Agriculture

Permanent URI for this collection

http://41.63.25.24:4000/handle/123456789/290

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 157

Agriculture In Zambia: The effects of feeding varying levels of diatomaceous earth on the perfomance of broilers
(The University of Zambia, 2008) Kayumu, Ramans
The broiler industry is rising in Zambia and smallholder farmers are participating in back- yard gardens. Feed is the highest cost in broiler production. The Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring inert material, which has proved to have various effects including improving growth rate of animals. A study to determine the effects of adding varying levels of DE to feed on performance of broilers was conducted for period of seven (7) weeks at the University of Zambia, School of Agricultural Sciences field station. In the study research, using the completely randomized design with six (6) treatments and four(4) replicates a total of 240 day -old Ross chicks non sexed were used. The birds were fed Broiler Starter Mash from National Milling Company Limited for four weeks and Broiler Finisher for three weeks. The feed was supplemented with DE levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% which was mixed with feed. Data on feed consumption, body weights and feed conversion ratio was collected and statistically analyzed. The data obtained revealed that there were no significant (p<0.05) differences in feed consumption, body weight and feed conversion ratio between all the treatments. The analysis of the Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR) revealed that more profit can be realized at 0% DE when birds are sold at same price regardless of weight .However if birds are sold on weight basis, the 2% DE inclusion is more profitable. The results on the organoleptic test indicated that DE inclusion in the diet has no effect on eating quality of broiler meat. It is, therefore, concluded that DE can be economically included at 2% on broiler ration.
''An analysis of agricultural policy process in Zambia
(2015-11-11) Sindano, Mutengo
Over the last decades, Zambia has been constantly carrying out and implementing agricultural policy initiatives that have been aimed at addressing agricultural constraints. However, its impact and the performance of agricultural sector have been unsatisfactory. Therefore, this study focused on identifying the players in the Agricultural Policy formulation, information flow from inception to the implementation level, and to identifying the bottlenecks hindering the formulation and implementation of agricultural policy and then offers policy recommendations. Qualitative method was used to collect data, which involved informal interviews with experts, and key informants in both informal and formal organisations using appropriately designed checklists directed at the employees or key informants in these organisations. Published and unpublished documents were also reviewed as sources of information. The data and information from the checklist was collated, compiled and synthesized into useful information From the results the major stakeholders identified in Agricultural Policy formulation process were MACO, ZNFU, Cabinet, Parliament, MCTI, MLA, MFNP, ZRA, ZCC, IC, donors and ZACCI. In addition, the phases in the agricultural policy formulation process are policy inception and implementation. Stakeholder Consultation, inter-Ministries Consultations, Cabinet Memorandum Review and Implementation. The study also identified the major bottlenecks, which affect the formulation of agricultural policy, and these are lack of co-ordination between ministries, conflicts of views, overlapping responsibilities of ministries, lack of resources and different stakeholders' groups. Therefore, for the government to improve the problems encountered in the policy process it must raise the quality of publicly funded research and extension services, as well as increasing the process of consultation to maximise farmers' participation in the policy formulation process, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
An analysis of factors that traders consider in determining the market price for common beans in Zambia's Lusaka district
(University of Zambia, 2012) Kaputo, Mwaba Clara
The common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are the second most important legume crop in Zambia and are mostly grown by small holder farmers in Zambia. Beans are a major and cheaper source of protein for both urban and rural people and are an important legume food crop which is widely consumed countrywide among most households especially the low income households. Farmers usually grow a wide range of bean varieties that vary tremendously in grain size, colour, and shape and plant growth habit. Over the years, a lot of effort has been put in research for development to improve bean varieties, so that farmers have access to better and more productive bean varieties. It is a known fact that farmers grow a wide range of varieties, and that part of their produce is sold in the markets, but very little is known about the criteria which are used to determine the market price and choice of certain bean variety in the market (Katungi et al 2006).A study was carried out in Lusaka district, aimed at analyzing the common bean characteristics that influence its market price. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors that traders consider in determining the market price for common beans in Lusaka district. The structured questionnaire was the primary instrument used for data collection and also informal interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS. Excel was used to organize Outputs. The results showed that the following characteristics were statistically significant (at 95% confidence level) and have an influence on the market price for beans included: level of Education (P= 0.04); because the trader has market information. Cooking Time (P=0.029); this is because consumers prefer beans that take less time to cook than the one that takes long time to cook, Size of beans (P=0.02); because consumers preferred medium size beans to the large size beans and Colour of the Testa (P=0.0I7); because of customer preferences. These findings have several implications. In terms of seed breeders, these results may help them to improve on the characteristics such as short cooking time, medium size and dull colour of common beans which have a significant influence on price. Farmers should be educated about the varieties with characteristics which consumers look for so as to fetch high price for profit maximisation. Traders who want to make more profit should be selling beans with characteristics such as short cooking time, medium size and dull colour of the testa.
Analysis of supply response of cotton farmers to changes in cotton prices in Zambia
(The University of Zambia, 2013) Mpiya, Chembo A.K.
Cotton is one of the major cash crops produced in Zambia. It is mostly produced by small scale farmers on contract basis with the ginners. There are over 180,000 small scale cotton farmers. However, there is no local market for the cotton that is ginned. Therefore, ginners export almost all the cotton that is produced in the country. The resulting effect is that the cotton sector is highly affected by exogenous factors such as world market price, prices of substitutes for cotton which are not produced in Zambia as well as policies in cotton sectors of larger countries. Thus prices usually fluctuate and these fluctuations result in fluctuations of national cotton production levels. This study's aim is to analyze the responsiveness of cotton farmers to prices in cotton and the significance of other non-price factors that affect cotton production. This analysis is essential to ensure that the sector does not collapse as it is a source of income for many. This information is important in setting prices to ensure that farmers continue producing cotton. The study is based on two basic economic concepts which are supply elasticity and the basic theory of the production function of the firm. Supply response analysis is based on the Nerlovian model. It uses secondary data collected from CSO and IMCS collected in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The study revealed that the most influential non-price factor is how much cotton is sold in the current year which increases land allocation to cotton by about 40%. Other factors that affect allocation of land to cotton negatively include unavailability of farming implements to farmers, amount of land allocated to other farm products, significance of farming income in total house hold income. A unit increase in any of these factors reduces land allocated to cotton by2%, 2.2% and 6% respectively. The strength of the effect of price was revealed to inconsistent as it was observed through calculation of supply elasticity that cotton supply elasticity was in some years elastic and in others not. It is strongly recommended that farmer input loans include farming implements such as tractors and installation of irrigation systems to increase productivity thus reducing responsiveness to changes in price.
An analysis of the causes and effects of maize grain postharvest losses in Zambia's Kafue District
(University of Zambia, 2012) Zulu, Chawanzi
Maize (Zea mays) grain losses contribute to food insecurity and low farm incomes not only in Kenya, but also in Sub-Saharan African countries (Compton, 1992; Azu, 2002; Republic of Kenya, 2004). Therefore, efficient postharvest handling, storage and marketing can tremendously contribute to social economic aspects of rural communities in Zambia as stipulated in Vision 2030. The objectives of the study were to; determine the effect of maize postharvest losses on the availability of food to the farmers, Assess the effect of the losses on the price the farmers sell their maize and examine the social demographic characteristics of farmers that influence postharvest losses. It was hypothesized that postharvest losses reduce availability of food, low quality maize grain reduces the market price for the grain and demographic factors of the farmer influence postharvest losses. A total of 145 farmers to be interviewed were selected from the area. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and correlation methods. During the study it was noted that 83.4% of the losses were due to inadequate storage, 76.6% were due to inadequate transport, 70.3% of the losses were due to inadequate labour to help in postharvest handling and 35.2% of the losses were due to adverse weather. Among the factors found to have had a significant (at 95% confidence level) influence on maize postharvest losses were: level of education (P-value 0.04), distance from field to storage place (P-value=0.0235), inadequate labour (P-value=0.03), inadequate storage (P-value = 0.0116) and type of transport (P-value=0.0391) In view of the findings, it is recommended that both private and public invention should consider promoting programs that are aimed at teaching the farmers on proper maize storage and post-harvest handling so that the quantity of maize grain lost is reduced. I would also recommend that farmers are involved in Contract Farming and farmers form cooperatives so that they can build storage facilities near their field as to avoid losses that are incurred when transporting the grain for long distances
An analysis of the demand for quails in Zambia's Lusaka District
(University of Zambia, 2012) Moonga, Thomas
This study aimed to explore the level of consumption and analyze the factors responsible for the demand of Quail meat in Lusaka district. The demand for quails in Lusaka was investigated through interviews with 93 selected quail consumers by using structured questionnaires The respondent households consisted of 1 - 11 members (mean value = 4.68), with an average monthly income of K3.71 million per household. The consumption of quails varied by number of users and quantity consumed. On an average, a household consumed 2.79 kg of quail meat per month. The results of the analysis showed that low demand for quails is caused by the prices that are relatively high and the general lack of information about quails and there benefits. The econometrically estimated demand fiction suggests that the household income, household size, perception on price, and household food expense per month positively affects the demand for quail while medium and high density have a negative effect and all these effects are statistically significant at 5% level of significance. The effects of education level, price of quails, price of substitutes and taste did not turn out to be statistically significant. The demand was found to be price, income and cross price inelastic. This suggest that increase in own - Price, household income and price of substitutes cause less-than-proportionate increase in demand. In view of the findings, an improvement in the sensitization of people about quails is recommended. This could be achieved through advertising and promotion. Advertising and promotions will increase the market share and would be effective in recruiting more people as quail consumers. Secondly, relevant authorities should put in place policies that would raise people's buying power such as reducing income taxes, raising the minimum wage, and also raising wages and salaries. This in turn would stimulate people to demand more quails. Finally, it is also recommended that the study be replicated in other parts of Lusaka and other provinces of Zambia so that results can be generalized.
Analysis of the marketing efficiency of indegenous leafy vegetables(ILV)in Zambia: A case study of Soweto Market in Lusaka
(University of Zambia, 2012) Chipilipili, Given
It is a known fact that smallholder farmers are the major producers of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) and other crops in this country. Various characteristics of these crops merit their high nutritional value, medicinal properties and low costs of production. However, farmers have cited lack of access to markets and uncoordinated market linkages among supply chain participants as the major marketing challenge regarding trade in these crops. This has led to low production of these crops, because it is the market that drives production. Most studies have looked at agriculture marketing policies, with maize markets as the focus of research while neglecting other crops. This study was carried out in Lusaka district, and it was aimed at analyzing the marketing efficiency of ILVs and the factors that affect the marketing margins in Zambia. The objectives of the study were to assess the structure I LV markets, identify the marketing channels, measure the marketing margins and identify factors affecting marketing margins at each level of marketing. The structured questionnaire was the primary instrument used for data collection and also informal interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS. Excel was used to organize Outputs and Stata was used to estimate the model using the multiple regression. The results showed that the market system of I LV was competitive and this was determined by the CR8 value of 14%. The farmer's share was determined at 83%) showing that the market was efficient as just a small amount went into the marketing system. Factors that were considered affecting the marketing margins included age, level of education, household size, distance to the nearest market, farm size, extension services, access to credit and quantity traded. Household size (P-values = 0.017, 0.014, 0.019 for amaranthus, pumpkin leaves and sweet potato leaves respectively), access to credit (P-values = 0.03, 0.06, 0.08 for amaranthus, pumpkin leaves and sweet potato leaves respectively) and quantity traded for sweet potato leaves (P-value = 0.10) were identified as being statistically significant in explaining the marketing margins at 95% confidence level. It is therefore recommended that effective linkages between producers, retailers and consumers be strengthened. Thus, it is important that the government create and improve access to markets and providing linkages so as to have ready markets. Extension service provision should also be considered as it can improve the effectiveness of this industry as it has the potential to increase smallholder incomes.
An analysis of the Sorghum-based opaque value chain in Zambia
(University of Zambia, 2012) Adwoko, Faith M.
Sorghum is a grain crop well adapted to intermittent drought and largely grown in Africa. Four marketing channels identified for it include: food processing; beer brewing; feed processing and energy production. A large proportion of sorghum processed in Africa goes into opaque beer processing. A detailed view of the sorghum opaque beer value chain is looked at in this study using Porter's model of value chain analysis. This was done through: an assessment of the key players, their functions and the value added at each stage; establishing the amount of locally produced sorghum entering the chain and; identifying rules and regulations as well challenges and opportunities faced by the actors in the chain. The results showed that the main stakeholders in the chain are the breweries who manufactured the product; the distributors who took up the role of transportation of the opaque beer from the breweries to the retailers and; the retailers who in their outlets sold the beer to the end consumers and also provided sources of entertainment. The traders and small scale farmers played a smaller role in the chain in comparison to the main stakeholders, supplying only 24 percent of the 850.4 metric tons of the sorghum malt used in the industry, while 74 percent came from South Africa and 1 percent from Mozambique. It was noted that the breweries produce an approximate total of 60,434,320 Litres of opaque beer in a year, of which 55,102,320 litres is sorghum-based opaque beer and 5,332,000 is opaque beer without sorghiun. Gross margin analysis revealed that the breweries exhibited the highest margins for the different types of opaque beer i.e. packaged sorghum opaque beer - K2068/L of output, unpackaged sorghum opaque beer - K372/L of output and unpackaged sorghum opaque beer - K492/L of output. The most common product sold by both distributors and retailers was Shake Shake produced by National Breweries. Vertical and horizontal linkages in the chain were all strong with the exception of the horizontal linkages for breweries. Most of the rules and regulations in the industry deal with hygiene and price setting by breweries. The major challenges faced by almost all actors of the chain, i f not all, that should be addressed include poor information flow in the chain and delays in distribution. The opportunities of this chain include improved quality through sorghum use and expected growth in the industry. It is recommended that a commodity broker or bulking point be established that channels sorghum or malted sorghum from the small holder fanners to the breweries. A lesson on how to do this could be learnt from Pence Brewery that obtains its sorghum locally and contributions from the other breweries in the chain. It is also recommended that a forum should be created to improve horizontal linkages for breweries and enhance flow of information and access to technology, thereby boosting the productivity o f the chain as a whole.
Anther culture of Finger Millet(Eleusine Coracana)
(2015-11-11) Bowa, Chiluba
A study was conducted at the University of Zambia tissue culture laboratory, School of Agricultural Science (Crop Science Department) from March to September 2002. The objectives of the study was to establish which growth media was most suitable for anther culture of Nyika variety of finger millet. The other objective was to establish the optimal number of days of pre shock treatment which gives the highest response. Anther response was the proportion of microspores that survived and developed from the inoculated anthers. These grew into muticellular filamentous structures with cells actively dividing with less the diploid number of chromosomes. The importance of the study is that anther culture provides a method for the production of homozygous lines over the course of a few months, rather than the several generations required using conventional whole plant techniques .The resulting haploid plants are homozygous and breed true.Three different media namely N6 ,NN and MS and pre shock treatment of duration 0, 4 ,8 and 12 days were evaluated for anther culture response. Anther response varied with pre shock treatment. The combination of N6 and 4 day pre shock treatment gave the highest response . The results are indicative of the possibility of growing finger millet from pollen following further improvement in pollen culture conditions. The resultant homozygous plants with desirable traits could be selected as elite lines or used for further crop improvement to produce superior finger millet varieties.
Antioxidant effect of selected edible plant extracts on performance of broiler performamnce of broilers
(University of Zambia, 2012) Phiri, Mwape Thomas
Edible plants contain biologically active compounds that have antioxidant capacity; these biologically active compounds are distributed in leaves, roots stems and fruits. Among other uses of biologically active compounds, they have been used in broiler production for improving weight gain and for their medicinal properties. The experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of antioxidant properties of selected edible plants on performance of broilers. Seven edible plants (Bidenspilosa, Ficussycomorus, Cleomegynandra, Solanumaethiopicum, Hibiscus meeiusei , Opuntia vulgaris and Piliostigmathonningii) that are also used as medicinal plants were selected, of which three plants were used in broiler trials (Cobb 500) after screening for total antioxidant capacity. The experiment was conducted at the University of Zambia, School of Agricultural Sciences over a period of six weeks. The experiment was done in a completely randomized block design with 7 treatments. Six treatments were Ficussycomorus, Cleomegynandra andOpuntia vulgaris plant parts preserved in each of alcohol and vinegar. The control had no plant extract. There were three replications of each treatment. Differential white blood cell count was done on blood collected at 43 days of age. No significant differences (p<0.05) were found among the treatments for mean live weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio at 43 days of age. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in heterophil levels but not basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.
An Assessment of Factors Affecting Food Security Among Small Holder Farmers in Zambia's Chibombo District
(The University of Zambia, 2011) Maguswi, Busiku
Food security is a basic need of every liousehold. Most of the staple food and other foods consumed in the urban are mainly produced by smallholder farmers. The main objective of this study was to assess the factors that affect food security among smallholder farmers in Chitanda. The hypothesis was that smallholders are vulnerable to food insecurity despite collectively producing most of the food consumed by the majority of the population. The explanatory variables considered were age of household head, sex of household head, education level, household size, off-farm income, farmer input support, size of land owned, production assets, access to nearest surface road, storage chemicals and cooperation in acquisition of inputs with the dependent variable being food security. A total of 150 smallholder farmers were sampled and interviewed using a self administered questionnaire. The data was coded and entered using SPSS.A probit regression analysis, ran in STATA, was used to explain the relationship between food security and the independent variables by use of marginal effects. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R-squared), the proportion of variation in dependent variable explained by independent variables was 22%. The model also showed that farming experience, input support, household size and production assets were important in contributing to food security among households. Holding other variables constant, a one year increase in the farming experience would increase the probability of food security by 3%. Likewise, holding other variables constant, an increase in household size by one member would increase the probability of food security by 5%. A percentage increase in assistance with farm input support would increase the probability of food security by 2.3% and a percentage increase in production assets would increase the probability of food security by a small margin of 0.73%. Extension education should be directed towards encouraging the smallholder households to engage in income generating activities to increase their financial security as well as food security. Similar future studies should be done with larger sample sizes as well as using multi-method approaches in both data collection and analysis.
Assessment of factors affecting the adoption of minimum tillage practices in Sinazongwe district
(t, 2008) Mungaila, Brandy
The main objective of this study was to assess the factors that affect the adoption of minimum tillage practices in Sinazongwe District in Southern Province of Zambia. The study was based on sample survey data from the District. A Tobit analysis was used to identify the factors that motivate the level and intensity of adoption of Minimum tillage practices in the district. The article considers explanatory variables like the level of education of the household head, the household size, age of the household head, the sex of the household head, the marital status of the household head, total value of assets, farm size, dependence ratio, total area cultivated in ha, distance to the main road, access to credits, access to incentives, access to technical advice and livestock ownership. The results showed that adoption of Minimum tillage in the District is explained by farm size, household size, the age of the farmer, level of education of the household head and livestock ownership. The findings revealed that a household's decision to adopt Minimum tillage is significantly responsive to farm size (p-value = 0.017), household size, (p-value = 0.005), the age of the farmer (p-value = 0.036), level of education of the household head (p-value = 0.054), and livestock ownership (p-value = 0.013). These are the factors that the extension agents ought to consider as they diffuse the information about the adoption of this technology. Minimum tillage is an essential technology to improving the food security of smallholder farmers as well as providing a sustainable way of earning income. Extension education should emphasize the importance of the technology by explaining its several agronomic and economic benefits to the farmers. The government should introduce simple implements such as Magoye ripper at a reasonable cost so that farmers with smaller household sizes can use them. This would increase the adoption rates of the technology for it is labour intensive.
An assessment of factors affecting Women's participation in income generation activities in Chongwe District
(University of Zambia, 2009) Zulu, Mabvuto F.
This paper analyses factors affecting women participation in income generating activities in Chongwe. The factors affecting women participation in income generating activities can be examined using the probit model regression. Household size showed a negative and statistically significant relation implying less work outside the home by farm wives as the size of the farm household increases. Distance to the nearest off-farm was statistically significant and had a positive sign. This means that as distance to the nearest off-farm IGA increases, the probability that women will participate increases at a decreasing rate. Income earned by women is positively statistically significant. However, the coefficient is too small but this reveals that as income of the women increases, there is a likelihood that women participation will also increase. Both husband education and that for the women are statistically significant. The positive sign on the coefficient of women education shows that as the education level of women increases, there is a likelihood that their participation will also increase. Land ownership shows a negative correlation between women and their participation. These findings show that female members of farm households are likely to participate in IGAs if their education is improved. Women should also be encouraged to own land as this showed that land play a role in the decision of females to participate. There should also be an investment in infrastructure that can facilitate women's mobility outside the household as well as can reduce the burden of domestic work. Such infrastructure should include feeder roads which may make it easier for the females to reach and market their produce.
An assessment of small-scale farmers' entrepreneurship skills in Zambia's Chongwe District
(University of Zambia, 2012) Mundia, Moonga Andrew
The main objective of this study was to determine entrepreneurship skills and development levels among small scale farmers. It is based on sample survey data from Chongwe district of Lusaka Province of Zambia. Collected data was analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate descriptive statistics. Frequency distribution tables were generated to calculate each response as a percentage of the total responses available for a particular question. The study considered characteristics of the-beneficiaries such as the level of education, experience in farming, gender and age. In terms of the entrepreneurship skills that were used to assess the farmers' entrepreneurship skill development level, most farmers considered themselves that they were moderately skilled in networking and utilising contacts (47.8%) followed by creating and evaluating a business strategy (46.7% ). Recognizing and realizing opportunities was the least among the three listed entrepreneurial skill that farmers (27.2%) indicated were moderately skilled. However, indications were also that majority (41.3%)) farmers considered themselves being somewhat skilled in recognizing and realizing opportunities, when asked how important they considered these skills. The highest responses were obtained with regard to skills pertaining to both networking and utilising contacts; and creating and evaluating a business strategy. Each of which was rated very important by majority farmers (46.7%) i.e. for each one) In view of the findings, it is recommended that government should introduce direct incentives in order to encourage farmers to take advantage of existing education and extension offers or participate in projects for youth entrepreneurs. Furthermore, offer more entrepreneurship skills promotional activities aimed at enhancing existing skills
An assessment of the effects of diversification policy in Zambia
(University of Zambia, 2012) Phiri, Emmanuel
Diversification of farming is very useful investment to mitigate risk, an engine for ensuring food security and assured sustainable incomes to farmers. This present study was conceived to assess the efficiency of maize and sorghum production, hence shedding light on the efficiency of crop diversification policy in Zambia. Two competitive crops (maize and sorghum) are selected to assess the efficiency of production using a modified policy analysis matrix (PAM) approach. The findings suggest that Zambian trade and domestic policies aimed at achieving both food security and crop diversification through high procurement price and heavy subsidization of inputs in maize production have induced major inefficiencies in crop diversification. The study revealed through three key policy analysis indicators that sorghum production is efficient (DRC= 0.03) comparable to maize production (DRC= 0.87). Maize private price is 10.8 percent above social price (NPC= 1.08), and sorghum private price is 6.1 percent below social price. Also, maize producers enjoy heavy subsidy of 10.3 percent (EPC= 1.03) for their value added whereas sorghum producers face a net tax of around 6.1 percent (EPC= 0.61) for their value added. This indicates positive incentives for maize producers which is a cost on national budget given that domestic resource utilization is inefficient (DRC= 0.87) as compared to sorghum production (DRC= 0.03) In that regard, it is recommended that diversified farming should be implemented through Private-Public Partnerships to reduce on costs that impede sorghum production growth.
An assessment of the factors affecting farm record keeping among small scale farmers in Zambia's Chibombo District
(University of Zambia, 2012) Mulanda, Stephen M.
Record keeping is an important practice in the farm of business and the farm business is not an exception. Proper record keeping on the farm can help bring rationalization and increase profits.This research was aimed at assessing the factors affecting farm record keeping; to do this a probit model was used to determine the significance of each of the independent variables. This was done in STATA. A number of descriptive statistics was also generated to describe the characteristics of the target population.A cross section research design was used, i.e. data was collected at one point in time in Chibombo district of the central province of Zambia. The research found out that farm record keeping is dependent on; Farming experience (p=0.000), farming experience was found to be positively related to record keeping, this implies that, the more experience a farmer has the more likely it is that a farmer will keep records.Farm size (p=0.000),Farm size was found to be directly related to record keeping; the larger the farm size the more likely it is that the farmer will keep records. Crop income (p=0.003), Crop income was found to be directly related to record keeping; the larger the crop the more likely it is that the farmer will keep records; marital status of the household head (p=0.081),Marital status of the household head was found to be negatively associated to farm record keeping; compared to single parent headed married household heads were more likely to keep records, this sums up because married household head may need to keep records as production decisions in the household are not made independently .Education level of the household head {p=0.068),The influence of education on record keeping was found to be positive, this was as expected, as more educated household heads are able to read, write and comprehend the importance of record keeping in the farm business and hence are more likely to keep records. Age of the household head (p=0.070). It also showed that farm record keeping does not depend on the receipt of government subsidies and on total household assets. The study therefore recommends that the level of education of the farmers should be improved, this enables farmers to read and write, government also should encourage the youth to engage in agricultural production as young people in this research have been found to be more likely to keep records.Finding ways of increasing the income of farmers is one important variable that can help increase record keeping among small scale farmers. The government can do so by encouraging farmers to sell their products, i.e. developing a proper marketing system.Finally this research recommends that regular training should be conducted in order to improve record keeping practice in the long run, this will enable farmers appreciate the importance of record keeping in bringing rationalization and improving profits in the farm business.
An assessment of the factors that affect profitability of Cassava in Zambia's Chongwe District
(University of Zambia, 2012) Banda, Mabvuto
A study was carried out in Chongwe District, aimed at determining the factors that affect the profitability of cassava in Zambia. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors that affect profitability of cassava production and determine the extent to which these factors identified influence profitability of cassava in Chongwe District. The structured questionnaire was the primary instrument used for data collection and also informal interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS. SPSS was used to organize Outputs. Estimates of the parameters p and o were obtained using muhiple linear regression models. Factors that affect profitability were identified and some showed positive correlation and others showed negative correlation to the profits of cassava production.These factors were identified from the results of the regression which was done in SPSS. Factors which showed the positive correlation to the factors that affect profitability are the level of education with the (P=0.00), farm size with (P=0.00), Variety of cassava cultivated with (P=0.01), access to credit with (0.02) and extension service with (0.02) these were statistically significant at 95% confidence level.Factors which showed negatively related to profits are the age of the farmer with (P=0.01), Household size with (P=0.04). These also were statistically significant at 95%o confidence. In line with the findings, i would recommend that Government should employ more extension workers so as to be able to reach out to each and every farmer on a regular basis; also the private sector in partnership with the government should set up some financial institution to provide credit.
Assessment of the impact of participatory village development in isolated Area (Pavidia) in Kapatu block of Mporokoso District
(The University of Zambia, 2015) Silwimba, Njivwa Pephias
The study was conducted in Mporokoso District to assess the impact of the Participatory Village development in Isolated Areas. The study aimed at assessing the difference between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the project in terms of food security and income improvements. Information from both secondary and primary sources was used and analyzed in descriptive analyses of SPSS. The study revealed that most of respondents had low education levels for which their average level was primary education. Majority of the non-beneficiaries had 2 meals per day representing 63.3% while beneficiaries had 3 meals per day representing 70.0%. 63.3% of non-beneficiaries did not have enough food per meal whereas 83.3% of the beneficiaries had enough food per meal. Further, it was found that 41.7% of non-beneficiaries and only 20.0% beneficiaries had some shortages of food for the past 3 years of their living. Income levels for the respondents was assessed and it was found that most non-beneficiaries earned below 2,500ZMK in comparison with beneficiaries who earned between 2,500 to 5,000ZMK for the last 12 months. Assessment on value of assets revealed that most non-beneficiaries owned assets worth 1,750ZMK and beneficiaries had asset value worth 2,780ZMK on average per household. The houses of most respondents were thatched and built with local materials. However 13.3% non-beneficiaries and 45.0% beneficiaries lived in iron roofed houses built with burnt bricks. These findings were tested to note any significant difference among respondents using Pearson Chi square statistical tests at 95.0% confidence level in descriptive statistics of SPSS and results proved that PaViDIA had an impact on beneficiaries. PaViDIA improved beneficiaries food security and income in Kapatu Block, thus it is recommended that PaViDIA or any participatory related Projects should be introduced in many other isolated areas of Zambia.
Assessment of the impact of the seed policy in research and training in seed systems among private sector Institutions
(University of Zambia, 2009) Simukondo, Coilard S.
In 1991, the Zambian government embarked on the liberalization of the economy including the agricultural sector. This meant that Zambia also shifted from the reliance of the public enterprises in the seed business and directed more interest towards private sector participation in both seed processing, marketing and variety development. By the year 2000, quite a number of private seed companies were operating in the country. However, these changes were taking place without a coherent policy to guide the performance and interests of players in the seed business. It is for this reason the National Seed Industrial policy and the National Agricultural policy were formulated in 1999 and 2004 respectively. To date, there hasn't been an impact assessment of private sector participation in research and training in seed systems. Therefore, this study was carried out to specifically establish the number of private companies currently involved in research in seed systems (that is in plant breeding and variety development) and also assess the policy environment. In the study, both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected by way of questionnaires and open interviews from both private, NGOs and Public sector institutions that included SCCI, (ZARI secondary data), SEEDCO, ZAMSEED, MRI, Kamano, Pannar, Hygrotech, Crop Serve, (ZASTA secondary data), ACF, Caritas Zambia and ZNFU. In the study Seven (7) private companies were captured of which Three (3) were involved in seed processing, multiplication and marketing and Four (4) were actively involved in plant breeding and variety development plus seed processing, multiplication and marketing. In terms of training breeders. Four (4) indicated that they were not involved in any training of plant breeders and this represented 57% and the remaining Three (3) said they did train their own breeders representing 43%. All the seed companies have trained seed quality certifier personnel with SCCI who can carry out various seed quality control tests. The production of certified seed was found to have increased in the 2005/06 season, from 8512 metric tones of maize seed produced in 2000/01 season to 30587 metric tones representing an increase of 260%. A review of the varieties developed/released by the private sector from 1992 to 2007 showed an increase in the total number of varieties released by the private sector to 96 varieties developed. The number of private seed companies involved in research and variety development has increased from three in 1998 to five as of 2008, representing a 66% increase. This has been necessitated by the coherent seed policy framework that was put in place to provide the environment necessary for both private and public sector initiatives. The policy has seen changes were the government's role is not only in monitoring and regulating the seed industry, but also encouraging private sector participation in quality control and certification through licensing.
An assessment of the outreach of microfinance Institutions to Rural Women in Zambia
(University of Zambia, 2014) Kalasa, Chanda M.
The objective of this study was to assess the outreach of microfinance institutions to rural women in Zambia in terms of, services provided, number of female and male clients, and availability of women tailored product designs and programme approaches. The findings can not only be used by microfinance institutions to give valuable business and social information to improve outreach and service to women but it can also give government an insight leading to the building of a gender perspective into agricultural policies and projects The study assessed six (6) of major microfinance institutions providing services on the rural market. Key informant interviews at each of the institutions were carried out using a semi-structured interview guide. Findings revealed that a large proportion of the rural population still remains to be served as none of the MFIs operated in Luapula and Muchinga provinces. Most of the institutions have taken affirmative action on lending to more women because they are generally poorer than men and more vulnerable. Results indicated that 63.5% of women were being served compared to 34.5% of men. However, despite the yearly increase in total client numbers, the proportion of women clients decreased, this can be attributed to the MFIs search for better financial returns. A l l of the respondent MFIs did not require the signature of a man for a woman to be able to apply for a loan. The study revealed that group loans were popular amongst women firstly because there is no collateral involved, and secondly because it makes them feel more secure in case of default. None of the reviewed institutions offered women tailored products or programme approaches, which is necessary in order to efficiently serve women. Based on the research findings it is recommended that the proven business case for targeting female borrowers must be emphasized, while at the same time strengthening MFI strategies for reaching women. In addition, MFIs should tailor product specifications, such as loan amounts and repayment schedules to cater for the diverse needs of women clients. Women's groups should also be utilized to promote and strengthen women's networks and not merely as a means of lowering costs.