Towards Sustainable Food Production in Africa: Best Management Practices and Technologies (Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa)

Preface
Editorial
Contents
Editors and Contributors
Part I: Technologies for Soil Fertility Management
	Chapter 1: Animal Manure and Soil Fertility Management on Smallholdings in South Africa
		1.1 Introduction
		1.2 Animal Manure in the Context of South African Smallholder Farming Systems
		1.3 General Factors Affecting the Fertiliser Properties of Animal Manure
		1.4 Fertiliser Properties of Manure Found on South African Smallholdings
			1.4.1 Ruminant Manure
				1.4.1.1 Nutrient Content
				1.4.1.2 First-Season Release of Nutrients
				1.4.1.3 Residual Fertiliser Value
			1.4.2 Chicken Manure
				1.4.2.1 Nutrient Content
				1.4.2.2 First-Season Release of Nutrients
				1.4.2.3 Residual Fertiliser Value
		1.5 Using Animal Manure to Apply Phosphorus, Potassium and Nitrogen to Soils
		References
	Chapter 2: Integrated Soil Fertility Management for Soil Fertility Restoration in Sub-Saharan Africa
		2.1 Introduction
		2.2 Principles of ISFM
			2.2.1 Fertiliser Use
			2.2.2 Use of Organic Inputs
				2.2.2.1 Importance of Organic Inputs Quality
			2.2.3 Complementary Application of Mineral Fertiliser and Organic Resources
			2.2.4 Optimising Agronomic Efficiency
			2.2.5 Use of Improved Germplasm
			2.2.6 Importance of Local Adaptation
		2.3 Soil and Crop Management Practices That Can Enhance Effectiveness of ISFM
			2.3.1 Soil Acidity Correction
			2.3.2 Appropriate Soil Tillage Practices
			2.3.3 Water Harvesting and Soil Erosion Control
			2.3.4 Planting Date and Planting Practices
			2.3.5 Pest Management
		2.4 Understanding ISFM´s Operational Environment and Impact
		2.5 The Bottleneck in Implementation of ISFM Practices
		2.6 Prospects for Increasing Adoption of ISFM Practices and Benefits
			2.6.1 Need for Sound Technology Dissemination and Transfer Methods
			2.6.2 Improve Linkages to Markets
			2.6.3 Continuous Innovations and Improvements of ISFM Options
			2.6.4 Strengthening Farmers´ Organisational Capacities
			2.6.5 Influencing Policy Change
			2.6.6 Leveraging on Mobile Phone-Based Technology
		2.7 Conclusion
		References
	Chapter 3: Integrated Soil Fertility Management: A Basis for Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Based Cropping Systems of So...
		3.1 Introduction
		3.2 The Maize-Based Sub-Humid Zone in Southern Africa
			3.2.1 Characteristics
			3.2.2 Sols and Soil Fertility Status
		3.3 Integrated Soil Fertility Management Approach to Reverse Productivity Decline in Southern Africa
			3.3.1 The Critical Importance of Mineral Fertiliser
			3.3.2 Synergistic Effects of Fertiliser and Cattle Manure
			3.3.3 Fertiliser Use in Maize-Grain Legumes Systems
			3.3.4 Fertiliser Use in Combination with Green Manure and Legume Trees
		3.4 Site-Specific ISFM Recommendations and Dissemination
		References
	Chapter 4: Insights of Microbial Inoculants in Complementing Organic Soil Fertility Management in African Smallholder Farming ...
		4.1 Introduction
		4.2 Soil Fertility Challenges in African Smallholder Farming Areas
			4.2.1 Effect of Current Soil Fertility Management in Sub-Saharan Africa on Microbial Populations and Diversity
			4.2.2 Why Using Microbial Inoculants Is a Good Solution
		4.3 Nitrogen Fixing Microbes Soil Fertility/Quality and Yield Benefits
			4.3.1 Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixers
			4.3.2 Free-Living Nitrogen Fixers
		4.4 Phosphorus Solubilising Microbes Soil Fertility/Quality and Yield Benefits
			4.4.1 Phosphorus Solubilising Fungi (PSF)
			4.4.2 Mycorrhizal Fungi (MF)
			4.4.3 Arthrobotrys: Aspergillus and Penicillium Species
			4.4.4 Actinomycetes
		4.5 Current Production Capacity of Inoculants
		4.6 Challenges and Opportunities for Microbial Inoculants in Africa
		4.7 Summary and Conclusions
		References
	Chapter 5: Agroforestry Technologies and Mineral Fertiliser Combinations for Improved Soil Fertility and Crop Production in Se...
		5.1 Introduction
		5.2 Agroforestry Technologies Available for Use by Farmers in Semi-Arid Areas of Africa
			5.2.1 Improved Fallow
			5.2.2 Biomass Transfer
			5.2.3 Alley Cropping
		5.3 Effects of Agroforestry on Crop Production in Semi-Arid Areas
		5.4 Integrated Effects of Agroforestry and Mineral Fertiliser on Soil Fertility and Crop Production
		5.5 Opportunities of Agroforestry Technologies for Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Areas
		5.6 Conclusion
		References
	Chapter 6: Integrated Soil Acidity Management for Sustainable Crop Production in South African Smallholder Farming Systems
		6.1 Introduction
		6.2 What Is the Benefit of Conservation Agriculture on Soil Acidity Management?
			6.2.1 The Importance of Crop Residues in Aiding Lime Movement
			6.2.2 Timely Application and the Rate of Lime Movement
			6.2.3 A `Once-Off´ Tillage in No-Till Can Achieve Considerable Success in Aiding Lime Effectiveness
			6.2.4 Split Applications of Lime Are More Efficient than Once-off Applications
		6.3 The Benefits of Acid Resistant Cultivars for Acidity Management in Sustainable Plant Production Systems
		6.4 The Benefits of Organic Amendments on Soil Acidity Reduction in Sustainable Agriculture
		6.5 A Case for Biochar
		6.6 Potential Biochar Sources for Use in Sustainable Agriculture
		6.7 Concluding Remarks
		References
Part II: Water Management in Smallholder Farming Systems
	Chapter 7: Improving Productivity of Smallholder Irrigation in Africa Through Adoption of Best Management Practices and Techno...
		7.1 Introduction
		7.2 Best Management Practices for Smallholder Irrigators
		7.3 Impact of Inadequate Management as a Factor in Productivity
		7.4 Agronomic Best Management Practices for Smallholder Irrigated Crop Production
			7.4.1 Appropriate Choice of Cultivars
			7.4.2 Planting Time and Seeding Density
			7.4.3 Soil Fertility Management for Improved Crop Production
			7.4.4 Integrated Weed Management
				7.4.4.1 Effectiveness of Reduced Herbicide Dosages
				7.4.4.2 Effectiveness of Narrow Rows and Higher Target Populations
				7.4.4.3 Use of the Stale Seedbed Technique in Vegetable Production
		7.5 Other Opportunities for Improved Performance of Smallholder Irrigation
			7.5.1 The Need for Partnership with Agribusiness
			7.5.2 Production of High Value Vegetable Crops
		7.6 Conclusions
		References
	Chapter 8: Being Small Does Not Make It Easy: The Management Conundrum on Smallholder Canal Schemes
		8.1 Introduction
		8.2 Small-Scale Agriculture, Irrigation, Livelihoods, and Food Security
		8.3 The Conundrum of Smallholder Canal Scheme Management in South Africa
			8.3.1 Scheme Management Functions
			8.3.2 Management on Large and Small Canal Schemes
		8.4 Improving the Management of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes: A Proposal
		References
	Chapter 9: Sustainable Winery Wastewater Management for Improving Soil Quality, Environmental Health, and Crop Yield
		9.1 Introduction
		9.2 Source and Volume of Winery Wastewater Produced
		9.3 Characteristics of Winery Wastewater
		9.4 Effects of Winery Wastewater on Soil Properties
			9.4.1 Soil Physical Properties
			9.4.2 Soil Chemical Properties
			9.4.3 Biological Properties
		9.5 Effects of Winery Wastewater on Crop Yield
			9.5.1 Food Crops
			9.5.2 Grapevine
		9.6 Effects of Winery Wastewater on Environmental Health
		9.7 Conclusion
		References
	Chapter 10: Water Harvesting Technologies for Sustainable Crop Production in African Smallholder Farming Systems
		10.1 Introduction
		10.2 Effects of Water Conservation Techniques on Crop Production
			10.2.1 Tied Ridges
			10.2.2 Tied Contours
			10.2.3 Infiltration Pits
			10.2.4 Mulching
			10.2.5 Planting Pits
		10.3 Fanya Juus
		10.4 Dead Level Contours with Infiltration Pits
		10.5 Opportunities for Increased Crop Yields Through Combined Water Management and Organic Nutrient Resources Use
		10.6 Conclusion
		References
Part III: Crop Production Practices and Technologies
	Chapter 11: Advances in Sorghum Production in Smallholder Farming Systems of Africa
		11.1 Introduction
		11.2 Sorghum Output in Africa
		11.3 Development and Use of Improved Varieties in Africa
		11.4 Advances in Agronomic Management Practises in Africa
			11.4.1 Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM)
				11.4.1.1 Inorganic Fertiliser Use
				11.4.1.2 Organic Fertiliser
			11.4.2 Conservation Agriculture
			11.4.3 Rainwater Harvesting Technologies
			11.4.4 Integrated Pest Management Technologies
				11.4.4.1 Striga Weed
				11.4.4.2 Stem Borers
				11.4.4.3 Bird Control Strategies for Smallholder Farmers
		11.5 Conclusion
		References
	Chapter 12: Knowledge and Innovation Approaches to Out Scale Sorghum Adoption in Africa
		12.1 Introduction
		12.2 Development of Sorghum Technologies (Varieties and Agronomic Practices)
			12.2.1 Participatory Action Research
			12.2.2 Deployment of Varieties and Stimulating Adoption
			12.2.3 On-Farm Demonstrations
			12.2.4 Farmer Field Schools
			12.2.5 Lead Farmer Approach
			12.2.6 Inclusive and Innovative Market Development
			12.2.7 Demand Creation Through Multi-stakeholder Platforms
		12.3 Mechanisms for Successful Scaling-Up
			12.3.1 Replication
			12.3.2 Mainstreaming
			12.3.3 Layering and Sequencing
		12.4 Drivers of Scaling-Up Strategies
		12.5 Conclusions and Policy Implications
		References
	Chapter 13: Winter Cover Crop Recommendations for Soil Fertility Improvement on Maize-Based Smallholder Irrigation Farms
		13.1 Introduction
		13.2 Winter Cover Crops Choices for Smallholder Irrigation Maize-Based Systems
		13.3 Soil Organic Matter Improvement Through Winter Cover Crops
		13.4 Improved Nitrogen Supply Through Winter Cover Crops
		13.5 Improved Phosphorus Cycling Through Winter Cover Crops
		13.6 Enriching the Soil with Essential Micro-Nutrients Through Winter Cover Crops
		13.7 Concluding Remarks
		References
Part IV: Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems
	Chapter 14: Utilising Encroacher Bush in Animal Feeding
		14.1 Introduction
		14.2 Extent of Bush Encroachment in Namibia
			14.2.1 Description of Dominant Encroacher Species
				14.2.1.1 Senegalia mellifera (Black Thorn)
				14.2.1.2 Dichrostachys cinerea (Sickle Bush)
				14.2.1.3 Terminalia sericea (Silver Cluster-Leaf)
				14.2.1.4 Rhigozum trichotomum (Three-Thorn Bush)
				14.2.1.5 Colophospermum mopane (Mopane)
				14.2.1.6 Vachellia reficiens (Red Umbrella Thorn)
				14.2.1.7 Terminalia prunioides (Purple-Pod Terminalia)
			14.2.2 Bush Encroachment Effect on Livestock Production
			14.2.3 Bush Encroachment Effect on Wildlife Production
		14.3 Nutrient Content of the Encroacher Bush Species
			14.3.1 Chemical Composition of Encroacher Bush Species
			14.3.2 Protein Fractions of Encroacher Bush Species
			14.3.3 Essential Amino Acids of Encroacher Bush Species
			14.3.4 Anti-Nutritional Factors of Encroacher Bush Species
			14.3.5 Macro- and Micro-Minerals of Encroacher Bush Species
		14.4 Bush Nutrient Utilisation
		14.5 Animal Growth and Meat Production
		14.6 Opportunities in Encroacher Bush Feed Utilisation
			14.6.1 Dry Season Feeding
			14.6.2 Conservation of Milled Bush Feed
			14.6.3 Biologically Active Charcoal (Biochar) to Reduce Methane Emissions
			14.6.4 Enhancement of Bush-Based Feed Utilisation with Forage Legumes
			14.6.5 Feedlots
			14.6.6 Entrepreneurial Opportunities
		14.7 Conclusions
		References
	Chapter 15: Opportunities for Delivering Sectoral Climate-Smart Livestock Interventions in Southern Africa
		15.1 Introduction
		15.2 Livestock Production Systems in the SADC Region
		15.3 Livestock Production and Sustainable Development
			15.3.1 Southern African Livestock Contribution to Global Warming and Climate Change
			15.3.2 Climate Risks, Vulnerability, and Impacts in Southern African Livestock Systems
			15.3.3 Current Climate-Smart Livestock Management Practices in Southern Africa
		15.4 Opportunities for Delivering Climate Actions in Southern African Livestock Sector
			15.4.1 Strengthening Technical and Institutional Capacity for Implementation
			15.4.2 Unlocking Climate Finance and Investment for Prioritised Livestock Actions
			15.4.3 Addressing Incoherence and Ineffective National and Regional Governance
			15.4.4 Enhancing Monitoring and Evaluation of Livestock Climate Actions
		15.5 Conclusions
		References
	Chapter 16: The Benefits of Winter Cover Crops in Mixed Crop-Livestock Conservation Agriculture Systems of the Swartland Regio...
		16.1 Introduction
		16.2 Importance of Cover Crops in the Mediterranean Climate
			16.2.1 Improvement of Soil Quality Using Cover Crops
			16.2.2 Increasing the Supply of Nitrogen
			16.2.3 Increasing Soil Water Availability and Moderating Soil Temperature
			16.2.4 Weed Management
		16.3 Management and Utilisation of Cover Crops
			16.3.1 Cover Crops and the Farming System
		16.4 Combining Cover Crops and Livestock
		16.5 Conclusions
		References
Part V: Urban Agriculture and Food Security
	Chapter 17: Urban Food Production Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices in Africa
		17.1 Introduction
		17.2 The Case for Urban Farming
		17.3 Technologies for Urban Farming
			17.3.1 Technologies and Innovations for Overcoming the Challenge of Limited Space
				17.3.1.1 Vertical Greening Systems
				17.3.1.2 Rooftop Farming
				17.3.1.3 Containers and Soilless Substrates
			17.3.2 Technologies and Innovations for Overcoming the Challenge of Water Shortage
				17.3.2.1 Hydroponic Systems
				17.3.2.2 Capillary Wick Irrigation
				17.3.2.3 Wicking Bed Gardens
			17.3.3 Technologies and Innovations for Combating Protein Malnutrition
				17.3.3.1 Mushroom Cultivation
				17.3.3.2 Microgreens and Sprouts
				17.3.3.3 Aquaponics
				17.3.3.4 Cuniculture
				17.3.3.5 Insects Farming
		17.4 Conclusions
		References
	Chapter 18: Hydroponics in Household Vegetable Food Production
		18.1 Introduction
		18.2 The Concept of Hydroponics
		18.3 Hydroponics in Food Production
		18.4 Hydroponics Versus Conventional Planting
		18.5 Organic Nutrients in Hydroponics
		18.6 Conclusions
		References