Determinants of poverty in the cassava stick sector in the Haut Ogooué province in southeastern Gabon

To escape poverty, Gabonese rural populations have moved overwhelmingly to the country's cities. Due to a lack of skills for better jobs, they are mostly engaged in informal activities, particularly in the agri-food sector. This study focuses on the poverty of direct actors in the cassava stick sector (CSS) in the province of Haut Ogooué (HO) in southeastern Gabon. The sample consists of 30 farmers, 157 cassava stick producers, 33 mill managers and 3 cassava paste importers. The socio-demographic, economic and poverty probability index (PPI) characteristics of these individuals were reported. Using a multivariate linear regression model with the PPI score as the dependent variable, the determinants of poverty were sought. The results show that women (90%) dominate this sector, almost a third of whom are heads of household. These actors are relatively old, poorly educated and the majority have less than 15 years of professional experience. Revenues from the activities of the CSS are used only to meet daily needs (76%). With an average PPI score of 51.9, the linked reference table indicates that 33.7% of farmers live below the poverty line. Importers of cassava pastes are less affected (2.2%). Finally, the money earned by most actors is insufficient. According to the model, it is the activity that the person does or does not perform outside this sector that determines whether this actor lives below the poverty line (P0.05)

Effectiveness of the farmer-field-school approach in small-scale mixed crop-livestock systems in Burundi

Dairy farming is one of the means to meet the growing demand for milk and reduce rural poverty in developing countries. To improve its productivity, many agricultural approaches have been tried, including the Farmer-Field-School (FFS) approach. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of this approach in terms of the adoption of new technologies introduced in small-scale mixed crop livestock systems in Burundi to improve its productivity. A survey was carried out among 98 FFS members and 78 non-members. Technology adoption rates were calculated among FFS and non-FFS members, as well as annual profits per cow. The results showed higher adoption rates among FFS respondents compared to non-FFS respondents for cemented barn floors, traditional lick-blocks, and manure composting, whereas fertilisation of fodder crops, treatment of hay with molasses/urea, and concentrate making were less adopted for the two groups. The annual gross margin was higher for the FFS-group (median: 654 US$) compared to the non-FFS one (median: 542 US$). The study showed that the dissemination of new technologies among non-supported, non-FFS farmers remained low. It is concluded from the results that FFS approach brings about a positive change in farmers’ behaviour towards adopting improved technologies. However, the results identified a number of constraints limiting the effectiveness of this approach including the low availability of inputs, the low financial capacities of farmers, and the complexity and/or the high price of certain technologies. Our results may provide useful information for strengthening the FFS approach in Burundi. For instance, a consistent financial support and follow-up are important for the sustainability of FFS practices. Harmonizing the market prices along the milk value chain is also proposed to increase incomes from the sale of milk

Evaluation of the synergistic influence of selenium and vitamin E on juvenile growth, antioxidant status, and physiological responses of heat-stressed broiler chickens

Heat stress is a growing concern in broiler production and this has been exacerbated by climate change. This study involved 300-one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks, which were divided over five treatments with five replicates of 12 chickens each. The chickens were assigned in a completely randomised design as follows: conventionally reared chicks (CC), chicks subjected to early-age thermal conditioning (EATC) at 38°C for 24 h on day 5 (TC), EATC-treated chicks supplemented with vitamin E at 250 mg kg-1 feed (TCV), EATC-treated chicks supplemented with selenium at 0.5 mg kg-1 feed (TCS), and a combination of TCS and TCV (TCVS). Growth performance data and blood samples were collected and analysed at the end of the third week of the experiment. The results showed that TCVS chickens had higher body weights than CC chickens. The plasma concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly (P0.05) higher in the TCVS chickens. Higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were detected in the TCVS, TCV and TCS groups. The plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was the lowest (P˂0.05) in the TCVS chickens. The results demonstrated that EATC combined with supplemental vitamin E and selenium (TCVS) improved performance and oxidative status in broiler chickens

Growth promoting and health enhancing effects of aged palm sap-enriched activated biochar in broiler nutrition

This study aimed to assess the impact of aged palm sap-enriched activated biochar (AC+APS) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass yield, haematological parameters and biochemical indices of broilers. Two hundred and forty (240) male day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary treatment groups with six (6) replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The control group was fed a basal diet (A0) containing no additives. Groups A1 and A2 were fed a basal diet containing activated biochar (AC) at 0.50 and 1.00%, respectively, while groups A3 and A4 were fed a basal diet containing 0.50 and 1.00% activated biochar enriched with aged palm sap (AC+APS), respectively during an experimental period of 6 weeks.  The results revealed significant (p0.05) improvements in growth performance in 0.50% AC+APS-supplemented broilers compared to those in the AC-supplemented or control group during the finisher and overall production stages. The effect of AC and AC+APS inclusion on average daily feed intake was pronounced (p0.05) only during the finisher (22-42 days) period. All the test groups exhibited similar (p0.05) carcass traits to those of the control group and the treatments had no deleterious effects on organ development. Moreover, the AC+APS additive improved (p0.05) haematopoietic processes / parameters, serum protein profiles, glucose synthesis, and decreased serum enzyme activities while increasing mineral retention in broilers compared to those in the control or AC-supplemented broilers. The 0.50% AC+APS therefore proved to be the most beneficial additive for improving productive and physiological functions in broilers and could be a useful substitute for antibiotic growth-promoting additives in poultry diets

Cattle farming practices, trait preferences and breeding failures in smallholder cattle farming in Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Cattle productivity can be significantly enhanced through breed improvement, but farmers’ trait preferences must be considered when improving the genetic make-up of local cattle breeds. This study investigated the breeding practices, trait preferences, and factors contributing to breeding failures among cattle farmers in the Hambantota district, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered to 200 randomly selected smallholder cattle farmers from all the veterinary regions in the Hambantota district. The analysis revealed that 52%, 34% and 14% of the farmers had an extensive, semi-intensive or an intensive farming system, respectively. All the famers (99.5%) practised crossbreeding system while natural service was the predominant breeding method. Traits i.e., milk yield, body size, calf survival, heat tolerance, disease and tick resistance, and calving interval affected (p0.001) the selection of a cattle breed with the highest mean ranking value for milk yield. Feed shortage, harsh environmental conditions, improper application of artificial insemination, inadequate housing, predator attacks, poor veterinary services, limited knowledge in breeding and heat sign detection contributed to breeding failures (p0.001). In the extensive and semi-intensive systems, feed scarcity, harsh environmental conditions, and predator attacks contributing to breeding failures are inherent in rural smallholder cattle production in Hambantota district. The study recommends that future cattle breeding programmes need to prioritise milk yield without compromising body size, calf survival, heat tolerance, disease and tick resistance, and calving interval. Regular and expanded veterinary services also need to be prioritised

Effect of pretreatment on pecan nut germination and rootstock production

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family, native to temperate regions and growing wild in North America. In Italy, pecan trees are cultivated mainly in the southern regions, where the climatic conditions are optimal for their development. However, the area under cultivation is limited and most of the nuts are imported from the USA and Mexico. A major limiting factor for Italian pecan cultivation is the scarcity of rootstocks suitable for local pedoclimatic conditions. To evaluate the effect of stratification on the germination of pecan seeds to obtain rootstocks, seeds of 5 different cultivars were stratified and compared with those not stratified. The results indicated significant differences in nut germination related to stratification treatment and cultivar. In general, stratification process reduced the germination time from on average 50.4 days for untreated seeds to 12.6 days for treated seeds. The Wichita cultivar exhibited the highest germination rate under stratification whereas the lowest values were observed in non-stratified Cape Fare seeds. On average, better seedling development was observed in the first 6 weeks with stratification, while non-stratified nuts showed better seedling development between week 7 and 11. Shawnee and Wichita cultivars particularly benefited from the treatments, showing superior growth metrics values (35.0±7.9 and 34.9±7.8 cm height; 0.5±0.8 and 0.5±0.6 cm diameter, respectively). Cold stratification produced uniform and robust plants, providing nurseries with quality grafting material. Seeds stored at room temperature for two seasons completely lost their viability, rendering them unusable

Livelihood assets analysis of vanilla farmers in Jembrana district, Bali, Indonesia

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) cultivation plays a significant role in supporting the local economy and livelihoods in Bali, Indonesia. Despite its high market value, farmers face economic vulnerability due to the long cultivation period and maintenance challenges. This study aims to evaluate the livelihood assets of vanilla farmers in Jembrana district and their implications for the sustainability of vanilla farming. Data were collected through a survey with structured interviews of 93 vanilla farmers in Jembrana district, from July to September 2024. Quantitative data were collected and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The study findings revealed that while physical assets were moderately high in value, human and natural assets were low, and financial and social assets were moderate. The study underlines the need for targeted government support, particularly in the form of training programmes to improve agricultural skills, the provision of low-interest finance or subsidies for input costs, and the establishment of cooperative networks to improve market access. Such interventions are critical to address the human and natural capital gaps and to ensure the long-term sustainability of vanilla farming in the region

Impact of potato business on household food security: An empirical study from Tigray regional state, Ethiopia

Food insecurity remains a persistent global challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the role of cash crops in influencing household food security continues to be debated. To address this gap, this study examines the impact of potato cash crop production on household food security in the Atsbi Wonberta District of Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A comprehensive survey of 173 households was conducted. The study employed a binary probit model to analyze factors influencing farmers’ participation in potato production and used propensity score matching to assess the impact of this participation on food security. The results show that factors such as oxen ownership, educational attainment, access to irrigated land, and training opportunities were positively associated with farmers’ involvement in potato production. Furthermore, participation in potato production significantly improved household income and food security. Based on these results, the study recommends the implementation of capacity-building initiatives, including targeted training programmes for smallholder farmers. In addition, governments and stakeholders should prioritise investment in rural infrastructure and irrigation development to increase the positive impact of potato production on household food security

A review of climate-smart agriculture in Asia: Critical achievements, key challenges, and potential prospects

Climate change is posing a risk to rural communities and smallholders in Asia, whose livelihoods traditionally depend on farming. To address this, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is widely encouraged for sustainable development. Despite global recognition of CSA, there is currently limited evidence to generalise and evaluate the practical implementation of CSA in this region. Given various agro-climate conditions, institutional settings, and socioeconomic backgrounds, this paper conducted a systematic review of the achievements, challenges, and prospects of CSA in Asian countries. We classified nine groups of CSA practices: conservation agriculture, water management, climate-resilient varieties, agricultural diversification, integrated pest management, nutrient management, precision farming, agrivoltaics, and livestock management. The linkages of enabling policies, knowledge transfer, market conditions, financial mechanisms, and socioeconomic background are crucial in supporting the performance and sustainability of CSA. In addition to the achievements in distinct criteria (productivity, adaptation, and mitigation), key challenges include the lack of enforcing guidelines, the shortage of learning platforms, the limitation of financial support, and the weakness of coordination among partnerships in the long term. To promote CSA in Asia, the engagement of multi-stakeholders at multi-levels should be increased to enhance the capacities of farming households and help them adopt responsive actions to local conditions

Effect of Acacia mearnsii as a source of tannins on rumen fermentation in vivo and gas production kinetics in vitro

This study investigated the effect of Acacia mearnsii forage (AMF) inclusions in maize silage on the rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs) (acetic, propionic and butyric acid); and AMF inclusions in maize silage and A. mearnsii tannin extract (ATE) in pellets on in vitro gas production kinetics. To determine the VFA profile, twenty-four crossbred (Holstein-Friesian and Jersey) cows were equally assigned to four treatments; 0, 5, 15 or 25 % (as fed) AMF in maize silage in a completely randomized study design. Cows were subjected to 14 d adaptation period to treatments then 21 d of weekly rumen fluid sampling per treatment followed. The above-mentioned treatments were assessed for their effect on the in vitro gas production kinetics along with 0, 0.75 , 1.5 or 3 % (as fed) ATE inclusion in concentrate pellets and incubated for  0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. Dietary AMF inclusions did not affect (P0.05) total rumen volatile fatty acids but linearly increased  (P0.05) propionic and butyric acid. Similarly, it did not change (P0.05) the in vitro gas production kinetics, while ATE decreased the gas production rate linearly (P0.05). In conclusion, AMF and ATE slightly affected rumen fermentation since AMF inclusions increased propionic and butyric acid linearly up to the 25% inclusion while ATE inclusions decreased the gas production rate