Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Sciences

Profitability Analysis of Rice Production in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Ahmed, U, Ahmed, M.A.; Salihu, A — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:00:52 +0000

he study analyzed the Profitability of Rice Production in Hong Local government Area of
Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to sample 188 rice
farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the socio-economic
characteristics while gross margin technique and net farm income were used to analyze the profit.
The result revealed that rice production is a viable venture as farmers earned a gross margin and
net farm income of N68,509.40/ha and N59,152.01/ha respectively. It was further revealed that
majority (70.74%) of the respondents were male, 69.68% were within the age of 31-50 years,
68.62% were married, majority (80%) of the farmers having a large household size, 76% of the
farmers have attained one form of education or the other and 76.6% of the respondents had farm
size ranging from 0.1-1.5ha. Also, the major constraints that farmers encountered were high cost
of labour, high cost of inputs, inadequate capital, land fragmentation and inadequate new
technology. The study recommends the need for government support in providing usefull
intimation that can facilitate farmers’ access to prevailing of price of rice, farmers to be given
proper orientation and/or basic trainings in major farm management techniques and with the
constraints confronting rice farmers and also there is need for both governmental and nongovernmental
organizations to grant soft loan to rice farmers to enable them addressed some of
the constraints.

Effects of Varying Levels of Lemon Grass Leaf Meal on Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broilers

Amaza, I. B, Maidala, A, Sudik, S. D, Makinde, J. O — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:00:35 +0000

A total of two hundred unsexed broiler chicks aged two weeks were used for six weeks feeding trial
to evaluate growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemistry. In this study, broilers
chicks were fed dietary lemon grass leaf meal at inclusion levels of T1control (0.00%), T2 (1.50%),
T3 (2.25%) and T4 (3.75 %). The weighed broilers were distributed at random among the four
treatment diets. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and each treatment was
replicated five times with ten broilers per replicate. Experimental birds were provided
experimental starter and finisher diets ad-libitum throughout the experimental period at weeks 2
to 4 and 5 to 7 respectively. The experiment revealed that weekly feed intake for week 2, 3, 4 and
6 was significantly affected (P<0.05) except week five. The daily weight gain followed similar
pattern, however significant difference were observed only in week 3, 4 and 7 in all the treatment
groups. There were significant (P<0.05) differences among the dietary groups in week 4, 6 and 7
in terms of feed conversion ratio. White blood cells value of birds fed on control diet 286.07x 109
/dl is similar to 283.37 and 268.67x 109 /dl for T3 and T4. Neutrophil values 14%, 19%,18% and
20% for T1, T2, T3 and T4 were statistically significant (P<0.05) indicating that birds were
challenged with increasing levels of lemon grass leaf meal beyond 3.75%. The results of this study
indicate that birds fed with 1.5% of dietary lemon grass meal was the best among diets with lemon
grass and comparable with the control group in terms of daily weight gain. This implies that birds
fed with 1.5% level lemon grass leaf meal (LGLM) was able to utilize the experimental diet better
than other treatment groups and without detrimental effects.

Factors Affecting Solar Energy Satisfaction among Households in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Maina, Y. B., Inuwa, N. — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:37:53 +0000

The importance of solar electrification cannot be overemphasized because of its enormous
contributions to clean energy supply. However, several problems that affect its use exist. Thus,
this paper examined the factors affecting solar energy satisfaction among households in
Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study utilized mainly 109 primary data obtained through
snowball sampling technique and applied pie charts and a binary logistic regression model as
tools for analyses. Results showed that about 85% of those using solar energy had encountered
one problem or the other. About 76.9% lacked proper guidance by their solar installers on how to
maintain it, 21.3% bought equipment with defects, 84.3% had no technical know-how on
maintaining it, while 53.7% complained of the inefficiency of the already installed energy capacity.
On the extent of households' problems, all the variables were positive although buying a piece of
defective equipment and the already installed capacity's inefficiency was significant at p< 0.001.
In comparison, lack of proper guidance by the solar power installers and lack of technical knowhow
on the consumers' part on maintaining their solar equipment were both significant at p<0.05.
In conclusion, the elasticity of the coefficient shows that a unit increase in defective equipment
affected the consumers much more than the other problems. The study recommends that awareness
should be created on the part of the consumers about the right place to buy their solar equipment
and on how to maintain it. On the part of the installers, government and NGOs should make
provisions for programs that provide skill acquisition on solar energy installation.

Determinants of Solar Energy Demand among Households in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

Maina, Y. B.; Yusuf. A. B. — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:39:24 +0000

The study assessed the prospect of solar energy demand in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, using
primary data obtained through snowball sampling method collected between June and July 2022.
The study employed descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Square, and logistic regressions to
achieve its objectives. The result showed that 73% of the household heads are male, with 30% of
them as businessmen. In addition, 80% are married; while 47% have a first degree. Most have
income between N50, 000 and above. Most of them installed solar of N5, 00 000 to N 1, 000 000.
The reasons for solar demand include poor electricity supply (32%), convenience (32%),
comfortability (29%) and affordability (7%). About 70% of the respondents have been using solar
for 2 to 4 years. Similarly, 75% and 80% reported that their electricity bills and generator
maintenance cost have declined from N10, 000 and above to N5, 000 or less monthly after solar
installation. The 95% of the respondents are satisfied with solar energy with the level of their
Income, convenience and education on solar energy positively influencing their solar energy
demand at 5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. In addition, the duration of solar power supply by the
appliances, affordability of solar energy equipment as well as the comfort its provides coupled
with the poor electricity supply in the study area positively and significantly influence solar energy
demand at 5%, 5%, 10% and 5% respectively while reliability of the solar equipment negatively
influences solar energy demand. Moreover, income is the most important determinant of solar
energy demand with households that spent more on solar energy installation are more satisfied.
Therefore, the study recommends policies that improve income, reduce the cost of solar
installation and create more awareness of the advantages of solar power.

Species Diversity and Relative Abundance of Birds of Prey in North Western Region of Nigeria

Sabo, B.B., Mohammed, S. — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:47:39 +0000

The study aimed to determine the abundance of birds of prey in in North Western Region of
Nigeria, carried out between September, 2022 and January 2023, with a view to providing
information in a bid to establish a baseline for conservation for this group of birds. Road transect
line method was used to collect data on bird diversity, abundance and distribution and each site
was surveyed twice every month during the study period. Bird observation was carried out twice
daily; morning between 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. and evening between 4:00 to 6:30p.m. The species
relative abundance index was used to find the relative abundance in the region, whereas Shannon-
Wiener diversity index (H′) was used to determine species diversity. A total of thirty two (32)
species of 3 families were recorded including species of global conservation concern during this
study, indicating that the North western region of Nigeria is an important breeding, roosting, and
feeding habitat for several raptor species. The findings from this study provide evidence that the
areas can serve as a refuge for birds. Therefore, conservation efforts should as well be directed
towards making communities view human occupied areas as a habitat for birds, and not as a lost
habitat.

Poverty Vulnerability among Smallholder Rice Farmers in North West, Nigeria

Umar, S, Mohammed, A.B.,, Suleiman, A., Habib, S. B. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:45:53 +0000

The study examined the poverty vulnerability of smallholder rice farming households in North
West of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 331
smallholder rice farmers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Expected
Poverty Approach and Logistic regression Model were used to analyze the data collected for
the study. The results shows that 64.35% of smallholder rice farmers were vulnerable to future
poverty. According to the breakdown of poverty vulnerability by states, it was revealed that
poverty vulnerability was 64%, 65.97% and 62.5% in Kano, Kebbi and Jigawa States
respectively. The significant determinants of poverty vulnerability among the smallholder rice
farmers were the gender of household head, farm size, type of seeds used, access to fertilizer,
total farm income, price shocks, and natural shocks.The study concludes that poverty
vulnerability was wide spread among the smallholder rice farmers with social, economic and
natural factors as major drivers of poverty vulnerability.The study recommends prioritizing
gender mainstreaming, promoting cost-effective and sustainable access seeds and fertilizers,
commodity price management mechanism and adopting smart climate technologies to address
the underlying causes of poverty vulnerability.

Fatteners’ Preferences for Breed of Sheep Attributes under Feedlot System in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Tafida, I., Lawal, A. T., Ahmed, I. A. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study analysed smallholder fatteners’ preference for breed of sheep attributes under feedlot
system in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A Snowball sampling technique was used to select 70 sheep
fatteners. Five locations were purposively selected due to high concentration of sheep fatteners
operators. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire and was
subjected to descriptive statistics. The results revealed that all (100%) of the fatteners were male
and most (84.3%) of the fatteners were married. The average age and years of fattening experience
of the respondents were 46 and 26 years respectively, with average household size of 10 persons
and a mean flock size of 8. Majority (61.4%) of the sheep fatteners received western education and
85.7% of the sheep fatteners belonged to farmer cooperatives. The management practices carried
out by the sheep fatteners were feeding, watering, housing, animal health treatment and fattening
duration. Also, the result shows that almost all (95.9%) of the sheep fatteners preferred the Uda
and Balami breeds of sheep to any other breed because of the Carcass quality, body size, skin
type/colour, horn type, tail type and type of ear. The study concluded that Uda and Balami were
the most preferred breeds by fatteners in the study area. High cost of feed (100%) ranked as first
constraint followed by pest and disease problems and insecurity with 94.3% each and high cost of
medication (93%). The study recommends that provision of adequate and affordable feed and
medication, veterinary services to carter for pest and diseases and improvement in security are
essential in improving sheep fattening enterprise.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Yam Production in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

ESHEYA, S. E. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:18:37 +0000

The study examined the socio-economic determinants of yam production in Ohaukwu Local
Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study employed multistage sampling technique in
selection of respondents for the study. Primary data were collected from 160 respondents in the
study area using a structured questionnaire that was administered as interview schedule.
Analytical techniques such as descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the specific
objectives. Majority (70%) of the yam farmers were males, with mean age of 46 years. Majority
(62%) of the yam farmers were married; and had an average household size of 8 persons. Most
(39.4%) of the farmers engaged in civil service in addition to farming occupation and operated on
an average farm size of 1.45 hectares. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the
coefficient of multiple determination (R2) of the regression model was 0.945. The co-efficient of
sex (7873.994) had a positive sign and was statistically significant at 1% level of significance.
Marital status (4426.857) of the respondents bore positive relationship with quantity of yam
produced and statistically significant at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of household size
(6012.118) of the farmers had a positive relationship with the output of yam in the area. The
coefficient of farm size (36532.842) was found to be positive and statistically significant at 1%
level of probability. The result had shown that the annual income of the respondents bore positive
relationship with the output of yam in the area and statistically significant at 1% level of
probability. The F-ratio of 255.209 which was significant at 1% probability level showed that the
coefficient of the explanatory variables included in the model were statistically different from zero,
thus the goodness-of-fit of the model and its explanatory power. Constraint to the yam production
were of infrastructural, institutional and economic factors as bad roads, lack of Storage facilities,
lack of improved varieties, lack of government assistance and lack of extension agents’ visit among
others. The null hypothesis (Ho) which stated that the socio-economic characteristics of the yam
producers have no significant influence on the quantity of yam produced in the area was tested
using F-test at 5% level of significance, rejected and the alternative accepted. This study concludes
that yam production is profitable although the farmers were hindered by infrastructural,
institutional and economic factors. Agricultural extension agents who are saddled with the
responsibility of disseminating timely, complete actionable information should be repositioned
and strengthened to ensure farmers access to information, through appropriate channels. This will
shift the balance between success and failure of the farmers.

Analysis of Socio-economic, Breeding and Management Practices in Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey) and Numida meleagris (Guinea fowl) in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State,

Suleiman, I.O, Sani, U — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:27:22 +0000

The study investigates socio-economics and management practices of turkey and guinea fowl in
Kaduna metropolis Kaduna State. Fifty turkey and guinea fowl producers were randomly selected
from 25 communities in the area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data collected. The results showed that 32% of the
producers used personal saving as their source of funds because of bottlenecks associated with
bank loans and also, because of pressure of payment from friends/relatives. The results further
show that 94% of the producers reared their turkey and guinea fowl in steel cages as they were
staying in rented houses. The production practices practiced by the producers include proper
sanitation, routine vaccination, and curative measures. Majority of the producers fed their birds
with commercial feed so that they will grow fast enough to reach table size, while 72% supplement
with grains or by products such as wheat offal or maize offal in addition to commercial feed. In
addition, majority (66%) fed their birds with borehole water, 10% with well water, 16% with tap
water and 8% with any available water. It can be concluded from this investigation that
Meleaagris gallopavo and Numida meleagris are resources that could form a lucrative enterprise
in the study area with minimum funds and human capital involvement. Therefore, there is room
for improvement through availability funds for expansion.

Impact of Credit and Thrift Cooperative Societies on Savings Mobilization and Poverty Status of Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Ogbonna, S. I., Kaine, A. I. N. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:37:42 +0000

The study analyzed impact of credit and thrift cooperative societies on savings mobilization and
poverty status of farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used
to select 162 members and 162 non-members of credit and thrift cooperatives from whom data
were collected with aid of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, poverty indicators, z-test and multiple regression model. Results showed that
mean age of the members and non-members were 44 years and 45 years respectively. Mean farm
size of the members and non-members were 1.02 hectares and 0.97 hectares respectively, while,
mean annual farm income of the members and non-members were N210,124.74 and N163,412.33
respectively. Members and non-members of credit and thrift cooperatives saved annual mean
amount of N115,216.68 and N70,373.76 respectively. Result showed that farmer cooperators had
access to credit facilities (X = 3.86). Also, 33.33% of the cooperators saved on monthly basis.
Furthermore, members and non-members of credit and thrift cooperative societies had poverty
line of N13,827.35 and N12,814.08 respectively. Also had poverty incidence of 0.3146 and 0.3863
respectively, and poverty gap of 0.4143 and 0.5356 respectively. Result of Z-test analysis showed
significant mean difference in annual savings and poverty line of members and non-members at
p˂0.05. The OLS regression analysis with linear function as lead equation posted R2 value of
0.7031, and showed that number of persons in the group, value of asset, monthly subscription,
age, education level and gross income were significant determinants of savings mobilization
among credit and thrift cooperatives. There was significant difference in annual savings of
members of credit and thrift cooperatives and the non-members. Membership to credit and thrift
cooperative society reduced poverty level of farmers. It was recommended that farmers should be
encouraged and enlightened by relevant government and non-government agencies on the need
and importance of forming and belonging to credit and thrift cooperative societies.

Comparative Economic of Different Weed Control Methods and Poultry Manure Rates among Different Maize (Zea mays L.) varieties

Garko, M. S.,, Danbazau, S. A.,, Yawale, M. A., Kabir, A. M. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Different Field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 rainy season to evaluate the
efficacy of different weed control methods and poultry manure rates on yield and economic returns
in three varieties of maize (SAMMAZ 15, SAMMAZ 21 and SAMMAZ 35) at Kano in Sudan
savanna zone of Nigeria. The trials consisted of six weed control methods (S-Metolachlor 290 g/L
+ Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by Nicosulfuron at 100 g a.i.ha-1, S-Metolachlor
290g/L + Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by Bentazone 480 g/L at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1,
Metolachlor 375 g/L + Terbuthylazine 125 g/L + Mesotrione 37.5 g/L at 2.5 kg a.i ha-1 followed
by Nicosulfuron at 0.1 kg a.i. ha-1, Metolachlor 375g/L + Terbuthylazine 125 g/L + Mesotrione
37.5 g/L at 2.5kg a.i ha-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1, two hoe weeded at 3 and 6 WAS
and Weedy check) and three levels of poultry manure (0, 4, and 8 t ha-1 and a recommended NPK
fertilizer as check at the rate of 120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O ha-1). The experiment was
laid out in a split-split plot design with variety allocated to the main plot, poultry manure to the
sub-plot while weed control method to the sub-sub plot, and was replicated three times. The result
from the study showed that Metolachlor 290g/L + Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by
Bentazone at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1 in combination with 8 t ha-1 poultry manure suppressed weed
infestation and increased the growth and grain yield of maize. Net income was higher when
herbicide in combination with poultry manure at 8 t ha-1 was used.

Assessment of Farmers Preference for Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Bichi Local Government Area, Kano

Sani, U., Abubakar, M.A. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:04:38 +0000

This study assessed farmer preference for agricultural extension services delivery in Bichi local
government area of Kano State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the
selection farmers. The first stage involved purposive selection of three (3) ward due to
concentration of farmers working in group. The second stage involved simple random selection of
83 farmers, while snowball method was used and identified sixteen (16) extension agents working
in the area. The primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed
using descriptive and inferential (binary logic regression model) statistics. The result reveals the
approaches used by extension agents in their services delivery to be farmer group interaction
(87.5%) as well as training and visit (87.5%) approach. The services offered to farmers were proper
and recommended methods of fertilizer application (93.8%), use of improved seed (93.8%),
linking farmers with agro input dealers (93.8%), pre-season training (93.8%) conduct of
demonstration plots (93.8%) and dissemination of innovation that come along the way (100%).
The findings also show that educational status of the respondents has significant influence on
access (-0.715) and use (-0.764) of the extension services provided at one percent probability level
respectively while (42.2%) of farmers showed preference to advice rendered on proper and
recommended methods of fertilizer application. It is therefore concluded that farmer’s group
training and training and visit were the most approaches used by extension agents in their services
delivery with services delivered as effective to some while ineffective to others with most
preference to different methods of fertilizer application. It is therefore recommended that extension
service should be rendered as at when due putting in to consideration the need of the farmers.

Analysis of Price Fluctuation and its Effect on Marketing of Smoked Fish in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Jibrin, S. A.,, Bulama, Y. M, Idi, A. S. and, Orjiakor, C. C. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:59:12 +0000

This study examined the analysis of price fluctuation of smoked fish and its effect in Maiduguri
metropolitan council of Borno State. Data collected for the study were obtained from both primary
and secondary data source. Primary data were obtained through the use of structure questionnaire
and market survey while secondary source of information were obtained from journals and
internet. Fifty Questionnaires were randomly distributed to the smoked fish marketers in
Maiduguri Monday Market and Baga Road Fish Market. The data were analyzed using both
descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Result showed that majority of the respondents were
young (40.0%), literate (100%) married (34.0%), men (74.0%) that had 11-15 years of marketing
experience (46.0%) and household sizes of 6-11persons (72.0%). Also most of the smoked fish
sellers obtained their funds from family and friends (34%) and most of the marketers were retailers
(72.0%). The study revealed that the major (70.0%) cause of price fluctuation in the study area
was cost of transportation. Findings indicate that fish size, fish quantity, consumer’s choice
influenced the price of smoke fish to fluctuate in the study area. Also, average marketer earned
₦4,300.00 as gross margin per 50kg carton. The major constraint to smoked fish marketing is cost
of transportation (60.0%). Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that fish marketing
is a profitable and efficient venture. Therefore, farmers and young graduate should be encouraged
to venture into the business which would help reduce unemployment among young educated
Nigerians. Also construction of good roads and reduction of fuel price by government in other to
reduce high cost of transporting smoked fish was recommended.

Analysis of Farmers Perception on Socio-Economic Benefits of Rabbit Production in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Ominikari, A. G. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:08:46 +0000

The study assessed the perception of rabbit production among rural dwellers in Gokana Local
Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 90
rabbit farmers. Data collection was through structured questionnaire and analyzed using both
descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression
analysis. Findings reveal that the mean age of the rabbit farmers was 48.2 years, 83.3% of the
entire sampled farmers were males while 16.7% were females. Majority of the rabbit farmers
(61.1%) were also married with a mean household size of 7 persons. The results also reveal that
consumption not deprived of cultural and religious bias, high efficiency in converting forage to
meat (= 3.39), short gestation period (= 3.36), high probability of replenishing invested capital
(= 3.33), low cost of production (= 3.30), high medicinal value (= 3.26) and high prolificacy (=
3.26) were the mean responses of farmers on their perception of rabbit production in the study
area. The study also revealed that lack of training opportunities (= 3.23), lack of finance (= 3.19)
and lack of manpower (= 3.16) were the major challenges that impeded the production of rabbit
by farmers in the study area. The result of the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis
revealed that gender, age, marital status, level of education, farming experience and membership
of association significantly influenced rabbit production in the study area. From the findings, it
was concluded that the farmers generally had positive perception of rabbit production in the study
area. The study recommended that efforts should be directed towards making favourable
government policies that will address challenges such as lack of training opportunities, lack of
finance, lack of manpower among others which impeded rabbit production in the study area.

Economic Prospects of some Ecosystem Services Accessed by Communities around Girei Forest Reserve of Adamawa State

Adedotun, A., Ogunbode, A. S. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:17:28 +0000

The economic prospects of ecosystem services accessed by communities around Girei forest
reserve were investigated. This was as a result of over dependence on the forest reserve as a source
of livelihood. A stratified random sampling was used to interview 180 household heads on their
socio-economic characteristics and the benefits they derived from the forest reserve. Relevant
descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the data. The results showed that most households
were headed by males 91.3% while 8.7% of the households were headed by females. The mean
annual income of the respondents was ₦267,401. A lot of benefits were obtained from the forest
reserve such as honey, firewood, poles, medicines, grass etc. The estimated annual monetary value
of ecosystem provisioning services obtained from the forest reserve is ₦25,907,400 per annum.
However, due to the enormous benefits derived from the forest reserve and the unsustainable
harvest of the forest resources as a source of livelihood, quantitative assessment of the indigenous
tree species in Girei forest reserve was also carried out. To achieve these;;the relative frequency,
density, relative dominance, and importance value index of tree species in the forest reserve were
determined. The tree with the highest dominance Tamarindus indica (39.1) while the least is
Prosopis africana (0.54). The importance value index shows that Tamarindus indica (28.67) has
the highest value index while the least is Parkia biglobosa (1.90). The result of diversity of the tree
species was 1.941 using Shanno’s diversity index which indicates uncertainty of the species in the
study area. Therefore, there is need for urgent concerted management and policy actions which
are geared towards monitoring the health and integrity of Girei forest reserve such it can continue
to generate ecosystem services which are beneficial to the present and future generations.

Effect of Crop Farmers-Pastoralist Conflict on Crop Output in Adamawa State, Nigeria

SILAS, S. B, GAMBO, I, HASSAN, H. I. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:25:37 +0000

This study was conducted to determine the effect of crop farmers-pastoralist conflict on crop
output in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling methods was used to select
24 communities and 192 respondents (Crop farmers) from the study area. Descriptive statistic and
regression model were used to analyse the data collected. The results showed that majority
(67.23%) of the respondents were between 31 – 50 years; 70.1% of crop farmers had western
education and 80.7% of the respondents were married. Furthermore, the respondents had farming
experience of 7 – 20 years and above with 48.4% having less than 20 years of farming experience.
The multiple regression result showed that there is a strong correlation between the effect of
conflict and output/income of crop farmer. Furthermore, the result further indicated losses in
monetary term of N87,875,00 arising from the loss of farm produce. The major constraints to the
strategies taken by government to resolve the conflict were weakness of state institution (97.95%),
slow response to crises (97.92%) and excessive use of force (police/military) in mitigating the
conflicts. Conclusively, the farmers-pastoralist conflict had negative effect on crop farmers’
output/income. It was recommended that state institutions need to be pro-active enough to nip the
problem of crop farmers – pastoralist conflicts in the bud, Law enforcement agencies should be
alive to their constitutional roles and government should strengthen the security around farmers
and herders across the country by providing necessary training and sophisticated security
equipment are required to control outburst of crisis. Government should make provision for
customary institution to settle crop farmers-pastoralists conflicts rather than the courts, and a
joint peace and conflict resolution committee consisting of leadership of farm community and the
herders be constituted to mediate among conflicting groups.

Assessment of Early Growth Response of Albizia lebbeck to Different Seed Sources, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in the Nursery

SOBA, T.M.,, CLEMENT, S. A.,, NDAGI, H. I.,, OBADIAH, C., ABDULMALIK, A. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:48:49 +0000

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effects of seed source, NPK fertilizer and organic
fertilizers on the early growth parameters of womens toung (Alibizia lebbeck). The experiment was
conducted at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-
Lafia Campus, Nasarawa State University Keffi. It was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block
Design (RCBD), analyzed with respect to three sources of seed and three (3) types of manure, the
growth variables measured were: plant height, collar girth, leaves number, leave length, and leave
width. The results of parameter assessed on the basis of locations shows that seedlings from
Wamba had the highest mean height of 8.19±2.60cm at 14 week, closely followed by seedling from
Keffi with mean height of 7.93±2.36cm while seedling from Lafia had the least mean height of
7.32±2.23cm. The result of leave count revealed that seedling from Wamba had the highest leave
count of 90.71±41.72 followed by Keffi with 81.84±39.39 while leave count of seedlings from Lafia
had the least leave count of 77.71±35.83. The result of growth variables revealed that,
Albizialebbeck seedlings treated with NPKwere7.66±2.18cm for height, 1.68±0.48mm for collar
girth, 95.42±38.81 for number of leaf, 1.39±0.54cmfor leave length while mean value of seedlings
treated with poultry dropping were 8.65±2.76cm for height, 1.83±0.46mm for collar girth,
101.01±38.48 for number of leaves, 1.47±0.58cm for leave length while mean value of seedlings
treated with cow dung were 8.45±1.99cm for height, 1.55±0.49mm for collar girth 85.91±23.42 for
number of leaves, and 1.23±0.53cm for leave length. The result of the ANOVA revealed that, the
effects of location and all the treatments were highly significant on plant height, collar girth,
number of leaves, leave length and leave width respectively at P<0.05 probability level. It is
evidence from this study that seeds from different source demonstrated different growth
performance. It also showed that organic manure (poultry dropping) support rapid growth of
Albizialebbeck seedlings more appropriately in the nursery.

Impact of USAID Markets Programme on Sorghum Farmers’ Livelihood in Northwest, Nigeria

Abdullahi, M.,, Idi, A.S., Hassan, A.H. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:09:50 +0000

This study analysed the Impact of Participation in USAID MARKETS Programme on Sorghum
Farmers’ Livelihood in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was
employed in sample selection. Six hundred and twenty six (626) respondents were randomly
selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were analysed
using both descriptive (frequency and mean) and inferential statistics (PSM, Z-test, logit and
probit). The result of level of participation showed about 44% of the participating sorghum
farmers participated only in a few USAID MARKETS programme, i.e. they received only one or
two packages. The decision to participate in USAID MARKETS programme is significantly
determined by sex, primary occupation, marital status, household size and membership of the
cooperative while the intensity of participation is significantly determined by age, sex, primary
occupation, educational level, household size, farming experience, membership of cooperative and
access to credit. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used in estimating the impact
of participation in USAID MARKETS programme on the total output of USAID MARKETS
sorghum farmers where participants had an increase of 242kg/ha in output while the Potential
Outcome mean (POMean) was 2829kg/ha. The Nearest Neighbour showed an increase of
₦52,072/ha while the Potential Outcome means (POMean) was ₦89,732. The programme should
encourage farmer associations which can play an important role in the process of adoption.
Households should increase their human assets by educating the younger members of the
households, this will enable their knowledge and skills to be improved.

Structure and Performance of Cowpea Marketing in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Kyari, M.B.,, Sulumbe, I.M.,, Kamai, N., Bukar, U. — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:23:23 +0000

This study analyzed the structure and performance of cowpea marketing in Biu Local
Government Area, Borno State. The specific objectives were to: describe the socioeconomic
characteristics of cowpea marketers; determine the structure of cowpea
marketing; analyze the performance of the marketing and identify problems
associated with marketing of cowpea. Five cowpea markets were selected for the
study namely: Biu, Miringha, Mandaragrau, Mandafuma and Buratai. Twenty
respondents were randomly selected from each of the 5 markets giving a total of 100
respondents. Primary data and secondary information were used for the study and
the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini Coefficient and marketing
margin. The findings of the study indicated that majority (62%) of the respondents
were males, in the active age group of 31-50 years. The educational level of the
respondents showed that 85% had various form of education and 96% were married.
The Gini Coefficient for cowpea market participants showed an unequal distribution
in the income generated with Gini Coefficient of 0.39009. The cowpea marketing
margins were 27.3%, 30.8% and 28.4% for retailers, wholesalers and the marketers
that does both wholesale and retail respectively. Major problems associated with
cowpea marketing in the study area are insecurity (94%), inadequate storage
facilities (93%), insect pest infestation (91%) and high cost of transportation (78%).
The study concluded that there is a relatively low concentration in cowpea market in
the study area. The high level of market concentration is an indication of presence of
perfectly competitive structure in the cowpea market. The study recommended that
government and non-governmental agencies should empower the marketers through
the provision of micro credit facilities to encourage more people to go into cowpea
marketing