Blue Nile Journal of Agricultural Research

Emerging Coffee Pest Challenges and Management Gaps: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

2026-06-26T08:44:04+00:00

Coffee production among smallholder farmers in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands faces increasing threats from pests that reduce yield and quality. Limited access to effective pest management strategies exacerbates this challenge in low-income settings. This study examined emerging pest challenges and existing management gaps in Mbinga, Mbeya, and Mbozi Districts, Tanzania, using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with 184 farmers. The findings revealed that pests previously regarded as minor, such as thrips, mealybugs, green scale, and snails, are now perceived as major threats. Farmers also demonstrated limited knowledge of chemical and cultural control methods, highlighting a significant gap in pest management capacity. These findings emphasize the complexity of pest management in smallholder coffee systems, driven by both evolving pest pressures and limited farmer expertise. To address these challenges, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI), Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI), Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB), and agricultural cooperatives, should strengthen extension services. Hands-on training in integrated pest management and safe pesticide use is essential. Additionally, raising farmer awareness of effective cultural and chemical practices will be critical to sustaining coffee productivity and protecting livelihoods in the Southern Highlands.

Demonstration of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices for Pearl Millet Production, Wag-himra Zone

2026-06-26T08:53:27+00:00

The study was conducted to demonstrate the advantages of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices for pearl millet production in the lowland areas of Wag Himra Zone, Ethiopia, where the soil fertility is degraded, rainfall is erratic, and fodder scarcity is a recurring challenge. Three treatments, viz., control (no fertilizer), 50% RRNP+FYM, and 100% RRNP, were evaluated in farmer-managed plots using participatory approaches. Biological data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, economic data through cost–benefit analysis, and farmer preferences via matrix ranking. Results showed that fertilizer application significantly increased grain and stalk yields compared to the control. Grain yield was highest under 100% RRNP (1009 kg ha⁻¹), followed by 50% RRNP+FYM (908.3 kg ha⁻¹), while the control produced the lowest yield (471 kg ha⁻¹). Stalk yield was maximized under the integrated treatment (3768.4 kg ha⁻¹), exceeding both the control (2367.1 kg ha⁻¹) and 100% RRNP (3526.9 kg ha⁻¹). Economic analysis also revealed that both fertilized treatments were profitable, with benefit–cost ratios of 3.1 for 100% RRNP and 2.8 for 50% (RRNP+FYM). Farmer evaluations favored the integrated treatment due to its vigorous vegetative growth and higher stalk yield, which is highly valued as livestock fodder. Overall, the findings highlight that ISFM offers nearly equal short-term profitability to sole mineral fertilizer while providing additional long-term benefits such as improved soil fertility, organic matter enrichment, and resilience against climate variability. The study, therefore, recommends wider promotion of ISFM practices 50% (RRNP+FYM) to enhance pearl millet productivity, strengthen food and feed security, and support sustainable dryland farming systems in Ethiopia.

Effect of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) Blend Flour Incorporation on the Nutritional, Anti-nutritional, and Sensory Properties of Wheat-Based Biscuits

2026-06-26T09:06:30+00:00

The study evaluated the nutritional, anti-nutritional, and sensory properties of biscuits produced from wheat, cassava, and sesame seed composite flours. Three formulations were prepared: XXA (80% wheat, 5% cassava, 15% sesame), XXB (70% wheat, 20% cassava, 10% sesame), and XXC (100% wheat, control). Standard methods were used to determine proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, anti-nutritional factors, and sensory attributes. The results showed that composite flour incorporation significantly influenced the nutritional composition of the biscuits (p < 0.05). Ash and fat contents were higher in formulations containing sesame seed flour, whereas carbohydrate content increased with higher levels of cassava flour. Mineral composition varied significantly among samples, with XXA exhibiting higher iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium contents. Vitamin E and vitamin B₁ contents were significantly enhanced in composite biscuits, particularly in XXA, whereas vitamin A was highest in XXB. The levels of anti-nutritional factors, including tannins, oxalates, phenols, and hydrogen cyanide, differed significantly among formulations but remained within acceptable safety limits. Sensory evaluation indicated that the composite biscuits were acceptable and comparable to the control. The study showed that cassava and sesame seed flours can be successfully used in biscuit production to improve nutritional quality.

Comparative Analysis of Finger Millet Varieties across Formal and Informal Seed Systems in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia

2026-06-26T09:13:12+00:00

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a staple crop in Africa and India, contributing significantly to food security in Ethiopia. However, the effectiveness of its seed system remains a challenge, particularly regarding seed quality and availability. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physical, physiological, and vigour quality of finger millet seeds obtained from formal and informal sources in the Amhara Region. Seed samples were collected from the Adet Agricultural Research Center (formal) and from local farmers using various traditional storage methods (informal). Data analysis using independent t-tests (SPSS) and ANOVA (SAS) revealed that formal seed sources consistently exhibited superior quality, including higher physical purity (99.98% vs. 63.55%), greater thousand seed weight (3.21 g vs. 1.93 g), and improved standard seedling emergence (97.3% vs. 84.6%). Despite the widespread reliance on informal seed sources among smallholder farmers, the results underscore the benefits of formal seeds and the need to strengthen formal seed systems. Recommendations include enhancing farmer awareness, promoting proper seed selection and handling, and facilitating access to high-quality seeds to improve finger millet productivity and support regional food security.

Tuber Yield Performance and Stability of Potato Genotypes in the Potential Highlands of Ethiopia

2026-06-27T09:11:16+00:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated root and tuber crops in Ethiopia. A multi-environment national potato variety trial was conducted at Adet, Debre Birhan, Holetta, and Bekoji in Ethiopia during the 2019 and 2020 under rain-fed season to develop a high-yielding, widely adaptable, and late blight-tolerant variety with acceptable tuber quality traits. Fourteen genotypes and two standard checks, Belete and Dagim, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined analysis of variance across locations and years revealed that the genotypes differed significantly in marketable and total tuber yields. The combined data also revealed that CIP-313021.31(G1) gave the highest tuber yield of 42.0 t ha^-1, followed by CIP-313021.4 (G11) (40.7t ha^-1) and CIP-313033.114 (39.4 t ha^-1). Similarly, AMMI and GGE bi-plot identified that G1 (CIP-313021.31) was found to be the most ideal and stable genotype with high mean tuber yield across environments. Moreover, CIP-313021.31 was selected based on a low percentage of late blight severity and has a highly farmer-preferred trait. As a result, CIP-313021.31 (G1) has been officially released and registered by the given name Tesfa for commercial production due to its high yielding, late blight tolerance, wide adaptability, and stability across environments in potato growing areas of the country.

Effects of MAX NP+ 20-20-20 Foliar Fertilizer Application on the Yield of French Bean in the Semiarid Area of Ethiopia

2026-06-27T09:38:49+00:00

Declining soil fertility poses a significant challenge to increasing sustainable productivity, which, in turn, impacts food security in Ethiopia. In response to this issue, a fertilizer trial was conducted at five sites in the East Showa zone during the 2023/24 dry cropping season under irrigation. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of MAX NP+ 20-20-20 foliar fertilizer as a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers for the production of French beans. MAX NP+ is a specialized liquid NPK fertilizer that contains 20N, 20P₂O_5,20K₂O, and -6MgO in g L^-1. The trial comprised sole MAX NP+ 20-20-20 (2 L ha^-1) and its integration with a full dose of recommended chemical fertilizer (79-142 kg N-P ha^-1), three-quarters dose of RCF (59.3-107.0 kg N-P ha^-1), and half dose of RCF (39.5-71 kg N-P ha^-1) from chemical fertilizers. Full dose of RCF from chemical fertilizers and a negative control with no MAX NP+ 20-20-20 and chemical fertilizer inputs included as controls, resulting in a total of six treatments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The results demonstrated that the new MAX NP+ 20-20-20, combined with 75% of the recommended chemical fertilizer, significantly enhanced the pod yield of French beans. The economic analysis also revealed higher net benefits and marginal rates of return associated with these fertilizer combinations. Given the agronomic and economic advantages, the use of MAX NP+ 20-20-20 foliar application in conjunction with 75% of the recommended fertilizer is recommended for French bean production in the tested locations. Validation across multiple locations and seasons is recommended for broader application.

Development of a Potato Variety Derived from Local Crosses for Off-Season Irrigated Production in Ethiopia

2026-06-27T09:43:22+00:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a key food and cash crop in Ethiopia, and its production in the off-season under irrigation conditions is rapidly expanding. However, all nationally released potato varieties have been developed primarily for rainfed production systems, resulting in poor adaptation and low productivity in off-season under irrigation. This study aimed to develop and identify a high-yielding, stable, and widely adapted potato variety for off-season potato production under irrigation using locally developed crosses. A total of 1,700 genotypes derived from local crosses were progressively evaluated and selected in the off-season production under irrigation. Nine elite genotypes, along with three check varieties, were evaluated across six mid-highland environments in 2022 and 2023 off-season periods using an irrigation supplement. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Data on phenology, agronomic traits, tuber yield, and quality parameters were taken and analyzed using combined ANOVA and GGE biplot methods. Significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interactions were observed for most yield and quality traits, indicating substantial genetic variability and strong genotype × environment interaction. Genotype AD5016170.6 consistently outperformed all checks, recording the highest tuber yield (34.21 t ha⁻¹), along with superior dry matter, starch content, and specific gravity. GGE biplot analysis and stability indices further confirmed AD5016170.6 as the most stable and broadly adapted genotype across environments in the off-season under irrigation. This candidate genotype exhibited yield advantages of 37–77% over check varieties. The study demonstrates that irrigation-specific breeding for off-season production using local crosses can substantially enhance potato productivity. Genotype AD5016170.6 was recommended for national variety verification and officially released on 11 May 2026, for off-season potato production under irrigation conditions in Ethiopia. The variety, locally named Mesno-1, was the first potato variety developed through crossing and selection specifically for off-season potato production under irrigation in Ethiopia.