Working Document Series Open Access Technology adoption by smallholder farmers: Lessons from the soyabean research/promotion program in Zimbabwe S. Mpepereki Agricultural research programs in universities in sub-Saharan Africa generate technologies few of which are adopted by the smallholder farmers. A technology that demands significant additional inputs be they financial or physical is less l… RUF-34943 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing the capacity of Kenya on climate risk reduction and climate change adaptation for sustainable agricultural productivity and food security C. B. Lukorito · G. O. Ouma Most vulnerable groups in countries in Sub Saharan Africa including Kenya are the poor who have least capacity for coping with the adverse impacts of the current climate extremes, and adapting to future climate changes. Lack of suitable co… RUF-34772 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 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 Strategy for improving bush bean production on a phosphorus fixing Andosol with aquic moisture regime A. Cyamweshi Rusanganwa · J.S. Tenywa In Uganda, bean is a food security and income sourcing crop, particularly for the rural poor. The highlands of southwestern Uganda are major producers and consumers of the crop. The arable soils in the highlands bordering Rwanda and DR Con… RUF-34570 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The link between seasonal climatic variability and poverty: A case study of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Baringo District, Kenya D.M. Nyariki · V.O. Wasonga · A.M. Yazan Elhadi Poverty remains rampant in the dry districts of Kenya so that it has now become an important item on Kenya’s development agenda. The dry districts of Kenya receive low amounts of rainfall, which is also erratic. These regions are predomina… RUF-34545 2010 CC BY 4.0 27 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The impact of climate variability and extreme weather events on gender: Gender vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies for improved household food security in Malawi W. Kogi-Makau · D. Mkwambisi · D.M. Nyariki · V. M. Tasokwa Kakota The challenge to achieving household food security is a combination of biological, physical, and social factors. However, social factors, gender in particular, have received a cursory attention in adaptation studies. This study argues that… RUF-34540 2010 CC BY 4.0 26 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Climate change adaptation strategies among agricultural communities in Uganda: The case of Kabale and Nakasongla districts P. Isubikalu · J.G.M. Majaliwa · R.L. Mwerera Climate change affects the ability of developing countries to achieve their poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies. Uganda was labeled among the most vulnerable countries to climate change risks. Rural farmers who depend … RUF-34511 2010 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysis of multipurpose uses and management of Zizphus spina-christi (L.) desf. in semi-arid Ethiopia: Implications for food security Feyssa Debela Hunde · J.T. Njoka · M.M. Nyangito · Asfaw Zemede Quantitative ethnobotanical study of Ziziphus spina-christi was undertaken in six areas of east Shewa, Ethiopia. Both structured questionnaire and focus-group interviews were conducted with about 200 households. Arable land cultivation, an… RUF-34380 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Non-timber forest products and local ecological knowledge on livelihoods in Mocuba district, Mozambique Ananias Hofiço Noé dos Santos The dependency of many african rural households on natural resources for sustenance is widely acknowledged. Local ecological Knowledge is developed from the continuous relationship between humans and their environment, mainly through the d… RUF-34311 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Biosecurity preparedness is integral to sustainable food security in Africa S. Sharma Growth in international trade, tourism and increasing international movements of people will increasingly expose countries in Africa to biosecurity threats, which will significantly impact on economies, community health and native biodiver… RUF-34278 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Food losses and waste in the context of sustainable food systems J. Ambuko Although accurate estimates of losses and waste in the food system are unavailable, the best evidence to date coming from Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) indicates that approximately 1.3 billion tonnes per year (one-third of the f… RUF-34124 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The use of rice and fish polyculture in rice fields to improve rice yields hence food security in Bunyala - Kenya F.W. Kariuki · A.N Leguuto Rice is an important food crop in Kenya’s drive to attain food security. However, its productivity remains low against an overall increase in national demand due to overdependence on rice monoculture leading to decline in soil fertility re… RUF-34024 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Implementation and accomplishment of the MSc Agrometeorology and Natural Risk Management Program at Harmaya University, Ethiopia Shimeles Beneberu · Kibret. Kibebew · Nigatu Lisanework Africa is the most vulnerable region to climate change/variability/hazards. More than ever, improved understanding of early warning systems including weather and climate prediction and initiatives highlighting the effects of global warming… RUF-33896 2014 CC BY 4.0 11 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Nutritional value of Grewia Flavescens: Implications for Household Food Security in Northeastern Rift Valley of Ethiopia Feyssa Debela Hunde · J.T. Njoka · M.M. Nyangito · Asfaw Zemede Grewia flavescens A. Juss, commonly known as donkey berry is an under-utilised wild plant species in Ethiopia. It is used for food and fodder for humans and livestock, respectively. Agricultural expansion and increased frequencies of droug… RUF-33070 2012 CC BY 4.0 21 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access The Effect of Fish Farming Systems on Water quality and community livelihoods in Mbale: A Socio Economic and Biophysical Assessment A. Akol · H. Gidongo · T.S. Hyuha · F. Muyodi +1 more Fish farming contributes to people’s livelihoods, nutrition security, and foreign exchange. However, these potential may be achieved at the expense of the environment. This study determined the effect of fish farming on water quality and l… RUF-32831 2012 CC BY 4.0 19 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access MSc Programme in Agrometeorology and Natural Risk Management at Haramaya University, Ethiopia Shimeles Beneberu · Nigatu Lisanework Africa is the most vulnerable region to climate change/variability/ hazards. More than ever, improved understanding of early warning systems including weather and climate prediction and initiatives highlighting the effects of global warmin… RUF-32393 2012 CC BY 4.0 16 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access The Nature of Land Resource Ownership and Perceptions on its Management among Farming Families of South East Nigeria W. Doppler · O. Olajide Adeola Land has a cultural value in Nigeria in that its ownership cements the relationship of the owner with the community. But more importantly, land resource is critical to the livelihood of rural farmers because they depend on it for income an… RUF-31625 2012 CC BY 4.0 9 Nov 2013
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of Goat Production Systems and Social-Economic Factors Affecting Demand of Goats and Goat Meat in Malawi F. Chimwemwe Chigwa Little information exists of demand parameters for goats and goat meat despite seasonality of the demand. Demand for goat meat in Malawi is high during religious festivals, cultural celebrations and when households are food insecure. Food … RUF-31598 2012 CC BY 4.0 24 Oct 2013
Working Document Series Open Access Prospects of Agricultural Development in Africa: Implications for Agricultural Education and Training I. Annor-Frempong The status of both food security and human development in Africa is affected by the performance of agriculture. Agriculture does not only determine the availability of food which is the key element for attaining food security; it is also t… RUF-31482 2012 CC BY 4.0 3 Oct 2013
Working Document Series Open Access Global Change and the Future of African Agriculture: What Role for Higher Education? S. Carter · P. Sanginga Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is confronted with multiple dimensions of global change, from the atmospheric to the political and economic, from environmental to the demographic and cultural.Change is continuous, and largely unpredictab… RUF-31480 2012 CC BY 4.0 3 Oct 2013
Working Document Series Open Access New Approaches for Improving Farmers' Livelihoods through Timely and Proper Use of Weather Forecast Information: A Pilot Case in Kenya J. Ayieko · S. Mwangi · J.B. Mwesigwa · J. Oduor +4 more Preliminary observations from community-based agricultural projects have revealed that proper and timely use of weather forecast information can significantly improve farmers’ yields within communities that are vulnerable to extreme condit… RUF-31472 2012 CC BY 4.0 2 Oct 2013