Small-stocks play a particularly important role in many forest margin farming systems. A range of simple management strategies, techniques and interventions allow for improved productivity and better integration of animals into these farming systems. In particular, these interventions benefit poorer farmers. In addition to on-farm participatory research activities, a series...

Growing concerns relating to land degradation, threat to eco-systems from over and inappropriate use of inorganic fertilizers, atmospheric pollution, soil health, soil biodiversity, and sanitation have rekindled the global interest in organic recycling practices, like composting. The potential of composting to turn on-farm waste materials into a farm resource makes...

Dû à un écart croissant entre l’offre et la demande de poisson, la pisciculture est l’élevage de poissons qui sert comme source alimentaire et de revenus. La pisciculture du poisson tilapia est une pratique qui se développe rapidement, peut satisfaire cette demande croissante, et permet un entretien facile. L’établissement d’étangs...

The following provides information on the features of manually operated groundnut strippers and maize shellers. The former separates the pods from the plant whereas the latter removes the kernels from the cob. Advantages and disadvantages of these practices are also provided in terms of labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, livelihood...

Mung bean cultivation may be one of the most important long-term adaptation options for drought-prone areas in the northern and northwestern parts of Bangladesh. Since mung beans require minimum moisture, they can be cultivated after the t. aman rice harvest, using the residual moisture in the fields, thus responding to...

Crossbred milking goats have proved to be a popular source of cash income, household daily milk requirements, and manure for smallholder farmers in medium to high potential zones of Kenya. The three-quarter Toggenburg crossbred appears to be the most suitable in terms of both milk production and growth rates. This...

This technology describes utilizing rooftop water harvesting facilities to increase the availability of water for domestic use and irrigation of backyard ntula/ eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) gardens. This measure allows small-scale farmers to harvest rainwater from roofs and store it in tanks, ensuring ntula production also during the dry season,...

The following technology provides information on the features of grain milling, oil extraction, rice hulling, cassava processing, and coffee processing. Advantages and disadvantages of the practices are also given, including labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, livelihood diversification, equipment, infrastructure, costs and risks. This technology is also available in: Portuguese (ID1317)     Description 1. Features of...

In Bangladesh, major constraints to improving the productivity of livestock include a shortage of fodder. At the same time, intensive cropping has reduced the fertility of the soil. This situation can be improved by on-farm cultivation of green fodder for livestock as an integral component of the cropping system. Cultivation...

High germination percentages and development of germinated plants are criteria to assess the quality of seed batches. The seed quality can be evaluated by seed germination tests. In the Council Directive 2002/55/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of vegetable seed it is defined that cauliflower seeds being sold...

The following provides information on the features of single-axle tractors and small three-wheeled motorized vehicles. How they are advantageous in terms of cropping systems, specifically irrigated or wetland agriculture is also explained. The advantages and disadvantages of their use are also provided in terms of labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening,...

In Bangladesh every year more than 39 million tons of traditional fuel, e.g. wood, are burned. Improved stoves are efficient in reducing biomass use for cooking and other heating purposes, and lead to a reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. This practice describes the double-mouth domestic cook stove.

The importance of the domestic rabbit as a supplier of meat for human consumption is widely recognised throughout the world. The document 'Rabbit Technology for Warm Climates' is designed as a text for students, teachers, and practitioners on rabbit rearing.

The selection of varieties is essential for the success of any crop. A variety can be defined as plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank showing characteristics that result from a given genotype, distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of the characteristics,...

There are different ways of carrying out agricultural extension. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) represent a participatory approach that directly reaches farmers and addresses their day-to-day problems. The concept of FFS builds on the belief that farmers are the main source of knowledge and experience in carrying out farm operations. This...

The following describes the features of single-axle tractors. Their advantages and disadvantages are also explained.  Description 1. Features Single axle tractors are commonly used in Asia but not in Africa, partly due to harsher conditions and less irrigated land in the latter. They range in power from around 1.5 kW to 15 kW, controlled...

Cereal stovers are widely used for feeding ruminant livestock, and in semi-arid areas sorghum stover may be an important part of livestock diets during the dry season, helping to maintain condition and increase survival. Bird-resistant varieties of sorghum have been bred for use in semi-arid zones to increase yields of...

Rhizobia are naturally occurring soil-borne bacteria, which fix nitrogen in symbiosis with legumes. In beans, an additional inoculation of seeds with such bacteria can increase nitrogen fixation. Rhizobia - based solutions are commercially available and are included in the authorized list of inputs for organic agriculture (https://www.inputs.eu/input-search.html). How to test...

Improved grazing land management is vital to increasing food security and alleviating poverty. It also provides environmental benefits. To address these problems, the national Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) programme in Ethiopia initiated a grazing land management project in 2000. Implementation of the technology includes the initial delineating of the...

The agricultural sector in the Caribbean islands such as Grenada is extremely vulnerable to storms and hurricanes. Establishing grass barriers along the contour can help in reducing water runoff and erosion during heavy rainfall. Grass barriers provide erosion control on croplands and offer a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to...