Lesotho Journal of Agricultural Sciences (LJAS)

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/236

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Analysis of economic and socio-demographic factors influencing consumption of beef and fish in Banjul, the Gambia
(2009) Bello, H.M.; Bah, S.
This study investigated the determinants of demand for beef and fish in Banjul. The main objective of the study was to assess the factors affecting the demand for these products with a view to ascertain the influence of the socio-economic and demographic features of the respondents affecting the demand for these products to gaining more insight. Data used for the analyses were obtained through personal interviews conducted between April and May 2001 using structured questionnaire. A sample of 100 consumers was drawn from the study area using cluster sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results obtained showed that income, prices of the products, and household size were the major determinants of variation in the consumption of beef and fish among the respondents. Both products were found to be normal goods and generally price inelastic with fish being a close substitute to beef in the beef market. Increase in income leads to increased demand for meat in the area. Religion of household head as socio-demographic variable was found to be significant variable influencing demand for beef in the beef market.
Characteristics and Trends in production and Market Potential of Certified Maize Seeds in Nigeria
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Alimi, T.; Williams, S.B.; Bamire, A.S.; Akinrin, A. O.
The study determined the characteristics and trends in market potential and production of certified maize seed in Nigeria. Data came from certified maize seed and maize grain farmers, and from various issues of Statistical Bulletins of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, markov chain process, time series analysis and budgetary technique. Results of the analyses indicated that certified maize seed production is a modern farming method, and producers were mainly male, literate, had mean age of about 42 years and mean experience of 9 years in certified maize seed production. Producers operated as sole proprietors, obtained farmland largely through inheritance and used informal farm financing sources. The seed farmers prefer selling to government agencies that guarantee purchase of their entire seed output. Significant proportion (55%) of maize grain farmers did not use certified maize seed largely because of ignorance and lack of complementary inputs. Both market potential and production of certified maize seed will grow with time.
Economic Analysis of Maize Production in the Maseru District,Lesotho:The case of the Masianokeng Resource Center
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Matete, Mampiti
Maize is a staple food and an important source of starch for many households in Lesotho. But, for many years, its domestic supply has failed to meet demand. In order to increase its supply, the Lesotho government has provided many incentives to maize producers, ranging from price support to input subsidies. Despite these efforts, maize supply continues to fall short of demand. Using the Maseru district as a case study, this study determined the economic efficiency of maize production in Lesotho, based on regression and budgetary analytical tools. The study further identified problems that hinder increased maize production in Lesotho. The regression analysis results indicated that, while farmers were economically efficient in using labor, they under-utilized land and fertilizer inputs. Budgetary analysis results indicated that farmers earned a net income of M272.93 per hectare. The study also observed that, lack of capital, unavailability of some inputs and high input costs, hindered maize production in Lesotho. From the overall results of the study, it is evident that maize production in Lesotho can be profitable and that domestic supply can be increased if farmers could use all the production inputs efficiently and if credit facilities and inputs can be made available.
Effect of breeding month, pre-partum and post-partum protein supplementation on pregnancy, kidding rates, mortality rates, milk yield and birth weight in Angora goats under mountain conditions of Lesotho
(2009) Lenono, M. T.; Odenya, W.O.
wenty seven Angora goat does blocked on initial body weight and divided into three dam weight groups were randomly assigned to three protein supplementary regimes: 0g, 150g and 300g and three breeding months (May, June and July). The experimental design consisted of three levels of 0g, 150g and 300g protein supplementation and three breeding months (May, June and July) combined factorially in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates per treatment. Data were subjected to Analysis of variance using General Linear Model procedures (SPSS). Mean pregnancy rate of does bred in May and June (44%) was significantly (p 0.05) lower than those bred in May and June that were the same (100%). Pregnancy rates for does that were not supplemented (68%) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those on 150g and 300g protein. Kidding rates of does bred in May (122%) and June (100%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for July (56%). Mean birth weights of 2.25, 2.87, 3.08kg were obtained from supplementation of 0, 150 and 300g protein respectively. Heavier dams had higher birth weights of kids: 2.64, 2.68 and 2.89kg for dam groups 1 (24-30kg), 2 (31-37kg) and 3(38-43kg) respectively. Mortality rates
Effect of Three Indegenous Pig Breeds and Creep Feeding on Pre-Wearing Litter Performance
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Molapo, S. M.; Okello-Uma., I.; Odenya, W.O.
The aim of this study was to determine the litter performance of three indigenous pig breeds in Lesotho based on birth weight and weaning weight. Twenty-seven suckling pigs weighing (0.90 – 1.30 kg) were assigned to three treatments of three levels of feeds. The experiment was designed as a randomised 3*3 factorial of three breeds and three dietary treatments of Makhulo feeds. Three piglets from each breed received the experimental diet (Makhulo commercial feeds) of 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day (control) for a period of six weeks. Mean birth weight was 1.13, 0.97 and 1.23kg for Breed 1 (black with smooth coat), Breed 2 (black with rough coat) and Breed 3 (black and white) and were significantly different (P<0.05). The mean weight at weaning (11.62, 7.85 and 10.72kg) was significantly different among the three breeds. The average weaning weight was 11.74, 10.13, and 8.32kg for the 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day, respectively. The GLM procedure was used for analyzing the dataset.
Evaluation of clones originating from true potato seeds (TPS) at Maseru in Lesotho
(2009) Mohammed, J.; Letuma, P.
Nine clones originating from TPS, a local check variety and a commercial check variety were compared in a randomised complete block design with three replications at Maseru during the 2003-growing season. The objective of the study was to compare the performance of clones originating from TPS with one local and one commercial check variety with respect to total tuber yield, number of stems per plot, number of tubers per plot and relative tuber size and identify the best clone for possible use by farmers. Results revealed a highly significant difference in total yield, number of stems per plot, number of tubers per plot and its separation into small and large tubers per plot. Clones A133, A136 and the local check variety, Basotho 1, were the preferable clones. Basotho 1 was one of the better adaptable and stable but not preferred for commercial production because of its shape and many deep eyes. On the other hand the commercial check variety, BP 1, was one of the low yielding candidates. On the basis of data collected and analysed, A133 and A136 were as good as Basotho 1 in tuber yield with more desirable tuber shape and size for commercial use. The same clones were significantly higher in tuber yield than the commercial check variety, BP 1. These results further suggest that better clones could be developed by starting from TPS and selecting specific clones with desirable traits.
Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and sustainable agriculture: the case of sorghum production in Lesotho
(2009) Mashinini, V. I.; Mokhothu, Motlatsi N.
The research whose results are presented in this paper sought to investigate the use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the production of sorghum by Basotho farmers. Participatory research methods were employed to facilitate the sampled communities to document and discuss their use of indigenous knowledge in sorghum production. The researchers were facilitators only in this process while some of the community members were research assistants in order make this research process to be community driven. Assessment of temporal variations in the study indicated that the indigenous knowledge systems had undergone continual changes as new innovations and resources became available and others dwindled in the communities. This flexibility facilitated the establishment of local knowledge systems (LKS) that reflected both temporal and spatial variations and regional specificities. Moreover, the indigenous knowledge was reported to be under threat of extinction, not only partly due to western cultural and scientific imperialism, but also because of the oral tradition through which it is passed from one generation to the other and recorded in the people’s heads and practices without written documentation. The research also found that indigenous knowledge systems used in sorghum production and management were environmentally driven. The various plants, trees, animals and implements used to drive various techniques and technologies were sourced within the local environment of the communities. Moreover, the indigenous knowledge systems were culturally driven. They were ocastrated and executed within the rubric of Sesotho culture — Bosotho. Furthermore, the indigenous knowledge systems emphasized the concept and practice of African Communalism where the sharing of resources within the community was central to the welfare of all members. Lastly, indigenous knowledge systems were also gender sensitive. The multiple differential roles and tasks performed in sorghum production and management were based on a socially-derived division of labour between women and men.
Irrigation Prospects in Lesotho:An Appraisal of the Seaka Irrigation Project
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Moeti, L. D.
Irrigation farming has been practised in Lesotho for over thirty years and yet, to date, there is very little noticeable success. The objective of the paper is to investigate the perceptions of farmers with regard to the causes of failure of the Seaka Irrigation Project. The findings of the study indicate that, the planning, design and implementation of the project were imposed by the decision-makers on the community of the Lower Senqu Valley. The community is generally uneducated and, as a result, struggled to understand the share-out mechanisms related to block farming. In addition, the financial implications of running irrigation farming were not properly understood. Despite past failures, the majority of the farmers within the study indicated readiness to participate in irrigation projects provided that factors which led to the collapse of the Seaka Irrigation Project are fully addressed. There was a strong feeling that a fully participatory project with community initiative could make a positive contribution to the valley’s economy.
Microbial activity and fungal composition of composted animal manure suppressive to soil-borne pathogens
(2009) Kena, M.; Swart2, W.J.
Microbial composition in composted organic materials is an important factor to be considered when producing compost for disease suppression. The objectives of the study were to evaluate both microbial activity and fungal composition in composted animal manure with varying degree of suppressiveness towards soilborne fungal pathogens. Microbial activity of composted cattle, pig, poultry and sheep manure and loamy field soil was tested by means of hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Fungal populations in these composts were also studied by serial dilution technique. Microbial activity was significantly higher (P<0.05) in poultry, pig and cattle manure compost as well as field soil compared to composted sheep manure which had the lowest microbial activity. High fungal populations were recorded in cattle (62%), poultry (63%) and pig (65%). Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Talaromyces trachyspermum and Penicillium verrucosum were the most common species isolated from cattle, poultry and pig manure composts. Significantly (P<0.05) less species were observed in both control (48.6%) and composted sheep manure (12.5%), with Humicola sp. being the only species isolated from this compost. Microbial composition of composted animal manure is an ideal indicator of the suppressiveness of such composts towards soilborne pathogens.
Molasses Urea Blocks as Supplementary Feed Resource for Ruminants in Botswana
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Aganga, A.A; Lelata, P.; Tsiane, M.V.
The aims of this study were to produce low cost, high quality feed supplement for improving the performance of ruminants, and to determine the nutrients composition of the molasses urea blocks (MUB). In study 1 the same level of molasses (45%) and urea (15%) were used in three treatments of blocks, except for the fourth treatment (control) where molasses and urea were not included. Chemical analyses showed that the blocks with molasses and urea had the highest nutritional composition and all the blocks had various amounts of both major and trace elements. In study 2, MUB were used for supplementing Tswana sheep in a feeding trial that lasted 62 days. The sheep were divided into two groups of eight each, the control was given 100% veldt grass while the treatment group was given veldt grass plus MUB as supplement. The MUB increased growth rate of the supplemented Tswana sheep by 94%.
Phenotypic characteristics and selective indices of Bambara groundnut landraces for intercropping with sorghum in botswana
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Karikari, S. K.
The purpose of the study was to identify phenotypic characteristics and indices for selecting Bambara groundnut for intercropping. Three landraces, namely, Diphiri Cream (Dip C), OMotswasele6 (OM6) and National Tested SeedRed (NTSR) were intercropped with sorghum varity ‘Segaolane’ during 1995/96 and 1996/97 seasons in 3:1, 2:2, 1:3 ratios. The competitive relationship between sorghum and Bambara groundnut was determined by the Relative Crowding Coefficient (k) and Relative Yield Total (RYT). The suppression of Bambara groundnut growth and yield was significantly greater as the population of sorghum in the intercrops increased. The RYT values were higher for DipC than OM6 and NTSR, indicating that DipC could be developed as an ideotype Bambara groundnut for intercropping under semi-arid conditions such as those that pertain in Botswana and areas with similar climate.
Sources of agricultural growth in Nigeria: is it horizontal and or vertical expansion
(2009) Tijani, A.A.; Alimi, T.
Knowledge of source(s) of increase in agricultural production is necessary for policy decisions. Increase in agricultural production could be achieved by increasing cropped area and or productivity. This paper examined the existence of long run relationship between area cultivated (hectarage) and production on the one hand and between crop yield (productivity) and production on the other hand for selected food crops in Nigeria using cointegration analysis. It also determined the magnitude as well as the persistence of production response to hectarage (or productivity) shocks for long run relationships by calculating variance decomposition and impulse responses. The results showed that long run relationship existed between hectarage and production for rice, cassava, groundnut, melon, maize and guinea corn and between productivity and production for guinea corn only;) horizontal expansion accounted for most variation in production of rice, maize, melon and cassava; and production response to hectarage shock was essentially expansionary and persistent in most cases. For sustained increase in agricultural production in Nigeria, efforts should be directed at policies that ensure easy availability of cropped land while not neglecting research into the better use of improved technology for productivity rise.

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