A cross-sectional study was conducted to detect the presence of Salmonella spp., Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., and antimicrobial residues in raw milk (n = 120) and processed cow milk (n = 20) from smallholder dairy farms from three sites in Zimbabwe. Culture and isolation of Salmonella spp., C. albicans, and Aspergillus spp. were performed using selective media, while antimicrobial residu...

This paper presents the experiences on capacity development for irrigation in Kenya, drawing from a study of seven smallholder irrigation schemes, namely: New Mutaro, Emening, Mitunguu, Ng’uuru Gakirwe, Lari, MukuriaKyambogo and Isiolo River Water Users Association. These schemes were selected for their apparent success in irrigation management, sustainability and poverty reduction among the be...

The objective of this article was to develop a deeper understanding of the interdependences between smallholder farming and the state of environmental management in rural Malawi. We examined the agricultural local governance framework in Malingunde Extension Planning Area (EPA), its contribution to food security and how it conflicts with overall land and forest resources management. The charcoa...

This special feature calls for forward thinking around paths of convergence for agriculture, health, and wealth. Such convergence aims for a richer integration of smallholder farmers into national and global agricultural and food systems, health systems, value chains, and markets. The articles identify analytical innovation, where disciplines intersect, and cross-sectoral action where single, l...

four hundered and ninety five (495) smallholder dairy farms active in 52 villages of different cities in chaharmohalo bakhtiari province, keeping 1321 lactating within a total of 2811 mature cows (lactating and dry) were used. these herds were taken during winter 2009 to summer 2010 to assess some of the production, reproductive and economic performance traits under smallholder management syste...

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...

Across the tropics, smallholder farmers already face numerous risks to agricultural production. Climate change is expected to disproportionately affect smallholder farmers and make their livelihoods even more precarious; however, there is limited information on their overall vulnerability and adaptation needs. We conducted surveys of 600 households in Madagascar to characterize the vulnerabilit...

Integrating the conservation of biodiversity by smallholder farmers with agricultural intensification is increasingly recognized as a leading priority of sustainability and food security amid global environmental and socioeconomic change. An international research project investigated the smallholder agrobiodiversity of maize (corn) in a global hotspot (Bolivia) undergoing significant intensifi...

Context African livestock play a critical role in food security and the wider economy, while accounting for >70% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate estimates emissions from are required inventory purposes to assess efficacy mitigation measures. While there is an increasing number studies assessing methane (CH4) cattle, little attention has been paid small ruminants (SR). ...

The magnitude of heat stress in dairy cattle is assessed using temperature humidity index (THI) widely the world. present study was conducted to assess appropriateness incorporating THI recommending breeds different areas Sri Lanka. considered 10 genotypes commonly reared for milk production country.  Daily values were computed by employing a thermal model, = Tdb - [0.55 (0.55 × RH/1...