TAGDev Resources Open Access Composition and management of weed flora in smallholder farmers’ fields in Swaziland B.P. Dlamini · M.M. Khumalo · D. Kibirige · H.R. Mloza-Banda +2 more The weed flora in smallholder farmer’s fields and the potential arable farmers have on their weeds in Swaziland were investigated in the 2015/2016 cropping season. The study was conducted in five agro-ecological zones, 117 fields and 99 fa… RUF-37597 2017 CC BY 4.0 16 Apr 2018
TAGDev Resources Open Access Economic analysis of different weed control methods used by smallholder maize farmers in Swaziland B.P. Dlamini · M.M. Khumalo · D. Kibirige · M.B. Masuku +3 more Weeds control is one of the expensive agronomical practices in maize production and has a direct effect on ultimate returns to especially the rural-poor small-scale farmers. Moreover, high weed infestation increases the cost of cultivation… RUF-37596 2017 CC BY 4.0 16 Apr 2018
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effects of spatial arrangement of maize (Zea mays [l.]) intercropped with common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris [l.]) and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata [l.]) on growth and yield Bongani Lucky Mvubu Agriculture faces daunting challenges due to increasing population growth and changing food consumption patterns, natural resource scarcity, environmental degradation, climate change, and global economic restructuring. Therefore, it is nec… RUF-36696 2015 CC BY 4.0 23 Jun 2017
Working Document Series Open Access Processing of leafy plant fibres in Swaziland for multiple end uses M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · D.A. Otieno · J.M. Thwala +2 more Natural resources have a potential to contribute to national economies, particularly in developing countries. The handcraft sector in Swaziland relies on sisal fibres, which however, are restrictive due to their poor wearable properties. T… RUF-36447 2016 CC BY 4.0 26 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Explanatory variables associated with the yield perfomance gap among small, medium and large scale sugar cane growers at Ubombo Sugar B. M. Dlamini · M. Mbuyazwe Dlamini In Swaziland, sugar cane is grown on small, medium and large scale. The yield of sugarcane between these grower types is large, with small scale producers having the least yield. The study was therefore carried out to determine factors res… RUF-34747 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of tied ridges for rainwater harvesting on maize yields in Swaziland O. T. Edje · E.M. Ossom This study assessed options for use of tied-ridges for on-farm water harvesting in Swaziland. Results showed that farmers in sandy and loamy soils need different sizes of ridges, 4 m and 2 m, respectively. RUF-34582 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enzymatic processing of plant fibres for diversified uses M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · T. Ndlovu · D.A. Otieno +3 more Harsh fibre production processes contributing to challenges in the ecosystem have rekindled the interest on green fibres and eco-friendly products globally. This interest has propelled some developing countries, including Swaziland, to exp… RUF-34202 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The bio-processing of fibres from Agave sisalana and Agave americana M.T. Masarirambi · T. Ndlovu · J.M. Thwala · V.S. Vilane +1 more Plant fibres play a major role in the lives of many rural peoples, especially women in Swaziland. It is known to produce strong and hard fibres which tend to limit the users in terms of product development. This research study, therefore, … RUF-34194 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Response of tepary beans to plant density in Middleveld, Swaziland D. M. Dlamini · O. T. Edje A landrace of tepary beans [Phaseolus acutifolius ] locally known as nsambasamba, literally meaning high yielding, is a relatively new crop in parts of Swaziland. The white, small-seeded [34 g/100 seeds], is popular in drought-prone areas … RUF-33910 2014 CC BY 4.0 11 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Conservation agriculture I: Effects of legume crop species on ground cover, soil moisture retention, weed suppression and litter fall on maize yield in Swaziland D. M. Bhekizizwe · O. T. Edje The reintroduction of conservation agriculture in Swaziland required information on crop species that could provide ground cover, suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. A field experiment was conducted at the Malkerns Research Station … RUF-33903 2014 CC BY 4.0 11 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The Use of Enzymes in the Bio-processing of Agave Americana and Agave Sisalana Fibres in Swaziland D.A. Otieno · J.M. Thwala · V. Vilane · P.E. Zwane This research was done in different agro-ecological zones in Swaziland where there are women and men Agave fibre decorticators and weavers. Current methods used to extract fibre from Agave spp. tend to pollute the environment since they us… RUF-33000 2012 CC BY 4.0 20 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Enzymatic processing of Agave sisalana and Ananas comosus plant fibres and fibre waste for diversified use T.T. Mkhonta · D.A. Otieno · J.M. Thwala · P.E. Zwane This study is being carried out to (i) characterise and explore the use of enzymes as an alternative method of fibre softening for sisal (Agave sisalana) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves, (ii) determine the fabric hand on sisal jewelr… RUF-32960 2012 CC BY 4.0 20 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Local Processing of Plant Fibres: Current Status of the Industry in Swaziland M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · D.A. Otieno · J.M. Thwala +2 more A variety of natural fibre based products are made in Swaziland for local and export markets. Minimal or no treatment is done to the fibres to improve quality and hence their low comfort properties which reduce their marketability. The ai… RUF-32089 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014