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Item 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.Item 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.Item 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 ratesItem 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.Item 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.Item 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.