Garlic nutrient management in Ethiopia - a review

The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the garlic crop productivity and its production management requirements like soil, climate and fertilization in general and specifically in Ethiopia, comparing them with current research trends and to indicate future benefits of soil nutrient management investigations. The application of balanced nutrients under optimum moisture availability in different soil types is an important crop management strategy, which may help maximizing crop yield and quality. Also, lack of optimum nutrients and moisture in the soil has been the major bottlenecks of garlic production and productivity; since the crop has a very shallow root system that requires frequent irrigation and fertilization with different types of fertilizers under various soil types. Low soil fertility is one of the principal and pervasive constraints to garlic production in Ethiopia; thus, there are differences among soil types in yielding ability under different nutrients and soil characteristics. Most smallholder farmers in Ethiopia appreciate the value of fertilizers, but they seldom apply them at the recommended rates and at the appropriate time according to the soil characteristics. These are because of high cost, lack of credit, delivery delays, and low and variable returns. In addition, the traditional organic inputs, like crop residues and animal manures, it cannot meet crop nutrient demand over large areas because of the limited quantities available, the low nutrient content of the materials, and the high labor demands for processing and application. However, it is possible to increase garlic crop yields through identification/selection of soil type and balanced nutrients application or searching for other nutrients sources beyond Urea and Diammonium phosphate especially in Ethiopian condition. Therefore, the integrated use of both the organic and inorganic fertilizers was felt as the best option to increase both yield potential and quality of garlic crop. &nbsp

Internal parasites of equines and associated risk factors in and around Guder town, West Shewa, central Ethiopia

Internal parasites directly affect the health and production of working equines, which contributes to the reduction in their work output and ultimately in the income of the owner and the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in and around Guder town, west Shewa, central Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of equine internal parasites and assess the potential associated risk factors. A total of 384 faecal samples from equine species (152 donkeys, 107 horses, 125 mules) were collected and examined for the presence of eggs of parasites using standard coprological methods. Out of these, 341(88.8%) equines were found positive for one or more internal parasites. The prevalence of internal parasites in donkeys, horses, and mules was 95.4%, 89.7%, and 80% respectively.Out of 341 positive samples, the species of parasites found were Strongylus spp. (40.8%), Parascaris equorum, (25.5%), Oxyuris equi, (17.6%), Strongyloides species(8.8%), Fasciola (10.6%), Dictyocoulus arnifieldi,(10%) and Anoplocephala species (1.5%). Single (86.2%) and mixed (13.8%) parasite species. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence between species (χ2= 16.47, p=0.001) and the purpose of keeping equines (χ2=12.41, p=0.006) in which more number of donkeys and pack animals were positive for parasites than other animals. However, there was no statistically significant difference among, age, sex, house, feed, and body conditions of study animals. In conclusion, this study revealed that the occurrence of internal parasites in equine species in the study area was common phenomenon, especially in donkeys. Hence,strategic prevention and control of internal parasites should be implemented.Keywords: Distribution; Equines; Guder town; Identification; Internal parasite

Improving Yield and Economic Benefits of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Through Integrated Use of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Different Soil Types

Soil fertility depletion is among the major impediments to sustained crop productivity because of limited application of fertilizers in Ethiopia. Crops yield  can be enhanced through balanced application of inorganic and organic soil nutrients. Thus, field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of  chicken manure (CM) with reduced levels of inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on garlic growth, yields and economic benefits at  Debrezeit Agricultural Research Centre on two soil types (Andosols and Vertisols) in 2013/14 cropping season. The treatments consisted of factorial  combinations of three levels each N (0, 46, 92 kgha-1), P (0, 20, 40 kgha-1) and CM (0, 10, 20 tha-1); which were laid out in randomized complete block  design with three replications at each site. The analysis result showed that there was a significant main effect of N, P, CM and soil type on the evaluated  growth and yield traits in the experiments. Effect of the manure on growth and yield of garlic bulb were significantly higher on both soils than the mineral  NP fertilizers but the highest bulb yield of garlic was recorded from Vertisols than from Andosols. The applied fertilizers interacted and  significantly influenced the yield attributes of garlic on both soils. The highest bulb yield was obtained with the application of 46 kg N ha-1, 40 kg P ha-1  and 20 t CM ha-1 on Andosols and with the application of 46 kg N ha-1, 20 kg P ha-1 and 20 t CM ha-1 combination on Vertisols. There was a yield  advantage of 110% and 139% due to these two combinations over the lowest yield obtained from the control plot on Andosols and Vertisols, respectively.  Application of fertilizers at the combination rates of 46 kg N ha-1, 20 kg P ha-1 and 20 t CM ha-1 significantly improved bulb yield by 57% on Vertisols than  the yield produced on Andosols. Moreover, the mean bulb yield produced on Vertisols was higher by 21% compared to that of Andosols. In addition,  the higher economic yield and marginal rate of return was obtained by the application of 10 t CM ha-1 along with 46 kg N ha-1 and 20 kg P ha-1  on Andosols. Thus, application of 10/20 tha-1 CM saved the recommended levels of N and P fertilizers by 50%, without reducing the bulb yield and  economic benefits of garlic.&nbsp

Growth and Nutrients Content and Uptake of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) as Influenced by Different Types of Fertilizers and Soils

Farmers strive to produce high yield and good quality garlic both for  consumption and economic value but soil fertility depletion is among the major impediments to sustained garlic production, especially in the less developed countries, because of limited application of suitable rate, type and sources of fertilizers. Thus, the study was conducted on Andosol and Vertisol soils at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, for two consecutive (dry and main rainy) seasons to assess the effect of various rates of compound fertilizers on growth, and nutrient content and uptake  of garlic. The treatments consisted of control (unfertilized), one level of recommended NP (92/40 kg ha-1), three levels of Azofertil (100, 200, 300 kg ha-1), four levels of Basic (100, 200, 400, 600 kg ha-1) and three levels of D-coder (100, 200, 400 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications at each site. The morphological characters like plant height, neck thickness and leaf  area index of garlic at different growth stages, and the contents and uptake of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur of the crop were significantly increased due to the applications of higher levels of Azofertil, Basic and D-coder compound fertilizers on Andosol soil during both seasons. However, the lowest growths, and nutrients content and uptake were recorded from the garlic plants fertilized with lower levels of the three compound fertilizers, recommended NP and the control plot, especially on Vertisol. Generally, plant growths, and nutrients contentsand uptake of garlic followed by Azofertil at the rate of 300 kg ha-1 on Andosol during dry season by irrigation

Marketing channels, dynamics and economic incentives for onion production in Ethiopia: A case study from Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

This research was initiated to assess the market channels and develops value chain map and econometric model outputs for the onion in Ambo and Toke Kutaye districts of West Showa Zone, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using interview guided questionnaires from 183 respondents’ of different actors in onion value chain and four focus group discussions of onion producers. Descriptive and inferential statistics; value chain mapping; marketing margin analysis; and econometrics analysis were used to analyze the data. About four marketing channels were identified in the study areas. The econometric result showed that  education level of household, onion farming experience, number of oxen owned, land size used for onion farming, amount of fertilizer used, access to extension services and family size of house hold were variables those significantly influenced the marketable supply of onion at farmers level. Multiple linear regression model indicated that variables like age, farm experience, family size, selling price and improved inputs were significant in affecting onion marketable supply. Thus, to increase the onion productivity, market channel and performances of all actors to maximize the profits of all value chain actors, it is important to integrate all concerned bodies of the onion value chains along with the supporting sectors

Market orientation and performance of smallholder tomato producers

Purpose. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of market orientation of smallholder tomato producers and to determine the status of market performance along the market chain using the example of Zewaydugda district of Ethiopia. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted at Zewaydugda district in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. For conducting this study, we selected five kebeles which are the smallest administrative units in the country, and a total of 191 smallholder tomato producers randomly. We used descriptive analysis, marketing performance analysis and econometrics models to analyse the data. We used a kobo toolbox to collect the data from the respondents. We collected the data from respondents using a face-to-face interview in 2022. Results. The crop marketability index (CMI) showed that 82.96 % of the produced tomatoes were sold to the market with an average selling price of 1143.2 Birr per quintal and the average market orientation index (MOI) of producers was 30.54 % and it means that farmers are moderately market oriented in tomato production in the study area. The econometrics result of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation showed that, family size, access to credit, access to improved seed, and amount of land allocated for tomato production significantly affects the farmer’s market orientation. In addition, the result of market performance analysis showed that 61.64 % of the total gross marketing margin accounted for by traders while 38.36 % – by producers. Furthermore, the study identified that: lack of fair sales price, lack of market information, poor linkage with other value chain actors, and perishability were the dominant marketing problems faced by tomato producers. Originality / scientific novelty. Our research stands out in the field of market orientation and the performance of smallholder tomato producers due to its innovative approach and unique contributions to existing knowledge. While previous studies have explored the relationship between market orientation and performance in agricultural contexts, particularly focusing on large-scale operations, our study specifically targets smallholder tomato producers, a demographic often overlooked in research. Thanks to our thorough empirical investigation and theoretical framework, we not only advance the understanding of market orientation in the agricultural sector but also provide actionable recommendations to enhance the performance and sustainability of smallholder tomato producers in diverse market environments. Practical value / implications. The findings of this research can be used for policy makers. Thus, policies focusing on reducing illegal brokers, increasing farmers’ awareness to allocate more cultivable land, reducing the price difference among producers and traders, enhancing farmers to get access to credit and access to improved seed, strengthening market linkages among the value chain actors needs better attention to improve tomato producers’ market orientation and marketing performance of the study area

Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulphur Fertilizers on Growth Yield, and Economic Returns of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

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Market orientation and performance of smallholder tomato producers

Purpose. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of market orientation of smallholder tomato producers and to determine the status of market performance along the market chain using the example of Zewaydugda district of Ethiopia. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted at Zewaydugda district in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. For conducting this study, we selected five kebeles which are the smallest administrative units in the country, and a total of 191 smallholder tomato producers randomly. We used descriptive analysis, marketing performance analysis and econometrics models to analyse the data. We used a kobo toolbox to collect the data from the respondents. We collected the data from respondents using a face-to-face interview in 2022. Results. The crop marketability index (CMI) showed that 82.96 % of the produced tomatoes were sold to the market with an average selling price of 1143.2 Birr per quintal and the average market orientation index (MOI) of producers was 30.54 % and it means that farmers are moderately market oriented in tomato production in the study area. The econometrics result of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation showed that, family size, access to credit, access to improved seed, and amount of land allocated for tomato production significantly affects the farmer’s market orientation. In addition, the result of market performance analysis showed that 61.64 % of the total gross marketing margin accounted for by traders while 38.36 % – by producers. Furthermore, the study identified that: lack of fair sales price, lack of market information, poor linkage with other value chain actors, and perishability were the dominant marketing problems faced by tomato producers. Originality / scientific novelty. Our research stands out in the field of market orientation and the performance of smallholder tomato producers due to its innovative approach and unique contributions to existing knowledge. While previous studies have explored the relationship between market orientation and performance in agricultural contexts, particularly focusing on large-scale operations, our study specifically targets smallholder tomato producers, a demographic often overlooked in research. Thanks to our thorough empirical investigation and theoretical framework, we not only advance the understanding of market orientation in the agricultural sector but also provide actionable recommendations to enhance the performance and sustainability of smallholder tomato producers in diverse market environments. Practical value / implications. The findings of this research can be used for policy makers. Thus, policies focusing on reducing illegal brokers, increasing farmers’ awareness to allocate more cultivable land, reducing the price difference among producers and traders, enhancing farmers to get access to credit and access to improved seed, strengthening market linkages among the value chain actors needs better attention to improve tomato producers’ market orientation and marketing performance of the study area