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Risks in Vegetables Production from the Perspective of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Kumilachew Alamerie,
Mengistu Ketema,
Fekadu Gelaw
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
1-5
Received:
31 March 2014
Accepted:
24 April 2014
Published:
16 July 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.11
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Abstract: In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role in the production and investment behaviour of farmers in vegetable production decisions. However, in Kombolcha Woreda, only limited attention has been paid to understand the producers’ risk perceptions in vegetable production. Therefore, in this study, analysis of the major sources of risks in vegetable production, on the basis of farmers’ perceptions, was conducted. For the study, a two-stage sampling technique was used to select 130 sample households from six sample kebeles. Primary data collected through structured questionnaire and secondary data sources were used. A Likert scale, based on farmers’ perception, was used to rank the various sources of vegetable production risks. The mean scores results, derived based on Likert scales, indicated that production and market risks were perceived to be the most important risk sources. Hence, price support mechanisms and inputs subsidy, education and training on formal risk management mechanisms (production contract, marketing contract, etc.); drought tolerant, and pest/disease resistant vegetable varieties and cultural and biological methods, and chemicals should be used to control such risks.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, vegetable crops are produced in different agro-ecological zones through commercial as well as smallholder farmers both as a source of income and food. However, due to perishable nature and biological nature of production process, vegetables productions are risky investment activities. In this context, risk perceptions play a key role i...
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Effect of Cultivation in Different Age’s Oil Palm Plantation on Selected Chemical Properties of Peat Swamp Soils
Seca Gandaseca,
Muhamad Ismawi Salimin,
Osumanu Haruna Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
6-9
Received:
10 August 2014
Accepted:
10 September 2014
Published:
23 September 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.12
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Abstract: Large-scale land conversion of peat for agricultural purposes requires clearance, drainage, fertilizer application, and liming to increase the pH and boost microbial activity. The objective of this present study was to compare the soil chemical properties of oil palm plantation one-three years oil palm planted and mature oil palm that were previously a secondary tropical peat swamp forest. Soil samples were collected randomly at difference age’s oil palm plantation from a Young Oil Palm Plantation (YOPP) in one year period of time at same place and Mature Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) another place from oil palm plantation in Batang Igan, Sibu Sarawak, Malaysia. Approach: Forty eight soil samples were taken using a peat soil auger at 0-15 cm depths in every area. The samples were air dried and then sieved to pass 2 mm sieve. Soil pH in water and KCl, soil CEC, Organic Matter (OM), Organic Carbon (OC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorous (TP), Total Potassium (TK), carbon to nitrogen ratio and carbon to phosphorous ratio were determined using standard procedures. Statistical analysis showed that CEC, TC and OM content were statistically similar. Results: The soil pHwater, TN and C/N ration shows highly significant for all difference age's oil palm plantation. Difference with pHKCl and TK content shows no significantly difference between YOPP 2 years and 3 years but both areas significantly higher with MOPP. For TP and C/P ratio content has no significant difference for YOPP (2 years) and MOPP but significantly difference with YOPP (3 years). Conclusion: Regardless of difference age's oil palm plantation, total carbon, organic matter and CEC was statistically similar to different ages of oil palm plantation, but soil acidity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, C/N and C/P ratio was significantly higher between three areas weather YOPP (2 years), YOPP (3 years) and MOPP.
Abstract: Large-scale land conversion of peat for agricultural purposes requires clearance, drainage, fertilizer application, and liming to increase the pH and boost microbial activity. The objective of this present study was to compare the soil chemical properties of oil palm plantation one-three years oil palm planted and mature oil palm that were previous...
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Sustainable Harvesting of Alstonia boonei De Wild. (Apocynaceae) in the Community Forest of Mbeth II, East Region of Cameroon
Jean Lagarde Betti,
Joseph Ambara
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
10-22
Received:
26 August 2014
Accepted:
11 September 2014
Published:
23 September 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.13
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Abstract: This paper aims to analyze the traditional usages and, assess the abundance of stems and the mass of the barks of Alstonia boonei for its use as a medicinal plant in the community forest of Mbeth II, East region of Cameroon. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among the community of Mbeth II and in city markets in Bertoua and Yaoundé between January and April 2012. The management inventory was conducted in July 2012 to assess the abundance of A. boonei stems in the forest. During the inventory, samples of barks were collected from mature trees and the mass of the stem barks of A. boonei was estimated using an indirect method. A. boonei was cited by 26 informants in the village and markets in the treatment of six ailments. Malaria, typhoid fever and intestinal worms were largely cited. The stem bark is confirmed for its activity against malaria/fever. The density (number of stems/ha) of A. boonei obtained in the Community forest of Mbeth II was 0.89 stems/ha. The density of exploitable stems was therefore 0.744 stems/ha. The average volume of fresh bark for an exploitable tree is 0.0356 m3, while the average fresh mass of the bark of an exploitable tree was 34.4 kg. Considering that for all trees above 30 cm diameter at breast high (considered as a minimum exploitable diameter for the harvesting of barks), only two quarters of the bark are taken from the main stem up to the first branch, the average sustainable mass of Alstonia boonei in Mbeth II is 17.2 kg. Results discussed in this paper can be summarized, in a specific document called “the simple management plan of A. boonei as a medicinal plant in the community forest of Mbeth II”. The glaring development challenge at the back ground of what precedes is the urgent need to achieve the recommendations proposed in such a document.
Abstract: This paper aims to analyze the traditional usages and, assess the abundance of stems and the mass of the barks of Alstonia boonei for its use as a medicinal plant in the community forest of Mbeth II, East region of Cameroon. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among the community of Mbeth II and in city markets in Bertoua and Yaoundé between Janu...
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Effect of Different Levels of Fertilizer and Irrigation on the Yield of Wheat under Raised Bed System
Khokan Kumer Sarker,
Dilip Kumar Roy,
Akbar Hossain,
Mohammed Monirul Islam
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
23-27
Received:
25 September 2014
Accepted:
10 October 2014
Published:
17 October 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.14
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Abstract: The study was conducted on raised bed (one pass) tillage system on the effect of fertilizer and irrigation levels at Wheat Research Centre, Nashipur, Dinajpur (25°38´ N, 88°41´ E and 38.20 m above mean sea level). Treatments were: T1; recommended fertilizer dose of N100 + P26.5 + K40 + S20 + Z4 + B1 with irrigation up to 75% field capacity, T2; recommended fertilizer dose with irrigation up to 100% field capacity, T3; recommended fertilizer dose with irrigation up to 125% field capacity, T4; 20% lower fertilizer dose than recommended dose with irrigation up to 75% field capacity, T5; 20% lower fertilizer dose than recommended with irrigation up to 100% field capacity, T6; 20% lower fertilizer dose than recommended with irrigation up to 125% field capacity. Irrigation water was applied at growth stages of 20, 55 and 75 days after sowing (DAS). Data on seasonal water use, yield and yield contributing characters of wheat were recorded during experimentations in raised bed cultivation systems. Results from this study indicated that the effect of fertilizer and irrigation level did not influence the grain yield and yield attributes of wheat under raised bed system. But, higher grain yield was found in the plots where recommended fertilizers were applied with irrigation up to 100% field capacity. Seasonal water was used by 211 – 231 mm and water use efficiency was found 1.53 – 1.78 kg m-3 by the treatments effect for one pass-tillage raised bed system. The short-term findings of this study raise the further crop physiological, fertilizer use efficiency and economics return study to confirm the results.
Abstract: The study was conducted on raised bed (one pass) tillage system on the effect of fertilizer and irrigation levels at Wheat Research Centre, Nashipur, Dinajpur (25°38´ N, 88°41´ E and 38.20 m above mean sea level). Treatments were: T1; recommended fertilizer dose of N100 + P26.5 + K40 + S20 + Z4 + B1 with irrigation up to 75% field capacity, T2; rec...
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Green Economy: Challenges and Prospects for Improved Aquatic Agricultural System (AAS) in Niger Delta Communities
Nenibarini Zabbey,
Ijeoma Favour Vincent-Akpu,
Ibisime Etela
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
28-35
Received:
21 September 2014
Accepted:
10 October 2014
Published:
20 October 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.15
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Abstract: There is dire need for deliberate green action plan to solve the endemic environmental crises occasioned by unsustainable utilization of natural resources and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta; a region with its characteristic terrain and eco-fragility that is highly susceptible to adverse environmental and climate change-related disasters. But, to successfully implement a green economy plan in the Niger Delta region, there has to be a well-thought out strategy with due appraisal of baseline environmental issues and concerns. The people of the delta depend, primarily, on the exploitation of the region’s rich bio-resources with fishing and farming forming the major sources of livelihoods. Observations by independent and intergovernmental global environmental protection players indicate that, the creeks, lands, mangroves, forests, etc provide inestimable goods and ecological services to the region’s inhabitants. Yet, they have been consistently degraded over the past four decades, mainly by industrial activities. Some identified challenges in greening the region and viable alternatives for sustainable agricultural development are, also, discussed. The authors have, therefore, proposed strategies such as consideration of complex biophysical and socio-economic factors, multi-stakeholder engagement, and a paradigm shift from the contemporary fossil energy-based agriculture to the more sustainable practices of biofuels and organic agriculture. A modelled paradigm for transforming current improved aquatic agricultural systems (AAS) to become more productive while, maintaining ecosystem services is proposed. Therefore, this paper examines current environmental issues and concerns as well as efforts variously made to address them in the Niger Delta against the backdrop of existing economic activities.
Abstract: There is dire need for deliberate green action plan to solve the endemic environmental crises occasioned by unsustainable utilization of natural resources and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta; a region with its characteristic terrain and eco-fragility that is highly susceptible to adverse environmental and climate change-related disaste...
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Evapotranspiration and Water Stress Estimation from TIR and SWIR Bands
Girolimetto Daniela,
Venturini Virginia
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
36-45
Received:
25 October 2014
Accepted:
10 November 2014
Published:
17 November 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.16
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Abstract: The World agriculture depends on water availability; thus, a successful water management system would assure food for the World. For several decades, the scientific community has developed methods to support water management. These models include the estimates of the main water loss in the system, i.e. the evapotranspiration (ET). In turn, the satellite technology encouraged the development of new models to monitor large regions. In this work, we present a modified ET estimation adapting the F parameter introduced by Venturini et al., in 2008. Additionally, a new simple index to estimate water stress (WS) for different types of surfaces, is also presented. The relative evaporation represented by F is derived from the soil moisture condition following the formulation of Barton and computed from the surface reflectance in the shortwave infrared bands (SWIR). The new ET and WS equations are applicable, with different satellite datasets, to any remote region since they are based on universal relationships. The preliminary results show errors of about 11% in ET. In general, the new WS index would have values of approximately 0.8 for a dry surface and 0.4 for a wet surface.
Abstract: The World agriculture depends on water availability; thus, a successful water management system would assure food for the World. For several decades, the scientific community has developed methods to support water management. These models include the estimates of the main water loss in the system, i.e. the evapotranspiration (ET). In turn, the sate...
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Calculation of FCR and RBC with Varied Effect of Iron in Broiler
Barkat Ali Kalwar,
Hakim Ali Sahito,
Mehmood Ahmed Kalwar,
Zaibun Nisa Memon,
Madan Lal
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6-1, November 2014
Pages:
46-51
Received:
20 August 2014
Accepted:
29 January 2015
Published:
18 March 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.s.2014030601.17
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Abstract: One hundred and fifty hubbard broiler were studied to examine their response to various levels of iron in relation to FCR and blood parameters. The experiment was conducted at poultry experimental station, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam during, 2013. Commercial feed was supplemented with iron concentration of 0 (Control), 40, 80, 120, 160mg/kg in groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Result revealed lowest feed (3780g) and water (8160ml) consumed by group E. Better (P<0.05) live weight (1939g), FCR (1.94), dressing percentage (64.93%), RBC (3.33x106/µl), HB (9.30g/dL), PCV (31.1%) and Rs. 47.35 per bird net profit was also recorded in group E where, 160mg/ kg iron was supplemented in broiler ration. Lowest mortality (6.66%) was also observed in group E, while non-significant differences in edible parts were observed among the groups. Increasing level of iron showed better performance in the groups. It is concluded that 160mg/kg iron level can be supplemented in broiler ration for better FCR, dressing % and per bird net profit along with better performance in blood parameters.
Abstract: One hundred and fifty hubbard broiler were studied to examine their response to various levels of iron in relation to FCR and blood parameters. The experiment was conducted at poultry experimental station, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam during, 2013. Commercial feed was supplemented with i...
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