Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://ir.lsu.ac.zw/handle/123456789/1

Welcome to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences community within the Lupane State University Institutional Repository. This collection showcases the scholarly work of staff and students, including undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, research articles, and datasets related to agriculture, food systems, and rural development.

Our goal is to promote open access to agricultural research that supports innovation and sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond.

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  • Call for Submissions: Students are encouraged to submit their final-year dissertations for archiving.
  • New Research: Explore recently added publications on sustainable farming practices and soil management.

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 100
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    Impacts of land cover change on water balance components in Upper Mzingwane sub catchment of Zimbabwe /
    (2023) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Ncube, France
    The Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment is critical for water supply to various users, including domestic (especially the city of Bulawayo), mining, agriculture and industry. However, monitoring and management of water resources in the subcatchment is fraught with significant problems due to the lack of a robust network of monitoring stations. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability and effectiveness of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool hydrological model (SWAT) in simulating water balance components in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment, considering different land cover change scenarios. The land use map, soil map, digital elevation model (DEM), soil and weather data were used to build the hydrological model SWAT. Observed discharge data from Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) gauging stations within the catchment were used for model calibration (1993 - 2002) and validation (2003 - 2016) using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI -2) method in SWAT-CUP. In the sensitivity analysis, CN2 (curve number for moisture condition II), GWQMN (threshold water level in shallow aquifer for baseflow) and REVAPMN.gw (groundwater "revap" coefficient) were found to be the most sensitive parameters. The statistical performance measures of the model show that the calibration results agree well with the observed and simulated monthly discharge data (R2 = 0.81, NSE = 0.68 and PBIAS = 4.1). The study investigated how water balance components in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment responded to changes in land use/land cover (LULC). Results showed that surface runoff (SURQ) increased by 8.76 mm (10.2%) from 1990 to 2000, followed by a decrease of 8.06 mm (-8.5%) from 2000 to 2011 and 7.37 mm (-8.52%) from 2011 to 2020. Similar decreasing trends were observed for groundwater flow (GW_Q), lateral flow (LATQ) and evapotranspiration (ET) between 2000 and 2020.These changes were linked to decrease vegetation cover, an increase in cropland, settlements increased degradation within the sub-catchment. Evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture (SM), groundwater contribution to streamflow (GW_Q), surface runoff (SURQ), and water yield exhibited similar spatial and temporal variability, with higher values in the southern and northern regions and lower values in the middle of the sub-catchment. Overall, the study concludes that the SWAT hydrological model effectively captures the impact of land use patterns on runoff data in this sub-basin, offering valuable insights to enhance water resource monitoring and management in the region.
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    Agricultural technology adoption for smallholder small grain farmers in Zimbabwe: Implications for food system transformation and sustainability
    (2023) Parwada, Cosmas; Dube-Takazaa, Tryphina; Maumbe,  Blessing M.
    Food security is a perennial concern in natural regions IV and V of Zimbabwe, that receive low rainfall per  annum. Improved small grain varieties and conservation agriculture practices provide a promise for bumper  harvests in these dry regions. This study focused on four districts (Binga, Chiredzi, Hwange and Matobo) from these two regions to determine patterns for improved small grain varieties and conservation agriculture  technology adoption by smallholder small grain farmers. Data were collected from 281 respondents using  structured questionnaires and interviews. The statistical package Stata (version 16) was used to analyse data. Logit and multinomial models were used to compare non-adopters and adopters of technologies in order  to show the rationale for adoption. Results indicated that 56% of the sample were non-adopters while 44% were adopters. Adoption patterns varied with location, education, land size, marital status, frequency of  extension visits and access to credit. The study recommends increased funding to research institutions that  develop high-yield small grain varieties. Comparative studies are recommended in other semi-arid regions  of Zimbabwe to support the study findings in informing future policy.
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    Underutilized wild edible fungi and their undervalued ecosystem services in Africa /
    (2023) Sileshi, Gudeta W.; Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Mlambo, Alec
    Background: Edible fungi including wild mushrooms have been largely neglected and underutilized in Africa. Not only is the number of edible species unknown, but the critical role they play in human food and nutrition and the ecosystem services they provide have remained poorly understood and undervalued. Methods: We reviewed the literature with the objective of providing a synthesis of knowledge on (1) the diversity of wild edible fungi of Africa with emphasis on mushrooms; (2) the ecosystem services provided by wild edible fungi; (3) anthropogenic threats to their diversity and utilization; and (4) opportunities for their conservation and cultivation. Results: We identified a total of 480 species of wild edible mushrooms in 126 genera belonging to 60 fungal families across Africa. A total of, 249 species were mycorrhizal, 28 species were termitophilic and 203 species were saprophytic or parasitic. Wild edible mushrooms provide food that is high in digestible proteins, antioxidants and fibre but low in fats. They are also sources of income for rural populations. Almost all species play a role in nutrient recycling and hence the productivity of forests and agroecosystems. However, deforestation and land degradation are threatening the mushroom diversity in some regions of Africa. Conclusion: The African continent is endowed with a tremendous diversity of neglected and underutilized edible wild mushrooms providing nutritious food for humans and playing a key role in the structure and functioning of native forests and woodlands. Deforestation and the loss of habitat are the greatest threats to edible wild species in Africa. The loss of indigenous knowledge can also potentially limit dietary choices and market opportunities. Therefore, we recommend national forestry research and development programs and international frameworks such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD +) to invest in the conservation, cultivation and valorisation of wild edible mushrooms to achieve sustainable forest management and the welfare of local communities
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    Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of a wildlife and cattle savanna ranch in South-Western Zimbabwe /
    (2023) Sebata, Sicelo; Haddad, Charles R.; FitzPatrick, Moira J.; Foor, Stefan H.
    In order to contribute to spider diversity distribution records within Zimbabwe, spiders were sampled at a mixed wildlife and cattle ranch using pitfall traps and sweep-netting. Sampling was conducted from June 2017 to April 2018. A total of 2328 spiders representing 25 families, 94 genera, and 166 species were recorded. The most species-rich families were Salticidae (33 spp.), followed by the Gnaphosidae (28 spp.) and Lycosidae (20 spp.), while eight families were represented by a single species. Pitfall traps accounted for 1857 individuals overall, with the ground-dwelling fauna dominated by Stenaelurillus guttiger (37.86% of the total abundance). Sweep-nets accounted for 471 individuals overall, with the grass-dwelling fauna dominated by Thyene thyenioides (15.29% of the total abundance). The most abundant functional group was the free-living ground-dwellers (n = 1809, 77.71%), followed by free-living plant-dwellers (n = 266, 11.43%) and orb-web builders (n = 186, 7.98%). The current study contributes to the knowledge of a megadiverse group of predatory arthropods in the region.
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    Incorporation of functional feed ingredients to substitute antimicrobials in animal nutrition: Opportunities for livestock production in developing countries /
    (2023) Ndudzo, Abigarl; Pullen, Jessica; Magwaba, Tapiwanashe; Ndlovu, Sakhile; Moyo, Mongameli; Sibanda, Samantha; Chimbo, Jeffrey; Mugoti, Alban
    Livestock including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry are kept under traditional farming systems producing manure, supporting crop production, insurance and financing emergency cash needs, and improving social status. The livestock feed resource base is mostly natural graze and crop residues whose quality and supply are dependent upon unreliable rainfall patterns. Due to rising demand for cropland, overgrazing, bush encroachment and bush burning, grazing supplies are being depleted. Grazing is supplemented using commercial feeds heavily infused with antibiotics contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Feed constitutes the largest expenditure, thus incorporating functional feed ingredients is favored. The study serves to increase farmers’ awareness to substituting antimicrobials with functional feed ingredients. A systematic review of literature was done and keywords related to animal nutrition, functional feeds and antimicrobial resistance were used to identify relevant articles. Results revealed that functional feeding of livestock offers a potential diversity to animal production systems and may increase profitability in animal husbandry ventures. Functional feed ingredients improve productivity and vigor by enhancing digestibility, preserving and stabilizing beneficial gut microflora, and having a favorable impact on the environment. Probiotics, plant phytogenic compounds, and prebiotics, have the potential to replace antimicrobials as environmentally-friendly therapeutics and growth promoters.
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    Feed potential of small cereal grains in poultry production in semi-arid areas:
    (Taylor and Francis, 2023) Sibanda, Boat; Mhlanga, Mlamuleli; Maphosa, Mcebisi; Sibanda, Ronny
    A review of available literature shows that small grains are widely used across the globe for human and livestock feed. Sustainable chicken production can significantly contribute to dietary needs and resolve food insecurity in the smallholder sector. It is estimated that local chickens constitute 80% of poultry production in sub-Saharan countries, 28% in America, 15% in Europe, and 60% in Asia. The success of production of small grains such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) has been attributed to their drought resilience and adaptability to climate change. Sorghum, in particular, is the fifth most important global cereal crop after maize. Chicken producers use local small grains as major components for inclusion in poultry diets in order to decrease the cost of production and increase the profits. The potential use of small grain as a major source of native chicken is attributed to their richness in the composition of diverse nutrients. Small grains contain diverse amino acids and energy levels. Millets, in particular, are high in minerals such as calcium, iron, and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Sorghum has metabolizable energy, calcium, and phosphorus for supporting chicken growth and production. Studies reviewed on on the performance of broilers on varying degrees of small grain inclusion have been made using broiler chickens fed on varying degrees of small grain inclusion in various diets. Studies showed that a diet containing 12.34 MJ ME/kg dry matter (DM) to 12.91 MJ ME/kg DM is recommended for growth performance during the starter and grower phases of Venda spotted breed chicks. Furthermore, indigenous naked neck chickens aged between 1 and 6 weeks were reported to require a diet containing an energy level of 14 MJ ME/kg DM for optimal growth and carcass quality. Chicken feed formulation through least cost feed formulation recommended small grain inclusion at 13.9 ME (MJ/kg) to obtain diets with 11.8% crude protein. Physical (such as grain germination, soaking, and grinding) and chemical (such as fermentation, urea treatment, and use of alkali substance) strategies can enhance the utilization of small grains by chickens. There is a greater scope for improving small grain utilization by chickens by establishing convenient and accurate levels of inclusion in the diets and adding their value through biofortification interventions.
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    Food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes and self- reported practices regarding safe food handling in charitable food assistance programmes in the eThekwini District, South Africa: cross- sectional study /
    (BMJ, 2023) Makhunga, Sizwe E.; Macherera, Margaret; Hlongwana, Khumbulani
    Objective: This study aimed to assess food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes and self- reported practices towards safer donated foods. Design: This cross- sectional study was conducted from January to May 2021. Setting This study was conducted in the eThekwini District, South Africa. Participants: A convenience sampling- based cross- sectional survey of food handlers (n=252) served as the study’s main source of data. A total of eight study sites across five municipal planning regions of eThekwini District were visited. The principal investigator administered the validated structured standardised questionnaire, using participants’ language of choice, which was either English or isiZulu. All the questions in the questionnaire were asked in exactly the same manner, following the same flow, in order to avoid bias and ensure consistency. Furthermore, the close- ended nature of questions in the questionnaire mitigated the risks of question manipulation. The questionnaire was adapted from the WHO’s five keys to a safer food manual. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was the knowledge, attitudes and self- reported practices towards safer donated foods. The secondary outcomes were the sanitary conditions of infrastructure and facilities, food handlers’ observed food handling behaviour and nutritional information/labelling. Results: The results show that the food handlers had good knowledge, positive attitude and acceptable behaviours towards safe food handling and general hygiene, with mean scores (SD) of 62.8 (14.6), 92.5 (14.1) and 80.4 (13.3), respectively. Significant correlations were found between knowledge and attitudes (p=0001), knowledge and practices (p<0001), and attitudes and practices (p=0.02). However, the correlations between knowledge versus attitude and attitude versus practice were poor (Spearman’s r<0.3), and the association between knowledge versus practice was moderate (0.3–0.7). The majority of food handlers (92.5%) did not understand the value of thorough cooking and temperature control. About 53% of respondents acknowledged to never adequately reheating cooked meals, 5% did not see the significance of preventing cross- contamination and 5% were unsure. Conclusions: Despite the relatively positive knowledge, attitude and practice levels of the food handlers, safe food handling and hygiene practices, such as thorough cooking and temperature control, properly reheating cooked meals and taking precautions to prevent cross- contamination, require some emphasis.
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    Genome-wide association mapping of bruchid resistance loci in soybean /
    (2025) Mukuze, Clever; Msiska, Ulemu M.; Badji, Afang; Obua, Tonny; Kweyu, Sharon V.; Nghituwamhata, Selma N.; Rono, Evalyne C.; Maphosa, Mcebisi; Kasule, Faizo; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas
    Soybean is a globally important industrial, food, and cash crop. Despite its importance in present and future economies, its production is severely hampered by bruchids (Callosobruchus chinensis), a destructive storage insect pest, causing considerable yield losses. Therefore, the identification of genomic regions and candidate genes associated with bruchid resistance in soybean is crucial as it helps breeders to develop new soybean varieties with improved resistance and quality. In this study, 6 multi-locus methods of the mrMLM model for genome-wide association study were used to dissect the genetic architecture of bruchid resistance on 4traits: percentage adult bruchid emergence (PBE), percentage weight loss (PWL), median development period (MDP), and Dobie susceptibility index (DSI) on 100 diverse soybean genotypes, genotyped with 14,469 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Using the best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs), 13 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified by the mrMLM model, of which rs16_14976250 was associated with more than 1 bruchid resistance traits. As a result, the identified QTNs linked with resistance traits can be employed in marker-assisted breeding for the accurate and rapid screening of soybean genotypes for resistance to bruchids. Moreover, a gene search on the Phytozome soybean reference genome identified 27 potential candidate genes located within a window of 478.45 kb upstream and downstream of the most reliable QTNs. These candidate genes exhibit molecular and biological functionalities associated with various soybean resistance mechanisms and, therefore, could be incorporated into the farmers’ preferred soybean varieties that are susceptible to bruchids.
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    Review of the land use and climate change impact assessments in semi-arid ecosystems in Africa: Opportunities and challenges /
    (2023) Chisadza, Bright; Musinguzi, Simon P.; Gwate, Onalenna; Malinga, Wayne
    Despite the existing literature on climate variability (CV) and land use change (LUC) impact assessments, understanding their effectiveness in semi-arid regions remains challenging. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of CV and LUC impact assessments in guiding adaptation options for smallholder farmers in semi-arid ecosystems and associated challenges and opportunities. We conducted a systematic literature review, primarily using Google Scholar, to examine the impact of LUC and CV in African semi-arid ecosystems. We employed Vos Viewer to analyze the relationships among the identified sources. Our findings reveal that current assessment approaches often fall short in capturing the intricate interactions within semi-arid ecosystems. These assessments frequently emphasize biophysical productivity, employ reductionist modeling methods, and neglect the social, economic, and adaptive aspects of these systems. Our review underscores the importance of integrating CV and LUC in impact assessments. While a majority of studies concentrate on CV adaptation (26%), they often overlook the pivotal role of LUC and their interplay with climate impacts. Only a small fraction (2%) integrates CV and LUC in impact assessments. Assessing the benefits of CV and LUC impact assessments presents mixed results, particularly for smallholder farmers. While global and regional benefits are discernible, quantifying these advantages at the local smallholder farmer level remains challenging due to diversified land use and small-scale operations. This highlights the need for localized studies addressing the specific challenges confronting smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. To enhance assessments effectiveness, we recommend for more interdisciplinary research and the application of a complex systems approach, integrating GIS and remote sensing.
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    Morphometric and morphological analysis of indigenous matabele goats of Zimbabwe /
    (Institute for Animal Husbandry, 2023) Moyo, Sizo; Jomane, Fortune N.; Mugoti, Alban; Mudziwapasi, Reagan
    This study aimed to characterize Matabele goats based on their qualitative and quantitative traits, to facilitate their genetic improvement and conservation. Data were collected from 120 goats over 12 months, comprising 20 males and 100 females using a stratified random sampling approach. Body weight and various body measurements were recorded. Five growth curve estimation models were employed to describe the growth pattern of Matabele goats. Descriptive statistics were computed for both qualitative and quantitative traits. Ttests were conducted to assess the impact of sex on morphometric measurements in different age groups. The results revealed an average body weight of 20.93 kg, with significant sex-related differences (p < 0.05) observed across all quantitative traits. Most goats displayed horned and bearded characteristics, while black and white coat colours were predominant. Among the growth curve models, the Gompertz model exhibited the highest R2 value (0.992). Notably, the study found relatively low average morphometric measurements and body weight for Matabele goats, emphasizing the urgent need for genetic improvement efforts and the development of comprehensive breeding standards for this breed.