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Research Article
Effectiveness of Radio Agricultural Programmes in Scaling Up Farming Activities of Smallholder Farmers in Bushenyi District
Duncan Musinguzi*,
Edward Ssemakula,
Gershom Nuwemuhwezi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
111-118
Received:
11 September 2024
Accepted:
27 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: The study was about effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi district. The specific objective was to; determine the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages. The study was a descriptive-cross sectional survey employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from a sample of 360 respondents across 18 listener groups of agricultural extension programs using questionnaire and interview guide. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that that age bracket (39 – 48), radio ownership, place of residence, negative attitudes and perceptions, limited agricultural spaces, media exposure and investment capital were some of the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages in the area. The study concluded that agricultural extension radio programmes have a wider coverage and have been so pertinent to smallholder farmer’s activities, however listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages is still hampered by certain impediments that call for urgent address. This study therefore recommends that the programme should be changed to evening when most farmers are available in their houses. Radio producers and program hosts should do this through programme planning which informs the selection of topics, presentation of the topics on radio with interviews from selected experts and farmers.
Abstract: The study was about effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi district. The specific objective was to; determine the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages. The study was a descriptive-cross sectio...
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Research Article
Effect of Irrigation Scheduling and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) at Ambo, West Shoa, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
119-129
Received:
16 September 2024
Accepted:
6 October 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
Abstract: Excessive fertilizer use and improper irrigation scheduling can accelerate soil degradation and increase the nitrogen leaching rate. This study, conducted at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 irrigation seasons, aimed to identify optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates for wheat production under irrigation. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications, utilizing a split-plot arrangement. The main plot tested three soil moisture depletion levels: 80%, 100%, and 120%, while the sub-plot involved five nitrogen levels with 0, 46, 69, 92, and 115 kg N/ha. Results showed that nitrogen levels significantly influenced grain yield, above-ground biomass, and water productivity but not the irrigation regimes or their interaction with nitrogen levels. The 115 kg N/ha rate produced the highest grain yield, 5213 kg/ha, and water productivity of 1.24 kg/m³, though these values were not significantly higher than those at 92 kg N/ha. Both 115 kg and 92 kg N/ha treatments significantly outperformed the 69 kg N/ha treatment and lower rates. Applying 120% allowable soil moisture depletion levels resulted in high net income and benefit-to-cost ratio values of 197,716.00 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) and 30.89%, respectively. At 120% allowable soil moisture depletion, the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio were observed (197,716 ETB and 30.89%, respectively). The 92 kg N/ha application resulted in the highest marginal rate of return (826.05%), well above the acceptable threshold of 100%, with a net income of 223,655 ETB. Based on grain yield, water productivity, and economic feasibility, we recommend applying 92 kg N/ha with 120% ASMDL for wheat production in this region.
Abstract: Excessive fertilizer use and improper irrigation scheduling can accelerate soil degradation and increase the nitrogen leaching rate. This study, conducted at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 irrigation seasons, aimed to identify optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates for wheat production under irrigation. The experime...
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Research Article
Assessment of Function of Beekeepers Farmers Research Group in Selected Oromia Zones
Lalisa Wendimu Biyena*
,
Teshome Kassa Degu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
130-142
Received:
18 September 2024
Accepted:
9 October 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
Abstract: Assessment of the function of beekeepers Farmers’ Research Extension Group (FREG) was conducted in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, West shewa and Southwest shewa Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia from February to May, 2021 with the specific objectives to assess the main functions of FREGs and to explore challenges faced beekeepers FREGs in the areas. The interview was conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires to collect the required data. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize variables, while inferential tools like independent samples t-test and chi-square were used to test variables under hypothesis. The results indicated that FREGs participants were better involved in diagnosis situations, result evaluation and dissemination than nonmembers. Some of the major constraints identified from the assessment include weak linkage among stakeholders, lack of habit of working together and poor participation of beekeepers in innovation system. The result also revealed that sex of household heads, experience in beekeeping, education level and family size showed significant difference. Hence, FREG approach has help project participants to improve their participation in research and development activity. However, substantial support is required from stakeholders in order to improve linkage and broaden its scope.
Abstract: Assessment of the function of beekeepers Farmers’ Research Extension Group (FREG) was conducted in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, West shewa and Southwest shewa Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia from February to May, 2021 with the specific objectives to assess the main functions of FREGs and to explore challenges faced beekeepers F...
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Research Article
Comparative Evaluation of Tomato Varieties: A Comprehensive Analysis of Yield Attributes
Bhuwan Joshi*,
Sukriti Satyal
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
143-146
Received:
27 September 2024
Accepted:
18 October 2024
Published:
12 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjast.20240204.14
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Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of tomato varieties. The study focused on key yield attributes, including plant height, fruits per cluster, fruit diameter, fruit length, yield per hectare, days to 50% flowering, and maturity. Significant variations in plant height were observed among the varieties. Monoprecos had the tallest plant height (125.73 cm), while 2-HRDTOM035 was the shortest (83.26 cm). The number of fruits per cluster varied, with HRD109 producing the most (7.33) and HRDTOM084 the least (3.86). HRDTOM084 excelled in fruit dimensions, having the largest fruit diameter (19.88 mm) and fruit length (5.94 cm), whereas HRD109 showed the smallest diameter (10.16 mm). Yield per hectare also differed significantly, with HRDTOM084 delivering the highest yield (11.06 t/ha), and 2-HRDTOM035 recording the lowest (4.84 t/ha). The study also analyzed days to 50% flowering, revealing HRDTOM084 as the slowest to flower (48.60 days) and Monoprecos as the quickest (30.60 days). Days to maturity mirrored these results, with HRDTOM084 taking the longest to mature (93.73 days). In comparison, earlier studies with nine open-pollinated and hybrid varieties in other regions, such as Khajura and Lumle, revealed similar patterns in yield and growth, confirming the genetic diversity in tomato production. Overall, HRDTOM084 emerged as the most promising variety for commercial cultivation due to its superior yield, fruit size, and productivity, while Monoprecos and 2-HRDTOM035 may be suitable for environments that require shorter growth cycles. This review highlights the importance of selecting tomato varieties based on specific traits, such as plant height, yield potential, fruit quality, and adaptability to local growing conditions, to optimize production. Future research could focus on enhancing disease resistance and studying performance under different climatic conditions to further improve tomato cultivation practices in Nepal.
Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of tomato varieties. The study focused on key yield attributes, including plant height, fruits per cluster, fruit diameter, fruit length, yield per hectare, days to 50% flowering, and maturity. Significant variations in plant height were observed among the varieties. Monoprecos had the ta...
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Research Article
Assessment of the Production System of Indigenous Dairy Cattle Breeds in Metekel and Some Parts of the Awi Zone, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
147-154
Received:
27 September 2024
Accepted:
21 October 2024
Published:
18 November 2024
Abstract: This study was conducted in Mtekel and some parts of the Awi Zone to assess indigenous dairy cattle production patterns in the study area. The majority of respondents (98.3% and 53.95%) were male and literate, respectively. Land holdings varied significantly, ranging from landless households to those owning up to 280 hectares. The predominant farming activity was mixed farming (69%). Agriculture was the primary source of income for 79.3% of respondents across all districts. The trend in cattle productivity was increasing, with the main objective of cattle production being income generation. Cattle were the major contributors to household income, followed by crop production, and were considered the most important livestock species in the area. Crop residues and communal grazing lands were the primary feed resources during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Overall, cattle production was identified as the major income source, a significant contributor to household income, and a multifunctional agricultural activity for the farming community in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas of the study area. The relevant authorities should focus on improving cattle production in terms of feed, breeding, health, and management practices to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
Abstract: This study was conducted in Mtekel and some parts of the Awi Zone to assess indigenous dairy cattle production patterns in the study area. The majority of respondents (98.3% and 53.95%) were male and literate, respectively. Land holdings varied significantly, ranging from landless households to those owning up to 280 hectares. The predominant farmi...
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Research Article
Soybean Bio-fertilizer Technology Promoting Through Cluster Based Demonization in the Mima Learning Watershed from Assosa Western Ethiopia
Bakala Anbessa*,
Dessalegn Temene
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
155-160
Received:
16 October 2024
Accepted:
5 November 2024
Published:
28 November 2024
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion and soil acidity are critical problems for soybean production in western Ethiopia. Therefore, a cluster based biofertilizer technology was demonstrated to improve the depleted soil fertility on Nitisols of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2022 to 2024 cropping season to investigate the response of soybean yield to biofertilizer. The treatment consists of: farmers practice (100 kg NPS ha-1) and biofertilizer plus 100 kg NPS ha-1. Multidisciplinary team had given participatory training from the composed of Soil fertility researcher, soybean breeder and agricultural extension and communication for the selected participates. The training was delivered for different stake holders and farmers on agronomic management of soybean production techniques and management, cluster based bio fertilizer technology demonstration approach. Around 830 packets of bio-fertilizer are distributed for the farmers in last four years cropping season. In order to evaluate the performance share the lesson with different stakeholders’ field day and experience sharing were organized in the fields of beneficiary farmers. In the field day and experience sharing famers, development agents (DAs), experts, heads of agricultural and rural development office, researchers were participated. The cluster based demonstrated biofertilizer technology was compared with farmers practice and the field data recorded and analyzed by descriptive statics. The participant farmers and different stake holders preferred biofertilizer plus NPS fertilizer during the field day and experience sharing. The application of recommended NPS plus inoculation was higher in seed yield of maize by 14% compared to the application of recommended NPS fertilizers alone. The yield advantage relative to NPS alone indicating the depletion of the soil microorganism and its strong response to bio fertilizer application.
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion and soil acidity are critical problems for soybean production in western Ethiopia. Therefore, a cluster based biofertilizer technology was demonstrated to improve the depleted soil fertility on Nitisols of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2022 to 2024 cropping season to investigate the response of soybean yield to...
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Review Article
Assessing the Impact of Precision Farming Technologies: A Literature Review
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
161-179
Received:
19 October 2024
Accepted:
18 November 2024
Published:
3 December 2024
Abstract: Climate change, population growth, and economic shocks govern a context where food security and economic sustainability represent major challenges for the agricultural sector. Research for innovative production systems that ensure a better allocation of resources is a necessity to provide the foundations for farm reconversion. In this way, we carried out our work relating to precision farming, which is one of the innovative approaches aimed at ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production systems, thanks to its application principles and potential benefits. This synthesis paper examines aspects of assessing the impact of the use of such technology by analyzing previous research. The analysis carried out showed that the study of the impact of the use of precision technologies focused on three essential components on a micro-economic scale: the economic component, the environmental component, and the agronomic component. Prior studies examining the advantages of precision technologies have mostly relied on the examination of experiments and the application of quantitative analysis methods to measure the impact on environmental, economic, and agronomic parameters. The results of the study demonstrated that the adoption of precision farming technologies has provided advantages that contribute to the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Specifically, reducing environmental impact, cutting GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions by over 80%, valorizing natural resources (water and soil) with irrigation water savings of over 26%, and improving production efficiency and effectiveness. However, we suggest further studies examining the effects of precision agriculture using an integrated approach to assess the agronomic, economic, environmental, and social aspects of a production system as a whole. These studies will provide recommendations for adapting precision agriculture technologies to a wide range of farm types. In turn, highlighting the benefits of using precision farming technologies will support the process of adoption by farmers. The overview and findings presented in this article should point researchers in the direction of further research into precision farming technologies and provide extension staff, farm advisors, and farm machinery dealers with guidelines for promoting the adoption of precision farming.
Abstract: Climate change, population growth, and economic shocks govern a context where food security and economic sustainability represent major challenges for the agricultural sector. Research for innovative production systems that ensure a better allocation of resources is a necessity to provide the foundations for farm reconversion. In this way, we carri...
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Research Article
Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Korarima (Aframomum corrorima) at Humid Tropical Climatic Conditions
Hassen Seid Awoke*,
Karta Kaske,
Tsegaye Mulualem,
Getachew Shiferaw
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
180-184
Received:
11 July 2024
Accepted:
27 September 2024
Published:
7 December 2024
Abstract: Korarima (Aframomum corrorim) (is an indigenous spice and cash crop in Ethiopia. Korarima seed has less peppery pungent taste, and milder, sweeter flavor. Potentially it grows under the natural forests in the south and southwestern parts of the country where coffee potentially grow. But the crop shows delayed seed germination and poor field emergency at growing area. So obtaining fast seed germination and intact seedling is the main concern for farmers. The objective of this trial was to assess the potential of seed treatment chemicals on seed germination and seedling development of korarima. The trial was organized in completely randomized design with three replications. Analysis of Variance was done using statistical analysis software. Treatment means were separated using LSD at 0.05 probability level of significance. The results of the trial was designated that korarima seed germination and seedling development were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced by pre sowing seed treatment. The supreme seed germination value (83.25%) was shown by korarima seeds soaked with 80% alcohol for 30 min, whereas the lowest seed germination (47.53%) was seen from seeds soaked with 10% H2SO4 for 5 min. Based on these result, it can conclude pre-sowing seed treatment of Korarima enhanced seed germination and intact seedling development of korarima.
Abstract: Korarima (Aframomum corrorim) (is an indigenous spice and cash crop in Ethiopia. Korarima seed has less peppery pungent taste, and milder, sweeter flavor. Potentially it grows under the natural forests in the south and southwestern parts of the country where coffee potentially grow. But the crop shows delayed seed germination and poor field emergen...
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Research Article
Effects of Time and Rate of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Phenology, Growth and Yield of Maize at Jimma, Southwestern Ethiopia
Eshetu Yadete*,
Sisay Gurmu,
Muhidin Biya
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
185-197
Received:
16 August 2024
Accepted:
10 September 2024
Published:
9 December 2024
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia in general and in the Jimma area in particular. However, its productivity is low due to the inadequate management of nitrogen fertilizer rates and inappropriate timing of fertilizer applications. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020-2022 main cropping seasons to determine the effect of different rates and times of nitrogen applications on phenology, growth, yield, and yield components of maize and to estimate the most economical rate and time of nitrogen fertilizer application. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of five rates of nitrogen (0, 46, 92,138 and 184kg N ha-1) and three times of application (Full at planting, 1/2 at planting +1/2 at the 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at planting+1/3 at 5-leave stage + 1/3 at booting). The result revealed that days to 50% tasseling, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, ear height, stem diameter, numbers of ears per plant, grain yield, above-ground dry biomass, and harvest index were significantly affected by either the main effects of N fertilizer rate or time of N application. The interaction of rates and time of nitrogen application affected considerably days to 50% silking. The highest mean grain yield (8355.60 kg ha-1) was recorded with applied N in three splits (1/3 at planting, 1/3 at the 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at booting) and the highest grain yield (9213.5 kg ha-1) was obtained from 184kg N ha-1. Grain yield was positively and /highly/ significantly association with days to maturity (r=35), height (r=0.30), ear height (r=0.24), girth (r=0.55), number of ears per plant (r=0.62), biomass yield (r=0.91), harvest index (r=0.35) while grain yield was negatively and/highly/ significantly association with days to tasseling (r=0.20) and days to silking (r=0.23). Partial budget analysis revealed that N in three split applications and 184kg N ha-1 rate realized the maximum net benefit of 208,311.10 Birr ha-1 and 226,380.2 Birr respectively. Therefore, based on the highest net benefit applying N in three splits (1/3 at planting, 1/3 at 5-leave stage, and 1/3 at booting) and 184kg N ha-1 application an economic yield response and also acceptable for farmers of study areas and similar agroecology.
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia in general and in the Jimma area in particular. However, its productivity is low due to the inadequate management of nitrogen fertilizer rates and inappropriate timing of fertilizer applications. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020-2022 main cropping seasons to d...
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