Agricultural Sciences

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Adoption,impact and spatial diffusion of conservation farming among the small-scale farmers in Chipata District: The case of Southern agricultural farming block
(2013-11-06) Phiri, Kenneth
Since 2006 the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) of the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has been promoting Conservation Farming (CF) in Chipata District among the Small-scale Farmers (SsF) and in 2008 the Government of the Republic of Zambia also stepped up the promotion of CF among the small-scale farmers. The aim of this study was to find out the channels of communication through which the SsF received CF messages and the extent of the adoption of CF in the Southern Agricultural Farming Block of Chipata. The objectives of the study were to: (i) find out the rate of adoption of CF and CF practices by the SsF, (ii) examine the impact of CF among the SsF in the study area. (iii) Identify barriers to adoption of CF among the SsF and (iv) to determine the spatial pattern of adoption of CF in the study area. Data were collected by interviewing a sample of SsF and some key informants who included CFU Officers, the District Agriculture officer, Agriculture Extension Officers, Farmer Coordinators and Lead/Contact farmers. The analysis of quantitative data involved the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 11). Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Co-efficient and the Student’s t test were used to test correlations between age and adoption of CF, period of stay in the area and adoption of CF and the significant difference of maize production between basins and ridges respectively. Results revealed that there is a gradual increase in the rate of adoption of CF by the SsF in the Southern Agricultural Farming Block. However, it has also been noted that CF has impacted positively on the production of crops, particularly maize and cotton, by the small-scale farmers. Thus where farmers practised CF, they were able to harvest more crop than where conventional methods of farming were practised. In terms of the extent of diffusion, CF has covered the entire study area and this has taken place mainly through hierarchical diffusion. This was from CFU to Farmer Coordinators, to Contact farmers and finally to all small-scale farmers or from MACO to Agriculture Extension Officers, to Lead farmers and finally to all small-scale farmers. The prevailing situation in the Southern Agricultural Farming Block (SAFB) was that the small-scale farmers who adopted CF on one hand had also continued with conventional farming (Conv.F). However, the persistence of these conventional methods of farming and the Field Day Demonstration centre (FDD) (Mtenguleni) which is not at the mean travel distance to all farmers in the farming block and the unreliable maize market act as barriers to adoption of CF. In view of these findings the following recommendations were made:SsF should not base adoption of CF on what they are to be given by the promoters but on the benefits arising from practising it such as high production of maize; CFU should open up other Field Day Demonstration centres in the study area and Government should ensure that all Agriculture Camps (ACs) have Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) so that the ratio between the small-scale farmers and these officers is minimal in their respective catchment areas.
Agricultural change in Sesheke district of Western Zambia,1899-1964
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Muyunda, Sakwiba
Agriculture and food security are major themes in Zambia and the world over. The people of Sesheke district have depended on agriculture for many years. This dissertation discusses agricultural change in Sesheke district of Western Zambia from 1899 to 1964. The study focuses on the traditional food crops the people of Sesheke district cultivated from 1899 to 1964 as well as the change from sorghum and millet to maize cultivation. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of this change on the food security of the area under review. The dissertation argues that before maize was introduced in Barotseland by the Portuguese in the 1800s. The people of Sesheke district grew cereal crops such as sorghum and millet. Maize was grown alongside sorghum and millet when it was introduced in Sesheke district. It was from the 1950s when the people of Sesheke district started to grow more maize than sorghum and millet. The change was gradual such that at the time of independence in 1964 a considerable number of Sesheke farmers were still growing sorghum and millet. The dissertation demonstrates that a number of factors such as the availability of market for maize, colonial policies, bird attacks on sorghum and millet, introduction of ploughs and many others made the people of Sesheke district to change from sorghum and millet to maize cultivation. The change to maize production caused food insecurity at certain times because if maize failed, the farmers of Sesheke had no any other crop to depend on. Moreover, maize was susceptible to natural disasters such as drought and many others. The study further discusses various strategies used by the people of Sesheke in order to avert hunger, as well as the importance of cattle in ensuring food security. Some of the strategies include fishing which was also a normal economic activity, wild fruits, works such as road construction and maintenance were sources of income and many more. Key words: Agricultural change, traditional food crops and food security.
The Agroecology of Faidherbia Albida on the Tonga Plateau of Southern Zambia
(2010-12-07) Wahl, Trent Carl
Faidherbia Albida is a tree species indigeous to semi-arid regions of Africa that substantially increases maize(Zea mays)yields in its immediate vicinity.In southern province of Zambia,F.albida is widely used in indigeous maize farming systems and this has apparently increased over the past two decades.Using a combination of interviews,group meetings,and observations,this study developed a holon agroecological analysis of the contexts that have shaped past and current uses of F.abida by farmers on the Tonga Plateau:cattle,land tenure,maize,soil,and government agricultural policy.We observed a bimodal age distribution of the trees in agricultural fields and posit that the missing cohorts were removed as weeds as a result of evolving notions of what constituted modern farming practices in the merging maize economy.With subsequent research and social promotion of the beneficial effects of F.albida,farmers are now being encouraged to allow the trees to grow in thier fields.This advice took root in farmer knowledge contexts because of positive regard for F.albida and timeless injunctions against cutting mature specimens.This case study illustrates the use of holon agroecology to develop a rich appreciation of how evolving contexts have shaped farmers' behaviour in Southern Zambia.
The Agronomic effectiveness of Liquid Manure extracts derived from comfrey(Symphytum officinale)and tithonia( tithonia diversifolia).
(2011-01-27) Mambwe, Dina
Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate manure extracts and their effect on crop yield and selected soil chemical and microbial properties. For the green house study, comfrey and tithonia plant materials were each used at rates of 0.0625, 0.0935, 0.125 and 0.156 kg per litre of water. The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design. For the field studies, six combinations of comfrey and tithonia were used at 0 kg, 0.156 kg comfrey, 0.156 kg tithonia,0.0781 kg comfrey + 0.0781 kg tithonia, 0.117 kg comfrey + 0.0391 kg tithonia and 0.0391 kg comfrey + 0.117 kg tithonia per litre of water. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design two sites; Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) and Mount Makulu Agricultural Research Station (MARS) were used for the field studies, rape and tomato were used as test crops. Application of manure extracts increased biomass yield of rape to between 2.8g (DM) per pot(comfrey 0.0625 kg) and 12.79g(DM) per pot (tithonia 0.125kg). The leaf biomass increased with increased biomass of comfrey, while no particular pattern was observed for tithonia. Similarly, the application of manure extracts increased the biomass yield of tomato to between 6.67g (DM) per pot (comfrey 0.0625 kg) and 13.99g(DM) per pot(tithonia 0.0938 kg). Mixing of comfrey and tithonia residues in the preparation of their manure extracts resulted in increased tomato yield to between 5.2 tons ha-1(0.0391 kg comfrey +0.117 kg tithonia) and 9.5 tons ha-1( 0.156 kg comfrey) for KATC and 32.7 tons ha-1 (0.156 kg comfrey) and 40.2 tons ha-1 (0.156 kg tithonia) for MARS. Furthermore soil pH, P,K,Ca,Mg were positively influenced by the application of manure extracts. Although the extracts had high EC values, these did not have a drastic effect on the soil.
An assessment of nutritional knowledge, dietary practices and nutritional status of female students attending tertiary institutions in Lusaka, Zambia
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Muzeya, Mahamba Verity
University students tend to adopt unhealthy dietary practices when they move from a family home to attend school. Lack of quality foods can undermine health and wellness, leading to malnutrition and in the long run non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, malnutrition in women of reproductive age can increase risks of poor maternal health outcomes. Studies have shown that nutritional knowledge if implemented can lead to improved dietary practices and healthier lifestyles. It is observed that women are particularly affected by the nutrition transition, exemplified by a shift from traditional to globalized diets in urban populations. This study aimed at assessing the association between nutritional knowledge, dietary practices and nutritional status among female students aged 20- 35 years in three tertiary institutions of Lusaka. A total of 290 students participated, and a validated self – administered questionnaire consisting of students’ socio-demographic, nutrition knowledge and dietary practices was used. A food frequency questionnaire established individual students’ food intake. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) and MS Excel. Results indicated that the mean age for students was 22± 0.39 years. The median body mass index was 23.8 kg/m2 and interquartile range of 6.55 kg/m2. Students with normal body mass index were 53.8%, overweight and obesity were at 23.2 % and 15.5 % respectively, 7.42 % of students were underweight. The median waist circumference was 77cm with the interquartile of 14 cm, 83.8% had normal waist circumference and 16.2% had abdominal obesity. The mean nutritional knowledge score was 66.3% ±17. Students indicated that they obtained nutritional information from the internet followed by television. General dietary practices indicated that 62.1 % of the students exhibited poor dietary practices. Meal patterns before tertiary school and current meal patterns indicated that students had reduced eating breakfast, lunch and supper (p < 0.05), snacking on daily popcorn, potato chips and fruits was observead. There was no statistically significant ssociation between students’ nutritional knowledge scores and , asbody mass index well as with waist circumference. Further findings showed that there was no significant association between dietary practices and nutritional status of female students (p > 0.05). In conclusion, despite most students having a normal nutritional status, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was still notable. Also, despite students possessing adequate nutritional knowledge, they still exhibited poor dietary practices.
An assesment of factors affecting the performance of agroforestry farmer-to-farmer trainers in Chipata District
(2015-10-26) Manda, Julius
The main objective of this study was to assess the factors that affect the performance of Agroforestry farmer-to-farmer trainers in Chipata district. The study also attempted to establish the total number of farmers trained by the farmer trainers. The data used in the analysis was mainly primary data, which was collected through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Since this was cross sectional data, heteroskedasticity was tested using the Breush-Pagan-Godfrey (BPG) test and it was present at 5% level of confidence. Estimated Generalized Least squares (EGLS) method was used to correct for heteroskedasticity. The findings from the study revealed that the factors that affect farmer trainers training activities were farmer trainer house hold labour availability, number of years of being a trainer, sex of the farmer trainer and workshop attendance by the farmer trainer. An increase in amount of household labour available decreased the total number of farmers trained by the farmer trainer, implying a negative relationship. On the other hand a one-year increase in the number of years of being a trainer increased the total number of farmer trained by 21. Male farmer trainers trained on average 9 more farmers than female farmer trainers. The farmer trainers who attended a workshop on average trained 13 more farmers than those who did not. The research results also showed that a total of 2435 farmers were trained out of which 49.6% were male and 50.4% were female. However, It was not out rightly concluded that male farmers are not interested in Agroforestry but this could be attributed to many factors, which may include males being out in town looking for paid jobs leaving women to take care of household activities including farming and other related activities such as Agroforestry. From these findings it was concluded that in order to improve the performance of farmer trainers the factors such as the number of years of being a trainer, sex of the farmer trainer, farmer trainer household labour availability and workshop attendance should be taken into consideration. In light of the findings of the study, some of the recommendations which were made included the need for further training to be given to the farmer trainers so that they can be conversant with new extension methods and technology, a further comprehensive study to look at the characteristics and views of farmers trained , the need to reduce the area covered by the farmer trainers to a manageable size to enable farmer's reach many farmers and also the need to work with experienced farmer trainers who can then train other farmers.
An assesment of the financial viability of investing in an animal drawn ripper
(2015-10-26) Hankuku, Choolwe
There are two types of conservation tillage methods commonly used in Zambia-planting basins for hand hoe farmers and ripping for farmers with access to animal draft power and implements. Maize, cotton, soyabean, sunflower and groundnuts are among the major crops grown by the rural households and were hence considered in this study. Ripping requires some investment into the ripper. Purchasing a ripper is an investment in which financial resources are laid out and the resulting benefits flow over the life span of the implement. There is no study that has been done to demonstrate that buying a ripper or plough by smallholder farmers is a profitable investment decision. This study has attempted to carry out an investment analysis to determine if it is financially viable for small holder farmers to buy the ripper or the plough.The study used secondary data from various sources. These data were analyzed using a mixed interger-programming model that was implemented using a c-plex solver in GAMS. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine which tillage method gave the optimal profit maximizing returns under various farmer situations.The results from the analysis suggested that the ripper is more profitable than the plough. It was found that it is optimal to grow sunflower and cotton using the ripper. The resultant net present worth of cropping enterprises over the estimated 10-year lifespan of the implement is K 12,804,308. (US $3,201) in the base scenario. The results from analysis further suggested that labor in certain months of the year was constraining. Results of the analysis also show that capital is a constraint to increased production.Since capital is a limiting resource, it is recommended that policy on agricultural credit should be formulated so that viable smallholder farmers can access credit in order to invest in implements like the ripper. It is also recommended that farmers should mechanize there operations with implements like the ripper in order to relax the labor constraint which most of them face.
Assessement and Genetic characterisation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Germplasm for leaf blight(Helminthosporium turcicum pass.)
(2011-03-17) Simelane, Victor B
Maize leaf blight caused by the fungus Helminthosporium turcicum (Exerohilum turcicum) is one of the constraints affecting maize production and thereby eroding income and food security in Zambia and the Southern African region. Maize leaf blight severity on susceptible varieties can range between 40-70% plant coverage and can reduce maize yields by up to 60% when infection is high. Six FI maize hybrids and their p2 populations were evaluated for leaf blight resistance in 2006 and 2007 at the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust, Chisamba, Zambia. They were artificially inoculation with the pathogen. Disease resistance parameters used to assess the disease included, disease severity scores, percent affected ear leaf area, number of lesions, lesion sizes, incubation periods, area under disease progress curve and apparent infection rates. From the FI'S evaluation, disease resistance parameters indicated that hybrids J34-2 and J34-4 were the most susceptible and J34-1 and J34-3 were most resistant hybrids respectively. All f-i populations showed continuous variation for leaf blight resistance. Variability parameters namely genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad sense heritability (h2b) and genetic advance (GA) as measured by the resistance parameters were used to determine the gene action for leaf blight resistance on individual populations. The variability parameters revealed that in populations J34-1, J34-2, J34-3 and J34-5 leaf blight resistance was under additive gene action, while in populations J344 and J34-6 they revealed that leaf blight resistance was under non additive gene action. In all cases genotypic correlations in general, were higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations, indicating little influence of the environment on any inherent association among the traits studied. Male flowering dates were found to be significantly but negatively correlated with most disease resistance parameters, indicating that such a trait could be used indirectly for the improvement of leaf blight resistance in maize. The inferences of the results of the present study and possible implications in maize breeding for leaf blight resistance have been discussed.
Assessing the potential of conservation agriculture to off-set the effects of climate change on crop productivity using crop simulations model (APSIM)
(University of Zambia, 2016) Mwansa, Besa, Fredrick
Agriculture in sub-Saharan African region has depended mainly on rainfall since 1990s and crop production has faced negative impacts of extreme climate events which are believed to be manifestations of long term climate change. In addition, maize (Zea mays L.) productivity has continued to decline over the past years from 2.5 tons ha-1 in 1964 to 1.5 tons ha-1 in 2013. This is largely due to continuous cultivation, often in mono-cropping with little or no inputs and absence of effective Conservation Agriculture (CA). A field experiment for this study was setup on the already established CA long-term trial at Msekera Research Station in Chipata Eastern Province of Zambia. The experiment comprised of different tillage techniques; zero tillage (dibble stick), minimum tillage (animal traction direct seeding), basins (Chaka hoe) and conventional practices (mouldboard ploughing and, ridges and furrow) that were compared on productivity maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental design used was a split plot with CA and CT treatments as main. During the 2014/15 season CA long-term trial was used with the above mentioned experimental design with fertilizer application rates of 165 kg ha-1 for Compound D (10N:20P2O5:10K2O) at planting and 200 kg ha-1 of Urea (46%N) with two (2) split applications. There was a significant difference of 1802 kg ha-1 on observed grain yield in 2014/15 season compared between Conventional Tillage (CPM2) ridge and furrow and Conservation Agriculture (DS-MC) treatments. CA treatments had maize leaves with greener phenological appearances from 24 to 60 days after planting (DAP). Agricultural Production Simulation Model (APSIM) was used to simulate the long-term effect of climate change on maize productivity using temperature rise at +1.0 oC, +2.0 oC, and +3.0 oC and rainfall increase and decrease of 11.3% as climate change scenarios. Calibration of APSIM model was done using Sc501 maize cultivar and data on soil N and water, bulk density, crop phenology, weather, and management information. While validation of model was done using crop phenology, soil water and N, Stover yield, and economic maize grain yield using long-term trials for 2014/15 season. Statistically, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRME) was used to assess the performance of the model and the prediction were 22.57% for maize grain yield and 8.6% for soil water results for both measured and simulated outputs and that represented fair to excellent performance of the model. On the contrary, the model over predicted the biomass yield compared to observed results with an average of 73% RMSE that represented poor performance of the model. Soil water simulation was used in this study in relation to crop yield. The model also predicted that 28 growing seasons out of 85 will have below average maize grain yield mostly to affect the conventional tillage practices. The APSIM model further simulated that crop yield will not be affected by decrease in rainfall but increase in temperature as a climate change scenario. In addition, the model simulated that decreasing annual rainfall by 11.3% as climate scenario increased maize grain yield under CA treatments by 4% (171 kg ha-1). While increasing temperature by 3.0 oC reduced maize grain yield by 31% (1278 kg ha-1) for CT treatments. Generally, results from both observed and simulated outputs revealed that CA increased crop yields, water infiltration and storage. Furthermore, the study proved that CA has the potential to off-set the effects of climate change on crop productivity both from measured observations and through crop simulations model.
Assessment of body fat content using bioelectrical impedance analysis in relation to body mass index among adults aged 18-55 years in tertiary institutions in Lusaka
(The University of Zambia, 2018) Kaunda, Augustine Chiba
Accurate measurement of body fat mass (BFM) is critical in assessing overweight and obesity that pause health implications of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The traditional commonly used method, body mass index (BMI) is not adequate to measure BFM because it does not account for body composition. Hence the study measured BFM and free fat mass (FFM) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in relation to BMI. This allowed for better estimation of human nutritional status and determination of misclassification when BMI method is used alone. A total of 247 participants, comprising 54% females and 46%males aged 18-55 years were selected from University of Zambia (UNZA), Chalimbana University (CHAU), Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) and Chongwe College of Education (CCE). Participants were further categorized into young adults aged 18-39 years (77%) and old adults aged 40-55 years (23%). Both measurements of BMI and BIA were taken in the morning following overnight fasting Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants while inferential statistics applied a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results showed Pearson correlation BMI and BFM (r=0.660), age BMI (r=0.372) and BFM (r=0.273), sex BMI (r= -0.273), and BFM (r=-676). The ANOVA and t-test associations for all parameters gave p<0.001. Age regression (coefficient =0.372 BMI; 0.273 BFM, p< 0.001) and sex effect (coefficient= -0.273 BMI; -0.676 BFM, p< 0.001) .Cross tabulation of World Health Organization (WHO) cut offs for BMI against BFM reviewed a difference of 82.2%. In all categories BFM values were higher than BMI and differences were significant (p<0.001), though correlated positively (r=0.660). As BMI increased BFM also increased. Both age and sex indicated significant influence on BMI and BFM whilst the correlation reflected positive for age and negative for sex. This study showed that BMI in relation to BIA underestimates BFM if used as a proxy which leads to misclassification of nutritional status. Increase in age translated into increased BMI and BFM. Lower BMI and BFM values were observed in men in relation to females and increased BMI and BFM in old adults in comparison with young adults. Thus BIA can be used to supplement BMI in diagnosis and management of problems associated with overweight and obesity. Key words: Body Fat Mass (BFM), Free Fat Mass (FFM), Body Mass Index (BMI), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Assessment of body fat content using bioelectrical impedance analysis in relation to body mass index among adults aged 18-55 years in tertiary institutions in Lusaka
(The University of Zambia, 2018) Kaunda, Augustine Chiba
Accurate measurement of body fat mass (BFM) is critical in assessing overweight and obesity that pause health implications of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The traditional commonly used method, body mass index (BMI) is not adequate to measure BFM because it does not account for body composition. Hence the study measured BFM and free fat mass (FFM) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in relation to BMI. This allowed for better estimation of human nutritional status and determination of misclassification when BMI method is used alone. A total of 247 participants, comprising 54% females and 46%males aged 18-55 years were selected from University of Zambia (UNZA), Chalimbana University (CHAU), Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) and Chongwe College of Education (CCE). Participants were further categorized into young adults aged 18-39 years (77%) and old adults aged 40-55 years (23%). Both measurements of BMI and BIA were taken in the morning following overnight fasting Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants while inferential statistics applied a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results showed Pearson correlation BMI and BFM (r=0.660), age BMI (r=0.372) and BFM (r=0.273), sex BMI (r= -0.273), and BFM (r=-676). The ANOVA and t-test associations for all parameters gave p<0.001. Age regression (coefficient =0.372 BMI; 0.273 BFM, p< 0.001) and sex effect (coefficient= -0.273 BMI; -0.676 BFM, p< 0.001) .Cross tabulation of World Health Organization (WHO) cut offs for BMI against BFM reviewed a difference of 82.2%. In all categories BFM values were higher than BMI and differences were significant (p<0.001), though correlated positively (r=0.660). As BMI increased BFM also increased. Both age and sex indicated significant influence on BMI and BFM whilst the correlation reflected positive for age and negative for sex. This study showed that BMI in relation to BIA underestimates BFM if used as a proxy which leads to misclassification of nutritional status. Increase in age translated into increased BMI and BFM. Lower BMI and BFM values were observed in men in relation to females and increased BMI and BFM in old adults in comparison with young adults. Thus BIA can be used to supplement BMI in diagnosis and management of problems associated with overweight and obesity. Key words: Body Fat Mass (BFM), Free Fat Mass (FFM), Body Mass Index (BMI), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
An assessment of maize marketing linkages:/ Case study of Chibombo District cooperatives
(2015-10-26) Kapapula, K. Paul
The overall focus of this study was to analyze the cooperatives maize marketing linkages in Chibombo District in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This meant finding out exactly how the farmers in the district sell their produce, specifically maize, and how they acquire the inputs. The study also analyzed the strengths, opportunities that can be taken advantage of within the market and weaknesses and threats that should be minimized in the maize market. The study went on further to analyze the relationship between the farmers in the district cooperatives and the market which is made up of several players including the government and the private sector.The findings were that most farmers prefer to sell their maize to millers; however there are also a good number of farmers who sell to other markets which include traders (individuals), FRA and export market including those who engage in batter system of trade. There are several strengths and opportunities which were identified during this study; this is not to say there were no weakness and threats in the way the market operates. These results are clearly outlined in a table under results and discussion. The relationship which is significant between farmers and the market is mainly on the output side whilst on the input side most small scale farmers deal with government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives-Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP). Cooperatives members failed to clearly state the benefits that they derive from being members of cooperatives but the main benefit that was prominent was input acquisition, and the few who sell outputs through cooperatives acknowledged indirect financial benefits through assistance offered in the marketing process. Overall the importance of cooperatives in the marketing of maize was appreciated.The recommendations are that measures to encourage cooperatives should be initiated such as Government giving loans to cooperatives and increasing the monitoring of use of these funds. Specific maize commodity policies should be put in place to avoid private individuals from taking advantage of the farmers. In addition, inspections of cooperatives to ensure that by laws are being followed should be frequent, say monthly. The district agriculture extension officers should be empowered to carry out this task. The organization of cooperatives should be a pre-requisite for any cooperative to be recognized as an institution and more storage facilities should be put up by the government in the district to encourage production.
Assessment of market participation and marketing channel choice of smallholder mixed bean producers in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2021) Chilimboyi, Kennedy
Food legumes are an important source of food and cash in developing countries such as Zambia. However, producers of food legumes, which includes mixed beans, continue to face market access challenges exacerbated by maize centric policies. This study evaluated market participation and further assessed factors that influence channel choice of markets among smallholder mixed beans farmers in Zambia. The study used secondary cross sectional data from the Rural Agricultural Livelihoods Survey (RALS) conducted by the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) in 2015. The sample used in the current study consists of 1,326 mixed beans producing households. The study used descriptives to characterize the mixed beans households by market participation and by marketing channel type. To evaluate factors influencing decision and extent of market participation, the study utilized the Heckman Two-Stage Model. The Multinomial Logit Model was used to assess the factors that influence the market channel choice of households. Factors that positively influenced market participation in the mixed beans market include education level of the household head, quantity of beans harvested, access to price information, being domiciled in Agro-ecological region III and net off-farm income. Being in Agro-ecological region I had a negative influence on market participation. The education level of household head, area planted, and quantity harvested had a positive influence on extent of market participation. The age of household head, adult equivalent, TLU and being in Agro-Ecological Region I negatively influenced the extent of participation. These results suggest policies aimed at capacity building to improve farmers’ production, including marketing and business skills, improving bean farmers’ access to price information is essential. Farmers sell mixed beans to four major marketing channels: small-scale traders, other households, retailers/marketeers and other buyers. Choice of the retailer/marketeer market outlet was influenced by the education level of household head, quantity harvested, access to price information, and access to extension services. Distance to the market and being in Agro-Ecological Region I had a negative influence on the choice of retailer/marketeer. Choice of the other households market outlet was influenced by net off-farm income, and being located in Agro-Ecological Region I. Growing other crops (Simpson Index of Diversity), area planted and quantity harvested negatively influenced choice of the other households market outlet. Education level, quantity harvested and net off-farm income had a positive influence on choosing the other buyers outlet. Being in Agro-Ecological Region I had a negative influence on the choice of other buyers market outlet. These results suggest policies aimed at improving price information access, extension service delivery system to enhance decision-making, and investment in rural road infrastructure to aid in accessing profitable markets for beans. Key Terms: Market participation, Extent of Participation, Marketing channel, Smallholder farmers
Assessment of pica and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Chelstone level on hospital and Mtendere clinic, Lusaka district, Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2022) Ngoma, Thelma
Pica prevalence rate among pregnant women is estimated to be about 52% to 86% in African countries. In Zambia, there is paucity of evidence on the prevalence of pica in the country despite the evidence in literature of harmful health outcomes for both mother and child. The aim of this study, was to establish the prevalence of pica and associated factors among pregnant women at Chelstone Level-one Hospital and Mtendere clinic, in Lusaka District in Zambia. The study was cross-sectional and utilized mixed methods in data collection and analysis. The study population included pregnant women aged 15 - 49 years. Data was collected using structured questionnaire which had sections for demographic and socio-economic characteristics and anthropometry. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured using a non-stretchable adult MUAC tape for pregnant and lactating women and the haemoglobin concentration was measured using the Abx-micros automated machine. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population. A chi-square test was conducted to establish the association between pica and various categorical variables including the haemoglobin levels and the women’s nutritional status. Logistic regression was conducted to establish factors that are independently associated with pica. A total of 372 pregnant women were interviewed in this study. Majority of the participants 48.7% (n=181) were between the ages of 26-35 years. Prevalence of pica in the present study was 38.2% (n=142). Soil [84.6% (n=120)} was the most consumed and favoured followed by ice {11.9% (n=17)}, charcoal {3.5% (n=5)} was the least consumed. Majority of participants indulged in their pica practice due to cravings {62% (n=88)}, sensory reasons such as the pleasant texture, taste, or smell {16.9% (n=27)}, for controlling nausea and vomiting {15.5% (n=22)} and others. There was no significant association between nutrition status, hemoglobin level and pica practice. However, logistic regression showed a statistically significant association between history of pica and pica practice (OR=0.169; 95%CI: 0.100-0.286; p=0.00). The study accentuates the need for health education and counselling on pica among pregnant women. Key words: Pica, Pregnant women, Nutrition status, Heamoglobin
Assessment of selected properties of mine tailings at the former Kabwe mine and their potential to support plant growth
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Mulenga, Mercy
Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were mined in Kabwe from 1904 to 1994, generating large quantities of solid mine waste. Among the solid wastes, were tailings from the leach plant which are now an environmental concern because of their high contents of Pb, Zn and other potentially toxic metals. To prevent contamination of the environment surrounding the tailings, there is need to grow plants on the tailing to stabilize them. Efforts to establish plants on the tailings in the past have proved to be difficult. A study was conducted to: (i) determine selected physical and chemical properties of the tailings (ii) to assess the suitability of the tailings for growing plants and (iii) to determine if the tailings qualify to be classified as hazardous materials due to their contents of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd. Eighty-one (81) tailing samples from the top 0 - 60 cm depth were collected and characterized for their particle size distribution, bulk density, pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, plant available P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na, and K; DPTA and Aqua regia extractable Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cd. The tailings were red to dark reddish brown, with a fine earth fraction dominated by sand and silt sized particles with very low clay. They had a sandy loam texture, a low bulk density (1.00 ± 0.03 g.cm-3), and a mean total porosity of 57 %, indicating that they were fine, loose and porous materials. The tailings were very strongly acid to neutral (pH: 4.19- 6.81), and had low salinity (EC: 0.08-3.69 mS/cm).They had low organic matter (1.53 %) and plant available P (10.87 mg.kg-1), but high levels of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na. They also had high to very high concentrations of DPTA and Aqua regia extractable Cu, Zn, Mn Fe, Pb and Cd. Mean concentrations of DPTA extractable metals were: 51.52 ± 3.97 mg Cu.kg-1; 1058.20 ± 96.34 mg Zn.kg-1 , 2,999.17 ± 154.65 mg Pb.kg-1 and 4.61 ± 0.39 mg Cd.kg-1. The mean Aqua regia extractable concentrations were: 272,773 ± 860 mg Fe.kg-1, 20,781 ± 455 mg Mn.kg-1, 1,462 ± 55 mgCu.kg-1, 244 ± 13 mg Zn.kg-1, 18,945 ± 550 mg Pb.kg-1, and 535 ± 74 mg Cd.kg-1. The Kabwe mine tailings were found to be unsuitable for plant growth, because of their low organic matter content, and high concentrations of bio-available Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd, which were likely to be toxic to plants. A comparison of mean total concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd in the tailings with the US EPA Total Threshold Limit Concentrations (TTLC) for these metals showed that the Kabwe tailings qualified to be classified as toxic materials with respect to Pb and Cd. Concentrations of plant extractable Pb and Cd were found to be inversely related to the pH of the tailings. The Kabwe mine tailings should be treated as toxic materials because of their high Pb and Cd contents. Access to the tailings should be restricted. Efforts to establish vegetation on the tailings should include means of increasing the organic matter content and measures to reduce the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu. Key words: Kabwe mine, Tailings, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, toxicity, plant growth.
An assessment of the need for and availability of agricultural market information among small-scale farmers in Chingola
(2015-10-26) Sumaili, Davies
This study evaluates the availability and needs of agricultural market information by small-scale farmers in Ipafu area, in Chingola District. The area was purposively chosen as it contained the representative features typical of small-scale farmers in other rural areas and findings in this area represent to a greater extent the scenario as it is in many other rural areas. Data collected from 105 farmers through a survey formed the empirical basis for the study.The study findings show that the provision of agricultural market information in the area has not been up to standards. The information which is available is not adequate, accurate, clear and timely. This has greatly hampered the development of agriculture in the area as farmers are unable to access quality agricultural market information on which they can base their decisions such as what crop and variety to grow profitably in a given season. . Farmers' growth in agriculture is stunted as they can't find markets with fair prices from which they can get high profits to sustain themselves and advance in their agriculture. Factors that have contributed to this ineffective provision of agricultural market information "include; insufficient funding to marketing organizations, lack of sufficient human resources to manage information systems, lack of access for staff to proper facilities and transport to collect, analyze and disseminate agricultural market information; telecommunication systems are not developed and this impedes good linkages in rural and urban information centres.Based on the study findings, it is recommended that the process of collecting, analyzing and dissemination of agricultural market information system should be improved to ensure that information is available in standards as needed by farmers. It is also recommended that building and rehabilitation of the major roads of the country and feeder roads in rural areas can allow for easy flow of market information. Improved communication and quicker collection, analysis and dissemination of agricultural market information by relevant government institutions and other organizations should be promoted in order to contribute to rural poverty alleviation and food security.
An assessment of the smal-holder enterprise group (SHEG) programme: A case study of Kafue District
(2015-10-26) Ngulube, Stephen
This study was an assessment of the Small-holder Enterprise Group (SHEG) Programme in Kafue district. Kafue is peripherally located to the south of Lusaka district in Central Province about 45 kilometres. The district receives adequate rainfall, but sometimes experiences dry spells as has been the case in the past few years when drought conditions significantly reduced crop yields. The main occupation is farming and that maize is the main food crop.In order to come up with information on this assessment, the study was guided by one major objective being; to investigate if participation of the small-scale farmers in the programme had significantly addressed their input acquisition, productivity and market accessibility problems as perceived by beneficiaries. In obtaining information to answer this major objective, the following specific objectives were used: Firstly, it aimed at investigate if farmer groups had been linked to the various lenders of inputs by the programme. Secondly it also aimed at assessing the perception of the beneficiaries on their productivity in relation with the sustainable technologies they had adopted. Finally, investigated on whether farmer groups were are able to access the market and market information for their produce through the programme.However, due to a gap in knowledge as to whether SHEG had addressed the problems of the Small-Scale farmers or not from the beneficiaries' point of view? It was, therefore, the principle requirement of this project to give a more critical assessment of the beneficiaries' perception in establishing the efficacy of the SHEG in mitigating their problems; more specifically on input acquisition, market accessibility and with greater emphasis on their productivity (Yield).The main findings were that, participants' perceived the programme as having positively addressed their input acquisition problem. This was shown by 89.4% of the respondents who admitted having received help through the programme in terms of accessing the inputs from the various lenders. Secondly, sustainable technologies increased productivity of the beneficiaries as it was perceived to have accounted for 80.6% of the increase in productivity besides other factors. Lastly, the farmers' access to market and market information had improved tremendously due to participation in the programme. For instance, the programme had scored overwhelming results in terms of addressing the marketing problems of farmers as 96.5% of the captured respondents had a perception that, it was easy to access the market and market information after having joined the programme.These findings would be of great help to the government as well as NGOs involved in Agriculture (CLUSA inclusive) in coming up with tailored interventions in the agriculture sector, that would address the current Small-Scale farmers' problems as sound future investment programmes would be embarked on in order to ease the suffering of the small holder resource poor on an informed basis. In addition, the findings would serve as an instrument to strengthen the capacity of CLUSA in matters such as research for lobby and advocacy purposes for farmers from policy makers (Government) and other NGOs.Based on these findings and conclusions, it was recommended that, the government through the extension officers should investigate alternatives for the supply of seed and other inputs for groups perhaps in collaboration with private sector traders and that, they should also encourage group members in making initial contacts with service organisations. Secondly, farmers should be encouraged to continue using sustainable technologies in order to further improve their general productivity. Extension officers should be able to also give 100% of their attention to supervision and training of farmer groups. Lastly, consideration of a project to introduce and support the use of community radio which should specifically air agriculture related programmes is key to successful growth of the agriculture sector in this area. This type of communication could be very useful for fanner groups to communicate and share experiences and knowledge with each other. Furthermore, Market day arrangements should be further encouraged and perhaps they have to occur frequently so that farmers' easily sell their produce without being exploited by the bogus buyers as they will have full to partial full control of the market than as individual sellers.
Assessment of the supply chain and factors influencing consumer decisions to purchase bean-based processed products in Lusaka province of Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2023) Haboombe, Maimbo
Global climate change, coupled with rapid population growth at a rate of 3.4%, is driving significant shifts in agricultural practices worldwide. Traditional crops are struggling to cope with the biotic and abiotic stresses imposed by climate change on plants. Recognizing the need for adaptive solutions, the Zambian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), actively promotes the production of legume plants due to their benefits, such as enhancing soil aggregates, increasing soil water retention, and demonstrating robust adaptive capacities in adverse environments. Despite the advantages of legumes, many small-scale farmers engaged in their production neglect value addition, resulting in substantial postharvest losses. Acknowledging that minimizing these losses can enhance food availability, security, and environmental sustainability, the discourse on food loss and waste (FLW) avoidance has gained prominence globally. Efforts to combat global hunger and improve food security underscore the importance of engaging in agro processing. Agro-processing emerges as a pivotal strategy not only for minimizing postharvest losses but also for export diversification, as processed agricultural items hold greater value than raw materials. In Zambia, however, agro-processing remains underutilized, presenting numerous untapped opportunities within the sector. The insufficient information on value addition to common beans through processing results in their predominantly low-value sale in raw material form. Therefore, this study addressed the potential of bean-based processed products in the Zambian market. While prior research had primarily focused on increasing legume production, this study shifted attention to bean-based processed products on the Zambian market. Recognizing the dearth of information on these products, the study aimed to identify the challenges faced by supply chain participants and determine the factors influencing the consumption of bean-based processed products. The findings sought to enhance understanding of the market for these products and identify interventions necessary for the commercialization of the bean-based processing industry in Zambia. The study, conducted through two surveys (a rapid market assessment and a household survey) in Lusaka province, Zambia, adopted a comprehensive research design, utilizing both descriptive and econometric methods for analysis. A total of 78 respondents were interviewed along supply chains during the rapid market assessment (13 processors, 3 importers, 13 Distributors and 49 on-spot consumers) and 341 for the household survey. The key respondents for the rapid market assessment were key actors along the bean-based processed product supply chain while the person in charge of food purchases in a household was the target respondent for the household survey. The findings underscore the dominance of flour and pre-cooked relish in the bean processing industry, with the majority of processors/importers facing challenges in raw material acquisition. Importantly, the study reveals that female influence significantly shapes food purchasing decisions within households, with eating habits, wealth index, and the work status of the household head emerging as critical factors influencing the consumption of bean-based processed products. The results carry implications for various stakeholders within Zambia's agricultural sector, providing insights that can guide farmers in aligning their production with consumer preferences, potentially leading to increased income and sustainability. Some of these implications are that businesses in the food industry should pay attention to female preferences in their marketing strategies and policy initiatives could focus on making nutritious food more affordable, potentially through subsidies or incentives that benefit lower-income households.
An assessment of varietal improvement and extension services in cotton production in Magoye District, Zambia
(2015-10-26) Mulenga, K. Fredrick
Before liberalization, the cotton industry was run by the state owned Lint Company of Zambia (LINTCO) from 1977-1994. After liberalization in the late 1994, production of cotton rose from 20,000mt to over 100,000mt in the 1998 season. The study was conducted to assess the impact of varietals development and extension services in cotton production. The specific objectives were to determine whether farmers are influenced by cotton seed companies in terms of what varieties to use, to determine the level of farmer knowledge about new varieties and to assess what extension services farmers receive about cotton production. The study was conducted in Magoye District in Southern province.The study found out that most farmers are members of out grower schemes and as members they receive loans in form of inputs and extension services. These fanners are not allowed to grow any other variety than as given in the package. The study also revealed that farmers are aware of other varieties on the market some being CDT1 and CDT 2. It also showed that farmers receive extension services mostly form the cotton seed company (i.e. Dunavant) in the form seminars and field demonstrations. Some of the benefits received by the farmers include increased farmer income and good farm practices.The study finally recommended that it is important to increase the number of educated farmers in the area by providing for example adult literacy classes. This would speed up the rate at which extension information is provided and applied. In order to improve on variety awareness government should fund research and development so that a number of varieties can be introduced on the market. By introducing a levy along the marketing chain can help in pooling resources needed for research and development. The types of extension methods used should be increased to include additional types of methods such as mobile training units and popular theatre. Probably the introduction of GMO seed such as Bt cotton can help increase yields and quality, reduce costs, increase profits and improve the environment.
Association between dietary intake, health status and nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in Namwala and Mkushi districts of Zambia
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Hamaimbo, Bubala Thandie
Children with multiple measures of anthropometric failure are at a high risk of morbidity and mortality as a result of malnutrition. Some of the factors that contribute to the high levels of malnutrition which is described in forms of stunting, underweight, overweight and wasting in children 6-23 months include poor infant stimulation and nurturing, inadequate dietary nutrients and recurrent illnesses/infections which result in poor absorption of nutrients, poor cognitive development, growth failure and weight loss. These factors are common in developing countries such as Zambia where only 11% of children in this age group are fed appropriately according to WHO recommendations. Based on this background, this cross sectional study was done with the aim of investigating the association between dietary intake, prevalence of illnesses and nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in Namwala and Mkushi districts of Zambia. A total of 213 children were enrolled, 108 and 105 from Namwala and Mkushi, respectively. A detailed questionnaire, anthropometric assessment as well as a complete stool analysis was done. Anthropometric, dietary intake, socioeconomic and demographic data collected was analysed using Anthroplus, NutriSurvey and SPSS version 23 software, respectively. The study revealed that none of the children were infected with intestinal parasites. However, 65.7% of the children presented with an illness two weeks prior and/or during the study. Illnesses identified in the study group included fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and coughs. In the two sites combined, 5.2% of the children did not meet the minimum dietary diversity requirements for this age group. Overall in Namwala district, the prevalence of stunting was 11%, 3.7% wasting, 3.7% underweight, 6.5% overweight while Mkushi district had 19% stunting, 3.8% wasting, 10.5% underweight and 5.7% overweight among children aged 6-23 months. The mean Height-for-age Z scores between Namwala (-0.51 ± 1.40) and Mkushi (- 1.04 ± 0.95) were significantly different (t0.05 3.245). Using multiple regression, the variables independently associated with HAZ scores in this study are child’s age (months), household non-food expenditure and consumption of mabisi (fermented milk). Health status was not significantly associated with nutritional status while dietary diversity showed a weak positive association with child nutritional status.

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