scholarly journals Quantifying Ecosystem Service Supply, Social Demand and Their Link With Smallholder Farmers' Well-Being in Contrasting Agro-Ecological Zones of East African Rift Valley.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haile Ketema ◽  
wu wei ◽  
Abiyot Legesse ◽  
Zinabu Wolde ◽  
Tenaw Endalamaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Social Demand ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract Background Ecosystem service supplies (ES) have experienced progressive decline mostly due to increased ES social demand. Identifying ecosystem supply (ES), social demand, and their impacts on smallholder farmers' well-being is essential to ensure sustainable utilization of ES. Quantitative studies assessing ES mostly focused on ES supply with little attention given to social need and its effects on human well-being. Methods We assessed and mapped selected ES supply, social demand and their mismatches, and evaluated their impacts on subjective well-beings of smallholder farmers in contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). We used a questionnaire survey to analyze and map six provisioning ecosystem services (ES) focusing on ES supply, social demand and their mismatches. Using the universal soil loss equation (USLE), we mapped the rate of soil loss in the contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). A participatory approach was employed to evaluate smallholder farmers' well-being in the study region. Radar diagram was used to identify the links between ES supply, social demand and smallholder farmers' well-being. Results The results showed that a high supply of provisioning ecosystem goods such as cereal crops, fruits and coffee occurred in humid AEZ, while less supplies were seen in semi-arid AEZ of the study region. The ES supply was not in accordant with ES social demand and different factors such as population size and level of production are among the main factors causing ES supply-demand mismatches. Due to the undulating topography, high rate of soil loss was seen in humid AEZ. Smallholder farmers have given higher values for soil erosion control compared with individuals from semi-arid AEZ. Of all indicators of smallholder farmers well-being, income had the highest weight while receiving the least well-being satisfaction level both in humid and semi-arid AEZs. Conclusion The mismatches between supply and demand in provisioning ecosystem supply had strong and immediate impacts on smallholder farmers well-being. Therefore, we suggest policies that effectively control population growth, applying intensive crop production and strengthening integrated watershed management. These policies would help ES to recuperate and enhance its continuous flow and improve smallholder farmers' well-being both in the humid and semi-arid AEZ of the study region.

Analysis of smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in south Wollo, north east highlands of Ethiopia: An agro-ecological system-based approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yimer Mohammed ◽  
Kindie Tesfaye ◽  
Menfese Tadesse ◽  
Fantaw Yimer
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Scale Level ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Micro Scale ◽  
Climate Change And Variability ◽  
North East ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract Background: Climate change and variability has been significantly affecting the Ethiopian agricultural production and thereby smallholder farmers livelihoods. The level of vulnerability varied across agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Identification of difference in the level of vulnerability of a system is important in selecting appropriate and effective adaption options to climate change. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the level of vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate change and variability at micro-scale level in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of south Wollo, north east highlands of Ethiopia. Data was collected from a representative of 502 sample households from five AEZs through multi stage random sampling methods. Focus group discussion and key informant interviews were also carried out to supplement and substantiate the quantitative data. The indicator based approach was used to empirically calculate vulnerability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to give weight for indicators and generate index of vulnerability contributing factors. Results: The results showed that each of the vulnerability contributing factors (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity) varied across the AEZs. M3, SM2 and SM3 are the most exposed AEZs but having a relatively better adaptive capacity whereas M1, M2 and M3 are the most sensitive AEZs with relatively low adaptive capacity to climate variability and change. Overall, SM2 is the most vulnerable AEZ which exhibited high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity followed by M1. Conclusions: The study explored sources and levels of vulnerability to each agro-ecology. Since the study is conducted at micro-scale level, it helps decision makers and development partners to have context-specific understanding of the impact of climate change and variability and design appropriate adaptation measures to address the specific situations.

Epidemiology of tick‐borne pathogens in the semi‐arid and the arid agro‐ecological zones of Punjab province, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 526-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rehman ◽  
Franz J. Conraths ◽  
Carola Sauter‐Louis ◽  
Jürgen Krücken ◽  
Ard M. Nijhof
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Punjab Province ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

scholarly journals Drought-tolerant Varieties as an Adaptation Strategy in the Context of Climate Change: Insight from Maize Production Systems in Benin

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mohamed Nasser Baco
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Previous studies suggested that maize is set to become a cash crop while ensuring food security better than any other crop. However, climate change has become one of the key production constraints that are now hampering and threatening the sustainability of maize production systems. We conducted a study to better understand changes here defined as adaptations made by smallholder farmers to ensure food security and improve income through maize production in a climate change context. Our results show that maize farmers in northern Benin mainly rely on traditional seeds. Drought as abiotic stress is perceived by farmers in many agro-ecological zones as a disruptive factor for crop production, including maize. When drought is associated with pest damages, both the quantity (i.e. yield) and the quality (i.e. attributes) of products/harvests are negatively affected. The adverse effects of drought continue to reduce production in different agro-ecological zones of the country, because of the lack of widespread adoption of tolerant varieties. The study suggests actions towards the production of drought-tolerant maize seeds, a promotion of seed companies, the organization of actors and value chains. Apart from climate change, the promotion of value chains is also emerging as one of the important aspects to take into account to sustain maize production in Benin.

scholarly journals Variability and Trends of Temperature and Rainfall Over Three Agro-Ecological Zones in North Shewa, Central Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashenafi Hailu Shekuru ◽  
Arega Bazezew Berlie ◽  
Yechale Kebede Bizuneh
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Annual Minimum Temperature ◽  
Rainfall Anomalies ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract This study aims to analyze variability and trends of temperature and rainfall over three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Central Ethiopia. Gridded rainfall and temperature data, recorded on daily basis for 35 years (1979 - 2013) at 30 meteorological stations, were used for analysis. While Mann–Kendall test was applied to analyze the trends in rainfall and temperature, Sen’s slope estimator was used to determine the magnitude of change. The study detected an upward trend of 0.07°C/annum (p < 0.001) in mean annual maximum temperature at Kolla AEZ. It also showed an upward trend of 0.06/year (p < 0.001) for both Dega and Woina Dega AEZs. Mean annual minimum temperature exhibited an upward trend of 0.03°C/year at Kolla (p < 0.001), Woina Dega (p < 0.05), and Dega (p < 0.01), signifying a 1.05°C increase between 1979 and 2013. Results from precipitation concentration index (PCI) revealed highest percentage (97.1%) of irregular distributions in annual rainfall pattern at Kolla AEZ, followed by Woina Dega (82.9%). Standardized rainfall anomalies (SRA) computed in the study also showed higher percentage (28.6%) of drought in Kolla AEZ, which experienced drought once in every 3 or 4 years. The study revealed negative annual rainfall anomalies for 18 years in Kolla and 16 years in both Dega and Woina Dega AEZs. The reduced precipitation and rise in temperature could trigger wide-ranging influences on agricultural practices and crop production of smallholder farmers. Policymakers and stakeholders should give priority in designing and introducing pro-poor plus geographically differentiated adaptive strategies.

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

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Géofroy KINHOEGBE ◽  
Gustave Djèdatin ◽  
Laura Estelle Yêyinou Loko ◽  
Abraham Gnimassou Favi ◽  
Aristide Adomou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Evaluation ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Four Square ◽  
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 of disappearance. Previous investigations on pigeonpea in Benin have been restricted to South and Central Benin. Therefore, pigeonpea diversity in northern is still unknown. This study aimed to have a better knowledge of pigeonpea genetic diversity, 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 colour. Seven pigeonpea uses 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. A high rate of landraces threatened of 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. Landraces 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 landraces.Conclusions: The development of performing varieties is important to enhance pigeonpea production in Benin. Morphological and molecular characterizations of identified landrace are highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programs. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies are important to preserve landraces threatened of disappearance.

scholarly journals Assessing the Effectiveness of Selected Aspects of Extension Approaches Across Different Agro Ecological Zones

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Washington Ochola ◽  
Mary Orinda
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
P Value ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Agricultural Technologies ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Farmer Behaviour ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Aims: Understanding how different agricultural organisations implement extension approaches across different Agricultural Ecological Zones is very critical for the success and impact in agricultural sector. This paper therefore assessed the effect of Agro-Ecological Zones on implementation of agricultural extension approaches to provide an insight into how to improve dissemination of improved technologies.  Study Design: A cross-sectional survey combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methodologies was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in six counties of western Kenya: Nyamira, Kisii, Homa-bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties. The study was conducted between September to December 2019. Methodology: 12 agricultural institutions within the study area were sampled. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to identify 492 respondents comprising; 12 head of agriculture in the institutions, 120 extension personnel and 360 household heads across different Agricultural Ecological Zones (AEZs). Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.  The inferential statistics were set at the 0.05 level for significance. Kruskal Wallis test and Dunn-Bonferroni Post Hoc test were used to test significant differences on the implementation aspects of the extension approaches across the different AEZs. Results: Climatic conditions, average age, land size, and value of household assets as factors of AEZs influenced how various aspects of agricultural extension approaches were implemented. Level of implementation of aspects influenced uptake of agricultural technologies. Kruskal Wallis test result (H (5) = 126.679, p value < 0.001) indicated that there were significant differences in the level at which smallholder farmers improved their agricultural practices in different AEZs. Conclusion: For effective dissemination of agricultural technologies, farmer situation, specifically agro ecological zone must be taken into consideration when recommending extension dissemination approaches to be used. Multivariate analysis needs to be done to inform how to implement various aspects of extension approaches to achieve optimum results in terms of farmer behaviour change.

scholarly journals Агроекологічні аспекти просторово-часової динаміки урожайності соняшнику

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-207
Author(s):  
O. V. Zhukov ◽  
S. V. Ponomarenko
Keyword(s):  
Growth Potential ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Productive Capacity ◽  
Topographic Wetness Index ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
The Third ◽  
Moderate Growth ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

<p>Dynamics of sunflower yield in agricultural enterprises in the administrative districts of the Poltava region for the period 1995-2016 have been explored. Agroecological zoning of the Poltava region that is based on dynamic productivity features sunflower have been performed. We founded that sunflower yield fluctuated in the farms of Poltava region from 13.36±1.40 to 21.81±1.89 t/ha within 1995-2016. The lowest level of variation (CV) of sunflower yields during the study period was 28.33% and the highest was 49.03%. The great yield range was caused by spatial variation component. The analysis of sunflower yield revealed clear trends which can be described by the third polynomial order. Specific terms of polynomial curve of the third order can be meaningfully interpreted and applied to describe the dynamics of sunflower yield. The free coefficient of the polynomial reflects the level of sunflower productivity in the starting period. The value of the function at the point of local minimum points to the "bottom" of the dynamics of productivity culture. The maximum productivity reflects a balance between factors of the agroeconomical and agrotechnological nature and also the biological potential of the sunflower. Parameters and special trend point of sunflower yield can be explained by landscape cover diversity indicators, topographic wetness index, erosion factors and their interaction. According to the forecast value of growth rate the study plots were divided into three groups of agriculture environment, namely: with low potential of growth (b &lt;0.044), moderate growth potential (0.044 &lt;b &lt;0.051), and high growth potential (b&gt; 0.051). Sunflower yield variability which is outside the polynomial trend can be described by four multidimensional factors that explained up to 84.9% of variability. These factors were characterized by definite spatial and temporal variability. The most typical oscillation period is 4.4 years and 2.2 years, whereas the longest period was 11 years. We also determined some periods of 5.5 and 7.3 years. We determined some clusters or agro-ecological zones by factor analysis. The highest yield potential of sunflower was registered for agro-ecological zone with disruptive areas in the east of study region. The area with lowest productive capacity was determined for agro-ecological zones in the northwest. We determined the transitional zones concerning the yields characteristic in the center and eastern part of study region.</p>

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