Category Archives: International Journal of Agricultural Research and Food Production 2017

CONTENTS

S/N	Title	Author(s)	Pages
1	Refuse Dumping in Drainages: Attitude, Perceptions, Environmental and Health Implications on People Living in Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria.	Musa, M.A., Idi-ogede, A.M., Yakubu, S.O & Nda, A.A.	1-13
2	Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Survival of African Sharp tooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) Fingerlings Fed locally Formulated and Commercial Pelleted Diets Reared in Tarpaulin Tanks.	David, Gift Samuel & Afia, Ofonime Edet	14-38
3	Rural Communities in Nigeria: Issues of Conceptualizations and Perceptions.	Iheanyi, E. Nwosu Ph.D	38-48
4	The Role of Engineering and Technology in Agricultural Development in Nigeria	F.O Philip-Kpae;  Sunday Saviour Ime & Emmanuel Memoye	59-54
5	Crop Farmers Adjustments Strategies to Civil Disturbances in Bauchi South Senatorial Zone	Gizaki, L. J., J. D. Dibah1 & S.  Yakubu.2	55-74
6	Grazing Practices and Pastoralists Access to Natural Resources in the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria	Ibrahim Ahmed Jajere	75-90
7	Empowering Rural Dwellers for Effective Livelihood in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria	Anonguku,I1& Gyata, B. A.2	91-98
8	Analysis of Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture among Small Scale Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria	1Pev  Isaac & 2Yaro Anthony	99-121

Refuse Dumping in Drainages: Attitude, Perceptions, Environmental and Health Implications on People Living in Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria

¹Musa, M.A., ¹ Idi-ogede,  A. M., ¹Yakubu, S.O  ¹Nda, A. A., & ²Onimisi, H. U.

¹Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University, Gashua

²National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Email: musamusa25@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT                                             

Study was conducted on refuse dumping in drainages: Attitude, Perceptions, Environmental and Health implications on people living in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 200respondents from various wards of Bade Local Government Area. The field survey was carried out between June and August, 2015 with questionnaires containing variables used to elicit responses of peoples’ perception on the implication of refuse dumping in drainages on human health and the environment. Their attitudes to refuse dumping were also assessed. The survey revealed that 70% of the respondents strongly agreed that dumping of refuse in drainage scan because disease infections among people, while 60% strongly agreed that dumping of refuse in drainage affects the environment. The poor attitude of people to refuse dumping was mostly attributed to inability to pay for waste disposals, followed by laziness and reluctance of regulators to sanction against violators.

Keywords: Refuse, dumping, drainage, health and Gashua

Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Survival of African Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) Fingerlings Fed Locally Formulated and Commercial Pelleted Diets Reared in Tarpaulin Tanks

David, Gift Samuel & Afia, Ofonime Edet

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management

University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Email: giftdavid80@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated growth performance, nutrient utilization and survival of cultured Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed locally formulated (sinking) and commercial (floating) pelleted diets in tarpaulin tanks. Fingerlings of initial mean weight (72.99 g ± 3.09) were stocked in each treatment replicated 3 times. Fish were cultured for 8 weeks. The stocking rate was 15 fish per m². The fish were fed three times daily at 5% body weight. Results showed that C. gariepinus fingerlings fed floating (commercial) diet had significantly higher (p<0.05) final mean weight (921.73 g ± 47.44) than sinking (locally formulated) diet (184.22 g ± 20.54). Commercial feed had higher (p<0.05) specific growth rate (3.29 ± 0.07) than locally formulated diet (0.97 ± 0.20). Fish fed commercial diet has significantly lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (0.83 ± 0.03) than locally formulated diet (3.23 ± 0.40). Protein efficiency ratio was significantly (p<0.05) lower in fish fed locally formulated diet (0.80 ± 0.11) than commercial diet (2.69 ± 0.09). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in survival rate for fish fed commercial feed (95.55 % ± 2.22) and locally formulated feed (97.78 % ± 2.22). Water quality parameters including temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/l) and pH were not significantly different (p>0.05) during the study and were maintained within acceptable range. Proximate analysis of the dry matter of the two experimental feeds showed that the commercial feed had higher value of crude protein (45%) and crude lipid (14%) and lower value for crude fibre (2.5%), total ash (7.5%) and carbohydrate (28.2%) when compared with the sinking diet of lower crude protein (22.75%) and crude lipid (8.06%) and higher value of crude fibre (9.66%), total ash (11.50%) and carbohydrate (48.06%). Based on these findings, commercial feed is recommended for feeding C. gariepinus fingerlings since it showed higher growth performance, better nutrient utilization and greater survival.

Keywords: commercial feed, locally formulated feed, floating feed, sinking feed, Clarias gariepinus, growth performance.

Rural Communities in Nigeria: Issues of Conceptualizations and Perceptions

Iheanyi, E. Nwosu (Ph.D)

Department of Rural Sociology & Extension

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

E-mail: nwosu.iheanye@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Essentially, the paper is a contribution to the various discourse, sometimes erroneous presentations, on rural communities in the developing world generally and the Nigerian society in particular. It aims at presenting a balanced view of rural communities, beyond the seemingly popular but misleading assumptions and misconceptions that had earlier been propagated against the rural people and their environment. The research methodology relies on secondary sources of information and data collection. The paper examines some existing conceptions, perception and features of rural communities. It appraises and also criticizes earlier theoretical assumptions and perceptions of rural people and rural life. The paper argues that the rural communities and rural people are not as backward and unimaginative as they have been portrayed. It therefore calls for a paradigm shift in the current theoretical expositions, conceptualizations, perceptions and assumptions about rural communities and rural and rural dwellers.

Keywords: Rural Communities, Conceptualization and Perceptions

The Role of Engineering and Technology in Agricultural Development in Nigeria

F.O. Philip-Kpae; Sunday Saviour Ime & Emmanuel Memoye

Department of Electrical/Electronics

Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, P.M.B.20, Bori

Email: philipkpae1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

One of  the  most  impactful  area  of  modern  technology  driven  by  the  fundamental  need  for  production  of  food  is  Agricultural  Technology.  It has  led  to  the  development  of  multipurpose  machines  such  as  tractors,  groundnut  shelling  machines,  seed  planters,  thresher  machines  including  a  variety  of  engines,  pumps  and  other  specialized  gear  used  for  provision  of  water  quickly  and  in  high  volume  to  large  areas  of  land.  The economic growth  of  any  state  can  be  more  easily  fostered  through  sustaining  sufficient  food  production  in  the  Agricultural  Sector.  Agricultural machines have been designed practically for every stage of the agricultural process.  Technology in agriculture has  led  to  improved  production;  through  servicing  and  development  of  agricultural  machinery  and  equipment,  supply  of  crop  processing  machines  and  equipment  for  small  farmers  and  sustainable  source  of  water for  irrigation. Priority should be placed more on agricultural engineers by encouraging  them  to  design  low  powered  machines  to  improve  agricultural  practices  and  management.

Keywords: Agricultural Sector, Economic Growth, Engineering, Technology, Agricultural Machinery

Crop Farmers Adjustments Strategies to Civil Disturbances in Bauchi South Senatorial Zone

¹Gizaki, L. J.; J. B. Dinah¹ & S. Yakubu.²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

²Agricultural Economics and Extension Programme

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria

Email: ljgizak@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to assess the effects of civil unrest on crop production in Bauchi South Senatorial zone. The target population included all crop farmers who had been affected by incessant crises in the zone. A multistage sampling procedure was adapted to purposively select three Local government areas (LGAs) out of the seven LGAs in the zone based on their involvement in the crises recorded in the area. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from 84 respondents for the study while percentage and mean score were employed in analyzing the data. The findings show that majority (64%) of the respondents had one hectare of farm land with an annual average income of (N 12,297.6) per annum. The major causes of conflict in the area were rights to the ownership of Tafawa Balewa town and social injustice (82% each). Crops cultivated during crises included rice (77%), maize (66%) and cowpea (62%). Migration of farmers in conflict areas (M= 2.57), loss of lives (M=2.46) and inadequate food (M=2.45) were perceived by the respondents as the major effects of conflict. Praying for peace (M=2.79), cultivate crops near the village (M=2.54) and diversification of crops (M=2.43) were employed by farmers as adjustment strategies. It was recommended that opportunities should be created to employ idle youths who are available tools for use in times of conflict through skill work acquisition. Similarly there is need to enhance peace and harmony in the country so as to create conducive environment for agriculture and other economic ventures.

Keywords: Crop farmers, adjustment, crisis, Bauchi

Grazing Practices and Pastoralists Access to Natural Resources in the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria

Ibrahim Ahmed Jajere

Department of Geography

Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria

E-mail:iajajere2000@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria to explore strategies of enhancing pastoralists’ access to natural resources to attain sustainable livelihoods. The primary sources of data used include key informant interview, FGD, Oral histories, Geo coded transect walk and Administration of interview schedule. A total number of 181 agro-pastoral and pastoral household heads (90 agro-pastoralists and 91 pastoralists) were interviewed. Data from the study revealed that pastoralists are involved in near and far migration in search of water and pasture. Oral histories conducted with pastoralists show that while getting access was possible in the past, in recent years access to these vital resources is limited by poor or lack of clear legislation on land and water user rights. Geo coded transect walk reveals that limited access to grazing resources in the study area has rendered hither to productive grazing areas to unproductive land as the ungrazed lands have now become bushy and ungrazable pasture has taken the place of the then high quality pasture. There is no gainsaying that access to resources and grazing practices are cause of farmers-pastoralists conflicts in the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria.

Keywords: Access, Resources, Farmers, Pastoralists

Empowering Rural Dwellers for Effective Livelihood in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria

Anonguku, I¹. & Gyata, B. A.²

¹Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication

University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Katsina-Ala,            Benue State

E-mail:iorfaanonguku@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The Survey was conducted to investigate the empowerment status of the rural people, through training, in the execution of agricultural and rural development projects in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria. The population of the study consists of all relevant resource-poor rural dwellers. A multi-state selection process involving purposive and simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample size of 350 respondents. However, out of the 350 Questionnaire distributed, only 316 were returned and used for analysis. Primary data were generated using well-structured questionnaire and the data analyzed used descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and percentage as well as inferential statistics such as Menn-Whitney analysis. It was found that training was generally organized for the rural dwellers (80%), the respondents saw the need of spending money on trainings (77%), and they received training on skills acquisition generally (76%) as well in agriculture, health, education and social works as a package (74%). The respondents, however, received moderate training in other areas like building, construction, maintenance than agriculture, health, education and social works (52%). They mainly received their training through Lecturers and group discussion (68%) while others got through other methods like mass media. Result of test of hypothesis of capacity building of the rural people in the development projects in the study area revealed that Benue State had = 40.0 while Nasarawa States had = 38.0. The U¹ calculated = 19.0 and critical value = 0 at 5% level o other members like mass media significance. Since U1 cal. (19.0) >0 (critical value), the null hypothesis was rejected and alternative hypothesis accepted, implying that there was a significant difference between Benue  and Nasarawa States in terms of capacity building of the rural people in the development projects  because Benue State showed more commitment in  capacity building of its citizens. It is therefore recommended that rural dwellers in the study area should be given comprehensive and sufficient training in other areas than agriculture, health, education, and social works so as to adequately cope with the contemporary issue of food insecurity and infrastructural underdevelopment, since holistic development of any community depends to a large extent, on agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

Keywords:  Empowerment, rural dwellers, livelihood, Benue and Nasarawa States.

Analysis of Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture among Small Scale Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

¹Pev Isaac &²Yaro Anthony

¹Taraba State Post Primary Schools Management Board, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Zing, Taraba State Nigeria

Email: zikpev@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study explores entrepreneurship development in agriculture among small-scale farmers in Taraba State, with a focus on bridging the gap of deep dearth in research, knowledge and literature on agribusiness development in this part of North Eastern Nigeria. One hundred and fifty agribusiness entrepreneurs were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. Data was collected from respondents using a validated and tested structured interview schedule with a reliability coefficient of 0.78 based on Cronbach Alpha formula. Four research questions guided the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and measure of central tendency. Result of the analysis revealed that personal intension, need for autonomy and displacement as well as disruption in life constitute the key drive to entrepreneurship development in the study area. Agribusiness Entrepreneurship enterprises have been invaluable to small scale farmers in the state. However, the Study identified poor access to entrepreneurship information, inadequate start-up capital and reoccurrence of ethno religious violence in many parts of the state as major impediment to entrepreneurship development in Agriculture in the area. Despite this shortcomings small scale farmers perceived their extent of entrepreneurship drive and participation to be high ( =2.80). It was therefore recommended that effective and adequate entrepreneurship policies and programmes should be developed for farmers while urgently addressing the negative factors that hinder its growth and development in the area. Fostering entrepreneurship education at all levels to ensure capacity building for diverse enterprises in agriculture was also advocated. Ultimately, government at all levels and private sector support fund is necessary to enhance entrepreneurship spirit and development among farmers in the area. Most importantly urgent measures should be taken to curb the destructive activities of the Fulani cattle herdsmen so as to create a peaceful environment for agribusiness investors in Taraba state, Nigeria.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Small Scale farmers