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The Green Revolution left millions of the world's smallholder farmers behind. Increasing the role of farmers in agricultural innovation can help them catch up--and will lead to better science in [...]

Haricot bean is primarily grown in Ethiopia for human consumption and export earnings. A market demand for haricot bean, both in the domestic and export market, has triggered the production of haricot bean in selected areas of Ethiopia though its production is constrained by several factors such as poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall. This study was carried out to investigate the combined effect of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers on yield, yield related traits and protein content of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties at the research field of Mekoni Agricultural Research Center during 2016/17 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in split plot design where varieties were assigned to the main plots and fertilizer rates to the sub plots in three replications. Three phosphorus (P) rates (10, 20 and 30 kg ha (-1)) were combined with four sulfur (S) rates (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha (-1)) and applied in combination to Melka Awash-98 and Nasir varieties. Data on phenological, agronomic and quality traits were collected and determined. Partial budget analysis was carried out to assess the profitability of the applications. P-S fertilizer treatments were significantly affected by varieties. Treatments were significantly affected by varieties and the imposed P and S rates. The interaction effect due to variety by fertilizer the two factors significantly affect days to flowering, plant height, hundred seed weight and protein content. Tallest plants, fewer days to flowering and maturity, many pods/plant, heavier seeds, higher grain yield ha (-1) and better protein content were recorded where the fertilizer application rate was 20 kg ha (-1)P and 30 kg ha (-1) S for both varieties. Grain yield ranged from 1520 to 3000 kg ha (-1) depending on P-S fertilizer rates and varieties. Nasir variety seems to be superior over Melka Awash-98 for most traits except protein content. However, production of Melka Awash-98 under 20 kg ha (-1)P and 15 kg ha (-1) S fertilization tend to be more economical as it resulted in highest net benefit return. Although not profitable, planting Melka Awash-98 using an application rate of 20 kg ha (-1)P and 30 kg ha (-1) S could be suggested for use in the area to ensure earliness and high grain yield. Key words: Haricot bean, fertilizer, phosphorus, sulfur, irrigation, yield, protein, net benefit, INTRODUCTION Ethiopia is known as the homeland for several domesticated crop plants. It is among the top pulse producing countries in the world. Out of total Ethiopian grain production, pulses [...]

Competence in the processing of soybean is constrained by many factors which directly influence the consumption pattern in Nigeria. Youth involvement in soybean processing is a strategy to successfully incorporate soybean utilization in households across South-west Nigeria. The study identified factors that influence competence in soybean processing among secondary school students in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo state. The study is an offshoot of a training activity embarked by Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, (IAR&T) Ibadan to improve the knowledge of soybean processing among secondary students. Thus, study purposively selected three secondary schools adopted by the Institute and all the senior secondary students formed the study population. However, 30% of the senior students were randomly sampled which gave a total of 203 respondents. Independent variables such as personal characteristics of students, knowledge of benefit of soybean and competence in the processing of soybean were collected using validated questionnaire. Competence was measured in a four-point scale of high competence, average competence, low competence and no competence. Data were described using percentage and mean, and were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that the mean age of respondents was 15.9 years and majority (57.6%) was female. Highest education attained by mothers (57.1%) was secondary education and majority (62.6%) of mothers was involved in trading. The knowledge of benefit of soybean was high among majority (64.1%) but majority (62.0%) also had low competence in soybean processing. Data analysis revealed a significant relationship (p Key words: Competence, Knowledge, Soybean processing, nutrition, secondary schools students, adopted schools, INTRODUCTION Soybean contains major vitamins and minerals lacking in other legumes and some cereals. It contains 40% high quality protein, 20% edible vegetable oil and a good balance of amino-acid [...]

African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) promotes DroughtTEGO[R] drought-tolerant maize hybrids developed by Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project in partnership with CIMMYT, Monsanto and five National Agricultural Research Systems for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa to address the impact of drought occasioned by climate change. To determine the level of adoption and use of DroughtTEGO[R] maize hybrids in Kenya, a survey was conducted involving 642 farming households from six counties. The results indicated a high rate of awareness of at least one of the DroughtTEGO[R] varieties (61%). The adoption rate stood at 26% with WE1101 maize hybrid being the most widely known and adopted due to its availability and high yields. Expected adoption was calculated at 89% with about 65% new farmers adopting the DroughtTEGO[R] hybrids. Lack of full information on the productivity, non-availability of the seed when required and the varieties being expensive compared to other locally available varieties were found to be key barriers to its adoption. The econometric results reveal statistical differences between the variables that influence awareness and adoption of DroughtTEGO[R] hybrid seed. Variables that determined adoption included age of the household head, fellow farmers and demonstration sites as the primary main source of seed information. Other variables were record-keeping, women's control of household resources, perception of food security, price, and location. Well-thought-out strategies that target these variables can be effective in attracting new adopters. Thus, the study recommends, promotional messages and extension approaches appropriate to both the young and the aged, better seed pricing strategies, women's control of household resources to be encouraged, and specific locations with low probability of adoption should be given priority. Steps could include the promotion of the varieties through on-farm demonstrations with wider coverage, strengthening of the extension service and allocation of resources for extension activities in Kenya. Other broad recommendations that emanated from the study included timely availability and delivery of quality DroughtTEGO[R] seed and availability of credit facilities. It is important to investigate the case of adopters who discontinued using these varieties. Key words: Technology adoption, climate-smart, maize hybrid, food security, DroughtTEGO[R], INTRODUCTION In Kenya, maize (Zea mays L.) is considered an essential food crop and accounts for about 65% of total staple food caloric intake and 36% of total food caloric [...]

Somalia is among the poorest countries on the planet. Since the fall of Siad Barre's regime in 1991, the country has been in a near-constant state of food insecurity and suffered two officially declared famines. In order to address the issue of food insecurity in Somalia, a greater understanding of each of the components that contribute to the Somali food supply is merited. Cereal crops make up a third to half of the Somali diet by calories and are among the most important food crops produced by the country. This study investigated the historic trends in domestic cereal production, cereal imports, and food aid (reported in cereal equivalents) in Somalia by exploring secondary data publicly available from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the World Food Programme. These data were related to World Bank population data in Microsoft Excel and average per capita production, import, and aid figures were calculated. Median changes over time and their associated interquartile ranges were reported. The data demonstrated that Somali cereal production levels have not improved since the 1960's, and since that time, they have been characterized by an extreme amount of year-to-year volatility. Moreover, maize and sorghum are the only meaningful fractions of Somalia's domestic cereal production, and recent total production of each crop is well below the levels observed in the 1980's. When combined, per capita production of maize and sorghum has decreased precipitously over time (falling from a high of 91 kg per capita in 1972 to just 30 kg per capita in 2012). This is likely due to a combination of stagnant production and rapidly increasing Somali population (up over 350% since 1961). This has increased the importance of cereal imports and aid to Somalia and has made the country vulnerable to disruptions in international cereal markets and foreign government policies. Improving domestic cereal production in Somalia should be part of any future food security strategy for the country. Recent agricultural research in Somalia suggests that the implementation of simple agricultural best management practices can increase cereal production in the country. Key words: Somalia, Population Growth, Cereal Production, Cereal Imports, Food Aid, INTRODUCTION Political and civil unrest have hindered Somalia's economic development since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 [1]. This instability has resulted in high mortality rates, a [...]

Reduction in the proportion of undernourished people worldwide has been achieved despite global population increase. However, the achievement of reducing undernourishment globally was uneven; sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular has the least progress. In SSA, agriculture is only slowly changing with actual well below potential yields. Failures in agricultural policies, weak institutions, and poor governance are the root of growth stagnation. Agriculture contributes a significant share to the SSA economy and a majority of the population derives their livelihood from this sector. It is justifiable to assume that for sustainable growth of the African economy, significant investment and creative innovation in agriculture are needed. However, several factors such as growth of the farming population, loss of soil fertility, climate change, water scarcity, post-harvest losses, and limited market access could challenge such expectation. On the other hand, new policy reforms and initiatives, and appropriate investment that directly or indirectly support agricultural innovation and growth are emerging. This chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities to advance agricultural growth and food systems in Africa and makes recommendations for solutions. Key words: Africa, food systems, agriculture, agricultural research, agricultural investment, Introduction Significant progress in the effort to reduce the proportion of undernourished people worldwide has been achieved. Despite the addition of 1.9 billion people to the global population between 1990 [...]

In order to meet the future challenges of African agriculture, scientists and policy makers will need to move away from prescriptive measures, to more adaptive ways of understanding and addressing problems based on local capabilities and resources. Ethnographic frameworks and methods are one adaptive tool that researchers can use in parsing out complex situations within the context of local practice and culture. This paper highlights the use of an ethnographic framework called the Livelihoods as Intimate Government (LIG) approach and its application in Ghana and Malawi. The authors demonstrate how without preconceived ideas about what challenges exist, the LIG approach is able to illuminate some of the most pressing needs that affect the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers. Preconceived notions tend to lead to poor diagnosis of problems, which then results in misplaced solutions and misapplication of funds to implement recommended strategies. Use of LIG sets parameters that are specific to the local context, which promotes development of appropriate policies, and sustainability of food security programs, ensuring that limited funds are used appropriately. Key words: Ethnography, field methods, Ghana, Malawi, Background There exists a growing consensus that in order to meet the challenges of African agriculture (Fischer et al., 2009) such as climate change (Schlenker and Lobell, 2010; Thorton et [...]