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Research Article
Assessment of Constraints Identification and Profitability Analysis of Major Crops Pumped Irrigation in West Shewa and East Wollega, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Shelema Refera*,
Gudeta Genemo
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
9 December 2025
Accepted:
30 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: West Shewa and East wollega Zones have a promising climatic condition for irrigation, considering irrigation potential of zones irrigation pump has been distributed for small holder pumped irrigation to increase major irrigated crops production and productivity. Thus, this study was tailored to assess the constraints and financial profitability of major pump irrigated crops with a view to update information that are already documented in the literature. This research contributes to a better understanding of the financial profitability of pumped irrigated agricultural crops. Multistage and purposive sampling method was used to select the farmers for the surveys. The sample has covered irrigation pump user on proportion to size basis. The primary data were generated through conducting a well-designed farm level survey. The survey was conducted covering 237 Small holder pumped irrigator. A profit function approach was used to examine profitability of major pumped irrigation in study areas. The major problems of pumped small holder irrigation were technical issues, economic barriers, socio-institutional factors and environmental pressures. Financial profitability has been estimated for Wheat, cabbage, Tomato, potato, Onion and green pepper and Onion had the highest Net farm income of 47569.30ETB followed by Tomato which has NFI of 40651.85ETB. Although the returns from onion were high as compared to the other crops considered, tomato were widely grown by the farmers in the study areas. Thus, concerned bodies should support pumped irrigation farmers to expand onion and tomato production by reducing other irritated crops in order o increase farm income from pumped irrigation. Irrigation researchers should work on water productivity increment.
Abstract: West Shewa and East wollega Zones have a promising climatic condition for irrigation, considering irrigation potential of zones irrigation pump has been distributed for small holder pumped irrigation to increase major irrigated crops production and productivity. Thus, this study was tailored to assess the constraints and financial profitability of ...
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Research Article
Post-intervention Analysis: Tree Species Diversity and Biomass Production in Agroforestry Systems Under Project Intervention and No-intervention Areas in Eastern Rwanda
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
8-17
Received:
25 December 2025
Accepted:
8 January 2026
Published:
30 January 2026
Abstract: Agroforestry is widely promoted as an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy to enhance climate resilience, restore degraded landscapes, and support smallholder livelihoods. However, empirical evidence on how project-supported agroforestry interventions influence tree species composition, stocking density, and biomass accumulation remains limited. This study assessed tree and shrub diversity, stocking density, and aboveground biomass across different agroforestry practices in Kayonza District, Eastern Rwanda, comparing project intervention sites supported by the LDCF II Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach project with no intervention areas. Using systematic band transects covering 26 sampling units, all woody species were inventoried and measured for diameter and height, and aboveground biomass was estimated using an allometric equation. A total of 39 species were recorded in no-intervention areas and 36 species in intervention areas, with both systems dominated by a small number of widely preferred species, including Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta, Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Euphorbia tirucalli, and Senna spp. Tree and shrub density was four times higher in intervention areas (172 stems ha-1) than in non-intervention areas (43 stems ha-1), while diameter class distributions were dominated by small trees (<10cm DBH) in both zones. Despite smaller average tree sizes, intervention areas exhibited substantially higher aboveground biomass (15.33 t ha-1) compared to no-intervention areas (4.51 t ha-1), largely due to higher stocking density and wider adoption of biomass-efficient practices. Scattered trees on farm consistently ranked highest in biomass contribution across both zones. These findings demonstrate that targeted agroforestry interventions can rapidly enhance landscape-level biomass and carbon sequestration potential, even at early stages of tree establishment. To sustain and maximize these benefits, future interventions should prioritize agroforestry practice diversification, adaptive management, greater integration of native species and long-term monitoring to balance productivity, biodiversity, and income.
Abstract: Agroforestry is widely promoted as an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy to enhance climate resilience, restore degraded landscapes, and support smallholder livelihoods. However, empirical evidence on how project-supported agroforestry interventions influence tree species composition, stocking density, and biomass accumulation remains limited. Thi...
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Research Article
Vegetative Propagation of Bombax costatum Pellegr. Vuillet (Malvaceae) by Root Segment Cutting: Effect of Substrate and Length of Cuttings in the Guinean Savannas Highlands (Adamawa Cameroon)
Dangai Youhana*
,
Fawa Guidawa,
Hamawa Yougouda,
Oumarou Haman Zephirin,
Mapongmetsem Pierre Marie
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
18-29
Received:
13 November 2025
Accepted:
27 November 2025
Published:
2 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261401.13
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Abstract: Bombax costatum is a native species of significant socioeconomic importance in the Guinean savannah highlands of Cameroon. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate type and root cutting length on the regenerative capacity of root segments, specifically their ability to produce new leafy shoots and adventitious roots. Root systems were excavated from adult mother plants, and fragments of lateral roots were collected, transported in a cooler and processed in a nursery. The root segments were cut into cuttings of 10, 15, and 20cm in length. These root segment cuttings were then inserted in three substrate mixtures: sand/sawdust, topsoil/sawdust, and pure fine sand. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. 270 root segment cuttings were used. Results indicated that the substrate type significantly (p<0.05) influenced bud break, with the highest percentage observed in the sand/sawdust mixture (56.7±3.9%) and the lowest in the topsoil/sawdust mixture (41.11± 1.91%). Similarly, cutting length had a significant effect (p<0.05), with the highest bud break rate achieved by 20cm cuttings (61.66 ±1.96%) compared to 10cm cuttings (48.95 ± 1.87%). Rooting rates were also significantly affected by substrate (p<0.05), being highest in the sand/sawdust mixture (51.97±2.72%) and lowest in the Ts/Sd mixture (21.28 ± 2.81%). The 20cm cuttings promoted the highest rooting rate (64.61±0.27%), which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the 10cm cuttings (18.35±2.72%). In conclusion, a sand/sawdust substrate mixture and a cutting length of 20cm were identified as the most favourable conditions for the vegetative propagation of Bombax costatum. These findings demonstrate the species' potential for domestication through root cutting techniques.
Abstract: Bombax costatum is a native species of significant socioeconomic importance in the Guinean savannah highlands of Cameroon. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate type and root cutting length on the regenerative capacity of root segments, specifically their ability to produce new leafy shoots and adventitious roots. Root systems were ...
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Research Article
Stakeholder Engagement in Irrigation Management: Key to Unlocking Food Security in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
30-38
Received:
14 November 2025
Accepted:
9 December 2025
Published:
2 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261401.14
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Abstract: Nigeria's quest for food security remains a significant challenge, with irrigation management playing a critical role. The country ranks 96 out of 113 on the Global Food Security Index. With a rapidly growing population projected to double from 200 million to 400 million by 2050, the challenge will intensify. Currently, about 90% of Nigeria's food production relies on rainfed agriculture. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for sustainable irrigation management, yet its current status in Nigeria is inadequate. Investing in irrigation infrastructure and improving water management practices will boost agricultural productivity. This paper examines the importance of stakeholder engagement in irrigation management and its impact on food security. The paper proposes a framework for stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the need to identify, analyse, and prioritize stakeholders' involvement in irrigation development. Strategies for Getting, Keeping, and Growing (GKG) stakeholders are highlighted. These strategies will enhance the stakeholder base for higher impact, sustain longterm engagement, deepen relationships to innovate for higher-scale impact, and ensure mutual benefits. Furthermore, the paper showcases a couple of examples of best practices in stakeholder management in Nigeria, highlighting successful initiatives and lessons learned. The two case studies are the World Bank-assisted Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project and the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project. To strengthen stakeholder management and enhance food security in Nigeria, the paper recommends establishing stakeholder platforms, develop Stakeholder Engagement Plan, cascading lessons learnt to new Schemes, capacity building for stakeholders, and developing inclusive irrigation policies. Adopting a stakeholder-centric approach will enable Nigeria to harness the full potential of irrigation management to achieve food security. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, Nigeria can make significant strides towards improving agricultural productivity, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security.
Abstract: Nigeria's quest for food security remains a significant challenge, with irrigation management playing a critical role. The country ranks 96 out of 113 on the Global Food Security Index. With a rapidly growing population projected to double from 200 million to 400 million by 2050, the challenge will intensify. Currently, about 90% of Nigeria's food ...
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Research Article
Human-Induced Changes in Woody Plant Diversity and Structure in Mbiwe Forest Reserve, Tanzania: Implications for Forest Quality and Conservation
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
39-50
Received:
23 December 2025
Accepted:
7 January 2026
Published:
2 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20261401.15
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Abstract: The increasing demands for land and wood resources is threatening the existence of many species both flora and fauna, causing massive loss of biodiversity in many countries including Tanzania. This study assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities on woody species richness, diversity, and structure in Mbiwe forest reserve located in Chunya district, Tanzania. Specifically, the study i) compare species composition and diversity as well as ii) structural attributes between disturbed and undisturbed areas. Vegetation data for adult trees (Dbh ≥ 4 cm), saplings (Dbh 1< 4 cm), regenerants (Dbh < 1 cm), and stumps were collected from 50 rectangular sample plots (50 m × 20 m) established in the forest area of 49,147.7 ha. The results indicate that undisturbed areas exhibited higher values as compared to disturbed areas. In undisturbed areas, species richness was 71, Hʹ = 3.68, density = 868 ± 588 stem/ha, basal area =8.75 ± 4.95 m²/ha, and volume = 73.61 ± 44.68 m3/ha. The area registered only 13 ± 10 stem/ha for stumps unlike 263 ± 88 stem/ha in the disturbed areas. Areas close to the town centers shows high rate of degradation than those found away from the centers. Law enforcement among other protection measures is recommended to safeguard the existing biodiversity in the reserve.
Abstract: The increasing demands for land and wood resources is threatening the existence of many species both flora and fauna, causing massive loss of biodiversity in many countries including Tanzania. This study assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities on woody species richness, diversity, and structure in Mbiwe forest reserve located in Chunya dis...
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