bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL DYNAMICS AMONG GROUNDNUT FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN THE TROPICAL LEGUME PROJECT STATES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ahmed, B.  , Egwuma, H.  , Mohammed, I. K.  , Yila, J. O.
Published: April 2023

The study examined gender differences and social dynamics in groundnut producing communities in Nigeria with a view to understanding the adoption process, enhance programme targeting and ensure equitable access to improve groundnut production technologies among male and female groundnut farmers. Using a survey approach and Focus Group Discussion tool, male and female groups were selected from 3-4 communities/villages in 3-4 local government areas from Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi States in tropical legume project states in Nigeria and interviewed. The result showed that female and male members of the groundnut farming households exhibit diverse and dynamic social relations. Average age of males was 45 years and females was 40 years with farming being the main occupation for both males and females but with females having agricultural processing as a second major occupation. Access to land is by inheritance for both men and women farmers but there is differential access to other farm inputs, key decisions on household resource control and utilization of revenue from farm. Understanding the dynamism of the gender relationships in terms of who takes decisions concerning access to farm resources such as land, variety of crops and types of seed to plant, contribution of harvest for home use and to market and control of income from sale of produce as well as provision for healthcare, education and other social welfare of the household will go a long way in designing policies to close the gender gap. It was recommended that the men should facilitate access to farm inputs to boost female groundnut production, encourage them to decide on their choice of variety to cultivate and take control of the use of income from its production.
COSTS AND RETURNS OF SWEET MELON MARKETING IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed, S. Y.  , Murtala, N.  , Jibril, S. A.  , Mohammed, S.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the costs and returns of wholesale and retail sweet melon marketers in Bauchi and Gombe States, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 sweet melon and water melon marketers from 18 markets, 135 marketers were selected from Bauchi State and 165 from Gombe State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. The result indicated that wholesale sweet melon marketers received the higher net income of N 629.16 and the total revenue of N 6163.68 in scarcity period, whereas the higher return per capital invested of 0.51 was recorded in surplus period. Inconsistence and poor prices ranked 1st, poor transportation facilities ranked 2nd and perishability of the products ranked 3rd constituted the major problems against sweet melon marketing in the study area.  Conclusively, sweet melon marketing was found to be profitable in both wholesale and retail categories in all seasons. The study therefore, recommended that Government and stakeholders should ensure the provision of the above mentioned and encourage the marketers to make better use of such.
THE ROLE OF DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE CENTRE MICROCREDIT IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adamu, B. D.  , Umar, B.
Published: April 2023

The study focused on the role of Development Exchange Centre (DEC) microcredit in women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected using a well-structured questionnaire administered to 420 women farmers of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in the study area. The result shows the mean farming experience was 22 years for DEC beneficiaries and 19 years for non- beneficiaries while mean farm size for beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries was 2.0 ha. The result of the regression analysis showed that level of education, age and years of involvement in cooperative society were significantly related with level of participation. The mean crops output of DEC beneficiaries (437,807.1kg) was significantly higher than non- beneficiaries (145,571.4kg). The difference in the mean crops output levels was largely attributed to participation in DEC microcredit programme. The calculated Z-test value (14.74) for crops output and income (22.93) was significant at 1%. It was therefore recommended that DEC programme be extended to other farming communities in Kaduna State, so as to accelerate the poverty alleviation among women farmers in the State.
UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY SOYBEAN FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Funom, B. C.  , Alegbeleye, G. O
Published: April 2023

The findings revealed that, at various stages of the farming season, soybean farmers utilized agricultural information on how to harvest soybean (mean = 4.30 and standard deviation [SD] = .640), closely followed by on seed treatment before planting (mean = 4.20 and SD =.600) and on how to control pests and diseases (mean = 4.20 and SD = .775). The study further showed that soybean farmers utilize more agricultural information at the beginning of the farming season,  particularly, at the preparation stage (mean = 4.60 and SD =.490) and closely followed by time of harvest (mean = 4.40 and SD =.918). The study also revealed that soybean farmers in Niger State, generally utilized agricultural information (mean = 3.61 and SD = .75) to some extent. However, certain information on how to clean and store soybean to meet standard market requirements (mean = 4.10 and SD = .701); on effective market for soybean (mean = 4.00 and SD = .63) and on pest and disease control (mean = 4.00 and SD = .634) were utilized to a great extent. The study, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture at the State and Local Government Area (LGA) levels should adopt strategies that will allow for all inclusive information dissemination to farmers at all stages of soybean farming. Such measures will strengthen the current level of utilization in the study area.
PERCEPTIONS AND ASSESSEMENTS OF HOUSEHOLDS IN PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM BAUCHI, NIGERIA
Authors: Haruna, A. U.
Published: April 2023

The paper evaluated the perceptions and assessments of households in planning for sustainable solid waste management in Bauchi, Nigeria. The perceptions of the householders were assessed on households need for transfer stations in their neighbourhoods. The findings showed that 64.5% of the respondents indicated their willingness to have it in their neighbourhoods. On the official responsibility and quality of waste collection, 75% of the respondents held the municipality responsible for solid waste management services. The findings further showed that 82% of the respondents attested that poor health was their major problem and 60% preferred to bring their waste to transfer station for disposal outweighing those that wish to pay for waste evacuation in their neighborhood. These outcomes identify issues and factors to consider when making policy decisions on building and placing a transfer station, planning and designing it, selecting a site, and involving the community. The study concluded that despite the absence of efficient waste collection in most sub-wards and the existence of registered waste contractors in some studied sub-wards most respondents preferred to dispose their waste in the transfer station rather than to pay for waste collection services or consider the nuisance attributed to the transfer stations. It was recommended that, there is the need to know the perceptions and opinions of other stakeholders rendering waste services to the households in the study area so as to create a balance between those served (householders) and those rendering the services (waste contractors). This would assist policy makers in making laws that may create harmony between the major stakeholders and create room for proper implementation of future plans and policies on solid waste management in the study area.
TRENDS OF BUDGETARY ALLOCATION TO AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT IN NIGERIA DURING MILITARY REGIME (1983-1998)
Authors: Abah, D.  , Ogebe, O. F.  , Ochoche, O. C.
Published: April 2023

The study evaluated the trends of budgetary allocation to agriculture and its impacts on agricultural output in Nigeria during military regime (1983-1998). Time series (secondary) data obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) publications were used for analysis. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, maximum and minimum with graphs and trend models) and inferential statistics (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average [ARIMA] and ordinary least square [OLS] regression model, t-test and F-test). The findings revealed that trends of budget allocations to agriculture were inconsistent during the military regime to the extent that the instantaneous growth rate of budget allocation to agriculture during the military regime was -5.25% while the compound growth rate was -5.15%. Also, the instantaneous growth rate of agricultural output during the military regime was 6.32% while the compound growth rate was 6.50%. The effect of budget allocation to agriculture on agricultural output showed a unit increase in budget allocation which led to increased agricultural output by 0.15% during the military regime with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.67% revealing that budgetary allocation to agricultural sector has significant effect on agricultural output in Nigeria and that the relationship between them is strong, positive and significant (P≤0.0001). The agricultural output was forecasted to be about N17, 000,000.00 in the year 2025. The study recommended that budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector should be increased and properly monitored to guarantee increased agricultural output, food security, employment and overall economic growth and development in Nigeria.
CONSTRAINTS OF ORGANIC FARMING TECHNOLOGY AMONG SMALL- SCALE VEGETABLE FARMERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE OF NIGERIA
Authors: Okonkwo-Emegha, K.  , Okafor, I. P.  , Isibor, C. A.
Published: April 2023

The survey examined constraints of organic farming technologies among small-scale vegetable farmers in South-South zone of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study location and respondents. Data were collected from 480 small-scale organic vegetable farmers using structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority (93.00%) of organic fluted pumpkin farmers were challenged with inadequate finance, 92.80% were faced with shortage of organic materials, 86.10% with poor awareness, 72.40% faced poor market access and slightly more than half (51.10%) were constrained with poor willingness to pay for the material. It was concluded that the most serious constraints to organic fluted pumpkin production in the study area were inadequate finance, shortage of organic materials, poor awareness, poor market and poor willingness to pay for the material. The study therefore, recommended that cheap loans should be granted to organic fluted pumpkin farmers by the cooperative societies and bank of Agriculture (BOA) through adequate Government policy interventions to allow improvement in their productivity, profit, and ensure enterprise sustainability.
POVERTY STATUS OF WOMEN FADAMA III BENEFICIARIES AND NON-BENEFICIARIES IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bala, A. H.  , Murtala, N.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed poverty status of women fadama III beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 270 beneficiaries and 270 non-beneficiaries of fadama III project. Data were collected with a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows that the mean age for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries was 42 years and the year of experience for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries was 10 years and 11 years, respectively. The average income for groundnut processing was ₦103,800.00 for beneficiaries and ₦53,125.00 for non-beneficiaries. The result further showed that all the 270 respondents (100%) fell under non-poor class using income approach; whereas among the non-beneficiaries all the three (3) categories had some proportion of them that fell into the various categories. The highest proportion of the respondents (52.9%) were in poor class, 40.2% were core poor while only 6.9% fell under the non-poor category. The results further revealed that 100% of the fadama III beneficiaries were within the non-poor; under the expenditure approach, about 76% of the beneficiaries were non-poor; 14.4% were poor and 9.6% were core poor. Also, about 19% of non-beneficiaries fell under the non-poor class; 30.4% under the poor category while 50.8% fell under the core poor. The study concluded that fadama III project had reduced poverty in the study area. It was recommended that increased funding of agriculture through groups would truly empower farmers to venture into new areas of investments including product processing and packaging to add value.
INFLUENCE OF IMPROVED OPEN POLLINATED MAIZE VARIETY ADOPTION ON LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Umar, I. S.  , Mohammed, U.  , Mohammed, Y.  , Abdullahi, A.  , Abubakar, U.
Published: April 2023

The study examined influence of improved open pollinated maize variety adoption on the livelihood status of farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. To achieve the objectives of the study, 120 farmers were randomly selected from three (3) Local Government Areas in the State. Validated interview schedule with reliability co-efficient of 0.74 was used for data collection and analyzed using descriptive statistics, livelihood index and multiple regression analysis. Result showed that the mean age and mean farm size of the respondents was 34 years and 1.9 ha, respectively. Finding further indicated that 82.5% of the respondents were full adopters by cultivating improved maize variety in at least 10% of their total farm lands. The result also revealed that educational level, income, incentive and time of awareness positively and significantly influenced adoption of improved maize variety, which highly upshot the livelihood status of the respondents by about 70.0%. The study recommended that incentive such as free seed of improved varieties should be given to farmers for testing by the improved varieties’ promoters during awareness to facilitate adoption. It was also suggested that extension agents should synchronize awareness time with seasons of usage of the improved varieties to speed up the practical application of the improved varieties.
HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED AGROCHEMICAL PRACTICES AMONG CROP FARMERS IN KADUNA AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA
Authors: Issa, Fadlullah Olayiwola
Published: April 2023

The study assessed human health and environmental consequences of non-adoption of recommended agrochemical practices (RAPs) among crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 260 crop farmers who had sustained usage of agrochemicals for at least five (5) years. Data were collected using pretested structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and means) were used for data analysis. Majority (63.5%) of farmers attested that agricultural extension officers constituted the major source of information about risks and hazards of pesticide applications. All (100%) the respondents indicated that pesticides caused damage to human health as well as the environment. Majority of the respondents knew that skin irritation (71.5%), coughing (60.8%) and eye irritation (51.5%), respectively, were the consequences of non-adoption of RAPs. Food contamination was the most frequently reported hazard as indicated by the majority (83.8%) of the farmers. The findings further disclosed that talking or singing while mixing or spraying (x̄ = 0.74), eating while mixing or spraying (x̄ =0.55) and not washing of personal protection equipment (PPE) before reuse (x̄ =0.46) recorded the highest pesticide handling habits in the study area. It was recommended that campaign for attitudinal changes on the use of agrochemical should be mounted by extension agencies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders; also, policymakers should make policies to prevent the importation of banned chemicals into the country.
EFFECT OF CREDIT UTILIZATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALL-SCALE COWPEA FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Salisu, J.  , Tanko, L.  , Adewumi, A.  , Yisa, F.  , Omobaba, Y. R.
Published: April 2023

Small-scale farmers use their meagre household resource to finance their agricultural production. The study investigated the effects of credit utilization on the productivity of small-scale cowpea farmers in the selected Local Government Areas in Niger State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 212 respondents comprising of 98 credit and 114 non-credit users through the administering of questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Additive Multiplication Dummy Variable Approach (AMDVA) The study found that access to credit, farm size and distance to farm were the significant factors affecting the farmers’ productivity. Results specifically revealed that access to the credit had a significant effect on the productivity of the cowpea farmers at P≤0.01 probability level. Late disbursement and unavailability of bank in the communities were found to be major problems limiting farmers’ access to credit. The study recommended sufficient availability of credit facilities to the farmers through government interventions to enhance farmers’ incomes and productivity, and also, farmers should be encouraged to form co-operative societies so as to enable them have access to credit facilities from formal lending institutions.
FACTORS AFFECTING AGRIBUSINESS SUCCESS AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS IN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE YOUTH AGRIBUSINESS PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA
Authors: Otitoju, M. A.  , Onwuaroh, A. S.  , Nwandu, P. I.  , Chianu, P. C.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the factors affecting agribusiness success among participants of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) youth agribusiness programme in Nigeria. For the purpose of this research, non-probability sampling technique (Convenience) was adopted and the entire population of 117 was given the questionnaire but 110 respondents responded adequately. The study concludes that the following are the major factors (constraints) affecting the participants of IYA programme: lack of adequate storage facilities, lack of adequate processing facilities, lack of adequate government support, technological factors, power interruptions, loan application procedures of banks and other lending institutions are too complicated, high interest rate charged by banks and other leading institutions, and inadequacy of credit institutions. It was recommended that storage and processing facilities for agricultural/agribusiness inputs and products should be adequately provided, electricity (power/energy) that will adequately enhance the agribusiness activities should be provided, and also Government should be more involved in reducing the interest rate on bank loans advanced to agribusinesses through commercial banks.
PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF MAIZE OUTPUT IN RIJAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abubakar, S.  , Sule, B. A.  , Emefesi, B. O.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the profitability of maize production and socio-economic determinants of maize output in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 120 maize farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, while budgetary technique was used to determine the profitability of maize production in the study area. Socio-economic determinants of maize output were assessed using multiple regression analysis. The result showed that 25.8% of the respondents had farming experience of 6 to 10 years; majority (34.2%) had non-formal education, and 46.7% were cultivating 0.1 to 2.0 hectares of land. The study further disclosed that total variable cost accounted for 96.8% (₦133,200.5) of the total cost of production and depreciation on fixed cost that represented 3.1% (₦4,246.41) of the total cost of maize production in the study area. The return per Naira invested was ₦3.47 inferring that for each naira invested, ₦2.47k was realised as profit, hence, maize production in the study area was found to be profitable. The regression analysis revealed that farm size (23.185) and household size (8.886) significantly (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05, respectively) determined the output level of maize producers in the study area. This could be an indication of non-adoption of improved farm practices. It was recommended that effort should be made in providing efficient and accessible extension service system in order to educate farmers on the importance of improved farming practices and adoption of advanced technology.
ANALYSIS OF GENDER ROLES IN GOAT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Tafida, I.  , Olayinka, S. N.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed gender roles in goat production management in some selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 143 goat farmers. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, logit regression and Harvard analysis. The findings revealed the mean age of 44.3 years for men and 38.6 years for women with mean household size of 11 people for both genders and mean herd size of 12 and 11 goats for male and female, respectively. The findings further revealed that annual income (P>0.009), herd size (P>0.026) and extension contact (P>0.084) had positive influence to goat production activities among the male goat farmers while annual income (P>0.012) and herd size (P>0.029) had positive influence for goat production activities among the female goat farmers. However, the coefficient of household size (P>-0.082 and -0.200) was negative and significant for both male and female goat farmers, respectively. Harvard analysis reported that 76-100% male farmers were involved more on barn construction, fodder collection, medication and goat marketing; while female goat farmers were involved more on feeding and water provision as revealed by 76-100%. Both genders were involved in cleaning of barn; but male have more control over the resources in goat management. Pest and disease problem (70.1% and 68.2%), feed shortages (26% and 47%) and limited capital (29.9% and 34.8%) were the main constraints faced by goat farmers. The study concluded that goat production was not gender sensitive. It was recommended that goat farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives and pool their resources together to facilitate easy access to credit, extension agencies need to extend their services to all goat farmers in respective of gender and the need for improvement in veterinary services to curtail the problem of pest and diseases.
LEVEL OF GENDER PARTICIPATION IN TOMATO PRODUCTION IN THE AGRICULTURAL ZONE 1 OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Muhammed, A. A.  , Ibrahim, S.  , Bako, H.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed level of gender participation in tomato production in the agricultural zone 1 of Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to draw 120 male and female respondents. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected from the field. Result of the analysis showed that the mean age of male respondents was 41 years while of the female was 39 years. Male respondents had mean average of 19 years farming experience and that of female respondents was 18.5 years. The mean farm size of male was 1.9 hectares while that of female was 1.7 hectares. Majority (98.3%) of male respondents and 98.3% of female were involved in cooperative activities. All the male and female respondents (100%) did not have access to the extension agents. majority (71%) of male and Majority (81.7%) of female had no access to credit. Out of 12 activities studied, six (6) activities were dominantly performed by male (land clearing, land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, spraying of herbicides and pesticides) while sowing, fertilizer application, harvesting, marketing and staking were dominated by the female. Men and women participated at the same level in weeding activities (100%). The major constraints identified in the study area were inadequate water for irrigation, poor extension services, poor storage facilities, and lack of credit facilities. It was recommended that the Niger State Government as well as Non-governmental organizations (NGOS) should provide water infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, canals and irrigation equipment and storage facilities to boast vegetable production to ensure all year-round availability of tomato.
ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF NEW RICE FOR AFRICA (NERICA) TECHNOLOGY IN HAWUL LGA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bwala, Y. I.  , Aliyu, Y. M.  , Rabiu, M. M.  , Nande, A. Y.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the factors affecting the adoption of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) technology in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Eight (8) communities were purposively selected based on their being used by Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Borno State (PROSAB) for the introduction and promotion of NERICA rice varieties. The study used 160 respondents based on 20 respondents randomly selected from each of the communities. Data for the study was obtained from primary sources obtained through the structured questionnaire administered to the respondents. Both the descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected for the study. Logit regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing adoption of NERICA rice technology, while Tobit regression model was used to analyze the level of adoption of NERICA rice among the respondents. The findings revealed that about 74% of the respondents were 43 years or less. Majority (68%) were male and 32% female; 80% of the respondent were married, while 13% were single. The results also showed that age, household size, household members that helped on farm, farm size, farming experience, distance to market and distance to information on the technology, annual farm income, extension contact, membership of association and farm expenditure were found to influence both the likelihood and the level of adoption of the NERICA technology positively, while sex, marital status and access to credit influenced both the likelihood and the level of adoption of NERICA technology negatively. The study concluded that younger farmers participated more in NERICA rice technology than other older farmers. Farming experience, distance to market and distance to source of information on the technology, extension contact, household members that help on farm, annual income and farm expenditure had influenced both the likelihood of adoption and the level of adoption of the NERICA rice technology positively. It was recommended that The Government/agricultural agencies should work closely with farmers to develop farm technologies that will boost food crop production.
PRICE VARIATION AND MOVEMENT OF Halea ciliata SPECIES OF LUMBER IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ohwo, Oghenekevwe Abigail
Published: April 2023

The study examined the intensity of price movement and trend analysis of selected volumes (0.013m3, 0.019m3 and 0.025m3) of Halea ciliata in urban and local lumber markets in Delta State of Nigeria. Monthly sales records of Halea ciliata species of lumber (2010-2019) were taken from sales receipt and were analyzed using econometric analysis. Results showed that prices of Halea ciliata species of lumber and the volumes considered were non-stationery in their level forms but were stationary at first difference (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). The indices of market concentration were less than one suggesting elevated level of short run market integration. Co-integration test showed that a long run stable relation exist between prices in local and urban markets while the Error correction mechanism reflect that the extent of price movement is relatively fast. The study concluded that lumber market for Halea ciliata is integrated and operated efficiently. It was recommended that intensive forest restoration be embarked upon for continuous supply of lumber to sellers.
COMMUNAL CONFLICTS OCCURRENCE AND EFFECTS ON FARMERS’ ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES, NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA
Authors: Adzenga Jacobs Ior  , Umar Isah Sheshi  , Dalap Sunday Leo
Published: April 2023

The study examined effects of communal conflicts occurrence on farmers’ access to agricultural extension services in conflict prone areas of North-central, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of 391 farmers. Information was elicited using questionnaires, interview schedule and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that the farmers in the study area perceived access to agricultural extension services and activities to be low in the following activities: visitation of farmers by extension agents (x̅ = 1.23), trainings on improved practices (x̅ = 1.24), access to information on proven farming technologies (x̅ = 1.25), participation in OFAR trails (x̅ = 1.25), participation in agricultural shows (x̅ = 1.25), meetings with extension agents (x̅ = 1.28), participation in result and method demonstrations (x̅ = 1.28), participation in field days (x̅ = 1.30), access to farm inputs (x̅ = 1.31) and participation in MTPs (x̅ = 1.33). The findings further revealed that frequency of occurrence, season of occurrence, category of people mostly affected, duration of communal conflicts and period of displacement had significant relationships with farmers’ access to agricultural extension services. It was concluded that occurrence of communal conflicts resulted in low access to agricultural extension services by farmers in the study area. The study recommended adoption of alternative approaches to extension services delivery as well as designing appropriate extension programmes by extension agencies in the country that would suite conflict prone areas.
FACTORS AFFECTING AWARENESS OF MAIZE FARMER ON HEALTH RISK OF AGROCHEMICAL USAGE IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Jibrin, S.  , Ajayi, O.  J.  , Salihu, I. T.  , Bello, L. Y.  , Loko, A. I.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the factors affecting awareness of maize farmers on health risk of agrochemical usage in Niger State, Nigeria. A three stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the respondents. To achieve this research objective, a cross- sectional survey of maize farmers in six (6) Local Government areas (LGAs) was carried out on 181 respondents. Descriptive statistics and probit regression method were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that maize farming in the State was dominated by married men with mean age and farming experiences of 43 years and 13 years, respectively. Furthermore, most farmers do not read nor follow agrochemical instruction which might have led to some health challenges like difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and sneezing, and eye problem. The probit result shows that age, sources of information, labour reduces the odds of agrochemical health risk, while increase in farming experience, farm size, membership of association and cost of seed  increases the odds of agrochemical health risk awareness. The study concluded that maize farming was dominated by married male farmers who are married and had a mean age of 43 years; also, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, eye problem and sneezing topped the health hazards factors as perceived by the farmers. It was therefore recommended that, awareness campaigns and mass trainings on the use, handling and application of agrochemicals should be encouraged in order to achieve effective and safe use of agrochemicals in the study.
EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF RICE FARMERS’ INVESTMENT IN VALUE ADDITION INKEBBI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Hussaini, A. S.  , Oladimeji, Y. U.  , Hassan, A. A.  , Sani, A. A.
Published: April 2023

The study reviewed empirical analysis of rice farmers’ investment in value addition activities in Kebbi State, Nigeria. An attempt was also made to describe the various rice value addition activities in Nigeria. The empirical reviewed describe the stages in rice value addition activities to include input supply, production, harvesting, processing, parboiling, milling, winnowing, destining, bagging and marketing. Result indicated that only 16.0% of rice farmers in Kebbi State engaged in the first category of value addition activities, that is, parboiling, winnowing and drying only, and only 6.0% of rice farmers involved in the second category of value addition which included parboiling, winnowing, drying and de-stoning. Only 2.0% of rice farmers engaged in the last category of rice value addition which comprises of parboiling, milling, drying, de-stoning and bagging. Several studies reviewed revealed that investments in rice value addition activities in Nigeria are profitable, however, result reviewed showed that majority of rice farmers (76.0%) in Kebbi State were not involved in value addition activities. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged to take advantage of the benefits in value addition activities to improve their livelihood activities and increase their income which invariably reduced their poverty status.
EFFECTS OF SALICYLIC AND BENZOIC ACIDS ON THE MARKETABLE YIELD OF MOISTURE STRESSED TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.) AT KADAWA IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Isa, H. M.
Published: April 2023

Moisture stress is one of the abiotic factors affecting crop production in sub-Saharan Africa characterized by erratic rainfall. In order to address this problem, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station Farm, Kadawa (11̊ 38ʹ 40.3ʺ N, 8̊ 25ʹ 53.9ʺ E) 498 m elevation above sea level during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 dry seasons to study the effect of   antitranspirants on the yield attributes of moisture stressed tomato. The treatments consisted of two Antitranspirant (Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid) at four concentrations each (0, 200, 400 and 600 ppm) and  three moisture stress stages (vegetative, flowering and fruit setting), factorially combined and laid out in a split-plot design replicated three times. Antitranspirant and moisture stress constituted the main plot and concentrations as sub-plot treatment. The gross plot size was 3.6 m x 3.0 m (10.8 m2) consisting of 6 rows of 3 m length, while the net plot size was 1.2 m x 1.8 m (2.16 m2) consisting of 2 inner rows. Data were taken on   fruit diameter, number of fruits plant-1, average fruit weight, marketable fruit yield, weight of marketable fruit yield and total fruit yield. Data generated were analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The results revealed that, application of 200 and 400 ppm of antitranspirant produced plants with larger fruit diameter, more number of fruits plant-1 and total fruit yield. On various stages considered, imposing stress at vegetative stage gave significantly higher total fruit yield than other stages implying that flowering and fruiting stages were found to be the critical growth stages for moisture stress of tomato. Study on the antitranspirants revealed that, foliar application of 400 ppm of Salicylic acid at fruit setting stage statistically appeared to promote tomato yield in the study area. The study concluded that salicylic acid performed better than benzoic acid. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged to use salicylic acid in order to reduce irrigation frequency and to increase yield.
AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdulmumini, L.  , Omokore, D. F.  , Tologbonse, E. B.
Published: April 2023

The study broadly aims at providing information on the awareness and adoption of rice production technologies in Jigawa State,, Nigeria. Data were generated from a sample size of 203 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the average age of household head was 42 years, average farm size of 3 hectares and farming experience of 12 years. The results revealed that respondents were aware (64 %) and adopted (18 %) rice production technologies. It was concluded that extension workers were a major sources of information for rice production. Therefore, it was recommended that the extension workers should update their knowledge on current production technologies and authentic rice farmers should be granted loan at a very low interest and without or minimal collateral.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND RISKS OF COTTON CONTRACT FARMERS IN EASTERN AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Yisa, Musa Kolo  , Sani, M. H.  , Lawal Bello
Published: April 2023

This study examined socio-economic indicators and risks of cotton contract farmers in eastern agricultural zone of Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to purposively and randomly select 122 respondents from the study area. Interview and questionnaire methods were used in the data collection and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (chi-square). The results disclosed that 64.7% of cotton contract farmers were between the ages of 20-29 years, single (70.5%), majority (72.1%) acquired tertiary education, 89.3% had contact farming experience of nine years and majority (81.1%) and (86.9%) had household size of 5-9 persons and land owned by inheritance, respectively. Many (46.7%) of the farmers perceived price stability as the benefits for their participation in cotton contract farming and majority (68.9%) learnt about cotton contract farming from extension agents and Agricultural Development Projects. The findings further showed a significant (χ2 = 56.246, P<0.05) relationship between farmers participation in cotton contract farming and sex. The chi-square results revealed that there was significant (χ2 = 97.155, P<0.05) relationship between farmers participation in cotton contract farming and educational levels. The study concluded that there was significant relationship between farmer’s participation in cotton contract farming and their socio-economic variables such as sex, marital status, highest education level attained, contact with extension agent and the perceived benefits. The study recommended regular dissemination of information to the cotton contract farmers in the study area in order to take advantage of comparative advantages and price stability.
RESPONSE OF TOMATO (Lycopersicum esculentum) VARIETIES TO NPK FERTILIZER AND GREEN MANURE RATES IN THE NIGERIAN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL AREAS
Authors: Muazu, Abdu  , Abubakar, Auwal Yusuf
Published: April 2023

Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 dry seasons at Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru and Kadawa to study the response of tomato varieties to NPK fertilizer and green manure rates in the Nigerian Agro- ecological areas. The treatments consisted of two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC82B), four NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1) and three green manure rates (0, 10 and 20 t ha-1) that were laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The combination of variety and NPK fertilizer was assigned to the main plot and green manure rate to the subplot. Results revealed that variety UC82B was superior to Roma VF and to some of the measured growth parameters such as number of leaves, number of branches and leaf area index and yield attributes like fruit number per plant and total fresh fruit yield; however, Roma VF had wider fruit diameter. NPK fertilization at 400 kg ha-1 significantly increased leaf area index, fruit number per plant and total fresh fruit yield per plant. However, increasing NPK fertilizer rate beyond 400 kg ha-1 did not increase yield significantly. Green manure application at 20 t ha-1 resulted to significant increase in some growth parameters and yield attributes at both locations. The study concluded that green manure application increased soil N, soil P, soil K contents. It was recommended that for better yield in the study area, variety UC82B with combination of 200 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer and 20 t ha-1 green manure should be selected for further study.
ADOPTION OF PURDUE IMPROVED COWPEA STORAGE IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA
Authors: Murtala, N.  , Yakubu, S.  , Muhammad, I.  , Danwanka, H.  , Garba, M.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Sani, M. H.  , Musa, S. A.  , Bakori, A. M.  , Lawal, H.  , Sulumbe, I. M.
Published: April 2023

The study explored the general adoption of Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS) technology in the fragile north-eastern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling approach was used to select 3,000 respondents from the study area. The primary data for this study were collected in 2020 through a field survey conducted by the researchers through the use of structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (Propensity score matching [PSM] and Inverse probability weighted regression adjusted [IPWRA]) were used. ATBU-PICS project had increased the adoption by 8-25 PICS bags with a standard error of 11.30-14.11 using different matching algorithm. The adoption was found to be influenced positively by age, years of formal education, participation into ATBU-PICS, knowledge of PICS technology and farm size at P≤0.01, P≤0.01, P≤0.01, P≤0.01 and P≤0.05, respectively. Sex and farming experience negatively affected the adoption of PICS at P≤0.01 and P≤0.01, respectively. The study therefore, concluded that the age, years of formal education, participation into ATBU-PICS, knowledge of PICS technology and farm size were the factors that influenced adoption of PICS in the study area. It was recommended that more awareness creation is needed to generate more PICS technology knowledge so as to achieve further penetration and further project should be initiated to complement the previous efforts in the study area.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF COWPEA-BASED CONSUMERS IN WESTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abubakar, U. F.  , Sani, M. H.  , Sani, R. M.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of cowpea-based consumers in Western zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 210 households for this study. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results revealed that majority (82.9%) of the households were males with a mean age of 42years. The result also showed that 79.5% and 42.9% were married and had tertiary education, respectively. The findings revealed a mean household size and mean income of 10 persons and ₦35,485.71, respectively. Furthermore, the result showed that 34.3% of households consumed cowpea daily, 31.9% and 12.8% consumed cowpea twice a week and thrice a week, respectively. The major constraints to cowpea consumption include high cost of cowpea (97.1%), insect infestation (81.4%) and abdominal discomfort (70.0%) among others. The study recommended that government should create an enabling environment to make the prices of food items most especially cowpea reasonable and affordable by creating a favourable policies on price to tackle the menace of price fluctuations and Cowpea farmers should be encouraged to use improved cowpea varieties that are resistant to insect attacks so as reduce the damaged done by insects.
THE DEMAND FOR BEEF IN WESTERN ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Audu, M.  , Ochi, J. E.  , Jibril, S. A.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the demand for beef in western zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of beef consumers; estimated the effects of socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on the demand for beef; described the pattern of beef demand; described the spatial and temporal price variability of beef; determined the factors affecting the demand for beef; and identified and described the constraints affecting the demand for beef in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 341 respondents from the study area. Out of the 341 questionnaire administered to the sampled households, 335 copies were correctly filled and eligible for data analysis; giving a response rate of 98%. Also, 10 beef marketers were randomly selected from the major markets in the study area. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed a mean age of 43 years among the respondents, with an average monthly income of N23,575 and a mean monthly expenditure on food items of N24,416. The coefficients of household size, education, and monthly income positively influenced the quantity of beef demanded at P<0.01 level of significance; and age of the household head inversely influenced the quantity of beef demanded. Furthermore, 70% of the respondents consumed beef frequently and beef was rated as the most (67.5%) preferred, egg (35.2%) and fish (26.3%) products. The spatial and temporal price variability analysis showed fair level of fluctuations with a rise in price of beef in 2019. Beef prices were volatile especially in Birshi market which had the highest price value of ₦1,800 per kilogram. The price of beef, household expenditure on other food items, and distance to the market significantly (P<0.01) reduced the quantity of beef demanded; and price of mutton significantly and positively (P<0.01) affected the demand for beef. Low monthly income (-0.843), preference for substitutes (0.764) and low nutritive value (0.589) were the major constraints to beef demand among households in the study area. The study concluded and recommended that increase in households’ income and reducing beef prices would be an effective strategy to increase the quantity of beef demanded, as it will uplift households’ relative purchasing power.