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								  Factors Influencing Access to Financial Inclusion Among Tomato Smallholders Farmers’ in Kilolo District, Iringa 
									
										
											
											
												Laura Vedasto Ndibalema,
											
										
											
											
												Damas Philip
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										83-89
									 
 
									Received:
										6 March 2023
									 Accepted:
										1 April 2023
									 Published:
										10 May 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa's smallholder farming structures are primarily distinguished by consistently poor crop productivity levels. Despite smallholder farmers' output being low, Tanzania has spent the last few decades changing its agricultural policy to make financial inclusion more beneficial and accessible to farmers. In this essay, the level of financial inclusion among tomato smallholder farmers in the Kilolo District will be discussed, along with the effectiveness of service provision and factors that contribute to financial inclusion. The current study used a cross-sectional research methodology in which 199 smallholder tomato producers provided data on a standardized questionnaire all at once. Quantitative information on financial services' quality and accessibility was examined using descriptive analysis. Logical multinomial In order to ascertain which level of financial inclusion was most likely for a tomato farmer, regression analysis was conducted. The degree of financial inclusion of tomato smallholder farmers was assessed using multiple response analysis, and the effectiveness of the services provided was assessed using a Likert scale. The findings of financial inclusion showed that more than half of the farmers (58.3%) had access to financial services. According to the study, financial institutions predominately offer savings and money transfer services. Additionally, among tomato smallholder farmers, the degree of financial inclusion was significantly influenced by the household age, sex, educational attainment, and income of the head of the family. It is advised that the government adopt policies that emphasize providing financial services to many rural areas and teaching farmers about the significance of financial inclusion in farming.
										Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa's smallholder farming structures are primarily distinguished by consistently poor crop productivity levels. Despite smallholder farmers' output being low, Tanzania has spent the last few decades changing its agricultural policy to make financial inclusion more beneficial and accessible to farmers. In this essay, the level of fina...
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								  Strategies for Transforming the Poultry Industry in Kenya Through Participatory Modelling 
									
										
											
											
												Ann Mumbi Wachira,
											
										
											
											
												Waiguru Muriuki,
											
										
											
											
												Damaris Wacu Nyingi
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										90-97
									 
 
									Received:
										17 April 2023
									 Accepted:
										16 May 2023
									 Published:
										9 June 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: Sustainable development of the poultry industry in Kenya can significantly contribute to economic growth while also improving the livelihoods of millions of people who keep poultry for a living. To achieve this impact, strategies that will advance the industry across all value chain segments are required. In this study, we developed strategies to transform the Kenyan poultry industry through a system dynamic modelling, participatory approach that included Focus Discussion Groups (FDGs) and Key Informant Interviews (KII), with the findings validated through a workshop. These findings are depicted in causal loop diagrams to show how the proposed poultry industry's elements interact in a systematic manner. Using this methodology, it was observed that strengthening socioeconomic factors such as legal framework in associations and cooperatives can significantly improve the industry. The legal framework can provide a clear and stable environment for the operation of these organizations, helping to ensure that they function efficiently and effectively. This, in turn, can improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry, as well as support the growth and development of the wider economy. Having a strong legal framework can help to ensure that the rights and interests of producers and other stakeholders are protected, which can increase trust and confidence in the industry. This can lead to greater investment and collaboration and can support the development of new and innovative solutions to the challenges facing poultry value chain actors. Additionally, modern technologies, innovations, and management practices can play a crucial role in improving efficiency along the value chain. These innovations can help to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve the quality and safety of poultry products, and meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers.
										Abstract: Sustainable development of the poultry industry in Kenya can significantly contribute to economic growth while also improving the livelihoods of millions of people who keep poultry for a living. To achieve this impact, strategies that will advance the industry across all value chain segments are required. In this study, we developed strategies to t...
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								  Contribution of Sorghum Production to Smallholder Farmers’ Welfare in Rubanda District, Uganda 
									
										
											
											
												Petros Chavula,
											
										
											
											
												Benson Turyasingura
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										98-101
									 
 
									Received:
										9 May 2023
									 Accepted:
										30 May 2023
									 Published:
										20 June 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: Sorghum is a cereal crop grown all over the world and the fifth most produced grain globally. In Uganda, smallholder farmers growing sorghum in Muko sub-county are relatively earning more profits than farmers growing other crops such as maize, sweet potatoes, and wheat. Despite that fact, sorghum producers face several challenges which include limited access to agricultural inputs, land scarcity, and limited access to credit institutions that would boost sorghum production in Rubanda District. The study assessed climate-smart agricultural practices adopted by smallholder sorghum producers in the study area. The study also evaluated the level of sorghum utilization among smallholder farmers and the contribution to household income. The study used simple random sampling techniques, to arrive at 60 smallholder farmers to participate in the study. The study revealed 88.3% of smallholder farmers’ households produced sorghum and 11.7% produced other crops from the sampled households. Smallholder farmers 41.7% reported growing Rukutu local sorghum variety followed by Magune 31.7%, Kyatanombe at 20%, and Buhuri at 13.3% respectively. In this study, farmers also reported the crop to enhance food security and household nutrition. Furthermore, 76.7% of smallholder farmers earned income from sorghum sales. Sorghum production has a potential to boost income gains from crop production as compared to maize and other cereal crops. Therefore, there is a need to form a smallholder farmers’ steering committee to oversee agricultural issues in Rubanda District. Establishment of the institutional framework, to provide the legal framework and the National Environmental Policy on sorghum production.
										Abstract: Sorghum is a cereal crop grown all over the world and the fifth most produced grain globally. In Uganda, smallholder farmers growing sorghum in Muko sub-county are relatively earning more profits than farmers growing other crops such as maize, sweet potatoes, and wheat. Despite that fact, sorghum producers face several challenges which include limi...
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								  Impact of Capital Market on Agricultural Sector Output in Nigeria (1980-2018) 
									
										
											
											
												Okidim Iboh Andrew,
											
										
											
											
												Okuduwor Adibie Adibie,
											
										
											
											
												Obe-Nwaka Mba Oloi,
											
										
											
											
												Week Doodei Agbabou
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										102-107
									 
 
									Received:
										11 May 2023
									 Accepted:
										31 May 2023
									 Published:
										20 June 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: The growth and development of an economy is driven by the capital market due to its ability to generate long-term growth capital. The study analyzed the impact of capital market on agricultural sector output in Nigeria between 1981 to 2019. Specifically, the study’s objectives were to; determine the effect of the share price of conglomerates on agricultural output; determine the effect of the share price of agricultural goods on agricultural output; determine the effect of the share price of consumer goods on agricultural output; determine the effect of the share price of indistrial goods on agricultural output and determine the effect of the share price of oil and gas on agricultural output. Result of the unit root test showed that all the variable were stationary at first differncing. The Johansen co-integration test result also showed that long-run relationship exist among the variables, hence the use of Vector Error Correction method (VECM) for the analysis. Result of the Vector Error Correction method (VECM) showed that share price of agricultural firms (SPA), had positive significant effect and share price of oil and gas sector had negative significant effect on agricultural output. The study recommends that during the times of the oil boom, proactive savings from revenue receipts should be encouraged thereby cobbing its negative impact on agricultural output.
										Abstract: The growth and development of an economy is driven by the capital market due to its ability to generate long-term growth capital. The study analyzed the impact of capital market on agricultural sector output in Nigeria between 1981 to 2019. Specifically, the study’s objectives were to; determine the effect of the share price of conglomerates on agr...
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								  Effect of Price Changes on Green Gram Yield in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya 
									
										
											
											
												Mathenge Beatrice Mugure,
											
										
											
											
												Dennis K. Muriithi,
											
										
											
											
												Gathungu Geofrey Kingori
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										108-115
									 
 
									Received:
										16 May 2023
									 Accepted:
										2 June 2023
									 Published:
										27 June 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: Kenyans in Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs), rely heavily on green gram as a source of nutrition, earnings, and soil improvement, but yield has not kept up with growth in demand. Due to this, the Kenyan government's declared goal of improving food access, diversity, and nutritional status has been hampered in these areas. In comparison to the worldwide and national averages of 0.73 mt/ha and 0.67 mt/ha, respectively, the yield in Tharaka South Sub-County is still too low at 0.56 mt/ha, considerably below the crop's estimated 1.5 mt/ha national potential. Green gram yield is mainly constrained by fluctuating producer prices and rational producers may only improve yields in response to a price increase. This study aimed at analysing the green gram yield responsiveness to the commodity’s price changes in Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2002-2021. The study employed descriptive research design and used secondary data. The data on seasonal green gram price and yield was collected from Tharaka Nithi County Department of Agriculture and analysed using linear regression model and qualitative methods. It was observed that the trends of green gram yield and price have been fluctuating over the study period. The green gram yield obtained during the October November December (OND) season was higher than the yield obtained during the March April May season (MAM). As portrayed by the economic law of demand and supply, green gram price during OND season was lower than the price offered during MAM season. Further the findings of the model showed that price changes explained 25.3% of the variables affecting green gram yield. Additionally, the findings of the regression analysis revealed that yield has been increasing at a decreasing rate as price increases by 1%. A 1% increase in price was associated with 0.47% decrease in yield probably due to reuse of seed. The study concluded that increasing green gram yield requires a supportive price, but this is not a sufficient condition but other support to reduce production risks should be provided. Further, access to certified seed should be enhanced to reduce chances of seed recycling or reuse. The study recommends the setting up of a functional agricultural commodity market for structured marketing of green gram as well as supporting production for sustainable yield.
										Abstract: Kenyans in Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs), rely heavily on green gram as a source of nutrition, earnings, and soil improvement, but yield has not kept up with growth in demand. Due to this, the Kenyan government's declared goal of improving food access, diversity, and nutritional status has been hampered in these areas. In comparison to the worldw...
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								  Evaluation of Mulching and Tied Ridges on Soil Moisture and Yield of Maize at Daro Lebu District, Western Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia 
									
										
											
											
												Gamachu Ayala,
											
										
											
											
												Ayana Bulti,
											
										
											
											
												Bayisa Muleta
											
										
									 
 
									
										Issue:
										Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2023
									 
										Pages:
										116-121
									 
 
									Received:
										13 December 2022
									 Accepted:
										8 March 2023
									 Published:
										10 June 2023
									 
 
									
									
										Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil moisture conservation structures on soil moisture, yield and yield components of Maize in Daro Lebu district of western Hararghe zone where highly affected by moisture stress. The soil moisture conservation structures used as treatments were tied ridges, tied ridges with vetiver 5cm thickness mulch, Tied ridges with vetiver 10cm thickness mulch, Vetiver mulching 10cm thickness only, Vetiver mulching 5cm thickness only and Farmers practice used as control. The treatments were laid out in RCBD with three replications on two locations; on-station and Milkaye FTC. The data on soil moisture content, plant height, head weight, head number per plot, Number of cobs, stand count at harvest and grain yield were collected. The moisture conservation techniques improved soil moisture stored within the root zone as compared to the farmers practice resulting in higher yield and yield components of maize. Findings from this study revealed that tied ridge only, tied ridge with 10 cm and tied ridge thickness with 5cm saved limited soil moisture and improved maize grain yield in the drought prone areas. Even though, tied ridge only, tied ridge with 10 cm and tied ridge with 5cm thickness retained surface runoff, reduce erosion and improve water holding of the soil, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among them on maize grain yield and growth parameters, but when compared to farmers practice are significant (p<0.05) at both location. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of the soil moisture conservation practices (tied ridge only, tied ridge with 10 cm and tied ridge with 5cm) are advisable and could be appropriate for maize production as well as improving soil moisture of root zone of maize in study area and similar moisture stress area.
										Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil moisture conservation structures on soil moisture, yield and yield components of Maize in Daro Lebu district of western Hararghe zone where highly affected by moisture stress. The soil moisture conservation structures used as treatments were tied ridges, tied ridges with vetiver 5cm thickness m...
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