scholarly journals IDENTIFYING FARMERS’ PREFERENCES AND CONSTRAINTS TO PEARL MILLET PRODUCTION IN THE SAHEL AND NORTH-SUDAN ZONES OF BURKINA FASO

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-775
Author(s):  
INOUSSA DRABO ◽  
ROGER G. ZANGRE ◽  
ERIC Y. DANQUAH ◽  
KWADWO OFORI ◽  
JOHN R. WITCOMBE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
The North ◽  
Production Environments ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

SUMMARYThe low yield of pearl millet largely due to the low adoption of improved varieties substantiates the application of client-oriented plant breeding for pearl millet. Hence to enhance adoption, new varieties must correspond to farmers’ preferences and respond to the constraints prevailing in the production environments, participatory rural appraisals were conducted in two agro-ecological zones (Sahel and North-Sudan) to determine farmers’ preferences in the choice of varieties and to identify constraints to pearl millet production. The study revealed that the major production constraints are hierarchically drought, Striga, head miner, bird and downy mildew. Compact panicle, large grain size and non-bristle panicle were the most preferred traits in pearl millet across agro-ecological zones. Very long panicle and early maturity crop cycle were more preferred in the Sahel zone whereas, in the North-Sudan zone medium panicle length and medium maturity cycle were more preferred by farmers. Traits largely rejected by farmers were small grain size, narrow, loose and bristled panicle. Very few investigations were done to understand the raison of the low adoption of improved technologies in pearl millet. This study identified the major criteria of new pearl millet variety adoption by farmers. It is expected that breeding program must integrate these criteria in new pearl millet variety profiling to enhance adoption.

A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE THROUGH STRIGA HERMONTHICA CONTROL IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA

2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Y. KAMARA ◽  
J. ELLIS-JONES ◽  
P. AMAZA ◽  
L. O. OMOIGUI ◽  
J. HELSEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Striga Hermonthica ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Trap Crops ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Farmer Groups ◽  
Local Farmers ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

SUMMARYStriga hermonthica is a parasitic weed that attacks maize, sorghum and other staple cereal crops and has long been considered one of the greatest biotic constraints to cereal production in Africa. Use of resistant or tolerant maize varieties, a maize–legume rotation using trap crops that stimulate suicidal germination of Striga and the application of nitrogen fertilizer are all effective in reducing infestation and damage. This paper reports on the use of a participatory research and extension approach in assessing the performance and scaling-up of integrated Striga control packages in three agro-ecological zones in Borno State, Nigeria. The participatory process which encourages close interaction between research, extension and farmers, involved 30 local communities and 228 farmers representing 193 farmer groups in identifying their own problems and seeking solutions to them. Results showed not only effective Striga control but productivity increases of over 200%. The involvement of local farmers and groups in the evaluation process, firstly, helped to confirm that Striga control can best be achieved using soyabean followed by Striga-resistant maize together with productivity-increasing management practices and, secondly, promoted farmer-to-farmer extension. A participatory adoption assessment exercise indicated widespread adoption of new varieties and management practices, despite the need for increased labour. Great potential exists to scale out the results to similar areas of Guinea and Sudan savannas in the West Africa region.

scholarly journals PARTICIPATORY VARIETAL SELECTION WITH IMPROVED PEARL MILLET IN WEST AFRICA

2007 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. O. OMANYA ◽  
E. WELTZIEN-RATTUNDE ◽  
D. SOGODOGO ◽  
M. SANOGO ◽  
N. HANSSENS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Traditional Values ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Participatory Varietal Selection ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Improved Varieties ◽  
Wide Adaptation ◽  
New Varieties

A reconnaissance survey and participatory varietal selection trials (PVS) were conducted in four major pearl millet-growing countries of the Sahel between 2001 and 2003. The studies aimed to identify farmers' preferences in improved pearl millet varieties, increase awareness, test new varieties and enhance farmers' access to the improved varieties. Farmers selected five out of 10 tested varieties, with preferred characteristics, namely, maturity cycles of 80–90 d in the Sahel and 90–100 d in the Sudanian agro-ecozones, acceptable grain yield, compact and long (30–100 cm) panicles, a large number of tillers with panicles, adaptation and an acceptable taste. Farmers indicated that their local varieties were of superior adaptation and taste. They mentioned that hindrances to uptake and sustained use of improved varieties were due to lack of awareness, traditional values, seed unavailability, early maturity, bird damage and lack of fertilizer. The strong genotype × environment interactions in the Sahel suggests that breeding should be directed towards producing varieties adapted to specific zones rather than for wide adaptation. Notably, since farmers often cultivate pearl millet without any soil amendments, it may be advisable to disseminate varieties as a package (with fertilizer and agronomic instructions) rather than as varieties alone in a PVS programme, in order to achieve the full potential of improved varieties. The PVS trials are synergistic to plant breeding in identifying varieties suitable for harsh environments, which are difficult to duplicate in the research station. However, in the absence of formal distribution seed systems in the trial countries, village- or community-based seed production of varieties selected by farmers appears critical to the sustainable adoption of selected varieties.

scholarly journals Farmers’ Knowledge and Perception on CommonBeans Production Constraints and their Mitigation Methods in the Humid Rainforest and Highland Savanna of Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 70-85
Author(s):  
Henry A. Andukwa ◽  
Nelson N. Ntonifor
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pests ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Common Beans ◽  
The South ◽  
The West ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
West Region ◽  
South West ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Background: Common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris is one of the most important plant protein sources in many African countries including Cameroon. It is a major source to smallholder farmers and some large-scale farmers. Common beans also fixes atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with rhizobia thus improving soil fertility. Despite the importance of this major food and cash crop, its production in Cameroon is constrained by several abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore it was hypothesized that bean farmers in the study regions have knowledge on; (1) the various factors that hamper bean production; (2) the planting periods/seasons that the various constraints are more important; (3) they have their own indigenous methods of mitigating these constraints but would prefer more appropriate methods if available. Aims: To document when farmers plant beans,how they handled the crop when matured, and if they faced problems with rot/mould, insects orany other constraints in their beans and how they manage these problems. Study Design: Random interviewing of beans farmers. Place and Duration of Study: Interviewed farmers in Buea and Dschang of the humid rainforest and highland agro-ecological zones of Cameroonrespectively from January 2017 to December 2017. Methodology: A semi-structural questionnaire was administered to 519 randomly selected bean farmers in two agro-ecological zones; the humid rainforest and highland savanna. A total of 163 from Bueain the south west (humid rainforest) and 356 from Dschang in the west (highland savanna) were randomly interviewed to document the farmers’ perceptions on various constraints hampering beansproduction, when these are most limiting and the various methods they use to mitigate them. Results: Farmers in both agro-ecological zones lacked adequate land surface area for bean production and suffered from low yields. In the highland savanna or west region, 166 (45.98%) and 119 (75.32%) in the humid rainforest or south west region grew beans in farms of sizes <1Ha. Only 2 (1.27%) of bean farmers in the South West and 35 (9.69%) in the West produced beans on farms >2Ha. Most farmers in the west 267 (73.96%) and 139 (87.97%) in the south west produced only 1-3 bags of 50kg each of beans/ha.The farmers faced problems with mold/rot and insect pests; the mold/rot was the most nagging for beans that matured during the rainy season while insect pests was the major constraint for the dry season beans. The mold/rot was controlled mainly by the adjustment of the planting dates of beans while different types of insecticides were used against the insect pests. Farmers also face problems in having adequate/appropriate staking materials for the climbing or indeterminate bean varieties. Conclusion: Considering that farmers face the actual daily challenges of bean production. Their knowledge and perceptions of the production constraints of this crop are quintessential and should count in defining research priorities aimed at mitigating the problems in order to increase beans production. Therefore, there is need for research to test and/or validate these farmers knowledge and perceptions about bean production constraints as a prelude to vulgarizing the effective control/management options.

scholarly journals On-farm management and participatory evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millspaugh) diversity across the agro-ecological zones of Benin Republic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Géofroy KINHOEGBE ◽  
Gustave Djèdatin ◽  
Laura Estelle Yêyinou Loko ◽  
Abraham Gnimansou Favi ◽  
Aristide Adomou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Evaluation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Sudanian Zone ◽  
Benin Republic ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract Background: Pigeonpea is a multipurpose food legume that contributes to food security in Benin. However, its production declined and some landraces are being threatened with disappearance. For establishment of conservation and breeding programs previous ethnobotanical surveys on pigeonpea were done in Benin but restricted to south and central regions. Knowing that pigeonpea is also grown in northern Benin, and that the varieties cultivated in this region can show agronomic performances, it is therefore important to evaluate the diversity of this legume in this region. However, an exhaustive documentation of pigeonpea diversity grown in Benin Republic are necessary for effective breeding and conservation programs. Therefore, this study aimed to document genetic diversity of pigeonpea, across the agro-ecological zones of Benin Republic for its promotion and valorization. Methods: 500 producers of pigeonpea belonging to thirteen sociolinguistic groups were selected through 50 villages. Data were collected using methods and tools of participatory research appraisal. Folk nomenclatures, taxonomy of pigeonpea and seed system were investigated. The distribution and extent of pigeonpea landraces were evaluated using Four Square Analysis method. A comparative analysis of pigeonpea uses categories, production systems, pigeonpea production constraints, famers’ preference criteria and participative evaluation for existing landraces across agro-ecological zones was done. Result: Folk nomenclature and taxonomy were mainly based on seed coat colour and size. Seven pigeonpea use category were recorded including sacrifice, grain processing and fertilization. The results showed that pigeonpea seed system is informal. Based on seed characteristics, fifteen landraces were recorded with seven new landraces. The Sudano-Guinean zone contained the highest number (11) of landraces. The average number of landraces per village was 2.7. A high rate of landraces threatened with disappearance was observed across the ecological zones. Ten constraints are known affecting pigeonpea production in Benin with pests and diseases as the most important in all agro-ecological zones. This study revealed that pigeonpea cultivation is increasing in the Sudanian zone. Varieties to be produced must be selected on the basis of 11 criteria among them precocity and resistance to pests and diseases, in the three ecological zones and adaptability to any type of soil in the Sudanian zone were the most important. The participatory evaluation revealed the existence of a few performing cultivars. Conclusions: Our results show that to implement a pigeonpea genetic conservation program in Benin, it would be necessary to take into account the diversity, production constraints and criteria of varietal preference, which varied according to agro-ecological zones. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies are important to preserve pigeonpea landraces. Morphological and molecular characterizations of identified cultivars are highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programs.

Collection and ethnobotanical investigation of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in Algeria

1970 ◽  
pp. 01-06 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Gaad, M. Laouar, A. Abdelguerfi
Keyword(s):  
Lens Culinaris ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Plant Part ◽  
Grass Pea ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Main Production ◽  
Ethnobotanical Uses ◽  
Insect Attack ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

This study aims to make an inventory of the existing diversity and establish a representative collection of the diversity of lentil crop in Algeria. Surveys and collection of lentil accessions were conducted in different agro-ecological zones of Algeria In 2011. From ten regions (Departments), fifteen villages were surveyed and 30 lentil accessions were collected. The present study was carried out to survey, identify and document the uses of lentil accessions collected. The information on ethnobotanical uses was collected through semi-structured questionnaires with local villagers, elders and those people having knowledge associated with the production and utilization of lentil (Lens culinaris).The study revealed that among the interviewed farmers, 64% were males while 36% were females. The commonest cropping system found was the cultivation of lentil alone (95.5% of producers) and associated with grass pea (2.5%). Regarding the plant part used, two main parts are used by the farmers interviewed: seeds and the aerial part after harvest as a straw to feed animals. Low yield (40% of responses), disease and insect attack (36%), and low rainfall (24%) were the main production constraints reported by the interviewees.

scholarly journals Production constraints of smallholder pig farms in agro-ecological zones of Mpumalanga, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscilla Munzhelele ◽  
James Oguttu ◽  
Olubunmi G. Fasanmi ◽  
Folorunso O. Fasina
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

scholarly journals Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Induced Yield Increment of Two Pearl Millet Varieties in Sudanian and Sahelian Agro-ecological Zones in Mali

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Halimatou Aboubacar Toure ◽  
Kalifa Traore ◽  
Idriss Serme ◽  
Korodjouma Ouattara
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Yield Gap ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Local Variety ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Soil fertility is inherently low in sub Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was therefore to determine millet yield for two varieties in each zone using organic and inorganic fertiliser in two agro-ecological zones in Mali. A two-year experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station of Sotuba and Cinzana in 2013 and 2014. A combination of two pearl millet varieties and four fertilizer treatments were used. The fertilizers treatments used were: T1 Control (no application); T2 MANURE of 23:10:17 (5000 kg/ha); T3 NPK of 15: 15: 15 (50 kg/ha) and T4 combination of NPK + MANURE. The experiments were conducted in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in a plot size of 10 m x 4.2 m. The varieties evaluated at Sotuba station were Sanioni, an improved local variety and Cho, a local variety while at Cinzana station Sosat, an improved variety form IER /ICRISAT and IBV8001, and an improved variety from ICRISAT were used. At Sotuba high grain with NPK+MANURE (1948 kg ha-1) followed by NPK (1281 kg ha-1), MANURE (1130 kg ha-1)and the Control (813 kg ha-1). In 2014, the grain yield NPK+MANURE) was 1602 kg ha-1, followed by NPK (1502 kg ha-1), MANURE (1466 kg ha-1) and the control (1440 kg ha-1). The grain yield gap for the Control treatment in 2013 (813 kg ha-1) and in 2014 (1440 kg ha1) was high compared to the NPK+MANURE, MANURE and NPK treatment grain yield gap for the same years. In Cinzana In 2013, higher grain yield with the treatments of NPK+MANURE, (1440 kgha-1)> NPK (1429 kg ha-1)> MANURE (1416 kg ha-1)>Control (1276 kg ha-1) were observed . In 2014, the highest grain yield with NPK+MANURE (1915 kg ha-1) followed by NPK (1561 kg ha-1), MANURE (1523 kg ha-1 1) and Control (1121 kg ha-1). The grain yield gap for the combined NPK+MANURE treatment in 2103 (1440 kg ha-1) and in 2014 (1915 kg ha1) was high compared to the others for the fertilizer grain yield gap for both years.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Environmental-Technology Gaps of Rice Farms in Distinct Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Asravor ◽  
Alexander Wiredu ◽  
Khalid Siddig ◽  
Edward Onumah
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Environmental Technology ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Environments ◽  
Technology Gaps ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important food staple and a cash crop, which is cultivated in all the ten regions of Ghana under varying agro-ecological conditions. These conditions also reflect the production technologies used and the total farm output. In an attempt to determine the potential sources of production shortfalls on rice farms in Ghana, this paper estimates the production efficiency and the environmental-technology gaps of rice-producing households in the forest-savannah transition and guinea savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana. The paper adopts the stochastic metafrontier framework, which permits technology-related inefficiency effects to be extricated from managerial inefficiency effects for appropriate policy formulation. In contrast to past studies, the empirical findings reveal that farms in the two agro-ecological zones adopt heterogeneous production technologies due to differences in their production environments. This is indicated by the estimated mean environmental-technology gap ratios of 0.95 and 0.50, and mean metafrontier technical efficiencies of 0.56 and 0.42 for farms in the forest-savannah transition and guinea savannah zones, respectively. These findings call for agricultural policy formulation in Ghana to be targeted at the prevailing environmental conditions of the various agro-ecological zones rather than being all-inclusive in addressing the extant inefficiencies in the rice production systems of Ghana.

scholarly journals On-farm management and participatory evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millspaugh) diversity across the agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Géofroy KINHOEGBE ◽  
Gustave Djèdatin ◽  
Laura Estelle Yêyinou Loko ◽  
Abraham Gnimansou Favi ◽  
Aristide Adomou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Evaluation ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Republic Of Benin ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Sudanian Zone ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract Background: Pigeonpea is a multipurpose food legume that contributes to food security in Benin. However, its production declined and some landraces are being threatened to disappear. For establishment of conservation and breeding programs previous ethnobotanical surveys on pigeonpea were done in Benin but restricted to south and central regions. Knowing that in past years, pigeonpea landraces were introduced in northern Benin for soil fertility management, it is therefore important to evaluate the diversity of this legume in this region. Exhaustive documentation of pigeonpea diversity grown in the Republic of Benin is necessary for effective breeding and conservation programs. Therefore, this study aimed to document genetic diversity of pigeonpea, across the agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin for its promotion and valorization.Methods: 500 producers of pigeonpea belonging to thirteen sociolinguistic groups were selected through 50 villages. Data were collected using methods and tools of participatory research appraisal. Folk nomenclatures, taxonomy of pigeonpea and seed system were investigated. The distribution and extent of pigeonpea landraces were evaluated using the Four Square Analysis method. A comparative analysis of pigeonpea uses categories, production systems, pigeonpea production constraints, famers’ preference criteria and participative evaluation for existing landraces across agro-ecological zones was done.Result: Folk nomenclature and taxonomy were mainly based on seed coat colour and size. Seven pigeonpea use categories were recorded including sacrifice, grain processing and fertilization. The results showed that the pigeonpea seed system is informal. Based on seed characteristics, fifteen landraces were recorded with seven new landraces. The Sudano-Guinean zone contained the highest number (11) of landraces. The average number of landraces per village was 2.7. A high rate of landraces threatened to disappear was observed across the ecological zones. Ten constraints are known affecting pigeonpea production in Benin with pests and diseases as the most important in all agro-ecological zones. This study revealed that pigeonpea cultivation is increasing in the Sudanian zone. Varieties to be produced must be selected on the basis of 11 criteria among them precocity and resistance to pests and diseases, in the three ecological zones and adaptability to any type of soil in the Sudanian zone were the most important. The participatory evaluation revealed the existence of a few performing cultivars.Conclusions: Our results showed that to implement a pigeonpea genetic conservation program in Benin, it would be necessary to take into account the diversity, production constraints and criteria of varietal preference, which varied according to agro-ecological zones. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies are important to preserve pigeonpea landraces. Morphological and molecular characterizations of identified cultivars are highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programs.

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