Working Document Series Open Access The effectiveness of locally made clay pots as a micro - irrigation equipment N. Kihipi · R. S. Mahatsindry · M. Tarimo This research established the water balance resulting from the clay irrigation for beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Amaranths (hypochondriacus) grown under different plant density per pot and different precedent soil moisture. Results rev… RUF-35076 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of soil fertility management on Striga seed bank dynamics and grain yield of sorghum in semi arid areas G. Chemining’wa · A. Kudra · R.N. Onwonga · K.P. Sibuga The parasitic weed Striga poses a serious threat to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Infestation usually results in significant yield losses, quite often over 70%. Many control options have been reported but, the effect of soil fer… RUF-35067 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Integrating indigenous and scientific soil quality indicators for improved crop production F. Bagoora · M. B. Karuhanga · M. M. Tenywa · J. S. Tumuhairwe Research has improved understanding of technical indicators of soil quality (TISQ) and their assessment criteria. Yet knowledge on farmer-perceived indicators of soil quality remains limited. The study intends to establish and validate ind… RUF-35046 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Soil properties effects and management of organic residues to improve C sequestration, reduce N losses and improve crop yields B.O. Danga · Z. Getenga · B. Mochoge · J. Mugwe Rates of decomposition of organic materials in soil determine the amount of carbon (C) which is mineralized and released as CO2 versus the amount of C that is retained in various forms in the soil. Decomposition rates also greatly influenc… RUF-35037 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of water distribution systems at Igomelo Farmer-Managed Irrigation Scheme in Tanzania R. Amy Mchelle · I. Nganga · A.K.P.R. Tarimo Evaluation of water distribution systems at Igomelo irrigation scheme was conducted to assess the performance of the scheme after intervention of the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). The scheme was divided into three blocks: head, mid… RUF-35028 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Impact of social networks on food security among formerly displaced households in Lira, northern Uganda R. E. Mazur · B. B. Obaa We examine the influence of social networks on resource access and food security in post-conflict Lira, northern Uganda. Based on an on-going food security recovery project targeting formerly displaced households, preliminary results of in… RUF-35003 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Livelihood diversification and enhanced food security through agro-pastoralism: Socio-cultural and other challenges among Maasai pastoralists of Narok North district of Kenya N. J. Kathuri · J. G. Mwangi · A. O. Nkurumwa The Maasai of Narok North District Kenya have started adopting agro-pastoralism as a livelihood diversification strategy. This study sought to determine the socio-cultural challenges faced in agro-pastoralism and the relationships between … RUF-34994 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Estimation of consumer preferences for cowpea in Uganda T.S. Hyuha · J. Mundua · B. Tayebwa This study conducted in eastern Uganda, assessed consumer and market vendors preferances for different cowpea varieties grown in Uganda. Both consumers and market vendors prefered large white seeded grains. The study recommends adding valu… RUF-34983 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Farmers’ perceptions of orange-fleshed sweetpotatoes as a food security crop in central and eastern Uganda P. Isubikalu · R. Mukebezi · R. O. M. Mwanga · B. Orum A descriptive study was conducted to ascertain the perception of farmers in eastern and central Uganda on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) as a food security crop. Major findings indicated that although OFSP and local sweet potato variet… RUF-34975 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing potato production and market access in Uganda E. Katungi · A. K. Katwijukye · J. Mugisha Potato value chain in Uganda is characterised by many scattered small farmers and buyers facing high transaction costs, resulting from lack of mutually beneficial linkages between actors in the chain and market coordination problems in ter… RUF-34970 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The impact of fodder flow systems practiced by small scale dairy farmers on milk production and economic viability in Marirangwe smallholder dairy scheme of Zimbabwe N. Sikaceya An analysis was made for the cattle feed quality used by the small-scale and large-scale producers in Marirangwe, Zimbabwe. This was done to try and explain the huge disparity between milk production by the two dairy sectors. Feed-staff fr… RUF-34956 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
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 Transaction costs and food security: A case of maize in southern highlands of Tanzania F.T.M. Kilima · B. Maonga · M.B. Mbise · D.H. Ngongola +1 more The study will asses transaction costs in the maize marketing channels in Southern Highlands of Tanzania (Iringa, Mbeya and Ruvuma). This is a major maize producing zone. Linking this zone with food deficit regions like coastal areas and D… RUF-34934 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Household objectives and achievement levels among Uganda’s hot pepper, french beans and okra crops farmers S. Lwasa · J. Mugisha · D. Sserunkuuma Ugandan farmers are increasingly adopting perceived High Value Crops (HVCs) including Chillies (Capsicum annum), French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). This is aimed at addressing priority household objective… RUF-34929 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Market access and its effect on citrus fruit production in Uganda E. Chilembwe · G. Elepu · H. Kongai · M.B. Kwapata +1 more Sustaining success in productivity-based agricultural growth depends on expansion of market opportunities. However, limited attention has been directed towards marketing strategies of Uganda’s horticultural produce which is one of the fast… RUF-34922 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Uncovering the potential of resource-poor farmers through increased access to improved agricultural technologies: The Malawi model N. Khaki · A. Sefasi Malawi has faced consistent incidences of hunger, malnutrition and poverty. These have been attributed in part to frequent droughts. In addition, privatization policies forced the country to put the burden of keeping food reserves and prov… RUF-34920 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
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 The contribution of women to food and fodder production in war affected areas of Gulu District in Uganda G. Ebiyau · J. Kabirizi · J. Kigongo · C. Namazzi +3 more Smallholder women dairy cattle farmers in war affected areas of Gulu district in Northern Uganda play a pivotal role in food and fodder production. The major constraint to improved cattle production is feed shortage resulting in a reductio… RUF-34881 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysing the agricultural science and technology innovation systems: A case study of the banana sub-sector in Uganda Margaret Kabahenda · M. Kapiriri Bananas are an important staple food crop and livelihood base for about 16 million people in Uganda. Its survival over the years can be traced to key factors and actors, who through learning, adjusting and innovations have sustained banana… RUF-34864 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Capacity for sustaining agricultural innovation platforms in Rwanda: A case study of research into use project L. Dusengemungu · P. Kibwika The research was conducted in Rwanda on four agricultural Innovation Platforms (IPs). These IPs focus on cassava, round potato, maize production and farmers’ associations. Capacity building is vital to sustain these platforms beyond the pr… RUF-34850 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 Market-chain innovation enhances smallholders’ access to markets: Insights from the sweet potato sub-sector in Uganda B. Akello · P. Lusembo · I. Mugisa · W. Nakyagaba +1 more Smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Uganda are faced with the difficulty of accessing sustainable markets. Such farmers include those growing sweet potato, and are becoming increasingly marginalized as urban markets demand … RUF-34815 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Producer and consumer preferences for maize and sorghum quality characteristics in Uganda R. Ajambo · B. Bashaasha · G. Elepu · P. Okori Maize and sorghum are important staple food crops in Uganda and are emerging cash crops. Despite release of several improved varieties of maize and sorghum, adoption rates among farmers remain low. This is due to breeding programmes ignori… RUF-34809 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Factors hindering extension staffs efficiency in assisting maize farmers in western province in the agricultural reform era M. Adijah Ali-Olubandwa · N. J. Kathuri · D. Odero-Wanga · W. A. Shivoga The extension service in Kenya is charged with the responsibility of ensuring sustainable food production that is sufficient for domestic use and for export. The extension staff performance is constrained by various factors which may have … RUF-34808 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015