bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING INDIGENOUS PROCESSING OF CASSAVA INTO FLOUR (Alibo) AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdullahi, I. M.  , Danwanka, H. A.
Published: April 2023

This study examined the factors affecting of indigenous processing of cassava into flour (Alibo) among rural women in Shendam local government area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study area was purposively selected and primary data were collected from randomly selected 120 respondents using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and production function. The results showed that all the respondents (100%) are small scale operators; about 47.50% have formal education, whereas 37.50% have non-formal education. It was further shown that 72.50% of the respondents have 1-10years of experience in indigenous processing of cassava into flour and about 60.83% of them are within the active age range of 21 – 40 years. Quantity of cassava tubers used and water for fermentation were significant at 95.00% level of significance while operating cost was significant at (p<0.01). Resource use efficiency results indicated that all resources used were inefficiently utilized. Cassava tubers used, labour and water were over utilized while operating expenses was underutilized. The main problems militating against traditional cassava processing in the study area include, among others are: high costs of transport, labour and processing implements; poor pricing of products and very small quantities of cassava used per processing. To achieve increased efficiency of local cassava processing in the study area, the study recommended the adoption of policies that will enable the processors improve on their education, grant them increased access to credit, improved processing technologies and increased quantity of cassava per processing operation.
EFFICACY OF PENDIMETHALIN AS WEED CONTROL ON IRRIGATED ONION IN LOKO, SONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abonemdan, A. I.  , Ja’afar-Furo, M. R.  , Biman, K. A.
Published: April 2023

Field experiments were conducted in 2013/2014 dry season under irrigation at Loko Fadama area, Song Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, to determine the effects of Pendimethalin on the performance of onions (Allium Cepa). The experimental plots size were measured 2m x 3m (6m2) and a distance of 1m between replication; and 0.5m between plots with net plot size of 1.6m x 2.2m (3.52m2). The experiment consisted of three different rates of Pendimethalin of 2. 02, 4.77 and 7.33 a.i/ha, along with hoe-weeded and unweeded checks, and replicated three times in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results revealed that application of 4.77 and 7.33kg a.i/ha Pendimethalin rates significantly reduced weed density at 3, 6 and 9 WAT, but enhanced bulb diameter, bulb weight and yield; and economic returns. However, seedling establishment was not affected by the treatments.
EFFECTS OF VARIETY, FERTILIZER AND FUNGICIDE ON PEARL MILLET DOWNY MILDEW SEVERITY AND YIELD IN TWO DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Sheriff, H. H.  , Aliyu, M.  , Abdullahi, R.
Published: April 2023

Downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet is a serious constraint to the cultivation and improvement of pearl millet in Nigeria. Therefore, a field trial was carried out during the 2014 rainy season at Bauchi (latitude 10017' N, 90 49' E) and Maiduguri (latitude 110 51' N, 130 05' E) located in the in Northern Guinea Savanna and Northern Sudan Savanna of Nigeria, respectively. The aim was to evaluate the effects of fungicide and fertilizer on downy mildew and the performance of pearl millet varieties. Randomized Complete Block Design was used with factorial arrangement of treatments, which comprised five nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg N/ha), metalaxyl fungicide (treated and untreated) and two millet varieties (PEO 5984 and Super SOSAT). Results indicated significant (p<0.05) difference between locations, varieties, fungicides and among nitrogen rates. With respect to the locations, severity of downy mildew was lower, with better crop performance in terms grain yield at Bauchi than in Maiduguri. In respect of the varieties, severity of downy mildew was lower in the millet variety, PEO 5984 which also gave more yields, than Super SOSAT. There was significant stepwise decrease in downy mildew severity by 11.3% and 8.3%, and yield increase 293.2 kg/ha from each successive additional N-rates. Metalaxyl seed treatment significantly decreased downy mildew severity by 10.2 and 11.6% at Bauchi and Maiduguri, respectively. Overall, treatment combination of PEO 5984seed dressed with metalaxyl at 2 g a.i/kg, and application of fertilizer N60P30K30 gave significantly (p<0.05) good control of downy mildew and yield increase.
TEMPORAL PRICE VARIATION OF RICE IN NIGERIA
Authors: Makama, S. A.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to describe the price variations in price of rice in Nigeria using monthly prices of rice for a period of ten years (2004 – 2014). The result of the Grand Seasonal Index which represents the typical seasonal behavior of time series of the 12 calendar months for rice prices showed a deviation from hundred (Table 1), meaning that seasonality existed in the country. Grand seasonal index for January (2004 – 14) was found to be 95.13 which means that the price in Nigeria on an average is 4.87 per cent lower than the average of the entire period as whole. The result further revealed coefficients of variation of the domestic price of rice to be higher in the years 2007 and 2008 and lowest coefficients of variation were recorded in the years 2013 and 2014 thus, this was as a result of the higher price variations of rice in the country between the harvest and the lean periods. The period 2013, 2012 and 2011 showed low fluctuations in price as compared to other periods.  Moreover, the Nigeria prices did not follow stable pattern wherein, in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013 the highest prices were recorded in the month of September while in the years 2006, 2011 and 2012 were recorded in October. However, findings of this study showed that seasonality of rice is one of the major causes of prices variation in Nigeria, hence to reduce the seasonal price fluctuations, government should introduce measures of market stabilization policies such as availing strict measures of making information available to both producers and consumers so as to reduce the seasonal price fluctuations thereby ensuring strict adherence to ceiling and floor price which would help limit the speculative practices in the markets.
ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNSELLING STRATEGIES IN RURAL AGRIPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Baba, M. M.  , Saleh, A.  , Umaru, B. Y.  , Ahmad, M. E.  , Mudathir, A.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the community counselling strategies for rural agro-entrepreneurship development in Gombe State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 186 community counselors, rural extension workers and entrepreneurs from the three Local Government Areas of the State. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were subjected to descriptive statistics such as; the means, standard error and mean decision on a 5-point Likert scale rating for analysis. The result revealed that, majority of the perceived roles of community counselors in agro-entrepreneurship development in the study area was accepted. Implying that, rural counselors and extension workers have significantly contributed to agro-entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in the study area. Also, the results revealed that, most of the perceived factors for effective implementation of rural agro-entrepreneurship programmes in the study area were significant. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed the mean score of all the perceived counselling skills and strategies to be ≥ 3; meaning that the variables were significantly accepted. To achieve sustainable development in rural agripreneurship, the study recommends concerted efforts by the government in collaboration with various local and international agencies to provide more of agro-entrepreneurial capacity building programmes and other incentives to the rural communities.
FACTORS DETERMINING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED COWPEA VARIETIES AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE DRY SAVANNAS OF NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, S. B.  , Pangirayi, B. T.  , Gracen, V.  , Dzidzienyo, K. D.  , Ishiyaku, F. M.  , Umar, M. L.  , Abdulmalik, R. O.
Published: April 2023

The success of modern-day plant breeding is determined by adoption and use of improved crop varieties. Several improved cowpea varieties have been released in the last few decades in Nigeria. This study thus investigated the extent of use of improved cowpea varieties among smallholder farmers and factors influencing their adoption. To understand the extent and factors influencing adoption of these varieties, we used primary data from 420 households spread across 36 communities of three major cowpea growing states in the north-western part of Nigeria. Data collected on the use and non-use of improved varieties was analyzed using a binary logit regression model. Gender, age, household size, education, years of experience in cowpea cultivation, knowledge of nutrient deficiency, cropping system, attendance of cowpea field-days and contacts with extension agents were considered as independent variables that influence farmers’ decision to adopt improved varieties. Four variables: years of cowpea cultivation experience, level of education, cropping system and contacts with extension services, were important in determining farmers’ probability of using improved varieties of cowpea. Cowpea breeding programmes should incorporate farmer preferences in planning and designing of new varieties to ensure higher adoption. We recommend enhanced promotion and demonstration of available improved cowpea varieties and other production technologies as contacts with extension agents was among the most important factors influencing the use of improved cowpea varieties among farmers.
EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF CASSAVA SIEVIATE/PALM KERNEL CAKE MIXTURES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WEANER PIGS
Authors: Moseri, H.  , Umeri, C.  , Oseghale, P. E.
Published: April 2023

A twelve-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of cassava sieviate/palm kernel cake mixture on the performance of weaner pigs. The mixture was achieved on one to one basis between cassava sieviate and palm kernel cake. The mixture replaced maize at 0 (control), 25, 50 and 75% and designated A, B, C and D and was replicated twice.  Thirty two (32) large white x land race crossbred weaner pigs of mixed sexes were randomly allocated to the four diets in a completely randomized design at four animals per diet. Feed and water were made available as required. Average feed intake was significantly higher (p˂0.05) on the control (3.82kg/day) than on diets B (3.32), C (3.39) and D (3.67 kg), respectively. Intake on diet D was significantly higher than on diets B and C. Average weight gain was significantly higher (p˂0.05) on diet A (2.78 kg) than on diets C (2.61) and D (2.43 kg) only. Feed conversion ratio was significantly better (p˂0.05) on diet B (1.89) than on the other diets (A, 2.38; C, 2.32; D, 2.50), respectively. However, the value on diet D was better than on diet C. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) was better on diet B (2.60) than on diets C (2.30), A (2.06) and D (1.93), respectively. Final body weight was significantly higher on diet A than on diets C and D only. Therefore, animals on diet B had comparably better performance than the control and the other diets and so diet B (25% of maize replaced by cassava sieviate/pkc mixture) is recommended.
MARKET CONCENTRATION AND EFFICIENCY OF SWEET MELON AND WATER MELON IN GOMBE AND BAUCHI STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, S. Y.  , Murtala, N.  , Jibrin, S.A.  , Mohammed, I.  , Adamu, Y.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the market concentration and efficiency of sweet melon and water melon in Gombe and Bauchi States, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 sweet melon and water melon marketers from 18 markets, among which 165 marketers were selected from Gombe and 135 from Bauchi States. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. The gini-ratio analysis indicates that sweet melon and water melon retail marketers handled larger quantity of the commodities which amounted to 26,562 and 34,871 respectively. The same category of marketers also recorded the higher gini-ratio of 0.14 and 0.17, respectively. The marketing efficiency results revealed that retail sweet melon marketers recorded the highest efficiency of 53.08%. Conclusively, both sweet melon and water melon markets were highly efficient and concentrated, implying that there is perfect inequality in the distribution recorded which might be as a result of limited information access on prices and products availability. The study recommends the establishment of collaboration between private and public research and development programs to improve management practice, particularly the use of new available technology for time disposal and efficient marketing of sweet melon and water melon in the study area.
PROBLEMS OF FUNDING RURAL AGRIPRENEURSHIP IN EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Amoo, Z. O.
Published: April 2023

Agripreneurship at all levels provides huge potential for sustainable development; yet in Nigeria, the rural agricultural small and medium scale enterprises sub-sector has stagnated and remains relatively small in terms of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. Finance is one of the critical factors for the development of cooperative societies and rural agricultural enterprises in any nation. The study was conducted to examine the problems of funding agriprenuership in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. In the study, 360 structured questionnaires were distributed to the selected rural agripreneurship located in three rural areas at an average of one hundred and twenty questionnaires for each area. The Chi-square results showed that there are problems in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies. The results shows that there is no problem in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies as such the null hypothesis (H1) should be rejected, and Hi be accepted. In order words, there are problems in financing rural small scale enterprises through the cooperative societies. The study concludes the sources of funding rural small and medium scale enterprises or agriprenuership can better be sustained through the cooperative societies or formation. It therefore, recommends that government should put in place an independent small business authority and specific bank for SMEs vis-a-vis the cooperative societies especially in the rural areas in Nigeria.
FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FARMER-TO-FARMER EXTENSION APPROACH IN SOUTHERN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, F. A.  , Gwary, M. M.  , Madugu, A. J.  , Nuhu, S. H.
Published: April 2023

This study assessed farmer’s perception of the effectiveness of farmer-to-farmer extension approach to dissemination of crop and livestock technologies in southern Borno State, Nigeria. FtFE Approach focuses on farmers rather than the extension agents as the principal agents of change in their community. Three-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage and mean score) and inferential statistics. The analyzed data revealed s age, sex, marital status and educational qualification determined the dissemination of improved crop and livestock technologies in the communities. Overall effectiveness scores showed high effectiveness for increased uptake of technology (x̅ = 3.8) and increased contact (x̅ = 3.7), respectively. The study concludes that dissemination of information on improved crop and livestock technologies through the FtFE have great potentials in improving agricultural extension delivery in the area. The study recommends the encouragement of more educational campaigns, capacity development trainings, supervision and monitoring of FtFE processes by the policy makers and stakeholder in order to sustain the approach.
EFFECT OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdulkarim, H. A.  , Mohammed, F. A.  , Ibrahim, A. A.
Published: April 2023

Inadequate food is an impetus to food insecurity among households in Nigeria. Improvement in agricultural productivity is a prerequisite to increased rural household incomes and access to available food. Therefore this paper investigates the effect of women participation in agricultural activities on household food security in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to select 144 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 35 years with 86.8% had one form of formal education. Food wastage reduction and food preparation were the major household food security activities engaged by women. The PPMC result revealed that, there is a significant relationship between household size (r = 0.29, p<0.01), educational level (r = 0.164; p<0.05), with food security status of the respondents. Chi-square test also revealed that there is a significant relationship between food storage (χ2 = 0.018, P = 0.05). The results of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between reduction of meal taken (r = 0.18; P< 0.05), withdrawal of funds from personal saving (0.28, P =0.05), borrowing of funds from friends and relatives (r = 0.17; P< 0.05). It is therefore, recommended that women marginalization be reduced and as well considers them in the provision of farm inputs especially with the growth enhancement scheme of e-wallet inputs distribution. The non-governmental organizations should as well be encouraged to engage in women empowerment programmes that will help in boosting their economic activities.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION ON WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CUCUMBER GROWTH UNDER GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT, NIGERIA
Authors: Shani, B. B.  , Musa, A.
Published: April 2023

Water use efficiency (WUE) increment and reduction in amount of irrigation are important role played by deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation is a well-accepted practice to optimize increase water use, thereby saving cost, by allowing crops to withstand mild water stress with no or only marginal decreases in yield and quality. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using a deficit irrigation program on cucumber crops under drip irrigation during 2018–2019 growing season, to determine the crop water requirements in greenhouse and WUE of cucumber crop using a deficit irrigation program at different stages of growth. Irrigation treatments consisted of 12 levels of ETc (20%-100%), deficit irrigation tested at different growth stages (initial, mid and late stage of growth) for a total of 12 treatments at each experiment. The maximum amount of water applied to the crop was 455 mm for the 20% ETc treatment while the minimum water applied was 247 mm for 100% ETc treatment. The ETc ranges between 223 and 407 mm for the different treatments. The results indicated that, cucumber could stand a shortage of water during the growth and water use efficiency (WUE) and water productivity (WP) values increased when water amounts decreased; these values decreased to 45.6 and 24 kg/m3, respectively. Water resource management under water scarcity bring about different policies aim at reducing the non-beneficial water uses, particularly those corresponding to water consumption and to the non-reusable fraction of the diverted water.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN ARABLE CROP PRODUCTION UNDER GORONYO IRRIGATION PROJECT OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, U. S.  , Baba, K. M.  , Nmadu, J. N.  , Olaleye, R. S.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the technical efficiency in arable crop production under Goronyo irrigation project of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 246 farmers and the limited cost-route approach was used with the aid of questionnaire. Stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) model was used in estimating farm level technical efficiency. The study also revealed the average technical efficiency index of rice, maize, cowpea and tomato farms to be 0.87, 0.79, 0.45 and 0.76, respectively and that technical inefficiency effect existed among the farmers. Estimates of technical efficiency of farmers revealed that average sampled farms operate 13%, 21%, 55% and 24% below the frontier output levels for rice, maize, cowpea and tomato farms under consideration. Farmers are fairly efficient technically in deriving maximum output from rice, maize and tomato farm and less technically efficient in the production of cowpea. Extension  contact was one of the major factor that influences technical efficiency in the area, therefore, sustained farmers extension contact should be  encourage by increasing frequency of contact where new techniques will be disseminated to the farmers to improve the use of available resource.
DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY STATUS AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE CENTRE MICROCREDIT OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, B. D.  , Michael, H. Y.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to determine the poverty status of women farmers in Development Exchange Centre Microcredit of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study utilized primary data collected through a questionnaire administered to 420 selected respondents distributed into 210 Development Exchange (DEC) participants and 210 non-participants using purposive and random sampling procedures. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, the FGT poverty model and Logit regression model. The result of the FGT poverty model revealed that the incidence of poverty among the farming households was 40% and 50% of participants and non-participants. These implied that 60% and 50% of participants and non-participants farm households were not poor. The result of the Logit regression showed that age, education, farm size, farm experience, income, crop output, level of living and access to DEC microcredit were significantly related to the poverty level of the women farmers. This implies that a unit increase in these variables will likely lower household’s head of being poor. The study, therefore, recommends that amount of credit facilities provided should be increased so as to increase productivity, time for repayment of credit facilities should be extended to more than one year and the programme should be extended to other farming communities in the State, so as to accelerate the reduction of poverty among rural women in the state and nation at large.
ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABILITY OF SUGARCANE FARMING IN NIGERIA
Authors: Yakubu, S.  , Sani, M. H.  , Imam, A. B.  , Yakubu, S. A.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to analyze sustainability of sugarcane farming in Nigeria. Kano State was purposively selected with a sample size of 54 sugarcane farmers using randomized sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting and regression analysis. The result showed that 94% of the respondents were male, with an average age of 39 years.  The mean household of the farmers was 8 persons.  The average farm size was 2.3ha; it cost N33,224.22 to produce sugarcane per hectare with revenue of N36,706.17; the gross margin was N3,481.95 and the investment rate of return was 0.10. The findings further disclosed that age, household size, education and labour were significant (P<0.05) and influenced the output of sugarcane farming in Nigeria. The results also reveal that land, sugarcane setts, fertilizer, insecticide and labour had ratios of 2.57, 33.44, 6.55, 1.630, and 0.27, respectively. The study revealed the constraints to sugarcane production in Nigeria to include, small farm holdings, high cost of inputs, inadequate credit, land tenure problem and poor extension services. It was concluded that even though sugarcane production is profitable, land, sugar cane sett, fertilizer and insecticide were underutilized and labour was over utilized. The study recommended that the farmers should increase the use of the underutilized factors and reduce the over utilized inputs; and also, the Government should review land ownership policies and subsidize farming inputs.
EFFECT OF INTRA ROW SPACING AND VARIETY ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmuschus esculentus L. Moench) IN BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdullahi, S. B.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Sabo, U. M.  , Mohammed, A.  , Jibrin. M. S.
Published: April 2023

The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of intra row spacing and variety on the growth and yield of okra at the research farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Gubi Campus, Bauchi State, Nigeria during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of 3 spacing (20, 30 and 40cm) and 3 varieties (Kirikou, Yar-kodom and Clemson spineless) which were factorially combined and laid-down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The result of the experiment revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in plant height, number of leaves, and number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, and yield per hectare. The use of wider intra row spacing significantly affected most of the parameters measured in the 2016 and 2017 except plant height that showed no significant difference in 2017. Among the varieties, assessed Clemson spineless consistently produced higher result on all measured characters and invariable higher yield. The interaction between intra row spacing and variety showed that the use of wider row spacing in combination with the varieties improved the plant height, stem girth and number of pods significantly. From the result obtained, it can be concluded that the use of wider spacing and improved varieties such as Clemson spineless can be adopted for okra production in Bauchi and its environs. The study recommended that farmers should adopt the use of wider intra-row spacing (30 cm and 40 cm) and Clemson spineless variety in the study area.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) VARIETIES IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Waziri, A.  , Amba, A. A.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Ayim, J. O.
Published: April 2023

The experiment was conducted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University teaching and research farm Bauchi, Bauchi State in 2012 and 2013 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of nitrogen fertilizer rate of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80kg N/ha and three different varieties of sesame (NCIR BEN 01M, NCIR BEN 02M and Ex-Sudan). The experiments were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times in both seasons. The results of the experiments showed that, nitrogen fertilizer had significant (P<0.05) effect on the growth and yield of sesame plant. The application of nitrogen fertilizer at 60 kg N/ha significantly (P<0.05) increased plant height, leaf area, number of branches, number of capsules per plant and yield/hectare of sesame plant in both 2012 and 2013 rainy seasons. It was also observed that, Ex-Sudan variety significantly (P<0.05) had higher plant height, leaf area, number of branches, number of capsules per plant and yield/hectare than the other two varieties. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that, the application of 60 kg N/ha to sesame varieties especially Ex-Sudan can be adopted by farmers in the study area for maximum yield.
INFLUENCE OF LAND USE SYSTEMS ON CARBON STOCK AND STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF A TROPICAL ALFISOL
Authors: Adam, A. M.  , Amba, A. A.  , Shehu, B. M.  , Nasir, N. M.  , Jibrin, J. M.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of four adjacent land use systems (Arable [A], Pasture [PL], Fallow [FL] and orchard [OL]) on carbon stock and structural stability of a tropical Alfisol in Sudan Savannan agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. The result reveals that carbon stock was statistically higher (P = 0.03) in OL and FL than the other two land use systems. Carbon stock in the soil increased by 5.67t ha-1 in OL relative to FL for over 10 years. But in contrary, a decline in carbon stock of 6.4 t ha-1 and 4.9 t ha-1 was observed relative to FL in AL and PL, respectively. This indicates soil carbon stock in the study area lost rapidly under continuous arable cropping than any other land use systems. Correlation analysis showed that soil carbon stock in the study area was significantly explained by clay (r = 0.71**), silt (r = 0.54*) and sand (r = -0.70**) contents. The structural stability index (SI) did not significantly vary (P = 0.195) among the land use systems were all values fell below less than 5%  that indicates structurally degraded condition of the soil due to generally small organic carbon content. The structural stability index was significantly related to pH in KCl2, available phosphorus and carbon stock with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.45*, 0.62** and 0.72**, respectively. Therefore, there is a need to adopt proven management practices that enhance and maintain organic carbon content especially in the AL in order to improve productivity and structural stability of the soil vis-à-vis environmental resilience.
RURAL RAPID APPRAISAL OF FADAMA III AF1 PROJECT IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Kolo, A.  , Makka, B.  , Sani, R. M.
Published: April 2023

The study evaluated the impact of Fadama III AF1 based on rapid rural appraisal survey. The Project focused on increasing the household incomes among Fadama production group (PG) and Fadama production clusters (PC) members. This study used propensity score matching (PSM) to select 120 project beneficiaries and 120 non-beneficiaries of Fadama III AF1 project. The result revealed that membership to Fadama production group (PG) and Fadama production clusters (PC) increases as beneficiaries of Fadama III AF1 received intervention. The result showed that there was increase in the proportion of male (80%), female (33.33%), youth (60%) and people with disability (50%) at rapid rural appraisal. The result showed that average household income of male beneficiaries increased to N83,614.77 and female beneficiaries also increased to N36,021.43 at rapid rural appraisal. The result of average yield of rice production was 3,507.04Kg/ha for beneficiaries and 1,796.11kg/ha for non- beneficiaries and there was significant difference at P<0.001. The value of productive assets at the time of rapid rural appraisal was N30,028.04. Furthermore, increased in saving as % productive asset at baseline was 17.32% and at rapid rural appraisal was 30.47%. The result also indicated that, there was increasing change in the level of satisfaction among beneficiaries in terms of operation (90.48%), maintenance (78.57%) and utilization (96.15%) of assets. Physical verification showed that out of 11,337 productive assets acquired, 9,014 (79.51%) were in good condition and 16,404 (84.14%) of users were satisfy with the condition of assets. The findings also indicate that the capacities and abilities of the beneficiaries were enhanced through capacity building to assess their needs, participate in planning, implementation and manage economic activities. The finding also indicated that there was harmonious relationship among Fadama Production group (PG) and Fadama Production Clusters (PC) members and as such, regard themselves as partners in progress. It is recommended that Farmers should be advised through the Agricultural Development Programme to train the farmers on resource utilization and farm management skills to further boost their income and increase their efficiencies through the adoption of the best technologies.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF FISH MARKETING IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Emmanuel, G.  , Bakari, D.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the structure of fish marketing in Taraba State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique consisting of purposive and random sampling was used in selecting 188 respondents. Data were collected with the aid of structured. Frequency tables, percentage, gini coefficient were used to describe and analyze data. T-test was used to test the null hypothesis. Majority (62.2%) of the respondents were retailers while 37.8% were wholesalers. Respondents who sourced their initial capital for the business from their own savings made up 43.9%. About 53.3% were members of cooperatives, 87.8% were non-seasonal traders and 94.4% of the respondents set their price through haggling. Gini coefficient of 0.59 was found amongst the retailers indicating a moderately concentrated market while the wholesalers had a gini coefficient of 0.47 indicating that the market was not concentrated. Fish marketing was tested to be profitable at 5% level of significance. The major constraints associated with fish marketing in the study area were insufficient capital questionnaires, insecurity challenges, among others. Based on these findings, this study recommends that marketers should be effectively linked to available financial institutions so as to obtain soft loans. They should also collaborate with the vigilante group to combat some of the insecurity problems associated with theft.
DISTRIBUTION OF AVAILABLE TRACE ELEMEMTS IN TERMITARIUM AND ADJACENT SOILS IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Authors: Wapa, J. M.  , Iwok, I. T.  , Olu-Agunbiade, O.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to assess some important physico-chemical properties and micronutrient status of termitaria soils compared with the surrounding adjacent undisturbed soils around Gwagwalada, Abuja. A reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out and six (6) different locations with termite mounds were identified. Soil samples from the termite mounds as well as from adjacent lands were collected, bulked separately prepared and analysed in the laboratory for some important physico-chemical properties as well as four metallic micronutrients, (copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)). The result showed that, all the termite mounds have higher clay fractions ranging from 22% to 34% which falls in the textural class of sandy loam. Soil pH (in water) of the termitaria ranges from 5.4 to 6.7, while in the adjacent soils was 6.1 to 6.7. Organic carbon (OC), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were generally higher in the termitaria soils than the adjacent soils, while sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were lower in the termitaria. The result of micronutrients status of the termitaria soils varied based on location, but the adjacent soils generally gave higher values for all the micronutrients than the termitaria. These attributes indicate more desirable characteristics for crop production in termitaria soils. The termitaria soils could thus be used as incidentalb fertilizer that could improve crop production at least on small scale.
DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SECURITY LEVEL OF GINGER FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Fashina, A. O.  , Ugbabe, O. O.  , Usman, S.  , Baba, D.
Published: April 2023

Socio-economic factors are known to be important in achieving food security especially among farming households. This paper analyzed the major determinants of the food security level of ginger farming households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A sample survey of ginger farming households in three Local Government Areas in Kaduna State was conducted. Primary data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and logistic regression. The socio-economic characteristics of the ginger farming households showed that about 77% of the respondents in the sampled areas were of an average age of 40 years. Female headed households were 24% of the sampled households, while 76% were male headed. A total of 66.3% had farming experience of more than 10 years with 92% of the household heads having one level of formal training or the other. More than half of the household sizes were within the range of two to seven persons. The analysis of the food security status of the ginger farming households which encompassed four dimensions of food security showed that 37.8% were food secure while 62.2% were food insecure. The major determinants of the food security level of the ginger farming households in Kaduna State were sex, age, marital status, years of formal education, years of farming experience, household size, secondary occupation, income from primary occupation and farm size. It was concluded that a higher proportion of the ginger farming households were not food secure which could be attributed to their socio-economic factors amongst other factors. The study recommended that social protection interventions that are more nutrition sensitive need to be promoted farming households to eradicate poverty and address food security issues.
ACTIVITY BASED CLASSIFICATION ANALYSIS OF SACHET TABLE WATER PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Hamidu, K.  , Mohammed, I.  , Danwanka, H. A.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the activity-based classification (ABC) analysis of sachet table water production enterprise in Gombe state, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used for the study. Gombe Central enterprises, Gombe South enterprises and Gombe North enterprises were purposively selected. In the study area 45 production enterprises were selected from Gombe central, 15 production enterprises from Gombe South and 10 production enterprises were selected in Gombe North. The total sample size used amounted to 70 enterprises. The data were analyzed using ABC analysis with the aid of quantitative management software. The results revealed that Gombe Central (group A) generated N41.18 million/annum with average (N2.06 million/annum); (group B) N6.11million/annum with average (N0.32 million/annum) and group C generated N9.81 million/annum with average (N1.63 million/annum). Gombe South (group A), N2.29 million/annum with average (N0.20 million/annum) and group B, N8.49 million/annum (N2.12 million/annum). Gombe North (group A), N0.51 million/annum (N0.12 million/annum) and group B, N1.49 million/annum average (N0.24 million/annum). The sum of N57.1 million/annum with an average of (N0.81 million/annum) was generated in Gombe central; Gombe south generated the sum of N10.78 million/annum, average (N0.71 million/annum) and Gombe North generated the sum of N2 million/annum, with an average of N0.20 million/annum. This implies that in Gombe State sachet table water production enterprises generated N69.88 million/annum with an average of (N0.99 million/annum). There were more experienced managers in Gombe Central followed by Gombe South then finally Gombe North. With regards to inventory, the enterprises that fall under group B were 19 where each enterprise had 30% of items in the inventory which generated 15% of the total income invested in the enterprise annually, where N6.11 million/annum was realized in group B with an average of N0.32 million/annum. The study recommended that the people in Gombe State should engage in sachet table water production because it will improve the productivity of the citizens and the country at large.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FUEL WOOD CONSUMPTION IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abah, D.  , Umeonuora, T. G.  , Jimehena, T. S.
Published: April 2023

The study empirically investigated the economics of fuel wood consumption in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Data for the study were obtained from primary source using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The study found out that; there were more male (75.0%) fuel wood consumers than female (25%) fuel wood consumers in the study area, majority (33.3%) of consumers were aged between 21-40 years and majority (75.0) were married. Most (86.7) of the farmers had one form of formal education or the other; their occupation was farming (73.3%) with 25years of fuel wood consumption experience and most (89.2%) of the farmers had average income of less than N50,000 per month. The study also established that marital status (-6221.988) and income per month (66542.580) had significant effect on fuel wood consumption and demand in the study area. The result also showed that fuel wood products was important with high demanded for cooking, rice milling, roasting of meat, fish preservation bricks production and laundry/ironing in the study area. The study therefore, recommended that Government and non-government organizations should embark on public enlightenment campaigns to inform the citizen on the consequences of fuel wood consumption such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss.
EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
Authors: Ogebe, O. F.  , Ogah, O. M.  , Dzever, D. D.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted in three (3) States of the North-Central Nigeria to investigate the factors hindering the performance of SMEs in the area. The survey covered a period of five (5) months from March to July, 2019. The study employed the case study design whereby descriptive and explanatory data were captured by the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 720 respondents from 18 Council Wards across the three States of North-Central Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through well-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview. The results of the inferential statistics revealed that SMEs performance were influenced by internal and external factors such as entrepreneurial characteristics, marketing skills, access to external financing and other environmental factors. The regression results showed that the most significant factors affecting the performance of SMEs in the study area were: demographic characteristics (age and educational level of SMEs owners and managers), capital structure (source of initial capital and capital size) and marketing strategy (advertisement). The study further found that capital size has the highest significant impact at t = 28.22; and P<0.000 on SMEs performance compared to other factors implying that those SMEs owners who invested large amount of money get higher income compared to those who invested little. The study concluded that government should tailor its policies to enhance SMEs performance by providing adequate training to SMEs owners and managers so that SMEs can grow and prosper in building the economy of the States. The study recommended that government should improve SMEs access to finance by deepening the reform of the banking system such as reform on interest rate and collateral requirements for effective performance of SMEs in the study area.
ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENTIALS IN INCOME INEQUALITY AMONG CRAYFISH HARVESTING HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED STATES OF NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Authors: Etim, E. J.  , Baba, K. M.  , Ojo, M. A.  , Ndanitsa, M. A.
Published: April 2023

The study examined empirically gender differentials in income inequality, among crayfish harvesting households in some selected State of Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. A multi-stage and stratified random sampling techniques was employed in selecting a total of 409 (300 males and 109 females) crayfish harvesters. A structured questionnaire and interview schedule survey was used for the study. Descriptive statistical tools (percentages, frequencies and means) and inferential statistics (gini coefficient and Lorenz curve) were used to analyze the data of the study. The results revealed that income inequality of male crayfish harvesters (0.64) was higher than that of females (0.58). However, the pooled result showed that the level of income inequality among the crayfish harvesters in the areas was generally high (0.63). The study recommended that government should ensure gender equality and equity in the provision, allocation and distribution of productive (harvesting) resources and services, women should be given unrestricted access to productive resources, be made to have fair share in the family wealth, be integrated in policy formulation and implementation on community matters, and be given power to take decision in the sector among others.
ANALYSIS OF NATURE AND EXTENT OF LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION BY OIL PALM FARMERS IN SOUTHERN EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Omofonmwan, E. I.  , Adewuyi, S. A.  , Adeyemi, O. R.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the nature and extent of livelihood diversification of small-scale oil-palm farming households in Edo State, Nigeria. Primary data was sourced using structured questionnaire from 120 oil palm farmers selected through multistage sampling techniques. Data were obtained on personal characteristics, livelihood activities, income, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Simpson Index of Diversification (SID). Findings revealed that livelihood activities engaged in by oil palm farmers were cultivation of maize (26.7%), cassava (26.7%), yam (16.7%), plantain (13.3%), hunting (30.0%), processing 37.5%), collection of forest fruits (35.8%), wage employment (32.5%), trading (30.8%), and artisan trade (39.2%). The enterprises engaged in by the farmers were oil-palm only (10.8%), oil-palm–on-farm (18.3%), oil-palm-off-farm (6.7%), oil-palm-non-farm (8.3%), oil-palm-on-farm-off-farm (10%), oil-palm-on-farm-non-farm (25%), oil-palm-off-farm-non-farm (4.2%), and oil-palm-on-farm-off-farm-non-farm (16.7%). The results of SID revealed that 89.2% of the households combined oil palm with other activities with mean value of SID (0.52) implying that the farmers were highly diversified. The study concluded that oil-palm households practiced a diversified livelihood. The study recommended the need to sustain oil-palm production and the development of appropriate strategies such as farmer-friendly and effective insurance products, especially for the resource-poor rural households to facilitate successful livelihood diversification and to protect the farmers from adverse shocks.
NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA (DOMESTIC PIGEON) AND COLUMBA GUINEA (SPECKLED PIGEON) MUSCLE TISSUE MEAL AS POTENTIAL ANIMAL PROTEIN INGREDIENT IN AQUACULTURE
Authors: Laurat, H. T.  , Isiyaku, M. S.  , Nasir, M. A.  , Umar, R.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to examine the Nutritional characterization of columba livia domestica (domestic pigeon) and columba guinea (speckled pigeon) muscle tissue meal as potential animal protein ingredient in aquaculture. The proximate composition, some mineral contents and amino acids profile were determined in Columba liviadomestica (domestic pigeon) and Columba guinea (speckled pigeon) found in Zaria, Kaduna State. The result showed significant difference in the whole weight between speckled pigeon (282.42 ±4.54) and domestic pigeon (272.66 ±8.71), gutted weight two avian species showed no significant difference (P> 0.05), domestic pigeon (201.50±4.10) had a higher gutted weight than speckled pigeon (180.68±6.34). There was significant difference in crude protein (66.70±0.70) content compared to speckled pigeon crude protein (62.18±0.32) contents. The ash content (4.51±0.14), crude fibre (0.82±0.17) and nitrogen free extract (9.82.±0.18) of speckled pigeon was lower than that of domestic pigeon with ash content (4.78±0.22), crude fibre (1.11±0.06) and nitrogen free extract (10.47±0.32). The study further disclosed significant difference in Mg, Na and K composition between the two columbid species; however; amino acid of both species did not differ significantly (P>0.05). In conclusion, speckled and domestic pigeon muscle tissues were rich in crude protein, mineral and amino acids and, therefore, recommended for use as a valuable inclusive component as animal protein sources in aquaculture feed industries.