bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF POTTING MIXTURES AND PROVENANCE ON EMERGENCE AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF GUM ARABIC (Senegalia senegal [L.] Britton)
Authors: Sabo, M. U.  , Aboki, I. Y.  , Fakuta, M. N.  , Emmanuel, L.  
Published: April 2023

The experiment was conducted at the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Gum Arabic nursery Sub-station Gashua, Yobe (120 46’ N longitude 110 00’E and altitude 360m above sea level) to evaluate the effect of potting mixtures and provenance on the emergence and seedling growth performance of gum arabic (Senegalia senegal) in 2017 and 2018. The treatments consisted of eight (8) difference potting mixtures of top soil, river sand cowdung in the ratios (2:0:1, 2:0:3, 2:1:1, 2:1:3, 2:2:1, 2:2:3, 2:3:1, 2:3:3) and two (2) provenance (Yusufari and Gujba). The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Design in three (3) replications. Potting mixture showed no significant difference in days to emergence of S. senegal while seeds of Yusufari origin significantly influenced early days to emergence in both years of the study. At three (3) months after sowing (3 MAS) with ratios 2:1:1, 2:3:1 and 2:2:3 though statistically similar, significantly gave superior seedlings height in 2017 and 2018 experimentation with Gujba provenance producing taller seedlings. At 3MAS with ratio 2:1:1, 2:0:1, 2:1:3 and 2:2:1 thought statistically comparable, significantly increased seedling stem diameter, number of primary branches and canopy spread than other ratios in both seasons. Also, at 3MAS potting mixtures of 2:1:1, 2:1:3, 2:3:1 and 2:2:3, thought statistically similar, significantly increased height at first branch and root length more than the other ratios regardless of the study year. The study concluded that Gujba provenance gave superior seedling growth performance in most of the sampling period. The study concluded that potting mixture in the ration 2:1:1 was most appropriate for morphological growth characters of gum Arabic provenances. It is therefore recommended for profitable seedling production in the study area.
FARMER’S PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION TO RURAL FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Sule, B. A.  , Datsu, J. B.  , Abubakar, S.  , Tauheed, L.  
Published: April 2023

The study assessed farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in dissemination of Agricultural information to rural farmers in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 farmers from the study area. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 62% of the farmers were aware of the ICTs, 63% had access to ICTs, 41% owned radio, television, and mobile phone while 27% owned radio and mobile phone. The results further revealed that all ((100%) the farmers perceived ICTs as effective tools in extension service delivery. Also, 63% of the respondents considered access to mobile phone to be timely and relevant in accessing agricultural information. Mobile phone (40%) was ranked first as an effective means of accessing agricultural information by the farmers. It was also disclosed that television (32%) and mobile phone (40%) were the major factors leading to ICTs effectiveness. Erratic power supply (32.0%) and inadequate extension services (25%) were the major problems that militated against the use of ICTs among farmers in the study area. The study concluded that ICTs are effective tools in dissemination of agricultural information in the study area, and mobile phone was the most effective means of accessing agricultural information by the respondents due to its dual purpose. The study also concluded that erratic power supply and inadequate extension services are the major problems militating against the use of ICTs among farmers. It was recommended that in order for farmers to understand and appreciate the benefits of ICT to improved agricultural production, extension agents should educate farmers particularly on the use of mobile phone which is considered more accessible and convenient.
PROFITABILITY OF YAM PRODUCTION IN PAIKORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Baba, K. C.  , Aliyu, Y. Y.  , Adedeji, S. O.  , Bwala, A.  M.  , Umar, A.  
Published: April 2023

The study examined the profitability of yam production among small-holder yam farmers in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State. Primary data were collected from 90 yam farmer’s selected using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and oral interview Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary techniques. The results of the socio-economic characteristics shows that majority (50%) of yam farmers were male, within the age range of 46- 55 years. Majority of the farmer had farm size less-than 1 hectare with at least 10 years farming experience. The total revenue was ₦582,588.72 per hectare while the total cost was estimated to be ₦218,197.98 per hectare. The net farm income was ₦364,390.74 per hectare. The return on investment was 1.67 meaning that on ₦1 invested on the yam production will yield ₦1.67 per hectare meaning that yam production was profitable in the study area. The major constraints faced by the yam farmers were inadequate access to credit facilities, poor transportation network, pests and diseases, poor storage facility and high cost of labour. It could be concluded that yam production in the study areas was economically viable, and among the constraints identified in the study areas, majority of the respondents attested to the fact that inadequate access to credit and poor transportation network were major constraints faced. It was therefore, recommended that, infrastructure facilities like good road network should be provided for the yam farmers in the study area. The concept of cooperative movement should be encouraged in the study area so as to solve the problem of credit facilities to the farmers. It is also recommended that effort should be made to intensify the number of extension visits as this signifies a strong factor in yam production in the study area.
TRADITIONAL GOAT PRODUCTION AND INCOME GENERATION OF GOAT FARMERS IN ZANGON-KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Kaine, A. I. N.  , Ajeiigbe, E. A.  , Ogbonna, S. I.  
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 50 farmers used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data required for the study. Data collected were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The result established that goat farmers in the study area were relatively young with a mean age of 38 years. Literacy level and household size were high. Enterprise variables established that the farmers were experienced and that goat production was an income generating enterprise with positive net profit and a mean net income of N2,719.00, that is, $7.769 at N350 per doller. Return on investment (ROI) was established to be positive with a value 0.13 implying that goat production in the study area was profitable. The constraints to goat production in the study area were poor road network, pest and diseases, among others. It was recommended that, campaign and sensitization of the profitability of goat production should be carried out. Also, non-governmental organizations, government and financial institutions should assist goat producers by providing funds in form of soft loan, credit facilities and needed capital to improve their financial base and increase their production capability.
RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM AGRIBUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA
Authors: Magaji, B. D.  , Oladimeji, Y. U.  , Hassan, A. A.  , Siewe, Francois  , Njiforti, P. P.  
Published: April 2023

The study identifies the common risk management strategies (RMS) used by micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMAEs) in North-west, Nigeria. A sample of 334 MSMAEs were selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected in 2020 with the use of structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to describe and analyse risk management strategies of MSMAEs. The result revealed that there were three categories of RMS namely, investment, budgeting and marketing. The investment RMS were the most used strategies with a mean score ( of 3.73 and a standard deviation ( of 2.85. This is followed by the marketing RMS with a mean score of 2.98 and a standard deviation of 2.08, irrespective of the business status. The least important RMS were the budgeting RMS with a mean score of 1.91 and a standard deviation of 1.52. The PCA results also revealed that RMS factor under micro agribusinesses had the highest and smallest correlation in terms of maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial record (0.93) and savings (0.66), respectively. Similarly, under the small agribusinesses, RMS factor had the highest and smallest correlation with timing or type of sales modification (0.95) and Borrowing (0.54). Furthermore, in medium agribusinesses, RMS factor had the highest and smallest correlation with timing of sale of output (0.92) and keeping of business record (0.68). In conclusion, MSMAEs managed their risk through investment, budgeting and marketing strategies. It was recommended that regular capacity building especially in the area of record keeping, maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial record, budgeting cash flow and outflows and conducting basic financial analysis couple with effective marketing management system should be given priority in risk management strategies in the sector.
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT UTILIZATION AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE CENTRE IN TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bulus, G.  , Egbeadumah, O. M.  , Musa, Andarawus  
Published: April 2023

The study examined agricultural loan utilization among borrowers of Development Exchange Centre (DEC) in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 47 randomly selected respondents through the instrument of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Access to Credit Index, t-test, and regression analysis. The results showed that beneficiaries had fair access to credit index of 0.46 having received an average loan amount of N31, 500 being 46.1% of the loan applications T-test however, revealed a significant diversion of the granted amount at 0.5%, implying that borrowers diverted some of the funds to non-agricultural use. It was found out that crop production beneficiaries utilized the loan on fertilizer, labour, farm assets, storage bags, agrochemicals and seed or seedlings; and animal production beneficiaries used the loan for stocking, feed, labour, drugs and livestock equipment. Regression results of the factors affecting loan utilization showed that age, household size, non-farm income source, educational level and farming experience were significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that farmers did not make the best use of the loan amount acquired; perhaps due to inadequate loan supervision. It was therefore, recommended that while more should be given in terms of loan volume to farmers, it should be followed by intense supervision as it was found to correlate positively with loan utilization.
ECONOMICS OF PARTNERSHIP FISHING AMONG FISHERMEN IN RIVERINE AREAS OF EBONYI NORTH AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Esheya, Samuel Esheya  
Published: April 2023

The study examined economics of partnership fishing among fishermen in riverine areas of Ebonyi North agricultural zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Partnership farming as a form of agribusiness organisation is generally assumed to increase output, improve welfare and lead to financial independence. To test this assumption, switching regression model was employed to ascertain the effects of a fisherman switching from participation in partnership fishing, not participating and discontinuing with partnership fishing. Analysis revealed that for all the respondents, joining partnership would raise their income by N87.93. Income difference under partnership revealed that partnership fishermen’s income was N20.84 lower than the average of all sampled fishers; whereas that of former partnership and never partnership fishers’ were N32.92 and N186.44 higher than the average of all sampled fishers, respectively. The partnership fishers’ income difference outside partnership was N15.50 higher than the average of all sampled fishers; whereas the former and never partnership fishers’ income were N178.0 and N24.48 lower than the average of all sampled fishers, respectively. The study, through the selection equation, identified education, extension visit and group membership to have positive impact (P<0.01) on partnership fishing participation; and age and credit negatively determined fishers’ participation in partnership fishing.
RESPONSE OF MOISTURE STRESSED TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.) GROWTH CHARACTERS TO ANTITRANSPIRANTS AT KANO IN SUDAN SAVANA OF NORTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Isa, H. M.  
Published: April 2023

Antitranpirants are foliar sprayed chemicals to plants in order to reduce the rate of moisture loss and increase productivity of irrigated crops. To test antitranspiracy of Salicylic and Benzoic acids, field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano (11˚ 97ʹ 98.6ʺ N, 8˚42ʹ 03.7ʺ E) 475 m elevation) during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 dry seasons to study the effects of antitranspirants and moisture stress on crop growth and development stages of tomato. The treatments consisted of two antitranspirants at four concentrations each (0, 200, 400 and 600 ppm) and three moisture stress stages (vegetative, flowering and fruit setting). Antitranspirants and moisture stresses were assigned to the main plot and concentrations were used as sub-plot treatment. These were replicated three times and laid out in a split-plot design. Data were taken on some growth attributes of tomato and subjected to analysis of variance data using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The results revealed that, application of Salicylic acid at 600 ppm significantly enhanced leaf area, total dry matter, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate better than application of Benzoic acid. Interaction between and among different factors were significant on leaf area, total dry matter, crop growth rate and relative growth rate. Flowering and fruiting stages were found to be the critical growth stages for moisture stress of tomato. The study concluded that application Salicylic acid enhanced the growth characters of moisture stressed tomato better than Benzoic acid. It was recommended that 600 ppm of Salicylic acid should be foliar sprayed on moisture stressed tomato in the study area.
CHALLENGES FACED BY USAID MARKETS II RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Yusuf, A. A.  , Nnaji, J. O.  , Abdulshakur, M. M.  , Ibrahim, S.  
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the challenges faced by USAID market II rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. A total of 247 respondents made up of 130 participants and 117 non-participants were randomly selected from two participating Local Government Area of Niger State, Katcha and Lapai. The respondents were interviewed with the aid of structured questionnaire. Analytical tools used were descriptive. The result shows that the average age for participant and non-participant farmers were 43 and 41 years, respectively, which indicate that, respondents were in their most productive ages. The results also revealed that male farmers are more involved in the agricultural programme especially in the study area than females. Majority (96.90%) of participant farmers and 92.31% of non-participant farmers were married while few of them were single. The study further revealed that 55.38% of the participant farmers and 61.54% of the non-participant farmers had household size within the range of 1 – 10 person. The participant farmers were more educated with over 55% of respondent’s being literate, while about 42% of non-participant farmers had acquired one form of education or the other; 68% participant farmers had farming experience of between 1-10 years with average contact with extension workers of three times for the farmers that participated in the USAID/MARKETS II programme and once for non-participant farmers, all participating farmers in the intervention were members of a cooperative association with few non-participant farmers in the cooperatives. The maximum farm size observed was found to be 4 hectares for both categories of rice farmers. The major constraints identified were high cost of inputs, inadequate capital, access to market and pest and diseases. It was concluded that participating in USAID/MARKETS intervention had broadened the knowledge base of the participants through advisory services of the programme, its enhanced the output, increased the income and living conditions of the participants more than that of the non-participants in the study area. The study recommends that intervening agencies on agriculture should ensure that strong institutional linkages and facilitation created among farmers, input suppliers, credit institutions and market for effective service delivery.
EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON WELFARE OF RURAL FARM FAMILIES IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ibrahim, M.  , Olaleye, R. S.  , Tsado, J. H.  , Dalap, S. L.  , Makusidi, H. M.  
Published: April 2023

This study examined the effect of community and social development projects (CSDP) on welfare of rural farm families in Niger State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 beneficiaries. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect primary data and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed mean age of 42 years while majority (97.3%) of the beneficiaries acquired formal education with mean household size of 8 people. Majority (84.0%) of the beneficiaries were members of cooperative societies. The effect of CSDP intervention in health sector includes; number of children enrolment in schools (z = 8.94), number of students studying science courses (z = 5.93) all increased but distance to schools (z = -18.11) was reduced. The effect of CSDP intervention in water sector include; time taken to get water (z = -7.34), number of reported water-borne diseases (z = -32.84), cost of buying water (z = - 3.83) all reduced but number of people using borehole water (z = 7.63) increased. The effect of CSDP intervention in transport sector includes; number of vehicle plying the road per day (z = 10.40) increased but time taken to travel (z = -15.58) was reduced. The effect of CSDP intervention in health sector includes; number of medical staff deployed (z = 2.96), number of people seeking medical counseling (z = 2.54) were increased while distance to heath center (z = 6.42) was reduced. On perception, the results revealed that provision of educational facilities (= 2.17), water supply to the community (= 2.20), provision of healthcare facilities (= 2.28) and provision of motor able roads (= 2.19) were perceived to be effective. Meanwhile, intervention such as provision of agricultural inputs ( = 1.35) and provision of extension services (= 1.25) were perceived not to be effective. Poor mobilization and time consuming rank 1st and 2nd in terms of severity of the problems while problem of site location rank lowest 12th. The study concluded that CSDP had significant effect on the income of the beneficiaries as well as on their welfare. It was recommended that extension agents should increase their contacts in order to reach out to large number of farmers for greater mobilization and participation in the project; also the program should be scaled up in other Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State and the project should have flexible policy that removes bureaucracy for easy access to micro-projects.
PRODUCTION INPUTS ALLOCATION AND PERFORMANCE BENCHMARK OF RICE FARMS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Osuafor, Ogonna O.  , Ude, Kingsley D.  , Enwa, Sarah  , Okonkwo, Ada R.  
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the production input allocation and the performance benchmark of rice farms in Anambra State, Nigeria. Efforts at improving farm management and production notwithstanding, more is yet to be achieved in that regard in Anambra State and Nigeria at large. Past studies concentrated on areas like profitability, resources and production efficiency with little or no focus on benchmarking the production and the pattern of input mix. To achieve the broad objective, four (4) specific objectives were outlined thus: (i) categorized production input patterns based on farm performance and based on expenses (iii) determined a performance standard/ benchmark from the category after identifying the existing standard, (iii) identified the diverse effect of production inputs cost on rice farm output for different production levels, and (v) identify the causal factors of difference in farm performance in the study area. A multi-staged sampling technique was employed in the selection of 120 farms. The study utilized primary data generated by the researcher using structured and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, net farm income, quantile regression and ANOVA were used for the analysis of the primary data gotten through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The 120 farms were grouped as top performers (40), average performers (40) and below average performers (40). The top performing farms had an average net farm income of N340,305 while the average farms and below average farms had N207,567 and N92,258, respectively. The benchmark standard for rice farms in Anambra State was N390, 500. The basic effects of the cost variables on the farm performance as identified with the quantile regression was that the higher the net farm income, the better the opportunities available to increase performance. The major causal factor of differences in farm outcome were, financial constraints, managerial ability, level of input utilization at the farm level, size of farm, high cost of inputs, pests and diseases, and seasonal variation or climate change. The ANOVA result showed that mean expenditures was not significantly different. The study therefore, recommended that cost management and better production instructions should be taken seriously by the extension agents and government should subsidize agricultural inputs for farmers.