Mixed Farming Research Articles

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENSION SERVICES AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN ITU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the effectiveness of extension services, among arable crop farmers in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The specific objectives included the determination of the socio-economic characteristics of the arable crop farmers, identifying the farmers' sources of information on improved arable crop production, determination of the farm practices adopted by the arable crop farmers; and identification of factors which limit effective adoption of agricultural extension services towards the improvement of practices by arable crop farmers. Data were obtained from primary sources. A random sampling technique was used in the selection of farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis. Findings had it that 16.7 percent of the respondents were less than 20 years, and the mean age was 42. Also, 34.2 percent of the respondents were male while 65.8 percent were female. Again, 8.3 percent of the respondents had no formal education, 32.5 percent attended primary school, and most of the respondents were literates as shown by 50percent that had attended secondary school, 9.2 percents attended tertiary. The available information sources to the farmers in the study area were, radio and television with mean score of 3.0 each, neighbours 2.80, co farmers (3.0), cooperative meetings and extension agents with mean scores of 2.0 each. Above all, internet and town hall meetings were not available for the farmers. The adopted practices by farmers in the study area were, regular weeding (3.5), proper harvesting (3.3), mixed Cropping (3.2), mulching (3.1), bush fallowing (3.1), sole (2.9), mixed farming (2.7) and regular pest and diseases control (2.7). The services rendered by the extension agents in the study area was moderately effectiveness. The constraints faced by the farmers were marketing challenges, lack of coordination among agents, poor infrastructure, inadequate and irregular funding, inadequate and poor quality of staff, poor targeting of vulnerable groups and top-down approach. From the afore-going, it is pertinent to recommend that, farmers should be encouraged through adequate training, with increased incentives to extension agents, coupled with budgetary supervisions to ensure effective extension service delivery to the arable crop farmers in the study area.

Effect of Hyperparameter Tuning on the Performance of YOLOv8 for Multi Crop Classification on UAV Images

This study investigates the performance of YOLOv8, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture, for multi-crop classification in a mixed farm with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imageries. Emphasizing hyperparameter optimization, specifically batch size, the study’s primary objective is to refine the model’s batch size for improved accuracy and efficiency in crop detection and classification. Using the Google Colaboratory platform, the YOLOv8 model was trained over various batch sizes (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90) to automatically identify the five different classes (sugarcane, banana trees, spinach, pepper, and weeds) present on the UAV images. The performance of the model was assessed using classification accuracy, precision, and recall with the aim of identifying the optimal batch size. The results indicate a substantial improvement in classifier performance from batch sizes of 10 up to 60, while significant dips and peaks were recorded at batch sizes 70 to 90. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, Batch size 60 emerged with the best overall performance for automatic crop detection and classification. Although the F1 score was moderate, the combination of high accuracy, precision, and recall makes it the most balanced option. However, Batch Size 80 also shows very high precision (98%) and balanced recall (84%), which is suitable if the primary focus is on achieving high precision. The findings demonstrate the robustness of YOLOv8 for automatic crop identification and classification in a mixed crop farm while highlighting the significant impact of tuning to the appropriate batch size on the model’s overall performance.

The change of crop structure and its influencing factors in the Late Neolithic Nanyang Basin: New macrobotanical evidence from the Maotang site, central China

The Maotang site in the northeastern Nanyang Basin, central China, encompasses both the Qujialing (5300–4500 BP) and Shijiahe (4500–4200 BP) cultures. Based on the flotation of soil samples collected at the site, micromorphological identification confirmed the presence of three crop seeds, rice (Oryza sativa), foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), as well as 18 types of non–crop seeds, along with some fruits and nuts. The analysis indicated that during the Qujialing–Shijiahe Cultural period, the Maotang site functioned as a agricultural settlement cultivating a combination of rice and millet. Within this mixed farming, rice and foxtail millet dominated, while broomcorn millet occupied a relatively lower position. Notably, during the Qujialing Culture period, rice had greater significance than foxtail millet, and after entering the Shijiahe Culture period, rice and foxtail millet became nearly equally important. Based on relevant studies on paleoenvironment, agricultural history and archaeological culture, this article argues that cultural diffusion has had a significant impact on the evolution of crop structure during the Neolithic Nanyang Basin. Specifically, the northward expansion of the Qujialing Culture notably established a predominance of rice in the mixed cultivation system, which was more prevalent in the southwestern area of the basin. However, during the Shijiahe Culture period, due to the decline of the Shijiahe Culture's influence and the flourishing of archaeological cultures from the Central Plain, the position of foxtail millet increased obviously, and it nearly had the equal importance as rice in the northeastern area of the Nanyang basin. This study provides the latest archaeobotanical data from the transitional area of the central China, contributing to a further exploration on the relationship between the crop structure evolution and archaeological culture diffusion in the Neolithic period.

Pemanfaatan Data Raster Dalam Menentukan Perubahan Penutupan Lahan Sub Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Biyonga Kabupaten Gorontalo

This study aims to analyze changes in land cover over a specific period, focusing on the influencing factors and their impacts on the Biyonga Sub-Watershed ecosystem. The method used in this research is a combination of descriptive research method with spatial analysis interpretation approach and field survey. The research findings indicate that spatial analysis of land cover in the Biyonga Sub-Watershed revealed nine land cover classes, such as forest, shrubland, settlements, and agriculture. Land use change patterns were evaluated by overlaying land cover maps from 1990 to 2020. Significant changes in land cover occurred between 1990 and 2000, where secondary dryland forest cover changed to shrubland covering an area of 2,299.98 hectares. For the period 2000-2011, it was found that there was a loss of primary forest cover totaling 2097.27 hectares, which transitioned into secondary dry land forest and shrubland. Other changes included paddy fields transitioning into settlements and dry land agriculture, and dry land agriculture transitioning into settlements. From 2011 to 2020, there was an increase in the area of secondary forest cover and transitions from shrubland and dry land agriculture to secondary forest as well as mixed dry land agriculture.

Multidimensional performance of agroecology in mixed and agropastoral farming systems of Ethiopia: empirical evidence based on the tool for agroecological performance evaluation (TAPE)

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of agroecological performance evaluation in Ethiopia. The study utilized the TAPE methodology on a relatively large number of farms (619). The results showed that transition to agroecology had a positive effect on tenure security, agricultural output, gross revenue, and diversity of Income-Generating Activities. More advanced agroecological farms were found to have better soil health and agrobiodiversity, and reduced use of chemical pesticides. They were also associated with better dietary diversity; more empowered youth and women; and created on-farm employment opportunities. These results call for support and public investments on agroecological transition in the country.

Improving Soil Quality and Yield of Intercropping-System Crops in a Dry Land Area through Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Application Frequency

The future of agriculture is prone to choose technology that can enhance the quality of the resources to support the sustainability of food production. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a reliable technology for future agriculture as it is environment-friendly, and able to optimize resource utilization and decrease external input. This research aimed to analyze the effect of PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens + Bacillus polymyxa) application frequency on chemical soil properties, a yield of an intercropping system in dry land, the in-between correlation of the parameters, and to determine the best PGPR application frequency. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this research to put the treatment in the experimental unit properly. The treatments consisted of i) one-time application of PGPR at the planting time, ii) twice application of PGPR at the planting time and 15 Days After Planting (DAP), iii) three times application of PGPR at the planting time, 15 DAP and 30 DAP, iv) without application of PGPR as control. The results showed that PGPR application frequency improved chemical soil properties, yield, and total by-products as livestock feed. The activity of soil enzymes, nitrogenase, and phosphatase, was enhanced compared to the control. The application of PGPR in dryland areas is recommended to maintain soil fertility and support sustainable intercropping crop production. Further studies are needed to conduct mixed farming between agriculture, animal husbandry, clean energy (biogas), and organic fertilizer (residue from the biogas digester).

Integrating animals, pasture, and crops within AusFarm for modelling mixed farming

Mixed enterprise farming systems that integrate more than one production system are important in agricultural production world-wide. Understanding and improving them can be made easier by modelling them with software tools. Modelling mixed enterprise farming systems can be a complex task as the interaction between the enterprises will introduce many dependencies. There are many software tools available that can model single enterprise systems, while there are few with the ability to model the biophysical systems in mixed farming. AusFarm has been designed and used to model mixed enterprise farming systems, integrating livestock, pasture, and crop models in one software tool and allowing flexible management of the whole farm. This paper demonstrates some key techniques that have been used for building and simulating mixed enterprise Australian farm systems in AusFarm. Examples of how to structure a cropping system and a livestock system are given. Key livestock and crop management tasks are implemented using flexible management rules.

Gender-differentiated capture of agro-based climate adaptation interventions: implications for agricultural systems and practices in Cameroon’s Western highlands

In climate change adaptation, studies exist on extension interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, albeit the dearth of scientific evidence on the differential “capture1” of agro-based adaptation packages. This paper contributes to provide evidence by (1) analyzing the typology of agro-based climate adaptation packages, and (2) exploring gender variations in the capture of agro-based climate adaptation packages. We use key informant interviews (N = 89) and focus group discussions (N = 14) to obtain data, analyzed using content analysis. Variations were observed in the capture of agro-based adaptation packages introduced by state and non-state actors. While men (adult male) mostly employed dominant information, women (adult female) drew from group formation. Agro-based adaptation capture led to major shifts in agricultural systems in the western highlands from monocropping to mixed cropping, mixed farming and agroforestry systems. The results show changes in agricultural systems from monocropping to mixed cropping. It was observed that women (adult female) and youths (both male and female) capture adaptation strategies encouraged by state agencies than the men (adult male) who adopt various adaptation strategies by both state agencies and non-governmental organizations. While these findings shed light on the dynamics of gender differentiated capture, it further calls for an in-depth exploration of other factors which shape agricultural system change.

The evolution of cropping structure in prehistoric Xizang

The origin and spread of agriculture facilitated a decline in human mobility and eventually led to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle globally, including on the Tibetan Plateau. Previous studies have proposed an evolution of prehistoric agriculture, from millet-based to barley-based farming. However, details regarding the process are vague. Here, we present diachronic changes in cropping structure from Xizang on the basis of a quantitative analysis of archaeobotanical remains from 12 sites located in southeastern Xizang. The advent of agriculture in Xizang began in the southeastern region around 4800 cal a BP and resulted in a quick spread of millet agriculture from the Hengduan Mountains to the Yarlung Zangbo River region. Subsequently, the introduction of barley and wheat in Xizang led to the transformation of millet-based farming into mixed farming after 3600 cal a BP. Eventually, around 3000 cal a BP, barley and wheat dominated across the entire Xizang with declining occurrences of millet. It took more than 600 years for barley and wheat to dominate in the Tibetan cropping system, which may reflect the time required for these exotic species to adapt physiologically to their new niche. In addition to the diachronic changes in crop farming, the ratio of barley to wheat and foxtail millet to broomcorn millet also varied at different elevations possibly due to local environmental variations and the crops’ physiological requirements.

Pendapatan Usahatani Pola Mix Cropping Tanaman Cabai Rawit Dan Tomat Di Desa Tumaratas II Kecamatan Langowan Barat Kabupaten Minahasa

This study aims to determine the income of cayenne pepper and tomato farming using mixed cropping patterns in Tumaratas II Village, Langowan Barat District, Minahasa Regency. The research was conducted from July to September 2023. The research location was Tumaratas II Village, West Langowan District, Minahasa Regency. The data collection method used in this research is primary data obtained using direct interview techniques with respondents, using a questionnaire as a tool in data collection, while secondary data is obtained from data that is already available from village documents, sub-district offices and other related sources for research purposes. The sampling method used purposive sampling method. The population studied in this study were farmers who grew mixed crops of cayenne pepper and tomatoes. The data analysis method was carried out using quantitative methods and the research results were presented in tabular form. Knowing the total revenue in one crop period is determined using the revenue and income formula. Based on the results of the research conducted, it is concluded that each farmer respondent has a different average so that the income earned is also very different. The total income received in mixed crop farming amounted to IDR395,355,682.28. The largest income in mixed crop farming is IDR77,521,932.00, while the smallest income is IDR3,276,800.00.

A robust, low-temperature, closed-loop anaerobic system for high-solid mixed farm wastes: advancing agricultural waste management solutions in Canada.

This study investigates the effectiveness of low-temperature (20 ± 1 °C) anaerobic digestion (AD) for two organic multiple farm substrate combinations: Set 1 comprising chicken manure (CM), dairy manure (DM), and waste corn silage (CS) and Set 2 comprising CM, DM, pig manure (PM), and CS. Inoculum adaptation steps were carried out using CM and CM+DM for Set 1 and Set 2, respectively. Over three consecutive operating cycles spanning 245 days with increasing organic loads, 4.3 and 2.8 g VS L-1 d-1 for Sets 1 and 2 during Cycles 1 to 5.1 and 4.6 g VS L-1 d-1for Sets 1 and 2 during Cycle 3, a closed-loop two-stage liquid-solid AD system was employed, with performance assessed via stability ratios of short-chain volatile fatty acids and alkalinity. Results demonstrate that mono-digestion of CM with adapted inoculum yielded the highest biogas production of 424 ± 4 L over 77 days, indicating superior performance by Set 1 during Phase I, whereas a similar performance was observed during Phase 2, where Sets 1 and 2 exhibited highest specific methane yields of 0.233 ± 0.028 and 0.262 ± 0.004 L g-1 VSfed, respectively, over 68 days. Analysis of heavy metal concentrations in digestates revealed a significant decrease compared to initial raw substrate concentrations, highlighting their role as nutrients for microbial growth. This study, the first of its kind, highlights the potential of low-temperature AD systems to manage diverse organic residues/byproducts and offers insights into effective performance monitoring without compromising system integrity.

Soil fertility in mixed crop-livestock farming systems of Punjab, Pakistan: The role of institutional factors and sustainable land management practices

CONTEXTSoil salinization is a significant environmental challenge prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions, causing adverse effects on crop yields and jeopardizing household food security. Previous research has examined the influence of institutional dynamics and the adoption of sustainable land management practices in bolstering agricultural output, and some have investigated the interplay among socioeconomic determinants, institutional frameworks, and the uptake of climate-resilient and sustainable methodologies, or the association between soil health and agricultural productivity. Yet, there has been a lack of studies that considered this relationship altogether and their role in enhancing soil fertility. OBJECTIVEWe investigate the relationship among socioeconomic and institutional factors, adoption of sustainable land management practices, and the resulting changes in soil fertility between 2016 and 2019 within the context of mixed crop-livestock farms in the three irrigated agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A household survey was conducted in 2019 to complement soil attributes data collected by the Government of Punjab in 2016. Households that implemented sustainable land management practices between 2016 and 2019 were analysed to investigate the effect of various factors on soil fertility, including the adoption of sustainable land management practices and their influence on soil fertility dynamics. METHODSA structural equation model was employed to examine the relationship among exogenous variables, moderating variables, and endogenous variables, to explain their collective influence on soil fertility between the two periods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe key findings highlight the significant role of institutional factors, including access to formal information channels such as extension services, demonstration trials, and credit facilities, alongside secure land rights, in predicting the adoption of sustainable land management practices such as gypsum application, laser land leveling, farmyard manuring, and agroforestry. Furthermore, specific SLM practices, particularly agroforestry featuring intercropping with Acacia spp. and farmyard manure application, exhibited positive impacts on change in soil organic matter, albeit with agroforestry showing a negative influence on soil phosphorus levels. The adoption of gypsum and LLL displayed positive effects on soil phosphorus levels over time, contrasting with LLL's adverse impact on soil organic matter. SIGNIFICANCEOur findings suggest that soil fertility benefits from policies enacted through public-private partnerships that lead to improved access to sustainable land management information, reduced credit barriers, establishment of local soil testing facilities, and expedited land entitlement processes. These findings highlight the critical role of collaborative partnerships and institutional arrangements in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

The impact of repayment obligations arising as a by‐product of input use on partial inefficiency: Evidence from Western Australian farm businesses

AbstractFarm businesses often use debt to finance the purchase inputs and meet operational costs. Selected studies have investigated the impact of debt use on farm performance as measured using technical efficiency. However, no prior studies in agriculture have considered treating the debt repayment obligation created as a by‐product of production when benchmarking farm performance. This study employs nonparametric directional distance function models to quantify the impact of debt repayment as a by‐product of input use purchased on credit on farm‐level partial inefficiency using a panel data of 54 mixed enterprise broadacre farms in Western Australia from 2002 to 2011. The study finds that omitting repayment obligations created in the production process in analysis results in underestimating partial inefficiency scores. Farm size, production diversification and rainfall zone are significant drivers of partial inefficiency. The implication of the study's findings is that failure to account for repayment obligations created in the production process may result in erroneous policy suggestions that undermine the efforts of farm businesses to minimise or avoid financial stress.

Identifying high-value tactical livestock decisions on a mixed enterprise farm in a variable environment

Context Australia is renowned for its climate variation, featuring years with drought and years with floods, which result in significant production and profit variability. Accordingly, to maximise profitability, dryland farming systems need to be dynamically managed in response to unfolding weather conditions. Aims The aim of this study is to identify and quantify optimal tactical livestock management for different weather-years. Methods This study employed a whole-farm optimisation model to analyse a representative mixed enterprise farm located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Using this model, we investigated the economic significance of five key livestock management tactics. These included timing of sheep sales, pasture-area adjustments, rotational grazing, crop grazing and sheep nutrition adjustments. Key results The results showed that, on the modelled dryland mixed-enterprise farm in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, short-term adjustments to the overall farm strategy in response to unfolding weather conditions increased expected profit by approximately 16%. Each tactic boosted profit by between A$7704 and A$53,171. However, we outline several complexities that farmers must consider when implementing tactics. Conclusions The financial gains from short-term tactical management highlighted their importance and farmers’ need to develop and apply those skills. The tactical skills promote business resilience and adaptability in the face of climate uncertainties. Implications The study highlighted the economic value of dynamic livestock management in response to climate variations, offering farmers in the Great Southern region the means to underpin profitable and sustainable farm practices.

Contribution of Family Labour in Mixed Farming System

Indian economy largely depends on the agriculture. Agriculture is the main source of income in the nation as most of the people choose their livelihood from agriculture. But this source of income is under threat as agriculture has become very risky due to extreme climate changes and highly volatile agricultural markets. Mixed farming system is one way of handling such problems because it provides better income returns to farm owners as well as higher productivity. Mixed farming is defined as a system of farming in which both crop and livestock farming are combined for the purpose of meeting family requirements and profiting from both enterprises. The case for integrating these two is based on the premises that bye –products from the two systems are used on the same farm. Mixed farming system is helpful in decreasing the cost of production per unit area, increasing income and productivity and reducing the risk of farmers. The contribution of family labour in these farming systems cannot be neglected. Mixed family farms produce almost half of the world food. Increasing food supply in developing countries requires increasing productivity of both land and farmers’ labour as key to increase household income, food security and reduce poverty. So the present study focuses on contribution of family labour in mixed farming system and gender wise comparison of family labour towards mixed farming. From the study it can be concluded that mixed farming system is highly dependent on family labour. So that mixed farming can also be called as family farming. The mixed farming is a farming system which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour both women’s and men’s. The family and farm are linked and can be concluded that family labour is critical resource of mixed farming system.

Implementation of geographic information system in relation to land cover changes in the Leuser National Park area from 1990 to 2020

In recent years, there have been pressing issues that need immediate attention regarding land cover change in Leuser National Park, particularly in BPTN Region III Stabat, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to analyze the land cover changes that have occurred between the years 1990 and 2020 in BPTN Region III Stabat, Leuser National Park, Indonesia. The methodology employed includes temporal and spatial analysis, with data processing carried out using ArcMap 10.4 software. The land cover categories considered in the analysis include primary dryland forest, secondary dryland forest, shrubland, plantation, open land, water body, dryland agriculture, and mixed dryland agriculture. The findings of this study indicate that the largest land cover area was recorded in 1990, with primary dryland forest covering approximately 192,188.92 hectares, while the smallest land cover area was open land, covering around 3.31 hectares. Over the entire period from 1990 to 2020, the largest decrease in land cover area was observed in secondary dryland forest, amounting to approximately 5,546.23 hectares, whereas the largest increase in land cover area was observed in dryland agriculture, totaling around 4,201.75 hectares.

Effect of poverty level and food insecurity status on poultry farmers' response to high feed costs in south-west Nigeria

The rising cost of feed is a major challenge in Nigeria’s poultry industry. It impacts production costs and threatens the industry's sustainability and food security. Implementing effective coping strategies for rising feed costs is crucial for poultry enterprises. This study examines poverty level, food insecurity status, and poultry farmers’ coping strategies to high feed costs in South-West, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for this study. Three states (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo) were purposively selected from the six states in the South-West of Nigeria. In the second stage, 575 poultry farmers from all Poultry Association of Nigeria zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data on the production activities of poultry farms were collected from the farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean per capita household expenditure, household food insecurity access scale, double log regression, multinomial logistic regression, and stochastic frontier production models at p< 0.05. The results of data analysis showed that 48% of the poultry farmers adopted mixed farming to cope with the rising feed cost while 24.7%, 16.1% and 6.2% adopted the use of finished feed, downsizing their flock size and at the verge of exiting the venture, respectively, while 5.2% did not change strategy. At a poverty line of ₦48,500/year, 70.7% of the poultry farmers were poor. The results also indicated that 25.8% of the poultry farmers were food secure, 1.6%, 27.2% and 45.4% were mildly, moderately and severely food insecure, respectively. The multinomial logit analysis results showed that sex (p<0.1), age (p<0.05), education (p<0.01), farm size (p<0.05), food security status (p<0.01), and access to credit (p<0.01) were factors for coping with rising feed costs in South-west Nigeria. The study concludes that the more educated the poultry farmers are the likely they will adopt the most suitable strategies to reduce the effect of rising feed costs. The study recommends that poultry farmers should engage in mixed farming which enables them to be in production. Key words: Adopted strategies, Food security, Poverty level, Poultry farmers, Feed costs

Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Ruminants and Virus Excretion in Milk-A Potential Source of Zoonotic HEV Infection.

The hepatitis E virus is a serious health concern worldwide, with 20 million cases each year. Growing numbers of autochthonous HEV infections in industrialized nations are brought on via the zoonotic transmission of HEV genotypes 3 and 4. Pigs and wild boars are the main animal reservoirs of HEV and play the primary role in HEV transmission. Consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat and close contact with infected animals are the most common causes of hepatitis E infection in industrialized countries. However, during the past few years, mounting data describing HEV distribution has led experts to believe that additional animals, particularly domestic ruminant species (cow, goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, and yak), may also play a role in the spreading of HEV. Up to now, there have not been enough studies focused on HEV infections associated with animal milk and the impact that they could have on the epidemiology of HEV. This critical analysis discusses the role of domestic ruminants in zoonotic HEV transmissions. More specifically, we focus on concerns related to milk safety, the role of mixed farming in cross-species HEV infections, and what potential consequences these may have on public health.

Assessing soil erosion and farmers’ decision of reducing erosion for sustainable soil and water conservation in Burji woreda, southern Ethiopia

Inadequate conservation practice affects the sustainable production of agricultural watersheds due to erosion and fertility decline. Understanding soil erosion and implementing site-specific conservation practice could enhance agriculture-based rural development. The study was aimed to document soil erosion problem and soil and water conservation effort. The specific objectives of this study were to assess soil erosion severity, practices to reduce erosion, and determinants of the decision to reduce erosion. Data were collected by interviewing 198 farm household heads, undertaking four focus group discussions, and assessing rill erosion in 10 farm fields in Morayo and Wacho sub-watersheds of southern Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics and binary logit model were applied to analyze the data. Results indicated that many of the farm households, 63% in Morayo and 83% in the Wacho sub-watershed, perceived moderate to severe soil erosion, which is characterized by big rills and small gullies on the farmlands. Rill densities of 231.4 m ha−1 and 84.1 m ha−1 in the Morayo and Wacho sub-watersheds were observed, respectively. The estimated annual soil loss due to rills was 61.2 and 23.4 Mg ha−1 in the Morayo and Wacho sub-watersheds, respectively. The soil erosion from rills alone exceeds the expected tolerable soil erosion (11 tons ha−1 year−1). Due to erosion, about 90% of farmers perceived farmland degradation as described by a progressive decline in crop yield. Farmers used to practice traditional techniques to reduce erosion and government introduced conservation measures such as soil and stone bunds. However, many farmers did not use well-promoted conservation measures such as bunds, which could have negative impact on long-term erosion control effort and sustainable implementation of the conservation options. Among the assessed explanatory variables, educational level, farm distance from home, slope of the cultivated land, and frequency of extension contact were significantly affected (p < 0.05) farmers’ sustainable use of conservation measures. Development planners and policy makers are advised to consider site-specific and innovative approaches to implement conservation measures in sustainable approach in the smallholder crop-livestock mixed agriculture system.

Annual livestock mortality in a mixed farm in Botswana reveals seasonality and differences in species, age, and risk factors

Livestock mortality in a farm with cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and ostriches in Botswana was investigated by collecting data weekly from March 2020 to February 2021. Post-mortem examinations were performed on a few animals from each livestock species. A questionnaire was administered to nine experienced practicing veterinarians to rate selected risk factors relevant to livestock mortality. Simple arithmetic was used to compute absolute mortality and mortality rates. Differences in mortality rates between animal groups were determined using a statistical difference calculator. Absolute mortality was highest in summer and autumn and lowest in winter. Mortality was highest in goats and least in sheep. The mortality of young animals was more than twice that of adults. All Ostriches (n=3) died. Conversely, sheep died at a lower rate (p&lt; 0.05) than other livestock. There was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between the mortality rates of pigs and goats. Although the mortality rate of Friesian cattle (11.1%) was almost twice that of Tswana cattle (6.7%), the difference was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Interestingly, the mortality rate of Tswana goats was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than that of Saanen goats. Post-mortem identified Haemonchosis, heartwater, poor nutrition, and poor hygiene as a cause or suspected cause of livestock mortality. Experts rated several risk factors as either considerable causes, contributory causes, or aggravating livestock mortality. The importance of livestock mortality and the major risk factors associated with such mortality are discussed.