Agricultural Production Programs Research Articles

Investigation of the impact of dual inoculations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on drought tolerance of maize grown in a compost-amended field under Mediterranean conditions.

In the current context of rapid climate change, water scarcity and soil poverty are becoming increasingly alarming, leading to growing losses of 30-50% of global agricultural production. It is imperative to find environmentally-friendly approaches for improving plant tolerance to drastic conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. Biostimulants based on symbiotic microbes are emerging as effective strategies for improving tolerance and agricultural productivity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of single and double inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (My) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (Ba) on the growth, physiological and biochemical traits of maize crop grown in compost (Co) amended soil under two irrigation regimes: well-watered (WW: 100% of crop evapotranspiration [ETc]) and drought-stressed (DS: 50% ETc) using drip irrigation system. Reducing irrigation to 50% reduced shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), 1,000-grains weight (TGW) and grain yield (Y). However, Ba alone increased SDW by 63%, while CoMyBa improved RDW, TGW and Y by 197, 43 and 175%, respectively compared with the control under DS conditions. Dual inoculation boosted root colonization intensity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), total chlorophyll and leaf area of maize seedlings in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls. The application of Ba significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde by 46%, in maize seedlings grown in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls under DS. Our results indicated that My and Ba significantly boost the ability of maize to tolerate drought by improving water supply and physiology and stimulating the accumulation of organic and inorganic osmolytes, as well as improving the properties of soils such as cation exchange capacity particularly amended by Co. The dual inoculations were the most effective and represent an environmentally-friendly and relatively inexpensive approach to optimizing agricultural production and soil restoration programs in Mediterranean regions.

Brazilian forest restoration: Success or better than nothing?

The Brazilian scientific community and non-governmental groups have been working to establish forest restoration programs, compensating for deforestation and mitigating losses from biodiversity and ecosystem services. In contrast, the previous Brazilian government moved in an opposite direction, revoking legal acts and providing scope for the rural producers to sustain non-compliance activities according to the legal regulations. Among rural producers, there is a recognized conflict between agricultural production and forest restoration programs, which results in a chaotic condition where the implementation of the environmental laws is impaired. In this context, restoration projects are often practiced without effective integrated territorial planning. This scenario challenges the success of large-scale restoration programs. The Brazilian government needs to effectively adopt sound guidelines already suggested to promote a genuine state of governance, fostering restoration programs, and moving the country's development towards an ecologically planned environment.

Evaluation of West African Agricultural Productivity Programme in the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Adopted Villages

This study examined gaps and gains of WAAPP interventions on the agricultural productivity of farmers in IAR&T-adopted villages of southwest Nigeria. Purposively, 4 adopted villages where the WAAPP project was implemented were selected and a total of 138 farmers were interviewed. With the use of a questionnaire, the study assessed the impact of WAAPP project on the specific agricultural needs of villages, determined agricultural productivity for crop and livestock enterprises and identified challenges associated with the intervention. Linear regression model, variance analysis, and t-test were used to achieve the study objectives. Major gaps identified in WAAPP activities were inconsistencies in operation (x̄ = 2.36), limited market access (x̄ = 2.35) and poor communication with members (x̄= 2.35). Significant differences also existed in the impact of WAAPP intervention among villages (F= 5.103), and enterprise type (F=4.553). Sex (β = 0.373), age (β = 0.312) and enterprise type (β = 0.365) were major contributors to productivity in WAAPP. The paper concludes that WAAPP interventions in adopted villages had a positive impact on crop and livestock productions of beneficiaries, though constraints by inconsistencies in operation, intra-communication and limited market access. The study recommends continuous funding and monitoring of agricultural activities by WAAPP to broaden the impact of the intervention.

NEXUS OF IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL COMMERCIALIZATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN WEST AFRICA

The desire to establish food security and alleviate poverty among the people of many West African countries has resulted in the passage of numerous pieces of legislation, including the Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP), to sustain agricultural growth and contribute to the development of a food-secure future. Many nations food security programs have prioritized agricultural automation and commercialization. Agricultural commercialization entails a steady shift from subsistence to mechanized farming, with profit maximization driving production and input decisions and deepening vertical links between input and output markets. This novel strategy aims to empower people at the grassroots level because the majority of the indigenous peoples in these nations are farmers, with the foresight that these nations would achieve their financial zenith when the people are economically secure. In this study, the authors sought to explore literature from the previous decades on expanding agricultural sector involvement and its implications for poverty reduction and food security in West Africa. Furthermore, the agricultural sectors advancement via mechanization and scientific and technological developments, the relationship between agricultural sector growth and food security, and the impact of agricultural development on poverty reduction in West Africa are discussed. Finally, agricultural commercialization and its influence on family economic development, and hence on poverty reduction and food security, are thoroughly examined. KEYWORDS: Agricultural sector, Poverty alleviation, West Africa, Food security, Commercialization

A Review: Nanofertilizers for the Biofortification and Sustainable Agriculture

Improving nutritional efficiency (NUE) by endangering environmental quality has been a centralissue for agricultural food production (FPS) programs in order to sustain the growing population.Nanotechnology with nanoscale inputs for the production of nano agri-inputs (NAIPs) has alreadyemerged as an important solution to address the problem of low or moderate nutrient utilization withminimal environmental impact. Recently, a few new hybrid nanofertilizer (HNF) formulations have beendeveloped for biofortification and sustainable agriculture. Urea-modified hydroxyapatite was reported,which is a rich source of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphate. Gehan Amaratunga of the University ofCambridge has stated, “such fertilizers could reduce runoff and lead to harmful algal blooms in waterbodies”. The NAE (N Agronomic use Efficiency) for the urea-HA nanohybrids is 48%, while the NAEfor pure urea is 18%, at the field level. However, these fertilizers are expensive and have not been shownto be commercially viable up to date. Recently, nanoparticles such as copper, iron, and zinc wereincorporated into urea-modified hydroxyapatite to further increase the efficiency of the proposed fertilizer.

Exposure to agricultural technologies and adoption: The West Africa agricultural productivity program in Ghana, Senegal and Mali

We estimate the effects of increased exposure to agricultural technologies on farmers' adoption and economic well-being in Ghana, Mali, and Senegal using post-implementation data collected in 2019. The program, known as the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP), aimed at improving agricultural productivity to enhance economic growth, food security and to reduce poverty and ran in two phases. We focus on the second phase of the program, which ran between 2012 and 2019. We use ex-ante matching at the village and household levels to select the estimation sample. We find that the treatment raised technology adoption by 0.32 percentage points and the adoption of improved seeds by 0.20 percentage points. The program also increased productivity and income of the treated households by 10% and 17% respectively, relative to the comparison households. There were no detectable effects on consumption and food security. We provide suggestive evidence indicating that the additional income may have been saved or invested. Taken together, these results suggest that multi-country agricultural programs can be effective at spurring economic transformation.

Benefits of the West Africa agricultural productivity programme on fisherfolks in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria

The study assessed the benefits of West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) through inputs, training and services received; attitude; satisfaction; and constraints of respondents in WAAPP. Four National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) adopted villages were selected purposively, namely; Monai, Mussawa, Tunga Alhaji Dambaba, and Cover Dam out of eight established villages due to large number of WAAPP activities in the area. The total number of respondents sampled in selected adopted villages was 120. Data collected were analysed using percentage, standard deviation and mean. Results of the study revealed that the majority (88.2%) of the respondents received improved fingerlings and fish feeds from WAAPP and 67.7% of the respondents had favourable attitude towards the programme. About 59% were favourably satisfied, and 56% derived high level of benefit from the programme. About 47% were severely constrained by inadequate capital to sustain the programme projects.

Economic analysis of the environmental sustainability of agriculture: recent studies using quasi-experimental methods

PurposeThe purpose of this review article is to demonstrate how the quasi-experimental approach has been used to study environmental and natural resource issues related to agricultural production.Design/methodology/approachThis review article first provides a short introduction to the quasi-experimental approach using the potential outcomes framework and then uses studies on the environmental sustainability of agricultural production to illustrate how quasi-experimental methods have been applied. Papers reviewed consist of studies that estimate the environmental externalities from agricultural production, evaluate agri-environmental and other related policies and programs, and demonstrate issues related to on-farm resource use and climate adaptation.FindingsDifference-in-differences (DID) and two-way fixed effects methods that utilize the spatial and temporal variation in panel data are widely used to estimate the causal impact of changes in agricultural production and policy on the environment. Utilizing the discontinuities and limits created by agricultural policies and regulations, local treatment effects on land and other input use are estimated using regression discontinuity (RD) or instrumental variable (IV) methods with cross-sectional data.Originality/valueChallenges faced by the food systems have made agricultural sustainability more critical than ever. Over the past three decades, the quasi-experimental approach has become the powerhouse of applied economic research. This review article focuses on quasi-experimental studies on the environmental sustainability of agriculture to provide methodological insights and to highlight gaps in the economics literature of agricultural sustainability.

Factors Explaining the Dynamics of Agricultural Technological Innovations Adoption: Evidence from Senegal’s Rain Maize Farmer

This paper analyzes the adoption dynamics of improved rainfed maize seeds disseminated in Senegal in 2013 by the West African Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP). We group maize producers into five groups (non-adopters, laggards/abandoners, late adopters, followers and pioneers/innovators) and take into account the heterogeneity of unobservable characteristics of the producers. In the pioneers/innovators group, the availability of labour, household size, shocks, and frequency of access to advice positively influence adoption, whereas financial constraints and high numbers of plots reduce the probability of adoption. Producers in the followers’ category tend to be older and more educated than those in the other categories. However, food insecurity and shocks such as diseases hamper adoption. For the group of late adopters, household size and available storage infrastructures explain adoption. However, the number of plots and shocks reduces their probability of adoption. Laggards tend to face shocks and food insecurity. The authors recommend to consider the dynamics of the adoption of technological innovations and heterogeneity of the characteristics of adopters groups in future research. They also recommend farmers to increase their adoption rate of the “Early Thai” and “Suwan 1” seed varieties thanks to their higher yields compared to traditional varieties. Also, a higher adoption rate would positively impact the food security of maize farmers in Eastern Senegal and High Casamance, especially in terms of availability. Other studies measuring the number of years needed for large-scale adoption of improved seed varieties should be conducted.

The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (waapp)

Abstract An understanding of how the System of Rice Intensification method of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) has influenced sustainable solutions to smallholder paddy farmers’ challenges of poor yield and marketing in Kindia Prefecture, Guinea informed this study. Causal research design was used, involving a survey of 126 beneficiaries and 78 non-beneficiaries of waapp. Data were collected mainly on the farmers’ enterprise characteristics: improvement in productivity, sales, and income from paddy. Data were summarised using descriptive, t-test and regression statistics at α0.05. waapp- and non-waapp-participating farmers had >10 years of farming experience. Most waapp farmers (67.5%) achieved higher sales and income from paddy than in the past. The productivity of the waapp farmers was higher and significantly different from that of the non-waapp farmers (t = 3.173; p < 0.05). Farmers’ opinion of market prospects after waapp intervention (β = 0.190) and their age (β = 0.237) significantly influenced their change in productivity. The waapp increased paddy production.

Participation of stakeholders in aquaculture value chain of the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme in Nigeria

The study assessed stakeholder participation in the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme in aquaculture value chain of the Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria. A two stage sampling procedure was used to select 294 value chain actors across 20 communities. Also, Pie charts, logistic regression analysis, 3 point Likert-type scale rating technique and strategic decision matrix were used to analyse primary data. The determinants of participation in the programme were marital status, extension visits, membership of an association and experience. Furthermore, there were moderate financial requirements (need for loan and equipment) in feed milling ( x̄ =2.23), fish processing ( x̄ =2.30) and wholesale marketing ( x̄ ==2.2), while the financial requirement in table-size fish farming was high ( x̄ =2.59). There were moderate development potentials (impacts on income, employment, poverty reduction and food security) in feed milling ( x̄ =2.33), fish processing ( x̄ =2.32) and wholesale marketing ( x̄ =1.99), while the development potential of table-size fish farming was high ( x̄ =2.55). Future interventions in the value chain should make necessary provisions for the financial needs of each value chain with the adoption of backwardforward integration of women and youths in the value chain.
 Keywords: WAAPP, aquaculture, feed milling, fish processing, wholesale marketing

Implementation of Rural Infrastructure Development in Pohuwato Regency

This study aims to determine the role of the village government in improving the welfare of the people of Bulili Village, Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency. The research approach uses descriptive research. Informants were the village head, village head, BPD chairman, LPM Chair, village treasurer and Bulili village community leaders. The results showed that the Bulili Village Government in improving community welfare carried out three programs such as: 1) an increase in agricultural production programs planning assistance that would improve the economy of Bulili villagers such as providing rice seeds, corn seeds, tractor assistance, hansplayer assistance (tengki), assistance fertilizer, and PNPM assistance, 2) program to increase livestock production, namely the collaboration of district governments, sub-district governments and village governments in the form of providing assistance for productive superior cow and productive goat seeds to cattle farmers in the Bulili village community formed by Bulili village government . 3) development of village livestock agribusiness, which is to form a group of livestock farmers who are given the assistance of productive cow and goat seeds to each group to be managed.

Impact of Processing and Genotype on Concentration and Bioaccessibility of Fe in Fufu Produced from Yellow-Fleshed Cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) Roots (P02-010-19)

ObjectivesFe deficiency is relatively high in areas that grow and consumed cassava as staple food. This study investigated the Fe concentration and bioaccessibility in fufu produced from yellow-fleshed cassava roots genotypes. MethodsSix genotypes of yellow-fleshed and one genotype of white cassava roots were processed into fufu using conventional (oven and sun dried) and traditional (bowl and river) methods and the samples were analyzed for Fe using standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using means which were then separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests. ResultsResult shows significant differences (P < 0.05) in mean Fe concentration (ranged from 6.67–13.22 μg/g in cooked fufu per dried weight) with sun-dried fufu recording the highest value and the Traditional Bowl fufu recording the least value. Genotype 3724 scored the highest while SLICASS 7 scored the least Fe concentration. The in-vitro result revealed a strong ferritin formation in traditional river fufu than sun-dried fufu. Indeed, these were identified in higher levels in the sun-dried fufu than all the other fufu samples. ConclusionsThis result indicates both processing and genotype affect Fe and further identifies cassava roots potential to enhancing Fe nutrition in populations that produced and consumed this product. Funding SourcesWest African Agricultural Productivity Program 1c_Sierra Leone, Normman Borlaug Leadership Enhancment Agricultural Program, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute.

Promising High-Yielding Tetraploid Plantain-Bred Hybrids in West Africa

The devastating threat of black leaf streak disease caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis on plantain production in West Africa spurred the development of resistant hybrids. The goal of this research and development (R&amp;D) undertaken was assessing the development and dissemination of two plantain hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 bred in the 1980s by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, Nigeria) and the Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA, Honduras), respectively. In Côte d’Ivoire, plantain growers selected PITA 3 and FHIA 21 based on their improved agronomic characteristics and, between 2012 and 2016, they were massively propagated and distributed to farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo under the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAAP) coordinated by the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). In 2016, the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique in Côte d’Ivoire included the hybrids in the improved cultivar directory. This R&amp;D activity illustrates how three decades of crossbreeding, selection, and distribution led to local acceptance. It also highlights how a CORAF-led partnership harnessed CGIAR research for development. The dissemination and acceptance of these plantain hybrids will enhance the sustainable intensification in plantain-based farming systems across the humid lowlands of West and Central Africa.

Beneficiaries’ perception of the west Africa agricultural productivity programme implemented by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study assessed beneficiaries’ perception of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme activities in Enugu State. The study sought to ascertain participants' perception on the effectiveness of programme, as well as identified participants' level of satisfaction with its implementation and also determined possible constraints to its implementation. Multi stage sampling procedure was used to sample 80% of the participants of the programme i.e. 87 persons. Data were collected using interview schedule and analysed using mean statistics. Participants perceived that the type of personnel used for the programme operations ( x̄ = 2.55), the farmers’ sensitization process in preparation for the programme ( x̄ =2.25) and use of mobile phone in disseminating information on the programme activities ( x̄ =2.18) were effective in the programme implementation. Participants were satisfied with the method of information dissemination on the WAAPP activities ( x̄ =2.22) as well as the farmers sensitization processes on the programme activities ( x̄ =2.12). The major constraints militating against effective implementation /utilization of WAAPP programme were insufficient credit facilities ( x̄ =2.62) and inadequate funding attached to each package of the project ( x̄ =2.59). The study recommends that government should increase farmers’ involvement in the planning and implementation of future projects as this will go a long way in making them better.Keywords: West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), programme effectiveness and beneficiaries’ satisfaction

Analysis of youths participation in community development activities of west Africa agricultural productivity programme in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Analysis of youths participation in community development activities of west Africa agricultural productivity programme in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Pérdida de humedales y vegetación por urbanización en la cuenca del río Grijalva, México

La periurbanización se ha considerado como motor del cambio de uso del suelo y de la pérdida de ecosistemas y de biodiversidad. A partir de esta premisa, la investigación plantea el seguimiento, desde una doble perspectiva, histórica y predictiva, de los cambios en la superficie de los humedales y en la deforestación progresiva entorno a Villahermosa, la urbe más importante de la cuenca del río Grijalva, en el Estado de Tabasco (México). Se han utilizado diferentes métodos: el análisis bibliográfico para el periodo desde la fundación de la ciudad hasta el último tercio del siglo XX, la verificación de fotografías aéreas entre 1984 y 2008 y la modelización de escenarios futuros, entre 2020 y 2040. Desde el periodo colonial hasta mediados del siglo veinte, las inundaciones y la insalubridad dificultaron el crecimiento de la ciudad pese a la transformación de la red hídrica superficial en la cuenca, iniciada mediante la construcción de diques en el siglo XVII. Posteriormente, las elevadas tasas de pérdida de humedales y deforestación (-0.50 y -4.63 %) se incrementaron por la urbanización y el impacto de los programas de producción agropecuaria y petrolización. En los últimos 40 años, el desarrollo periurbano ocasionó la pérdida de 4.008 ha de vegetación arbórea y 289 ha de humedales, con una tendencia a desaparecer 1.449 y 356 ha adicionales respectivamente en el futuro 2040. Estos resultados resaltan la necesidad de rediseñar un programa metropolitano, transdisciplinario y sustentable que respete y actualice las reservas territoriales para regular la periurbanización.

Catfish Farmers Perception of Training Effectiveness of the University of Nigeria-West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of UNN-WAAPP training on catfish production around the University of Nigeria catchment area in Enugu State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 42 respondents across four town communities that benefited from the project in Nsukka agricultural zone, while structured interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Results of the study revealed that although the majority of the respondents indicated that they received training on areas of catfish production such as; feeding (100%), pond fertilization (90.5%) and pond water treatment (88.1%), among others, but a lesser proportion (19.0%) of them received training on feed formulation, which is a key area in catfish production. Based on their level of satisfaction with the training received, the farmers indicated that they were satisfied in the following areas of training: feeding (M=1.83), pond water management (M=1.55) and pond maintenance (M=1.33), among others. However, the farmers were not satisfied with the training on preservation (M=0.95), pond construction (M=0.86) and feed formulation (M=0.17). With respect to the respondents’ perception on the effectiveness of the training programme as regards trainers’ performance, organization and administration, the respondents indicated that it was effective in terms of the communication methods used by the trainers (M=1.83), asking and answering questions clearly (M=1.74) and use of relevant examples to illustrate training activities (M=1.71), among others. In order to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of farmers involved in catfish production, there is need for additional training in key areas of catfish production such as feed formulation and pond construction in order to achieve the aim of the project which is focused on improving the wealth status of participating communities.

Students’ Perception of West African Agricultural Productivity Programme Adopted Schools Programme in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined students’ perception of the effectiveness of adopted school programme in Oyo state. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires from 90 respondents using multi-stage procedure. Data were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics at p=0.05. The results show that 72.2% of the respondents were between 15-16 years, 51.1% were in SS2 and mostly females (58.1%). Also, 48.9% owned farm at home and 61.1% were from farming background. The students were exposed to maize (77.8%), cassava (77.8%), poultry (66.7%), fishery (44.4%) and rabbitry (44.4%). Major constraints were lack of interest (=2.00), inadequate equipment in agricultural laboratory (=1.93) and lack of home garden (=1.82). More than half (55.6%) of them were favourably disposed to the programme while respondents’ farming background (r=3.740, p ≤ 0.05) was significantly related to their perception of the programme. Recommendation is that WAAPP officials should focus more attention on educating these students in areas that are more technologically inclined. Keywords: West African Agricultural Productivity Programme, Adopted schools project, students’ farmers.

Rural African women’s accessibility to resources for food production in the north west region of Cameroon

Globalization has made agriculture more competitive in a way that access to and control of farm resources is extremely important. This study examines rural women’s access to farm resources in arable small-scale food production in the North West Region of Cameroon. Using a multistage sampling technique a total of 1,120 rural women farmers were surveyed in order to capture their socioeconomic characteristics and access to arable land, agricultural inputs, agricultural extension information and source of finance and involvement in food production in smallholder production systems. All data collected was subjected to descriptive statistics. The results showed that rural women have access to arable land through their families but they do not control arable land. They have access to agricultural inputs but lack rural feeder roads and access to agricultural extension information and/or services. Rural women farmers lack finances and mostly access finance for arable agriculture from traditional social groups and their husbands to solve additional constraints of poor soils, pests and diseases. The rural women are involved in major crop production activities (land preparation (ploughing/ridging), sowing, weeding, harvesting and storage) which necessitate access to and control of farm resources but have limited access to resources in order to be efficient and competitive. Because of limited control of farm resources, they are not involved in decision-making, which usually translates into lateness in carrying out farm operations and consequently low yields. Access to land resources by rural women is controlled by cultural and technical factors. Boosting crop production will require that efforts are made socially and technically to remove the afore-mentioned barriers in the acquisition of farm resources. Therefore, agricultural production policies and programs should establish direct linkage between agricultural extension information and/or services, and rural women farmers, and provide incentives to rural women involved in arable small-scale agricultural production in order to maintain a steady growth rate of food production.