Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 2-8
ASSESSMENT OF BIOSECURITY MEASURES OF
COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMS IN ADO-ODO/OTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
BELLO, K. O1;
FASINU, C. O2; ONI, O. O. AND ERUVBETINE, D2.
1.
Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and
Agricultural Research; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Email: kazeembello19@gmail.com
2.
College of Animal Science and Livestock Production;
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
3.
College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Biosecurity measures of commercial poultry
farms in Ado-Odo local government area, Ogun State, Nigeria was appraised to
determine the level of practice using well structured questionnaire. Data were gathered on distance between
farms and potential disease transmission threat of commercial poultry farms,
level of hygiene of the farms, flock health care and management practices of
commercial poultry farms in the study area and analyzed using descriptive statistics in percentage. Result revealed that 70.62% of commercial farms
maintained a good distance between their farms and potential disease threats.
Only 72.81% of farms in the study area practiced
good hygiene while 27.19% did not. The result also revealed that 81.08% of
farmers practice good flock health care and 74.9% of the farmers
practiced good poultry management on their farms while 25.1% did not have good
poultry management practice. The study concluded
that biosecurity measures practised in the study area at the various levels of
practice were reasonable and this was reflected in high level of positve (yes)
findings relative to the low level of negative (no) findings in the study.
However, farmers were enjoined to improve on the farm biosecurity because the
closer the farm biosecurity to 100% the better.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 9-14
ASSESSMENT OF LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES AMONG RIVERINE COMMUNITIES OF ONDO
STATE, NIGERIA
ALFRED, S.D.Y., AKINKUNMI T. AND AKINGBESOTE, E.I.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology,
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria Email:
yomialfred2003@yahoo.com
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 15-22
ECONOMIC VIABILITY
OF SWEETPOTATO PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN NIGERIA
ANYAEGBUNAM, H.N.1
AND NTO, P.O.2
1.
National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, PMB
7006 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Email:helenkol8@yahoo.com
2.
College of Management Sciences, Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State Nigeria
This study was carried out
to investigate the economic viability of sweetpotato production, marketing and
the efficiency of the marketing system. The production was carried out at the
National Root crops research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria. Multistage randomized
sampling technique was used in selecting, respondents and states (Akwa Ibom,
Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu) for the marketing activity.120 wholesalers and 240
retailers were selected. Structured questionnaire was used in collecting
information from respondents. Data were analyzed using net-return analyses, Chi
square, Duncan multiple range tests and descriptive statistics. The findings
revealed that sweetpotato production is lucrative by giving a net return of N124, 698.80 per hectare and 80% per
naira. The marketing operation was also found to be profitable on both
wholesalers’ and retailers’ sectors. margins realized were N14,632,N24,100, N24,600
and N28,603 on the wholesalers sector
while N3,256, N5,728, N5,775 and N10,000 were realized on the retailers
sector. The results showed that both operations are viable. Efficiency results
showed that none of the states/sectors had efficiency of 100%.The efficiencies
range (20-80%).There were significant differences in marketing efficiencies in
the markets across the states studied. Some of the constraints identified
include lack of credit and infrastructural facilities. It is therefore
recommended that credit and infrastructural facilities such as good storage and
processing machines, good road and transport networks should be provided to the
marketers to reduce sweetpotato spoilage, enhance storage and diversification
of uses. This will improve income, livelihood of farmers and marketers and also
the marketing efficiency.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 23-30
SUSTAINABILITY OF
RURAL WOMEN GROUPS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
1
Federal
University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria Email: funkeayinde@yahoo.com; ayindeafo@funaab.edu.ng
2 Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the level of sustainability of
Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) women farmer groups in the rural
parts of Ogun State. Using multi-stage sampling technique, 180 members were
selected from 36 groups. Data collected were analysed using frequency and
percentage tables as well as sustainability index. The study revealed that
majority of the groups sampled engaged in agricultural activities. The mean
number of members of the women group was 29 people, 52% of whom had no formal
education, with mean age of 49 years. The mean duration of existence of the
group was 8 years with mean total asset base of N787,779.17 per annum. Proportion of actual relative to the
expected contribution of group members was 76.57% while the average actual
attendance relative to the expected one was 85.25%. Majority (80.56%) of the
group members had access to soft loans. The derived sustainability index (women group sustainability index (wgs)
of 0.678) revealed that the rural women groups were moderately sustainable. The
study recommended among others that factors that undermine their sustainability
(group strength and optimal group size) should be addressed by intensifying
efforts aimed at improving rural economic base.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 31-39
MICROCREDIT SOURCES
AND LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES OF SMALL SCALE RICE FARMERS IN THE HOHOE MUNICIPALITY,
VOLTA REGION, GHANA
Department of
Agricultural Extension, University of Ghana, Legon Email: joanaglo@yahoo.com
Microcredit has been identified as a means
of giving loans to small scale farmers to help them undertake sustainable
production. The study sought to investigate how services and products offered
by different microfinance service providers influence the livelihoods of small
scale rice farmers in the Akpafu area of the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta
Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 140
small scale rice farmers. Individual interviews and focus group discussions
were used for data collection. Three sources of credit namely: formal, informal
and semi-formal were studied. Results indicated that the three major sources of
credit had different modes of delivery, different forms of credit, and
different terms of repayment and also had differences in the times of delivery
of products and services. In terms of how sources of credit influenced the
livelihood outcomes of the farmers, it was realized that the three credit
sources generally had significant influence on the livelihood outcomes such as
food security, farmer’s savings and ability to pay bills.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 40-47
ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BY RURAL DWELLERS IN ATAKUMOSA EAST
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
AROMOLARAN A. K.,
LAWAL-ADEBOWALE, O. A. AND OLAOSEBIKAN O.
Department of
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture,
PMB 2240 Abeokuta, Nigeria. Email: garomolaran@yahoo.com, deoaks@ymail.com
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to assess development projects
carried out in selected rural communities in Osun State. Interview guide was
used to elicit information from 120 rural people that were randomly selected.
Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It
was observed that majority of the respondents were male (59.2%). Most (93.5%)
of the respondents were above 25years of age, 93.3% of them were married. Most
82.5% of the respondents had post-primary education. About 35% of the
respondents engaged in farming and 64.2% in non-farm occupation. This study
reveals that most of the implemented and completed implemented projects in the
communities were government-initiated. More than 90% of the development
projects were completed and these include renovation and construction of
schools, roads and health centres, electric power supply and agro-inputs
distribution. The perceived effects of the development projects by the rural
dwellers were access to formal education, health care services, ease of
mobility of humans and goods, and enhanced farm productivity. The chi-square
test of the study hypothesis showed a significant relationship between the
respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics – education (χ2=20.31, df = 12); marital status (χ2=14.83,
df = 3); occupation (χ2=23.59,
df = 6) and their perceived effects
of the development projects on their rural lives. It was thus concluded that,
with developmental projects in place, quality of life of rural dwellers can be
readily improved. It is therefore recommended that efforts should be made to
ensure that development projects are initiated and completed for the benefit of
the rural dwellers.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 48-55
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR HEALTH CARE SEVICES BY RURAL
HOUSEHOLDS IN AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE,
NIGERIA
1.
Department of Agricultural Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture,
Igbo-Ora, Nigeria Email: femi504@europe.com
2.
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
This study was carried out to examine the
willingness to pay for health care services among rural households. The origin
of data used was of primary source. Structured questionnaires that contained
socio-economic and the health status information were administered randomly
among the rural households in the area. Both descriptive and inferential
statistics were employed to perform the analysis. The result indicated that income of the respondents in the study area is relatively low and this
could be attributed to the observed low level of economic activity in the area. The determinants of willingness to pay for health care service as a function of age, No of
wife, earning per month, expenditure on health and frequency sickness and cost
of treatment.in the study area. It is recommended that more effort should be geared towards improvement
on the economic activities of the people living in the area. The multiplier
effects of improved economics activities would improve their health status,
income and generally, their overall standard of living
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 56-60
TECHNICAL
EFFICIENCY OF SUSTAINABLE CASSAVA FARMING IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
1Department of Agricultural Extension and Farm
Management .Federal College of Forestry
Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria E-mail: bukkyinkus@yahoo.com
This study investigated technical
efficiency of sustainable cassava farming in Yagba-West Local Government Area
of Kogi State, Nigeria. The main objective is to determine technical efficiency
of cassava farmers. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to
select 110 cassava farmers and data were obtained using a well-structured
questionnaire. Stochastic frontier production function model was used for the
analysis of the data. The result of the maximum likelihood estimate of the
stochastic frontier production function shows that farm size (5%), labour (1%),
cassava stem-cutting (1%s), fertilizer (10%) and agrochemical (1%) contributed
significantly to output of cassava farmers. Stochastic frontier estimate shows
the values of gamma (0.97) and sigma square (0.02). Result reveals a mean
efficiency index of 0.95 implying that output from cassava production could be
increased by 4.2percent using available technology. Non-Physical factors that
served as determinants of technical inefficiency were age, education, farming
experience, extension contact access to credit and household-size which were
all found to be significant. These findings suggest the need for further
investment in agricultural research and development particularly in sustaining
nutrition security and poverty reduction.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 61-66
FARMERS’
PATICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (NRDS) IN NIGER STATE,
NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
The National Rice Development Strategy is
an intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase local rice
production. This study assessed rice farmers’ awareness of the programme, their
accessibility to its services and their participation in its agenda. Challenges
being faced by officials of the programme were also ascertained. The study was
carried out in Niger State with respondents selected through the use of both
simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data were collected
using interview guides and questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of data using
frequencies, percentages and mean was done. Chi-square analysis was used to
test the relationships between selected socio-economic characteristics of rice
farmers and their awareness or participation in the NRDS programme. 67.5% of
the rice farmers were aware of the programme, although most (70.0%) rice
farmers in the study area were not employing the services of the programme. It
was found that major among constraints faced by the officials of the programme
were inadequate funding and transportation. Significant relationship was
established between the rice farmers’ level of education, farm size, years of
farming experience and their awareness of the programme (p<0.05). Provision
of improved production and processing facilities should be the major thrust of
this programme, if the intervention bid of the government is to be effective.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 67-72
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
AND FISH PROCESSING PRACTICES IN SEMI-ARID AND HUMID ZONES OF NIGERIA
ADEOGUN M.O. 1
AND O.A ADEOGUN2
2.
Nigerian Institute of Marine and Oceanographic
Research, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
This study identifies Indigenous Fish
Processing Practices (IFPPs) use to reduce post-harvest losses.
Focus group discussions, key informants and structured interview schedule from
a sample of Eighty one (81) fish processors. Descriptive statistics and Logit
model analysis were used to analyse the data. The result show the factors that
encouraged IFPPs use to include; compatible equipment, profitability and
peoples’ culture. Result of the Logit model revealed that in Humid zone, age
(t=-4.628), sex (t=-2.322), education (t=-4.222), size of house hold (t=4.025),
frequency of information (t=-3.925), consumers preference (t=-6.099), custom of
processing (t=-4.379), volume of fish processed (t=2.463), cosmopoliteness
(t=3.200), information sources (-3.354), frequencies of information
(-2.675) were prominent factors
influencing IFPPs use. In Semi-Arid zone, age (t=-0.199), sex (t=-0.842), education
(1.156), size of household (0.161), did not influence IFPPs use. Some of the
practices identified in the Semi-Humid zone are fish smoked coiled, cut into
chunk, flat whole, sundry partially burnt, sundry on raised net, burnt fish and
fried fish while fish smoked coiled, flat whole and smoked after partial sundry
are common in Arid zone. These practices have enabled
them to adapt with their local environments even at minimal costs. Recommends
development programmes on IFPPs in similar climatic conditions.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 73-81
CONTRIBUTIONS OF
NEGLECTED AND UNDERUTILISED CROP SPECIES (NUS) TO SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIVELIHOOD
IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
SODIYA, C. I.
Department of Agricultural Extension and
Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria Email: comfortibironke@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study examined the contributions of
neglected and underutilized crops to sustainable livelihoods of rural
households in Ogun State, South -Western Nigeria. Purposive sampling was done
using the snowball technique to select one hundred and twenty respondents
involved in the production, marketing and utilization of NUS as a major
livelihood option. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Gross Margin model was
used to estimate the profitability of the NUS. The results showed that 80.83%
of the respondents were female and 86.67% of them were married with mean age of
41 years and household size of 4-7 persons. The income level of the respondents
was found to range between N12, 000 – N30, 000. Gross margin analysis revealed a
profit margin of ₦8,520.61 Major constraints experienced by respondents
include, climatic change (100%), non-availability of processing equipments (99.10%), limited
extension service support (98.10%), pest and diseases (97.70%), lack of storage
facilities (95.40%), poor market information (82.90%) and transportation
problems (75.00%). Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis indicated that
socio-economic characteristics such as age (r=0.175*, p<0.05), household
size (r = 0.248***, p<0.05), were positively significant to the income of
respondents. The constraints experienced by respondents was significant and
showed a negative relationship to income (r=-1.88, p<0.05). The study
concluded that socio-economic characteristics, production factors and
constraints experienced by respondents influenced the profitability of NUS. It
was recommended that more researches should be carried out by crop and agro
forestry scientists on the domestication of NUS and extension service providers
should further create awareness on the existing capability of NUS as a source
of rural employment and sustainable livelihood option for rural households.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 82-90
UTILIZATION OF
LOCALLY PRODUCED DESICCATED COCONUT IN PLAIN AND MILK CHOCOLATE
SAKA1, E. A. NYARKO H. D.2, ASANTE, F. 3 AND TORTOE, C.1
1 Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research - Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana Email:
emmanuelsaka@yahoo.co.uk
2 University of Cape
Coast, University Post Box Cape Coast, Ghana
3 Cocoa Processing
Company Limited (CPC) PMB Tema Accra Ghana,
ABSTRACT
Value
addition to locally produced coconuts is an alternative livelihoods support to
coconut famers and generates new markets for Ghana’s coconuts. Fresh matured
un-bruised de-husked West African Tall coconuts were grated, hot-water blanched
for sixty seconds and oven-dried (80oC-90oC) for ten
hours. The samples were then milled and conditioned in a refrigerator for seven
days. Coconut centers were made out of
the samples and dipped into milk and dark chocolate masses for coating. A 7
point hedonic scale sensory evaluation analysis was carried out with 33
untrained panelists. ANOVA results on the sensory data showed higher preference
for the desiccated milk chocolate (DCMC), (P<0.05). Proximate values for
desiccated plain chocolate (DCPC) and DCMC respectively were: fibre (2.40+0.00%
and 3.10 + 0.00%), protein (6.40+0.00% and 9.50+0.00%),
fat (39.35+0.73% and 42.88+2.34%), ash (1.37+0.12% and
2.04+0.76%), moisture (2.96+0.08% and 3.61+0.25%) and
sugar (26.94+0.02% 25.93+0.15%).
Microbiological values for the DCPC and DCMC respectively were: Total
Viable Counts (50 and 260 CFU/ml), Mould/Yeast (0 and 720 CFU/ml), Coliforms (0
CFU/ml) perhaps due to contamination. The study proved that coconut can be
incorporated into locally manufactured chocolates, especially milk chocolates.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 10. No.1, March, 2013 p. 91-100
IMPACT OF
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RURAL WOMEN ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION STRATEGIES
IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
MUNDI, N. E. AND
TENEBE, V.A.
School of Science
and Technology, National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos
Email: ndamundi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to investigate the
impact of socio-economic characteristics of rural women on poverty alleviation
strategies in Kogi State, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was
used for the selection of the respondents for this research work. The
twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were stratified into
three, that is, those in the Eastern, Central and Western Zones. From these,
two LGAs were randomly selected from each Zone. In all, six LGAs were randomly
selected from the three Zones of Kogi State. These include Bassa and Ankpa LGAs
from Eastern, Okene and Adavi LGAs from the Central and Lokoja and Kogi LGAs
from the Western Zones respectively. A total of (N=360) rural women were
selected to participate in the study. The study revealed that from the
socio-economic characteristics of rural women, majority of the respondents were
between the ages of 36 and 55 years with a total of (73.9%) while less than one
(0.8) percent were above 60 years. Majority of the respondents (50.8%) had no
formal education while (16.4%) had adult education. Majority of them (74.4%)
were married while the remaining (25.6%) of the respondents were single,
widowed or divorced. Few of the respondents, (15.8%) had 2-4 children while
majority (a total of 83.7%) had more than the maximum number of children as
recommended by the Federal Government of Nigeria which is four. The result
further showed that the hypothesis was rejected because the chi-square (X2)
tests indicated that there were significant associations between socio-economic
characteristics of the respondents age (X2 = 636.04), highest
educational level (X2=153.29), marital status (X2 =
63.80), husband’s number of wives (X2 = 27.22), head of house hold
(X2=78.27), religion (X2=153.29), place of origin (X2=46.88),
and position among wives (X2=45.80) and their use of poverty
alleviation strategies at 0.05 significant level. It was recommended that there
is need to increase the level of awareness of rural populace to the importance
of education as majority of the rural women were not educated. This will make
the rural women to use the various opportunities that may open to them in
getting out of poverty.
