Small-Scale Maize Seed Production in West and Central Africa: Profitability, Constraints and Options
Awotide Diran Olawale,
Mafouasson Hortense Noelle Tontsa
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
1-10
Received:
9 October 2014
Accepted:
27 October 2014
Published:
16 February 2015
Abstract: Seed plays a critical role in increasing agricultural productivity. Seed has been described as an essential, strategic, and relatively inexpensive input that often determines the upper limit of crop yields and the productivity of all other agricultural inputs. Given the critical role that seed plays in agricultural production, a key question is how to facilitate the development of a seed system that is capable of generating, producing and distributing new seed varieties that meet the needs of all farmers, in a cost-effective way given the critical role that improved varieties play in increasing agricultural production. The study was conducted in Nigeria and Cameroon in West and Central Africa respectively. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in this study to select 167 maize seed producers. Descriptive and quantitative techniques were employed in the analysis of the study data. Descriptive analytical tools such as frequency tables were used to describe the socio economic characteristics of respondents and options in maize seed production. Normalised profit function analysis was used to determine the profitability of seed production and importance indices were used to rank seed production constraints. Finally regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting the profitability of maize seed production. The survey conducted in the two countries revealed that there is no formal maize seed production system in Cameroon. Maize seed in Cameroon came from either the government agencies or from the farmers. However, in Nigeria, there is formal maize seed production system. Evidence from the study has shown that maize seed industry in WCA (Nigeria and Cameroon in particular) has not developed remarkably. According to study, a seed system that would integrate large scale and small scale seed companies with the individual seed producers by way of integrating seed producers as out growers or contract growers to the seed companies seems to be the best option. Finally, government agencies could assist the informal sector by providing foundation seed, extension advice on seed production, processing, treatment and storage and legal framework that permits seed marketing. This would facilitate the growth of small-scale entrepreneurs in the informal sector. This is very relevant in Cameroon where there were no small-scale formal seed producers. The evidence provided in this study could lead to the sustainability of maize seed production in WCA where seed companies exist but struggling to survive and could facilitate the establishment of private seed enterprises in Cameroon where none existed. Based on the findings, numerous policy recommendations are proposed.
Abstract: Seed plays a critical role in increasing agricultural productivity. Seed has been described as an essential, strategic, and relatively inexpensive input that often determines the upper limit of crop yields and the productivity of all other agricultural inputs. Given the critical role that seed plays in agricultural production, a key question is how...
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The Changes in the Natural Woody Vegetation in Some Yemeni Villages: Basics for Restoration Policies and Afforestation Programs
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2015
Pages:
11-15
Received:
24 January 2015
Accepted:
31 January 2015
Published:
28 February 2015
Abstract: The aim of the study is to detect the changes in the natural woody vegetation (NWV) of rural areas of Yemen and analyze the patterns of these changes. Three villages around Sana’a city were selected. To detect the changes, satellite images of different dates (2004 and 2012) for each village were obtained from the Yemeni Center for Remote Sensing. The result showed an increase of 53%, 49% and 90% for Anagah, Dhbir Khairh and Bait Hambus respectively. The differences among years were significant using a paired- samples t test. The study declined the general consensus by experts who consider that land vegetation cover is declining. Identification of plants’ species that exist in the area showed a low biodiversity of only 6 species where two Acacia species as well as the shrub Lycium shawii represent 95%. Furthermore, comparing NWV among the villages and within plots presented valuable information for plantation strategies such as selecting trees with regenerative criterion and seeding each barren land with some regenerative trees. The study also noted the possible negative influence of industrial expansion and signified the importance of developing land-use plans to protect the natural vegetation.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to detect the changes in the natural woody vegetation (NWV) of rural areas of Yemen and analyze the patterns of these changes. Three villages around Sana’a city were selected. To detect the changes, satellite images of different dates (2004 and 2012) for each village were obtained from the Yemeni Center for Remote Sensing. T...
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