There are estimated to be approximately 600 million small scale farmers globally, and they produce most of the food consumed, especially in the developing countries. The farmers, however, are often unable to obtain op...There are estimated to be approximately 600 million small scale farmers globally, and they produce most of the food consumed, especially in the developing countries. The farmers, however, are often unable to obtain optimal crop yields due to their exclusion from the financial systems in their countries, which deem them too high risk to lend to. This results in the farmers being unable to afford optimal inputs into their farms, hence depressing their yields and the level of food security. This study aimed to statistically determine whether the small scale farmers of Migori County in Kenya are financially excluded or not, and to what extent. Data were collected from the farmers through a questionnaire survey, and subsequent statistical analysis has shown that indeed the small scale farmers of Migori are financially excluded to a large extent. Consideration of non-financial data in the farmers’ credit rating has been recommended as a way forward towards their financial inclusivity. This study provides scientific proof of smallholder farmer financial exclusion, which proof is generally difficult to find, especially in the developing countries.展开更多
Kenya’s public forest sector plantations have been the main source of roundwood for wood-based industries but several factors have reduced its capacity to meet increasing demands, resulting in huge deficits. The grow...Kenya’s public forest sector plantations have been the main source of roundwood for wood-based industries but several factors have reduced its capacity to meet increasing demands, resulting in huge deficits. The growth of small-holder forestry over the last three decades has demonstrated the potential to supplement the deficits. The imposed logging moratorium in public and community forests in 2002-2012 and 2018 not only opened markets for small-holder tree growers but also increased demand pressure from various wood consumers. This paper presents an assessment of the status of farm-based wood resources three years within the latest moratorium period and the potential of farm tree resources to complement wood from public forest plantations. Data were collected from 56 households using semi-structured interviews, key informants interviews, and a rapid assessment of standing and harvested trees from 146 on-farm plots. The main commercial tree species found on the farms were;Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus sp., Grevillea robusta, Pinus patula, and Acacia mearnsii. Eucalypts were the most planted trees with an average land size of 1.08 ha. The farm tree resources have sustained some level of wood demand since the moratorium, as indicated by the high volume of wood harvested. The study found that about 40% of current wood resources consisted of trees less than 5 years, and most harvests were of small diameter classes which are essentially juvenile wood and are unsuitable for structural and furniture use. Furthermore, most small-scale farmers lack appropriate silvicultural and management knowledge, preferring smaller growing spacing as shown by the high planting density of 1659 stems·ha<sup>-1</sup> and also use of inferior germ-plasm, with implications on the quality of wood from farms. It is recommended that rigorous capacity building on tree growing and management techniques be undertaken and a progressive and supportive policy framework on harvesting and trade of trees on-farm be developed.展开更多
Ninety-six farmers interviewed in Kabare,east of the DR Congo during 2021.Farmers majority were males(79.17%),ranging 30 to 60 years,used different pesticides in vegetable farms and the main solanaceous crops cultivat...Ninety-six farmers interviewed in Kabare,east of the DR Congo during 2021.Farmers majority were males(79.17%),ranging 30 to 60 years,used different pesticides in vegetable farms and the main solanaceous crops cultivated is tomato.The use of insecticide and fungicide were high,with many different formulations of the different class types recorded in use,(20%)endocrine disruptors,(40%)cholinesterase inhibitors,(35%)carcinogen and potential carcinogens suspected to be.A lot of out of those pesticides are unregistered for general use.Farmers applied pesticide once a week and they didn’t have specific instructions.The skin effects,headaches and dizziness are dominant.They do not have a good system of pesticide packaging management.For reducing pesticide application,we propose options of agro ecology.We suggest that the Congolese government must create a quarantine,control and surveillance service for phytosanitary products,fruits and vegetables within the DRC country and at these borders.Also,it needs urgent action from the federal and regional governments to formulate policy,design legislation,and enforcing for its implementation concerning the supply,transportation,storage,appropriateness,and application of harmful pesticides.展开更多
The objective of the study was to explore the constraints and opportunities for small-holder sorghum farmers in dry regions.Two hundred and fifty farmers were sampled by using the simple random and snowball sampling t...The objective of the study was to explore the constraints and opportunities for small-holder sorghum farmers in dry regions.Two hundred and fifty farmers were sampled by using the simple random and snowball sampling to provide the information that answered the research questions.Questionnaire and interviews were used as the research instruments.Out of 250 participants,80%were males and 20%were females showing that more males were selected for the research.Data was coded and processed using excel.Descriptive statistics were used to describe results.Of all the participants,4%were in the age range of 25-30 years,10%in the age range of 31-35 years,14%in the age range of 36-40 years,16%in the age range of 41-45 years and 56%in the age range of 46 years and above.Out of all the participants,20%attained primary education while 68%had attained secondary education.Only 12%had tertiary education.Results indicated availability of resources(60%)such as certified seed,fertilizers,herbicides and draught power as the major constraint in the production of sorghum.Lack of technical knowhow(20%)of sorghum production,poor farming methods(9.6%)such as mono-cropping,Striga weed(12%),outbreak of fall armyworm(14.4%)and marketing of produce(8%)were also amongst the major constraints indicated by most participants.66%of the 250 participants showed that they produce sorghum due to its drought tolerant nature.Beer brewing was just slightly above half(52%)whilst making mealie meal was slightly below half(48%).Lack of knowledge,resources and poor markets hindered sorghum production in dry regions.Farmers were using retained seeds which are populated and affected by diseases and this contributed to low yields.Opportunities such as reducing poverty,food insecurity and income generation drives some farmers to venture into sorghum production.展开更多
文摘There are estimated to be approximately 600 million small scale farmers globally, and they produce most of the food consumed, especially in the developing countries. The farmers, however, are often unable to obtain optimal crop yields due to their exclusion from the financial systems in their countries, which deem them too high risk to lend to. This results in the farmers being unable to afford optimal inputs into their farms, hence depressing their yields and the level of food security. This study aimed to statistically determine whether the small scale farmers of Migori County in Kenya are financially excluded or not, and to what extent. Data were collected from the farmers through a questionnaire survey, and subsequent statistical analysis has shown that indeed the small scale farmers of Migori are financially excluded to a large extent. Consideration of non-financial data in the farmers’ credit rating has been recommended as a way forward towards their financial inclusivity. This study provides scientific proof of smallholder farmer financial exclusion, which proof is generally difficult to find, especially in the developing countries.
文摘Kenya’s public forest sector plantations have been the main source of roundwood for wood-based industries but several factors have reduced its capacity to meet increasing demands, resulting in huge deficits. The growth of small-holder forestry over the last three decades has demonstrated the potential to supplement the deficits. The imposed logging moratorium in public and community forests in 2002-2012 and 2018 not only opened markets for small-holder tree growers but also increased demand pressure from various wood consumers. This paper presents an assessment of the status of farm-based wood resources three years within the latest moratorium period and the potential of farm tree resources to complement wood from public forest plantations. Data were collected from 56 households using semi-structured interviews, key informants interviews, and a rapid assessment of standing and harvested trees from 146 on-farm plots. The main commercial tree species found on the farms were;Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus sp., Grevillea robusta, Pinus patula, and Acacia mearnsii. Eucalypts were the most planted trees with an average land size of 1.08 ha. The farm tree resources have sustained some level of wood demand since the moratorium, as indicated by the high volume of wood harvested. The study found that about 40% of current wood resources consisted of trees less than 5 years, and most harvests were of small diameter classes which are essentially juvenile wood and are unsuitable for structural and furniture use. Furthermore, most small-scale farmers lack appropriate silvicultural and management knowledge, preferring smaller growing spacing as shown by the high planting density of 1659 stems·ha<sup>-1</sup> and also use of inferior germ-plasm, with implications on the quality of wood from farms. It is recommended that rigorous capacity building on tree growing and management techniques be undertaken and a progressive and supportive policy framework on harvesting and trade of trees on-farm be developed.
文摘Ninety-six farmers interviewed in Kabare,east of the DR Congo during 2021.Farmers majority were males(79.17%),ranging 30 to 60 years,used different pesticides in vegetable farms and the main solanaceous crops cultivated is tomato.The use of insecticide and fungicide were high,with many different formulations of the different class types recorded in use,(20%)endocrine disruptors,(40%)cholinesterase inhibitors,(35%)carcinogen and potential carcinogens suspected to be.A lot of out of those pesticides are unregistered for general use.Farmers applied pesticide once a week and they didn’t have specific instructions.The skin effects,headaches and dizziness are dominant.They do not have a good system of pesticide packaging management.For reducing pesticide application,we propose options of agro ecology.We suggest that the Congolese government must create a quarantine,control and surveillance service for phytosanitary products,fruits and vegetables within the DRC country and at these borders.Also,it needs urgent action from the federal and regional governments to formulate policy,design legislation,and enforcing for its implementation concerning the supply,transportation,storage,appropriateness,and application of harmful pesticides.
文摘The objective of the study was to explore the constraints and opportunities for small-holder sorghum farmers in dry regions.Two hundred and fifty farmers were sampled by using the simple random and snowball sampling to provide the information that answered the research questions.Questionnaire and interviews were used as the research instruments.Out of 250 participants,80%were males and 20%were females showing that more males were selected for the research.Data was coded and processed using excel.Descriptive statistics were used to describe results.Of all the participants,4%were in the age range of 25-30 years,10%in the age range of 31-35 years,14%in the age range of 36-40 years,16%in the age range of 41-45 years and 56%in the age range of 46 years and above.Out of all the participants,20%attained primary education while 68%had attained secondary education.Only 12%had tertiary education.Results indicated availability of resources(60%)such as certified seed,fertilizers,herbicides and draught power as the major constraint in the production of sorghum.Lack of technical knowhow(20%)of sorghum production,poor farming methods(9.6%)such as mono-cropping,Striga weed(12%),outbreak of fall armyworm(14.4%)and marketing of produce(8%)were also amongst the major constraints indicated by most participants.66%of the 250 participants showed that they produce sorghum due to its drought tolerant nature.Beer brewing was just slightly above half(52%)whilst making mealie meal was slightly below half(48%).Lack of knowledge,resources and poor markets hindered sorghum production in dry regions.Farmers were using retained seeds which are populated and affected by diseases and this contributed to low yields.Opportunities such as reducing poverty,food insecurity and income generation drives some farmers to venture into sorghum production.
