scholarly journals A survey on potato productivity, cultivation and management constraints in Mbala district of Northern Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 400-412
Author(s):  
Lorraine N. K. Chilipa ◽  
Chikoti Mukuma ◽  
Langa Tembo ◽  
Able Chalwe ◽  
Shadreck Bwembya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ipomoea Batatas ◽  
Potato Crop ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
White Grub ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Other Information

Abstract In Zambia, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation is ranked the third most important among root and tuber crops after cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). In spite of its importance, the productivity and cultivation of potato remain low. In the light of this, a survey was conducted in Mbala district to obtain and document farmers’ knowledge on potato cultivation and understand the constraints associated with potato cultivation and management. Four agricultural camps in Mbala district were purposefully sampled due to the high potato cultivation activity. Data were collected from 116 potato farmers through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results showed that three major constraints in potato cultivation were white grub (Phyllophaga spp.), foliar wilts (Ralstonia spp. and Verticillium spp.) and seed source, with a farmer-ranked mean-derived score of 3.75, 3.5 and 2.75, respectively. Farmers ascribed 70% crop damage to white grub (Phyllophaga spp.) and 60% crop damage to foliar wilts (Ralstonia spp. and Verticillium spp.). Other information obtained indicated that the majority of the farmers (>85%) were married, above 35 years and had at least primary education. The majority of the farmers involved in the study had less than 0.25 ha under potato production. To reduce the cultivation constraints for increased potato production in Mbala, direct breeding efforts, potato crop protection and other measures need to be employed.

scholarly journals Farmers’ Knowledge on the Sweetpotato Cultivars Grown in the Teso Sub-Region, Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
William Faustine Epeju
Keyword(s):  
Potato Production ◽  
Community Leaders ◽  
Value Addition ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Axial Coding ◽  
Selection Of

<p>The farmers’ knowledge of the cultivars to use in increasing sweetpotato productivity is critically important. A study was carried out in the Teso Sub-region to investigate the role of education in sweet potato production. Using an ex post facto design, 24 out of 51 sub-counties were purposively selected applying district-county strata and used to determine the perceptions of sweetpotato farmers and of their agricultural advisers. Through interviews, observations and questionnaires, the survey covered 288 farmers randomly selected and a whole population of 33 agricultural advisers, while 329 community leaders purposively selected and farmers randomly selected were engaged in focus group discussions. A total of 650 persons participated. Data were collected on farmers’ knowledge of sweetpotato cultivars grown capturing selected attributes. Analysis of data was done qualitatively using open and axial coding and quantitatively using means, frequencies, percentages, ANOVA and multiple regressions at a confidence level of 0.05 (?). Using selected attributes, farmers identified 139 cultivars grown. The best performing cultivar was <em>Araka </em>yielding a range of 19,001-29,000 kg/ha but was susceptible to the sweetpotato weevil and drought. <em>Araka </em>also stores poorly as dried chips or sliced. The least performing cultivars were <em>Elany ikokolak, Epaku &amp; Ocaka amani </em>with yields below 5,000 kg/ha but less susceptible. Commercialising the crop with value addition, farmers need up-scaling of their scientific knowledge of cultivars and production as basis for better multiplification &amp; selection of vines for higher yields needed in processing the crop for its several uses.</p>

scholarly journals Influence of growth regulators on the yield and quality of potatoes.

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-72
Author(s):  
A. F. Petrov ◽  
R. R. Galeev ◽  
N. V. Gavrilets ◽  
A. V. Pastukhova ◽  
I. V. Karhardin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Regulators ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Potato Crop ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Crop Capacity

The potato is one of the most versatile, accessible and at the same time widespread vegetable crops of the globe, and in particular of the Russian Federation. Today notable can be imagined without it. But despite the plasticity of the potato crop, there are still “white spots” in its production. With late and even return spring and early autumn frosts, the climatic features of Siberia significantly affect the crop’s growing season, preventing it from realising its full potential. Like that of many other crops, potato production is associated with seasonality, and there are often significant losses during cultivation and especially during storage. An important challenge is to protect plants during growth and development by applying innovative, environmentally friendly crop protection and stimulation products. Organomineral growth and development regulators were particularly popular. In the work schemes of application of perspective, organomineral growth regulators in conditions of forest-steppe of Western Siberia were tested and perfected. Their influence on the primary phases of growth and development of potatoes and their maturity, and their influence on biometrical parameters of plants, a phytosanitary condition of crops, a crop capacity, and its safety are established. On average, under the influence of growth regulators Epin-Extra and Zircon, the growing season is shortened by 3-5 days; the spread of diseases is reduced by 1.5-2 times; the yield increases to 8.3 tons per hectare. These studies are confirmed by the calculation of economic efficiency. Thus, the use of these growth regulators provides the level of profitability of production up to 252%.

Marriage and transnational family life among Somali migrants in Finland

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulki M Al-Sharmani ◽  
Abdirashid A Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Family Obligations ◽  
Family Ties ◽  
Transnational Family ◽  
Companionate Marriage ◽  
Spouse Selection ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Married Male

In this article, we investigate how marriage practices of Somali migrants in Finland are influenced by their transnational kinship. We examine how transnational family ties play a role in migrants’ spouse selection, marriage arrangements, and management of spousal resources. We also identify the factors that enable migrants to successfully navigate marital challenges caused by their transnational kin-based ties. These factors are: companionate marriage relationship based on emotional closeness and flexible spousal roles, compatibility in spousal resources, and the cooperation of couples in navigating transnational family obligations. We show how gender and generation are at play (in complex ways) in the interplay between transnational kinship and marriage. We draw on interview data from 16 married male and female interviewees, taken from a larger sample of 37 informants of different marital statuses. Our analysis is also based on data from focus group discussions

Nomadic Migration and Rural Violence in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-95
Author(s):  
Nsemba Edward Lenshie ◽  
Patience Kondu Jacob
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Migration Pattern ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Security Governance ◽  
North East ◽  
Descriptive Approach ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Depth Interviews

The relationship between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has in recent years become hot-tempered motivated by competitive control of land resources, particularly in central and north-east Nigeria. In Taraba State, the ongoing nomadic migration pattern from the Sahel in quest of pastures has led to violent confrontation between Fulani herdsmen and farming indigenous natives. Using a descriptive approach consisting of documented evidence, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the analysis revealed that conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous native farmers have culminated in population displacement and destruction of life and property in numerous rural enclaves in Taraba State. Despite the consequences of the conflicts, the Taraba State government was unable to act proactively because of the centralization of command over Nigerian security agencies. Accordingly, the study suggests decentralization of security agencies in Nigeria, especially the police, as the way forward for effective security governance in Nigeria.

ВІД ЮНОСТІ ДО МОЛОДОСТІ: МОЖЛИВОСТІ ЕПІГЕНЕТИЧНОЇ МОДЕЛІ В СОЦІОКУЛЬТУРНОМУ АНАЛІЗІ

1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
Олена Злобіна
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Identity Statuses ◽  
The Status ◽  
Empirical Material

Статтю    присвячено    аналізу    можливостей    застосування    міждисциплінарного    підходу    в  дослідженнях трансформацій конструкту ідентичності. Виокремлено обмеженості дослідження стадій  циплінарних  підходах.  Запропоновано  застосувати  стадійний  підхід  в  аналізі  вікової  групи  «молодь»  з  метою верифікації положення про її диференціацію на різні вікові підгрупи, які відрізняються статусами  ідентичності. Теоретичним підґрунтям дослідження є теорія психогенетичного розвитку особистості Е.  Еріксона та статусна динамічна модель розвитку ідентичності Дж. Марсіа. Емпіричну основу склали  матеріали аналізу 14 фокус-групових дискусій, проведених у молодіжних аудиторіях: 7 груп з молоддю у віці  18-21  рік  і  7  з  молоддю  у  віці  26-30  років.  Підтверджено  внутрішню  диференціацію    вікової  стадії  «молодість». Показано, що динаміка психогенезу на цій стадії характеризується домінуванням дифузного  статусу у молодшої групи та статусу досягненості у старшої.  Інші статуси зустрічаються значно  рідше.   Наявний   емпіричний   матеріал   не   дає   можливості   простежити   чинники,   які   зумовлюють  зафіксовані відмінності, проте отримані в ході дослідження типові портрети зазначених груп  дозволяють   розвинути міждисциплінарний підхід до проблеми персоногенезу та застосувати його можливості для  вироблення стратегії дослідження «процесу переходу» від стадії до стадії The article is devoted to the analysis of the possibilities of using the interdisciplinary approach in studies of transformations of the construct of identity. The limitations of studies of stages of development in monodisciplinary approaches are singled out. It is suggested to apply the step-by-step approach in the analysis of the age group "youth" in order to verify the position on its differentiation into different age subgroups that differ in identity statuses. The theoretical basis of the study is the theory of psychogenetic development of the personality of E. Erickson and the status dynamic model of identity development of J. Marcia. Empirical basis was made by the analysis materials 14 focus group discussions held in youth audiences: 7 groups with youth aged 18-21 and 7 with young people aged 26-30. The internal differentiation of the age stage "youth" has been confirmed. It is shown that the dynamics of psychogenesis at this stage is characterized by the dominance of diffuse status in the younger group and the status of attainment in the older group. Other statuses are much less common. The existing empirical material does not provide an opportunity to trace the factors that cause the observed differences, but the typical portraits of these groups obtained in the course of the research allow developing an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of personogenesis and applying its possibilities for developing a strategy for studying the "transition process" from stage to stage.

Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Business World ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Legal Consideration ◽  
Economic Law ◽  
Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

When Culturally Significant Songs are Decontextualised: The Initiation Song Somagwaza, A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Dowling ◽  
Somikazi Deyi ◽  
Anele Gobodwana
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Popular Song ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ritual Music ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
Small Focus ◽  
Over Time

While there have been a number of studies on the decontextualisation and secularisation of traditional ritual music in America, Taiwan and other parts of the globe, very little has been written on the processes and transformations that South Africa’s indigenous ceremonial songs go through over time. This study was prompted by the authors’ interest in, and engagement with the Xhosa initiation song Somagwaza, which has been re-imagined as a popular song, but has also purportedly found its way into other religious spaces. In this article, we attempted to investigate the extent to which the song Somagwaza is still associated with the Xhosa initiation ritual and to analyse evidence of it being decontextualised and secularised in contemporary South Africa. Our methodology included an examination of the various academic treatments of the song, an analysis of the lyrics of a popular song, bearing the same name, holding small focus group discussions, and distributing questionnaires to speakers of isiXhosa on the topic of the song. The data gathered were analysed using the constant comparative method of analysing qualitative research.

Farmers Perception in Adoption of Conservation Agriculture Practices in Madhubani District of Bihar, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
YUJJWAL KUMAR ◽  
RAMESH CHANDRA BHARATI ◽  
RAVI KANT CHAUBEY ◽  
K. K. RAO ◽  
VED PRAKASH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Farmers ◽  
Direct Seeded ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
Bihar State

The study has been conducted in Madhubani district of Bihar state to analyse gender segregated key benefits, advantages, disadvantages, issues and the key decision processes and criteria for conservation agriculture technologiesadoption. Data were collected through focus group discussions involving male and female farmers. Cent per cent farmers expressed saving of labour and reduction in drudgery in Zero Tillage Direct Seeded Rice (ZTDSR). Higher yield through adoption of ZTDSR was revealed by equal percentage (75 %) of male and female farmers. Equal percentage (100 %) of male and female farmers expressed labour saving as one of the most important criteria for adoption of the ZT. Gender segregated data showed almost similar perception related to criteria adoption of ZT technology in rice-wheat system. All the female groups expressed that limited knowledge of herbicide use restricts adoption of ZTDSR. All the female groups were in the view that there is reduction of drudgery through adoption of mechanical paddy transplanter. Preparation of mat type nursery was top most disadvantages for 90 and 70 % male and female groups respectively. Eighty percent farmers groups expressed their opinion that non availability of trained tractor drivers for machine operation limits adoption of ZT machine. Preparation of mat nursery and trained operators for paddy transplanter was major criteria for adoption of mechanical paddy transplanter. There was contradiction in the perception among male and female farmers with respect to yield advantage and associated risk for poor yield due to the adoption of CA technologies.

scholarly journals “Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Elhidaia Elobaid ◽  
Andrea Leinberger Jabari ◽  
Aisha Al Hamiz ◽  
Abdul Rizzak Al Kaddour ◽  
Sherif Bakir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.

scholarly journals Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issam Diab ◽  
Angham Ibrahim ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Monica Zolezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pharmacist Prescribing ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Special Training Program

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.

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