Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess on farm wheat landrace/ varieties) in Yem Special Woreda. A farmer based cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to assess on farm diversity of wheat landrace in Yem special woreda. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selection of agro-ecological zones, kebeles, and wheat growing farmers. Three kebeles from highland and two kebeles from midland agro-ecological zones were purposively selected. A total of 178 sample wheat growin...
Abstract: The study evaluated the effects of soil organic matter amendments on temporal dynamics of populations of A. flavus and antagonistic microbes, and on aflatoxin contamination in groundnut under field conditions in Malawi. The study also investigated the implications of rainfall on populations of the microbes. Treatments included commercial organic fertilizer applied at the rates of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 t ha-1; and farmyard manure at rates of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 t ha-1, while an untreated pl...
Abstract: Maize productivity under irrigation is affected by several factors including climate, soil and water management, quality of water and soil, and levels of irrigation and fertilizer application. This study consisted of four objectives to (1) analyze rainfall and temperature variability and change, (2) assess farmers' preferences for soil and water management practices, (3) assess the quality of water and soil, and (4) determine the effects of fertilizer and irrigation levels on maize...
Abstract: Plant growth is adversely affected by salinity as a result of the disruption of certain physiological processes that lead to reductions in yield quality. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the potential for salt tolerance of the sorghum variety during germination and early seedling growth. The experimental treatments were six sorghum varieties and 4 NaCl concentration levels (0, 60, 120 and 180mM). The experimental design was a completely randomized design in factorial combin...
Abstract: Climate smart agriculture is an approach that minimizes the adverse effects of climate change by increasing production, strengthening adaptation, and providing mitigation to smallholder farmers. This study was initiated to identify major climate smart agricultural practices adopted, analyze factors affecting the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, and evaluate the impact of the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices on the annual income of smallholder farmer...
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion in smallholder farms is the fundamental biophysical root cause for declining per capita food production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change exacerbates the problem of poor soil health. The combined use of mineral and organic fertilizers in ways that are adaptable to local conditions has the potential to achieve efficient nutrient use and result in improved yields for staple food crops. Despite multiple efforts made by the government of Kenya and internati...
Abstract: The effects of climate change have hit the agriculture sector in Africa hard. Making adjustments to adapt to the changing environment is critical for countries like Ethiopia, whose primary source of income is subsistence agriculture, which is heavily reliant on rainfall. As a result, establishing context-specific adaptation approaches is crucial for reducing the adverse effects of climate change. This study was conducted at Sofi district, Harari Regional State, Ethiopia, to compare...
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess dairy production practices, milk composition, and microbial quality of smallholder dairy farms in Kombolcha Woreda, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The study was undertaken in purposely selected three rural Kebeles of Kombolcha Woreda (Bilisuma, Tula, and Sibilu) where dairy Farmers from each Kebele were also purposely selected. A sample of households with at least one lactating cow was selected for interview using a simple random samp...
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the production practices, milk yield and composition, and to identify constraints and opportunities. The study was conducted in urban and peri-urban areas of Debre-Markos, east Gojjam zone. Four kebeles from each production system were randomly selected based on production potential and accessibility. A total of 120 respondents (15 from each kebeles) who owned local and cross breed cows were selected randomly. Data were collected using semi-structu...
Abstract: First and foremost, I would like to thank Professor Nigussie Dechassa (PhD) (chairperson of the advisory committee), for his well-articulated professional guidance, constructive criticisms, hospitality and for all kinds of support he provided me starting from the problem identification up to the completion of the work. In addition, his meticulous review of the manuscripts was pivotal in enhancing the quality of the dissertation and its presentation. I also extend my gratitude to th...
Abstract: Climate variability is causing the greatest environmental, social and economic threats to all of humanity and across borders in many nations. The purpose of this study was to analyse long term climate variability and explore effects of climate variability on dairy production and identify the existing adaptation strategies in Gabiley district, Somaliland. To achieve the objective appropriate data was collected from 119 household heads from three sample villages, which were selected ...
Abstract: This study was conducted to assess climate variability and its impacts on selected crop production in Babile district. To achieve the objective, primary data was obtained using questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interviews whereas secondary data were acquired from different published and unpublished documents from various offices of the district. The study also used rainfall and temperature data (1997 – 2016).out of 4875 household heads founds in the selected...
Abstract: Vertisols cover large areas which are widely used for agriculture in Ethiopia. The chemical and physical properties of Vertisols are influenced by the type of clay minerals which appears to be mainly smectite, with different proportions of other clays such as kaolinite, illite and vermiculite. Potassium (K), a major plant nutrient with in the soil, exists in different forms. Assessing the fractions of K is important to have knowledge on the supplying power of soil K for plant nutri...
Abstract: This study assessed the impact of Lantana camara invasion on herbaceous species diversity and soil physio-chemical properties in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia. To collect the vegetation data, 1mx1m plots were laid down in each 60 selected lantana individuals under and outside the cover in four directions. From each plot, a soil sample was taken from 0-15cm depth after removing litter from the soil surface for Soil physiochemical analysis. Three herbaceous species (Panicum color...
Abstract: Parthenium hysterophorus has become a major environmental, social, and economic threats in Ethiopia. Therefore, identification and mapping of suitable habitats and impacts on soil chemical properties are vital to design future management strategies. A total of 36 soil samples were collected from P. hysterophorus invaded and non-invaded sites. A total of 1,352 P. hysterophorus occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables were collected from different sources. ANOVA was conducted ...