Peer-reviewed and conference outputs from RUFORUM-supported research.
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Rice in Zambia has traditionally been grown in lowland flooded or semi-flooded environments. These environments are unfortunately only a small portion of Zambia, occupying only 1% of the total land. The increase in food demand in the count…
In this paper we report on findings from a co-learning experience we undertook with smallholder farmers in two areas in Zimbabwe aimed at developing their capacity to apply integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) options to improve foo…
This study examined presence of heavy metals (aluminium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc) along Botswana roads. These metals are toxic to human and animals. The mean values of these metals were below toxic range, ind…
Food insecurity in Kenya is on the increase unless appropriate measures are taken. This is because nearly 80% of the land is arid to semi-arid and therefore not favorable for crop production using the current methods of production. The iss…
The paper reports work aimed at improving livelihoods of smallholders by providing investors, policymakers and implementers with concrete knowledge and tools to make informed investment decisions on small-scale irrigation water management …
Land degradation which among others include loss of vegetation is rampant in Kenya, destroying both the fragile arid and semiarid lands and the non-arid areas. Efforts to rehabilitate semiarid areas by re-vegetation has often failed. This …
Kenyan farmers are threatened by overreliance on few crops whose yields are reduced by adverse climatic changes. Bananas are more resilient and produce year round, making it a more suitable crop. To increase banana production, farmers shou…
The study assessed Mohale dam and the associated rivers’ water quality over 5 years and comparing it to the water quality standards. It was believed that since this dam and the rivers occurred at elevations of between 2000m and 2900m above…
Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae, is a destructive disease of rice worldwide. Resistant varieties are the best option to avert the disease. Thirty resistance genes identified face a wide genetic diversity exhibited b…
The need for a high degree of experimental uniformity is clearly shown by the fact in an experiment that results in a CV (coefficient of variation) of 20%, 8 replications would be required to detect the size of difference between treatment…
The nitrogen reserve of agricultural soils must be replenished periodically in order to maintain an adequate level for crop production. This replacement of soil nitrogen is generally accomplished by the addition of fertilizers or as produc…
Despite the ability of early maize to escape drought and provide food early, it yields 20-30% less than late maize. The challenge is to increase yield while maintaining earliness. A study is ongoing at CIMMYT, Harare to determine whether g…
Developing strategies that promote conservation agriculture in the West Usambara Mountains in Tanzania poses a particular challenge. This research used empirical and qualitative method to assess soil and landform characteristics in relatio…
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), breeders have the challenge of developing high yielding maize hybrids that are adapted to farmers’ conditions. This however requires knowledge on the breeding value of elite maize germplasm. Ten (10) maize inbr…
Phosphorus (P) sorption and desorption behaviour of Andisols of Siha - Kilimajaro and Ultisols of Magadu -Morogoro, Tanzania was studied in pot experiments. This was to facilitate development of P management strategies for enhanced maize p…
Many soil fertility amelioration technologies exist in western Kenya, but the factors that influence the adoption, and the economic returns of these technologies needs to be assessed. In this study, the value cost ratios (VCR) of five diff…
Barley is an important cash crop for resource-poor farmers in Tigray region of northern Ethiopian where options are very limited, and barley is often the only possible crop. Biotic stresses plus a harsh environment have contributed to low …
Increasing soil acidity is a major cause of low soil fertility in western Kenya where about 57,670 hectares is acidic. While liming can increase soil pH, the most appropriate method of application needs to be determined. This study aimed a…
Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) is an important cash crop in Kenya. In the recent past, diseases have increasingly reduced its production with yield losses ranging from 50 – 100%. Dieback is a recently emerged disease that is highly virule…
Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a major constraint to cassava production in East Africa. It is caused by at least two single stranded (+) RNA viruses (CBSV and CBSUV). To date, only a few genetic sources of resistance to the disease…
A glasshouse experiment was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture to compare the effects of Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) on Residual Phosphorus in an Ultisol. The soil was collected after seven ye…
The soil water retention-release characteristics (SWRC) are essential to understand water redistribution in agricultural systems. However, direct measurements of SWRC are constrained by costs, scarcity of equipment and time. Pedotransfer f…
This study seeks to contribute to increased productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) by incorporating an integrated pest management (IPM) package for root rot/wilt disease (Phytophthora capsici). Pathogen host diversity will be deter…
Optimal combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers can give rise to increased maize yields in nutrient depleted soils. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cowpea residues and combinations of inorganic fertilizers on maiz…
Maize ear rots are a major constraint to maize production globally, and yield loses of up to 70% have been reported in Uganda. Developing varieties resistant to ear rots is a practical strategy that provides better insurance for the small …
