past crop records in relation to weather and climate data in the area. The study then assesse...
ABSTRACT Poultry production is one of the animal production enterprises with a promising future in Rwanda as 80.1% of all Rwandese raise chickens. Indigenous chickens (IC) are the most numerous and important species of poultry as they are found in most rural households in Rwanda. Currently, IC potential is underutilized due to the lack of well-defined production and breeding practices; the farmer, marketer and consumers’ breed preferences and traits of economic importance are unknown. The ...
Abstract: The study was conducted in three districts ofEast Hararghe Zones, to phenotypically characterize sheep types of East Hararghe Zone under farmer management conditions, and to identify farmers' preference for breeding objective traits. Itinvolved both qualitative and quantitative types of research. A total of 150 indigenous sheep-owning farmers were selected for the survey and only mature 450 sheep (150 male and 300 non-pregnant females) were taken for a qualitative and quantitative ...
Abstract: In Ethiopia, agricultural transformation is taken as a pathway to transition from a traditional subsistence orientation to one that is market focused and commercialized. In this regard, efforts to enhance smallholders’ participation in cereal market in general and wheat in particular, through surplus production have been made, but there is dearth of information on the status of market participation particularly in Adola Rede district. The aim of this study was to analyze market p...
ABSTRACT In the ASAL part of West Pokot County the growing season for agricultural activities occurs during the peak rainfall season, during March, April and May (MAM) season. This study thus sought to quantify MAM rainfall variability and its associated impacts on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Senetwo location where the study was conducted. This was achieved by analyzing daily rainfall data from 1983 to 2013 and household survey. Using data from a survey of 125 farm households, ...
ABSTRACT East Coast Fever (ECF) is a tick borne disease endemic in the North Rift region of Kenya. The ECF infections lead to substantial economic loss to smallholder dairy farmers from veterinary costs incurred in using prophylactics and value loss associated with animal mortality and production decline during disease infection. Traditionally, prophylactic strategy of choice is application of acaricide in communal dips and hand spraying, but effectiveness of the strategy is a factor of good...
ABSTRACT East Coast Fever (ECF) is a tick borne disease endemic in the North Rift region of Kenya. The ECF infections lead to substantial economic loss to smallholder dairy farmers from veterinary costs incurred in using prophylactics and value loss associated with animal mortality and production decline during disease infection. Traditionally, prophylactic strategy of choice is application of acaricide in communal dips and hand spraying, but effectiveness of the strategy is a factor of good...
ABSTRACT Natural resource degradation and water scarcity are a global concern that threatens sustainability of smallholder farmers‟ livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). In ASALs, low adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility and Water Management (ISFWM) technologies has contributed to food and nutrition insecurity. A study was carried out to assess factors influencing smallholder farmers‟ adoption decision of ISFWM technologies in Mwala and Yatta Sub-Counties. A questionnaire was ...
ABSTRACT A study was carried out to assess biofuel production and its influence on improving livelihoods of Jatropha small-scale farmers in Arusha and Rukwa regions in Tanzania. General objective of the study was to assess the Jatropha production as well as the prospective opportunities and constraints to small-scale farmers in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at examines and compare profitability of Jatropha production; assessing factors, opportunities and constraints which influence ...
Abstract: Climate variability affects crop productivity at both global and local scales, and adaptation of agricultural practices against this variability helps to translate perception of the farmers to decision-making process. This study was initiated to analyze climate variability, examine its effect on maize productivity, and assess perception and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate variability in West Badawacho District. Climate and crop data from 2000-2019 were colle...
Abstract: Climate variability affects crop productivity at both global and local scales, and adaptation of agricultural practices against this variability helps to translate perception of the farmers to decision-making process. This study was initiated to analyze climate variability, examine its effect on maize productivity, and assess perception and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate variability in West Badawacho District. Climate and crop data from 2000-2019 were colle...
ABSTRACT Agriculture contributes the highest in the country’s economy. Despite agriculture being taught in secondary schools, many secondary school graduates seem not to participate in farming activities in Nyandarua West Sub-County. Although it is not clear whether farmers who have studied agriculture in secondary school are making use of the knowledge gained and whether they find it helpful in their careers, there has never been any comprehensive study to investigate the relationship betw...
Abstract Over the last 30 years, Tanzania has taken different policy approaches towards the conservation of forests. Intriguingly, from the earlier integrated conservation and development approach to the ‘newer’ green economy, the idea that providing livelihood benefits is a key strategy for achieving conservation effectiveness has dominated. This one-dimensional conception of what ‘local people’ value and why precludes a clear understanding of substantive social justice considerati...
Abstract: Common bean is an essential crop for food security, nutrition, and country economy mainly for Sub-Saharan African’s smallholder farmers. However, the production and productivity of common bean is mainly constrained by post-harvest loss induced by Mexican bean beetle. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of Plant seed powders (neem, Hochst and wild marigold), leaf powders (sweet fennel and broad-leaved croton), plant essential oils (neem and Hochst...
ABSTRACT About 90% of Kenya's rural population relies on wood fuel to meet their daily cooking energy needs. The consequences of over reliance on biomass energy are far reaching with adverse effects on the economic, social and environmental spheres of sustainability. Animals are an important source of food and income for many rural people, but their manure is a source of one of the world‟s most potent greenhouse gases. Turning manure into biogas, as an alternative source of energy has not ...