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Research Article
Enhancing Farmers Maize Productivity and Profitability in Central Ethiopia: Insights from Participatory Demonstration and Evaluation of Maize Varieties
Tesfahun Fikre*
,
Dirshaye Hailu
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
60-69
Received:
8 April 2024
Accepted:
23 April 2024
Published:
24 May 2024
Abstract: Despite its significance for food security and income, maize production in the Guraghe zone faces challenges like low yield and susceptibility to pests and disease. Cognizant of this fact, this study aims to determine the maize variety with optimal productivity and economic feasibility through active participation of farmer’s in Abeshge district of Gurage zone and Kebena special districts. A participatory action research design was followed to demonstrate and evaluate maize technologies for two consecutive years in the study areas. A total of 124 purposively selected farmers were participated in the on-farm evaluation of the varieties. While a total of 24 demonstration has been made in both districts over the course of two years’ time 2021/22-2022/23 main cropping seasons. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected viz focus group discussion, key informant interview and formal data sheet. The analysis of collected data involved the application of descriptive statistics, including mean, median, and percentage, alongside inferential statistics like the Mann-Whitney U-test. Evaluation of demonstrated maize varieties utilized techniques such as pair-wise ranking matrix, technological gap index, and extension gap. Additionally, the economic feasibility of these varieties was assessed through partial budget analysis. BH-549 consistently outperforms BH-546 in grain yield and technological performance, with a mean grain yield advantage ranging from 4.49% to 14.6%. In addition, the Mann Whitney U-test result also reveals that BH-549 has a statistically significant (P=0.019) higher grain yield than BH-546 in 2021/22 and (P=0.026) in 2022/23. Farmers’ preferences also align with BH-549, ranking it higher across various traits. Economically, BH-549 demonstrates superior profitability, highlighted by a higher Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) and MRR percentage (770), emphasizing its economic viability for smallholder farmers. As BH-549 exhibits a consistent superiority in yield, farmers preference and economic viability, the study recommends for further dissemination of BH-549 (Ilu) maize variety than BH-546 concerned bodies such as zonal and district level agriculture offices, NGO’s and seed enterprises in the study areas.
Abstract: Despite its significance for food security and income, maize production in the Guraghe zone faces challenges like low yield and susceptibility to pests and disease. Cognizant of this fact, this study aims to determine the maize variety with optimal productivity and economic feasibility through active participation of farmer’s in Abeshge district of...
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Research Article
Evaluating the Efficiency of Solar and Petrol-Powered Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerling Production
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
70-80
Received:
15 April 2024
Accepted:
3 May 2024
Published:
30 May 2024
Abstract: Accessibility of quality fingerlings is dependable on a hatchery system with the capacity to produce all year round. There are two hatchery systems operational in Nigeria namely, the flow-through and re-circulating systems. These two systems require electricity to power periodic or constant water supply and aeration. When electricity supply fails or non-existent, this will result in anxiety and hardship to hatchery operators with the subsequent low output. This paper, therefore, assessed the production efficiency of solar and petrol-powered generator recirculating aquaculture systems for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings production. The results obtained from the growth performance and survival percentage of Clarias gariepnus reared in the two recirculating systems (solar and generator powered recirculating systems) showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) in the initial weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of C. gariepnus from the two-recirculating systems. However, the result showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the final mean weight, weight gained, and survival rate in the two-recirculating systems. Aligning with the guidelines outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the means and range values of temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/l), pH and ammonia, observed from the two recirculating production systems indicated temperature (22.81°C - 25.11°C), dissolved pH (7.10-7.42), dissolved oxygen (6.22- 6.62mg/l), ammonia (0.04-0.08mg/l) respectively. The survival rate of fry reaching 84% for the solar group and 64% for the generator at the end of 28- 56 days. Thus, this study revealed that solar energy might become the most promising energy source that can replace the usual source of energy for hatchery operations in Nigeria. This study, therefore, recommended that Solar Powered Recirculating Systems be adopted where feasible, given their demonstrated support for increased growth rates and higher survival rates to enhance efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture production systems.
Abstract: Accessibility of quality fingerlings is dependable on a hatchery system with the capacity to produce all year round. There are two hatchery systems operational in Nigeria namely, the flow-through and re-circulating systems. These two systems require electricity to power periodic or constant water supply and aeration. When electricity supply fails o...
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Research Article
Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia
Worku Bekuma*,
Tessema Zewdu,
Meseret Girma
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
81-93
Received:
12 March 2024
Accepted:
16 April 2024
Published:
3 June 2024
Abstract: The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.
Abstract: The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangeme...
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