Browse
Recent Submissions
Item The Agricultural Resource Management Survey(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2012) Kuethe, Todd; Morehart, MitchPurpose – The purpose of this article is to offer an introduction of the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) for applied research in agricultural finance and farm management. Design/methodology/approach – This article provides a brief overview of the history, design, use, and accessibility of the ARMS in government reporting and applied research. Findings – The ARMS provides a number of unique advantages for addressing critical issues of the agricultural sector. Originality/value – The paper provides an access point for researchers who are unfamiliar with the basic features of ARMSItem Climate Change Favors Grapevine Production in Temperate Zones(Scientific Research, 2018-03) Koch, Bruno; Oehl, FritzWine production has a long-standing history in Palatinate (Southwestern Germany), dating back to Roman times. Especially “Riesling”, but also several “Pinot” varieties gained major significance. Red wine varieties gained prominence over the last 20 years only, which may be a consequence of climate change. Our objective was to review temperature and rainfall data over the last 40 years, measured “on-winery” in Hainfeld and correlate these data with grapevine growth parameters: the development of bud break, flowering, veraison and harvest dates, yields and grape sugar concentrations of “Pinot Gris”, “Pinot Noir”, “Riesling”, “Silvaner” and “Müller-Thurgau”. Since the 1970s, bud break, flowering and veraison are 11 - 15, 18 - 22 and 16 - 22 days earlier; harvest dates are 25 - 40 days earlier. Sugar concentrations increased significantly, but yields decreased. Annual rainfall has not significantly risen, while the mean annual minimum and maximum air-temperatures rose by ~0.9˚C, and by ~3.4˚C, respectively, resulting in an average increase of the mean annual temperature of ~2.1˚C. Remarkably, both mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures rose especially in springtime, which should have been the driver for earlier bud break and flowering. A change in the climatic conditions, therefore, appears to be one of the key reasons for more favorable grapevine production in Palatinate, especially for “Pinot Noir”, which showed the highest increase in sugar concentrations. The Huglin-index, a measure for the suitability of growing specific grapevine varieties in given environments, increased from 1685 to 2063. According to this index, the climate change may be favorable already for growing grape varieties so far rarely grown in temperate zones, such as “Cabernet Sauvignon”, “Syrah” and “Tempranillo” that are more suited to warmer, Mediterranean climates.Item Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Tropical Soils Amended with Poultry Manure and Sugar Cane Straw Biochars(Scientific Research, 2017-09) Novais, Sarah Vieira; Zenero, Mariana Delgado Oliveira; Junior, Elizio Ferreira Frade; Lima, Renato Paiva de; Cerri, Carlos Eduardo PelegrinoIncreases in greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, upon changes in land use and agricultural management, lead to a search for techniques that enhance carbon residence time in soil. Pyrolysis increases the recalcitrance of organic materials and enhances their activities as physical, chemical and biological soil conditioners. Emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O quantified from a sandy soil that was treated with three rates (12.5, 25 e 50 Mg∙ha−1 ) of either non-pyrolysed poultry manure and sugarcane straw or biochars, pyrolysed at two contrasting temperatures (350˚C and 650˚C). Subsequently, the flux of the three gases was converted and compared in a standard unit (CO2eq). The added biochars, significantly reduced GHG emissions, especially CO2, relative to the non-pyrolysed materials. The greatest differences between applied rates of poultry manure, relative sugarcane straw, both to biochar and raw material, and the positive response to the increase of pyrolysis temperture, confirm the importance of raw material choice for biochar production, with recalcitrance being an important initial characteristic. Greater emissions occurred with intermediate rate of biochars (25 Mg∙ha−1 ) amendment to the soil. These intermediate rates had higher microbial biomass, provided by an intermediate C/N ratio derived from the original soil and the biochar, promoting combined levels of labile C and oxygen availability, leading to an optimal environment for microbiota.Item The Impact of Season, Parity, and Volume of Colostrum on Holstein Dairy Cows Colostrum Composition(Scientific Research, 2017-07) Zarei, Soheila; Ghorbani, Gholam Reza; Khorvash, Mohammad; Martin, O'Brien; Mahdavi, Amir Hossein; Riasi, AhmadThe objectives of the study were to assess colostrum quality and nutrients in dairy cows in Isfahan, Iran, and to determine the effects of calving season, parity, and volume of first colostrum on colostrum quality. Colostrum samples were collected over the period January-December, from 365 Holstein dairy cows from 12 dairy farms and analyzed for their IgG, IgM, total solids, fat, protein, lactose, Ca, and P concentrations. The IgG and IgM contents were measured to be 35.8 ± 17.6 and 5.8 ± 3.8 mg/mL, respectively. Mean percentages of total solids, fat, protein, and lactose in the samples were 27.2 ± 5.8, 4.6 ± 3.4, 18.5 ± 4.9, and 2.0 ± 0.9, respectively while calcium and P concentrations were 2.69 ± 0.9 and 2.02 ± 0.88 g/kg. Colostral IgG and IgM concentrations were found to be higher during the winter months. Calving season affected lactose, Ca, and P concentrations as evidenced by the higher colostral lactose percentages in cows calved in the fall but higher calcium and P concentrations in those calved in the summer. Parity had no significant effects on IgG and IgM concentrations. However, a decreasing trend was observed in Ca and P concentrations with increasing parity. Volume of first milking colostrum did not have any effect on colostral composition. The findings of this study indicate that colostrum quality may be affected by calving season.Item Reclamation of Smaller Volumes of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil Using an Innovative Reactor System: A Case Study Evaluation of the Design(Scientific Research, 2017-07) Zappi, Mark E.; Bajpai, Rakesh; Hernandez, Rafael; Taconi, Katherine; Gang, DanielPetroleum products contamination is a world-wide problem that threatens polluting groundwater and surface water systems. However, the problem is not only large-scale in scope when viewed from a case-by-case basis. Many fueling, construction, agricultural, and industrial activities result in the problem of managing smaller quantities of these soils from an ecological safety perspective. Landfilling has been the disposal method of choice in the US; however, this option is becoming economically prohibitive and it does not really offer a true degradation fate for the pollutants. This study focused on the proving of an innovative biocell design that afforded a high level of petroleum degradation within a simple and cost effective design. Additionally, the design offered a remediation solution for sites not easily accessed. Soil contaminated with both diesel fuel and gasoline collected from a former filling station was used in this on-site remediation case study. Rapid biodegradation of the petroleum products were observed at the initiation of the study with rates leveling off as the study progressed with the final total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration being 10 mg/kg at Day 90. Oxygen uptake rates were monitored and found to nicely track both microbial activity and pollutant removal dynamics. The biocell design met all expectations by being effective, yet simple to build and operate.Item Feeding Polyunsaturated Supplements to Grazing Dairy Cows Improve the Healthy Value of Milk Fatty Acids(Scientific Research, 2017-08) Gagliostro, Gerardo Antonio; Garciarena, Daniel Alberto; Rodriguez, María Alejandra; Antonacci, Liliana ElisabetThe objective of the experiment was to improve the healthy value of milk fatty acids (FA) by feeding sunflower oil (SO) or sunflower seed (SS) combined or not with fish oil (FO) to grazing dairy cows. Four Holstein cows (515 ± 80 kg liveweight) in late lactation (230 days postpartum) fitted with ruminal cannulae were allotted to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with factorial arrangement of treatments: SS = 1.9 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/d of SS; SO = 0.8 kg/cow/d of SO; SS-FO = SS + 0.24 kg/cow/d FO and SO-FO = SO + 0.24 kg/FO. Cows grazed a high quality pasture offered at 11 kg DM/cow/day. After the afternoon milking cows also received 5.6 kg DM/cow of corn silage and during each milking time cracked corn grain (1.3 kg DM/cow) mixed with a mineral-vitamin premix was fed. Oils and SS were introduced via ruminal cannulae and SS was fed roughly grounded. Milk yield tended (p < 0.07) to increase in SO treatments (9.9 vs 8.7 kg/d). Yields (kg/d) of fat corrected milk (FCM) (8.01 vs 6.37) and milk fat (0.27 vs 0.191) increased (p < 0.05) in SO diets and milk fat content was not affected. Milk protein concentration (40.5 vs 37.0 g/kg) and yield (0.397 vs 0.322 kg/d) were higher (p < 0.05) in SO without effects of FO or their interaction. Milk cholesterol content did not differ. The reduction in the atherogenic saturated FA of milk averaged 63% for C12:0, 51% for C14:0 and 29% for C16:0. Atherogenicity index (AI) of milk was reduced particularly in SS-FO. Basal concentration of cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (CLA) in milk was 1.39 g/100g FA and increased (p < 0.05) by 144% across treatments without differences between SS or SO. Feeding FO increased (p < 0.05) milk contents of CLA (2.86 to 3.92 g/100g FA) and linolenic acid. Comparing SO or SS with or without FO showed no changes for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP) degradation of pasture. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) fed to grazing dairy cows had a marked effect on milk FA profile putatively enhancing its healthy value.Item Demonstrating Effect of Rainfall Characteristics on Wheat Yield: Case of Sinana District, South Eastern Ethiopia(Scientific Research, 2017-05) Bekele, Fitsum; Korecha, Diriba; Negatu, LisaneworkDemonstrating Effects of Current and Projected Rainfall Characteristics on Wheat yield has been investigated in Sinana district for the period 1995-2016. Data on rainfall and crop yield for the period 1995-2016 were obtained from National Meteorological Agency and Sinana District Agricultural Offices, respectively. Following data quality checking, rainfall data (current and future), correlation and regression studies were analyzed using Statistical software like Instat V3.36 and SPSS V20. Downscaling the output of CSIRO-Mk3.6.0 GCM model (daily rainfall data) for RCP8.5 emission scenario using a web based software tool (Marksim GCM) for the period 2020-2049 were used to determine seasonal total rainfall and ascertain its impact on yield. This study used mean, coefficient of variation, correlation and regression analysis to ascertain the relation, cause and effect relationship between rainfall characteristics and wheat yields. The results indicated that the mean onset date of the main rainy season (JJAS) for Robe and Sinana station was June 30 and July 3. Furthermore, the results of Pearson Correlation Coefficients indicated that kiremt rainfall total (JJAS) had moderate positive relationship (r = 0.499) with wheat yield in the study area. It was also observed that nearly fifty percent of total variance of crop yield is explained jointly by kiremt rainfall total and rainy day (R2 value was 47.9%). The result of projected wheat yield indicated that there will be a slight decrease in wheat yield (qt/ha) after 2030 years due to the impact of expected weakening of kiremt rainfall total. Taking in to account the above findings, it could be suggested that the farmers’ community will be encouraged encouraged to utilize timely climate information issued from National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia (NMA) and other centers for farm level decision to enhance their crop production.Item Imperata yellow mottle virus: An Emerging Threat to Maize, Sorghum and Pearl Millet in Burkina Faso(Scientific Research, 2017-05) Koala, Moustapha; Traoré, Valentin Stanislas Edgar; Sérémé, Drissa; Neya, Bouma James; Brugidou, Christophe; Barro, Nicolas; Traoré, OumarImperata yellow mottle caused by Imperata yellow mottle virus (IYMV) of the genus Sobemovirus was first characterized on Imperata cylindrica and Zea mays in Burkina Faso. The disease has been reported in several localities of the country but its ecology and epidemiology are poorly known. In particular, only I. cylindrica and maize have been reported within IYMV host range. The aim of this study was to investigate the experimental host range of the virus. Mechanical inoculation of a mixture of four IYMV isolates to 18 plant species, including four crops (maize, rice, sorghum and pearl millet) and 14 wild grasses showed clear mottle symptoms in maize, sorghum and pearl millet and two wild grass species (Setaria verticillata and Rottboellia exaltata). Symptom development was confirmed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Infection of crop species by IYMV depended on cultivars tested. Therefore, proportions of positive cultivars were 16/36 in maize, 4/10 in sorghum and 4/9 in pearl millet, respectively. Studies on virus-host interactions using individual virus isolates showed two pathogenic patterns. Three out of the four isolates tested infected all plant species and cultivars. In contrast, the fourth IYMV isolate could infect only one maize cultivar. These results expand the previously known host range of IYMV from two to five species, indicating a narrow host range. Among the new characterized host species, sorghum and pearl millet are important cereal crops. Therefore, Imperata yellow motte disease is a potential threat for the cereal crop production and its ecology and epidemiology should be thoroughly investigated.Item Flavonoid Profiles of Wild Grapes Native to Japan: Vitis coignetiae Pulliat and Vitis ficifolia Bunge var. ganebu Hatusima(Scientific Research, 2017-03) Shiozaki, Shuji; Murakami, KazunoriFlavonoids are a group of natural compounds in plants with versatile health benefits for humans. Grapes are a dietary source of flavonoids and the flavonoid components in grape berries can depend on the grape species and cultivar. In this experiment, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins were analyzed in Vitis coignetiae and V. ficifolia var. ganebu, wild grapes native to Japan, and compared with those in V. labruscana cv. Muscat Bailey A, to evaluate the potential of the wild grapes as a grape resource. Proanthocyanidin contents in seeds were lower in the two wild grapes than in Muscat Bailey A. However, the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was the richest source of proanthocyanidins. Flavonol levels in the skins of the two wild grapes were lower than that in the skin of Muscat Bailey A. Colorimetry determined that the total anthocyanin content in the skin of V. ficifolia var. ganebu was 6 times and 7 times higher, respectively, than those of V. coignetiae and Muscat Bailey A. Although monoglucoside anthocyanin levels analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were in the order Muscat Bailey A > V. ficifolia var. ganebu > V. coignetiae, most of the diglucoside and acylated monoglucoside and diglucoside anthocyanin levels identified by HPLC-mass spectrometry were highest in V. ficifolia var. ganebu. These data suggest that V. ficifolia var. ganebu might be a novel source of flavonoids and superior to V. coignetiae as a source of flavonoids.Item A Grading Method for Mangoes on the Basis of Peel Color Measurement Using a Computer Vision System(Scientific Research, 2016-06) Makino, Yoshio; Goto, Kenjiro; Oshita, Seiichi; Sato, Akari; Tsukada, MasatoAn objective grading method using a Computer Vision System (CVS) for mangoes is proposed. Red peel was selected using two types of color space values at chroma = 22 and hue angle = 52˚. Eighteen out of 25 fully-ripened fruits were graded as “excellent,” determined by the share of red area per fruit being in the range of 80% - 100%. In contrast, all green-mature fruits were graded as “fair,” where the share of red area per fruit was <30%. If the threshold for the share of the red area on the peel is set between 10% (maximal green-mature fruits) and 18% (minimal fully-ripened fruits), automatic removal of green-mature fruits on a grading line is feasible. CVS was effective for nondestructively assuming anthocyanin concentration. A linear relationship between the natural logarithm of the concentration and hue angle was observed (y = −0.0542x + 7.83), with a correlation coefficient accuracy of 0.94 and root mean square error of 1.31 mg∙kg−1. This result may be effective for the visualization of anthocyanin distribution on mango skin. The threshold for red peel can be in the range of 131 - 186 mg∙kg−1. This suggests that the pigment concentration is usable as a universal threshold. This value is unaffected by conditions for image acquisition or color measurement (e.g., light source, sensor, filter, and optical geometry), unlike color space values as hue angle.Item Agricultural Sector and HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Africa: The Economic Retrogression Model(Scientific Research, 2016-04) Apata, Temidayo Gabriel; Oladapo, Moshood Olatunde; Kehinde, Adetunji Lawrence; Apata, Olasimbo Motunrayo; Agboola, Timothy OlusolaObjective: Agricultural activities in most African countries demand human labour, the supply of labour to agriculture may be threatened if humans could no longer farm because of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Past studies have identified the alarming situation and challenges the spread of HIV/AIDS endemic poses to human existence and agricultural growth. Examining these interactions, and their direction, is useful for informing policy directives. Therefore, the general objective of this study is to examine interactions between HIV/AIDS pandemic and agricultural growth in Africa using a model of retrogression. Methods: Twenty countries in Africa identified as HIV/AIDS ravaged countries were taken as the areas of study. These countries are spread over four zones of the Northern Africa, the Eastern, the Southern and the Sub-Saharan Africa. A combination of analytical tools was employed to meet the study objectives. Results: The results revealed that long run economic cost of HIV/AIDS had a statistical positive significant relationship with agricultural/economic growth. The results suggest that there is a curvilinear relationship between the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and agricultural/economic growth in terms of human capita development. Conclusions: HIV/AIDS pandemic interactions and agricultural growth have demonstrated that a more balanced approach is necessary for effective policy.Item Effects of Arsenic on Nutrient Accumulation and Distribution in Selected Ornamental Plants(Scientific Research, 2015-12) Reed, Stewart T.; Ayala-Silva, Tomas; Dunn, Christopher B.; Gordon, Garry G.In Miami, Florida, 95% of residential and 33% commercial soils exceed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection goals for cleanup of arsenic contamination. Ornamental plants have not been fully investigated as a mechanism for phytoremediation of low level As contaminated soil. This study evaluates nutrient uptake by ornamental plants grown in a hydroponic system containing concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 70 uM As (0.0, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0, 3.75, 5.25 mg∙L−1 As, respectively). Uptake of Ca, K, Mg and Mo was likely influenced by the toxic effect of As on root functions. Arsenic had little effect on Ca, K and Mg transportation to the shoot at any but the highest As exposure rate. Tissue P concentration was similar to or higher than that found in controls and As competition with P uptake occurred at 70 uM As only. Tissue sulfur initially increased then subsequently decreased at 70 uM As where uptake could no longer supply enough S for both detoxification and normal metabolic needs. The effect of As on plant B was likely a result of membrane leakage and overall tissue damage leading to a reduction in transpiration. Arsenic induced Fe deficiency was likely the primary cause of chlorosis; however, As induced reduction in Zn, Mn or Mg contributed to chlorosis. Copper use in cellular functions was very efficient; nevertheless, Cu deficiency was one of the initial effects of As toxicity. Differences in mineral uptake reflect the plant’s attempt to detoxify As (i.e. increase in S for S-containing As chelators), mitigate damage to the cell (i.e. Ca to repair leaky menbranes) or continue cellular functions through alternative pathways (i.e. Fe superoxide dismutases to replace the function of Cu/ZnSOD).Item Assessment of Long-Term Compost Application on Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties, as Well as Fertility, of Soil in a Field Subjected to Double Cropping(Scientific Research, 2016-01) Yanagi, Yukiko; Shindo, HaruoThe aim of this article was to assess the influence of long-term application of compost on the physical, chemical, and biological properties, as well as the fertility, of soil in a field subjected to double cropping (paddy rice and barley), mainly by integrating previous studies of the effects of compost and manure on soil qualities. Continuous compost application, especially at a high level (30 Mg∙ha−1∙y−1), into the double cropping soils increased the activities of organic C-, N-, and P-decomposing enzymes and the contents of organic C, total N, and microbial biomass N, as well as the cation exchange capacity, thereby contributing to the enhancement of soil fertility. Also, the compost application increased the degree of water-stable soil macroaggregation (>0.25 mm), which was correlated significantly (r > 0.950, p < 0.05) with the contents of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (with negative charge) and active Al (with positive charge), and resulted in the modification of soil physical properties. Furthermore, the application increased the amount of soil organic matter, including humic acid with a low degree of darkening and fulvic acid, and contributed to C sequestration and storage. Physical fractionation of soil indicated that about 60% of soil organic C was distributed in the silt-sized (2 - 20 μm) aggregate and clay-sized (<2 μm) aggregate fractions, while about 30% existed in the decayed plant fractions (53 - 2000 μm). The results obtained unambiguously indicate that long-term application of compost can improve soil qualities in the field subjected to double cropping, depending on the amount applied.Item Effects of Different Potassium Stress on Leaf Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Maize (Zea Mays L.) at Seedling Stage(Scientific Research, 2016-01) Zhao, Xinhua; Du, Qi; Zhao, Yue; Wang, Huajie; Li, Yanjie; Wang, Xiaoguang; Yu, HaiqiuLeaf early senescence caused by nutrition deficiency is one of the major limitation reasons in the world crop production. Potassium (K) is one of important nutrient elements in crop growth, which modifies dozens of enzyme activations and controls stomatal movement of photosynthesis. The yield and quality of maize (Zea Mays L.) have been limited due to K deficiency in plough layer soil. However, the mechanism of K deficiency tolerance is not fully understood in maize. In this study, two inbred lines, 099 (tolerance to potassium deficiency) and 835 (sensitive to potassium deficiency) were carried out to investigate the variations of chlorophyll content, photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related with senescence under different K+ concentrations in maize at seedling stage. The results showed that the Chlorophyll a, b and (a + b) of 835 were significantly decreased under different K deficiency treatments, whereas those of 099 were remained normal. In addition, 099 showed a lower stomatal restriction and higher electronic transition capacity under different K deficiency treatments. The variations of F0, Fv/Fm, ΦPSⅡ, qP and NPQ in 835 were largely higher than those in 099. These results indicated that the inbred line 099 tolerance to K deficiency could keep chlorophyll content to maintain photosynthesis and to alleviate the injury of PSII under K deficiency condition. This study should contribute to explaining the physiological mechanism tolerance nutrition deficiency and improving breeding program in maize.Item Performance of Brooders, Fry and Growth of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cultured in an Experimental Recirculating Aquaculture System(Scientific Research, 2015-09) Arredondo-Figueroa, José Luis; Núñez-García, Laura Georgina; Ponce-Palafox, Jesús T.; Barriga-Sosa, Irene de Los ÁngelesWe present results of a long-term study aimed to optimize Nile tilapia O. niloticus production in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in México City. Three experiments were evaluated: 1) fry production; 2) production of masculinized fries; and 3) assessment of growth under three different densities (10, 30 and 75 fish/m3). The broodstock produced on average 2400 ± 600 fry every 15 days during six months, with a total production of 28,800 ± 2000. One hundred percent males were produced in 274-L raceways in an eight-week period. The obtained results in fish production in the RAS system indicated variations related to density. A daily growth rate of 3.6 g/day was registered with a density of 10 fish/m3, 0.9 g/day in 30 fish/m3 and 0.4 g/day in 75 fish/m3. This information could be useful for production purposes in this type of systems.Item Effect of Cultivar, Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Productivity(Scientific Research, 2015-10) Dhima, Kico; Vasilakoglou, Ioannis; Stefanou, Stefanos; Eleftherohorinos, IliasA 2-year field study was conducted in northern Greece to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization and irrigation on productivity of three Greek chickpea varieties (“Amorgos” “Serifos”, “Andros”). Chickpea, grown under irrigation regime (30 + 30 mm of water) and fertilized with 50 kg·N·ha−1 before planting and with 40 kg·N·ha−1 at blossom growth stage, produced more total dry biomass and seed yield as compared with that grown under non-irrigated conditions and fertilized with 50 kg·N·ha−1 before planting only. In particular, irrigation and nitrogen fertilization at blossom growth stage increased total dry weight of chickpea by 18.3% and 18.5%, respectively, as compared with that of non-irrigated and fertilized with N before planting. The corresponding increase of seed yield was 30.5% and 20%, respectively. The total dry biomass of “Amorgos” was 10% and 13% greater than that of “Serifos” and “Andros”, while its respective seed yield increase was 5% and 16%. Finally, the quantum yield of photosystem II of chickpea was not affected by irrigation or fertilization. These results indicated that nitrogen fertilization at blossom growth stage combined with irrigation increased seed yield of all chickpea varieties, whereas the same treatments did not have any effect on plant quantum yield of photosystem II.Item Impact of Corporate Agriculture on Sustainable Rural Development in Nigeria(Open Access library journal, 2016-04) Agri, Eneji Mathias; Acha, Odey Francis; Tontu, Gukat Olivia BonmwaThis study sets out to investigate whether corporate agriculture has any significant impact on Nigeria’s economy. The dimensions of impact assessed are mainly capital investment, private sector’s participation, employment and rural resource/infrastructural development. We used descriptive statistics and simple percentages for evaluation. Secondary data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange were collected, sorted, classified and used for the analysis, with extensive literature review. The study finds that corporate agriculture has significant positive impact on the economy, but the subsector is still under-invested and under-utilized. Government policies had not encouraged large scale investment in corporate agriculture; rather it has only favored official funding of agricultural programs creating loopholes for mismanagement of huge agricultural resources and wastages. The implications are obvious; including unemployment, food insecurity and rural poverty. Our limitation is with respect to inaccurate, up-to-date secondary data. However, this limitation does not invalidate our findings. We recommend corporate agriculture, policy reforms and accelerated investment in the sector through public-private partnership. We also recommend a bridge in infrastructure gap between rural and urban geography in a comprehensive rural-urban integration program. We conclude that Nigeria can achieve food security and also contribute to food security in other countries through exports and foreign exchange.Item Climate Smart Agriculture: Achievements and Prospects in Africa(Scientific Research, 2015-08) Nciizah, Adornis D.; Wakindiki, Isaiah I. C.Smallholder agriculture is facing a myriad of challenges in the wake of a changing climate. To counter this, several measures have been suggested in attempts to reduce the vulnerability of smallholder farmers who are the worst affected by changes in climate. However, despite these interventions not much improvement in agricultural production has been realized by the smallholder farmers. This suggests the need for more alternative options for these resource poor farmers. One such intervention is climate smart agriculture (CSA), which is probably one of the most viable and sustainable options. It offers both mitigation and adaptation measures to climate changes. However, problems of its viability and sustainability have been raised by several authors who argue that there are barriers, limits and costs, which may hinder its adoption by farmers. This review discusses the achievements attained so far in improving the productivity of smallholder agricultural soils under changing climatic conditions. The review also looks at the prospect of CSA with regards to South African smallholder agriculture.Item Adoption and Scaling-Up of Conservation Agriculture in Tanzania: Case of Arusha and Dodoma Regions(Scientific Research, 2014-03) Kahimba, Frederick Cassian; Mutabazi, Khamaldin Daud; Tumbo, Siza Donald; Masuki, Kenneth Francis; Mbungu, Winfred BaptistA study was conducted to assess the adoption and scaling-up of Conservation Agriculture in Arumeru district, Arusha region, northern Tanzania and Chamwino and Dodoma Urban districts in Dodoma region, Central Tanzania. The study employed structured questionnaire survey and key informant interviews as the main data collection methods. Data analysis was done descriptively to determine factors that influence the adoption. Results showed that farmers in Arusha have highly adopted terraces, minimum tillage and cover cropping whereas their counterparts in Dodoma have highly adopted large planting pits, minimum tillage, and rippers. The intensity of adoption in Arusha is higher for the wealthy compared to the poor while in Dodoma the wealth status was not a factor that influenced adoption of the Conservation Agriculture (CA) technologies. The process of technology adoption should include the use of various participatory methods including farmer field schools, experimental plots, farmer exchange visits, and training of trainers among others. Use of farmer groups, incentives, and support instruments such as Savings and Credit Co-operative Society (SACCOS) or warehouse receipts systems are also important to ensure that farmers realize some acceptable profits from their efforts. Involvement of various stakeholders is also very important including local governments and agricultural change agents at national, regional, district, ward and village levels. Hence, the intention to promote CA technologies should not only look at the economic importance, but also its socio-economic importance to the local people in the area. Their desire to adopt and out-scale a technology should be among the most important investment factors that the government and development partners should consider.Item An Empirical Study of the Relationship between Agriculture Environmental Efficiency and Economic Growth(Scientific Research, 2014-05) Wei, Xiaobo; Peng, Jue; Cao, LuAccording to environmental Kuznets hypothesis, inverted “U” relationship exists between environmental quality and economic development. Along with economic growth, environmental quality will be presented a trend that first gets worsening and then gets improved [1]. The agricultural environment efficiency will be presented a trend that first decreases and then increases along with agricultural nonpoint source pollution changes at different stages of economic development [2]. In order to verify whether such relationship exists in various provinces of China’s agricultural production, this paper is based on accounting for agriculture pollution emissions per province of China, and calculates the agriculture environmental efficiency in various provinces of China of 20 years in 1992-2011 based on SBM model. On this basis, further study on the relationship between the agriculture environmental efficiency and economic growth has been done. The result shows that causal relationship exists between agriculture environmental efficiency and China’s economic growth, and the curve between agriculture environmental efficiency and economic growth is showing “U” shape, indirectly verified the EKC hypothesis.