LJAS Maiden Issue Volume 1 No. 1https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2372024-03-29T08:56:22Z2024-03-29T08:56:22ZEffect of Three Indegenous Pig Breeds and Creep Feeding on Pre-Wearing Litter PerformanceMolapo, S. M.Okello-Uma., I.Odenya, W.O.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2612023-01-24T13:03:08Z2007-01-01T00:00:00ZEffect of Three Indegenous Pig Breeds and Creep Feeding on Pre-Wearing Litter Performance
Molapo, S. M.; Okello-Uma., I.; Odenya, W.O.
The aim of this study was to determine the litter performance of three indigenous pig
breeds in Lesotho based on birth weight and weaning weight. Twenty-seven suckling
pigs weighing (0.90 – 1.30 kg) were assigned to three treatments of three levels of feeds.
The experiment was designed as a randomised 3*3 factorial of three breeds and three
dietary treatments of Makhulo feeds. Three piglets from each breed received the
experimental diet (Makhulo commercial feeds) of 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day
(control) for a period of six weeks. Mean birth weight was 1.13, 0.97 and 1.23kg for Breed
1 (black with smooth coat), Breed 2 (black with rough coat) and Breed 3 (black and white)
and were significantly different (P<0.05). The mean weight at weaning (11.62, 7.85 and
10.72kg) was significantly different among the three breeds. The average weaning weight
was 11.74, 10.13, and 8.32kg for the 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day, respectively. The
GLM procedure was used for analyzing the dataset.
2007-01-01T00:00:00ZEconomic Analysis of Maize Production in the Maseru District,Lesotho:The case of the Masianokeng Resource CenterMatete, Mampitihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2602023-01-24T13:03:08Z2007-01-01T00:00:00ZEconomic Analysis of Maize Production in the Maseru District,Lesotho:The case of the Masianokeng Resource Center
Matete, Mampiti
Maize is a staple food and an important source of starch for many households in Lesotho. But, for many years, its domestic supply has failed to meet demand. In order to increase its supply, the Lesotho government has provided many incentives to maize producers, ranging from price support to input subsidies. Despite these efforts, maize supply continues to fall short of demand. Using the Maseru district as a case study, this study determined the economic efficiency of maize production in Lesotho, based on regression and budgetary analytical tools. The study further identified problems that hinder increased maize production in Lesotho. The regression analysis results indicated that, while farmers were economically efficient in using labor, they under-utilized land and fertilizer inputs. Budgetary analysis results indicated that farmers earned a net income of M272.93 per hectare. The study also observed that, lack of capital, unavailability of some inputs and high input costs, hindered maize production in Lesotho. From the overall results of the study, it is evident that maize production in Lesotho can be profitable and that domestic supply can be increased if farmers could use all the production inputs efficiently and if credit facilities and inputs can be made available.
2007-01-01T00:00:00ZIrrigation Prospects in Lesotho:An Appraisal of the Seaka Irrigation ProjectMoeti, L. D.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2592023-01-24T13:03:08Z2007-01-01T00:00:00ZIrrigation Prospects in Lesotho:An Appraisal of the Seaka Irrigation Project
Moeti, L. D.
Irrigation farming has been practised in Lesotho for over thirty years and yet, to date, there is very little noticeable success. The objective of the paper is to investigate the perceptions of farmers with regard to the causes of failure of the Seaka Irrigation Project. The findings of the study indicate that, the planning, design and implementation of the project were imposed by the decision-makers on the community of the Lower Senqu Valley. The community is generally uneducated and, as a result, struggled to understand the share-out mechanisms related to block farming. In addition, the financial implications of running irrigation farming were not properly understood. Despite past failures, the majority of the farmers within the study indicated readiness to participate in irrigation projects provided that factors which led to the collapse of the Seaka Irrigation Project are fully addressed. There was a strong feeling that a fully participatory project with community initiative could make a positive contribution to the valley’s economy.
2007-01-01T00:00:00ZCharacteristics and Trends in production and Market Potential of Certified Maize Seeds in NigeriaAlimi, T.Williams, S.B.Bamire, A.S.Akinrin, A. O.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2582023-01-24T13:03:06Z2007-01-01T00:00:00ZCharacteristics and Trends in production and Market Potential of Certified Maize Seeds in Nigeria
Alimi, T.; Williams, S.B.; Bamire, A.S.; Akinrin, A. O.
The study determined the characteristics and trends in market potential and production of certified maize seed in Nigeria. Data came from certified maize seed and maize grain farmers, and from various issues of Statistical Bulletins of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, markov chain process, time series analysis and budgetary technique. Results of the analyses indicated that certified maize seed production is a modern farming method, and producers were mainly male, literate, had mean age of about 42 years and mean experience of 9 years in certified maize seed production. Producers operated as sole proprietors, obtained farmland largely through inheritance and used informal farm financing sources. The seed farmers prefer selling to government agencies that guarantee purchase of their entire seed output. Significant proportion (55%) of maize grain farmers did not use certified maize seed largely because of ignorance and lack of complementary inputs. Both market potential and production of certified maize seed will grow with time.
2007-01-01T00:00:00Z