Journal articles Open Access Local community perspective about challenges affecting farmer organizations. Case of selected socioeconomic characteristics of members in fish farmer organizations in central Malawi C. Chonde · D. Kambewa · E. Kaunda · D. Kayambazinthu +1 more This study examines challenges affecting fish farmer organizations in relation to socioeconomic characteristics of members within farmer organizations. The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of members with varying socioec… RUF-37611 2016 CC BY 4.0 24 Apr 2018
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
Working Document Series Open Access Aridity changes and its association with drought severity in Botswana J. Byakatonda · Piet K. Kenabathob · B.P. Parida Global warming is likely to increase climatic variability especially in semi arid areas. The variability is expected to be registered through changes in rainfall patterns and temperature trends, thus through changes in aridity and drought … RUF-37554 2016 CC BY 4.0 11 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Economic efficiency of rice production in smallholder irrigation schemes in Southern Malawi A.K. Edriss · R. Magreta · L. Mapemba · S. Zingore This study used a parametric frontier approach to analyze technical, allocative and economic efficiency levels of smallholder rice farmers and the determinant factors in Nkhate irrigation scheme in southern Malawi. Technical and allocative… RUF-37541 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Management of chlorine decay and formation of disinfectant by-products in drinking water: A case of Gaborone City, Botswana D. Nono · P.T. Odirile · B.P. Parida Chlorine is used in most countries as a disinfectant to control multiplication of pathogenic bacteria in potable water. However, water suppliers have two major challenges in management of chlorine disinfection in water distribution systems… RUF-37538 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access The potential of commercial preservation of tomatoes using a mixed-mode solar drying technology in rural Botswana E. Dintwa · O.B. Ebangu · O. Motsamai Globally, the agricultural value chain is adversely affected by high postharvest losses estimated to be 30-50%. Efficient and affordable preservation technologies to mitigate the enormous postharvest losses are scarce in sub-Saharan Africa… RUF-37534 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of dietary spirulina supplements on growth, haematological factors and survival of Oreochromis shiranus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila W. Jere · J. Kang’ombe · A. Mtethiwa · J.O. Siringi A study was conducted to determine the effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on growth performance and resistance of Oreochromis shiranus to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Four diets containing 0, 3.5, 7.0 and 10.5 g spirulina/kg of… RUF-37530 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access The effect of formulated and supplementary feeds on water quality parameters in concrete ponds stocked with fresh water fish J. Kang’ombe · E. Kaunda · M. Macuiane · T. Moges +2 more A study on the effect of formulated and supplementary feeds on water quality parameters of fresh water fish (Oreochromis shiranus) culture was conducted at Bunda Fish Farm for three months. The objective of this study was to determinethe e… RUF-37528 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Comparative analysis of wood utilization and acceptability of fish from the smoking and frying technologies in Malawi F. Kapute · E. Kaunda · F. Maguza · Z. Makawa +1 more A study was conducted to compare wood utilization efficiency and acceptability of the processed Engraulicypris sardella and Copadichromis spp. using smoking and frying technologies. The study was conducted on station at Bunda College and a… RUF-37525 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of feeding frequency and feeding rate on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of Oreochromis shiranus juvenile (Trewavas 1983) reared in laboratory condition C. German · T. Gwaza · Q. Jun · J. Kang’ombe +2 more Studies to investigate the effect of feeding frequency (2, 3 and 4 times/day) and feeding rate (2, 4, 6 and 8% BW/day) on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of Oreochromis shiranus was conducted in a laboratory at Li… RUF-37522 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Ex-ante benefit-cost analysis of an animal production and forage centre for a smallholder dairy value chain in Zimbabwe T. Chamboko · P. Mugabe · E. Mwakiwa Many smallholder dairy schemes in Africa face sustainability constraints due to shortages of feed resources and poor productivity. Extension supported dairy animal production and forage centres constructed alongside the milk collection cen… RUF-37508 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of harvesting date on aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts in northern Mozambique M. Amane · A. M. Mondjana · A. Muitia · Emmanuel Jnr. Zuza Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the third most important crop in Mozambique. Despite its importance as food, the presence of mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins has the potential to limit its use in both the human and livestock diet. In t… RUF-37504 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Farmer preference for improved seed potato varieties in Malawi: Case study of Ntcheu and Dedza districts G. Tione Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the main root and tuber crop produced for both food and cash. Potatoes are the world’s number one non-grain food commodity. It provides fast cash because it is a short duration (3-4 months) crop. Malawi is ran… RUF-37499 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access The role of drought stress on aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and Aspergillus flavus population in the soil during field production T. Donga · W.A.B. Msuku · S. Njoroge · C. Sibakwe Drought stress is one of the factors that contribute to aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts during field production. A study was conducted aimed at investigating the effects of drought on aflatoxin contamination and A. fluvus population … RUF-37497 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Screening of selected cassava genotypes for resistance to Cassava Brown Streak Disease by mechanical grafting in Southern Mozambique Z. Anabela · H. Magaia · A. Mondjana · E. Oyesigye Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a major biotic stress of cassava in Southern, Eastern and Central Africa. It is caused by two virus species; the Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) and the cassava brown streak virus (CBSV). T… RUF-37490 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access The effects of plant density on growth and yield of groundnuts J. Goodman · V. Kabambe · W. Mhango · L.M. Mkandawire +1 more Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) is one of the grain legumes that is widely grown by smallholder farmers in Malawi. The yield and quality of groundnut is affected by a number of factors such as plant density. A study was conducted at Exagris Af… RUF-37480 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Changes in respiration pathways during hydrogen cyanamide-induced terminal budbreak of Cripps’ Pink M. Inamahoro · G. Jacobs · E. Louw · M. Schmeisser +1 more Apple trees that do not receive adequate chill during winter undergo improper release of endodormancy resulting in decreased bud break, and uneven and delayed blooming that impacts negatively on yield. To overcome this, chemical rest break… RUF-37471 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of tillage practices and cropping systems on maize grain yield in Gurue, Mozambique G.M. Ceronio · O. Chichongue · C.C. du Preez · J.J. Van Tol Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are being promoted in southern Africa to increase crop production in light of the highly depleted soils. The Mozambican population is highly depended in maize making the country extremely vulnerable … RUF-37457 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of crop rotation on aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts A. Abraham · R.L. Brandenburg · W. Mhango · S.M.C. Njoroge +1 more Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites primarily produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and, to a lesser extent, A. nomius. Good agricultural practices can aid in the reduction of aflatoxin contaminatio in the field. Well p… RUF-37442 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Characterization and evaluation of rice genotypes under rainfed ecosystems in Malawi and Mozambique H. Abade · J.A. Abdala · J.M. Bokosi · A.M. Mwangwela +1 more Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop for human consumption world wide, including in under-developed countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America where it is cultivated in small holdings. In Mozambique and Malawi rice is produced by s… RUF-37438 2016 CC BY 4.0 10 Apr 2018
Journal articles Open Access Differential responses of taxonomic, structural, and functional diversity to local-scale environmental variation in Afromontane forests in South Africa A.E. Assogbadjo · R. Glèlè Kakaï · Sylvanus Mensah · V.K. Salako Exploring taxonomic, functional, and structural diversity can provide additional insights into our understanding of diversity responses to environment. Using altitude, slope, and relative radiation index as well as floristic and functional… RUF-37388 2018 CC BY 4.0 20 Mar 2018
Journal articles Open Access Height – Diameter allometry in South Africa’s indigenous high forests: Assessing generic models performance and function forms Ben Du Toita · Anton Kunnekea · Sylvanus Mensah · Otto L. Pienaar +4 more Height-diameter equations are essential to understand forest dynamics and estimate forest biomass and carbon stocks. Most existing large scale height-diameter equations in Africa are based on data from rain forests, and their application t… RUF-37353 2018 CC BY 4.0 6 Feb 2018
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in Lesotho: prevalence and control methods M.J. Moiloa This research project composed of two approaches: the first approach involved a survey in which focus group discussion and individual interviews were conducted in lowlands, foothills and mountains. This part was aimed at assessing control … RUF-37295 2017 CC BY 4.0 14 Dec 2017
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Evaluating prevalence and control methods of gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep in Lesotho Motšelisi Mahlehla This research project incorporated two studies. The first study was based on farmer’s awareness and control methods of gastrointestinal parasites of Merino sheep in Lesotho. The study was achieved by simple random sampling of 216 farmers f… RUF-37294 2017 CC BY 4.0 14 Dec 2017
