bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECONOMICS OF RICE PRODUCTION IN SELECTED LGAs OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Zongoma, B.  , Gaya, H. I. M.  , Hassan, B. K.  , Bala, H.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the economics of rice production in Selected LGAs of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 92 rice farmers for the study. Data were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting model. The study revealed that most of the rice farmers were in their active ages with a mean age of 40 years. The result also revealed that majority (91.3%) of the respondents were male. The channels which rice flows in the study area was shown with a value chain map and revealed the different channels of the rice flow in the study. Result of the budgeting model reveal the total cost, net farm income and returns per naira invested as N254, 907, N235,603 and 0.92 kobo respectively. Rice production was found to be profitable in the study area. The study h o w e v e r revealed that the major constraints to rice production in the study area where high cost of fertilizer, insufficient capital and cost of labour. The study therefore, recommended among others, Provision of necessary inputs (fertilizer,agro-chemicals, and improved seeds among others) and easy accessibility of loans to farmers.
PERCEIVED PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS IN UMUAHIA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ABIA STATE
Authors: Kalu, U. E.  , Oti, B. A.  , Obioma, I. E.
Published: October 2024

The study evaluate the perceived problems militating against effective teaching and learning of secondary school Physics in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State. Three research questions with corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The sample size comprised 100 SSII Physics students sampled from three senior secondary schools in the study area. Data were collected using questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while a t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The result on the perceived problems affecting the use of instructional materials in the teaching and learning of physics, revealed that there are instructional material problems affecting the teaching and learning of physics in secondary schools with a grand mean of 3.71. The result on the perceived teacher-related problems affecting the teaching of physics in secondary schools, indicated a grand mean value of 3.28. The result on the perceived time-related problems affecting the teaching of physics in secondary schools showed that there are time-related problems affecting the teaching and learning of physics in secondary schools, with a grand mean of 2.90. The study concluded that the perceived problems militating against the teaching and learning of Physics includes instructional material problems, teacher-related problems, and time-related problems. The study recommends that the government should provide adequate instructional materials in secondary schools, and workshops and seminars should be organized by the government and school administrators on the use of instructional materials in teaching and learning.
FACTORS INFLUENCING LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES AMONG WOMEN CROP FARMERS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Tata, L. A.  , Abu, I. A.  , Garba, A.  , Abdullahi, S.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed the livelihood diversification activities among women crop farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 416 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The major sources of livelihood diversification information were peer group/co farmers and extension agent constituting 75.7% and 72.8% of the respondents, respectively. The result also show that majority (72.8%) of the respondents had access to extension agents and 35.7% were frequently visited monthly. Furthermore the result revealed that marital status (P<0.01), years of membership (P<0.01), access to credit (P<0.05), land (P<0.05), household head (P<0.10) and household size (P<0.10) were the significant factors influencing livelihood diversification in the study area. The result of propensity score matching of the livelihood diversification index on income showed (P<0.05) between the treatment and the control. The study concluded that marital status, years of membership, access to credit, and household size were the major factors influencing livelihood diversification in the study area. It is recommended that women should be encouraged to diversify and participate more in extension programs for exposure to communication information and embrace more diversification opportunities.
EVALUATION OF POSTHARVEST LOSSES IN PHYSICAL AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES ALONG TOMATO VALUE CHAIN IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Suleiman, N. J.  , Abdulsalam, Z.  , Hassan A. A.  , Yakubu, L. L.
Published: October 2024

The study evaluate postharvest losses in physical and economic perspectives along tomato value chain in Kano State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was applied to select a total of 517 respondents across the different segments of the value chain. Data were collected from the field using a structured questionnaire and qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII) with institutions and other value chain supporters. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and an Informal Food Loss Assessment Method (IFLAM) were used in data analysis. Result of the study reveals that tomato wastage occurs mainly at the harvesting, packaging, loading and offloading, at storage and during transportation and delivery to different markets. All actors along the value chain experience losses at different stages. An average physical loss of 1,154Kg, 698Kg, 942Kg, 323Kg, and 229Kg were estimated at different points of activities along the value chain for Farmers, Rural assemblers, wholesalers, retailers and processors respectively, while the estimated economic losses of tomato for various actors in the value chain for Farmers, Rural Assemblers, Wholesalers, Retailers and Processors was found to be ₦336,312.9, ₦382,771.5, ₦534,086.0, ₦269,769.1 and ₦116,014.7 respectively. It can be concluded that postharvest loss is a major threat to tomato value chain actors in the study area. It was also discovered that attack by insect, pest and diseases, lack of storage facilities like cold room, lack of processing industries, inadequate investment capital, poor flow of market information along the value chain, poor packaging materials, lack of government support among others were among the major reasons for tomato postharvest losses across the value chain. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders like government, NGOs, research centers, development partners and cooperatives organization should provide cold store facilities along the value chain in the study area.
GROWTH, YIELD AND OIL YIELD OF CASTOR (Ricinus communis L.) AS INFLUENCED BY VARIETY, NUTRIENT SOURCES AND AGRO-ECOLOGY IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: SHUAIBU, Y. M.
Published: October 2024

A field experiment was conducted at both Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University teaching and research farm, Bauchi located in the Northern Guinea Savannah and also at Bulkachuwa village of Katagum LGA located in Sudan Savannah both in Bauchi state, during the wet seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018 to study the growth, yield and oil content of castor (Ricinus communis L.) as influenced by variety, nutrient sources and agro-ecology. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of five nutrient sources (poultry manure, cow dung, chicken feather, municipal waste, mineral fertilizer) and a control and two varieties of castor (Ex-India 1 and 2), these gave 12 treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, seed yield and oil content. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was adopted in separating the means. Results of the experiment revealed a significant (P≤0.05) difference among the treatments used throughout the study period. The result further shows that, application of poultry manure, chicken feather and mineral NPK fertilizer produced statistically (P≤0.05) similar results in most of the characters measured but significantly (P≤0.05) better than cowdung and municipal waste especially on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and seed yield. The control consistently had the lower values for the parameters measured. The results further revealed that, variety Ex-India 2 recorded superior performance over Ex-India 1 on growth, yield and seed oil content throughout the study period. The performance of castor was generally better at Bauchi than Bulkachuwa location throughout the study period. The crop grown in 2018 wet season performed statistically (P≤0.05) better than those of 2016 and 2017 wet seasons on most of the characters studied. Based on the results of this investigation however, application of poultry manure or chicken feather at the rate of 2t/ha or mineral NPK fertilizer (at the rate of 100:50:50 kg/ha) to Ex-India 2 can be recommended for castor seed production and increased oil content in the study areas.
DETERMINANT OF SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF MAIZE FARMERS IN ZARIA AND SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Makama, S. A.  , Umar, S. M.  , Ejila, D.  , Isah, M. A.
Published: October 2024

The study analyzed the different determinants of saving and investment behavior of maize farmers in Zaria and Sabon-Gari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 maize farmers for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analyzed using a multiple regression model. The results revealed that age, membership to cooperatives, non-farm income, and handling capacity were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) and positive in influencing maize farmers’ savings behaviors. Also, age, membership to cooperatives, non-farm income, and handling capacity was found to be the statistically significant (P<0.05) factors that influenced the investment behavior of maize farmers in the study area. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that maize farmers do participate in savings and investment and there is a propensity to save and invest among farmers in the study area despite inadequate income and capital and age, membership in cooperatives, non-farm income, and handling capacity was found to significantly influenced saving and investment. The study, therefore, recommended that the government and other non-governmental organizations should make the extension of micro-credit to farmers through their cooperative society on time as a way of helping them boost production which invariably will give farmers have surplus for savings and investment.
SUPPORTING POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT THROUGH FEEDBACK
Authors: Adegbola, J. A.  , Owojaiye, O. B.  , Ogunremi, O. B.  , Aina, O. B.  , Achime, K. C.  , Pessu, P.O.
Published: October 2024

The study examined ways of strengthening postharvest technology development and improvement through feedback. Data were obtained through interview schedules supplemented with key informant interviews while a multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of respondents. Firstly, eighteen (18) States where NSPRI postharvest technologies have been disseminated and adopted were purposively selected.  Frequencies, percentages, means and weighted averages were employed in the analysis of data components. Results showed that 70% of respondents have never provided feedback on NSPRI technologies. Executives of various associations were used by 45% of NSK users, 59% of IFB users, and 48% of VPC users to provide feedback while 43% of PSSD users and 40% of HSD users shared opinions through NSPRI extension staff. In general, there exists a strong (NSK: 94% PSSD: 95.2% IFB®: 91% HSD: 88.6% VPC: 74.5%) willingness to recommend technologies among respondents even as they provided positive feedback on use parameters and components of the technologies. However, respondents opined that the roller and chimney (NSK), durability of polypropylene cover (PSSD), draining of thawed ice (IFB®), and bolted ring (HSD) require improvement. It is recommended that more durable material be used for the rollers (NSK) and polypropylene cover (PSSD) while outlet for draining of thawed ice (IFB®) and bolted ring (HSD) are positioned optimally.
PERFORMANCE OF MODERN RICE MILLS IN WESTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Jaafar, I. A.  , Bose, A. A.  , Abdullahi, I. M.
Published: October 2024

The study was conducted to assess the performance of modern rice mills in Western Agricultural Zone of Bauchi State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 31 modern rice mills in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and budgetary models. The result revealed that the average years of operation of the mills was 4 years, majority (71%) of the mills were owned by individuals and average number of employees were 15 workers. Also majority (67.7%) of mills engaged in both milling and marketing of rice, 48.4% obtained their capital through personal savings and all (100%) mills rely on electricity as a major source of energy. The result further showed that majority (58.1%) of mills obtain their paddy through marketers. The average working hour per day was 12 hours, average working days per week was 7 days, the average installed capacity was 1.4 tonnes per hour and average paddy milled per day was 4.7 tonnes. The monthly cost and return analysis indicated that variable cost constituted 89.60% of total cost while fixed cost constituted 10.40%. The total revenue (TR), Gross Margin (GM) and Net income (NI) were N15,849,961.28, N6,655,480.64 and N5,588,109.68 per month respectively. The return on Naira invested (ROI) and return on capital invested (ROCI) were N0.72 and N0.54 respectively. Also, years of operation, number of employees and working hours per day were found to influence the gross income of modern rice mills at P<0.001, while installed capacity and type of mill influence mill’s gross income at P<0.05. It was concluded that modern rice mill is a profitable venture in the study area. The study recommended that processors should collectively source credit facilities from formal financial institutions in order to acquire the required working capital. Rice mills should also form associations so that they could demand necessary facilities such as adequate electricity and water supply from concerned authorities in order to improve their performance.
EFFECT OF BANDITRY AMONG MAIZE PRODUCERS IN DANDUME LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Idris, A.A.  , Abdullahi, A.  , Zunnurain, A. U.
Published: October 2024

Banditry remains one of the major forms of insecurity that has created instability and exposed the agricultural sector to numerous threats and challenges, thus hampering socio-economic advancement. This research was conducted to assess the effect of banditry among maize producers in Dandume Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 63 respondents across the study area. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews, and the information collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed that the average age of the farmers was 44 years, with a majority (87.3%) being married. The average household size was 17 individuals, while the mean farmland size was 20.22 hectares. Additionally, the farmers possessed an average of 25 years of experience. Furthermore, banditry has significantly hampered farming activities; farmers and their household experienced kidnapping (69.8%); some were forced to relocate, leaving their farms (57.2%); and large hectares of farmland are now inaccessible (57.1%). In addition, the results show that currently, about 39.7% produced an output in the range of 61–90 bags, whereas 28.6% produced a maize output of more than 121 bags with an average of 276 bags, and the average production of maize before the onset of banditry was 504 bags. The findings further revealed that the farmers are now devising community policing as a measure to tackle the banditry (92%). The study concluded that there was a drastic decrease in the volume of maize produced annually, which consequently caused a reduction in the annual income of the respondents. It is therefore recommended that the stakeholders exert greater endeavour in safeguarding this significant agricultural community from the perils of banditry, as the eventual outcomes are anticipated to be profoundly calamitous.
ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS PERCEPTION ON OIL DISCOVERY IN ALKALERI AND AKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: Mazadu, Z. M.  , Murtala, N.  , Yakubu, S.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed farmers’ perception on oil discovery in Alkaleri and Akko Local Government Areas of Bauchi and Gombe States, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that most (84.5%) of the respondents were males with mean age of 45 years.  Also 64.0% were married with mean household size of 11 persons. The results also showed that 30% had attained tertiary education and 49.5% had farming experience of 6-10 years. About 60% inherited their farmland. The results further showed that, the respondents agreed that the rivers would be contaminated, air would be polluted, and farm land would be used for construction with mean scores of 4.7, 4.6 and 4.5 respectively. The perceived benefits according to the respondents include presence of electricity, better access road, and employment opportunities with mean scores of 4.1, 4.0 and 3.9 respectively. The regression results showed that age, educational level, annual income, access to credit and extension contact were significant (P<0.001). Also, marital status, household size and main occupation were significant (P<0.01) while land acquisition and source of agro input were significant (P<0.05) in influencing their perception on the oil discovery. The major perceived constraints were land destruction with 92%, water contamination 84%, reduction of farming activities 75% and deforestation 65% which were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. It was concluded that the respondents had the perception of the oil effects and benefits on their community and agricultural activities in general. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government and oil companies should hold a stakeholder meeting with the communities. Oil companies should plant more trees to replace the destroyed ones, also government and oil companies should ensure adequate security in the communities.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTRAINTS OF SMALL-SCALE RICE FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN ANCHOR BORROWER PROGRAMME (ABP) IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ali, M. A.  , Garba, A.  , Sani R. M.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the socio-economic characteristics and constraints of small-scale rice farmer’s participation in the Anchor Borrwer Programme (ABP) in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study were to, describe the socio-economics characteristics of the respondents and identify the constraints faced by the smallscale rice farmers in the study area. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to select 258 smallholder rice farmers. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result shows that majority of the respondents are in active age, 20-30years (28.3%); in term of marital status, most of respondents 55.8% were married, 69.8% of the respondents were male and most of the respondents attented one form of formal education. The finding also revealed that about half 53.0%   of the respondents were members of the cooperative society.  The major constraints to participation of smallholder rice farmers in ABP as reported were, inadequate inputs, farmers level of education, land tenure system, and poor funding which were ranked 1st, 2nd, 2nd and 4th    respectively.  The programme has enhanced both income and outputs of the beneficiaries. It is recommended that; Federal Government should be consolidated on the gain of ABP in the state by increasing the fund for the programme in the state and make sure more smallscale rice farmers to benefit from the programme. Government and other stakeholders should encourage timely provision of inputs to ABP participants, other agricultural and financial institutions in the state should streamline their procedure for securing loans in order to make it easy to farmers.
INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION, NITROGEN AND WEEDING ON YIELD COMPONENTS AND STRAW YIELD OF TRITICALE
Authors: Yusuf, N. B.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Shuaibu, Y. M.  , Kawure, S.
Published: October 2024

Field experiment was conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 dry seasons to study the influence of irrigation, nitrogen and weeding on yield components and straw yield of triticale at Saulawa (Latitude 12040’11”N and Longitude 7048’19”E) in Katsina State. The treatments consisted of three irrigation intervals (5, 7 and 9 days), four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1) and three weeding regimes (No weeding, one weeding at 20 days after sowing (DAS) and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS), these were arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Irrigation intervals were allocated to main plot while factorial combinations of nitrogen levels and weeding regimes were allocated to the sub-plots. Data were collected on number of spikelets/spike, number of grain/spike, weight of grain/spike and straw yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was adopted in separating means. The results of the experiment revealed a significant (P≤0.05) difference among the treatments used throughout the study period. The result further indicated that yield components and straw yield of triticale were significantly (P≤0.05) higher at 5 days irrigation interval with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 and twice weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Irrigation interval beyond 5 days significantly (P≤0.05) decreased triticale straw yield. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly (P≤0.05) increased straw yield and most of the yield characters. Similarly, two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS significantly (P≤0.05) increased straw yield of the crop. Based on the result of this findings, 5 days irrigation interval, 120 kg N ha-1 and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS were recommended for higher grain and straw yield in the study area.
INFLUENCE OF VARIETY AND POTASSIUM ON THE GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.) IN THE DRY SAVANNA ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA
Authors: Rufai, S.  , Dalawa, Y.U.  , Shittu, E.A.  , Lado, A.  , Isa, H.M.  , Bello, T.T.
Published: October 2024

A field trial was conducted during the 2018 rainy season at Dawakin Kudu (DKD) and Bichi (BCH), both in Sudan savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, to study the influence of variety and potassium on the growth, yield, oil content, and antioxidant (tocopherol) content of soybeans. The treatments consisted of two (2) varieties of soybean (TGX 1448-2E and TGX 1835-10) and four (4) rates of potassium (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1). These were factorially combined to give eight (8) treatments combination and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Data were collected on the growth, yield, oil and tocopherol content of soybean and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat 17th Edition, and significantly different treatment means were separated using Tukey HSD at 5% probability. Result of the study revealed that, although the K levels did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter the soybeans' growth or yield-related components at either location, there was a noticeable increase in the aforementioned characters at DWK compared to BCH. Similarly, the oil content (6.6-8.3%) and antioxidants (7.83-10.6 mg/l) in DWK outweigh those of BCH (2.4-3.0% and 4.31-5.10 mg/l). Variety on the other hand, TGX 1448-2E produces higher oil and antioxidant content at both DKD and BCH than TGX 1835-10. It can be concluded and recommended that farmers in this study area adopt the TGX1448-2E variety of soybeans as their planting material with the application of 50 kg ha-1 of K on their farm land.
DETERMINANTS OF FARMER-HERDER CONFLICTS AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLD IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Balarabe, M.B.  , Abdullahi, S.  , Bala, A.H.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the determinant of farmer-herder conflicts among rural households in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 240 respondents for the study. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result from the findings revealed that 30%, 28.3% and 21.3% of the respondents were within the ages of 30-40 years, 41-51 years and 52-62 years respectively, with a mean age of 46 years. The result further shows that majority (60.4%) of the respondents had household size of 1-6 persons with a mean 6 persons per households. On the other hand the result shows that 36.7% and 34.2% of the respondents had a farm size of 2ha and 3ha of land with a mean farm size of 2.4ha. The result also reveals that 31.3% and 22.9% of the respondents had a farming experience of 15-20 years and 9-14 years with an average of 16 years. The result also shows that 36.3% and 28.7% of the respondents had a herd size of 41-68 cattle and 13-40 cattle with a mean of 64 cattle per herd. Also, the respondents agreed that crop damage by cattle, land encroachment and inadequate grazing reserves were the major causes of farmer-herder conflict as indicated by the mean scores of 4.2, 4.1 and 4.4 respectively. The results of regression revealed that, marital status and herd size were positive and significant (P<0.05) in influencing farmer-herder conflicts in the study area. The major constraints to conflict management in the study area were ineffective/negative communication pattern, weak institutions and corruption/poverty which were the major causes of conflict which were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The study concluded that, marital status and farm size of the respondents were the factors that influence conflict among the respondents in the study area. The need to use the mitigation strategies and conflict resolution mechanism cannot be over emphasized because it has potentials for improving food security as well as peace and harmony among the rural farming households in the study area. Based on the constraints highlighted the study recommended that, farmers and herders associations should provide an avenue for teaching and learning of local languages to fill the gap in communication, traditional and religious leaders should be up and doing in terms of mitigating conflicts at early stages and government should improve and employ more extension personnel to improve respondents’ level of production and living standards.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES BY COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES’ FARMERS IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: Babaji, A.U.  , Abu, I.A.  , Murtala, N.  , Ochi, J.E.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technologies by Cooperative Societies’ Farmers in Bauchi and Gombe States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 524 respondents comprising of 262 members and 262 non-members of cooperative societies from both States. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that, the mean age of the respondents was 41years for the members and non-members in Bauchi State, while 41 and 42 years were the mean age in Gombe State for both categories of the respondents respectively, with the mean farming experience of 7 and 12 years in Bauchi State, while 9 and 10 years in Gombe State for both the members and non-members respectively. The results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (2.94) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend was also similar in Gombe State where there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (2.70) is also higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The results showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (0.63) is lower than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend wasn’t similar in Gombe State which showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (4.80) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The results of logit regression revealed that, marital status, household size, income and participation in training were positive and significant (P˂0.01), while educational level and extension visit were positive and significant (P˂0.05) in influencing the adoption of improved rice production technologies among members of rice cooperative societies. In addition, age was negative but significant (P<0.001) in influencing the adoption of improved rice production technologies (IRPTs) among non-members of rice cooperatives in the study area. Household size, Farming experience and participation in training were found to have a positive relationship with the adoption of IRPTs and statistically significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that the factors influencing the likelihood of adoption of IRPTs among members of rice cooperatives were better than that of the non-members in the study area. The study therefore recommends that, farmers should form formidable cooperative societies so as to enjoy economies of scale in pooling their resources to purchase farm inputs.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN WESTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Rilwanu, S. M.  , Ulaiman, A.  , Bose, A. A.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the factors influencing adoption of improved rice production technologies by rice farmers in western Agricultural zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 185 rice farmers from the study area. Primary data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaires analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to achieved objectives of the study. The result of the study revealed that the majority of rice farmers were males with average age and household size of 43 years and 9 persons per household respectively. Majority (41.1%) had tertiary education, and farming was their primary occupation. They had an average of 10.3 years of farming experience and 55.7% were members of a rice farmer’s cooperative society. However, only 32.4% had access to credit. Most (91.4%) had a farm size of 1-5 hectares and 51.4% used hired labour. Friends and relatives were the main source of information for 40% of farmers, while media was the main source for 36.6%. The result also found that household size, age, farmers' cooperatives, and sex were all positive and significant factors influencing the adoption of improved rice production technologies at (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) respectively. Land size and rice income were both negative and significant (P<0.05) and (P<0.10) respectively in influencing the adoption of improved rice production technologies. The major constraints faced by respondents in adopting rice production technologies were high cost of farm inputs (3.79), scarcity of recommended rice varieties (3.19), low level of awareness (3.28), inadequate extension agents' access (3.39), low accessibility of credit (3.42), climatic change (3.14), and high cost of input (3.59). The study concluded that, household size, age, membership of cooperative societies and sex were the factors influencing the adoption of improved rice production technologies among the respondents. It is therefore recommended, Government and NGOs should intervene and provide frequent extension contacts/visits by employing more extension agents to reduce the gap between research and farmers, government should also provide soft loans to farmers at single digit interest to enable them expand their production base and finally, a climate smart technology should be developed by research institutions to help farmers mitigate the impact of climate change.
SAFE UTILIZATION OF HEAVY METALS-POLLUTED SOILS FOR HEALTHY FOOD PRODUCTION
Authors: Oyem, H. H*.  , Oyem, I. M.
Published: October 2024

The safe utilization of globally decreasing arable land polluted with heavy metals from increasing industrial activities was reviewed. Global industrialization and commercialization has caused soil to be inundated with various deleterious heavy metals with the attendant health implications to the sustainable development of man in the global environment. This paper considered the sources (both anthropogenic and geogenic) of these heavy metals in soil to understand the dynamism of the soil heavy metal pollution. It considers the temperate and tropical soil types and appropriately described the contamination patterns and the relevant soil-specific ways of alleviating and making the limited available land conducive for agriculture. It highlights the equilibrium dynamics between soil (rock) surface, heavy metals lability, soil solution, and the various strategies to sequester the labile heavy metals component of the soil solution which is the cardinal proportion that is bio-available for uptake by plants. It concluded by proffering smart-farming strategies based on the adaption of soil chemistry and soil microbiology principles for farming with particular reference to heavy metals-contaminated soils which can mitigate the accumulation of these heavy metals at toxic levels in the food chain.
PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN ODOGBOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: *Adeosun, O. M.  , Olaoye, O. J.  , Ojebiyi, W. G.  , Agarawu, O. L.  , Adeosun, F. I.
Published: October 2024

This study analyzed the profitability of catfish production in Odogbolu local government area of Ogun state. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the study samples and data were collected with the aid of interview guide from 120 catfish farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results revealed that catfish farming was dominated by male (75.0%) with mean age of 47.3±7.7 years. Also, highest proportion (46.7%) of the farmers had post-secondary education. The mean household size was 4±1persons. Majority (83.3%) of the respondents had 1-10years of fish farming experience with mean farming experience being 6.5±4.9 years. Majority (88.3%) of the fish farmers got involved in fish farming for commercial reasons. A total of N3,051,537.50 was expended to realize a total revenue of ₦3,770,291.70 leaving a gross margin of ₦1,216,123.30 and net farm income of ₦718,754.10. It was further revealed that fish feed accounted for 77.4% of the total cost. Most (99.2%) of the respondents identified flooding, outbreak of disease (82.5%) and poor quality of fish seed (60.8%) as severe constraints to fish farmers. The regression analysis established that number of ponds was the only significant determinant (p<0.05) of fish farmers’ profitability from catfish production. The study concludes that although catfish farming is faced with some constraints, it is a profitable enterprise among farmers in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. It is recommended that farmers must ensure that they keep their cost of production as low as possible. Also, they should ensure efficient use of input resources especially feeds.
ANALYSIS OF WHEAT PRODUCTION EFFICIENCIES IN HADEJIA AND RINGIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: *Samson, G. L.  , Haruna, U.  , Idi, S.
Published: October 2024

The study analyzed wheat production efficiencies in Hadejia and Ringim Local Government Areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 154 wheat farmers. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that most (92.2%) of the respondents were male while almost half (43.5%) of the respondents fell within the age bracket of 29 – 40 years with mean age 42 years and majority (80.5%) of the respondents were married with household size of 5 – 8 persons, accounting for 29.2% of the respondents with mean household of 8 persons. Also, ₦85,750.00 was realized as a revenue from the sales of 1.15 hectares of wheat with gross margin ₦50,713.00 and the return per naira invested was ₦1.53 respectively. Majority (76.0%) of the respondents agreed that use of improve seed leads technical efficiency which provides high and quality output. Stochastic production frontier revealed that application of quality fertilizer (p<0.01), access to human labour (p <0.01), and adequate herbicides (p <0.05) significantly influenced wheat production while farming experience (p<0.1) significantly influenced production efficiency of the wheat farmers while coefficient of fertilizer application (kg/ha) revealed that increase by 1%, will increase production by 0.126 %. Also, farmers' age revealed that the technical inefficiency of wheat farmers increased with age. The negative coefficient of farming experience revealed that the technical inefficiency of wheat farmers decreased with more experience. The reults further revealed that poor quality of seedlings (70.2%), poor road network (59.6%), and inadequate labour source (49.0%), limited access to financial services (48.3%) and limited access to inputs (47.0%) were the major constraints faced by the respondents in the study area. The study concluded that adoption of improve seed, use of modern practice and use of quality fertilizer will ensure technical efficiency among the wheat farmers and also wheat production can be increased significantly by adopting a number of measures. The study recommends that agricultural finance institutions should focus on provision of credit for purchase of equipment and farm inputs. This can be done through farmers’ cooperatives and other organizations at the local level. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Cereals and Produce Board, should import and distribute fertilizers to depots within the vicinity of farmers and introduce a price cap on the costs.
PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFIT OF WEANER RABBITS FED FOUR DIFFERENT DIETARY ENERGY SOURCES
Authors: Yusuf, Y.  , Bello, K. M.  , Muhammad, A. S.
Published: October 2024

An experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Bauchi to study the performance and cost benefit of using four different energy sources in weaner rabbit diets. Four diets containing maize, dauro millet, red sorghum and white sorghum were formulated and designated as diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. A total of thirty-two (32) Mongrel rabbits weighing between 869.00 – 889.00g were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatments in replicates of four containing two rabbits each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each replicate was served 100g of the diet and 500ml of water daily. Data on daily feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were recorded. The results of the experiment indicated no significant effect of diet on performance indices. Final weight of rabbits ranges between 1968.75 and 2013g on diets 1 and 3 respectively. Daily feed intake (DFI) was from 97.34g (diet 2) to 98.12g (diet 1) while daily weight gain was between 19.64g (diet 1) and 20.24g (diet 3). Feed conversion ratio which was also not significantly affected, was between 4.84 and 4.99 on diets 2 and 1 respectively. Feed cost/kg was lowest on diet 2 (N149.11) and highest on diet 1 (N156.82). Feed cost/kg gain was lowest on diet 3 (N723.12) and highest on diet 1 (N782.67) while diet 3 (59.55) had the highest cost saving. It was therefore concluded that red sorghum can replace maize in weaner rabbit diets without any negative effect on performance. Furthermore, the use of red sorghum in weaner rabbit diets reduced feed cost and is recommended for rabbit production in the study area.
UTILIZATION OF DIETARY LEVELS OF BAUCHI RED SORGHUM VARIETY BY STARTER BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Doma, U. D.  , Adamu, N.
Published: October 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and financial benefits of starter broiler chickens fed dietary levels of Bauchi red sorghum variety. Five diets were formulated in which the red sorghum replaced maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels coded as diets A, B, C, D and E respectively. Two hundred broiler chickens were randomly allotted to five diets with 40 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the feeding trial lasted for a period of 28 days. The growth performance parameters revealed that starter weight (1147.50 -1167.50g), total weight gain (1030.50 – 1063.60g), daily weight gain (36.80 – 37.99g), total feed intake (2100.50 – 2130.50g), daily feed intake (75.01 – 77.81g), feed conversion ratio (1.98 – 2.10) and feed efficiency (0.46 – 0.50), were not significantly affected by the dietary levels of red sorghum variety. The survivability rate varied between 97.50 and 100% across the diets. Feed cost per kg gain decreased with increasing levels of red sorghum variety with a cost saving of 11.81% on diet E (100% RSV). Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that BRSV can completely replace maize as dietary energy source in starter broiler diets without compromising performance as well as reduction in feed cost.
EFFECTS OF FOUR DIFFERENT PROCESSING METHODS ON NUTRIENTS AND BIOACTIVE PROFILES OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.)The study was carried out to determine the variation in Phyto-nutritional and bioactive components of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) as af
Authors: Akinboye, O. E.  , Afodu, O. J.  , Oyekale, O. O.  , Awoyinka, R. I.  , Abolaji, A. O.
Published: October 2024

The study was carried out to determine the variation in Phyto-nutritional and bioactive components of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) as affected by different processing methods. One tomato variety from local market was purchased, washed with clean water then kept inside a bowl and processed into Fresh tomato, Tomato paste, Dried Tomato and Bottle Tomato. Fresh tomato of variety Roma VF was picked from a research farm and processed into paste following the procedure of international organization for standardization (ISO). The moisture, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, ash, and cyanide content of the samples were determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The mineral contents (elements) of tomato fruits were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. These minerals included calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The phytochemical analysis was determined using a standard method. All data generated were subjected to t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple rage test (DMRT). Result obtained revealed that, dried tomato is the best method of processing as it offers the highest access to Phyto-Nutritional and Bioactive components of tomato. The result further indicated that, tomato paste has the least Phyto-Nutritional and Bioactive components. Based on the result of this findings, it is recommended that individuals should go for dried tomato to have access to the nutritional content of tomato and processing industries that deals with tomato should select a processing method that increase the Phyto-nutritional and bioactive components of tomato. While government and non- government organizations should help provide farmers with processing equipment that will enable farmers process tomato that will retain its Phytonutrients and bioactive components.
OPTIMIZING NUTRIENT LEVELS FOR EARLY GROWTH OF AFRICAN SPINACH (AMARANTHUS SPP.) IN A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM
Authors: Akinboye, O. E.  , Makinde, A. I.  , Odusote, T. A.  , Afodu, O. J.  , Akinwole, O. T.  , Shobo, B. A.
Published: October 2024

The experiment was carried out to determine how varied nutrient levels affect the growth and development of African spinach at the screen house of the department of agriculture and industrial technology, Babcock University, the experiment was conducted during the month of March to April 2024.The treatments consisted of four different nutrient concentration (control, 0.2mL, 0.6mL, and 0.8mL of Agriful© Fertilizer solution) and soil as conventional planting method. African Spinach seeds were grown into a wick hydroponic unit containing coco coir. Data were collected of plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, and root length over a period of five weeks. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) along with Duncan Multiple Range Test was carried out to determine the impact of nutrient content on the observed agronomic attributes. Results obtained shows a clear influence of nutrient content on the early development of African spinach. The result further revealed that, higher nutrient concentrations were associated with taller plants, thicker stems, and longer roots. However, the results indicated that wick hydroponic system did not perform as well as the soil control. These findings highlight the necessity of regulating nutrient contents in wick hydroponic systems for efficient African spinach growth. Nutrient availability must be balanced to achieve optimal early development and long-term growth of the crop. More research on the long-term impacts of nutrient concentration on yield and quality is recommended to improve nutrient management for commercial hydroponic production of African spinach.
EFFECTS OF REPLACING WHEAT OFFAL WITH SUN-DRIED CATTLE RUMEN CONTENTS ON HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF WEANER RABBITS
Authors: Mu'azu, M. S.  , Bello, K. M.  , Muhammad, A. S.  , Egbo, M. L.  , Jatutu, S. S.
Published: October 2024

The study investigated the effects of replacing wheat offal with sun-dried cattle rumen contents (SDCRC) on the hematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits. Forty-five weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to five treatments with varying levels of SDCRC (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement) in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD). The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. Results showed no significant (P>0.05) effects of the treatment on hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCHC, platelets, and lymphocytes) except on Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). The result further revealed no significant (P>0.05) influence on serum biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose, albumin, urea and cholesterol) across all treatments. Based on the results obtained SDCRC can replace wheat offal up to 100% without significant adverse effects on most blood parameters, suggesting its potential as an alternative feed ingredient for weaner rabbits.