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    Determining and managing maize yield gaps in Rwanda

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    Journal Article (1.196Mb)
    Date
    2020
    Author
    Bucagu, C.
    Ndoli, A.
    Cyamweshi, A.R.
    Nabahungu, L.N.
    Mukuralinda, A.
    Smethurst, P.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Peer Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    Smallholder maize growers are experiencing significant yield gaps due to sub-optimal agricultural practices. Adequate agricultural inputs, particularly nutrient amendments and best management practices, are essential to reverse this trend. There is a need to understand the cause of variations in maize yield, provide reliable early estimates of yields, and make necessary recommendations for fertilizer applications. Maize yield prediction and estimates of yield gaps using objective and spatial analytical tools could provide accurate and objective information that underpin decision support. A study was conducted in Rwanda at Nyakiliba sector and Gashora sector located in Birunga and Central Bugesera agro-ecological zones, with the objectives of (1) determining factors influencing maize yield, (2) predicting maize yield (using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach), and (3) assessing the maize yield gaps and the impact on food security. Maize grain yield was significantly higher at Nyakiliba (1.74 t ha−1) than at Gashora (0.6 t ha−1). NDVI values correlated positively with maize grain yield at both sites (R2 = 0.50 to 0.65) and soil fertility indicators (R2 = 0.55 to 0.70). Maize yield was highest at 40 kg P ha−1 and response to N fertilizer was adequately simulated at Nyakiliba (R2 = 0.85, maximum yield 3.3 t ha−1). Yield gap was 4.6 t ha−1 in Nyakiliba and 5.1 t ha−1 in Gashora. Soil variables were more important determinants of social class than family size. Knowledge that low nutrient inputs are a major cause of yield gaps in Rwanda should prioritize increasing the rate of fertilizer use in these agricultural systems.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01059-2
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7764
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Nsharwasi Nabahunguhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2104-3777
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01059-2
    Research Themes
    Natural Resource Management
    IITA Subjects
    Agronomy; Food Security; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Production; Socioeconomy; Value Chains
    Agrovoc Terms
    Maize; Grain; Yields; Forecasting; Crops; Intensification
    Regions
    Africa; Central Africa
    Countries
    Rwanda
    Hubs
    Central Africa Hub
    Journals
    Food Security
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4835
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