Access and Adoption of Hybrid Seeds: Evidence from Uganda

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-235
Author(s):  
Nikolaus Axmann ◽  
Torben Fischer ◽  
Kevin Keller ◽  
Kevin Leiby ◽  
Daniel Stein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Maize Seeds ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Female Farmers ◽  
Hybrid Seeds ◽  
Plant Hybrid ◽  
Hybrid Maize

Abstract Adoption of hybrid seeds remains low in many low-income countries. We conduct a field-experiment designed to measure the effect of offering hybrid maize seeds for purchase during a time when potential customers have high liquidity. Working with a large buyer of agricultural commodities in Northern Uganda, we randomly offer smallholder farmers the opportunity to purchase certified hybrid maize seeds at the same time as they visit the buyers’ stores to sell crops from a previous harvest. 16% of those offered purchase hybrid seeds, and average adoption of hybrid maize among those offered increases by 8 percentage points compared to a control group who does not receive the offer. Among those who accept the offer, we see an increase in the propensity to plant hybrid maize of 50 percentage points. This effect is more pronounced for female farmers than for their male counterparts. Our findings suggest that providing access to certified agricultural inputs at the place and time of post-harvest sales is a promising strategy to increase input usage.

Between water stewardship and independent global water certification: learning from smallholder rice farmers, Karonga, Malawi

Waterlines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72
Author(s):  
Rochelle H. Holm ◽  
Alice Ngulube Magombo
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Rice Farmers

Cooperation and locally driven water management are at the forefront of food production water management for smallholder farmers in low-income countries. The aim of this paper was to critically reflect on the experiences of 5,819 smallholder rice farmers in Karonga District, Malawi, who were members of a farmers’ organization that achieved improved water stewardship, but could not achieve Alliance for Water Stewardship certification within a three-year project. The data for this paper were obtained through farmer and stakeholder interviews. The partnership attempted to bring together four parties: academics, farmers, local government, and a non-governmental organization. The farmers were trained by combining stewardship and certification topics through a train-the-trainer approach. The farmers’ organization primarily focuses on agribusiness; therefore, they did not have any water-related data or detailed farm boundaries from the large and dispersed group of farmers and could not obtain a collective water permit. Understanding water governance was difficult for many farmers. Furthermore, moving from stewardship to certification presented some financial challenges. Critical thinking and questioning are required, along with a deeper understanding of the local context, logistical hindrances, priorities, alternatives, culture, and science, to evaluate how projects are designed and partially succeed or fail from the perspective of low-income farmers in the Global South.

scholarly journals Integrated and simplified approaches to community management of acute malnutrition in rural Kenya: a cluster randomized trial protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Wambui Kimani-Murage ◽  
Hermann Pythagore ◽  
Elizabeth Mwaniki ◽  
Tewoldeberha Daniel ◽  
Betty Samburu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Severe Acute Malnutrition ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Acute Malnutrition ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Case Management ◽  
Integrated Community Case Management ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background In many low income countries, the majority of acutely malnourished children are either brought to the health facility late or never at all due to reasons related to distance and associated costs. Integrated community case management (iCCM) is an integrated approach addressing disease and malnutrition through use of community health volunteers (CHVs) in children under-5 years. Evidence on the potential impact and practical experiences on integrating community-based management of acute malnutrition as part of an iCCM package is not well documented. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of integrating management of acute malnutrition into iCCM. Methods This is a two arm parallel groups, non-inferiority cluster randomized community trial (CRT) employing mixed methods approach (both qualitative and quantitative approaches). Baseline and end line data will be collected from eligible (malnourished) mother/caregiver-child dyads. Ten community units (CUs) with a cluster size of 24 study subjects will be randomized to either an intervention (5 CUs) and a control arm (5 CUs). CHV in the control arm, will only screening and refer MAM/SAM cases to the nearby health facility for treatment by healthcare professionals. In the intervention arm, however; CHVs will be trained both to screen/diagnose and also treat moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) without complication. A paired-matching design where each control group will be matched with intervention group with similar characteristics will be matched to ensure balance between the two groups with respect to baseline characteristics. Qualitative data will be collected using key informant and in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) to capture the views and experiences of stakeholders. Discussion Our proposed intervention is based on an innovative approach of integrating and simplifying SAM and MAM management through CHWs bring the services closer to the community. The trial has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of AMREF Health Africa - Ethical and Scientific Review Committee (AMREF- ESRC), Nairobi, Kenya. The results will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, peer-reviewed publications, and presented to local and international conferences. Trial registration PACTR201811870943127; Pre-results. 26 November 2018.

scholarly journals Post-Covid-19 Recovery and Resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (45) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Ganum ◽  
Vimal Thakoor
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Capita Income ◽  
Doubling Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Per Capita Income ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Social Vulnerabilities

Covid-19 has exacerbated economic and social vulnerabilities across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is a risk that growth could be lower for longer, with a setback to development. Post-pandemic reforms thus become even more important, especially with constrained scope for fiscal and monetary stimuli. Reforms could boost per capita growth by an additional 0.3-1.3 percentage points, relative to the 1.9 percent average since 2010. Such growth would reduce per capita income doubling time from 37 years to about 22 years. Low-income countries stand to gain the most from reforms. The largest gains come from governance, products markets, and factor accumulation. Importantly, these reforms can be implemented in the post-pandemic environment characterized by weaker social and distributional outcomes.

scholarly journals Seeding development potential and prospects of NASA 29 hybrid corn in North Sulawesi Province

2021 ◽  
Vol 911 (1) ◽  
pp. 012089
Author(s):  
Supratman Sirih ◽  
Jefny B. Markus Rawung ◽  
Rita Indrasti ◽  
Ronald T. P. Hutapea ◽  
Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Production Data ◽  
Rating Score ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Maize Seeds ◽  
North Sulawesi ◽  
Hybrid Seeds ◽  
The Government ◽  
Hybrid Maize ◽  
Government Production ◽  
Very High

Abstract North Sulawesi is one of the areas with great potential in supporting the production and productivity of hybrid maize seeds. The land available for the cultivation of hybrid maize seeds is very wide, the requirements for agro-climatic are simple, the technology is readily available, so that the prospect of profits for the cultivator is quite large. Most of the maize farmers in North Sulawesi tend to use hybrid seeds. This is because the yield obtained is very high, however, the availability of hybrid seeds is very limited, even if available, the price is quite expensive. Farmers are currently still dependent on seed assistance from the Government. Production of seeds through breeder farmers as a solution in order to increase corn production. NASA 29 variety is a new superior variety derived from male parents G102612 and Mal 03 as female parents. The results of the interview showed that 86% of the 25 respondents of maize farmers gave an average rating score of 3.8. This shows that they really like the characteristics of the plant. The production data for NASA 29 seed candidates is 3.6 tons / ha. These results indicate that the prospect of hybrid maize seeding business is profitable for breeder farmers.

scholarly journals Insect pollination is important in a smallholder bean farming system

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10102
Author(s):  
Filemon Elisante ◽  
Patrick Ndakidemi ◽  
Sarah E.J. Arnold ◽  
Steven R. Belmain ◽  
Geoff M. Gurr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Field Margin ◽  
Flower Visitors ◽  
Insect Pollinators ◽  
Flower Visiting

Background Many crops are dependent on pollination by insects. Habitat management in agricultural landscapes can support pollinator services and even augment crop production. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume for the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in many low-income countries, particularly so in East Africa. While this crop is autogamous, it is frequently visited by pollinating insects that could improve yields. However, the value of pollination services to common beans (Kariasii) yield is not known. Methods We carried out pollinator-exclusion experiments to determine the contribution of insect pollinators to bean yields. We also carried out a fluorescent-dye experiment to evaluate the role of field margins as refuge for flower-visitors. Results Significantly higher yields, based on pods per plant and seeds per pod, were recorded from open-pollinated and hand-pollinated flowers compared to plants from which pollinators had been excluded indicating that flower visitors contribute significantly to bean yields. Similarly, open and hand-pollinated plants recorded the highest mean seed weight. Extrapolation of yield data to field scale indicated a potential increase per hectare from 681 kg in self-pollinated beans to 1,478 kg in open-pollinated beans indicating that flower visitors contributed significantly to crop yield of beans. Our marking study indicated that flower-visiting insects including bees, flies and lepidopterans moved from the field margin flowers into the bean crop. Overall, these results show that insect pollinators are important for optimising bean yields and an important food security consideration on smallholder farms. Field margin vegetation also provides habitat for flower-visiting insects that pollinate beans. Hence, non-crop habitats merit further research focusing on establishing which field margin species are most important and their capacity to support other ecosystem services such as natural pest regulation or even pests.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Pairing a Low-Cost Positive Displacement Pump With Low-Energy Pressure Compensating Drip Irrigation Emitters for Smallholder Farms in Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiji Engelkemier ◽  
Fiona Grant ◽  
Jordan Landis ◽  
Carolyn Sheline ◽  
Hannah Varner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Control Algorithm ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Irrigation Systems ◽  
Physical Relationship ◽  
Positive Displacement ◽  
Effective Manner

Abstract In low income countries, existing drip irrigation systems are cost prohibitive to many smallholder farmers. Companies are working to develop efficient, low-cost irrigation systems by using technologies such as positive displacement (PD) pumps and pressure compensating (PC) emitters. However, these two technologies have not been paired in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Here we describe a proof-of-concept pump control algorithm that demonstrates the feasibility of exploiting the physical relationship between the input electrical power to a PD pump and the hydraulic behavior of a system of PC emitters in order to determine the optimal pump operating point. The development and validation of this control algorithm was conducted in partnership with the Kenya-based irrigation company SunCulture. This control method is expected to reduce cost, improve system efficiency, and increase accessibility of irrigation systems to smallholder farmers.

scholarly journals Perception analysis of climate change and adaptations by smallholder farmers in Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 104-110
Author(s):  
NP Ghimire ◽  
M Aryal ◽  
PP Regmi ◽  
RB Thapa ◽  
KR Pande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Negative Impacts

Climate change is posturing warning on present and future food security in low income countries. But, the actual effect of the climate change is still unknown. This study examined the farmer’s perception on climate change and strategies employed to adapt using primary and secondary data collected through household survey and reported by government. Statistical analysis is used for exploring the adaptations by farmers for the negative impact of climate change on domestic production of major cereals crops. The results are discussed at district level empirically and major variables are found statistically significant. This study conclude that there is a need for adaptations strategy by government authority in environmental management and agricultural sustainability in Nepal to come to terms with negative impacts of climate change and likely positive and beneficial response strategies to global warming. The paper suggests some policy measures for improving adaptations and food security situation in the country and open up some areas for further research.

scholarly journals Resveratrol and Saccharin As Adherence Markers Discriminate Between Daily, Intermittent, or Non-consumption of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 703-703
Author(s):  
Sarah Zyba ◽  
Valerie Weinborn ◽  
Charles Arnold ◽  
Fanny Morel ◽  
Mamane Zeilani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Cutoff Value ◽  
Nutrient Supplements

Abstract Objectives An objective adherence marker is needed to track consumption of nutrient supplements in nutrition intervention trials and programs targeted to young children and women of reproductive age in low-income countries. Here, resveratrol and saccharin are evaluated as adherence markers for tracking short-term intermittent or daily consumption of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) in US women in a ten-day controlled feeding study. Methods Sixty-three women were randomly assigned to receive daily for 10 d either: SQ-LNS containing trans-resveratrol (10 mg) and sodium saccharin (10 mg) (SQ-LNS/RS); 2) control SQ-LNS without the markers (SQ-LNS/C); or 3) alternating SQ-LNS/RS or SQ-LNS/C to simulate intermittent consumption. Urine concentrations of saccharin and trans-resveratrol-3-O-sulfate were measured in pooled urine samples collected 0–4 h post-consumption of the assigned SQ-LNS product on study days 4, 5, 9 and 10. Cutoff values were determined for urinary concentrations of each compound for classifying participants as consumers or non-consumers of SQ-LNS/RS. Then, participants were classified as daily, intermittent or non-consumers of SQ-LNS/RS based on their overall consumption pattern (number of days classified as a consumer during the 10-d period). Results The cutoff value for urinary trans-resveratrol-3-O-sulfate (0.80 µmol/L) classified participants correctly as consumers or non-consumers in 97% of samples; the cutoff value for urinary saccharin (6.92 µmol/L) classified participants correctly in 93% of samples. Overall, 95% of daily, 95% of intermittent, and 100% of control group participants were classified correctly into their consumption pattern based on urinary trans-resveratrol-3-O-sulfate concentrations during the 10-d period; and 75% of daily, 95% of intermittent, and 100% of control participants were classified correctly based on urinary saccharin concentrations. Conclusions The results suggest that urinary concentrations of saccharin and trans-resveratrol-3-O-sulfate may be useful for qualitative assessment of daily vs. intermittent vs. non-consumption of SQ-LNS; further work is needed to assess the usefulness of the markers in the intended target populations. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

scholarly journals Nutritional status of HIV-positive individuals on free HAART treatment in a developing nation

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 745-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Nnamdi Obi ◽  
Ngozi Appolonia Ifebunandu ◽  
Azubuike K Onyebuchi
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Inadequate Dietary Intake

Introduction: HIV positive individuals are prone to malnutrition due to inadequate dietary intake. Additionally, in low-income countries, including Nigeria, stigmatization and discrimination result in a lack of support for HIV-positive individuals ultimately contributing to even further reduced food availability and inadequate dietary intake. This study aimed to determine the nutrirional status of HIV-positive individuals on free, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria. Methodology: Subjective global assessment (SGA) technique was used to survey the nutritional status of 120 HIV-positive individuals and a control group over a one-year period. Results: All the HIV-positive individuals and their control group were physically active, with a third of them belonging to the lower socioeconomic status. There were significantly more malnourished individuals among the HIV-positive group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Malnutrition is common among HIV-positive patients in southeast Nigeria.  

scholarly journals Living income benchmarking of rural households in low-income countries

Food Security ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerrie W. J. van de Ven ◽  
Anne de Valença ◽  
Wytze Marinus ◽  
Ilse de Jager ◽  
Katrien K. E. Descheemaeker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rural Households ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Living Wage ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Extreme Poverty

Abstract The extreme poverty line is the most commonly used benchmark for poverty, set at US$ 1.90 by the World Bank. Another benchmark, based on the Anker living wage methodology, is the remuneration received for a standard work week necessary for a worker to meet his/her family’s basic needs in a particular place. The living wage concept has been used extensively to address incomes of plantation workers producing agricultural commodities for international markets. More recently intense discussion has emerged concerning the ‘living income’ of smallholder farmers who produce commodities for international supply chains on their own land. In this article we propose a simple method that can be used in all types of development projects to benchmark a rural ‘living income’. We launch the Living Income Methodology, as adapted from the Living Wage Methodology, to estimate the living income for rural households. In any given location this requires about one week of fieldwork. We express it per adult equivalent per day (AE/day) and data collection is focused on rural households and their immediate surroundings. Our three case studies showed that in 2017 in Lushoto District, rural Tanzania, the living income was US$ PPP 4.04/AE/day, in Isingiro District, rural Uganda, 3.82 and in Sidama Zone, rural Ethiopia, 3.60. In all cases, the extreme poverty line of US$ PPP 1.90 per capita per day is insufficient to meet the basic human rights for a decent living in low-income countries. The Living Income Methodology provides a transparent local benchmark that can be used to assess development opportunities of rural households, by employers in rural areas, including farmers hiring in labour, while respecting basic human rights on a decent living. It can be used to reflect on progress of rural households in low-income countries on their aspired path out of poverty. It further provides a meaningful benchmark to measure progress on Sustainable Development Goal 1, eliminating poverty, and 2, zero hunger and sustainable food systems, allowing for consideration of the local context.

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