Good Agronomic Practices Research Articles

A review on prospect of wheat in Nigeria: Technological Advancement in Focus

The main issue affecting domestic wheat production in Nigeria is environmental incompatibility— the fact that wheat, being a temperate crop, requires cold climates during the growing season to thrive especially during the critical developmental stage between tillering and grain filling. This has limited the wheat growing season in Nigeria, to the cool harmattan period starting from November to March, and the wheat growing areas in Nigeria, along latitude 10°N to 14°N. Unfortunately, the harmattan period itself is also challenged by the absence of a rainy season, which typically starts after the period from April to September with unfavourable high temperature and humidity. Nigerian government policies over the years have centred on accelerating primary production (farming) instead of focusing on addressing the main issues, through research and development of cultivars that will be adaptable in Nigeria’s heat-stressed growing environment, build more irrigation areas along the harmattan latitude, strengthen extension services to ensure farmers adherence to Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) and ease farmers access to market for fair prices. As a result, the national average ton per hectare output is abysmally 1.3 MT, prepared irrigation area is less than 10% of planned area and a near-complete disconnect between farmers and the off-taking flour milling industry, who are currently fully reliant on imported wheat. The peculiar situation is like in other tropical countries like Egypt, Ethiopia and the warm and humid Bangladesh. The paper recommended the adoption of molecular breeding technologies to strengthen the breeding processes and shorten the seeds generation time.

Determinants of Maize Production: Intercropping Maize and Beans in South Western Uganda

Background: Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops nearby: in the same row or bed, or rows or strips near enough to allow biological interactions. Advantages of inter cropping include: improving soil’s nutrients to better support crops' growth and development thus improving yields; it improves soil-water retention and diversifies the farmers' incomes in case of failure for one crop. It is one of the natural methods for management of crop pests and diseases. Inter cropping maize and beans is one of the climate-smart agricultural approaches used to boost crop production across the globe. However, some smallholder farmers have a negative attitude toward it due to limited knowledge regarding its benefits. The study aimed at establishment of the effect of intercropping maize and beans on the maize yields in Isingiro District, South Western Uganda. Methods: The experiment was conducted in two seasons (March-May 2020 and August- November 2021). Standard agronomical practices were followed from planting to harvesting, after which the dry weight of maize was measured and recorded. Data analysis was done using ONEWAY ANOVA in R Software Version 4.2.2. Result: Results show that intercropping maize and beans in season one significantly increased maize yields (p less than 0.001) more than it did in season two (p=0.0211). The main effect of Season is statistically significant and large (p less than .001). The main effect of Treatment is statistically significant and large (p less than .001). The study concluded that reduced rainfall negatively affects maize yields and intercropping Longe5 with NABE16 increases maize yields. Early planting and good agronomic practices were recommended to improve maize productivity.

Strengthening smallholder farmers resiliency for improved sustainable productivity of Irish Potatoes in Kenya

Potato industry supports millions of people worldwide and plays a significant role in the global food security. It is an important pillar to Kenyas’ economy. Low yields in potato production is a key challenge in Kenya, with an average yield of 9.8 metric tonnes per hactare, far below other major potato world producers, and therefore need to boost sustainable productivity. Low productivity of potatoes as a key component in agricultural food value chain system is a major concern because of its’ impact on food security. The objective of this review was therefore to establish factors contributing to the low yields and mitigation strategies to strenghten farmers’ resiliency against these challenges for enhanced sustainable productivity. Factors established attributed to the low yields include quality seeds inadequacy, climate change adverse effects, poor agronomic practices, pests, diseases and inadequacy in supportive services. Principles guiding resiliency in socio-ecological systems were considered as a guide to a pathway through which irish potato farmers resiliency can be strengthened against these factors. Mitigation measures identified and recommended include enhancing accessibility of quality seed by farmers; promotion of digital agricultural solutions and advisory services; adaptation of climate smart agricultural innovations practices; capacity building of farmers on good agronomic practices; implementation of developed policies to cushion farmers from exploitation; formation and strengthening of farmer groups and associations; development of appropriate infrastructures; supporting of research and extension. Attention is required to these issues by relevant institutions in effort towards strengthening farmers resiliency for continuous food security and improved farmers livelihood.

Impact of seed hub on quality pulse seed production and productivity in Solapur district of Maharashtra

To ensure the availability of location specific high yielding varieties and quality seed, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare, Government of India implemented the project entitled ‘Creation of seed hubs for increasing indigenous production of pulses in India’ during 2016-17 and provided funds for seed multiplication and infrastructure facilities across the country. Under this project pulses seed hub has been sanctioned to Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mohol, Solapur. The objective of this programme was to increase indigenous production of pulses and to make available quality seed of improved high yielding and climate resilient varieties to farmers to achieve self-sufficiency in respect of seeds at village level. Farmers of selected village for seed hub are working under the technical support and guidance of KVK scientists. They were trained technically and made more sound by adopting good agronomic practices to fulfil the objective. Each year, a target of 200 q for kharif and 800 q for rabi season was given to KVK, Mohol. With respect to the target received, KVK Mohol produced 355.34, 567.59, 784.88, 528.50, 752.00 q seed during the year 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, respectively. Pigeonpea varieties BDN - 711 and Phule Rajeshwari perform well and gave higher seed yield as compared to local and old varieties. Due to wide acceptance by farmer there is huge horizontal expansion of chickpea variety Phule Vikram in the district. All procured seed of pigeonpea and chickpea were sold to the farmers.Chickpe

Electrochemical framework for dynamic tracking of Soil Organic Matter

Soil Health parameters serve as excellent surrogate measures towards assessing environmental quality and understanding effects of climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration. Soil Organic Matter (SOM) is a parameter that is synonymous to soil health and understanding SOM is a key metric to building and influencing good soil and agronomic practices by impacting soil aggregation and water withholding capacity. It is a vital regulator of soil nutrient cycling and uptake as well as a factor in the global carbon cycle and is hence more advantageous than just carbon monitoring. While it is understood that soil health cannot be analyzed directly, the use of an efficient indicator that can relay information about the soil physico-chemical and biological characteristics is highly desirable since it offers the ability to analyze soil information over time and build patterns in terms of geographical location.The proposed sensing system offers an in-situ electroanalytical approach to survey various electroactive substances present in the soil matrix. Utilizing this experimental framework- A mechanism of interaction between the RTIL (Room Temperature Ionic-Liquid) modified electrode and the OM functional moieties based on hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions captured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method is utilized to build a first-of-a-kind electrochemical SOM sensor.

Agricultural Productivity and Postharvest Loss Among Cassava Farmers, In Anambra State, Nigeria

Postharvest loss is one of the greatest challenges of agricultural productivity and its reduction is a key pathway to food security. Using Cassava production, this study tends to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the cassava farmers; determine the effect of postharvest loss on cassava production; analyse the financial implication and mitigation strategies employ by the cassava farmers in the study area. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 120 cassava farmers in the state. Descriptive statistics, mean threshold from five points Likert scale, Logit model, and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results showed that female farmers (51.7%) dominated the sector, with an average age of 41.91, 10.73 level of education, and 13.18 farming experience with 5.58 household sizes. The farmers have a 68.0% postharvest losses management index, and 32.0% postharvest loss among cassava farmers. The study found that the determinants of postharvest loss in the area are age, marital status, education, farming experience, household size, cooperative membership, access to credit, and extension contact. Postharvest losses come with a load of financial implications, and in that regard, the farmers designed a number of mitigation strategies like good agronomic practice adoption, processing immediately to chips, gari, and fufu among others. The study concluded that cassava farmers in Anambra State have high postharvest losses (32.0%). The study recommends the introduction of improved storage facilities and the provision of incentives to the farmers to increase their agricultural productivity and reduce postharvest losses.

Training Needs of Agro-Dealers in Southwest, Nigeria

The study identified the training needs of agro-dealers in South-west, Nigeria. A proportionate sampling procedure was used to select 122 agro-dealers for the study. A survey questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, ranked discrepancy scores (RDS) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Wilcoxon signed rank test at a 5% level of significance indicated the need for training in good agronomic practices (z= -7.679), planning of demonstration plots (z= -4.434), evaluation of trials (z= -3.818), financial management (z= -3.765), and business planning (z= -2.412). However, the need for training in recording and reporting (z= -0.395), and input ordering and distribution (z= -0.440) were not significant. Agro-dealers need training to develop their knowledge and technical capacity on the agro-inputs they sell, in order to provide up-to-date and authentic information about these products. Therefore, it is crucial to organize more training workshops for agro-dealers on the identified areas of training to improve their knowledge and skills for the services they provide.

Soil organic carbon stock assessment for soil fertility improvement, ecosystem restoration and climate-change mitigation

Food insecurity, land degradation, desertification, and climatechange are prevalent in Eritrea. Though SOC stock is very crucial for soil fertility improvement, ecosystem restoration and climate-change mitigation, the status of it in different land uses in Eritrea is unknown. Thus, the study collected 64 surface soil samples from rainfed, irrigated, enclosure and grazing land uses from Keren subzone, Eritrea, and analysed for SOC. The ANOVA test results showed that land uses had very highly significant effects on SOC stock (p < 0.001). Rainfed and irrigated cropping recorded the minimum and maximum mean SOC stocks, 6.57 and 25.29 Mg ha-1, respectively. This implies that shifting from rainfed to irrigated agriculture would not only contribute to soil fertility improvement, increased yield, and food security but also to climate-change mitigation. Converting the 2500 hectares rainfed land in the study area to irrigated, would store 46,800 Mg C and offset 171,756 Mg CO2 emission. Grazing and enclosure land uses with 18.53 and 18.92 Mg SOC stocks ha-1, respectively, had no significant difference between them (Tukey test) which indicates poor enclosure management. Thus, the study realizes that irrigated agriculture with good agronomic practices is helpful to improve soil quality and mitigate climatechange.

Vertical Changes of Organic Carbon Storage, Structural and Hydraulic Properties of a Humid Tropical Soil under Vegetation Cover in Southeast Nigeria

Changes in organic carbon storage (OCS), structural and hydraulic properties with depth of soil are important phenomena that need to be understood per soil for effective soil management in crop production. A study was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to assess the vertical changes in OCS, structural and hydraulic properties of soil under vegetation cover. The study involved 5 levels of sampling depth replicated nine (9) times to give forty five (45) observational units. The nine points for sampling were randomly selected and the five sampling depths were 0 – 20, 20 – 40, 40 – 60, 60 – 80 and 80 – 100 cm. Auger and core soil samples were collected at the designated depths. The samples were processed and analysed in the laboratory. The results of data analyses showed that depths varied significantly (P≤0.05) in the parameters measured. The highest OCS of 38.28 ton / ha was obtained at the 0 – 20 cm depth and the lowest (10.38 ton / ha) was obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. The highest mean weight diameter of 1.00 mm and lowest of 0.72 mm were obtained at 0 – 20 and 80 – 100 cm depths, respectively. The lowest clay dispersion index of 25.43 % and the highest clay flocculation index of 74.53 % were obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. Clay content and bulk density (BD) increased with depth and, the highest clay content of 212.4 g / kg and highest BD of 1.65 mg / m3 were obtained at the 80 – 100 cm depth. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), total porosity (Pt) and macroporosity (Pm) decreased with depth. The highest Ksat of 3.11 cm / hr, Pt of 47.41 % and Pm of 24.13 % were obtained at 0 – 20 cm depth. The water retention characteristics increased with depth. The highest field capacity of 24.46 %, permanent wilting point of 11.16 % and available water capacity of 13.32 % were obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. There were consistent changes in the soil properties across the depths. The reduced drainage at the higher depths should be considered in cultivating deep rooted crops which are sensitive to poor drainage. The top soils should be managed with good agronomic practices and minimum tillage to avert damages to the microaggregates.

Sustainable intensification technologies and farm performance: evidence from smallholder sorghum farmers in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe empirical literature on plot-level adoption of sustainable intensification technologies (SITs), as a package comprising improved crop varieties and good agronomic management practices is thin for dryland crops, such as sorghum. In this paper, we analyze the adoption and impacts of SITs on sorghum yield and net revenue using data from a sample of 1680 households and 3310 plots in the sorghum belt of Nigeria. Our estimates are based on a multinomial endogenous switching regression, which accounts for observable and unobservable sources of selection bias. We find a relatively low joint adoption of both improved sorghum varieties and good agronomic practices. In addition, we find that the adoption of only improved sorghum varieties and the joint adoption of both improved sorghum varieties and good agronomic practices led to a 56 and 102% increase in sorghum yield, respectively, and an 88 and 82% increase in net revenue, respectively. The yield and net revenue effects indicate that there are considerable missing opportunities that sorghum-producing households can harness through the adoption of SITs. Our findings reveal that policies tailored towards promoting the widespread adoption of SITs can lead to considerable productivity gains and economic returns for smallholder sorghum farmers towards improving their welfare.

Understanding the Genetic Basis of Yield-related Traits in Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. ex. Roem. and Schultz.) Germplasm through Association and Diversity Analysis

Background: Little millet is an important crop grown by tribal farmers in India. Genetic variability can be exploited to develop new varieties with higher yield. However, yield is complex and depends on multiple interconnected component characters. Diversity analyses, such as D2 analysis, are used to evaluate the diversity among genotypes and determine the traits that contribute the most diversity in a given population. These analyses are crucial for achieving the goal of developing new varieties with increased yield. Methods: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes were evaluated using an Augmented RCBD, focusing on ten quantitative traits. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-2021, and good agronomic practices were followed. D square cluster analysis and path analysis were used to analyze the data, with the "R" tool and the "biotools" and "agricolae" packages, respectively. Result: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes classified into thirteen distinct clusters based on Mahalanobis's D2 statistics, reflecting differences in their phenotypic characteristics. The largest cluster (cluster I) included 243 genotypes, while the smallest clusters (Cluster IX, Cluster X, Cluster XI, Cluster XII and Cluster XIII) had only 1 genotype. The inter-cluster distance varied, with the largest value (577.7) between cluster V and XII. This analysis can be useful for identifying desirable genotypes and understanding the population's genetic diversity and structure.

Quality of seed lots of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes produced in a guinea savanna agroecology of Ghana

Crop yield is a derivative of the number of plants harvested. In Ghana, soybean fields are mostly sparsely populated with less than the optimum number of plants, a phenomenon that contributes to poor yields of only 46% of the crop’s potential in farmers’ fields. The low plant population could be the result of the poor quality of the seed planted. Meanwhile, the quality of seed is determined by crop production practices, the environmental conditions of the mother plant, and postharvest handling technologies used. Over 90% of the country’s soybean seed comes from the northern part of Ghana, predominantly the Guinea Savannah. In this study, seed lots of soybean genotypes produced within the Savanna Agroecological Zone of Ghana, were evaluated for physical and physiological traits, and the prevalence of seed borne fungi. Results showed that seed lots produced within the zone and stored under ambient conditions have medium-sized (100 to 140 g/1000 seeds) seeds with an average seed weight of 133 g/1000 seeds. The seed lots evaluated had physical purity values higher than the minimum certification standard of 98% for soybean seed in Ghana. Wrinkled seeds were the most dominant component of the seed with visual defects followed closely by seeds that were discoloured, cracked, and those with purple stains. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Rhizopus sp and Macrophomina phaseolina were the main fungi identified. Furthermore, the seed lots had an average germination percentage of 86%, which is within the acceptable minimum certification standards for soybean seed in Ghana. Though germination and vigour were variable among the seed lots tested, these parameters were not affected by the presence of the fungi species identified and the amount of seed with visual defects. The findings of this study strongly suggest that the low plant density and the resultant poor yields of soybean usually recorded in farmers’ fields in Ghana are likely due to suboptimal seeding rates at planting coupled with the low use of good agronomic practices with only a small fraction attributable to poor seed quality. Key words: Soybean, Ghana, fungi, savanna agroecology, viability, vigour, shrivelled seeds, germination

Technology adoption behaviors of farmers during crises: What are the key factors to consider?

The Covid-19 pandemic required economic agents, in this case farmers, to make immediate decisions with an eye on a future characterized by high level of uncertainty. Using a multivariate probit, this paper examines the factors that farmers, as economic agents, considered at the peak of the pandemic in their digital (e-service) technology adoption decisions. The results indicate that the key factors that influence digital technology adoption behaviors of farmers are age, gender, education, level of dependency, experience in farming, access to credit and perceived possible impact of the pandemic on production activities. These factors were found to have different levels of influences on the adoption of different digital technologies that could help reduce physical contacts in line with nationally determined Covid-19 protocols whiles sustaining agricultural production activities. Digital technologies that facilitate easy access to good agronomic practices, weather information services, input and output market information services and financial services were identified as crucial. The general conclusion of this paper is that farmers are willing to adopt technologies that add value to their welfare through timely resolution of problems that confront them. Thus, value propositions – such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact – must be the key considerations in policy interventions that promote positive technology adoption behaviors.

Effect of sugarcane yellow leaf virus in the second clonal stage of the Canal Point Cultivar Development Program

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is an economically significant pathogen that can cause yield losses of 11% to 50% in susceptible clones. Clones (1534) in the second clonal stage (Stage 2) of the Canal Point Cultivar Development Program (CPCDP), three reference cultivars, CP78-1628, CP96-1252, and CP00-1101, and three disease-spreader cultivars, CP88-1762, CPCL02-6848, and CP01-2390, were screened to determine SCYLV infection using tissue-blot immunoassay. One hundred seventy-three clones (11%) were infected with the SCYLV, 29 had 100% SCYLV infection, 19 had 80%, 30 had 60%, 38 had 40%, 57 had 20% of SCYLV infection, and 1361 clones had no SCYLV (0%) infection. The 1534 test clones were derived from 400 crosses that utilized 127 female and 86 male parents in various combinations; 70% of these crosses, 46% of the males, and 54% of the females were related to SCYLV-free clones. The reference and disease-spreader cultivar CPCL02-6848 had 48% infection, followed by CP88-1762 with 38% infection, CP96-1252 with 13% infection, CP01-2390 with 6% infection, CP00-1101 with 5% infection, and CP78-1628 with 3%. The results show that SCYLV can infect many susceptible clones within 3 years of exposure from seed germination to Stage 2. However, the effect of SCYLV infection on yield was not significant in this study. Therefore, the yield losses from SCYLV should be limited by planting virus-free seed cane and good agronomic practices in Florida.

Detection of total fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc) isolates from maize kernels in Ethiopia

Fusarium verticillioides is the most common fungal pathogen of maize in Ethiopia. Many strains of this pathogen produce fumonisin myotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. This study was conducted to determine the fumonisin-producing ability of isolates of F. verticillioides isolated from maize kernels collected from different maize- growing areas of the country. Eighty F. verticillioides isolates were grown on autoclaved maize cultures for one month, and the fumonisin content was quantified using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All the 80 isolates evaluated were able to produce detectable levels of total fumonisins in the maize culture with values ranging from 0.25 to 38.01 mg of the toxin per kg of culture material (fungal biomass and maize kernels). The mean levels of total fumonisins produced by the F. verticillioides isolates were not significantly (p>0.05) different among maize growing areas, however, the total fumonisins levels produced by isolates obtained from the same area as well as agroecological zones were wide-ranging. The results indicate that the majority (57.5%) of the F. verticillioides isolates associated with maize grains in Ethiopia produced total fumonisins >4 mg/kg, while 35% of the isolates produced total fumonisins <2 mg/kg. The widespread occurrence of higher fumonisin-producing strains across all maize-growing areas in Ethiopia indicates a possible food safety risk. Thus, efforts should be made to prevent the spread of this fungus with good agronomic practices and to implore all possible ways to avoid maize contamination with fumonisin both in the field and in storage.

ADOPTION OF GOOD AGRONOMIC PRACTICES BY TOMATO FARMERS IN RURAL GHANA: AN APPLICATION OF THE UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY

This study uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework to analyze tomato farmers' intention and actual use of good agronomic practices (GAPs). Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 300 tomato farmers selected through the multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results reveal the three practices with the highest level of awareness: fertilizer application, weed control, and pest control. The GAPs practiced mostly by the tomato farmers are fertilizer application, row planting, disease control, and weed control. Results of the Tobit regression model show the extent (intention and actual use) of adoption of GAPs by tomato farmers is influenced by the age of the farmer, years spent in school, years in farming, sources of information, membership of farmer groups, availability of market, performance expectation, and social influence. The results from the study also show that among the major challenges affecting the use of GAPs, lack of credit facilities was ranked first. This study recommends that with the aid of Agricultural Extension Agents, farmers should form cooperatives to enable them to get access to financial support and enable extension workers to easily have access to them.

Impact of CS-IPM on Key Social Welfare Aspects of Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods

All stakeholders, especially households that depend on agriculture, must come up with every avenue available to improve farm productivity in order to raise yields due to the constraints posed by climate change on food production systems. Sufficient increments in yields will address the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households, especially smallholder ones. Yield increases can be achieved sustainably through the deployment of various Climate Smart Integrated Pest Management (CS-IPM) practices, including good agronomic practices. Therefore, CS-IPM practices could be essential in ensuring better household welfare, including food security and nutrition. With such impact empirically documented, appropriate policy guidance can be realized in favor of CS-IPM practices at scale, thus helping to achieve sustainable food security and food systems. However, to this end, there is yet limited evidence on the real impact of CS-IPM practices on the various core social welfare household parameters, for instance, food security, household incomes, gender roles, and nutrition, among others. We contribute to this body of literature in this paper by reviewing various empirical evidence that analyzes the impact of respective CS-IPM practices on key social welfare aspects of smallholder farm households in developing countries around the world. The review finds that CS-IPM practices do increase households’ adaptation to climate change, thus enhancing soil and crop productivity, thereby ensuring food and nutrition security, as well as increasing market participation of CS-IPM adopters, thus leading to increased household incomes, asset accumulation, and subsequently better household food and nutrition security via direct own-farm produce consumption and market purchases using income. CS-IPM practices also enhance access to climate-related information, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve biodiversity, and enhance dietary diversity through improved crop and livestock varieties and also reduce variable farm production costs. Therefore, there would be multiple welfare gains if CS-IPM practices were scaled up.

Meeting European exporting certification standards as a sustainable marketing choice among mango farmers in Ghana

Amidst the prevalence of certification and pursuit of global markets, there is a dearth of studies on compliance with EU certification standards and market outlet preference among mango farmers in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to determine factors influencing mango farmers to produce to meet European standards and certification, and the marketing outlet choice of mango farmers in the Bono and Bono East regions of Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 300 mango farmers. Data gathered were analysed using multinomial and binary probit regressions. Empirical results show that gender, age, farming experience, and access to the ready market are significant predictors of a farmer’s choice of the local market. On the other hand, farming experience, ready market, the quantity of harvest, fruit quality, market assurance, and good agronomic practices (GAP) significantly predict farmers’ preference for retail. The level of education, farm size, GAP, annual farm income, ready market, training, and access to credit are essential determinants of a farmer’s decision to practise EU standards and certification. Given the findings, it is recommended that farmers who sell and are likely to sell to processors should be targeted for pieces of training on EU market export as they are more likely to be convinced and already involved in relevant practices for such exports

Evaluation of Training on Good Agronomic Practices for Seed Yam Production in Nigeria

The second phase of the Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA II) project was implemented through a strong collaboration between research and private sector. Private seed companies were provided with a wide variety of training and development activities on good agronomic practices (GAPs). However, the effects of the training activities were yet to be evaluated. This paper evaluated the contribution of the training on high-quality seed yam production through paying particular attention to how it was tailored to the needs of various farmers, and how the knowledge gained was transferred to the field. The study employed an applied Kirkpatrick model and descriptive statistics to measure the indicators of training effectiveness. Results from a statistical population of 172 farmers using 179 demonstration fields showed that the farmers’ training on GAPs was effective, based on four criteria of the Kirkpatrick training evaluation process. The satisfactory results at the beginning of the hierarchical model have implications on the satisfactory results at the end. Improving the effectiveness of a training depends on defining factors such as (i) Training based on satisfaction in meeting the needs of your trainees and the seed production business; (ii) Training based on learning objectives in improving the trainees’ skills and knowledge; and (iii) Training based on learner attitude change in applying new skills and knowledge in the fields. Conclusions drawn from this study indicated that the training was a reasonable value-added mechanism of improved agricultural knowledge and practices for enhancing high-quality seed yam production in Nigeria.

Are digital services the right solution for empowering smallholder farmers? A perspective enlightened by COVID-19 experiences to inform smart IPM

The COVID-19 pandemic, surprised many through its impact on the food systems, resulting in collapses in the food production value chains and in the integrated pest disease management sector with fatal outcomes in many places. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the digital experience perspective on Integrating Pest Management (IPM) is still yet to be understood. In Africa, the impact was devastating, mostly for the vulnerable smallholder farm households, who were rendered unable to access markets to purchase inputs and sell their produce during the lockdown period. By using a holistic approach the paper reviews different Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), digitalization, and how this enhanced the capacity of smallholder farmers resilient, and inform their smart-IPM practices in order to improve food systems' amidst climate change during and in the post-COVID-19 period. Different digital modalities were adopted to ensure continuous food production, access to inputs and finances, and selling surplus production among others. This was largely possible by using ICTs to deliver these needed services digitally. The study shares contributions and capacity perspectives of ICTs for empowering smallholder farmers to boost the resilience of their food systems based on COVID-19 successful experiences. Thus digital solutions must be embraced in the delivery of extension service on pest management and good agronomic practices, money transfers for purchasing inputs, receiving payment for sold farm produce, and markets information exchange. These are key avenues through which digital solutions strategically supported smallholder-based food systems through the pandemic.