bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF GROSS FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION AND SELECTED INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY INSTRUMENTS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA: AN AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG (ARDL) MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Awuna, J. M.  , Musa, A. U.  , Onah, A. E.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed the agricultural productivity effects of gross fixed capital formation, exchange rate and agricultural tariff. The study utilized secondary data spanning from 1980 to 2022. Augmented Dickey Fuller Test was used to test for stationarity among variables, Johansen Cointegration test was used to test for long run relationship between variables. Vector Error Correction Model was used to analyze the effect of gross fixed capital formation, agricultural tariff and exchange rate on agricultural productivity. The result of the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test for unit root indicated that the variables agricultural output and gross fixed capital formation were stationary at level while, agricultural tariff and exchange rate became stationary on first differencing. Further investigation into the series properties of the variables through the use of Johansen co-integration mechanism indicates that there was one co-integrating equation among the variables. The results of the ARDL for long-run indicated that Cointegrating equation [CointEq(-1)] was statistically significant and negative (-0.171646) at 1% probability level (p<0.01) indicating a moderate speed of adjustment (that is, the speed at which the deviation from long run equilibrium is adjusted quickly where 0.171 of the disequilibrium is removed immediately in each period). Specifically, the coefficients of inflation rate (-0.103255) and agricultural tariff (-1.110961) were negative and statistically significant at 1% probability level (p<0.01). The study concluded that raising trade policy instruments such as inflation rate and agricultural tariff will negatively affect agricultural productivity. The study therefore recommended that Government should lower tariffs on agricultural goods so as to encourage import and exports within the agricultural sector. This will promote local production and boost productivity.
GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD OF TRITICALE AS INFLUENCED BY IRRIGATION INTERVALS, NITROGEN RATES AND WEEDING REGIMES
Authors: Yusuf, N. B.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Shuaibu, Y. M.  , Bala, R. A.
Published: October 2024

Field experiment was conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 dry seasons at Saulawa (Latitude 12040’11”N and Longitude 7048’19”E) in Katsina State to study the response of triticale (Triticale triticosecale wittmack) to irrigation intervals, nitrogen rates and weeding regimes. The treatments consisted of 3 irrigation intervals (5, 7 and 9 days), 4 nitrogen rates (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1) and 3 weeding regimes (No weeding, one weeding at 20 days after sowing (DAS) and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS). These were factorially combined and arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Irrigation intervals were allocated to main plot while nitrogen rates and weeding regimes were allocated to the sub-plots. Data were collected on Leaf area index, Crop growth rate, Net assimilation, 1000 grain weight and Grain yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. Results of the experiment revealed a significant (P≤0.05) difference among the treatments throughout the study period. The result further showed that, growth and yield of triticale were significantly (P≤0.05) higher at 5 days irrigation interval with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 and weeded twice at 20 and 40 DAS. Irrigation interval beyond 5 days significantly (P≤0.05) decreased triticale growth and yield. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly (P≤0.05) influenced growth and yield of the crop. Similarly, two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS significantly (P≤0.05) increased yield and most of the growth characters. Based on the result of this findings, growing triticale under 5 days irrigation interval with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS influenced growth and yield of the crop and is therefore recommended for better yield in the study area.
FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN SORGHUM (SORGHUM bicolor L.) PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdullahi, M.  , Abu, I. A.  , Sani, M. H.
Published: October 2024

The study examined factors influencing farmers’ participation in sorghum production in central zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 160 respondents. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that 90%, 76.9% and 51.9% of the respondents were male, married and were within their active ages of production, respectively. Majority (91.9% and 87.5%) of the respondents were full time and subsistence sorghum farmers with the majority (64.4%) of the respondents had farming experience of 2-7 years. Majority (75.6% and 68.8%) of the respondents belonged to farmers association with annual income of 12,000-49,600 respectively. The result further revealed that factors such as marital status, educational level, farm size, extension contacts/visits, land acquisition and membership of association were significantly influencing farmers participation in sorghum production in the study area at (P<0.01), P<0.05) and (P<0.10), respectively. Inadequate land (95.6%), high cost of herbicides (94.4%) and insecticides (93.8%) were the major constraints faced by the respondents and were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The study concluded that, marital status, level of education, farm size, extension contact, land acquisition and membership of association were the factors influencing farmers participation in sorghum production. It was recommended that Government and other stakeholders should provide farmers with adequate and affordable inputs before the onset of raining season, government should recruit more extension agents to facilitate farmers’ participation in sorghum production and also, government should provide adequate improved seeds at subsidized rates to sorghum farmers.
EFFECT OF SOWING METHODS, CUTTING AGE AND GRAZING ABILITY ON GROWTH COMPONENTS AND QUALITY OF Merremia tridentata IN SEMI-ARID BORNO STATE
Authors: Girgiri, A. Y.  , Modu-Kagu, H. A.  , Abdulazeez, H.  , Mustapha, U. M.  , Mohammed, H.
Published: October 2024

The study was carried out to determine the effect of sowing method, cutting age and grazing ability on growth components and quality of Merremia tridentata in semi-arid region of Borno State. The treatments three different sowing methods (drilling, dribbling and broadcasting), these were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on Plant height, Leaf number, Leaf width and leaf length per at 4, 6, 8 weeks after sowing and 2 weeks regrowth after grazing. The result of the study showed that, sowing methods have no significant (P<0.05) influence on growth components at 4 weeks after sowing. At 6 weeks after sowing plant height and leaf number were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with values ranging from 24.92 – 33.05 cm and 46.44 – 58.11 cm, respectively with broadcasting method having the highest values. At 8 weeks after sowing all growth components were significantly (P<0.05) affected. Plant height and leaf length at 2 weeks after grazing were significantly (P<0.05)(p<0.05) different influenced by sowing method with the highest values of 30.28 and 4.37 cm, respectively recorded under broadcasting. Proximate composition of Merremia tridentata shows that dry matter, crude fibre, ether extract and ash values were not significantly (P<0.05) affected. However, crude protein and nitrogen free extract were significantly (P<0.05) different with values ranging from 12.82 to 14.82 % and 59.78 to 64.20 %, respectively. Based on the result of this findings, it is concluded that growth of Merremia tridentata is improved by using broadcasting method as it recorded the highest growth component value, high nutritive value and the ability to withstand grazing by sheep.
PRODUCTIVITY FACTOR AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH YAM FARMING AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Onyemekonwu, R. C.  , Chisonum, M.  , Onyemekihian, F.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the productivity factor and constraints associated with yam farming among smallholder farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a cross-section of 208 respondents through the administration of 230 questionnaires and adopting the multistage sampling method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Marginal Value Productivity (MVP). The results showed that males dominated yam production (93.3%), the respondents were ageing (mean = 53 years) and a majority (85.1%) of them were married. They had a low level of education and farming experience of 7 and 20 years respectively. The result also revealed that farmers in the study area cultivated an average of 2 hectares. The farmers were found to operate at an increasing return to scale (RTS = 1.545). Allocative efficiency was never achieved in yam production in the study area with the ratio of marginal value product (MVP) of the inputs to the inputs’ acquisition prices found to be either less than unity or greater than unity. The problems facing yam production in the study area were; Low price of the product (mean = 2.79), high cost of staking (mean = 2.66) and high cost of labour (mean = 2.62). The study concluded that no allocative efficiency in yam production was achieved implying that there was inefficient allocative efficiency in yam production in the study area; Factors such as land, seedlings and labour were over-utilized while staking material and seedlings were under-utilized by small-scale yam farmers in the study area. It was recommended that provision should be made by relevant authorities to make land available to prospective yam farmers to avoid the over-use of the farmer’s existing holdings, the high cost of labour should be addressed through the mechanization of some of the operations in yam production and the attraction of yam-producing communities to the young school leavers through the provision of basic amenities
EFFECT OF LIQUID NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND TIME OF APPLICATION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, M. K.  , Shuaibu, Y. M.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Kawure, S.
Published: October 2024

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar nitrogen fertilizer and time of application on the growth and yield of sorghum at Student’s Demonstration Farm of the Bauchi State Collage of Agriculture, during the rainy season of 2018 and 2019. The treatments consisted of four rates of foliar nitrogen fertilizer (0, 1, 2 and 3 L/ha) and three times of application (once, twice and thrice). These were factorially combined to give 12 treatment combination and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Data collected during the experiment were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. Results of the experiment indicated that, growing of sorghum using foliar nitrogen fertilizer with different times of application had significant (P≤0.05) effect on all the characters measured. It was further revealed that, application of foliar nitrogen fertilizer at rate of 1, 2 and 3 L/ha significantly (P≤0.05) influenced the growth and yield of sorghum better than the control. The result further revealed that, application of liquid nitrogen fertilizer twice and thrice significantly (P≤0.05) promoted growth and yield of sorghum and proved to be better than applying once. Based on the result of this study, growing sorghum with the application of foliar nitrogen fertilizer at the rates of 1 to 2 L/ha two to three times promoted the growth and yield of sorghum and can be adopted by farmers in the study area for improved sorghum production.
ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY RESULTING FROM PROJECTED CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF ORASHI FARMERS IN NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Authors: Cookey, A. T.  , Unaeze, H. C.
Published: October 2024

The study was conducted to assess the vulnerability resulting from projected climate change and the rate of intervention by various institutions on the livelihood of Orashi framers in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that on the socio-economic characteristics of displaced persons and institutions, 52% of the climate refugees were female. 90% of the farms were all in rural areas. 38% were within the age of 40-49 years, Approximately 50% had spent 6 years in school and the majority 57% had a household size of 4-7 persons, 38% had 1-3 persons, 3% had within 8-11 persons while 2% had above 11 persons. Going further the result on the Institution’s socioeconomic characteristics reveals that the majority of the Institutions are public and are locally based with a staff strength of above 30 persons On socio-economic characteristics as they affect their response to agricultural productivity using the probit model shows that because they are displaced and currently in a displaced camp their response towards their livelihood is low.. The vulnerability category vulnerability category of 0.148-0.167 placed Ahoada West LGA as the most vulnerable landscape. Similarly, the vulnerability range of 0.144-0.148 placed Abua and Ahoada East LGAs as moderately vulnerable landscape. In contrast, the vulnerability range of 0.001-0.144 placed Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA as less vulnerable landscape. The study concluded that Institutions are the media through which external intervention reinforce and that local institutions play a key role in shaping the extent to which communities became vulnerable and respond to environmental risks. Therefore the study recommended that to help maintain cultural identity, community, and dignity, it would seem more just to attempt to relocate refugees who chose that option such that they are relocated to places where they will be together with member of their family, community, and broader and Government should design a multi-sectorial approach so as to build the capacity of Institutions in order to address the issue of climate refugees.
IMPACT OF POTATO VALUE CHAIN SUPPORT PROJECT (PS-PVCSP) AMONG BENEFICIARIES IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Baleri, Y. N.  , Haruna, U.  , Garba, M.  , Abubakar, U.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the impact of Potato Value Chain Support Project (PVCSP) among beneficiaries in Plateau State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 390 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics and propensity score matching. The result revealed that, the major actors in the Irish potato value chain were producers (48.21%) and marketers (3.8%). Advisory services (42.5%) and inputs support (25.64%) were the major support provided by the project. The results further indicated a mean difference in the yield after the project of 9,916.78kg/ha and a mean income of ₦468,568.06 difference after the project. The major constraints to the project implementation were high cost of the fungicide promoted (57.2%), none participation of the right people in the project (54.6%), corruption (52.1%) and high cost of fertilizer (47.9%) among others.  It was concluded that the PS-PVCSP had positive impact on the respondents’ income and yield. In addition, there was significant increase in potato cultivation after the project. Based on the result of this study, farm inputs such as fertilizer and other chemicals should be made available and affordable to farmers. Beneficiaries should be encouraged to form cooperative societies to access loans and procure inputs to enjoy economics of scale.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION ON TRAINING NEEDS OF EXTENSION AGENTS IN YOBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Idris, S. P.  , Bose, A. A.  , Idi, S.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed impact of Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) on training of extension personnel in Yobe State, Nigeria. Multiple sampling techniques was used in selecting the fifty two extension personnel were selected. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were male, married and had attended certain levels of formal education. Also the result revealed that extension agents had an average age of 42.6 years. The findings further shows an average of 16.0 years of experience, also with an average of 9.0 persons per households. Postharvest handling (98.1%), pest and disease management (98.1%), value addition (92.3%), fertilizer application (88.5%), extension teaching methods (88.5%) were found to be the major areas of training provided by NGOs to extension personnel. Inadequate funding (100%), inadequate extension agents (96.2%), lack of incentives/motivations (96.2%) and administrative bottleneck (82.7%) were the major constraints faced by the extension personnel. The study concluded that extension personnel had received various training from the NGOs. The study recommends that should form associations/cooperatives and pull down resources collectively to increases their access to inputs. Also NGOs should be encouraged more to support agricultural extension services in the study area.
FACTORS INFLUENCING PARTICIPATION OF SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMERS IN THE ANCHOR BORROWER PROGRAMME (ABP) IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ali, M. A.  , Garba, A.  , Sani R. M.
Published: October 2024

The Study assessed the Factors Influencing Participation of Small Holder Rice Farmers in the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to select 258 smallholder rice farmers, 129 non-Anchor borrower program participant (NABP) and 129 Anchor borrower programme participant (ABP). Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and Tobit regression.  The result shows that, majority of the respondents were in active age, 20-30years 73(28.3%); in term of marital status, most of respondents 55.8% were married, 69.8% of the respondents were male and most (72.9%) the respondents were literate. The result also revealed that (53.0%) of the respondents were members of the cooperative society. Average farming experience was 12 years and mean household size was 9 years with mean farm size of 1.5ha. The result of Tobit regression indicated that yield, extension visit, were positive and significant at P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively in an influencing participation in ABP, it also shows that multidimensional poverty index, awareness was negative and significant at (P>0.01) and (P>0.01) in influencing participation in ABP in the study area. The major constraints to the participation of smallholder rice farmers in ABP as reported were, inadequate inputs, farmers level of education, land tenure system, and poor funding which were ranked 1st, 2nd, 2nd and 4th respectively. The study recommended that, Federal Government should consolidated on the gain of ABP in the state by increasing the fund for the programme in the State and make sure more smallholders rice farmers (SHF) benefit from the programme given that the programme has enhanced both income and outputs of the beneficiaries, Government and other stakeholders should encourage timely provision of inputs to ABP participants, Other agricultural and financial institutions in the State should streamline their procedure for securing loans in order to make it easy to farmers.
DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES BY FARMERS IN NORTHERN ZONE OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Peter, M.  , Haruna, U.  , Sani, R. M.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the determinants of adoption of improved potato production technologies by farmers in in Northern Zone of Plateau State. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 210 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result reveals that majority (76.5%) of the respondents had access to extension agent and 84.5% of the respondents received extension visit annually. Majority (72.5%) of the respondents indicated extension agents as their sources of information. Above half (58.0%) of the respondents were aware of recommended potato production technologies. The major technologies adopted by the respondents were improved planting materials (96.5%), optimum fertilizer application (92.0%) and improved use of herbicides (87.0%) which were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The result also revealed that years of experience (P˂0.01), membership of association (P˂ 0.05), yield output (P˂ 0.01), and access to extension agent (P˂ 0.05) significantly influenced the adoption of recommended potato production technologies in the study area. The major constraints faced by the respondents were inadequate improved planting materials (1st), improved use of herbicides (2nd) and insufficient information (3rd). The study concluded that most of the respondents had no access to extension services but had adopted and used most of the recommended potato production technologies in the study area. Hence the need for potato farmers should form and joint cooperatives and associations to increase their awareness and access to recommended production practices. Also, authorities and NGOs should help to recruit and train more personnel in extension teaching and potato farmers should pull down resources and purchase equipment and tools to assist in adoption and uses of recommended potato production technologies to enhance productivity.
FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS INCOME IN GROUNDNUTS VALUE CHAIN IN WESTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, Z.M.  , Idi, S.  , Hamidu, B.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the factors influencing farmers’ income in groundnuts value chain in western agricultural zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used in selecting 180 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result reveal that farm size (P≤ 0.05), household size (P≤ 0.05), fertilizer (P≤ 0.05) labour (P≤ 0.05), farming experience (P≤ 0.01) and seeds (P≤ 0.01) were the significant factors influencing the income of groundnut producers. The result of factors influencing groundnut marketing reveal that age (P≤ 0.01), price of groundnut (P≤ 0.01) and transportation (P≤ 0.01) were the significant factors influencing the groundnut marketing while income (P≤ 0.01), membership of cooperatives (P≤ 0.01) and educational level (P≤ 0.05) were the significant factors influencing the groundnut processing. However, the major constraints faced by groundnut producers were high cost of labour (68.0%), lack of access to credits (64.0%) and inadequate capital (60.0%), while the groundnut marketers were constrained by inadequate capital (75.0%), high cost of labour (70.8%), tax (70.8%) and seasonality (66.7%). The study concluded that household size packaging and prices of the groundnut significantly influenced the marketing income of the respondent. Similarly, household size, farming experience, farm size, fertilizers and labour were the affecting the productivity while sex, membership of association price and cost of groundnut oil significantly affect the income of groundnut processors in the study area. It is recommended that groundnut value chain actors should participate in cooperative membership to take advantage of economies of scale. Government should provide incentives and high quality seeds to groundnut value chain actors in the study area.
GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE IN SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor (L.)Moench) ACCESSIONS FROM WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA
Authors: Mangshin, G.B.  , Buba, U.M.  , Dama, A. Z.  , Lawal, A.A.
Published: October 2024

The study was conducted to evaluate the variability of sorghum accessions from West and Central Africa and estimate heritability and genetic advance for important agronomic traits at the Sadore Research Station of ICRISAT Niamey, during the 2018 dry season. The treatment consisted of Seventy-five (75) sorghum germplasm accessions of WCA origin, collected from the gene bank at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and were field-evaluated using randomized complete block design with two replications.cData were collected on grain yield and agronomic traits and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and heritability and genetic advances were estimated. Result of the study revealed that, atotal of 51 accessions among the 75 used for the study exhibited photoperiodism and did not reach harvest maturity. However, variability among the remaining 24 photoperiod non-sensitive accessions was high; this was indicated by the larger range in mean values for the quantitative traits. The result further indicated a higher magnitude of variation for grain yield (GCV = 108.6%) and 100-seed weight (GCV = 31.6%). High heritability and high predicted genetic advance expressed as percent of mean were also observed for grain yield (92.0%, 214.5%), 100-seed weight (76.7%, 57.00%), plant height (72.8%, 22.6%) and panicle length (70.9%, 32.1%). The high genetic variability found in these accessions coupled with the high heritability and genetic advance, especially in quantitative traits, suggest the presence of additive gene action in these traits, thus giving a better scope for selection. With grain yield and 100-seed weight showing the most variability as compared to other traits, selection for grain yield on the basis of 100-seed weight can be effective considering its high GCV, heritability and genetic advance. Therefore selection among these accessions for traits of interest is feasible, however, a molecular studies of the inheritance of these traits will give a more precise outcome. Molecular studies of the inheritance of these traits is further recommended to give a more precise approach to the selection of these traits.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) USE AMONG HUNGRY RICE (ACCHA) FARMERS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Michael, I. W.  , Garba, A.  , Hamidu, B.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the information and communication technology used by hungry rice farmers in Jos South and Barikin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 160 respondents as the sample size of the study. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 51.9% of the respondents were male while 48.1% were female. Majority (43.75%) were within the age of 20-29 years with a mean age of 35.4 years. The respondents had a mean household size of 7 persons, cultivating an average farm size of 2.43 hectares and had a mean farming experience of 4.40 years in hungry rice farming. The findings revealed that the use of radio, television and mobile phone has increased the income and livelihood of the hungry rice farmers due to new methods learnt from agricultural programmes, also hungry rice farmers have been exposed to latest technology on hungry rice production through watching of documentaries and communicating with other hungry rice farmers and customers. Age, farm size and farming experience were statistically significant (P< 0.01) and (P< 0.05) respectively. The study also revealed that the problems faced by the respondents were irregular power supply (41.3%), high cost of ICT devices (50.0%), and inadequate knowledge on technical know-how (46.3%). The study concluded that age, farm size and farming experience were the factors that influence the use of ICT among Acha farmers in the study area. It was therefore recommended that hungry rice farmers should be encouraged to access and utilize ICTs by supporting them financially and materially by the governments and private sectors/donor agencies and government should improve on electricity supply to the rural areas which will enable the farmers to utilize the ICT devices.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED ONION PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN WESTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Emmanuel, K. P.  , Sulaiman, A.  , Abu, I. A.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the factors influencing adoption of recommended onion production practices among farmers in western agricultural zone of Bauchi state, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 201 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and tobit regression analysis. The result of the study revealed that 37.3% of the respondents were youth with a mean age of 42yrs, 69.7% were male and 75.6% were married, 61.7% had a household size of 1-10 persons, 64.2% had a farming experience of 1-10 years. Substantial proportion (36.8%) of the respondent had secondary education and 62.7% of the respondents were members of a cooperatives. The findings also revealed that 89.6% & 76;6% of the respondents had a farm size of 1-4 hectares and a yearly extension visit, respectively. The level of adoption of onion production technologies documented that, use of recommended land preparation, use of recommended improved variety, planting method by transplanting, planting (mid june), plant spacing of 15×15 cm, recommended fertilizer application (organic20-25ton/ha or 300kg/ha of 15-15-15), recommended methods of fertilizer application(placement), weeding (used of herbicides), diseases control (use of agro-chemicals) and pests’ control (pesticides) were the technologies adopted at various levels. Age, farm size and access to credit were the major socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of recommended onion production technologies in the study area at P ≤ 0.05, P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01 levels of significance, respectively. The major constraints faced by the onion farmers were low technical know-how (4.06), inadequate processing facilities (4.04) and inadequate storage facilities (3.86). In conclusion, the age, farm size and access to credits are the major factors influencing the adoption of recommended onion production practices in the study area. It is recommended that more storage facilities should be provided in order to reduce the loss farmers incurred after production and farmers should be trained on modern onion production and storage to enable the operate in less risky environment.
GENDERED PATH TO MARKET PARTICIPATION OF SMALL-HOLDER COWPEA (VIGNA. UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.) FARMERS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Shehu, A*.  , Kadfur, M.I.  , Yusuf, H.A.  , Saddiq, N.M.
Published: October 2024

The study analysed gender-based market participation of cowpea farmers in Borno state, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 593 cowpea farmers, comprising of 150 females and 443 males and primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square and Tobit regression were used to analyse the data. The result showed that the average ages of both females and males were 48.83 (13.89) and 44.29 (13.83) years respectively, the average years of formal education for females and males were 5.08 (5.08) and 8.97 (5.91) years respectively. Less than half (41%) of females and the majority (58%) of males were members of a group. Equally, less than half (40% and 37.9%) of females and males respectively had access to market information. The result further revealed that the majority (62.7% and 68.62%) of females and males respectively sold their cowpea outside their village. The level of cowpea market participation was high for females and males (53.58% and 55.39 respectively) with no significant difference (Chi2=0.591, P≥0.1). Tobit estimates showed that Household size was positively significant (P≤0.1), Age, Years of formal education, and group membership were found to be negative but significant (P≤0.01, P≤0.01 and P≤0.05 respectively). It is concluded that there is no gender inequality regarding to cowpea market participation in Borno State Nigeria. The use of conventional market channels that are gender-friendly is recommended to improve cowpea market participation.
EXTENSION SERVICES AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN MEZAM DIVISION, CAMEROON
Authors: Tambi, D. M.  , Mukum, M. E.
Published: October 2024

This study examined the role of extension service delivery on agricultural production in Mezam division, Cameroon. The objectives targeted are: to analyze the influence of agricultural extension service on agricultural production in Mezam Division and to verify the challenges associated with enhancing agricultural production. Methodologically, the study employed 2SLS technique to estimate the result. Primary data was collected among 200 farmers in the Mezam Division using a well-structured questionnaire via simple random sampling. The result shows that extension service delivery is strongly correlating with agricultural production. In addition, agricultural training, education and the frequency of extension agent visiting a farmer and access to credit were equally observed to be influencing agricultural production in the study area. The study equally shows that difficulties consulting extension agent, climate change, transportation cost due to poor farms to markets roads, were found to be negative constraints of agricultural production. The study recommends that, the decision makers should create more awareness on the importance of the employment of extension service delivery workers; it’s a wise step towards augmenting agricultural production. Equally, that stakeholders in the domain of agriculture, should strategically consider agricultural production constraints such as difficulties consulting extension agent, climate change, transportation cost due to poor farms to markets roads to improve on agricultural production.
ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY PERSISTENCE AND VULNERABILITY OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ayantoye, K.  , Fanifosi, G. E.  , Amao, J. O.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed persistence and vulnerability to poverty among rural households in Nigeria. The Nigeria - Living Standards Survey (NLSS) of year 2018 – 2019 dataset was used. Employing 3-stage Feasible Generalized Linear Regression (FGLS) to estimate vulnerability to poverty; the average age of the respondents stood at 48 years with average household size of 6 and dependant of 4 on average. The result further showed that higher proportion of the rural households were vulnerable to poverty. Less than half (44%) of the households were highly vulnerable to poverty and 34.5% were moderately vulnerable to poverty. The expected poverty was higher (71.4%) than the observed poverty (67.1%), indicating that higher poverty is imminent in future. Furthermore, the study shows that the coefficient of primary education (p = 0.075), access to credit (p = 0.000), electricity (p = 0.033), farm asset (p = 0.000), and remittance (p = 0.043) indicated a negative sign and significantly influence vulnerability to poverty. In conclusion, poverty will persist and increase with rise in age, dependency ratio, covariate and idiosyncratic shocks, lack of formal education, distance to health facility and type of toilet used by the respondents. The study therefore recommends prompt implementation of measures that will reduces shocks specific to regions in the country.
ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME VIRUS ON PORK PRODUCTION IN DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL, DISTRICT, NIGERIA
Authors: Onwumere-Idolor, O. S.  , Okhale, O. E.  , Owigho, O.  , Mukoro, J. E.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed the economic impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on pork production in Delta South Senatorial, District. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 83 pork producers for the study. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study showed that most of the pork producers in the study area were males, 57.0% were married; 47.3% of the pork producers had 6-20 years of pork production experience and majority of pork producers had relatively high level of education. The results also revealed that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus has negative economic impact (P<0.05) on pork production in Delta South Senatorial District. It was found out that there is no significant (P>0.05) difference between the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on the economic impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on pork production in Delta South Senatorial District. From the findings of this study, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is associated with illness which causes reduction in growth rates and mortalities in all ages of pigs which leads to economic losses. It can therefore be recommended among others that the three tiers of government should organize public enlightenment programme to create awareness on measures to control porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus against pork production.
SENSORY PROPERTIES OF DAMBUN NAMA, FRIED AND PEPPER MEAT PRODUCTS PROCESSED FROM ISA BROWN LAYER CHICKENS
Authors: Musa, G. D.  , Muhammad, A. S.  , Kalla, D. J. U.  , Jama’a, N. A.
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the sensory properties of Isa brown Chicken Meat. Isa brown Layers were slaughtered, dressed and cut into pieces. The Meat was boiled and subjected to three processing methods namely Dambun Nama, Fried Meat and Pepper Meat using locally sourced ingredients and spices. A sample size thirty (30) staff and students of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi were served the three meat products. Data were collected using a 9-point Hedonic scale on palatability, juiciness, tenderness, flavor, color, texture and acceptability. Results revealed that the best (P< 0.05) palatability value of 8.77 was obtained on the pepper meat, where as other parameters where not significantly affected by the different processing method. It was concluded that the three products were suitably and generally acceptable to the taste panelists, however, for long storage and long-distance travelers, Dumbun Nama is recommended due to its better shelf life.
EFFECTS OF MUTATIONS OF MYOSTATIN (MSTN) GENE IN BREEDS OF SHEEP IN NIGERIA
Authors: Zakka, T. E.  , Mancha, Y. P.  , Bello, K. M.  , Garba, A. M.  , Luka, P. N.
Published: October 2024

Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF8), also known as myostatin, is a member of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. It has been reported to act as a negative extracellular regulator and a significant negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, muscle growth, and development. This research was carried out to identify the effects of molecular genetic variation of the myostatin (MSTN) gene in breeds of sheep in Nigeria, using, in silico tools. A total of eight myostatin (MSTN) nucleotide sequences were retrieved from NCBI (National Centre for Biotechnology Information) website (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) it was aligned, translated, and compared using Clustal W from MEGA to find genetic distances and evolutionary relationships. BLAST tool was used to align and identify the mutations of the sequences considered. The variation in sequence length base pairs (bp) were 511 and 580 bp. Functional analysis of missense mutations using SIFT identified twenty-one (21) amino acids substitutions in the myostatin (MSTN) gene sequences. (18 were tolerant or beneficial while 3 were deleterious or harmful). There were 7 Essential to Essential substitutions, 5 Essential to Non-Essential substitutions, 4 Non-Essential to Non-Essential substitutions, 5 Non-Essential to Essential substitutions. The beneficial mutations were more prevalent than the harmful mutations. There should be Implementation of selective breeding strategies to propagate the beneficial mutations identified, enhancing muscle growth and meat yield in breeds of sheep in Nigeria.
DETERMINANTS TO CHOICE OF MODE OF ROAD TRANSPORTATION BY RICE MARKETERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.
Authors: Ogbonna, S. I.  , Nwandu, P. I.
Published: October 2024

The study examined study examined the determinant to choice of mode of road transportation by rice marketers in Anambra State Nigeria. Multistage random sampling was used to select 120 respondents. Structured questionnaire and oral interview were used data and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results showed that 43.3% of the rice marketers fell within the age bracket of 41-50 years, while 37.5%, 10.84% and 8.33% were within the age of 31-40, 21-30 and 50 and above years respectively. The results also revealed that the modes of transportation in the study area preferred by the respondents were motor cycle (88.33%), tricycle, truck (71.14%), head porterage (54.2%) and taxi (51.67%). The results further showed that the factors that influence choice of transportation for marketing of rice were fatigue and sick to marketers (81.67%), perishability and decay of produce (77.5%), price fluctuation of produce (76.67%), loss of produce due to road accident (75%), delay supply of produce (71.67%), reduction in market value of produce (68.33), reduces the quality of agricultural produce (66.67%) and damage to agricultural produce (65%). the results logistic regression revealed that educational level and marketing experience were positive and significance in influencing the choice of mode of transportation among rice marketers in the study area. The results also revealed bad road network (93.33%), high-cost transportation (83.33%), frequent accidents (76.67%), taxations (76.67%), inadequate roads (51.6%) and poor road maintenance (50%) were the constraints to the choice of mode of road transportation in the study area. In conclusion, the choice of mode of road transportation on marketing were influenced by delay in transporting produce to the market, fatigue and sick to marketers The need to enhance farmers access to educational programmes and training, encourage farmers to form or join organization and to encourage experienced or newcomers’ marketers to remain in the business through addressing their constraints.
ANALYSIS OF MAIZE MARKETING EFFICIENCY IN BAUCHI METROPOLITAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, S. Y.  , Mohammed, U.  , Hassan, A.  , Mustapha D.
Published: October 2024

The study examined the Efficiency of Maize Marketing in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi state of Nigeria. A multi stage sampling techniques was used to select 120 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and budgeting model. The result revealed that majority (59.17%) of the respondents fell within the age bracket of 16-45 years with the mean age of 42.75., Most (90.83%) of the were male and married (73.33%) with mean household size and marketing experience of 12 persons 11.5 years, respectively. The marketing efficiencies of maize in both surplus and scarcity period was found to be 19.14%, and 10.15% respectively. This implies that maize marketing was very efficient and favourable since the marketing cost had been covered. The results further revealed that inadequate storage/preservation facilities, inconsistency and poor price, inadequate credit facilities and poor transportation facilities ranking 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.as major constraints to maize marketing in the study area. In conclusion, the marketing efficiency was found to be very efficient and favourable since the marketing cost had been covered by the net income It is recommended that Maize marketers should be enlightened and assisted on how to have good preservation and storage facilities as well as access to formal credit from bank and other financial institutions in other to expand their businesses.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN SMALL RUMINANTS PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ishaku, N. G.  , Jibril, S. A.  , Abu, A. I.  , Gukut, M.Y.
Published: October 2024

The study assessed women participation in small Ruminants production in Northern Agricultural zone of Plateau State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 198 respondents, Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of chi-square analysis revealed that 49.1% of respondents raised both Goat and Sheep in Jos north while comparison of Jos north and Jos south shows a systematic association with a χ2 of 6.4287 at less than 10% probability level. The result also revealed that 46.5% of the respondents reared small ruminants’ animals for house consumption, while about 33.8% of the respondents reared goats for sales and 15.2% reared for gift. Furthermore, the result revealed that most (94.4%) of the respondents were involved regularly in cleaning and grooming of animals. These activities had mean score of 0.94 and ranked number 1st. Similarly, providing feed and water to the animals had 91.9% with mean score of 0.92 and was ranked 2nd, preparation of concentrate feeds had 90.4% with mean score of 0.90 and ranked 3rd. The major constraints faced by the respondents in livestock production participation were, communal conflict (97.0%), inadequate fund (96.5%), cultural barriers (91.4%), religious barrier (88.4%), high cost of inputs (87.8%) and inadequate extension services (86.9%) among others. It was concluded that in the study area, no discriminatory provisions preventing women’s participation in small ruminants’ production were in place. However, their participation is limited by pressure from household heads in the study area. Based on the finding, it is recommended that, government should organize women through cooperatives societies to develop ways to encourage women's participation in agriculture. This will increase the women's accessibility to productive resources, credits, ideas, and innovations. Also, education and awareness should be given to the women to address the issues related to cultural barriers and religious belief and credit facilities and grants by government/NGOs, in order to boost the production of livestock and living standard of the women farmers in the study area.