African
Journals Online
UNISWA Journal of Agriculture
A publication of the Faculty of Agriculture
VOL. 9, 2000
THE EFFECT OF MIXED CROPPING ON THE SEVERITY OF LEAF BLIGHT ON SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR L.) AND MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)
IN SWAZILAND
A.B. MANSUETUS
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland
Private Bag Kwaluseni, Swaziland
J.S. PALI-SHIKHULU
Malkerns Research Station, Private Bag 4, Malkerns, Swaziland
I.S. Kunene
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland
Private Bag Kwaluseni, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
Management of northern leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum through planting patterns is important in reducing disease on susceptible cultivars. A study was conducted in 1995/96 growing season to evaluate the effect of mix-cropping resistant and susceptible sorghum and susceptible maize and susceptible sorghum in different proportions and arrangements on the severity of leaf blight at three locations in Swaziland. Mix-cropping maize and sorghum did not reduce severity of leaf blight on either crop. Mix-cropping reduced disease severity on susceptible sorghum that was mix-cropped with resistant sorghum, but the effect was dependent on the growth stage of sorghum. Different ratios of sorghum mixtures reduced disease severity. However, severity was not significantly different in most cases among different ratios and crop arrangement patterns. Locations differed significantly in disease severity depending on the stage of growth of sorghum. Location X treatment interaction was significant only at dough stage of growth of the sorghum crop. Mix-cropping resistant and susceptible sorghum cultivars can be used to reduce the severity of leaf blight on susceptible sorghum cultivars.
EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING NOAA, VHRR DATA TO FORECAST COTTON YIELD IN SWAZILAND
Manasah S. Mkhabela.
National Early Warning Unit (NEWU), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Mbabane, Swaziland
Milton S. Mkhabela
Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland
P.O. Luyengo, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data developed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA's), Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) to predict cotton yield in Swaziland. Fourteen years of historical data of average cotton yield and NDVI were used for the study. A regression analysis was performed for 504 data set for NDVI and 14 data set for cotton yield. A linear model using the cumulative NDVI was developed to predict cotton yield. The regression analysis was performed on minimum, average and maximum NDVI. The cumulative maximum NDVI was found to be the most effective in forecasting cotton yield than either the minimum or the average NDVI despite the significance of the minimum NDVI. The regression coefficient for the cumulative maximum NDVI was 70%, while that for the minimum NDVI was 56%. The best regression period was found to be from the second dekad of February to the second dekad of April, which coincides with the flowering and boll formation stages of cotton. This means that a production forecast can be issued about 1-2 months before harvest. Such information would be very useful for early warning purposes. Although very good results were achieved from this study it has to be noted that all models have limitations. Satellites are affected by various atmospheric effects, which may compromise the quality of the data produced. However, if limitations are considered when using satellite data very useful information can be derived from satellite developed data. Due to the limited number of years (14 years) used in this study the model has to be further tested, calibrated and updated as more yield and NDVI data become available.
INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF LOW QUALITY RHODES GRASS HAY AND GROWTH OF SHEEP AS AFFECTED BY BROWSE SUPPLEMENT AND MAGADI
TREATMENT
D. C. Silayo
MARTI Uyole, P.O. Box 400, Mbeya, Tanzania.
G. Y. KANYAMA PHIRI
Department of Crop Science, Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel. 277 222, Fax No. (265) 277 364, E-mail: [email protected]
J. P. Mtimuni
Department of Animal Science, Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
ABSTRACT
An experiment was conducted at Bunda College, Malawi, to determine the effect of magadi (a sodium sesquicarbonate- Na2CO3, NaHCO3.2H2O) treated forages on their intake and digestibility and growth of sheep. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth), Cedrela (Toona ciliata, M. Roem) and Sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L) Merr]. Samples were each treated with 0% (control), 5% or 10% magadi suspension. In this text Rhodes grass, sesbania and cedrela shall be abbreviated as R, S and C, respectively. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) a tannin complexing agent, was mixed with a sample of C and S to compare its effect on gas production with samples treated or not treated with magadi. Thus, the treatments were R0, R5, R10, S0, S5, S10, C0, C5, C10, SPEG and TPEG. The 11 treatments (each 500mg forage in 100ml syringes) were incubated in cattle rumen liquor at 390C for 96 hours. The 10% magadi treatment lowered gas production compared to the control. However, the C5 treatment produced more gas (93.5ml) than the TPEG (76.7ml), while the S5 treatment produced slightly less gas (104.9ml) than the SPEG (108.6ml). It was concluded that magadi suppresses the antinutritional components of forage thereby facilitating degradation of the feed, but the 10% magadi level lowers the rumen degradation.
In the intake and digestibility trials, 100g of ground S0, S5, S10, C0, C5 and C10 treatments were each mixed with 100g maize bran in 1:1 ratio daily. The R0, R5 and R10 hays were basal feeds, and were fed to correspond with the magadi levels of the respective treatments (e.g., R5 fed with S5 or C5). The results indicated that dry matter and organic matter intake as well as urine production increased significantly (p< 0.05) with increased magadi level and sesbania supplementation However, the magadi treatment depressed the digestibility of crude protein.
The growth trial lasted for 60 days, and the expected growth rate was 150g per day. The Rhodes grass hay was not treated with magadi. Seventy percent Maize bran and 30 % treated forage (S0, S5, S10, C0, C5 and C10) were mixed and four intact male sheep of average weight of 40.8 ± 7.2Kg were assigned to each ration. The expected growth rate was not achieved at the end of the trial. The difference between the treatments within the two browses and among the three levels of magadi treatment were not significant. However, sesbania supplementation and magadi treatment tended to increase growth rate of the sheep.
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION ON DIGESTIBILITY AND NITROGEN BALANCE BY DORPER AND LOCAL MALAWI SHEEP FED MAIZE STOVER.
S.K. Chikagwa-Malunga,
CHITEDZE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, P.O. BOX 158, LILONGWE, MALAWI
M. Blummel, J.P. Mtimuni, and J. Banda,
Department of Animal Science, Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi
P.0. BOX 219, LILONGWE, MALAWI
ABSTRACT
Ten Dorper (16.0 to 37.0 kg) and 10 local (15.0 to 28.5kg) rams were fed maize stover offered at 2 times the requirement for maintenance with urea lick (UL) or bean shells (BS) or poultry manure (PM). Bean shells and PM treatments included urea solution to provide 1.2% N in the diet. In this study the sheep consumed leaves and rejected all stems. Intake of total dry matter and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was highest (P<0.001) with PM supplementation while the intake of nitrogen was higher (P<0.001) in both BS and PM treatments. Digestibility was highest (P<0.001) for sheep supplemented with BS. Higher N intake of the stover diet increased digestibility of dry matter, NDF and N as well as intake of dry matter owing to the stimulation of microbial activity. However, digestibility decreased with higher NDF intake when PM was used as a supplement. Liveweight gain was highest (P<0.001) for sheep supplemented with PM (145 g/day) reflecting high intake. Sheep supplemented with BS lost weight (-37 g/day) due to several factors, one of which was inefficient utilization of absorbed N which was reflected in high urinary N excretion by the sheep. Nitrogen balance was positive for all treatments and nitrogen retention increased (P<0.001) with high N intake. Breeds did not differ in voluntary intake of dry matter, NDF and N. Dorper sheep (D) had higher digestibility of DM (P<0.001), NDF (P<0.001) and N (P<0.05), higher N retention (P<0.001) and gained more (P<0.001) weight than local sheep (L). With BS and PM supplementation, total tract mean retention time (MRT) was longer in Dorper than local sheep. It was concluded that for sheep fed low quality maize stover, voluntary intake, digestibility, N retention and liveweight gain increased by offering greater amounts of stover with a high N intake and PM could be used as a cheap N supplement. Differences in digestibility due to MRT suggest that the Dorper breed could be a valuable resource for sheep production even in areas where low quality maize stover limits the use of European breeds.
APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TO MANAGE LAND RESOURCES IN SWAZILAND
A.M. Manyatsi
Department of Land Use and Mechanisation
University of Swaziland, Luyengo Campus, M205, Swaziland
E-mail: [email protected]
M.A. Dube
Department of Agricultural Education and Extension
University of Swaziland, Luyengo Campus, M205, Swaziland
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to evaluate the present and potential application of the Geographical Information System (GIS) in Swaziland to manage land resources. This was done by interviewing key persons in the different institutions in the country and assessing the facilities (hardware, software and personnel). The results showed that 16 institutions out of the 24, which responded, were using GIS Technology, with the other 8 institutions interested in using the technology. The general areas for application of the technology were land suitability mapping, mapping of crop yield, monitoring of crop diseases, mapping of distribution and location of homesteads, schools and clinics, rainfall estimation and cloud cover, and mapping of electricity grid network. Different software were being used with ArcView being the predominant one. The lack of trained personnel was perceived as the main constraint in utilising the GIS technology. A number of recommendations were made including the need for provision of training opportunities in GIS and the need for harmonising GIS software in use.
FARM RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND PROFITABILITY OF ARABLE CROP ENTERPRISES IN THE HUMID FOREST INLAND VALLEY ECOSYSTEM: A CASE STUDY OF OZU ABAM IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA
C.I. EZEDINMA
DEPT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS/EXTENSION
Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri,
Imo State, Nigeria.
E-MAIL: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Unique cropping systems have emerged in Nigeria to suit limited farmer resources and production objectives in humid forest inland valley ecosystems. But the basis for farm resource allocation and profitability of different crop enterprises are not properly understood. This study is based on a survey of 48 randomly selected farmers in the inland valley ecosystem of Southeast Nigeria. Information obtained from farmers was analysed using basic statistics and t values evaluated within a Cobb-Douglas production function.
Results indicate that three arable crop enterprises; namely yam, cassava and rice; were cultivated by farmers based on different production objectives in the study area. The land area allocated to the rice enterprise is significantly higher than that allocated to the cassava and yam enterprises. But land rent would lead to a substantial reduction in rice production. While there is a competition for labour between upland and lowland crop production, the marginal productivity of excess labour in the cassava enterprise is almost zero. Yam setts constitute an important item in yam production and its production elasticity is negative. It is recommended that in order to improve farm income from crop production in inland valleys farmers should reduce investments in land rent and capital items and adopt improved planting materials.
REVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LESOTHO AGRICULTURAL MARKETING
SYSTEM SINCE INDEPENDENCE
None Mokitimi
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Lesotho
P.O. Roma 180, Maseru, Lesotho
E-mail: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The Lesotho agricultural marketing system can be divided into the pre and post-independence era. During the pre-independence era the agricultural marketing system was characterised by a free market system because private traders were the dominant players in the system. The post-independence era was a regulated system because it is characterised by government intervention in the marketing system. Government intervened in agricultural marketing by establishing parastatals. In addition government controlled the imports of some agricultural products and agricultural product prices. This paper reviews the performance of the Lesotho agricultural marketing system since independence. The products covered are livestock, wool, mohair, eggs, dairy, crops and agricultural inputs.
The findings are that attempts by government to intervene directly in the agricultural marketing system have had limited success. The establishment of parastatals resulted in the number of marketing outlets decreasing, unstable and frequent number of new marketing organisations, financial losses by farmers as a result of the frequent collapses of marketing organisations, and financial losses by government. The controlling of imports has resulted in high consumer prices. It is argued that government should let private individuals and organisations run agricultural marketing and government's role should be concentrated more on regulating, monitoring and facilitating the efficient operation of the agricultural marketing system.
DELPHI ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS TO MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SELECTED AREAS OF SWAZILAND
J.S. Pali-Shikhulu
Malkerns Research Station, Private Bag 4
Malkerns, Swaziland
K.J.B. Keregero
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland
Luyengo M205, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
A descriptive Delphi study was conducted to: identify constraints to maize production on SNL from the perspectives of crop researchers, extension officers and farmers; categorise the constraints; rank them in order of importance; and identify ways of addressing them. A total of 33 constraint items were identified and classified into five domains, namely: socio-cultural, institutional, economic, technical and bio-physical constraints. Farmers identified more constraints in the institutional and economic domains; crop researchers in the technical and bio-physical domains; and extension officers in the bio-physical and socio-cultural domains. Overall, the highest number of constraints identified were in the bio-physical domain. The most commonly known constraints were: unfavourable rainfall distribution; lack of reliable sources of draught power; high cost of inputs; late removal of livestock from arable fields and communal grazing; and small household land holdings. The constraints considered most important included all those that were most commonly known, as well as: low quality seed; lack of finance; ineffective pest and weed control; plant diseases; and low soil fertility. Most of the actions for addressing constraints were suggested by farmers and extension officers rather than crop researchers. Farmers' responses were largely in terms of demands for assistance, while those of extension officers focused on the creation of extension opportunities for clientele.
REACHING SWAZI NATION LAND FARMERS: CHALLENGES TO THE CREDIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN SWAZILAND
K.J.B. Keregero
Department of Agriculture Education and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture
UNIVERSITY OF SWAZILAND, LUYENGO M205, SWAZILAND
ABSTRACT
Agricultural extension services have been availed to Swazi Nation Land (SNL) farmers for seven decades now. However, increasing concern that the services have not contributed significantly to the improvement of the conditions and wellbeing of farmers points to a mounting credibility problem. The paper reflects on various studies that have been undertaken in the country and argues that the threat to the credibility of agricultural extension lies in: myths associated with extension behaviour; characteristics of agricultural extension workers; sources of agricultural extension knowledge; extension staffing and coverage; approach used by extension workers; and characteristics of extension clientele. The key observations are that: extension practice has ignored indigenous knowledge; the extension job is male dominated and gender stereotyped; extension workers are relatively lowly qualified and only moderately experienced; conventionally recognised sources of agricultural information are poorly regarded by clientele; community meetings have not been successfully utilised for extension; women who constitute the majority as cultivators of the land are not directly recognised as extension clientele; and rural people tend to portray mutual distrust in interpersonal relations. The agricultural extension service is generally weak in addressing its mandate, and calls for review in order to seriously address its credibility problem.
ANALYSIS OF SELECTED ISSUES IN SWAZILAND'S AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION:
IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION
Musa m. A. Dube and b. M. Dlamini
Department Of Agricultural Education And Extension
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland
P.O. Luyengo, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the development of agricultural extension in Swaziland with regards to history; organizational philosophy, mission, goals and objectives, implementation delivery system and evaluation; policy framework; funding; linkages between agricultural extension (AE) and research; the planning of AE activities; staffing; supervision; and other issues. The paper shows that over many decades, agricultural extension has undergone changes that brought, to some extent, improvements in agriculture. However, there are areas that still need greater improvement for effective, efficient and sustainable performance of agricultural extension in Swaziland. Implications for future consideration are suggested.
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROBLEM-SOLVING
TEACHING BY SWAZILAND PILOT PRACTICAL ARTS O' LEVEL TEACHERS
COMFORT B.S. MNDEBELE AND SIBUSISO B. GININDZA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND EXTENSION
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF SWAZILAND
P.O. Luyengo, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
The study examined knowledge of, and attitude toward, problem-solving teaching of secondary practical arts (agriculture, commerce, home economics, and technical studies) teachers. An instrument was developed and administered to these teachers in the 16 vocational pilot schools. Findings revealed that teachers knowledge of problem-solving teaching was minimal, and yet their attitudes towards it was much more positive. It was concluded that teachers needed in service workshops on the utility and strategies of problem-solving as an approach to teaching vocational studies. Development of critical thinking skills is essential for a complete education.
EXTENSION WORKERS' OPINIONS REGARDING THE INFLUENCE OF THE NATIONAL
MAIZE COMPETITION ON FARMERS PRACTICES IN THE MANZINI REGION,
SWAZILAND
Musa A. Dube and Velaphi L. Bhembe
Department of Agricultural Education and Extension
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland
P.O. Luyengo, Swaziland
ABSTRACT
The primary purpose of the study was to determine extension worker's opinions regarding the influence of the National Maize Competition (NAMCOM) on the farmers' agricultural practices and experiences in the Manzini region. A census population of front-line extension workers in charge of the participating areas in NAMCOM took part in this study. A descriptive survey method of research using a self-administered questionnaire was employed in this study. Findings of the study revealed that some extension workers were opined that the NAMCOM has prompted farmers to adopt certain practices while others were seemed hesitant. Further that there were problems in the overall organization, management and implementation of the NAMCOM and that there were better strategies to be adopted in order to improve its operation. It is recommended that organization, management, and implementation of NAMCOM be frequently reviewed so that it can be restructured to make the anticipated impact on maize production in Swaziland.
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