Agriculture and Forestry

Assessment of livelihood impacts is necessary information for the identification of whether the livelihood of the community is impacted or not. A study was conducted to explore impacts of forest cover change on rural local livelihoods in and around Jorgo Wato forest, West Wollega Zone of Oromia National Regional State. Purposive and random sampling selection of 120 household's interviews and 12 focus group discussions were used in this study. Due to forest cover changes, the livelihoods of the communities were affected and changed to more diverse activities. In order to minimize the impacts of forest cover change on communities and communities on forest cover change, programmes and strategies to use multiple benefits sharing of the communities from the various forests and forest products services as well as strengthening/establishing participatory forest management and forest policies that give carbon rights to land users are desirable prerequisites for enhancing forest benefits as the main means of protection.

The study aimed at assessing attitudes of female undergraduate students toward participating in farming activities and determining factors influencing participation using a descriptive-analytic research by a surveying approach. The statistical population consisted of 433 female students enrolled in various disciplines at the three branches of the College of Science and Humanities at the Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2016/2017. Out of the total population, some 90 students were selected randomly. A well-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was administrated as a research tool. Results of the study revealed that 42.2% of the target females were with positive attitude towards farming and were agreed to get involved in the farming activities, 30% students remained neutral whereas some 27.8% students showed negative attitude towards agricultural work. The findings showed that there was a significant difference between agreed and disagreed female students regar...

Bakı -2020 -Baku TƏŞKİLAT KOMİTƏSİ SƏDR: Eldar Qasımov -tibb elmləri doktoru, professor SƏDR MÜAVİNİ: Elçin Hüseynbiotibb elmlər doktoru MƏSUL KATİB: Dürdanə Hümbətli -filologiya üzrə fəlsəfə doktoru, dosent ÜZVLƏR: İbrahim Cəfərov -AMEA-nın müxbir üzvü Elşad Qurbanov -AMEA-nın müxbir üzvü Zöhrab Qarayev -tibb elmləri doktoru, professor İbadulla Ağayev -tibb elmləri doktoru, professor Maarif Cəfərovfizika-riyaziyyat elmləri doktoru, professor Elçin Ağayev -tibb elmləri doktoru, professor Eldar Məsimovfizika-riyaziyyat elmləri doktoru, professor İmran Cümşüdov -kənd təsərrüfatı elmləri doktoru Aytəkin Axundova -biologiya üzrə fəlsəfə doktoru, dosent THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Eldar Gasimovdoctor of medical science, professor DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: Elchin Huseyndoctor of biomedical sciences EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: Durdana Humbatli -PhD in philology MEMBERS: Ibrahim Jafarovcorrespondent member of ANAS Elshad Gurbanovcorrespondent member of ANAS Zohrab Garayevdoctor of medical science, professor Ibadulla Aghayevdoctor of medical science, professor Maarif Jafarovdoctor of physical and mathematical sciences, professor Elchin Aghayevdoctor of medical science, professor Eldar Mesimovdoctor of physical and mathematical sciences, professor Imran Jumshudovdoctor of agricultural sciences Aytekin Achundova -PhD in biological sciences, Associate professor © «Təbiət və elm», 2020

The main poplar culture in India, is happening towards south of the Himalayan foothills in the north western region of the country and is based on around two dozen Populus deltoides clones. Trees are grown on largely farm lands along with assorted agricultural crops having endemic and widespread acceptance in the region of poplar culture. Published reports indicate very high timber productivity up to 59 cum/ha/year and good plantations grow at the average rate of 5 m in height and 5 cm in diameter per annum over a short rotation of 6-7 years. The current annual increment (CAI) and mean annual increment (MAI) for height, diameter and volume growth of good growing plantations culminate between 3 to 4 years and these plantations are harvested at a very young age i.e., 3 years on ward based on market conditions, demand and supply of its wood and farmer's need for money from tree sale. The Important stimulators contributing towards such a high productivity of poplar plantations include its culture in warm and humid geographical locations towards the low latitudinal limits of the natural distribution of the species, regular development and replacement of old cultivars with the site matched productive ones, innovative nursery production system to maintain quality of the planting stock, intensive cultural inputs including repeated soil working, surface irrigation, nutritional application for intercrops those are also available for poplar, and tending operations. Poplar culture is synchronized with soil working just near the planting time so that saplings on field planting get fast rooting, sprouting and growth. Maintenance of planting stock in juvenile stage and in full turgid conditions just before field planting and flood irrigation immediately after planting results in acceptable performance attributes of higher survival and better early growth. Repeated soil working of fields for agricultural crops grown inside poplar plantations helps in developing fibrous root system around the availability of growth inputs near the surface far their best utilization. Tending operations viz., removal of side buds of saplings for unwanted shoot growth, lateral and vertical pruning are also important stimulators to improve the qualitative growth. The paper summarizes the standard package and practices from regular development of cultivars to quality planting stock production, field planting, cultural and tending operations including preferred agricultural crops grown therewith which together contribute towards high productivity of poplar plantations.

Under the United Nat ions Framewo rk Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), part icipating countries are required to report national inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or uptake. The current challenge is to reduce the uncertainties in producing accurate and reliable act ivity data of Carbon (C) stock changes and emission factors essential for reporting national inventories. Improvements in above ground biomass estimation can also help account for changes in C stock in forest areas that may potentially participate in the Clean Develop ment Mechanism (CDM), REDD plus and other initiat ives. The methods adopted for such estimations vary with respect to geography, objective of the study, available expertise, data and scientific excellence adopted. However the current objectives for such estimates need a unified approach which can be measurable, reportable, and verifiable. Th is might result to a geographically referenced bio mass density database for tropical forests that would reduce uncertainties in estimat ing annual bio mass increment and forest aboveground biomass. In the light of above requirements, this paper intends to present an overview of the methodologies adopted in India fro m local to country level estimates to assess C sequestration potential in d ifferent forest co mponents. The paper also discusses remote sensing and Geographical Informat ion System (GIS) in itiat ives taken in this field and the possibility of adopting an integrated approach for reliable, accurate and cost effective estimates.

Vert isols with 2:1 type clay minerals have the ability to swell and shrink, as well as having a negative charge that can lead to fix ammon iu m (NH 4 + ). Engineering of the urea-humate is believed able to minimize effects of this ammon iu m fixation. This study was performed to examine interactions between urea and potassium-humate at various concentrations in terms of the release of N-NH 4 + and N-NO 3 in ricefield Vert isols. Five concentrations of potassium-humate were applied in urea-hu mate engineering. Vertisols have a lo w content of N-total and C-organic , high CEC, acid ic p H, and clay texture with 80% clay fraction. The content of carboxy l group in potassium-humate is lower than OH-phenol group, and these functional groups were interacted with urea at a concentration of 26 pp m, 130 pp m and 260 ppm. Urea-hu mate in these concentrations formed an aro mat ic-amide in wave numbers 1677,95 cm -1 and 1679,88 cm -1 , and has a higher bond strength on treatment with higher concentrations of humate. Urea-humate of 260 ppm has the lowest release of N-NH 4 + (<50%) and the lowest release of N-NO 3 -(8.54%) in the third week of soil incubation. While the release of N-NH 4 + and N-NO 3 fro m the u rea was 500,91% and 145,53% at the third week of soil incubation. The release of N-NH 4 + reached maximu m level at p H 6,08, whereas the release of N-NO 3 reached maximu m level at pH 6,01.

Researches regarding the use of agricultural residues as raw material for the fibrous pulp and paper industries are important, especially the use of castor (Ricinus communis L.), whose application can be found in many sectors of the economy, with its main product derived from the oil of its seeds. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of castor fibrous waste, such as leaves, branches and stems to evaluate the potential of these residues for pulp and paper production. Results of physico-chemical analysis of castor residues revealed the following contents: 80.10 % of holocellulose (50.56% of cellulose and 29.64% of hemicellulose); 17.34% of lignin; 1.48% of ash; 1.24% of extractives soluble in hot water; and 1.88% of extractives soluble in organic solvents. In general, fibrous crop residues of castor presented as a good alternative for pulp and paper manufacturing, since they have high cellulose content compared with its basic density.

The increasingly demand of chicken meat in Sudan has prompted more poultry farming with consequent effects on increased utilization of organic wastes (e.g. chicken manure) as fertilizers. Organic wastes contain varying amounts of water, mineral nutrients and organic matter. While the use of organic wastes as manure has been in practice for centuries worldwide. A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat during the period (February-May 2007) to study the effect of different rates of chicken manure on growth and forage yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.), Moench). The treatments consisted of four levels of chicken manure; 0, 1.2, 2.5 and 5.0 tons/ha. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design in four replicates. The character studies were plant population, plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, leaf area index, and fresh and dry forage yield. The results showed that there were significant differences among treatments in most parameters during the growing period for growth attributes under study. Chicken manure resulted in an increase in growth attributes as well as forage yield. Chicken manure (5 tons/ha) produced higher fresh and dry forage at harvest than the other treatments.

The study was carried out to evaluate the differences in physicochemical properties of soils under oil palm plantations of different ages in Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three different oil palm plantations planted in different years: 1978, 1990 and 2005 respectively. Soil samples were also collected from a bush fallow land close by. Surface soil samples were collected randomly from these plantations at 0-15cm depth. Five surface soil samples were collected from each plantation. Core samples were also collected for bulk density determination. The samples were bagged and taken to the laboratory for analyses. From the results, it was shown that there were differences in the physicochemical properties of the different soils studied. Bulk density, total porosity, and moisture content in 1978 oil palm plantation significantly differed from other soils studied. Furthermore, the pH (6.61), organic carbon (43.94g/kg) and total Nitrogen content (3.26) in 1978 oil palm plantation were significantly higher than in other soils. Moreover, available phosphorus (5.14mg/kg) and potassium (0.306cmol/kg) in 1990 oil palm plantation were higher than those from other soils studied. In addition, soil properties like; organic matter, percentage base saturation, total nitrogen, percent clay, total porosity and bulk density varied significantly at (P<0.05) while percent sand, exchangeable calcium, potassium and sodium did not show any significant difference in their variability at (P<0.05) among oil palm plantations. In conclusion, the findings of the work showed that soil properties differed under oil palm plantations of different ages and therefore, should be treated differently based on their properties.

This article reports the results of measuring organic carbon contents in biomass and soil of an Alnus nepalensis forest in Kath mandu. The aboveground and belowground biomass of A. nepalensis were 62.21 t/ha and 12.44 t/ha respectively in the forest. The aboveground and belowground carbon stock in the forest were 29.24 t/ha and 5.85 t/ha respectively. Average organic carbon stock in soil depths 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm were found 19.78 t/ha and 10.61 t/ha respectively. The mean o rganic soil carbon stock in 0-20 cm soil depth was found 15.20 t/ha and in liv ing bio mass was found 35.09 t/ha. The organic carbon stock in 0-10cm soil depth was found 1.86 times more than in soil depth of 10-20 cm. Carbon stored in living vegetation biomass is 2.31 times more than soil organic carbon in the forest upto 20cm soil depth. Soil bulk density in 0-10 cm and 10-20cm soil depths were found 0.69 g/cm 3 and 1.14 g/cm 3 respectively.

Apple production is largely affected by the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum, causal agents of fruit bitter rot. Economic losses account for 30-80%. Colletotrichum spp. are the most destructive if the infection occurs after harvest and storage. The disease is managed by fungicide application during the season. Due to increased concern for human health and the environment, as well as to problems with pathogen resistance development, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical control measures, such as essential oils, became the object of many researches. The aim of the study was to investigate which essential oils have a potential to be used as control agents against Colletotrichum spp. Effects of volatile phase of 56 essential oils on C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum were investigated. For both fungal species, oregano oils A, B, C and D were fungicidal at rates ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 μl/ml of air, and oregano oil E at rate of 0.08 μl/ml of air. Minimum inhibitory ...

SUMMARY Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. is a dryland tree species with diverse ecological and economic benefits. It is a source of frankincense with wider applications in cultural uses and modern pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite the potential and actual economic and environmental conservation benefits of the tree species, the woodland harboring this species is degrading. Adequate knowledge on the resource base including the current status of its population is crucial for sustainable management of the resource. This paper presents (i) the population structure and density of Boswellia; (ii) the natural regeneration status of Boswellia; and (iii) assess the frankincense harvesting intensity and visible damages on Boswellia tree in the study area. The study was carried out in two woodlands in South Kordofan state, Sudan, namely Kajinat reserved forest and Tajmala unreserved forest. The results show that the population of the tree species is unstable characterized by l...

The Polimlje catchment area in the north of Montenegro covers an area of around 2200 km 2 where the river Lim receives 57 tributaries. One of the watersheds is the Rovacki River Basin, where the authors of this paper studied physical-geographical characteristics. Research of the Polimlje area was performed by several authors, applying classical qualitative and quantitative methods, using many mathematical models and various mechanical instruments in what was a very complex and time-consuming process. Many factors have influenced the development of erosion processes in the territory of the subject river basin. The most significant factors are the area's climate, relief, geological substrate and pedological composition, as well as the condition of the vegetation cover and the land use. The authors of this paper applied computer-graphic methods using "IntErO" software to calculate soil erosion intensity and maximum outflow. The research predicts that the maximal outflow (incidence for the next 100 years) from the river basin, Q max , is 40 m 3 s -1 . The river basin belongs in "Destruction Category IV", according to the classification system of Professor Gavrilovic. The strength of the erosion process is weak, and the type is mixed erosion. The real soil losses are 1371 m³/year (117 m³/km²/year). To support faster vegetation recovery and protect the region from erosion processes, some biological protection measures need to be applied. These would prevent rapid runoff and maintain low transport of erosion material. This would further support reforestation and the recovery of grass, shrubs and trees.

The study examined the price transmission and market integration of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets of Akwa Ibom State in Southern region of Nigeria. Average monthly prices (measured in naira per kilogram) of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets were used in the analysis. The data came from the quarterly publication of the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP). The data covered January 2005 to June 2013. The findings show that, prices of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets has constant exponential growth rate of 0.59% which suggests perfect co-movement for rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. Also, the Pearson correlation coefficient matrix revealed that, the rural price of local and foreign rice has linear symmetrical relationships with their corresponding urban prices. The result connotes the existence of symmetric market information flows between the rural and urban rice markets in the state. The Granger causality test revealed bidirectional relationship between rural and urban price of local and foreign rice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The results of the co-integration test revealed the presence of co-integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice as well as support the hypothesis of perfect price transmission between the two markets in the study area. The coefficients of the price variable in the co-integration equations for local and foreign rice markets converge to unity which connotes perfect market integration in the long run. The results of the error correction model (ECM) also confirm the existence of the short run market integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. In addition, the result shows that, the price of local rice in both rural and urban markets adjusted faster than prices of foreign rice once there is an exogenous shock in the marketing process of rice in Akwa Ibom State. The index of market concentration (IMC) supports the high short run market integration between prices in rural and urban markets for local and foreign rice commodities and the quick adjustment of rural price of local rice in relative to rural price of foreign rice. Based on the finding, it is recommended that, the state government should continue to provide marketing infrastructures to improve the symmetric nature of information among participants in rice marketing in the state. Attempt should be made to reduce excessive externality costs in rice marketing in order to fully reap the benefit of rice market integration in the state.

Moringa oleifera is considered one of the most useful trees being pro moted across the world for its nutritional value. Ho wever, the production requirements of this crop are seldo m known. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of soil type and cattle manure on init ial establishment and growth of M. oleifera. Greenhouse experiments were conducted at Africa University, Zimbabwe in a 4×4 factorial treat ment structure laid in a randomized co mplete block design replicated 3 times. Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam and clay soils were used while cattle manure was applied to all the soils at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 40% on mass to mass basis. Results showed that, plant height, nu mber of branches, basal stem d iameter, root, shoot and total dry biomass significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) with an increase in the amount of cattle manure applied. An increase of 173% in M. oleifera height was recorded where 40% manure was applied. Clay loam soils significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) ...

Wheat row planting has been seen as good agronomic practice for increasing wheat yield in Ethiopia. Agricultural extension activity is concerned with the promotion and scaling-up of wheat row planting. Farmers have been practicing the row planting manually since 2009. However, there is lack of empirical study on the impact of row planting on wheat yield compared to the conventional broadcast planting method in highland and lowland wheat producing agro-ecologies. To fill this gap, this study estimates the impact of row planting on wheat yield of farmers. Cross-sectional survey data collected from randomly selected 248 farmers, logit model, and propensity score matching methods were used to achieve the objective of the study. The study obtained that wheat row planting has significant impact on wheat yield of farmers in the selected highland agro-ecology; and it has non-significant yield impact in the lowland agro-ecology. The mean yield of row planted wheat was higher by 13.9 percent when compared to the mean yield of conventional broadcast planting method in the highland area. It is recommended that other agronomic practices along with the row planting method need to be considered for increasing wheat yield as well as for the successful promotion, adoption and scaling up of best agronomic practices.

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is increasing interest for the adaptation and use of the innovation systems approach to advance learning and development in the Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) sector. This crave is constrained by unavailability of a proven blue print that describe the paradigm shift from the linear approach and how such could function under different socioeconomic , cultural and political climate. This paper uses three case studies from the Sub Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP) to accentuate approaches and strategies for the successful use of the innovation system approach in agricultural research and development. The paper shows that the establishment of Innovation Platforms under the premise of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) at the grass-root uses social networks and capital to mobilize for collective action necessary to meet market demand. It also shows that the ensued iterative structure is suitable for dealing with policy issues that constrain value chain at district level, while the apex structure is functional in dealing with policy issues at national and regional level. This paper proposes a coordinated ARD strategy that links innovation platforms at the continental, sub-regional, national and the grass root as the best practices for comprehensive use of innovation system approach.

An on-farm yam experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching on soil temperature and moisture regime on white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) growth and yield in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Three mulching options (grass mulched, polythene mulched and unmulched) was selected and related to crop growth and yield. Grass mulch significantly (P < 0.05) lowered maximum soil temperature by 1-2℃ at 15cm depth during the thermal critical period (January-March). This led to higher rate of emergence which accounted for 28 and 46% to the polythene mulch and the unmulched plots respectively. Furthermore, grass mulch had tuber yield of about 4-6 tonnes ha-1 season-1 greater than the polythene mulch and the unmulched plots. Irrespective of mulching materials, it was found that mulching significantly (P< 0.05) increased tuber yield by about 6-8 tonnes ha-1 season-1 than the unmulched. The effect of grass mulch over nylon mulch on yam performance in the study was also discussed.

Wheat row planting has been seen as good agronomic practice for increasing wheat yield in Ethiopia. Agricultural extension activity is concerned with the promotion and scaling-up of wheat row planting. Farmers have been practicing the row planting manually since 2009. However, there is lack of empirical study on the impact of row planting on wheat yield compared to the conventional broadcast planting method in highland and lowland wheat producing agro-ecologies. To fill this gap, this study estimates the impact of row planting on wheat yield of farmers. Cross-sectional survey data collected from randomly selected 248 farmers, logit model, and propensity score matching methods were used to achieve the objective of the study. The study obtained that wheat row planting has significant impact on wheat yield of farmers in the selected highland agro-ecology; and it has non-significant yield impact in the lowland agro-ecology. The mean yield of row planted wheat was higher by 13.9 percent when compared to the mean yield of conventional broadcast planting method in the highland area. It is recommended that other agronomic practices along with the row planting method need to be considered for increasing wheat yield as well as for the successful promotion, adoption and scaling up of best agronomic practices.

This study assesses the performances of forest personnel in Akwa Ibom State in meeting their target revenue for the state using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The primary data were obtained using a structured questionnaire, oral interviews, and direct observation, while the secondary data were obtained from all the 31 Divisions and the Directorate of Forestry in Akwa Ibom State. Data collected were analyzed using the descriptive and stochastic frontier analysis to assess efficiency The results obtained showed that the majority of the respondents were male (59.50%), in their economically active and productive age bracket (50.41), attended tertiary education (79.33%), were married (69.42%), had a family size of fewer than 5 members (71.90%), and received a monthly income of ₦41,000 - ₦50,000 (42.15%). Also, the majority of the respondents had been in service for 11 – 15 years (30.23%), resided in their stations (72.09%), and received various forms of in-training (65.12%) to ...

Desertification, a phenomenon referring to land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions as a result of climatic variations and human activities, is considered as one of the most severe environmental and socioeconomic problems o f recent times. The p rincipal aim o f th is study was to exp lore the impacts of desertification, degradation and drought on both the natural resources and man's livelihood in the Sudan and to suggest appropriate forest resource management interventions. The study was based on a fact finding tour in the Sudan and data collection on drought trends as reflected in rainfall trends in the study area, and on trends concerning the productivity of natural resources. Information was also comp iled fro m existing records on rainfall, forest land cover, forest stocking, rangelands and carrying capacity and on agricultural p roductivity and population trends. Results showed that in rain-fed agricultural zones in the Sudan, deep ploughing and leveling of the surface soil caused an increase in its susceptibility to wind erosion, wh ich, in turn, has led to a severe decline in its fertility and, in some places, the formation of sand dunes. The implications of these trends on the natural resource base include environmental degradation, food insecurity and aggravation of inco me inequalit ies among the Sudanese producers. The study has suggested Agroforestry technology as a potential solution to this continued problem of declining ru ral ag ricu ltural production in the Sudan.

This study re-examined the BM N model making use of the Sig ma Plot software (based on the Levenberg -Marquardt algorithm) to generate modified versions of the BMN model that are specific for Ibadan, Kano and Onne and one version which applicable across the country, correcting some perceived shortcomings of the BMN. Records of climat ic variables (So lar radiat ion, Maximu m and Min imu m Temperature, Maximu m and M inimu m Relat ive Hu mid ity and Wind speed) were collected fro m three International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Stations in Ibadan, Kano and Onne. For Ibadan, a 36-year (1973 -2008) record was obtained, for Kano, a 29-year (1980 -2008) record was obtained and for Onne, a 31-year (1977 -2006) record was obtained. Evapotranspiration rates for each of the stations were then estimated using the FAO56-PM model. ET o estimates fro m the FAO56-PM model were thereafter used to recalibrate the BM N model, generating new model constants for Ibadan, Kano, Onne and a model co mb ining the climatic characteristics of the three stations. The re-calibrated BM N model had h igher correlat ion values of 0.74, 0.79 and 0.75 for Ibadan, Onne and Kano respectively when compared with the FAO-56 model than the Original BM N model when compared with the FAO56-PM model with values of 0.7, 0.77 and 0.75 respectively for Ibadan, Onne and Kano.

Farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR), an agroforestry practice involving the managed natural regeneration of ligneous plant species by farmers in their fields, has been included in several projects in south-central Niger.  The experience of one such project is described.  A range of management options are notes and reasons for acceptance of FMNR outlined including: getting started in FMNR is simple, FMNR is cheap, it produces relatively short-term benefits, it requires only a minimum of community organization, and there has been effective extension and appropriate government support.

FMNR requires no nurseries, no vehicles and no special tools. The basic techniques are easily understood and are based on indigenous knowledge of agricultural and silvicultural practices. Information about FMNR is easily passed from farmer to farmer.  Mastering FMNR does require intuitive and practical skills, but these can be learned by experience and through traditional channels of information exchange.  Because costly inputs are not required, ease of replication is enhanced and sustainability virtually assured.  FMNR must be supported by work to remove disincentives and to build the preconditions necessary for successful private initiative in local level natural resources management. The authors conclude that FMNR is a viable, local-level natural resources management technique with significant potential both in Niger and more broadly across the West African Sahel.

Three trials were conducted using completely randomized designs to evaluate the influence of concentration of thiamine supplementation on honey bee colony growth (brood and adult population) in different seasons. Twenty Iranian honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera meda), divided into 5 experimental groups, were used in the study. Control groups were fed sugar syrup. The experimental colonies were fed in the same manner but with syrup supplemented with different levels of thiamine (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm). Each diet was tested on a set of four colonies selected for each treatment. Changes in brood areas had significantly difference between colonies fed thiamine (200 ppm) and sugar syrup (control) in summer season (P&lt;0.05). In summer season the lowest brood production occurred in colonies fed sugar syrup. In winter season, adult population sizes and brood areas in colonies fed syrup supplemented with thiamine (200 ppm) were significantly larger than colonies fed sugar syrup (P&lt;...

Apple production is largely affected by the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum, causal agents of fruit bitter rot. Economic losses account for 30-80%. Colletotrichum spp. are the most destructive if the infection occurs after harvest and storage. The disease is managed by fungicide application during the season. Due to increased concern for human health and the environment, as well as to problems with pathogen resistance development, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical control measures, such as essential oils, became the object of many researches. The aim of the study was to investigate which essential oils have a potential to be used as control agents against Colletotrichum spp. Effects of volatile phase of 56 essential oils on C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum were investigated. For both fungal species, oregano oils A, B, C and D were fungicidal at rates ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 μl/ml of air, and oregano oil E at rate of 0.08 μl/ml of air. Minimum inhibitory ...

This study examines credit demand by maize farmers and analyses factors influencing their use of informal and formal credits. The analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 590 maize farmers in seven districts of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana during May-July 2010. Descriptive statistics, probit and bivariate probit models were used to analyse the data. The study revealed informal credit sources for maize farmers as relatives and friends, traders and private money lenders. Maize traders are major players in the informal credit market followed by agricultural input sellers. Among the formal sources rural banks are the most prominent. Regional location, Gender, engagement in other economic activities and the level of agricultural commercialisation were observed to be factors that influence farmers' demand for informal credit. In addition to these factors, farmer years of education and proximity to financial institution influence demand for formal credit. The result of the bivariate probit suggests that formal and informal credits are not necessarily perfect substitutes but they complement each other to provide credit needs of farmers in maize production.

The study examined the price transmission and market integration of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets of Akwa Ibom State in Southern region of Nigeria. Average monthly prices (measured in naira per kilogram) of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets were used in the analysis. The data came from the quarterly publication of the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP). The data covered January 2005 to June 2013. The findings show that, prices of local and foreign rice in rural and urban markets has constant exponential growth rate of 0.59% which suggests perfect co-movement for rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. Also, the Pearson correlation coefficient matrix revealed that, the rural price of local and foreign rice has linear symmetrical relationships with their corresponding urban prices. The result connotes the existence of symmetric market information flows between the rural and urban rice markets in the state. The Granger causality test revealed bidirectional relationship between rural and urban price of local and foreign rice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The results of the co-integration test revealed the presence of co-integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice as well as support the hypothesis of perfect price transmission between the two markets in the study area. The coefficients of the price variable in the co-integration equations for local and foreign rice markets converge to unity which connotes perfect market integration in the long run. The results of the error correction model (ECM) also confirm the existence of the short run market integration between the rural and urban prices of local and foreign rice in the study area. In addition, the result shows that, the price of local rice in both rural and urban markets adjusted faster than prices of foreign rice once there is an exogenous shock in the marketing process of rice in Akwa Ibom State. The index of market concentration (IMC) supports the high short run market integration between prices in rural and urban markets for local and foreign rice commodities and the quick adjustment of rural price of local rice in relative to rural price of foreign rice. Based on the finding, it is recommended that, the state government should continue to provide marketing infrastructures to improve the symmetric nature of information among participants in rice marketing in the state. Attempt should be made to reduce excessive externality costs in rice marketing in order to fully reap the benefit of rice market integration in the state.

The present study evaluated the main physical and chemical characteristics of Syrah grapes, coming from the tropical region of São Francisco river valley, harvested at different times and their relationship with analytical characteristics of resulting wines. Grapes came from the first half of 2009 harvest, collected at Casa Nova - Bahia, a semi-arid and hot region, comprising an interval from 84 days after pruning (84 dap) to the beginning of grape over-ripening, 133 days after pruning (133 dap). Harvests at 84, 91, 98, 105, 112, 119, 126 and 133 dap, were analyzed for pH, soluble solids and acidity in grapes, which were then processed for wine production. Maximum sugar/acidity ratio (s/a = 56) were observed in grapes harvested between 126 and 133 dap, coincided with the highest concentration of anthocyanins (851 mg L-1) and total tannins (2.6 g L-1) in the resulting wines, indicating that grapes collected between 126 and 133 dap showed the best potential for winemaking in the tropi...

This study aimed to evaluate the energy efficiency, thermal power and amount of volatiles released (CO 2 , CO and SO 2 ) by three models of wood-metallic cookstoves into single-family residences in the city of Irati / PR, Brazil. All cookstoves had a low average energy efficiency fro m 2.9% ± 0.3 (stove 1), 2.6% ± 0.5 (stove 2) to 4.6% ± 0.2 (stove 3). The thermal power was 159.3 W ± 14.2 (stove 1), 142.7 W ± 39.2 (stove 2) and 176.5 W ± 21.7 (stove 3). It was observed a high pollutant levels of volatile compounds such as CO 34,9 Nm 3 /kg ± 3,1; 35,2 Nm 3 /kg ± 8,6 and 24,5 Nm 3 /kg ± 2,1; CO 2 314,4 Nm 3 /kg ± 28,3; 316,5 Nm 3 /kg ± 77,0 and 220,9 Nm 3 / kg ± 19,0, lastly SO 2 0,027 Nm 3 /kg ±0,0; 0,027 Nm 3 /kg ± 0,0 and 0,019 Nm 3 /kg ± 0,0, respectively fro m first to third stove. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the stove 3 showed to be the most efficient among the models investigated. In general, the obtained data indicate a low energy conversion and a potential health risk to the user due the release of to xic gases, such as carbon mono xide, present in the smo ke inside the house's kitchen.

Reports of damage by grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) to cassava and other crops has increased in recent years. The attack on cassava is particularly threatening to the livelihood of many poor subsistence farmers in Sierra Leone. As such, an evaluation was conducted to investigate the use of host plant resistance as an alternative method of managing grasshopper rather than the sole reliance on chemicals. The experiment was laid out in a randomized co mplete block design with three rep lications. Two b locks were used (protected and unprotected) with twenty cassava varieties

In the past, Mau forest complex has faced a wide range of disturbances majorly anthropogenic in nature. In this paper, the ecosystem floristic composition, richness, diversity and affinities are evaluated. Diameter at breast height (dbh) was measured and types and levels of disturbances recorded in plots, dbh of saplings measured in subplots and seedlings counted in microplots. To obtain the floristic composition and richness, we categorized species based on their families, development stages and life forms. Shannon-Wiener information index (H') and Jaccard (JIA) and Sorensen(S) similarity indices were used to evaluate the species diversity and similarity respectively Trees, recorded belonged to 52 species, 45 genera and 31 families for seedlings; 43 species, 38 genera and 29 families for saplings and 55 species, 48 genera and 31 families for mature trees. The most species-rich family was rutaceae with six species followed by moraceae and flacourtiaceae with five. Western Kedowa had the highest diversity. Northern and Western Kedowa were the most similar pairs. Past and present disturbances and aggressive proliferation of the invasive; Trichocladus ellipticus (Eckl. and Zeyh) are the main causes of low species diversity and richness. In conclusion, the sites are floristically dissimilar but at varying degrees. The post-disturbance recovery on different sites is following different trajectory successional pathways. We recommend that the ongoing disturbances should be curtailed to promote regeneration and successful recruitment of non-pioneer species.

Recent years have witnessed a significant imp rovement in the adoption and promotion of agroforestry technologies among s mallholder farmers worldwide and in particu lar, developing countries. This paper examines the main socioeconomic factors related to farmers' decision to adopt and pro mote agroforestry practices. While environ mental factors such as topography, soil types and climat ic factors affect plant growth and development, findings suggest that the main socioeconomic factors that determine the actual occurrence of agroforestry are household security, access to capital and incentives, labour, gender, land tenure, farm size and knowledge for management. Sustainable development through agroforestry can be achieved through genuine and continuous involvement of farmers in agroforestry activities. Recognizing and addressing fundamental factors that determine involvement of people in develop mental activ ities predisposes an agroforestry project to genuine local participat ion.

The preliminary investigation into the postharvest fungal deterioration of Shea nuts and kernels with the aim to investigate and assess the impact of the fungi on the postharvest deterioration of Shea nuts and stored Shea kernels revealed four types of postharvest deterioration which are nut cracks, kernels discoloration, nuts discoloration and kernel deterioration. The major causes of the postharvest deterioration of Shea nuts are mainly as a result of cracks in the nut, insect's larvae and microorganisms. The microorganisms isolated from the postharvest fungal deterioration of Shea kernels using the serial plate dilution techniques, revealed the presence of four genera of microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Mucor Phoma and Fusarium spp while two genera of microorganisms namely Aspergillus and Xylaria were isolated from the Shea kernels and nuts respectively. The prevalence of these fungi on the deteriorated Shea kernels was as a result of favourable pH of between 5.8 and 6.0 and moisture content of between 4.76% and 10%. The possible source of these microbial contaminants on the Shea nuts and kernels was through cracks in the Shea nuts, insect's larvae, contaminants from the environment and storage conditions. The results of the pathogenicity test with these isolates showed that Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and A. persii were more pathogenic on the Shea kernels than the other isolates. These pathogens caused loss of viability of Shea nuts, tainting, colour deterioration and rot of the kernels which could result in poor quality of the processed Shea butter. Due to the economic importance of the Shea nut and kernels which include it uses for Shea butter and Shea oil production, it is important to development an appropriate cost effective techniques for storing the Shea kernels against postharvest fungal deterioration so as to harness its full economic benefits.

The assessment of landscape fragmentation (LF) in developing regions is vital to support sustainable decision making in managing the accelerating territorial transformations. Albania is a case where the territorial development processes exhibit extensive transformation rates of land use and land cover (LULC). Lack of measurements for the existing situation and the ongoing high rates of LULC alterations are alerting to act. First, for assessing the current fragmentation caused primarily by the road network and land use change, and second, for highlighting regions of significant importance for biodiversity protection. This study aims to address LF assessment by developing an analytical workflow of consecutive steps utilizing QGIS software. Furthermore, we aim to identify the existing degree of LF in Albania through quantitative results after defining key fragmenting geometries. Effective mesh size (meff) is selected as the landscape metric to be used in quantifying the assessment of LF in four levels. The materials of our study rely on open access geospatial data like, CORINE Land Cover, open street map, and digital elevation model, which are utilized as raw data of the analytical processes. At this stage the method is flexible enough to be applied in other developing regions. The results derived from meff calculation highlighted the extended influence of LF phenomenon, mainly caused by transportation infrastructure and agricultural areas. We push forward this method as a rapid quantitative landscape assessment technique to deliver reliable graphical and statistical results, which are of assistance to institutions responsible of decision-making processes in spatial planning and management in Albania and beyond.

This paper questions the conduct of key processes and outcome of preliminary actions leading to national engagements and commitment for the management of transboundary protected areas and how these fit into the broader picture of multi-stakeholder negotiation and collaboration framework. Using the participatory learning and action method, authors accompanied stakeholders (consultants, facilitators, experts and Ministers from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Congo) in negotiating the Mayombe forest transboundary protected area. Main activities carried out were baseline studies, internal meetings and multiparty meetings organized in the respective countries, Kinshasa (DRC) and Cabinda (Angola). Results show that the negotiation process was initially win-lose during the first multiparty meeting. These worsen to a lose-lose scenario in the second meeting. At this stage the process was rather externally-driven. After serious internal meetings and the intervention of senior officials it finally moved to a win-win situation as a result of increased national ownership. Since the ministers from the three countries were able to reverse the negotiation outcome, it appears that the views of high level government authorities are essential in preliminary arrangements in transboundary dialogue and cooperation. As such, protected areas negotiation schemes should not be limited to technical expertise but rather be inclusive of politics at the national and regional level. It is expected that increased national-level and local-level ownership would further improve the win-win tendencies

Rapid growth in Ghana's poultry imports revealed the weaknesses of the domestic industry in competing with imported products. Establishment of an intensive poultry system as a benchmark for examining the performance poultry production and marketing in addition to interviews with poultry stakeholders revealed the constraints in the poultry industry in Ghana. Results emphasized that Feed Conversion Rate is a major factor in reducing production cost and improving the broilers growth efficiency. The BNARI feed conversion rate for the broiler is 1.56 Kilogram of feed needed to produce 1 kg live weight compared to 2.12 kg of feed to produce 1 kg live weight by other poultry farmers engaged in the study. Feed costs represent more than 70% of the total cost of broilers production, and feed utilization efficiency, are critical for the growth rate of broilers. A major constraint is the lack of protection on the infant poultry industry by the Ghana government leading to unfair competition with cheap imported poultry products, which is 30-40 percent cheaper and undermines the growth of the local industry. Other constraints are high feed cost, high chick mortality as a result electricity power outage for brooding, feed and water contamination and consumer preference for imported poultry meat. There is still 74% demand market share to be fulfilled. The Ghana poultry industry is insecure because poultry farms are collapsing faster than new farms are being established or old farms are being expanded. There is a need for serious intervention by the government through policies and enforcements to reverse this trend.

Rapid growth in Ghana’s poultry imports revealed the weaknesses of the domestic industry in competing with imported products. Establishment of an intensive poultry system as a benchmark for examining the performance poultry production and marketing in addition to interviews with poultry stakeholders revealed the constraints in the poultry industry in Ghana. Results emphasized that Feed Conversion Rate is a major factor in reducing production cost and improving the broilers growth efficiency. The BNARI feed conversion rate for the broiler is 1.56 Kilogram of feed needed to produce 1 kg live weight compared to 2.12 kg of feed to produce 1 kg live weight by other poultry farmers engaged in the study. Feed costs represent more than 70% of the total cost of broilers production, and feed utilization efficiency, are critical for the growth rate of broilers. A major constraint is the lack of protection on the infant poultry industry by the Ghana government leading to unfair competition with...

Changes in crude protein (CP) content of tubers during storage in yam barns can be associated with dormancy and the start of sprouting. Storage environment is known to affect the timing of sprouting, but its effects on changes in crude protein content of yam tubers (during storage and sprouting) is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the effects of storage environment: natural light (the yam barn) and darkness (created with jute sacs in the yam barn), on CP changes in Dioscorea rotundata Poir. tubers during storage and sprouting. This study was a 2 x 3 factorial experiment, arranged in a Randomised Complete Block design with split-split plots. Tubers of three varieties of yam (Alaako, Dodoro and Odo) were harvested prior to the onset of plant senescence, and stored in the dark and natural light environments. During storage, the tubers were sampled and partitioned into Head, Middle and Tail regions, and then each region into peel and pulp, for CP analysis. Dark storage inhibited total tuber %CP content at 4 weeks in storage (WIS). Maximum %CP content was attained in all tuber regions at 8 WIS, followed by a progressive decline sprouting. Also at 8 WIS, tuber regions showed differential response to storage environment. Head regions had higher percentage CP content under Dark storage than under Light while, Tail regions had higher % CP content under Light storage than in Dark. Furthermore, %CP content in the peel and pulp of the Middle and Tail regions was enhanced by Light storage until 8 WIS after which it was higher under Dark storage; however, the reverse was the case for the Head-peel region. The ratio of peel to pulp CP content (% per region) was 2:1 before and after 8 WIS, while it was <3:1 in either environments at 8 WIS. Dark storage delayed sprouting compared to Light storage.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using treated olive mill wastewater (OMW) in irrigating tomato crops. The OMW was filtrated using a home-made filter of a matrix that mimics nature. OMW filtration improved physical and chemical properties of the filtrate as it became clear with neutral pH. The results showed that the 10% dilution of the filtrate gave best results compared with those irrigated with tap water. The 20% dilution gave the second best outcome followed by the 50% which gave an intermediate plant growth and production. Irrigation with untreated OMW killed the plants in a couple of days. Treated OMW was found to be useful in irrigating tomato crops at economic level.

Two hundred and forty day-old chicks with average body weight of 48.92±1.5 g were randomly distributed into 12 pens each with 20 chicks, representing four feeding regimen of T 1 (Unrestricted, Control), T 2 (Restricted at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age), T 3 (Restricted at 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of age) and T 4 (Restricted at 63, 70, 77 and 84 days of age). The experiment lasted for 22 weeks, during which feed intake and body weight changes were monitored. At the end of the experimental period, six pullets from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield, abdominal fat and weights and lengths of different parts of gastrointestinal tracts. The daily feed intake as well as body weight changes at different ages were non-significant (P>0.05). The feed efficiency also did not significantly varied (P>0.05). In contrast, the total feed intake (g) was significantly different (P<0.05) between treatments and birds under T 4 consume less. Dressed weight (g); abdominal fat free carcass (g); carcass with abdominal fat (g) and breast meat weights (g) were significantly (P<0.05) different. Abdominal fat weight was also highly significant (P<0.01) between the treatments. The weight and percentage of GIT and total giblet and parts of giblets were not (P>0.05) affected except liver weight which was higher (P<0.05) for T 3 . Cost of feed consumed per kg live weight gain was lower for the feed restricted birds and it was the least for T 4 . Besides, the labor cost was lower for the feed restricted groups. It is concluded that feed restriction at later days of age (T 4 ) is economically beneficial compared to the other early age restricted groups based on partial budget analysis. The results of this study suggested that the feed restriction at middle age (T 3 ) might be considered as beneficial in terms of carcass cut characteristics and T 4 on economic return.

Earthworms have been found to use wide variety of plant materials for food and derive sufficient nourishment from them. These plant materials have different impacts on the nature and amount of casts produced, size of population, growth rate and fecundity of the worms. It was against this backdrop that sub-adult Eudrilus eugenae were cultured for six weeks in a plastic sieve of dimension 11cm x 23cm, using different grass diets in a soil culture. The diets are; paspalum grass species (Pg), paspalum grass + pig manure (Pgm), bracharia grass species (Bg) and bracharia grass + pig manure (Bgm). The findings from the study show that cast production efficiency and the growth rate varied with the diets. Pig manure enhanced cast production ability of the earthworm. The total cast produced from the individual grass diets in three to six weeks were: 73.68gkg -1 (Bgm) &gt; 11.26gkg -1 (Pgm) &gt; 2.39gkg -1 (Bg) &gt; 2.37gkg -1 (Pg) respectively, while the percentage influence of pig manure on ...

The primary objective of this study was to identify the influence of irrigation and fertilization regime on some phenological stages and earliness of pruned pepper grown in plastic house. We applied four experimental treatments in this study. Three of the treatments were irrigated with drip irrigation and drip fertigation (KK1, KK2, KK3), while the last one was irrigated with furrow irrigation and conventional application of fertilizer (Ø B). From the results obtained during the three years of investigation, we can conclude that treatments with drip fertigation frequency of every 2 and 4 days (KK1 and KK2) and drip fertigation scheduled by tensiometers (KK3) shows from 4 to 10 days earlier initial technological maturity in comparison with Ø B. Results indicate that drip fertigation is an effective practice to achieve earlier yield. Namely, the drip fertigation treatments show from 19.34 to 38.89% higher earliness index compared with Ø B. Similar results were obtained for marketable yield, e.g. the lowest yield was obtained in treatment Ø B , while the highest one in treatment KK1.