Findings on: Environmental impact in Dutch arable farming, experimental data on soybean yield potential, the yield gaps of sugarcane and sugar beet, and N2Africa baseline studies.

This internship was set up to evaluate the environmental impact of arable farming in the Netherlands as well as collect experimental data for the estimation of potential yields for soybean. This later also included research into yield gaps of sugarcane and sugar beet as well as work on the N2Africa baseline studies to obtain more experience into working on the datasets available within the N2Africa project.

Effect of cropping system design on severity of biotic stresses in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays) in Northern Tanzania.

Sustainable intensification of the agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is essential to feed a growing population by increasing crop productivity and food security while preserving ecosystem services. The N2Africa initiative is contributing to the onset of this by strengthening the implementation of nitrogen fixating leguminous species in smallholder farming systems.

Exploring the current state of ruminant value chains in northern Ghana, and the role of grain legume residues as a livestock feed resource

This study explored the current state of ruminant value chains in two regions of northern Ghana (Northern region (NR); Upper East region (UER)) and studied the role of grain legume residues (GLRs) as a livestock feed among livestock value chain actors. Semi-structured questionnaires were designed to conduct interviews with three different stakeholders: 99 smallholder farmers in two districts (Savelugu-Nanton (NR) and Binduri (UER)); and 108 livestock fatteners and traders in Tamale (NR) and Bawku (UER). Data was analysed by applying value chain mapping and using SPSS Statistics.

Introducing Travis Goron

I recently completed my PhD at the University of Guelph in Canada, specializing in crop plant physiology, specifically nitrogen metabolism in maize. My previous research group also conducted work concerning smallholder cropping systems in Nepal, which captured my interest – I was able to conduct a couple of side experiments with finger millet, a very important Nepali crop.
 

Assessment of the impact of improved cowpea varieties on women farmers in southern part of Borno State, Nigeria

I study the impact of improved cowpea varieties on women farmers in the Southern Part of Borno State, Nigeria. These technologies were introduced by the Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Borno State, (PROSAB) project which was operative from 2004 to 2009. The specific objectives of this study were to identify the changes in income of women farmers as a result of using improved cowpea varieties, to analyse the impact of the improved technology on the food security status of women farmers and to identify constraints associated with the use of improved cowpea varieties.

Understanding the role of Public-Private Partnerships in overcoming institutional barriers to technology adoption

N2Africa tests and promotes technologies to enhance legume productivity including improved legume seeds, inoculant, phosphorus fertilizer and improved practices. Adoption by smallholders is hindered by a range of institutional, socioeconomic and biophysical barriers. In line with current thinking on market-based development, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) interventions are used by N2Africa to overcome barriers to adoption. A knowledge gap exists concerning the design and effectiveness of PPPs.

Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing

Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing (www.bdspublishing.com) is a new “climate smart” publisher. We are building a database of review chapters, each written by a leading expert, which systematically covers the major crop varieties and, at the same time, each step in the value chain for their production, from breeding through to harvest. We are soon to publish two new books on grain legumes: