School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

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Open Access
A comparative analysis of coconut, palm frond and palm stem fibres as erosion control materials on embankments
(U. P., 2009) Egwuonwu, C. C.; Uzorije, A. P.
The research focused on the use of fibres from coconut pud, palm stem and palm frond in erosion control on embankments. It compared single layer performance of the three fibres on three different slopes and a double layer performance of the coconut fibre. Two coconut fibre nets and a single net each for the palm stem and palm frond were used with a cell dimension of 2cm x 2cm and a boundary dimension of 360cm x 122cm. The fibres were in turn placed over a model of soil embankment in a soil bin. Rain was simulated for 30 minutes over the protected soil and the amount of soil loss deter mined. This soil loss was compared to the loss from the unprotected slope. The single and double layered coconut fibre were found to be more effective in reducing soil loss compared with the control experiment and fibres from palm frond and palm stem. For instance, for a slope of 3%, the soil loss from the single and double layered coconut fibres were 279.4g and 204.3, respectively, compared to 1051.6g, 322.80g and 310.60g for the unprotected soil, the palm stem fibre and palm frond fibre, respectively.
Open Access
A tobit analysis of propensity to discontinue adoption of yam minisett technology among farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria
(Conscientia Beam, 2017-06-29) Anaeto, F. C.; Okereke- Ejiogu, N.; Uke, P. C.; Korie, O. C.; Ohajianya, D. O.
This study analyzed farmers’ propensity to discontinue adoption of yam minisett technology in Anambra State, Nigeria. Data were collected in 2015 with validated questionnaire from 134 proportionately and randomly selected yam farmers. Data collected were analyzed using the Tobit model. Results of the estimation showed that significant variables leading to discontinuance of adopted yam minisett technology were extension visit, participation in extension related workshops, feedback provision, input availability, and perception of yield. Foremost among these factors were extension visits and participated in extension related workshops which therefore should be sustained after farmers have adopted a technology.
Open Access
Addressing corruption practices in agricultural sector to make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria
(Spring Journals, 2016-11) Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; . Ogueri, E. I.; Chikaire, J. U.
Agriculture is one aspect of Nigeria’s economy that should not be neglected or even marginalised. Not only that agriculture is the major source of food for people and livestock, it also provides earnings to farmers and raw materials for industries as well as providing over sixty-five percent employment to the teeming population of Nigerians. In spite of all these advantages over other professions such as law, medicine, engineering and others, yet, people in Nigeria still express phobia for agriculture as an enterprise. Corruption in agricultural sector is an impediment which, when fought and eliminated will make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria. This paper therefore takes a cursory look at some aspects of corrupt practices in agricultural sector and their attendants’ effects on agricultural productions. It concludes among other suggestions that to fight and eliminate corruption in agricultural sector and achieve the implementations of the Nigerian agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) as well as make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria, those actors who perpetuate the nefarious acts of corruption in the sector should be reprimanded by the law and made to face the penalties.
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
An application of probit analysis to factors affecting small fertilizer in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2017-03-31) Anaeto, F. C.; Ohajianya, D. O.; Mathew-Njoku, E. C.; Ani, A. O.; Korie, O. C.; Osuagwa, C. O.; Uzor, U. C.; Adolph-Nnebene, E.
This study analyzed factors affecting smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizer in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained between April and June 2015 with structured questionnaire from 202 randomly selected smallholder farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit model. Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizers were farm size, education level, extension contact, net farm income, farming experience, cost of fertilizer, and perceived soil fertility status. Mc-Fadden’s Pseudo-R2 value of 0.6879 indicates that the independent variables included in the probit model explain 69% significant proportion of the variations in smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizer. The pobit model predicted 82% of the factors affecting fertilizer use by smallholder farmers. The role of extension service in improved technology use cannot be over emphasized. The distribution of fertilizers to farmers through the GSM services should be restored since it proved an effective mechanism to reach smallholder farmers in input supply and distribution
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
Analysis of the actual and assigned roles performed by extension personnel of Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
(CODEN(USA), 2016) Anaeto, F. C.; Ajaero, J. O.; Anyoha, N. P.; 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 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
Analysis of the effects of millennium development goals (MDGS) projects on poverty reduction among rural dwellers in Owerri agricultural zone, Imo State-Nigeria
(Direct Research Publishers, 2017-03) Anaeto, F. C.; Achuko, G. U.; Chukwu, O.; Asiabaka, C. C.
This study focused on the effects of MDGs projects on poverty reduction among rural dwellers in Owerri agricultural zone. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 108 respondents who were randomly selected using the multi-stage random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages, means, and mean scores based on the objectives of the study. Z-test was used to establish the hypothesized relationship. The results revealed among others that the rural dwellers were not very much aware of the MDGs projects, bore-hole and free education were very effective projects in reducing poverty among the respondents, while conditional cash transfer, supply of health facilities and construction of civic centers were not effective in reducing poverty among the respondents. Factors such as government policies, attitude of the leaders and ignorance affected the level of effectiveness of the MDGs projects. The z-test revealed that there was no significant difference between the existence of MDGs projects in Imo State poverty reduction level of both male and female rural dwellers. Thus the study concluded that much still needs to be done in using programmes such as MDGs in reducing poverty since the study shows that MDGs was just effective. The study thus recommends among others that there is need to sustain the effects of the MDGs projects on rural dwellers and ensure that the benefits are evenly distributed to all the rural dwellers and government
Open Access
Application of soil quality morphological index in assessing soil health of arable farms on isophyperthermic ruptic-alfic dystrudepts in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
(R. Durson Associates, 2006) Onweremadu, E. U.; Opara, C. C.; Oti, N. N.; Uozoho, B. U.; Ibe, A. E.; Tom, C. T.; Onwubiko, N. C.; Nwokeji, E. M.
Soil quality morphological index (SQMI) was used to assess soil health of arable farms on soils along Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria. Sampled points were identified based on physiography and linked using a transect. Three minipedons were dug at equal inter minipedal distance of 35 metres and sampled. Results showed that soils on a levee had the best quality (SQM1 = 3. 52), followed by Terace (SQMI = 2.83), Backswamp (SQMI 2: 75) and least in Upland soils (SQMI =2.64). Soil quality has a good relationship with organic matter (r = 0.92; r2 =0.84; 1 r2— 0.16; P-0.05). Results of soil properties were used to classify soils of the site as Isohyperthermic Ruptic-Alfic Dystrudepts (USDA. Soil Taxonomy).
Open Access
Assessment of the rate of adoption of improved crop technology in the Fadama III in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018) Kainga, P. E.; Familisu, L. C.; Ogueri, E.
The Fadama III project was aimed at increasing the output and income of farmers sustainably. This could be achieved by the use of improved crop technologies. These improved crop technologies will aid in the increase in farming production which is believed to bridge the gap between the demand for food and its supply. Hence the study assessed the rate of crop technology adoption by Fadama III users in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of improved crop varieties adopted by farmers and determined the adoption rate of the improved crop technology by farmers’ age. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 138 respondents. Data collection was done using the questionnaire method and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that majority of the respondents were male (54.3%) between the ages 36-50 years (66.7%) and an average of 4 years of experience with Fadama III. Results also showed that plantain and cassava were the most improved crop varieties adopted by farmers. Use of fertilizer and adequate crop spacing were adopted mostly farmer between age group of 36-50 years. Therefore, the study concludes that the rate of adoption to improved crop technologies in Fadama III were relatively moderate and thus it was recommended that advisory services of the Fadama III project should further be strengthened in order to increase the rate of adoption of improved crop technologies in Bayelsa state.
Open Access
Assessment of women participation in fish valued chain acivities in Buguma area of Rivers state, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Ogolo, I. G. S.; Ogueri, E.; Adesope, O. M.
The study focused on the assessment of women participation in fish value chain in Buguma community, Asari-Toru local Government Area of Rivers state. Data were obtained from 56 women in the study area. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyse the data collected from the study. Findings revealed that 44.7% of the women are within the age range of 40-49 years, which makes them still energetic to actively participate in the fish value chain. Majority of the women had formal education with 42.9% with a mean household of size of 6-10 persons. Majority of the respondents are in a cooperative society 71.4%, about 55.3% have a farming experience of 10 years and above. Extension agents visit the study area with about 98.8% respondents. The average annual income gotten by the women was about N20,000. Stages involved in the fish value chain in the study area includes capture of fish, handling and sorting, processing, storage, marketing, advertising, distribution. The women are actively involved in each of the chain. It was noted that women have a high level of participation in fish value chain in Buguma community (89.3%). The problems faced by these women includes lack of modern facilities, lack of fund, insufficient wood fuel, lack of harvesting equipment’s, technical know-how of modern facilities and poor storage facilities with 98.8% respondents agreeing to it. Despite the participation of the women in fish value chain, they were hardly given attention by the extension agents who visited the study area
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
Cassava response to natural and simulated erosion on the ultisols of Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Oti, Nnenna Nnannaya
The impact of erosion on soil productivity is soil, crop and environment specific. It is therefore important that erosion-soil-productivity relationships be established for each soil type and ecological zone. The results reported here are a part of an elaborate series of studies to quantify the relationship between natural and simulated erosion on the yield of major crops on the ultisols of Owerri, southeastern Nigeria. Two crops of cassava were grown between 1998 – 2000 on non-eroded (NE), slightly (S), moderately (M) and severely (Sv) eroded phases of ultisols within the Otamiri watershed of Owerri. Simultaneously, desurphased experiments with three levels of topsoil depth removals (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, cm) were conducted on the non- eroded reference plateau terrain. Natural erosion had no adverse effect on plant establishment and tuber numbers, but led to significant reductions of total dry matter, stem and storage root yields. For instance, the relative yield performance of fresh tubers in the 1998/1999 planting (40 WAP) was in the order 100:52:59:36 for NE:S:M:Sv and the corresponding yield values were 29.6, 15.4, 17.4 and 10.7 t/ha respectively. Desurphasing led to drastic reductions on all yield parameters and tuber yield declines of 91% were recorded when 7.5 cm of topsoil was removed. Linear functions of storage root yield decline per cm of topsoil eroded naturally was 1.74 t/ha, and 10.34 t/ha for mechanical topsoil removal. The best-fit indicators for predicting tuber yields were soil organic matter (SOM), aluminium saturation, (Ca + Mg)/ (Al + H) ratio, available water capacity (AWC), bulk density (BD) and A-horizon depth, accounting for 68.9 % of the variability in tuber yields. The simulation of erosion through mechanical topsoil removal exaggerated the impact of erosion on cassava yield by factor of 6, therefore the results from such experiments should be used with caution.
Open Access
Challenges facing semi-urban fish farmers use of information and communication technology devices in Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015) Chikaire, J. U,; Ani, A. O,; Ogueri, E. I.; Godson-Ibeji, C. C.
The study examined the challenges semi-urban fish farmers face in their use of information and communication technology devices in Imo state. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire from 210 fish farmers selected randomly from a list of 2300 fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Owerri, the state capital. Data collected were analyzed using statistical tools such as percentages and mean. Results showed that majority (37.6%) are within the active age of 41-50, 58.6% are males, 50% have secondary education, with 11-15 years of fish farming. The respondents have frequent access to radio, telephone (mobile), television, magazines and newspapers. The results of the analysis further showed that the fish farmers need information on feed formulation, water management, disease management, fingerlings, processing and drug use. The challenges faced by the fish farmers include erratic power supply, low level of education, language barrier, low income, and lack of skills in ICT. In view of the following it was recommended that communication companies and service providers improve their network coverage. Government should also improve in their provision of electricity and make power steady.
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
Climate variability, incidences and mitigation strategies among poultry farmers in Abia state, Nigeria
(Conscientia Beam., 2018-09-28) Odok, G. N.; Unaeze, H. C.; Ogueri, E. I.; Essien, U. A.; Ukpong, C. A.; Bassey, J. E.; Onini, M. T.; Ezebuike, I. R.; Ohajianya, D. O.
This paper investigated climate variability, incidences and mitigation strategies among poultry farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically analysed the trend of climate variables over the period of 30 years, the perception of poultry farmers as regards the impact of climate variability on poultry production in the study area, and examined the different mitigation strategies adopted by these farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in choosing the required sample of 120 poultry farmers. Data were collected with validated structured questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed a high inter-annual variability in the volume of rainfall from 1983 to 2012 with insignificant correlation (0.0781) between rainfall volume and time. Also, the result showed reduction in number of rainy days and sunshine duration between 1983 and 2012 with correlation coefficients of 0.146 and 0.132respectively. Temperature had significant positive relationship with time with correlation coefficient 0.638.High mortality rate, disease outbreak, smallness of egg size, poor quality of egg shell, heat stress and reduced feed intake actually impacted on poultry production in the study area. Climate variability was therefore found to have affected poultry production in the study area and this has serious environmental and food policies implication. The respondents identified the use of climate resilient breeds, closeness to hatchery, feed improvement, mixed farming, use of artificial cooling system and stocking less during harsh season as major mitigation strategies to climate variability. It is therefore recommended that the government should come up with appropriate policy that will assist the poultry farmer to be more resilient and able to cope with effect of climate variability. Policies should also be formulated to reduce the emission and accumulation of green-house gases in our environment.