scholarly journals Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptive Strategies on the Effects of Seasonal Rainfall Variability on Maize Yields in Nyeri County

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. p70
Author(s):  
Lilly N. Kabata ◽  
George L. Makokha ◽  
Kennedy Obiero

Maize is the leading food crop produced in most parts of the world and a staple food crop in Kenya. Majority of the maize farmers are smallholders due to reduced land sizes as a result of land fragmentation. Maize farming is rain-fed making it more vulnerable to rainfall variability. Over the years, the farmers have increased their resilience and adaptive potential through indigenous knowledge so as to cope with the climate related risks. However, the increasing rainfall variability, frequency and more severe shocks likely surpass their current adaptive strategies. The study assessed existing adaptive strategies of the small-holder maize farmers in Kieni East sub-County in Nyeri Couny to the seasonal rainfall variability effects. The research adopted a mixed research design. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained using household structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive methods and presented using charts and tables. SWOT analysis analyzed several underlying aspects affecting maize farmers in the sub-County. The study found that the farmers have several specific adaptive strategies to the effects of seasonal rainfall variability at their disposal which include but not limited to the use of varieties of maize seeds, seeking training, water harvesting, use of manure and fertilizers. Farmers also respond to rainfall variability by planting maize varieties that are early maturing and drought resistant as well as engaging in alternative farming activities and other economic activities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 752-759
Author(s):  
Azeem Raja ◽  
M. A. Islam ◽  
T. H. Masoodi ◽  
P. A. Khan ◽  
A. A. Wani ◽  
...  

Forest degradation and deforestation are serious threats to resource conservation, subsistence livelihoods and rural income diversification. Woodlot farming on farms has been established as a potential option to increase forest resources from agricultural landscapes and remove human pressure from forests. The study investigated the land-use and landholding pattern, woodlots types and species preference and extent of spatial distribution, land allocation and growing stock of woodlots in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 349 farm woodlots from 12 sample villages. Secondary sources were used to collect village-level data on land-use and landholding pattern. Primary data concerning the trees were collected through farm woodlot inventories. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Results revealed that the total land area in the sample villages is 888.60 ha; 521.60 ha (58.70%) is cultivated land, which is mostly (80.78%) occupied by 1244 marginal farmers. The prevalent woodlots established were plantations of Populus, Salix, Robinia or mixed species. The farm woodlots (61.59 ha) contributed 11.81% of cultivated land and 6.93% of the total geographical area. The average growing stocks of woodlots were estimated to be 204.05 m3/ha for Populus, 191.77 m3/ha for Salix, 109.51 m3/ha for Robinia and 62.31 m3/ha for Mixed. The findings suggested that woodlot farming is the key alternative for forest resource production, livelihood resilience and socioeconomic improvement; hence, the policy must be implicated towards the promotion of woodlot farming by re-orienting the land use through farmer’s motivation and technical, financial and farming input assistance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Neeraj Kumari

Purpose: The study aims to do marketing mix of plastic furniture industry, to do SWOT analysis of furniture industry and Nilkamal group of companies, and to recommend marketing strategies for the plastic furniture industry.Research Design, Data & Methodology: A structured questionnaire has been used to collect primary data. Convenience sampling has been used in the study. The sample size is 120.Results: The strengths of Nilkamal are as follows: National leader, Pro-actively enters new segments and markets, Partners well-established companies, Strong distribution in the company, Vast product range with emphasis on quality, Financially strong, and Strong R & D.Conclusion: In order to improve its marketing strategies, Nilkamal can take the following steps: Target Kid’s furniture kit, Advertise the products as being designed with respect to safety by avoiding sharp edges, The furniture set can be customized to suit the kid’s tastes, A retail chain for plastic furniture can be opened in the major cities, A resale store can be opened at major cities in the country where the sales of plastic furniture are high, and Venture into wood-plastic composite furniture.


Author(s):  
Sk. Junnun Al-Hussain ◽  
Shitangsu Kumar Paul ◽  
Md. Nazir Hossain

People repeatedly confronted by natural catastrophe in almost every year such as drought and flood in the lower Teesta Basin area. After the construction of two barrages in Gozaldoba and Dalia on Teesta River drought and flood occurs almost every year. Intensity and frequency of these calamities are also increasing in an alarming rate, which caused serious damage to livelihoods and economy of this area. The objective of this paper is to find out the drought and flood induced vulnerability in the study area through Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis. By this we can summarize the current state of a space and helping to devise a plan for the future, one that employs the existing strengths, redresses existing weaknesses, exploits opportunities and defends against threats. The study is conducted in Charkharibari village of Tepakharibari union of Dimla upazilla in Nilphamary district and Jigabari village of Tepamadhupur union of Kaunia upazilla in Rangpur district, taking the locational advantage, flood and drought proneness, topographic nature and population diversity under consideration. The study population is finite and sample size was determined by using Kothari’s formula. Sample size for Charkharibari and Jigabari is 200 and 85 respectively; samples were drawn through Simple Random Sampling (SRS) procedure. The relevant data and information used in this study have been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected through a questionnaire survey and couple of Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s) with a view to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data. Results from Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis shows that, between the two villages severity of drought and flood is higher in Charkharibari village. After comparing the strengths Jigabari is ahead; comparing weakness, opportunities and threat Charkharibari is ahead. Based on the analysis and the findings, it is evident that in terms of vulnerability Charkharibari is more vulnerable than Jigabari. But there are more opportunities for Charkharibari than Jigabari. However, it is evident that proper dissemination of information regarding early warning and assistance from government as well as non-government organizations can significantly improve the coping capacity of people.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Forkuor ◽  
Prince Osei Wusu Adjei

<p>The research investigated into the operations and activities of the sub-district structures of local government in Ghana. Three districts in the Asante Region were studied using a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. In addition to literature review, a sample size of 79 was used and responses from mainly the Chairmen of the sub-district structures represented the primary data. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results from the analysis indicated that sub-district structures are confronted with a number of constraints that militate against the realization of their potential  for inducing grassroots development. The constraints include: poor or no office accommodation, lack of commitment from district assemblies and sub-metropolitan units to provide the needed assistance to the sub-district structures. However, the Unit Committees representing the last tier of the local government structure are more effective and efficient in keeping touch with the grassroots than the Town, Area, Zonal and Urban councils. Recommendations are made to the Local Government Ministry but worthy of note among the recommendations are the urgent need to officially inaugurate all sub-district structures that have not been inaugurated and initiate a process to review the Legislative Instrument establishing Sub-district structures in Ghana.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 631-638
Author(s):  
K. Alex ◽  
M. Mary Suthanthira Malar

Advertising developed mainly in twentieth century. The development of technology and research brought sophistication in advertising in recent decades. It has developed significantly after Second World War. After 1950, television became the important medium of advertising. Advertising business changed with the business environment. It is rarely a stable business. Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are more in demand and frequently purchased by customers. These goods include all Consumable goods (other than pulses and grains) and consumers buy at regular intervals in small quantities. SWOT Analysis applied to measures the Advertising Strategy of FMCG Sector. Both Primary and Secondary sources of data were utilized for the study. Primary data was collected by means of administering a questionnaire to the customers and advertising manager. Secondary data had been collected from various publications, periodicals, journals, etc. Convenience sampling technique was used for the survey. Questionnaire filled by the selected respondents. The sample size selected is 200. The study concluded that the companies are used the media as a mode of promotion for the FMCG products and tough competition is being faced by the company in market, media planners should be more careful in giving message to the customers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
G.R. Megerssa ◽  
B.G. Gemede ◽  
A.W. Jarsa

Abstract: The study was focused on identifying sources of agricultural information and analyzing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing agricultural information in Southern Ethiopia. To achieve the stated objectives the study district was selected purposively from Wolaita zone by selecting five kebeles randomly. At the end, a total of 150 sample households were randomly selected from these five kebeles. To collect the data both primary and secondary sources were used for the purpose of this study. Primary data were collected directly from sample respondents through structured and semi-structured interview schedules, observation and focus group discussions. Secondary data were collected from Woreda agriculture and rural development office report, and other relevant books, journal articles and the Internet. After the relevant data were collected, the descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentage, and the inferential statistics such as chi-square tests were also used. The findings indicate that female farmers, illiteracy, location of market center, information seeking behavior of farmers, low rate of extension-farmers linkages, inadequate operational skill of aids, language barriers, lack of training, lack of rural electrification, lack of development agents, absence of rural networks, inadequate reading materials, and inappropriate time of broadcasting are the main challenges smallholder farmers were faced with. Therefore, to overcome the challenges strong commitment and reformation should be done in the study area by the concerned stakeholders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Chiarity Zetem Chiambah ◽  
Cordelia G. Kometa

Little scientific evidence exists in the context of climate variability and food crop production in Ndu. This study seeks to assess the impact of rainfall variability on food crop vulnerability in Ndu Sub-Division. The primary data were gotten through field surveys. A total of 200 farmers were sampled and questionnaires were administered to them. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data. Results were presented in tables and climographs. Formulated hypotheses were tested using the least square regression model to establish the extent of exposure and sensitivity of rainfall variability on food crop production. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to describe the trends of variations in rainfall. Statistically, rainfall accounted for 19.5% of variability in maize production while 50.87% accounted for variability in beans production. Furthermore, 30.1% accounted for variations in potatoes production. From these statistics it was then concluded that rainfall variability minimally affects maize and beans but had a significant effect on maize production in Ndu. The research study also revealed that rainfall shows a decreasing trend. The study recommended, amongst others the need for farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices and the increased use of more resistant crop species that can withstand exposure and sensitivity to rainfall variability. The study concluded that a bottom-up approach should be employed in order to improve on the adaptive capacities of the agricultural sector in Ndu.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Aslam Mohamed Haneef ◽  
Nazrol Kamil Bin Mustaffa Kamil ◽  
Qurroh Ayuniyyah

Purpose – As the most Moslem populous country, Indonesia has a great potential in waqf assets and fund. The House of the Representatives has regulated Waqf Act No. 41/2004 as of 27 October 2004 to support the development of waqf in the country. Indonesia Waqf Board (abbreviated as BWI) was established by the President of the Republic of Indonesia as the implementation of this Act. The role is to become coordinating institution of existing nazhir (waqf managers) in managing and supervising waqf assets and fund. This paper aims to evaluate waqf management conducted by BWI. The paper also identifies the issues of waqf management in Indonesia by using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study employs both primary and secondary sources. The primary data is through the interview with the Vice Chairman of BWI, while secondary sources are through published regulation and reports, journal papers, and articles. Findings – Since its establishment, BWI has faced several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and weaknesses. The strengths include an independent status of BWI and good cooperation with other interrelated institutions. With regard to its weakness, the dualism between BWI and Waqf Directorate of Ministry of Religious Affair has been becoming further internal challenge for the Board. Moreover, lack of integration between BWI and other waqf institutions has also hampered BWI to achieve its objectives. The opportunities are the high Moslem population in Indonesia and great potential of waqf cash and land. On the other hand, the threats comprise lack of awareness and knowledge of the Moslem in Indonesia. Besides, the biggest threat occurs on the capacity of waqf managers (nazhir). Meanwhile, waqf land status, change in waqf land location, and controversy of cash waqf are considered as the other threats. Originality/value – This study is expected to provide the current condition in waqf management and its lesson learnt for the development of waqf in Indonesia, specifically, as well as in other countries, generally.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ndwakhulu Tshishonga

This article examines the socio-economic implications that the controversial sub-culture of skhothane has on the development or underdevelopment of youth at Ekurhuleni and surrounding townships. It interrogates skhothane within the post-modern expressive youth culture. In the township(s) of Ekurhuleni, skhothane is regarded not only as a controversial sub-culture but also as a lifestyle whereby young people compete in acquiring material goods with the ultimate purpose of destroying them. This practice co-exists alongside youth unemployment and underdevelopment which is exacerbated by poverty, rising unemployment and gross inequalities. The author argues that the practice of skhothane sub-culture does not only undermine the policies and programmes aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of young people, but turns the youth into materialistic consumers. In this article, young people are viewed as victims of post-modern lifestyles who are socialised under an intergenerational culture of poverty and underdevelopment. It uses primary data from selected interviews with skhothane members and general members of local communities and secondary sources from books, accredited journals and newspapers.


Think India ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Adeola Ajayi

This study focused on financial mismanagement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Ife South Local Government. It also identified viable sources of revenue in the local government and examined problems militating against effective collection of revenue. This study was necessitated by the need to ensure increased revenue generation in Ife South local government of Osun State, Nigeria. Primary and secondary sources of data were utilized for the study. The primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Respondents were selected from career officers in GL. 03-16 in departments and units of finance and supplies, administration, primary healthcare, agriculture, town planning and estate valuation of the local government, thus 180 respondents were sampled representing 29.31% of 614 staff strength of these departments and units of the local government. The questionnaires were administered using descriptive statistical analysis such as frequency and percentage value. The study revealed that there are many viable and non-viable sources of revenue in Ife South local government, the myriad of problems militating against effective collection of the revenue and the poor financial management of internally generated revenue which aptly explains why the local government could not be developed. The study concluded that the share of local government from the statutory allocation be increased, routine auditing and post-auditing from the supervising ministry should be encouraged at the local government level and that the local government should also intensify her effort on increase revenue generation in order to withstand the challenges posed by the current global economic crisis.


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