Increasing potato equivalent yield increases returns to investment under potato-legume intercropping systems
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Date
2019-11
Authors
Gitari, Harun I.
Nyawade, Shadrack O.
Kamau, Solomon
Gachene, Charles K. K.
Karanja, Nancy N.
Schulte-Geldermann, Elmar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
De Gruyter
Abstract
In order to enhance sustainable intensification
of potato-based cropping systems, especially in sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA), there is a need to investigate the
economic viability of investing in this lucrative venture.
This study evaluated the economic returns under legume
intercropping systems using value/cost ratio (VCR) and
benefit/cost ratio (BCR) under treatments comprising of
potato intercropped with dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.)
(P-D), climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (P-B) and
garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) (P-G), and a potato pure
stand control (P-S). Across the seasons, tuber yield was
not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by intercropping with
P-D, whereas under P-B and P-G, it decreased by 19%
and 16%, respectively compared to P-S. P-G, P-B and P-D
recorded 6, 7 and 12% higher potato equivalent yield (PEY)
relative to P-S. P-D was the most profitable intercropping
system with VCR of 35 and BCR of 5.1 as compared to
values recorded in P-S of 31 and 5, respectively. Regression
of VCR against PEY resulted in a stronger coefficient (0.98)
compared to that of BCR against PEY (0.82) implying that
VCR is a simple tool that could be adopted for economic
returns to investment studies such as potato-legume intercropping
systems.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Gross returns, Net returns, Profitability, Benefit/cost ratio, Value/cost ratio
Citation
Open Agriculture. 2019; 4: 623-629