Increasing paddy yields and improving farm management: results from participatory experiments with good agricultural practices (GAP) in Tanzania

Rice is an increasingly important commodity in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, the rice yield gap is as high as 87%, due to a combination of production constraints and sub-optimal crop management. Reducing this yield gap may be partly achieved through the introduction and dissemination of good agricultural practices (GAP). We conducted 18 farmer-managed on-farm trials in Tanzania, to test a set of GAP components against conventional farmers' practices (FP) for two consecutive growing seasons in 2013 and 2014. The objectives were: (1) to understand farmers' capabilities in implementing GAP; (2) to acquire better insights into the merits, relevance and suitability of individual GAP components; and (3) to provide a case study showing that exposure to good practices combined with the farmers' own experimentations can serve to improve and, trigger a positive change in the participating farmers' crop management. Compared to the farmers' own practices, average yield increases of 1 t paddy ha−1 in 2013 and 2.7 t ha−1 in 2014 were achieved when following GAP. These yield advantages were mainly obtained by a higher panicle number, improved harvest index and improved weed control. Farmers experienced difficulties with land levelling, planting or sowing in lines and using rotary weeders, but they were convinced that these technologies are important to boost their rice yields. The case of Tanzania shows that paddy yields can be substantially improved by GAP and that adoption of GAP by smallholder rice farmers can be triggered by stimulating experimentations with such practices on their own farms

Do NERICA rice cultivars express resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. and Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze under field conditions?

The parasitic weeds Striga asiatica and Striga hermonthica cause high yield losses in rain-fed upland rice in Africa. Two resistance classes (pre- and post-attachment) and several resistant genotypes have been identified among NERICA (New Rice for Africa) cultivars under laboratory conditions (in vitro) previously. However, little is known about expression of this resistance under field conditions. Here we investigated (1) whether resistance exhibited under controlled conditions would express under representative Striga-infested field conditions, and (2) whether NERICA cultivars would achieve relatively good grain yields under Striga-infested conditions. Twenty-five rice cultivars, including all 18 upland NERICA cultivars, were screened in S. asiatica-infested (in Tanzania) and S. hermonthica-infested (in Kenya) fields during two seasons. Additionally, a selection of cultivars was tested in vitro, in mini-rhizotron systems. For the first time, resistance observed under controlled conditions was confirmed in the field for NERICA-2, -5, -10 and -17 (against S. asiatica) and NERICA-1 to -5, -10, -12, -13 and -17 (against S. hermonthica). Despite high Striga-infestation levels, yields of around 1.8 t ha−1 were obtained with NERICA-1, -9 and -10 (in the S. asiatica-infested field) and around 1.4 t ha−1 with NERICA-3, -4, -8, -12 and -13 (in the S. hermonthica-infested field). In addition, potential levels of tolerance were identified in vitro, in NERICA-1, -17 and -9 (S. asiatica) and in NERICA-1, -17 and -10 (S. hermonthica). These findings are highly relevant to rice agronomists and breeders and molecular geneticists working on Striga resistance. In addition, cultivars combining broad-spectrum resistance with good grain yields in Striga-infested fields can be recommended to rice farmers in Striga-prone areas

Quantifying rice yield gaps and their causes in Eastern and Southern Africa

The demand for rice in Eastern and Southern Africa is rapidly increasing because of changes in consumer preferences and urbanization. However, local rice production lags behind consumption, mainly due to low yield levels. In order to set priorities for research and development aimed at improving rice productivity, there is a need to characterize the rice production environments, to quantify rice yield gaps —i.e. the difference between average on-farm yield and the best farmers’ yield— and to identify causes of yield gaps. Such information will help identifying and targeting technologies to alleviate the main constraints, and consequently to reduce existing yield gaps. Yield gap surveys were conducted on 357 rice farms at eight sites (19-50 farmers per site) across five rice-producing countries in Eastern and Southern Africa —i.e. Ethiopia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda— for one or two years (2012-13) to collect both quantitative and qualitative data at field and farm level. Average farm yields measured at the eight sites ranged from 1.8 to 4.3 t ha–1 and the average yield gap ranged from 0.8 to 3.4 t ha–1. Across rice growing environments, major causes for yield variability were straw management, weeding frequency, growth duration of the variety, weed cover, fertilizer (mineral and organic) application frequency, levelling and iron toxicity. Land levelling increased the yield by 0.74 t ha–1, bird control increased the yield by 1.44 t ha–1, and sub-optimal management of weeds reduced the yield by 3.6 to 4.4 t ha–1. There is great potential to reduce the current rice yield gap in ESA, by focusing on improvements of those crop management practices that address the main site-specific causes for suboptimal yields

Status quo of chemical weed control in rice in sub-Saharan Africa

If future rice production is to contribute to food security for the increasing population of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), effective strategies are needed to control weeds, the crop’s fiercest competitors for resources. To gain better insights into farmers’ access to, and use of, herbicides as part of weed control strategies, surveys were conducted in key rice production locations across SSA. Farm surveys were held among 1965 farmers across 20 countries to collect data on rice yields, farmer’s weed management practices, herbicide use, frequencies of interventions and information sources regarding herbicides. Markets were surveyed across 17 countries to collect data on herbicide availability, brand names and local prices (converted to US$ha−1). Herbicides are used by 34$17 ha−1). They are also the most popular herbicides among farmers. For advice on herbicide application methods, farmers primarily rely on their peers, and only a few receive advice from extension services (<23%) or inform themselves by reading the product label (<16%). Herbicide application timings are therefore often (38%) sub-optimal. Herbicide technologies can contribute to reduced production losses in rice in SSA. However, through negative effects on crop, environment and human health, incorrect herbicide use may unintentionally counteract efforts to increase food security. Moving away from this status quo will require strict implementation and monitoring of national pesticide regulations and investment in research and development to innovate and diversify the currently followed weed management strategies, agricultural service provision and communications with farmers

Community response to hiv/aids: a case of pastoralists in Kilosa district, Tanzania .

A study to assess the response of pastoralist community towards HIV/AIDS was conducted in two villages of Kilosa district in Morogoro region. A cross sectional research design was adopted whereby a purposive sampling technique was used in combination with simple random sampling method so as to obtain a sample of 51 adult respondents and snow-ball technique was used to obtain 42 youth respondents. In addition 20 key informants were sampled. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument used in data collection. Checklists were used for key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs). The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS computer programme to obtain frequencies and percentages. Results have shown that all respondents were aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. More than 90% showed positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHA. Education level was observed to be statistically associated with HIV/AIDS testing status at p<0.05. Individuals with primary education were more likely to go for HIV testing than those with no formal education. Also the study observed negative and positive responses shown by individuals and households towards HIV/AIDS. Negative responses observed were: taking children out of school, sending children to relatives, selling of productive assets (livestock) for food and medical costs, skipping some meals and depending on wild food. The positive observed responses included asking for loans, selling labour and move to crop farming. Generally, response by civil society organizations (CSOs) were observed to be positive such as care and support for infected and affected individuals and households by providing material support such as monetary, food, clothes, medical care and medicine, moral or spiritual support, guidance in counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS and mitigation of HIV/AIDS. Central government responses were also very positive such as educating the community on HIV/AIDS, care and support for PLWHA

Investigation on Risk Factors Influencing Cholera Outbreaks: A Case of Buguruni Ward in Ilala Municipality Dar es Salaam

The Buguruni ward, within Ilala Municipality has been experiencing highest rate and frequency of Cholera outbreaks than any other ward within the Ilala Municipality. The objective of this study was; to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices associated with cholera outbreak in the ward. A case study approach was adopted, with purposive random sampling used to select 120 respondents from all administrative streets. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain community’s opinion; this was also supplemented by focus group discussion and participants’ observation. Statistical Package for Social Sciences soft ware version 16 was used to generate descriptive statistics which were further summarized into pie charts and tables. Results indicate that the study population (52%) had little awareness on means or causes of the disease and the way the disease can be communicated between individuals and across communities. It was also found out that community practiced several risk behaviors including; not preferring treated water (72%), consumption of locally made fruit juices (34.5%) sold by street vendors across the ward. Other risk behaviors were related to presence of rudimentary waste disposal system thus rendering most of the wastes on open spaces and at home. The study concludes that residents in Buguruni ward remain under high risk of Cholera outbreak, thus worth to recommend institutional and community hygiene measures to be taken sustainably so as to prevent re-occurrence of Cholera in the ward

Community response to hiv/aids: a case of pastoralists in Kilosa district, Tanzania .

A study to assess the response of pastoralist community towards HIV/AIDS was conducted in two villages of Kilosa district in Morogoro region. A cross sectional research design was adopted whereby a purposive sampling technique was used in combination with simple random sampling method so as to obtain a sample of 51 adult respondents and snow-ball technique was used to obtain 42 youth respondents. In addition 20 key informants were sampled. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument used in data collection. Checklists were used for key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs). The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS computer programme to obtain frequencies and percentages. Results have shown that all respondents were aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. More than 90% showed positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHA. Education level was observed to be statistically associated with HIV/AIDS testing status at p<0.05. Individuals with primary education were more likely to go for HIV testing than those with no formal education. Also the study observed negative and positive responses shown by individuals and households towards HIV/AIDS. Negative responses observed were: taking children out of school, sending children to relatives, selling of productive assets (livestock) for food and medical costs, skipping some meals and depending on wild food. The positive observed responses included asking for loans, selling labour and move to crop farming. Generally, response by civil society organizations (CSOs) were observed to be positive such as care and support for infected and affected individuals and households by providing material support such as monetary, food, clothes, medical care and medicine, moral or spiritual support, guidance in counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS and mitigation of HIV/AIDS. Central government responses were also very positive such as educating the community on HIV/AIDS, care and support for PLWHA

Improving patient care by virtual case discussion between plastic surgeons and residents of Uganda and the Netherlands

Introduction: Traditional on-site missions of plastic surgeons from “high-income countries” in “low- and middle-income countries” are often limited in time and lack proper follow-up. Regular digital collaboration could lead to a more impactful and durable exchange of knowledge for plastic surgeons and residents in both settings. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of the first twelve months of weekly digital meetings, explore advantages/disadvantages, and to provide tools for similar initiatives. Methods: Weekly meetings started from August 2021. An encrypted digital connection allowed residents and plastic surgeons from Uganda and the Netherlands to discuss cases for educational purposes, where treatment options were considered. After twelve months, a survey was sent to participants from both countries to indicate the meetings’ strengths, weaknesses, and possible improvements. Results: A total of 18 participants responded to the questionnaire (ten plastic surgeons, six residents, and two researchers). The strengths of the meetings were the accessibility of the meetings, knowledge exchange and practice for residents’ final exams. Possible improvements included having a clear format for patient discussion, a session moderator and better internet connectivity. Moreover, a database to assess the impact of the given intervention on the patient cases by evaluating postoperatively (e.g. three months), could further improve clinical care. Conclusions: Virtual patient discussions subjectively contributed to medical education at both locations. Improved digital infrastructure and a collaborative database could further maximize learning capacity. Furthermore, digital proctoring is a promising way to establish sustainable collaborations between high- and low-resource countries.</p