Research Articles

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.futo.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14562/1231

Browse

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Open Access
Agricultural land use in peri-urban communities in Nigeria: A review
(Tapas Institute of Scientific Research and development, 2007-04) Ajaero, J. O.; Matthews-Njoku, E. C.; Ehirim, N. C.
This paper reviewed the emerging problems of agricultural land use in Nigeria outlying communities. The outlying communities are known to be major sources of agricultural products to nearby urban areas. However, agricultural activities are under the threat of being abandoned due to the transfer of arable land other uses apart from agriculture. This was found to be due to the increased economic value (price) of land, which makes land a source of immediate income to escape chronic poverty. The emerging scenario is the replacement of traditional communal landholding by individual arrangement in the outlying agrarian rural communities to facilitate permanent alienation so that individuals can dispose of their farm lands to other uses. This would have the effects of forcing a significant population engaged in agriculture to the unemployment market, the emergence of landless farmers and compound problem of resource accessibility by disadvantaged groups like women farmers. It has also led to the increase in land rates for agricultural purposes and unabated decrease in farm size among farmers. The paper suggests that farming layouts should be mapped out and given equal attention as accorded to industrial and residential areas by urban development authorities. It concludes that extension service activities should be directed toward the dissemination of innovations like vegetable and small ruminant production, which does not require large expanse of land and compatible with land situations in these areas.
Open Access
Agricultural Production and Climate Change: Need for Proper Extension Policy Formulation in Nigeria
(U. P., 2012-08) Anaeto, F. C.; Asiabaka, C. C.; Onweagba, A. E.; Ohajianya, D. O.; Nnadi, F. N.; Ifeanyi-Obi, C. C.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ukpongson, M. U.; Ugwoke, F. O.
Changes in climate are expected to have significant impacts on farm yields and product quality as a result of changes in temperature, moisture, air and soil. This paper reviews the effects of climate change on agricultural production and the need for extension policy formulation. The paper further dwelt on the need for sound agricultural policy but observed that much cannot be achieved in that direction without efficient and effective extension system. It recommends a well articulated and comprehensive agricultural extension policy which will address properly the issue of climate change and its mitigations/adaptation.
Open Access
Agricultural production and climate change: Need for proper extension policy formulation in Nigeria
(U. P., 2012) Anaeto, F. C.; Asiabaka, C. C.; Onweagha, A. E.; Ohajianya, D. O.; Nnadi, J. O.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ukpongson, M. U.; Ugwoke, F. O.
Changes in climate are expected to have significant impacts on farm yields and product quality as a result of changes in temperature, moisture, air and soil. This paper reviews the effects of climate change on agricultural production and the need for extension policy formulation. The paper further dwelt on the need for sound agricultural policy but observed that much cannot be achieved in that direction without efficient and effective extension system. It recommends a well articulated and comprehensive agricultural extension policy which will address properly the issue of climate change and its mitigations/adaptation.
Open Access
Analysis of the Actual and Assigned Roles Performed by Extension Personnel of Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
(U. P., 2016) Anaeto, F. C.; Ajaero, J. O.; Anyoha, N. P.; Chukwu-Okonya, C.; Ani, A. O. .; Nnadi, F. N.; Onwukwe, S. C.; Ugwoke, F. O.; Asiabaka, C. C
This study comparatively analyzed the actual and assigned roles of extension personnel in Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Data were collected with structured questionnaire and interview schedule from 100 farmers and 120 extension personnel randomly selected from the three agricultural zones in the state. Data were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency distribution table, percentages, mean score and chi-square was used to test if there is any significant difference between the actual and assigned roles of the respondents. The results among others showed that the assigned roles performed by the extension workers differ greatly from their actual role in the field. Most of the assigned roles performed by the extension personnel include; visitations to farmers, conducting trails and attending trainings (FNT & BM), while most of the actual role performed include; Tax collection, revenue generation, selling of materials, school runs, office work, farm hands and helping farmers have access to loan. Factors which influence these roles include; motivation, level of education of the staff, income level and the policy of the agency which had great influence on the assigned roles of the extension workers while greed, low income level and low motivation of the staff had great influence on their actual roles. The recommendations among others include the following: Policy should be developed by which the extension workers gain adequate incentive on the job, the agents should be given necessary transportation facilities and more in-service training for extension workers should be provided..
Open Access
Characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a peri-urban community of Imo State, Nigeria.
(U. P., 2018) Ajaero, J. O.; Ogueri, E. I.; Matthews-Njoku, E. C.; Adesope, O. M.
This paper focuses on characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a peri-urban community of Imo state, Nigeria. A qualitative methodology was used to characterize rural community associations in the study area. In Agbala community, these social units exist, comprising of six (6) women organizations, two (2) men organizations, two (2) church groups, one (1) agricultural group and seven (7) age grades. There are more social interactions among the women organizations than the males. However, inter group interaction could be described as weak and might be a manifestation of poor social cohesion in the community. Their scope of activities cover infrastructural development, education concerns, membership welfare and agriculture. Agricultural activity is the least of activities engaged in by these organizations. There is the need to educate the membership of existing community organization on the importance of incorporating economic oriented projects in their programmes. Extension service should concentrate efforts in designing a clear strategy that would utilize the existing social organizations as veritable tools for economic empowerment through grass root mobilization.
Open Access
Characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a pri-urban community of Imo state, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018) Ajaero, J. O.; Ogueri, E. I; Matthews-Njoku, E. C; Adesope, O. M
This paper focuses on characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a peri-urban community of Imo state, Nigeria. A qualitative methodology was used to characterize rural community associations in the study area. In Agbala community, these social units exist, comprising of six (6) women organizations, two (2) men organizations, two (2) church groups, one (1) agricultural group and seven (7) age grades. There are more social interactions among the women organizations than the males. However, inter group interaction could be described as weak and might be a manifestation of poor social cohesion in the community. Their scope of activities cover infrastructural development, education concerns, membership welfare and agriculture. Agricultural activity is the least of activities engaged in by these organizations. There is the need to educate the membership of existing community organization on the importance of incorporating economic oriented projects in their programmes. Extension service should concentrate efforts in designing a clear strategy that would utilize the existing social organizations as veritable tools for economic empowerment through grass root mobilization.
Open Access
Climate change adaptation needs/priorities of rural women farmers in flood plain areas of Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State, Nigeria
(Jomard Publishing, 2017) Chikaire, J. U.; Anaeto, F. C.; Ajaero, J. O.; Godson-Ibeji, C. C.
Adaptation is key to surviving the menace of climate change. This paper investigates adaptation needs/priorities of rural women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain rural women farmers awareness of climate change, identify perceived effects of climate change on rural women farmers, examine adaptation needs of these women and determine adaptation strategies used by rural women. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 180 rural women farmers randomly selected from a list of 1800 registered women farmers with the Owerri ADP office. Results showed that the rural women were very much aware of climate change as indicated by high mean responses to certain signs such as increase in temperature. (M = 2.31), unpredictable heavy rainfall (M = 2.51), unpredictable heavy winds (M = 2.45) among others. Climate change affects rural women by increasing their work load, reducing their food portions, loss of farm assets, increase rate of diseases/illness. In adapting to climate change, the rural women farmers need as a matter of urgency to find alternative livelihood options (M = 2.68), safer areas to relocate (M = 3.31), access to credits/market (M = 3.34) among others. To adapt, they employ strategies such as crop rotation, planting early maturing crops, engage in off-farm activities, cooperative farming.
Open Access
Displaced farmers perception of resource- use conflicts as an obstacle to household food security and food safety in Abia State, Nigeria
(2019-07) Chikezie, N. P.; Ajaero, J. O.; Akande, S. N.; Chikaire, J. U.
Conflicts occasioned by different land users have become common place now. When farmers are displaced from their ancestral home due to conflicts involving pastoralists, life becomes difficult and unbearable. This paper investigates displaced farmers perception of resource use conflicts as an obstacle to household food security and food safety. A total of 300 displaced farmers were selected for interview and data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Result showed that conflicts create food shortage (M=3.43), destroys food stocks (M=3.57), disrupts production processes (M=3.28), reduced farm investment (M=3.19), among others. Again, during conflict situation, food items are easily contaminated with mean score of 3.27, foods are handled with dirty hands (M=2.58), unsafe water could be used to prepare food (M=3.31), outbreak of food borne illness (M=2.92), poor quality of food eaten (M=3.31), among other reasons. It is recommended that adequate food be supplied to the displaced farmers in the form of aid, water supply be provided to displaced farmers and health facilities put in place to handle case of illness and to avoid spread of illnesses.
Open Access
Effects of resource-use conflicts on rural women farmers in south–east agroecological zone of Nigeria
(Academia Publishing, 2018-03) Chikaire, J. U.; Ajaero, J. O.
This study analyzed specifically the effects of resource-use conflict especially, land on rural women farmers in Southeast, Nigeria. A total of 300 rural women farmers were purposively selected from 3 states in southeast where conflicts have occurred. Data collected were analyzed descriptively – using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results obtained showed that farmer-farmer conflicts, pastoralists – farmer conflicts and communal conflicts were predominant in the study area with 100% response. The major causes of resource use conflicts were increasing population (M = 3.37), overgrazing of farmland (M =3.35), breakdown of moral economy (M=3.57), pollution of water (M=3.46), among others. The effects on women included reduced crop yields (M=3.37), burning of crops (M= 3.38), reduced farm, reduced income (M=3.01), loss of human lives (M = 3.56), rape/abduction of women (M = 3.00), hatred (M =2.63), fear (M = 2.57), widowhood (M = 2.93) among others. The following strategies were identified, giving financial assistance to victims (M = 2.65), creating job opportunities (M = 2.53), proper land use planning (M = 2.63), and compensation to land owner (M = 3.67). These farmers could be helped by providing credit facilities and proper land use planning programme
Open Access
Extension and advisory services roles in creating resilient value chain of smallholder rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(2019-07) Chikezie, N. P.; Ajaero, J. O.; Akande, S. N.; Chikaire, J. U.
Smallholder farmers are most affected by climate change shocks and weather related disasters the world over, and they are also vulnerable to market fluctuations and poor governance, conflicts and even diseases. Extension and advisory services provide an opportunity for strengthening resilience of rural farming households by increasing their access to both material and non material resources. This paper sought to explain how Extension Services Providers build resilience of rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The researcher selected 120 Extension workers and 230 rural farmers for interview. Questionnaire was given to both respondents, and complimented by oral discussion. Data collected were analyzed descriptively. With a discriminating mean (M) score of 2.0, it was seen that climate change affects the farmers adversely. Climate change damages crops in farm and field (M=2.50), reduced quality/quality of crops(M=2.45), leads to sudden death of crops(M=2.70) among others. To build resilience of rural farmers, extension workers promoted the following resilient approaches - diversification of income sources (M=2.81), market information provisioning (M=2.79), behavioural change campaigns(M=2.54), crop diversification (M=2.67), among many others. The farmers face the challenge of insufficient incomes, poor monitoring, low understanding of climate change, resilient options etc.
Open Access
Integrating indigenous knowledge system in extension education: The potential for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria
(Apex Journal International, 2013-11) Anaeto, F. C.; Asiabaka, C. C.; Nnadi, F. N.; Aja, O. O.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ukpongson, M. A.; Ugwoke, F.O.
This paper looks at the integration of indigenous knowledge system in Extension education with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural development. It explores the meaning of indigenous knowledge and extension education. Attempts made in the past to achieve agricultural development, provide rationale to valuing indigenous knowledge and integrating indigenous knowledge in extension education. Efforts have been made in the past in pursuit of agricultural development but few of those involved in these effort including those in extension services take the trouble to understand the farmers and their indigenous knowledge rather the farmers are often described in generalization as ultra – conservative, steeped in tradition, hemmed in by custom, lacking in motivation and inactive, captive to age-old methods, incapable of making wise decisions. There have however, been a growing consensus now that some of the solutions to the problems that currently plague agricultural development must proceed from the role of understanding the dynamics within the local context and local capacities. Such dynamics include the roles of indigenous knowledge and practice in sustainable agricultural development. This can be achieved by integrating indigenous knowledge into the extension education system to address some of the knowledge deficiencies for development that is currently formulated from the western perspective. There is therefore a need for paradigm shift towards harnessing indigenous knowledge for the development of extension service since sustainable agriculture in all nations will require greater scientific respect for and more effective collaboration with those who possess the wisdom of generations of non scientific farming. It is in the face of this that indigenous knowledge becomes handy especially in its ability to promote sustainable agricultural development.
Open Access
Pastoralists’ perception of resource-use conflicts as a challenge to livestock development and animal agriculture in Southeast, Nigeria
(2019) Chikaire, J. U.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ibe, M. N.; Odoemenam, E. F.
One of the major but hidden challenges to livestock development and animal agriculture in the world over is resource-use conflicts between crop farmers, pastoralists, and other land users. This is so because during conflict situation, almost all human livelihood activities come to a standstill including livestock farming. This study, therefore, sought to examine how conflicts involving different land users hinder livestock production. Questionnaire and oral interview were used to obtain information from a total of 120 pastoralists in three selected states of Southeast (Abia, Enugu, and Imo). Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The results showed that the mean age of pastoralists was 38, and the mean household size was 10, mean herding experience was 18. The following were the causes of resource-use conflicts – blocking of water sources by crop farmers with a mean (M) response of 3.30, farming across cattle routes (M=2.95), burning of fields (M=3.30), and theft/stealing of cattle (M=3.40), among others. The factors attracting the pastoralists to the study area were availability of special pasture (M=2.37), availability of land for lease (M=2.52), and water availability (M=2.60) among other reasons. Conflicts, therefore, affect livestock production in the following ways – unsafe field for grazing, poor animal health, loss of human and animal lives, abandonment of herds for dear life, and many others.
Open Access
Renewable Energy for Sustainable Food, feed and fibre production: A panacea to Nigeria’s energy crisis
(2011) Nnadi, F. N; Chikaire, J.; Ajaero, J. O.; Nwakwasi, R. N.; Oguegbuchulam, M. N.
Agriculture is the sole provider of human food. Most farm machines are driven by fossil fuels, which contribute to green house gas emission and, in turn, accelerate climate change. Such environmental damage can be mitigated by the promotion of renewable resources such as solar, wind, biomass, tidal, geo-thermal small-scale hydro, biofuels and wave-generated power. This is because, energy inputs are critical to agricultural production and long-term sustainability of global agricultural production will require renewable alternative energy resources. There are many systems that can provide on-farm energy resources from renewable sources. Solar energy, wind and small scale hydro systems can provide on-farm as well off-farm energy resources. These renewable resources have a huge potential for the agriculture industry. The concepts of sustainable food, fibre and feed production lies on a dedicate balance of maximizing productivity and maintaining economic stability, while minimizing the utilization of finite natural resources and detrimental environmental impacts. It also emphasize replenishing the soil for future use. Hence, there is a need for promoting use of renewable energy systems for sustainable food production, for instance, solar photovoltaic water pumps and electricity, greenhouse technologies, solar dryers for post-harvest processing, and solar hot water heaters and so on. This article thus explains in detail the role of renewable energy in farming for production of safe and secure food for humans
Open Access
Rural farm-households perception of land-related conflicts as an impediment to rural livelihoods in Imo State, Nigeria
(AP Academia Publishing, 2018-01) Chikaire, J. U.; Nnadi, F.N.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ogueri, E. I.
The aim of this was to establish whether or not land-related conflicts could be detrimental to the lives and survival of rural people in Imo State. The specific objectives were to identify livelihood strategies of the respondents, examine perceived causes of conflicts in the area; ascertain effects of conflicts on rural economy/livelihood of the respondents and determine measures to reduce conflicts in the study area. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents from conflicts affected areas in Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire and oral discussion with the respondents. Data were analyzed using percentages and mean to achieve the objectives of the study. The results showed that 100% of the respondents engaged in farming for survival. The major causes of the conflicts were human population pressure (M=3.43), encroachment without permission (M= 3.30), land tenure system (M=3.45), among others. The major effects of conflicts on rural economy and livelihood were farmland abandonment (M = 3.37), decrease income (M=3.12), reduction in yield (M=3.31), loss of lives (M=3.60), insecurity (M=3.00), increased hunger and starvation ( M=3.47) among others. To curb conflicts, security be provided to the communities, settlement of dispute be done quickly, and educating all actors would be necessary.
Open Access
Socio-economic effects of land and water conflicts on pastoral livelihoods in Imo and Abia States, Nigeria
(SAAT, FUTO, 2021) Ajaero, J. O.; Chikaire, J. U.; Aminu, G. O.
Conflicts alter livelihoods of people in conflict situation. The pastoralists are not left out since animal production is their way of life. This study therefore investigates the effect of conflicts on their livelihoods. The specific objective were to identify perceived effects of conflict on pastoral livelihoods; identify perceived conflict shocks/trends and ascertain appropriate response strategies for cushioning the effects of conflicts on pastoral livelihoods. Data were collected from 120 pastoralists in their various camps in the States with the aid of a questionnaire and oral interview. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Livelihood assets of the pastoralists were grouped into 4 classes which included - natural, physical, financial and physical assets. With a mean response (M) of 2.50 and above, conflicts affected pastoral livelihoods in the following ways - limited access to grazing areas (M=3.25), blockage of migratory routes (M=2.67), death of cattle owners (M=2.64),animal diseases outbreak (M=3.27), forced pastoral migration (M=3.31), market closure (M=2.90), death of animals (M=2.93), blockage of major roads (M=2.51), failure of public security (M=2.61) among others. The conflict shocks experienced were reduced access to pasture (M=2.44), reduced market access (M=2.80), cattle raiding (M=2.35), death of grasses (M=2.49), human and livestock diseases outbreak with (M=2.43) and (M=2.37), respectively. To cope, the following were agreed upon; improved access right to resources, improved access to migrating routes, provision of micro-credit schemes, income stream diversification, improved innovative techniques for livestock production among others
Open Access
Status of institutional arrangements for managing resource use conflicts among crop farmers and pastoralists in Imo State, Nigeria
(Juniper Publishers, 2018-12-10) Chikaire, J. U.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ibe, M. N.; Orusha, J. O.; Onogu, B.
This study ascertained the institutions put in place to manage conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to achieve the following objectives; to identify the institutions saddled with the responsibility of managing conflicts in the study area; determine strategies used by the institutions in managing conflicts in the area; and to ascertain factors hindering the management of conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists. Data were collected with structured questionnaire, complimented with observation and oral interview from 300 crop farmers and 40 nomads. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as mean and standard deviations. The results showed that traditional rulers (M=2.90 for crop farmers and 2.37 for pastoralists), town unions/Miyetti-Allah (M=2.11 crop farmers and M=2.52 for the pastoralists) were efficient in managing conflicts. The strategies employed in resolving conflicts include setting up of community committees for peaceful resolution of conflict issues and use of dialogue, accommodation of the other party. On and off nature of the pastoralists, lack of fund, corruption, distrust were factors that work against conflict resolution. The government should give the institutions mentioned earlier more powers in handling conflict issues and locate the nomads permanently at a place.
Open Access
The role of extension officers and extension services in the development of agriculture in Nigeria
(Wudpecker Research Journals, 2012-07) Anaeto, F. C.; Asiabaka, C. C.; Nnadi, F. N.; Ajaero, J. O.; Aja, O. O.; Ugwoke, F. O.; Ukpongson, M. U.; Onweagba, A. E.
The role of agricultural extension in the development of agriculture throughout the world is not in doubt. It has remained one of the prime movers in the development of agriculture and invariably in the rural development. This paper reviewed the role of extension officers and extension services in the development of agriculture in Nigeria. The paper dwelt on the basic concepts underlying the scope, understanding and meaning of agricultural extension, role of extension service and extension officers. It is the belief of this paper that no nation will have real growth in the agricultural sector without effective extension service. It is also the belief of this paper that total eradication of agricultural development problems can be achieved through extension service approach if the role of extension is properly conceived and effectively administered.

Browse

Browsing Research Articles by Author "Ajaero, J. O."

Results Per Page

Sort Options