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Research Article
Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia
Bonsa Fentale Jilo*
,
Desta Negayo Komicha,
Gemeda Terfassa Fida
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
153-160
Received:
19 June 2026
Accepted:
14 July 2026
Published:
29 September 2026
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability ...
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Research Article
Factors Influencing the Participation of Smallholder Rice Farmers in Agricultural Programs in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State
Obot Akaninyene*,
Eze MaryAnn,
Okechukwu Frances
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
161-170
Received:
28 January 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20261505.12
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Views:
Abstract: This study examined the determinants of the Level of Participation among smallholder rice farmers in agricultural programmes in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 rice farmers from five communities. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and participation levels, while multiple regression analysis was applied to identify the factors influencing participation. The findings reveal that participation is a multi-dimensional behavioral outcome shaped by the interaction between farmers’ internal capacities and external environmental conditions. Socio-economic factors such as educational qualification, age, income, farm size, and household size represent the foundational drivers of farmers’ readiness to engage in agricultural programmes. However, institutional and spatial factors including access to credit, availability of funds, access to extension services and information, and distance to programme centres significantly moderate the level of participation. In particular, limited financial resources and long distances to programme centres were identified as major structural constraints that reduce effective engagement. The regression results confirmed that while human capital enhances participation potential, institutional support and geographical proximity determine actual involvement. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated Socio-Spatial-Institutional framework, which empirically demonstrates how geographical distance and financial barriers can offset strong socio-economic capacity. The study recommends decentralizing programme centres, expanding accessible credit facilities, and strengthening extension services to enhance and sustain farmers’ participation in agricultural programmes.
Abstract: This study examined the determinants of the Level of Participation among smallholder rice farmers in agricultural programmes in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 rice farmers from five communities. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descrip...
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Research Article
Factors Affecting Technical Efficiencies in Maize Production Among Smallholder Farmers in Uasin Gishu County and Transzoia Counties in Kenya
Nickson Kiprotich Kimais*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
171-180
Received:
6 August 2025
Accepted:
21 August 2025
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20261505.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Maize is a crucial crop for food security and economic stability in Kenya, especially in key maize-producing regions like Uasin Gishu and Transzoia counties. Despite their potential, maize yields in these counties remain significantly below optimum levels—averaging 400,000 and 600,000 metric tons respectively, against potentials of 900,000 and 1,000,000 metric tons indicating technical inefficiencies in resource utilization. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting technical efficiency in maize production among smallholder farmers in Uasin Gishu and Transzoia counties. The study employed a survey research design, using a sample of 274 farmers selected through stratified random sampling from a target population of 16,300. Data was collected via structured self-administered questionnaires, measuring factors such as education, farm size, access to extension services, and input use. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including frequencies, percentages, and means. The results showed that technical efficiency among farmers ranged from 0.75 to 0.91, with inefficiencies attributed to inadequate access to modern inputs, limited education, and insufficient extension services. These findings suggest that productivity could be improved by up to 25% if technical inefficiencies are addressed. The study recommends policy interventions focused on improving access to modern farming inputs, expanding extension services, and enhancing farmer education to boost maize productivity and enhance food security in these counties
Abstract: Maize is a crucial crop for food security and economic stability in Kenya, especially in key maize-producing regions like Uasin Gishu and Transzoia counties. Despite their potential, maize yields in these counties remain significantly below optimum levels—averaging 400,000 and 600,000 metric tons respectively, against potentials of 900,000 and 1,00...
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