Small-scale Farming Communities Research Articles

Information poverty subtleties of a small-scale farming community in KwaZulu-Natal

The purpose of this study was to examine the information poverty subtleties of a small-scale farming community in KwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were to determine the information needs of the selected small-scale farmers and to determine the factors that influenced the information poverty of the selected small-scale farmers. The study was guided by Elfreda Chatman's theory of information poverty. An exploratory research design employing purposive and convenience sampling selected twenty-six small-scale farmers who participated in the focus group discussions. Data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed a variety of unmet information needs. The causal factors included a lack of financial resources, government support, outdated beliefs, and geographic disadvantage. The research has implications for the execution of development initiatives aimed at providing small-scale farmers with access to information products and services to eliminate information poverty.

What Is the Role of Public History and Environmental Oral History in Supporting Conservation through Agroecology?

Indigenous peoples and local communities are key actors in the preservation of important biodiversity resources around the world. However, the ever-encroaching agricultural frontier and expansion of conventional agricultural practices threaten these communities, their autonomy over the land, and the traditional knowledge and practices associated with biodiverse ecosystems. Agroecology emerges as an important solution to support the continuation of agrobiodiversity, food security, and environmental conservation, but top-down solutions often do not resonate with the lived realities of traditional, Indigenous, and small-scale farming communities. This paper examines a collaborative research and narrative network developed over the past several years around traditional erva-mate agroforestry production in Southern Paraná, Brazil. It offers an example of how oral environmental history and public history can support conservation practices through agroecology. The key outcomes of this interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional research and engagement were the development of a candidacy for the system to be recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the implementation of a Dynamic Conservation Action Plan to address the threats and challenges farmers and communities are facing. The discussion explores two concepts that were integral to these processes, the creation of narrative networks and a focus on plurivocity. Both approaches ensured that the actions, knowledge, and narratives developed through the GIAHS candidacy were not imposed but agreed upon and generative through narrative and dialogue, remaining true to the realities and lived experiences of community members.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CAPITAL ACCESS ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY: EMPIRICAL INSIGHTS FROM CARROT FARMERS IN INDONESIA

Objective: This study investigates the interplay between financial capital access and technical efficiency in small-scale carrot farming in Indonesia, focusing on the regions of Malang and Probolinggo in East Java. Methods: Employing a multistage random sampling method, data was collected from 100 farmers, and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) was employed to measure technical efficiency. Results: The results highlight the positive and significant impact of financial capital access on farmers' technical efficiency. Farmers with enhanced access to financial resources, including credit and loans, demonstrated higher levels of technical efficiency. Additionally, the study identifies the positive influence of larger cultivated land on technical efficiency, allowing farmers greater flexibility and opportunities for adopting modern agricultural technologies. Conversely, greater distances to cultivation lands were found to negatively impact technical efficiency due to increased transaction costs and difficulties in accessing information and markets. Implication: These findings underscore the critical role of financial capital in shaping the success of small-scale carrot farming, emphasizing its implications for sustainable agricultural practices. The study's insights contribute to the formulation of targeted policies and interventions aimed at improving financial inclusion and reducing geographical barriers to enhance overall agricultural productivity and sustainability in small-scale farming communities.

Prospects of maize-faba bean intercropping in monocropping highlands of Ethiopia.

Abstract Intercropping is an environmentally sustainable multiple cropping system widely practiced in small-scale farming communities in developing countries. Despite its high yielding potential, modern agriculture exploits the scarce agricultural land resources and contributes to the loss of biodiversity whilst intercropping diversifies species, increases and stabilises yield, and ensures food security. Maize-legume intercropping is a dominant cropping system in Ethiopia particularly in the lowlands but not common in the highlands where monocropping of small cereals is a traditional practice. It not only has the potential to break the disease cycle but can also be an additional source of income and food. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of proportion and arrangement of maize and faba bean intercrops on land use, cumulative yield and economic return. Here we show that intercropping increases cumulative productivity and profitability over years and ensures sustainability. Maize yield increased by 59% and 84% in the second and third years, respectively, while yield of faba bean declined by 67% in the second and third years. Sole maize had lower and sole faba bean had higher than their intercropping yields. The highest total LER of 2.11 was obtained from 100% maize: 75% faba bean combination which was equivalent to an additional 1.11 ha of land allocated to sole cropping. Overall, we recommend 100% maize: 25% faba bean for resource-limited farmers and 75% maize: 100% faba bean for commercial farmers based on the monetary advantage index. Moreover, 100% maize: 75% faba bean with acceptable monetary advantage was recommended for the commercial farmers.

Assessing the Production Potentials of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using Two Seed Systems (Formal and Informal) in the Buea Municipality, Cameroon

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most extensively cultivated fruity vegetable in Cameroon, as its production has the potential to improve food security, as well as income stability for small-scale subsistence farming communities. Most studies on Tomato seed have focused on its response to environmental variations but there exist inadequate information on a comparative study of the use of formal and informal seed systems. This study was thus aimed at assessing the production potentials of two tomato seed systems (T1: Informal seeds, T2: Formal non-hybrid seeds and T3: formal hybrid seeds). Randomized Complete Block Design was used, with three treatments replicated thrice. A sample size of 20 plants were randomly selected from each experimental unit for data collection. T3 had the highest % germination (93%), while T2 had the least (72%). 4WAP, T3 had the tallest plants (69.53 ± 3.07 cm) and T2 had the shortest (50.03 ± 4.31cm), while T1 had the highest girth (8.40±0.75cm) and produced the most leaves (35.93± 6.14). T1 produced the most flowers (73.83 flowers) while T2 and T3 produced 19.83 and 62.93 flowers respectively with T1 producing the most fruits 27.6 as opposed to 4.23 fruits for T3 and 24.43 fruits for T2. T2 had a fruit weight 0.09 ± 0.14 Kg when compared to T1 (6.35 ± 5.67 Kg) and T2 (6.04 ± 4.29) with T1 having the highest fruit diameter (34.97 ± 3.54mm) and highest yield per ha (18.16 ± 16.20 ton/ha). In this studies we conclude that the informal seed system performed better germination percentage, growth and yield component than the formal seed system of tomato.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties in Building Adaptive Capacity for Small-Scale Farming Communities in Assam

Rice crop in Assam constitutes a significant portion of the cultivated area, covering around sixty percent of the total area. The state, like many others, confronts the repercussions of climate change, notably evident in recurrent floods that impact agricultural lands. The shifting climate, marked by rising temperatures and increased rainy days, poses threats to crop production. Despite witnessing overall productivity growth, the state grapples with persistent challenges related to flood-induced losses. In response to this, climate-resilient rice varieties were developed to withstand submergence. This study delves into the assessment of the impact of these climate-resilient rice varieties on yield, income, and adoption among farmers. Concentrating on Golaghat and Sivasagar districts, where 106 farmers were interviewed, the research addresses the prevalent challenges in rice cultivation due to changing rainfall patterns. The introduced varieties underwent demonstration in plots, and their effects on yield, income, and adoption were comprehensively evaluated. The study additionally scrutinized the technology and extension gaps in the area, utilizing various indices such as the technology gap, extension gap, technology index, and benefit-cost ratio to measure the efficacy of the introduced varieties. The findings of the study highlight disparities between recommended agricultural practices and the actual methods employed by farmers. Despite these challenges, the introduction of climate-resilient varieties resulted in a noteworthy increase in yield. Economic analysis revealed enhanced profitability from B:C ratio of 0.43 to1.06 and positive changes in economic indicators. The adoption and horizontal spread of these varieties were substantial, with a significant rise from 106 to 378 in the number of adopters and expanded cultivation areas. Overall, the study emphasizes the success of climate-resilient rice varieties in augmenting yield, income, and adoption among farmers. The positive economic changes, coupled with heightened awareness, underscore the importance of promoting such varieties. The study advocates for sustained efforts in disseminating climate-resilient varieties, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing farmers' climate resilience. Addressing the identified discrepancies in agricultural practices emerges as a crucial step toward fostering sustainability and optimizing crop yield in the region.

Review of livestock biosecurity resources and trainings: Local, state, federal, and international organizations

PurposeThis study evaluates the accessibility and availability of publicly accessible biosecurity resources in the Fall of 2021, as part of the IN-PREPared and Gearing Up for Safety program. The research into the quantity of material underscores the importance of these resources for disease threat awareness and highlights the need for improved biosecurity resource development for small-scale farming communities and overall biosecurity resources which impact global agricultural operations and food security. Design/methodology/approachThis review consisted of resources on agricultural biosecurity literature, websites, and training materials, involving over 125 agencies and organizations. This analysis provides insights into the distribution of resources across different regions and their availability based on farm scale and production type. FindingsOur research reveals both a geographic distribution trend of material that favors Midwestern states and significant disparities in available materials. Additionally, there are more resources that have content that focus on “general biosecurity’ and are focused on larger operations than that of small-farm biosecurity operations. International resources generally focus on overall importance of biosecurity and aspects of One Health. Practical ImplicationsThis review underscores the crucial role of biosecurity resources in enhancing disease threat awareness and safeguarding the food supply and global impact of international trade within agriculture. This emphasizes the need to address resource deficiencies for small-scale farms, particularly regarding specific livestock concentrations. Theoretical ImplicationsThe study confirms with previous research on limited resources, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to disseminating biosecurity information, especially for small-scale farming. Implications highlight the importance of resources, training, and informed decision-making for all farming communities, highlighting the significance of risk-based agricultural materials. Originality/ValueThe research adds value by shedding light on the unequal distribution of biosecurity resources, especially concerning small-scale farming operations. While the study primarily focuses on livestock and animal health, it acknowledges the importance of crop biosecurity, thus contributing to a broader understanding of agricultural protection. The significance of collaboration and information sharing in the global context of biosecurity extends beyond national borders and requires a coordinated effort.

Assessment of gastrointestinal nematode anthelmintic resistance and acaricidal efficacy of fluazuron-flumethrin on sheep and goat ticks in the North West province of South Africa.

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) and acaricide resistance (ACR) pose great economic threat to communal livestock raised by rural communities, limiting sustainable production. This study was conducted to assess the occurrence of AR and ACR against nematodes and ticks that infest small ruminants (sheep and goats) from small-scale farming communities in the North West Province of South Africa, as well as document the associated risk factors. The study was conducted on small-scale farming locations in two districts of the North West Province, namely, Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district, from November 2019 to March 2020. A questionnaire survey based specifically on antiparasitic treatment and related management practices was administered to 86 small-scale farmers. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was used to determine in vivo AR in small ruminants against benzimidazole (BZD), levamisole, and macrocyclic lactone on nine ruminant farms. Then, deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from L3 larvae and resistant nematodes were identified using a polymerase chain reaction, targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 gene. An egg hatch assay (EHA) and a larval mortality assay (LMA) were used to determine in vitro AR against thiabendazole (TBZ and BZD) in the same farms. Acaricide resistance against fluazuron-flumethrin (Drastic Deadline eXtreme) pour-on was assessed using an adult immersion test (AIT) on Rhipicephalus evertsi. Questionnaire results indicated that most farmers (89%) relied solely on anthelmintics. Farmers used visual appraisal to estimate the dosage, which is the primary cause of resistance. The FECRT revealed AR in all the farms. Egg hatch assay results revealed AR development against TBZ in all districts, with >95% of the eggs hatching at variable doses. Larval mortality assay results revealed the development of resistance against BZD, with 50% of L3 larvae surviving at different doses in all farms. Adult immersion test results indicated that fluazuron-flumethrin (>99%) exhibited high acaricidal efficacy against R. evertsi by inhibiting tick oviposition. This investigation found that sheep and goats in the studied areas are developing AR to gastrointestinal parasites. The findings of in vivo tests showed resistance with fecal egg count reduction percentage of <95% or lower confidence limit of <90%. The results of EHA and LMA revealed no evidence of inhibition of egg development and larval mortality, indicating the development of resistance. Acaricide resistance was not detected against fluazuron-flumethrin, which is commonly used in the study areas. Thus, developing management methods for these economically significant livestock nematodes, including teaching small-scale farmers how to properly administer anthelmintics and acaricides to their livestock, is urgently needed.

Effect of Agricultural Extension Services and Development on Productivity among Small Scale Farmers in India

Since the history of mankind, agriculture evolved round the basic food needs of man and developed principles and practices in crop production including field management. With changing situation, technological development have shifted the traditional agriculture from more crop production to mixed farming involving allied activities like animal husbandry, sericulture, pisciculture etc. Need for technological development in agriculture. Extension services have become the gold standard for agricultural development programs to spur farm productivity and enhance farmers’ livelihood. Scholars from distinct strands of research have contested the virtues of these programs as systematic reviews failed to disentangle the different causal paths. Despite a wide range of reform initiatives in agricultural extension in India in the past decades, the coverage of, access to, and quality of information provided to marginalized and poor farmers is uneven. While the call for demand-driven agricultural extension has existed in India for several decades now, new modes of reaching out to farmers could have significant impact in India, as they might better reflect the local information needs of farmers. This study therefore set out to find out through literature review the effect of agricultural extension services and development on productivity among small scale farmers in India. Using information provision and access as the basis for analysis, the paper reviewed some of the major agricultural extension programs in India by considering their ability to provide information and facilitate information sharing and use in small scale farming communities in India. The study established that The findings indicated that access to information from any source increased with larger farm size in India. Most farmers sought information on seed for cultivation, followed by veterinary care in animal husbandry, and then management and marketing in fisheries. Keywords: Extension services, agricultural development, productivity, small scale farmers

Nuanced assessment of livelihood resilience through the intersectional lens of gender and ethnicity: Evidence from small-scale farming communities in the upland regions of Vietnam

International humanitarian and development organizations are increasingly placing emphasis on resilience-building; however, there is not always full consideration of differences in perspectives and outcomes by ethnicity and gender. Based on empirical evidence from ethnic minorities in the Northwest Mountainous Regions (NMRs) of Vietnam, the current work illustrates how perceptions of livelihood resilience in the context of climate change differ between gender and ethnic groups, especially considering the intersections of those factors. To achieve a nuanced analysis, we examined if and how demographic factors differentially associate with the perception of household livelihood resilience. The household livelihood capital scores from 240 household interviews were derived using the Household Livelihood Resilience Approach (HLRA). HLRA measures the subjective resilience at household level using surveys as opposed to the conventional objective approaches using only observable socioeconomic variables and data. We found that ethnicity has a relatively more substantial role than gender in determining the household livelihood capitals supporting livelihood resilience in the study region, but within that, there are also gender differences. Among different ethnic groups, having a wage-paying job, education, agricultural training, social membership, access to road and irrigation systems, and crop diversity are the main factors contributing to better household livelihood capital scores. Women reported generally lower resilience scores than men did but the average scores varied significantly across four ethnic groups. Based on the evidence from the lens of demographic characteristics, we concluded that resilience-building programs should not only draw on objective resilience measurements but also consider varied self-assessments to reflect the fact that communities are heterogeneous. This could help to ensure greater inclusivity to alleviate poverty and increase livelihood resilience in a developing multi-ethnic country like Vietnam.

Field edge rainwater harvesting and inorganic fertilizers for improved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) yields in semi-arid farming regions of Marange, Zimbabwe

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is mainly cultivated in marginal areas of Zimbabwe, where soil fertility is poor and rainfall is low, erratic, and poorly distributed, leading to low yields. The study aimed to determine the effect of tied contour (TC) and in-contour infiltration pits (IP) rainwater harvesting (RWH) methods and varying nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the yield of two sorghum varieties, Macia and Sc Sila. A split-split plot experiment was laid out, with the main plot factor being the RWH method, the subplot factor being sorghum variety, the sub-sub plot factor being nitrogen application, and the sub-sub-sub plot factor being the plant distance from the RWH method. The experiment was done at Mt Zonwe's small-scale farming community in the Mutare region from 2016/17 to 2018/19. The results revealed that TC and IP increased the gravimetric water content (gwc) of the soil. The gwc decreased gradually as the distance from the rainwater RWH method increased (0–5 m > 5–10 m > 10–15 m), with the 2016/17 season having the maximum gwc. In all seasons, TC and IP yielded much more sorghum grain than standard contour (SC). Sorghum grain production was significantly greater at all nitrogen application rates and consistently higher at all plant distances from the RWH method in the 2016/17 season with more rainfall. In comparison to TC and IP, the SC had significantly lower grain yield at all nitrogen application rates. At all plant distances from the RWH method, TC and IP had significantly higher grain production than SC in each variety of sorghum.

Urbanization and Knee Cartilage Growth Among Children and Adolescents in Western Kenya.

ObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated that low physical activity levels during youth are associated with the development of thin knee cartilage, which may increase susceptibility to osteoarthritis later in life. Here, we propose and test the hypothesis that reductions in physical activity impair knee cartilage growth among people in developing countries experiencing urbanization and increased market integration.MethodsUltrasonography was used to measure knee cartilage thickness in 168 children and adolescents (aged 8‐17 years) from two groups in western Kenya: a rural, physically active group from a small‐scale farming community and an urban, less physically active group from the nearby city of Eldoret. We used general linear models to assess the relative effects of age on cartilage thickness in these two groups, controlling for sex and leg length.ResultsBoth groups exhibited significant reductions in knee cartilage thickness with increasing age (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15‐0.06 mm), yet the rate of reduction was significantly less in the rural than in the urban group (P = 0.012; 95% CI 0.01‐0.10 mm).ConclusionThe results support our hypothesis by showing that individuals from the more physically active rural group exhibited less knee cartilage loss during youth than the more sedentary urban group. Our findings suggest that reduced physical activity associated with urbanization in developing nations may affect adult knee cartilage thickness and thus could be a factor that increases susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

Vegetable production and nematodes infestation: Impacts on small-scale farming communities of South Africa

Vegetable production and nematodes infestation: Impacts on small-scale farming communities of South Africa

Vegetable production and nematodes infestation: Impacts on small-scale farming communities of South Africa

The South African agricultural sector is vital to the food and nutrition security of the population that is expected to increase from 54.4 million in 2019 to about 65.5 million by the year 2050. This increase in population emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort by all players in the agricultural value chain to ensure that natural resources are appropriately managed. Plant-parasitic nematodes are pests that threaten crop production worldwide, and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) are rated number-one due to their global occurrence, broad host range, and the damages inflicted in vegetable crops. The parasitism by Meloidogyne species delays crop maturity and reduces yield, which, together with poor quality of produce lead to escalating production costs, substantial income losses to farmers, and abandonment of community gardens. With the ban on synthetic fumigants, particularly methyl bromide, attention on management of this pest has generally shifted to the use of some ecologically-friendly approaches. The challenges of sufficiency and sustainability in vegetable production has become more intense with the rise in food demand of the increasing population, climate change, as well as biodiversity of complex pests associated with vegetable production. This review discusses vegetable production and its economic potentials in South Africa, damages to vegetable crops by the root-knot nematodes and their management, the outlook of smallholder farmers as well as identifies probable solutions toward the containment of nematode pest for food sufficiency and security in vegetable production in South Africa.

English

This paper explores the impacts of the fast spatial expansion of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, on the suburb small-scale farming community. Recently, combined with rapid population growth and booming economy, the city experienced a rapid physical expansion without proper urban planning. The sprawl of the city has dislocated small-scale farming communities in the suburbs and led to one of the major deadly popular protests against land dispossession in the modern history of the country. The physical expansion to surrounding farmlands has threatened the socio-economic life of farming communities surrounding the city through dislocation, resource dispositioning, and why the situation has received ethnic dimension. This study highlights that in addition to the natural urban growth, corruption in the government and the use of land for political leverages have played a significant role in the forced eviction of peasants. &nbsp; Key words: Addis Ababa, development, displacement, Oromo protest, urban growth.

‘The General from Fort Hill’: Katoba Flax Musopole’s Role as an Anti-Colonial Activist and Politician in Malawi

This article discusses the life and times of Katoba Flax Musopole, an anti-colonial politician, leftist and rare committed atheist in a predominantly religious Malawi. It examines him in the context of the many ‘transnational’ Malawians whose activism was rooted in the intellectual influences to which they were exposed during periods of work and study abroad. Following many years living and working in South Africa, Musopole returned to Nyasaland, where he became a local organiser. His prominence and notoriety increasing during the state of emergency in 1959. A study of Musopole gives us the opportunity to understand more fully the nature of problems that rural small-scale farming communities had to contend with under colonial rule and the manner in which they mobilised their reaction in the post-Second World War era. In this regard, the article highlights the significance of local organisation in the process that led to decolonisation. Musopole’s career in post-colonial Malawi also shows how some independent-minded people fared in the evolving single-party system that was to become a dominant feature of the country under the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Exploration of veterinary service supply to rural farmers in Namibia: a one health perspective

Introduction: expansion of the Namibian beef export market presents benefits for both the National economy and small-scale farming communities. However, meeting animal health and productivity requirements whilst securing veterinary public health are identified as key challenges to the sector. Farmer access to veterinary services, animal health advice and veterinary medicines is scarce due to the geographical expanse, and on-going risks from endemic and emergent zoonotic diseases.

Water turnover among human populations: Effects of environment and lifestyle

To discuss the environmental and lifestyle determinants of water balance in humans and identify the gaps in current research regarding water use across populations. We investigated intraspecific variation in water turnover by comparing data derived from a large number of human populations measured using either dietary survey or isotope tracking. We also used published data from a broad sample of mammalian species to identify the interspecific relationship between body mass and water turnover. Water facilitates nearly all physiological tasks and water turnover is strongly related to body size among mammals (r2=0.90). Within humans, however, the effect of body size is small. Instead, water intake and turnover vary with lifestyle and environmental conditions. Notably, despite living physically active lives in conditions that should increase water demands, the available measures of water intake and turnover among small-scale farming and pastoralist communities are broadly similar to those in less active, industrialized populations. More work is required to better understand the environmental, behavioral, and cultural determinants of water turnover in humans living across a variety of ecosystems and lifestyles. The results of such work are made more vital by the climate crisis, which threatens the water security of millions around the globe.

Do translocal networks matter for agricultural innovation? A case study on advice sharing in small-scale farming communities in Northeast Thailand

Recent research on agricultural innovation has outlined social networks’ role in diffusing agricultural knowledge; however, so far, it has broadly neglected the socio-spatial dimensions of innovation processes. Against this backdrop, we apply a spatially explicit translocal network perspective in order to investigate the role of migration-related translocal networks for adaptive change in a small-scale farming community in Northeast Thailand. By means of formal social network analysis we map the socio-spatial patterns of advice sharing regarding changes in sugarcane and rice farming over a period of five years. We find that, in translocally connected and mobile rural communities, a substantial share of advice originates from translocal levels. Translocal advice is dominantly provided through weak and formal ties with extension agencies and shared by few highly central larger-scale farmers within sparse local networks. This draws the picture of top-down translocal innovation flows driven by extension agencies and brokered through elite farmers. A closer look on institutional context and key actors of particular changes, however, suggests the potential of migration-related translocal networks and migration experience in fostering bottom-up innovations. Migration-related innovations transfers can promote adaptive capacity also among less favorably connected actors, especially if changes are geared towards limited household resources and are compatible with social practices of small-scale farming. We conclude that a translocal network perspective is instructive for research and extension interested in leveraging more inclusive agricultural innovation.

Effect of NPK and blended fertilizer application on nutrient uptake and use efficiency of selected sorghum (&lt;i&gt;Sorghum bicolor&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Moench) varieties under rain-fed condition in Sheraro District, northern Ethiopia

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal crop and stable food for the semi-arid small scale farming communities in the third world. Even though, it is highly adapted to different agro-ecological conditions, its yield is constrained by different factors including declining soil fertility and improper utilization of fertilizer. Results of the research conducted in Shire-Mytsebri Agricultural Research Center at Sheraro sub-site during the main cropping season of 2016 are presented in the paper. The aim was to investigate the effect of NPK; and blended fertilizer on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake; and nutrient use efficiency of selected sorghum varieties. The treatments are comprised of factorial combination of ten levels of fertilizers including the recently recommended [N, P, Blanket recommendation (NP), NPK, NPS, NPKS, NPKSZn, NPKSZnB, NPKSZnB (after Agricultural Transformation Agency, ATA) and Control (0)]. Two sorghum varieties (Melkam and Dekeba) were tested in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The data were computed using four agronomic indices, which are commonly used to describe nutrient (N, P and K) uptake and use efficiency. The results indicate that there is a significant interaction effect of fertilizer treatments and sorghum varieties on majority of the parameters studied. Application of NPKSZn blended fertilizer significantly enhanced nutrient uptake and use efficiency. The highest total N (78.70 kg ha-1), P (51.19 kgha-1) and K (74 kg ha-1) uptake and use efficiency in Melkam variety treated by fertilizer contained NPKSZn brought higher yield (5541 kg ha-1). Increasing uptake of the major nutrient elements ensured ample nutrient availability for normal growth and high yield of sorghum. Thus, application of macronutrients in combination with micronutrients increased sorghum yield and concomitantly improved N, P and K uptake, and nutrient use efficiency for the sorghum varieties used in the study. Therefore, it is recommended that in the study area and other similar areas blended fertilizer 41N-46P-13.7K-9.25S-1.72Zn kg ha-1 be used to achieve higher yields.