Agricultural Research Knowledge
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/187
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Screening bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for yellow rust resistance and grain yield performanceAuthor(s): Olana, Abera; Shifa, Hassen; Tadesse, Wuletaw (Taylor and Francis Group)Date: 2026-03-16Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessYellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is one of the most destructive diseases of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), causing severe yield losses in Ethiopia. The development of resistant cultivars remain the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly strategy for managing the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of 240 spring bread wheat lines and seven check varieties to yellow rust resistance with superior grain yield under field conditions. The genotypes were evaluated at KARC, MWU, and SARC using an augmented experimental design. Disease severity, coefficient of infection (CI) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), along with grain yield and related agronomic traits, were recorded. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) among genotypes, environments, and genotype × environment interactions for disease and yield parameters. Wide variation in yellow rust response was observed across locations, with final disease severity ranging from 0 to 90%. CI and AUDPC showed strong positive correlations, while both parameters were significantly and negatively correlated with grain yield and thousand kernel weights. Based on combined disease resistance and yield performance, 19 genotypes were consistently identified as superior across all locations. The identified genotypes represent valuable sources of yellow rust resistance and can be utilized in wheat breeding programs.
- Under supplementary irrigation, phosphorus fertilizer input enhances post-anthesis dry matter accumulation and yield by improving canopy characteristicsAuthor(s): Li, Yakun; Li, HuiHui; Liu, Jianli; Liu, Yi; Xiao, Jianke; Nangia, Vinay; Liu, Yang (Elsevier)Date: 2026-03-20Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessContext While post-anthesis dry matter accumulation (DMAA) is crucial for wheat yield, few studies have systematically examined how canopy photosynthesis at different leaf positions responds to water and phosphorus management. Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of different irrigation and phosphorus levels on wheat canopy traits and DMAA dynamics and to analyze how the photosynthetic traits of different canopy leaf positions drive DMAA and yield. Methods A three-year field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted. Irrigation levels ranged from 70% to 100% relative water content, and phosphorus rates varied from 0 to 180 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ . Canopy characteristics (e.g., leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate) and DMAA dynamics were measured. Results Water-phosphorus coupling significantly changes canopy structure and function. The leaf area index of each leaf layer increased, and the increase of the leaves below the third leaf was the largest. The chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, antioxidant enzyme activity and post-anthesis dry matter accumulation related parameters of the top three leaves showed a consistent trend, reaching the peak under the specific water and phosphorus combination. The P2 treatment under low irrigation conditions and the P1 treatment under medium and high irrigation conditions reached the peak under the specific water and phosphorus combination. Multivariate analysis showed that canopy traits, especially the related indexes of the second leaf, directly drove dry matter accumulation and yield formation after anthesis. When the relative water content was 85% and the phosphorus application rate was 60–120 kg ha−1, the wheat yield reached the maximum. Conclusions Moderate irrigation (85% relative water content) combined with reduced phosphorus input (60 kg ha⁻¹) optimized canopy structure, delayed senescence, enhanced photosynthetic capacity, and ultimately increased grain yield through improved DMAA. Implications This study provides a physiological basis for optimizing water and phosphorus management to enhance canopy performance and productivity in wheat cultivation.
- The effects of exogenous spermidine on starch development, multi-scale structure, and in vitro digestibility in wheat were investigated under drought stressAuthor(s): Wen, Jialu; Liu, Jianli; Tang, Jianping; Zou, Ting; Gao, Aqing; Nangia, Vinay; Liu, Yang (Elsevier, 2026-04-01)Date: 2026-03-21Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessphysiological activity in stress responses, whether Spd can directly regulate the multi-scale structure and digestive properties of wheat starch under drought conditions remains unclear. Therefore, this study applied drought stress (DR) during the early grain filling stage (1–10 days after anthesis), combined with exogenous spermidine spraying and spermidine inhibitor (Mitoguazone, MGBG), to investigate the effects of Spd on wheat starch formation, accumulation, multi-scale structure, and in vitro digestibility under DR treatment. The results showed that exogenous Spd enhanced starch synthase activity under DR treatment, promoted starch development and accumulation, and thereby increased wheat yield. Additionally, Spd increased the proportion of B-type starch granules, solubility, and swelling power under DR conditions. By reducing the proportion of long branched-chains, Spd decreased starch crystallinity and ordered structure, leading to lower gelatinization enthalpy and gelatinization temperature, while increasing the contents of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and resistant starch (RS). In contrast, MGBG exhibited the opposite trends. This study reveals a novel function of polyamine compounds as starch structure modifiers, providing a chemical perspective for the quality regulation of food raw materials.
- Rainwater Harvesting in Uzbekistan: Fostering Sustainability through the SES Framework AnalysisAuthor(s): Oboke, Ugonna (Humboldt University of Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, The Centre for Rural Development (HU - FoLS - AGRAR - SLE), 2025-10-31)Date: 2025-10-31Type: PresentationStatus: Timeless limited accessRainwater Harvesting in Uzbekistan: Fostering Sustainability through the SES Framework Analysis. Presentation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master's Thesis in Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM).
- From Research to Fieldwork: My Six Months Studying Rainwater Harvesting in KashkadaryaAuthor(s): Oboke, Ugonna (Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, 2025-10-31)Date: 2025-10-31Type: BlogStatus: Timeless limited accessUzbekistan’s economy and the livelihoods of many rural communities depend on agriculture. However, farmers in many parts of the country are increasingly facing water scarcity, land degradation, and soil salinization. These challenges are especially visible in dryland regions, where limited rainfall and overuse of groundwater are placing growing pressure on land and ecosystems.
- Contact Toxicity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oil Against Green Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) on Pea: Dose-Response BioassayAuthor(s): Benbrahim, TouriaDate: 2025-12-31Type: Internal ReportStatus: Timeless limited accessPea has been grown for over 10 000 years. It has been the subject of a great number of researches over the past six centuries, including the works of Gregor Mendel. However, to this day, a large number of questions remain about the origin and diversity of pea species, their morphological-and-physiological and ecological-and-biological features, the formation of optimal conditions of growing for both food and fodder purposes. (Poltoretskyi et al., 2022). In addition, the optimization of growing conditions for both food and fodder purposes remains a major challenge, particularly under changing environmental conditions and increasing biotic stresses. Among these constraints, insect pests such as aphids represent a significant limiting factor in pea production, causing direct damage through sap feeding and indirect losses by transmitting plant viruses. Conventional control strategies rely heavily on chemical insecticides, which raise concerns regarding environmental pollution, pest resistance, and negative impacts on non-target organisms. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this context, the use of plant-derived products, such as essential oils, has emerged as a promising approach for pest management. The present study investigates the effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil on green pea aphids as a potential biological alternative to chemical insecticides, contributing to integrated pest management strategies and sustainable agricultural practices
- Genome-wide association studies for identification of stripe rust resistance loci in diverse wheat genotypesAuthor(s): Tanwar, Vikesh; Kumar, Satish; Lal, Chuni; Aggarwal, Rajesh; Nair, Rajitha; Kamboj, Disha; Lal Kashyap, Prem; Singh, Vikram; Singh Saini, Johar; Kashyap, Sunil; Hussain Wani, Shabir; Udupa, Sripada M.; Singh, Rajender; Tiwari, Ratan (Frontiers Media, 2025-12-08)Date: 2025-12-08Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessIntroduction: In North India, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. triticii (Pst), the causal agent of stripe rust, poses a significant challenge to wheat productivity. The frequent emergence of new virulent Pst strains has rendered many resistance genes ineffective. Hence, continuous identification and deployment of novel resistance genes are crucial for maintaining durable resistance and ensuring sustainable wheat cultivation.Materials and Methods: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 652 elite, diverse wheat genotypes using 1,938 DArTseq SNP markers. Field evaluations were performed at the adult plant stage across four locations—Hisar, Karnal, Gurdaspur, and Khudwani—under natural disease conditions. Marker–trait associations were identified using General Linear Model (GLM), Mixed Linear Model (MLM), and FarmCPU approaches, considering loci with –log₁₀(p) ≥ 3 as significant.Results: Analysis revealed 27 genomic regions significantly associated with stripe rust resistance across environments. Among these, four loci were located on chromosomes 2B and 6B, and three on 6A. Several loci corresponded to resistance-related genes, including NBS-LRR, F-box, LRR, protein kinase, Ser/Thr_kinase, Znf_RING-CH, E3-ubiquitin ligase, and ABC transporter genes, suggesting their potential role in rust resistance mechanisms.Discussion: The study identified novel genomic regions associated with Pst resistance, providing valuable resources for wheat improvement. The functional annotation of these loci highlights their involvement in plant defense pathways. Conversion of these loci into breeder-friendly molecular markers will facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) and accelerate the development of durable stripe rust-resistant wheat cultivars suited to North Indian agro-ecological conditions.
- Climate Adaptation Strategies - Field Survey on Farmers' Perceptions QuestionnaireDate: 2026-03-23Type: ToolStatus: Open accessSurvey questionnaire used to collect data on farmers’ perceptions, impacts, and adaptation strategies in two Ethiopian sheep CBBP sites, Bonga and Menz.
- Breeding European Legumes for Increased Sustainability (BELIS) Project WP4 - Periodic ReportAuthor(s): Maalouf, FouadDate: 2025-09-10Type: Internal ReportStatus: Timeless limited accessICARDA evaluated diverse, genotyped panels of faba bean (300 accessions), lentil (300 accessions), and common vetch (280 accessions) across contrasting environments in Terbol, Lebanon (high rainfall) and Marchouch, Morocco (low rainfall/drought) during 2023–2024. In faba bean, significant variation was detected for phenology, plant height, yield components, and seed traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 52.3% of variance at Terbol and 62.1% at Marchouch, with seed size traits and grain yield contributing most to diversity. Accessions were also screened for Ascochyta blight, chocolate spot, rust, and orobanche resistance. For lentil, wide and highly significant variation was observed for flowering, maturity, biological and seed yield, and seed weight across both sites. Screening at Marchouch revealed substantial diversity for orobanche resistance. In common vetch, significant variability was found for flowering time, maturity, yield, and yield components. PCA explained 56.4% of total variation, highlighting seed yield and pod number as key contributors. Results support future genomic selection efforts with CSIC.
- Baseline Assessment for the Development of ICARDA’s Interactive Capacity Development Platform on Agricultural Water Management in Dry AreasAuthor(s): Omar, Mohie; Al Zayed, Islam Sabry Al ZayedDate: 2026-02-22Type: Internal ReportStatus: Open accessThe report addresses water scarcity in dry regions, emphasizing the critical need for a digital e-learning platform tailored to water management. It highlights ICARDA's role in bridging knowledge gaps and improving agricultural practices amid climate challenges. Existing platforms provide high-quality, multilingual content but often suffer from outdated materials, low interactivity, and insufficient contextualization for arid environments. The authors recommend developing a new platform that integrates practical training, real-world applications, and strong institutional partnerships, ensuring accessibility and relevance for practitioners and policymakers in dryland areas.
- Value chain selection toolDate: 2026-02-24Type: ToolStatus: Open accessThe Value Chain Selection Tool, developed under the project Supporting the Implementation of the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative in the Near East and North Africa Region, guides strategic crop prioritization in water-scarce contexts. It is based on a multi-criteria assessment framework that integrates economic performance, water productivity, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, as well as infrastructural and institutional criteria. The tool emphasizes efficient water use, climate resilience, soil health, and long-term ecosystem sustainability. It also takes into account market demand, export potential, profitability and competitiveness, as well as access to technology and infrastructure. Social dimensions, such as job creation and the inclusion of smallholders, women, youth, and vulnerable groups, ensure equitable rural development. Through a comparative analysis of different crops, the tool helps policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors identify value chains that maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact. It strengthens investment planning, promotes responsible resource management, and aligns agricultural transformation with the objectives of the Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity. In doing so, it contributes to building resilient, inclusive, and water-efficient agri-food systems in the NENA region.
- Outil de sélection des chaînes de valeurDate: 2026-02-24Type: ToolStatus: Open accessL’Outil de sélection des chaînes de valeur, développé dans le cadre du projet Soutenir la mise en œuvre de l’Initiative régionale sur la rareté de l’eau dans la région du Proche-Orient et de l’Afrique du Nord (PENA), permet de prioriser stratégiquement les cultures dans des contextes de rareté en eau. Il s’appuie sur un cadre d’évaluation multicritères intégrant la performance économique, la productivité de l’eau, la durabilité environnementale, l’inclusion sociale ainsi que les critères infrastructurels et institutionnels. L’outil met l’accent sur l’utilisation efficace de l’eau, la résilience climatique, la santé des sols et la durabilité des écosystèmes à long terme. Il prend également en compte la demande du marché, le potentiel d’exportation, la rentabilité et la compétitivité, ainsi que l’accès à la technologie et aux infrastructures. Les dimensions sociales, telles que la création d’emplois et l’inclusion des petits exploitants, des femmes, des jeunes et des groupes vulnérables, assurent un développement rural équitable. Grâce à une analyse comparative entre différentes cultures, l’outil aide les décideurs politiques, les partenaires au développement et les acteurs du secteur privé à identifier les chaînes de valeur qui maximisent les rendements tout en minimisant l’impact environnemental. Il renforce la planification des investissements, favorise une gestion responsable des ressources et aligne la transformation agricole sur les objectifs de l’Initiative régionale sur la rareté de l’eau. Ainsi, il contribue à bâtir des systèmes agroalimentaires résilients, inclusifs et économes en eau dans la région PENA.
- A tool for optimizing the water, energy, food and ecosystem service nexus amidst diverse stakeholder interestsAuthor(s): Verbist, Joren; Yigezu, Yigezu; Akramkhanov, Akmal (Taylor and Francis Group)Date: 2026-03-03Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessClimate change and population growth are intensifying pressures on agricultural resources, underscoring the need to optimize the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus. This study applies the Stakeholder WEFE efficiency evaluation tool (SWEET) in Uzbekistan through key informant interviews with representatives from governmental departments managing water, energy, food and environmental sectors. Results reveal divergence and convergence of priorities across departments and sectors, respectively around soil cover, fuel consumption and food crop production. Non-food crops were however consistently deprioritized. SWEET supports the identification of shared priorities and potentially conflicting interests, thereby helping prevent rebound effects and building coherent WEFE governance.
- Malnutrition and violent conflict in a heating world: A mediation analysis on the climate–conflict nexus in Nigeria Get access ArrowAuthor(s): Belli, Anna; Villa, Victor; Mastrorillo, Marina; Scognamillo, Antonio; Song, Chun; Ignaciuk, Adriana; Pacillo, Grazia (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-11-12)Date: 2025-05-12Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessClimate variability is increasingly gaining recognition as a factor exacerbating risks to peace in Africa, particularly in contexts characterized by weak institutions and fragile agri-food systems. Existing literature has highlighted the intricate indirect pathways that can lead to increasing conflicts following a climatic shock, including reduced agricultural yields, increased food insecurity, and other socio-economic channels that are highly context-specific as well as difficult to quantify. This study investigates the nexus between climate variability (proxied by temperature anomalies) and violent conflicts as mediated by child acute malnutrition in Nigeria. Starting from previous quantitative analyses that implicitly assumed the existence of a singular transmission pathway linking climate variability to conflict, this study employs a structural equation model that accommodates the presence of multiple, albeit unobserved, mediating factors. In doing so, it pioneers the use of children’s nutritional indicators as mediating factors to capture the multidimensional nature of the climate–conflict relationship. The novel approach proposed for this analysis increases the accuracy of estimating the indirect impacts of climate variability on conflict, as mediated by child nutritional outcomes, and contributes to the literature linked to the humanitarian, development and peace nexus. From a policy perspective, our findings aim to inform and support identifying policies and interventions aimed at mitigating the threat posed by climate variability to human security through the nutrition channel.
- Adjusted Crop Coefficient for Wheat Using Energy Balance Systems in North Nile Delta of EgyptAuthor(s): Saffan, M.Mohye; Belal, Abdelaziz; Omar, Mohie; Mosaad, Alaa (The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT), 2025-06-22)Date: 2025-06-22Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessAccurate crop coefficient (Kc) is essential for optimizing irrigation water use as well as enlargement water productivity in agriculture. This study aims to update the Kc values for wheat in the North Nile Delta, Egypt, using an energy balance (EB) system powered by Campbell Scientific instrumentations. Field experiments were conducted during three consecutive wheat-growing seasons of 2022/23,2023/24 and 2024/25 at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, covering an area of 4.2 hectares. Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was measured using energy balance techniques, and Kc values were derived by comparing ETa with reference evapotranspiration (ETo) from FAO Penman Monteith approach. Results showed that FAO-56 Kc values tend to underestimate Kc during the initial (ini) and late-season (end) growth stages, while slightly overestimating mid-season Kc. The obtained Kc values for wheat were: 0.43–0.68 (Kc ini), 0.75–1.02 (Kc dev), 0.94–1.11 (Kc mid), and 0.4–0.64 (Kc end), differing from FAO-56 values. The findings suggest that local calibration of Kc is necessary for precise irrigation scheduling, enhancement water management efficiency, and consequently sustainable wheat production under water-scarce conditions.
- Data Management Plan (DMP) for the Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC)Author(s): Bartolini, Pietro (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA))Date: 2025-08-01Type: ManualStatus: Timeless limited accessData Management Plan (DMP) for the Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC)
- Genetic mapping and validation of QTL for whitefly resistance in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)Author(s): Bohorquez-Chaux, Adriana; Becerra Lopez-Lavalle, Luis Augusto; Barrera‑Enriquez, Vianey Barrera; Gómez‑Jiménez, María Isabel; Sanchez‑Sarria, Camilo E.; Delgado, Luis Fernando; Zhang, Xiaofei; Gimode, Winnie (Springer nature link, 2025-06-24)Date: 2025-06-24Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessWhitefly species pose a major threat to cassava production in tropical regions causing direct plant damage and transmitting viruses that lead to devastating cassava diseases. Aleurotrachelus socialis whitefly is one of the pests that affect cassava in South America. Developing resistant cassava varieties is the most sustainable control strategy for managing whiteflies. This study aimed to map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to A. socialis and develop molecular markers to facilitate marker-assisted selection. An F2 cassava population (N = 183) was generated by selfing a highly resistant F1 derived from a cross between ECU72 (resistant) and COL2246 (susceptible) landraces. Phenotyping was performed using an efficient glasshouse screening method and high throughput image analysis of infested leaves (Nymphstar). We identified QTL on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 14, with a stable and highly significant QTL on chromosome 8 (MeF2WFly8.1), explaining 35.44% of the phenotypic variation. To enable efficient selection, high-throughput KASP markers were developed and validated across diverse genetic backgrounds. Three SNPs displayed the highest association with whitefly resistance, with Chr08_6483145 as the most effective marker for selection in diverse backgrounds. These markers are provided for improving the efficiency of whitefly resistance breeding in the global cassava community.
- Potential impacts of carbon pricing on vegetable cold chainsAuthor(s): Alegbeleye, Oluwadara; Kassie, Girma; Ndour, Adama; Adamseged, Muluken Elias; Athukorala, Aruni (Elsevier (12 months), 2025-12-01)Date: 2025-09-24Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessThe urgent need to address climate change has prompted growing interest in carbon pricing mechanisms as tools for reducing emissions in food systems. This review explores how carbon pricing may affect vegetable cold chains, which rely on energy-intensive, temperature-controlled networks essential for preserving produce quality and limiting food loss. While carbon pricing can serve as an incentive for adopting energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable logistics practices, its implementation can also trigger adverse consequences. These include increased operational costs, potential disruptions to supply chains, food affordability challenges, and public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations. Drawing on global evidence, this paper discusses both the enabling conditions for carbon pricing (when applied to vegetable cold chains or relevant stages within them) to deliver environmental benefits and the risks of socio-economic trade-offs, including potential impacts on labour, equity, and food security. Mitigation strategies, such as revenue recycling, targeted subsidies, and hybrid policy designs, are also discussed. Overall, the paper emphasizes the need for carefully designed carbon pricing mechanisms tailored to the structure of vegetable cold chains to ensure a just and effective transition to low-carbon food systems.
- Impacts of different land and water management interventions on runoff and sediment yield under climate change: a case study from the Bale Eco-Region, EthiopiaAuthor(s): Gashaw, Temesgen; Mekuria, Wolde; Ray, Ram; Tefera, Gebrekidan Worku; R. van Oel, Pieter; Chukalla, Abebe D.; Adgo, Enyew; Abeyou, Abeyou; Taddele Dile, Yihun; Seid, Abdulkarim; Bantider, Amare; Berhanu, Daniel; Legese, Gudina; Ayele, Girma; Haileslassie, Amare (Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-10-03)Date: 2025-10-03Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Timeless limited accessThis study evaluated the impacts of land and water management (LWM) intervention scenarios on runoff and sediment yield (SY) in Ethiopia's Bale Eco-Region (BER) under changing climate conditions. The scenarios analyzed include implementing conservation measures in non-cultivated lands (Scenario 1), cultivated lands (Scenario 2), and a combination of both (Scenario 3). These were compared against a Reference Scenario (i.e., no LWM interventions). The revised Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) model was applied for baseline (1992–2020), and mid-century (2041–2070) and late-century (2071–2100) periods under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate projections. Model calibration (2001–2009) and validation (1995–2000) for streamflow and sediment parameters confirmed SWAT+ suitability for the BER. Results indicate that, under the Reference Scenario, runoff and SY are projected rise by 12.8–53.7% and 16–60.6%, respectively, in future periods. Scenario 3, followed by Scenario 1, provided the greatest reductions in average areal runoff and SY. This study shows that conserving non-cultivated lands through LWM practices significantly reduces runoff and sediment yield. To effectively mitigate these impacts under changing climates, conservation should prioritize both cultivated and non-cultivated lands. The presented framework offers a transferable approach for evaluating LWM strategies in regions with comparable environmental conditions.
- Family farming through the lens of work organization. Illustrations from AfricaAuthor(s): Dedieu, Benoît; Hostiou, Nathalie; Kuzo, Jacques; Mercandalli, Sara; Frija, Aymen; Alary, Veronique; Haule, Yohana; Raharimalala, Sitrakiniana; Belières, Jean-François; Dembele, Catherine; Cesaro, Jean-daniel; BA, BABA; Girard, Pierre (EDP Sciences, 2025-11-14)Date: 2025-11-14Type: Journal ArticleStatus: Open accessThe paper’s objective is to generate knowledge about work organization patterns in family farms across Africa. A thorough understanding of farming systems is essential (since behind every practice, there is one or several workers), as well as a step toward clarifying the diversity of workers’ task profiles and working conditions across the continent. The study uses a multisite approach, covering five African countries and 14 farming systems, from Tunisia to Madagascar, and is based on the Quaework methodology (which tracks the annual duration of routine and seasonal work, by category of worker—farm manager, family workers, permanent and temporary workers, and by gender). In total, 438 farms were surveyed. Three work organization patterns were identified: one based on the farmer’s investment in either managing the system or performing most operational tasks; another relying on the contributions of family members notably to routine work; and the third involving the mobilization of wage workers, particularly temporary workers, for seasonal tasks. Most farming systems combine multiple work organization patterns. The contribution of women to farm work is also discussed, sometimes more significant and other times less so, depending on the farming system. We examine the workers’ task profiles and related working conditions, providing more detail on what the work involves and who the workers are behind “family” farming.