Genetic diversity and population structure of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.] germplasm collected from Togo based on DArT markers
Crop genetic diversity is a sine qua non for continuous progress in the development of improved varieties, hence the need for germplasm collection, conservation and characterization. Over the years, cowpea has contributed immensely to the nutrition and economic life of the people in Togo. However, the bulk of varieties grown by farmers are landraces due to the absence of any serious genetic improvement activity on cowpea in the country.
Collection, genotyping and virus elimination of cassava landraces from Tanzania and documentation of farmer knowledge
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) has been a vital staple and food security crop in Tanzania for several centuries, and it is likely that its resilience will play a key role in mitigating livelihood insecurities arising from climate change. The sector is dominated by smallholder farmers growing traditional landrace varieties. A recent surge in virus diseases and awareness in the commercial potential of cassava has prompted a drive to disseminate improved varieties in the country. These factors however also threaten the existence of landraces and associated farmer knowledge.
Regulatory Options to Improve Seed Systems for Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Developing Countries
In many developing countries, smallholder farmers cultivating vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs) have limited access to quality planting material. This constraint can limit both the yield of and returns on VPC cultivation. Yet policy and regulatory initiatives designed to strengthen access to quality VPC planting materials have been relatively unsuccessful to date. Part of the problem is the unique biological and economic characteristics of vegetative propagation and its distinctness from cereal crops, which dominate narratives on seed system reforms.
Bundle 4 diversified integrated mixed chicken/goats – legume systems: Legume Value Chains; Changing Lives, Protecting Nature
Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) is a social enterprise that finances improved agricultural practices through the adoption of agroforestry and a legume-based farming system that increases food crop yields and market opportunities for over 230,000 small-scale farmers. The proposed project will build on this foundation that spans 19 years of growing a brand called It’s Wild! of 20 different value-added food products by partnering with the Chitetezo Co-operative Federation.
Forage-fed insects as food and feed source: Opportunities and constraints of edible insects in the tropics
Farmed insects can provide an alternative protein source for humans, livestock, and fish, while supporting adaptation to climate change, generating income for smallholder farmers, and reducing the negative impacts of conventional food production, especially in the tropics. However, the quantity, nutritional quality and safety of insects greatly relies on their feed intake. Tropical forages (grasses and legumes) can provide a valuable and yet untapped source of feed for several farmed insect species.
Determinants of climate change adaptation and perceptions among small-scale farmers of Embu County, Eastern Kenya
Climate change threatens the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers in East Africa. How farmers perceive climate change and its impacts has a strong bearing on how they adapt to the adverse impacts. This paper focused on factors that determine climate change adaptation and perceptions among small-scale farmers of Embu County. A survey was carried out across five sub-counties of Embu County where a multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 411 households. A questionnaire was administered to each household. A total of five FGDs were generated by the use of quota sampling.
From policy promises to result through innovation in African agriculture?
The problem addressed in this paper is the challenge of moving from formulating policy goals to achieving the promised results. The purpose is to assess the possible role of innovation in agriculture as a way of contributing towards achieving the Malabo Declaration commitments and the zero hunger Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) in six African countries. Since the SDGs are high on both international and many national agendas, there is a need to increase our knowledge of how to move beyond formulating goals.
A Framework for Bundling Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate Information Services (CIS) in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is increasingly impacted by climate change and variability because of its greater reliance on climate-sensitive economic sectors such as agriculture. The impacts of climate change and variability are greater on a poor section of the rural community in particular because of their weak adaptive capacities. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and climate information services (CIS) to improve climate risk management and adaptation of smallholders to climate change in Ethiopia.
Linking farmers and schools to improve diets and nutrition in Busia County, Kenya
Chapter provides an overview to the school food procurement pilot study in Busia County, Kenya aimed at providing African leafy vegetables for diversification of school meals.
Development and scaling of mobile seed cleaning technology to improve forage seed quality and generate income for farmer groups in Tunisia
Many CGIAR centers are developing forage crops, but seed quality declines once farmers reproduce the seeds for planting. With this simple mobile seed cleaning and treatment unit, seed quality and production capacity can be maintained sustainably. Four farmer cooperatives in North-western Tunisia with over 1,000 members are using the technology, and from October 2019-December 2021 the quantity of cleaned/treated forage seeds increased from 240 to 908 tons and the number of individual users from 138 to 417.