Faculty of Agriculture

Permanent URI for this community

https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/6

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 514

Lipase activity in the digestive tract and liver of Mormyridae Pisces, from small lake in Ilorin, Nigeria
(Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, 2004) 5. Achionye – Nzeh, C.G., Obaroh, I. and Adeniyi, V
Lipase activity in the liver and digestive tract of some cichlids (Pisces: Cichlidea).
(African Journal online, 2005) 4. Achionye–Nzeh, C.G., Obaroh I. and Adeniyi, V.
Muscle lipid content and lipase activity in the liver and digestive tract of some freshwater fishes (Pisces: Teleostei)
(African Journal Online, 2006-11-13) Achionye–Nzeh, C.G., Obaroh, I. and Adeniyi, V. (2006)
Lipid content of the muscle and activity of lipase enzyme in the liver and digestive tract of Lates niloticus, Citharinus citharus and Auchenoglanis occidentalis were studied. The highest lipid content (14%) was recorded in A. occidentalis adults, while the lowest lipid content was observed in L. niloticus juveniles. Lipase activity was observed in the liver, anterior, median and posterior portions of the digestive tract of L. niloticus, C. citharus and A. occidentalis. The activity of lipase enzyme in the liver was high in the three fish species studied and the activity was statistically different. High lipid content of the muscle correlated with high activity of lipase in the liver of the fish species.
Analysis of the impact of globalization on Nigerian agricultural output
(European Journal of Social Sciences, 2007) MO Adewumi, SA Salau, OE Ayinde, Ayodele Jimoh
This study provides an empirical evidence on the impact of globalization on Nigeria’s Agricultural output and also highlights the implications for rural development. The data used covered 1981 – 2000 and were obtained from secondary sources. The descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used to ascertain the extent and direction of relationship between Agricultural production in Nigeria and openness, GDP growth rate, inflation rate and population growth rate. The study revealed that agricultural share of the GDP was highest (41.00 percent) in the first quarter of liberalization. The crop sub sector remained the dominant contributor to agriculture’s share of GDP, followed by livestock, fishery and forestry in that order. The study revealed that the economy is still mono-dominated by the oil sector. The study revealed that about 60 percent of the variation in the ratio of agriculture to GDP was explained by degree of openness or globalization, exchange rate and inflation. These three explanatory variables are negatively related to the ratio of agriculture to GDP. The study revealed that it is unlikely for Nigeria to be fully integrated into the global economy given its peculiar features and state of the economy. Nigeria cannot afford to fully liberalize trade in the face of poor export performance. Nigeria has to restructure her economy, liberalize, deregulate and democratize her institutuions. This calls for a redefinition of the government roles,and liberaqlization of the private sector which is at the center of globalization. The government are to provide the basic infrastructure especially in the rural areas, efficient and transparent administration, good governance friendly investment environment, macro-economic and political stability and level playing ground for economic activities in order to realize the positive impact of globalizsation on Nigerian agricultural output and the diversification drive of the economy.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) weed infestation, yield and yield components as influenced by sowing method and seed rate in a Sudan Savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria
(Academic Joournals, 2007-10) E. O. Imoloame; S. D. Joshua; N. A. Gworgwor
An experiment on the influence of seed rate and sowing method on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) weed infestation, yield and yield components was conducted at Maiduguri, Nigeria, during the 2001 and 2002 rainy seasons. A split-plot design was used such that method of planting was allocated to main plots and seed rate was assigned to sub-plots and replicated three times. The site was harrowed, leveled properly using a hand hoe and then marked out. The size of each sub-plot measured 6 x 8 m leaving a distance of 1 m between replications and 0.5 m between sub-plots. Seeds variety Gwoza Local were planted as broadcast and drill at the rate of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 Kg/ha respectively. Fertilizer Urea ( 46% N ) and Single Superphosphate ( 18% P 2O5 ) were used to supply 75 Kg N/ha and 50 Kg P/ha first at planting and the second dose at 6 weeks after sowing ( WAS ). Weeding was carried out using a hand hoe. Data taken included soil analysis of the experimental site, plant height, number of flowers per plant, weed cover score, weed dry matter, number of pods per plant and grain yield respectively. Results showed that broadcasting method of sowing produced taller plants in 2002 and greater number of flowers and pods per plant in both years and the average of two years data significantly higher weed cover and weed dry matter in 2001 and 2002 and their combined data compared with drilling method. Plant height, number of flowers and pods per plant decreased with increase in seed rate with 15 kg/ha producing significantly lowest of these characters in 2001 and the average of two years data. The amount of weed dry matter and weed cover decreased with increase in seed rate up to 12 Kg/ha with 15 Kg/ha producing the highest in 2001, 2002 and the average of two years data. Similarly, seed rate of 6 Kg/ha produced the highest seed yield compared with higher seed rates in the two years and only in the data on the average of the two years that differences in yield were significant. From this study, best weed suppression and highest yield was obtained from drilling method at seed rate of 6 Kg/ha.
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with a culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus
(Wiley online Library, 2008-03-31) Professor Apata David Friday
BACKGROUND: Probiotics are being developed for use in animal feed to enhance production performance and prevention of gastrointestinal infections. The ban on using antibiotics as growth promoters, antibiotic resistance and the inherent problems of developing new vaccines make a compelling case for developing alternatives for in-feed antibiotics. The alternatives of choice have to be considered under the environmental conditions of the animal. Among the probiotics in use today, Lactobacillus has been shown to play a vital role in disease prevention, immune enhancement, improved growth and carcass yield in poultry. The present study investigates the effect of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB)-based probiotic on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broilers under tropical environmental conditions. RESULTS: Broilers fed LB diets consumed more feed (P < 0.05) and had greater body weight gain than the control group. Feed/gain ratio improved significantly (P < 0.05) with the 20, 40 and 60mg kg−1 LB diets compared with the control or 80mgkg−1 LB diet. The apparent digestibilities of nitrogen and fat increased with LB supplementation. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in fibre digestibility. White blood cell count increased significantly in broilers fed higher levels (>40mgkg−1) of LB compared with the control group. Antibody production measured as antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine showed a curvilinear response over the range of LB concentrations examined. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that LB addition to broiler chick diets significantly improved growth performance, increased nutrient digestibility and stimulated humoral immune response.
Comparative Evaluation of Organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) and Mineral Fertilizer (NPK) on yield and quality of maize (Zea mays (L) Moench)
(Soil Science Society of Nigeria, 2008-05-12) Adeoye, G.O., M.K.C. Sridhar; O.O. AdeOluwa; M. Oyekunle, E.A. Makinde and Olowoake, A. A
COMPARATIVE NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF SOME LESSER KNOWN NON LEGUMINOUS BROWSE PLANTS FOR RUMINANTS.
(2008-07) Ogunbosoye, D. O; Babayemi O.J.
Foliage of some non-leguminous plants was examined by their chemical composition and in vitro gas fermentation characteristics. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and ash level of the browse species ranged between 27.75 and 43.99, 5.43 and 20.93, 26.53 and 40.09, 5.37 and 11.52 % respectively. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF, 32.08-65.33 %), acid detergent fibre (ADF, 22.08-49.61 %) and acid detergent lignin (ADL, 5.76-12.60 %). The gas volume (GV) and methane produced at 24hrs incubation varied significantly (P<0.05) among the species with values 13.50-25.50 and 8.00-13.50 respectively. Organic matter digestibility (OMD, 36.13-54.22%), Metabolizable energy (ME, 4.72-6.74 %) and Short chain fatty (SCFA, 0.26-0.55 %) also varied greatly among plant species. The result revealed that some of the plants studied could be proved to be useful to ruminants as dietary supplement to poor quality dry season feed since their protein concentrations are above the minimum recommended level.
On-lending credit scheme to crop farmers in Nigeria: An appraisal of Ekiti State Agricultural Credit Agency (ESACA) scheme
(Journal of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Ecology, 2009) SB Fakayode, MO Adewumi, SA Salau, OA Afolabi
We performed an empirical economic analysis of the on-lending loan scheme of the Ekiti State Agricultural Credit Agency (ESACA), Nigeria. Specifically, we compared the cropping practices of the ESACA’s loan beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries as well as the structure of cost and returns and factors affecting farmers’ output. One hundred and sixty farmers’ households, comprising eighty beneficiaries and eighty non-beneficiaries were surveyed across Ekiti State. Descriptive statistics was used to examine respondents’ socio-economic characteristics while multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting their level of food crop production. We found that a typical loan beneficiary was young, with at least the basic/primary education. The loan sum disbursed to each beneficiary was small; thus, the resultant gross margin from cropping activities of loan beneficiaries was low. However this was higher than that of non-beneficiaries because the beneficiaries farmed diversified crops, including a mix of food and cash crops. There is need for more funding of the ESACA scheme for enhanced performance. However, the agency should ensure better management and prompt disbursement of funds to farmers. Undue and unnecessary hurdles like collaterals and complex loan application processes should be avoided while farmers should be encouraged to venture into the more lucrative cash crop production
Potential values of some non-leguminous browse plants as dry season feed for ruminants in Nigeria
(2010) Ogunbosoye, D. O; Babayemi O.J
A study was conducted to assess the nutritive potential of some tropical non-leguminous multipurpose trees: Bombax glabra, Adansonia digitata, Ceiba pentandra, Kigelia africana, Newbouldia leavis, Treculia africana, Milicia exselsa, Mangifera indica, Spondia mombin, Terminalia superba, Terminalia catappa, Tabebuia rosea and Ficus thonningii. A wide variation was observed in the chemical composition, secondary compounds and gas production characteristics. Crude protein (CP) concentration ranged from 6.35 – 16.41 g/100g DM. The ash content varied between 5.27 and 12.46 g/100g DM. The content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin ranged from 40.49 - 69.31, 28.39 - 52.62 and 6.14 - 16.83 g/100g DM, respectively. At least each possessed steroid as anti-nutrient as revealed from the study. It was observed that five browse species had tannins while eight showed traces of saponin. The degradability of the browse spp can be grouped into 3: High fermentation (> 20.00 ml) for S. mombin, B. glabra, A. digitata, C. pentandra, K. africana and M. exselsa; moderate fermentation (17.00 - 19.00 ml) for T. superba, T. catappa, T. rosea, F. thonningii, T. Africana and M. indica; low fermentation (< 16) was observed in N. leavis. The highest potential gas production, rate of gas production, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acid were observed in S. mombin. From the result obtained, it is suggested that some of the browse species could be utilized by ruminants as feed supplement during both wet and dry seasons. S. mombin being high in gas production could be supplemented with energy rich feed like guinea grass in order to sustain livestock production.
Economic assessment of some pre- emergence herbicides in the Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2010-02) E. O. Imoloame; 1 S. D. Joshua; N. A. Gworgwor
Field trials were conducted in 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons at the University of Maiduguri Teaching and Research Farm located in Maiduguri (11°50’N; 13°10’E) to carry out an economic analysis of the use of some pre-emergence herbicides for the production of sesame. The experiment consisted of 22 treatments which included 4 different pre-emergence herbicides applied at 5 different rates viz: butachlor, metolachlor, diuron and pendimethalin at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg a.i. /ha, weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and weedy check. The treatment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated 3 times. Result showed that although two hoe weedings resulted in thehighest yield, percentage yield increase over check and income in both years, it was less beneficial and profitable than butachlor at 1.5 and 2.0 kg a.i /ha in 2006 and metolachlor at 1.5 kg a.i./ha in both years. Therefore, metolachlor at 1.5 kg a.i. /ha was more economical, profitable and beneficial than twohoe weedings in the production of sesame in the Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria.
Participants Perception of Special Rice Project Activities on Rice Production in Kwara State, Nigeria
(Nigerian Journal of Rural Extension and Development, 2010-07) IF Ayanda, JA Akangbe, EO Fakoya
The study was undertaken in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State to characterize activities of Special Rice Project (SRP), socio economic characteristics of the participants in SRP, determine participants’ perception of relevance of SRP activities and identified changes in yield of rice due to SRP activities. Through a two - stage random sampling technique, 102 participants in SRP were randomly selected and data collected by means of structured interview schedule. Some of the SRP activities include technology demonstration, inputs supply, financial assistance and provision of information on land preparation. The study showed that 41.1% of the participants were in the age bracket of 31-40 years while 66.7% of them possessed one form of formal education. Participants in SRP cultivated an average farm size of 2.6 hectares and recorded average yield of 3.34 tonnes/hectare. A significant difference exists between average rice yield of participants before and after the introduction of SRP (3.843, P < 0.05). Participants recorded income of N338, 700.00 per annum or N28, 225.00 per month. Based on the empirical evidence of this study, the Special Rice Project activities increased the rice yield of the beneficiaries; therefore, scope of SRP should be expanded to cut across all rice farmers in the country.
Effect of Terminalia catappa FruitMeal Fermented by Aspergillus niger as Replacement ofMaize on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and SerumBiochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens
(SAGE-Hindawi, 2010-08-06) Professor Apata David Friday
A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented Terminalia catappa fruit meal (FTCM) with Aspergillus niger as replacement for maize on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical constituents. Dietary maize was replaced by FTCM at 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80%. One hundred and eighty one-day-old Shaver broiler chicks were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments, three replicate groups of twelve chicks each for a 42-day period. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in the feed intake, weight gain, and feed; gain ratio between the broilers fed on 40% FTCM diet and the control group. The apparent digestibilities of nitrogen, crude fibre, and fat decreased significantly in broilers fed higher levels (>40%) of FTCM replacement diets compared with the control or lower FTCM diets. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin were decreased (P < .05) on 80% FTCM fed broilers. Serum cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose were not significantly (P > .05) altered among treatments. The activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P < .05) increased with higher FTCM replacement. The results indicate that FTCM could replace up to 40% of dietary maize in the diets of broiler chickens without adverse effect on growth performance or serum constituents.
Awoyale Wasiu, Maziya-Dixon Busie, Sanni Lateef , Shittu Taofik Akinyemi
(WFL, 2010-11-04)
The effect of distiller’s spent grain supplementation on the nutritional and sensory properties of amala, a popular traditional thick paste of yam (Dioscorea alata or D. rotundata) consumed with preferred soup, was investigated. Pre-treated distiller’s spent grain was used to replace 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of yam flour as a protein and dietary fibre supplement. Processing of the flour blends to amala significantly (p≤0.05) increased its fat, total sugar, starch and total content of dispensable and indispensable amino acids while the ash content was slightly reduced. Addition of distiller’s spent grain to the flour blends quantitatively and qualitatively increased the protein content of the amala products. Quantitatively, the protein content increased from 6.86% for 100% yam to 14.69% for 65% yam:35% distiller’s spent grain, with a mean of 10.77%. Qualitatively, the tryptophan content increased from 0.08 g/100 g sample for 90% yam:10% distiller’s spent grain to 0.14 g/100 g sample for 65% yam:35% distiller’s spent grain. The methionine content increased from 0.09 g/100 g sample for 95% yam:5% distiller’s spent grain to 0.25 g/100 g sample for 65% yam: 35% distiller’s spent grain. The insoluble dietary fibre content of the amala products increased while the soluble dietary fibre content was reduced as distiller’s spent grain increased in the blends. The mean insoluble dietary fibre content of the amala products was 9.17% with a range from 7.56% (100% yam) to 11.54% (65% yam:35% distiller’s spent grain). The mean soluble dietary fibre content was 0.75% with a range from 0.62% (65% yam:35% distiller’s spent grain) to 0.85% (100% yam). However, sensory evaluation indicated that amala from 5%, 10% and 15% distiller’s spent grain substitution levels was well accepted and compared favourably with that of whole yam flour.
Optimization of oil extraction from locust bean using response surface methodology
(European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 2011) Rahman Akinoso and Akeem Olayemi Raji
Optimization of oil extraction from locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) using central composite rotatable design of RSM was carried out. Independent variables were roasting temperature (90, 100, 110, 120, 1308C) and roasting duration (5, 10 15, 20, 25 min), while the responses were oil yield (OY), free fatty acid (FFA), color (CO), stability, anisidine value (AV), and specific gravity (SG). Data obtained from this study were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analysis. OY, FFA, CO, oil stability, AV, and SG of the oil ranged between (19.0–22.5%), (0.65–3.1%), (37.9–199.9 mg/L), (3.6–6.4%), (11.4– 59.9 mg/L), (0.7–0.9), respectively. Roasting conditions significantly influenced all dependent variables at p<0.05. Coefficients of determination (R2) of the generated models ranged from 0.49 to 0.98. Optimum roasting condition was 1088C for 10 min. This gave 22.3% OY, 1.7% FFA, 54.9 mg/L CO, 4.1% stability, 16.5 mg/L AV, and 0.9 SG. Desirability of 0.8 was obtained for optimum conditions
Agricultural Researchers’ Awareness of the Causes and Effects of Climate Change in Edo State, Nigeria
(2011) Tajudeen Oyekunle Banmeke; Olugbenga Emmanuel Fakoya; Ibrahim Folorunsho Ayanda
The study assessed Agricultural researchers’ awareness of the causes and effects of climate change in Edo State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 112 respondents and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that 45.5% of the respondents were between the ages of 31-50 years with 64.2% having a work experience of 5-10 years. Results revealed that 96.4% and 94.6% of the respondents were aware of gas flaring and oil spillage as causes of climate change. Also, 98.2% and 95.5% of the respondents were aware of increase in temperature and change in rainfall pattern respectively as some of the effects of climate change. There was a significant relationship between information sources and awareness of causes of climate change (r = 0.32; p < 0.05). It was recommended that agricultural researcher should be pragmatic and proactive in the pursuit of issues relating to climate change.
EFFECTS OF THE SPECIAL RICE PROJECT ON QUALITY OF INPUTS USED FOR RICE PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
(Journal of Humanities, Social Science and Creative Arts, 2011) IF AYANDA, JO AKANGBE, EO FAKOYA, BG ABIONA
The study was carried out in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Through a two stage random sampling technique, 70 participants in Special Rice Project (SRP) were selected from 6 circles in Patigi Local Government Area (LGA) and another 32 participants were similarly selected from 3 extension circles in Edu LGA, making a total of 102 respondents. Data collected by means of interview schedule were subjected to descriptive, t-test and Pearson Correlation Statistics. The result of the study indicated that 86.7%, 91.3%, 90.3% of the participating farmers in SRP rated seed, her- bicide and fertilizer respectively, provided by SRP, to be of very good quality while 19.6%, 49% and 58.8% of them rated seed, herbicide and fertilizer used before they joined SRP to be of very good quality. Furthermore, the highest proportion of participants 90 (88.3%) produced 3 - 4 tonnes of paddy rice per hectare as opposed to 19 .6% of them who were able to produce 3-4 tonnes before SRP was implemented. Participants also recorded an average annual income of N338,700.00 (US$2,419.29) / annum, that is, US$6.63/day, as against N129,410.00 (US$9,24.4)/annum earned by them before SRP was implemented. Thus, participants earned about US$6.63/day, which is higher than poverty income level of US$2/day. The result of the t-test analysis indicated that a significant difference exists between the rice yield of participants before and after the introduction of SRP (t=4.537, p≤0.05). Also Pearson Correlation analysis shows positive, linear and significant relationship between quality of farm inputs used and yield of rice (r = 0.562, p≤ 0.05). Based on the evidence from the study, Special Rice Project has the potential to serve as a good channel of accessing quality farm inputs, increase farm yield and income of farmers and contribute to Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty level by 2015. It is, therefore, recommended that the activities of SRP are expanded to reach all categories of farmers in the country
PIPELINE VANDALISATION AND FARMERS’ SITUATION: EXPOSITION FROM OBAFEMI OWODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
(Journal of Humanities, Social Science and Creative Arts, 2011) O OYEKUNLE, OT ONIFADE, I F AYANDA, AS AMUSAT
The study assessed the effects of pipeline vandalisation on the socio-economic life and activities of farmers in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 80 farmers from the affected villages in the Local Govern- ment Area. Primary data were obtained with interview guide. Chi-Square was used to analyze the data collected. The mean age of the farmers was 43.37 years and 78.7% were male. Majority (76.3%) were married while 61.2% were Christians. More than half (57.5%) had no formal education and they cultivated an average of 4.94 hectares of land. Most (92.0%) of the farmers operated on full time basis. Nearly all the farmers (97.5%) were aware of the incidents of pipeline vandalisation in their area. Efforts of the farmers at reducing the menace included warning messages through town criers, reporting cases to the law enforcement agents, threat of killing the vandals and the use of “charms” to scare the vandals. Majority (52.5%) claimed that the efforts made by the farmers and the government had no effect on the incident of pipeline vandalisation. Farmers’ perceived effect of pipeline vandalisa- tion on their activities and livelihood included non-availability of labor due to the youths’ involvement in the practice (82.5%), destruction of farmlands (76.25%) and pollution of rivers and atmosphere (65.0%). Farmers were constrained by corrupt law enforcement agents in charge of surveillance, un- cooperative attitude of fellow farmers, non-challant attitude of the government and lack of fund to or- ganize campaigns against pipeline vandalisation. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between pipeline vandalisation and farmers’ agricultural production. It was concluded that pipeline vandalisation was a regular occurrence in the study area and that it constituted a health hazard and posed a problem to the environment as well as the agricultural activities of the farmers.
ANALYSIS OF MULTIMEDIA CHANNELS OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO FISH FARMERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
(Journal of Humanities, Social Science and Creative Arts, 2011) O OYEKUNLE, OJ OLAOYE, OA LAWAL-ADEBOWALE, IF AYANDA
Fish farmers in Nigeria lack adequate information and their production capacity is low. The study ana- lyzed the multimedia channels of information available to fish farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multi- stage sampling techniques was used to select 120 fish farmers in the study area. Primary data were obtained with interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Most of the farmers (97.5%) were male and married. Many (43.3%) had primary education while 30.9% had no formal education. Majority (76.1%) had radio sets while 45.3% and 28.3% had television and phone respectively. Farmers’ accessibility to information was high in radio (79.2%) and extension agents (73.3%) but low in television, flyers, trainings, phone, internet and fellow farmers. Most of the farmers (85.0%) preferred extension agents, radio (71.6%) and television (68.3%) as their source of information on fish farming. Majority (80.0%) preferred Yoruba as the language of broadcast and pub- lications, 16.7% preferred English while 3.3% preferred Igbo. Most (83.3%) of the farmers regarded lack of electricity as the foremost constraint to their access to information on media. Other constraints identified were non-relevance of information to farmers’ felt needs (73.3%), feedback problem (60.0%), inadequate fund (40.8%) and illiteracy (23.3%). Chi-square analysis showed a significant association at p ≤ 0.05 between farmers’ choice of information channels and age (π2=19.60), educational level (π2=39.82), years of farming (π2 = 20.48), income (π2 = 34.03), and media related constraints (π2 = 6.92). The study established that age, educational level, years of farming, annual income and con- straints experienced by the farmers played significant roles in their choice and use of information channels, and that, farmers have more access to extension agents as channel of information. It was recommended that more information on fish farming should be provided through the multimedia and be based on farmers’ felt needs. More extension workers should be employed and trained while phone-in radio and television programmes should be regularly aired and viewing centres and radio groups established in strategic locations.
A Comparative Analysis of Crop Production Intensification and its Determinants among Kwara and Niger States Maize-Based Farming Households
(Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2011) SA Salau, MO Adewumi, OA Omotesho, OE Ayinde
Nigeria has been faced with food supply deficit in the past decades. Continuous increase in population density and the consequent pressures from competing demands for land over time have the tendency of worsening the Nigerian arable land situation in the foreseeable future, if unaddressed. Thus, this study compared crop production intensification and its determinants among Kwara and Niger States maize-based households. A total of two-hundred and fifty-two maize-based households were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using crop intensification index and Tobit regression model. Analysis revealed that Niger state households have higher crop intensity scores than those of Kwara state households. The estimated Tobit model revealed that market access, farm income and adoption of land management practices; and extension contact, farm income and adoption of land management practices are the significant variables among Kwara and Niger State maize-based households respectively. For sustainability of maize based production, there is the need for a policy option that addresses the provision of qualitative extension education and farming households’ access to market in the study areas.

Browse

Browsing Faculty of Agriculture by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options