School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

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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) 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
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
Awareness level of HIV/AIDs in Nnewi urban and Utuh rural community in Anambra State Nigeria: Implication for agricultural policy formulation and development
(Vulnerable Lives Enhancement Foundation(VEF), 2015) Anaeto, C. F.; Ajaero, J. O.; Asisabaka, C. C.; Nnadi, F. N.
HIV/AIDS has been recognized as a major global development crisis. It is so pronounced that the other segments of the nation ought to be concerned hence the concern of agricultural and rural development experts. This study examined the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among rural dwellers of Utuh and urban dwellers of Nnewi Communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and interview schedule to elicit response from jiffy respondents selected from both communities respectively using multi-stage random sample techniques. Data were analysed using mean, frequency distribution and percentages. Hypothesized relationships were established using Z-test and multiple regression techniques. Results of the study show that more attention and campaign were concentrated in urban area of Nnewi more than rural area of Utuh. Promiscuity, ignorance and poverty were very serious factors influencing the spread 0fHIV/AIDS in both rural and urban while promiscuity appear very pronounced in urban Nnewi. Ignorance and poverty constituted a much more pressing factor in Utuh rural community. Churches, friends and neighbours appeared to be very effective in spreading information about HIV/AIDS in Utuh rural community. The mass media and NGOs appear very effective in Nnewi urban.
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 woman 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
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
Displaced farmers perception of resource-use conflicts as an obstacle to household food security and food safety in Abia State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2019) 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 crop farmers / pastoralists conflicts on sustainable livelihood assets and strategies of displaced farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2019) Ogueri, E. I.; Chikaire, J. U.; Ibe, M. N.; Ajaero, J. O.
One of the effects of crop farmers/pastoralists conflicts is displacement of the farming population the world over, Nigeria not exceptional. This work investigates the effects of conflicts on livelihood strategies and assets of displaced farmers in Imo state. A total of 300 crop farmers was selected randomly from the affected communities. Questionnaire complimented with oral discussion were used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation presented in tables. Results showed that major livelihood strategies of the crop farmers were farming with 100 percent response, followed by wage labour (94.6%), sales of wild fruits (70%) and migration of work labour outside the community (73.3%). Conflicts affect livelihood strategies by restriction of movement which prevents farmers from moving and risks to personal safety (72.3%). Conflicts affect all the five livelihood assets beginning with the social assets by its disruption of community life (M=2.79), collapse of local authority (M=3.40), disruption of family goals/life (M=2.50) among others. On the human assets, conflicts leads to death of laborers /farmer workers (M=3.32), sexual harassment (M=2.56), separation of family members (M=2.45). The physical assets affected included disruption of health services and infrastructures, closure of schools, looting of possessions among others, while the financial and natural assets affected included destruction of crops and animals, market closure, destruction of water wells, contamination of water, and low abandoned and limited asset to farm.
Open Access
Effects of crop farmers/pastoralists conflicts on sustainable livelihood assets and strategies of displaced farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(2019-05-17) Ogueri, E. I.; Chikaire, J. U.; Ibe, M. N.; Ajaero, J. O.
One of the effects of crop farmers/pastoralists conflicts is displacement of the farming population the world over, Nigeria not exceptional. This work investigates the effects of conflicts on livelihood strategies and assets of displaced farmers in Imo state. A total of 300 crop farmers was selected randomly from the affected communities. Questionnaire complimented with oral discussion were used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation presented in tables. Results showed that major livelihood strategies of the crop farmers were farming with 100 percent response, followed by wage labour (94.6%), sales of wild fruits (70%) and migration of work labour outside the community (73.3%). Conflicts affect livelihood strategies by restriction of movement which prevents farmers from moving and risks to personal safety (72.3%). Conflicts affect all the five livelihood assets beginning with the social assets by its disruption of community life (M=2.79), collapse of local authority (M=3.40), disruption of family goals/life (M=2.50) among others. On the human assets, conflicts leads to death of laborers /farmer workers (M=3.32), sexual harassment (M=2.56), separation of family members (M=2.45). The physical assets affected included disruption of health services and infrastructures, closure of schools, looting of possessions among others, while the financial and natural assets affected included destruction of crops and animals, market closure, destruction of water wells, contamination of water, and low abandoned and limited asset to farm
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
(U. P., 2019) 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
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
Integrating indigenous knowledge system in extension education: The potential for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria
(Apex Journal International, 2013) 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
Productivity of yam-cassava based/land-race legumes in inter-cropping systems
(2008) Ibeawuchi, I. I.; Obiefuna, J. C.; Ofoh, M. C.; Matthews-Njoku, Edna; Ajaero, J. O.
Raising and sustaining the productivity of smallholder tuber based crop mixture is the major problem facing tropical agriculture. This problem is connected with the development of low input technologies, which is the sure and noble alternative of which the tuber/land race legume mixture is the answer. However, the more the component crops in the mixtures the lower, the individual crop yields. Crop mixtures involving lima bean and African yam bean were most efficient judged by the higher LER and gave the highest monetary returns which is the satisfaction of the smallholders farmer who produce majority of our foods.
Open Access
Relevance of indigenous knowledge in weather and climate forecast for planning farm activities by farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(Juniper Publishers, 2018-12-17) Chikaire, J. U.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ibe, M. N.; Orusha, J. O.; Onogu, B.
The study assessed the relevance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) on weather and climate forecasting for planning farm activities by farmers in Southeast, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from a total of 360 farmers, complement with oral interview. Mean (M) was used to analyze data. Results showed that IK indicators commonly used for weather and climate forecasting fall into 3 categories namely trees, animals and atmospheric indicators. The IK indicators used to predict the dry season and harmattan were-fruits drying/falling off from trees, increase occurrence of termites, shedding of tree (M=2.40), appearance of rainbows (M=2.53) among others. The indicators for onset of the rains included flowering of trees (M=304), heavy budding of acacia tree species (M=300), dormancy breaking in certain tree/fruit species, Others were appearances of large number of ants, frequent sounds of frogs, appearance of ant hill, appearance of millipedes, appearances of army worms, dark clouds appearance, body feels heat at night, increased body pain, mist covering hilly areas among other signs. As a recommendation, the knowledge of indigenous peoples should be included when designing climate change adaptation strategies in SSA.