ESA RISING documents

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    Maize yield response to nitrogen in Malawi’s smallholder production systems
    (Working Paper, 2014) Snapp, Sieglinde S.; Jayne, Thomas S.; Mhango, Wezi; Benson, Todd; Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob
    This paper has two objectives. Our first objective is to review the research evidence on the factors known to be affecting the efficiency with which Malawian farmers use nitrogen fertilizer on maize. It is our position that such factors, along with non-random aspects of most trials, might explain the large gaps observed between researcher-managed plots and farmer-managed fields. Our second objective is to provide practical guidance to Malawian policy makers and the national extension sys-tem for helping farmers to raise the efficiency with which they use fertilizer. In so doing, we emphasize that crop diversifi-cation and soil management practices that raise soil fertility, while often viewed as “alternative” forms of agriculture, may be more accurately characterized as major components of an input-intensive and efficient production system that is both profitable and sustainable.
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    Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Project: Book of Abstracts (2013-2023)
    (Report, 2023-04-15) Ndibalema, Gloriana; Massam, Eveline; Odhong, Jonathan
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    Extension manual for agroforestry technologies in semi-arid Tanzania
    (Report, 2023-04-15) Kimaro, Anthony A.
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    Solar-based irrigation systems as a game changer to improve agricultural practices in Sub-Sahara Africa: a case study from Mali
    (Journal Article, 2023-03-02) Birhanu, B.Z.; Sanogo, K.; Traoré, S.S.; Minh, Thai; Kizito, Fred
    Introduction: In rainfed agricultural systems, sustainable and efficient water management practices are key to improved agricultural productivity and natural resource management. The agricultural system in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) relies heavily on the availability of rainfall. With the erratic and unreliable rainfall pattern associated with poor and fragile soils, agricultural productivity has remained very low over the years. Much of the SSA agricultural land has been degraded with low fertility as a result of ongoing cultivation and wind and water erosion. This has resulted in an increased food shortage due to the ever-increasing population and land degradation. Better agricultural and nutritional security are further hampered by the lack of reliable access to the available water resources in the subsurface hydrological system. Methods: This study used socio-economic data from 112 farm households and Boolean and Fuzzy methods to understand farmers' perceptions and identify suitable areas to implement Solar Based Irrigation Systems (SBISs) in the agro-ecologies of Bougouni and Koutiala districts of southern Mali. Results and discussion: Results revealed that the usage of SBISs has been recent (4.5 years), majorly (77%) constructed by donor-funded projects mainly for domestic water use and livestock (88%). With regards to irrigation, vegetable production was the dominant water use (60%) enabling rural farm households to gain over 40% of extra household income during the dry season. Results further showed that 4,274 km2 (22%) of the total land area for the Bougouni district, and 1,722 km2 (18%) of the Koutiala district are suitable for solar-based irrigation. The affordability of solar panels in many places makes SBISs to be an emerging climate-smart technology for most rural Malian populations.
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    Farmers' willingness to invest in mechanized maize shelling and potential financial benefits: evidence from Tanzania
    (Journal Article, 2023-07) Kotu, Bekele Hundie; Manda, J.; Mutungi, C.; Fischer, G.; Gaspar, A.
    Sub-Saharan Africa has the least mechanized agriculture in the world due to various reasons including low effective demand at farm level, low policy attention, and ineffective mechanization strategies. However, the situation has changed since recently in favor of mechanization while limited empirical evidence is available on how mechanization can be enhanced among smallholder farmers. In this study, we explore farmers' willingness to invest in mechanization services by considering the group business model (GBM) and the individual business model (IBM) of mechanized maize shelling in Tanzania. Moreover, we analyze the potential financial benefit for those farmers who would like to invest in mechanized maize shelling. We use data mainly collected through a household survey and apply econometric and mathematical models for analysis. The results show that about 65% of the sample farmers are willing to invest in mechanized maize shelling within the GBM, while about 10% of them would like to do so within the IBM. Moreover, the results show that investment in mechanized maize shelling is profitable considering both small-scale (4 and 7 HP engine capacity) machines and medium-scale (16 and 20 HP engine capacity) machines. The results show that expanding agricultural mechanization in Tanzania through investments coming from smallholder farmers, as also experienced elsewhere, is possible while they suggest that policy instruments such as targeted loan programs, entrepreneurial and technical trainings, and smart subsidies or tax exemptions are important to encourage and enable smallholder farmers to participate in the mechanization supply chain. [EconLit Citations: Q120, Q130, D250].
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    Gender-transformative decision-making on agricultural technologies: Participatory tools
    (Report, 2022-12-30) Farnworth, Cathy Rozel; Fischer, Gundula; Chinyophiro, Amon; Swai, Elirehema; Said, Zamaradi; Rugalabam, Jacqueline; Mshana, Elieneza; Athumani, Zakia; Nnko, John; Chikowo, Regis; Namagowa, Roseby; Mkwapatira, Abigail; Kapenda, Tunganeghe; Namakhoma, Andrew; Livuza, Hannah
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    Tekinolojia ya Mbili-Mbili; kuongeza uzalishaji wa mikunde Afrika Mashariki
    (Brief, 2022-10) Kihara, Job Maguta; Kinyua, Michael
    Mbili-Mbili ni mkakati wa kilimo mseto cha nafaka na mikunde unaohusisha upandaji wa mazao matatu yenye ukuaji na mpangilio tofauti shambani. Tekinolojia hii ilitengenezwa kwa mfumo wa utafiti wa Afrika katika uimarishaji maendeleo endelevu kwa kizazi kijacho. Mradi wa Africa RISING umelenga kuwasaidia wakulima wadogowadogo kuondokana na njaa, uhaba wa chakula, Utapiamlo na umaskini. Hapo awali, kazi kubwa ilifanyika kukuza mazoea ya matumizi ya mbinu bora za kilimo kama vile mchanganyiko wa mbinu za utunzaji rutuba ya udongo (ISFM) ambazo zimeongeza tija ya mahindi kwa mafanikio mazuri.
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    Mbili-Mbili technology: Increasing legume production in East Africa
    (Brief, 2022-08) Kihara, Job Maguta; Kinyua, Michael Wanjohi
    Mbili-Mbili is a cereal-legume intercropping strategy involving three crops with different growth patterns spatially configured within a field. It was developed within the Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) Program to get smallholder households out of hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. Previously, significant work has been done to develop practices such as integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) that increase maize (Zea mays) productivity with success. However, legume productivity remains low, e.g., < 250 kg/ha for beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and < 400 kg/ha for pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Recognizing this, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), a partner in the Africa RISING Program, developed and validated legume-based interventions in Babati, Tanzania, amongst which was Mbili-Mbili.
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    Hadithi za ufanisi kuhusu matumizi ya mchanganyiko wa mbinu za kuhifadhi rutuba ya udongo. Sauti za wakulima kutoka Wilaya ya Babati, Tanzania
    (Report, 2022-09) Kihara, Job Maguta; Kinyua, Michael; Massam, Jonus; Pallagjo, Rose; Songoyani, Inot; Kyekaka, Jetrida
    Kitabu hiki ni mkusanyiko wa hadithi za mafanikio zilizosimuliwa na wakulima ambao wamenufaika na mradi wa Africa RISING katika Mashariki na Kusini mwa Afrika (ESA). Kitabu hiki kinaelezea namna ambavyo mkusanyiko wa mbinu bora za kilimo umebadilisha maisha ya wakulima wengi wadogowadogo wanaoishi katika wilaya ya Babati, Tanzania. Kitabu kinaelezea vile teknolojia zilizo na uhitaji zilianzishwa kwa wakulima kutatua changamoto zilizowakabili wakulima wengi katika eneo hili. Ushahidi wa mafanikio kwa wakulima waliotumia teknolojia zilizoboreshwa za kilimo unaelezwa zaidi katika kitabu hiki. Katika kuangazia teknolojia bora za kilimo zitakazofaa katika wilaya ya Babati, mtindo wa Mbili-Mbili, mbinu bora za kilimo na utunzaji wa rutuba ya udongo na maji (ISFM) kama vile kupanda kwa nafasi sahihi, matumizi ya mbegu bora na matumizi ya mbolea ya samadi, ilikuwa sahihi kuwa zina uwezo wa kuleta faida kubwa kwa wakulima. Shukrani kwa mradi wa Africa RISING. Ili kupunguza mapungufu ya uzalishaji, kudhibiti wadudu na magonjwa yanayoshambulia mazao ya wakulima wadogowadogo na kuweka mazingira safi ya soko kwa wakulima. Mradi wa Africa RISING umekua ukijitahidi kufanya utafiti ili kupambana na changamoto hizi. Ushirikiano wa watafiti na mashirika ya maendeleo katika mradi huu umeweza kuwawezesha wakulima kuwa na mbinu endelevu za kilimo. Mbinu hizi zimeweza kuboresha kilimo na kuleta mafanikio kwa jamii kwa kuleta tija bora, kipato, lishe na usalama wa chakula.
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    Compendium of success stories in integrated soil fertility management. Farmer’s voices from Babati District in Tanzania
    (Report, 2022) Kihara, Job Maguta; Kinyua, Michael; Massam, Jonus; Pallagjo, Rose; Songoyani, Inot; Kyekaka, Jetrida
    The compendium brings together success stories told by farmers, the beneficiaries of the Africa RISING ESA project. It describes how the integrated sustainable agriculture systems transformed the lives of many small-scale farming households living in Babati district, Tanzania. It also highlights demand-driven technologies introduced to farmers to address the top-line challenges facing a vast majority of small-scale farmers in this area. It further provides evidence of the success of adopting the appropriate farming technologies. In a review of the most promising sustainable intensification farming technologies suitable for Babati, it was clear that the Mbili Mbili strip cropping, ISFM-Integrated soil fertility management practices such as planting in appropriate space, and the use of improved seed varieties and manure application provide potential benefits to farmers. Thanks to the Africa RISING project. To bridge the yield gaps, fight pests and diseases attacking small-scale farming households’ produce, and create enabling market conditions for farmers, the Africa RISING Project has been supporting action research to address these top-line challenges. Together with the research and development partnership, the project empowers farmers with sustainable intensification options. These options benefit small-scale farmers with improved productivity, better income, nutrition, and food safety.
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    Participatory action research, social networks, and gender influence soil fertility management in Tanzania
    (Journal Article, 2023-02) Mponela, Powell; Manda, Julius; Kinyua, Michael; Kihara, Job Maguta
    Transformation of knowledge systems and fostering learning among smallholder farmers such as through participatory action research (PAR) is key to agricultural growth in rural sub-Saharan Africa. We investigate how PAR influences uptake/use of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) while accounting for gendered, bonding and bridging social capital. Stratified by engagement in a mother-baby PAR and by resource endowments, 607 smallholder farmers were sampled from northern Tanzania. Binary logistic and multinomial logit models revealed that full engagement in PAR was associated with early adoption of inorganic fertilizers, either as a dichotomous decision or an ISFM bundle with improved varieties, organic matter inputs and soil and water conservation. Bonding social capital through cooperatives, farmer groups, and farmer-farmer local networks supports soil and water conservation, especially among resource-poor farmers. Among the high-resource farmers, increased women’s bargaining power in farm input purchases supports fertilizer and manure use while increased bargaining power in livestock tending supports crop residue incorporation. ISFM usage is constrained by age of decision-makers and a higher number of dependents per worker while education level and farm sizes increase its likelihood. In the resource-constrained, with low extension and technical support, and men-dominated patrilineal farming systems of Africa, the study places PAR, social networks, and gender inclusivity as key approaches for improving smallholder’ ISFM.
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    Drivers of millet consumption among school aged children in central Tanzania
    (Journal Article, 2021-08-06) Chande, M.; Muhimbula, H.; Mremi, R.; Muzanila, Y.C.; Kumwenda, N.; Msuya, J.; Msere, H.; Bekunda, Mateete A.; Okori, Patrick; Gichohi-Wainaina, Wanjiku N.
    Background: Iron and zinc deficiency are common public health problems in low-income countries largely due to poor consumption of iron and zinc rich foods. It has previously been observed that 57% of school aged children (SAC) in Tanzania suffer from anemia. In addition, estimates indicate that over 25% of the population have inadequate zinc intake. Pearlmillet is an example of a nutrient dense, resilient cereal crop, that can be promoted to diversify diets and combat iron and zinc deficiency. This study overall aim was to increase pearl millet consumption among school aged (5 – 12 years) children. As part of the study, we investigated, the drivers of food choice relating to pearl millet consumption. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of randomly selected households in Kongwa district, Dodoma region of Tanzania. In total, 128 women of reproductive age (20 – 49 years) were randomly selected for the study. A study questionnaire consisting of 66 items, was developed and validated. The constructs in the questionnaire were categorized in two groups: internal and external factors. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with statements read to them by interviewers. The scores on intention and behavior constructs were based on the number of times caregivers intended to, or had fed their school going children with pearl millet in the referent month. Intention was considered high if it was higher than the median intention score of the group, and low if it was equal to or lower than the median scores. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to measure association between constructs and to identify predictive constructs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for score comparison. Results: There was a significant difference between intention and behavior among those who did not consume pearl millet (P = 0.003), and those who consumed pearl millet two or more times a week, in the same month (P = 0.01). Knowledge was significantly correlated with behavior identity (r = 0.58, P = 0.001), while health behavior identity was significantly correlated with intention (r = 0.31, P = 0.001). Intention of caregivers was significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.44, P = 0.001) with and predicted consumption of pearl millet (r = 0.87, P = 0.067). Conclusion: Increasing knowledge or awareness on nutritional benefits of pearl millet among caregivers may increase consumption of pearl millet by children of school going age.
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    Welfare impacts of smallholder farmers’ participation in multiple output markets: empirical evidence from Tanzania
    (Journal Article, 2021-05-06) Manda, J.; Azzarri, Carlo; Feleke, S.; Kotu, Bekele Hundie; Claessens, Lieven; Bekunda, Mateete A.
    A relatively large body of literature has documented the welfare effects of smallholder farmers’ participation in single-commodity output markets. However, limited empirical evidence is available when smallholder farmers participate in multiple-commodities output markets. We tried to fill this gap in the literature by estimating the impacts of smallholder farmers’ contemporaneous participation in both maize and legume markets vis-à-vis in only maize or legume markets using household-level data from Tanzania. Applying a multinomial endogenous switching regression model that allows controlling for observed and unobserved heterogeneity associated with market participation in single-commodity and multiple-commodity markets, results showed that smallholder farmers’ participation in both single–and multiple–commodity markets was positively and significantly associated with household income and food security. Moreover, the greatest benefits were obtained when farmers participated in multiple-commodity markets, suggesting the importance of policies promoting diversification in crop income sources to increase welfare and food security. Our findings also signal the complementary–rather than substitute–nature of accessing multiple-commodity markets for enhancing household livelihoods under a specialization strategy. Finally, important policy implications are suggested, from promoting and supporting public infrastructure investments to expanding road networks to reduce transportation costs, especially in remote communities, to enhance smallholder farmer access to profitable maize and legume markets in Tanzania.
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    Use of crop residue as feed for ruminant livestock: A guide for smallholder farmers
    (Brief, 2021-03-15) Lukuyu, Ben A.; Ngunga, D.P.; Bekunda, Mateete A.