School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

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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
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
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
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
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
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
Sulphur status of selected crude oil polluted and unpolluted soils in Bayelsa, Niger delta, Nigeria
(European Centre for Research Training and Development UK, 2017-07) Uzoho, B. U.; Okoli, N. H.; Osisi, F. A.; Ogueri, E. I.; Agomuo, C. I,; Nwadinobi, C. A.; Iwuanyanwu, U. P.; Ogueri, C. U.
Soil sulphur status provides valuable information about its bioavailability and potential environmental consequences. Sulphur forms (total, organic, water soluble, adsorbed, organic matter bound and elemental S) of selected crude oil polluted and unpolluted soils in Bayelsa, Niger Delta, Nigeria were evaluated. Experimental design was a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial of location, soil depth and pollution status arranged in a randomized complete block set-up with 3 replications. Also relationship between S forms and selected soil properties was estimated using correlation and regression analyses. Averaged over soil depths and pollution status, soil S varied distinctly (LSD 0.05) as 1.59, 2.57 and 1.98 (elemental S), 26.25, 35.15 and 25.67 (water soluble S), 6.07, 6.34 and 6.58 (organic matter bound S), 51.71, 58.08 and 53.42 (adsorbed S), 1014.87, 998.90 and 940.13 (organic S) and 1094.92, 1092.14 and 1019.22 mg kg-1(total S) in Agudama-Epie, Elebele and Imiringi respectively. Also interactions of location x soil depths x pollution status yielded best elemental S (3.79 mg kg-1) in surface depth of polluted soil at Elebele, water soluble S (43.34 mg kg-1), organic matter bound S (10.00 mg kg 1) and adsorbed S (68.00 mg kg-1) in the subsurface depths of unpolluted soils at Agudama Epie, Imiringi, and Elebele respectively. Best organic (1228.06 mg kg-1) and total S (1296.73 mg kg-1) were in the surface depth of unpolluted soils in Agudama-Epie. Soil OM, pH, sand, silt, clay, P, N, Mg, Ca, K, Na and ECEC correlated with S forms. Besides clay whichaccounted for more than 40% of water soluble and adsorbed S, other S forms were poorly predicted by the soil properties. In general, concentrations of most S forms were higher in unpolluted than polluted soils, probably due to favourable conditions for S transformation andexistence of important S sources other than crude oil in the former than the later.
Open Access
Multinational Oil Industry Corporate Social Responsibility for sustainable stakeholders management in Nigeria: The case of Total Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited
(Ontario International Development Agency, 2019) Ogueri, I. E.; Ben-Chendo, G. N.; Mgbada, J. U.
Multinational oil and gas production industries in Nigeria have the mandate to produce hydrocarbons. There is usually an Agreement that exists between Multinationals and Federal Government of Nigeria known as Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) or Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). Shell Petroleum Development Company, Total Exploration and Production Company and Nigerian Agip Oil Company are three majors of Multinational Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. These Multinational Oil and Gas industries expect safe environment (social and ecological) to operate optimally. Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) introduced MoU as strategic leadership relationship model for host communities to accept and provide her with safe operating environment. It delivers this strategy of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through community projects delivery where impactful enumerated projects would be nominated by stakeholders who also promised Freedom to operate (FTO) in the MoU and or addition to TEPNG Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Objectives of research were to evaluate Acceptability and Functionality of company’s CSR and ability of TEPNG to provide safe operating environment as FTO as promised. TEPNG maintained leadership in corporate social responsibility among other Multinational competitors. MoU and CSR define Industries stakeholders’ management style in Nigeria. Research studied water projects delivery and maintenance in 16 producing communities. Purposive and random samplings were used to select 210 respondents. Questionnaire, Interviews, Personal observations and photography were data collection methods. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results presented in percentages, charts and pictures. Likert scale was used to quantify degree of Sustainability. Results revealed TEPNG delivered water projects as enshrined in MoU. Awareness and Acceptability of projects that recorded 99% and 86% respectively were demonstrated as key elements of sustainability. Stakeholders (Host communities) of Multinational Oil industry did not meet their obligations as agreed in the MoU. Prevailing scenario created fights and militancy among cult groups. Payment for most CSR activities completed without delivery of projects as projects were to be delivered by host communities’ vendors. This situation threatened CSR projects Sustainability and therefore calls for management strategic review of the model to avoid industry reputation constantly going down. Concluded that TEPNG CSR could not deliver Freedom to Operate as declared by 60% of the respondents. Recommended that TEPNG should educate stakeholders through regular planned engagements like Open fora and town-hall meetings. CSR projects’ maintenance should be left for community youths and Periodic evaluation should be institutionalized to enhance Sustainability of Community development projects including agriculture. The study exposed that SUSTAINABILITY is driven by PEOPLE to achieve ENVIRONMENTAL and ECONOMIC benefits and should be given priority position in the sustainability equation.
Open Access
Effects of livelihood sustenance activities on off-farm income of poultry farmers in Imo state, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018-08) Ogueri, E. I.; Unaeze, H. C.; Odok, G. N.; Mbah, G. O.; Ugwu, J. N.; Essien, U. A.; Onini, M. T.; Ohajianya, D. O.
The study analysed the off farm income and its effect on livelihood sustenance of poultry farmers in Imo state. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents. Data for the study were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square bivariateregression model. Results showed that: the mean off-farm income of poultry farmers was N410223 per annum. Livelihood sustenance activities of poultry farmers positively and significantly affected their off-farm income. It is recommend that government should come up policies that will center on establishment of more livelihood sustenance activities for poultry farmers that will generate increased off-farm income and promote agricultural development simultaneously.
Open Access
Influence of public and private sector extension services in the adoption of improved cassava varieties by famers in Rivers state, Nigeria
(Ontario International Development Agency, 2013) Ogueri, E. I.
The public sector extension service in Nigeria was anchored by the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs). In Rivers State, the ADP was established in 1987 as a semiautonomous, self accounting unit with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and funding was based on the following ration, RSG – 14%, FG-20% and world bank-66%.Similarly, the private sector extension services in Rivers State was provided by the multinational oil and gas companies notably, SPDC, TEPNG and NAOC with SPDC taken the lead, hence its choice in the study. SPDC started agricultural projects in 1965 in Ogoni but the activities were blown to limelight in early 90s with 9 extension officers resident in the company’s host communities called zones. The main objectives of the public and private sector extension services was to ensure food security through communication of technologies to farmers for enhanced adoption of improved varieties and farming systems mostly in the areas of crop, fisheries and animal productions. This study x-rayed the adoption of improved cassava varieties that was considered in great demand over local varieties (due to its numerous advantages) as a source of major staple food (garri, amala, fufu) in Nigeria. Participatory and interactive bottom-up approach was employed to obtain data from the farmers and extension officers. Simple descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used. Technologies considered influential on improved cassava varieties adoption were planting time, planting length/population, planting distance (spacing), planting regime, weed control, appropriate fertilizer availability / application methods, harvesting time and other agronomic procedures. Results showed moderate adoption of overall recommended technologies of improved cassava production from farmers served by the public and private sector extension services but relatively higher adoption rate by the private sector than the public sector. A phenomenon caused by additional incentives by the operators of the private sector extension system. However, there was a significant difference in the adoption of recommended planting date between farmers reached by public and private extension officers. Conversely, there were no significant differences between farmers served by the extension systems with respect to the adoption of spacing, fertilizer type and fertilizer quantity. Thus, it revealed that when the component technologies were pooled, their overall adoption was not significantly different between farmers served by the public and private sector extension services. It was also found that private sector extension system operates like a social responsibility without legislative framework; hence their continued operation in Nigeria was doubtful. This situation could impose a serious threat to food security and negatively affect government transformation plan for agriculture. It was recommended among others that the skills of extension officers of both public and private sectors be improved through periodic trainings. Regular logistics was important for effective extension system and that holistic approach using Research-Extension-Farmers-Inputs-Linkage-System (REFILS) should be employed and MTRM organized so that the farmers through the extension officers would constantly be informed of new varieties from the Research Institutes. Legislative framework would be a must for multinational oil and gas companies in Nigeria to continued support for agricultural development
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
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.
Open Access
Impact of Afirica regional aquaculture centre on fish farmers livelihood on Obio/Akpor local goverment area. Rivers State
(2016) Emmanuel, J.; Ogueri, E.; Adesope, O. M.
This study is design to examine the impact of African regional aquaculture Centre on fish farmers livelihood in Obio/Akpor, Rivers state. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires administered to 150 respondents using a purposive selection of 10 communities in the study area. Data collected from the study area were analyze using descriptive statistical tools (mean, frequency and percentage). The socio-economic characteristics considered in the study include gender, age, marital status, educational level, household size, farming experience, source of income and source of information. The major source of income of the respondents is farming. Fish farmers in the study area obtain information through extension agents, radio, pamphlets and meetings. Findings indicate that ARAC has played major roles in motivation, in food security, employment etc. Constraints faced are; theft, high tax, lack of loan, government intervention to fish farming problems etc. Of which all limits the efficiency of fish farming.
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
Perceived Effects of Resource-Use Conflicts on Rural Women Farmers in South-east Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria
(Lupine Publishers, 2018-07-05) Anyoha, N. O.; Chikaire, J. U.; Ogueri, E. I.; Utazi, C. O.; Godson Ibeji, C. C.
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 got 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), compensation to land owner (M=3.67). These farmers could be helped provision of credt facilities and proper land use planning programme.
Open Access
Effects of oil spillage (pollution) on agricultural production in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria
(CRDEEP Journals, 2015) Ani, A. O.; Chikaire, J. U; Ogueri, E. I; Orusha, J. O
The work analyzed the effects of oil spillage/pollution on agricultural production in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objective of this study are to “describe the socio – economic characteristics of the respondents, to identify agricultural production activities of the respondents, to identify causes of oil spillage/pollution of the area, and to describe the effects of oil spillage on agricultural production activities of its respondents. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 115 respondents for the study. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage presented in tables. Result shows that oil spillage /pollution occurred as a result of corrosion of oil pipelines and explosion of oil wells/terminal/stations, giving rise to unproductive soil, reducing the people interest in agricultural activities. However, some recommendation were made, the first recommendation “a permanent disaster management institution should be established in this area the second recommendation was “oil companies should engage in preventative measure to mitigate the risk of oil spillage /pollution as well as ensuring transparency with regard to payment of compensation, contract to affected communities.
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
Women farmers use of indigenous knowledge in land and water management for climate change adaptation in flood-plain agricultural areas of Imo State, Nigeria
(Medwin Publishers, 2020-08-13) Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; Chikaire, J. U.; Anaeto, F. C.; Ogueri, E. I.
This study was carried out to analyze indigenous knowledge practices employed by women farmers for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 360 women farmers was randomly selected from 7 flood plain areas of the State. Questionnaire and oral interview were used to elicit information from the respondents. Percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze data collected. Results showed the indigenous land and water management practices to include ; mulching (88.8%), use of mounds (80.5%), crop rotation (97.2%), soil fertilization (81.6%), conservation agriculture (97.2%), construction of infiltration pits (83.3%), construction of wells and basins for water storage (94.4%), terrace building (96.9%), planting mangrove trees (92.7%), use of sand bags against erosion (96.6%) among others. The high mean (M) response below showed the benefits of use of indigenous knowledge in land and water management to include; enhanced agricultural productivity (M=3.64), reduced water stress (M=3.25), improve soil air and water quality (M=2.86), improves soil organic matter content (M=2.95), increase soil moisture content (M=2.90), reduces erosion menace in farm (M=2.92) and others. The following challenges were faced – high transaction cost (M=3.04), land tenure problems (M=3.95), insecurity of rights to land (M=3.35), low level of income (M=3.67), lack of education and training (M=3.55) among other challenges. Extension training of women farmers be vigorously pursued to educate and enlighten the rural agricultural population.
Open Access
Critical success factors affecting sustainability of oil and gas production in Niger Delta, Nigeria
(Ontario International Development Agency, 2010) Ogueri, E. I.; Nwachukwu, I.; Unamma, R.
: Niger Delta region hosts major Oil and Gas operations in Nigeria. Niger Delta was recently declared dangerous region because of criminalities ,kidnappings, killings and human right issues. NigerDelta communities violently stood against oil and gas operations after accusation of long term neglect and underdevelopment. Oil companies became target by heavily armed militants. World energy supply had been grossly affected. It therefore became imperative to evaluate sustainable rural development contributions of Multinational oil and gas corporations in the Niger Delta. Main objective was identification of critical success factors of sustainability. Analysis, results and recommendations are contained in this paper as contributions to sustainable world energy availability strategy. The survey was exploratory. Sampling strategy was combination of probability, purposive and clustering. Data collection was through questionnaire, interview, focused group discussion and reviewed literature. Analytical tool was multiple regression analysis. Results revealed core sustainability indices as Acceptability, Functionality, Operability and Durability of interventions through discovery of participation model of RACI. Additional results showed carriers of development information, in built operations and maintenance philosophy, completion of projects, quality of life, stakeholders’ engagement method and method of programme execution were significant to sustainability at 5%. The research developed a new model called “Spider model of rural development” where methods of selecting interventions and capacity development through Employment were significant at 1%. Environmental unfriendliness and ill- focused programmes had negative relationship .Recommendations included rural development policy or Niger Delta region based on Spider model, broad based MOU, intensified stakeholders’ engagement, participatory approach of RACI model, gender as policy mandate for oil and gas multinationals, deliberate economic empowerment and Joint venture partners’ periodic meetings on Niger Delta
Open Access
Perceived rural interventions for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(Kosmos Publishers, 2020-12-09) Chikaire, J. U.; Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; Ogueri, E. I.
The study examined rural intervention programmes for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify energy sources available to farmers in the study area; examine energy and agri-food needs of respondents and ascertain perceived rural interventions for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of respondents in the study area. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were selected and interviewed.Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentages and mean. The available energy sources include human power (100%), mechanical power (70.5%), electrical power (66.6%), candles and kerosene (81.6%), charcoal/wood residues (78.8%). Energy is needed for cooking/preparing food (100%), crop production (100%), processing (88.5%) and the agri-food needs were to improve farmer livelihoods (66.6%), increase crop productivity (89.1%), reduction poverty (88.8%) among others. Rural interventions for meeting energy and agri-food needs included rural electrification programmes (M=4.09), standalone off grid energy solution (M = 3.91), agricultural mechanization (M=4.05), rural road /transport programmes (M=3.90) and training /retraining of both farmers and extension officers with mean of 4.08 and 3.41 respectively. Improved/clean energy facilities be provided to the rural populace by the relevant stakeholders – governments, donor agencies, NGOs, etc for improved livelihood and food security.