Suchergebnisse

To assess farmers' perception and criteria for cassava variety preference prior to the dissemination of improved varieties in Cameroon, field visits were organized at the Mbalmayo research farm of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA ) during the vegetative and harvest periods, and a sensory quality test was conducted in a participatory manner. Parameters recorded were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance procedure (ANO - VA ), resulting in the selection of five varieties for multilocational testing and demonstration. To complement this effort, thirty cassava farmers in Ebolowa, Bertoua, Bamenda, Ngaoundere making a total of one hundred and twenty were interviewed following structured questionnaires, and their fields assessed. Results show that farmers cultivate many varieties of cassava for different uses but prefer early maturing variety (96.7%), high yield (89.2%), and resistant to pests and diseases (88.3%). In addition, there was regional preference. Farmers in Ebolowa and Bertoua preferred leafy, sweet roots and early branching varieties (TMS -92/0326, TMS - 96/0023) while those in Bamenda and Ngaoundere preferred tall, drought tolerant (TMS - 92/0057), fibrous (TMS -96/1414) for gari (roasted cassava granules) and in some cases flowering varieties (M94/0121) for apiculture. Results served as feedback information to research, extension, policy makers and other stakeholders. This constitutes an attractive scheme for deployment of the improved varieties and complements programs of the Cameroonian government for roots and tuber (PNDRT ), with the main objective to increase the productivity of cassava. ; Peer Review

Cassava is an important staple food for consumption and income generation for farming communities in Cameroon with some estimated 204,548 hectares devoted to it and corresponding annual production of 2.5 million tons. However, most cultivated varieties are susceptible to pest and diseases causing significant yield losses. Major pest and disease constraints include the African root and tuber scale (ARTS), cassava green mite (CGM), cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD), cassava anthracnose disease (CAD), and root rots. More than 200 high yielding cassava varieties, with a range of resistance principally to CMD and suitability for Typhlodromalus aripo, the principal biological control agent of cassava green mite, were introduced into Cameroon from IITA headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria for testing under several agroecological conditions across Cameroon. At present, five TMS varieties (92/0057, 92/0067, 92/0326, 96/0023, and 96/1414) have been retained on the basis of their high root yield (>20t/ha), high dry matter content (>35%), high CMD resistance, and a combination of suitability to predatory mites (92/0057, 92/0067, and 92/0326), and resistance to CAD and tolerance to ARTS (96/0023). The latter is being largely promoted in the forest zone where the two constraints are most prevalent. These varieties are being propagated through a three-tier multiplication scheme (primary, secondary and tertiary) to ensure equitable, fast and sustainable distribution of healthy planting materials with two IFAD-funded projects, Programme National de Développement des Racines et Tubercules (PNDRT) - implemented by the government of Cameroon, and Cassava IPM implemented by IITA. Through PNDRT, cuttings of the improved varieties (92/0326 and 96/1414) were multiplied and distributed to farmers in 221 villages. The Cassava IPM project emphasized the multiplication and distribution of 96/0023 in the forest zone where ARTS and CAD are major constraints, and 92/0057, 92/0067 and 92/0326 for several regions in Cameroon due to their suitability to the biological control of cassava green mite, in addition to their resistance to CMD. At least 500 farmers in the targeted zones have grown at least 100 plants of each of the varieties in the targeted areas. Presently, more than 550 hectares have been set aside by both projects to produce planting material for distribution. These dissemination schemes have significantly boosted cassava production from 8-10 tons per hectare to 25-30 tons per hectare, and have provoked the need for post-harvest facilities. ; International Fund for Agricultural Development

Plantain (Musa spp.) is among the most preferred foods in Cameroon,especially in towns and the forest zones. Almost 40% of production is for homeconsumption. Plantain production is an income generating activity for poor farmers,thus constituting an important component of food security in the country. However,its availability has become a critical issue. An analysis of the sector reveals that,despite the work done so far by the stakeholders to sustain the sector, production(1,315 t in 2004) has remained relatively stagnant since 1975 and production doesn'tmeet demand for consumption. Additionally linkages among, and between, actorsare weak, thus leading to poor learning processes. Fortunately, the policyframework is now strong enough and government commitment is effective since2003 with the launching of a plantain development project and a global program forthe economic restructuring of the plantain sub-sector. To ensure a continuouslearning process, coordinate efforts, strengthen linkages among and between actors,and improve the co-production and diffusion of innovations, it is proposed, amongstothers, to establish a national consultative framework on bananas and plantains.Additionally, the various actors need stimulation and backstopping support fromorganizations having strong experience in the setting up and management ofnetwork and platforms. ; Peer Review

Cassava, rice, and banana flours were used individually to replace wheat flour in cereal-legume-based composite flours. The proximate composition, mineral content, antinutritional effect, mineral molar ratios, and aflatoxin level were investigated. Replacing wheat flour with rice flour significantly (P < 0.05) improved protein, fat, potassium, and phosphorus content in samples. The molar ratios of phytate or oxalate to minerals (calcium and zinc) in all composite flours were lower than the reported critical values, except phytate to iron. However, all samples, except full replacement by rice flour, might not provide adequate zinc bioavailability when the effect of calcium and phytate on zinc absorption was collectively considered. Although all composite flours were contaminated with aflatoxins, only the control composed of wheat flour did not meet the EU regulatory threshold (4.0 µg/kg) for total aflatoxins. The findings showed that nutritional properties and aflatoxin content of composite flours can be improved by replacement with local crops. ; World Bank ; International Fund for Agricultural Development ; European Union ; Peer Review

Open Access Journal ; Aflatoxins are noxious secondary metabolites, of certain fungal species, found in food and feed. Contamination of a commodity with aflatoxins is associated with production and storage losses, and subsequently less food availability. Aflatoxins can also pose human health risks and represent a barrier to the development of trade, in both domestic and international markets. In this study, samples of cassava, maize, groundnut, beans, soybean, sorghum and milk, and their processed products were collected from local markets in Burundi and Eastern DRC. In order to investigate the levels of aflatoxin, crop samples were analyzed using a single step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (Reveal Q+), while enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze aflatoxin‐M1 in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples. The results revealed the presence of aflatoxins in all samples from both countries, with levels ranging from 1.3 to 2,410 μg/kg. Samples collected from Burundi contained relatively higher (p > 0.0.5) levels of aflatoxins. In 51% of all the crops samples, total aflatoxin contamination was above the EU maximum tolerable level of 4 μg/kg. Processed products, particularly from groundnut, maize, and sorghum, had the highest levels of aflatoxin contamination when compared to unprocessed grain. With regard to milk and dairy products, the level of aflatoxin‐M1 ranged from 4.8 to 261.1 ng/kg. Approximately 29% of milk and yogurt samples had aflatoxin‐M1 higher than the EU regulatory limit of 50 ng/kg, whereas 20% of cheese samples were found to be contaminated at levels higher than the maximum limit of 250 ng/kg. These results can serve as the basis for pre‐ and postharvest approaches to reduce aflatoxin contamination in agricultural commodities in Burundi and Eastern DRC in order to reduce health risk, avoid reduced production in livestock, and open up export markets. ; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ; Peer Review

The study was conducted in three regions (Southwest and Littoral, South and Centre, West and Northwest) of Cameroon to document cassava processed products andtoassess processing constraints among small-holder farmers. A total of twelve small-scale processing units and five marketer groups with six fabricators were contacted and interviewed. In addition, two operational and two non-operational medium-scale processing factories was visited.Key informant interviews and focused group discussions wasconducted to collect information on their activities. Results indicate that 68.75% of women and 31.25% of men are involved in cassava processing and marketing activities with Bamenda recording (100%) in gari processing and Ebolowa (100%) in baton processing. The percentage score for all products is in the order; fufu (95.00%), chips (86.25%), gari (72.50%), baton (62.50%) and flour (18.75%) with cassava flour having the least score in the entire antenna; Ebolowa (10.71%), Douala (20:00%) and Bamenda (25.93%). Apart from baton (steamed fermented cassava paste wrapped and tied in leaves) that was reported processed among groups, other products were processedat individual and household levels. The profit margins of these processed products are small due to poor quality products, although labourinvestments are high compared with those of medium and large-scale processing factories. Market linkage needs strengthening among the stakeholders and national sensitization on cassava processing could helpcreate awareness and get the attention of the government for policy drive. ; Peer Review

Article purchased; Published online: 17 March 2018 ; Xanthomonas Wilt of Banana (BXW) is a complex problem in the African Great Lakes Region that is affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Since the first disease reports from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2001, BXW has been studied widely. The majority of these studies focus on the technological or biophysical dimensions, while aspects and influence of socio-cultural, economic and institutional dimensions only recently started to gain attention. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the broader BXW problem using a systems perspective, with the aim to add to the understanding about reasons for poor uptake of appropriate disease management practices, and limited ability to prevent rather than control BXW in the region. We comprehensively describe and analyse the various problem dimensions, and determine relations with data, information, knowledge, and connectivity. Building on this, the paper explores and discusses entry-points for the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and citizen science tools to better address BXW in banana production systems. ; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ; Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Belgium ; Peer Review

Published online: 28 Feb 2018; Open Access Journal ; Objectif: La présente étude a été menée pour évaluer la réponse du soja à des doses croissantes du DAP et de l'Urée dans les conditions édapho-climatiques de Bugorhe dans les hautes altitudes du Sud-Kivu. Méthodologie et résultats: Une expérimentation a été conduite suivant un dispositif en parcelle divisée (split plot) avec la source d'engrais azoté et la dose d'application des engrais comme facteur principal et facteur secondaire respectivement. Trois doses de l'Urée et du Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) ont été appliquées à raison de 50 kg ha-1 (D1), 100 kg ha-1 (D2) et 150 kg ha-1 (D3) et une dose témoin D0 (sans engrais). Le rendement en graines variait significativement en fonction de la dose (p=0,0015) et de la nature (source) d'engrais azoté (p=0,0199). Le DAP avait permis d'obtenir le rendement le plus élevé (1158,1 kg ha-1) comparativement à l'Urée (956,7 kg ha-1). Quant aux doses d'engrais, le rendement variait proportionnellement avec la dose d'engrais appliquée : la D3 (150 kg ha-1) du DAP a donné une moyenne élevée de rendement en graines (1640,9 kg ha-1) alors que la dose témoin a donné une faible moyenne de rendement en graines (694,1 kg ha-1). Pour l'Urée, la dose D3 avait permis d'obtenir le rendement en graines le plus élevé (1229,8 kg ha-1) comparativement à la dose témoin (627,4 kg ha-1). Le rapport valeur sur coût obtenu sur les différentes doses d'engrais montre que la dose de 50 kg ha-1 de l'Urée et 100 kg ha-1 du DAP sont plus rentables avec des valeurs de 3,53 USD (4987,89 francs congolais) et 4,23 USD (5976,99 francs congolais). L'efficacité agronomique des doses d'engrais a varié entre 4,01 et 6,31 pour la dose 150 kg ha-1 de l'Urée et du DAP. Conclusion et application des résultats: Les résultats montrent que la dose de 150 kg ha-1 pour le DAP et l'Urée permettrait d'améliorer le rendement en graines du soja au Sud Kivu mais, n'est pas rentable. Cependant, les doses de 50 kg ha-1 et 100 kg ha-1 de l'Urée et DAP sont à encourager le plus au vue de leurs rentabilités. Mots-clés: Soja, Engrais azoté, Productivité, Rentabilité économique, Bugorhe, RD Congo English Title: Response of the soybean (Glycine max L.) to increasing doses of DAP and Urea in the South – Kivu, DR Congo English Abstract Objective: This study assessed the soybean response to increasing doses of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Urea in the agro-ecological conditions of Bugorhe located in the highlands of South – Kivu. Methodology and results: A field experiment was carried out in a split plot design with the fertilizer source as main factor and fertilizer dose as the sub-factor. Three doses of Urea and DAP were applied: 50 kg ha-1 (D1), 100 kg ha-1 (D2) and 150 kg ha-1 (D3) and a Control (D0) without fertilizer. The soybean grain yield varied significantly with the applied dose (p=0.0015) and the nitrogen fertilizer source (p=0.0199). The DAP application recorded the highest grain yield (1158.1 kg ha-1) compared to Urea (956.7 kg ha-1). Regarding to fertilizer doses, the grain yield varied proportionally with fertilizer dose applied: D3 (150 kg ha-1) of DAP gave the highest grain yield (1640.9 kg ha-1) compared to control, which had the lowest grain yield (694.1 kg ha-1). For Urea, the D3 dose gave the highest grain yield (1229.8 kg ha-1) compared to control D0 (627.4 kg ha-1) which recorded the lowest grain yield. The value cost ratio obtained for different doses of fertilizer showed that the dose of 50 kg.ha-1 of Urea and 100 kg ha-1 of DAP were more profitable with 3.53 USD (4987.89 Congolese francs) and 4.23 USD (5976.99 Congolese francs) of economic benefits, respectively. The agronomic efficiency (AE) of fertilizer doses was varying from 4.01 to 6 31 for 150 kg ha-1 of Urea and 150kg ha-1 of DAP. Conclusion and result applications: Results showed that the D3 dose (150 kg ha-1) of DAP and Urea would improve soybean grain yield in South – Kivu but, is not profitable. However, doses of 50 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1 of Urea and DAP should be encouraged for their expected profit. ; Peer Review

This study identifies entry points for innovation for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems. An agricultural innovation systems approach is used to provide a holistic image of (relations between) constraints faced by different stakeholder groups, the dimensions and causes of these constraints, and intervention levels, timeframes and types of innovations needed. Our data shows that constraints for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems are mainly of economic and institutional nature. Constraints are caused by the absence, or poor functioning of institutions such as policies and markets, limited capabilities and financial resources, and ineffective interaction and collaboration between stakeholders. Addressing these constraints would mainly require short- and middle-term productivity and institutional innovations, combined with middle- to long-term NRM innovations across farm and national levels. Institutional innovation (e.g. better access to credit, services, inputs and markets) is required to address 69% of the constraints for sustainable intensification in the Central Africa Highlands. This needs to go hand in hand with productivity innovation (e.g. improved knowhow of agricultural production techniques, and effective use of inputs) and NRM innovation (e.g. targeted nutrient applications, climate smart agriculture). Constraint network analysis shows that institutional innovation to address government constraints at national level related to poor interaction and collaboration will have a positive impact on constraints faced by other stakeholder groups. We conclude that much of the R4D investments and innovation in the Central Africa Highlands remain targeting household productivity at farm level. Reasons for that include (1) a narrow focus on sustainable intensification, (2) institutional mandates and pre-analytical choices based project objectives and disciplinary bias, (3) short project cycles that impede work on middle- and long-term NRM and institutional innovation, (4) the likelihood that institutional experimentation can become political, and (5) complexity in terms of expanded systems boundaries and measuring impact. ; Peer Review