agroecological zones
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2022 ◽  
pp. 371-381
Author(s):  
Neil Miller ◽  
Putso Nyathi ◽  
Jean Twilingiyumukiza

Abstract In order for Conservation Agriculture (CA) to reach and impact small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), CA technologies need to be adapted to suit the diversity of agroecological zones and cultures present on the continent. Training materials for CA promotion need to be similarly customizable to help extension staff and farmers develop their own, context-appropriate solutions from among the many possible CA approaches. From 2015 through 2018, a diverse set of farmer-level training materials for CA and complementary technologies was developed and field-tested by Canadian Foodgrains Bank partners. Together with a participatory, adaptive training methodology, these materials have enhanced the effectiveness of CA promotion, and they have been made available for copyright-free download in English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Amharic (http://caguide.act-africa.org/, accessed 6 August 2021). This paper describes the process of developing these materials as well as challenges and constraints to their utilization.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwaseyi Samuel Olanrewaju ◽  
Olaniyi Oyatomi ◽  
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola ◽  
Michael Abberton

Bambara groundnut (BGN) is a drought-tolerant crop majorly cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to a lack of extensive research, marginalization, lack of awareness, and lack of available fund among others, this crop's improvement has been limited. The development of this crop depends on evaluation and selection of unique and stable breeding lines in different environments. This study aims to estimate genetic diversity using morphological traits at different locations in 95 accessions of BGN collected from the Genebank of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. The experiment was carried out in three replicates at IITA experimental sites in two agroecological zones in Ibadan (7°40′19.62″ N, 3°91′73.13″ E) and Ikenne (6°51′00.873″ N, 3°41′48.528″ E) using a randomized complete block design. Ten vegetative growth traits and eight yield traits were scored. The data was subjected to ANOVA, PCA, correlation, and cluster analysis. Estimations of genetic parameters and broad sense heritability were carried out on the traits. ANOVA revealed significant variation in each trait except for days to emergence. Significant variation was also observed for accession and location interactions (genotype x environment interactions) for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll content, number of petioles, germination count, number of pods, number of seeds, seed length, seed width, and yield. PC1 and PC2 show 42.3% of the total variations observed by the PC, with seed thickness contributing more to PC1 and the number of seeds contributing more to PC2. Cluster analysis categorized the accessions into four distinct groups. The number of pods had the highest genotypic coefficient of variation of 32.55% and the phenotypic coefficient of variation of 97.61%, while seed length (0.63), seed width (0.54), and seed thickness (0.58) have high heritability values. The genetic advance was highest in yield (76.15%) and lowest in days to 50% germination (0.21%). This study can be used to predict appropriate agroecological zones for the planting of BGN while the knowledge of the diversity of the accessions based on the traits could serve a guide in selecting the best trait for the improvement of the crop.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261218
Author(s):  
Lionel Nyabongo ◽  
David O. Odongo ◽  
Gad Milton ◽  
Eunice Machuka ◽  
Patrick Vudriko ◽  
...  

A recent research study on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in Burundi reported high prevalence and endemicity of Theileria parva, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina infections in cattle. Detailed information about tick species infesting animals, their distribution and genetic diversity in Burundi is outdated and limited. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick species infesting cattle across agroecological zones (AEZs) in Burundi. A cross-sectional study on the occurrence of tick species was conducted in 24 districts of Burundi between October and December 2017. Differential identification and characterization of ticks collected was conducted using tick morphological keys and molecular tools (cox1 and 12S rRNA gene). Chi-square test was used to test for association between agroecological zones and the prevalence of tick species. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using bayesian and maximum likelihood algorithms. A total of 483 ticks were collected from the five AEZs sampled. Six tick species comprising of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. sanguineus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. microplus, R. decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum were observed. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were the most prevalent ticks (~45%). A total of 138 specimens (28%) were found to be Rhipicephalus microplus, suggesting an emerging threat for cattle farmers. Twelve R. appendiculatus cox1 haplotypes were obtained from 106 specimens that were sequenced. Two cox1 haplotypes of R. microplus which clustered into previously reported Clade A were observed. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. evertsi evertsi ticks, the vectors of numerous zoonotic pathogens, were collected from cattle, which constitute a high risk for public health. These findings reveal an overlapping distribution of tick vectors in Burundi. The design of ticks and tick-borne diseases control strategies should consider the distribution of different vectors across the AEZs particularly the presence of the highly invasive R. microplus tick in Burundi and the potential risk of introducing the pathogenic Babesia bovis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Frederick Lashmar ◽  
Carina Visser ◽  
Moses Okpeku ◽  
Farai Catherine Muchadeyi ◽  
Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi ◽  
...  

Abstract In southern Africa, the Nguni cattle breed is classified as an indigenous and transboundary animal genetic resource that manifests unique adaptation abilities across distinct agroecological zones. The genetic integrity of various ecotypes is under potential threat due to both indiscriminate crossbreeding and uncontrolled inbreeding. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and autozygosity that exists both across countries (ES: eSwatini; SA: South Africa) and within-country (SA), between purebred stud animals (SA-S) and research herds (SA-R). Subsets of 96 ES, 96 SA-S and 96 SA-R genotyped for 40 930 common SNPs were used to study inbreeding, runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) profiles as well as population structure. The highest proportion (0.513) of the 3 595 ROH was <4Mb in length, while the majority (0.560) of the 4 409 ROHet segments fell within the 0.5-1Mb length category. Inbreeding coefficients indicated low inbreeding (FROH range: 0.025 for SA-S to 0.029 for SA-R). Principal component (PCA) and population structure (K=5) analyses illustrated genomic distinctiveness between SA and ES populations, greater admixture for SA-R (mean±standard deviation proportion shared=0.631±0.353) compared to SA-S (mean±standard deviation proportion shared=0.741±0.123), and three subpopulations for ES. Overall, results illustrated that genetic distinctiveness in the Nguni resulted from both geographic isolation and exposure to different production strategies. Although no impending threat to genetic diversity was observed, further loss should be monitored to prevent endangerment of unique and beneficial indigenous resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 888 (1) ◽  
pp. 012014
Author(s):  
Hartati ◽  
R Antari ◽  
L Affandhy ◽  
Y N Anggraeny ◽  
R Widiyawati ◽  
...  

Abstract The Indonesian Beef Cattle Research Station (BCRS) has undertaken conservation and improvement of Grati-Ongole crossbred cattle (POGASI Agrinak) by distributing selected cattle into some provinces in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of the calves born in different agroecological zones. Sixty-seven male and female POGASI Agrinak were distributed in Indonesia including in upland (e.g., in 50 Kota, Payakumbuh, one bull, and nine cows and Pule, Trenggalek, one bull, and eight cows) and in low land (e.g., in Jember, one bull and six cows, Indramayu, one bull and six cows, Situbondo, 25 bulls and Tanahlaut, South Kalimantan, ten bulls). The cattle were kept under diverse environmental and management systems. The natural mating system was applied in communal pens using selected bulls. The parameters observed were the number of calves and the birth weight. It resulted in 168 calves born in the upland and five calves born in low land. While the birth weight of calves born in lowland and upland was 25.8 + 1.6 kg and 25.2 + 2.4 kg respectively. Meanwhile, the birth weight of calves in BCRS was 25.3 + 25 kg. To conclude, the birth weight both in BCRS and in those sites’ ex-situ was comparable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 166 ◽  
pp. 17212-17222
Author(s):  
Agnassim BANITO ◽  
◽  
Bitang BAMAZI ◽  
Essotina K. KPEMOUA ◽  
Rachidatou SIKIROU ◽  
...  

Objectifs : Dans le cadre de la recherche de mesures de lutte efficace et durable contre le flétrissement bactérien causé par Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), la présente étude s’est proposé d’évaluer les variétés de tomate pour leur résistance à la maladie. Méthodologie et Résultats : Six variétés de tomate cultivées aux Togo ont été inoculées par une suspension de la souche de Rs isolée du site de CECO de la prefecture de Sotouboua (Togo). Les résultats ont montré de fortes incidences et sévérités du flétrissement bactérien sur les variétés testées. Cependant, des différences de comportement vis-à-vis de cette maladie ont été observées entre les variétés. En considérant l’indice de maladie après inoculation et l’analyse des closters, deux groupes de variétés ont été identifiés parmi les six testées : un groupe “Résistant” constitué de la seule variété Cobra et un groupe “Sensible” constitué des variétés Petomech, Tropimech, Padma, Roma et Platinum. Conclusions et application des résultats : Cette étude a permis d’obtenir des données sur l’incidence et la sévérité du flétrissement bactérien cause par Rs et le comportement des variétés de tomate vis-à-vis de cette pathologie, et a permis aussi d’identifier les variétés Cobra, Roma et Platinum comme résistantes au flétrissement bactérien en conditions contrôlées. Ces résultats constituent une base de données importante pour des investigations futures en conditions de champs dans diverses zones agroécologiques du pays. Ces expérimentations permettront d’identifier des variétés résistantes pouvant être recommandées aux producteurs pour une gestion durable du flétrissement bactérien. Mots clés : R. solancearum, flétrissement bactérien de la tomate, criblage, résistance. Banito et al., J. Appl. Biosci. Vol : 166 2021 Criblage de variétés de tomate pour de la résistance au flétrissement bactérien causé par Ralstonia solanacearum au Togo 17213 ABSTRACT Objectives: In order to develop a control strategy against bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), one of the most destructive diseases of tomato worldwide, the present study aimed to evaluate tomato varieties for resistance to Rs. Methodology and Results: Six tomato varieties cultivated in Togo were inoculated with Rs strain isolated from CECO site in the Prefecture of Sotouboua (Togo).The results revealed high incidence and severity occurring on these varieties. However, differences were observed among the tested varieties. The discrimination analysis based on the disease index after inoculation and the clusters analysis identified two groups of varieties: the resistant group composed of the varieties Cobra, Roma and Platinum and the susceptible group including the varieties Petomech, Tropimech, Padma. Conclusions and application of findings: The results provided useful information in terms of incidence and severity of Rs wilt on tomato and the behaviour of varieties against the disease. The results allowed identifying three tomato varieties, Cobra, Roma and Platinum as resistant to bacterial wilt under controlled conditions. These results are useful for further experiments under field conditions in different agroecological zones to find out resistant tomato varieties for sustainable management of bacterial wilt caused by Rs. Keywords: R. solancearum, bacterial wilt of tomato, screening, resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (37) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Adoté Hervé Gildas. Akueson ◽  
Marcel Gbaguidi Alia ◽  
Sissou Zakari ◽  
Arcadius Yves. Justin. Akossou

The species yellow-fronted canary undergoes a real traffic due to its song and medico-magical properties in order to supply local commercial networks. This study aims to assess the socioeconomic and cultural importance of this bird in order to identify the cohorts of actors involved along this activity chain. In this context a survey was carried out among 400 breeders in four agroecological zones of Benin (ZAE II; ZAE III, ZAE IV and ZAE V). The questionnaire also focused on general characteristics of the respondents on aspects related to general knowledge of the bird, its social importance, purchase and sale price, cultural importance and breeders’ perceptions. Canary traders, mostly with primary education level (63.25%) and Muslim (97.5%), were on average 44 years old and an average experience of 27 years. They exercised this activity in part-time (96.5%). The knowledge about canary is shared is different depending on the ethnic group. The activity was profitable for all of them (100%) with 128,624 FCFA (233.18 USD) net profit per month. The trader's education level, whether or not he belonged to ZAE II, the number of birds he had in his possession, the daily amount he invested in their food, their selling price, the number of years he made the activity, his experience in the business were the factors that determine the net profit of the canary’s trader. However, canaries' breeding in north-Benin is based on a complex system with actors who develop many myths around medico-magical practices. This study was necessary to better assess the pressure on the species in order to anticipate its conservation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Abiyot Mebrate ◽  
Tadesse Kippie ◽  
Nigussie Zeray

Agricultural intensification is a major challenge for biodiversity conservation in many parts of the world. Organic agriculture is perceived as a possible solution for biodiversity conservation in agriculture dominant systems. This study aimed at investigating the current status of plant species diversity and its determinants in organic agriculture-dominated areas of Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Multistage sampling procedures were used to obtain 108 households from three agroecological zones of the study area, and plant species data were collected from the quadrants laid in farms of sampled farmers. Besides, diversity management practice data were collected using focus group discussion. A total of 234 plant species belonging to 82 plant families were identified. Most (69.2%) of species in the system were native. The mean value of richness and Shannon index evenness for the whole system was 10.36, 2.06, and 0.89 for highland midland and lowland agroecological zones, respectively, which is relatively high compared with other agriculture-dominated systems in the tropics. The diversity of overall plant species were significantly affected by both agroecological zones and the wealth status of farmers. Midland and lowland agroecological zones had the highest richness values for total plant species than highland. Similarly, highest richness was recorded among farmers of rich and medium wealth classes than poor. The diversity of tree species was significantly affected by both agroecological zone and wealth status of farmer households. The lowland agroecological zone had a significantly higher number of tree species than midland and lowland agroecological zones, while the rich farmer had higher tree diversity compared to medium and poor farmers. The study also identified that diversity of shrubs were significantly influenced by agroecological zone. The midland agroecological had a significantly higher number of shrubs diversity compared to lowland and highland agroecological zones. In this study, herbaceous species diversity was not influenced by both agroecological zone and farmer wealth class. The function of plant species and indigenous plant species maintenance practice had its own effect on plant species diversity in the study area, since the area is dominated with organic agriculture. Therefore, to maintain the current status of the system and to improve the farmer’s livelihood, development planners may need to design agroecological-based plant species conservation strategies that give due consideration for indigenous plant species conservation practices and function of plant species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 11702
Author(s):  
Muhammad Faisal Shahzad ◽  
Awudu Abdulai ◽  
Gazali Issahaku

In this paper, we analyze the drivers of the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices and the impact of their adoption on farm net returns and exposure to risks. We use recent farm-level data from three agroecological zones of Pakistan to estimate a multinomial endogenous switching regression for different CSA practices used to reduce the adverse impact of climate change. These strategies include changing input mix, changing cropping calendar, diversifying seed variety, and soil and water conservation measures. The empirical results show that the adoption of different CSA practices is influenced by average rainfall, previous experience of climate-related shocks, and access to climate change information. The findings further reveal that adoption of CSA practices positively and significantly improves farm net returns and reduces farmers’ exposure to downside risks and crop failure. The results also reveal significant differences in the impacts of CSA practice adoption on farm net returns in different agroecological zones. Thus, policies aimed at achieving sustainability in agricultural production should consider agroecological, specific, climate-smart solutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 72-83
Author(s):  
F. Sobirov ◽  
I. Djabbarov

The article presents the results of expeditionary surveys to collect local populations of species-related wheat (Aegilops L.) from various agroecological zones of Samarkand and Kitab districts of Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions of Uzbekistan. 140 samples of seeds of local populations of five species of the genus Aegilops L. were collected and a collection of local populations of species-relatives of wheat was formed, which is a unique genetic resource for enriching the wheat gene pool.


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