Agricultural and Resource Economics Research Papers/Topics

ADOPTION OF IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AMONG RICE FARMERS IN GHANA: A MULTIVARIATE PROBIT APPROACH

The need for practising modern techniques in rice production has become increasingly important in Ghana as the per capita cultivable land continues to shrink. This study employed a multivariate probit model to estimate the determinants of adoption of improved agricultural technologies using household data collected from 543 rice farmers in the Upper East and Northern region of Ghana. There was complementarity among all the improved rice production technologies (i.e. nursery establishment, har...

Perceived Quality Characteristics Influencing Households Preference for Local and Imported Rice and their Effect on Price in the Northern Region Ghana

The study investigates how perceived rice quality characteristics influence household preference for local and imported rice and its effect on prices. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 rice consuming households from Tamale, Yendi and Savelugu in the northern region. A structured questionnaire was used to interview one consumer (the woman in charge of purchasing and cooking of food) in each household on the quality characteristics that influence their demand for either lo...

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of ToxigenicAspergillus flavusfrom Groundnut Kernels in Kenya

Abstract/Overview Pathogenesis of Aspergillus flavus on important agricultural products is a key concern on human health due to the synthesis and secretion of the hazardous secondary metabolite, aflatoxin. &is study identified and further characterized aflatoxigenic A. Flavus from groundnuts sampled from sundry shops in Kenya using integrated morphological and molecular approaches. & the groundnuts were plated on potato dextrose agar for isolation and morphological observation of A. flavu...

DETERMINANTS OF FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES:THE CASE OF JARSO DISTRICT, EASTERN HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract: Soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental problems in the highlands of Ethiopia. The prevalence of traditional methods of agricultural land use and the absence of appropriate resource management practices often result in the degradation of natural soil fertility. Hence, this study assesses farm households’ willingness to pay for soil conservation practices in Jarso district. Singlebounded dichotomous choice with an open ended follow up format was used to elicit househ...

TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUATION OF PROSOPIS JULIFLORA INVASION IN RURAL DIRE DAWA ADMINISTRATION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract: Invasive Alien species (IAS) are considered to be one of the most serious challenges worldwide to mankind, biodiversity and environment. But, studies widely agree that actions to eradicate and control the effects of invasive alien species focused largely within developed countries. However, in poor, fragile and vulnerable developing countries, invasive alien species cause similar or worse problems, for development as well as conservation of biodiversity. Addressing the problem of i...

MARKET CHAIN ANALYSIS OF WHEAT (Triticum Aestivum L.): THE CASE OF MISHA WOREDA, HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract: In this study, market chain of wheat in Misha woreda was analyzed. The area is known for its potential production of wheat. However, the market chain of wheat was not well understood. The objectives of this study were to analyze the structure, conduct, and performance of wheat markets; to identify factors affecting the market supply of wheat and producers’ market outlet's choice in Misha woreda. Qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources were used. Prima...

Characterization Of Soil Mineralogy In Relation To Soil Fertility Functional Properties For Selected Countries In Africa

ABSTRACT Africa’s development depends heavily on soil ecosystem services. However current soil degradation coupled with increasing pressure on land is threatening the soil resource base. There is an urgent need to establish soil health surveillance systems to guide investments and monitor trends in soil health status and impacts of interventions. Surveillance systems require appropriate and rapid, low cost methods that directly measure soil functional properties and can be applied at large...

Effect Of Rhizobia Inoculant On Soybean Nodulation And Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization Under Greenhouse And Field Conditions

ABSTRACT In the highland of South-Kivu, DR.Congo, soybean farming is increasingly practiced by smallholder farmers but it productivity remains low. Both productivity and N2-fixing abilities of legumes can be enhanced not only by Rhizobium spp but also by colonization of their roots by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). The objectives of this study were:- to evaluate symbiotic effectiveness of bradyrhizobia isolates for soybean inoculant production, their effect on indigenous AMF root coloni...

Factors Influencing Grafted Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Production In Matinyani Division, Kitui County.

ABSTRACT Mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is produced and consumed globally, regionally, and locally. The fruit is a potential source of essential nutrients including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Mangoes can also be sold to earn income. However, most smallholder mango farmers in Matinyani Sub-county experience lack of clean planting materials, inadequate production technologies, inadequate mango varieties with long production cycles and poo...

Food Security In The Semi-Arid Machakos County: A Case Study Of Mwala Sub-County

ABSTRACT Ensuring food security is a global significant challenge despite struggles to increase agricultural productivity, food distribution and identify appropriate policy interventions to cub food shortage. The recent recurrent incidences of food deficit in Kenya have placed the nation among the 20 most food insecure countries in the world. Food insecurity in the country is a prevalent issue since approximately 84% the country’s landmass is covered by arid and semi-arid land. Achieving su...

ADAPTABILITY OF PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum Glaucum (L.)R.Br) VARIETIES IN THE SEMI-ARID KITUI COUNTY OF KENYA

ABSTRACT Cereals are important crops grown and consumed globally, regionally and locally. However, world cereal yields have declined due to frequent droughts, erratic and unreliable rainfall especially in sub-saharan Africa. Pearl millet accounts for almost half of the global production of the millet species. Therefore, identifying high yielding pearl millet genotypes with farmer preffered traits and adapted to drought stress is key for food security. The objective of the field study was to d...

Status And Contribution Of Fish Farming Under Economic Stimulus Program In Kitui Central Sub-County, Kitui County.

ABSTRACT In 2010, the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) was initiated by the Government of Kenya with the aim of encouraging aquaculture in Kenya. Kitui Central Sub- County benefited with 200 fish ponds under ESP. However, their status is not known in terms of production, challenges and the contribution of fish farming to household wellbeing. To address this, a sample of sixty (60) fish farmers were used from the targeted 200 fish farmers who benefited from the Government’s support. The prima...

Status And Contribution Of Fish Farming Under Economic Stimulus Program In Kitui Central Sub-County, Kitui County

ABSTRACT In 2010, the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) was initiated by the Government of Kenya with the aim of encouraging aquaculture in Kenya. Kitui Central Sub- County benefited with 200 fish ponds under ESP. However, their status is not known in terms of production, challenges and the contribution of fish farming to household wellbeing. To address this, a sample of sixty (60) fish farmers were used from the targeted 200 fish farmers who benefited from the Government’s support. The prima...

THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) VARIETIES ON SOAKING AND COOKING TIME.

Abstract Cookability of common bean is constrained by hardness which results to extend cooking times, low widespread consumption, and high cost of cooking fuel, the consequence of this is malnutrition due to nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity. A study was conducted in the seed Laboratory of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO)-Katumani to investigate the effects of physical properties of eleven bean varieties (GLPX92, KATX69, EMBEAN118, WAIRIMU, EMBEAN14, GLP2...

Factors Influencing Default In Servicing Agricultural Loans: A Case Study Of Agricultural Finance Corporation, Machakos County

ABSTRACT Farm credit offered by AFC is an important tool in poverty alleviation through creation of working opportunities for beneficiaries. The facility improves the economic and social status through poverty alleviation, employment creation and income generation for low income farmers with limited opportunities. Through this facility, the government mainly targets to improve the livelihood and food sufficiency among the rural populace. However, loan repayment is faced by high levels of defa...


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