Alley Farming Research Network for Africa
Network Coordinator: Kwesl (A. N.) Atta-krah
Assistant Coordinator: N. Sanginga
Editors:
Bansh R. Tripathl
Paul J. Psychas
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About AFNETA The Alley Farming Network for Tropical Africa (AFNETA) was established in 1989 to promote and coordinate alley farming research and development within the national agricultural research systems (NARS) of the region. Network activities include collaborative research, individual and group training, and information dissemination and exchange. AFNETA/NARS collaborative research projects are found in 20 different countries and in all major agroecological zones. The main topics of research are screening of multipurpose trees, alley farming management trials, livestock integration in alley farming, and on-farm R & D and socioeconomic investigation. AFNETA collaborates with several other networks, institutions and organisations in the implementation of its programs. Three international research centers founded AFNETA and now provide technical backstopping: the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). IITA, which houses the network's coordination unit, also provides administrative support. Financial support for coordinating activities has been provided by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Canadian Agency for International Development (CIDA). Major funding for national research activities has been provided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with additional support from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported the collaborative research projects at U.S. universities. |
© 1992
Alley Farming Network for Tropical Africa
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan
Printed at the International Livestock Centre for Africa, Addis Ababa
ISBN 978- 131-074-X (Volume 1)
ISBN 978-131-075-8 (Volume 2)
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AFNETA permits reproduction of this document for non-profit purposes. Acknowledgment of source is appreciated. For commercial reproduction, contact the AFNETA Coordinator. |
Address any inquiries or suggestions to:
The Coordinator, AFNETA, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Oyo Rd., Ibadan, NigeriaTelephone: (022)400300-400314. Telex: TROPIB NG 31417 Cable: TROPFOUND IKEJA
This electronic document has been scanned using optical character recognition (OCR) software and careful manual recorrection. Even if the quality of digitalisation is high, the FAO declines all responsibility for any discrepancies that may exist between the present document and its original printed version.
Technical paper 1: Soil classification and characterization
1.0 Performance objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Soils and their classification
1.3 The USDA soil taxonomy
1.3.1 Hierarchy of Categories in the Soil Taxonomy
1.3.2 Distribution of USDA - Classified Soils in the Tropics1.4 The FAO/UNESCO system
1.5 The French system (ORSTROM/INRA)
1.6 Characteristics of the major soils of the tropical Africa
1.7 Management of low-activity clays (LAC) soils
1.7.1 Problems in Fertility Management of LAC Soils
1.7.2 Integrated Nutrient Management Options
1.7.3 Performance of Woody Species on Alfisols and Ultisols/Oxisols1.8 Land capability classification
1.9 Feedback exercises
1.10 Suggested reading
1.11 References
Technical paper 2: Biological nitrogen fixation
2.0 Performance objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Mechanism of biological nitrogen fixation
2.3 Specificity and effectiveness
2.4 Factors limiting biological nitrogen fixation
2.4.1 Edaphic Factors
2.4.2 Climatic Factors
2.4.3 Biotic Factors2.5 Estimation of nitrogen fixation
2.5.1 Short-term Estimation of BNF: Acetylene Reduction Assay
2.5.2 Medium-term Estimation of BNF: N-solute Analysis of Xylem Exudate2.6 How to increase BNF and N2 fixing ability
2.7 Summary
2.8 Feedback exercises (Find out answers from the text)
2.9 Suggested reading
2.10 References
Technical Paper 3: Agroforestry Systems - Concepts and Classification
3.0 Performance objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Basic elements of a system
3.3 Application to agriculture and agroforestry
3.5 Systems and interdisciplinary research
3.6 Classification of agroforestry systems
3.7 Summary
3.8 Feedback exercises (Find out the answers from the text)
3.9 Suggested reading
3.10 References
Technical Paper 4: Diagnosis and Design Methodology
4.0 Performance objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The agroforestry systems research process
4.3 Macro D&D
4.3.1 Identification of Study Ecozones
4.3.2 Delineation of Land Use Systems
4.3.3 Description of Land Use Systems
4.3.4 Analysis of Land Use Systems Constraints and Potentials
4.3.5 Analysis of Potential Agroforestry Technologies
4.3.6 Definition of Agroforestry Research Needs
4.3.7 Inter-Institutional Coordination4.4.1 Analysis of Land Use System and Constraints
4.4.2 Design and Evaluation of Agroforestry Technologies
4.4.3 Design and Evaluation of Research Programs4.5 Methodological considerations in D&D
4.5.1 Research Team
4.5.2 Research Domains and Recommendation Domains
4.5.3 Data Collection Methods
4.5.4 Analytical Methods and the Role of Farmers
4.5.5 Logistical and Operational Aspect4.6 Summary
4.7 Feedback exercises (Find out answers from the text)
4.8 Suggested reading and references
Technical Paper 5: Concepts and Methods for Economic Evaluation of Alley Farming
5.0 Performance objectives
5.1. Introduction
5.2 Key economic principles and concepts
5.3 Economic evaluation criteria
5.4 Application of economic concepts in economic evaluation of alley farming technology
5.4.1 Profitability analysis
5.4.2 Calculation of Values of Economic Evaluation Criteria
5.4.3 Calculation of Values of Profitability Indicators
5.4.4 Management Feasibility
5.4.5 Risk Analysis
5.4.6 Long-Term Economic Evaluation5.5 Summary
5.6 Feedback exercises (Find out answers from the text).
5.7 Suggested reading
5.8 References
Technical Paper 6: Socio-Economic Data Collection Methods
6.0 Performance objectives
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Exploratory surveys
6.2.1 Key Informant Interviews
6.2.2 Village-Level Group Interviews6.3 Topical surveys
6.4 Cost-route studies
6.5 Summary
6.6 Feedback exercises (Find out answers from the text)
6.7 Suggested reading and references
Addendum A: Exploratory survey Sample Croup Interview Form
Addendum B: Topical Survey Sample Questionnaire
Addendum C: Field Measurements
Addendum D: Cost-Route Study Sample Data Sheet
Technical Paper 7: Statistical and Experimental Design Considerations in Alley Farming
7.0 Performance objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Statistical methods
7.2.1 Steps in Experimentation
7.2.2 Data Collection
7.2.3 Data Screening
7.2.4 Data Transformation and Coding
7.2.5 Variables
7.2.6 Data Analysis7.3 Experimental design: basic concepts
7.3.1 What is Experimental Design?
7.3.2 Basic Terminology and Concepts
7.3.3 Determinants in Selecting Experimental Designs7.4 Experimental designs for alley farming trials: Single-factor experiments
7.4.1 Introduction to Single-Factor Experiments
7.4.2. Complete Block Designs
7.4.3 Incomplete Block Designs7.5 Experimental designs: multi-factor experiments
7.5.1 Factorial Treatments
7.5.2 Nested Treatments/Nested Designs
7.5.3 Nested-Factorial Treatments
7.5.4 Split-Plot Arrangement
7.5.5 Multi-Factor, Incomplete Block Designs7.6 Notes on laying out field plots
7.6.1 Discards and Sample Units
7.6.2 Soil Heterogeneity
7.6.3 Plot Orientation
7.6.4 Plot Shape and Size
7.6.5 Selection of Experimental Site
7.6.6 Guidelines in Recording Data7.7.1 Farmers' Plot Sizes Unlimited
7.7.2 Farmers' Plots as Replicates
7.7.3 Farmers' Plots Inadequate for Complete Replicates
7.7.4 Farmers Plots as Single Experimental Plots7.8.1 Summary of Important Points on Statistical Methodologies
7.8.2 Summary of Important Points on Experimental Design
7.8.3 Summary of Important Points on Field Layout and On-Farm Trials7.9 Feedback exercises: (Find out the answers from the text)
7.10 Suggested reading
7.11 References
Technical Paper 8: Examples of Experimental Designs for Alley Farming Trials
8.0 Performance objective
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Examples of experimental designs
Example 1: Fallow management in alley farming.
Example 2: Screening of multi-purpose trees in different intra-row spacings for alley farming.
Example 3: Screening of Gliricidia collections across a range of environmental and edaphic conditions in West Africa.
Example 4: Assessment of effects of feed supplementation from different legume trees.
Example 5: Comparison of the effectiveness of 3 leguminous tree crops in soil fertility maintenance and in sustainability of crop production.
Example 6: Efficiency of selected multipurpose tree species in alley farming on soil fertility regeneration and agricultural crop yield.
Example 7: Alley farming trials concerning both soil fertility and animal production.
Example 8: Evaluation of species mixture in alley trials.
Example 9: Effect of tree density on water relations of trees in alley farming systems in the dry areas.
Example 10: Evaluation of the negative effects of fodder uptake on agricultural crop yield.
Example 11: Light interception and its effect on crop yield in alley farms.
Example 12: Effect of lime and manure application on the growth of hedgerow species in strongly acidic (pH 3.5-5) soil.
Example 13: Integration of short grazed fallows in rotation within Leucaena alleys and their effects on soil fertility and crop yield.
Example 14: Pattern of N build-up in the pens of sheep receiving different feed supplementations of alley shrubs.
Example 15: Manurial value of manure dug out from pens receiving known levels of leguminous fodder supplements (Extension of example 14).
Example 16: Effect of hedgerow species on surface soil physical properties.
Example 17: Growth of alley shrubs in farmers' fields
Example 18: Evaluation of an alley cropping species, Calliandra calothyrsus (Meissn.) on an Oxic Paleustalf.
Example 19: Effect of alley crop combinations on sequentially cropped maize and cowpea.