1
|
Zhao N, Bai L, Han D, Yao Z, Liu X, Hao Y, Chen Z, Zhang X, Zhang D, Jin X, Wang Z. Combined Application of Leguminous Green Manure and Straw Determined Grain Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Wheat-Maize-Sunflower Rotations System in Northwest China. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1358. [PMID: 38794428 PMCID: PMC11125438 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Leguminous green manure (LGM) has a reputation for improving crop productivity. However, little is known about the beneficial interactions with straw on crop yield and nutrient (N, P, K) use efficiency. Herein, a 9-year field experiment (from 2015 to 2023) containing three treatments-(1) chemical fertilizer as the control (CK), (2) NPK + straw return (Straw) and (3) NPK + straw return with LGM (Straw + LGM)-was conducted to investigate whether the combined application of LGM and straw can increase productivity and nutrient use efficiency in the wheat-maize-sunflower diversified cropping rotation. The results showed that in the third rotation (2021-2023), Straw + LGM significantly increased wheat yield by 10.2% and maize yield by 19.9% compared to CK. The total equivalent yield under Straw + LGM was the highest (26.09 Mg ha-1), exceeding Straw and CK treatments by 2.7% and 12.3%, respectively. For each 2 Mg ha-1 increase in straw returned to the field, sunflower yield increased by 0.2 Mg ha-1, whereas for each 1 Mg ha-1 increase in LGM yield from the previous crop, sunflower yield increased by 0.45 Mg ha-1. Compared to CK, the co-application of LGM and straw increased the N use efficiency of maize in the first and third rotation cycle by 70.6% and 55.8%, respectively, and the P use efficiency by 147.8% in the third rotation cycle. Moreover, Straw treatment led to an increase of net income from wheat and sunflower by 14.5% and 44.6%, while Straw + LGM increased the net income from maize by 15.8% in the third rotation cycle. Combining leguminous green manure with a diversified cropping rotation has greater potential to improve nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity and net income, which can be recommended as a sustainable agronomic practice in the Hetao District, Northwest China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Lanfang Bai
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
| | - Dongxun Han
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Yaru Hao
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Dongrui Zhang
- Bayannur Academy of Agricultural & Animal Sciences, Linhe 015400, China
| | - Xiaoling Jin
- College of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Simutowe E, Ngoma H, Manyanga M, Silva JV, Baudron F, Nyagumbo I, Kalala K, Habeenzu M, Thierfelder C. Risk aversion, impatience, and adoption of conservation agriculture practices among smallholders in Zambia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26460. [PMID: 38420490 PMCID: PMC10901030 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture have been promoted in southern Africa for nearly three decades, but their adoption remains low. It is of policy interest to unpack behavioural drivers of adoption to understand why adoption remains lower than anticipated. This paper assesses the effects of risk aversion and impatience on the extent and intensity of the adoption of conservation agriculture using panel data collected from 646 households in 2021 and 2022 in Zambia. We find that 12% and 18% of the smallholders were impatient and risk averse, respectively. There are two main empirical findings based on panel data Probit and Tobit models. First, on the extensive margin, being impatient is correlated with a decreased likelihood of adopting combined minimum-tillage (MT) and rotation by 2.9 percentage points and being risk averse is associated with a decreased propensity of adopting combined minimum tillage (MT) and mulching by 3.2 percentage points. Being risk averse is correlated with a decreased chance of adopting basins by 2.8 percentage points. Second, on the intensive margin, impatience and risk aversion are significantly correlated with reduced adoption intensity of basins, ripping, minimum tillage (MT), and combined MT and rotation by 0.02-0.22 ha. These findings imply a need to embed risk management (e.g., through crop yield insurance) in the scaling of sustainable agricultural practices to incentivise adoption. This can help to nudge initial adoption and to protect farmers from yield penalties that are common in experimentation stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esau Simutowe
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), IITA Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hambulo Ngoma
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mark Manyanga
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - João Vasco Silva
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frédéric Baudron
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Isaiah Nyagumbo
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kelvin Kalala
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), IITA Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mukwemba Habeenzu
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), IITA Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Christian Thierfelder
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP163, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Heerwaarden J, Ronner E, Baijukya F, Adjei-Nsiah S, Ebanyat P, Kamai N, Wolde-meskel E, Vanlauwe B, Giller KE. Consistency, variability, and predictability of on-farm nutrient responses in four grain legumes across East and West Africa. FIELD CROPS RESEARCH 2023; 299:108975. [PMID: 37529086 PMCID: PMC10300239 DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2023.108975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Grain legumes are key components of sustainable production systems in sub-Saharan Africa, but wide-spread nutrient deficiencies severely restrict yields. Whereas legumes can meet a large part of their nitrogen (N) requirement through symbiosis with N2-fixing bacteria, elements such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and secondary and micronutrients may still be limiting and require supplementation. Responses to P are generally strong but variable, while evidence for other nutrients tends to show weak or highly localised effects. Here we present the results of a joint statistical analysis of a series of on-farm nutrient addition trials, implemented across four legumes in four countries over two years. Linear mixed models were used to quantify both mean nutrient responses and their variability, followed by a random forest analysis to determine the extent to which such variability can be explained or predicted by geographic, environmental or farm survey data. Legume response to P was indeed variable, but consistently positive and we predicted application to be profitable for 67% of farms in any given year, based on prevailing input costs and grain prices. Other nutrients did not show significant mean effects, but considerable response variation was found. This response heterogeneity was mostly associated with local or temporary factors and could not be explained or predicted by spatial, biophysical or management factors. An exception was K response, which displayed appreciable spatial variation that could be partly accounted for by spatial and environmental covariables. While of apparent relevance for targeted recommendations, the minor amplitude of expected response, the large proportion of unexplained variation and the unreliability of the predicted spatial patterns suggests that such data-driven targeting is unlikely to be effective with current data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost van Heerwaarden
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O.Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Ronner
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O.Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frederick Baijukya
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 3444, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Samuel Adjei-Nsiah
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, CSIR Campus, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Ebanyat
- Department of Agricultural Production, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nkeki Kamai
- Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Endalkachew Wolde-meskel
- World Agroforestry (ICRAF), C/o International Livestock Research Institute, Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ken E. Giller
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, P.O.Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Waha K, Accatino F, Godde C, Rigolot C, Bogard J, Domingues JP, Gotor E, Herrero M, Martin G, Mason-D’Croz D, Tacconi F, van Wijk M. The benefits and trade-offs of agricultural diversity for food security in low- and middle-income countries: A review of existing knowledge and evidence. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
5
|
Soil Properties of a Tef-Acacia decurrens-Charcoal Production Rotation System in Northwestern Ethiopia. SOIL SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems6020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
A tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, a unique indigenous climate-smart agricultural technology of northwest Ethiopia, is increasingly seen as a promising strategy for improving soil properties. This study investigated the effect of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system on soil properties. In total, 112 soil samples (7 treatments × 4 depths × 4 replicates) were collected and analyzed inside and outside randomly selected charcoal production spots in the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system and from an adjacent tef monocropping system. The soil properties examined generally exhibited significant variation between the tef monocropping system and the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, and between soil depths, as well as with respect to charcoal production spots in the system. The system resulted in a significant increase in SOC, TN, available phosphorus, available sodium, available nitrate and ammonium in general, and in total contents of K, P and Mn in the 0–20 cm depth. Charcoal production in the system significantly increased the total content of P, Al, and Fe, as well as the available nitrate and sulfate in the charcoal production spot. The variation in soil proprieties between the land use types and with respect to charcoal production spots in the TACP system were possibly due to the effect of the Acacia decurrens trees, and fire and fine charcoal residues from charcoal production, indicating the capacity of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system to improve soil properties.
Collapse
|
6
|
Revisiting Rwanda’s agricultural intensification policy: benefits of embracing farmer heterogeneity and crop-livestock integration strategies. Food Secur 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-021-01241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe government of Rwanda is promoting agricultural intensification focused on the production of a small number of targeted commodities as a central strategy to pursue the joint policy goals of economic growth, food security and livelihood development. The dominant approach to increase the productive capacity of the land, crops and animal resources has been through large-scale land consolidation, soil fertility management, and the intensive use of biotechnology and external inputs. However, evidence has shown that many Rwandan farmers, who employ various strategies and mixed farming practices based on their specific economic, social, and environmental circumstances, face difficulties adopting the singular prescribed approach to become more productive, modern commodity producers. To empirically explore diversity in smallholders’ strategies and their contributions to livelihoods and compatibility with the recent intensification policies, we conducted household surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews in rural and peri-urban zones in Rwamagana district in Eastern Rwanda. Our analysis demonstrates how the dominant approach to intensification and specialisation overlooks the heterogeneity and dynamic nature of smallholder strategies. Moreover, our findings illustrate that a comprehensive understanding of farmer heterogeneity is necessary to explain the critical disjuncture between the government’s vision of modern agriculture and the ability of many smallholders to engage with this agenda and may inform opportunities to adapt policies to better align productivity goals and livelihoods. In doing so, we contribute to debates about the current framing of intensification policy that promotes Green Revolution technologies and emphasise alternative pathways for more inclusive and resilient agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bonilla-Cedrez C, Chamberlin J, Hijmans RJ. Fertilizer and grain prices constrain food production in sub-Saharan Africa. NATURE FOOD 2021; 2:766-772. [PMID: 37117977 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Crop yields across sub-Saharan Africa are much lower than what is attainable given the environmental conditions and available technologies. Closing this 'ecological yield gap' is considered an important food security and rural welfare goal. It is not clear, however, whether it is economically sensible for farmers to substantially increase crop yields. Here we estimate the local yield response of maize to fertilizer across sub-Saharan Africa with an empirical machine-learning model based on 12,081 trial observations and with a mechanistic model. We show that the average 'economic yield gap'-the difference between current yield and profit-maximizing yield-is about one-quarter of the ecological yield gap. Furthermore, although maize yields could be profitably doubled, the economic incentives to do so may be weak. Our findings suggest that agricultural intensification in sub-Saharan Africa could be supported by complementary agronomic approaches to improve soil fertility, lowering the fertilizer cost, and by spatial targeting of fertilizer recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Bonilla-Cedrez
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, Davis, USA.
- Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Cali, Colombia.
| | | | - Robert J Hijmans
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, Davis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Highly variable performance of sustainable intensification on smallholder farms: A systematic review. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
9
|
Kim DG, Grieco E, Bombelli A, Hickman JE, Sanz-Cobena A. Challenges and opportunities for enhancing food security and greenhouse gas mitigation in smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa. A review. Food Secur 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-021-01149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
10
|
Taskin E, Misci C, Bandini F, Fiorini A, Pacini N, Obiero C, Sila DN, Tabaglio V, Puglisi E. Smallholder Farmers' Practices and African Indigenous Vegetables Affect Soil Microbial Biodiversity and Enzyme Activities in Lake Naivasha Basin, Kenya. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010044. [PMID: 33440642 PMCID: PMC7826984 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are food insecure. Underexploited African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are consumed locally without being considered a primary source of food and income. However, AIVs hold great potential for the future challenges of food security and climate change. We investigated the effects of different cropping systems and inclusion of AIVs in farming on the soil biodiversity and fertility status of smallholder farmers in Naivasha, Kenya. Compared to mainstream farming approaches, soil microorganisms under AIV cultivations differed significantly. Tillage, fertilization, soil amendments, and traditional homemade plant protection were singled out as the most important factors. The soil alteration index based on enzyme activity offered a reliable way to determine the alteration status for the first time in SSA. These findings could be useful for farmers to integrate AIVs with correct sustainable practices for a sustainable future and may contribute to the mitigation of food insecurity. Abstract Loss of soil biodiversity and fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) may put the food security of smallholder farmers in peril. Food systems in SSA are seeing the rise of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) that are underexploited but locally consumed without being considered a primary source of food and income. Here we present a field study, a first of its kind, in which we investigated the effects of different cropping systems and inclusion of AIVs in the farming approach on bacterial and fungal biodiversity and community structures, enzymatic activity, and the alteration status of soils of the smallholder farmers in Kenya. When compared to mainstream farming approaches, the composition and biodiversity of bacteria and fungi under AIV cultivations was significantly different. Tillage had a significant impact only on the fungal communities. Fertilization and soil amendments caused shifts in microbial communities towards specialized degraders and revealed the introduction of specific microorganisms from amendments. Traditional homemade plant protection products did not cause any disturbance to either of soil bacteria or fungi. The soil alteration index based on enzyme activity successfully differentiated the alteration status for the first time in SSA. These findings could be useful for farmers to integrate AIVs with correct sustainable practices for a sustainable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eren Taskin
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per la Sostenibilità della Filiera Agro-Alimentare (DISTAS), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (C.M.); (F.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Chiara Misci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per la Sostenibilità della Filiera Agro-Alimentare (DISTAS), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (C.M.); (F.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Francesca Bandini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per la Sostenibilità della Filiera Agro-Alimentare (DISTAS), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (C.M.); (F.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Andrea Fiorini
- Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Vegetali Sostenibili (DI.PRO.VE.S.), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Nic Pacini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Ambiente (DIAm), Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
- School of Geography, Geology and Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Clifford Obiero
- Land Resource Planning and Management, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000, Kenya;
| | - Daniel Ndaka Sila
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000, Kenya;
| | - Vincenzo Tabaglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Vegetali Sostenibili (DI.PRO.VE.S.), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0523-599-222
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari per la Sostenibilità della Filiera Agro-Alimentare (DISTAS), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (C.M.); (F.B.); (E.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Goli S, Rammohan A, Reddy SP. The interaction of household agricultural landholding and Caste on food security in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Food Secur 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-020-01109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
12
|
Wineman A, Anderson CL, Reynolds TW, Biscaye P. Methods of crop yield measurement on multi-cropped plots: Examples from Tanzania. Food Secur 2019; 11:1257-1273. [PMID: 31929845 PMCID: PMC6934247 DOI: 10.1007/s12571-019-00980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Precise agricultural statistics are necessary to track productivity and design sound agricultural policies. Yet, in settings where multi-cropping is prevalent, even crop yield-perhaps the most common productivity metric-can be challenging to measure. In a survey of the literature on crop yield in low-income settings, we find that scholars specify how they estimate the area denominator used to measure yield in under 10% of cases. Using household survey data from Tanzania, we consider four alternative methods of allocating land area on multi-cropped plots, ranging from treatment of the entire plot as the yield denominator to increasingly precise approaches that account for the space taken up by other crops. We then explore the implications of this measurement decision for analyses of yield, focusing on one staple crop that is often grown on its own (rice) and one that is frequently found on mixed plots and in intercropped arrangements (maize). A majority (64%) of cultivated plots contain more than one crop, and average yield estimates vary with different methods of calculating area planted-particularly for maize. Importantly, the choice among area methods influences which of these two crops is found to be more calorie-productive per hectare. This choice also influences the statistically significant correlates of crop yield, such that the benefits of intercropping and including legumes on a maize plot are only evident when using an area measure that accounts for mixed cropping arrangements. We conclude that the literature would benefit from greater clarity regarding how yield is measured across studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayala Wineman
- Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington, Parrington Hall, 4100 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - C. Leigh Anderson
- Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington, Parrington Hall, 4100 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Travis W. Reynolds
- Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Morrill Hall, 146 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Pierre Biscaye
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Berkeley, Giannini Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sustainable agricultural intensification in an era of rural transformation in Africa. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
14
|
Komarek AM, Koo J, Haile B, Msangi S, Azzarri C. Trade-offs and synergies between yield, labor, profit, and risk in Malawian maize-based cropping systems. AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2018; 38:32. [PMID: 30930965 PMCID: PMC6404675 DOI: 10.1007/s13593-018-0506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Land degradation, population growth, and chronic poverty in Eastern and Southern Africa challenge the sustainability of livelihoods for smallholder farmers. These farmers often manage soils depleted of nutrients, apply limited amounts of mineral fertilizer, and take decisions about their cropping systems that involve multiple trade-offs. The rotation of cereals with legumes bears agronomic and ecological merit; however, the socio-economic implications of the cereal-legume rotation require a deeper understanding. This study explores the yield, labor, profit, and risk implications of different legume and mineral fertilizer practices in maize-based cropping systems in central Malawi. Our method involves coupling crop modeling and an agricultural household survey with a socio-economic analysis. We use a process-based cropping systems model to simulate the yield effects of integrating legumes into maize monocultures and applying mineral fertilizer over multiple seasons. We combine the simulated yields with socio-economic data from an agricultural household survey to calculate indicators of cropping-system performance. Our results show that a maize-groundnut rotation increases average economic profits by 75% compared with maize monoculture that uses more mineral fertilizer than in the rotation. The maize-groundnut rotation increases the stability of profits, reduces the likelihood of negative profits, and increases risk-adjusted profits. In contrast, the maize-groundnut rotation has a 54% lower average caloric yield and uses more labor than the maize monoculture with mineral fertilization. By comparing labor requirements with labor supply at the household scale, we show for the first time that the additional labor requirements of the maize-groundnut rotation can increase the likelihood of experiencing a labor shortage, if this rotation is undertaken by farm households in central Malawi. We demonstrate that risk and labor factors can be important when examining trade-offs among alternative cropping systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Komarek
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jawoo Koo
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Beliyou Haile
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Siwa Msangi
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Carlo Azzarri
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ngoma H. Does minimum tillage improve the livelihood outcomes of smallholder farmers in Zambia? Food Secur 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-018-0777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
16
|
|
17
|
|