Does use of draft animal power increase economic efficiency of smallholder farms in Kenya?

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Guthiga ◽  
J.T. Karugia ◽  
R.A. Nyikal
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Animal Power ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

AbstractDraft animal power (DAP) has been identified as an environmentally friendly technology that is based on renewable energy and encompasses integration of livestock and crop production systems. Draft animal technology provides farmers with a possibility to cheaply access and use manure from the draft animals and farm power needed to apply renewable practices for land intensification. Compared to motorized mechanization, DAP is viewed as an appropriate and affordable technology especially for small-scale farmers in developing countries who cannot afford the expensive fuel-powered tractor mechanization. However, it is apparent that there is no consensus among researchers on how it affects crop yields, profit and production efficiency when applied in farm operations. This study addressed the question of whether using DAP increases economic efficiency of smallholder maize producers in central Kenya. Results of the study are derived from a sample of 80 farmers, 57% of whom used draft animals while 43% used hand hoes in carrying farm operations. In the study area, draft animals are almost exclusively used for land preparation and planting, with very few farmers applying them in the consecutive operations such as weeding. A profit function was estimated to test the hypothesis of equal economic efficiency between ‘DAP’ and ‘hoe’ farms. The results showed that farmers who used DAP obtained higher yields and operated at a higher economic efficiency compared to those who used hand hoes. The analysis underscores the viability of DAP in increasing profitability of small-scale farms; however, other aspects of the technology, such as affordability of the whole DAP package, availability of appropriate implements and skills of using the technology, must be taken into account when promoting adoption of DAP technology.

scholarly journals Climate Events and Impact on Cropping Activities of Small-Scale Farmers in a Part of Southwest Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adebayo Oluwole Eludoyin ◽  
Augustina Olichikwu Nevo ◽  
Peter Adeolu Abuloye ◽  
Oyenike Mary Eludoyin ◽  
Olusegun Olufemi Awotoye
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Extreme Climate Events ◽  
Extreme Climate ◽  
Southwest Nigeria ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Climate Events

Abstract The study examined the variations of selected climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) and the perceptions of small-scale farmers on the effects of extreme climate condition on cropping activities in the rain forest ecological region in southwest Nigeria. The area is characterized by three different subecological strata (the mountainous Akoko region in the north, the southern coastal area, and the middle, relatively lowland and more urbanized area) whose effects on the climate are made explicit in the relatively different values of the climate variables. Analysis of the responses to questions on perceptions of extreme climate effects indicated that about 70% of the farmers were aware of the effects of extreme climate events on crop production and yield, and over 50% indicated that too early rainfall, late rainfall, prolonged dryness after an initial rainfall, excessive rainfall, and windstorms were the common weather-related causes of low crop yields. More than 76% of the farmers changed planting dates and diversified their crops as mitigation measures, while about 72% adopted mulching and intercropping as adaptation strategies against extreme weather conditions. Only less than 20% had access to government support facilities and modern infrastructure. The study concluded that although the farmers respond to variable and extreme climate events in the study area, the responses, being not adequately supported by adequate farming infrastructure, do not guarantee sustainable food security in the region.

Small-Scale Farmers’ Decision-Making for Crop Selection and Production Practices in Northern Haiti

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
Priscilla Zelaya ◽  
Amy Harder ◽  
T. Grady Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Crop Selection ◽  
The North ◽  
Farmer Decision Making ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Decision-making is an essential aspect of farming. The decisions farmers make affect their overall yield and, ultimately, impact their livelihoods. Understanding the different factors impacting farmer decision-making can provide insight for extension providers to improve the quality of service. In Haiti, the vast majority of farms are smallholder farms averaging less than 1.5 hectares (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development [MARNDR], 2010). The purpose of this study was to determine the decision-making practices of small-scale farmers in Northern Haiti related to crop production. The following research objectives guided the study: (a) identify the factors associated with crop selection, and (b) identify reasons farmers engage in specific practices for crop production. Results from this study found that small-scale farmers in the North Department reported using the following factors to determine crop selection: financial security, familial traditions, concern for family, and availability of financial resources. When determining practices for crop production, farmers relied on the following drivers: financial limitations and previous learning experiences. Recommendations include increasing the availability of resources to the farmers in this region in order to create a solid foundation for behavior adoption and increased farmer capabilities.

scholarly journals Is Cut-Flower Industry Promotion by the Government Negatively Affecting Pollinator Biodiversity and Environmental/Human Health in Uganda?

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-52
Author(s):  
Bin Mushambanyi Théodore Munyuli
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
The Government ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
The Impact

A study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 around the flower growing areas in central Uganda to generate baseline information on the status of pollinators. Primary data were gathered using a questionnaire that aimed at determining farmers and flower farm officials’ perceptions on the impact of activities carried out inside greenhouses on pollinators, human health, and on crop production in the surroundings. Results indicated that the quantity of pesticides and fertilizers applied daily varied among the different flower farms visited. Bee species richness and abundance varied significantly (P<0.01) according to flower farm location, to the landscape vegetation type, and to field types found in the surrounding of flower farms. Bee richness found around flower farms varied in number from 20 to 40 species in total across seasons and years. Bee density increased significantly with the increase in flower density. Small-scale farmers were aware of the value and importance of pollination services in their farming business. There was no clear evidence of a direct effect of agrochemicals application on bee communities living in the surrounding habitats. There is a need for further research to be conducted on human health risks and for toxicological studies on soils, plants, flowers, and bees in the farm landscape.

scholarly journals Effect of livestock production on the economic efficiency of irrigation systems

2006 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Gogic
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Field Crop ◽  
System Utilization ◽  
Price Relationship

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of livestock production on the economic efficiency of investments in irrigation projects. The study was based on a model focused on field crop/livestock production using the data of crop yields in field crop production with or without irrigation, financial results of cattle fattening and milk production and the input and output price relationship. The influence of livestock production on the economic effects of irrigation system utilization was evaluated using the indices of economic efficiency of investments - internal rate of return, net present value and pay-back period. The data on the amount of investments required for the construction of the irrigation system, economic benefit achieved by optimizing production under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, with and without livestock production were used to determine these indices.

scholarly journals Simplified Orange (Citrus spp.) Production Guide for Small-scale Farmers

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-27
Author(s):  
Hillary M. O. Otieno
Keyword(s):  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Codling Moth ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Leaf Miners ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
False Codling Moth ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Orange production provides both nutritional and financial benefits to farmers across Africa. However, these farmers do not realize the full benefits due to low yields caused by poor agronomic practices currently applied in the region. This guide, therefore, highlights key practices that farmers need to adopt for better yields. Farmers should always follow the best practices right from the selection of a variety to harvesting practices for high yield and better quality fruits to be achieved. Proper land preparation helps in early weed control and improves water infiltration and growth of roots. Weeds should always be kept below economic thresholds to ensure efficiencies in the use of water and nutrient. Like other plants, oranges require proper nutrition for growth and development of big fruits. Both manure and inorganic fertilizers should be applied depending on the availability and cost. Soil analysis helps in determining the rates of application. During production, farmers should scout for pests such as aphids, false codling moth, whiteflies, leaf miners, thrips, fruit fly and common spiral nematode and diseases like Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot, Phytophthora spp. and orange fruit scab which are common in the area. These pests cause significant yield losses if not timely controlled. When ready, harvesting of fruits should be careful and gentle without causing injuries.

Identification and Validation of Operational Welfare Indicators Appropriate for Small-Scale Goat Farming in Chile

Proceedings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Jaqueline Rodriguez ◽  
Mario Morales ◽  
Hernan Cañon-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Welfare Indicators ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Goat Farming

Goat production in Chile is carried by small-scale farmers obtaining milk and cheese as the main products. The welfare of goats under these types of production systems is currently unknown and no appropriate validated operational welfare indicators are currently available. We took the tasks of identifying operational welfare indicators and validating them with all stakeholders. A total of 37 operational welfare indicators were obtained. The use of these validated indicators and the welfare score is appropriate to Chilean goat production systems and may successfully increase the sustainability of production and farmers in Chile.

scholarly journals Decentralized modular production to increase supply chain efficiency in chemical markets

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan Becker ◽  
Bastian Bruns ◽  
Stefan Lier ◽  
Brigitte Werners
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Chemical Industry ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Mathematical Formulation ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Parallel Process ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Production Network ◽  
Modular Production ◽  
Local Sourcing

Abstract In the chemical industry, shortened product life cycles and greater differentiation of customer demand increase challenges to efficiently meet specific customer requirements. Thus, production systems with high flexibility are required. One innovative production concept that meets this requirement is decentralized, small-scale modular production which offers significantly more flexibility in the tactical configuration of the production network. Corresponding production plants are assembled from standardized apparatus modules in transportation containers, hereby enabling a fast relocation of modular plants and adjustments of the production process. Therefore, modular plants can be operated close to customers or suppliers, which supports local sourcing strategies and a reduction in delivery costs. In this paper, we analyze the advantages of these modular production systems for a case from the specialty chemicals industry. Respective advantages arise especially from a technically flexible design of parallel process lines, autonomous production and local sourcing. In order to evaluate economic efficiency and network configuration of modular production networks, an efficient mathematical formulation for the optimization is proposed. This formulation includes a new way to model relocations of modules. We apply this model to a case based on real data from the chemical industry. As a result of this application we come to three technical and managerial conclusions. Firstly, technical designs with parallel process lines improve flexibility and efficiency compared to mono processes. Secondly, autonomous production increases economic efficiency in contrast to staffed production and finally, local sourcing offers significant cost reduction potential compared to central sourcing.

scholarly journals Investigating Key Factors Influencing Farming Decisions Based on Soil Testing and Fertilizer Recommendation Facilities (STFRF)—A Case Study on Rural Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 4331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faruque-As-Sunny ◽  
Zuhui Huang ◽  
Taonarufaro Karimanzira
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Soil Environment ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendation ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Proper nourishment is fundamental for satisfactory crop growth and production. However, for efficient crop production, it is important to understand the soil environment, to recognize the limitations of that environment, and to ameliorate them where possible without damaging the soil quality. Soil testing and fertilizer recommendation facilities (STFRF) can help farmers to achieve environmental and economic sustainability by assisting them in recognizing their soil condition, reducing agrochemicals usage, using an appropriate amount of fertilizer, minimizing input costs, and achieving higher yield. These facilities are not new in the context of Bangladesh, yet the adoption rate among farmers is low and its determinants have rarely been empirically tested based on microlevel data. Therefore, this study examined those factors underlying the adoption of soil testing and fertilizer recommendation facilities using field surveyed data of 176 individual farmers. Our evidence shows that young farmers with less farming experience are more likely to adopt these facilities. Additionally, being small-scale farmers, having higher education, having more farming income, and having more knowledge about these facilities and the fees of these facilities were found to have a significant effect on the adoption. On the other hand, gender, land ownership, and secondary income were found to be insignificant with regard to the adoption of soil testing and fertilizer recommendation facilities. Our results also revealed that most adopter farmers not only focused on profitability, but were additionally concerned with environmental well-being.

Herbicide Inputs for a New Agronomic Crop, Annual Wormwood (Artemisia annua)

1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles T. Bryson ◽  
Edward M. Croom
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Artemisia Annua ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Large Scale Cultivation

Annual wormwood has been cultivated on a small scale for production of the artemisinin class of antimalarial drugs in sufficient quantities for preclinical and clinical trials. Large scale cultivation will require a reliable, efficient crop production system. Production systems using 32 herbicides alone or in combinations were evaluated in growth chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments at Stoneville, MS from 1985 through 1988. The herbicide treatments that provided the best weed control were (A) metolachlor at 2.2 kg ai ha-1preemergence (PRE), (B) chloramben at 2.2 kg ai ha-1(PRE), or (C) trifluralin at 0.6 kg ai ha-1preplant soil incorporated (PPI) followed by fluazifop at 0.2 + 0.2 kg ai ha-1postemergence broadcast (POST) and acifluorfen at 0.6 kg ai ha-1(POST). These herbicide production systems provided excellent weed control (≥85%) and minimal crop injury (≤10%) with no effect on crop height or weight at harvest. Production of artemisinin was not reduced by herbicide treatments A, B, and C in 1987 and treatments B and C in 1988 when compared with the hand-weeded plots.

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