East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology

Use of Radio by Smallholder Farmers in Accessing Agricultural Information in Ikolo Ward, Kyela District, Tanzania

Kenneth Nzilano, Siweli Nyamba, Innocent Busindeli — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:37:48 +0200

Smallholder farmers rely on radio for agricultural information to improve their farming decisions, but its use is largely shaped by their personal characteristics and specific information needs. The study focused on radio as a tool. This study investigated the use of radio by smallholder farmers to get agricultural information. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 232 randomly selected farmers in Ikolo Ward. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Chi-square tests assessed the association between personal characteristics variables and radio use, with significance set at p < 0.05. Findings revealed that among the communication media, radio was most commonly used by smallholder farmers to access agricultural Information, and they preferred night-time listening. In addition, personal characteristics such as sex, education, and marital status significantly influenced the use of radio for agricultural information, with males and individuals with higher education levels reporting greater use. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the need for agricultural information on weather updates, fertiliser use, and market price updates had a positive and statistically significant influence on smallholder farmers’ radio use. Radio helps farmers to plan their activities by offering timely and useful weather and market information. The study recommends developing agricultural gender sensitive radio programs focusing on smallholder farmers’ needs, and farmer training on the use of radio to access agricultural information

The Role of Gender Transformative Agro-ecological Interventions in Crop-Based Farming Systems in Tanzania: A Case of Muray Ward, Mbulu District

Elizabeth Paulo Kwaslema, Rasel M. Madaha, Dismas L. Mwaseba — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 21:35:19 +0200

This study investigates the role of gender-transformative agro-ecological interventions (GTAI) in crop-based farming systems in Muray Ward, Mbulu District, Tanzania, with particular focus on GTAI undertaken under the "Rural Women Cultivating Change" project. It highlights the importance of understanding gender dynamics to promote equality in agro-ecological practices. A qualitative research design was employed, utilising snowball sampling to engage 58 farmers (27 men and 31 women) through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as well as direct observation. The objective was to explore the role of GTAI mainly on the gender division of labour, access to resources, and decision-making power among farmers. Findings reveal that while collective labour practices have improved, traditional gender roles persist, with women often burdened by household chores that limit their participation in farming. Decision-making remains predominantly male-dominated, despite some shifts towards shared responsibilities. Access to land is a critical factor influencing autonomy, with entrenched patriarchal norms still favouring male ownership. The study highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to challenge these norms and promote equitable resource management. While GTAI is fostering inclusivity, significant barriers remain in achieving gender equity in agro-ecological farming practices. Therefore, sustained community education, advocacy for women's land rights, and culturally sensitive engagement strategies to dismantle systemic inequalities were recommended. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of GTAI across diverse contexts to further advance gender justice and sustainable food systems

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on the Livelihoods of Pastoralist Communities in Bagamoyo District, Coastal Tanzania

Moson Koika Moti, Emma Teresa Liwenga, PhD — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:39:47 +0200

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. To collect sufficient information, 10% (880) of the total pastoralists’ households were randomly selected for structured interviews. Other methods employed include field observation, Key Informants Interview and Focus Group Discussions with purposively selected respondents. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse the data collected. The findings reveal that approximately 74% of respondents believe climate change has harmed livestock quality. The ongoing decrease in rainfall and rising temperatures have heightened the vulnerability of pastoralists. This shift has led to a decline in both the quality and quantity of livestock, resulting in food shortages and increased poverty. In response, pastoralists have adapted by diversifying their livelihoods, changing food sources, selecting different livestock breeds, reducing herd sizes, and migrating. The study recommends modernising local adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of pastoralist communities in the face of climate change challenges

Influence of Cultivars and Intra Row Spacing on Performance of Maize in Keiyo North Sub-County, Kenya

Ishmael Chesinen, Elmada Auma, PhD, Lucas Ngode, PhD — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:02:10 +0200

Maize is a major crop grown in Kenya for human and animal feed. Its production is determined by farming practices such as plant population, climatic factors, pests, diseases and nutrition, among others. Farmers grow maize varieties and are subject to the same spacing, yet they have varying nutrient requirements, resulting in low yields. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of spacing and varieties on quality and yield of maize. A study was conducted between March to December 2019 at Bugar and Tambach in Keiyo North Sub-County, Kenya. The treatments were three plant spacing at 75 cm× 20 cm, 75 cm× 25 cm and 75 cm× 30 cm. The three maize varieties selected were Hybrid 614, Hybrid 624 and Hybrid 6218. A factorial experiment (3×3) in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates was conducted in both sites. Data was collected on the number of cobs,1000 grain weight and yield per 90kg bag was recorded at the end of the experiment. Data was subjected to two-way analysis of variance and means were separated by Tukey’s Honest Significance test at p≤0.05 in GenStat 14^th Version. Results showed that there was no significant difference in interaction between spacing and varieties in both sites. There was significant p≤0.05 difference on number of cobs in Bugar on spacing but not on variety. The 1000 grain weight was significantly p ≤0.05 different in Tambach for variety but not spacing. H624 under 75 cm×20 cm produced the highest number of cobs in Bugar, while H614 under 75 cm×20 cm was best in Tambach. In conclusion, farmers in Bugar should plant H624 under 75×25cm while those in Tambach should plant H614 under 75 × 30 cm for optimum yields. These should therefore be the recommended spacing for these hybrids in Bugar and Tambach, Elgeyo Marakwet

Contribution of Organic Cotton Production to Household Income Relative to Conventional Cotton Production in Bariadi District, Tanzania

Castory Masanja Saida, Justus Vincent Nsenga, PhD, Kim Abel Kayunze, PhD — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:02:06 +0200

This paper determines the percentage of household income that is due to organic cotton production and differences in incomes from organic cotton production, conventional cotton, other crops, and non-farm activities among smallholder farmers in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, primary data were collected in 2025 from 364 households through a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics to compute descriptive statistics and perform the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while qualitative data were analysed thematically through content analysis. The results indicated that organic cotton contributed 11.7% to overall income per capita, unlike conventional cotton, which contributed 9.4%. The median income per capita from organic cotton (TZS 23,964.29) was significantly higher than that from conventional cotton (TZS 0.00) (T = 23,617.50, z = -4.706, p < 0.001, r = 0.247), suggesting that organic cotton provided more reliable and profitable income than conventional cotton. Income from conventional cotton was either absent or minimal for many households, largely due to market instability and input costs. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results by revealing that farmers perceive organic cotton production as more rewarding due to improved access to premium markets, price stability through contractual arrangements, reduced input costs, and alignment with environmentally sustainable practices. Respondents emphasised that organic farming not only enhances income but also promotes soil health and long-term agricultural resilience. These findings highlight organic cotton’s potential as a transformative livelihood strategy capable of reducing rural poverty, enhancing household economic resilience, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to no poverty, decent work, and climate action. To maximise these benefits, policy interventions should prioritise strengthening organic certification systems, enhancing extension services, and improving market linkages.

Farmers’ Awareness and Use of Mobile Phones in the Management of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Disease in Uganda

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:15:05 +0200

Mobile phone technology awareness and use in developing countries, Uganda inclusive, is growing at a faster rate in many sectors, including Agriculture. Mobile phone usage has enhanced information flow to the rural communities for the advancement of agriculture. A survey was conducted in four banana-growing districts of Uganda, representing the western region (Isingiro and Mitooma Districts) and the central region (Luwero and Mukono Districts), to assess the extent of awareness and use of mobile phone applications by smallholder banana growers. Data were collected using a questionnaire from 144 farmers representing 144 households. Most of the farmers (66.7%) were aware of mobile phone applications used for accessing agricultural information, although the percentage of farmers (25.7%) using mobile phones to access information for banana Xanthomonas disease management was low. Many factors determined mobile phone use, but banana plantation size, education level, and constraints encountered in the use of mobile phones were the most significant. The leading challenges encountered by farmers using mobile phones for accessing agricultural information were identified as a lack of smartphones, limited knowledge and skills, and poor network connection. We recommend the creation of awareness about mobile phone applications and their use in farming communities by both public and private agricultural extension and advisory service providers

Analysis of Climate Change and Variability on Irish Potato Production among Small-Scale Farmers Using GIS in Narok County, Kenya

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:14:12 +0200

This study explored the analysis of climate change and variability on Irish potato production among small-scale farmers using GIS in Narok County, Kenya. Data collection methods in this study involved: small-scale farmers’ respondents' descriptive survey, in-depth key informant interviews, and GIS website downloads. A sample of 393 small-scale farmers was randomly sampled to gather data on Irish potato production factors. Key informants from the Narok South Agriculture Department provided Irish potato production data from 1991 to 2020, and temperature and rainfall data were downloaded from Google NASA Power. Data from the field was screened and evaluated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 program to give frequencies and percentages. Chi-square was calculated and inference made at a confidence level of α=0.05. The results indicated that, Pearson correlation coefficient of variation (CV) of rainfall and temperature against Irish potato production for period in 1991 to 2020 revealed high positive correlations for rainfall (r = 0.826) and high negative correlations for maximum temperature (r = -0.741) and very low negative correlations for minimum temperature (r = -0.2152). The study further outlined that, majority of the respondents, comprising about 90.2 % of the households in the study area, observed highly dry conditions, and only 48.9 % of the household respondents were able to observe low temperature occurrence in their area. From these findings, climate change and variability have an effect on Irish potato production and therefore affect food availability in Narok County. The study recommends that the agricultural extension agents, together with the Kenya Meteorological Department, should endeavour to inform and train farmers on the use of modern geographical information technologies. Moreover, farmers should be encouraged to intercrop Irish potatoes with other food crops to cushion them against climate change and variability. This will not only increase food security within their households but will also equip them with up-to-date information and therefore help them make informed decisions on Irish potato production. This will improve food security amid climate change and variability in Narok County.

Perceptions of Small-Scale Farmers and Extension Officers Towards the Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors in the Utilisation of Digital Technologies for Dissemination of Agricultural Knowledge

Jane Chepkemoi, Joash Keino Kibett, PhD, Cherotich Carolyne, PhD — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:11:24 +0200

In recent years, digital technologies have emerged as powerful tools to enhance communication, knowledge sharing and decision making in the agricultural sector. Various agricultural digitisation tools are used, including messaging on mobile phones, social media, use of specialised apps by extension officers and small-scale farmers in the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. However, limited research exists on specific perceptions, challenges and opportunities related to the adoption and utilisation of these tools amongst small-scale farmers and extension officers. Previous studies show that different extension approaches result in different adoption levels by farmers. The research was based on the perceptions of small-scale farmers and extension officers towards the use of digital tools in the dissemination of agricultural knowledge in Bomet County, Kenya. The study was guided by these objectives; to assess impact of socio-demographic factors on farmers’ and extension officers’ views on digital tools in agriculture, to compare perceptions of sustainability of digital tools among farmers and extension officers, to explore perception of farmers and extension officers on the constraints on digital tools’ utilization and to compare perspectives of farmers and extension officers on upscaling digital tools in agriculture in Bomet County, Kenya. Ex-posto-facto and comparative research designs were used in the study. A total of 246 respondents were sampled using multi-stage cluster sampling, with simple random sampling and an interview schedule and questionnaire were used to collect data. The data collected was organised and analysed using frequencies, percentages and means. The inferential statistics were analysed using Pearson’s correlation r, then presented in tables, bar charts, graphs and figures. The study concluded that socio-demographic factors greatly influenced digital adoption, highlighting the need for inclusive, well-designed interventions to support marginalised farmers. Policymakers should implement digital strategies that enhance access, provide relevant training, and deliver locally tailored content to meet the diverse needs of marginalised communities.

Revitalising Traditional Food Systems in Uganda: Restoring and Adapting Indigenous Food Storage and Preservation Methods for Improved Food Security in Rwampara District, Southwestern Uganda

Florence Munyonyo Asiimwe, Samuel Mukasa, Shadrack Natamba — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Traditional food preservation and storage methods play a crucial role in enhancing food security and reducing poverty in Uganda. However, modernisation and shifting dietary preferences have led to a decline in indigenous knowledge in food systems. This study explores the restoration, adaptation, and valorisation of traditional food preservation and storage methods in Kitunguru Parish, Rugando Sub-County, Rwampara District, in Uganda’s Southwestern Region. Through qualitative research, the study examined how methods such as smoking, sun-drying, boiling, steaming, and frying contribute to the prolonged shelf life of food, ensuring year-round availability and resilience against food scarcity. The findings highlight the socio-economic and cultural significance of these techniques, emphasising their potential to enhance food security, reduce dependency on expensive modern storage facilities, and promote sustainable livelihoods. By integrating indigenous knowledge with modern innovations, the study advocates for policy interventions and community-driven strategies to revitalise traditional food systems. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of preserving, storing, and adapting indigenous food practices and methods to foster resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable development in rural Uganda

Determinants of Dog Owners’ Willingness to Feed Their Dogs on Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Kenya

Susan Ngalo, Adrian Wekulo Mukhebi, Kenneth Otieno, Kevin Okoth Ouko — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:57:16 +0200

As the demand for sustainable pet food increases, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising alternative protein source. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the acceptance and viability of these advancements. This study investigated the willingness of dog owners in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya, to feed their dogs with BSFL-based diets. A cross-sectional survey involving 384 dog owners was conducted using snowball sampling. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were conducted, and data were analysed through binary logistic regression. Results showed that 72% of respondents expressed willingness to adopt BSFL-based feed, although 58.6% had no prior awareness of it. Key motivators included perceived nutritional benefits (70.83%), improved dog appearance (63.03%), and cost-effectiveness (65.11%). Significant predictors of willingness to feed included county of residence (OR = 6.909, p < 0.001), age (OR = 0.935, p < 0.001), employment status (OR = 0.269, p = 0.012), occupation (OR = 0.431, p = 0.009), perceived benefits (OR = 3.474, p = 0.001), and perceived risks (OR = 0.415, p = 0.018). Education level (p = 0.075) and household size (p = 0.062) were marginally significant. These findings emphasise the role of socio-economic and perceptual factors in shaping consumer acceptance. Public education campaigns, veterinary engagement, and strategic marketing are critical to enhancing uptake of BSFL-based dog food and advancing sustainable pet nutrition in Kenya.

An Assessment of the Safety of BSF Larvae Reared on Different Substrates for Use in Animal Feeds – Chemical Contaminants

Alex Herbert Msunje, Evans Nyakeri, Erick Okuto — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:40:36 +0200

The use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as a protein source for animal feed is gaining popularity. However, the safety of the larvae and the substrates used for rearing them has not been fully investigated, which is important for economic feasibility. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of BSF larvae and rearing substrates in Kenya by analysing chemical contaminants. To achieve this, the BSF larvae were reared on common production substrates, namely kitchen waste, fruit waste, and brewer's waste, in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Chemical contaminants such as cadmium, chromium, thallium, and lead were analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The data obtained were statistically analysed using the R statistical package version 4.0.5 and compared with recommended levels by KEBS, Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union (EU) standards. The study found that the larvae had lower levels of chemical contaminants (0.005±0.001 mg.kg-1 to 0.028±0.006 mg.kg-1) compared to the substrates used (0.008±0.0006 mg.kg-1 to 0.102±0.002 mg.kg-1). The average concentration of lead in BSFL was 0.0192±0.014 mg.kg-1 and 0.0391±0.037 for chromium. Cadmium was the only metal that showed an increase in concentration in the larvae reared on brewery waste (0.028±0.006) compared to larvae on other substrates. Based on the results, the study recommended the use of safe substrates such as kitchen and fruit waste for BSFL rearing.