Agriculture Departments

Permanent URI for this community

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/1913

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 161

Open Access
Economic impact of HIV/AIDS on smallholder agriculture in Mopani District of Limpopo Province
(2009-09) Maponya, Matlhabjane Maria; Oni, S. A.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Socio-economic assessment of starter packs in poverty alleviation at Makhado Local Municipality
(2010-08) Maluleke, Magezi Daniel; Oni, S. A.; Chauke, P. K.
The study was initiated to assess how the starter packs distributed under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture have been able to sustain home food production and improve the liveliho9ds of the rural recipients. The assessment involved a focus on the recipients' households, in terms of demographics, household income and expenditure, the challenges faced by households, household agricultural production and the perceptions by the extension officers regarding the CASP which was designed to alleviate poverty among the rural poor. The methods used for data collection for the study were purposive and systematic sampling methods. The purposive sampling was used to select the extension officers who were involved in the distribution of CASP inputs in their respective areas of operation while systematic sampling was used to select 100 household recipients of the starter packs. The survey results showed that the majority of the beneficiaries were female while the average recipients were middle aged although youth and elderly people were also involved. About 71% of the gardeners were found to be operational; while 29% were not operational. The challenges facing the beneficiaries include fencing, water shortage, lack of technical skills and market constraints. The sources of income among recipients were mainly from external sources (73%) as compared with internal sources (27%). The study further revealed that about 72% of the sampled households were found to be living below poverty level while 28% of the beneficiaries were found to be living above poverty level. This implies that start packs were able to alleviate the poverty of about 28% of the beneficiaries.
Open Access
Simulating the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth and yield of maize in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2013-02-25) Makhaga, Ngeletshedzo Superior; Odhlambo, J. J. O.
Maize is the main staple food in South Africa and its production in the country constitute 50 percent of the output in Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on maize growth and yield and to use the data collected in Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) to predict the response of maize toN andP applications as observed in the field. The study was conducted over two seasons, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. The study evaluated the biomass production, grain yield, plant tissue N and p content and soil N andp content during maize growth. The APSIM model was used to predict biomass and maize yield. Treatments consisted of N ferlilizer application at O and 75 Kg/ha in 2005/2006 season and o, 37.5 and 75 Kg/ha in 2006/2007 season as Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN). Phosphorus was applied at O and 30 Kg/ha as Single Super Phosphate (SSP) at planting in both seasons. Maize (Zea mays L) was the test crop and was planted at a spacing of 90 x 25 cm. Individual plot sizes measured 5mx 4.5m and were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Biomass was collected at three stages of maize growth, 6-8 weeks after planting, tasseling and at harvest. At maturity, grain was harvested and the yield was determined. Analysis of the variance (ANOVA) using the Gener.al Linear Model procedure (GLM) was used to assess the variation of biomass production, grain yield and plant tissue N and P content among treatments. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences between the observed and the predicted biomass and grain yield. The predicted Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between soil N at different stages of maize growth and the plant tissue N content and again between soil P at different stages of plant growth and plant tissue p content. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in maize biomass among plots treated with N and those without N at 6-8 weeks at Univen in both seasons. There was no significant (P<0.05) biomass amongst all treatments at tasseling and at harvest at both sites and seasons. There was no significant (P<0.05) difference in maize grain yield amongst the treatment plots at both sites and seasons. There was no interaction between N and P in biomass and grain yield at both sites and seasons. There was no significant (P<0.05) difference in plant tissue N and P among the treatments. Plant tissue N was not correlated to soil N at all stages of growth. Plant tissue P was strongly correlated to soil P at different stages of maize growth. The predicted grain yield and biomass yield using APSIM were higher than the observed yield in most treatments. There was a strong relationship between the observed and the predicted biomass yield at 6-8 weeks (r2=0.940) and at tasseling (r2=0.919) at Univen site in 2005/6season. There was an agreement between the observed and predicted grain yield at Univen in both seasons (r2= 0.654 and r2= 0.755). The chi-square results showeda significant difference between the observed and the predicted biomass and grain yield. Therefore, for APSIM to estimate more acceptable results, the environmental management window should be incorporated.
Open Access
Chemical and tannin composition of browsable species used as ruminant feed supplements in the Vhembe District of South Africa
(2013-02-25) Mahlako, Kgabo Tryphina; Baloyi, J. J.; Benyi, K.
The chemical and tannin composition of Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachy cinerea and Ziziphus mucronata from high, medium and low rainfall areas were studied. Dry matter and ash, crude protein content, natural detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were determined.. The macro elements were then determined by flame or hydride generation technique and micro using metrohm Ion Chromatography. The condensed tannins were determined using n butanol-HCL colorimetric method The data were analyzed by analysis of variance for a 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomised design using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SPSS version 19. Averaged overall zones, D. cinerea had a higher ash content than the other two species. Z. mucronata had the highest CP content followed by D. cinerea and A. nilotica. D. cinerea had the highest NDF level followed by A. nilotica and then by z. mucronata. Trees that grew in the medium rainfall zone had the highest CP level (153 g/kg DM) followed by those that grew in the low rainfall zone whilst those that grew in the high rainfall zone had the lowest CP content (101 g/kg OM) A. nilotica and D. cinerea did not differ in ADF and phosphorus but had higher levels than Z. mucronata (P < 0.01). A. nilotica had a high chlorine content (130 g/kg OM) than the other tree (P <0.01). In addition the high and low rainfall trees had a high fluorine levels than the medium rainfall trees. Z. mucronata trees that grew in low rainfall areas had the highest total tannin content of 382 g/kg Mimosa tannin equivalent. The findings of this study showed that the three forage legumes species are high in condensed tannins but they are of good nutritive value and have potential for integration into ruminant livestock production in Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Open Access
Spatial variability of soil and land suitability evaluation for specific crop ranges for Rambuda Irrigation Scheme in Vhembe district
(2013-09-18) Nethononda, Lutendo Obert; Odhiambo, J. J. O.; Peterson, D. G.
Rambuda Irrigation Scheme is a 120 hectare communal irrigation scheme established in 1952. There is no information on soil or basis for crop choices, consequently tamers have been growing crops on trial and error basis using local knowledge of soil and empirical observations of crop performance under various soil and climatic conditions. Such information is insufficient to make appropriate land use decisions. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial variability of soil at Rambu
Open Access
Effect of genotype and phosphorus fertilizer rates on water use and yield of chickpea
(2013-12-09) Madzivhandila, Thendo; Ogola. J. B. O; Odhiambo. J. J. O.
Production of chickpea in South Africa is currently insignificant but local demand is high. There are no recommendations on suitable genotypes of chickpea and agronomic practices at present. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of genotype and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates on water use and yield of four chickpea genotypes. A field experiment was undertaken, in winter 2009 and summer 2010, using a factorial arrangement of 3 P fertilizer rates (0, 45 and 90 kg P ha-1) and 4 chickpea genotypes (ICCV92944, ICCV3110, ICCV4306 and ICCV7307) laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times. Total crop biomass was determined at vegetative, 50% flowering, and harvest maturity (HM) stages and number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, grain yield and harvest index (HI) were determined at harvest maturity. Water use (ET) was determined by measuring soil moisture content at week intervals. eutron probe was used to measure soil moisture content every week after emergence until physiological maturity. Soil moisture value was used to determine crop water use. Water use efficiency was determined as the ratio of crop biomass or grain yield to water use (ET). Genotype and P fertilizer rates affected the crop biomass at vegetative and 50% flowering stage in season I and season II. Desi genotypes had greater crop biomass compared with kabuli genotypes in winter and summer season. Genotype did not affect crop biomass at harvest maturity in both winter and summer season but the application of phosphorus fertilizer rate significantly (P<0.01) affected crop biomass at harvest maturity in 1'. summer season. Genotype significantly affected grain yield in winter (P<0.05) and summer (P<0.01) se·ason. The desi types significantly had greater grain yield ( 1464 and 979 kg ha-1) compared with kabuli types (680 and 274 kg ha-1) in season I. In contrast, the kabuli types significantly had greater grain yield (1538 and 1396 kg ha-1) compared with desi types (1196 and 983 kg ha-I) in season II. Application of phosphorus fertilizer rates did not affect grain yield in season I probably due to water deficits in winter season. In contrast, P fertilizer application rates significantly (P<0.01) affected grain yield in season II.Phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 90 kg P ha-1 produced significantly greater grain yield (1585.0 kg ha-I) followed by 45 kg P ha-I (1313.0 kg ha-1 and 0 kg P ha-1 (935.0 kg ha-1 in season II. Genotype and did not affect water use (ET) in season I (average 221.3 mm) and season II (average 314.2 mm). Phosphorus application also did not affect water use (ET) in season I (average 221.3 mm) and season II (average 314.2 mm). The desi types significantly had greater water use efficiency of grain yield (WUEg) (6.36 and 4.41 kg ha-1 mm-1) compared with kabuli types (2.69 and 1.33 kg ha-1 mm- 1) in season I. In contrast, the kabuli types significantly had greater water use efficiency of grain yield (WUEg) (4.90 and 4.40 kg ha-I mm-1) compared with desi types (3.41 and 3.12 kg ha-1 mm-I) in season II. Application of phosphorus fertilizer rates significantly (P<0.05) affected water use efficiency of grain yield (WUEg) in season I and season II. Application of phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 90 kg p ha-I produced significantly greater water use efficiency of grain yield (WUEg) compared with 45, 0 kg P ha-1 Therefore desi genotypes may be more favourable in winter season. In contrast, kabuli appears to be more suitable in summer season while 45 and 90 kg P ha-1 phosphorus fertilizer rates may increase chickpea yield for the site of current study in both season and season II.
Open Access
Assessment of access and use of credit amongst smallholder farmers in the Capricorn District Municipality, of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(2013-12-10) Motlhatlhana, Moloko Lovedelia; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Open Access
Performance of selected different types of stone fruits in a summer rainfall area, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Ramphinwa, Maanea Lonia; Mchau, G.R.A.; Gwata, E.
Temperate fruit trees cultivated in areas of mild winter conditions result in a number of insufficient chilling symptoms. Such insufficient symptoms are described in general as the absence of bud break, delayed foliation, reduced fruit set as well as reduced fruit quality. Therefore, after bud break, fruit trees show insufficient symptoms such as paralysis of the shoot growth, development of small leaves, low rate of effective fructification, and reduction of the flowering-maturity circle and development of small flat fruits. Adequate information of chilling requirements, dates of dormancy breaking and appropriate chemical agents, which should be applied to meet chilling requirement is required for successful production of stone fruit. South African (SA) deciduous fruit has been exported successfully (primarily to the UK and Europe) since 1892 and SA is currently a major Southern Hemisphere supplier of fresh fruit between the months of October and August (Huysane, 1996). In order to remain competitive, there is a need to expand the production of stone fruits from traditional Western Cape to a summer rainfall area in Limpopo Province. The broad objectives of the study was to evaluate some quantitative and qualitative performance traits of different types of stone fruits in a summer rainfall area in Limpopo Province. The project was initiated in 2007 by Agricultural Research Council through the collaboration of Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij (Stellenbosch) Western Cape and University of Venda in Limpopo Province. This was a continuous assessment about the performance of selected stone fruit cultivars in a summer rainfall area, South Africa. Growth data was sampled on each tree. Circumference measurement of the graft union after the growing season was measured using a soft pliable measuring tape in order to get an indication of the growth rate. This was done annually during winter period. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with six trees (experimental units) randomly selected for each of the four species ('Charisma', 'Summersun', 'Pioneer 'and 'Mayglo'). Analysis of variance was performed on all variables accessed using GLM (General Linear Models) Procedure of SAS statistical software version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA, 2003). Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to test for normality (Shapiro, 1965). There was significant different on diameter of stems, scion height and production of secondary branches of trees on the four different stone fruit trees studied. 'Mayglo' and 'Summersun' trees had high buds production, blooming, and fruit-set than 'Charisma' and 'Pioneer' trees in year 2009. All trees had a very good bud production and blooming, but only 'Mayglo' and 'Summersun' had a good fruit set compared 'Charisma' and 'Pioneer' in year 2010.
Open Access
Milk yield and quality, nitrogen metabolism and rumen fermentation parameters in dairy cows fed different level of dietary concentrate and live yeast
(2015) Shabangu, Nomthandazo Petronella; Baloyi, J. J.; Muya, M. C.
The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effects of level of dietary concentrate and live yeast (LY) on milk yield, milk composition, rumen fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in lactating dairy cows. Four primiparous Holstein dairy cows in early lactation (average weight 500 ±9 kg and 20 days in milk (DIM)) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design for a period of 44 days. The animals had seven days of adaptation to the treatments and four days for measurements. The treatments were, Low concentrate to forage (C:F) diet (40:60) with no additive, High C:F diet (60:40) with no additive, High C:F diet with LY and Low C:F diet with LY.Cows weremilked at 06h00 and 16h00 daily and milk samples were analysed for fat, protein, lactose milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and somatic cell count (SCC). Proximate analysis of feed samples was done and daily feed intake was recorded. Weight and body condition score were determined at beginning and end of every experimental period. Faecal and urinary nitrogen (N)were determined. In vitro batch fermentation was conducted to determine ruminal fermentation kinetics. Data generated from the feeding trial was analysed for a 4 x 4 Latin square design (LSD) using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (2009) and data for the invitro trialwassubjected to ANOVA using PROC GLM (SAS Institute, 2009) for a complete randomized design. Addition of LY affected only dry matter intake (DMI) (P<0.05), which effect was pronounce when cows were fed low (40:60) C:F diet resulting in better feed efficiency(FE). Cows fed high C:F diet consumed more feed, produced more milk with high fat and protein content (P<0.05). Both LY and C:F reduced (P<0.05) N intake as result of low DMI, but reduced (P<0.05) N excretion in manure. Addition of LY decreased ruminal ammonia and increased total VFA’s (P<0.05). The effects on ammonia suggest a better utilisation of diet proteins and probably more incorporation of products of CP degradation into microbial proteins, which support the observed reduced manure N excretion. The opposite was observed with high C:F diet, which increased ammonia and decreased total VFA’s. Propionate and butyrate were increased and decreased, respectively by high C:F diet.Addition of LY reduced SCC and MUN compared to control.The effects of LY were better pronounced on most parameters at low C:F diet. It is therefore recommended that the effects of LY be tested at low C:F on a larger scale of animals over longer periods to observe its effect of the rest of the parameters.
Open Access
Analysis of the constraints faced by small-scale farmers in achieving household food security a case study of Masholomoshe and Makwe Irrigation Schemes in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province
(2015-01-30) Ndlovu, Langelihle; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
The study analysed the constraints faced by small-scale irrigation farmers on household food security in drought prone agro-ecological region 5, Gwanda district. The study conducted a case study of Masholomoshe and Makwe irrigation schemes in Gwanda district of Matabeleland south province in Zimbabwe. The main objective was to analyse the impact of the constraints faced by small-scale irrigation farmers on household food security. The study looked at the socio-economic factors, production levels, role of supporting institutions and the constraints faced by farmers. Primary data was collected using interview questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. Questionnaires were designed based on objectives and research questions. Key informant interviews were also carried out with the extension officers. The data was captured and analyzed using statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, gross margin, multiple linear and binary logistic regression models were all used to analyse the data. The study established the dominance of women and the elderly who are less educated farmers, use of rented land and farming as the main source of income. The study also revealed that farmers were not able to grow crops throughout the year and they obtained very small net farm incomes. The main supporting service that the farmers were getting was the assistance from the extension workers and their main constraints were high water costs, shortage of water, lack of access to credit, lack of inputs and output markets, lack of relevant training and information and damage to irrigation infrastructure. Inferential statistical analyses detected a negative impact of household size, area cultivated, total yield, and quantity sold to household food security while total income, land tenure, access to credit and extension services had a positive impact. Amongst others the study recommended financial assistance to farmers in form of subsidies on input prices, low interest loans, and skills transfers. Farmers could also be assisted to construct water storage facilities such as dams and water tanks.
Open Access
An assessment of coping strategies in the marketing of produce by street vendors
(2015-01-30) Munzhelele, R; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study was aimed to investigate patterns and causes of changes of terrestrial small mammal species diversity, richness and abundance with increasing elevation in the Soutpanberg Mountains. Capture mark recapture method was conducted at five altitudinal sites ranging from 1000-174 7m above sea level in the southern slopes of the western Soutpansberg. Data on different environmental variables (Microhabitat and climate) were collected. Twelve small mammal species was recorded, of these two species of shrew, nine rodents and one species of Sengi. Three rodent species e.g. Micaelamys namaquensis, Aethomys ineptus and Rhabdomys pumilio were the most abundant species occurring in almost all altitudinal sites. Six models were built to test influence of different environmental variables on small mammal. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was used to assess the best model that explained variation in species richness, diversity and abundance. Model has shown that variation small mammal species richness and diversity was attributed to rockiness of the area. Small mammal species richness significantly increase with increase in altitude, species diversity also increase with altitude but it was not statistically significant dominance of R. pumilio at high altitude. Rock cover significantly influences the variation of three small mammal species (Rhabdomys pumilio, Aethomys ineptus and Elephantulus myurus). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test if there any significant difference of four small mammal (A. ineptus, M namaquensis, R. pumilio and E. myurus) body mass with changes in altitude. Altitude significalty influences variation of A. ineptus body mass but not in way predicted by Bergmanns' Rule. The results have shown that all four small mammals tested did not conform to Bergmann rule.
Open Access
The impact of monetary compensation as a land restitution redress mechanism in the Vhembe District, South Africa
(2015-02-02) Ramaswiela, Humbulani; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study was conducted to assess the use of financial compensation, within household claimants of two restitution communities in Vhembe District, South Africa. It involved a simple random sampling of 183 claimants from Phaphazela and Ribungwani communities. Collected data were captured into Excel spread sheets and the SPSS version 21 IBM programmes and analysed through descriptive and logistic regression statistical techniques. The major findings were that the majority of claimants of compensated restitution grant were female adults who never went to school. Most of the respondents were the original dispossessed, dissatisfied with their grant because it was insufficient. The majority of claimants utilised the grant for building or renovating their houses and great number of them also shared the money with their siblings. Results from regression analysis revealed that most claimants were dissatisfied with the different projects to which the compensation was applied. The study recommended that future claimants whose initial properties cannot be restored to be provided with alternate land rather than cash as an option or other redress strategies such as establishment of trusts that could focus on the provision of bursaries to their deserving children, continued support from relevant stakeholders and reassessment of funding model.
Open Access
Determinants of access to farm credit by emerging farmers of Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa
(2015-02-02) Chivenge, Wilson; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study seeks to determine the costs and benefits associated with the value addition process at Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate, Vhembe District, Limpopo province of South Africa. Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate was under precarious economic conditions and in its endeavour to revamp its operations; the estate adopted the value-addition process. The major aim of this study is to determine whether the value-addition activity is a sound investment decision by reviewing the costs incurred and the benefits accrued when the activity was adopted. Cost benefit analysis is a strategy or formula for evaluating the potential for any type of operation or project within the confines of the company or organisation. The main purpose of a cost benefit analysis is to ascertain if conducting a project, activity or operation is feasible, given the current circumstances of the organisation. With regard to tea, manufacturers may add value by blending, branding or packaging the tea before selling it to consumers. To assess the viability of the initiative, the Net Present Value (NPV) and the benefit cost ratio (BCR) were used. The time series primary data used for the analysis were obtained during 2005-2012 period. The results show that the value addition initiative was not viable for the period under review. Using a 10% discount rate, the NPV and BCR were found to be -69281681.19 and 0.380647627 respectively. This entails that the initiative is not viable and therefore there is need for the tea estate to revise its strategies. The identified challenges include high input costs, high minimum wages and stiff competition. One of the strategies could be investing on capital than on human capital since labour contributes 60% of its total costs.
Open Access
Economic analysis of value addition on tea a case study of the Mukumbani/Tshivhase Tea Estate, Vhembe District, Limpopo
(2015-02-02) Bokosi, James; Raidimi, E. N.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study seeks to determine the costs and benefits associated with the value addition process at Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate, Vhembe District, Limpopo province of South Africa. Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate was under precarious economic conditions and in its endeavour to revamp its operations; the estate adopted the value-addition process. The major aim of this study is to determine whether the value-addition activity is a sound investment decision by reviewing the costs incurred and the benefits accrued when the activity was adopted. Cost benefit analysis is a strategy or formula for evaluating the potential for any type of operation or project within the confines of the company or organisation. The main purpose of a cost benefit analysis is to ascertain if conducting a project, activity or operation is feasible, given the current circumstances of the organisation. With regard to tea, manufacturers may add value by blending, branding or packaging the tea before selling it to consumers. To assess the viability of the initiative, the Net Present Value (NPV) and the benefit cost ratio (BCR) were used. The time series primary data used for the analysis were obtained during 2005-2012 period. The results show that the value addition initiative was not viable for the period under review. Using a 10% discount rate, the NPV and BCR were found to be -69281681.19 and 0.380647627 respectively. This entails that the initiative is not viable and therefore there is need for the tea estate to revise its strategies. The identified challenges include high input costs, high minimum wages and stiff competition. One of the strategies could be investing on capital than on human capital since labour contributes 60% of its total costs.
Open Access
An analysis of agricultural commercialisation amongst smallholder farmers in Munyati Resettlement Area, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe
(2015-02-06) Kabiti, Hlekani Muchazotida; Raidimi, E. N; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Smallholder farmer commercialisation has been identified as a way of increasing agricultural production, food availability, and farmers' incomes. Smallholder commercialisation can occur asa result of an increase in the production levels of "traditional" food crops or asa result ofa shift in production towards cash crops. Commercialisation occurs both on the input side and output side. Zimbabwe has been coming up with strategies to increase smallholder farmer commercialisation and participation in agricultural markets. Smallholder farmers in Munyati resettlement area in Zimbabwe are still facing challenges in commercialisation. The study analysed smallholder farmer input and output commercialisation in the study area, paying attention to the determinants, current levels, challenges and the perceptions of the smallholder farmers on commercialisation. The study was limited to crop commercialisation. The study respondents were smallholder farmers and the extension officer working in the study area. Research methodologies used include transect walk, key informant interviews, and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods were used to analyse the data on the statistical package Stata version 10.0. The Tobit Regression Model was used to analyse the determinants of input and output commercialisation. The study revealed that the farmers have an average input commercialisation index of0.42 and an average output commercialisation index of 0.41. Level of input commercialisation was found to be determined by method of cultivation, years of schooling of household head, irrigation availability, distance to input market, road access and household gross production value in the study area. Level of output commercialisation at household level was found to be determined by household labour size, irrigation availability, household gross production value, farming experience and off farm income. The farmers had positive perceptions and attitudes towards agricultural commercialisation. Various challenges were indicated as hindrances to commercialisation. Most of the indicated challenges were market related. Lack of farmer organisations was another challenge indicated. The study ends by recommending that different strategies be used to enhance input and output commercialisation as they are determined by different factors. Further studies are recommended on commodity specific levels of commercialisation so as to better understand the agricultural commodities which can be promoted for the purpose commercialisation in the study area.
Open Access
Effects of mineral ions on yeast performance under very high gravity beer fermentation
(2015-02-11) Udeh, Henry Okwudili; Kgatla, T. E.; Jideani, A. I. O.
Open Access
Shelf-life extension of home-made mahewu by adding Aloe vera powder
(2015-02-12) Mashau, Mpho Edward; Maliwichi, L. L.
Open Access
Economic impact of the composition of public expenditure on agricultural growth: case studies from selected SADC
(2015-02-12) Manyise, Timothy; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Over 140 million people worldwide were estimated to have type 2 diabetes mellitus in the year 2000 and this prevalence is projected to rise to over 280 million by the year 2025. Diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease that can lead to debilitating complications and premature death if not effectively controlled. The study sought to assess the level of knowledge that diabetic patients have regarding diabetes mellitus and to describe beliefs and practices for diabetes management among such patients. A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data. A self administered questionnaire was designed and translated into local spoken language (Tshivenda) by experts from the department of African Languages at the University of Venda. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured. As many as 51 (51.0%) of the respondents reported that they knew what diabetes mellitus was, whereas 49 (49.0%) did not know. Knowledge of the role of obesity and physical inactivity in producing diabetes was very low, with only 4 (8.9%) and 7 (15.5%) of the respondents reporting these as risk factors for diabetes mellitus, as compared to 34 (75.5%) of the respondents who had the knowledge that heredity is also associated with being predisposed to diabetes mellitus. Almost 62 (62.0%) of the respondents believed that diabetes could cause complications. A majority of 93 (93%) of the respondents reported that they were able to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Findings of this study revealed that the level of diabetes knowledge among the respondents was very good. However, knowledge of signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus was very low, while the danger of blindness was also very low, since the respondents were never examined by eye specialists in order to rule out eye complications. A comprehensive diabetes education programme is necessary to improve the knowledge of diabetes mellitus.
Open Access
Assessment of antibiotic resistance phenotypic patern in some commensal bacteria isolated from meat and dairy products
(2015-02-18) Moyane, Jeremia Ntambama; Jideani, A. I. O.; Aiyegoro, O. A.
This study investigated the pattern of antibiotic resistance in some commensal bacteria isolated from meat and dairy products. This study is important because, antibiotics resistance has become a serious public health concern with economic and social implications throughout the world. The use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has promoted the development and abundance of antibiotic resistance in farm environments. This can cause a potential health problem since resistance genes of pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted from foodstuffs such as dairy and meat products to human. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern of commensal bacteria isolated from meat and dairy products using phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (2007) standards. A total of twenty eight (28) antibiotics were used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of commensals which include eight (8) selected Acinetobacter isolates, twenty (20) Staphylococcus isolates and sixteen Morganella morganii isolates. There was rnultidrug resistance observed among in all three groups of isolates. Moreover, this study provided information of antibiotic usage in food-producing animals in South Africa and the implication and impact in food chain. Study of antibiotic resistance in developing countries such as South Africa is important as the information could enhance prudent use of antibiotics in food production by detecting transfer of resistant bacteria or resistance genes from food animals to humans.
Open Access
Immunoglobulin response and growth performance of new born Holstein calves fed Garlic (Allium savitum) powder and probiotics as feed additives
(2015-02-18) Kekana, Thapelo Wilton; Baloyi, J. J.; Muya, M. C.
Garlic, Allium sativum, contains secondary metabolites which promote proper immunity by stimulating the level of immunoglobulin (lg) and the efficiency of rumen function. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of feeding Garlic powder or Probiotics or a combination of both on level of lgG and growth performance of Holstein calves. The calves were randomly allocated, according to birth weight, to four dietary treatments, each with 8 calves. The treatments were: control, no additive (C); supplemented with either 5g/d Garlic powder (G) or 4 g/d Probiotics (P) alone or a combination of 5g/d Garlic powder and 4 g/d Probiotics (GP) with the total viable count of 1.3 x 107 cfu/g. Garlic and Probiotics were diluted in the daily milk allocation from day 4. Commercial starter feed (17.5% CP) and fresh water was available ad libitum from day 4 until day 42 of age. Calves fed G and GP had higher (P<0.05) lgG than C and P calves. Calves fed GP tended (P = 0.056) to have higher final BW compared to C (60.3 kg vs. 56.0 kg). Garlic, Probiotics or their combination did not affect (P>0.05) calves' serum glucose, heart girth (HG), average daily gain (ADG) and body length (BL). Calves in GP and P groups had lower (P<0.05) faecal score than control and garlic. The results of the current study revealed complementary effects of Garlic and Probiotics due to improved nutrients intake, body weight, and serum lgG level and reduced diarrheal incidences when fed to calves during the first 42 days of life.