Working Document Series Open Access An analysis of productivity and technical efficiency of conservation agriculture in Malawi: A case of Nkhotakota district K. Droppelmann · Abdi-Khalil Edriss · B. Kakhobwe · H.R. Mloza-Banda +1 more Maize productivity, measured as the amount of output for a given input set, is lower than it could be in Malawi due to poor access to agricultural inputs and environmental depletion especially declining soil fertility. Malawi is promoting … RUF-34914 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Experiences in the ‘One health approach’: Situational analysis of preparedness for Epi-Zoonotic emergencies in six Eastern Africa countries W. Bazeyo · G. Burnham · J. Keyyu · J. Kiguli +9 more This paper reports on a situation analysis that assessed the capacity for response to zoonotic emergencies in 6 countries, namely Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania. Most of the countries did not have policies for prepa… RUF-34908 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Estimation of the total viable bacterial counts of raw and processed milk from selected smallholder dairy farms of Zimbabwe P.T. Banda · G. Matope · T.A Mhone A study conducted in several diary farms in Zimbabwe revealed high levels of bacteria in both processed and raw milk. This is a public health concern. Efforts need to be put in place to minimize such high loads of bacterial counts. RUF-34907 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 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 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 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 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 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 The importance of trees and shrubs as livestock feed in the arid and semi arid rangelands of Kenya: Case of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo district S.K. Choge · W.N. Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech +1 more This study was conducted to determine the potential of integrating Prosopis juliflora in drylands livestock production where the tree is abundant and has been reported by the community to be a menace to their livelihoods. Despite these all… RUF-34855 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of supplementing mesquit (Prosopis juliflora) seedpod meal on the performance of weaner Galla goats in the drylands of Kenya Wellington Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech · R.G. Wahome A study was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing amounts of Prosopis juliflora seedpod meal on the growth rate of weaner Galla goats. The overall aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating Prosopis seedpo… RUF-34852 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 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 Risk factors and socio-economic effects associated with spread of Peste des petits ruminants in Turkana district, Kenya L.C. Bebora · A. N. Gitau · S.M. Kihu · J.M. Njenga +1 more Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, infectious and often fatal disease of sheep, goats and small wild ruminants. In Kenya PPR was first suspected in 1992 and confirmed in Turkana District in 2007. Turkana community live… RUF-34838 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Economic efficiency of mango-based agroforestry systems for improved livelihoods in Buzaya county, Kamuli district M. Bukenya · M. Buyinza · P. Byakagaba · M. Nabalegwa This study analyzed the economic efficiency of mango (Mangifera indica) growers in Buzaya country, Kamuli District, Uganda. It estimated the existing scales of mango growers, their relative resource-use efficiency, the relative profitabili… RUF-34837 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Selected soil properties for prediction of plague vectors and reservoirs in Mavumo area, Lushoto District, Tanzania J.A. Deckers · H. Gulinck · B.H. John · N. I. Kihupi +4 more The importance of selected soil properties with respect to occurrence of plague vectors and reservoirs was studied in Lushoto District, Tanzania. Plague reservoirs showed significant correlation (p<0.05) with subsoil percent clay, topso… RUF-34832 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Policy implications for wide scale adoption of sustainable land management technologies in eastern Uganda M. Barungi · Abdi-Khalil Edriss · D. Ng’ong’ola · M. Waithaka This study, to be conducted in the highlands of eastern Uganda, will document existing local policies and incentive systems in relation to sustainable land use management. Various techniques, including questionnaire surveys, group discussi… RUF-34827 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of changes in natural resources: A participatory approach M. W. Baaru · C.K.K. Gachene · V. Gathaara · J. P. Mbuvi +1 more This study analyzed changes in natural resources in Machakos District of Kenya using participatory approaches. The results show that natural resources have decreased since the ranch became a settlement scheme. Natural forests decreased, va… RUF-34824 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Determinants of fast-food consumption in Kampala, Uganda A. S. Ayo · J. Bonabana-Wabbi · D. Sserunkuuma Consumption of fast-foods in Uganda is becoming an increasingly important component of the food market as high income and busier consumers choose to dine out rather than prepare meals at home. Despite the importance of the fastfoods sector… RUF-34822 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 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
