This study assessed the applicability of APSIM, a crop simulation model, to decisionmaking by small-scale resource-constrained farmers in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. Input data for APSIM were collected from 30 farmers through focus group discussions and resource allocation mapping. APSIM simulations were run to simulate the farmers' farming systems to establish model credibility and validate the model with the local data and to explore "what if" questions to discuss ways to improve maize yields in a below-normal season. After two years interacting with model outputs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the farmers to assess their continued use of APSIM in decision-making, the form of information they value the most, and preferred sources of information. The study found a greater willingness to consider computerbased modeling because of the pressures of climate change and the waning adequacy of their indigenous systems. However, the study also found that farmers used APSIM when they saw for themselves its accuracy and relevance to their farming systems and found it useful for making decisions relative to climate variations. The study confirmed APSIM's limitations as the lack of accurate data, the need for expert support and access to computers, and found that indigenous indicators, although waning in reliability and accuracy, can be strengthened when revisited through a deliberate learning program designed to engage farmers in scientific enquiry. While preferring to obtain information from extension agents, farmers will not readily adopt significant changes unless they have hard facts that they themselves have participated in generating. Whether introducing a model like APSIM or other technologies, unless farmers are directly involved with its testing in the field they are unlikely to adopt what is offered.

This paper presents the findings of challenges facing Zimbabwe’s extension services and how these have affected the adoption of technologies they render to small-scale farmers. This study uses a critical review of relevant literature on Zimbabwe’s primary public extension agency (AGRITEX). Additionally, 21 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted to corroborate data collected in secondary research on extension approaches currently in use, the key factors affecting technology adoption, and the technology adoption process of small-scale farmers. The study found AGRITEX’s major challenges to be poor funding, poor remuneration and incentives for extension personnel, lack of in-service training, lack of appropriate technology, as well as poor operational resources like transport to reach all farmers. Consequently, services offered to small-scale farmers were compromised, which led to poor adoption of recommended technologies. Furthermore, the study determined that key factors influencing technology adoption are related to the farmers’ circumstances, the operating environment, and the attributes of technology itself. As a lasting solution to poor technology adoption, an adaptive extension system that promotes building the capacity of extension workers and researchers, as well as embracing farmers and their indigenous knowledge, is proposed.

Background: Food and nutrition insecurity continue to affect societies in both developed and developing countries even in years of bounty harvest. This confirms that availability of food does not automatically translate to food and nutrition security (FNS). Even when food is available it may not be accessible to everyone who needs it, and sometimes available and accessible food may not provide all the nutrients required to nourish the body to develop, grow, resist diseases, and meet ordinary physiological demands. Sometimes, food is plenty and accessible but not acceptable or sustainable. All such instances constitute potential food and (especially) nutrition insecurity. Objective: We intend to establish a theoretical framework for investigating food and nutrition security. Method: This is a theoretical paper drawing on previous publications within the scope of food security and nutrition security. Results: The review found that it is imperative to consider carefully the definition of FNS to ensure the two concepts (food security and nutrition security) are adequately and sufficiently addressed in the implementation of food policies and strategies without sacrificing one concept over the other. This balance can be achieved through a thorough needs assessment analysis following the livelihood and the vulnerability approaches to FNS. The analysis should take into account the four conceptual dimensions to FNS to holistically cover every aspect of FNS. Conclusions: The information gathered from the analysis will help prioritize and focus food and nutrition support efforts to the people who really need it, yielding impact measured in public health indicators, education, productivity and the broader national/regional economy.

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This paper draw on relevant published (review)

As part of a larger study encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, this

The aim of this study was to evaluate socially farmers' decisions about the cultivation of cash crops. It specifically assessed the feasibility of World Relief-SempreVerde scheme by investigating the agricultural promoters; the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt, reject, discontinue or continue with the promoted crops; and the support required for improving the food and income security of smallholder farmers. The research took place in nine villages in Cuamba district, Niassa province, Mozambique. It involved a survey of 245 farmers stratified according to gender and wealth. Focus group discussions, questionnaires and interviews with leaders, farmers and managers of promoter institutions were used. A model for introducing cash crops is proposed. This research suggests that agricultural promoters should look to cash crops that can be intercropped with existing food crops; explore dry season agricultural activity; select drought-, pest- and disease-resistant crops; provide markets for existing crops; promote perennial crops; build a well-organised extension, credit and buying system; and/or incorporate livestock in the existing farming system.

The central theme for this article arises from conversation on how agricultural scientists can move from technology transfer to complementing development. Researchers may be willing to embrace developmental concerns while lacking enabling skills and perspectives. Agricultural researchers often choose agendas based on cost, efficiency and appropriate controlled input use. This is problematic for small-scale commercial agriculture in traditionally managed rural situations because it does not include the issues of authority, power and complexity found in situated contexts. This article describes researcher learning arising from participatory farmer–researcher activity that determined a mutually beneficial research agenda. The participatory nature of the research was determined by how relationships were developed and managed. Researchers came to understand that attitude, environment and relevant issues, not specific tools, achieved participation.