Rural-urban differentials in utilisation of artificial intelligence for improved agricultural production among crop farmers in Southeast Nigeria
EfD Authors:
This study analysed rural-urban differentials in the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for improved crop production among farmers in Nigeria. It specifically examined the level of awareness and utilisation of AI, the effect of AI usage on crop production, and the challenges associated with the awareness and utilisation of AI. 316 respondents were selected through multistage sampling, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and OLS regression. Urban farmers (16.46%) were more aware than rural farmers (10.13%), and the awareness was more among young farmers (17.40%).
Differing effects of grass and polythene mulches on sweet potato productivity in derived savannah agro-ecology
EfD Authors:
Sweet potato as a food crop that is grown for both its tuberous roots and vegetative parts, the latter of which also serves as animal feed. Its production in the savanna regions can be limited by high evaporative demand, especially where soils with low water retentivity are involved. This work studied the effects of various locally available polythene as mulch materials for sweet potato growth in derived savanna agro-ecology. An experiment was thus conducted at Nsukka, a derived savannah in southeastern Nigeria, with orange fleshed variety of sweet potato.
Effects of weed control practices and fertilizer types on the growth and yield of bell pepper (capsicum annum L.) in Nsukka, Nigeria
EfD Authors:
The study examined the effect of weed control practices and different fertilizer sources for the optimum growth and yield of bell pepper. The study was conducted at the teaching farm of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The sample for the study were weed control practices comprising black polyethylene mulch, un-weeded plot, and manual weeding with hoe at 2-week intervals and different fertilizer types comprising cow dung, pig dung, and poultry manure at 20 t/ha, respectively; NPK fertilizer at 150 kg/ha; and no fertilizer (control).
Essays on Agricultural Productivity and Climate Resilience in Ethiopia: Insights into Conservation Practices, Public Works, and Land Cover Change
EfD Authors:
Abstract
This dissertation explores the interconnected dynamics of agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable land management in rural Ethiopia. It evaluates the effects of targeted conservation information on productivity, examines the role of public works in resource conservation and labor engagement, and analyzes the impact of land cover changes on agricultural output.
Behavioral interventions in informal seed systems to nudge sustainable demand for quality seed of sweetpotato
EfD Authors:
Abstract
Context: The introduction of quality-certified seed (QCS) in the informal farmer network-based seed systems, which have largely relied on informal signals of quality, represents a promising innovation towards integrated seed sector development, combining formal and informal sector elements. At the same time, behavioral nudges have emerged as potentially powerful ways to encourage the uptake of innovations among smallholder farmers in developing countries.