Rural Farmers’ Agroforestry Practices In Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The study was conducted to assess rural farmers’ agroforestry practices in Imo State, Nigeria. The population for the study comprised all farmers involved in agroforestry practices in Imo state. Four local government areas (LGAs) were selected out of 27 LGAs in the state using simple random sampling technique. From the four LGAs, two town communities were purposively selected based on their involvement in agroforestry practices giving a total of eight town communities. From each of the eight town communities, four village communities were purposively selected because of their involvement in agroforestry practices making a total of 32 village communities. From the list of agroforestry farmers compiled in each of the village communities by extension agent, five farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique. In all, a total of 160 agroforestry farmers constituted the sample size for the study. Data for the study were collected through interview schedule. Percentage, charts, Mean statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Duncan multiple range test and factor analysis were used in analyzing the data. Results showed that the average age of the farmers was 54 years. Majority (56.7%) of the respondents was male and married (73.1%). The average household size of the farmers was 7 persons. Majority (56.9%) of the farmers got their income from sale of farm products and 35.6% of them engage in trading as their secondary occupation. Majority (68.8%) of the farmers belonged to various organization. About 53% of the farmers had contact with extension agents in the last one year and the average extension contact was 2 times. The average size of land used for agroforestry practices was less than one hectare. Majority (96.9%) of the farmers practiced home gardens. There was an increase in the number of farmers involved in agroforestry practices in the last five years (47.5%). Majority (84.4%) of the farmers planted banana in their farm as the major tree component of agroforestry and majority (98.1%) of farmers cultivated yam as the crop components of the agroforestry practice. The average number of trees planted/protected in the homestead and farmstead varies significantly over the years. There was a decline in the average number of trees planted and/or protected both in the homestead and farmstead from the year 2009 to 2013. The result showed that pruning (87.5%) was the major management strategy used by farmers to maintain their trees while majority (98.8%) of respondents practiced agroforestry to improve soil fertility. Major constraints to agroforestry practices were grouped into knowledge constraints, tree growth constraints and market constraints. The major effective strategy for enhancing agroforestry practices was to increase the awareness of agroforestry practice through training and workshop.

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Comparative Analysis of Technical Efficincies of Broiler and Egg Production Enterprise in Balyse State .

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The study comparatively analysed the technical efficiencies of broiler and egg production enterprises in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 108 broiler and 108 layer farmers. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier production function; gross margin analysis and likert scale rating techniques. The result showed that majority, broiler (58.7%) and layer (55.6%) farmers were within the age of 41-60 years with mean ages of 43 and 44 years for broiler end egg farmers respectively. Male (broiler 92.6% and layers 93.5%) dominated poultry production in the study area, majority of the farmers were married ( broiler 90.7% and layer 90.7% ), majority(broiler 49% and layer 44.4%) had tertiary education, with mean years of education of 13 and 14 years for broiler and layer farmers respectively. Furthermore, majority (broiler 66.7% and layer 50.0%) had household sizes of 6-10, with mean household size of 8 and 9 persons for broiler and layer farmers respectively. 74.1% of broiler and 30.6% of layer farmers do not belong to any cooperative society, 90.7% and 92.6% broiler and layer farmers respectively had no extension contact. The mean technical efficiency was 0.68 and 0.79 for broiler and layer farmers respectively. The inefficiency model revealed that age of farmer was negative and significant (p<0.10), level of education was positive and significant (p<0.05) while farming experience was negative and significant (p<0.05) and credit status was negative and significant (p< 0.10) for broiler farmers. However, for layer farmers, age of farmers was negative and significant (p<0.01), credit status was negative and significant (p<0.01), membership of cooperative was negative and significant (p<0.01). The coefficients of the production factors for broiler farmers revealed that labour and farm size were positive and significant. On the other hand, the coefficient of production factors for layer farmers revealed that labour, feed, farm size, capital inputs were positive and significant. The mean technical efficiency of broiler and layer farmers were 0.68 and 0.79 respectively. Broiler and layer farmers were not fully technically efficient and do not operate on the same level of technical efficiency. The costs and returns analysis showed the gross margin of N447,689.598 and N748,347.640 for broiler and layer enterprises respectively. The study identified lack of government support, high cost of feed, lack of credit facilities, poor management practices, high rate of mortality, inadequate power supply, high cost of transportation, inadequate extension services, and lack of organised market as constraints facing poultry farmers in the study area.

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Assessment Of Soil Biological And Physico-Chemical Benefits Of Legume-Cereal Rotation Systems In Derived Savanna Zone Of Nigeria

Abstract:

Green house and field experiments were undertaken in this study. The green house study was done in International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, green house, while the field experiments were conducted in the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Teaching and Research Farm and Dominican Centre for Human Resources Development, Moniya-Ibadan Farm in 2008 and 2009 crop years. The green house study was a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD), comprising of two crop rotations, three nitrogen levels and two residue management options as factors, replicated thrice to give 36 pots. In the field experiment, the design was a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four crop rotations, two nitrogen levels and two residue management options as factors and replicated three times making 48 plots. Each year involved two growing periods comprising initial growth of velvet-bean, cowpea, soybean and maize and subsequent residual growth of maize in all the plots. Soil samples at a depth of 0 to 15cm were collected at onset of the experiment and at the end of each rotation cropping for 2 years for determination of soil properties. Green house experiment had 37 samples while field experiment had 97 samples in each location. In addition, maize dry matter and grain yields were collected at the end of each rotation cropping. The difference between the grain yields of legume/cereal and maize/maize rotations divided by the grain yield of maize/maize rotation was used to calculate rotation benefit. The soil properties and maize yields were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and stepwise regression, significantly different means were separated using Fischer’s least significant difference (f-LSD 0.05). At the end of the green house experiment, velvet-bean/maize rotation significantly (p < 0.05) increased maize yield over continuous maize by 13.59 %, nitrogen (N) benefit accounted for 4.56 % while non-N benefit accounted for 9.03 %. In 2008, in the UNN soil, the values of N (0.107 %), Ca (0.83 cmol/kg), Mg (0.59 cmol/kg), ECEC (2.86 cmol/kg) and SMBP (0.0024 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the legume rotation systems while pH (4.7) was significantly (p <0.05) higher in continuous maize. In 2009, the values for N (0.07 %), P (15.64 mg/kg), Mg (0.26 cmol/kg), SMBP (0.0007 %), Ksat (27.5 cm/hr) and AS (21.97 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in legume rotations than in continuous maize. Moreso, in 2008, Moniya soils had ECEC (3.22 cmol/kg) and SMBP (0.0016 %) significantly (p < 0.05) higher in legume rotations while in 2009, SMBC (0.026 %), P¬t (44.48 %) and Ksat (25.76 cm/hr) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in legume rotations. Regression analyses showed that in Moniya, N and TVS contributed 44 % changes in dry matter while N, P and TVS contributed 74 % of the changes in grain yield in 2008. In 2009, SMBC and N contributed 62 % of the changes in dry matter and SMBC, EA and Ksat contributed 61 % of the changes in grain yield. In 2008, N and Mg UNN soil contributed 51 % of the changes in dry matter and 44 % of the changes in grain yield while in 2009, EA, MBC and Ksat contributed 57 % of the changes in dry matter and SMBC, SMBN and Ksat contributed 69 % in grain yield. Comparatively, velvet-bean/maize rotation had highest percentage rotation benefits (255 %) relative to cowpea/maize (25 %) and soybean/maize (43 %) rotations. Non-N benefits had increase in exchangeable K, Mg, available P, MBC and Ksat.

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Marketing Of Dry Season Vegetables In South-East Nigeria

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The study analysed the marketing of dry season vegetables in South-East Nigeria. This study was carried out with five specific objectives. The specific objectives included (i) description of the channel, as well as the analysis of the structure and conduct of marketing of dry season vegetables in South-East Nigeria; Objective (ii) determined the marketing margins of dry season vegetables marketers; (iii) determined the effect of the constraints on the margins of dry season vegetables marketers; (iv) determined the price causality in the marketers’ prices of dry season vegetables; (v) measured the extent of market integration of dry season vegetables in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total sample size of 227 respondents for the study. Data was collected for 61 days using 2 sets of structured questionnaires for the wholesalers and the retailers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient model, marketing margin analyses, Pearson Chi-square model, Granger causality tests and Bivariate autoregressive model of Dynamic spatial and temporal market model. The results showed that there were no barriers to entry and exit in and out of the vegetables markets during the dry season period. Also, eight (8) marketing channels were identified and described for Ugu and Okra respectively. The marketing margin analyses showed a high percentage margin of Okra marketers as 93%, and that of Ugu marketers as 79%, implying that dry season vegetables marketing is a profitable business venture in the study area. The identified constraints included: problem of storage, high transport cost, lack of market, poor sales, lack of market stalls, poor preservation facilities, weather problem and inadequate capital. Pearson Chi-square results showed that few constraints such as problem of weather, lack of market stalls, lack of market, problem of weather and problem of poor sales were significant to the marketers’ margins either at 5% or 10% levels of significance. Granger causality test showed that there was bilateral price causality existing between the farmgate and wholesale prices, as well as bilateral price causality relationships between the wholesale and their retail prices respectively. There was no causality relationship between the farmgate and the retail prices. But there was a unidirectional price causality relationship existing between the wholesale price of Okra and retail price, and not the other way. Bivariate autoregressive model which was used to measure the extent of integration amongst the vegetables markets ascertained that there was significant relationship between the central and local market prices for Ugu wholesalers and retailers, as well as Okra wholesalers and retailers. From the result, it showed that there is an instantaneous adjustment to price changes in the market pairs of the marketers, an indication of perfect competitiveness amongst them, suggesting the existence of non-collusive pricing arrangement. Hypothesis (i) was accepted and rejected for the marketers’ prices, based on the judgment from their results. For instance, there were bilateral price causalities for both Ugu wholesalers’ and retailers’ purchase and selling prices. On the other hand, hypothesis (ii) was also accepted and rejected based on the findings. For example, it was rejected Ugu retailers, Okra wholesalers and Okra retailers, because their local and central markets were integrated at 5%, 5% and 1% significant levels. The study therefore, recommended that government should build sufficient and modern market stalls to ensure and foster conducive environment and as well provide hygienic environment for their sales. Moreso, waste places and incinerators should be built by the government in order to maintain a clean market environment. Government should build new roads and repair worn out roads, as well as construct railways to link the northern regions due to huge supplies from there; marketers should form market associations, which will in turn bring about easy access to information as well as lower transaction costs. There is need for improved information on current market prices, margins and supply situation of the marketers; as well as need to strengthen emphasis with research on dry season marketing of vegetables.

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Rice Husk Generation And Utilization Among Households In Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study focused on rice husk generation and utilization among households in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of households in Ebonyi State; evaluate the perception of respondents on the effects of rice husk generation and utilization on the environment; estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for the removal of rice husk from the environment; determine the socio-economic factors influencing the respondents WTP for the removal of rice husk from the environment; determine the extent of rice husk generation and utilization in the study area; and identify the constraints to rice husk utilization among households in Ebonyi State. Hypothesis: Socio-economic characteristics of households do not significantly determine their willingness to pay for the removal of rice husk from the farmland. Purposive sampling technique was used to select rice production and rice milling areas while random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data were collected by the use of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using mean score, contingency valuation method (CVM) ¬- (tobit regression) and F-test. The result of the analysis showed that rice husk is generated in large quantities in the study area while rice husk utilization is still at rudimentary stage. Annual income, years of education, farm size, age and farming experience were positively related to households willingness to pay for the removal of rice husk from the farmland at 5% probability level while household size and distances of homes/farms from rice milling centers (RMCs) were inversely related to WTP with the pseudo R2 value of 77%. The mean WTP for the removal of rice husk from the environment was N960. The result from mean score used to identify the constraints to rice husk utilization indicated four major constraints to include: lack of awareness; cost of transportation; lack of environmental concern and insufficient information about proper use. Recommendation: Government should commercialize rice husk utilization since the findings showed that it was generated in high quantity in the study area to offer employment to people and at the same time solve the environmental problems created by uncoordinated disposal of rice husk that causes land air and water pollution and conserve the nation’s finite reserve of petroleum.

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Impact Of The Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme On The Performance Of Beneficiaries In Anambra State Nigeria

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The study examined the impact of Commercial Agriculture credit scheme on the performance of beneficiaries in Anambra State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was applied in selection of respondents for the study. The sample was drawn from members of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). AFAN has a total of 548 members, out of this member 200 of them have so far benefited from the scheme while 348 are yet to benefit. Thus from 200 beneficiaries, 150 were randomly selected. 150 farmers were also selected from those that have not benefited and this gave a total of 300 farmers for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, propensity score matching and probit model. Results of the data analysis showed that the average age of farmers was 47 years, majority (67.2%) were male while 32.8% were females. Majority (66.8%) of the farmers were married. The farmers spent 11 years in school on the average. Average household size was 5 persons while 10 years was their average farming experience. The farmers have average farm size of 525.03 ha. 99.2% of them own bank account and majority of them agreed they needed credit in their farming business. The result further showed that personal saving and cooperatives were their major source of credit. The mean capital base of the farmers was N 1,500,000. 66% of the farmers that accessed the loan engaged in crop production while 30% and 4% of the farmers that accessed the loan engaged in livestock and agro-marketing respectively. The t-cal (2.19) was greater than the t-tab (1.96). This result implies that the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) has had a significant positive impact on the output of the beneficiaries. For the regression result, increase in the profit of the farmers after accessing the CACS, amount received from CACS, capital base of the farmers , farm size of their farms, years of experience, education level of the farmers and output of the farmers increased farmers ability to repay the loan borrowed. The result of the analysis further shows that the farmers accepted the lack of awareness and access to the scheme due to delays as well as stringent measures by participating banks, collateral requirements and farmers education levels were the major problems encountered by the farmers but agreed weakly to lack of awareness as a problem encountered by farmers in accessing the scheme.

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Influence Of Gender On Sustainable Management Of Forest Resources In Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract:

Forest, which is a major source of resources in Nigeria, is currently facing accelerated degradation and depletion. The growing demand for ecosystem services from forests has led to over-exploitation of the resources, resulting in the extinction of some valuable species. This has continued to impact negatively on the capacity of the forests to mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity, safeguard wildlife, and protect land and watershed. Approaches to forest management in Nigeria have not involved women in their desired perspective, irrespective of their dominant role in collection of forest produce. The influence of gender relationships on access to forests and forest resource management and sustainability has remained a concern to scholars and practitioners. This concern informed the need for this study. The broad objective of this study was to examine the effects of gender on sustainable management of forest resources in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify and examine the participation of male and female farmers in the ownership and conservation of forest resources; identify and describe the various forest management practices and to examine the factors influencing the decision of men and women in the adoption of improved forest resource conservation measures. Others include; examine, the level of adoption of forest resource conservation strategies between the male and female farmers; analyze gender distribution of benefits from forest resource exploitation, analyze perceived importance of forest conservation factors among male and female farmers and examine the major constraints militating against forest resource conservation and management. Relevant data for the study were generated mainly through the administration of structured questionnaire to farmers, randomly selected from 6 LGAs. A total of 240 respondents comprising 120 male and 120 female farmers was drawn from the 410,435 farm families in the state. Information collected include socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, environmental and institutional factors, gender access to forest resource benefits and forest resource conservation factors. Data generated were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, likert rating scale and Tobit regression model.The major findings were that: use of improved forest management practices was almost non-existent as against the traditional management practices that were common; female farmers in the study area adopted more improved forest conservation measures than their male counterparts. Tobit regression analysis showed that the coefficient of gender, land ownership, and dependence on forest for income were negative and significantly (p < 0.05) affected the adoption of improved forest resource conservation practices of the farmers, while credit access and gender discrimination in forest resource exploitation were positive and significant (p < 0.05). The analysis also indicated that forest resource management and conservation is driven by household size, land ownership, credit access, gender discrimination and dependence on forest for income and energy. The study, among others, recommended the pursuit of forestry management plan with emphasis on gender mainstreaming in forest conservation and management; improved extension outreach to forest dependent communities; pursuance of community based training programmes on forest management and conservation, with emphasis on those resources that are facing the risk of depletion/extinction; and the orientation of village heads on their role as custodians of natural resources in their communities.

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Effects Of Climate On Revenue From Oil Palm Production In Southern Nigeria

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The study focused on the Effects of Climate on revenue from Oil Palm Production in Southern Nigeria. The broad objective was to examine the effects of climate change variables on Oil Palm Production. The specific objectives are to: (i) identify farmers’ perception on climate change variables in the study area; (ii) identify the choice of adaptation strategies and determine the factors affecting the choice of adaptation strategies by farmers in the area; (iii) estimate the cost and returns associated with the choice of each adaptation strategies; (iv) determine the effect of climate change variables on oil palm production; (v) identify the constraints encountered by farmers in adopting climate change adaptation strategies; (vi) make recommendations on the basis of findings. Multistage Sampling method was used to select 171 respondents, from three states (Imo, Ondo and Delta) for the study. A set of structured questionnaires was administered to the respondents to obtain required information. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (to achieve objective 1 and 2), multinomial logit regression (to achieve part of objective 2), Partial budget (to achieve objective 3), Ricardian model (to achieve objective 4), Exploratory factor analysis (to achieve objective 5), and ANOVA test. Results showed that the dominant perception of farmers on climate change variables, tend to be that sunshine hours has been increasing (or is serious) in the study area. The adaptation strategies practiced by farmers in the study area include use of resistant varieties, mulching, purchase of water for irrigation (for nursery), planting trees, intercropping, crop diversification, changing planting dates, migration for income and no adaptation. The Multinomial logit regression model was used to capture choice probabilities across the various options of climate change adaptation strategies. Results of multinomial logit model highlights that farm size, household size and income influenced adaptation positively while frequency of extension contact influenced adaptation negatively. Results of partial budget which looked at one adaptation strategy at a time showed that the adaptation strategies are profitable (worthwhile) and can increase farm income. The Ricardian model was employed to test the relative importance of climate normals (average temperature and rainfall) in explaining the annual revenue from Southern Nigeria’s Oil Palm agriculture. The results showed that increase in temperature will reduce annual Revenue while annual Revenue increases with increase in rainfall, for all farms. The identified constraints encountered by farmers in adopting climate change adaptation strategies included production constraints, information and training, lack of inputs and lack of technology. The findings underscore the need for farmers' education, poverty alleviation and increased access to technologies and more efficient inputs as potent tools for climate change adaptation in the area. The study therefore recommended that due to increasing investment of Nigerian government to increase oil palm production, more research and analyses of climate change on its agriculture should be encouraged. Annual Revenue of farmers can further increase if research and extension, the private sector, NGOs encourage and ensure increase in farmer training, availability and accessibility of inputs.

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Farm-Level Analysis Of Off-Farm Income And Farm Capital Accumulation Among Small-Scale Farmers In North-Central Nigeria

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The study analysed off-farm income and farm capital accumulation among small-scale farmers at farm level in North Central Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 360 respondents, comprising participants and non-participants in off-farm work. The participants were disaggregated into three main typology namely, agricultural wage, non-agricultural wage, and self-employments. Data for the study were obtained from primary source with the aid of standard questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Self-employment was the dominant (42.78%) off-farm work. Full-time participants were mainly (38.50%) in non-agricultural wage employment. Participants with off-farm work experience of 14–19 years were mostly (55.20%) in self-employment, while 61.50% of the farmers with off-farm work experience of 26–33 years were in agricultural wage employment. Off-farm income constituted 50.28% of total household income. The strongest and weakest predictors of enterprise diversification were funds for farm investment (0.65) and crop failure (0.36), respectively. The mean entropy of diversification was 0.67. Farm income (p < 0.01, t = –10.237) and off-farm income (p < 0.01, t = 2.536) significantly affected market labour supply. Self-employed participants had the highest average off-farm income (N266,680.78). Farm capital differed significantly (p < 0.05) among off-farm work typology. Farm capital was unequally distributed among the respondents (G = 0.56). Causality ran from farm capital to off-farm income. Participants had significantly (p < 0.01) less total farm liabilities, debt-asset-ratio, and loan for farm production than non-participants. Participants significantly (p < 0.01) incurred more yam production costs and total variable costs than non-participants. Participants had significantly (p < 0.01) higher average technical efficiency estimates in yam and cowpea enterprises but less average profit efficiency estimates than non-participants. It was concluded that small-scale farmers had average reliance on off-farm income for the purposes of generating funds for farm investment and increasing farm capital. Although, self-employment generated higher off-farm income, farm capital was highest among farmers in agricultural wage employment. Thus, off-farm income was diverted to non-farm enterprises, signaling a gradual drift from core farm production. It was recommended that small-scale farm households should increase off-farm income’s share invested in farming so as to raise production level, farm capital and obtain higher returns so that they could take full part in agribusiness; that IFAD and other stakeholders in rural development should encourage farmers in non-agricultural and self-employments to re-invest off-farm income in farming; and the Federal Government and IFAD should train farmers on the management of additional income from off-farm work. These measures would facilitate the development of the agribusiness sector and forestall dual farm structure from adversely affecting food production by small-scale farmers.

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Economic Analysis Of Soil Conservation Practices Among Crop Farmers In Enugu State, Nigeria

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The broad objective of the study was to analyze the economics of soil conservation practices in Enugu State. This study employed multistage random sampling technique for selecting the respondents. First stage involved simple random selection of one local government area from each of the three (3) agricultural zones. Then three (3) farming communities were selected from each of the three selected local government areas. This gave a total of nine (9) communities for the study. Secondly, ten (10) farm households were randomly selected from each of the three farming communities, making a total of ninety (90) farm households. Well structured and pre-tested questionnaire, personal observation and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical, multinomial logit model, partial budget and a composite benefit- cost simulation model. The study showed that most of the farmers adopted more than one soil conservation practice. The conservation practices adopted most by the farmers included; animal and green manure application (100% and 85.55% respectively), cover crop planting (70%), construction of erosion control structures (57.77%), multiple cropping (45.55%) and reduced tillage (40%), incorporation of crop residues ( 26.66%), mulching ( 23.33%), crop rotation ( 21.11%), fallowing ( 14.44%), across slope-cultivation (12.22%), planting of perennial grass barriers (11.11%) and vegetation planting (8.88%s). Majority of the farmers were males (75.56%), the mean age of the farmers was forty six years, and about eighty seven percent (87%) of the farmers had a house hold size of six to ten persons. Majority of the farmers (725%) used family labour, and 53.35% of the farm land was individually owned by the farmers. An increase in farm size showed significant (P<0.05) increase in the application of green manure (z = 2.25) and crop rotation (z = 2.08). Similarly, increase in house hold size showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the construction of erosion control structures with a 2.54 magnitude of the z-value. An increase in farm size and sex showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the use of crop rotation (z = 2.31 and 2.75 respectively). Sex also showed a significant (P<0.05) on the used of crop residues with a 1.96 magnitude of the z-value. A benefit cost analysis estimated the cost of soil conservation as N 1,462,300 and the benefit of soil conservation as N 3,246,800 with a net profit of N 1,784,500 and a net present value of N 37,167,285. High capital and labour demand (100%), insecure land tenure (98%), high risk and stability of practice (96.7%), poor policy support by government (95.6%), inadequate access to information and extension services (95.6%), poor returns to land, capital and labour (81.1%), perception and values of practices (51.1%) and perceived attributes of an innovation (35.6%), are some of the factors that limited the used of soil conservation practices by farmers in the study area. Granted that soil conservation practices are expensive, the benefits exceed the cost and it is the only option open to the farmers facing degraded farm lands. Owing to the fact that the farmers are poor and cannot meet up with the financial demands of soil conservation, the government should assist them in terms of financial subsidies and soft loans to enable them meet up with the financial challenges of soil conservation. Land ownership policies and property right information should be made available and accessible to the farmers, since most of the farmers are afraid on investing heavily on their family lands.

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On-Farm Income Diversification Decisions Of Rural Farm Households In Enugu State, Nigeria

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There has been a drive on the part of consumers, producers, researchers and policy makers for a transition toward a new phase of agriculture. Within this vision, diversifying income among farm households is critical to this drive. In the process of traditional economy transforming into modern economy in Nigeria, farmers’ diversification phenomena has arisen and developed and will continue a long time in the future. Income instability has been a major challenge to the rural farming households and this has adversely affected agricultural productivity. This necessitated the study on on-farm income diversification decisions of rural farm households in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. Five objectives and one hypothesis guided the study. The sample of the study comprised 240 respondents from three agricultural zones sampled through multi-stage random sampling technique. Researcher-developed questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection and the instrument was validated by three experts in agriculture. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the items and the result yielded a coefficient of 0.78 and was therefore reliable. The researcher with the help of three research assistants distributed the questionnaire which were used for data analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics: statistical mean, multinomial logit model, participation index, exploratory factor analysis and chi-square test. The study found that women (62.13%) dominated the rural farm household heads. Forty-two percent of the household heads were within the highly productive age range of 41-50 years. Twenty percent of the household heads attended primary school while 26% and 45% attended secondary and tertiary institutions respectively. Farming was the major occupation of majority (43.83%) of the respondents with majority having a household size of 1-5 members. Most of the farmers (53.19%) have a farm size of not more than 2 hectares. Most of the farmers (50.21%) practised mixed farming. Average annual on-farm income of the farm households was N158,000.00, N132,000.00 and N215,000.00 for crop farming, livestock farming and mixed farming respectively. Factors influencing the choice of income sources were identified as gender (p<0.05), age (p<0.01), educational level (p<0.10), farm size (p<0.10), on-farm annual income (p<0.01) and access to credit facilities (p<0.05). The participation index of gender (men and women) on income diversification showed that men dominated women in decision making with a mean score of 2.64 and 2.62 respectively. Institutional, financial and infrastructural constraints were the major barriers faced by rural farm households in raising income from various farm sources. The result of the hypothesis showed that there was a significant (P<0.01) and positive correlation between socio-economic characteristics of rural farmers and their choice of income sources. It was recommended among others that farmers should join a farmers association in order to gain better access to extension services, farmers should identify and include high-valued agricultural products in their farm businesses in order to expand diversification portfolios and government should rehabilitate abandoned rural roads in order to reduce high cost of transportation.

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Effects of Capital Structure of Small and Medium Scale Agro-enterprise on Access to Microfinace Banks Credit In Enugu state

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The study evaluated the effects of capital structure of small and medium scale agro-enterprises on access to microfinance banks credit in Enugu state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 agro-enterprise loan recipients from microfinance banks. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, capital structure ratio analysis, multiple regression analysis, simple linear regression analysis and likert scale rating technique. The result showed that 64.2% of enterprise owners were between the ages of 41 to 50 years, 61.7% were males while 38.3% were females. Majority (53.3%) of the loan recipients had secondary education, 64.2% had experience in management 9-12 years, all the agro-enterprises examined were small scaled and 71.6% were located close to microfinance banks. About 62.5% incurred debt of between N1500001 to N2500000, 40.8% had equity position of N4000001 to N5000000, 60.0% had savings level of N300001 to N600000 with the banks, 93.3% accessed credit at the rate of 21% to 30% and 35% made profit before interest and tax (PBIT) of N2000001 to N2500000. The multiple regression analysis revealed that experience in enterprise management had positive sign and was significant (p<0.05) on volume of credit accessed, savings level was also positive and significant (p<0.01) on volume of credit accessed. Age, interest rate and debt-equity ratio had negative signs and were significant (p<0.05) on volume of credit accessed. The agro-enterprises had debt-equity ratio of 0.54, debt-assets ratio of 0.35, equity-assets ratio of 0.65 and interest coverage ratio of 3.29. Debt-equity ratio was positive and significant (p<0.05) on demand-access gap. The major constraints to access were interest rate charged by the banks (3.07), savings level with the banks (3.12) and quality of business plan (2.54). The study therefore, recommends that agro-enterprises should adjust their capital structure in such a way that the equity level should be greater than debt by a high margin in order to access microfinance bank credit without much difficulty; agro-enterprises should increase their savings level with microfinance banks by increasing their cash deposits; and agro-enterprises should adopt methods that will increase the returns on investment in order to increase their interest coverage ratio. This can be done through strategic marketing which will in turn increase sales.

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Comparison Of The Physicochemial Potential Of Boiler Ash, Poultry Droppings And Inorganic Fertilizer And Their Effects On Ultisol And Maize Performance In South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract:

The power boiler ashes (BA) from burnt oil- palm mill wastes at Solive Vegetable Oil Mills Ltd, Nsukka has not been assessed for its crop-use potentials before, and its disposal could pose environmental challenge in future. Several studies have shown that recycling such ash through agronomic production system could alleviate the risks associated with its disposal and make it a value-added input in crop production with the potentials of solving the challenges posed by high cost of mineral fertilizers and low fertility status of soils. The use of this BA can only be sustained if soil quality improvement and increased crop productivity effects can be demonstrated. The extent to which it can improve an Ultisol and increase maize performance relative to commonly used organic manure (poultry droppings) and inorganic fertilizer (N P K fertilizer) is not known. This study compared the crop-use potentials of BA with that of poultry droppings (PM), inorganic fertilizer and their combinations as well as their effects on an Ultisol and maize performance. It also compared the effectiveness of the different levels of BA, PM, and NPK fertilizer and their combinations on soil boron, cadmium and zinc loadings and uptake by maize plant. The study was conducted on an Ultisol at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were a control (no amendment), and a sole application of three levels of BA (10, 50, and 100 t ha-1) designated BA10, BA50 and BA100, respectively; three levels of PM (5, 10, and 20 t ha-1) designated PM5, PM10 and PM20 , respectively; three levels of NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer (75, 150, 300kg ha-1) designated NPK75, NPK150 and NPK300, respectively. In addition, combinations of different levels of BA with different levels of each of PM and NPK fertilizer (BA100+PM5, BA50+PM10, BA10+PM20, BA100 +NPK75, BA50 +NPK150 and BA10 +NPK300) were studied. The plots were planted with Oba Super II maize variety and changes in the physicochemical properties of the soil and crop-use potentials of the amendments were monitored for two consecutive years and compared. The physcico-chemical properties of the BA, PM and soil were determined pre and post experiment. Maize grain yield parameters were measured. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and significant treatment means were separated by Fisher’s least significant difference at 5% level of probability. The BA consisted mostly of sand-sized particles (741 g kg-1), and had low bulk density (0.37 Mgm-3), high saturation moisture content (77%), high pH (8.9) and high electrical conductivity (441 d S cm-1). The contents of organic carbon was high (12.5 mg kg-1), nitrogen very low (0.24 mg kg-1) content, phosphorus high (298.5 mg kg-1) and K high (9.58 cmolkg-1) while, Fe, B, Cd and Pb values were relatively low. The PM had a higher bulk density (0.49 Mg m-3), N (4.15 mg kg-1) and Fe (167.0 mg kg-1) but lower in P (8.32 mg kg-1) than BA. The NPK plant nutrient ratios of the BA, PM and NPK mineral fertilizer were 1-147-5, 25-5-1, 20-10-10, respectively. Application of ≥ 50 t ha-1 BA increased significantly the sand–sized particles resulting in pseudo-change of soil texture from sandy clay loam to sandy loam. The bulk density of the control soil (1.92 Mg m-3) was significantly reduced to 1.76, 1.03 and 0.88 Mgm-3 in NPK300, BA100 and BA100+PM5 treated plots, respectively. Total porosity (61%) and water holding capacity (54%) were highest in the BA100 treated plots. The BA50 + NPK150 treated plots had the highest mean weight diameter of 0.69 and 0.76 at first and second cropping seasons respectively. The BA100 + NPK75 treated plots had the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (141cm-3 hr-1) at the second cropping season. The highest soil pH value (7.7) was obtained in plots treated with BA50 and BA10+PM20. The BA100 + PM5 plots had the highest soil N (0.16 mg kg-1 ) and residual available P (124.6 mg kg-1). The highest soil exchangeable K (0.56 cmolkg-1) and Mg (17.8 cmolkg-1) were obtained from BA100+NPK75 treated plots. The NPK300 treated soil had the highest concentration of boron (4.56 mg kg-1) and sodium adsorption ratio (0.37) whereas Cd concentration (0.8mg kg-1) was highest in BA50 treated plots. The BA100 treated plots had the highest Mn concentration of 11.6 mg kg-1 and Zn (12.04 mg kg -1). Application of BA100 impeded maize germination (21%) but its residual effect on germination was highest (83%). The dry shoot biomass at 12 weeks after planting (WAP) was highest (421 g plant-1) in BA50 + PM10 treated plots. Application of BA10 + PM20 produced tallest maize plants (89.5 cm plant-1), highest leaf area index (7.32) and had the maximum maize grain yield of 5.43 tha-1 at the first cropping season; while, PM20 produced the highest residual effect (2.56 tha-1). The nitrogen (2.3 mg kg-1) and potassium (96.1 mg kg-1) concentrations in maize grain from plots treated with BA100 and BA100 + NPK75, respectively, were the highest. Residual effect of PM5 produced grains with the highest P content (0.82 mg kg-1). The boron (14.5 mg kg-1) and Cd (4.53 mg kg-1) concentrations were highest in maize grains grown in BA100 + NPK75 and BA50 + PM10 treated plots, respectively. The bio - concentration factor of the heavy metals in maize grains as affected by the amendments were in the order B > Zn > Cd while their residual effects were Cd > Zn > B. The result revealed that BA when compared with other alternatives (PM and NPK fertilizer) was superior in soil conditioning but poor as a source of plant nutrient. Therefore, BA should not be applied alone without supplementary nutrient source especially when used for crop production. It is also preferable to blend it with organic manures like poultry droppings rather than inorganic manure such as NPK.

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Soil Dispersion And Hydraulic Conductivity In Relation To Clay Content, Exchangeable Sodium Percentage And Electrolyte Concentration In Soils Of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract:

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of some soil properties on dispersion and hydraulic conductivity of soils. Twenty soil samples collected from a depth of 0-20 cm were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. The total clay fraction (clay) of the particle size distribution ranged from 80 to 380 g/kg with a mean of 203 g/kg and a coefficient of variation (CV %) of 47.5%. Total silt was between 20 and 400 g/kg with a mean of 129g/kg and a CV of 86.9%. Water-dispersible clay (WDC) varied from 60 to 160 g/kg, with an average WDC value of 95.5g/kg and a CV of 30.1%. The values of water-dispersible silt (WDSi) ranged between 10 and 380 g/kg with a mean value of 101g/kg and a coefficient of variation of 109.7%. The electrical conductivity of the soils ranged from 16 to 22 μS/cm with a mean of 17.95 μS/cm and a coefficient of variation (CV %) of 9.30%. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the soils varied from 0.43 to 2.76% with a mean of 1.1% and CV of 46.36%. The soil organic carbon content of the soils ranged from 0.8g/kg to 27.2g/kg. Total nitrogen content of the soils ranged from 1.0 to 3.4g/kg with a mean of 2.4g/kg and a coefficient of variation (CV %) of 20.83%. The clay dispersion ratio (CDR) of the soils varied between 0.16 and 0.92 with an average CDR of 0.58 and 46.6% coefficient of variation (CV). The total clay content (clay) had highly significant negative correlations with dispersion ratio (DR), clay dispersion ratio (CDR) and clay dispersion index (CDI) ‘r’ = - 0.84**, - 0.91** and - 0.91** respectively, but positively, it had highly significant correlations with clay flocculation index (CFI) and aggregated silt and clay (ASC) ‘r’ = 0.91** and 0.96** respectively. The total clay content correlated negatively and significantly with exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) ‘r' = - 0.49*. Exchangeable sodium percentage had significant and positive correlations with exchangeable sodium (Na+), electrical conductivity (EC) and bulk density (BD) (r = 0.52*, 0.48* and 0.46* respectively). Soil organic carbon (SOC) correlated positively and significantly with hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) ‘r’ = 0.54*. Dispersion ratio (DR) positively and highly significantly correlated with CDR and CDI (r = 0.86** and 0.87**) respectively but negatively and highly significantly, it correlated with CFI and ASC (r = -0.87** and -0.93**). Clay dispersion ratio (CDR) had a positive and highly significant correlation with CDI (r = 0.99**). Water- dispersible clay (WDC) had a negative and significant correlation with BD (r = -0.53*). Water-dispersible silt (WDSi) also had a negative and significant correlation with BD (r = -0.54*). Dispersion ratio (DR) had positive and significant correlations with pH both in water and in KCl (r = 0.46* and 0.56*) respectively. The clay contents had positive and highly significant correlations with the levels of dispersion in all the soils. As the amount of 0.1N NaOH used for dispersion increased, the amount of dispersed clay increased while hydraulic conductivity of the soils decreased correspondingly.

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Price Fluctuation And Market Integration Of Selected Cereal In North-Eastern Nigeria, 2001-2010

Abstract:

Prices contain information crucial to maximizing the returns to production and marketing investments. At planting time, a farmer's planting decision depends on expected profits, which invariably hinge on the anticipated prices of the crop or mix of crops that would prevail in the market at the time of sale and on the farmer's interpretation of those prices. A trader, in search of profitable arbitrage, reads and translates price signals in deciding on what crops to buy, where to buy, and when to sell. Apart from guiding production and marketing decisions, prices govern the optimal allocation of resources among competing uses. The accuracy, reliability, and promptness of market information are therefore critical in attaining pricing efficiency. Broadly, the study attempted to analyze the price fluctuation and market integration of selected cereal grains in North-eastern Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) estimate the extent of the various components of price; (ii) derive the probability distribution of cereal grain price in the long-run; (iii) determine the existence and level of inter-market price dependency; (iv) examine the speed of price adjustment to long-run equilibrium and (v) examine the Granger Causality among rural and urban cereal grain markets. The study was conducted in North-eastern Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two states, of Adamawa and Taraba, from the six states that made up the North-east geopolitical zone. Only secondary data were used in the study. Secondary data on monthly bases for the prices of 100kg of three cereal grains, maize, rice and sorghum in both rural and urban markets in the study area were obtained from Adamawa and Taraba States Agricultural Development Program offices for a period of 10 years (2001-2010). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as price decomposition technique, and inferential statistics such as Markov Chain, Vector Autoregressive and Error Correction Models. The results revealed that, the trend component showed an upward movement for all the three commodities. The seasonal variation had indexes ranged from 198.15 to 52.61, 142.83 to 61.88, and 141.44 to 66.25 for maize, rice and sorghum, respectively. The random and cyclical variations had negligible and insignificant indices with the former having 0.01 all through and the later ranging from 0.93 to 1.26. Probability distribution matrices of the three cereal grains were 0.18, 0.48 and 0.34 for maize, 0.27, 0.68 and 0.05 for rice and 0.48, 0.25 and 0.27 for sorghum. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit roots test indicated I(0), I(1) and I(1) for maize, rice and sorghum, respectively. Null hypothesis of β = 1 was rejected against β = 0. Trace statistics for rural and urban markets were not significant ( Rural and urban prices of maize responded to shocks within and between each market. The speed with which the system adjusted to shocks and restored equilibrium between the short and the long-run were -0.170725 and -0.29517 for urban and 0.592237 and 0.38034 for rural prices of rice and sorghum, respectively. Granger Causality showed that a bi-directional flow of price signals existed between rural and urban prices of maize, while rural prices of rice and sorghum did not Granger-Cause urban prices of rice and sorghum. Also, urban prices of both rice and sorghum did not Granger-cause rural prices of both rice and sorghum. Findings of the study showed an imperfect market integration for North-eastern Nigeria cereal grain markets, this indicate that there may be substantial benefits in developing better infrastructure facilities to effectively link production centers to market centers and in improving market knowledge by providing more relevant, accurate, and timely public market information.

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Evaluation Of Cocoa Resuscitation Programmes In South West Nigeria

Abstract:

The broad objective of the study was to evaluate the cocoa resuscitation programmes (CRPs) in south west Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to: determine the adoption levels of the various improved cocoa technologies introduced to cocoa farmers by government and non-governmental agencies; ascertain the beneficiaries’ perception of the helpfulness of the agencies in the adoption of the improved cocoa technologies; determine the impact of the programmes on cocoa production and socio-economic life of the farmers; ascertain the perceived constraints to the adoption of improved cocoa technologies by the farmers; identify the perceived constraints to the implementation of CRPs; identify strategies to improve on the programmes; and determine farmers’ attitude towards the programmes. Three hypotheses and a conceptual framework were developed for the study. The study was carried out in South west Nigeria. The zone comprises Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states. Presently, 5 out of the 6 states in South west Nigeria produce cocoa and they are grouped into high producing (Ondo and Osun) and medium producing (Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti) States. The 2 high cocoa producing States (Ondo and Osun) were purposively selected for the study because of their significant contributions to cocoa production in Nigeria, while Ekiti State was randomly selected from the medium producing states. Hence, a total of 3 cocoa producing states (Ondo, Osun and Ekiti) were selected for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of the respondents. A total of 120 government beneficiary cocoa farmers (GBCFs), 120 non-government beneficiary cocoa farmers (NGBCFs), 120 non-beneficiary cocoa farmers (NBCFs), 30 Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and 6 Olam extension staff were randomly selected. Hence a total of 396 respondents were involved in the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire and interview schedules. The data were analysed, using frequency, percentage, charts, mean statistic, t-test, analysis of variance, factor analysis and multiple regression. The findings showed that the mean age values of the government beneficiary cocoa farmers (GBCFs), non-governmental beneficiary farmers (NGBCFs) and non beneficiary cocoa farmers (NBCFs) were 57.1 years, 56.3 years and 56.8 years, respectively. Their mean cocoa farming experiences were 23.7 years, 28.1 years and 22.9 years, respectively. The grand mean adoption scores of planting young cocoa seedlings under old cocoa trees by the GBCFs and NGBCFs were 5.0 and 5.0, respectively. Cocoa development unit (CDU) (M=1.54) and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) (M=2.80) were the most helpful agencies to GBCFs in their consideration and adoption of the improved cocoa technologies. Olam Nigeria Limited (ONL) (M=2.52) and Saro Agro-Allied Limited (SAL) (M=2.00) were the most helpful agencies to the NGBCFs in their consideration and adoption of the improved cocoa technologies. The programmes had positive impact on the yield and quality of cocoa beans and the socio-economic life of the participating farmers. The major constraints to effective implementation of the programmes in the study area included inadequate and untimely release of funds (ADP=93.3%; ONLs=66.7%), poor agricultural pricing policies (ADP=100.0%; ONLs=83.3%) and poor logistic supports for field staff (ADPs=96.7%; ONLs=83.3%). Factors that were responsible for poor adoption of the improved cocoa technologies by the beneficiary farmers were grouped into organizational-related constraints, input-related constraints and financial-related constraints. The perceived solutions to implementation constraints as opined by the extension staff included timely disbursement of funds meant for CRPs (86.1%) and increase in the number of extension staff (83.3%), while the perceived strategies of improving CRPs as indicated by the cocoa farmers included strengthening of the existing farmers’ organizations through proper coordination and monitoring (85.0%), and decentralisation of training on CRPs (76.0%). The findings further revealed that majority (77.0%) of the beneficiary farmers were favourably disposed to CRPs. The regression analysis showed that some socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiary farmers significantly influenced (F = 10.849; F ≤ 0.05) the adoption of improved cocoa technologies. The study recommended that to improve the level of adoption of improved cocoa technologies of government and ONLs, the trainings and workshop organised for farmers on cocoa improve technologies should be decentralised. Funds meant for CRPs should be released on time by the appropriate authorities of government and non-governmental agencies. Also, there should be a functional monitoring and evaluation team in both government and non-governmental agencies to oversee their activities on CRPs. Establishment of special trust fund in cocoa producing states could help in solving the problem of funding cocoa programmes in Nigeria.

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Effects Of Socioeconomic And Environmental Variables On Renewable Resource Degradation In Nigeria

Abstract:

Nigeria is faced with many environmental problems. Available data indicate that Nigeria is losing her renewable natural resources (including arable land, forest, pasture/rangeland and water resources) beyond sustainable limits. Economic and environmental systems interact in many important ways and hence the need to understand these interactions and develop effective public policy. While economic systems derive many invaluable inputs (some commodified, others free) from environmental systems and processes, economic activity can have negative impacts on the functional integrity of these natural systems and processes. The dynamic interactions of the environmental degradation problem with socioeconomic factors are neither well understood in Nigeria, nor are the implications for the nation’s Transformation Agenda and Vision 20:2020 well appreciated. This study, therefore, explored the inherent dynamic interactions and feedback between the environment and socioeconomic spheres. The specific objectives were to: (i) determine the causality of resource degradation and macroeconomic profile, (ii) determine the causality of resource degradation and social profile, (iii) assess the effects of resource degradation on macroeconomic profile, (iv) assess the effects of resource degradation on social profile, and (v) forecast the impact of resource degradation on Nigeria’s socioeconomic profile and implications for Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020. The study adopted time-series design. Nigeria was the unit of analysis. Time series secondary data (from 1970 to 2010) from various sources were utilized for modeling and analysis. A time series environmental degradation index was constructed using the tool of principal components analysis (PCA). The constructed index (a synoptic single number) represents the nation’s ecological footprint or bio-capacity. The next step was the modeling of the index and seven other variables as a dynamic vector error correction model, given the non-mean reverting nature of the variables, and to capture the evolution and interdependencies between the variables. Results from the analysis show that the exploitation of renewable natural resources in Nigeria was highly cointegrated with her socio-economic spheres as there were 5-7 cointegrated equations in the vector error correction model (VECM). A bi-directional or feedback relationship existed between the index of environmental degradation and Nigeria’s socioeconomic profile. Agricultural prices, population dynamics, public capital expenditure on agriculture, fertilizer consumption, per capita income, life expectancy and greenhouse emissions granger-caused the index of degradation (joint p-value = 0.0389), the index of degradation granger-caused (p ≤ 0.05) agricultural prices, expenditure on agriculture, fertilizer consumption, greenhouse emission, per capita income, migration and life expectancy. The index of degradation produced significant (95% confidence level of error bands) positive and sustained effects on Nigeria’s macroeconomic profile (including agricultural prices, agricultural capital expenditure, fertilizer consumption and climate change over a ten-year horizon (2011-2020). On the other hand, the effects on Nigeria’s social factors (such as per capita income, rural population dynamics and life expectancy) by the index of degradation were significantly (95% confidence level of error bands) negative and sustained over a ten-year horizon (2011-2020). Following from these results, the study among other things recommends a more comprehensive holistic and sustainable development path, and strategies and policies that integrate rural development and renewable natural resources management in order to tac

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Role of Institutions in Watershed Management in Anambra State

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The study investigated the role of community (traditional) and government-bases institutions in watershed management in Anambra State of Nigeria. Data were collected from 92 respondents who were selected and interviewed using both interview schedule and questionnaires. The data collected were presented using percentages and means. The results indicated that for the community based institutions, it is the adult males that manage the watersheds and this role has not changed, whereas the government-based institutions manage and regenerate the watersheds. The result also indicated that the effective management activities in Anambra State watersheds embraced defecation, prohibition of excess wood logging and dumping of refuse with mean of score and above. The result also showed that for the both institutions, gaps were noticed in watershed management in the state. It equally revealed that between the community-based and government-based institutions, there is little or no links and respectively) and that inter-ministerial linkages and interdisciplinary linkages with communities for quarterly meeting is the needed link between those institutions. It further revealed that enacting laws was considered the most needed role in watershed management; while Anambra state Agricultural Development Project was identified as the needed new institution for watershed management. This suggest the need for extension organization to organize training for its staff in the aspect of watershed and teach them verified techniques that involves best Agricultural Management practices which should be taught to farmers who farm within the watersheds and to coordinate the role among all the institution agencies and ministries that are stakeholders in watershed management.

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Bioinformatic Analysis of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Gene of Three Avain Species

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A lot of attention has been paid to the study of Insulin-like Growth factor 1 (IGF1) due to its function in stimulating systemic body growth and regulating cell growth and development. A bioinformatics study was carried out to investigate the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 gene of turkey, chicken and quail. A total of 15 insulin-like growth factor 1 nucleotide sequence and their corresponding protein were obtained from the Genebank (a public domain protein database) and were analyzed using various software tools (Clustal W, MEGA 6, dnaSP, BLAST, phyre2, ExPASy GORIV and Rasmol software) to determine the percent identity and similarities in function of IGF 1 gene, genetic diversity, evolutionary relationship, protein structure prediction and physiochemical properties. The result obtained showed that percent identity and similarity of IGF1 gene in avians ranged from 86-99% and were similar in function. Observed genetic diversity was high within each avian (1.000 in turkey, 0.900 in chicken and 0.900 in quail). However chicken had the highest haplotype number value (4), this showed that chicken has more variation than turkey and quail IGF1 gene sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the IGF1 in gene sequence of avian were grouped into the same taxon, chicken and quail shared a most recent common ancestor and were closely related than the IGF1 gene of turkey. The secondary structure analyzed by GORIV (Garnier-Osguthorpe-Robson IV) software tool showed that the alpha helix structure of chicken, turkey and quail occupied (20.92%), (21.57%) and (20.92%) of the IGF1 gene sequences respectively. The results from the secondary and tertiary structure of IGF1 protein predictions showed that the IGF genes of avian are stable and properly formed. The physiochemical properties showed that chicken, turkey and quail IGF1protein had isoelectric potential (theoretical pI) of 9.25, estimated half-life of 30 hours. In conclusion, the high percent identity and similarity in function, high genetic diversity observed, a relative relatedness in the phylogentic study and high alpha helix in the protein structure of IGF1 gene seen in this study make the gene highly effective in improving growth, and regulating cellular activities.

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Adoption of Oba 98 Maize Production Technologies by Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study was carried out to examine the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies by farmers in Delta State. Specifically, the study ascertained major sources of information on Oba 98 maize production technologies; determined the extent of adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies; determined factors influencing the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies; and identified perceived constraints to adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies. The study was carried out in Delta State. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample size for the study. In the first stage, six (6) LGAs were purposively selected out of 25 LGAs based on their popularity on maize farming. In the second stage two (2) towns farming communities that are popular in maize production were randomly selected from the six (6) LGAs giving a total of twelve (12) town farming communities. In the third stage, ten (10) maize farmers were selected from a list of maize farmers from the twelve communities through simple random sampling technique, giving a total of one hundred and twenty (120) maize farmers. Data collected on socio economic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics consisting of percentages, frequency and mean scores. Objectives 1 and 2 were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Objective 3 was analyzed using multiple regression, while objective 4 was analyzed using mean score and standard deviations. The statistical products and service solutions (SPSS) version 20.0 constituted the software package used for the analysis. The study revealed that greater proportion (27.5%) of the respondents were within the age range of 31-40 years. Majority (65.8%) were male. About 43% had household size of between 8-11 persons. Majority (72.5%) were married. About 35% had more than 10 years farming experience. Also, 30% acquired primary school education. Majority (91.7%) were Christians. Furthermore, 45.8% received between N 10,000 and N 100,000 as income realized from the sale of maize. Majority (95%) cultivated less than 3 ha of land. A greater proportion (65.8%) inherited their farmland. Majority (61.7%) did not have access to credit facilities, but 38.8% received credit from institutional sources. Greater proportion (29.7%) had thrift savings as non-institutional source of credit. Majority (69.2%) of the respondents used hired labour as their major source of labour for maize production. Also, majority (73.3%) had been visited by extension agents. Majority (87.5%) belonged to one or more social organizations. Data collected on sources of information revealed that majority (33.3%) received information from radio. Technologies mainly adopted included use of planting space of 75cm by 25cm with adoption mean score of 3.48, use of post emergence herbicides with adoption mean score of 2.45and use of insecticides to control pest with adoption mean score of 3.38. Major constraints to adoption of innovations were poor access to sources of agricultural information with a mean score of 2.87, poor accessibility to institutional credits with a mean score of 2.86, inadequate rural roads with a mean score of 2.84 , inadequate extension contact with a mean score of 2.81, in adequacy of modern storage and processing facilities with a mean score of 2.77, poor health status of rural farmers with a mean score of 2.71, weak market information with a mean score of 2.67, scarcity and high cost of inputs with a mean score of 2.62 and ignorance of usefulness of the technologies with a mean score of 2.53. Conclusively, mean age was 37 years, mean household size was 10 family members, mean farming experience was 11 years and mean number of years spent in school was 12 years. The only personal characteristic that influenced adoption was annual income realized from the sale of maize. It is recommended that farmers should be encouraged to participate actively in farmers/social organizations and co-operative societies in order to strengthen their group action and as such act as effective channels for extension information delivery system to farmers, when maize farmers are in cooperative societies they take advantage of government policies and programmes and attract more funds to themselves. Also, farmers should be linked to sources of affordable credit so as to enable them purchase necessary inputs and their complementary need.maize technology

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Assessment of Farm Labour Groups Among Igala and Ebira Ethnic Groups in Kogi State, Nigeria

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The study assessed farm labour groups in Igala and Ebira ethnic groups of Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the characteristics of farmers’ labour groups in the two ethnic groups; ascertained the perceived benefits of farmers’ labour group; found out farmers’ level of awareness and use of farm labour laws; determined group potentials for farmer-to-farmer extension; assessed the effectiveness of farmers’ labour groups in carrying out farm and non-farm operations; and identified constraints to labour group formation and productivity. A total of 114 farm labour groups were randomly selected from the two ethnic groups (89 from Igala ethnic group and 25 from Ebira ethnic group). From each of the farmers’ labour groups, 3 members were randomly selected making a total of 342 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was administered to the selected farmers for data collection. Data collected were anaysed using percentage, mean score, standard deviation, student t-test, Chi-Square and factor analysis. Results showed that majority (92.2%) of members of farmers’ labour groups from both ethnic groups were males with mean age of 52.2 years. The overall results showed that most (60.5%) of these farmers had farm sizes between 1-4 hectares. Majority (48.2%) of farmers’ labour groups from both Igala and Ebira ethnic groups were formed before 1990, having a mean group size of 11 persons. Dearth of farm labour (86.3%); rural-urban migration (74.8%); and assisting one another and joint problem solving (44.7% respectively) were some of the major reasons for farmers’ labour group formation by farmers from both ethnic groups. While promotion of deep interpersonal relationships (M=3.84 SD=0.433); assisting indigent members in times of needs (M=3.37 SD=0.682) and increased in income (M=2.99 SD=0.815 were some of the benefits of farmers’ labour group. Migration of youth population (M= 2.74 SD=0.514); scarcity of farm labour (M=2.58 SD=0.547) and old age of some members (M=2.58 SD=0.623) were some of the constraints to farmers’ labour group formation and productivity. Farmers’ groups from both ethnic groups were aware of freedom of association act (M=3.34 SD=0.860) and child labour act (M=3.11 SD=860). While knowledge-sharing (M=2.86 SD=0.349); conflict resolution (M=2.45 SD=0.581) and problem-solving (M=2.48 SD=0.627) were the major farmer-to-farmer extension potentials developed by farmers’ labour groups from ethnic groups. Farmers’ labour groups were effective in the areas of expansion of farmlands, saving of costs of farm labour and bulk procurement of farm inputs for members. And the null hypotheses tested revealed that slight difference existed in the perception of benefits of farm labour groups (t=-2.134; P≤0.05) among Igala and Ebira ethnic groups; also great differences existed in the perceived constraints to farmers’ labour groups from the two ethnic groups. It was recommended that government and private institutions should intensify the process of urbanizing rural areas to stop the upsurge of rural-urban migration.

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Trends in the Activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Anambra State, Nigeria, 1991-2013

Abstract:

This study evaluated the impact of the extension services of Green River Project (GRP) on fish farmers in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Specifically, it sought to ascertain fishery technologies received by GRP fish farmers; determine adoption of fish farming technologies by fish farmers; determine impact of extension services of GRP on socioeconomic condition of the fish farmers as at the year 2012; ascertain farmers’ perceived constraints to adoption of GRP fish farming technologies; ascertain constraints to effective performance of extension services of GRP and determine perceived strategies to improve effectiveness of the extension services of GRP. The study was carried out in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 fish farmers and 20 GRP personnel. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean statistic, percentage) were used to present data while t-test, regression, chi-square and factor analysis with varimax rotation were used to analyze the data. Mean age of GRP fish farmers and personnel were 50 and 41.70 years, respectively. Majority (76.7% of fish farmers and 65% of GRP personnel) of respondents were male. Also majority (77.5%) of the fish farmers and all (100%) the GRP personnel were married. The respondents were literates. Majority (70.0) of the fish farmers also engaged in other income generating activities. Average household size of the fish farmers and GRP personnel were 6.0 and 4.0 persons, respectively. Average years of participation in GRP for the fish farmers was 8.00 years while the mean years of working with GRP of the personnel was 12.65years. The farmers’ average number of contact with GRP was 4.0 times per month. GRP personnel used different types of teaching methods such as the use of contact group (100%), T&V system (90%) and SPAT (85.0%). Majority (86.7%) of the fish farmers belonged to social organisations. Majority of respondents received most of the technologies disseminated. Adoption index of fish farm management technologies, feeding techniques, fish culture management technique, water quantity and quality management techniques and liming techniques were 0.79, 0.77, 0.77, 0.88 and 0.52 respectively. Extension services of GRP had impact on quantity of fingerlings stocked (t=6.398; p≤ 0.05) and quantity of fishes harvested (t=6.279; p≤ 0.05); income from fishes produced (t=7.390; p≤ 0.05) among others. Constraints to adoption of GRP technologies were grouped into technology dissemination constraints; project implementation and sustainability constraints among others. Some socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents (age (years), years spent in formal education and years of participation in GRP) influenced the adoption of the fish farming technologies. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected for these variables. There was significant difference between the average quantities of fish stocked and average quantity of fish harvested by the fish farmers in Imo and Rivers States after participation in GRP hence the null hypothesis was rejected. The null hypothesis was rejected while the alternative hypothesis was accepted. It further revealed that there was no significant difference between the average income earned by the fish farmers in Imo and Rivers States after participation in GRP and the null hypothesis was accepted. Implementation constraints to effective performance of extension services of GRP according to GRP personnel included: climatic uncertainties and flooding (M= 1.55) and delay in input supply

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