Exploring Farmers' Perspectives on the Accessibility, Adequacy, Relevance, and Quality of Agricultural Support Services (ASS) in Oshikoto Region, Namibia | Chapter 13 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

This study investigates the challenges facing agricultural support services (ASS) in the Oshikoto region of Namibia, highlighting inefficiencies, unreliability, and a lack of responsiveness to the diverse needs of farmers within a context of limited resources. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research purposively sampled 200 farmers across commercial, communal, and small-scale sectors to assess their perceptions of the ASS's quality, relevance, and adequacy. The findings reveal significant disparities in the provision of services, with a small number of providers adequately meeting the needs of a limited segment of the farming community. Particularly, communal farmers experience a more pronounced service gap compared to their commercial counterparts, with many having little to no contact with ASS providers for extended periods. Standout performers, including Agricultural Mentors, NGOs, and Private Extension Providers, highlight effective models for service delivery. These insights pave the way for improving ASS-farmer collaborations and contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive Agricultural Extension Policy in Namibia, designed to meet the nuanced needs of the farming community and ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.

Author(s) Details:

Jona Cecilie N,
Department of Animal Production, Agribusiness and Economics, University of Namibia, Namibia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13919

The Potential Role of Plants Growth Promoting Rhizobium Species from Organic Base Bio Fertilizer Production from Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria: A Sustainable Approach for Developing Countries | Chapter 12 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

Purpose: One of the challenges of globalization to developing countries is how to increase agricultural production that will take care of the rapid increase in population. This can be achieved by the use of plant growth promoting rhizobium (PGPR) which are various species of beneficial microorganisms grown in the rhizosphere, participating in nutrient cycling and the production of plant growth promoting substances.

 

Aim: The present study highlights the potential role of plants growth promoting rhizobium species from organic base bio fertilizer production from nitrogen fixing bacteria.

 

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from 12 sites, four from each of the study areas viz; NARICT farm land, Yankusa Land fill, and Sakadadi agricultural farm land. The total chromium content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Physiochemical analysis of the contaminated and control landfills were also determined. The parameters determined were color, odor, pH, temperature, Nitrogen, % potassium and % phosphorus etc.

 

Results: All parameters were found to be higher than the WHO limit except % Nitrogen, % Potassium and % Phosphorus that falls beyond. Further investigations were carried out to checkmate the proximate analysis of some nutritional values of Chemical fertilizer A and B as control while C for biofertilizer (treated) Most of the results computed shows there were significantly higher values in both macronutrient and micronutrient in Biofertilizer(C) production than those of the Chemical fertilizer (A and B). In view of the current investigation, bacteria isolate like those of (Rhizobium sp.) namely; Rhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium lupine etc., were isolated as nitrogen fixing bacteria from root nodules of soya bean. Thus identification, and characterization rhizobia sp. for the production of biofertilizer in selective modified (MYEMA) through which propagation of bacteria mass cells were accentuated in-situ: To this effect, the propagated mass cells of the bacteria were therefore meticulously and circumspectly mixed with multiple carrier base materials; for further utilization in the soils to increase its nutrient quality naturally after combining it with the soil. For nitrogen is one of the important components which acts as a building blocks of most biomolecules, but this inert nitrogen cannot be utilized by plants so the Rhizobium bacteria helps to fix the atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia which can be utilized by plants.

 

Novelty: In view of this study the production of biofertilizer from nitrogen fixing bacterial strains as well as utilizing them in the organic farming is a well come development that would protect and sub guide both develop and developing countries from decay as well as maintaining self-reliance (prestige)( no more Aligo Dangote Chemical fertilizer recipe( unhealthy to human organelles) that is only depended on mass importation, and thereby given credit to other men countries. Thus, naira value has drastically fallen down 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 900 naira only or so.

Author(s) Details:

Silas David Emmanuel,
Kaduna Polytechnic, Tudun Wada, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

I. M. Bugaje,
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nigeria.

E. M. Okonkwo,
Former DG/CEO NARICT Basawa Zaria, Nigeria.

S. Umar,
Kaduna Polytechnic, Tudun Wada, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

M. Tanimu,
Kaduna Polytechnic, Tudun Wada, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

M. C. Adeyeye,
National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13918

Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Groundnut under Different Dates of Sowing | Chapter 11 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

Research on the genotypic and phenotypic associations among agricultural crop traits can be used to design, evaluate, and develop selection criteria for desirable traits. Yield is a complex quantitative trait largely influenced by the environment. Direct selection for grain yield is less efficient in improving groundnut productivity. The selection efficiency can be enhanced by exploiting the relationship between yield and its related traits. In the present study strong positive association was noticed between pod yield per plant and kernel yield per plant, oil yield per plant and significant and negative association with late leaf spot severity and rust incidence irrespective of the environments. Pod yield was also correlated with 100-kernel weight, plant height and oil content in environment III. The magnitude and direct association of pod yield with other characters varied from environment to environment. Inter correlation estimates for yield components revealed that plant height, 100-kernel weight, kernel yield per plant, oil yield per plant, late leaf spot severity, number of matured pods per plant, harvest index and plant height were significantly associated with one another and also with pod yield per plant which indicated that these characters were important components for improvement of pod yield in groundnut. This indicated that selection of genotypes based on oil yield per plant and kernel yield per plant is advantageous than the other characters. The direct effect of kernel yield per plant in all the three environments followed by shelling percentage, rust incidence, oil yield per plant, number of branches per plant in environment I and plant height in environment I and III. The direct effect of other characters fluctuated between negative and positive values indicating the influence of environment on these traits.

Author(s) Details:

Venkataravana P.,
College of Sericulture, Chintamani, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (Karnataka), India.

Sowjanya, B. A.,
College of Sericulture, Chintamani, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (Karnataka), India.

Priyadarshini, S. K.,
College of Sericulture, Chintamani, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (Karnataka), India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13917

Assessment of the Constraints to Poultry Production among Poultry Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria | Chapter 10 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

The present study assesses the constraints to poultry production among poultry farmers in delta state, Nigeria. The poultry industry as a profitable factor to boosting food security and nutrition, has become the leading supplier of efficient, high-quality animal proteins to the world. Poultry meat and eggs which is high in protein, provides several advantages relative to other sources of animal-based foods. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from 109 poultry farmers selected from the twenty-five (25) Local Government Areas of Delta State using simple sampling technique. Percentage and mean were used in data analysis. The poultry farmers reared predominantly the domestic fowls with greater emphasis on layers managed mainly in deep litter system of intensive production. The findings of this study revealed that the farmers reared mixed poultry species comprising in order the domestic fowls, turkeys, ducks and guinea fowl. The result is an indication that the domestic fowl was the poultry species predominantly reared in the state. The major constraints to poultry production were high cost of feeds and ingredients (M = 4. 66), high interest on loan (M = 4.57), inadequate finance (M = 4.47, unsteady power supply (M = 3.32), scarcity of farm credit (M = 4.19), absence of grandparent stock for quality day-old chicks (M = 4.11), inadequate livestock extension agents contact (M = 4.11). Other constraints were short term loan re-payment period (M = 3. 80), poor quality of commercial feeds (M = 3. 71), absence of requisite training (M = 3. 68), absence of collateral (M = 3.61), absence of processing and storage facilities (M = 3.61), high cost of vaccines and medication (M = 3.53), influence of climate (M = 352), losses due to predators, thieves and management hazards (M = 3,50), mortality due to poor management (M = 3.48), incidence of diseases and parasites (M = 3.46) and poor and inaccessible' public veterinary service delivery system (M = 3.33). It is well known that poultry may be utilized to alleviate poverty, and each endeavor and the choice to increase poultry production has a direct influence on the status of women. Recommendations for sustainable poultry production in Delta State and elsewhere were made. Keywords: Constraints, poultry production, Delta State, Nigeria, Africa.

Author(s) Details:

Momah, Lilian Nkemdilim,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Eze, Maryann Ogochukwu,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Okechukwu, Frances Obianuju,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Uzoka Iwalewa Omokhekpe,
Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13916

Efficacy of Castor Oil as a Biopesticide for Treatment of Leucinodes orbitalis Guenee L., a Pest of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) | Chapter 9 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee L. is a pest of eggplant. It is currently managed using synthetic chemical s. However, certain plants with insecticidal properties can be used to control Leucinodes orbonalis in eggplant. To study the efficacy of the castor oil solution on Leucinodes orbonalis, a trial was carried out at the ISAV in Faranah from 08/05 to 20/08/2023.Castor oil was extracted using a press machine with a yield of 0.41 l/kg. It was carried out at the station and in the laboratory. The experimental set-up used was a complete randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments. The treatments were D0 = 0 l/ha (control); D1 = 2.5 l/ha; D2 = 5 l/ha and D3 = 7.5 l/ha. The parameters monitored were: incidence of attack, number of plants leafed out and productivity. The survival of Leucinodes orbonalis larva after treatment was also estimated in vitro. The results showed that the incidence of attack after treatment was 68% for the control. However, this incidence was 10, 4 and 2% for doses D1, D2 and D3 respectively. With regard to the number of leafless plants, the rates were 68% for the control, 33% for D1, 17% for D2 and 8% for D3. Productivity was: 3.00 t/ha for the control; 5.00 t/ha for D1; 8.00 t/ha for D2 and 11.02 t/ha for D3. Survival of Leucinodes orbonalis larvae after application of the castor oil solution was 92%, 20%, 10% and 0% respectively for the control, D1, D2 and D3. Analysis of the results shows that the 7.5 l/ha dose of castor oil can be a good biopesticide for controlling Leucinodes orbonalis.

Author(s) Details:

Camara Mamadi Mariame,
Joseph KI-ZERBO University of Burkina Faso / Environmental Physics and Chemistry Laboratory, 03 BP: 7121, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Higher Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary, Plant Protection Laboratory, BP: 131, Faranah, Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Savadogo Paul Windinpsidi,
Joseph KI-ZERBO University of Burkina Faso / Environmental Physics and Chemistry Laboratory, 03 BP: 7121, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research / Institute for the Environment and Agricultural Research (CNRST/INERA), Soil-Water-Plant Laboratory (SEP), 01 BP, 476 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso.

Sangaré Lanciné,
Higher Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary, Plant Protection Laboratory, BP: 131, Faranah, Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13915

Tolerance of the Resistant Biotype Monochoria vaginalis against Different Mode of Action Herbicides | Chapter 8 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

Native to temperate and tropical Asia, Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) C. Presl is an aquatic herbaceous plant in the Pontederiaceae family. In East Asia and the USA, the species is frequently found in paddy fields as a noxious weed that significantly lowers rice output. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the resistance levels of M. vaginalis against three chemical groups of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides and two other groups of herbicides. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the mutations in the ALS gene of the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis. Herbicide dose–response experiments showed that the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis was highly resistant to bensulfuron-methyl, moderately resistant to bispyribac-sodium, had low resistance to penoxsulam and 2,4-D dimethyl ammonium, and was susceptible to sulfentrazone. The nucleotide sequences of the ALS gene of resistant and susceptible biotypes showed 14 base substitutions, which caused two amino acid substitutions: Val-143-Ile and Val-148Ile. It is the first report of the substitutions of amino acids Val-143-Ile and Val-148-Ile in ALS protein. Those mutations may give different resistance spectra against three ALS-inhibitor herbicides: bensulfuron-methyl, bispyribac-sodium, and penoxsulam. It is necessary to elucidate the molecular basis of target-site resistance mechanisms such as the transformation of the ALS gene of M. vaginalis. The employment of herbicide mixtures and/or the rotation of herbicide sites of action should be considered in order to control the biotype of M. vaginalis. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular basis of target-site resistance mechanisms such as the transformation of the ALS gene of M. vaginalis. It is also necessary to evaluate herbicide mixtures and/or the rotation of herbicide sites of action to control the resistant biotype of M. vaginalis.

Author(s) Details:

Denny Kurniadie,
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Ryan Widianto,
Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Dedi Widayat,
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Uum Umiyati,
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Yayan Sumekar,
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Ceppy Nasahi,
Department of Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Santika Sari,
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya, Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Abdul Shukor Juraimi,
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Hisashi Kato-Noguchi,
Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki, Kagawa, 761-0795, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13914

An Assessment of the Structure of Vegetables Farming and Farmer’s Perception of Soil and Water Degradation in Two Periurban Areas in Yaounde Cameroon | Chapter 7 | Research Advances and Challenges in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

In peri-urban areas of Yaounde, Cameroon, vegetable farming plays a significant role in the local agricultural economy. This study aims to assess the structure of vegetable farming and farmers' perceptions of soil and water degradation in two peri-urban areas in Yaoundé, Cameroon, namely Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson. Peri-urban areas are characterized by the interface of urban and rural activities and are often subjected to various environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization. Understanding the dynamics of vegetable farming and farmers' perceptions of soil and water degradation is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management. Results of our investigation in Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson Peri-urban areas in 2016 and 2023 showed that most vegetable farmers (75%) lack training in agriculture, while up to 90% didn’t benefit from training on the management of pesticides. Spreading and landfilling of amendments are the most popular ways of applying fertilizers. It is interesting to note that the majority of fertilizers (90%) are applied at planting time, indicating that farmers commonly apply fertilizers just before or during the planting phase. Besides, young plots are more exploited (52.4% and 30%) compared to older ones (2.4% and 5%) in Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson, respectively, as they are more responsive to fertilizer application. As a consequence, excessive and unbalanced fertilizer is applied to the oldest farms, which can lead to nutrient imbalances, environmental pollution, and negative impacts on soil health. For irrigation water, it usually comes from streams or small wells that are often highly polluted. The farmers’ perception of degradation is seen through the degradation of soil properties with time in the order of 14.3% to 60% and 15% to 44% at Nkolbisson and Nkolondom III respectively, resulting in a gradual decrease in crop production (up to 50%). It is also seen by introduction of contaminants into the soil through polluted water, affecting the quality of crops and potentially posing a risk to human health.

Author(s) Details:

Yvette Clarisse Mfopou Mewouo,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso and Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.

Mamadou Traore,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.

Amina Aboubakar,
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.

Jules Remy Ndam Ngoupayou,
University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.

Didier Begoude,
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.

Zacharia Gnankambary,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.

Hassan Bismarck Nacro,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13913