Working Document Series Open Access An analysis of technical efficiency of mixed intercropping agroforestry technology: A case of Zomba district in Malawi Abdi-Khalil Edriss · B. Kakhobwe · M.B. Kwapata · J. H. Mangisoni +1 more The study was conducted in Zomba district in Malawi, in 2005/ 2006 cropping season with the main objective of assessing technical efficiency (TE) of mixed intercropping (MI) agroforestry technology. Study population consisted of 101 farmer… RUF-34906 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysing legume market chains to enhance livelihoods and environmental systems within maize-based farming systems in Malawi V. Kabambe · A. Kabuli · P. Mapfumo This paper analyzes the marketing of legumes in Malawi with special focus on the seed supply chain, the actors, activities, and the business environment that the commodity goes through as it moves from producers to buyers and consumers. Th… RUF-34894 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Characterization of semen from the unimproved South African indigenous goats J.P. Greyling · B. Matshaba · M. Mphaphathi · T.L. Nedambale +4 more In this study, we characterised semen of the unimproved South African (SA) indigenous goat with an aim of determining the potential of using modern techniques such as artificial insemination to multiply it. The SA unimproved goat is hardy … RUF-34889 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Breed preference, selection criteria and production performance of dairy cattle in the selected smallholder dairy farms in Zimbabwe B.T. Hanyani-Mlambo · E.V Imbayawro-Chikosi · L. Marius · C. Mutisi This study identified breed preferences, production performance and selection criteria used in selecting dairy breeds in Zimbabwe. A questionnaire based survey was conducted on 109 smallholder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe and data were analyz… RUF-34869 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Unveiling opportunities of farming trees in Malawi: Economic impact of integrating trees on smallholder agriculture F. Mzotah Thapasila Gondwe The aim of this research is to raise and provide empirical evidence for promoting tree farming in Malawi. It addresses questions such as: Is tree farming a viable system for smallscale farmers in Malawi? Trees have multiple products for su… RUF-34860 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing production in two boer goats studs M.D. Fair · F.J.M. King · F.W.C Neser The effect of genetic and environmental factors on weaning and post-weaning traits of boer goats was studied using 3233 records collected from 1998 to 2008. Least square analysis was used for estimation of environmental effects. Genetic pa… RUF-34846 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access An economic analysis of milk markets and competitiveness in Malawi’s dairy industry J. Banda · Sylvia Chindime · J. Mugisha This study will analyze the current arrangements in the milk marketing structures, conduct performance as well as the competitiveness amongst these markets in Malawi. Emphasis will be on the broader analysis of market system context and in… RUF-34845 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The impact of responding to the actual constraints expressed by farmers’ experience from the Malawian inputs subsidy initiative S. J. Carr Rather than continue with the promotion of an agricultural strategy developed independently of the smallholder community the Government of Malawi has responded to the urgent demand from farmers for access to fertiliser to counteract the so… RUF-34843 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Climate variability: Pastoralists’ perception, practices and enhancing adaptive pasture use for food security in Choma District, Southern Zambia O. C. Chibinga · N. M. Musimba · M. Nyangito · J. Simbaya Pastoralists have managed their production system for many centuries and have had detailed knowledge of the biodiversity and environment of their grazing lands. Feeding of livestock is though still a major challenge to sustainable producti… RUF-34769 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Spatial and temporal distribution of fallow land and its utilisation in southeast Zimbabwe E. Manzungu · L. Mtali Since the attainment of national independence in 1980 land distribution has dominated if not defined the agrarian debate in Zimbabwe. However, evidence of increasing hectarage of fallow land in communal lands, where 70% of the population r… RUF-34748 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
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 Characterisation of micronutrient (zinc and iron), dense tropical maize hybrids grown in two different environments in Zambia L. Sinyinda Iron and zinc deficiencies that are prevalent in most sub-Saharan African countries have been attributed to the low grain micronutrient levels in local varieties. The study characterised micronutrient (iron and zinc) dense maize germplasm … RUF-34697 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of optimised innovative soil fertility and water management technologies on maize production in two contrasting soils in Harare, Zimbabwe S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata +1 more Poor soil fertility and fertiliser management coupled with increased frequency of mid-season droughts induced by climate change have made it difficult for urban farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils. Urban farmer… RUF-34692 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Participatory natural resources management plan of canhane community, Massingir district, southern Mozambique Aniceto Chaúquem · Jao Chin · Natasha Ribeiro · Almeida. Sitoe We conducted a participatory mapping of natural resources and woody biomass estimation in Canhane Community, Massingir District in Mozambique. The aim of this study was to identify problems and opportunities for natural resources managemen… RUF-34684 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of innovative farmer practices in soil fertility and water management on soil productivity and maizeand leafy vegetable production in Harare, Zimbabwe S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata Poor soil fertility and increased frequency of mid-season droughts due to climate change have made it difficult for urban farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils. Higher yields can be attained by urban farmers if p… RUF-34657 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Lime requirement of selected acid soils of Lesotho and response of field beans to lime application M.V. Marake · T. Nkheloane A greenhouse experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lime application (at different rates) on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al3+) and plant response to lime application across four of the strongly acidic soils series of Les… RUF-34651 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Adaptability of rice cultivars to different ecologies in western province of Zambia D.M Lungu · C. Mutale · F. P Muuka 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… RUF-34643 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Translating integrated soil fertility management empirical knowledge into action through participatory learning and marketing with farmers in Zimbabwe R. Chikowo · D. Dhliwayo · P. Mapfumo · F. Mtambanengwe +1 more 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… RUF-34639 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Study of heavy metal contamination along roadside soils of Botswana G.K. Gaboutloeloe · A.S. Likuku · B.E. Mochoge 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… RUF-34637 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Improving smallholder irrigation performance in Malawi D. Kadyampakeni · C. Makwiza · H.R. Mloza-Banda 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 … RUF-34630 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of water quality in Mohale dam and associated rivers in Lesotho M. Johanne · R. Mating · A.O. Olaleye 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… RUF-34619 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Grain filling patterns of CIMMYT early maize inbred lines R. Edema · E. Gasura · P. Gibson · P. Okori +2 more 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… RUF-34614 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Genetic variation of Zambian maize inbred lines commonly used in breeding Richard Chanda · C. Mungoma · M. Mwala · K. Mwansa +1 more 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… RUF-34610 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 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 Tomato curl stunt virus management strategies for all year round tomato production in Mozambique C. Ecole · B. Francisco · A. Mondjana · B. Nhaulaho +1 more Tomato is the most popular vegetable in the home garden all over the World as well as in Mozambique. Tomato production in Mozambique has been recently affected by Tomato curl stunt virus (ToCSV) disease, a devastating viral disease that is… RUF-34569 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
