IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Evaluating Plantmate organic manure and prime EC foliar on plant performance ...Innspub Net
Trials for the effectiveness of Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food for increased yields for selected crops were done in five different Agro-ecological zones and soil types, in Kenya. The approach was executed through controlled greenhouse experiment and in the field. The trials data obtained indicated Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food in combination with half the rate of recommended inorganic fertilizer performed significantly (p<0.05) better than all other treatments. Thus, plots treated with Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food gave higher yields in common beans, French beans, maize, onions, cabbages, capsicum with percentages exceeding 100 compared to the control in most cases. In many soils fertilizers are fixed and rendered insoluble under certain soil conditions such as soil pH. The Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food ameliorated the soil conditions as it interacted with inorganic fertilizer thus increasing its use efficiency by crops. Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food not only increased soil chemical fertility but also improves water use efficiency at low matric potential and generally improves plant vigor and soil health.
Effect of Farmyard Manure and Mineral NP Fertilizers on Yield Related Traits ...Premier Publishers
Declining soil fertility is one of the major problems causing yield reduction in Ethiopia. Farmers at Areka apply both organic and inorganic fertilizers to overcome the problem and increase yield of potato. However, information on the application of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer is inadequate to the area to increase the yield of potato crop. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Areka, Southern Ethiopia during the 2016 cropping season with the objective of assessing the effect of farmyard manure and mineral NP fertilizers on yield related traits and yield of potato. There were twenty treatments comprising of four levels of FYM (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) with five levels of combined mineral NP fertilizers [0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of blanket recommended rates of NP (110 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1)] in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The results showed that the main effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers were significant (P<0.01) on tuber number per hill, tuber size category and tuber yield in tha-1. There was significant interaction effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height. The maximum total and marketable tuber yields of 35.11t ha-1, and 33.97 t ha-1recorded at the rate of 7.5 t ha-1 FYM respectively while the maximum total and marketable tuber yield of 37.97 t ha-1and 36.78 t ha-1respectively were obtained in response to the application of 100% blanket recommended mineral NP fertilizer rate.
11.construction of soil conservation structures for improvement of crops and ...Alexander Decker
1) The document discusses soil erosion and degradation problems in southern Ethiopia and efforts to address them through soil conservation structures.
2) A study constructed various soil conservation measures like soil bunds and fanya-juu on 544 hectares of land with farmer participation.
3) Implementation of these structures stabilized the soil, increased organic matter and fertility, and led to crop yield increases of 15-22% after one year and over 50% after three years.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
Farmers’ perception of the impact of land degradation and soil and water cons...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study assessing farmers' perceptions of land degradation and soil conservation measures in Ethiopia. The key findings are:
1) Most farmers perceived soil erosion and declining soil fertility on their lands as severe problems. Over half believed these issues were reducing crop yields.
2) Nearly all farmers recognized the benefits of soil conservation for improving soil quality and production. However, many were still using traditional conservation methods.
3) Factors like labor requirements, maintenance needs, and reduced farm area discouraged some from adopting improved conservation techniques.
Evaluation of the Growth and Yield Performances of Maize in a Soybean Culture...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Fertilizer microdosing technology in sorghum, millet and maize production at ...IJASRD Journal
World population is alarmingly increasing, to feed the growing population, farmers must increase food production. Mineral fertilizer application takes the lion-share on crop productivity. However, due to the high cost of fertilizer, majority of African farmers add smaller than the recommended rate. Therefore, the farmers must adopt a technology that is environmentally friendly and minimizes dose of fertilizer keeping productivity higher than conventional fertilization. Microdosing (small and affordable quantities) fertilizer application produces higher grain yield as compared to control and banding application. Application of 0.3g NPK to 6g of NPK per pocket could increase yield of millet in range of 31.3% to 90.3 %. Similarly, application of 0.3 g NPK to 4 g NPK per pocket could increase yield of sorghum 40.9 % to 83 %. Microdosing fertilizer application is feasible and profitable than conventional fertilizer application. However, fertilizers in Africa are found in 50 kg package, which are not affordable by the poor resource farmers. The availability of fertilizer in affordable package is very crucial in expanding the technology. Moreover, the farmers must have the opportunity to inventory credit like warrantage system so that they borrow money to use it for input cost and store the crops after harvest when the price of the crops are low and resell them when the prices are higher. The use of the microdosing method brings entire changes to the existing fertilizer application methods; hence, there is a need for a strong linkage among researchers, farmers, and policy makers.
Constraints of onion (alluim cepa.var.cepa l.) yield production and food pref...Alexander Decker
The document discusses constraints to onion production and food preferences in Bibugn Woreda, Ethiopia. It finds that the major constraints to onion production are low water accessibility and high rates of onion disease. While the climate is suitable for onion growth, water shortages and diseases have led to declining onion yields over time. There is also high local demand for onions that exceeds current production levels. The community prefers onions to shallots for food flavoring, but often uses shallots instead due to shortage of onions. To address these issues, the document recommends improving irrigation access through water diversion and pumping projects, supporting disease-resistant varieties, and prioritizing increased onion production.
Evaluating Plantmate organic manure and prime EC foliar on plant performance ...Innspub Net
Trials for the effectiveness of Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food for increased yields for selected crops were done in five different Agro-ecological zones and soil types, in Kenya. The approach was executed through controlled greenhouse experiment and in the field. The trials data obtained indicated Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food in combination with half the rate of recommended inorganic fertilizer performed significantly (p<0.05) better than all other treatments. Thus, plots treated with Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food gave higher yields in common beans, French beans, maize, onions, cabbages, capsicum with percentages exceeding 100 compared to the control in most cases. In many soils fertilizers are fixed and rendered insoluble under certain soil conditions such as soil pH. The Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food ameliorated the soil conditions as it interacted with inorganic fertilizer thus increasing its use efficiency by crops. Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food not only increased soil chemical fertility but also improves water use efficiency at low matric potential and generally improves plant vigor and soil health.
Effect of Farmyard Manure and Mineral NP Fertilizers on Yield Related Traits ...Premier Publishers
Declining soil fertility is one of the major problems causing yield reduction in Ethiopia. Farmers at Areka apply both organic and inorganic fertilizers to overcome the problem and increase yield of potato. However, information on the application of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer is inadequate to the area to increase the yield of potato crop. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Areka, Southern Ethiopia during the 2016 cropping season with the objective of assessing the effect of farmyard manure and mineral NP fertilizers on yield related traits and yield of potato. There were twenty treatments comprising of four levels of FYM (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) with five levels of combined mineral NP fertilizers [0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of blanket recommended rates of NP (110 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1)] in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The results showed that the main effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers were significant (P<0.01) on tuber number per hill, tuber size category and tuber yield in tha-1. There was significant interaction effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height. The maximum total and marketable tuber yields of 35.11t ha-1, and 33.97 t ha-1recorded at the rate of 7.5 t ha-1 FYM respectively while the maximum total and marketable tuber yield of 37.97 t ha-1and 36.78 t ha-1respectively were obtained in response to the application of 100% blanket recommended mineral NP fertilizer rate.
11.construction of soil conservation structures for improvement of crops and ...Alexander Decker
1) The document discusses soil erosion and degradation problems in southern Ethiopia and efforts to address them through soil conservation structures.
2) A study constructed various soil conservation measures like soil bunds and fanya-juu on 544 hectares of land with farmer participation.
3) Implementation of these structures stabilized the soil, increased organic matter and fertility, and led to crop yield increases of 15-22% after one year and over 50% after three years.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
Farmers’ perception of the impact of land degradation and soil and water cons...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study assessing farmers' perceptions of land degradation and soil conservation measures in Ethiopia. The key findings are:
1) Most farmers perceived soil erosion and declining soil fertility on their lands as severe problems. Over half believed these issues were reducing crop yields.
2) Nearly all farmers recognized the benefits of soil conservation for improving soil quality and production. However, many were still using traditional conservation methods.
3) Factors like labor requirements, maintenance needs, and reduced farm area discouraged some from adopting improved conservation techniques.
Evaluation of the Growth and Yield Performances of Maize in a Soybean Culture...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Fertilizer microdosing technology in sorghum, millet and maize production at ...IJASRD Journal
World population is alarmingly increasing, to feed the growing population, farmers must increase food production. Mineral fertilizer application takes the lion-share on crop productivity. However, due to the high cost of fertilizer, majority of African farmers add smaller than the recommended rate. Therefore, the farmers must adopt a technology that is environmentally friendly and minimizes dose of fertilizer keeping productivity higher than conventional fertilization. Microdosing (small and affordable quantities) fertilizer application produces higher grain yield as compared to control and banding application. Application of 0.3g NPK to 6g of NPK per pocket could increase yield of millet in range of 31.3% to 90.3 %. Similarly, application of 0.3 g NPK to 4 g NPK per pocket could increase yield of sorghum 40.9 % to 83 %. Microdosing fertilizer application is feasible and profitable than conventional fertilizer application. However, fertilizers in Africa are found in 50 kg package, which are not affordable by the poor resource farmers. The availability of fertilizer in affordable package is very crucial in expanding the technology. Moreover, the farmers must have the opportunity to inventory credit like warrantage system so that they borrow money to use it for input cost and store the crops after harvest when the price of the crops are low and resell them when the prices are higher. The use of the microdosing method brings entire changes to the existing fertilizer application methods; hence, there is a need for a strong linkage among researchers, farmers, and policy makers.
Constraints of onion (alluim cepa.var.cepa l.) yield production and food pref...Alexander Decker
The document discusses constraints to onion production and food preferences in Bibugn Woreda, Ethiopia. It finds that the major constraints to onion production are low water accessibility and high rates of onion disease. While the climate is suitable for onion growth, water shortages and diseases have led to declining onion yields over time. There is also high local demand for onions that exceeds current production levels. The community prefers onions to shallots for food flavoring, but often uses shallots instead due to shortage of onions. To address these issues, the document recommends improving irrigation access through water diversion and pumping projects, supporting disease-resistant varieties, and prioritizing increased onion production.
Climate Change & Its Relationship with Agriculture by Yogendra KatuwalYogendra Katuwal
Prepared by Yogendra Katuwal M.Sc. Ag (Agronomy) student of AFU, Rampur, Nepal. What is actually the relationship between climate change and agriculture is included needs a better understanding.
Lowland rice water stress management in GhanaPatrickTanz
This study investigated the effects of different water saving management methods on the growth, yield, and water productivity of lowland rice. The treatments included continuous flooding (control), flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading, and alternate wetting and drying until booting followed by flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading. Results showed that withholding water 20 days after heading (treatment 5) saved 24.3% and 25.2% of water in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while producing similar grain yields as the continuously flooded control. Treatment 5 was the most water efficient method with no reduction in yield.
Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa face numerous challenges from climate change, including increased drought and reduced agricultural production. This document discusses indigenous and introduced adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers to cope with climate impacts. Indigenous strategies include soil organic matter enhancement, polyculture systems, mulching, and multiple cropping. Introduced strategies include agroforestry, water management/irrigation, and soil/land management. The main goal of the study is to contribute knowledge on adaptation to climate change in Sub-Saharan agriculture.
Sustainable intensification options for rice-wheat systemAyesha Fatima
This document summarizes sustainable intensification options for the rice-wheat cropping system. It discusses how sustainable intensification aims to increase food production while protecting the environment and resources. Some key practices of sustainable intensification for rice-wheat systems include conservation agriculture like zero-tillage and residue retention, laser land leveling, direct seeded rice, and introducing short-duration crops like mungbean during fallow periods. Integrated crop management is suggested to balance increasing yields with minimizing negative environmental and social impacts by using good agricultural practices and integrated nutrient and pest management.
The document summarizes the work of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF) on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). It discusses TSBF's goals, definition of ISFM, impact zones, activities, progress against outputs in different crop systems, collaboration with CRPs, statistics on funding and challenges, and future plans. The overall aim is to improve livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable agricultural production systems based on ISFM principles.
Smallholder farmers pathway to resilience: achieving food security through ad...Premier Publishers
Building smallholder farmers’ resilience is essential to the sustainability of food security interventions. Being food secure alone is not enough, as disasters, including climate related extremes can quickly wipe out hard won development gains. Climate variability is an immediate challenge affecting the economy and poses threats to agriculture production and food security for smallholder farmers in rural communities. The livelihoods of people who depend on climate sensitive agricultural resources are particularly vulnerable. This study used a survey method to envisage adaptation strategies in agricultural production of smallholder farmer so as to increase resilience and create opportunities for increasing food security and environmental sustainability. The results indicated that more frequent and severe extreme climatic events, especially drought and heavy rainfall pose challenges to agricultural production and on ensuring food security in the area. To deal with such climate related extreme events, farmers develop different adaptation measures. Although farmers’ adaptation measures may not succeed completely, they form the basis of solutions to extreme events and disaster preparedness. It suggested that, addressing the threat posed by climate change will require better quantification of the problem, greater attention for prioritizing which production systems are vulnerable, and a redoubling of land and water management efforts. Climate change is occurring within a background of other global challenges, such as population growth, urbanization, land and water use, rural- urban migration, and biodiversity depletion. Thus, efforts to adapt to the impact of climate change should do so in a manner that is consistent with these broader development issues.
11.[7 17]determinants of adoption and labour intensity of stone-terraces in e...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the determinants of adoption and labor intensity of stone terraces in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia. The study uses household and plot level data from 211 farm households to analyze factors affecting adoption of stone terraces and labor use intensity through a double hurdle model. Key findings were that land tenure security, parcel size and fragmentation, and farm training and education influence adoption and labor intensity of stone terraces. The implications are that programs should focus on relaxing land tenure, increasing parcel size and reducing fragmentation, and strengthening farm education.
Factors influencing farmer’s participation in agricultural projects the case ...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that aimed to identify factors influencing farmers' participation in agricultural projects in Ghana. It provides background on the importance of agriculture in Ghana and the northern region, as well as poverty levels. It then describes the Agricultural Value Chain Mentorship Project (AVCMP) being implemented in the region. The study used a survey of 180 farmers in two districts to analyze factors affecting participation. Results from a probit model indicated that years of schooling, access to production credit, and access to agricultural extension services significantly determined farmers' participation in projects. Farmer interest can be sustained by providing tangible benefits like credit and extension.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on conservation agriculture given to the Department of Agronomy at PJTSAU, Hyderabad. The presentation covers the basic principles and global practice of conservation agriculture, techniques for water and soil conservation, and the impacts of conservation agriculture on sustainable agriculture. Key points discussed include minimum soil disturbance, permanent organic soil cover, diversified crop rotations, various water harvesting and irrigation methods, and benefits such as improved soil quality, reduced erosion, higher water use efficiency, and increased crop yields.
Factors influencing fertilizer use intensity among small holder crop farmers ...Alexander Decker
This study analyzed factors influencing fertilizer use among small-scale crop farmers in Abak Agricultural
Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 150 farmers and data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics and regression. The results found that most farmers were older with low social capital.
Regression analysis identified age, gender, household size, farm size, perceived fertilizer price, farm
output value, extension visits, number of goats/sheep owned, poultry ownership, and distance to fertilizer
sellers as significant factors affecting fertilizer use. The study recommends further fertilizer subsidies by
the state government and education programs to promote proper family planning and
11.factors influencing fertilizer use intensity among small holder crop farme...Alexander Decker
This study analyzed factors influencing fertilizer use among small-scale crop farmers in Abak Agricultural
Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 150 farmers and data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results found that most farmers were older with low social
capital. Regression analysis identified age, gender, household size, farm size, perceived fertilizer price, farm
output value, extension visits, number of goats/sheep owned, poultry ownership, and distance to fertilizer
sellers as significant factors affecting fertilizer use. The study recommends further fertilizer subsidies and
educating farmers on family planning and fertilizer usage to
IRJET- Assessment of Farmers’ Perception Towards the Adoption of Soil and Wat...IRJET Journal
This document summarizes a study on farmers' perceptions of soil and water conservation practices and soil quality in Kechabira Woreda, Ethiopia. Key findings include:
1) The most commonly used indigenous soil conservation practices by farmers were application of manure, indigenous tree planting, and crop rotation. Modern practices like grass strips and fanaya juu terraces were also widely adopted.
2) Farmers' adoption of conservation practices was influenced by demographic and farm characteristics.
3) Soil samples from plots using conservation practices for over 5 years had significantly higher moisture, organic carbon, nutrients compared to untreated plots, especially at lower slopes.
Effect of regulated deficit irrigation on growth and yield of sorghumAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the effects of regulated deficit irrigation on the growth and yield of sorghum. The study consisted of different irrigation regimes (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% of full irrigation) applied to two soil types and measured various growth parameters. The results showed that irrigation regimes of 100% and 75% performed better in terms of growth, water use efficiency, and economic returns compared to 50% and 25% deficit irrigation. Additionally, there were some interaction effects observed between deficit irrigation and soil type. Overall, the study recommends the use of 75% regulated deficit irrigation for optimizing sorghum growth in this agricultural zone.
Genetic Variability and Heritability of Agronomic Traits in Faba Bean (Vicia ...Premier Publishers
This document reports on a study that evaluated genetic variability and heritability of agronomic traits in 50 faba bean genotypes under soil acidity stress, with and without lime application, across three locations in Ethiopia. Key findings include:
1) Significant genetic variability was found among genotypes for all traits except seeds per pod under both lime conditions.
2) Yield was reduced by 32.34% without lime compared to with lime.
3) Variability components like GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance varied between traits and lime conditions, with generally higher values under lime indicating a more optimum environment.
4) Traits like 100 seed weight and pods per plant showed medium to high variability components
This document summarizes a presentation on strengthening smallholder farmer resilience to climate change through agroecology. It discusses how modern technologies have not favored sustainability and have negatively impacted soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Agroecology is presented as a sustainable alternative that can improve food security, income, soil fertility, food quality and safety, and resilience to climate change. The presentation recommends reforms to support agroecology through policies, sector incentives, and building farmer capacity.
Wheat crop responds to climate change in rainfed areas of District Mansehra, ...Innspub Net
Agriculture in many ways is affected by climate change and has impact for productivity of crops particularly in rainfed areas. Climate change related research remained a poorly investigated area in KP and instant study filled that gap by investigating impacts of change in climate on farm productivity. The secondary data, spread over 30 years from 1984 to 2013 pertaining to temperature, precipitation, area under cultivation and yield of crops was collected. Analytical models used are ARDL Model. The results pertaining to impact of temperature and precipitation on wheat yield suggest long run relationship among the variables. Temperature is positively and significantly related in Mansehra. The precipitation is positively and significantly related. Short run relationship implies that around 100% deviations from long-term equilibrium are adjusted every year in case of Mansehra. The results wheat areas suggest long run relationship among the variables based on F Statistics value. Both temperature and precipitation are positively and significantly related to the area under wheat in the long run in case of Mansehra. Based on objectives of the research study and field findings recommendations offered include; farmers awareness drive, policies to promote adaptation measures, enhancing farmers’ adaptive capacity to strengthen local resilience, participation of farming community in formulation of policies, making meteorological information available to farmers, Design research plans to evolve crops varieties addressing changing climatic challenges, construct water harvesting structures for high efficiency irrigation and further research to estimate range of temperature and precipitation within which crops under study perform better.
Existing practices for soil fertility management through cereals-legume inter...Premier Publishers
Low crop production has been attributed to inherently low availability of plant nutrients, nutrient imbalances and inadequate soil moisture for plant growth. Past and current soil management practices have enhanced the degradation of the soils. These have been caused by increased withdrawal of plant nutrients from the soil and consequently to reduced plant growth. To meet future food requirements, it is inevitable that the use of inorganic fertilizers will continue to increase. However, such fertilizers are expensive to farmers and they are potential environmental pollutants. The intensification and diversification of the cropping systems and traditional practices in Africa have compounded the decline in soil fertility. To raise and sustain soil fertility and productivity in Africa, appropriate traditional soil fertility management practices have to be developed and adopted by farmers. Cereal-legumes cropping systems accompanying management technologies indicated the advantage of these technologies and their function of socio-economic and bio-physical conditions. This review explored the mechanisms and processes associated with soil fertility management, effect of intensive agriculture on soil degradation, role of traditional and scientific knowledge, benefits, challenges and additional cereal-legumes cropping systems. These contributed to understanding the effects soil fertility management decisions and human-use impacts on long-term ecological composition and function.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Use EfficiencyinImproved Potato_Hailu Gebru 2017.pdfAbebeChindi1
Abstract Use of nutrient efficient crop species or cultivars
within species in combination with improved crop production
practices offer the best option for meeting the future food
requirements of growing world populations. Efficiency improvement has a key role for nutrient use and it improves both
productivity of yield and minimizes risks of losses that potentially harm the environment. To improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE), one strategy is to select cultivars of crops with high
NUE. Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are among essential macronutrients commonly applied to agricultural crops
to optimize yields. Evaluation of potato cultivars with high N
and P efficiency is essential for sustainable production of the
crop. In Ethiopia, however, little research has been done to
elucidate better NUE of potato crop until recently. This study
was, thus, designed to evaluate selected potato cultivars
(Belete, Gudene, Jalene, Marachere and one local check) for
NP use efficiency under low levels of the nutrients in Wolaita
Sodo University, Ethiopia during 2014 and 2015. Factorial
combination of 3 levels of each N (0, 55.5 and 111 kg N
ha−1 ) and P (0, 19.5 and 39 kg P ha−1 ) were assigned to the
main plots and the 5 cultivars to subplots of split-plot design in
three replications. Efficiency indices such as agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency and recovery efficiency were
computed for combined NP nutrients. Results showed that
agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, apparent phosphorus use
efficiency and phosphorus use efficiencies were significantly
influenced by the interaction effect of rates of NP nutrition and
variety. Application of NP more than 55.5:19.5 kg ha−1 will
not beneficial due to their less or equal use and recovery efficiencies to 55.5:19.5 kg NP ha−1
. Belete was the most NP
efficient variety followed by Jalene and Gudene in all efficiency indices. Therefore, Belete, Jalene and Gudene return better
for NP at 55.5:19.5 kg ha−1 for economical use of fertilizes
while obtaining satisfactory yield. It can be concluded that
yield response variation of the varieties was related to their
differences in NP uptake and use efficiencies; and the improved potato varieties were superior to local check in using
NP nutrients efficiently
Climate Change & Its Relationship with Agriculture by Yogendra KatuwalYogendra Katuwal
Prepared by Yogendra Katuwal M.Sc. Ag (Agronomy) student of AFU, Rampur, Nepal. What is actually the relationship between climate change and agriculture is included needs a better understanding.
Lowland rice water stress management in GhanaPatrickTanz
This study investigated the effects of different water saving management methods on the growth, yield, and water productivity of lowland rice. The treatments included continuous flooding (control), flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading, and alternate wetting and drying until booting followed by flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading. Results showed that withholding water 20 days after heading (treatment 5) saved 24.3% and 25.2% of water in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while producing similar grain yields as the continuously flooded control. Treatment 5 was the most water efficient method with no reduction in yield.
Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa face numerous challenges from climate change, including increased drought and reduced agricultural production. This document discusses indigenous and introduced adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers to cope with climate impacts. Indigenous strategies include soil organic matter enhancement, polyculture systems, mulching, and multiple cropping. Introduced strategies include agroforestry, water management/irrigation, and soil/land management. The main goal of the study is to contribute knowledge on adaptation to climate change in Sub-Saharan agriculture.
Sustainable intensification options for rice-wheat systemAyesha Fatima
This document summarizes sustainable intensification options for the rice-wheat cropping system. It discusses how sustainable intensification aims to increase food production while protecting the environment and resources. Some key practices of sustainable intensification for rice-wheat systems include conservation agriculture like zero-tillage and residue retention, laser land leveling, direct seeded rice, and introducing short-duration crops like mungbean during fallow periods. Integrated crop management is suggested to balance increasing yields with minimizing negative environmental and social impacts by using good agricultural practices and integrated nutrient and pest management.
The document summarizes the work of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF) on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). It discusses TSBF's goals, definition of ISFM, impact zones, activities, progress against outputs in different crop systems, collaboration with CRPs, statistics on funding and challenges, and future plans. The overall aim is to improve livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable agricultural production systems based on ISFM principles.
Smallholder farmers pathway to resilience: achieving food security through ad...Premier Publishers
Building smallholder farmers’ resilience is essential to the sustainability of food security interventions. Being food secure alone is not enough, as disasters, including climate related extremes can quickly wipe out hard won development gains. Climate variability is an immediate challenge affecting the economy and poses threats to agriculture production and food security for smallholder farmers in rural communities. The livelihoods of people who depend on climate sensitive agricultural resources are particularly vulnerable. This study used a survey method to envisage adaptation strategies in agricultural production of smallholder farmer so as to increase resilience and create opportunities for increasing food security and environmental sustainability. The results indicated that more frequent and severe extreme climatic events, especially drought and heavy rainfall pose challenges to agricultural production and on ensuring food security in the area. To deal with such climate related extreme events, farmers develop different adaptation measures. Although farmers’ adaptation measures may not succeed completely, they form the basis of solutions to extreme events and disaster preparedness. It suggested that, addressing the threat posed by climate change will require better quantification of the problem, greater attention for prioritizing which production systems are vulnerable, and a redoubling of land and water management efforts. Climate change is occurring within a background of other global challenges, such as population growth, urbanization, land and water use, rural- urban migration, and biodiversity depletion. Thus, efforts to adapt to the impact of climate change should do so in a manner that is consistent with these broader development issues.
11.[7 17]determinants of adoption and labour intensity of stone-terraces in e...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the determinants of adoption and labor intensity of stone terraces in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia. The study uses household and plot level data from 211 farm households to analyze factors affecting adoption of stone terraces and labor use intensity through a double hurdle model. Key findings were that land tenure security, parcel size and fragmentation, and farm training and education influence adoption and labor intensity of stone terraces. The implications are that programs should focus on relaxing land tenure, increasing parcel size and reducing fragmentation, and strengthening farm education.
Factors influencing farmer’s participation in agricultural projects the case ...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that aimed to identify factors influencing farmers' participation in agricultural projects in Ghana. It provides background on the importance of agriculture in Ghana and the northern region, as well as poverty levels. It then describes the Agricultural Value Chain Mentorship Project (AVCMP) being implemented in the region. The study used a survey of 180 farmers in two districts to analyze factors affecting participation. Results from a probit model indicated that years of schooling, access to production credit, and access to agricultural extension services significantly determined farmers' participation in projects. Farmer interest can be sustained by providing tangible benefits like credit and extension.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on conservation agriculture given to the Department of Agronomy at PJTSAU, Hyderabad. The presentation covers the basic principles and global practice of conservation agriculture, techniques for water and soil conservation, and the impacts of conservation agriculture on sustainable agriculture. Key points discussed include minimum soil disturbance, permanent organic soil cover, diversified crop rotations, various water harvesting and irrigation methods, and benefits such as improved soil quality, reduced erosion, higher water use efficiency, and increased crop yields.
Factors influencing fertilizer use intensity among small holder crop farmers ...Alexander Decker
This study analyzed factors influencing fertilizer use among small-scale crop farmers in Abak Agricultural
Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 150 farmers and data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics and regression. The results found that most farmers were older with low social capital.
Regression analysis identified age, gender, household size, farm size, perceived fertilizer price, farm
output value, extension visits, number of goats/sheep owned, poultry ownership, and distance to fertilizer
sellers as significant factors affecting fertilizer use. The study recommends further fertilizer subsidies by
the state government and education programs to promote proper family planning and
11.factors influencing fertilizer use intensity among small holder crop farme...Alexander Decker
This study analyzed factors influencing fertilizer use among small-scale crop farmers in Abak Agricultural
Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 150 farmers and data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results found that most farmers were older with low social
capital. Regression analysis identified age, gender, household size, farm size, perceived fertilizer price, farm
output value, extension visits, number of goats/sheep owned, poultry ownership, and distance to fertilizer
sellers as significant factors affecting fertilizer use. The study recommends further fertilizer subsidies and
educating farmers on family planning and fertilizer usage to
IRJET- Assessment of Farmers’ Perception Towards the Adoption of Soil and Wat...IRJET Journal
This document summarizes a study on farmers' perceptions of soil and water conservation practices and soil quality in Kechabira Woreda, Ethiopia. Key findings include:
1) The most commonly used indigenous soil conservation practices by farmers were application of manure, indigenous tree planting, and crop rotation. Modern practices like grass strips and fanaya juu terraces were also widely adopted.
2) Farmers' adoption of conservation practices was influenced by demographic and farm characteristics.
3) Soil samples from plots using conservation practices for over 5 years had significantly higher moisture, organic carbon, nutrients compared to untreated plots, especially at lower slopes.
Effect of regulated deficit irrigation on growth and yield of sorghumAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the effects of regulated deficit irrigation on the growth and yield of sorghum. The study consisted of different irrigation regimes (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% of full irrigation) applied to two soil types and measured various growth parameters. The results showed that irrigation regimes of 100% and 75% performed better in terms of growth, water use efficiency, and economic returns compared to 50% and 25% deficit irrigation. Additionally, there were some interaction effects observed between deficit irrigation and soil type. Overall, the study recommends the use of 75% regulated deficit irrigation for optimizing sorghum growth in this agricultural zone.
Genetic Variability and Heritability of Agronomic Traits in Faba Bean (Vicia ...Premier Publishers
This document reports on a study that evaluated genetic variability and heritability of agronomic traits in 50 faba bean genotypes under soil acidity stress, with and without lime application, across three locations in Ethiopia. Key findings include:
1) Significant genetic variability was found among genotypes for all traits except seeds per pod under both lime conditions.
2) Yield was reduced by 32.34% without lime compared to with lime.
3) Variability components like GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance varied between traits and lime conditions, with generally higher values under lime indicating a more optimum environment.
4) Traits like 100 seed weight and pods per plant showed medium to high variability components
This document summarizes a presentation on strengthening smallholder farmer resilience to climate change through agroecology. It discusses how modern technologies have not favored sustainability and have negatively impacted soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Agroecology is presented as a sustainable alternative that can improve food security, income, soil fertility, food quality and safety, and resilience to climate change. The presentation recommends reforms to support agroecology through policies, sector incentives, and building farmer capacity.
Wheat crop responds to climate change in rainfed areas of District Mansehra, ...Innspub Net
Agriculture in many ways is affected by climate change and has impact for productivity of crops particularly in rainfed areas. Climate change related research remained a poorly investigated area in KP and instant study filled that gap by investigating impacts of change in climate on farm productivity. The secondary data, spread over 30 years from 1984 to 2013 pertaining to temperature, precipitation, area under cultivation and yield of crops was collected. Analytical models used are ARDL Model. The results pertaining to impact of temperature and precipitation on wheat yield suggest long run relationship among the variables. Temperature is positively and significantly related in Mansehra. The precipitation is positively and significantly related. Short run relationship implies that around 100% deviations from long-term equilibrium are adjusted every year in case of Mansehra. The results wheat areas suggest long run relationship among the variables based on F Statistics value. Both temperature and precipitation are positively and significantly related to the area under wheat in the long run in case of Mansehra. Based on objectives of the research study and field findings recommendations offered include; farmers awareness drive, policies to promote adaptation measures, enhancing farmers’ adaptive capacity to strengthen local resilience, participation of farming community in formulation of policies, making meteorological information available to farmers, Design research plans to evolve crops varieties addressing changing climatic challenges, construct water harvesting structures for high efficiency irrigation and further research to estimate range of temperature and precipitation within which crops under study perform better.
Existing practices for soil fertility management through cereals-legume inter...Premier Publishers
Low crop production has been attributed to inherently low availability of plant nutrients, nutrient imbalances and inadequate soil moisture for plant growth. Past and current soil management practices have enhanced the degradation of the soils. These have been caused by increased withdrawal of plant nutrients from the soil and consequently to reduced plant growth. To meet future food requirements, it is inevitable that the use of inorganic fertilizers will continue to increase. However, such fertilizers are expensive to farmers and they are potential environmental pollutants. The intensification and diversification of the cropping systems and traditional practices in Africa have compounded the decline in soil fertility. To raise and sustain soil fertility and productivity in Africa, appropriate traditional soil fertility management practices have to be developed and adopted by farmers. Cereal-legumes cropping systems accompanying management technologies indicated the advantage of these technologies and their function of socio-economic and bio-physical conditions. This review explored the mechanisms and processes associated with soil fertility management, effect of intensive agriculture on soil degradation, role of traditional and scientific knowledge, benefits, challenges and additional cereal-legumes cropping systems. These contributed to understanding the effects soil fertility management decisions and human-use impacts on long-term ecological composition and function.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Use EfficiencyinImproved Potato_Hailu Gebru 2017.pdfAbebeChindi1
Abstract Use of nutrient efficient crop species or cultivars
within species in combination with improved crop production
practices offer the best option for meeting the future food
requirements of growing world populations. Efficiency improvement has a key role for nutrient use and it improves both
productivity of yield and minimizes risks of losses that potentially harm the environment. To improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE), one strategy is to select cultivars of crops with high
NUE. Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are among essential macronutrients commonly applied to agricultural crops
to optimize yields. Evaluation of potato cultivars with high N
and P efficiency is essential for sustainable production of the
crop. In Ethiopia, however, little research has been done to
elucidate better NUE of potato crop until recently. This study
was, thus, designed to evaluate selected potato cultivars
(Belete, Gudene, Jalene, Marachere and one local check) for
NP use efficiency under low levels of the nutrients in Wolaita
Sodo University, Ethiopia during 2014 and 2015. Factorial
combination of 3 levels of each N (0, 55.5 and 111 kg N
ha−1 ) and P (0, 19.5 and 39 kg P ha−1 ) were assigned to the
main plots and the 5 cultivars to subplots of split-plot design in
three replications. Efficiency indices such as agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency and recovery efficiency were
computed for combined NP nutrients. Results showed that
agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, apparent phosphorus use
efficiency and phosphorus use efficiencies were significantly
influenced by the interaction effect of rates of NP nutrition and
variety. Application of NP more than 55.5:19.5 kg ha−1 will
not beneficial due to their less or equal use and recovery efficiencies to 55.5:19.5 kg NP ha−1
. Belete was the most NP
efficient variety followed by Jalene and Gudene in all efficiency indices. Therefore, Belete, Jalene and Gudene return better
for NP at 55.5:19.5 kg ha−1 for economical use of fertilizes
while obtaining satisfactory yield. It can be concluded that
yield response variation of the varieties was related to their
differences in NP uptake and use efficiencies; and the improved potato varieties were superior to local check in using
NP nutrients efficiently
Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yiel...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of rates and time of nitrogen fertilizer application on yield and yield components of sorghum in northern Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1) and three time of N application (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative, 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting stage, 1/3 dose at sowing, 1/3 dose at mid vegetative and 1/3 dose at booting stage). The main effect of rate of N application showed significantly the highest days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length and biomass yield (10716 kg ha-1) at 92 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest days to flowering, leaf area index (2.86) and panicle weight were obtained from three split application and the maximum biomass yield (10142 kg ha-1) was recorded from two split application of N (1/2 dose each at mid-vegetative and at booting stage). The interaction of rates and time of application of nitrogen had significantly the highest 1000 kernels weight (44.67 g), grain yield (4635 kg ha-1) and harvest index from 69 kg N ha-1 in three split application. Economic analysis showed that maximum net benefit of 33053.23 ETB ha-1 from 69kg N ha-1 in three split application. Based on the results, it can be concluded that application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three splits to be appropriate to increase the productivity of sorghum in the study area.
Ogunkoya (Eds). O.A.U Press Limited Ile-Ife.
Farming Practices in Benue State, Nigeria.
Pp. 31-50.
Journal of Agriculture and Social Research, 8
The study assessed farmers' perceptions of climate change and participation in organic farming practices in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Most farmers recognized rising temperatures as the main climate change indicator and late rainfall onset as the main effect. Farmers moderately participated in organic practices like manure and cover crop use, but not deliberately to mitigate climate change. The study recommends educating farmers on organic farming's potential to mitigate climate change.
(1&2): 1
Context: Development of early maturing maize cultivars that remain productive under low N fertilizer farming system, consistent with the farmers’ technologies is a prerequisite to improving adoption of new varieties without increasing production cost.
Objective: To assess the performance of ten early open pollination maize varieties (OPVs) and their F1 hybrids for grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and also identify productive cultivars under low N fertilizer regimes.
Materials and Methods: The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with three N fertilizer levels (0, 45 and 90 kg N ha-1) as main plot and the genotypes as sub-plot. Each plot within N level was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design of four replications. Ten OPVs were crossed in a half diallel to generate 45 F1 hybrids during 2004 and 2005 growing seasons. Planting were carried out on 20th July, 2005 and 2nd July, 2006. Agronomic characters studied were grain yield, maize establishment count, days to 50% tasselling and silking as well as plant and ear heights.
Results: The year 2005 growing season was better for all observed characters amongst all the genotypes than the year 2006. Although, expressions of these traits in the hybrids were relatively higher than the OPVs including the grain yield. The total increase in grain yield observed was 1.72 t ha-1 and 1.95 t ha-1 for OPVs and hybrids respectively on application of 90 kg ha-1 over no N-application. However, NUE was optimum at 45 kg N ha-1 in both groups. Grain yield and NUE correlated positively with growth characters measured except for days to 50% silking. Higher genetic gains were recorded for plant and ear heights.
Conclusion: Two drought tolerant varieties (Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt and Tze Comp3 Dt) that combined well with specific cultivars for grain yield and NUE probably have gene pools for low N-tolerance.
Effects of salinity stress on growth, Water use efficiency and biomass partit...Innspub Net
Future crop production is predicted to face significant challenges from salinity stress due to secondary salinization. Therefore future-proofing crop production in these conditions is an essential path towards addressing food security. We evaluated the effect of irrigation with water of 0, 4 and 8 ppt salinity on growth, biomass partitioning, WUE and chlorophyll fluorescence of Vernonia hymenolepis A.Rich as ameliorated by fertilization with three levels of NPK20:10:10. Data were analysed for variance using the General Linear Model ANOVA procedure, after positive tests for normality and homogeneity of variance. Means were separated through the Dunnett test. Pearson Correlation was done to determine relationship between variables and these were spatially projected using the Factor Analysis procedure, without rotation. Under fertilization at 8 g NPK20:10:10 per plant, growth was stimulated by salinity increase to 4 ppt (35.43cm) compared to 30.43cm for control plants. Fertilizer application significantly improved all the biomass fractions of plants irrigated with water of 4 ppt relative to the control, while root:shoot ratios were highest for unfertilized plants indicating resource re-allocation to roots for better foraging. Chlorophyll fluorescence ranged between 0.716 and 0.727 and did not differ significantly across treatments. These values indicate that all treatments were under stress, including control plants. Values of WUE and RGR indicate that fertilization of plants irrigated with water of 4ppt salinity enhances growth and Harvest Index of V. hymenolepis, in spite of the registered stress. This is significant to future food security.
This document discusses perceptions of climate change in Africa from an agricultural perspective. It finds that there are diverse views about the causes and indicators of climate change across and within African communities, despite general awareness of climate change. The impacts of climate variability are highly differentiated according to factors like land tenure, traditional beliefs, and gender. The document aims to understand indigenous perceptions of climate change in Africa and coping strategies. It reviews how climate change is projected to negatively impact agriculture in Africa through reduced crop yields and quality, and changed growing conditions.
Links between soil management and food security in West Africa - Victor O ChudeFAO
Poor soil management in West Africa has led to low agricultural productivity and food insecurity. Soil degradation issues like erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion rates classified several countries as having moderate to very high loss. However, improved soil management strategies like conservation agriculture, enhancing soil fertility, and adapting to climate change can help restore degraded soils and improve food security. With better soil stewardship, West Africa's soils have the ability to sufficiently feed current and future populations.
11.economic analysis of land allocation use and intensification among arable ...Alexander Decker
This study analyzed land allocation patterns and intensification among crop farmers in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 240 farming households. The results showed that most farmland was acquired through inheritance or purchase. Common crop combinations included cassava, pumpkin, maize, and yam. The average Herfindahl index was 0.641, indicating some diversification. The average land intensification index was 0.8654, showing potential soil fertility issues from intensive cultivation without fallow periods. A negative relationship was found between farm size and land intensification, suggesting smaller farms face more pressure to intensively use land. The study recommends improved seeds/inputs and efforts to re
This document reviews factors influencing Ethiopian farm households' decisions to invest in soil and water conservation. Land degradation through soil erosion and nutrient depletion threatens food security and productivity in Ethiopia's highlands. While the government has promoted conservation, studies have found mixed results on adoption factors. The review finds adoption and investment intensity are influenced by different processes. Addressing all relevant factors is needed, as no single policy can drive major changes alone.
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg/ha) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tons/ha) on the growth of okra plants. A field trial was conducted in Nigeria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and stem girth compared to the control treatment. Increasing levels of both poultry manure and NPK fertilizer generally led to better plant growth. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers supported greater okra growth than either treatment alone. Both p
Effect of soil conservation investment on efficiency of cassava production in...Alexander Decker
This study examined the effect of soil conservation investment on the efficiency of cassava production in Oyo State, Nigeria. 80 cassava farmers were surveyed. The most common soil conservation methods used were bush fallowing, manuring, mulching, crop rotation, and herbicides, though fertilizer was less used. Regression analysis found that larger farm size was negatively associated with soil conservation investment, while greater farming experience had a positive influence. The study concluded that providing credit facilities could help cassava farmers adopt more modern soil conservation technologies to boost production and meet food demands.
Agro-Economic Benefits of Weed Biomass and Crop Residue in Maize Production S...IOSRJAVS
The climatic conditions of coastal Kenya favour rapid weed growth, leading to the accumulation of large biomass of weeds between cropping seasons. Smallholder farmers in the region usually slash and remove the weed biomass and crop residue from their farms during land preparation in order to facilitate easy planting. The impact of such practice on the production of maize has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the farmers’ practice on the performance of maize and fertilizer requirement. Three methods of managing weed biomass and crop residue (removal from field, incorporation into soil, or use as surface mulch) and five fertilizer rates (60 kg N ha-1 , 20 kg P ha-1 , 30 kg N ha-1 , 10 kg P ha-1 , and no fertilizer application) were evaluated. Removal of weed biomass and crop residue from the field led to 20-26% loss in grain yield and reduced the returns to labour by 41-51%.There was no response to applied P where weed biomass and crop residue had been incorporated into soil. Efforts should therefore be made to educate farmers on the advantages of retaining weed biomass and crop residue on their farms as they prepare land for subsequent crops.
Growth and yield, to rates of mineral and poultry manure application in the g...Alexander Decker
The study evaluated the effects of different rates of poultry manure and mineral fertilizer, alone and in combination, on the growth, development, and yield of tomato plants in Nigeria. Poultry manure at rates of 150 kg N/ha and 300 kg N/ha, mineral fertilizer at 150 kg N/ha and 300 kg N/ha, and combinations of the two were applied. The combination of 150 kg poultry manure/ha and 150 kg mineral fertilizer/ha resulted in the tallest plants and highest tomato yields, followed by the combination of 75 kg poultry manure/ha and 75 kg mineral fertilizer/ha. Increasing the rates of poultry man
11.growth and yield, to rates of mineral and poultry manure application in th...Alexander Decker
The study evaluated the effects of different rates of poultry manure and mineral fertilizer, alone and in combination, on the growth, development, and yield of tomato plants in Nigeria. Poultry manure at rates of 150 kg N/ha and 300 kg N/ha, mineral fertilizer at 150 kg N/ha and 300 kg N/ha, and combinations of the two were applied. The combination of 150 kg poultry manure/ha and 150 kg mineral fertilizer/ha resulted in the tallest plants and highest tomato yields, followed by the combination of 75 kg poultry manure/ha and 75 kg mineral fertilizer/ha. Increasing the rates of poultry man
11.[44 56]growth and yield, to rates of mineral and poultry manure applicatio...Alexander Decker
This study evaluated the effects of different rates of poultry manure and mineral fertilizer, alone and in combination, on the growth, development, and yield of tomato plants in Nigeria. The results showed that applying poultry manure at 150 kg N/ha produced the tallest plants, though not significantly different from 300 kg N/ha. Both organic treatments led to taller plants than mineral fertilizer. Applying the combination of 150 kg poultry manure and 150 kg mineral fertilizer per hectare resulted in the highest tomato yield and number of tomatoes harvested, followed by 75 kg of each fertilizer per hectare. Increasing the mineral fertilizer rate above 150 kg N/ha actually decreased tomato yield. Overall
Findings from a survey in western kenya to determine the soil fertility reple...Innspub Net
This document summarizes the findings of a survey conducted in Western Kenya to determine adoption rates of soil fertility replenishment technologies by farmers. The survey interviewed 223 farmers, about half of which were members of farmer groups, and evaluated adoption levels of 11 technologies. It found that inorganic fertilizers and improved legumes had the highest adoption rates, while technologies like intercropping and manure use had lower rates. Farmer group membership, education levels, and location influenced adoption levels. Bungoma county had significantly higher adoption than Busia and Vihiga counties.
Farmers’ perception of climate change in ikwuano local government area of abi...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on farmers' perceptions of climate change in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Nigeria. The study found that farmers are aware that the climate is changing, with increases in temperature, changes in rainfall patterns, and decreases in agricultural yields. The farmers perceived the main causes of climate change to be deforestation, industrialization, overpopulation, pollution, and overexploitation of resources. However, financial constraints, lack of climate information, and insufficient extension support limited farmers' ability to adopt measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on their agricultural activities.
Credit of peanut to subsequent wheat under desert farming conditions in prese...IJAEMSJORNAL
Rotation with leguminous crops to break non-legume monocultures has been established to benefit the latter. The lacking information on this cultivation system in stressed environments encouraged the implementation of two field trials in two different locations of Ismailia desert soils. The experimental design included the cultivation of wheat subsequent to peanut in presence of diazotroph inoculation and N fertilization. Bradyrhizobial inoculation of the legume in combination with 50 kg N acre-1 resulted in the highest total biological yields of 4.24 and 5.01 kg plot-1 at the experimental sites 1 and 2, respective seed yields of 1.46 and 1.61 kg pot-1 were recorded. In case of the cereal crop, the measured acetylene reducing activities in soils of associative diazotroph-inoculated plants together with 50 kg N acre-1 were the highest being 515.8-886.2 and 616.7-1066.2 nmoles C2H4 g-1 h-1 at locations 1 and 2 respectively. The enzymatic activity of fallow-cultivated wheat generally represented ca. 95 % of that in subsequent to peanut. Irrespective of inoculation and N fertilization, the wheat biomass yield increases in residual effect-field over the fallow one were 6.4-35.1 % and 4.6-38.5 % at experimental sites 1 and 2 respectively. Increase percentages of 3.1-26.6 and 6.9-44.7 were scored as well for grain yield. The beneficial residual effect of the legume to the succeeding cereal was also extended to protein yields, increases of 4.0-14.2 % and 4.5-7.6 % were estimated for grain protein as well as 8.3-24.1 % and 8.1-35.3 % for straw protein yield. The findings of this study proved that the positively yield turnover of a legume is extended to the subsequent non-legume. Besides, the beneficial residual effects of legumes toward rotated non legumes could be magnified by diazotroph inoculation together with adequate N supply particularly in stressed environments represented, in the present study, by Ismailia sandy soil.
Land use intensity and efficiency of food crops production in osun state of n...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that examined the relationship between land use intensity and food crop production efficiency in Osun State, Nigeria. It provides background on agricultural development in Nigeria and issues like declining productivity, food insecurity, and poverty. The study used survey data from 90 farmers in Ede North Local Government Area. Key findings included that most farmers were middle-aged, had primary education, large family sizes, and inherited their land. Analysis showed that farm size had a significant impact on production, while crop diversification, labor use, age, and land use intensity influenced production inefficiency. Major land management methods included mulching, crop rotation, and fertilizer use.
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PPT on Alternate Wetting and Drying presented at the three-day 'Training and Validation Workshop on Modules of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technologies in South Asia' workshop on April 22, 2024.
Alternate Wetting and Drying - Climate Smart Agriculture
Comparative Analysis of Fertilizer Use among Small-Scale Irrigation Farmers in North-Western Nigeria
1. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS)
e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 8, Issue 11 Ver. II (Nov. 2015), PP 01-07
www.iosrjournals.org
DOI: 10.9790/2380-081120107 www.iosrjournals.org 1 | Page
Comparative Analysis of Fertilizer Use among Small-Scale
Irrigation Farmers in North-Western Nigeria
Ajiboye Abiodun1,
Osundare F. Olayinka2
1,2
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services Ekiti State University PMB 5363,
Ado Ekiti. Ekiti State ,Nigeria
Abstract: The study analyzed the comparative fertilizer use amongst some sampled small-scale irrigation
farmers in North-western Nigeria. A total of 240 irrigation farmers were selected from four States namely
Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano. Descriptive analysis was used to explain the socioeconomic characteristics
while a Probit analysis was carried out to identify the determinants of fertilizer use among the households.The
results of the Kebbi’s Probit analysis indicated that the variables that played significant roles in determining
fertilizer use were Cultivation intensity, Education, Market distance, Non-farm activities, and Association
membership. For Sokoto, the variables were Cultivated area, Cultivation intensity, Age, Market distance and
wage. For Zamfara, they were Cultivation intensity, Demonstration trial, Crop choice and wage while that of
Kano State included: Cultivated area, Cultivation intensity, Demonstration trial and Crop choice. The study
revealed a lot of factor differentials in the use of fertilizer amongst the sampled households of the four states.
Although about 86% of the farmers in all the four States used fertilizer, this use can generally be said to be in
moderate doses as revealed by the mean quantity of fertilizer in the descriptive analysis. Improvement of this
can be achieved by policy targets that could address those factors wherever applicable.
I. Introduction
For minor irrigation investments to deliver its purposes of increasing food security and poverty
alleviation amongst others, there is the need for Complementarity of such investments with adequate use of
fertilizer. This is due to the fact that irrigation farming which is practiced along river floodplain or already
established water sources has the tendency of quickly using up the soil nutrients than the rain-fed farming due to
the possibility of cultivating these irrigation lands more than once annually. Because In rain-fed farming, there
is more ample chance to increasing hactarage to virgin or fallow lands and hence encourage nutrients re-mining
than these irrigation areas. Hence there is the need to focus more attention towards the reversal of the declining
soil fertility especially in the irrigated portions of the country. According to research findings, there is a
downward spiral of declining soil fertility, low crop yield and increasing poverty in the less-favoured areas of
sub-sahara Africa Tsegaye et . al (2006).The northern agricultural climate of Nigeria which are the most
irrigated zone in the country share similar episode. These regions are typically drought prone and hence more
irrigation-dependent than all the other agroecological zones of the nation. The need to stay nearby a fixed water
source had increased the tendency of the northern soils to be cultivated over and over with a little period of
natural nutrient re-mining. In order to break down this spiral, there must be promotion of sustainable use of
inorganic fertilizers and this is a policy challenge. Land degradation was a significant global issue during the
20th century and remains of high importance in the 21st century as it affects the environment, agronomic
productivity, food security, and quality of life (Eswaran et al., 2001). Soil degradative processes include the loss
of topsoil by the action of water or wind, chemical deterioration such as nutrient depletion, physical degradation
such as compaction, and biological deterioration of natural resources including the reduction of soil biodiversity
(Lal 2001). In Nigeria, human-induced soil degradation is a common phenomenon. Its severity is light for
37.5% of the area (342,917 km2), moderate for 4.3% (39,440 km2), high for 26.3% (240,495 km2), and very
high for 27.9% (255,167 km2) (UN FAO, 2005).It is the concern to trigger the improvement of soil fertility in
Africa as a whole that made some African leaders gathered together for a fertilizer summit in Abuja in 2009. In
the summit, it was noted that a move toward reducing hunger on the continent must begin by addressing the
issue of irrigation and its severely depleted soils. Due to decades of soil nutrient mining, Africa's soils have
become the poorest in the world. It is estimated that the continent loses the equivalent of over $4 billion worth
of soil nutrients per year, severely eroding its ability to feed itself. Yet farmers have neither access to nor can
they afford the fertilizers needed to add life to their soils. And no region of the world has been able to expand
agricultural growth rates, and thus tackle hunger, without increasing fertilizer use. (African Fertilizer summit,
2009). It is against this backdrop that this paper aims at analyzing the comparative fertilizer use decision of the
irrigation farm households in four selected states of north-western Nigeria.
2. Comparative Analysis of Fertilizer Use among Small-Scale Irrigation Farmers in North-Western...
DOI: 10.9790/2380-081120107 www.iosrjournals.org 2 | Page
Fertilizer’s Potential Contribution to Agricultural Productivity
There is ample evidence from experience outside Africa that increased use of inorganic fertilizer has
been responsible for an important share of world – wide agricultural productivity growth. Some argue that
fertilizer was as important as seed in the green revolution as much as 50% of the yield growth in Asia (Hopper,
1993). Others have found that one – third of the cereal production world – wide is due to the use of fertilizer and
related factors of production (Bumb, 1995, citing FAO). Early fertilizer research in Africa suggested that
fertilizer can bring similar productivity gains to the continent. Pieri (1989), reporting on fertilizer research
conducted from 1960-1985,confirmed that fertilizer in combination with other intensification practices, had
tripled average cotton yields in West Africa from 310 to 970 Kg/Ha. Research summarized more recently shows
numerous cases of strong fertilizer response for maize in East and Southern Africa (Byerlee and Eicher, 1997;
Heisey and Nwang, 1997) .up till now, however fertilizer use in Africa has not led to increases in agricultural
productivity on the scale observed elsewhere. Soil scientists are quick to point out that soils in Africa are
inherently less fertile than in Asia where the green revolution took place (Weight and Kelly, 1999; and
Townsend, 1999;). Low inherent fertility is exacerbated by less favourable climate (low, poorly distributed
rainfall and high temperatures). Given SSA’s less agro ecological conditions, plus lower investment in irrigation
and much lower use of fertilizer (only 9kg of nutrients per ha compared with 73 Latin America, 100 in south
and 135 in East and South East Asia (FAO, 2004), those slow productivity is not surprising. Hence, a key
challenge is determining the relative importance of the various determinants of low fertilizer consumption and
what can be done about it.
Theoretical framework for fertilizer Demand
According to Valerie et.al. (2005), in a competitive market economy, the level of fertilizer use is
determined by the intersection of the fertilizer demand and supply functions. Using somewhat different
terminology, fertilizer consumption can be viewed as the outcome of both the conversion of fertilizer’s
economic potential into farmers’ effective demand and the fulfilment of the demand through fertilizer supply
and distribution system (Desai, 1988). In developing countries, fertilizers economic potential – determined by
the prevailing fertilizer responses and prices – is almost always much larger than actual use. (Desai, 2002). This
fertilizer economic potential can be viewed as the amount of fertilizer that can be used profitably, based on an
analysis of prevailing prices and response functions. Profitability may be benchmarked through a variety of
indicators but value/cost ratios of 2 or more are most frequently used .Both descriptions of the process through
which fertilizer consumption levels are established highlight the interaction of demand and supply factors. In
this study, focus was on the demand side of the equation. The input demand function is often referred to as a
derived demand, because it is determined to a large extent by consumers demand for the farm output. In general
the demand for an input depends on the price of the output(s) being produced, the price of the input itself , prices
of other inputs that substitute or complement the input and the parameter of production function that described
the technical transformation of the input into an output. In the case of the fertilizer, this would be the fertilizer
response function. (Debertin, 1986). Availability of funds to purchase the input can also influence the quantity
demanded particularly for resource poor farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa, as can risk consideration.
Hypothesized Explanatory variables affecting fertilizer demand
Nicholas et al. (2000) and Reardon et al; (1999) submitted that in a world of certainly, complete
markets, and perfect information, economic theory indicates that input demand will be determined by input
prices, output prices, quasi – fixed factors of production and variables that influence the marginal product. In the
context of the demand for inorganic fertilizer by small – scale farmers in developing countries, a wider range of
variables than stipulated by theory may be considered relevant. The first variable that may prove relevant takes
it root from the very nature of crop production. Since this is subject to random shocks brought about by weather
vagaries which may influence the risk averseness of farmers, ability to bear risk (measured by income and
ownership of assets is therefore stipulated as a variable that may affect fertilizer demand. Second, due to
imperfect credit markets, cash constraint of the farmers (connected to the fact that individual peasants in
developing economies do not always reap the full marginal benefit of their productive efforts). Membership in
credit institutions and volume of cash income may also affect the use of fertilizer. Third, since farmers face
transaction cost which is closely associated with transportation in buying fertilizer, factors such as distance of
farmer’s residence or farm to the local fertilizer markets may have an impact on fertilizer demand .Finally,
because farmers sources of information varies with location and personality and that information at hand may be
imperfect, education, literacy, and access to extension services may also affect the use of fertilizer.
These factors that may influence fertilizer demand are grouped into six categories, namely; family
labour and human capital (which can be considered quasi – fixed factors for small farmers), land characteristics,
market prices, factors that affect the marginal product of fertilizer, indicators of access and indicators of
resources. Each of these is explained in full details below.
3. Comparative Analysis of Fertilizer Use among Small-Scale Irrigation Farmers in North-Western...
DOI: 10.9790/2380-081120107 www.iosrjournals.org 3 | Page
Labour and human capital variables: Under this category are household size and composition, sex and age of
the head of household, education, literacy, and ethnicity. Ethnicity may be relevant if cultural norms and
believes vary across groups, if it reflects language barriers if it influences social capital, or if it is correlated with
missing geographic variables.
Land: Here, plot size, farm size, cultivation intensity, the sources of water for the plot and wether or not the plot
is owned is examined. It is expected that the incentives for input use will be lower on share cropped land
because not the entire marginal product of inputs accrues to the farmer. Those who rent land on annual basis
may also face less incentive to use fertilizer than owners because fertilizer has benefit on land after the year of
application.
Prices. This include the price of fertilizer (this include a weighted average of fertilizer price if more than one in-
organic fertilizer are used) and wages for agricultural labour. To reduce the effect of price variation due to
decisions by farmers (such as where to purchase or what type of activities to hire labour for, village level
averages for all prices of labour were used.
Factors affecting the marginal product of fertilizer: One of the most important variables affecting the
marginal product of fertilizer is the crop being fertilized. The decision of the farmer to grow a cereal or tuber
crop will influence his decision regarding fertilizer use because cereals are generally more responsive to
fertilizer. The types of crops grown by the farmers are represented by dummy variables.
Access: this category includes variable that reduce transaction cost in purchasing and using fertilizer. It includes
the distance to the place where the fertilizer can be purchased, the distance from the house to the plot, measure
of access to extension services, and membership in various organizations. It is assumed that the decision to
purchase fertilizer and not the quantity purchases is affected by the distance to point of sales.
Resources: various measure of the resources of the household may reflect the ability to bear risk associated with
fertilizer use and/or ability to overcome the cash constraints associated with purchasing fertilizer in the absence
of well – functioning credit markets. Variables included under this are the sources of other livelihood activities.
II. Research Methodologies
The study was carried out in four states in North Western Nigeria. The region was chosen due to its
agro climatic nature which predicated it as one in dire need of irrigation means for crop production than any
other region in the country. The four states are: Kano ,Sokoto ,Zamfara and Kebbi. The basic data required for
the analysis of this study was primary. The data was collected from farmers who practice irrigation in the study
area between September and October of 2008.The data was sourced through the use of structured questionnaire
which comprised various questions pertaining to the socio-economic characteristics, farming activities, value
and volume of output of the participating farmers. A multi-stage sampling method which involved four stages
was used. The sampling method involved a purposive selection of four states in the north western Nigeria, based
on the predominance of irrigation farming in the region. A total of twelve local government areas, three in each
state were selected for the interview and a village from each of the local government areas was systematically
chosen followed by the selection of the farmers through a random sampling process. A total of 20 farmers were
selected in each village. This amounted to a total of 240 respondents. Information were gathered on the
irrigation schemes, household and enterprise characteristics, farm activities, quantities and costs of inputs used
in production (capital, variable and overhead), quantities and values of output, the quantity of water consumed
and irrigation practices. The data collected was analysed using descriptive tools and Probit model.
Analytical Method
The probit model represents another type of widely used statistical model for studying data with
binomial distributions. Its employment in the social sciences goes back at least to econometrics in the early
1960s Probit models are generalized linear models with a probit link:
n =Ø-1
(μ). (1)
The inverse of the normal CDF is in effect a standardized variable, or a Z score. As with the logit model, the
probit model is used for studying a binary outcome variable. We may express probit models in probability,
Prob ( )1y = 1- F
k
kk
k
x
1
= f
k
kk
k
x
1
= Ø
k
kk
k
x
1
, [2]
4. Comparative Analysis of Fertilizer Use among Small-Scale Irrigation Farmers in North-Western...
DOI: 10.9790/2380-081120107 www.iosrjournals.org 4 | Page
Where the more general form of cumulative distribution function, F, is replaced by the standard normal
cumulative distribution function, Ø. Unlike the logit model, which may take on two major forms---one
expressing the model in logit (and a transformed version expressed in odds) and the other expressing the model
in event probability ,the probit model takes on only one intuitively meaningful form because a probit model
expressed in n is a linear regression of the Z score of the event probability. The equation for probability of non-
event is then
Prob (y=0) = 1 – Ø .
1
k
x
k
kk [3]
The equation can be readily derived from equation 2 because the response is a binary outcome. This in
our case is whether or not a farmer used fertilizer.
The variables that were included in the Probit analysis are: Cultivated area, Cultivation intensity, Age,
Household size, Education, Market distance, Credit, Demonstration trial, Crop choice, Non-farm activities,
Association membership and Wage. These are hypothesised as correlates of fertilizer use.
III. Results and Discussion
Table1: Descriptive Statistics of Sampled Farmers in the four States
Variables Mean
Age (years) 40.3
Household size 5
Education (years) 5.67
Farm experience (years) 14.13
Market distance (km) 1.22
Farm size 1.44
Hired labour 4
Percentage that used fertilizer 86.47
Fertilizer Quantity 124
Pesticide 5.04
Table 1 shows that the mean age of respondents in the study area was 40 years; while an average
farmer had a farm size of 1.44 Ha to show that the scale of operation was a small one. Years of formal education
was approximately 6 which indicated that most of the farmers had an average of primary school education. The
mean household size was 5 people, suggesting a not-too-large family size, which was indicative of the need for
hired farm labour demand in the study area of which the mean size was 4. Farm experience was 14 years,
indicating that the farmers were not new entrants and hence should have enough motivation to use fertilizer.
Finally, market distance to farmers’ homesteads was 1.4 Km which means that farmers should not have
difficulty due to transportation in accessing fertilizer.
Table 2: Results of the probit analysis for the determinants of fertilizer use
Variables Coefficients
Kebbi Sokoto zamfara kano
T-Ratios
Kebbi Sokoto zamfara kano
Constant
Cultivated area
Cultivation intensity
Age
Household size
Education
Market distance
Credit
Demonstration trial
Crop choice
Non-farm activities
Association membership
Wage
Log Likelihood
Chi Square
-2.71 1.79 -1.16 1.33
0.14 -1.58 1.80 -1.35
3.45 2.33 -2.96 2.45
-0.009 - 0.06 -0.001 -0.002
0.08 0.12 0.26 0.17
0.16 0.11 -0.13 -0.06
0.27 -0.22 0.14 0.03
0.13 -0.23 0.61 -0.17
-0.61 0.77 -1.47 -0.73
0.31 -1.07 3.64 -8.07
-0.97 0.68 0.55 0.62
0.86 0.23 0.59 0.57
-0.002 0.0009 -0.001 0.0002
31.33 -31.20 -28.03 -27.61
20.24 18.37 26.04 24.94
-1.72*
1.34 -0.54 0.89
0.51 -2.25**
2.37**
-3.20***
1.79*
1.84*
-2.71**
1.77*
-0.25 -2.13**
-0.25 -0.05
0.41 0.81 1.13 1.26
2.31**
1.53 -1.54 -1.36
2.72***
-1.98*
1.20 0.48
0.42 -0.52 1.34 -0.38
-0.75 1.28 -2.34** -1.67*
0.11 -0.82 1.85*
-3.18***
-2.27***
1.48 1.12 1.26
1.91*
-0.52 1.23 1.31
-1.40 1.72*
-1.65*
0.68
The result displayed in Table 2 above is the outcome of the probit analysis for the determinants of
fertilizer use in the four states. For Kebbi State, the result of the analysis showed that five of the variables
hypothesized to be the determinants of fertilizer are observed to be significant. The variables that describe the
labour and human capital are household size, age and education of the respondents. Out of these, only education
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DOI: 10.9790/2380-081120107 www.iosrjournals.org 5 | Page
was found to be statistically significant in determining whether a household would use fertilizer or not.
Education was significant at 5% level, having a t-ratio of 2.31 and a coefficient of 0.16. This signifies that a
household whose head is educated would likely use fertilizer. This result is contrary to what are obtained in the
other three states. The reason might be probably due to the fact that the sampled irrigation household in Kebbi
state had higher level of education than those of the remaining three states. Contrary to expectation, household
size was found insignificant as a determinant of fertilizer use in the kebbi irrigation households. Perhaps the
household members who suppose to serve as vital proxy for family labour are not in position to carry out their
farming responsibilities probably due to dependency or religion believes as in the case of Muslim woen in the
area. Among the variables categorized under the land characteristics, namely cultivated area and cultivation
intensity; only the latter was statistically significant as a determinant of fertilizer use in the area having a r-ration
of 1.79, a coefficient of 3.45 and positively significant at 10% level. Cultivation intensity measures the extent of
land fallow and shifting cultivation. This result suggests that the heavier the land in the area is put into
cultivation, the more is the likelihood for fertilizer to be used. This is due to the loss of the soil fertility
associated with frequent cultivation with little space for fallow or shifting cultivations. Wage is the only variable
hypothesized as a describer of price associated with fertilizer use.
The other variable that could have proved relevant under this category is the price of fertilizer, however
there was a high multicollinearity problem between the dummy for fertilizer use and fertilizer price; hence this
variable had been excluded from the analysis. Nevertheless, wage is also a very important variable in
determining fertilizer use. Because of the problem of rapid weed growth in fertilized plots more than the
unfertilized counterparts, the former tend to be more labour – intensive than the latter and this bear much on the
farmers expenses. In the Kebbi state analysis of fertilizer use, wage was found insignificant and having a
negative sign. This might be due to the fact that the household employed the use of family labour more than that
of the hired labour and thus the implied cost of doing so did not directly add to the cost of employing hired
labour. The next variable is the one that affect the marginal physical product of fertilizer. The only variable
included here is crop choice which is a quantitative proxy of the particular crop being fertilized. Crop choice had
a positive relationship with fertilizer use, although insignificant. The farmers probably did not chose to use
fertilizer as a result of a prior knowledge that a particular crop responds to fertilizer more than a certain other
and hence has more impact on the cash benefit accruing to the farmer as a result of this choice more than these
other crops. The likelihood of using fertilizer among the sampled Kebbi irrigated based household was a random
choice rather than predetermination.
Another variable included in the analysis is access. This is described by three sub-variables namely
market distance, demonstration trial and association membership. Two of these three were statistically
significant with the choice of fertilizer use among the farmers. Market distance is positively significant at 1%,
having a t-value of 2.72 and a coefficient of 0.27. This is a perverse relationship and contrary to theory. The
positive coefficient of market distance suggests that the further a fertilizer market was to a farmer’s residence,
the more would the farmer use fertilizer. This would definitely impact the transaction cost of using fertilizer in a
negative way and hence farmers would be facing a disincentive. However, possible explanation that can be
offered is that the farmers might be desperate in their need to procure fertilizer so that the additional cost
incurred in the process was not high enough to constrain them. Some might even have avoided this extra cost by
sending a family member or friend to purchase for them. Membership in farmers association was found to have
a positive coefficient of 0.86 and statistically significant at 1% with a t-ratio of 1.91. Association membership is
another factor that can influence a farmer to use or not use fertilizer. Farmers association can use their numerical
strength to bring fertilizer in commercial quantity to the proximity of the member at a lesser cost than what is
being sold in the market. Members also can enjoy the benefit of paying installmentally or even purchasing on
credit till the time the farm produce is sold. The positive coefficient of association membership is expected. This
implies that the involvement of the farmer in an association would increase the probability of fertilizer use
among them. This result suggests that many of the households are well involved in farmers association. The
third variable under this category is demonstration trial, which is statistically insignificant in determining the
choice of using fertilizer. This implies that the farmer’s decision other sources like friends, family members and
the media.
Another reason is that the extension agents might be too few to go round hence investment in extension
agency should be a priority of the government of the state. The last category is the one that pertains to the
resource endowment of the farm household. The variables that describe this are credit and non-farm or
livelihood source. Livelihood source is significant at 5% level with a t-ratio of 2:27 and a coefficient of 0.97.
This inverse relationship is also a perverse one as regards the choice of using fertilizer. A farmer that has more
cash endowments as a result of access to other sources of income than from farming should have a higher
likelihood of using fertilizer. Perhaps these categories of farmers spent these non- farm incomes on other
contingencies they perceived more important than fertilizer procurement and or this income from non-farm
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sources might be too meager for them to have a left-over for the purchase of fertilizer. Credit was found to be
statistically significant or among, the household.
The probit analysis of the Sokoto State irrigation households reports all the variables that are
statistically significant with the choice of fertilizer use in the state. Only age was found to be significant, though
having an inverse correlation with the choice of fertilizer use. This implies that as the farmer’s age increased,
the probability of using fertilizer by such farmers also reduced. This may be due to the loss of physical strength
by the farmers which culminate in a reduction of the labour input. Moreover, this sets of farmers may be into
farming mainly to attain food security objective and not to gain any primary direct cash benefit from their
farming operations, hence they might not feel constrained to apply fertilizer on their plots. Education was found
to be statistically insignificant, given that a handful of the farmers claimed to have attended formal schools in
the previous years. The implication of this is that if learning is important in fertilizer use, it occurs primarily
both at the informal education system and through oral demonstration method. This is consistent with the
findings of Nicholas et. Al (2007) who found that educations and literacy variables were not significant in
determining fertilizer use in northern Nigeria and some selected Africa countries respectively. Conversely
Reardon et. Al (1999) suggested that education often influences fertilizer use through crop mix and the use of
improved varieties. If the latter are controlled, education becomes insignificant.
Contrary to expectation, household size was also found to be statistically insignificant as in kebbi state.
Both variables that were included as describers of land characteristics were found significant. Cultivated area
has a negative impact of 1.58 with a t-ratio of 2.25 and is significant at 5% level. The inverse relationship of
cultivated area and fertilizer use means that, other things being equal, smaller farms have more likelihood of
using fertilizer than larger ones. This results reflect the attitude in the management of large farm holdings.
Operators may not likely apply fertilizer to the entire farm. Cultivation intensity is positively significant at 5%
with a t-value of 1.84 and coefficient of 2.33. This direct relationship implies that the more intense a land is
being cultivated the higher is the probability of using fertilizer on such lands. Concerning the price variable,
wage which is the only included describer of price is significant at 10% level with a t-value of 1.72 and
coefficient of 0.0009. The positive and significant effect of agricultural wage on fertilizer use appears to justify
the complementarity between fertilizer use and labour. The result indicates that when hired labour receives high
wages, fertilization would also have a boost. The high wage may reflect off-farm employment opportunities or
access to credit which makes it easier for the farmers to relieve the cash constraint that might have been imposed
in using fertilizer as a result of this high wages. Because peasants are expected to turn off to family labour when
hired labour become too expensive, but if they do not, it means an access is available for them to other sources
of income.
The next variable is the one that affect the marginal physical product of fertilizer. This is statistically
insignificant with the choice of fertilizer use. The same result was obtained among the sampled Kebbi state
farmers. Concerning access, market distance is statistically significant though with a negative sign, unlike the
result obtained in Kebbi state analysis. The reason may be due to the fact that fertilizer markets were near to the
farmers’ location in Sokoto state than in Kebbi. The t-value and the coefficient for market distance is -1.98 and -
0.22 respectively. Association membership is insignificant though having a negative impact while
demonstration trial is also insignificant but with a positive sign on the coefficient. The variable describing the
farm household resource endowment are credit and engagement in non-farm activities. Credit is insignificant,
reflecting a very poor access to credit by the farmers. Non-farm activities is also insignificant, meaning that
income from non-farm activities are very small among the household and it reveals that a major source of the
farmers’ cash endowment derives from their farming activities and this sheds more light on the agrarian nature
of these sampled farm households
In the Zamfara State probit analysis, none of the variables that describe the human and labour capital
was found significant. Similar to the results obtained under the Sokoto state analysis, both variables categorized
under land characteristics, namely, cultivated area ad cultivation intensity were significant. Cultivated area is
positively significant at 5% with a t-value of 2.47 and a coefficient of 1.80. This implies that increase in the land
hectarage put under cultivation would lead to increase in the probability of using fertilizer and that larger farms
had higher tendency to use fertilizer than smaller farms. The reason for this are not clear, there might be some
fixed costs associated with fertilizer application thus making it less worthwhile for smaller plots while larger
ones enjoy economies of scale. Cultivation intensity is negatively significant with a t-value of -2.71 and
coefficient of -2.96. This negative relationship shows that fertilized portions of the plots decreased with the
additional increase in area cultivated. There is less incentive to offset the adverse effects of intense cultivation
by the farmers. Demonstration trial, which is one of the variables that describe access, is negatively significant
at 5%, having a t-ratio of -2.34 and a coefficient of -1.47. This also reflects the negative attitude of the farmers
towards extension agency about the importance of fertilizer use. Crop choice measures the physical marginal
products of fertilizer. The results shows that the farmers choose to fertilize their plots as a result of perceived
benefits of doing so. This is explained by the positive sign on the coefficient. Crop choice is significant at 10%
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with a t-value of 1.85 and coefficient of 3.64. Finally wage, the only describer of price characteristics is
negatively significant at 10% with a t-value of -1.65 and coefficient of -0.001. This indicates that fertilizer use
would be constrained upon an increase in agricultural wage. Instead of employing more hired labour for the
extra farm operations as a result of fertilizer application, farmers switched to the use of family labour. This is the
situation especially when the household comprises able men and women.
As shown in the table, four of the explanatory variables are statistically significant as determinants of
factors to use fertilizer in Kano state. None of the variables that describe the labour and human capital was
significant. Both variables that describe the land characteristics were significant, just like the situation under the
Sokoto state fertilizer analysis. Cultivated area is negatively significant at 1% level with a t-value, but a different
value of -0.49 for the coefficient. Cultivation intensity is significant at 10% with a t-value of 1.77 and a
coefficient of 2.45. Demonstration trial is one of the variables categorized under access, the t-values and
coefficients are respectively -1.67 and -3.73. Lastly, just like the result obtained under Zamfara State analysis
demonstration trial has an inverse relationship with the choice of fertilizer use, suggesting probably the
ineffectiveness of extension agencies which resulted in lack of willingness to use fertilizer. Lastly crop choice,
the only describer of price characteristics is significant at 10% with the MLE having a t-value of -3.18 and a
coefficient of -8.07. This inverse relationship stipulates that farmers’ choice of using fertilizer was not a
function of receiving the marginal cash benefits of doing so. Another objective that might have been more
important to the household is that of attainment of food security, thus rendering the former a secondary issue.
IV. Conclusion and policy recommendation
Conclusively, it can be seen that an appreciable proportion of the irrigation households in the four
states used fertilizer although with a lot of factor differentials which were perceived to be the determinants of
this use. In any case, it is a justification of the fact that soil fertility in the area needed to be boosted by adequate
use of fertilizer. Also, those who used fertilizer used it at sub-optimal doses which can be increased if farmers
had adequate incentive for this use. Government should therefore continue to increase the subsidy on fertilizer
and try as much as possible to make fertilizer available in smaller bags. Government-owned rural fertilizer
market could also be put in place in each local government of the country in order to off – set the extortionary
effects of merchants who make the demand for fertilizer somehow difficult for the peasants. The importation of
fertilizer into the country should also be discouraged in order to reduce fertilizer costs at local markets and
encourage domestic production.
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