Mvumi
Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3 (3), pp. 193-198, March 2013.
ISSN: 2276-7770
Research
Paper
Manuscript Number:011213367
Assessing the Effects of Conservation Agriculture on Maize Yield in Nyakatsapa, Mutasa District, Manicaland Province: Implications on Extension Advice to Farmers in Promoting the Agriculture
Culver Mvumi
Ministry of Agriculture, P. O. Box 146, Mutare, Zimbabwe
Email: culmvi @ yahoo.com
Abstract
The study assessed the effects of conservation agriculture
on maize yield in Nyakatsapa, Mutasa district. 20 ca
farmers, 20 farmers doing conventional farming system and
area AEW were used as research subjects in 2011/2012 farming
season. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research
instruments. Mean yields under ca and conventional tillage
were compared and analysed using ‘Z’ statistical test at
0.025level of significance. Results showed that maize mean
yield from ca was significantly higher than the mean yield
from conventional system. Hectare of all ca farmers
increased from 40.5ha in 2009/2010 to 100ha in 2011/2012
season. Yield in 2009/2010 was 1 t/ha but rose to 2.3t/ha by
2011/2012 season. Agritex, ZFU and NGO provided extension
service to Nyakatsapa ca farmers. Agritex provided every
type of extension. ZFU and NGO did not conduct any field
days on ca. Extension records revealed that (15/20) was
attendance on field days and (19/20) on field
demonstrations. Results revealed that fertilizer and seed
were the main inputs given. The study therefore, recommends
that farmers in Nyakatsapa use conservation agriculture
which produces higher yields than conventional system in
maize production. Soil, nutrients and moisture are
conserved.
Keywords: Conservation agriculture, conventional
agriculture, extension
Return to Content View
Reprint
(PDF) (193KB)
Call for Articles/Books/Thesis
Call for Scholarly Articles
Authors from around the world are invited to send scholary articles that suits the scope of this journal. The journal is currently open to submissions and will process and publish articles daily, immediately they are ready.
The journal is centered on quality and goes about its processes in a very timely fashion. Seasoned editors/reviewers will be consulted to review each article(s), profer quality evaluations and polish the articles with expertise before publication.
Use our quick submit button to submit or simply send your article(s) as an e-mail attachment to gjas@acad.gjournals.org or manuscripts.igj@gmail.com.
Call for Books
You are also invited to submit your books for online or print publication. We publish books related to all academic subject areas. Submit as an e-mail attachment to books@acad.gjournals.org.
