IITA Books and Book Chapters

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Genetic diversity for grain nutrients content in finger millet (Eleusine Coracana (L.) Gaertn.) germplasm
(Book Chapter, 2023-08-21) Ojulong, H.; Manyasa, E.O.; Patrick, S.; Oduori, C.A.; Adikini, S.; Nyaligwa, L.; Mushoriwa, H.; Solanke, A.U.; Kole, C.
Knowledge of existing genetic variability is essential for initiating a successful plant breeding program. This chapter reviews nutrient diversity studies conducted on finger millet germplasm globally. In all the studies, very high variability was observed in all the quality traits determined. Most of the nutrients were positively correlated with each other, implying that they can simultaneously be improved. Grain color and glume covering were associated with nutrient content, with darker grains having higher compared to white-colored and enclosed grains having higher nutrient content than intermediate covered having higher content. These two can be used as morphological markers. Local cultivars and varieties released in the East and South Asia (ESA) region had significantly lower levels of the main essential nutrients (Ca, Fe, and Zn) found in finger millet, most likely as a result of farmers selecting for varieties with brown-colored grain. Country of origin was highly significant for all the nutrients, with accessions from eastern and southern Africa having significantly lower nutrient contents. Grain color was associated with nutrient content with darker grains having higher compared to white colored. All nutrients were positively correlated (P < 0.001) with each other. Grain yield was not significantly correlated with any nutrient content. The substantial variability for the grain nutrients observed in the finger millet core collection and local germplasm indicates the possibility for the selection of nutrient-rich accessions for use in the breeding programs.
Factors that transformed cereals productivity
(Book Chapter, 2024) Abate, T.; Menkir, A.; Belay, G.; Feyissa, R.; Keno, T.; Bossey, O.
This chapter provides a critical assessment of productivity gains made so far and the opportunities for further improvement ahead for cereals in Ethiopia. Overall, the country achieved a very highly significant yield gain of 92 kg/ha/yr (P<0.01, R2=0.95) between 2000 and 2020 – the fifth highest after Ukraine, Brazil, the USA and Argentina, among the world’s top ten cereal-producing countries. This means that Ethiopia doubled its major cereals productivity during this period. Increases in yield accounted for ~70% of the change in production, compared to ~28% in area expansion. In all of Africa, only South Africa has achieved this level of cereals productivity under rainfed agriculture. The presence of well-functioning institutions, sustained government investment and increased use of mineral fertilizers were some of the factors that contributed to the success.
Bioinformatics for plant genetics and breeding research
(Book Chapter, 2024) Naik, Y.D.; Zhao, C.; Channale, S.; Nayak, S.N.; Bhutia, K.L.; Gautam, A.; Kumar, R.; Niranjan, V.; Shah, T.M.; Mott, R.; Punnuri, S.; Pandey, M.K.; Wang, X.; Varshney, R.K.; Thudi, M.
Global food demand is expected to increase between 55 and 70% by 2050. Plant breeders and geneticists are constantly under pressure to develop high-yielding climate-resilient varieties using novel approaches. The quest for simplifying complex traits and efforts for developing high-yielding varieties during the twenty-first century led to a paradigm shift from phenotypic-based selection to genome-based breeding. On one hand, the development and utilization of diverse genetic resources, and advances in genomics on the other hand provided a kick start for the understanding the genetics of economically important complex traits at a faster pace. Further, the next-generation sequencing revolutionized our understanding of the genome architecture. As a result, there has been an increasing demand for statistical and bioinformatics tools to analyse and manage the enormous amount of data generated from sequencing of genomes, transcriptomes, proteome and metabolomes. In this chapter, we review the intervention of bioinformatics and computational tools for deploying the tremendous wealth of data for plant genetics and breeding research.
Feminist research in agriculture: moving beyond gender-transformative approaches
(Book Chapter, 2024) Cole, S.M.; Rajaratnam, S.; Liani, M.; Joshi, D.; Basnet, S.; Bisht, M.; Shijagurumayum, M.S.; Jain, M.; Kumar, P.; Fischer, K.; Puozaa, D.K.; Reyes, A.; Velasco, H.
Feminist research approaches in agriculture are considerably underutilized. In this chapter, we suggest a few key reasons to help explain their lack of use in agriculture. We also provide background on what constitutes feminist research in agriculture through a review of the literature. Using a case study approach, we highlight the important and unique characteristics that define feminist research approaches in agriculture. The case studies provide examples of how researchers working in agriculture can gradually adopt key feminist research principles. We argue that to transform agrifood systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, feminist approaches must be used in all research in agriculture. The chapter concludes by discussing what is needed to increase the use of feminist research approaches in agriculture, recognizing that resistance to change is inevitable and requires commitment at the top to spearhead efforts to institutionalize feminist approaches within agricultural research organizations.
Etude de la possibilite de modelisation de la pate a pain a partir de la farine d'Ipomea batatas ou patate douce a chair blanche et a peau blanche
(Book Chapter, 2023) Vololonirina, R.F.; Razafindrasoa, M.Y.; Randriamaroson, J.L.E.; Randrianantenaina, A.; Abass, A.; Razafimahefa
La farine de blé est la matière première la plus utilisée dans les différentes préparations des pâtes alimentaires en particulier, des pâtes à pains. Pourtant, son importation devient donc très onéreuse surtout pour les pays non producteurs. En conséquence, les coûts de production et le prix des produits de boulangerie sont devenus très chères. Or, Madagascar présente des ressources agricoles abondantes et variées qu’on peut transformer en farine y compris la patate douce (Ipomea batatas). Mais, cette farine n’est pas encore très utilisée dans l’agroalimentaire à Madagascar. Dans ce cas, l’objectif de cette recherche est de contribuer à l’innovation des produits agricoles en agroalimentaire dans le cadre du développement rural pour le développement durable. Pour ce faire, des techniques de transformation des tubercules de patate douce (Ipomea batatas) en farine ont été appliquées. Puis, des méthodes d’analyses ont été utilisées pour savoir les propriétés rhéologiques des pâtes modélisées. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que la température de début de gélatinisation atteint jusqu’à 71,45±0,48 °C. Son temps de pic de viscosité dure pendant 3,73±0,07 minute. De plus, la viscosité maximale et minimale lorsque le temps de cuisson prolongé à 95 °C sont respectivement de 3626,33±54,24 cP et 1322,33±17,79 cP. Puis, sa rétrogradation est très intéressante et reste à la valeur de 663,33±6,66 cP. Cependant, d’après nos résultats, la pâte modélisée à partir de la farine de patate douce peut être utilisée pour fabriquer des pains composites. Elle pourrait alors être utilisée dans le domaine agroalimentaire.
Overcoming the fertility crisis in bananas (Musa spp.).
(Book Chapter, 2021) Amah, D.; Turner, D.; Gibbs, D.J.; Waniale, A.; Gram, G.; Swennen, R.
A technical review of modern cassava technology adoption in Nigeria (1985-2013): Trends, challenges, and opportunities
(Report, 2016-04-13) Oparinde, Adewale; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Manyong, Victor M.; Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Kulakow, Peter; Ilona, Paul
In recent times, results of various adoption studies have been mixed, raising questions regarding why some improved farm technologies are still not widely adopted several years after their first introduction. Many improved cassava varieties have been introduced to millions of farm households across Africa south of the Sahara. Using an extensive review of cassava-adoption literature focused on Nigeria, this paper discusses the uptake of improved cassava varieties. Generic measurement and methodological issues in the literature are illuminated and alternative approaches suggested. The literature can be improved to better inform policy by considering issues such as attribution constraint due to varietal identification challenges and sample selection bias that can limit interpretation of findings. Very few studies disaggregated adoption by men and women, thus the literature can provide more policy relevance by giving adequate attention to gender considerations. Also, the use of only descriptive statistics and dichotomous choice models is most common while issues of sequencing, simultaneity, endogenity, and social learning effects in adoption decisions are under-evaluated. The local germplasm at research institutions in the country is not exhaustive and thus efforts should focus on improving the database for an effective use of a DNA fingerprinting technique in the varietal identification process.
National food consumption and micronutrient survey 2021: final report
(Book, 2024-01) Federal Government of Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
The last National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS) was undertaken about 20 years ago in 2001 (Maziya-Dixon, et al., 2004; Nigeria Food Consumption and Nutrition Survey 2001- 2003, IITA, https://hdl.handle.net/10568/100010). The findings of that study likely no longer represent the current micronutrient status or dietary consumption patterns of the Nigerian population. This lack of recent and reliable information presents several challenges, both in terms of reviewing ongoing programmes and in informing the development of new guidance and policies. Updated information on the population’s micronutrient status and dietary intakes is required for informed, evidenced-based decisions about current and future food, nutrition, and agriculture programming and policy making in Nigeria. During a high-level national nutrition data stakeholder workshop in Abuja in July 2017, stakeholders agreed that a national survey to collect information on dietary intake and micronutrient status was needed. Subsequently, in January 2018, a NFCMS methodology workshop was held in Abuja, during which agreements were reached on the scope and level of representativeness for the survey, and key decisions pertaining to the survey governance structure. In this light, UNICEF was nominated as the fund management agency for the survey, and lITA as the lead implementing agency.
National food consumption and micronutrient survey 2021: key findings
(Book, 2024-01) Federal Government of Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Matching cereal and legume crop varieties to production environments in Northeast Nigeria using Decision Support Tools (DST)
(Book, 2024) Ajeigbe, H.A.; Kamara, A.Y.; Akinseye, F.M.; Silwal, P.K.; Faleti, O.; Tofa, A.I.; Kamai, N.; Bebeley, J.; Solomon, R.
Host plant resistance to insects in pulse crops
(Book Chapter, 2024-02-10) Togola, A.; Ongom, P.O.; Mohammed, S.B.; Fatokun, C.; Tamo, M.; Boukar, O.
Pulses are important sources of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals for human nutrition and are widely cultivated in many countries around the world. Crops belonging to pulse include mainly chickpeas, mung bean, lentils, pigeon peas, and cowpeas. Pulse production and storage are negatively affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, such as insect pests, diseases, parasites, low soil fertility, heat, and drought. Among these, insect pests have the most significant impact on pulse productivity worldwide. The extent of insect pest damage is a major challenge for pulse farmers and can lead to significant quantitative and qualitative losses. While synthetic insecticides are commonly used to control insect pests in pulses, their harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment, as well as the development of insecticide resistance in pests, have prompted research efforts to identify eco-friendly alternatives. One such alternative is host plant resistance, which involves developing pulses with genetic traits that make them resistant to insect pests. The chapter underlined the importance of host plant resistance as a sustainable approach to protecting pulse crops against insect pests. It reviews past and recent studies that have contributed to improving pulse crops and sustaining their production through host plant resistance measures. Genomic tools and resources could be further utilized to develop insect resistance in all types of pulses and accelerate the pace of research in this area.
Household economics of cocoa agroforestry: costs and benefits
(Book Chapter, 2024) Boadi, S.A.; Bosselmann, A.S.; Owusu, K.; Asare, R.; Olwig, M.F.
Current research suggests that cocoa agroforestry systems could offer stable yields, additional benefits and income from shade trees, despite potential added costs, such as from the purchase of insecticides. There is a paucity of profitability studies of different cocoa agroforestry systems. Only few of them go beyond a narrow focus on cocoa yields to model the entire agroforestry system and thus do not advance our understanding of the socio-economic value of other ecosystem goods. Based on survey data covering a thousand cocoa plots and group interviews with cocoa farmers, we explore the costs and benefits at the household level of including trees in cocoa systems. Comparing low and medium tree diversity systems, we find that income from cocoa beans, timber and fruit trees are higher and labour costs are lower in plots with medium diversity, while insecticide costs are lower on low-diversity plots. Overall, net benefits were higher on cocoa plots with higher tree diversity. Thus, cocoa agroforestry systems offer cost-reduction and income-improving advantages. Since cocoa systems vary among different agro-ecological zones in Ghana, we recommend that interventions aimed at increasing tree diversity consider the specific management practices of each farming household and the location in question.
Social challenges and opportunities in agroforestry: cocoa farmers’ perspectives
(Book Chapter, 2024) Bosselmann, A.S.; Boadi, S.A.; Olwig, M.F.; Asare, R.
Agroforestry practices in cocoa cultivation have historical roots going back to the Mayan sacred groves in Mesoamerica. Today, agroforestry cocoa, i.e., the integration of shade trees, plants and crops in cocoa systems, is promoted as a climate smart practice by public and private institutions. Shaded cocoa can sustain or even increase cocoa yields and the agroforestry systems may provide additional output for household consumption and sale as well as improve the microclimate and soil conditions on the farm. Despite these promising features, cocoa agroforestry systems are far from the norm in producing countries like Ghana. Based on discussions with groups of farmers across the Ghanaian cocoa belt, this chapter shows that while farmers are well aware of the positive aspects of shaded cocoa systems, traditional cocoa practices, village chiefs’ command of local land uses, land and tree tenure systems, alternative land uses and inability to access inputs and extension services limit the adoption and constrain the management of shade trees. As still more policies are developed to improve the Ghanaian cocoa sector, policymakers must consider these often overlooked social and institutional factors that prevent cocoa farmers from engaging in longer-term agroforestry practices and thereby benefiting from the opportunities they present.
Introduction: climate, cocoa and trees
(Book Chapter, 2024) Olwig, M.F.; Asare, R.; Meilby, H.; Vaast, P.; Owusu, K.
Climate change is predicted to significantly reduce areas suit-able for the cultivation of cocoa, an important cash crop providing a livelihood to over six million smallholders in the humid tropics. Cocoa agroforestry shows potential to increase climate resilience while providing more stable incomes, enhancing biodiversity, supporting healthy ecosys-tems and reducing the pace at which farms expand into forested areas. Based on the multidisciplinary ‘Climate Smart Cocoa Systems for Ghana’ research project, this book investigates the case of the biophysical and socioeconomic sustainability of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana, the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. After a brief introduction to the research project, this introductory chapter reviews the literature on the links between climate change, farming and agroforestry, thereby situating the study within a wider context. It then presents an in-depth analysis of historical Ghanaian cocoa yields and climate data at both the national and regional levels to establish a foundation for understanding the new climate risks faced by cocoa farmers. The chapter concludes by providing an overview of the chapters that follow and introducing the overall argument that agroforestry can only successfully address climate change impacts on cocoa farming if location-specific biophysical and socioeconomic factors are considered.
Shade tree species matter: sustainable cocoa-agroforestry management
(Book Chapter, 2024) Asitoakor, B.K.; Rabild, A.; Vaast, P.; Ravn, H.P.; Owusu, K.; Mensah, E.O.; Asare, R.
Shade trees are important components of cocoa-agroforestry systems because they influence yields, soil fertility and the occurrence of pests and diseases and may support adaptation to climate change. Based on a review of the existing literature and on primary data from field experiments, this chapter reports on the species-specific effects of shade trees in relation to the management of insect pests, black pod diseases and their impacts on cocoa yield. Shade tree species in cocoa systems impact soil available phosphorus differently and shade tree species such as Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata), limba (Terminalia superba)and mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) increase cocoa yield compared with cocoa systems without shade trees. The architecture of shade tree species may influence below-canopy temperatures and relative humidity, which poten-tially affect pests such as mirids and black pod disease infections and ultimately cocoa yield. As farmers have local knowledge of and prefer-ences for certain shade tree species, strengthening the combination of scientific and local knowledge can prove a powerful tool for the improved management of shade tree species, as well as cocoa pests and diseases.
Can agroforestry provide a future for cocoa? Implications for policy and practice
(Book Chapter, 2024) Olwig, M.F.; Asare, R.; Vaast, P.; Bosselmann, A.S.
Climate change is threatening cocoa production in Ghana, the world’s second largest cocoa exporter. Yet, as we have shown in this book, the impacts of climate change must be understood in the context of the multiple socioeconomic and biophysical pressures facing cocoa farmers, including the conversion of farms for other land uses, increasing hired labor costs as well as pests and diseases. This final chapter summarizes the book’s overall findings on cocoa agroforestry as climate change adap-tion and points to ways forward in terms of policy, practice and research. Our findings suggest that a nuanced view of farmers, agroecosystems and sites is necessary and emphasize the need to study shade tree species and species diversity, in addition to shade levels, to optimize the sustain-ability of cocoa farming. We further suggest that it may not be possible to sustainably grow cocoa in marginal regions of the cocoa belt, where yields are lower and where agroforestry may be unable to mitigate the negative impacts of the adverse climate. Finally, we point to the impor-tance of considering rights and access to trees, land, extension services and resources, and call for more multidisciplinary research on differently situated farmers’ opportunities and needs.
Cocoa under heat and drought stress
(Book Chapter, 2024) Mensah, E.O.; Vaast, Philippe; Asare, R.; Amoatey, C.A.; Owusu, K.; Asitoakor, B.K.; Raebild, A.
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important cash crop in many tropical countries, particularly in West Africa. Heat and drought are both known to affect the physiology of cocoa plants through reduced rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as changed physiological processes such as the functions of photosystems, chlorophyll synthesis, stomatal conductance and expression of heat-shock proteins. This in turn leads to decreased yields and increased risks of mortality under severe heat and drought. To help cocoa plants adapt to climate change, the literature suggests agroforestry as a potential farm management practice. It has been argued that the lack of tree cover in cocoa cultivation systems exposes the crop to heat and direct solar radiation, thus increasing evapotranspiration and the risk of drought. Drawing on data generated from two on-field studies, this chapter assesses the shade effect on cocoa’s physiological responses to drought and heat stress to determine whether shade would be beneficial under climate change scenarios. We conclude that shade improves the physiology of cocoa, but that this may not be sufficient to compensate for the negative effects of high temperatures and severe drought exacerbated by climate change in sub-optimal conditions.
Global strategy for the conservation and use of Vigna
(Book, 2023) Nair, R.M.; Pujar, M.; Cockel, Christopher P.; Scheldeman, X.; Vandelook, F.; Zonneveld, M. van; Takahashi, Y.; Tallury, S.; Oyatomi, O.; Giovannini, P.
Designing dioscorea genomes for improved nutritional and pharmaceutical properties
(Book Chapter, 2023-12-15) Bhattacharjee, Ranjana
Dioscorea species, commonly known as “Yams,” belong to family Dioscoreaceae consisting of about 600 species distributed from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean’s South America, and the South Pacific islands. The tuber of this genus is well known for their organoleptic properties, making them the most widely used food for carbohydrate, dietary supplements, and famine food. West Africa represents the region where yams are mostly consumed because of their underground and/or aerial tubers representing valuable sources of proteins, fats, and vitamins for millions of people. In addition to their nutritional properties, yams are the potential source of several bioactive compounds used in the treatment of many diseases, thus providing an opportunity for their use in pharmaceutical industries. However, the pharmaceutical properties of these bioactive compounds in yams need to be well researched and validated. Yams are known for the presence of secondary metabolites such as steroid saponin, allantoin, quinones, cyanidins, phenolics, and nitrogen-containing compounds as well as diosgenin representing different properties including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, inflammatory, antiproliferative, androgenic, estrogenic, and contraceptive properties. This chapter summarizes the available information on nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of yams through published manuscripts and provides recommendations for future research directions for better utilization of yam tubers in human health and nutrition.
IITA’s social science and agribusiness research for development: compendium of research highlights 1967–2022
(Book, 2023) Manyong, V.; Feleke, S.; Abdoulaye, T.
Background The social science and agribusiness research program at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has supported the Institute’s research and delivery efforts since 1967. This Compendium highlights the main achievements of IITA’s social science and agribusiness research over the 55 years from 1967 to 2022. Methodology The Compendium is a product of a systematic review conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines (Grant & Booth 2009), following the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) framework (Moher et al. 2010). This involved four stages: search (keyword identification and database search); appraisal (paper selection through the PRISMA statement); synthesis (data extraction and categorization); and analysis (data analysis, comparison of results, and conclusion). The online search for IITA’s social science and agribusiness research publications in the CGSpace repository of agricultural research outputs yielded 5,755 publications comprising 4,836 journal articles and 919 books and book chapters. Applying the screening and eligibility criteria based on the PRISMA guidelines finally resulted in 597 publications used for data synthesis (data extraction and categorization). Of the 597 documents reviewed, 584 were peer-reviewed journal articles, and 13 were book and book chapters. The synthesis was based on seven variables of interest. These include research themes; research crops; research methods; name of journal; year of publication; country of study; and research findings. The extracted data were then analyzed to assess the achievements of the 55 years of research efforts.

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