International Journal of Agriculture and Animal Production

Policy responses to food insecurity during economic crises: a comparative study of two west african countries (ghana and nigeria)

Jemima Jennifer Acquah Donkoh — 2026-01-10

The study provides a comparison between the responses of Ghana and Nigeria to food insecurity in cases of economic crises. Both nations are endowed with strong agricultural resources, but still experience severe food shortages, particularly in times of deteriorating economic situations. The study was based on the effectiveness of various government policies in assisting individuals to procure adequate food in times of need. The study adopted a survey approach to gather data on households in the two nations and evaluated their food security, coping behaviors, and perceptions of government policies. It was established that food shortages occur in many households in Ghana and Nigeria, but the situation is more critical in Nigeria. The coping strategies used by families include decreasing the size of meals, eliminating meals, borrowing, or selling assets. Although the Ghana policies, such as the agricultural subsidies and social protection schemes, are considered to be useful, the Nigerian concentration on the emergency food aid and economic diversification has also played a role. The findings indicate that the two nations are improving, although there are still difficulties. Ghana has been able to enhance food security and availability, whereas Nigeria has seen an increase in agricultural production and a bit less dependency on food aid. The study concludes that even though the policies are coming in positive ways, further effort is required to ensure that food security is guaranteed to everyone, and the most vulnerable in particular. To make improvements lasting, stronger policy implementation, improved price controls of food, and continuous monitoring are suggested.

Parameter optimization and performance analysis of a dual-axis rotary sugarcane de-trashing and feeding mechanism using DEM–RFC coupled simulation

Ahadov Akobir — 2026-01-22

The de-trashing operation and uniform feeding of sugarcane stalks into the processing inlet are the important yet under-researched stages of mechanized harvesting. This study introduces a new Dual-Axis Rotary De-Trashing and Feeding Mechanism (DATFM) system that is proposed for medium capacity chopper harvesting machine used under dense tropical field conditions and analyzed. A coupled Discrete Element Method – Rigid Flexible Coupling (DEM – RFC) simulation model has been created in EDEM 2022 and ADAMS 2023 to capture the interactive behavior between the leaf-trash particles, flexible stalk elements and the rigid rotating rollers. Based on the kinematics and the force analysis, the key parameters that affect the performance of the de-trashing and feeding process (inter-roller gap width (G), primary roller rotational speed (n₁), secondary roller inclination angle (β₂), and roller surface groove depth (d)) were identified and optimized systematically by simulation evaluation. Under a forward harvesting speed of 0.60 m/s, the optimized DATFM used to remove trash, achieved 88.1% trash removal rate (TRR) and 2.8% stalk damage rate (SDR), and feeding uniformity index (FUI) was 0.83. The TRR was 18.6 percentage points higher than the original design while the SDR was 41.7 percentage points lower, and the FUI was 36.1 percentage points higher. One-way ANOVA was performed and found that there were statistically significant differences between all of the parameter levels (p < 0.01). The model, DEM–RFC, was found to be reliable in predicting its performance for TRR by the field trials conducted during three harvesting seasons in Maharashtra, India with a mean absolute simulation-to-field error of 4.12%. The results offer a mechanism-driven framework for DATFM parameter redesign that can be replicated, and further the sugarcane harvest equipment simulation knowledge base for the tropical regions.

Dietary multi-strain probiotic supplementation improves growth performance, intestinal morphology, serum biochemistry, and gut microbiome diversity in Ross 308 broiler chickens

Madhusmita Swain — 2026-02-05

With the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), the demand for alternative feed additives for commercial poultry production has increased. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, and Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707 on growth performance, intestinal morphology, serum biochemical indices, immune responses, and cecal microbial diversity in Ross 308 broiler chickens. In a 42-day feeding trial, 360 day-old male chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments: T0 (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 0.5 g/kg probiotic), T2 (basal diet + 1.0 g/kg probiotic), and T3 (basal diet + 1.5 g/kg probiotic), with six replicates of 15 birds each. Birds in the T2 group exhibited significantly improved (p < 0.05) final body weight (2425 g vs. 2210 g), total body weight gain (2383 g vs. 2168 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.74 vs. 1.91) compared with the control group. Villus height and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio increased by 20.4% and 45.3%, respectively, in T2 compared with T0 (p < 0.001). Probiotic supplementation significantly increased serum IgG concentration while decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (p < 0.05). Cecal microbiome analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed significant differences in alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Chao1, and Faith's phylogenetic diversity), with T2 showing a higher abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and a lower abundance of Clostridium perfringens. A dose-dependent response was observed up to 1.0 g/kg, whereas no additional benefits were detected at 1.5 g/kg supplementation. These findings indicate that supplementation with 1.0 g/kg of the multi-strain probiotic optimizes production efficiency, gut health, and immune function in commercial broilers and represents a promising alternative to AGPs.

Spatial distribution, habitat utilization, and seasonal population dynamics of mammalian fauna in agro forest ecotones of central India: a multi-year field assessment

Mrs. Kamleshwari Durgam — 2026-02-27

Agro-forest ecotones are a key transitional habitat in the Indian subcontinent with high mammal’s diversity, but poorly known in terms of species richness gradient and seasonal variation at the population level. In this study, a multi-year (2021-2024) comprehensive assessment of mammalian fauna was done in six study sites in agro-forest ecotones of the Vidarbha region of Central India that were stratified on the basis of habitat characteristics. We recorded 34 species, 8 orders, with the use of camera-trap grids (n = 144 stations), transect line sampling and acoustic monitoring. The Shannon Diversity Index (H') ranged from 2.14 to 3.67 at the sites, with forest dominated sites having significantly higher diversity (p < 0.001, ANOVA). Most activity occurred during the night or at dusk; the greatest activity was observed between 05:30-07:00 h and 18:00-20:00 h. Tree canopy density (>40% canopy), distance to water sources (<500 m), and proximity to crop fields were found to be the main habitat suitability modelling (MaxEnt) predictors of mammalian presence. Fluctuations between seasons were significant for four focal species (Indian leopard Panthera pardus fusca, striped hyena Hyaena hyaena, Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica and golden jackal Canis aureus) and were related to the monsoon and agricultural cycles. The results of this study offer empirical reference points for wildlife corridors and human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures in one of the most ecologically-stressed areas in India.

Diversity, abundance, and habitat suitability of small carnivores and mesopredators in the agro-pastoral landscapes of Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India: implications for conservation planning

Mr. Devendra Kumar Durgam — 2026-03-05

Small carnivores and mesopredators play an essential role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, but are poorly studied in highly fragmented agro-pastoral landscapes with accelerated land-use change. In this study, mesopredator communities in Yavatmal District (Mumbai Division), Maharashtra were studied over a 2-year period from June 2022 to May 2024, comprising 96 camera trap stations and 8640 trap days. Five focal species were assessed: Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), jungle cat (Felis chaus), small Indian mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) and Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis). In total, 2,847 independent detections were made. The occupancy rates were 0.41 ± 0.06 for striped hyena and 0.78 ± 0.04 for small Indian mongoose. Habitat suitability modelling showed that the best predictive model was for the Bengal fox (AUC = 0.887), with particular emphasis on the importance of agricultural margins and ecotonal habitats. Activity analysis revealed that for all species, the dominant activity phase was crepuscular or nocturnal, and that there was significant temporal partitioning between the carnivore species (Δ = 0.31, p < 0.001). Species diversity, represented by the Shannon diversity index, was relatively high, and decreased significantly with distance from protected forest edges (r² = 0.61, p < 0.01) on a mean basis across sampling grids. The results would prove that the agro-pastoral landscapes of Yavatmal have a favourable mesopredator complex. It is important to enhance landscape connectivity and minimise retaliatory persecution and promote wildlife-friendly agriculture to help conserve these species. This study is the first spatially explicit baseline study of mesopredator ecology in Vidarbha and it gives important guidelines to conservation planning and sustainable land-use management.

Community ecology, habitat suitability, and multi-threat assessment of mesopredator assemblages in agro-pastoral landscapes of central India: a camera-trap and MaxEnt approach

Dr. Mayur R Bhoyar — 2026-03-18

Background: Mesopredators and small carnivores undertake essential ecological roles in the tropics and their community-level dynamics in the agro-pastoral mosaics of central India have been poorly described. These ecologically important sets are under threat due to a combination of progressive loss and degradation of native vegetation, increasing livestock grazing and agricultural development in Vidarbha. Methods: The systematic camera trapping was carried out in 48 grid cells (5 km × 5 km) with 96 camera stations in Yavatmal District, Maharashtra state for the duration of June 2022 to May 2024 with 8,640 trap-nights. Five focal species (Bengal fox Vulpes bengalensis, striated hyena Hyaena hyaena, jungle cat Felis chaus, small Indian mongoose Herpestes edwardsii and Indian hare Lepus nigricollis) were used to construct single-season occupancy models (MacKenzie et al. framework), MaxEnt habitat suitability models, kernel-density diel activity estimation, and multi-threat index scoring. Results: 2,847 independent records were made. Occupancy estimates were corrected for values between 0.41 ± 0.06 (H. hyaena) and 0.78 ± 0.04 (H. edwardsii) and were significantly higher than naive estimates. Forest-agricultural ecotones had the largest AUC (0.887) value for habitat suitability for Bengal fox. There was a significant temporal partitioning between V. bengalensis and H. hyaena (Δτ = 0.31, p < 0.001). The Shannon diversity index averaged across cells was H' = 2.03, and significantly decreased with increasing distance from forest edges (r2 = 0.61; p < 0.001). Multi-threat analysis identified H. hyaena as being at the highest conservation priority. Discussion: Agro-pastoral landscape of Yavatmal has a functional significant mesopredator guild, even as the land-use change is in progress. There is a great need for evidence-informed interventions to support corridors, anti-persecution outreach, and mitigate road deaths.

Thermal stress-induced modulation of productive performance, physiological responses, and animal welfare in dairy cattle and buffalo across South Asian agro-climatic zones: a multi-regional longitudinal study

Dr. T Rajendran — 2026-04-03

In tropical and subtropical areas, thermal stress is one of the most important limiting factors for livestock productivity and welfare and is likely to increase under climate change. The impact of Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) on productive, physiological and welfare traits of the Holstein-Friesian × Sahiwal crossbred cows, Murrah buffalo, Gir and Kankrej cattle was assessed through a multi-regional longitudinal study in five South Asian agro-climatic regions. The mother 180 adult females were monitored monthly for 24 months (from January 2021 to December 2022). THI was classified as thermoneutral (<72), mild (72–79), moderate (79–88), and severe (>88). Yield of milk was significantly reduced with increasing THI (β = −0.218 L/day per THI unit; R² = 0.683; P < 0.001), while respiration rate, rectal temperature and serum cortisol were increased which were indicators of heat stress. There was a decrease of peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicating heat induced immunosuppression. The heat tolerance of the Gir (84.6 ± 1.4%) and Kankrej (81.2 ± 1.7%) cattle were significantly higher compared to crossbred cattle (72.4 ± 1.8%) (P < 0.05), while Murrah buffalo had intermediate heat tolerance (82.8 ± 1.6%), possibly due to wallowing. When heat stress was moderate or severe, welfare indicators were significantly reduced, such as lying time and ruminations duration. A strong negative relationship between THI and milk yield (r = −0.74; P < 0.001) was detected by Pearson correlation analysis, which indicated that THI was the main factor linking productive, physiological and behavioural traits. The results encourage breed-specific adaptation measures, infrastructure for zones and monitoring of THI for better climate resilient livestock management.

Relative importance of factors in explaining fluctuations in India’s agricultural production

Rajib Kumar Dolai — 2026-04-17

This study examines the relative importance of irrigated area, non-irrigated area, fertilizer use, rainfall, and temperature in explaining agricultural output fluctuations in India during 1960–61 to 2022–23. The analysis uses the True Relative Importance (TRI) framework based on orthopartial and simple correlation. Rainfall emerges as the most important factor when agricultural fluctuations are analyzed without separating trend and de-trended components. Agricultural output remains highly sensitive to monsoon variability. After decomposition, the trend components explain only about 2 percent of total fluctuations. This indicates that factors such as irrigation expansion, fertilizer use, and technological progress mainly influence long-run agricultural growth and stability. The de-trended components account for nearly 65 percent of total fluctuations, showing that agricultural instability is driven largely by short-run factors. Irrigated area is the largest contributor, explaining about 34.7 percent of fluctuations. Rainfall ranks second with 16.6 percent, followed by fertilizer with 9.9 percent. The effects of non-irrigated area and temperature remain relatively small.