Technology Transfer and Adaptability to Enhance Food Security and Agricultural Disaster Resilience in the Caribbean
Assessing the Influence of Farming Experience on Farmers’ Resilience to Weather-Induced Damages in the Caribbean
Sienna Stewart, Buddhi Gyawali, Shristi Adhikari
Kentucky State University
Global food security and disaster impacts · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2026
Keywords: extreme weather, farming experience, Jamaica, food security, disaster
Abstract
The repercussions of extreme weather events have caused considerable damage to farmers in the Caribbean region. The agricultural sector is significantly affected, with drought becoming the most common disaster, followed by hurricanes and floods. To better understand the need for weather-resilience systems, a survey was conducted in 2025 in the Caribbean region. This research aims to understand the relationship between farmers’ years of experience and their ability to recover from weather-related crop damage. The analysis indicates that farmers with more years of experience tend to adopt more sustainable practices that reduce the impact of disasters. Thus, the findings suggest that increased institutional support is needed to improve farmers’ disaster preparedness and strengthen agricultural practices in the Caribbean.
Phase IV: Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production
Effects of ascorbic acid and Artemisia absinthium supplementation on heat stress responses in Spanish goats during summer in Oklahoma.
S O Adekayode , R Puchala , H Y Yirga , D T Gulich , I Tovar-Luna , M Brown , A K Patra
Langston University
Agricultural Development · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2025
Keywords: ascorbic acid and Artemisia absinthium, heat stress, Spanish goats
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of ascorbic acid (ASC) and Artemisia absinthium (ART) in alleviating heat stress in Spanish goats during the summer in Oklahoma. Thirty-two adult female Spanish goats (4–5 years old, 48.8±8.1 kg body weight) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n=8 per group). The ASC group received 2 g of ASC per goat per day, the ART group received 2 g of ART powder in a gel capsule, and the ASC-ART group received a combination of 1 g ASC and 1 g ART, while the control group (CON) received no supplement. Treatments were administered orally each morning. Four paddocks with similar pasture types were used for grazing, and animals were regrouped into two larger groups (n=16 per group, 4 goats per treatment) and rotated between paddocks over six weeks. Ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH, %) were recorded hourly to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). Rectal temperature (RT, °C), respiratory rate (RR, breaths/min), and coat surface temperature (CST, °C) were measured weekly, while the coefficient of heat tolerance (CHT) and index of adaptability (IA) were calculated. Body weights (BW) were recorded biweekly. During the final five days, batches of 6–7 animals, representing all treatment groups, were sequentially moved to the calorimetry room for a one-day heat production measurement. The average THI was 26.5°C, with 28.3°C ambient temperature and 62.9% RH. RT was significantly influenced by treatment, ranking as follows: ASC-ART > CON, ASC, and ART (39.6, 39.6, 39.5, and 39.8°C for CON, ASC, ART, and ASC-ART, respectively; P< 0.017). The effect of treatment on CHT followed a similar pattern to RT (76.4, 76.9, 77.5, and 73.2 for CON, ASC, ART, and ASC-ART, respectively; P0.05). Similarly, BW, CST, and IA values were unaffected by treatment. Heat production (kJ/kg metabolic BW) was significantly lower in the ART group compared to the ASC-ART and CON groups (322, 298, 283, and 310 for CON, ASC, ART, and ASC-ART, respectively; P< 0.039). The study results indicate that supplementing goats with ascorbic acid, Artemisia absinthium, or their combination did not significantly reduce heat stress, as measured by physiological indicators, compared to non-supplemented groups. The relatively mild THI conditions during summer may have limited the potential benefits of supplementation.
Phase IV: Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production
Diet-, breed-, and sex-dependent effects in taxonomic and functional signatures of the rumen microbiome in meat goats.
A K Patra , R Puchala , I Tovar-Luna
Langston University
Agricultural Development · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2025
Keywords: ruminal microbiome, functional profile, meat goat
Abstract
Goat meat production is influenced by factors such as diet, breed, sex, and age, which also shape the ruminal microbiome. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary concentrate level, breed, and sex on taxonomic and functional profiles of rumen microbial community in growing Boer and Kiko goats. Forty-eight kids (24 Boer and 24 Kiko, one-half wethers and one-half doelings, 5 months of age and 20.3±0.51 kg body weight) were fed with diets containing 30% (30C) and 70% (70C) concentrate, with lespedeza hay as the only forage source. In the first 64 days, all kids were fed the 30C diet and in the last 76 days, they were offered two types of diet. On the final day, the animals were slaughtered, and rumen contents were collected for genomic DNA extraction and sequencing using the Illumina platform with 300 bp paired-end reads. The average count per sample was 28,714, ranging from 27,914 to 29,751. Various alpha diversity indices, including Chao1, Simpson, and Shannon, were higher (P< 0.01) for 30C compared to 70C, while breed and sex had no effect. Principal coordinate analysis also revealed a clear separation (Pmale), and 2 bacterial species. Breed- and sex-related effects were not observed in the archaeal community. However, the abundances of Methanomassiliicoccaceae and Methanomicrobiaceae (family level), Candidatus Methanogranum, Methanobacterium, Methanomicrobium, and Methanosphaera (genus level), as well as four archaeal species, were higher (P< 0.05) in the 30C group compared to the 70C group. A total of 141 predicted functional pathways were affected (P< 0.05) by diet, with 67 pathways showing greater abundance in the 30C group. Twenty-four predicted functional pathways differed (P< 0.05) between the Boer and Kiko breeds, with 11 pathways showing greater abundance in Boer goats. Although sex-related differences in bacterial abundances were minor, 15 pathways were more abundant in males and 3 in females (P< 0.05). In conclusion, diet had the most pronounced effect on the abundance and functional profiles of the rumen microbiota, while breed also contributed to microbial variation, with minor effects observed for sex.
Phase IV: Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production
Evaluation of a laser methane detector for measuring methane emissions in growing spanish goats fed different diets.
D T Gulich , R Puchala , S O Adekayode , H Y Yirga , A K Patra , I Tovar-Luna , T A Gipson , L J Dawson , B R Min , A L Goetsch
Langston University
Agricultural Development · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2025
Keywords: calorimetry, forage type, laser, meat goat, methane detector, supplement
Abstract
This study evaluated the use of a portable laser methane detector (LMD) as a practical method for measuring methane emissions in goats for potential on-farm applications. Thirty-six growing Spanish doelings (~12 months old, ~25 kg body weight) were assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design over six 3-week periods. Six forage types—alfalfa hay (AL), lespedeza hay (LS), alfalfa-lespedeza mix (AL-LS), Bermuda grass hay (BR), mixed grass hay (MG), and wheat straw (WS)—were provided at fixed proportions, making up 90, 83, 76, 69, 62, or 55% of the total diet. Correspondingly, six supplement levels (10, 17, 24, 31, 38, or 45% of the total diet) were assigned. Diets were formulated to contain ~13% crude protein. During the first two weeks of each period, animals were situated on elevated individual pens. In the third week, animals were placed in metabolic cages, and methane emissions were measured twice a day using LMDs (LMD-CH4) for a duration of one day. An additional one-day methane measurement was obtained using both calorimetry system (CAL-CH4) and LMDs while they were in calorimetry cages with a headbox. Fecal samples were collected for five days, and feed samples were taken weekly. Dry matter (DM) intake was significantly influenced by forage and supplement types (P MG > WS (703 to 472 g/day; P< 0.01). Average methane concentrations during respiration and eructation events were 29.6 and 118 ppm-m (51.2 and 206 ppm-m/kg DM intake), respectively, while methane production via calorimetry was 12.1 g/day (20.8 g/kg DM intake). Feeding AL, AL-LS, and BR resulted in ~24% lower methane concentrations (ppm-m/kg DM intake) compared to MG and WS, with values for respiration ranging from 43.9 to 51.2 vs. 57.0 to 64.3 and for eructation from 175 to 206 vs. 242 to 253. Supplementation effects on CH4 concentration (ppm-m/kg DM intake) from respiration and eructation events were significant between the 17% level and other levels. Correlations (r) between LMD-CH4 (ppm-m) and CAL-CH4 (g/day) were low to moderate (respiration: r = 0.402, P=0.015; eructation: r = 0.367, P=0.028) but slightly improved when expressed per kilogram DM intake (respiration: r = 0.456, P=0.005; eructation: r = 0.544, P=0.001). These findings suggest that LMD measurements are moderately correlated with calorimetry-based methane production and may be useful for on-farm methane production monitoring. A follow-up study with mature animals may further refine the correlation between LMD and calorimetry measurements.
Assessment of Damage due to Insect Pests in Cowpea Crop by Using Remote Sensing Techniques in Southeastern US and Guyana (Latin America)
Assessment of Damage due to Insect Pests in Cowpea Crop by Using Remote Sensing Techniques in Southeastern US and Guyana (Latin America)
Dr. Shobha Sriharan
Virginia State University
Agricultural Development · South America, Guyana · 2021
Keywords: Cowpea, remote sensing, insect pest management, climate-smart agriculture.
Abstract
1. Building Partnership for Integration of Technology to Assess Damage due to Insect Pests in Cowpea Crop and Risk Management for Global Food Security in Southeastern US and Guyana (Latin-America). 2. Training will focus on Climate Smart Farming, Water Conservation, Cost-Effective Water Treatment, Increase Efficiency in Water Use and Adaptation to Drought.
Engaging 1890 Universities’ Students and Faculty in Addressing Critical Needs in the Area of Global Food Security and Defense through International Partnerships
Engaging 1890 universities’ students and faculty in addressing critical needs in the area of global food security and defense through international partnerships
Dr. Zachary Senwo
Alabama A&M University
Agricultural Development · Southern Africa, DRC · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Engage students and faculty in global agriculture through curriculum development and student mentorship; 2. Develop and expand new collaborations with Congolese institutions (INERA, UNIKIN) in food safety and security, climate smart agriculture, agribusiness, bioenergy, soil and global health.
Fibrous Plant Resources in Jamaica for Ruminant Livestock Production
Fibrous plant resources in Jamaica for ruminant livestock production
Dr. Arthur Goetsch
Langston University
Agricultural Development · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Determine areas of Jamaica, regional climatic, soil, and vegetation conditions, seasons, plant species and stages of growth, etc. to be considered in characterizing the nutritional value of high-fiber plant resources in Jamaica available for use in ruminant livestock production systems. 2. Develop and evaluate plant and soil sampling protocols and identify most appropriate means of analyses. 3. Create preliminary forage and soil geodatabases to be refined in activities of a subsequent project.
Implementing the first Pan-American Research and Extension Virtual Symposium for Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
Implementing the first pan-American research and extension virtual symposium for food, agriculture and natural resources
Dr. Ayesha Sarker
West Virginia State University
Agricultural Development · South America, Belize · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Implement the first Pan-American research and extension’s virtual symposium on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR); 2. Foster international partnerships that strengthen agricultural development in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Jamaica, Haiti, Virgin Islands); 3. Engage LAC researchers in addressing new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases; and in agricultural disaster recovery; 4. Foster and strengthen collaborative and integrative multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research and extension activities involving 1890 Institutions and international partners
Increasing Global Food Security through Improved Food Safety and Defense: A Pilot Project in the Supply Food Chain in The Gambia
Increasing global food security through improved food safety and defense: A pilot project in the supply food chain in The Gambia
Dr. Lamin Drammeh
South Carolina State University
Agricultural Development · West Africa, Gambia · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Improve post-harvest (storage and food processing) capabilities and technologies by understanding how to minimize costs, improve efficiencies, differentiate products, and significantly reduce the economic harm posed by middlemen who take advantage of subsistent farmers desperate to sell their products. 2. Development of marketing strategies and fundamental basic financial skills (i.e., enterprise budgeting) and strategies to overcome challenges to achieve profitability is critical to achieving sustainable livelihoods. 3. Complete rapid needs assessment in collaboration with partners in the Gambia. 4. Analyze the assessment data to gain understanding. 5. Develop approach toward full program implementation.
Leveraging the Network of 1890 Universities to Address Global Food Security Challenges and Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students in Kenya and DRC
Leveraging the network of 1890 universities to address global food security challenges and explore experiential learning opportunities for students in Kenya and DRC
Dr. Caleb Nindo
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Agricultural Development · East Africa, Kenya · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Work with the local farmers to identify the most pressing challenges on food security focusing on traditional food crops that enhance resilience; 2. Develop and disseminate technologies to enhance global food supply chains and mitigate global climate change; 3. Investigate the impact of trade barriers on food security in Kenya and DRC in collaboration with Kenyatta University (KU), JKUAT, and Univ. of Kinshasa (UNIKIN); 4. Investigate the adoption of high-yielding maize seeds and strategies to reduce Striga weed, diseases and pests in collaboration with Maseno University (MU) and the National Institute of Agronomic Studies and Research (INERA); 5. Use advanced detection techniques to study genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance in food and water borne pathogens to reduce disease burdens.
Promoting Resiliency of the Agriculture Sector in Developing Economies in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Promoting resiliency of the agriculture sector in developing economies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Pamela Moore
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Agricultural Development · East Africa, Kenya · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. To enhance the global food value chain. 2. To increase the supply of globally educated workforce with the specific emphasis in agriculture and food systems. 3. To increase knowledge of new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases. 4. Emerging technology will be a cross-cutting theme intersecting the goals, objectives and activities of this project.
Use of Geospatial Technology and Community Intelligence in Developing Disaster Recovery Strategies: A Pilot Project Engaging U.S. and Caribbean Faculty and Students
Use of Geospatial Technology and Community Intelligence in Developing Disaster Recovery Strategies: A Pilot Project Engaging U.S. and Caribbean Faculty and Students
Dr. Buddhi Gyawali
Kentucky State University
Agriculture Disaster & Diseases · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Locate and map disaster and vulnerable areas and how the disaster is being responded to or mitigated. 2. Track urban/rural change of disaster impacts by identifying visible changes in residential areas. 3. Review zoning policies and regulations on the use of marginal lands for cooperative agriculture, urban gardening, and settlement for immediate response during disaster events. 4. Develop a dashboard using geospatial data collected from the above three objectives, which will show disaster-affected locations, infrastructure, open land, and farmlands to formulate disaster response plans.
Alcorn State Pilot Project
Alcorn State Pilot Project
Dr. Tahir Rashid
Alcorn State University
Animal, Plant Pests & Diseases · West Africa, Ghana · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. To engage in research and outreach efforts that enhance the use of biological pest control methods including biopesicides and implement integrated pest management technologies. 2. To investigate the effects of international trade (and or specific trade barriers) on food security.
Engaging International Researchers in Addressing New and Emerging Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases to Foster Global Food Security and Defense
Engaging international researchers in addressing new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases to foster global food security and defense
Dr. Jessica Epple-Farmer
Lincoln University
Animal, Plant Pests & Diseases · South America, Mexico · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Explore regional Latin American partnerships that strengthen agricultural development and engage international researchers in addressing new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases. 2. Survey potential new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases in the region. 3. Design webinars on pest and disease recognition, mitigation strategies, modern detection tools and disease monitoring.
Integration of Crop Residues and Novel Approach to Internal Parasite Control in Sustainable Small Ruminant Production
Integration of crop residues and novel approach to internal parasite control in sustainable small ruminant production
Dr. Brou Kouakou
Fort Valley State University
Animal, Plant Pests & Diseases · West Africa, Ghana · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Sharing knowledge and experience in novel approaches in the fight against gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants. 2. Identifying land areas where tannin containing low input forage plots could be established and evaluated for nutritional value and antiparasitic properties. 3. Identifying local legumes with anecdotal/historical use in control of gastrointestinal parasites. 4. Determining appropriate points of intervention where these forages can be integrated into production systems
Developing Global-Ready Agriculturist through Experiential Learning and Certification
Developing global-ready agriculturist through experiential learning and certification
Dr. Brou Kouakou
Fort Valley State University
Global Education · West Africa, Cote d’Ivoire · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Developed a certificate program to help students acquire specific knowledge and experience in international agriculture to increase their career competencies and workforce competitiveness.
2. Develop and expand new collaborations with Cote D’Ivoire’s Agricultural Institution (the Fonds Interprofessional pour la Recherche et le Conseil Agricole) to offer students firsthand experience in food production and environmental stewardship, and the opportunity for cultural immersion.
Enhancing International Competence in Agricultural Science Education and Experiential Research
Enhancing international competence in agricultural science education and experiential research
Dr. Buddhi R. Gyawali
Kentucky State University
Global Education · Caribbean, Jamaica · 2020
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1.Provide international experiential learning opportunities for U.S students in the use of geospatial data science and its application in the agricultural and related disciplines (e.g. environmental ecotourism and nature tourism, land use planning and change, conservation of natural resources, etc.), as well as in the agricultural commodities sector
2.Develop collaborative research and education partnerships that address trans-boundary and multidisciplinary research and produce “shared goals” and solutions for a sustainable world, among faculty from three U.S and five foreign academic institutions
Increase the supply of globally trained degree recipients in the FANRHS disciplines: Enhancing Global Competency
Increase the supply of globally trained degree recipients in the FANRHS disciplines: Enhancing global competency
Dr. Marikis Alvarez
Delaware State University
Global Education · North America, Costa Rica · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
A. Development of Means and Framework for Global Curricula
1. Establish framework for 1890 Foreign Service development opportunities.
2. Enhance curricula and training programs in collaboration USDA agencies, international partners, and sister 1890 institutions to expand international career opportunities for students.
3. Increase number of 1890 faculty members with proven skills and knowledge to provide enhanced global education to students.
B. Experiential Training and Student Recruitment
1. Promote and provide internships for students to work with USDA agencies either domestically or internationally.
2. Provide international experiential learning opportunities to students and faculty by introducing them to selected target regions of Latin America, and the Caribbean.
3. Assist in recruiting efforts at the 1890 Universities to expand the number of incoming students who will be trained in various disciplines of the FANRHS
Opening Doors to Global Opportunity for Students in FANRHS Degree Programs at 1890 Land Grant Institutions
Opening doors to global opportunity for students in FANRHS degree programs at 1890 land-grant institutions
Dr. Pamela D. Moore
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Global Education · East Africa, Kenya · 2024
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. To enhance and integrate global learning into existing department curriculum, student research and student focused practicum experiences
2. To strengthen and expand faculty engagement in education abroad programming to facilitate the incorporation of global perspectives into ongoing teaching, research and extension activities
3. To provide degree related experiential learning opportunities to strengthen workforce preparation in a global economy.
4. To expose students to the global reach of USDA/land grant programs, specifically the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and the 4-H Program, as a means of illustrating potential FANRHS related career pathways
5. To strengthen knowledge and skills requisite for success and productivity in global FANRHS related industries, including cross-cultural competency, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork communication skills and professional ethics
6. To deepen students’ knowledge and appreciation of FANRHS sector-related practices in the sub-Saharan African context while also deepening knowledge of sub-Saharan African history and cultural. 7. Additional: to enhance school and institutional international risk management protocols to ensure safe and secure travel in a highly dynamic global context
Strengthening the Certificate of Global Perspectives
Strengthening the certificate of global perspectives
Dr. Dovi Alipoe
Alcorn State University
Global Education · Caribbean, Barbados · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Student recruitment into the Certificate Program, curriculum mapping in the relevant B.S. degree programs, and study abroad and global engagement integration
2. Study abroad or study at home, language and culture immersion and global engagement via an ASU faculty-led program in Costa Rica
3. Foreign Service Officers’ training, career pathways tours, and professional and peer- mentoring.
Strengthening the Infrastructure for Global Education at 1890 Universities through Teaching Collaboration & Virtual Engagement
Strengthening the infrastructure for global education at 1890 universities through teaching collaboration and virtual engagement
Ms. Harriet Paul
Florida A&M University
Global Education · East Africa, Kenya · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Expand the international content in the FANR curricula, including the development of hands on training workshops using virtual platforms.
Training Globally Competent Students for the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human Sciences Workforce; An 1890 and Latin American Institutional Partnership
Training globally competent students for the food, agricultural, natural and human sciences workforce; an 1890 and Latin American institutional partnership
Dr. Shobha Sriharan
Virginia State University
Global Education · Caribbean, Guyana · 2020
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Conduct cross-curricular course delivery in FANRH sciences at VSU, UG and GSA
2. Develop a Global Seminar Series on Emerging Issues in FANRH sciences for students at VSU, FAMU, UG and GSA
3. Conduct a Virtual Research Summer Institute in FANRH sciences for students and faculty at VSU, FAMU, UG, GSA and at USDA-APHIS in US, Guyana and Guatemala.
A Latin America Regional Collaborative Network for Monitoring New and Emerging Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases
A Latin American regional collaborative network for monitoring new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases
Dr. Marikis Alvarez
Delaware State University
Global Food Nutrition Security · North America, Costa Rica · 2021
Keywords: N/A
Abstract
1. Through collaboration and networking, strengthen capacity of participating countries to increase productivity and improve competitiveness, reduce poverty; promote improved techniques for the surveillance of immerging animal and plant diseases by providing training activities in collaboration with USDA-APHIS-IS, and national systems. 2. Provide international experiential learning opportunities for faculty and students in the 1890 system and Latin American students.
Strengthening the Capacity of the Partner Institutions to Address Global Food Security in East and Southern Africa: The Case of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.
Addressing global food security in Africa through training next-generation researchers in plant pest diagnostics, in vitro culture, and clean plant production.
Dhekney, S., S.Zebelo, P. Sardaru, P. Natarajan, S. Tubene, C. Nindo, L. Mukwa, M. Dida, and M. Kairo.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Global Food Nutrition Security · East Africa, DRC · 2025
Keywords: clean plant materials, plant pests, global food security
Abstract
Vegetative propagated crops such as cassava, banana (including plantain), sweet potato, and yam constitute an important part of the diet for the population in Africa, and play a critical role in rural livelihoods, nutrition, and food security. These crops are particularly vulnerable to viral pathogens, which cause substantial economic losses and threaten food security of the African continent. Disease management in vegetative propagated crops is accomplished using diverse strategies such as the use of clean planting material, controlling insect vectors that transmit diseases, routine testing for pathogen detection in the field, and strict regulations governing the movement of plant materials. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Center
for Global Food Security and Defense is actively involved in building capacity to train researchers, students, and extension workers in Africa for improving crop yield and productivity. Training workshops conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya covered areas of disease surveillance, pathogen testing and diagnostics, in vitro culture techniques for clean plant production, and integrated pest management for controlling insect vectors. More than 100 participants were trained in areas of plant biotechnology, pathology, and entomology over a 3-yr period. These efforts to incorporate biotechnological approaches for integrated disease and pest management will help establish a foundation to adopt diverse management strategies
for sustainable crop production, improving productivity and ensuring food security in the region.
Phase IV: Strengthening the Capacity of the Partner Institutions to Enhance Food and Nutritional Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya
Determinants of the profitability and producers’ preferences for quality cassava planting material in Cameroon
Nguezet, P., A. Eyoum, J.C. Onomino, A. Fotso, S. Tubene, Z. Bamba, and P. Ntawuruhunga
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Global Food Nutrition Security · West Africa, Cote d’Ivoire · 2025
Keywords: cassava, profitability, producers’ preference
Abstract
Cassava is the second largest food crop in Cameroon and contributes significantly to food security in the country. However, its yield remains low compared to other similar agro-climatic regions. The use of cassava quality planting materials (CQPM) is recognized as one of the solutions to this problem, although their availability is limited. This study evaluates the profitability of producing CQPM and the adequacy between their supply and demand in the market. Data were collected from 264 cassava-tuber producers’ households and 42 CQPM producers in the Center, South, and Littoral regions of Cameroon. The analysis shows that the production of CQPM is profitable, with a margin rate of nearly 60 %. However, among the ten most in-demand varieties preferred by cassava-tuber producer households, only three (i.e., 30 %) are supplied by CQPM producers, implying that 70 % of the varieties preferred and demanded by these producers are not supplied in the market by CQPM producers. Considering the effect of profitability on the match between supply and demand, it is observed that the margin rate has a non-linear relationship with the match. Furthermore, nearly 7 out of 10 households intended to purchase CQPM. Therefore, increasing cassava-tuber producers’ awareness about the importance of using CQPM is essential to stimulate demand and supply. Popularizing demonstration plots is also necessary for producers to become familiar with the improved varieties to be promoted. Finally, strengthening the capacities of CQPM producers in the multiplication of CQPM by competent institutions will be essential.
Phase III: Strengthening the Capacity of the Partner Institutions to Address Global Food Security in East and Southern Africa: The Case of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.
Best Management Practices Increase Profitability of Small-Scale US Beekeeping Operations
Tubene, S., K. Kulhanek, K. Rennich, and D. vanEngelsdorp.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Small-Scale Agriculture Producers · North America, Mexico · 2022
Keywords: Beekeeping, profitability, best management practices
Abstract
Little is known about the economics of small-scale beekeeping, due in part because many of these beekeepers are motivated by personal enjoyment and not profit. These beekeepers, however, represent more than 90% of US beekeeping population, so economic analysis of this majority group is warranted. Understanding how management practices impact colony profitability in small apiaries can inform beekeeper management decisions. Best management practices (BMPs) can increase colony productivity and survival, but often require additional labor and materials compared to less intensive beekeeping practices. Here, we investigate the impact of BMPs on the profitability of small-scale beekeeping. We found that BMPs required higher costs in labor and materials, but that they also produced higher revenue from honey and nucleus colony
production. As a result, after three years, BMP apiaries were 8 times more profitable than less intensively
managed apiaries. The increased profitability in BMP apiaries is largely attributed to improved colony health
and survival due to more active Varroa management and reduced Varroa and viral loads. These results can
inform small scale beekeeper budgeting and management, and also support extension efforts to increase
BMP adoption.
