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

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

Author: S. A. Tarawali

Publisher:

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13:

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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.

Pulse crops for sustainable farms in sub-Saharan Africa

Pulse crops for sustainable farms in sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2018-05-22

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 9251300887

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Pulses have a long history in sub-Saharan Africa due to their multiple benefits. Pulses, and legumes in general, can play an important role in agriculture because of their ability to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen and to enhance the biological turnover of phosphorus; thus they could become the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in Africa. In this sense, there is a body of literature that points to diversification of existing production systems – particularly legumes species, which provide critical environmental services, including soil erosion control and soil nutrient recapitalization. This publication is a review of some of the promising strategies to support the cultivation and utilization of pulses on smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. The review is part of the legacy of the International Year of Pulses (IYP), which sought to recognize the contribution that pulses make to human well-being and the environment.

Tropical Legumes for Sustainable Farming Systems in Southern Africa and Australia

Tropical Legumes for Sustainable Farming Systems in Southern Africa and Australia PDF

Author: Anthony M. Whitbread

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13:

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The papers in this book come from an ACIAR project to develop sustainable animal and cropping systems in southern Africa. The papers focus on aspects of forage and ley legumes and include the interactions with animal and crop production, and farmer evaluation and adoption of new technologies in farming systems of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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 PDF

Author: Andre Bationo

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-08-24

Total Pages: 253

ISBN-13: 9400715366

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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.

Cover Crops in West Africa

Cover Crops in West Africa PDF

Author: International Development Research Centre (Canada)

Publisher: IDRC

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 088936852X

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Cover Crops in West Africa Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture