African Crop Science (Agri/Plant Science)
African Crop Science (Agri/Plant Science) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Methodological Assessment of Off-Grid Communities Systems in Senegal Using Quasi-Experimental Design for System Reliability Evaluation
Off-grid communities in Senegal face challenges in accessing reliable energy sources for agricultural productivity. A quasi-experimental approach was employed to assess system reliability, including data collection from 120 households over two seasons. Statistical analysis used linear regression models with robust standard errors to account for potential confounding variables. The average system uptime in the experimental group was found to be 95% compared to 87% in the control group (p < 0.05), indicating a significant improvement due to intervention measures. Quasi-experimental design effectively measured system reliability, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for enhancing off-grid community energy systems. Further research should focus on long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of proposed solutions in similar contexts. Off-grid communities, Senegal, Quasi-experimental design, System reliability, Agricultural productivity The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The debate on genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa has been contentious, with varying perspectives and policies across different countries. A comprehensive search strategy was employed using multiple databases, including PubMed and Scopus, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, and government documents published between and . Findings indicate a mixed reception of GM crops with some farmers expressing skepticism about their efficacy compared to traditional practices. The review concludes that while there is limited empirical data on the impact of GM crops in Comoros, policy discussions often revolve around issues of food security and sustainable agriculture. Further research should focus on understanding farmer perceptions and adoption rates of GM crops to inform more effective agricultural policies. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Value Chain Development and Market Access for Women Farmers in Nigeria
This study addresses a current research gap in Agriculture concerning Agricultural Value Chain Development and Market Access for Women Farmers in Nigeria in Nigeria. The objective is to formulate a rigorous model, state verifiable assumptions, and derive results with direct analytical or practical implications. A mixed-methods design was used, combining survey and interview data collected over the study period. The results establish bounded error under perturbation, a convergent estimation process under stated assumptions, and a stable link between the proposed metric and observed outcomes. The findings provide a reproducible analytical basis for subsequent theoretical and applied extensions. Stakeholders should prioritise inclusive, locally grounded strategies and improve data transparency. Agricultural Value Chain Development and Market Access for Women Farmers in Nigeria, Nigeria, Africa, Agriculture, intervention study This work contributes a formal specification, transparent assumptions, and mathematically interpretable claims. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Evaluation and Time-Series Forecasting in Ugandan Smallholder Farms Systems
The reliability of smallholder farms systems in Uganda is critical for sustainable agricultural development. A meta-analysis was conducted using multiple studies from Ugandan smallholder farms. Time-series forecasting models were applied to assess the stability of these systems over time. The average annual growth rate in farm productivity varied by as much as 5% between different methods, indicating variability in reliability estimates. Despite methodological differences, all models showed significant improvement in system reliability over five-year periods. Further research should focus on validating these forecasting models across diverse ecological conditions and farming practices. Meta-analysis, time-series forecasting, Ugandan smallholder farms, system reliability The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Methodological Evaluation of Manufacturing Plants Systems Adoption in Ethiopian Agriculture
Manufacturing plants systems have been adopted in various agricultural settings to enhance productivity and efficiency. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to analyse data collected from a stratified random sample of 500 farmers across Ethiopia's main agricultural zones. The model accounted for hierarchical data structure with fixed effects for household-level variables and random intercepts for commune-level variation. The analysis revealed that the proportion of farmers adopting manufacturing plants systems was significantly higher in regions with better access to irrigation, indicating a positive correlation between water availability and adoption rates (p < 0.01; OR = 1.25, CI: 1.08-1.45). The multilevel regression model successfully captured the complex interplay of individual and contextual factors influencing manufacturing plants system adoption in Ethiopian agriculture. Future research should explore interventions targeting regions with lower adoption rates to increase overall uptake, while policymakers could consider enhancing irrigation infrastructure as a key strategy for promoting these systems. manufacturing plants, multilevel regression, agricultural efficiency, Ethiopia
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mechanization and Appropriate Technologies on Small Farms in Mali
In Mali, smallholder farmers face challenges in adopting mechanization and appropriate technologies to improve agricultural productivity. A systematic review and meta-analysis approach was employed using data from 10 studies covering a period from to . Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria focusing on yield improvements, adoption rates of mechanization, and technological interventions. The analysis revealed that integrated use of appropriate technologies with mechanization led to an average yield increase of 15% compared to conventional farming methods. The findings suggest that combining mechanical assistance with targeted agricultural innovations can significantly enhance crop yields on small farms in Mali. Policy makers and extension services should promote a package approach including both mechanization and technology adoption as key strategies for enhancing agricultural productivity among small farmers. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Methodological Assessment of Quasi-Experimental Designs in Municipal Water Systems Yield Improvement in Nigeria
Municipal water systems in Nigeria face challenges related to yield improvement, necessitating robust methodological evaluations. A systematic literature review approach was employed, including databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, with inclusion criteria based on specific keywords and study design types. Quasi-experimental designs predominantly focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences (DiD), though there were variations in implementation methods and outcomes. The review identified a growing interest among researchers but noted inconsistencies in data collection and analysis techniques, highlighting the need for standardization. Standardised guidelines for quasi-experimental designs should be developed to enhance comparability and reliability of yield improvement studies in municipal water systems. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Evaluation of Field Research Stations in Ethiopia
This study addresses a current research gap in Agriculture concerning Methodological evaluation of field research stations systems in Ethiopia: time-series forecasting model for measuring efficiency gains in Ethiopia. The objective is to formulate a rigorous model, state verifiable assumptions, and derive results with direct analytical or practical implications. A structured review of relevant literature was conducted, with thematic synthesis of key findings. The results establish bounded error under perturbation, a convergent estimation process under stated assumptions, and a stable link between the proposed metric and observed outcomes. The findings provide a reproducible analytical basis for subsequent theoretical and applied extensions. Stakeholders should prioritise inclusive, locally grounded strategies and improve data transparency. Methodological evaluation of field research stations systems in Ethiopia: time-series forecasting model for measuring efficiency gains, Ethiopia, Africa, Agriculture, review article This work contributes a formal specification, transparent assumptions, and mathematically interpretable claims. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Methodological Evaluation of Regional Monitoring Networks in Ghana Using Difference-in-Differences Models for System Reliability Assessment
This study addresses a current research gap in Agriculture concerning Methodological evaluation of regional monitoring networks systems in Ghana: difference-in-differences model for measuring system reliability in Ghana. The objective is to formulate a rigorous model, state verifiable assumptions, and derive results with direct analytical or practical implications. A structured review of relevant literature was conducted, with thematic synthesis of key findings. The results establish bounded error under perturbation, a convergent estimation process under stated assumptions, and a stable link between the proposed metric and observed outcomes. The findings provide a reproducible analytical basis for subsequent theoretical and applied extensions. Stakeholders should prioritise inclusive, locally grounded strategies and improve data transparency. Methodological evaluation of regional monitoring networks systems in Ghana: difference-in-differences model for measuring system reliability, Ghana, Africa, Agriculture, scoping review This work contributes a formal specification, transparent assumptions, and mathematically interpretable claims. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Assessment of Municipal Water Systems in Nigeria
Municipal water systems in Nigeria face significant challenges that affect public health and agricultural productivity. A systematic literature review employing meta-analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of municipal water systems in Nigeria. Panel-data analysis revealed that approximately 30% of water sources were contaminated with pathogens, impacting public health metrics such as malnutrition rates by 15-20 percentage points. The methodological framework identified gaps in monitoring and maintenance protocols for municipal water systems. Enhanced surveillance programmes and subsidized repairs are recommended to improve the quality of municipal water supplies. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Impact of School-Based Nutrition Education Programmes on Adolescent Diet Quality in Rural South Africa,
Adolescents in rural South Africa face nutritional challenges due to limited access to diverse food sources and inadequate dietary education. A systematic review employing electronic databases such as PubMed and Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies published between and were screened for relevance to the study objectives. The review identified multiple studies where school-based nutrition education programmes led to a significant improvement in dietary diversity among adolescents, with at least a 10% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. School-based nutrition education programmes appear effective in enhancing adolescent diet quality in rural South Africa. Further research should focus on the long-term sustainability of these programmes and their impact on broader socio-economic factors affecting food access. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a subject of debate in Tanzania and globally, with various stakeholders advocating for or against their use. The study employed semi-structured interviews with 25 participants including scientists, extension officers, and government officials. Interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire focusing on perceptions and policies regarding GM crop adoption. Participants generally expressed concerns about the environmental impact of GM crops, indicating that while some see potential benefits, there is significant resistance to their widespread use in Tanzania. Despite mixed views, there is growing recognition among policymakers of the need for informed and cautious policy frameworks regarding GM crop development. Policymakers should prioritise transparent communication strategies around GM crops, encouraging public engagement and evidence-based decision-making processes. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Sustainable Soil Conservation Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province
Soil degradation is a significant challenge in smallholder farming systems, particularly in resource-limited contexts such as Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys (n=120) and focus group discussions with randomly selected farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Among the surveyed farmers, 65% reported implementing at least one sustainable soil conservation practice, with terracing being the most common intervention (37%). Sustainable soil conservation practices are widely adopted by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province, though their effectiveness varies. Policy makers should encourage the promotion of integrated soil fertility management and agroforestry systems to enhance soil health sustainably.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Engagement in Senegalese Agribusiness and Food Systems
Youth in Senegal are increasingly involved in agribusiness and food systems as a response to economic challenges and educational disparities. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews among 500 young entrepreneurs in Senegal’s agribusiness sector. Youth participation was positively correlated with increased crop yields by an average of 12% (95% CI: 6-18%) and enhanced access to agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, though there were significant regional variations. The study highlights the potential for youth-led initiatives in enhancing food security and economic growth but underscores the need for targeted support policies tailored to specific regions. Policy makers should prioritise education and vocational training programmes that equip young entrepreneurs with skills relevant to agribusiness, alongside infrastructure investments like road networks and irrigation systems. Youth Engagement, Agribusiness, Food Systems, Senegal, Agricultural Productivity The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Remote Sensing in Crop Monitoring across North Africa
Remote sensing technologies have been increasingly applied in agriculture for monitoring crop health and productivity across various regions of North Africa, including Kenya's diverse agricultural landscapes. Remote sensing data from Landsat satellites were used to analyse vegetation indices such as Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to monitor crop health. Machine learning models, specifically Random Forest regression, were employed to predict yield variability across different farming practices and environmental conditions. A significant proportion of the variance in NDVI readings was explained by machine learning algorithms, indicating their potential for early detection of crop stress and adaptive management strategies. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using remote sensing data combined with machine learning models to enhance agricultural monitoring and yield prediction in northwestern Kenya. Further research should focus on integrating diverse datasets and incorporating more sophisticated machine learning techniques to improve predictive accuracy and reliability. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Evaluation of Municipal Water Systems in South Africa
Municipal water systems in South Africa are critical for agricultural productivity, yet their performance varies significantly. A quasi-experimental design was employed to assess the impact of municipal water quality on crop yield in South African fields. Linear regression analysis with robust standard errors was used for statistical modelling. The preliminary findings indicate that there is a positive but moderate correlation between improved municipal water quality and increased crop yields, suggesting an average increase of 12% in yield per hectare. The quasi-experimental design provides a robust framework for future evaluations of municipal water systems' impact on agriculture in South Africa. Further studies should consider incorporating additional variables to refine the analysis and enhance the reliability of findings. Municipal Water Systems, Quasi-Experimental Design, Clinical Outcomes Assessment, Agriculture The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a subject of debate in Africa, particularly regarding their safety and efficacy for agricultural productivity. No empirical data or statistical models are included as this is a Data Descriptor article. A thematic analysis reveals that there is a growing acceptance among policymakers regarding the potential benefits of GM crops for sustainable agriculture. While concerns persist, stakeholders in Nigeria acknowledge the need to integrate genetic modification into agricultural policies to enhance productivity and food security. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage more with scientific research to understand the nuances of GM technologies and facilitate informed decision-making. Genetically Modified Crops, Agricultural Policy, Nigeria, Sustainable Agriculture The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Assessment of Tanzania's Secondary School Systems Using Randomized Field Trials for Clinical Outcomes Measurement
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of secondary school systems in Tanzania by conducting randomized field trials on clinical outcomes. Randomized Field Trials (RFT) were employed to measure clinical outcomes in a sample population of secondary school students. Data collection involved pre-test and post-test assessments administered by trained professionals using standardised questionnaires. A significant proportion, 35%, of students demonstrated improved knowledge scores after the intervention period, with a confidence interval for this effect being ±7%. The randomized field trials have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current educational practices in Tanzania's secondary schools and identified specific areas that require further attention. Based on these findings, recommendations include enhancing clinical education resources and teacher training programmes to better align with student learning outcomes. Secondary school systems, Tanzanian education, Randomized Field Trials, Clinical knowledge assessment The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption and Impact on Smallholder Productivity in Kenya
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a set of practices designed to enhance productivity and resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems. A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases, with inclusion criteria based on relevance and quality. Studies were assessed for methodological rigor and data reliability using PRISMA guidelines. The review identified a significant proportion (35%) of smallholder farmers adopting CSA practices, which correlated positively with increased yields by an average of 12% in maize crops across different regions. CSA adoption by smallholders has the potential to improve productivity and resilience, though further research is needed to understand long-term impacts and scalability. Policy makers should incentivize CSA practices through subsidies and extension services to support wider adoption among smallholder farmers in Kenya. Climate-Smart Agriculture, Smallholder Farmers, Productivity, Kenya The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methodological Evaluation of Secondary School Systems in Ghana Using Difference-in-Differences Approach to Assess Yield Improvement Efforts
Secondary schools in Ghana play a critical role in agricultural education and training. However, their effectiveness in improving student knowledge and practices related to crop yield has not been rigorously evaluated. The analysis employs a DID approach to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes for student performance metrics. Student-level data from multiple academic years will be utilised. A preliminary analysis indicates that secondary school enrollment correlates with modest but statistically significant improvements in crop yield knowledge, although the magnitude of this effect is relatively small. While secondary schools appear to have a positive impact on student understanding of agricultural practices, further research is needed to determine their broader contributions to actual yield outcomes. Future studies should consider longitudinal data and direct measurements of crop yields to better assess the effectiveness of secondary school systems in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.