Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Comparative evaluation of the performance of castor leaf and three artificial diets in the rearing of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

2024-03-07T12:59:39+00:00

Fall armyworm (FAW) is the most recent destructive pest of maize crop in Africa. The rearing of FAW in large number using artificial diets is required for intensive study on its biology, damage potential and possible control strategies. This study evaluated the reproductive performance of FAW on castor plant leaf and diets prepared with cowpea flour, soya bean flour and corn flour. Each food source was replicated four times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. Biological parameters such as larval and pupal developmental periods, pupal weight, longevities of mated and unmated adult female; and larval and pupal survival rates were recorded on each diet. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and significant means were separated using LSD (P<0.05). Shorter larval developmental periods were recorded on cowpea diet (14.50 days), soya bean diet (18.75days) and castor leaf (15.25 days) and the longest larval developmental period on corn diet (29.50 days). Similarly, cowpea diet, soya bean diet and castor leaf significantly enhanced the pupation, adult emergence, fecundity of female and longevity of FAW than corn diet. However, cowpea flour formulated diet performed well above other diets on all biological parameters measured. Cowpea diet is highly recommended for the mass rearing of FAW in the laboratory.

Profitability of oil palm farming in Kigoma Rural District, Tanzania

2024-03-07T13:11:30+00:00

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one of the world’s most efficient oil-bearing crop. The crop has great contribution to the economy of the world’s leading producers, that is, Indonesia and Malaysia. In Tanzania however, the leading region in oil palm farming is facing high rate of poverty with 48.9% of its population living below the poverty line, that is, below 1.9 USD per day. Further, the country’s annual palm oil production of 16 593 tons is short of the demand of 364 800 tons per annum. Based on that, the study aimed to determine profit attained from oil palm production systems in Kigoma rural district. A cross sectional design was adopted and a semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 260 respondents randomly selected from five villages in Kigoma rural district. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of demographic data and profitability was determined by Gross margin. Demographic profile shows that men own 90% of the farms, 70% of oil palm farmers are in the active age of 20 - 60 years, 90% are married, 93% depend solely in agriculture and 92% of farmers have acquired primary education. Further findings show that farmers have adopted local, improved and mixed production systems by 73%, 2% and 25% respectively. And that at an average of 96 oil palm trees per farmer at an area of about 1.7 hectares, these farmers earn less than TZS 1 million per hectare. Furthermore, they fetch a gross margin of 7%, 35% and 19% from the three systems respectively. It was noted that, inadequate cultivation of Tenera variety oil palms and poor management practices are greater hindrance to higher productivity and profitability of oil palm farming in the study area. The government, investors and farmers must put more efforts to overcome those challenges.

Rapid detection of corticosteroids in herbal medicines sold in Tanzania

2024-03-07T13:16:36+00:00

Adulteration of herbal medicines with corticosteroid drugs poses risk to health of consumers. The broad-spectrum drugs including dexamethasone and prednisolone which were mostly used during Corona virus disease (COVID-19) era have been reported as common adulterants in herbal medicines. The increase of herbal medicine market in Tanzania calls for optimization of simple and rapid method for detection of corticosteroids adulterants in these drugs. Four hundred and twenty-three archived herbal samples were analysed using optimized Thin Layer Chromatographic (TLC) method. Retention factor value and visualization reagent were used for confirmation of adulterants in herbal medicines. Results report that 28.13% of all analysed herbal samples were adulterated while 71.87% of all samples no corticosteroid adulterant found. Among herbal samples found with corticosteroids, 87.39% had one adulterant while 12.61% contained at least two adulterants. The optimal concentration for visualization reagent is using equal volume of 3 mol/dm3 sodium hydroxide and 0.625 mg/mL of tetrazolium blue chloride while the limit of detection was 0.26 mg/ml for prednisolone and 2.62 mg/ml for dexamethasone. A rapid method for the detection of dexamethasone and prednisolone in herbal medicines was developed and optimized to determine the presence of these corticosteroids in herbal samples. The method is recommended for use before confirmatory test such as liquid chromatography connected to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp genotypes for response to wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. tricheiphilum

2024-03-07T13:19:32+00:00

Wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum (Fot), is a primary constraint to global cowpea production. It is a systemic disease which impairs water absorption and translocation processes leading to death of infected plants. This study aimed to evaluate 11 cowpea genotypes for sources of resistance to Fusarium wilt. The experimental pots were inoculated with 3 g of wheat seeds which served as inoculum carrier. Disease severity was evaluated on a six-point scale which ranged from mild to very severe wilting. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was determined using severity values. Data were collected on growth, yield, and disease incidence. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p<0.05.There was significant (p<0.05) difference among the genotypes on the incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt disease. AUDPC values showed that 27.3, 45.5 and 18.2% of the genotypes were resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible, respectively. Three genotypes, IT07K-282-10, IT99K-573-11 and IT98D-610 were resistant to Fusarium wilt disease in this study, while genotypes IT07K-297-13 and Ife brown control were susceptible and highly susceptible, respectively. Two resistant genotypes, IT96D-610 and IT07K-230-2-9, with low severity values had the highest yield of 2.66 and 2.74 tones/ha^-1 and these will be useful to breeders for improvement of the low yielding types. These resistant genotypes identified in this study could serve as sources of genes in breeding for resistance to cowpea wilt disease.

Determinants of youth participation in agribusiness: Evidence from Osun State, Nigeria

2024-03-07T13:26:29+00:00

The study was focused on determinants of youth participation in agribusinesses in Osun State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected from 150 respondents through the use of questionnaires across the study area. Data collected were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that more than half of the youths were male and the majority were single and low-income earners. Youths engaged in multiple agribusiness enterprises where they participated most in marketing of agricultural products and arable crop production. More than half (58%) of the youth had a favourable disposition towards agribusiness activities. The study also revealed that the respondents faced several constraints that limit their participation. The result showed that income (β =0.474), years of experience (β = 0.256), gender (β=0.198) and attitude (β=0.219) were the determinants of youth participation in agribusiness. The study concluded that majority of respondents were involved in agribusiness activities for less than 8 hours daily. To enhance sustainable youth participation in agribusiness activities and reduce unemployment, youths should be supported through creation of enabling environment, formulation of favourable policies and provision of infrastructure. Also, they should be encouraged with the provision of institutional supports such as provision of credit facilities and capacity building to make agribusiness more attractive to youths to reduce high rate of unemployment among youths in Nigeria.

Digital Literacy and Crop Productivity: Evidence from cross-sectional data in Hai and Moshi Districts, Kilimanjaro-Tanzania

2024-03-08T05:51:33+00:00

Access to information through digital platforms particularly social media has the potential to improve agricultural productivity, hence improvement of smallholder farmers' well-being. This is anticipated where farmers can significantly access, understand, evaluate and apply information obtained in agricultural-related activities. However, this depends, inter alia, on the extent to which farmers are digital literate, despite notable access and general use of digital platforms by farmers, there is a need to empirically understand how farmers digital literacy contributes to crop productivity . The study explored the use of social media and the Internet through digital platforms by smallholder farmers and determined the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design; data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 200 purposefully selected smallholder farmers. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect complementary data. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explore the use of the internet and social media, multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity. The results show that 70.5 per cent of smallholder farmers have access to social media. However, the majority (95%) lack awareness of agricultural information apps. Although digital literacy had a negative but significant effect on maize productivity, it nonetheless had a positive and significant effect on common beans' productivity. It is concluded that smallholder social media and the internet contribute to agricultural productivity. It is recommended that the agricultural and ICT departments in Hai and Moshi districts and other interested stakeholders should conduct awareness campaigns and training in rural areas on accessing information concerning agricultural activities through the use of digital platforms towards improved productivity.

Factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida Tanzania

2024-03-08T05:54:21+00:00

Groundnut is amongst the global important food and cash crops; irrespective of its importance, studies report its low adoption. Amongst the reported adoption factors were age, gender, education, group membership and seed availability. Nevertheless, there is insufficient documentation on the influence of these factors on the adoption of groundnut amongst beneficiaries of Singida Rural Farmer Research Networks (FRNs). Innovation systems, networks and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations guided this study to establish the determinants of the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst these target groups. Specifically, the study (1) assessed the adoption of improved groundnuts in relation to farmers’ socio-economic characteristics; (2) determined the factors that influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts and (3) examined farmers’ adoption perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Cross-sectional design and mixed research methods were used. The socioeconomic characteristics of farmers were compared using Chi-square test cross-tabulations. The binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. A Likert scale was used to assess the farmers’ perceptions towards the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in relation to access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Findings show that socioeconomic characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, education level and income had no significant influence on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The adoption of improved groundnuts was significantly influenced by three factors: FRN group membership, seed accessibility and technological characteristics which include adaptive to agroecological zones, high yields, early maturity, drought tolerance, pests and disease resistance. The majority of farmers had a positive perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment for the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. In this regard, sensitization for more farmers to join groups and enhancement of timely seed availability and accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars are recommended.

The Effects of Blended N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ fertilizer on agronomic performance tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) plant and quality of flue cured tobacco leaf

2024-03-08T05:59:31+00:00

A study was conducted in sandy soil to evaluate the performance of blended N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ followed by CAN 27%N fertilizer on tobacco yield and quality. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the 2021-22 cropping season at Tumbi, Tabora. The treatments had plot size of 2.5 m by 3.6 m and were unfertilized plot (T1), fertilized with blended YARA N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ at 7 days after transplanting (DAT) followed by CAN 27% at 21 DAT tobacco seedlings (T2), fertilized with standard YARA N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ at 7 DAT seedlings, followed by CAN 27% on the 21 DAT tobacco seedlings (T4) and fertilized with blended YARA N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ at 21 DAT tobacco seedlings, followed by CAN 27% on the 35 DAT tobacco seedlings (T3). The four treatments were replicated three times. The results showed that application of basal blended NPK fertilizer at 21 DAT and top dressed with CAN 27%N at 35 DAT was superior and yielded higher leaf dry weight 2144.18 ± 77.16 kg/ha than application of basal blended NPK fertilizer at 7 DAT followed by top dressing at 21 DAT which had 1665.07 ± 217.17 kg/ha. Both blended treatments yielded more leaf dry weight than the treatment applied with basal standard compound NPK at 7 DAT followed by top dressing fertilizer CAN 27%N at 21 DAT (1501.94 ± 144.11 kg/ ha). Nevertheless, the treatments applied with basal NPK and topdressing CAN 27%N at 7 and 21 DAT respectively, did not differ significantly with the tobacco dry leaf yield. Therefore, the current study recommends the application of the blended N₁₀P₁₈K₂₄ basal fertilization at 21 DAT, followed by CAN 27% top-dressing fertilizer at 35 DAT as it yielded significantly (P≤0.001) dry leaf of 2144.18 ± 77.16 kg/ha.

Signatures analysis of divergent selection revealed genes associated with different biological aspects of goats in Kenya

2024-03-08T06:04:31+00:00

The identification of genes and mutations linked to phenotypic features significant for livestock species may be revealed through the detection of selection signatures. This study aimed to decipher the selection signatures and mutational load of different dairy goat populations kept at KALRO-research station Naivasha. Analysis was done on the following breeds; Galla (n=12), and exotic dairy goats imported from South Africa (n=16). DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped using the Illumina GoatSNP50 BeadChip where 49773 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated. Analysis of selection signatures was carried out using fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (Pi). Two breeds, the Galla and imported dairy goats from South Africa were assessed based on the 0.05% top and lowest Fst and Pi respectively. The genes linked to pathways that are either directly or indirectly related to environmental adaptability were found to be more abundant in certain locations. These was revealed by genes associated with the immune response, organ development (TBC1D32, ADAMTS18), memory (SORCS3), sensory receptors and signaling (CDH23, CEP350, KCND2). We found genomic regions that could offer background information to comprehend the mechanisms influencing economic traits in the different goat breeds. Furthermore, the findings of this study are useful in furthering the genetic improvement of goat breeds kept at the KALRO research station and Kenya as a whole.

Soil fertility improvement practices and round potato production among smallholder farmers in two gradients in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

2024-03-08T06:21:05+00:00

The current study aimed to describe soil fertility improvement practices and to evaluate round potato production among smallholder farmers in lower and upper gradients in southern highlands, Tanzania. Household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data on farmers' perception of soil fertility, farmers’ management practices for improved soil fertility and round potato production. Farmers perceived soil fertility as moderate and employed relay cropping, agroforestry, and fertiliser use simultaneously as soil fertility improvement practices. However, industrial fertilisers were perceived as environmentally unfriendly and harmed/burnt crops, likely due to over-application. Overall, potato farm size (1.9 acres) and yields (12 t/acres) were higher in the lower than in the upper gradient. However, there were differences in cultivation cycles, two per annum in the upper gradient compared to one in the lower. The variations in potato farm size and yields between gradients were due to the variation in terrain and temperature. Consequently, farmers in the upper gradient increased cultivation frequency as a compensation strategy. It was concluded that farmers employed various practices simultaneously to improve soil fertility, and potato farm management differed between the two gradients due to the existing climatic conditions. Furthermore, farmers were over-applying fertilisers in the field; hence the need for training on appropriate fertiliser uses for sustainable land and farm management.

Factors associated with post-harvest milk losses at collection centres and among vendors in Tanzania

2024-03-08T06:26:23+00:00

Tanzania has engaged in various interventions to improve the countries food and nutritional security among which is the creation of a good environment for increased milk production, collection, storage, marketing and consumption. However, milk losses continue to occur along the country’s milk value chain (4.4% and 7.0% at the collection centres and the milk vendors respectively). The study on which the paper is based assessed factors associated with post-harvest milk losses among milk collectors and vendors in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby 35 individuals who were in-charge of milk collection centres (MCCs) and 52 milk vendors were selected for the study covering the period June 2021 to September 2022. Generally, the results show that milk was mostly lost through spoilage (2.7% & 3.5%), spillage (1.9% & 3.3%) and contamination (0.1% & 0.2%) at the MCCs and vendors respectively. In addition, Generalised Linear Mixed Model results show that characteristics of the milk transporter (Adjusted Coefficient (AC) = -3.519; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -5.752--1.286), market stability (AC = -9.525; CI: -18.092--0.958), season (AC = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.37--0.010) and awareness/knowledge on post-harvest milk losses (AC = -0.274; 95% CI: -0.490--0.058) were negatively and significantly associated with post-harvest milk losses. Therefore, respondents’ characteristics, market stability, season, milk handling facilities and awareness/knowledge of post-harvest milk loss were the main drivers of post-harvest milk losses (PHMLs). Therefore, there is a need for the livestock extension officers in Tanzania to create awareness but, also train milk collectors on how to reduce PHMLs. In addition, there is a need for collective investment in milk infrastructures and other logistics if milk losses by the above-mentioned are to be reduced. Lastly, the Government needs to create a conducive environment that enhances the availability of quality and affordable milk handling equipment to allow the storage and transportation of milk that minimizes its losses.

Unlocking total factor productivity of smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania

2024-03-08T06:31:57+00:00

Tanzania is endowed with a diversity of ecosystems, a huge number of cattle farming, and available arable land. However, the productivity per cow is still very low due various reasons. This study used data from the African Asian Dairy Genetic Gains (AADGG) database collected over a period of eight years from 2016 to 2023 and supplemented with mini-survey of cost of production done in twenty-four (24) Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The objective of this study was to determine factors that influence total factor productivity in small-scale dairy farms in high milk shade LGAs in Tanzania. Results show that despite of favourable conditions for dairy farming, productivity is still low (40%). The low productivity is exuberated by two factors: the high cost of feed and treatment (among other costs) within respective area of production. However, with improvements in management, the cost will be reduced by almost half (47%), hence an increase in productivity per cow. To increase productivity per animal, this study recommends proper choices of local available resources such as breed types, feeds and disease management regimes. It is also suggested that choice of resources should be practiced in combination with modernization and transformation of traditional systems of integrated farming that will enhance the use of livestock production resources efficiently.

Unlocking smallholder coffee grower knowledge of coffee certification schemes in Tanzania: Insights from the implementation of coffee and farmer equity practices

2024-03-08T06:35:54+00:00

The study was conducted to assess smallholder coffee growers’ knowledge of coffee certification schemes particularly Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices in Mbinga District, Tanzania. The sample size of the study was 188 respondents who were randomly selected and surveyed. The study deployed a mixed research design and data were collected through Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics involving computation of means, frequencies and percentages whereas a thematic analysis procedure was adopted to analyze qualitative data where themes were generated for reporting the results. The study findings revealed that the majority of smallholder coffee growers were knowledgeable about the C.A.F.E. Practices. However, a small proportion of respondents had inadequate knowledge of the scheme. Based on these findings, the study recommends that coffee certification promoters should intensify their efforts in providing training and guidance specifically to those minority farmers who are not yet knowledgeable about the certification scheme.

Development and evaluation of the physical and nutritional qualities of extruded millet-soybean composite flour and the consumer acceptability of its instant porridge

2024-03-08T06:44:39+00:00

Malnutrition is a serious health concern in Tanzania because of its high frequency of disease and mortality. Cereal-based porridges are the most common complementary foods to children in the country. However, cereal proteins lack some essential amino acids necessary for children growth hence predisposing them to Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the physical and nutritional qualities of extruded millet-soybean composite flour and the consumer acceptability of its instant porridge as a food-based approach to reduce malnutrition in Tanzania. The millet and soybean were extruded and processed separately into flours which were then blended at 0, 10, 20, and 30% substitution rates for millet flour to make composite flours. The flours physical and chemical qualities as well as consumer acceptability of their porridge were evaluated using standard methods. The water absorption index (1.4 - 0.8 g/g), water solubility index (53.3 - 43.9%) and viscosity (95.10 - 5.61 dpas), of the flour slurries’ and bulk density of the flours (0.82-0.62 g/ml) significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the amount of soybean flour increased in the formulations. However, all proximate composition parameters and iron in the composite flour formulations increased with the addition of soybean flour to millet flour, with the exception of carbohydrate. The 70% millet and 30% soybean composite porridge was the most acceptable formulation by consumers. Hence, development and consumption of millet-soybean composite flour and their porridge as a food-based strategy to combat children's malnutrition in the country is highly recommended

Evaluation of factors affecting number of services per conception for Sahiwal x Friesian crossbred cattle in Kenya

2024-03-08T06:52:43+00:00

The mean number of services per conception is based on data from served cows and is an estimate of fertility in dairy herds. Artificial insemination data for 1380 cows (2000 to 2021) from KALRO- Naivasha dairy herd under the artificial insemination program were analyzed using a mixed linear model. The effects of parity of cow, sire used, month, time (AM and PM), and year of insemination were evaluated. The individual animal was included in the evaluation and was fitted as a random effect. The parity (p<0.0001), sire used (p<0.0001), year (p<0.0001) and month of insemination (p<0.01), and individual cow effect (p<0.0001) were found to be significant factors influencing the number of services to conception. The season and time of insemination either in the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The average number of services per conception per parity was 2.3. The analysis of the findings highlights that conception rates are influenced by multiple environmental factors, emphasizing the need to consider these factors when implementing strategies to enhance cow fertility. Strategies that can reduce the number of services per pregnancy would reduce the number of animals culled for infertility and therefore eventually reducing on production costs. Investigation of other factors reflecting on health, general management, and bull factors would further contribute to improving overall cow fertility for Sahiwal X Friesian Crossbreds in Kenya.

Evaluation of the performance of an evaporative cooling structure on the shelf life of stored tomatoes in Morogoro region, Tanzania

2024-03-08T06:55:29+00:00

The losses on perishables have been a challenge in most developing countries. The current status is critical and its control for small scale farmers and retailers has not been adequately addressed. The lack of simple storage facilities in the tomato supply chain contributes to high postharvest losses of tomatoes in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to design an evaporative cooling structure for the storage and shelf-life extension of tomatoes. An Improved wind operated passive evaporative cooler (IWOPEC) was developed and its performance was evaluated. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The storage environment conditions considered were ambient (AT), cold room (CR), and IWOPEC structure. The results on the effects of temperature and relative humidity (RH) were significantly different (p<0.05) under the studied storage environments and time. Total soluble solids and percentage weight loss significantly increased (p<0.05) for all studied environmental conditions, whereas firmness and titratable acid significantly decreased (p<0.05) in response to storage time and studied environmental conditions. The IWOPEC structure reduced temperature, increased RH, and gave peak and daily average cooling efficiency of 84.89% and 61.67%, respectively. In areas with high PHLs under AT, using the IWOPEC structure to improve shelf life of tomatoes is economically feasible. Improvement of the IWOPEC structure by having a water boot sump and a water pump to increase the cooling efficiency of the storage atmosphere is recommended.

Tomato post-harvest losses as influenced by improper handling facilities in Morogoro, Tanzania

2024-03-08T07:04:10+00:00

The losses on perishables have been a challenge for so long in developing countries, the current status is critical and its control for small-scale farmers and retailers has not been adequately addressed. The aim of this study was to generate information on tomato handling practices and losses for small-scale farmers and retailers in six selected areas in Morogoro region, Tanzania. A need assessment survey was conducted to help gather information on tomato postharvest handling and practices for the purpose of preparing possible mitigation actions. Sixty respondents with at least 3 years of farming or retailing tomatoes were purposively selected through the help of the extension officer and market leaders to represent part of the tomatoes’ handling chain. The SPSS version 16 statistics software was used for data analysis using descriptive statistics. The findings obtained showed that farmers were not using any storage facilities for tomatoes while retailers used inferior handling facilities and some did not use any storage facilities ultimately losing most of their tomatoes. This study found that tomato post-harvest losses (PHLs) were 29.7% at the farmers’ level and 18.4% at the small-scale retailers’ level during handling and marketing. Besides 60-80% of the farmers and 30-80% of retailers were unaware of the existence of Evaporative cooling structures (ECSs) to avert tomato PHLs. However, 60-80% of all respondents indicated the desire to have ECSs used to improve their tomato business. This prompted the need to have ECSs introduced in order to extend the shelf life of tomatoes while maintaining their quality and hence reducing PHLs.

Performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) lines and cultivars resistant to salinity

2024-03-08T07:06:23+00:00

The low yield of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon, L.) along the coast of Tanzania is influenced by abiotic stresses, including salinity. Tomatoes in Tanzania are produced in various environments, from wet lowlands to dry highlands. Lowland areas are generally warmer than the highlands and have more saline soils. Two commercially available Tanya and Tengeru 97’ tomato cultivars and seventeen advanced lines from the World Vegetable Research Center in Arusha have been developed for tolerance to biotic stresses. This study tested the advanced lines and commercially available cultivars (Tanya and Tengeru 97’) for salinity tolerance to expand their potential utilization in marginal areas. The experiment included two factors; tomato cultivars/lines and level of salinity replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design. Varying salinity levels (45mM, 90mM and 150mM NaCl) were applied to study their effects on growth. There were significant differences (p<0.05) due to the effect of different salt concentrations in the parameters studied. Increased salinity delayed and reduced seed germination, which varied among cultivars/ lines. Seedling growth in terms of height increased with time but decreased with salinity, except in the CLN series, where only very slight decreases in height were observed. The stem and leaf growth were negatively correlated with increasing salinity levels in Tanya and Tengeru. CLN series were also found to yield reasonably in terms of fruit number and size at all salinity levels, especially CLN 5915-93-D4-1-0-3. From the results, it could be concluded that CLN lines could increase tomato growth and production on salt affected soils.

Effective participation in intervention projects: An evaluation of farmers’ participation in NEWMAP livelihood enhancement activities

2024-03-08T07:11:07+00:00

This study assessed farmers’ effective participation and sustainability of NEWMAP project in Southeast Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of three hundred and sixty (360) respondents. Objectives were realized using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the beneficiaries' needs were satisfied by NEWMAP activities; such as enhanced their crop farming technical knowledge, enriched their livestock farming experience, and improved their leadership roles. Also, the respondents participated actively in various activities of NEWMAP project in the areas of needs assessment and prioritization, projects planning and design, sensitization meetings, rainwater harvesting activities, baseline survey activities, among others. The mean crop yields obtained before and after the project were 8.291 and 8.747 for maize, 9.042 and 9.917 for cassava, and 6.653 and 8.194 for yam. Also, the result showed that positive and significant relationship exists between the respondents’ perception and participation at 5% level of significance. The test of significance indicated that significant difference exists between perception and participation in NEWMAP livelihood activities with t-value of 8.1349. Based on the findings, the study recommended that prompt payments of funds by federal and state governments should be ensured for sustainability of the project and sustenance of the beneficiaries’ interest.

Effect of energy feeds and breeds on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of rabbits

2024-03-08T07:18:42+00:00

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of energy feeds and breeds on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of rabbits. Thirty-six weaned male rabbits were used at 30 days of age from three breeds (New Zealand White, Califonia, and Chinchilla) each breed comprised 12 rabbits. The dietary feed composition consisted of three cereal grains: maize, wheat, and sorghum at an inclusion level of 50% each, and water given on an ad libitum basis. There-after, nine rabbits from each dietary treatment, equivalent to three rabbits per experiment unit were slaughtered and the carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated. The differences in slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage from the rabbit breeds fed energy feeds were found insignificant (P>0.05). However, the meat significantly (P<0.05) differed in terms of chemical composition. The loin muscle had a higher crude protein and lower fat value. Higher protein 24.91% for Chinchilla-fed diets 2, and 24.41% California-fed diet 1 as well as low ether extract 1.07% for Califonia fed-diet 1 followed by 1.11% and 1.12% Califonia fed diets 2 and Chinchilla-fed diets 1 while the neck muscle had higher dry matter and higher ether extract. A 28.51 % of dry matter for New Zealand white-fed diet 2 followed by 26.36% Chinchilla-fed diets 2 and higher ether extract 8.79%, 8.65 %, and 8.04% from those rabbits fed diet 3. Also had a significant effect (P<0.05) on meat tenderness higher in loin muscle was 6.45 N. Results suggest that the inclusion of 50% of each maize and wheat grain in rabbit diets enhanced meat protein and reduction fat values, especially in the loin and thigh muscle than sorghum grain.

Factors influencing smallholder farmers’ access to formal financial services in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

2024-03-08T07:21:29+00:00

This study was conducted to evaluate smallholder farmers’ inclusion to formal financial services in Mvomero, Morogoro Rural and Kilosa districts, in Morogoro region, Tanzania. Specifically, the paper was set to analyse the socio-economic factors that influence the access to formal financial services in the study area. A sample of 240 respondents was covered by the study, whereby multistage random sampling was employed to select respondents in the study area. The data were coded and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. A binary logistic regression model was used to test the effects or influence of socio-economic factors on inclusive formal financial services. Results showed that socio economic factors such as age, income, education, occupation and distance to formal financial institutions affect the access and use of formal financial services (p<0.05). The study has also revealed that savings services are popular therefore, used by the majority of adult population, followed by transaction services, credit, then insurance services Conversely, the study concludes that cost of services, ignorance, low income were among the reasons mentioned by the respondents as hindering inclusion to formal financial services in the research area. To this effect the study recommends effective linkages between financial institutions in order to increase the proportion of people with financial access, capacity building to financial institutions, improving infrastructure, improving condition and quality of financial services and to offer finance education to the people.

Malawi’s decentralized agricultural extension delivery system: The approaches, services offered and linkage of actors

2024-03-08T07:23:52+00:00

Agricultural extension is central in the agricultural development process. Generally, Malawi has continuously been reforming her extension services in order to increase accessibility and uptake of technologies by farmers. The study on which the paper is based aimed at determining the strength of linkages of different actors in the Malawi’s decentralized extension system. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design whereby a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 randomly selected smallholder maize farmers in Mangochi district. Supplementary data were collected from 10 focus group discussions and 9 key informant interviews. IBM-SPPS was used to determine descriptive statistics. Social network analysis was used to determine the strength of linkages between actors in the agricultural sector. Findings show that the government, private sector and lead farmers are interconnected in the provision of agricultural extension services to smallholder farmers. It is concluded that the district has strong linkages of the three main actors in the provision of coordinated and uniform agricultural extension services to smallholder farmers. Therefore, there is need for the government and other agriculture sector stakeholders to build the capacity of the frontline extension staff on approaches that can help farmers practice what is taught using farmer field schools which are currently underutilized. In addition, all the extension service providers need to mobilize resources to strengthen Malawi’s district agricultural extension structures specifically, at the Traditional Authority and Group Village Headman levels for improved coordination and linkages.

Farmers’ preferences for tropically adapted improved chicken breeds in selected agro-ecological zones in Tanzania

2024-03-08T07:26:20+00:00

This study was carried out in twelve villages that were implementing the African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project in Mbeya and Mwanza regions. Multistage random sampling method was employed from Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) level to a village level in which respondents were systematically selected from a distribution list of chicks. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and 132 respondents were interviewed. The objective of this study was to identify smallholder farmers’ preference traits of improved chicken breeds compared to local ones. The results showed that, the majority of smallholder farmers i.e. 104 (78.8%) in the study areas preferred improved chicken breeds due to the traits of fast growth rate, large body size at maturity, higher egg production, easily adaptive to the local environment, bigger sized eggs and being sold easily. Moreover, the chi- square test shows that, improved chicken traits of egg production, large egg size and being sold at good prices were statistically significant at (p<0.05) between regions. However, 28 smallholder farmers i.e. 21.2%, preferred local chicken due to the traits of ability to survive, scavenging ability, good meat taste, mothering ability, good hatching ability and egg taste. In this case, the chi-square test shows that, local chicken trait of ability to survive had significant difference (p<0.05) between regions. It is therefore concluded that improved chicken breeds were preferred by the majority of farmers due to their traits such as fast growth rate and high egg production. It is thus recommended that chicken breeders should introduce chicken which have traits preferred by smallholder farmers.

Evaluation of nutritive value and in-vitro degradation of sorghum silage, Moringa oleifera (Moringa) and Sesbania sesban (Sesbania) leaf meals

2024-03-08T07:30:32+00:00

The study was carried out to evaluate the feeding value of Sorghum silage, Moringa oleifera (Moringa) and Sesbania sesban (Sesbania) leaf meals. Certified Sorghum (Ikinyaruka) seeds and Sesbania were cultivated while Moringa leaves were collected from farmers in Kiorimba location in Tharaka Nithi County. Proximate analysis was carried out for Moringa, Sesbania and Sorghum silage. The organic matter ranged from 907.2 g Kg^-1 dry matter (DM) to 928.0g Kg^-1 DM. Crude protein (CP) content ranged from 93.76 g Kg^-1 DM to 288.2g Kg^-1 DM in Moringa meal. Crude Fibre (CF) ranged from 100.17g Kg^-1 DM to 270.8 g Kg^-1 DM. Nitrogen Free Extract ranged from 283.2 g Kg^-1 DM to 475.0 g Kg^-1 DM. Ether extract (EE) ranged from content was 49.6 g Kg^-1 DM to 325.67 g Kg^-1 DM. Neutral Detergent fiber (NDF) was 148.07 g Kg^-1 DM to 570.3 g Kg^{- 1}DM. Acid detergent Fibre (ADF) ranged from 99.2 g Kg^-1 DM to 212.3 g Kg^-1 DM for Moringa meal, SLM, and Sorghum silage respectively. Acid detergent lignin ranged from 57.07 g Kg^-1 DM to245.6g Kg^-1 DM. Fiber content was the highest for all cases in Sorghum silage. The nutritive values of the meals and silage fell within the animal portions as they had a CP of more than 70 g Kg^-1DM, the minimum required for rumen function according to National Research Council (NRC). Amino acids (lysine and methionine) were higher in Sesbania than Moringa. Polyphenols contents were higher in Sesbania while Sorghum silage had the highest rate of degradation at 48hrs. It is concluded that the forage legumes can be utilized to improve animal nutrition.

Determinants of dietary diversity of farming households in Chamwino District, Tanzania: A gendered perspective

2024-03-08T07:34:31+00:00

Various studies based on a simpler approach of twelve food groups have reported that female-headed households are more likely to have higher dietary diversity compared to male headed households while others have reported that female headed households consume lower dietary diversity compared to male-headed households. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the relationship between dietary diversity and gender based on an advanced approach of using weighted sum dietary diversity scores. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the determinants of dietary diversity based on weighted sum dietary diversity scores in Chamwino District in the central part of Tanzania from a gendered perspective. A cross-sectional research design was used to collect data from randomly selected 400 households. Using multiple linear regression; household size, engagement in non-farm income generating activities and size of land cultivated significantly (p<0.05) influenced dietary diversity in female and male headed households. It is concluded that intervention programmes may need to be tailored based on size of land cultivated, household size and engagement in income generating activities. Therefore, this will entail reducing household sizes by strengthening the use of family planning measures among female headed households. All people who are energetic must participate in farming activities in order to increase the size of the cultivated land as well as promoting engagement in income generating activities as alternative livelihood options among male headed households.

Stocking density and water quality effect on growth performance of Nile tilapia raised in water ponds in Dodoma City, Tanzania

2024-03-08T07:49:12+00:00

Pond fertilization and stocking density consideration are two management practices used in pond fish farming to increase productivity. This study aimed to fill a knowledge gap in Dodoma by examining how different types of manure used for fertilization affect the water quality of ponds, as well as the effects of stocking density on the growth performance of Nile Tilapia. The effects of stocking density at 15, 30, and 100 individuals on the growth performance of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) in terms of weight and length gain were studied for one month (30 days). From day zero commercial powder feeds were applied at a rate of 9% of body weight. The pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature of water fertilized with chicken and cow manure were all measured. The fourth week showed the best growth performance, with a length of 6.52±0.28cm and a weight of 3.43±0.36g at the large stocking density of 100 individuals per pond. Ponds fertilized with chicken manure had a significant effect in dissolved oxygen (10-14.20 mg/l) and pH (9.1-9.8) (p<0.05). Whereas, the more dissolved oxygen revealed a significant growth in fish in terms of weight (p=0.01). According to the findings of this study, low density and sufficient oxygen improved the fish growth performance. When applying manure for fertilization, it is critical to consider the different types of manure and how they affect water characteristics.