Modeling the adoption and use intensity of improved maize seeds in Benin, West-Africa: Double-hurdle approach

Improved maize seeds are one of the main factors that can contribute to improving maize productivity. This paper was carried out with the aim of identifying the determinants of adoption and improved maize seeds’ intensity use on households in all areas favourable to maize production in Benin using pooled data on 490 producers. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency distribution, t and chi-square tests were used to summarize the characteristics of the sampled producers. Cragg's Double Hurdle model was also used to categorize producers who adopted or who did not adopt improved maize seed and those who intensified the use of improved maize seed. The results showed that literacy, easy access to improved seed, specific training received on the use of improved varieties and gender, affected the adoption of improved maize seed while easy access to improved seed, maize yield, relationship with extension services, total household size, age squared, number of experience years in maize production, and distance from the producer to where the seed was purchased had a significant influence on the decision to intensify the use of improved maize seed. The fact that the variable easy access to improved seeds affected not only the adoption of improved seeds but also the intensification of their use, confirmed that access to improved seeds was an indisputable success factor for the intensification of improved seed use. Giving producers the capacity to obtain improved maize seed that was financially and geographically improved was a very important aspect to be considered by policy makers in the definition of agricultural policies. Predisposing factors for access(perception of varieties, attitudes towards the choice of new varieties, knowledge and management of these varieties)and capacity factors for access(income, availability of seeds in the environment, and seed prices)must be considered. The establishment of a wide seed distribution network through government and non-governmental organizations or private actors could, therefore, be important to reduce transaction costs and improve access to improved maize seed, and then increase the rate of adoption and continued use of improved seed.

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Adoption impact of maize seed technology on farm profitability: evidence from Ghana

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies ◽

10.1108/jadee-06-2020-0120 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Amos Mensah ◽

Maxwell Asiamah ◽

Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa ◽

Faizal Adams ◽

Seth Etuah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maize Seed ◽

Complex Situation ◽

Maize Production ◽

Content Type ◽

Household Level ◽

Seed Technology ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Farm Profitability ◽

Female Farmers ◽

On Farm

PurposeThe paper aims to examine impact of adopted maize seed technology on farm profitability. It assesses both the revenue and cost implication of the adopted technology on farmers' welfare. The study aims to expand the domain of farm investment assessment analysis by including a broader range of production outcome indicators than is normally found in the adoption impact on farm profitability literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an empirical study using field survey data. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 400 maize farmers across four regions of Ghana. The survey was complemented with focus group discussions in each region with participants representing male and female farmers cultivating maize on a commercial basis. The data captured detail household level (i.e. demographic and socioeconomic characteristics) as well as farm-level information on maize production (i.e. input use and farm output).FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights about maize farmers' perception on the adopted maize seed technology and the factors influencing adoption. It also shed light on the fact that maize farmers do not base their adoption decisions solely on farm output and revenue indicators alone, but mainly on the return on their investment and the cost associated with the maize seed technology adopted.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of data limitation, the influence of some important actors (market power) could not be directly captured in the analysis; this may lead to over simplification of a very complex situation in the maize sector. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to future investigate the influence of such important phenomenon on farm profitability.Social implicationsImproving maize productivity and farm profitability across the sectors is important in order to improve farmer income. This study, therefore, highlights the effect of adopted seed technology and its impact on farm profitability.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study how investment cost in maize seed technology affect farm profitability.

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Effect of the Push-Pull Cropping System on Maize Yield, Stem Borer Infestation and Farmers’ Perception

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9080452 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 452

Author(s):

Teshome Kumela ◽

Esayas Mendesil ◽

Bayu Enchalew ◽

Menale Kassie ◽

Tadele Tefera

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Cropping System ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Stem Borer ◽

Maize Production ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Livestock Feed

The productivity of maize in Ethiopia has remained lower than the world average because of several biotic and abiotic factors. Stemborers and poor soil fertility are among the main factors that contribute to this poor maize productivity. A novel cropping strategy, such as the use of push-pull technology, is one of the methods known to solve both challenges at once. A push-pull technology targeting the management of maize stemborers was implemented in the Hawassa district of Ethiopia with the ultimate goal of increased food security among smallholder farmers. This study evaluated farmers’ perception of push-pull technology based on their experiences and observations of the demonstration plots that were established on-farm in Dore Bafano, Jara Gelelcha and Lebu Koremo village of the Hawasa district in 2016 and 2017. This study examined farmers’ perception of the importance of push-pull technology in controlling stemborers and improving soil fertility and access to livestock feed. In both cropping seasons, except for Jara Gelelcha, the maize grain yields were significantly higher in the climate-adapted push-pull plots compared to the maize monocrop plots. The majority (89%) of push-pull technology-practising farmers rated the technology better than their maize production methods on attributes such as access to new livestock feed and the control of stemborer damage. As a result, approximately 96% of the interviewed farmers were interested in adopting the technology starting in the upcoming crop season. Awareness through training and effective dissemination strategies should be strengthened among stakeholders and policymakers for the sustainable use and scaling-up of push-pull technology.

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Mechanisms of Nitrogen Use in Maize

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9120775 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 775 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aziiba Emmanuel Asibi ◽

Qiang Chai ◽

Jeffrey A. Coulter

Keyword(s):

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Maize Yield ◽

N Recovery ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Maize Production ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

N Fertilizers ◽

N Utilization ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Reproductive Phases

Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are needed to enhance maize (Zea mays L.) production. Maize plays a major role in the livestock industry, biofuels, and human nutrition. Globally, less than one-half of applied N is recovered by maize. Although the application of N fertilizer can improve maize yield, excess N application due to low knowledge of the mechanisms of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) poses serious threats to environmental sustainability. Increased environmental consciousness and an ever-increasing human population necessitate improved N utilization strategies in maize production. Enhanced understanding of the relationship between maize growth and productivity and the dynamics of maize N recovery are of major significance. A better understanding of the metabolic and genetic control of N acquisition and remobilization during vegetative and reproductive phases are important to improve maize productivity and to avoid excessive use of N fertilizers. Synchronizing the N supply with maize N demand throughout the growing season is key to improving NUE and reducing N loss to the environment. This review examines the mechanisms of N use in maize to provide a basis for driving innovations to improve NUE and reduce risks of negative environmental impacts.

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Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems ◽

10.3389/fsufs.2021.666718 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

Author(s):

Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato ◽

Marcel Yévèdo Adoko ◽

Olubukola Oluranti Babalola ◽

Olaréwadjou Amogou ◽

Farid T. Badé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pseudomonas Putida ◽

Production Systems ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Vital Role ◽

Maize Production ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Half Dose ◽

Set Up ◽

Southern Benin

Maize plays a vital role in Benin's agricultural production systems. However, at the producer-level, yields are still low, although the production of this cereal is necessary for food security. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of solid biostimulants formulated from the rhizobacteria Pseudomonas putida and different binders on maize cultivation in the farming environment in three (03) study areas in South Benin. For this purpose, three (03) biostimulants were formulated based on Pseudomonas putida and the clay, peat and clay-peat combinations binders. The experimental design was a randomized block of four (04) treatments with 11 replicates per study area. Each replicate represented one producer. The trials were set up at 33 producers in the study areas of Adakplamè, Hayakpa and Zouzouvou in Southern Benin. The results obtained show that the best height, stem diameter, leaf area as obtained by applying biostimulants based on P. putida and half dose of NPK and Urea with respective increases of 15.75, 15.93, and 15.57% as compared to the full dose of NPK and Urea. Regarding maize yield, there was no significant difference between treatments and the different study areas. Taken together, the different biostimulants formulations were observed to be better than the farmers' practice in all the zones and for all the parameters evaluated, with the formulation involving Pseudomonas putida on the clay binder, and the half-dose of NPK and Urea showing the best result. The biostimulant formulated based on clay + Pseudomonas putida could be used in agriculture for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maize production in Benin.

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Relating farmers’ perceptions to long term dynamics in maize (Zea mays L.) production: The production of improved maize is coming to a standstill in central Malawi

10.1101/2020.11.02.364604 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Harrington Nyirenda ◽

Wantwa Mwangomba ◽

Ellen M. Nyirenda

Keyword(s):

Maize Yield ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Early Maturity ◽

Maize Production ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Good Taste ◽

Production Trend ◽

Production Area ◽

Hybrid Maize

AbstractMaize production, area and yield dynamics were assessed based on farmer perceptions and production data from 2004/05-2018/19 using 36 000 households in Salima, central Malawi. The results showed that farmers used 16, six and two varieties for hybrid, Open-pollinated varieties (OPV) and local maize respectively. Farmers sourced Hybrid and OPV maize seed from Private Agro dealers while local maize was own-sourced. Farmers preferred local maize for being cheap, good taste, low storage costs, and pest resistance although low yielding. They preferred hybrid and OPV maize for high yielding and early maturity despite demanding high storage costs, pest susceptibility, and low flour. From 2004/05-2018/19, the area under local and OPV maize reduced by 61% and 12% respectively, while that of hybrid maize increased by 49%. However, the consistent decrease in area for hybrid and OPV and significant increase of that of local maize from 2014/15-2018/19 may signal a catastrophic maize production in the region. From 2019/20-2025/26 production of all maize was projected at 44 172 tons by 2025/26, representing a 1.6% increase from the base year 2019/20. This increase will be due to favorable climatic conditions and not increase in area or yield. If maize yield was improved by 30% production would increase to 110 430 tons representing 67% of the food requirement in the study area. The current maize production trend in Salima does not guarantee food security prospects. Therefore, policymakers should consider reviewing the past interventions (input pricing, promotion strategies, sustainable practices, policies) in the maize subsector to enhance maize productivity.

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Status and prospects of maize research in Nepal

Journal of Maize Research and Development ◽

10.3126/jmrd.v1i1.14239 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Govind KC ◽

Tika B Karki ◽

Jiban Shrestha ◽

Buddhi B Achhami

Keyword(s):

Technology Development ◽

Animal Feed ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Yield Potential ◽

Maize Production ◽

Climate Change Effects ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Future Direction ◽

The Many ◽

The Hill

Food and nutritional securities are the major threats coupled with declining factor productivity and climate change effects in Nepal. Maize being the principal food crops of the majority of the hill people and source of animal feed for ever growing livestock industries in Terai of Nepal. Despite the many efforts made to increase the maize productivity in the country, the results are not much encouraging. Many of the maize based technologies developed and recommended for the farmers to date are not fully adopted. Therefore, problem is either on technology development or on dissemination or on both. Considering the above facts, some of the innovative and modern approaches of plant breeding and crop management technologies to increase the maize yield need to be developed and disseminated. There is a need for location-specific maize production technologies, especially for lowland winter maize, marginal upland maize production system, and resource poor farmers. Research efforts can be targeted to address both yield potential and on-farm yields by reducing the impacts of abiotic and biotic constraints. Therefore, in order to streamline the future direction of maize research in Nepal, an attempt has been made in this article to highlight the present status and future prospects with few key pathways.Journal of Maize Research and Development (2015) 1(1):1-9DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.34284

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Relationship between Maize Seed Productivity in Mexico between 1983 and 2018 with the Adoption of Genetically Modified Maize and the Resilience of Local Races

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11080737 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 737

Author(s):

Alberto Santillán-Fernández ◽

Yolanda Salinas-Moreno ◽

José René Valdez-Lazalde ◽

Mauricio Antonio Carmona-Arellano ◽

Javier Enrique Vera-López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Policy ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Transgenic Maize ◽

Production Costs ◽

Agricultural Policies ◽

Maize Seed ◽

Subsistence Farmers ◽

Maize Productivity ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Increase Productivity

Mexico depends on maize imports to satisfy its national demand. The use of native maize varieties among subsistence farmers can help to reduce the cereal’s imports. However, the agricultural policy in Mexico to improve the productivity per hectare has centered on the use of improved varieties; among them, the transgenic variety. In this study, the maize productivity in Mexico from 1983 to 2018 was analyzed to determine the influence of agricultural policies in the sector, and the factors that condition the adoption of transgenic maize. It was found that the agricultural policy improved the productivity of those regions with irrigation; however, for rainfed regions, the expected technological changes were not achieved because the ancestral tradition in cultivation, associated with the greater variety of native maize and to a larger indigenous population, was stronger. The adoption of transgenic maize also had low significance in the rainfed regions, since the increase in field yields is not economically profitable with regards to the increase in production costs. Therefore, the agricultural policy to increase productivity ought to be directed at the protection of subsistence farmers, revaluing the use of native varieties that have shown higher resilience to technological and environmental changes.

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The Effect of Climate Variability on Maize Production in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana

Climate ◽

10.3390/cli9100145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 145

Author(s):

Godwin P. Cudjoe ◽

Phillip Antwi-Agyei ◽

Benjamin A. Gyampoh

Keyword(s):

Climate Variability ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Chi Square ◽

Maize Production ◽

Change Dynamics ◽

The Right ◽

Increasing Temperature ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Agriculture is one of the sectors most susceptible to changes in climatic conditions. The impact is even stronger in Africa, where rain-fed agriculture is vital for daily subsistence, but where adaptive capacity is low. It is therefore crucial to increase the understanding of the actual climate change dynamics on agricultural productivity. This study examined the effects of changes in climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature on maize production in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana. Regression, chi-square and trend analyses were used to establish the relationship between climate variables (rainfall and temperature) and maize yield in the study area. This was supplemented with participatory household interviews with 120 farmers to understand the perception of farmers on rainfall and temperature patterns. The results from the study respondents and trend analysis show that rainfall is shorter in terms of duration and less predictable, whilst temperature has increased. The findings suggest that the general relationship between rainfall, temperature and maize yield is such that maize yield increased with increasing rainfall of the right amount and distribution pattern and decreased with increasing temperature. The study concludes that climate variability and/or change is evident in the study area and its effect on maize yield is severe.

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Assessment of Maize Production and Adoption of Improved Maize Seeds in Tanahun District of Nepal

International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology ◽

10.3126/ijasbt.v7i2.24653 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 279-288

Author(s):

Kailash Prasad Pandey ◽

Bijay Shrestha ◽

Kushal Naharki ◽

Chitra Bahadur Kunwar

Keyword(s):

Household Survey ◽

Annual Household Income ◽

Chi Square ◽

Maize Production ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Maize Seeds ◽

Maize Cultivation ◽

The Status ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

The Mean

The major objective of this study is to assess the status of maize production and adoption of improved maize seeds in Tanahun district. The study also aims to determine the factors affecting the adoption of the improved seeds. 100 maize farmers from four different local bodies of Tanahun were selected by the purposive sampling method for the household survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, logit model and index score ranking method were used for the data analysis. The productivity of maize and annual income from maize were 767.62 kg/ha and Rs 9500 higher for the farmers using improved seeds as compared to those using the local seeds. The mean annual household income of farmers replacing the seeds yearly was Rs 18983 higher than the farmers replacing the seeds rarely. The frequency of the agriculture technician support and the frequency of seed replacement with the improved seed were found to significantly determine the adoption of the improved maize seeds. Farmers receiving the regular technician support were 15.726 times more likely to adopt the improved seeds as compared to those receiving the technician support rarely or never. The adopters had 458.10 kg/ha higher productivity than the non-adopters. Lack of irrigation facility was found to be the major problem in maize cultivation whereas the lack of timely availability of improved seed was found to be the most important constraint for the adoption of improved seeds. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(2): 279-288

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