Small Farmers Research Articles

Flexible assessment of biosecurity in small- and medium scale poultry farms in low and middle income countries

BackgroundBiosecurity measures are essential for mitigating the risk of pathogen introduction and spread in farms. While standardised tools for monitoring biosecurity implementation exist, they are often not tailored to the specific needs of low and middle income countries (LMICs), where pathogen occurrence and farming practices can be highly variable compared to intensive high income country settings. The aim of our study was to develop a flexible risk assessment tool for evaluating biosecurity practices on small and medium-scale poultry farms in LMICs. The methodology described here allows local experts to adapt the tool to current conditions.ResultsThe development process began by combining two existing questionnaires. These were evaluated by nine experts with expertise in diverse farming systems in LMICs. The experts conducted a knowledge aggregation process to assign weights to the different areas and individual questions within the questionnaires. The median scores from the final expert elicitation informed the weighting of questions in the newly developed questionnaire. These weights are adaptable and can be adjusted to reflect population-specific conditions, which may vary in pathogen load and farming practices.ConclusionsWe have developed a flexible biosecurity assessment tool tailored to small-and medium-scaled poultry farms in LMICs. This tool can be used as presented or adapted to local conditions through the input of local experts, allowing for effective and context-specific biosecurity monitoring.

Sorghum yield prediction based on remote sensing and machine learning in conflict affected South Sudan

Sorghum cultivation plays a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity in South Sudan, but persistent conflict continues to impose challenges in the agriculture sector therefore understanding the impact of conflict on sorghum yield prediction is important for country food security. This research integrates various sources of data including sorghum yield from small scale farmers during four agricultural seasons (2018–2021), climate, remotely sensed data, and conflict occurrence probability to predict sorghum yield in South Sudan. We use five Machine Learning (ML) techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict 2021 end-of-season sorghum yield in conflict affected Upper Nile and Western Bahr El Gazal states. We computed correlations and the analysis revealed high variability in term of yield in the 2 states with an average sorghum yield of 366.03 kg/ha (SD = 292.29 kg/ha) and a strong positive correlation (0.75, p < 0.001) between cultivated land size and sorghum yield. During the training phase DT, RF, XGboost and ANN models showed high accuracy, with each having an R2 > 70%. DT and XGboost both had an accuracy close to 80% and less prediction error. Predicting 2021 sorghum yield, XGboost, DT and RF models yielded best combination of metrics with good accuracy. Our results reveal that adding conflict occurrence probability data to the models, while complex, had minimal impact on yield predictions. Further analysis revealed cultivated land size was the most significant predictor for all the models. This paper demonstrates that despite ongoing conflict, reasonably good end-of-season sorghum yield prediction with relevant food security planning implications could be done with ML, but challenges remain in generalizing these results due to limited crop data and regional variability in South Sudan.

Evaluation of Farming System Modules for Improving Profitability of Small Farmers in Coastal Odisha, India

The study evaluated the profitability, sustainability and environmental impact of integrated farming system (IFS) modules, including cropping systems, horticulture, dairy, poultry and fishery in an area of 1.2 ha, in coastal Odisha, India. This research project was part of the sixth production cycle under the All India Coordinated Research Project on IFS and conducted at the Central Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, during the 2022-23 agricultural year. The experiment integrated five major modules: cropping systems (0.32 ha), horticulture (0.31 ha), dairy (2 cross-bred cows), poultry (500 coloured chicken for meat) and fishery (0.40 ha). Productivity was assessed using rice equivalent yield (REY) and economic returns were calculated for each module. Sustainability was evaluated through sustainable yield indices and carbon footprint assessments, while soil quality parameters, such as bulk density, pH, organic carbon and available macronutrients, were monitored over six years. Dairy emerged as the most productive module, yielding the highest REY (15.14 t) and gross return (Rs.3,27,040). Horticulture recorded the highest net return (Rs.1,40,627) and benefit-cost ratio (3.61). The cost of production was mainly influenced by external inputs (52%), followed by labour (33%) and system-recycled inputs (15%). The system generated 399 man-days annually, with over half contributed by dairy. Environmental sustainability was achieved through agroforestry and compost application, making the model carbon-negative. Dairy was the largest greenhouse gas emitter, while horticulture and biomass contributed significantly to carbon sequestration. Over six years, soil quality improved, with reduced bulk density, increased water-holding capacity and enhanced organic carbon levels. Sustainable yield indices for four modules were above 0.6, with dairy showing the highest sustainability. Poultry performance required further improvement to enhance overall system sustainability. In conclusion, the integrated farming system enhanced overall productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability for smallholder farmers in coastal Odisha, showcasing its potential for resource optimization and resilience.

Strengthening women’s economic empowerment: The post-COVID re-opening of the weekly market through participatory action research and deliberative forums in western Nepal

The haat, an open-air traditional marketplace, provides small farmers with access to markets where they can sell their products. These economic spaces are particularly important for women farmers, whose access to distant markets is limited amidst persisting gender-based constraints including mobility restrictions and security concerns. Beyond direct economic benefits, haats also serve as social spaces for women to connect with other farmers and exchange information. However, one such market (haat), operating twice a week in Sandhikharka, Arghakhanchi district for the past four decades, was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed even after other restrictions were lifted. This prompted our participatory action research team to investigate the causes and consequences of its prolonged closure and to facilitate efforts to reopen it. In collaboration with the local government, the research institution organised deliberative forums where relevant stakeholders collectively identified the key constraints to reopening the haat and developed strategies for its revival. Ongoing efforts are focused on institutionalising the haat and ensuring its sustainable operation. In this paper, we outline the process followed and share insights generated from the research and engagement conducted during the reopening effort. Women smallholder farmers have expressed their appreciation for the reopening, noting that the haat is crucial not only for securing better prices for their produce but also for significantly reducing the challenges of selling their products elsewhere, while encouraging further economic activities and contributing to their economic empowerment.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Poultry Bird Defeathering Machine

The poultry processing industry is under high demand due to the increasing demand for chicken meat worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where manual defeathering is the norm. The primary objectives of this study were the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a chicken defeathering machine using locally accessible materials. Standard equations and formulae were used in the design of the machine's main parts, which include the electric motor, sheave, belt, pulley, bearing, feather plate, rubber fingers, cylindrical drum, and rubber pluckers. Fifteen cockerel chickens of different weights were evaluated at three different speeds of 450, 500, and 550 rpm in order to assess the performance of the chicken feather plucking machine. The data obtained was analyzed using Excel 13. The highest defeathering efficiency of 84.49% was recorded at a machine speed of 450 rpm, followed by a defeathering efficiency of 81.70% at a machine speed of 500 rpm, while the lowest defeathering efficiency of 80.98% was recorded at a machine speed of 550 rpm, respectively. The highest plucking time of 22.80 s was recorded at a machine speed of 450 rpm, followed by a plucking time of 20.40 s at a machine speed of 500 rpm, while the lowest plucking time of 19.80 s was recorded at a machine speed of 550 rpm, respectively. It will take an average of 21.00 seconds to defeat a medium cockerel used for the testing of the defeathering, which implies that the developed defeathering machine can defeat 171 chickens per hour. The machine is powered by a 5.5-hp, three-phase electric motor and has a production cost of $250, with the construction materials being locally available at affordable costs. The machine is recommended to both small and medium-scale farmers and food processors due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and improvement over the previous ones in terms of efficiency and capacity.

Conservation Blind Spots: Scenarios for Assessing the Exposure Risk of Brazilian Mammals to Pesticides

ABSTRACT Brazil is a large agricultural producer and a megadiverse country. In this context, the use of pesticides poses risks to non‐target species, including wild mammals. Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) for pesticides has been adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Brazil has yet to present a pesticide risk assessment for vertebrates. To design an ERA for Brazilian mammals, data is needed on the occurrence and distribution of species within and outside crops and agroecosystem types, their biological characteristics and life history traits. We analyse a comprehensive dataset of mammal occurrences in Brazilian agroecosystems. We identify the main crops studied, review if pesticides were listed as threats for mammals endangered of extinction and discuss mammal traits that lead to pesticide exposure across agroecosystems. We show that 54% of terrestrial mammals in Brazil occur in agroecosystems (319/716), with 64.3% (205/319) of these found in crop. Most studies registered mammals in large‐scale monocultures, such as annual croplands, tree plantations and pasture grazing. Small farming emerges as an important knowledge gap. We found 25 species threatened with extinction (Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable) occurring in crop in Brazilian agroecosystems. Concerning ERA for Brazilian agricultural scenarios, in the screening tier process, it is suggested to use an indicator model species (IMS) with the following traits: terrestrial, crepuscular, and large body mass for pasture‐grazing, tree plantations and annual croplands. Conversely, in agroforestry and perennial crop agroecosystems, we recommend considering at least one IMS with arboreal habits and a frugivorous and/or nectarivorous diet. Furthermore, in Tier 1, we recommend that a generic model species (GMS) emconpassing carnivorous and herbivorous mammals should be considered in pasture‐grazing systems, tree plantations and annual cropland. In agroforests and perennial croplands, GMS that represent the diet of frugivorous and nectarivorous mammals should be prioritised.

Stability, performance and participatory evaluation of potato varieties under rain-fed and irrigation conditions at Southeast, Ethiopia

The goal of potato breeding is to develop widely adaptable, highly productive cultivars that farmers would prefer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and stability of potato varieties linking the preferences of smallholder farmers in rain-fed and irrigated environments. Using a randomized complete block design in three replicates, twelve potato cultivars were assessed in 10 settings in Southeast Ethiopia during the Meher and Belg seasons in 2019 and 2020. The environments, genotypes, and GEI all revealed significant differences (p&lt;0.001) in the pooled analysis of the variance of tuber yield. The tuber yield variances for GEI, environment, and genotypic impacts were 15.48%, 7.61%, and 59.49% explained by the AMMI analysis, respectively. The environments were grouped into three distinct categories. A total of 99.6% of the variance was the cumulative contribution of PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, and PC5 sharing 80.8%, 11.3%, 4.3%, 2.2%, and 1.0%, respectively High-yielding and widely adapted were Gera, Gudanie, Bubu, Belete, Shenkolla, Guassa, and Maracharre varieties, according to the AMMI, BLUP, GGE biplot, and WAAS. However, dynamic types that were particularly affected by environmental variations include Jalenie, Dagim, Gorebella, Awash, and Zemen. A stability measure of metric and preference based on various traits identified Gudanie and Guassa varieties. The scores of the small holder farmers were consistent throughout the test environments. The canonical correlation analysis indicated the significant association between the metric traits collected by the breeder and the small- holder farmer preferences. The study provides baseline data for potato breeding, and the varieties must be evaluated in the nation's mega-environments for additional recommendations. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 85-98, December 2024

Income Sufficiency Assessment of Rural Households: A Case Study of Malda District in West Bengal, India

The study investigated the income sufficiency of rural households in Malda district of West Bengal. The primary data of 60 randomly selected farmers was collected through survey method during 2023-24. The findings revealed that on an average rural household earns Rs. 2,60,555.47 per annum (Rs. 21,713/month) and spends Rs. 207448 annually (Rs. 17,287.35/month). Field crops (85.34 %), Agricultural labour (72.60%) and business earnings (34.75%) occupies the highest share in the farm, off-farm and non-farm income sources, respectively. Family size and annual income had a significant positive effect on both farm household annual food and non-food expenditure. The result further revealed that large farmers have significant level of financial sufficiency with highest income-expenditure ratio (1.64) followed by medium farmers (1.35), non-cultivators (1.19) and small and marginal farmers (1.16). Average propensity to consume was highest for small and marginal farmers (0.86) and lowest for large farmers (0.61). However, farm income sufficiency revealed that farm income is insufficient to cover expenses of small and marginal farmers. Although agriculture remained the primary source of income, engagement in non-farm activities significantly contributed to households’ income sufficiency. Additionally, small land holdings and low wage rates are the major constraints in the region. Thus, policymakers should focus on an integrated strategy to enhance off and non-farm income opportunities along with capacity building programs in rural areas.

Soil Health Practices and Decision Drivers on Diversified Vegetable Farms in Minnesota

Soil health is at the root of agricultural sustainability, and small-scale vegetable farmers are becoming an increasingly important part of the US food system. These farmers face unique challenges when it comes to managing soil on their farms. These challenges include reliance on intensive production practices, the use of primarily organic inputs with difficult to calculate nutrient concentrations, and lack of access to formal education tailored to their needs. We surveyed farmers at 100 small-scale vegetable farms in Minnesota to (1) develop a better baseline understanding of how small-scale vegetable farmers utilize key soil health practices including nutrient management, cover crops, and tillage; (2) explore how farm demographics influence the adoption of soil health practices; and (3) determine educational priorities to better support these growers. Here, we report a lack of understanding about the nutrient contributions of compost, which is often applied at very large volumes without guidance from soil test results, with implications for nutrient loading in the environment. Farmers in our study had high rates of cover crop adoption relative to other farmers in the region despite several barriers to using cover crops. More experienced farmers were more likely to utilize more tillage, with more use of deep tillage implements on larger farms. Overall, organic certification was correlated with higher adoption of soil health practices including utilization of soil tests and cover crop use, but it was not correlated with tillage. Other demographic variables including land access arrangement and race did not meaningfully influence soil health practices. Our findings suggest a need for more research, outreach, and education targeted to vegetable farmers about how to interpret laboratory soil test results, and how to responsibly utilize organic inputs including vegetative compost and composted manure at rates appropriate for crop production in a diversified farm setting. We also report a need to compensate farmers for their labor to incentive cover crop use on small farms, and a need for more research and support for farmers in the 3–50-acre range to utilize reduced tillage methods.

Application of molecular approach in combination with providing treatment and control measures for combating Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina infections in small scale livestock farms in Thailand.

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasite in the genus of Babesia. Babesia infections affect cattle health, reduce milk and meat production and lead to economic losses in tropical and subtropical countries. Babesia parasites are difficult to diagnose in the early stage of infections during low parasitemia and asymptomatic conditions led to the lack of treatment and control at the early stage of infection. This study aimed to integrate a molecular tool for the detection and genetic characterization of Babesia (B.) bovis and B. bigemina in small-scale livestock farming in Thailand, and to study the risk factors association with Babesia infections in small scale livestock farms in Thailand. This study was conducted in four regions of Thailand between June 2023 and January 2024. Dairy and beef cattle blood samples were collected, genomic DNA were extracted and nested PCRs were performed. Data associated with Babesia infections were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview. Nested PCR targeting B. bovis spherical binding protein 4 (SBP4) and B. bigemina rhoptries associating protein 1a (Rap1a) genes were performed and direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. Risk factors association with Babesia infections were analyzed. PCR results, chemotherapeutic treatment options, and vector control suggestions were also reported to local veterinarians and farmers within 14days. A total of 964 livestock blood samples were collected from 126 small scale farms in four regions of Thailand. B. bovis infection was predominant in buffalo (31.25%), followed by dairy cattle (11.44%) and beef cattle (7.47%). B. bigemina infection was predominant in goats (53.33%), followed by beef cattle (25.33%) and dairy cattle (8.88%). Mixed infection was also detected in beef and dairy cattle at 2.09% and 1.58%, respectively. Molecular characterization of B. bovis SBP4 and B. bigemina RAP1a sequences showed that B. bigemina and B. bovis Thai isolates were closely related among geographical areas and shared genetic similarity among different hosts but were genetically distinct from B. bigemina and B. bovis from other countries. Risk factor analysis identified five factors associated with B. bovis infection and one factor associated with B. bigemina infection in small-scale livestock farming in Thailand. All the farmers were very satisfied with the integrative approach. This study implemented sensitive and specific nested PCR methods for the detection of Babesia in livestock. Applying an integrative approach by providing a sensitive diagnostic tool for identification of the infected animals and providing proper treatment and control measures to local farmers help combating babesiosis in small scale livestock farms.

Case Study: Assessment of greenhouse gas intensities on exemplary small and mid-sized US dairy farms

Case Study: Assessment of greenhouse gas intensities on exemplary small and mid-sized US dairy farms

Advancement in Precision Agriculture: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Innovative Robotics

Precision agriculture, a revolutionary approach to modern farming, leverages technology and data-driven techniques to optimize crop production and resource management. This review article delves into the advancements in precision agriculture, focusing on the integration of traditional practices with innovative robotics. The study explores the evolution of agricultural robotics, from early mechanized systems to cutting-edge autonomous robots powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT. A comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact of traditional systems versus contemporary robotic solutions. The paper also examines the challenges in adopting robotics in agriculture, such as cost, technological complexity, and scalability for small and medium-scale farmers. Additionally, it highlights emerging trends, including drone-based crop monitoring, autonomous weeding systems, and precision seeding technologies, which aim to address global food security challenges while ensuring sustainability. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, technologists, and policymakers aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and modern agricultural systems, paving the way for smarter and more efficient farming practices

Design and Development of Mini-Maize Cob Threshing Machine

Abstract: Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world agricultural economy due to its significance in human and animal diets. The area under maize cultivation and production continuously increases. Traditionally, maize was dehuskedshelled manually, which is very tedious, drudgery, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. The machines available in the market for maize threshing are generally larger (in size) and more costly. But in India, over 75% of farmers belong to the small and marginal category. We developed this compact, economical ‘Mini-Maize cob Threshing Machine’ for small and marginal farmers to perform dehusking and shelling operations simultaneously. The average grain output obtained by the developed machine was 271 kg per hour with a shelling efficiency of 98.9%, and a 2 HP power source operated the machine.

Detection of Coxiella burnetii in Bulk Tank Milk of Dairy Small Ruminant Farms in Greece

Detection of Coxiella burnetii in Bulk Tank Milk of Dairy Small Ruminant Farms in Greece

Ensuring On-farm Food Safety through Good Agricultural Practices: A Review

With food-borne illnesses increasing every year and e-commerce operations reaching every location globally, ensuring food safety is of paramount importance. In India, 16 per cent of the total disease outbreaks are reported to be food-related emphasising the significance. While On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) practices ensure food safety, many complexities are involved in bringing them to the forefront among farmers due to underreporting of food-borne illness, small and scattered farms, lack of evidence in linking illness to food consumed etc. Tackling OFFS requires farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that address environmental, economic and social sustainability. India also offers a certification scheme, IndGAP, to individual and group farmers that requires farmers to follow GAPs. Though the scheme is available, its adoption among farmers is yet to be ascertained due to a lack of data. Implementation of GAPs by farmers reportedly reduces the consumption of plant protection chemicals thereby reducing the cost of cultivation. As compliance with various such practices that ensure food safety is required, the food produced by the farmers following GAPs will be much safer than otherwise. Evidence also suggests that both small and large farmers have similar levels of knowledge on various GAPs and thereby any farmer can implement them with handholding support from the governments. As most of the landholdings in India are small and marginal, Farmer Producer Organisations should be leveraged to train the farmers in the adoption of GAPs. More research on OFFS practices adoption levels, cost and return analysis and improving the regulations and compliance in the policy landscape of food safety are essential to ensure food produced is safe to consume.

Management Practices at Poultry Demonstration Centres for Boosting Backyard Poultry Farming System in Ramban District of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, India: A Review

The Backyard poultry farming is an age-old practice in India and plays an important role to reduce poverty among the most under-privileged sections of the Jammu &amp; Kashmir, particularly in far flung areas of rural J&amp;K, India. There is not any specific arrangement required for backyard poultry farming and is mostly popular in backward and resource-deprived areas of J&amp;K and provides rural families with good source of income, healthy food sources in terms of meat and eggs. Backyard poultry farming improves the status of women in rural communities, creates jobs for rural residents, and closes the gap between supply and demand for chicken products, such as meat and eggs. The high mortality rate among chicks due to frequent disease outbreaks, lack of a framework, lower potential of Desi chickens, lack of scientific information, predation, hunger, climate change, and year-round fluctuations in feed supply and price are some of the major drawbacks of backyard poultry farming in J&amp;K. This farming needs to be improved because it is the best way for J&amp;K's marginal and small farmers to supplement their income with relatively little investment. Nonetheless, the J&amp;K government has started 29 projects under the Holistic Agriculture growth Programme (HADP), of which P25 is only focused on the growth of poultry in J&amp;K. Backyard poultry farming results in socio-economic development, nutritional and livelihood security, empowerment of women etc. among rural people. Birds are kept mostly on scavenging system, where they acquire their feeds through natural foraging, kitchen wastes etc. Rural poultry farming has been responsible to produce 40 per cent meat and 44 per cent egg requirement in J&amp;K. Chicken eggs and meat are the only cheapest and best sources of protein, vitamin and minerals with high biological value for rural poor and marginal sections of people. The additional income earned from indigenous chicken farming has improved their socio- economic stability.

Development and ergonomic evaluation of hand held vegetable seedling transplanter

Efficient vegetable production is essential to meeting growing food demands, requiring innovative solutions to reduce labor intensity and enhance productivity. Vegetable cultivation, especially for small farmers, demands innovative and affordable solutions to enhance productivity and reduce labor-intensive practices. The mechanization of agricultural processes has become increasingly important in reducing the physical strain and time-intensive nature of traditional farming operations, paving the way for innovative tools that enhance efficiency and user comfort. Transplanting of seedlings, a highly drudgery-oriented operation, is mainly performed by women. A hand held seedling transplanter has been designed and developed for transplanting vegetables seedlings based on the anthropometric dimensions of the user population. The number of seedlings transplanted per min using the handheld seedling transplanter ranged from 19 to 21, compared to 16 to18 using the conventional method. By using the hand held seedling transplanter, a significant reduction in the cost of operation was achieved, with 11.44 to 16.52% savings in cost reported. The average working heart rate while transplanting using the seedling transplanter was 103 bpm, compared to 120 bpm for conventional transplanting. The average energy expenditure while transplanting the seedlings using the seedling transplanter was 7.72 kJ min-1, compared to 10.94 kJ min-1. The performance evaluation of the designed transplanted indicted an increase in human productivity and a decrease in musculoskeletal discomfort during the transplanting process. The introduction of ergonomic and cost-effective solutions, such as the handheld seedling transplanter, not only improves productivity and reduces operational costs but also promotes sustainable practices while prioritizing the well-being of farmers.

PERFORMANCE OF A LOCALLY FABRICATED ONE-ROW POTATO HARVESTER FOR WALK-TRACTOR

This study evaluates the performance of a locally fabricated one-row mechanized potato harvester designed for small and medium-scale farms in Kenya, focusing on its efficiency across different soil conditions. Mechanized harvesting addresses inefficiencies and post-harvest losses in potato farming, particularly in Kenya's diverse agricultural environments. The harvester was tested under dry soil (moisture content below 15%) and moderately wet soil (moisture content between 20% and 25%) conditions. Key performance metrics assessed included harvesting efficiency, tuber damage rate, fuel consumption, and field capacity. The harvester achieved an average efficiency of 93.4%, with higher performance observed in moderately wet soil (94.7%) compared to dry soil (92.1%). The average tuber damage rate was 4.2%, with more significant damage occurring in dry soil (4.8%) than in wet soil (3.6%). Fuel consumption remained consistent at 2.5 liters/hectare, and field capacity was measured at 0.4 hectares/hour. These results demonstrate the harvester's reliability and adaptability to local farming conditions, providing a mechanical potato harvesting solution for small-scale farmers in Kenya.

HATCHING SYSTEMS IN SIAYA COUNTY

Poultry farming in Kenya plays a major role in complementing rural and peri-urban households’ food security and income. Farmers have turned to rearing of improved indigenous chicken (IC) due to the fast growth and high production of eggs; one of the strategies used to enhance development of IC is to supply day old chicks to producers. However, the demand for day old chicks outstrips supply because of low hatchability experienced in small holder hatcheries. This study characterized the hatching systems in Siaya County. A survey was conducted on small holder farms and hatcheries to establish characteristics of hatching systems in Siaya County. The study showed that the breeding stock were reared in enclosed and free-range systems with a dominant species of Sasso kuroiler, kenbro and KALRO improved chicken, 55% of the farms attained the standard cock to hen ratio of 1:7 and eggs were stored using both conventional and non-conventional methods. The management practices of the hatchery systems fell outside the standard practices and this contributed immensely for poor performance of farming enterprises. Adoption and implementation of standard practices in hatching systems will contribute to higher performance.

Linking Soil Fertility and Production Constraints with Local Knowledge and Practices for Two Different Mangrove Swamp Rice Agroecologies, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Mangrove swamp rice (MSR) production is critical for the diet of small farmers of coastal Guinea-Bissau. In mangrove swamp agroecosystems, rice is grown during the rainy season when freshwater and nutrients are abundant. However, small-scale farmers face challenges like unpredictable rainfall and rising sea levels, which increase soil salinity and acidity. This study aims to assess soil physical–chemical properties, paired with farmers’ local practices, to evaluate fertility constraints, and to support sustainable soil–plant management practices. This co-designed research contributes to filling a gap concerning the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices adapted to specific contexts in West Africa. In two regions, Oio (center) and Tombali (south), rice yields were measured in semi-controlled trials both in two agroecological settings: Tidal Mangrove (TM) and Associated Mangrove (AM) fields. 380 soil samples were collected, and rice growing parameters were assessed during the 2021 and 2022 rice sowing, transplanting, and flowering periods. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Multivariate Regression Analysis (MRA) were applied to understand trends and build fertility proxies in predicting yields. Significant spatial and temporal variability in the soil properties between agroecologies was found. Salinity constraints in Oio TMs limit production to an average of 110 g/m2, compared to 250 g/m2 in Tombali. Yield predictions account for 81% and 56.9% of the variance in TMs and AMs, respectively. Variables such as organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and precipitation positively influence yields, whereas sand content, pH, and iron oxides show a negative effect. This study advances the understanding of MSR production in Guinea-Bissau and underscores the importance of incorporating farmers’ knowledge of their diverse and complex production systems to effectively address these challenges.