Income For Smallholder Farmers Research Articles

Root Rot Management in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Through Integrated Biocontrol Strategies using Metabolites from Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and Vermicompost Tea

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential food staple and source of income for small-holder farmers across Africa. However, yields are greatly threatened by fungal diseases like root rot induced by Rhizoctonia solani. This study aimed to evaluate an integrated approach utilizing vermicompost tea (VCT) and antagonistic microbes for effective and sustainable management of R. solani root rot in common beans. Fourteen fungal strains were first isolated from infected common bean plants collected across three Egyptian governorates, with R. solani being the most virulent isolate with 50% dominance. Subsequently, the antagonistic potential of vermicompost tea (VCT), Serratia sp., and Trichoderma sp. was assessed against this destructive pathogen. Combinations of 10% VCT and the biocontrol agent isolates displayed potent inhibition of R. solani growth in vitro, prompting in planta testing. Under greenhouse conditions, integrated applications of 5 or 10% VCT with Serratia marcescens, Trichoderma harzianum, or effective microorganisms (EM1) afforded up to 95% protection against pre- and post-emergence damping-off induced by R. solani in common bean cv. Giza 6. Similarly, under field conditions, combining VCT with EM1 (VCT + EM1) or Trichoderma harzianum (VCT + Trichoderma harzianum) substantially suppressed disease severity by 65.6% and 64.34%, respectively, relative to untreated plants. These treatments also elicited defense enzyme activity and distinctly improved growth parameters including 136.68% and 132.49% increases in pod weight per plant over control plants. GC–MS profiling of Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and vermicompost tea (VCT) extracts revealed unique compounds dominated by cyclic pregnane, fatty acid methyl esters, linoleic acid derivatives, and free fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids with confirmed biocontrol and plant growth-promoting activities. The results verify VCT-mediated delivery of synergistic microbial consortia as a sustainable platform for integrated management of debilitating soil-borne diseases, enhancing productivity and incomes for smallholder bean farmers through regeneration of soil health. Further large-scale validation can pave the adoption of this climate-resilient approach for securing food and nutrition security.

Technology Intensification and Farmers’ Welfare: A Case Study from Karnataka, a Semi-arid State of India

Technology adoption has been advocated to be an important way to improve agricultural productivity and welfare of the farmers in the semi-arid regions across the globe. Government of Karnataka implemented Bhoosamrudhi programme in four districts of the state (Bidar, Chikballapur, Dharwad and Udupi) as a pilot project to increase the crop yield and income of smallholder farmers. This programme was launched on the theme of technology adoption, along with convergence among different departments of agriculture. Farmers have been classified into five categories based on their levels of technology intensification to assess the impact of different levels of technology intensification on their income level. The research is built on a primary survey conducted in pilot districts of the state in 2018 over a sample of 1,465 farmer households. The results are generated using econometric methods of propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighted with regression adjustment (IPWRA), which highlight that higher the intensification, higher the net returns to the farmers. The results state that non-adopters would benefit additional ₹3,200 per month if they adopt at least one level of technology intensification. Hence, this programme turned out to be a successful model for smallholder farmers in semi-arid region of India. Steps should be taken to maintain and expand the momentum of the adoption to ensure food and livelihood security in the economy. JEL Codes: Q16, Q54, Q55, C13

Productivity and technical inefficiency: A case study of small dryland mungbean farming in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Mungbeans are one of the important agricultural products for food security in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, which is one of the driest regions in Indonesia. The low productivity and profitability of mungbean farming in this region are caused by factors that influence agricultural inefficiency. This study was conducted to measure the productivity and technical efficiency levels, as well as investigate the factors affecting farm inefficiency, using the Technical Efficiency Effect Model (TEEM) applied to the frontier logarithmic transcendental production function. The method applied in this research is descriptive qualitative based on survey and interview results through primary and secondary data. Firstly, the results showed that mungbean farming was in the increasing return to scale stage of production and productivity only reached 57% of its production potential, with a technical efficiency level of 66%. Secondly, the factors that positively influence the low productivity and technical efficiency level of mungbean farming are land, seeds, labor, and the interaction between land and labor. Meanwhile, farmer experience and farm training significantly reduce the inefficiency of mungbean farming. It is suggested that increasing land productivity with appropriate and intensive modern technology and improving labor skills are the main strategies for reducing inefficiencies and increasing the income of smallholder farmers in drylands.

The productivity and income effects of adopting improved rice varieties by smallholder farmers in Indonesia

PurposeThis study identified the determinants of improved rice variety adoption and measured their impact on farm productivity and the income of smallholder farmers in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachWe used a multistage sampling procedure and data from household surveys in four districts in the Banten region of Indonesia. An endogenous switching regression (ESR) model was used to estimate the impact of adoption, and the propensity score matching (PSM) non-parametric method tested the strength of the ESR findings.FindingsThe farm productivity of adoption increased by 11.45% and the income of smallholder farmers increased by 12.10% when compared to that of traditional methods.Research limitations/implicationsThe positive and significant effects of improved rice variety adoption indicated that research programs that develop improved rice varieties can optimize the productivity and income of smallholder farmers.Originality/valueAdopting improved rice varieties increases the productivity and income of smallholder farmers, and the level of education, rice farming experience, access to extension workers, off-farm work, and mobile phone ownership have positive and significant effects on the adoption of improved rice varieties.

Impact of agricultural price policy on farm harvest and wholesale prices of legumes in Maharashtra

Legumes have been used as an entry point to improve productivity, food security in terms of nutrition and availability aspect and income for smallholder farmers. The findings reveal that the growth in the area of soybean, tur and gram was significantly increased and the production growth in all the selected crops was significantly increased. Productivity growth was significantly increased in gram on the other hand it was stagnant in case of soybean. The high variability in WSPs in almost all the selected crops indicated that all the crops were volatile in terms of prices and also that large variability in MSP were observed. Significantly positive growth rates were observed for FHP and MSP of all the selected crops.

Farmers’ cooperatives and smallholder farmers’ access to credit: Evidence from China

Farmers’ cooperatives serve as effective means of transforming smallholder farmers’ production methods in the process of agricultural modernization in developing countries. This paper aims to examine the credit effects of farmers’ cooperatives by employing a framework based on institutional finance theory. Based on the 2021 China Household Finance Survey data, an endogenous switching probit model is employed to explore the impact of cooperative membership on smallholder farmers’ access to credit. The research findings indicate the following: i) Farmers’ cooperatives possess information advantages, as financial institutions gain access to smallholder farmers’ information through the organized value chains of farmers’ cooperatives, leading to a direct reduction in transaction costs and an improvement in access to credit. ii) Farmers’ cooperatives can promote smallholder farmers’ agricultural investments, increase household income for smallholder farmers, enhance the liquidity of farmland, and further improve access to credit for smallholder farmers. Therefore, farmers’ cooperatives represent an inevitable trend in the agricultural modernization of developing countries. Rural financial institutions should alter their financial models and resolve adverse selection and moral hazard issues in the credit process through organizational approaches, thereby enhancing access to credit for smallholder farmers.

Strategic mapping of onion supply chains: a comprehensive analysis of production and post-harvest processes in Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionOnion is a significant vegetable crop in Ethiopia, serving as a source of income for smallholder farmers. However, various challenges in the production and post-harvest handling processes impede a consistent supply and marketing of the crop. This study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the onion supply chain, ranging from production to post-harvest handling, to address the existing production and marketing processes. The research initiative was undertaken to map the onion supply chain from farmers to consumers, intending to establish an improved marketing system in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsThe study area covered three onion-producing districts of the Amhara Region. Data collection involved interviews, observations, and market assessments using a structured questionnaire. Sampling followed a multistage technique. The analysis included descriptive statistics and food system analysis to map the supply chain and estimate marketing margins.Results and DiscussionPost-harvest loss in onion production presents a major obstacle in the farming sector, impacting its growth. The study identified six alternative channels for onion marketing where different actors are involved throughout the supply chain. Key stakeholders include farmers, local collectors, brokers, transporters, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Packaging and sorting activities are implemented at different supply chain stages to minimize post-harvest losses. Farm-level activities, including curing, sorting, grading, and ventilating, are crucial for reducing losses. The perishable nature of onion bulbs and the existing production and handling challenges exacerbate post-harvest losses. Efforts to address this challenge demand a comprehensive approach, integrating interventions across the value chain, from improved cultivars and storage infrastructure to enhanced market access strategies. Hence, stakeholders and governmental organizations are urged to promote onion value-addition technologies, including the establishment of processing industries. Such endeavors promote collaborative efforts across the onion supply chain, ensuring sustainable benefits for producers and traders.

Factors Affecting Smallholder Farmers' Adoption of Soybean Production Technologies in Kondala District Oromia Western Ethiopia

This study examines on the adoption and intensity of soybean production technology in the Kondala district. A two-stage sampling procedure was followed to select the sample households for the study. The study is based on primary data collected from 185 sample-selected households. Four rural kebeles were selected by using simple random sampling. The semi-structured interview schedule was developed, for collecting the essential quantitative data for the study and secondary data were used as additional data sources. Descriptive statistics and the Tobit model were used to analyse the data. This study also identifies soybean production technologies such as recommended seeding rate, recommended fertilizer applications, land allocation. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that the majority of farmers 57.3% were adopters and the remaining 42.7% were non adopters. In terms of land allocation and use of technologies there was a statistical significance difference in technology usage between adopters and non-adopters. The Tobit model results indicated that household ages, education level, farm experience, membership in cooperatives, access to agricultural inputs, participation in non-farm activities, and frequency of extension contact positively and significantly influenced the adoption and intensity of the use of soybean technologies. Whereas, distance from the market centre showed, a negative relationship with the adoption and intensity of adoption of soybeans production technology. The overall finding of the study underlined the high importance of institutional support in the areas of extension; membership in cooperatives and market to enhance the adoption of an improved soybean production package. Therefore, policy and development interventions should give emphasis to the improvement of such institutional support so as to achieve wider adoption which increases the productivity and income of smallholder farmers.

Small rodent communities and their associated damage to wheat-groundnut agriculture systems.

Rodents can cause significant damage to wheat-groundnut crops in developing countries, as well as to stored produce and infrastructure, affecting food security and income of small-holder farmers. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogea) are important cash crops for local farmers in Pakistan. Field experiments were performed to assess the extent of rodent damage to wheat-groundnut crops throughout their growth stages (i.e, germination, flowering/peg formation and maturity) in the agro-ecological zones of Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan. We used a quadrat method to record the number of damaged crop plants. On the basis of the trapping data four rodent species were captured from wheat-groundnut cropping systems which were responsible for causing damage, i.e., lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) was the main species, followed by the short-tailed mole rat (Nesokia indica), the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) and the bush rat (Golunda ellioti). In both crops, the maximum damage was recorded at crop maturity (10.7 and 14.4%, respectively). The lowest reported damage to wheat and groundnuts was at the germination stage (3.5% and 6.0%, respectively). The lower damage reported at germination could be due to availability of non-crop vegetation at field borders that may be a potential factor influencing damage. Our findings clearly show the considerable amount of damage caused by rodents to wheat-groundnut at maturity across all the agro-ecological zones of Pothwar and indicated that the small mammal composition was more related to maturity stage/season of crops, when the availability of food and climatic condition were favorable and having security under crop shelter. More detailed studies are needed to fully understand the population and breeding ecology of the relevant rodent pest species in relation to damage patterns to optimize management beyond individual structural measures.

Utilising locally based energy supplements in leucaena and corn stover diets to increase the average daily gain of male Bali cattle and the income of smallholder farmers

Context Supplementing a leucaena-based diet with locally available energy sources is an important strategy to extend the use of leucaena, increase liveweight (LW) gain of Bali cattle and increase profit for the smallholder. Aims This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various local energy supplements in leucaena-based diets on the LW gain of Bali cattle and income-over-feed costs (IOFC). Methods Forty male Bali cattle were divided into five treatment groups (n = 8) and each was fed one of the following diets: (A) control diet, including leucaena ad libitum, with corn stover at 0.5% DM LW and mineral mix, (B) control + cassava meal at 1.0% DM LW, (C) control + cassava peel at 1.0% DM LW, (D) control + cassava peel and corn grain mix at 1.0% DM LW or (E) control + commercial feed at 1.0% DM LW. The experiment was run for 140 days, which included a 20-day adaptation period. Parameters measured included intake, digestibility, imbibed-water intake, LW gain, rumen and faecal parameters, feed conversion and IOFC. Key results Supplementation of local energy sources in combination with leucaena and corn stover diets increased LW gain of male Bali cattle above that of the control diet (P < 0.05). The bulls receiving the cassava peel and corn mix supplement had the highest LW gain (0.57 ± 0.09 kg/day), which was associated with an increase in digestible organic-matter intake (DOMI). There were no treatment differences (P > 0.05) in the rumen parameters (rumen fluid pH, rumen ammonia-N concentration and volatile fatty acids) and all parameters were optimum for rumen digestion. Conclusions The addition of local energy supplements supplied at 1% of LW improved growth rate and extended the use of a limited amount of leucaena and provided a higher IOFC. Implications Replacing approximately 40% of leucaena with energy sources can have three benefits, including an increase in LW gain, an increased capacity of farmers to feed more cattle per hectare and an increased income per cattle being fattened. This can increase the production scale and subsequent farmer income, provided that the energy sources are available at affordable prices and obtainable.

Impact of access to agricultural extension on the adoption of technology and farm income of smallholder farmers in Banten, Indonesia

PurposeThe agricultural extension system in Indonesia has experienced its ups and downs in line with the sociopolitical dynamics of the country. This study examines the impact of access to agricultural extension on the adoption of technology and farm income of smallholder farmers in Banten, Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quasi-experimental research design to estimate the impact outcomes at the farm level, with methods that form part of the counterfactual framework.FindingsEstimation results show that farming experience, off-farm income, irrigation, group membership, mobile phones and livestock ownership significantly affect extension access. The results of this main study show the important role of extension access to technology adoption and agricultural income. These studies found consistently positive and statistically significant effects of access to extension services on technology adoption and farm income.Research limitations/implicationsThe consistent positive and significant effect of extension access implies that public investment by the government in agricultural extension can optimize the potential impact on technology adoption and agricultural income, which also affects the distribution of the welfare of rural smallholder farmers.Originality/valueAgricultural extension as a key to increasing technology adoption. However, the impact of access to agricultural extension in Indonesia has received less attention in terms of adoption and farm income.

DAMAGE PATTERNS OF DIFFERENT BIRDS AND RODENT SPECIES IN GRAIN STORAGES IN BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN

Birds and Rodents can cause significant damage to grain stores in developing countries, affecting the food security and income of small-holder farmers. Methods for assessing storage losses by rodents under small-holder conditions will help farmers and policy makers understand the impact rodents may have on food security, nutrition, and health. The present study aimed to determine the different damage patterns by birds and rodents in grain storage in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The study was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022. Twelve grain stores were selected for the observations based on environmental conditions and storage types. Damage patterns were observed through scan sampling by directly observing the damage patterns in terms of grain spreading, fecal contamination, hair contamination, packaging injuries, and feather presence. For loss assessment, the Bowls with known quantities (about 2kg) of grains were placed within grain storage and periodically monitored for weight loss, fecal contamination, and percentage of birds and rodent- damaged grains. The bowels were weighted before and after rodents or bird attack and difference in weight were used to calculate percentages losses. Grain spreading was observed as main damage pattern by birds. Its percentage was measured as 68%, followed by fecal droppings (14%), packaging injuries (13%), and feather presence (5%). Rodents main damage pattern was also grain spreading (47%), followed by packaging injuries (23%), fecal droppings (20%), and presence of hair (10%). Estimates of grain losses in the absence of measures were 23.1% annually. These losses were reduced when rodent control was implemented. So, by implementing control methods and propers storage strategies and using good quality packaging material the rodents and birds losses can be reduced.

Assessment of the Physical, Chemical, Yield and Nutritional Quality Traits of Tropical, Temperate and Wild Dry Bean Species in Vietnam

Background: Assessing agronomic and nutritional characteristics is one of the primary goals for assisting plant scientists in selecting promising grain legume crops for future food and nutritional security and increasing the income of smallholder farmers. Methods: The experiment was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 at the greenhouse of GRIS, Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam. Yield components, agronomic characteristics and biochemical and nutritional parameters of two varieties of tropical beans (Velvet White Bean and Red Cowpea), two varieties of temperate beans (Dwarf Stick Bean and Soybean) and two varieties of wild beans when grown in Vietnam were evaluated in the present study. Result: The results revealed the presence of a wide range of phenotypic variations in dry bean germplasm. The biochemical and nutritional properties of the bean types investigated revealed that the Velvet White Bean had a higher phenol content (0.42 mg GAE g-1) and a lower phytic acid concentration (2.87 µg mL-1) than the other species. The Dwarf stick vean had the highest flavonoid concentration among the types (0.017 mg RE g-1) while the crude protein content of soybean (38.2 mg g-1) was the highest. These findings serve as a foundation for breeders in selecting promising legumes to breed for Vietnam.

Impact of Membership to Certified Coffee Marketing Cooperatives on the Income of Smallholder Farmers in Jimma Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Purpose: Coffee is one of the most important agricultural commodities with a significant contribution to the growth and well-functioning of Ethiopia’s economy, and to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and laborers. Despite its importance, smallholder coffee production and marketing performance have been unsatisfactory due to various reasons. The introduction of voluntary coffee certification schemes such as Fairtrade (FT) and Organic (Org) certification schemes through cooperatives are viewed as mechanisms to overcome the constraints smallholder farmers face in accessing high value coffee markets and earn better income. However, the impacts of these schemes on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers were not analyzed yet. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of joining (FT, Org or dual FT-Org) certified coffee cooperatives on gross annual incomes earned by member farmers.
 Methodology: The study employed cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected sample smallholder coffee farmers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and simple inferential statistical tests (e.g., frequency, percentage, mean, t-and chi2-tests), and PSM methods were employed to analyze the data.
 Findings: Results of the descriptive statistics depict that 234 (62.07%) of the total 377 samples farmers were members of certified coffee marketing cooperatives. Among the cooperative members, 83 (35.47%), 84 (35.90%) and 67 (28.63%) were members of FT, Org and dual FT-Org certified coffee marketing cooperatives, respectively. The results of the binary probit model however show that the decisions to join certified coffee marketing cooperatives was significantly influenced by sex, marital status, total livestock holding size, total coffee land size (ha), log total quantity of coffee produced (kg), credit access, and walking distances to development agent’s office, coffee marketing center and all-weather road in minutes, respectively. The PSM analysis results show that membership to certified coffee marketing cooperatives has a positive and significant impact on average annual gross income (ETB) earned. The average gross annual income earned by coop member farmers was ETB 14639.15, which is by 36.51% higher than their counterpart non-coop member farmers. The difference is statistically significant at 1% probability level.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that Cooperatives should be encouraged to establish credit and saving units in their internal structure and/or work in collaboration with other saving and credit providing institutions (such as Cooperative Bank of Oromia) to be able to provide demand-driven credit services to member farmers.

Flowering and fruit-set in cassava under extended red-light photoperiod supplemented with plant-growth regulators and pruning

BackgroundCassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is staple food and major source of calories for over 500 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is also a source of income for smallholder farmers, and has increasing potential for industrial utilization. However, breeding efforts to match the increasing demand of cassava are impeded by its inability to flower, delayed or unsynchronized flowering, low proportion of female flowers and high fruit abortions. To overcome these sexual reproductive bottlenecks, this study investigated the effectiveness of using red lights to extend the photoperiod (RLE), as a gateway to enhancing flowering and fruit set under field conditions.Materials and methodsPanels of cassava genotypes, with non- or late and early flowering response, 10 in each case, were subjected to RLE from dusk to dawn. RLE was further evaluated at low (LL), medium (ML) and high (HL) red light intensities, at ~ ≤ 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5PFD (Photon Flux Density) in µmol m−2 s−1 respectively. Additionally, the effect of a cytokinin and anti-ethylene as plant growth regulators (PGR) and pruning under RLE treatment were examined.ResultsRLE stimulated earlier flower initiation in all genotypes, by up to 2 months in the late-flowering genotypes. Height and number of nodes at first branching, particularly in the late-flowering genotypes were also reduced, by over 50%. Number and proportion of pistillate flowers more than doubled, while number of fruits and seeds also increased. Number of branching levels during the crop season also increased by about three. Earlier flowering in many genotypes was most elicited at LL to ML intensities. Additive effects on flower numbers were detected between RLE, PGR and pruning applications. PGR and pruning treatments further increased number and proportion of pistillate flowers and fruits. Plants subjected to PGR and pruning, developed bisexual flowers and exhibited feminization of staminate flowers. Pruning at first branching resulted in higher pistillate flower induction than at second branching.ConclusionsThese results indicate that RLE improves flowering in cassava, and its effectiveness is enhanced when PGR and pruning are applied. Thus, deployment of these technologies in breeding programs could significantly enhance cassava hybridizations and thus cassava breeding efficiency and impact.

Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture Practices in Rural Communities of Nalgonda District, India

Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) is important for rural communities as it promotes the production of diverse, nutrient-rich crops and helps to improve food security, reduce malnutrition, and promote better health outcomes. It also helps to increase the incomes of smallholder farmers and enhance their resilience to climate change and other external shocks.
 The study indicated that the majority of respondents are between the ages of 20 to 40 (59.50%), have a low level of education (51.70% are illiterate), come from joint families (56.10%), and have an annual income between Rs.50,000-1,50,000 (72.78%).
 The study provides information on the nutrition and agricultural practices of the respondents. It shows that a high proportion of respondents practice kitchen/nutrition gardening (85.56%) and grow vegetables in their garden (85.56%). Leafy vegetables (51.67%) and fruits (57.22%) are the most commonly grown crops. However, practices such as integrated farming systems (4.44%), the Nutri thali concept (0.00%), and organic farming (7.22%) are not widely adopted.
 The aim of the study was to know the nutrition sensitive agriculture practices followed by small and marginal women in Nalgonda district of Telangana state. In this study a total number of 180 respondents were selected for the study.
 This study was an attempt to as there is a need to put attention on the educational aspects by stimulating the small and marginal women farmers and the families of rural communities by adopting farming practices that promote the production and consumption of diverse and nutrient-rich crops, rural farmers can also improve their own nutrition as well as that of their communities.

Impact of adoption of climate smart agricultural practices to minimize production risk in Ethiopia: A systematic review

Climate change influences agriculture in sub Saharan Africa. The climate-smart agriculture approach is emerging as a new paradigm for adapting agriculture to the changing climate and mitigation. The main aim of this review was to assess the climate smart agriculture practice, factors affecting it and impact of climate smart agriculture. It was conducted by following systematic review procedures. It includes defining a research problem, conducting a literature searches, evaluating relevant material, data analysis, synthesis, and interpretation; and presentation. The result indicated that the climate smart agriculture implemented in Ethiopia were agronomic practices, integrated soil fertility management, conservation agriculture, agroforestry system, irrigation. The factors that affect climate smart agriculture in Ethiopia were age of the family head, sex, household size, education level, distance to farm land, farm size, farming system, farm income source, off-farm income, access to irrigation, market access, access to agricultural credit, access to extension service, membership to organizations, farmers’ perceptions of rainfall shocks, crop yield, access to climate information, access to agricultural inputs, slope, agro ecology, change in precipitation, tenure security and livestock ownership. The impact of climate smart agriculture practice improves soil fertility status, increased crop yield, per capita nutrition consumption and dietary diversity, increased income of smallholder farmers, hence reducing poverty. Therefore, adopting different climate smart agriculture practice should be promoted in different parts of the country. In addition, the study was limited geographically to Ethiopia and it is better to incorporate the study in Africa and worldwide level.

Impact of participation in community-based sheep breeding practice on the income of household: A case of Adiyo Woreda, Kaffa Zone, SNNPRS, Ethiopia

Community-based sheep breeding practice emerged in 2009 G.C as a possible option to understand the selection practices of the traditional breeders and to create genetic gains that improve sheep productivity and provides an important source of income for the household. This study was conducted in Adiyo woreda, to assess the impact of participation in community-based sheep breeding practice on the income of a household in southern Ethiopia. Adiyo was selected purposively, and simple random sampling techniques were employed to obtain the desired sample. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey from a sample of 368 respondents, 165 of whom had participants and 203 non-participants. Primary data were collected through focused group discussion, key informant interviews, and questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from a review of related literature. Descriptive statistics and econometric models are used for analyzing quantitative data. A propensity score matching procedure was employed to decide the causal relationship between participant and non-participant households. The result of propensity score matching method analysis shows that participation in community-based breeding practice has increased average annual household income by 4,301.31birr for the participant than non-participants households and the value is significant at 1% level. The sensitivity analysis result showed that impact results estimated by this study were confident to unobserved selection bias. Hence, the community-based breeding practice has a positive and significant impact on the annual income of households. Hence improving the productivity of local sheep by organizing farmers in CBBP can significantly increase the income of smallholder farmers. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental should work on improving the productivity Bonga sheep breed performance.

Impact of Wheat Cluster Farming Practice on Smallholder’s Asset Building in Arsi Zone of Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main focus of Ethiopia's economic development. It accounts for about 32.7% of the country’s GDP (NBE, 2020). Wheat is one of the major cereal crops produced by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Wheat demand is rising quickly in Ethiopia despite efforts to improve wheat production. Recently, to curb this problem, the government of Ethiopia has set up a cluster farming system for high-potential crops like wheat as a means of improving productivity and maximizing the income of smallholder farmers. In light of the problems and the research gaps identified, this study seeks to address the impact of wheat cluster farming practices on stallholder’s asset building in the Arsi Zone of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 383 sample wheat-producing households. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and propensity score matching model. The propensity score matching model of the average treatment effect on the treated result revealed that wheat cluster farming participation had a significant impact on the smallholders’ asset building. It has been found that, on average, participation in wheat cluster farming has increased smallholders' asset building by ETB 8014.13 (148.69$) for wheat cluster participants as compared to non-participants. Hence it was concluded that cluster farming has improve wheat production which is the major source of income to build asset of the study areas smallholders. Therefore, stakeholders should develop strategies to promote and scale up cluster farming practices. As a result, smallholder farmers will use the extra wheat produced by cluster farming to accumulate more assets and thus raise their standard of living.

AMMI and GGE Biplot Analyses for Mega Environment Identification and Selection of Some High-Yielding Cassava Genotypes for Multiple Environments

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food and generates income for smallholder farmers in southern Ethiopia. The performance of cassava genotypes varies in different growing environments; thus, the evaluation of genotypes tested in various environments plays an essential role in developing strategies to delineate environments, explore unstable genotypes in target environments, and identify stable genotypes for multiple environments. In this regard, there needs to be more information on the identification of mega-environments and stable genotypes with high yields for wide adaptation. Thus, this study aimed to identify mega-environment and high-yielding cassava genotypes for multiple environments using AMMI and GGE biplots. A total of 25 genotypes were evaluated in six environments using a RCBD during the 2020–2021 cropping season. The AMMI analysis of variances revealed that environments, genotypes, and genotype-environment interaction had a significant ( P ≤ 0.001 ) influence on cassava fresh storage root yield (t·ha−1), showing genetic variability among genotypes by changing environments. The genotype-by-environment interaction showed a 61.36% contribution to the total treatment SS variation, while the environment and genotype effects explained 28.16% and 10.48% of the total treatment SS, respectively. IPCA1 and IPCA2 accounted for 33.42% and 23.5% of the GE interactions SS, respectively. The GGE biplot showed that the six environments used in this study were delineated into three mega-environments, namely, the first (Tarcha and Disa), the second (Wara and Areka), and the third (Jimma and Bonbe). Those mega-environments could be helpful for genotype evaluation and effective breeding. The GGE biplot indicated that the vertex genotypes were G16, G17, and G25. They are regarded as specifically adapted genotypes since they are more responsive to environmental change. The GGE biplot also revealed that Tarcha was ideal, having the most discriminating and representative environment, while G10 was the ideal and the overall winning genotype for the current study. Moreover, the genotypes G10 and G14 were identified as being the most stable, with a higher fresh storage root yield than the grand mean. Thus, G10 and G14 were selected as superior genotypes that could be promoted to advanced yield trials to develop stable cultivars with better storage root yield of cassava.