Fighting Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Multiple Roles of Legumes in Integrated Soil Fertility Management

Fighting Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Multiple Roles of Legumes in Integrated Soil Fertility Management
Author: Andre Bationo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2011-08-24
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9400715366

Legumes play an important role in the cropping systems of sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Legumes are an important source of nutrition to both humans and livestock by providing the much needed protein, minerals, fibre and vitamins. The sale of legumes seed, leaves and fibre generates income for the marginalized communities especially women. Cultivation of legumes is essential for the regeneration of nutrient-deficient soils. By biologically fixing nitrogen (BNF) in the soil, legumes provide a relatively low-cost method of replacing otherwise expensive inorganic nitrogen in the soil. This enhances soil fertility and boosts subsequent cereal crop yields. Production of legumes in SSA is however; hampered by a number of constraints among them low and declining soil fertility, low soil pH, high salinity, drought and flooding, poor access to improved germplasm, diseases, pests and weeds. Farmers need to learn how to overcome these constraints if the full benefits of legumes are to be gained. This book presents a synthesis of research work on legumes and draws attention to the importance of legumes in integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and poverty alleviation in SSA.

Forage Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Production in Subhumid West Africa

Forage Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Production in Subhumid West Africa
Author: S. A. Tarawali
Publisher:
Total Pages: 136
Release: 1999
Genre: Cattle
ISBN:

Results of a three-year research project conducted in the subhumid region of Nigeria are presented. In order to promote the use of forage legumes for sustainable agriculture, a number of research aspects were addressed including screening collections of the promising pasture legumes Centrosema brasilianum and Aeschynomene histrix and small-scale collection of herbaceous forage species in northern Nigeria. Studies to optimise the utilisation of selected forage legumes included the use of material in combination with grasses for calf supplementation and combining selected legumes to give stable, year-round pastures. Considering the importance of integrating crop and livestock production, studies were also carried out to investigate the potential of selected forage legumes to contribute to both fodder and crop production. Forage seed production and collaboration with national and international institutes in West Africa have also featured.

Stylosanthes as a Forage and Fallow Crop

Stylosanthes as a Forage and Fallow Crop
Author: P. N. de Leeuw
Publisher: ILRI (aka ILCA and ILRAD)
Total Pages: 323
Release: 1994-01-01
Genre: Fallow land plants
ISBN: 9290532793

The biology of Stylosanthes and its importance in West Africa and Latin America; The screening and evaluation of Stylosanthes germplasm; The dynamics, nutrient requirements, pests and diseases of Stylosanthes species; Stylosanthes-based pastures for livestock production; The integration of Stylosanthes into cropping systems; Seed production of Stylosanthes.

Cover Crops in West Africa

Cover Crops in West Africa
Author: International Development Research Centre (Canada)
Publisher: IDRC
Total Pages: 319
Release: 1998
Genre: Cover crops
ISBN: 088936852X

Cover Crops in West Africa Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture
Author: David Chikoye
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2017-04-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128105224

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture: Upscaling in Developing Countries defines integrated climate smart agricultural technologies (ICSAT) as a suite of interconnected techniques and practices that enhance quantity and quality of agricultural products with minimum impact on the environment. These ICSAT are centered on three main pillars, increased production and income, adaptation and resilience to climate change, and minimizing GHG emissions. This book brings together technologies contributing to the three pillars, explains the context in which they can be scaled up, and identifies research and development gaps as areas requiring further investigation. It stresses the urgency in critically analyzing and recommending ICSAT and scaling out the efforts of both developing and disseminating these in an integrated manner. The book discusses, synthesizes, and offers alternative solutions to agriculture production systems and socio-economic development. It brings together biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines in evaluating suitable ICSAT in an effort to help reduce poverty and food insecurity. Highlights the research gaps and opportunities on climate smart agricultural technologies and institutional arrangements Provides information on institutional engagements that are inclusive of value chain actors that support partnerships and the development of interactive platforms Elaborates some of the effects of climate extremes on production and socioeconomic development on small farms whose impact has potentially large impact