bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ INFORMATION SOURCES UNDER SHELTERBELT PROJECTS IN THE FRONTLINE STATES OF NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Garba, A.  , Muhammad, M. B.  , Usman, I.  , Aliyu, A.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed farmers’ information sources under shelterbelt projects in the frontline States of North Western Nigeria. The respondents used were 450. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mean age of the respondents was 35 years; mean household size was 12 persons; mean farming experience was 12 years; and mean farm size was 6 hectares. About 67% of the respondents were married. Their sources of agricultural information of 29.1% was extension agents, radio accounted for 27.8%, family member (13.3%) and non-governmental organizations/community-based organizations (NGOs/CBOs) occupy 6.7%, print publications (4.4%) and internet (3.1%). Also, extension contact (30.0%), extension agents (25.5%) visited for two times, 18.9% were visited three (3) times, 11.1% were visited four (4) times annually, 7.8% were visited for five (5) times, and 6.7% were visited more than five (5) times annually. The results revealed that 61.1% listened to agricultural program through radio regularly.  Majority (72.2%) watched/listened to agricultural program through television once in a week, 18.9% watched/listened twice a week and; 2.2% of the respondents were regular and 6.7% were irregular. Most (40.0%) preferred to radio program as their means of communication. Group meeting (extension agents/farmers) was only 5.1%, agriculture shows/field visit/tours occupy (11.1%) and extension agents interpersonal visit (8.9%), television (7.1%), newspaper and magazine (4.4%); and journals/conference proceedings and the internet services was 2.2%, respectively. The recommended conversion of the shelterbelts to recreational parks and tourism; reducing criminal activities like Indian hemp smoking, theft and kidnapping in the belt; and also, local communities should be allowed to participate in the management and sharing of revenue from the shelterbelts.
EFFECTS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FEATURES OF MAIZE FARMERS ON THE ADOPTION OF MAIZE (BUNDLED SERVICES) IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdullahi, A.  , Tafida, I.  , Kamilu, F.  , Asma’u, M. K.
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the adoption of maize (bundled services) in gender perspectives. The study was conducted in Bagwai and Madobi Local Government Areas of Kano State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of 120 maize farmers for this study. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and analytical tools used for this study were descriptive and Logit Regression. The result showed that the average age of the farmers was 39 years and majority of them (83.4%) had formal education with 56% of these farmers had farm sizes of 1-2 hectares. The grand adoption score was found to be 69% which was an indication of high adoption of the bundles by the farmers. Results of the logit regression analysis indicated that, factors such as age (0.003), household size (0.033), and extension contact (0.024) were significant at P≤0.01, P≤0.05, and P≤0.1 levels. The study established that most of the improved maize seeds (bundled services) package was adopted by the farmers as revealed by the grand adoption score, the main bundles adopted were; improved maize seeds, and NPK. It was found that late supply of maize bundles, pest and disease and inadequate supply of all packages of the bundle were the major constraints militating against the adoption of the improved maize seeds (bundled service).  Therefore, it was recommended that government should ensure timely and adequate supply of the bundles to the farmers before production season in order to enhance the production of the crop on time.
PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES FED A COMMERCIAL DIET
Authors: Augustine, U.  , Bello, K. M.  , Egbo, M. L.
Published: April 2023

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of broiler chickens from different sources fed a commercial diet. Broiler chickens from four different hatcheries were used and designated as treatment A, B, C and D. The experimental diet consists of a selected commercial diet that was regular and available throughout the year. Two hundred day old unsex broiler chicks were randomly allotted by source to four Treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment of 50 chicks was divided in three replicates of 16 birds per each. The result on performance parameters showed that feed intake on both starter (64.10 - 75.52 g) and finisher phases (127.85- 158.43 g) were significantly affected (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), while body weight gain and feed conversion ratio at both phases were not affected. Overall phase showed that daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected. The result on carcass and gut characteristics parameters revealed no significance difference among the treatment groups. The economic analysis showed that feed cost per/kg gain was higher (₦508.10) on treatment B, followed by treatment C (₦493.74) and D with (₦484.59) while treatment A recorded the lowest (₦454.36) which proved to be more economical. It can be concluded from the result of the study that all the broiler chickens from different sources gave good performance in terms of growth and carcass yield. However, treatment A was more economical to produce in the study area.
DETERMINANTS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN CROP PRODUCTION AMONG SOME COMMERCIAL CROP FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Mahmud, H. U.
Published: April 2023

The study was designed to find out the determinants of technical efficiency in production of some commercial crops in Niger State.  Primary data was used for the study. Crop production was found to be inelastic with a decreasing return to scale for the farmers. The distribution and level of technical efficiencies for the farmers examined was found to be 74.2%. There was a significant difference in the technical efficiency level obtained.  The determinants of technical efficiency observed in the study were age, household size, education level, farming experience and credit access for the farmers. The result showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the socio-economic factor and technical efficiency in crop production. It further indicated that 3.9% of the total variation in aggregate food crop production by these farmers was due to technical inefficiency. The study concluded that crop farmers are yet to achieve their best, as shown by their low technical efficiency (TE) value and low output levels, thus, calling for critical examination of technical efficiency, as a means of examining the role of higher efficiency level on agricultural output, particularly in the study area.
DETERMINANTS OF YOUTH POULTRY FARMERS’ ADOPTION OF SELECTED BIOSAFETY PRACTICES AGAINST AVIAN-INFLUENZA OUTBREAKS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bello, O. G.  , Ahien, A. E.  , Makinta, U.  , Umar, Y. A.
Published: April 2023

The study examines the socio-economic determinant of youth poultry farmers’ adoption of selected biosecurity practices against avian-influenza (HPAI-A/H5N1) outbreaks in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 120 respondents were selected through a multistage sampling procedure were used for the study. Majority (75.0%) were married, males (92.5%) with average age of 24 years. Average proportion (50.0%) has secondary education while below average (40.0%) has no formal education. Average monthly income is N26,075.00 and farming experience of 13 years. Mean: household size of 5 persons; flock size of 411 birds; membership of social group (91.7%) and no extension contact (84.2%). The respondents highly practiced vaccination of birds ( x = 1.000), constant cleaning of farm ( x = 1.167), hand washing with soap and water after toileting (  x= 1.492) and cleaning before restocking new birds (  x= 1.625) in cleaning. In the disinfection sub-components only; keeping of farm records (  x= 1.583), disinfection of equipment brought to the farm (  x= 1.667) and constant and periodic disinfection of equipments, poultry house and cloths ( x = 1.792) were highly practices while in segregation and traffic control sub-components, they highly practiced most of the activities except; employee restrictions ( x = 2.250), periodic visitation to ADP Office for training ( x = 2.750) and visitors/vehicle entry cleaning protocols (  x= 3.000). The respondents have high adoption level (  x= 1.832) on the segregation and traffic control, medium level of adoption for cleaning ( x = 2.159) and disinfection shows low level of adoption of the standard biosecurity components (  x= 2.458). Major source of awareness of AI are; Co-farmers/farmers group (79.2%), radio program (73.3%) and family/friends/neighbors (59.2%) among others. The highly severe constraints of the youth poultry farmers were; lack of education, poor extension/veterinary contact, lack of Buffer Areas around the farm site and lack/ poor farm record keeping (  x= 1.000).
EFFECT OF GLOBALIZATION ON PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Agum Charles
Published: April 2023

Health sector in Nigeria, despite growth opportunities presented by the rudiments of globalization, remains decrepit, completely dysfunctional, or functioning at less than average capacity both in the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This has gone a long way to affect the delivery of health services particularly as it relates to primary healthcare. This study therefore examined the effect of globalization on primary healthcare services in Nasarawa State using the survey designed method. A sample of 308 respondents was statistically obtained from a population of 1356 using the Taro Yamane formula. The data for the study was collected through a quantitative method using the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The study findings revealed that information and communication technology, electronic record keeping and electronic payment system has a significant effect on primary healthcare delivery services in Nasarawa State. It was recommended that the government should make policies, particularly primary health care, to enhance the use of technology for patient medical history and records which can be easily accessible. It was also recommended that all-important technological infrastructures should be provided to enhance the use of electronic payment systems particularly in the rural areas where these services are very poor.
USE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIAN STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE DISSEMINATED TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Kayode, A. O.  , Adeniyi, A. F.  , Williams, P. G.  , Bello, O. G.
Published: April 2023

Reducing post-harvest losses (PHL) offers a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to promote food and nutrition safety than focusing solely on increased productivity. This study assessed the use and effectiveness of NSPRI disseminated storage technologies among grain crop farmers. Specifically, it identified the NSPRI storage technologies available to grain crops farmers; examined the availability of the NSPRI technologies; examined the extent of use of the technologies; assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of the technologies; and identified constraints to the use of the technologies. A two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 130 farmers on whom questionnaire was administered. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and Pearson’s product moment correlation. The extent of use of storage technologies was low (MS = 1.16) though farmers used fumigant most (MS = 1.55). The farmers perceived that NSPRI dust was the most effective among the disseminated technologies. Availability (MS = 2.68) and lack of technical know-how (MS = 2.66) were the major constraints to the use of the technologies. At P<0.01, age (β = -0.004), household size (β=-0.019), years of education (β = 0.186) and frequency of contact with extension agents (β = 0.330) were the socio-economic determinants of the use of the technologies. Availability, and type of grain cultivated also influenced the use and type of technology used. The study concluded that the use and effectiveness of the disseminated NSPRI technologies among grain crop farmers was low. Availability was identified as the major constraint to the use of the technologies. It was recommended that the technologies should be made available at open markets or through extension agents at affordable costs for easy accessibility by the farmers.
COSTS AND RETURNS OF YAM PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Noseh Gambo Daniel  , Monisola Olukemi Akintunde
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the costs and returns of yam production in southern Taraba State; specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of yam farmers, determined the cost and returns of yam production and described the constraints faced by yam farmers in the study area. A multi-stage purposive and simple random sampling were employed in the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and net farm income were used in analyzing the data. The result of the analysis showed that the respondents have a mean age of 49 years and 83% of them were male. Majority (73%) of the farmers were literate and have a mean household size of 12.  About 69.8 % of the farmers did not participate in any cooperative association. Majority (85%) of the farmers had no access to extension service, 61% of them had no access to credit. The average hectare of land cultivated was 3 ha. Majority (57.2%) had 10 years and above farming experience. Yam farming was profitable with a return per naira investment of 1.30 and a net farm income of ₦365,367.5k. Insecurity, inadequate fund or access to credit, high cost of labour, lack of extension service and lack of improved yam sett were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. It was recommended that farmers should embrace cooperative association so they can take advantage of economies of scale purchase to reduce production cost. Also, extension services should be revived in the State.
PROFIT EFFICIENCY OF POULTRY FARMERS IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adewumi, A.  , Agidigbo, K. O.  , Arowolo, K. O.
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to determine the profit efficiency of poultry production in Irepodun Local Government Areas in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 85 poultry farmers were selected using a two-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, farm enterprise budgeting technique and stochastic profit frontier model were used to analyze the data collected. Poultry farming was profitable in the area with a gross margin, net farm income and gross ratio of ₦204,692.76, ₦193,492.78 and 0.4923, respectively. Number of brood stock, price of produce, cost of labour and feed, farming experience, access to extension and borrowed capital were significant factors influencing the level of the farmers’ profit efficiency. About 66% of the poultry farmers were profit efficient. The most prevalent constraints faced by the farmers by weighted mean were high cost of feed (3.89), high cost of acquiring credit facilities (3.87), climate change variability (3.87), limited capital (3.52), middlemen exploitation (3.42) and inadequate extension and advisory services (3.41). The study concluded that the farmers were not profit efficient. Thus, it was recommended that farmers should reallocate their resources to attain profit efficiency.
EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON POSTHARVEST LOSSES AMONG SWEET ORANGE MARKETERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Okpe Pius Charles  , Atagher, M. Monica  , Iheanacho, A. C.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the effect of socio-economic characteristics on postharvest losses among sweet orange marketers in Benue State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. Multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 280 marketers of sweet orange. Primary data for the study were obtained the aid of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data, respectively. Findings showed that average quantity of sweet orange purchased was 206.93, while the average quantity loss was 37.75 50 kg bag equivalence, putting average percentage postharvest loss at 18.24%, and translating to an average revenue loss of N186,404.22. With the semi-log functional form as the lead equation, the t-ratio of years spent in school (7.481), membership of cooperative society (0.182), age (-6.00) and orange marketing experience (-20.374) were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Further, the F-statistics (2970.457) was statistically significant (p < 0.01) and the R2 (0.987) of the model was high. Furthermore, age and orange marketing experience decrease the magnitude of postharvest losses. On the other hand, formal education and membership of cooperative society were inversely related to the magnitude of postharvest losses. It was concluded that the level of postharvest of sweet orange among the marketers translates to substantial loss in revenue since their scale of operation is low and there is no compensation for the losses. It was recommended that the age and marketing experience should be considered for any form of intervention in the management of postharvest losses among sweet orange marketers.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF SOLE COWPEA PRODUCTION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Jonathan, S.  , Joseph, M.  , Idenyi, E. S.  , Hamidu, K.
Published: April 2023

The study determined the technical efficiency of sole cowpea production in Northern Agricultural Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 180 sole cowpea producers selected by a multi-stage random sampling procedure, using structured questionnaire.  The Data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that, males dominated (81.11%) cowpea production in the area. The average age of the respondents was 46.52 and are mostly married with average family size of 8 persons. Also 88.33% used their personal savings to finance cowpea production and about. Farm size, family labour, hired labour and agro-chemicals were significantly related with cowpea output at 1% and 5% levels. Farming experience, extension contact, family size and credit availability enhance the efficiency of the respondents. Substantial variation existed in the TE indices of farmers with mean technical efficiency (TE) of 0.80 and minimum and maximum indices of 0.43 and 0.97, respectively. Farmers in the study area were relatively efficient in the production of sole cowpea. Inputs such as agrochemicals, farm land, improved seeds, labour as well as credit should be made available to farmers timely and at subsidized rates by government and non-governmental organizations.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF INSURGENCY ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION IN GAIDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF YOBE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Rabiu, M. M.  , Aliyu, Y. M.  , Tidy, A. S.
Published: April 2023

The project assessed effect insurgency on food crop production in Gaidam local government area of Yobe State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used in drawing 100 respondents for the study. Information was collected using structured questioners. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, descriptive statistics used includes: frequencies, means and percentages. The inferential statistics used was multiple regression model. Youths dominated the food crop activities with (42%) majority with the least of (9%) above 60 years. (76%) of the food crop farmers were married. Majority of 56% of the household members had 9 to 8. Primary education had the highest percentage of (43%) which concludes that most of the farmers had only primary education. (45%) which constitute the majority had 5ha of food crop farm. (40%) earned 71,000 to 100,000 naira. The effect of insurgency on food crop production were low food crop production (96.7%) which was the highest and least were reduced income, (65%). The most utilized coping strategies were business activities (93.3%), craft making (82.5%). All the socioeconomic variables were positive and significant at P≤0.01 level except gender which was positive and significant at P≤0.05. Female farmers should be given equal opportunity to engage more in food crop production. The dominance of male over the female in the food crop production should be looked into by the local government, states and federal government. Training and literacy classes should be created by the educational authority in order to educate the farmers.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE PROFITABILITY OF THE DRY SEASON WATERMELON FARMERS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Aminu Saleh  , Abdulyassar Ibrahim Zakari
Published: April 2023

The study was carried out to find the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Profit values of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Farmers across wet seasons in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedures were used for the selection of the respondents. A total of 91 Farmers, and 5 key informants were interviewed. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and checklist. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Net return Income model. The results revealed that average Watermelon yield of 25,625.87kg/ha and 19,892.66kg/ha was obtained during the dry season enterprise before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the study area, respectively. The result further revealed that Watermelon production enterprise was a profitable venture with Net farm income of ₦535,991.41/ha & ₦279,871.11/ in dry seasons before and during the Pandemic, respectively. However, findings also revealed that farmers obtained higher yield (25,625.87kg/ha) and profit (₦535,991.41/ha) respectively, in the study area before the Covid-19 Pandemic. Most important constrains to Watermelon production during the Pandemic was the restrictions of human and vehicular movements which lead to rising cost of labour and material inputs as well as Glut. The study finally recommends immediate credit and loan intervention by governments and donor agencies as well as the establishment of processing firms, to address the flight of the farmers.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FISH VALUE CHAIN IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Sabo, E.  , Akintunde, M. O.  , Emmanuel, G.  , Zubairu, A. I.  , Akintunde, A. R.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the economic analysis of fish value chain in Taraba State, Nigeria. The broad objective of the study was to analyze the fish value chain in Taraba State. The specific objectives were to described the socio-economic characteristics of the actors in the value chain, to determine the cost and return of the various actors among the value chain and also to identify the problem encountered in fresh fish value chain. Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were used to analyzed the data obtained from the analysis it was found that females were found to dominate fresh fish marketing and processing nodes with about 68%, and 89%, respectively, while male (72%) dominate the production node and were also the majority (61%) of the consumers’ household heads. Fish processors into dried/smoked in wet season made the highest margin of ₦3,302,000.00/kg, followed by fish processors into dried/smoked in dry season with ₦2,232,000.00/kg and roasted/fried fish marketers made the least gross margin of ₦416,202.17/kg Fish roasting (pepper-fish), frying, smoking and sun drying were the value addition carried out. Major constraints were inadequate capital, poor storage facilities, and high cost of transportation. It is recommended that cooperative society should be formed by the actors for the provision of storage facilities (cold room) in the market that will be conducive for storage of fish. Government should assist the fish marketers by reducing the tax imposed on them and providing them with loans and transportation facilities.
ECONOMICS OF YAM PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Akintunde, M. O.  , Inoni, E. O.  , Adamu, M. M.  , Zubairu, A. I.
Published: April 2023

The study analysed the economics of yam production and marketing in Taraba State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of yam producers and marketers, determined cost and returns of producers and marketers. A multi-stage purposive and simple random sampling was employed in the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, net farm income and regression analysis were used in analysing the data. The result of the analysis showed that the respondents have a mean age of 40 years for both producers and marketers. 77% were male for the producers while 66% were females for the marketer. 35% of the producers had a form of tertiary education, while 46% of the marketers had secondary education as the highest form of education. Both producers and marketers had N1.45 and 0.99 for wholesalers and retailers, respectively as the average rate of return on every naira invested while the producers had N1.25 indicating that yam production and marketing is highly profitable in Taraba State. The result of the simple regression indicates that seed, farm size, age and farming experience were significant at 5% while fertilizer and household size were significant at 10%. Major constraints faced by both producers and marketers include lack of capital, insecurity and poor road network amongst others. The study recommends that producers and marketers should form formidable cooperative to enhance possible assistance from the Governments, also Government should intervene by building more rural roads network for ease of accessibility for yam producers and marketer. Marketers can make use of local securities such as vigilantes and also seek government security officials both on the farm and at the market place.
SIMPLE CORRELATION BETWEEN STRIGA VIGOR AND GROWTH CHARACTERS OF SORGHUM TAKEN DURING THE 2018, 2019 AND 2020 RAINY SEASONS IN BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bako, J. B.  , Fagam, A. S.  , Garba, A. A.  , Sabo, M. U.  , Sheriff, H. H.
Published: April 2023

Field experiment was conducted for three (3) years during the rainy seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020 to study the productivity of sorghum as influenced by transplanted age and nitrogen rate on striga (Striga hermonthica L. Benth) infestation in Bauchi. The research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (10° 22' N and 9°47′ E) in the northern Guinea savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. The treatments consisted of transplanted age; 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after emergence in the nursery (WAE) with a control (direct seeded on the field) and five nitrogen levels; 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N/ha). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. In all the three seasons, sorghum seedlings were first raised in the nursery before being transplanted out to the field. Characters measured were plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area, leaf area index, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate and flag leaf area. Striga vigor was carried out based on visual observation using Striga vigor chart and Striga vigor score classes. Simple correlation between striga vigor and growth characters of sorghum indicated that significant and negative correlations exist.
DETERMINANTS OF FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS-TO-ACCEPT SEED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND THEIR POTENTIAL CAPACITY FOR RICE SEED PRODUCTION IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA
Authors: Moradeyo Adebanjo Otitoju  , Gabriel Odewumi Olaifa  , Yinka Mercy Obasanya
Published: April 2023

The study examined the determinants of farmers’ willingness-to-accept rice seed production technology and their potential capacity for seed production in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria using primary data collected from 220 rice farming households. Heckman two-stage selection model analysis revealed that willingness-to-accept rice production technology and the potential capacity to produce rice seeds were influenced by certain factors, the results showed that age of the household heads (z = -1.80), dependency ratio (z = -1.77), farming experience (z = 2.68) at 1%, rice farming experience (z = -3.02), income (z = 5.62), land ownership (z = 3.66), family labour (z = 2.28), hired labour (z = -3.11), training in rice farming/production (z = 2.71) and training in rice seed production (z = -2.76) were statistically significant and influenced rice production potential capacity among the rice farming households at  in the study area. The study then recommends that proactive land tenure policies and training in agronomic practices are needed to enhance rice seed production capacity of the rice farming households in the Federal Capacity Territory, Nigeria.
ESTIMATION OF COSTS AND RETURN OF SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION IN OFFA LGA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adewumi, S. O.  , Mahmud, H. U.
Published: April 2023

Offa is the second largest town in Kwara State, located in central Nigeria with geographic coordinates 8'9N 4'43E.  With a population of about 120,100 inhabitants. Located in a savanna vegetation region, Offa is well known for cultivation of sweet potatoes and maize.  Offa LGA was purposively selected as it is the major sweet potato producing areas in the State. A two-stage sampling procedure was used in random selection of 120 sweet potato farmers for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary technique. The results showed that the estimated costs and return for one hectare of sweet potatoes enterprises were ₦64,100.00 and ₦121,700.00, respectively, with the labour cost having the highest share of 39.78% of total cost followed by seed cost (11.7%) and fertilizer cost (10.06%). The profit margin percentage of 47.3% and return per capital outlay of 0.9 was noted, impliedly that for every ₦1 invested in sweet potato production enterprise there is a return of ₦0.90k to the enterprise.  An operating cash expenses ratio of 39.5% was obtained along with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of ₦1.89k implying that the enterprise is profitable even with little capital invested into it. A positive gross margin (₦73,600) and net farm income (₦57,600) was also obtained indicating a profitable sweet potato production enterprise. The study concluded that with the values of all the performance indicator used, sweet potato enterprise could be said to be profitable, and profitability can still be increased under improved management practices.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF BAMBARA NUT PRODUCTION IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Dagachi, M.  , Olorunsanya, E. O.
Published: April 2023

There is a gap between actual and potential output of Bambara nut due to inefficient use of existing resources, thereby hindering profit maximization. Therefore, this study aims at determining the technical efficiency of Bambara nut production in Niger State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 150 representatives of Bambara nut producers in the study area. Primary data were obtained using structured interview schedule. Stochastic frontier production function was used to analyze the data collected. Results showed that four out of the five variables included in the efficiency model, namely: farm size, seed, labour and herbicide were statistically and positively significant at 1%, 10%, 10% and 10% respectively. Fertilizer was not significant. Similarly, the factors affecting Bambara nut production in the study area as shown by the inefficiency model were age, education and farming experience. In addition, the mean efficiency of the respondents was 0.71. The study concluded that Bambara nut production in the study area was efficient. However, there are prospects of increasing production efficiency by 29% using existing inputs and technologies. It was therefore concluded that Bambara nut farmers in the study area should be encouraged to join existing cooperatives or form new ones so as to benefit from various incentives such as economies of scale, access to formal credit facilities, linkage with product buyers, among others. In addition, they should engage in rotational communal labour.
CYTOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) GERMPLASM
Authors: Musa, U. H.  , Isa, H.  , Dasikwo, S. Y.  , Kabido, A. I.  , Abdullahi, M. H.
Published: April 2023

Germplasm diversity of any crop plays a significant role in the establishment of a successful breeding programme. In this study, five tomato germplasm, namely Roma Savannah, Tima, UTC, Dan Zaria and Tagino were collected from the Nasarawa State College of Agriculture, Lafia were evaluated for their cytological characterization to determine the germplasm cytological karyotyping parameters. The number of chromosomes in all lines was 2n = 24, except for Tagino, in which the number was 2n = 26, whereas chromosome sizes were small, ranging from 322.09 to 461.17µm. The Roma Savannah cultivar was a symmetrical cultivar (primitive), having the highest total form percentage (TF%) and symmetry index (Syi) values and the minimum karyotype asymmetry index (ASK) value, whereas Dan Zaria was asymmetrical (advanced) which makes it a superior germplasm among the other five evaluated. On the whole, the application of cytological techniques could be considered as a means to provide suitable parameters for studying the evolution of the genetic divergence between the studied tomato lines which can aid in preserving genetic resources in gene banks and improving new cultivars in breeding systems.
PEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF HILLY SOILS DEVELOPED ON BASEMENT COMPLEX TERRAIN IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Okoli, D. C.  , Yakubu, M.  , Lawal, B. A.  , Abdulkadir, A.
Published: April 2023

A pedological characterization of hilly soils developed on basement complex terrain was carried in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The site was delineated into three physiographic units (positions) and designated as summit, shoulder and foot slope. Two modal profile pits were excavated in each unit to permissible depths, giving a total of six (6) profiles. The soil samples were analysed in the laboratory following standard analytical procedures. Particle size analysis showed dominance of sand over other mineral fractions irrespective of the physiographic units. Silt was next to sand in dominance and clay particle was the least in particle size. Bulk density increased with increasing soil depth in all the physiographic positions while porosity decreased down the profiles. Soil reaction (pH) ranged from moderately acid to slightly acidic in all the terrains. Organic carbon, total nitrogen and available P decreased with the increased in soil depth in all the landforms. Calcium and Magnesium were moderate while Potassium rated high in the sampled soils. The mean Na in the sampled soils rated low to moderate.    Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) in the soils rated moderate while percentage base saturation (BS) rated high. The soils are non- sodic and the electrical conductivity (EC) values are low. Thesoils of summit and shoulder were classified as Typic Paleustalfs while the footslope soils were classified as Typic Paleudalfs. The soils were classified as Plinthosols when correlated with WRB for soil resource.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS OF FARO-44 RICE FARMERS UNDER FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Banseka, R. F.  , Sani, M. H.  , Murtala, N.  , Sani, R. M.
Published: April 2023

The study examined the socio-economic and constraints analysis of faro-44 rice farmers under fadama III additional finance II in Taraba State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents. Data collected from 500 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation). The results showed that majority (83.80%) of the faro-44 rice farmers were male; 78.80% were married; 58.20% had informal education; 33.80% acquired land through inheritance; about half (52%) had access to extension agents and a few (47.80%) had no access. Frequency of extension agent visits showed that few (28.60%) had fortnightly visits, weekly (18.60%), monthly (20.00%), quarterly (18.00%) and none (14.80%). Some (28.60%) of the respondents revealed that own sources were their main credit. Results showed a mean age of 43 years for the faro-4 rice farmers. The respondents had mean household size of 9 persons per household. The faro-44 rice farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria had a mean farm size of 2.66 ha. Findings also revealed that faro-44 rice farmers had minimum and maximum of 1 year and 25 years experiences, respectively, with an average of 14.02 years farming experience. The major constraints faced by the farmers were pests and diseases (93.80%), inadequacy of information on improved rice production technologies (89.20%), farmer-herder conflicts (78.60%), inadequate capital (76.40%), high cost of farm inputs (70.20%), poor road network/transportation (66.20%), climatic factors, e.g., flood, ground water depletion, drought (66%), high cost of labour (64.60%), poor market outlet (44.20%), scarcity of improved seeds (39.60%), high cost of seedling (26.80%), land fragmentation (21.00%), inadequate extension services or contact (19.20%), price fluctuation (6.20%) and kidnapping/banditry (5.60%). It was concluded that faro-44 rice farmers under fadama III additional finance II in Taraba State, Nigeria is dominated by males and the major constraints faced by the farmers were pests and diseases, inadequate information on improved rice production technologies and farmer-herder conflicts. The study recommended that women farmers in Taraba State should form strong cooperative associations in order to benefit more from such laudable fadama AF-II intervention/supports taking cognizance also of the enormous benefit of the women in agriculture programmes.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CASSAVA FARMERS' PARTICIPATION IN USAID/MARKETS II PROGRAMME IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Nwaobiala, C. U.  , Uzochukwu, M. C.  , Chukwu, J.
Published: April 2023

This study analyzed socio-economic determinants of cassava farmers' participation in USAID/MARKET II programme in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 90 USAID farmers. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Tobit regression analysis). The result indicated that USAID farmers had high participation ( = 2.6) in the stages of proramme development. Result showed that mean ages of USAID farmers was 40.5 years, a good proportion (58.9%) acquired secondary education, mean years of farming experience of 8 years, mean farm sizes of 1.8 hectares, mean annual cassava income of N233, 855.6 mean credit of N116, 667.00 and mean cooperative experience of 3.4 years. Tobit regression results showed that coefficients for age (β = 0.0579), education (β = 0.75980), farming experience (β = 0.0743), farm size (β = -0.6078), farm income (β = 0.2784), amount of credit (β = 0.5929), membership of cooperative societies (0.5745) and farm output (β = 0.2643) were determinants of farmers’ participation in the stages of programme development. The study therefore recommends integration of farmers in the design of any agricultural intervention programme that support income diversification of farmers, group formation access to education, credit and land to increase farm output for effective participation in the stages programme development.
Obesidad infantil: el problema oculto a la vista
Authors: Hurtado-Valenzuela Jaime  Gabriel , Bernal Cruz Iyya Deni
Published: April 2023

La obesidad se define como la acumulación excesiva de grasa de origen multifactorial y representa unriesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas. Actualmente, México es unode los países con mayor índice de sobrepeso y obesidad en el mundo, presente tanto en adultos comoen niños. En el caso de la obesidad infantil, su prevalencia va en incremento a nivel nacional, al igualque la presencia de enfermedades crónicas a edades tempranas. A pesar de su origen multifactorial, el95% de los casos de obesidad infantil presentan componentes ambientales debido a la cultura, seden-tarismo y hábitos alimenticios de la población
Implementasi Metode Multi Attribute Utility Theory Pemberian Komisi Untuk Sales
Authors: Bambang Hardian Syahputra  , Irianto Irianto  , Febri Dristyan
Published: April 2023

Dalam pemberian komisi pada CV. Sempurna Tetap Makmur terdapat beberapa kriteria yang menjadi penilaian. Dalam mengambil keputusan terhadap penentuan komisi pada CV. Sempurna Tetap Makmur sudah menerapkan sistem terkomputerisasi dengan menggunakan Microsoft Excel dan untuk pengembangan aplikasi penentuan komisi maka CV. Sempurna Tetap Makmur memanfaatkan sistem aplikasi dengan menggunakan suatu metode algoritma yaitu metode Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT).
The pattern of metachronous recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric adenocarcinoma and dysplasias
Authors: Suk Sunah , Seo Yeon Joo , Cheung Dae Young , Lee Han Hee , Kim Jin Il , Park Soo-Heon
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims: Metachronous recurrence incidences and risk factors following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric adenocarcinoma and dysplasias were investigated.Methods: Retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients who underwent gastric ESD at The Catholic University of Korea, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital.Results: A total of 190 subjects were enrolled for analysis during the study period. The mean age was 64.4 years-old and the male sex occupied 73.7%. The mean observation period following ESD was 3.45 years. The annual incidence rate of metachronous gastric neoplasms (MGN) was about 3.96%. The annual incidence rate was 5.36% for the low-grade dysplasia group, 6.47% for the high-grade dysplasia group, and 2.74% for the EGC group. MGN was more frequent in the dysplasia group than in the EGC group (p<0.05). For those with MGN development, the mean time interval from ESD to MGN was 4.1 (±1.8) years. By using the Kaplan–Meier model, the estimated mean MGN free survival time was 9.97 years (95% confidence interval, 8.53–11.40) The histological types of MGN were not related to the primary histology types.Conclusions: MGN following ESD developed in 3.96% annually and MGN was more frequent in the dysplasia group. The histological types of MGN did not correlate with those of primary neoplasm.
ENTRE O DESEJO, A PAIXÃO, A DÚVIDA E A SOLIDÃO: AS MIL E UMA NUANCES QUE ENVOLVEM E REVOLVEM O PESQUISAR
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Sabiá Ana Paula
Published: April 2023

Neste ensaio proponho a articula- ção da problemática sobre a escrita de tese a partir dos textos selecionados na disciplina Seminário de Pesquisa I. A paixão pela pesquisa é um salto para o auto-conhecimento. A fatídica pergunta ‘quem somos nós?’ torna-se tanto inquietante quanto instigante quando compreendemos que não existe apenas uma resposta que sa- tisfaça tal sentença. Quaisquer que sejam, tais respostas serão sempre múltiplas, permeáveis, fluídas e efêmeras; eternos percursos transitivos entre o absoluto e o peculiar. Por isso o pesquisar: ação humana consciente na tentativa de compartilhar uma perspectiva subjetiva que dialogue no coletivo e que, por assim o ser, possa vir ampliar os variados modos de existência e ideais sobre o mundo e nós mesmos.
The 100-year history of the pach test in Hungary Importance of the 7th day assessment: confirmation of methodological recommendation in light of 15 years of data
Authors:   Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Dermatology Venereology and Dermatooncology, Pónyai Györgyi , Németh Dominik , Németh Ilona , Kovács Anikó , Gergely László Hunor , Mészáros Mirtill , Temesvári Erzsébet
Published: April 2023

Patch test (PT) is the standard diagnostic tool verifying contact hypersensitivitiy (CH). Not only delayed but also immediate-type reactions can be detected. The methodology, and the tested allergens were formed as a result of continuous development and change in the 20th and 21st centuries to the present days. During PT, standard amount and concentrations of allergens are applied to the asymptomatic back of the patients. The provoked skin reactions are evaluated at specific intervals: the first reading is performed in 20-60. minutes, and after 48 hours of allergen exposure (occlusion), it occurs at 48, 72, 96 hours and on the 7th day. In Hungary, we have been using the PT for 100 years. The 7th day evaluation was recommended in 2008, and has been used by the Allergology Workgroup of our clinic since 2007. Many important allergens can give CH reactions only on the 7th day, so without this reading, a significant number of the reactions would not be detected. During our 15-year study period (2007-2021), in 624 patients out of 5790 tested population (10.7% of patients), and in 729 out of the total 3338 positive reactions (21.8% of reactions) were registered only on the 7th day in the environmental standard series. The most common allergen-groups were metals, mercury derivatives, preservatives, fragrances – plant components and drugs – local therapeutics. Regarding the individual allergen ranking, nickel (11.4%) was the most common. Among fragrances wood tar (3.7%), from preservatives Kathon CG® (4.0%), and among drugs – local therapeutics neomycin sulfate (5.2%) can be mentioned. Our data confirm and justify the methodological recommendation formulated in Hungary in 2008: the evaluation of the PT is necessary until the 7th day.
Ethnobiology Study: Game in Dayak Lun Dayeh Community at Watershed of Mentarang in Malinau
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, Jl. Barong Tongkok, Kampus Gunung Kelua, Samarinda, Indonesia 75123, Hendra M , Rukmi D S , Effendi S , Freminci Freminci , Auliana Auliana
Published: April 2023

Dayak Lun Dayeh is a local community who lives in East Kalimantan, where they have practiced hunting both in traditional and modern ways. They have particular ways to find hunting spots and use hunting techniques. The research about this community was conducted in watershed of Mentarang, in order to determine the various kinds of games, frequently used hunting locations, and hunting ways of Dayak Lun Dayeh community. This study was carried out at two different times, on May–July 2016 and June–August 2021. Research data were collected through open-ended interviews (assisted by a key informant), field observation and photographic record. Data were presented descriptively by an ethnobiology approach. The results showed that this community practices subsistence hunting of games, which comprised mammals (69.73%), reptiles (14.15%), aves (8%), and amphibians (0.4%). The bush meat obtained from hunting was consumed as a protein source and served as a medium in traditional ceremonies or religious rituals based on ancestral teachings. Games such as Cervus unicolor, Sus barbatus, Muntiacus atherodes could be found easily at abpa' nuvan (salt-lick) rather than at primary forest, swidden (latii), swidden fallow (including amug, jekau and ripa), farm, river, or secondary forest such as the logging roads of former timber companies. Several hunting techniques were applied such as using hunting dogs for tracking the games (gelibut), sieging or waiting (gabang) at a specific location (abpa' nuvan), and setting traps (ton).