bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEALTH SHOCKS AND LABOR SUPPLY RESPONSES: EVIDENCE FROM URBAN NORTH-CENTRAL OF NIGERIA
Authors: Ogebe, O. F.  , Weye, A. E.  , Nnama, U. C.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted in three (3) States of the North-Central Nigeria to investigate households’ labor supply to health shocks in urban north-central of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 900 households from 18 Council Wards across the three (3) States of north-central of Nigeria covering a period of five (5) months (March to July, 2019). The study found that labor supply was an important response to illness as households increased their labor supply in response to illness shocks. The results showed that 14% of men and 21% of women employed in the study areas missed at least one day of work due to unanticipated illness. Also, women in the labor force missed work due to illness or caregiving duties in 6.2% of weeks and 3.2% of weeks for men. Men and women work more in order to increase their take-home pay and compensate for the lost income due to absence from work of another household members. The findings further showed that men were 7.8% points more likely to work in weeks in which another worker in the household is unexpectedly ill. The men worked an average of 0.385 more days (P = 0.13) and 4.9 more hours as the result of the illness of a fellow worker in the household. It was also disclosed that the overall labor supply response (P = 0.17) was driven by males in households with less assets and education. The regression estimates showed that males in wealthier households were less likely to increase labor supply when another worker in the household was unexpectedly ill. A one (1) standard deviation increase in assets was associated with 0.313 fewer days worked by man in response to an illness shock (P = 0.17) and fewer hours (P = 0.15) implying that wealthier households had fungible savings that they can access to smoothen consumption after short-run shocks. The study also found that total household earnings fell by N91.00 and N72.00 when men and women, respectively, missed work because of illness. The estimated labor hour’s responses showed a larger drop of 32 hours for male illness and 18 hours for female. It was concluded that despite the increase in labor supply from other males in the household, total household income and labor supply decreased when a household member was unexpectedly ill. The study recommended health insurance policies by the government towards a reduction of illness burden for the households in the study area.
COSTS AND RETURNS ANALYSIS FOR SUYA AGRIBUSINESS IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ammani, A. A.  , Kali, V. W.
Published: April 2023

The study aimed at assessing the costs and returns of suya agribusiness in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.  A total of 50 suya agribusiness were sampled for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, net return and efficiency model. The findings revealed an average profit of N10, 115.94 and an efficiency ratio of 3.23 estimated for suya agribusiness in the study area. Major constraints that militated against suya agribusiness enterprise includes insufficient capital, poor beef storage facilities and rising and fluctuation in meat cost. The study concluded that suya agribusiness in the study area is profitable though there is room for improvement. It was recommended that Government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should build the capacity of suya agribusiness entrepreneurs on better practices; forming groups and cooperatives to enable them obtain formal credit; develop extension publications on suya making and marketing practices for the entrepreneurs; and encouraging youths to venture into suya agribusiness to minimize youth unemployment.
ASSESSMENT OF PRICE TRANSMISSION MECHANISMS OF CASSAVA IN RURAL AND URBAN MARKETS OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Alege, A. M.  , Jirgi, A. J.  , Tanko, L.  , Ndanitsa, M. A.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed price transmission mechanisms of cassava in rural and urban markets of Benue State, Nigeria. Average monthly prices (₦/kg) of cassava spanning from January, 2008 to December, 2018 were collected and analyzed using ADF test, Johansen co-integration test, Error Correction Model (ECM) and Index of Market Concentration (IMC). The result of ADF test showed that the price series were stationary at levels with the co-integration test revealing the presence of co-integration between rural and urban market prices in the study area; and the ECM revealed that the speed of price transmission between rural and urban markets was weak and that adjustment towards the long run equilibrium in the short run was slow. The results of the Index of Market Concentration (IMC) was less than one (IMC < 1) and statistically significant at P≤0.01 probability level which implies the existence of high short-run market integration between rural and urban markets in the study area. It was recommended that, there was the need for efficient transmission of price information among the various market actors in the urban and rural markets through the establishment of market information centers to facilitate adequate communication and information flow.
EFFECTS OF SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT ON FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Sallawu, Halima  , Hassan, Nafisat Mohammed
Published: April 2023

The study examined effects of savings and investment on food security status of farm households in Agaie and Katcha local government areas of Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 120 respondents were used for the study and data collected through interview and questionnaire process. Descriptive statistics, food security index, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were used to analyze the data. The results revealed the mean age, household size, and farming experience were 38 years, 7 members and 19 years, respectively. Results of the savings and investment pattern revealed that the farmers saved the money in form of cash in the Bank, rotational savings, daily contribution savings and cooperative societies with mean savings of N279,500. The farmers also invested in buying of produce, livestock, contract farming, trading and agricultural processing with mean amount of N231,250. Result of the food security status revealed that 53% of the farm households were food secured while 47% were food insecure. The OLS regression analysis revealed that savings, investment, educational level, farming experience, farm size, membership of association and credit increased food security of farm households. In the contrary, age and household size decreased food security of the farm households in the study area. Result of the EFA revealed that constraints to savings and investment were personal status, administrative and production challenges. It was therefore recommended that farmers be encourage to form savings societies so as to pool their resources together to enable them boost their production and investment capacity and invariably increase their savings. Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should help improve farm household’s access to free education as it increases food security. Farmers should be encouraged to insure their businesses so as to cover their losses due to risks.
ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY ACTION IN IMPROVING FARMER-SAVED SEED YAM (CAY-Seed) PROJECT, ABUJA NIGERIA
Authors: Onwuaroh, A. S.  , Nwandu, P. I.  , Joseph, M.  , Hamidu, B.
Published: April 2023

The study was designed to assess the participation of women in seed yam production under the community action in improving farmer-saved seed yam project, Abuja Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaire and focus group discussion and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that outside the control of marketing seed yam in Kwali Area Council where 86% of female respondents had control, other activities in seed yam production were controlled less by women. Women were not much involved in decision making except for the decision on marketing where 72% of female respondents were involved. Inadequate finance, poor soil fertility, poor road network and scarcity of clean seed yam were some of the major constraints hindering women from having high productivity in seed yam production. The study concluded that limited control over production resources and involvement in decision making processes minimized the capacity of women in seed yam production. It is therefore recommended that the public should be sensitized more on the benefits of giving women equal chance to make decisions in seed yam production. Supporting women with basic inputs like chemicals, fertilizers, credits and land which will invariably enhance their control over production resources should be championed by government, non-government organizations and rich private individuals.
GROSS MARGIN ANALYSIS OF MARKETING PADDY RICE (Oryza sativa) IN SELECTTED MARKETS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Dayyabu, L. M.  , Murtala, N.  , Shu’aib, A. U.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the gross margin and factors influencing marketing margin, as well as constraints to paddy rice (Oryza sativa) marketing in selected markets in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Six (6) markets were purposively selected and a total of 124 marketers were randomly chosen. Primary data were collected by the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Based on the findings of the study, paddy rice marketing was a profitable enterprise in Bauchi State, Nigeria with gross margin of N1,126.20 and marketing efficiency was 13.5%. Factors that influenced marketing margin of paddy rice include marital status at P≤0.01, household size at P≤0.1, years of experience and educational level at P≤0.05, respectively. The result indicates that the model has an F-ratio (11.562) which shows that the whole model was significant at P≤0.01 level of probability. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that 45.5% variation in the dependent variable was explained by the explanatory variables included in the model, while the remaining was as a result of variables not included in the model as well as errors in estimation. The results further revealed that 48.4% of the market participants were retailers. The major constraints identified include inadequate capital, poor road network and storage facility, seasonality of supply and lack of standard unit of measurement. It was recommended that Government provides credit facilities; improved transportation network and marketers encouraged to form cooperatives so that they can pool their resources together to increase their scale of operation.
IMPACT OF FADAMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Yohanna, M.  , Iliya, M. A.  , Adefila, O.  , Yusuf, R. O.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the impact of the fadama project on the poverty status of both the beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Questionnaire was randomly administered among 2,144 respondents in four (4) Local Government Areas (LGAs) namely, Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kauru and Zango Kataf. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model, regression analysis were employed in analyzing the data. The result showed that 72% of the respondents were males and married. More than 82% of the fadama beneficiaries had a positive perception of the program. The fadama beneficiary farmers had a mean income of ₦613,323 and ₦419,643 for the non-fadama beneficiary farmers. It was also disclosed that age, gender, dependency ratio and farming experience had significant relationship with their income, 40% of the fadama beneficiaries were poor, 69% of the non- fadama beneficiary farmers were poor. It was therefore, concluded that fadama program had a significant impact in reducing the poverty status of the beneficiaries. The study recommended that for sustainability, the farmers should be included as the drivers of fadama program with the government and private sector as collaborators. The women should also be helped to form functional cooperatives so that poverty among them can be significantly reduced.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCEPTANCE OF NERICA 1 RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bala, J.  , Magaji, A. A.  , Turaki, M. A.
Published: April 2023

The study analysed socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice among farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The finding showed that the overall mean age of the respondents was 37.8 years.  Also, about 43% of the respondents had 11-20 years’ experience and majority (81.1%) were members of cooperative. The result of the logit regression estimate showed that age and farm size had a negative and significant influence on the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice at a P≤0.01 level of probability. Farming experience, amount of credit and membership of cooperative had significant and positive (P≤0.01) relationship with the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice. It was concluded that the majority of the respondents were young, male, literate, married, members of cooperative with moderate household size, and low rice farming experienced. Age, farming experience, farm size amount of credit and membership of cooperative were found to have a significant influence on the adoption of NERICA 1 rice. The study recommended that Federal, State, and Local Governments, private sectors, and NGOs should encourage youth to sustain the organizational spirit and create seminars and workshop to stimulate women participation in farming activities.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRIBUSINESS FINANCING BY MICROFINANCE BANKS AND MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN RURAL AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Nwandu, P. I.
Published: April 2023

The study compared Microfinance banks and Microfinance institutions in financing agribusiness enterprises in rural areas of Delta State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random techniques was used to select 150 agribusiness enterprise respondents used for the study. Five (5) Microfinance banks (MFBs) and 15 Microfinance institutions (MFIs) operating in the study area were used for the study. Primary data was collected with the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that MFBs and MFIs undertook group lending; although MFBs were also engaged in individual lending. Similarly, MFBs and MFIs loans were not secured by tangible collaterals instead they are secured by group collaterals although MFBs still insist on tangible collaterals on individual loans. MFIs disbursed 73.70% of the total amount and MFBs disbursed the remaining 23.30%. In sectorial disbursement, the product sector was the most financed followed by the input sector while the production sector was the least financed. Findings also showed that beneficiaries of MFBs and MFIs had different perceptions on granting of loans. MFBs and MFIs agreed that there was high repayment rate of loans by rural agribusiness enterprises but difficulty in savings mobilization. However, both disagreed on cost of processing loan and that there was high premium on insurance. Recommendations made were that the regulatory bodies should monitor the activities of the MFBs and MFIs; there should be improvement in their timeliness of granting loans; and there should also be improvement on infrastructure in the rural areas.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SAWN TIMBER MARKETING IN SAPELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Nwandu, P. I.  , Ike, P. C.  , Onuorakpor, J.
Published: April 2023

The study examined economics of sawn timber marketing in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 sawn wood marketers as respondents for the study. Data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were used for the data analysis. Result showed that the mean age of the respondents was 36 years, 98.0% of the respondents were males and mean household size of 5 persons. Majority (73.3%) of the respondents had primary school education, while the mean marketing experience was 13 years. The calculated net revenue was N600,684.20. It was recommended that Government should endeavour to construct roads in areas where they do not exist and maintain the already existing ones for easy access to forest where these timbers were fetched. This will thus reduce transportation cost in order to boost the revenue of the marketers. Improved marketing efficiency should be pursued to help increase and sustain profit in sawn wood marketing.
EFFECTS OF FARM LABOUR MIGRATION ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY AMONG FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, B. D.  , Esheya, S. E.  , Tanko, F.
Published: April 2023

The study examined effects of farm labour migration on crop productivity among farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 242 farmers from the study area. Data were collected through interview schedule using structured questionnaire with the help of trained enumerators under the supervision of the researcher. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentages and mean) and inferential statistics (multiple regression) was employed in this study. The results showed that the mean age of the respondents was 45 years and were married; and 84.7% were male. These implied that crop farmers were in their productive stage of life and had the capacity of carrying out agricultural production. More so, the mean household size of the farmers was 11 persons, and about 80.6% had formal education. This implied that high educational level of farm household could increase income earnings and reduce poverty level in Kaduna State. The multiple regression analysis on the effects of farm labour migration on farmers’ crop productivity showed that the double-log functional form gave the best fit based on the significance of F-statistics and adjusted R-squared parameter estimated in conformity with the a priori expectation. Farm size (P<0.01), labour (P<0.05), manure (P<0.05) and poverty incidence of the farmers (P<0.01) were statistically significant. Farm labour migration (-0.05822)’ was found to negatively influenced crop farmer’s productivity. Major constraints encountered by the crop farmers in the study area include high cost of inputs, inadequate credit facilities and inadequate market linkages. In conclusion, poverty incidence had a negative and significant effect on crop productivity. It was recommended that farmers should form rotating saving association to enable them have access to micro loan; rural crop farmer should be linked to the urban market through appropriate information channels such as extension agent and media to attract good value for their crops and Government and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) should make farm inputs readily available at a subsidized rate.
PERFORMANCE OF SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS [L.] LAM) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY ORGANIC-MINERAL FERTILIZER RATE AND STEM CUTTING LENGTH IN THE NIGERIAN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES
Authors: Muazu, Abdu  , James, Ishaku Dantata
Published: April 2023

A Field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 wet seasons at the Research farms of the National Horticultural Research Institute Bagauda Sub-Station, Kano State and the Institute for Agricultural Research Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru-Zaria in Kaduna State. The study examined performance of sweet potato varieties as affected by organic- mineral fertilizer rate and stem cutting length in Nigerian Agro-ecological zones. The treatments consisted of two varieties of sweet potato (Dan Zaria, local variety and Mothers Delight), three rates of Organic-mineral fertilizer, (NPK 7: 7:7 with 20% organic matter) (at 0, 300 and 600 kgha-1) and  300 kgha-1 NPK (20-10-10) as a check and three stem cutting lengths (15, 30 and 45 cm). The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement. The combination of organic-mineral fertilizer rates and stem cutting lengths were assigned to the main plot and the varieties were assigned to the sub-plot, and replicated three times. It was found that Mothers Delight was superior to Dan Zaria variety in growth parameters, such as number of leaves per plant, crop growth rate, leaf area index and yield attributes such as number of tubers per plant, tuber diameter per plant and total fresh tuber yield. Application of organic- mineral fertilizer at 600 kgha-1 or NPK fertilizer at 300 kgha-1 significantly had greater numbers of tubers in 2015 at Bagauda and in both years at Samaru, more leaves and higher leaf area index in both years at Bagauda and Samaru. On the other hand, stem cutting length of 45cm gave higher measured growth and yield attributes, compared to the two other cutting lengths at both locations in both years. In conclusion, Mothers Delight was superior to Dan Zaria for its higher growth and yield attributes and total fresh tuber yield. While 600 kgha-1 OMF (organic-mineral fertilizer) produced the highest growth and yield attributes and total fresh tuber yield.
ANALYSIS OF LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES AMONG GINGER (ZINGIBER officinale rosc) FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Danladi, E. B.  , Ojeleye, O. A.  , Egwuma, H.  , Ntat, F. H.
Published: April 2023

The study focused on analysis of livelihood diversification strategies among ginger farming households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 205 ginger farming households in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression count model (Negative binomial variant of the Poisson regression model). The results of the socio-economic characteristics of the ginger farming households showed the mean age of the farmers of 39 years and average years of farming experience of 16 years. The average household size of the ginger farming households was 7 persons per household. The result also showed that ginger farming households engaged in many livelihood activities with livestock keeping the most dominant livelihood activities with an average income of ₦69,744 and milk sale the least with an average income of ₦22,667. Results of the factors influencing the choice of livelihood diversification strategies showed that age, education status, farming experience, access to credit where negative and statistically significant at different levels of significant while household size was positive and significant at P≤ 0.01.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF WATERMELON PRODUCTION IN NIGER STATE OF NIGERIA
Authors: Ndanitsa, M. A.  , Sallawu, H.  , Bako, R. U.  , Oseghale, A. I.  , Jibrin, S.  , Mohammed, D.  , Ndako, N.
Published: April 2023

The study examines the economic analysis and technical efficiency of watermelon production in Niger State of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw up the sample and watermelon farmers in the area were the unit of the survey. Accordingly, 150 respondents were selected for the survey. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire. Information elicited for include socio-economic variables, farm information and management data, information on inputs and outputs and their relative prices, and information on constraints in watermelon production. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques as well as stochastic frontier production function. The result of the analyses shows that the mean age of respondents was 41 years, 98% were males and most of them (88%) were married, and having average household size of 9 persons. A typical watermelon farmer in the study area realizes a gross farm income of N534,747.50/ha, and a net farm income of N459,769.56/ha and a return to investment of 6.13. The constraints to watermelon production in the study area include; inadequate capital for investment, high cost of inputs and their inadequacies, small farm size, poor market integration/pricing of produce, inadequate rainfall, problem of pests/diseases infestation, etc. It was concluded that watermelon is a profitable venture whose production can be increased if more land can be put under cultivation, ensuring that farmers have access to production inputs, provision of infrastructural facilities, land like good roads.
FACTORS INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLDS’ CONSUMPTION PREFERENCE FOR COWPEA-BASED PRODUCTS IN WESTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abubakar, U. F.  , Sani, R. M.  , Sani, M. H.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the factors influencing households’ consumption preference for cowpea-based products in Western zone of Bauchi state, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 210 households for this study. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. The result revealed that 44.3% of the households preferred to consume alale, followed by kosai with 23.3%. The result further showed that 99.0% and 91.4% of the households considers health benefit and nourishment as reasons for using cowpea-based products. The result of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that, age of the household heads, household size, marital status, income of the household heads, price, taste, and weevil damage tolerance significantly influenced household consumption preference for cowpea-based products. The study concluded that, households prefer to consumed alale as cowpea-based products and considers health benefit as a strong reason for used. It was recommended that, there is need to encourage more utilization of cowpea by households’ in different products in order to exploit its potential and generate income to low income families; and cowpea farmers should be encouraged to produced cowpea varieties in commercial quantity so as to meet the demand of consumers and consequently reduce the price of cowpea.
HEDONIC PRICE ANALYSIS OF CHICKEN MEAT CUT IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Hamidu, B.  , Mohammed, I.  , Murtala, N.  , Jibril, S. A.  , Mohammed, S. Y.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the Hedonic price analysis of chicken meat cut in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 586 households in the study area and data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that most (96.9%) of the household heads were male and married (89.8%) with about 35.7% of them having secondary education and 30.0% take farming as their occupation. The study also revealed the mean age, mean household size and mean monthly household head income as 41 years, 8 person per household and N47,481.46, respectively. The results of the hedonic regression analysis revealed that, age of the household head, sex of chicken, types of chicken breed, marital status and market locations were the major factors influencing the price of chicken in the study area. The major constraints to chicken consumption were financial problem, high cost of chicken, health related problems, poor sanitary condition of meat vendors as well as high prices of other food items of necessities. It was therefore recommended that, federal/State governments should enhance economic boasting programmes to improve the income of consumers; there should be a concerted effort on the part of government and non-governmental bodies on measures of increasing animal feeds and feeding to boast animal production. More study also needs to be done on segmentation and differentiation of chicken meat cuts based on international standard.
ANALYSIS OF DRY SEASON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AMONG KIRI DAM USERS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Robert, K.  , Kara, H. A.  , Adamu, M. M.  , Muhammad, Bala
Published: April 2023

This study analysed the dry season vegetable production in the study area with the objective of estimating the profit and factors that affect vegetable production among the users of Kiri Dam. The data used for the study was collected from 120 randomly selected farms during the 2019 dry farming season. Descriptive statistics, farm budgeting and OLS regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The empirical estimates from farm budgeting methodology showed N29,230/ha net farm income and Naira investment return was 0.32. The Double log functional form showed farm size (P<0.1), seeds (P<0.05), fertilizer (P<0.01), age (P<0.05), and education level (P<0.01) had statistically significant effects on the vegetable production of the farmers in the study region. It was concluded that growing vegetables in the study area during the dry season was profitable. Therefore, it was suggested encouraged to educated youth who were not gainfully employed to join vegetable farming in the study area and supplying subsidized farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and agrochemicals so as to lower production costs and increase profit.
ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING NEEDS OF EXTENSION WORKERS IN BAUCHI STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, H. A.  , Abu, I. A.  , Yakubu, S.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the training needs of extension workers in Bauchi State agricultural development program, Nigeria. The study employed random sampling techniques to select 145 respondents across the three (3) agricultural zones. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results pointed out that majority (81.4%) of the respondents were male with small proportion of females. The results also showed that 26.5% and 25.0% of the respondents had Higher National Diploma and National Diploma, respectively. The findings revealed that all (100%) of the respondents reported the need for training of extension workers.  The findings also showed that majority (58.6%) of the respondents received in-service training. The study recommended the needs to provide adequate financial support and continuous training in some key areas to support Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme as at when due for proper planning and execution of training programmes for extension staffs. Motivation should also be put into consideration to improve in their job performance.
FACTORS INFLUENCING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN SAVING MOBILIZATION SCHEME IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Lawal, M.  , Salihu, I. T.  , Tsado, J. H.  , Umar, I. S.  , Abdullahi, A.
Published: April 2023

The study determines factors influencing women participation in saving mobilization scheme (SMS) in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample size of 137 women were selected from the State using four-stage sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire complimented with interview scheduled were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, percentages and frequency counts), Livelihood Status Index (LSI) and Ordinary Least Square regression. The result revealed that rural women participated commonly in saving money through esusu ( = 3.60, weekly thrift contribution ( = 3.45) as well as production and marketing cooperative (=3.14). The findings also revealed that 52.6% of the respondents had high livelihood status during participation in SMS. The coefficient of age (0.050444), marital status (0.57432), household size (0.073597), years in education (-0.9544), membership of cooperative (0.432058) and access to credit (-0.08612) had significant influence on women level of participation in SMS. The study concluded that more than half of the respondents had high livelihood status during SMS. Also, the coefficient of age, marital status, household size, years of education, member cooperative and access to credit have influence on women level of participation in SMS in the study area. It was recommended that women should diversify in other sustainable income generating activities in order to enhance their livelihood status. Also, women should source for credit from viable and credible institution to ensure sustainable livelihood.
EFFECTS OF NIRSAL ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN YENAGOA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bai, E. M.  , Agadaga, B. B.  , Israel, K. I.
Published: April 2023

The study was carried out to analyze effects of NIRSAL on livestock production in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify various NIRSAL programme sub-activities involved by livestock farmers; ascertain the awareness about NIRSAL programme by livestock farmers; examine the income of livestock farmers before and after benefiting from NIRSAL programme; and identify the constraints affecting livestock farmers in assessing NIRSAL programme. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean and revenue analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that NIRSAL shares the risk involved when beneficiaries acquire loan from banks, NIRSAL guarantees insurance coverage in livestock production for the benefit of their trainees, there was divided feelings about NIRSAL offering cash to banks to increase their lending potential to livestock farmers, having 31% of the livestock farmers agreeing to it and 34% disagreeing to it, NIRSAL gives loan to their trainees to start up their Agricultural Business. The revenue of livestock farmers who have benefited financially from NIRSAL programme was seen to increase. The study further identified that the activities of NIRSAL was of great benefit to registered members as they have the opportunity of enjoying financial benefits, insurance and also receives trainings. Constraints identified from the study were basically complex NIRSAL registration procedures and late disbursement of loans to applicants. It was therefore recommended that there should be sustained awareness of NIRSAL programme implementation, NIRSAL improves on its procedure to loan acquisition so as to out rightly disbursed credit to registered applicants without any form of delay, NIRSAL should also make provision for new business startups in order to integrated them into the financial support base of the bank and finally, the registration procedures to register as a new member should be made easier.
EVALUATION OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BY KOLOKUMA/OPOKUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF RURAL DWELLERS (2019-2022)
Authors: Ominikari, Abraham Godwin
Published: April 2023

The study evaluates rural development projects embarked by the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government administration from 2019-2022 in improving livelihood activities of rural dwellers. Identification of livelihood activities of household heads, identification of rural development projects; and evaluation of benefits derived by rural dwellers were the objectives of the study. A snowball sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents as sample size. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean; while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the formulated hypothesis for the study. Findings from the study showed that farming, processing of farm produce, marketing of farm produce, non-farm business, tailoring, welding and fabrication, hair dressing, barbing, transportation, public/civil service, automobile mechanic, etc were among the most common livelihood activities of the rural dwellers in the study with mean score of >2.50. Provision of portable water in all 11 wards, construction/furnishing of skill acquisition center, rebuilding and refurbishing of Kaiama divisional police headquarters, training of youths in the areas of welding and fabrication, fashion and design, hairdressing, catering, renovation of Kaiama motor pack, etc., were the visible rural development projects embarked upon by the current Administration with mean scores of >3.00. Acquisition of skill, source of employment, understanding of foreign language, availability of market for my products, availability of pipe born water, leadership opportunity, a better security situation in my area, availability of good roads, and source of income were the benefits rural dwellers derived from the rural development projects with mean scores > 2.50. There is significant positive relationship between livelihood activities of rural dwellers and the benefits derived from rural development projects. The study concluded that benefits derived from rural development projects of the current administration in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area by rural dwellers significantly brings about a positive increase in the livelihood activities of the rural dwellers. It was therefore recommended that succeeding administrations in the LGA should ensure that such rural developmental projects are continuously embarked up on by as it offers great benefits to the rural dwellers.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF ARTISANAL FISHERFOLKS IN COASTAL AREAS OF SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
Authors: Opele, Akibu I.  , Ilori, Afolasade R.  , Onasanya, Adewale S.  , Aderinto, Aderanti
Published: April 2023

The effect of climate change on livelihood activities of artisanal fisher folks was carried out in coastal areas of Southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 422 respondents. Data were obtained with the use of structured interviewed schedule and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that 80.8% of the fisher folks were between 31-50 years of age, 92.6% were married, 82.7% had 16 years and above fishing experience.  Also, 96.9% of fisher folks do not have access to extension services. Majority (97.2%), (85.8%) and (84.8%) experienced intensity rainfall, flooding, and ocean as effect, respectively. There were significant relationships between effect of climate change on livelihood activities of artisanal fisher folks and their age (χ2 = 11.0; P = 0.001), sex (χ2 = 38.5; P = 0.000), marital status (χ2 = 27.9; P = 0.000), house hold size (χ2 = 11.13; P = 0.011) and income (χ2 = 51.94; P = 0.000). Results also showed that there is significant difference in the effect of climate change on livelihood of artisanal fisher folks (F = 13.565; P = 0.000) across the selected States in South West Nigeria. The study concludes that Lagos State fisher folks recorded the highest effect of climate change followed by Ogun State and then Ondo State. The study recommended that extension officer should create awareness on climate change and credit facilities should be accessible to fisher folks with the services of good roads, healthcare and market to facilitate their adaptation to the effect of climate variability in fishing communities across sampled States.
EFFECT OF COW DUNG ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abilmuscus esculentus L.) IN GAYA, KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, U. K.  , Musa, A.
Published: April 2023

Field experiment was conducted in 2017 wet season at Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil (KUST) research farm at Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. It was to evaluate the effect of different levels of organic manure (cow dung) on Okra fruit varieties. The treatments consisted of two okra varieties (Clemson and local varieties) and three conducing levels of cow dung (0, 5, and 10 kg/ha). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on fruits yield, and growth parameters (Days at 50% flowering, plant height, number of fruits, numbers of leaves, branch numbers, leave area, fruits length, fruit-diameter, fruit-weight and plant leaves number). Results obtained indicated that growth showed that the organic manures influenced the growth performance and yield of okra in the study area. It was suggested that, the use of organic manure (Cow dung) in crop production is desirable as at it has variable impacts on the growth and yield of okra and will improve soil organic matter status in the study area.
PERCIEVED CONSTRAINTS TO SOYA BEAN VALUE ADDITION AMONG PROCESSORS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Aliyu, Y. M.  , Janada, J. G.  , Rabiu, M. M.  , Bwala, Y. I.
Published: April 2023

The study examines the perceived constraint to soya bean value addition among processors in Gombe state, Nigeria. This study mainly used primary data. This study has the objectives of determining the socioeconomic factors that influenced the choice of technologies used and the constraints to small scale soybean processing firms. Using well-structured questionnaire, multi stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 soya milk and soya cake processing firms in three (3) agricultural zones of Gombe State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, mean, frequencies and Likert scale type (strongly agreed, agreed, disagree and strongly disagree with assigned nominal value of 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively, were used to assessed the constraints in the soya bean value addition. In assessing the cut of points for decision, any item that received a mean score of 3.0 was regarded as serious constraints. The study found that the age, household size. Lack of capital, lack of credit facilities, inadequate power and water supplies, high and multiple taxation were constraint to soya bean processing in the study area the factors that the processors experienced as constrain in soya bean processing at an average rating of 3.5% for soya milk and soya cake on a 4-point Likert rating scale respectively. Further it was showed that there was significant difference in the participation of men and women in soybean processing into soya cake and soymilk. Provision of credit facilities, granting of tax incentives and provision of adequate power and water supply to soybean processors were some of the policy recommendations proffered. It is therefore necessary that various stakeholders and government to encourage and mobilized male to actively participate. This will boost soya bean processing and value addition; High governmental levies and taxation is hindering the soya bean value addition and processing. It is therefore necessary for the government to waiver for soya bean processing and value addition.
ECONOMICS OF COTTON MARKETING IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Usman, A. B.  , Mohammed, R.  , Ahmad, I.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the economics of cotton marketing in Gusau local government area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 80 cotton marketers usingrandom sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and gross margin were the analytical tools used. The result revealed that (31.2%) of the respondents were within the age of 31-40 years. Most (93.7%) of the respondents were males. The results further revealed that more than half (63.75%) of the respondents were married and had family size (43.7%) of 3-9 persons. The results indicated that about 45% of the respondents had non-formal education and 58.7% had 16 and above years of marketing experience. The results also revealed that cotton marketing in the study area was profitable with an attractive gross margin of ₦9,465 and marketers enjoyed a profit of ₦1.04 per Naira invested. However, cotton marketers were faced several constraints in their marketing activities; notable among them were price fluctuation, inadequate storage facilities and transportation costs. The study recommended that cotton marketers in the study area should form cooperative union which will help them stabilize and regulate the marketing activities and help them access adequate storages facilities that will reduce losses due deterioration and damage.
RESPONSES OF RICE OUTPUT TO MONETARY POLICY SHOCK IN NIGERIA FROM 1981-2020
Authors: Olagunju, I. O.  , Ogah, O. M.  , Ali, A.
Published: April 2023

The research looked at how monetary policy shocks affects rice output in Nigeria. The study made use of time series data spanning the year 1981 to 2020 obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The shocks were detected using the Vector Auto-Regressive model (VAR). The study revealed that unit shocks in interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates all harmed rice output with rice output responding more to a unit shock in interest rate. Monetary policy shocks have both positive and negative effects on rice output at different periods. This study concluded, however, that the timing of monetary policy instruments change has serious implications for rice output, and that rice output can bring about positive change in Nigeria's agricultural output if monetary policy instruments are well managed. The study recommended that the monetary authority should ensure that various policies are implemented to ensure that the interest rate to the agricultural sector is within a single digit, accessible, affordable, and sustainable to ensure greater productivity in the sector, as it accounted for the greatest shock in comparison to other monetary variables, the monetary authority should pursue an exchange rate policy that encourages investment in the Nigerian economy's real sector while maintaining market stability.
LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES AND FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adewumi, A.  , Ahmed, Y.  , Lawal, S.  , Shiyaki, U. A.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the livelihood activities and food security status among farming households in Agwara LGA Niger state. Primary data were obtained from a total of 119 selected farming households in 5 farming communities. Descriptive statistics, Simpson's index of diversity (SID), Food security perception scale and ordered probit regression model were used to analyzed the data. The results revealed that the farmers in the study area have an average age of 38 years, household size of 8 persons and farm size of 4.02ha. 71.56% of the farmers were male and 75.23% of them were married. Crop farming, agro-produce trading, livestock farming, civil service, tailoring, agro-inputs trading among others were the major livelihood activities engaged in by the farming households. Majority of the farming household (81.65%) were moderately diversified in their livelihood activities. Result on the food security status of the respondents shows that 4.59% were food secure, 29.36% were slightly insecure, 33.11% were moderately insecure and 33.94% were severely insecure. The determinants of food security of the respondents were level of livelihood diversification (p≤0.01), household income (p≤0.10), household size (p≤0.01) farm size (p≤0.01), access to credit (p≤0.01) and sex of household head (p≤0.05). Intensifying the amount farm work to increase output, diversifying into off-farms activities to increase income, and children eating first were the most adopted strategies of the households to escape food insecurity. The study concluded that livelihood diversification positively and significantly improved farmers food security status. Thus, it was recommended that farmers should diversify their livelihoods sources