Adams, W. M., T. Potkanski, and J. E. G. Sutton. "Indigenous Farmer-Managed Irrigation in Sonjo, Tanzania." The Geographical Journal, 160.1 (1994): 17-32. Web.
This paper offers a description of the indigenous irrigation techniques used by the Sonjo people group in northern Tanzania. Sonjo irrigation involves simple canals carrying water diverted by stone dams from spring-fed streams. Land is irrigated on floodplain and piedmont slopes, and a wide variety of crops are now grown. There is an established system of water allocation that is used by the Sonjo for irrigating their crops. Sonjo irrigation is an example of hill-furrow irrigation of a kind occurring in several places in East Africa. The paper concludes that more research needs to be done to fully understand the history and techniques in indigenous irrigation of the Sonjo and of other African people groups.
Adams, William M. "Large Scale Irrigation in Northern Nigeria: Performance and Ideology." Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, New Series, 16.3 (1991): 287-300. Web.
This article explores a large scale irrigation project in Nigeria and the significant problems of escalating capital costs, delayed construction, low yields, erratic water supply and poor management, and adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts in floodplain environments that the project caused. These problems in northern Nigeria are reviewed, and the persistence of large scale irrigation in Nigeria in spite of its poor performance is discussed along with its political economy and the ideology of irrigation. The results surrounding this research serves to legitimize continued investment in large-scale irrigation and a new scheme of management for like projects.
This article explores a large scale irrigation project in Nigeria and the significant problems of escalating capital costs, delayed construction, low yields, erratic water supply and poor management, and adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts in floodplain environments that the project caused. These problems in northern Nigeria are reviewed, and the persistence of large scale irrigation in Nigeria in spite of its poor performance is discussed along with its political economy and the ideology of irrigation. The results surrounding this research serves to legitimize continued investment in large-scale irrigation and a new scheme of management for like projects.
Africa Rice Center & Food and Agriculture Organization. Promising Technologies for Rice Production in West and Central Africa., 2002. Print.
This booklet presented data that was collected between 1990 and 2000 from the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations (UN-FAO) research stations in West, Central, and East African countries. First, the rice-growing ecologies and agro-ecological zones of the region are described. Then, to help farmers select the best rice varieties, the most promising varieties cultivation methods, and technologies for given locations are listed. Different suggestions are also provided depending on scale and financial means.
This booklet presented data that was collected between 1990 and 2000 from the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations (UN-FAO) research stations in West, Central, and East African countries. First, the rice-growing ecologies and agro-ecological zones of the region are described. Then, to help farmers select the best rice varieties, the most promising varieties cultivation methods, and technologies for given locations are listed. Different suggestions are also provided depending on scale and financial means.
Barrett, Christopher B., et al. "Better Technology, Better Plots, Or Better Farmers? Identifying Changes in Productivity and Risk among Malagasy Rice Farmers." American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 86.4 (2004): 869-88. Web.
In this paper, the researcher introduced a method for attributing observed productivity and risk changes in new production methods, farmers, and plots. The results from this research in Madagascar show that the new system of rice intensification is a superior technology to what had previously been used in the area. The technology generated an average output gain of 84 percent. The paper claimed that about half of the observed productivity gains appeared due to farmer characteristics rather than system of rice intensification itself.
In this paper, the researcher introduced a method for attributing observed productivity and risk changes in new production methods, farmers, and plots. The results from this research in Madagascar show that the new system of rice intensification is a superior technology to what had previously been used in the area. The technology generated an average output gain of 84 percent. The paper claimed that about half of the observed productivity gains appeared due to farmer characteristics rather than system of rice intensification itself.
Binns, T., and K. Lynch. "Feeding Africa’s Growing Cities into the 21st Century: The Potential of Urban Agriculture." Journal of International Development 10.6 (1998): 777-93. Print.
This paper presents a framework for analyzing urban agriculture and proposes a number of policy recommendations which could possibly enhance its future sustainability. Emphasizing that Sub-Saharan Africa is urbanizing more rapidly than any other part of the world and there is an escalating demand for fresh food from the urban population, this paper focuses primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa. It uses a few case studies from Kano and Dar es Salaam to provide a basis for policy suggestion posed later in the paper. Such policy suggestions include providing more funding to research urban agriculture and addressing water supply and cleanliness issues for crop watering.
This paper presents a framework for analyzing urban agriculture and proposes a number of policy recommendations which could possibly enhance its future sustainability. Emphasizing that Sub-Saharan Africa is urbanizing more rapidly than any other part of the world and there is an escalating demand for fresh food from the urban population, this paper focuses primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa. It uses a few case studies from Kano and Dar es Salaam to provide a basis for policy suggestion posed later in the paper. Such policy suggestions include providing more funding to research urban agriculture and addressing water supply and cleanliness issues for crop watering.
Campbell, R., et al. Global Food Security Response: West Africa Rice Value Chain Analysis. 161 Vol. , 2009. Web.
With while constantly keeping in mind that most of West Africa has not been able to produce enough rice to provide for domestic consumption in recent decades, this report gives a wide-angled view on the rice value chain of West Africa and how it came to be the way it is today. The report includes statistics by country concerning production, consumption, trade, prices, and the economic influences of rice in each of the countries. Also included are projections of how the rice market may change in the coming years and information about the way that the rice market has changed through time. The second part of the report contains a ten-year vision for transforming West Africa into a region that is not import-dependent for rice.
With while constantly keeping in mind that most of West Africa has not been able to produce enough rice to provide for domestic consumption in recent decades, this report gives a wide-angled view on the rice value chain of West Africa and how it came to be the way it is today. The report includes statistics by country concerning production, consumption, trade, prices, and the economic influences of rice in each of the countries. Also included are projections of how the rice market may change in the coming years and information about the way that the rice market has changed through time. The second part of the report contains a ten-year vision for transforming West Africa into a region that is not import-dependent for rice.
Johnson, Clare L. "Government Intervention in the Muda Irrigation Scheme, Malaysia: 'Actors', Expectations and Outcomes." The Geographical Journal, 166.3 (2000): 192-214. Web.
This paper examines the mismatch of expectations between policy implementers and policy recipients in the implementation of one government policy in the Muda irrigation scheme in Malaysia. The findings show that this policy is not achieving the productivity increase or water saving expectations for which it was designed. Instead, the intervention increased the capacity of the farmers to unofficially control the distribution and supply of water resources and to engage in off-farm activities. The intervention explored in this paper enabled the farmers to diversify their livelihood strategies while retaining access to the rice-farming culture and resources.
This paper examines the mismatch of expectations between policy implementers and policy recipients in the implementation of one government policy in the Muda irrigation scheme in Malaysia. The findings show that this policy is not achieving the productivity increase or water saving expectations for which it was designed. Instead, the intervention increased the capacity of the farmers to unofficially control the distribution and supply of water resources and to engage in off-farm activities. The intervention explored in this paper enabled the farmers to diversify their livelihood strategies while retaining access to the rice-farming culture and resources.
Maxwell, D. "Alternative Food Security Strategy: A Household Analysis of Urban Agriculture in Kampala." World Development 23.10 (1995): 1669-81. Web.
Addressing the increasing importance of faming in African cities for urban populations, this article seeks to analyze the impact of urban farming on the household level. Elements of the analysis include gender dynamics and intra-household dynamics. A major constraint for urban farming was not surprisingly found to be accessing land, and only a small portion of urban farmers own the land they farm. Urban farming was found to be linked with higher levels of household food security and child nutrition. This paper also discusses the policy implications of urban farming and how policy should be shaped to encourage urban farming.
Addressing the increasing importance of faming in African cities for urban populations, this article seeks to analyze the impact of urban farming on the household level. Elements of the analysis include gender dynamics and intra-household dynamics. A major constraint for urban farming was not surprisingly found to be accessing land, and only a small portion of urban farmers own the land they farm. Urban farming was found to be linked with higher levels of household food security and child nutrition. This paper also discusses the policy implications of urban farming and how policy should be shaped to encourage urban farming.
Mohanty, S. "The Global Rice Market: Where is it Going." Rice Today 2010: 42-3. Web.
This article discusses the volatile rice prices that been causing much confusion over the last three years. Rice prices hit an all-time high in May 2008, declined, and then began to rise again in November 2009. The article discusses that the reason for changes in rice prices resulted from poor harvests in 2008 that were particularly felt in India and the Philippines. When the article was written, the global rice stock had increased to 91.5 million tons, indicating that the large rice stock may be able to insulate prices from so sharply increasing in case there were to be another season of poor harvests.
This article discusses the volatile rice prices that been causing much confusion over the last three years. Rice prices hit an all-time high in May 2008, declined, and then began to rise again in November 2009. The article discusses that the reason for changes in rice prices resulted from poor harvests in 2008 that were particularly felt in India and the Philippines. When the article was written, the global rice stock had increased to 91.5 million tons, indicating that the large rice stock may be able to insulate prices from so sharply increasing in case there were to be another season of poor harvests.
Mohapatra, S. (2010). "Adapting to Change." Rice Today 2010: 40-1. Web.
Climate change is an increasingly large concern for rice farmers all over the world, as it may exacerbate the negative effects on yields that come as a result of drought, increased salinity, and extreme temperatures. AfricaRice has been developing varieties to combat climate change. This article features the variety NERICA, which matures early in order to have an increased chance of avoiding drought. Other research pertaining to rice production in a changing climate is being done by the IRRI, through grants from the Bill & Melina Gates foundation. Much of the research discussed in this brief article surrounds studies on the relationship between rice diseases and climates change.
Climate change is an increasingly large concern for rice farmers all over the world, as it may exacerbate the negative effects on yields that come as a result of drought, increased salinity, and extreme temperatures. AfricaRice has been developing varieties to combat climate change. This article features the variety NERICA, which matures early in order to have an increased chance of avoiding drought. Other research pertaining to rice production in a changing climate is being done by the IRRI, through grants from the Bill & Melina Gates foundation. Much of the research discussed in this brief article surrounds studies on the relationship between rice diseases and climates change.
Mougeot, L. J. A. "Urban Agriculture: Definition, Presence, Potentials and Risks." (1999) Web.
This article gives a complicated definition of urban agriculture, mostly emphasizing that this type of agriculture takes place "in or near cities." Instead of merely dividing agriculture into urban and rural categories, this paper divides agriculture into rural, peri-urban, and intra-urban to provide greater specificity to the types of agriculture they describe. The article explores reasons that urban agriculture develops, such as national and local public appeals for self-reliance, city layout, city regulations, and food prices. Major risks to urban agriculture were found to be health risks associated with eating the produce and theft. Proposals to correcting problems associated with urban agriculture included instituting policies that include measures that enhance the entitlement to food and other resources among all members of a population and to improve urban sanitation systems.
This article gives a complicated definition of urban agriculture, mostly emphasizing that this type of agriculture takes place "in or near cities." Instead of merely dividing agriculture into urban and rural categories, this paper divides agriculture into rural, peri-urban, and intra-urban to provide greater specificity to the types of agriculture they describe. The article explores reasons that urban agriculture develops, such as national and local public appeals for self-reliance, city layout, city regulations, and food prices. Major risks to urban agriculture were found to be health risks associated with eating the produce and theft. Proposals to correcting problems associated with urban agriculture included instituting policies that include measures that enhance the entitlement to food and other resources among all members of a population and to improve urban sanitation systems.
Nelson, A., et al. "Rice in the Highlands." Rice Today 2010: 28-9. Web.
Evaluating those varieties of rice which grow best in highlands, this article compiles information on which types of rice are grown in high altitudes around the world and their respective attributes. The article contains a detailed map of areas of rice production higher than 1,500m about sea level. By breeding cold-resistant varieties of rice, rice may be able to be grow in even higher areas, such as the highlands of Ethiopia. The article also stresses that old-tolerant varieties typically grown in high-altitudes are useful to be used in low-lying fields in sub-tropical areas where rice would otherwise not grow successfully.
Evaluating those varieties of rice which grow best in highlands, this article compiles information on which types of rice are grown in high altitudes around the world and their respective attributes. The article contains a detailed map of areas of rice production higher than 1,500m about sea level. By breeding cold-resistant varieties of rice, rice may be able to be grow in even higher areas, such as the highlands of Ethiopia. The article also stresses that old-tolerant varieties typically grown in high-altitudes are useful to be used in low-lying fields in sub-tropical areas where rice would otherwise not grow successfully.
Nugent, R. The Impact of Urban Agriculture on the Household and Local Economies. 2000. Web.
Rachel Nugent explores the impact that urban agriculture has on a local and family scale. With the growth of the labor force by sometimes multiple percent annually, urban agriculture is one sector that has grown as a result of the growing labor force, which is sometimes unemployed or underemployed. The report uses a series of case studies to focus on the impacts that urban agriculture has on employment, income, and value creation through production. It does not include in-depth discussions of the cultural and environmental impacts of urban farming, however.
Rachel Nugent explores the impact that urban agriculture has on a local and family scale. With the growth of the labor force by sometimes multiple percent annually, urban agriculture is one sector that has grown as a result of the growing labor force, which is sometimes unemployed or underemployed. The report uses a series of case studies to focus on the impacts that urban agriculture has on employment, income, and value creation through production. It does not include in-depth discussions of the cultural and environmental impacts of urban farming, however.
Nwilene, F. E., et al. "Growing Lowland Rice: A Production Handbook." (2008)Print.
This booklet is a comprehensive guide written at a basic level, outlining all imperative steps in the rice production process. Beginning with basic information about rice such as its biology and ideal environment, the booklet delves briefly into descriptions of select varieties of rice, giving the attributes of each one. The majority of the book is spent explaining techniques for raising both lowland and upland rice varieties. The latter pages contain information on common pests, threshing techniques, and fertilizers.
This booklet is a comprehensive guide written at a basic level, outlining all imperative steps in the rice production process. Beginning with basic information about rice such as its biology and ideal environment, the booklet delves briefly into descriptions of select varieties of rice, giving the attributes of each one. The majority of the book is spent explaining techniques for raising both lowland and upland rice varieties. The latter pages contain information on common pests, threshing techniques, and fertilizers.
Pretty, J. N., J. I. L. Morison, and R. E. Hine. "Reducing Food Poverty by Increasing Agricultural Sustainability in Developing Countries." Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 95.1 (2003): 217,218-234. Print.
This article examines the extent to which farmers were able to improve food production with low cost, locally available and environmentally sensitive practices and technologies. Generally, the research suggests that the greatest improvements were seen through the introduction of new equipment, better water and land utilization, and the improvement of crop varieties and animal breeds. This research showed that the 1990s were a time of great increase in sustainable farming techniques and that much potential exists for rural farmers in developing countries to further expand sustainable production capabilities with the aid of policy reforms.
This article examines the extent to which farmers were able to improve food production with low cost, locally available and environmentally sensitive practices and technologies. Generally, the research suggests that the greatest improvements were seen through the introduction of new equipment, better water and land utilization, and the improvement of crop varieties and animal breeds. This research showed that the 1990s were a time of great increase in sustainable farming techniques and that much potential exists for rural farmers in developing countries to further expand sustainable production capabilities with the aid of policy reforms.
Reynolds, C., and M. Field. "Global Food Security Response: Liberia Rice Study." (2009). Print.
This report gives and explanation to the value chain analysis of rice in West Africa that was commissioned under the Global Food Security Response framework. The regional study was informed by five country studies conducted in Ghana, Mali, Liberia, Senegal, and Nigeria. The Liberia Rice Study provides recommendations for an upgrading strategy to enhance food security and the competitiveness of the rice value chain in Liberia. Also, it provides tremendous amounts of information pertaining to the cost of rice production to each member of the rice value chain.
This report gives and explanation to the value chain analysis of rice in West Africa that was commissioned under the Global Food Security Response framework. The regional study was informed by five country studies conducted in Ghana, Mali, Liberia, Senegal, and Nigeria. The Liberia Rice Study provides recommendations for an upgrading strategy to enhance food security and the competitiveness of the rice value chain in Liberia. Also, it provides tremendous amounts of information pertaining to the cost of rice production to each member of the rice value chain.
Sophie, Nguyen Khoa, et al. "Impacts of Irrigation on Fisheries in Rain-Fed Rice-Farming Landscapes." Journal of Applied Ecology, 42.5 (2005): 892-900. Web.
This article analyzes how irrigation development threatens fisheries surrounding rain-fed rice-farming landscapes. The observational study found a decline of 36% in fish catches that was only partly explained by a reduction in fishing effort. No impacts were detected on fish species richness or the relative abundance of functional feeding groups. Overall impacts of irrigation on fisheries were related mostly to changes in fishing effort, rather than ecological effects on the resources. This article concludes that small- to medium-scale irrigation in rain-fed rice-farming landscapes have only moderate impacts on fisheries, which remain productive and diverse around areas of irrigation. This article also found that changes in agricultural practices in the wet season are likely to have greater effects on fisheries than dry-season irrigation.
This article analyzes how irrigation development threatens fisheries surrounding rain-fed rice-farming landscapes. The observational study found a decline of 36% in fish catches that was only partly explained by a reduction in fishing effort. No impacts were detected on fish species richness or the relative abundance of functional feeding groups. Overall impacts of irrigation on fisheries were related mostly to changes in fishing effort, rather than ecological effects on the resources. This article concludes that small- to medium-scale irrigation in rain-fed rice-farming landscapes have only moderate impacts on fisheries, which remain productive and diverse around areas of irrigation. This article also found that changes in agricultural practices in the wet season are likely to have greater effects on fisheries than dry-season irrigation.
Subramanian, V. "Climate Change and Supply Concerns Dominate World Rice Conference." Rice Today 9.1 (2010): 44. Print.
The World Rice Conference in October 2009 was rife with comments about the changing shape of world rice production due to changes in climate and sea level that have taken place and that are expected to take place within the coming years. Top concerns that were expressed in this article pertained to the effects that changes in the monsoon season in India have on rice production there and the three tropical storms which racked the ability of the Philippines to produce rice during the previous year.
The World Rice Conference in October 2009 was rife with comments about the changing shape of world rice production due to changes in climate and sea level that have taken place and that are expected to take place within the coming years. Top concerns that were expressed in this article pertained to the effects that changes in the monsoon season in India have on rice production there and the three tropical storms which racked the ability of the Philippines to produce rice during the previous year.
Walker, G., J. C. Millar Wood, and E. Allemano. "E. Liberia Youth Fragility Assessment." (2009)Print.
This article describes the state of fragility that Liberia remains in after a 14 year civil war. It includes detailed sections on drivers of instability such as corruption, violence, lack of education, and lack of a strong government. Then, this article discusses ways to mitigate the fragility of Liberia on the short-term and form Liberia into a strong society. It includes a section on reducing fragility using education for economic growth through programs in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Specifically, starting on page 62, the article addresses the benefits that increasing agricultural productivity of a country has on the poorest members of its population and how gains can be realized in agricultural development.
This article describes the state of fragility that Liberia remains in after a 14 year civil war. It includes detailed sections on drivers of instability such as corruption, violence, lack of education, and lack of a strong government. Then, this article discusses ways to mitigate the fragility of Liberia on the short-term and form Liberia into a strong society. It includes a section on reducing fragility using education for economic growth through programs in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Specifically, starting on page 62, the article addresses the benefits that increasing agricultural productivity of a country has on the poorest members of its population and how gains can be realized in agricultural development.
Wassmann, R. "COP15 Sets the Climate for Change." Rice Today 9.1 (2010): 46. Print.
COP15 stands for the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference. This article chronicles the effects that COP15, which took place in 2009, will have on rice production post-2012. It gives many statistics concerning the emissions of the agricultural industry worldwide and the way that rice compares with other crops. Most notable is the fact that growing rise is many times more water-intensive. As more sophisticated irrigation techniques become implemented in developing countries, there are opportunities for methane emissions to be reduced.
COP15 stands for the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference. This article chronicles the effects that COP15, which took place in 2009, will have on rice production post-2012. It gives many statistics concerning the emissions of the agricultural industry worldwide and the way that rice compares with other crops. Most notable is the fact that growing rise is many times more water-intensive. As more sophisticated irrigation techniques become implemented in developing countries, there are opportunities for methane emissions to be reduced.
Wilson, L. "Cream of the Crop." Rice Today 9.1 (2010): 45. Print.
This article pertains to culinary competitions highlighting the best rice in the world. This movement to highlight rice encourages countries to produce high-grade varieties of rice that will do well when judged against other forms of rice. There have been three competitions in the two years preceding when the article was written which each named the variety that was "the best rice in the world" or deemed a particular chef from somewhere in the world "Lord of the Rice". Competitions such as these encourage countries to take pride in their rice.
This article pertains to culinary competitions highlighting the best rice in the world. This movement to highlight rice encourages countries to produce high-grade varieties of rice that will do well when judged against other forms of rice. There have been three competitions in the two years preceding when the article was written which each named the variety that was "the best rice in the world" or deemed a particular chef from somewhere in the world "Lord of the Rice". Competitions such as these encourage countries to take pride in their rice.
Zenna, N., et al. "Weathering the Cold: Africa Develops Rice that can Thrive in the Region’s Cooler Zones." Rice Today 2010: 26-7. Print.
This article examines strains of rice which may potentially allow for rice cultivation in colder areas. These new types of rice could be used to increase rice production in the high plateaus of East Africa, especially in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and parts of Ethiopia. Not only would the new varieties of rice increase yields, but the new rice may be able to bring communities out of poverty, something that is more common in the higher altitudes. the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) have joined efforts to produce these varieties for this project, officially known as the Stress-Tolerant Rice for Poor Farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA)-Cold Project.
This article examines strains of rice which may potentially allow for rice cultivation in colder areas. These new types of rice could be used to increase rice production in the high plateaus of East Africa, especially in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and parts of Ethiopia. Not only would the new varieties of rice increase yields, but the new rice may be able to bring communities out of poverty, something that is more common in the higher altitudes. the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) have joined efforts to produce these varieties for this project, officially known as the Stress-Tolerant Rice for Poor Farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA)-Cold Project.
