Preference and adoption of Farmer Field School (FFS) Prosopis juliflora management practices: Experiences in Baringo District, Kenya

This research was carried out to evaluate the preference and adoption of harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning practices for controlling the spread ofProsopisjuliflora （prosopis） within Marigat Division of the Baringo District, Kenya. A survey methodology was employed using a random sample of 25 Farmer Field School （FFS） members and 5 non=FFS members from each of the five locations of Marigat Division. In total, 100 FFS members and 25 non-FFS members participated in the study; addi- tional supplementary data were collected from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute （KEFRI）, a major facilitator and trainer of the identified FFS activities and practices in the study area since 2004. More than 80% of the local community never undertook any form of prosopis management practice; however, this changed after FFS training, indicating an acquisition and retention of knowledge which probably diffused to the non-FFS counterparts, through either formal or informal ways. Harvesting was the most preferred （100%） and stump burning the least preferred （46%） practice of managing the spread of prosopis. The success and preference of any prosopis management practice was attributed to wood and non-wood benefits derived from prosopis and growing of animal fodder and food crops on rehabilitated land. More than 80% of respondents attributed ineffectiveness of any prosopis management practice to coppicing and viable seed banks of the tree, while 50% highlighted a lack of consistency and integration in carrying out manage- ment practices. The reported negative attitude towards prosopis changed after training with none of the view to eradicate it. Labor intensity and frequent regeneration of seedlings were identified as the major challenges faced during the implementation of proso- pis management practices. In conclusion, the study shows that harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning realized through consistent holistic integration contribute to containing the spread of prosopis trees in Baringo, Kenya.

Adoption Levels of Certain Tomato Cultivation Practices by Farmer Field Schools in Sudan

This study assessed the effect of Integrated Pest Management/Farmer Field Schools(IPM/FFS)extension approach on adoption of some tomato(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)cultivation practices in Gezira Scheme,Sudan.A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data from 100 tomato growers(50 FFS participants and 50 non-FFS participants),through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire.The data were statistically analyzed and interpreted using frequency distribution,percentage and Chi-square test.The study found that adoption rates for the use of improved tomato seed variety,sowing date and method,urea application,were higher among the FFS participants compared to the non-FFS participants(20%,90%and 50%)compared to 12%,76%and 36%,respectively.The result showed lower adoption rate(50%)in FFS participants for intercropping with companion plant compared to non-FFS participants(64%).Chi-square test showed that there was significant difference between FFS participants and non-FFS participant farmers in adoption of recommended sowing date and method,and intercropping at 95%confidence level,0.05 margin of error.There was no significant difference in adoption of urea application and use of recommended seed variety.This demonstrated that adoption of these two cultivation practices for tomato in the study significantly depended on FFS approach.To improve adoption rates of IPM innovations,the study recommends that FFS in the Gezira Scheme should be revitalized and later introduced in the other states in the country,with extensive and effective system of FFS trainings and follow-up.

Agricultural extension approach:evidence from an Integrated Soil Fertility Management Project in Ethiopia

Agricultural extension is an approach to rural development and agricultural transformation in which training,demonstration and technology transfer are key to reducing rural poverty,ensuring food security,and sustainably managing natural resources.During recent decades,different extension approaches have been tested and validated by the Ethiopian government and nongovernmental organizations to stimulate participation in the agricultural extension system(AES).The most recent was a German-funded project entitled“Integrated Soil Fertility Management Project”(ISFM+),which employed a novel approach to piloting and upscaling proven technology and best practice.The purpose of this study was to analyze and document the modalities of ISFM+and illustrate its effects on technology uptake and dissemination.The study used a mixed methods approach to collect data.ATLAS.ti and SPSS were used for data management and analysis.Farmer Research and Extension Groups and Farmer Field Schools were found to be central to the participation process.Also,the ISFM+was found to aid technology transfer and helped to increase grain and residue yields as well as farmer livelihoods.Based on these empirical findings,it is argued that the ISFM+approach and technology should be integrated and institutionalized in the mainstream AES in order to promote their extensive application.