This study aimed at investigative decision support systems for assisting strategic and tactical decision making of smallholder farmers to reduce climate risks and increase crop productivity of semi-arid areas. Specifically, the study assessed farm-level decisions used by the farmers for reducing climate risks; examined information communication and knowledge sharing strategies for enhancing dec...

The paper determined optimum farm plan for food security among smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire from 180 smallholder crops farmers in Imo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages), budgetary analysis and linear programming model. Results show that the mean age of...

The paper determined optimum farm plan for food security among smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire from 180 smallholder crops farmers in Imo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages), budgetary analysis and linear programming model. Results show that the mean age of...

Background and Context Maize, the main staple crop remains the dominant crop among smallholder farmers in Malawi. Smallholder farmers devote almost 70 percent of their land to maize cultivation, and maize availability in the country de nes the food security situation of the country. Smallholder agriculture in Malawi has been characterized by low productivity, low technology and labour intensive...

This paper assessed factors which influence market access for smallholder farmers in the major maize producing districts (Mbozi and Sumbawanga) of Mbeya and Rukwa regions, located in the Southern Highland of Tanzania. Cross sectional data were collected from a sample of 240 smallholder farmers which were randomly selected and interviewed using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed usi...

This paper analyzes some important issues surrounding possible deployment of genetically engineered (GE) insect-resistant potato in Peru, based on a large farmer survey held in Peru in 2003. We found that the formal seed system plays a limited role compared with the informal seed system, especially for smallholder farmers. Although 97% of smallholder farmers would buy seed of an insect-resistan...

The study was conducted in Assosa district of Benishangul-Gumuz regional state, western Ethiopia, to assess major farm enterprises, agricultural risks and demand for micro-insurance services. Two peasant associations namely, Selga-23 and Kushmengel were selected to represent settler and native farming communities, respectively. Using simple randomized techniques, 86 respondents were selected fo...

the study compared economic efficiency among smallholder farmers who practiced low external input technology [leit] and high external input technology [heit] agriculture in a harsh macroeconomic environment typified by inadequate fertilizer subsidy in imo state, nigeria. cross sectional data generated from 160 smallholder farmers randomly selected from 2 out of the 3 agricultural zones in imo s...

Smallholder agriculture involves millions of farmers worldwide. A methodical utilization of their traditional knowledge in modern breeding efforts may help the production of locally adapted varieties better addressing their needs. In this study, a combination of participatory approaches, genomics, and quantitative genetics is used to trace the genetic basis of smallholder farmer preferences of ...

Since 1981, through structural adjustment programme, the agricultural sector has undergone several reforms which were expected to raise the incomes of smallholder farmers and hence increase their entitlement to food through the market. Data from the national household survey, however, show that most of smallholder farming remains subsistence. Only 10 percent of households sold their maize while...