East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal最新文献

{"title":"Efforts Toward Improving Maize Yields on Smallholder Farms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, through Site-specific, Soil-testing-based Fertiliser Recommendations: A Transdisciplinary Approach","authors":"A. Chebet, Njoroge Ruth, Otinga A. Nekesa, W. Ng’etich, K. Julius, R. Scholz","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1443413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1443413","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations on maize yields using the transdisciplinary (TD) process. The TD process utilizes knowledge from science and practice. Farmers, extension officers, local financial institutions, and other practitioners collaborated with local scientists from the University of Eldoret in the process of financing, purchasing, and applying fertilisers in adequate amounts and composition. A total of 144 farmers participated in the study, which lasted for two seasons. The data sampling was based on a randomized 2 × 3 × 4 × 2 factorial complete block design, including the following factors: TD (non-participation vs participation in the TD process); ST (soil testing in the following categories: fertiliser application with no soil testing, fertiliser application following government recommendations, and application of site-specific, soil-testing-based fertiliser recommendations), and location (Kapyemit, Kipsomba, Ng’enyilel, and Ziwa). The “no soil testing” (ST1) category refers to farmers’ own practices at an average fertilisation of about 60 kg N ha−1 and 15 kg P ha−1. The government recommendation (ST2) calls for 75 kg N ha−1, 25 kg P ha−1, and 6 t ha−1 manure, and site-specific fertiliser recommendations (ST3) were based on actual soil-testing results; generally, this resulted in the recommendation of 90 kg N ha−1, 30 kg P ha−1, 25 kg K ha−1, 2 t ha−1 lime, and 1 t ha−1 manure. Highly significant effects were seen where farmers participated in the TD process (TD) for soil testing (ST). The farmers’ yields in Uasin Gishu County of 4.5 t ha−1 increased by approximately 1.5 t ha−1 based on site-specific, soil-testing fertilisation recommendations and by approximately 1.0 t ha−1 based on participation in the transdisciplinary process. However, as indicated by a significant interaction of the variables ST and TD—and while there is a significant main effect of participating in a TD process—the latter increase occurs only if site-specific, soil-testing-based recommendations can be used in the transdisciplinary process with farmers.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"201 - 213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78767398","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}

{"title":"Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Based Genetic Diversity Studies in Betel Vine (Piper betle L.)","authors":"Shalini Goyat, A. Grewal, K. Hima Bindu, D. Singh, R. Katiyar, S. K. Tewari, R. Nainwal","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1364479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1364479","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Betel vine has been identified as an important cash crop in India. It is a vegetatively propagated plant and more than 100 landraces (cultivars) are cultivated in India. They are often named after the localities where they are grown. To assess the molecular genetic diversity among 10 betel vine cultivars, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used. Five AFLP primer combinations produced 323 bands of which 155 were polymorphic, leading to a 47.99% polymorphism. Average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.14 over all primer combinations. Genetic similarity was calculated from the Jaccard's similarity coefficient (r) value for all accessions which varied from 0.39 to 0.81, with an average of 0.60 implying a medium level of genetic variation between investigated cultivars. Cluster analysis divided the cultivars into two main clusters where M2 and M3 were closely related but F3 was separate from all others. The cluster analysis based on AFLP data indicated that cultivars were not grouped according to their geographic place of collection but rather by genetic relatedness. The principle coordinate analysis (PCA) of the markers was linked to the dendrograms generated by employing UPGMA.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"11 1","pages":"118 - 129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88292695","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}

{"title":"An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve Co-management Approach in Kenya","authors":"Felix Lamech Mogambi Ming’ate","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1436842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1436842","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Several studies have been conducted on the implementation of co-management of forests. There is a significant gap in the current literature regarding the extent to which the implementation of co-management regimes is having an effect. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve (ASFR) co-management approach in Kenya with the aim of understanding its current status and what needs to be done to improve the co-management approach in developing countries. The paper also provides insights into policy options for implementing a co-management approach. The ASFR has been in operation for over two decades thus making it an important example for evaluating implementation, as one could expect it to have established discernible criteria for evaluation. Information was gathered from a combination of participant observations and interviews with key players in the Arabuko-Sokoke co-management team. To analyse data, all audio-recorded interviews were checked for audibility prior to transcribing and transcripts were then quality checked by comparing them with the original interview recordings. Similar themes were grouped together to answer the study objectives. The results highlight six areas that are critical for the successful implementation of a co-management approach: legalizing co-management; adequate involvement of communities in the enforcement of co-management rules; provision of adequate safety for community members threatened by illegal operations; establishment of clear individual household boundaries; designing long-term income-generating activities; and strongly supporting the establishment of co-management for the entire forest. It is concluded that co-management is viable but requires adjustments as new issues emerge.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":"227 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88245222","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}

{"title":"Pathogens and Pests Threatening Plantation Forestry in Zimbabwe","authors":"L. Jimu, L. Mujuru","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1460786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1460786","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The Zimbabwean forestry industry, which contributes significantly to the economy, was introduced in the 1940s and is dominated by Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia mearnsii De Wild. This paper assembles and consolidates literature on diseases and pests of forest plantations to serve as a foundation for management and future studies. Most of the outlined diseases and pests have been known since the early days of forest plantations (i.e. the 1960s) whilst some are recent, signifying their increasing importance to the forest industry. Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp. and A. mearnsii are affected by pathogens and pests originating from the native areas of the hosts while the origins of others are not known. Disease outbreaks resulted in discontinuous cultivation of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus radiata D. Don. that were important species in eastern and southern Africa. Forest health issues impacting on forest production are poorly understood and there is an urgent need to implement a structured forest health survey program and appropriate support to identify current and emerging pest and disease issues. Additionally, this information is important to support the forestry seed and timber export program.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"236 - 245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89316192","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}

{"title":"Performance of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties under Water Harvesting Technologies in the Coastal Region of Kenya","authors":"M. B. Muli, D. Kengo, A. Mzingirwa, R. Musila","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The average annual rainfall in coastal Kenya is 450–700 mm per annum in most places while the total annual evapotranspiration is 1200–1800 mm. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), farmers grow maize varieties for medium to high rainfall zones without considering the need for water harvesting to enhance crop yield. To address the moisture constraint, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of drought tolerant maize varieties under different water harvesting technologies (Zai pits, tied ridges and conventional). The treatments were laid out in a split - plot design with water harvesting methods as the main plots and maize varieties as the sub-plots. The response of four maize varieties (DK8031, DUMA 43, KDV1 and PH4) to three water harvesting technologies was evaluated. Variety Duma 43 produced the highest grain yield (P < 0.05) compared to the other varieties whereas yields for Zai pits and tied ridges were higher (P < 0.05) than for conventional treatment. Economic analysis revealed a higher gross margin for tied ridges than for Zai pits. Conventional planting showed a negative gross margin under the ASAL conditions. The variety DUMA 43 was selected for yield and cob size components whereas PH4 was selected for grain recovery when pounded and high stover biomass.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"34 1","pages":"168 - 174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90812632","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}

{"title":"Strategies and Technologies for Camel Milk Preservation and Utilization of Non-Marketed Milk in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas","authors":"J. Ogolla, C. Dede, M. Okoth, O. Hensel, B. Sturm","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1363686","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1363686","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study determined the seasonal fluctuations in camel milk yield, consumption, spoilage and spillages, and explored its forms of consumption and the acceptability of camel milk powder in Isiolo County, Kenya. In addition, the utilization of non-marketed milk, preservation technologies, and strategies for milk loss reduction employed along the camel milk supply chain were examined. Quantitative data was collected from 216 respondents (producers, traders and transporters) using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected through participant observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions involving the camel milk supply chain participants. For quantitative data, descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted whereas for qualitative data thematic analyses were utilized. Camel milk yield, consumption, spoilages and spillages increased by 45.5%, 40%, 81.0% and 79.1% respectively in the wet season. Camel milk was often consumed in smoked and boiled forms or as tea but never in pasteurized or powder form. Transportability, affordability and shelf life were mentioned as important attributes for camel milk powder acceptability. For non-marketed milk, 28.8% and 9.0% was discarded in the wet and dry seasons respectively while 11.2% and 22.4% was processed. The main strategies employed for milk loss reduction were: maintenance of hygienic practices (88% producers, 61% traders), smoking of the milk handling equipment (68% producers, 10% traders), and simple cooling (13% producers). High cost and limited technical feasibility restricted the utilization of preservation technologies (chilling and refrigeration). These findings show the need for appropriate milk preservation technologies for longer shelf life of milk products in arid and semi-arid areas.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"52 1","pages":"144 - 167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74670603","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}

{"title":"Use of Animal Information and Trait Preferences for Making Breeding Decisions on Smallholder Dairy Farms","authors":"B. Bett, B. Bebe","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1469950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1469950","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Smallholder dairy farmers aim to maximize the proportion of potentially high milk yielding dairy genotypes in their herds as a breeding strategy to increase milk production for home consumption and cash income. This study describes how farmers aiming at attaining increased milk yield practice animal identification and recording; source breeding stock; determine animal performance and the usefulness of such information; and preferences that farmers express for specific traits when choosing a sire or a dam for mating. Data on these parameters was obtained through a stratified random sampling survey in milk deficit and milk surplus regions. Data were analysed using descriptive, non-parametric test statistics and logistic regression modelling. Cattle identification was predominantly by naming and rarely by ear tagging, while cattle recording was predominantly on production and breeding history of the stock. Farmers obtained their replacement stock from farm reared cattle and from fellow farmers. Breeding sires came from own reared bulls and fellow farmers while artificial insemination (AI) was rarely used. Cattle information was mainly obtained from fellow farmers and farmers were more interested in knowing about the breed, breeder and performance history of dams or sires of dairy cattle than the progeny history. The traits of highest preference when selecting dams were milk yield and fertility while sires were chosen depending on their fertility and body conformation and milk yield of their progeny. Extension services and dairy development interventions should emphasize the contribution of cattle records in informing breeding decisions. To increase the uptake of AI will require innovation in service delivery including involving various farmer groups such as the dairy hubs and cooperative movements. There are business opportunities to repackage artificial insemination service delivery systems to satisfy the unmet demand for replacement heifers.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"50 1","pages":"214 - 226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87754086","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}

{"title":"Yields of Green Grams and Pigeonpeas under Smallholder Conditions in Machakos County, Kenya","authors":"J. Wambua, M. Ngigi, M. Lutta","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1346903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1346903","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Green grams and pigeonpeas have multiple benefits to the rural poor as food security, fodder for livestock and fuel for small-scale farmers, despite low smallholder yields in Kenya. However, little is known about the factors between different farmers that influence the yields of green grams and pigeonpeas. The objectives of this study therefore were to describe and compare how the groups of farmers in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) LM 4 and LM 5 differ by their yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and to estimate the parameters of the variables which explain the yields. Data collection was through a well-structured questionnaire, administered to 364 respondents, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Each AEZ had an equal sample size (182 respondents). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression were used during data analysis. The ANOVA results showed that the mean of the green gram yields in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 was 19.90 and 173.67 kg ha−1 while the mean of the pigeonpea yields was 109.26 and 34.01 kg ha−1, respectively. The multiple linear regression model results showed that the green gram yields were positively related to the use of improved seed (p = 0.001), cultivated farm sizes (p = 0.011), green gram crop intensity (p = 0.005), oxcart (p = 0.003) and agro-ecological zone (p = 0.000). The farmer differences in the use of improved seed were found to be significantly and positively related to the yields of pigeonpeas (p = 0.057), while the sizes of the cultivated farms (p = 0.057) and the agro-ecological zones (p = 0.000) showed inverse relationships (IRs). Based on the given research evidence, it was therefore concluded that the groups of farmers in AEZs LM 4 and LM 5 have different yields of green grams and pigeonpeas and there are factor gaps in productivity.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":" 3","pages":"117 - 91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91514998","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}

{"title":"Pre-harvest Curing: Effects on Skin Adhesion, Chemical Composition and Shelf-life of Sweetpotato Roots under Tropical Conditions","authors":"A. Parmar, S. Kirchner, B. Sturm, O. Hensel","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2017.1340141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1340141","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Excoriation (skinning injury) is a serious post-harvest problem for sweetpotato roots. In industrialized countries, sweetpotatoes are exposed to post-harvest curing to facilitate skin toughening and wound healing. However, in developing regions, such a practice is barely undertaken. Pre-harvest curing (PHC), where sweetpotatoes are subjected to defoliation before harvest, is a potential alternative to post-harvest curing. A field trial was conducted in southern Ethiopia. Roots underwent PHC treatment for 3, 7, 10, and 14 days, with 0 days as a control sample. Skin adhesion and chemical composition (ash, crude fibre, crude protein, dry matter, and starch) of the parenchyma and the periderm were measured. Storage testing at ambient conditions for 30 days was conducted. Skin adhesion among all the treatments was significantly increased. The maximum skin adhesion was observed after 14 days (358.92 mN.m); however after 7 days of PHC, no significant change occurred. Root dry matter and ash content remained unaffected by the treatments. An increase in periderm crude fibre was observed for treatment samples, indicating lignification. Parenchyma crude protein concentration demonstrated a sudden drop in value from the control to 3 days of PHC (5.19 to 2.32%). For successive durations, crude protein started to increase from 3 days, demonstrating an active protein metabolism. Starch, the most important constituent affecting palatability and processing of sweetpotato, was not affected by PHC. Roots subjected to PHC for 10 and 14 days presented a potential for enhancing shelf life by having a significantly lower weight loss after 30 days of storage.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"130 - 143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89172615","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}

{"title":"Growth and nutritional qualities of three ocimum species as affected by methods of propagation","authors":"A. I. Okunlola, O. C. Ogungbite, G. Hassan","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2016.1219543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2016.1219543","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Ocimum species are well known for their medicinal values and this has increased demand from individuals and the pharmaceutical industry. In order to meet the demand for this plant species three different Ocimum species (Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum americanum) were propagated by two methods (stem cutting and seed) and their morphometric characteristics were evaluated after six and eight weeks. The chlorophyll content, proximate composition and phytochemical content of the plants were determined. The results obtained showed that the stem cutting propagated Ocimum species performed better than the seed propagated species. The results also revealed that there was a strong correlation between plant height and other morphometric characters. Also, it was discovered that the Ocimum species propagated by seed contained more phytochemicals than those propagated by stem cutting. However, gratissimum species propagated by stem cutting appeared to perform better than two other Ocimum species in terms of plant height, leaf number, stem girth and number of branches.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"39 1","pages":"36 - 46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77699707","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}