Stakeholders and organisations relevant for environmental monitoring and management in FITCA areas of Kenya. S2

Farming In Tsetse Controlled Areas (FITCA) is a regional programme covering several countries in Eastern Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania) and it is coordinated by a Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) located in the African Union- Inter Africa Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) FITCA programme has been in operation for less than three years and is funded by the EU under the Financing Agreement N° 5682/REG. FITCA Kenya covers five districts (Busia, Siaya, Bondo, Teso and Bungoma). The overall objective of FITCA is “The livelihood of the rural people in the FITCA area improved” FITCA interventions include: vector control, surveillance and treatment; and rural development activities. These activities are aimed at preventing tsetse re-invasion while at the same time increasing agricultural production. FITCA- Environmental Monitoring and Management Component (EMMC) overall objective is: “Increased household incomes based on agricultural systems using sustainable management of the natural resources”. The realization of the overall objective will be through two specific objectives of the FITCA EMMC. The first specific objective will be the improvement of environmental awareness among all stakeholders and secondly, the capacity building at all levels of FITCA implementation strategy to ensure sustainability of livelihoods dependent on natural resources management. The terms of reference for this study was to identify key stakeholders under first specific objective stated above and provide a profile for each of these stakeholders in terms of their relevance to FITCA EMMC strategy for sustainable development. Information for stakeholders analysis was collected from field surveys in FITCA operational zone, focused group discussions with participating individuals, Community based organizations, NGOs, Government ministries, private sector, national, regional and international organizations. Among the international and regional organizations/institutions, AU-IBAR is considered to be the most suitable strategic partner for institutionalizing FITCA-EMMC initiatives. AU IBAR has both the technical competence to oversee the regional dimensions of FITCA initiatives as well as the political clout to effect policy changes AU IBAR coordinates several relevant programmes like Pan Africa Control of Epizootic (PACE), Programme against African Trypanosomosis (PAAT). AU- IBAR mandate and its strategic position in Africa makes an ideal organization that can leverage support for FITCA EMMC at national, regional and international levels. Strategic partnerships with ILRI, FAO, FEWS-NET and IGAD will only strengthen the achievement of FITCA EMMC overall objective. ILRI a key strategic partner has already been contracted by AU- IBAR to implement FITCA EMMC during the current phase of project. At national level, active participation of some government ministries and institutions is critical for realization of FITCA EMMC objectives and for sustainability of their impacts. The ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries has two lead Departments: the Department of Veterinary Service and the Department of livestock Production. FITCA project has already identified these departments but greater involvement is critical for the success of FITCA EMMC. Other critical ministries include the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and Wildlife. Important national institutions include KARI-TRC- KETRI, Agricultural information Resource Centre (AIRC) among others. ICIPE is a key institution that can play a major role in monitoring and management of tsetse controlled farming areas. NGOs and CBOs and Government departments operating at field levels are key actors for capacity building of local communities and for sustainability of FITCA EMMC initiatives. The study recommends that FITCA EMMC strengthens those partners and key stakeholders who have indicated interest in order to strengthen collaboration and who are strategically located to takeover FITCA EMMC initiatives. The more details on the stakeholders are given below and in the table and annex at the end of the report. (Résumé d'auteur

Achieving scale of farmer reach with improved common bean technologies : the role of village based advisors

This work was carried out with the aid of a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and with financial support from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Extension materials facilitated VBA engagement of farmers in rural Tanzania even in informal settings, enhancing information flow beyond village boundaries. Village-based Advisors (VBAs) play important roles in reaching a wide audience of farmers. Project evidence demonstrates uptake of promoted common bean practices by farmers, enhanced by judicious incentives such as higher yields, increased land productivity, and labor-saving. The Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC) common bean campaign aimed to scale-up information on proven improved technologies. Findings indicate that VBAs are relevant in scaling-up because of farmer understanding and trust

Examining antibiotic use in Kenya: farmers’ knowledge and practices in addressing antibiotic resistance

Background: Antibiotics hold the promise of mitigating the spread of livestock diseases while enhancing productivity. However, there is global concerns surrounding the improper handling and administration of antibiotics, which has led to an alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Kenya is currently listed as an AMR hotspot. This study assesses farmers’ knowledge and practices on antibiotics in livestock production, knowledge on AMR as well as factors influencing farmers’ knowledge of antibiotic safety and resistance, and antibiotics use. Methods: A across-sectional, quantitative survey was employed with 319 farming households in five counties in Kenya. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify explanatory factors. Results: About 80% of households use antibiotics in their livestock, and 58% administer the antibiotics themselves. The vast majority of farmers buy antibiotics without a prescription. Antibiotics are used for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, the latter mainly in form of growth promoters and feed enhancers in poultry. The withdrawal periods reported by farmers are shorter than the officially recommended periods. Although the majority of farmers reported risky antibiotic practices, most (76%) were well aware of bacterial AMR. Nineteen of 21 knowledge statements on AMR and safe use of antibiotics were answered correctly by 55–89% of respondents, indicating considerable farmer knowledge on different aspects of antibiotics risk, while certain knowledge gaps remain. Number of livestock owned was the factor most positively influencing farmers’ knowledge on AMR and safe use. Conclusion: Kenya has made notable progress towards creating knowledge and awareness of farming communities on the risks and requirements associated with antibiotic use in livestock. Nonetheless, farmers’ antibiotics practices continue to constitute considerable risk of further AMR development. This shows that knowledge is not enough to ensure fundamental behavioral change. There needs to be an enabling environment driven by (1) effective policy interventions and enforcement to ensure compliance with set guidelines for antibiotic use; (2) research on and deployment of alternatives, such as probiotics, vaccinations and disease prevention measures, (3) continued public awareness raising and education using multiple channels to reach farmers and, (4) strengthened cross-sector, multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the multi-dimensional complexities of AMR

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya

Background: In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80–88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production. Results: Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (∼14%) and net rice income (∼60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management. Conclusion: Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa

Sustainable intensification of wheat production under smallholder farming systems in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda

Abstract The productivity of wheat is low on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Although mineral fertiliser use is being promoted as a sustainable intensification (SI) pathway, little is known about the nutrient use efficiency and profitability of various fertiliser inputs in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda. The objective of this study was to assess the use of combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in wheat production in terms of nutrients management specifically, crop yield, production risk, input use efficiency and economic returns on smallholder farms. The study was conducted in three wheat-growing regions of Rwanda (i.e., Nyamagabe, Musanze and Burera districts) with contrasting soil conditions. The treatments included combinations of different levels of N (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) with P (0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5 kg ha−1) and K (10, 20 and 30 kg ha−1) and the control with no applied nutrients. A diagnostic treatment composed of 90 kg N, 15 kg P, 20 kg K, 10 kg Mg, 2.5 kg Zn and 0.5 kg B ha−1 was also included. Mean grain yield and its variability, rainfall use efficiency (RUE), agronomic use efficiency (AE) of N and P and the value cost ratios (VCRs) were calculated to assess the sustainability of the nutrient rates. Across all sites, wheat grain yield and RUE increased with increase in N rates up to 90 kg N ha−1, beyond which no further increase was observed. The highest wheat yield (5.5 t ha−1) and RUE (6.6 kg ha−1 mm−1) with the lowest production risk (coefficient of variation [CV] = 20%) were recorded in the diagnostic treatment. Although the highest AEN and AEP were recorded at lower N and P levels, the CVs of VCR were high (&gt;64%), indicating higher production risk to wheat farmers. In all cases, an optimum VCR (5.6), with the lowest CV (44.4%), was recorded in the diagnostic treatment. We conclude that application of 90 kg N, 15 kg P, 20 kg K, 10 kg Mg, 2.5 kg Zn and 0.1 kg B can guarantee a more SI of wheat production in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda.</jats:p

Sustainable intensification of wheat production under smallholder farming systems in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda

The productivity of wheat is low on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Although mineral fertiliser use is being promoted as a sustainable intensification (SI) pathway, little is known about the nutrient use efficiency and profitability of various fertiliser inputs in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda. The objective of this study was to assess the use of combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in wheat production in terms of nutrients management specifically, crop yield, production risk, input use efficiency and economic returns on smallholder farms. The study was conducted in three wheat-growing regions of Rwanda (i.e., Nyamagabe, Musanze and Burera districts) with contrasting soil conditions. The treatments included combinations of different levels of N (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) with P (0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5 kg ha−1) and K (10, 20 and 30 kg ha−1) and the control with no applied nutrients. A diagnostic treatment composed of 90 kg N, 15 kg P, 20 kg K, 10 kg Mg, 2.5 kg Zn and 0.5 kg B ha−1 was also included. Mean grain yield and its variability, rainfall use efficiency (RUE), agronomic use efficiency (AE) of N and P and the value cost ratios (VCRs) were calculated to assess the sustainability of the nutrient rates. Across all sites, wheat grain yield and RUE increased with increase in N rates up to 90 kg N ha−1, beyond which no further increase was observed. The highest wheat yield (5.5 t ha−1) and RUE (6.6 kg ha−1 mm−1) with the lowest production risk (coefficient of variation [CV] = 20%) were recorded in the diagnostic treatment. Although the highest AEN and AEP were recorded at lower N and P levels, the CVs of VCR were high (>64%), indicating higher production risk to wheat farmers. In all cases, an optimum VCR (5.6), with the lowest CV (44.4%), was recorded in the diagnostic treatment. We conclude that application of 90 kg N, 15 kg P, 20 kg K, 10 kg Mg, 2.5 kg Zn and 0.1 kg B can guarantee a more SI of wheat production in Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe districts of Rwanda

Is radio an effective method for delivering actionable information for responding to emerging pest threats? A case study of fall armyworm campaign in Zambia

Abstract Background The Fall Army Worm (FAW) radio campaign was implemented between November 2018 and April 2019 in key maize growing areas and locations with reported high severity of fall armyworm as identified by national stakeholders. We evaluated the effectiveness of radio mass extension campaign in achieving scale, and effect on farmers’ knowledge and uptake of management practices for fall armyworm (FAW). We also assessed the factors determining farmers’ participation in radio campaign, to inform future and similar campaigns. Methods Data were gathered through a household survey targeting locations where the campaign was implemented; and 250 male and 215 female farmers were surveyed. The study was conducted in four of the seven provinces where the campaign took place—Eastern, Luapula, Copperbelt and Southern provinces. Selection of the sample provinces was based on reported rainfall distribution during the season and severity of FAW infestation, radio coverage areas and maize growing intensities. Results The radio campaign reached an estimated 1.4 million farmers. Survey results show that both male and female radio listeners were significantly more aware of fall armyworm, and more likely to adopt management practices than non-radio listeners, in particular preventive measures such as frequent monitoring, intercropping and crop rotation. This means that participation in the radio-based extension campaign significantly increased farmers’ knowledge and stimulated uptake of management practices for FAW. However, the survey showed that only 49% of the respondents listened to at least one FAW radio episode. Predictors of farmer participation in radio campaign were; gender, education level, and maize farm size. Conclusions The results imply that deliberate promotion of such programs would enhance listenership and improve interactivity while at the same time integrating other extension approaches. The integration also provides opportunities for equally reaching women as men, given the observed digital divide. </jats:sec