Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 2-10
FACTORS INFLUENCING
JOB PERFORMANCE BY STAFF OF THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES
(NARIS) IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
TOKULA M.H1.
UNAMMA, R.P.A2 AND EKUMANKAMA, O.O2
1 National Root Crops
Research Institute Umudike, Nigeria. Email: mhtokula1@yahoo.com
2 Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the factors that
influenced the job performance by staff of the National Agricultural Research
Institutes (NARIs) in the southeast agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Five
Agricultural Research Institutes were studied in the zone. National Root Crops
Research Institute (NRCRI) was purposively selected because it is the only NARI
with the headquarters in the zone, while four research institute substations
were randomly selected. Fifty five (55)
staff made up of scientists, and research support staffs were randomly selected
from these institutes. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive
statistics (frequency and percentage scores), and multiple regression analysis.
Results showed that majority (53%) of the
scientists were involved in 3 – 4 approved research projects. Office
accommodation was found to be paired for staff of the institutes studied. Majority of the farm roads in the research
institutes needed rehabilitation. The regression results showed that marital
status, regularity of salary, age, access to internet were found to be positive
and significantly related to job performance, while household size was negative
but significantly related to job performance. It was recommended that NARIs
should be provided with adequate infrastructure and equipment to enhance their
job performance.
Journal of Sustainable
Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 11-18
CREDIT UTILISATION
AMONG RICE FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA
OLADOKUN, Y. O. M.
AND ADENEGAN, K. O.
Department of
Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Email: yetdele@yahoo.com, bumkem@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper examined the effect that access
to credit facilities at reasonable costs has on rice production activities in
three Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
Probability to size sampling technique was adopted to select and collect
data from one hundred and twenty (120) rice farmers with the aid of
questionnaires. The analytical tools employed include descriptive statistics,
normalised profit function and Spearman rho correlation. The result showed that
78.3% and 73.7% of credit users and non credit users respectively are between
30 and 59 years old. About half (50.5%) of credit users and all non credit
users are male. Most (68.3%) of the credit users and all the non credit users
can at least read or write. Majority (75.3%, 68.4% of credit users and non
credit users respectively) have household sizes of between 4 and 9 persons.
Sixty-four percent of credit users and all the non credit users have 2 to 3.99
hectares of farmland. The results of normalized profit function reveal that the
coefficients of normalized fertilizer
use have negative sign in the profit equation while the coefficients of land and the other variable inputs of production
have
positive signs, which occur at relatively low levels of output that are
characteristic of small scale farming.
The R2 value is 0.594. Use of credit facilities and shortage of
labour have negative correlation while insufficient agricultural inputs,
shortage of land and lack of enough agricultural information have positive
correlation. It was recommended that enlightenment program should be
intensified by introducing illiterate farmers to modern techniques of farming
and awareness of all fields of agriculture, while the bureaucracies for
obtaining credit should be reviewed so that more farmers will benefit from the
credit facilities.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 19-23
EVALUATION OF THREE OKRO VARIETIES IN OKRA/SWEET POTATO INTERCROP ON A
TYPIC PALENDUCT
NJOKU S.C1.,
C.O. MUONEKE2 AND D.A. OKPARA2
1.National Root
Crops Research Institute Umudike, Umuahia, Abia state Nigeria
Email: sallynjoku@yahoo.com
2. Department of
Agronomy, College of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michael Okpara University of
Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Studies were carried out at NRCRI, Umudike
in 2000 and 2001 cropping season to determine the performance of three okra
varieties in an okra/sweet potato intercropping system. In 2000, intercropped
okra flowered earlier than sole, but both flowered at the same time in 2001,
with no significant difference. Intercropping generally increased okra plant
height while pod width was significantly (p<0.05) more in NHAe 47-4 than
other varieties. Pod length was the same for the three varieties in 2000 but
differed in 2001 with NHAe 47-4 longer than other varieties. Interaction of
okra, and sweet potato and cropping system showed significant (p<0.05)
difference in both pod width and pod length. Intercropping okro with
TIS2532.op.1.13 significantly increased number of pods per plant than with
other sweet potato varieties.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 24-29
INDIGENOUS METHODS
OF STORING SWEET POTATO IN BAUCHI, NIGERIA
DANTATA, I. J
Department of
Agricultural Education, Undergraduate Studies Programme, College of Education,
PMB 044 Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria. Email: ishiyakudjames@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Store experiment was carried out in
the in the storage room of the School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tatari
Polytechnic, Bauchi for 4 months from 2008 – 2009. Sweet potatoes for the study
were obtained from harvest of a 2 -year field experiment grown with most popular Bauchi local (Bolobolo); a
white- fleshed sweet potato [WFSP] and orange-fleshed sweet potato [OFSP]
varieties. The two varieties were factorially combined with three intra-rows
spacing [30, 45 and 60cm] and 60cm was kept constant as the inter-row spacing.
The products were bulked on basis of their treatment and from each
treatment-bulk, 16 healthy- marketable tubers (each 4 representing a replicate)
were selected at random, labelled and placed in 3 storage methods viz; Grass,
Wood ash, and Sand. The tubers were inspected for weight loss, rate of
discoloration, rots and sprouts once after four months. Results revealed that
percent tuber weight loss, percent tuber sprout, percent tuber rot and percent
tuber discoloration were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by the treatments in
the 2- year study. These parameters were most similar with plant spacing and crop
variety but vary in most cases with storage media. Interaction between crop
variety and indigenous methods of storage on the percent of sprout was
significant (P≤0.05). Fewer sprouts were recorded when tubers were stored in
wood ash and grass (as the case with WFSP) as well as in sand and wood ash (as
the case with OFSP) respectively.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 30-36
RISKS AND
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN POULTRY PRODUCTION IN OKE – OGUN AREA OF OYO STATE,
NIGERIA
SALAU, M. A,
ENIOLA, P.O., SIYANBOLA, M. F.
Department of
Agricultural Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study identified the risks being
encountered and managed by the poultry farmers in Oke–Ogun Area of Oyo State.
Multistage stage sampling technique was used in the study. Data were collected from 96 poultry farms
that have up to 500 birds and above in the study area, through the use of
structured interview schedule using simple random sampling techniques.
Descriptive statistics and percentage were used to analyse the socio-economic
variables, while chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. The findings
revealed that majority (82%) of the poultry farmers are within the range of 31
to 50 years of age. Sixty percent of the respondents had both secondary and
tertiary education. The study revealed that, most of the poultry farmers have
low level of awareness on insurance. While risks such as; drought, outbreak of
diseases, acquisition of loan and fluctuation in input prices are being
encountered by the farmers. It was also revealed that farmers employed digging
of borehole, vaccination, outright purchase of land as strategies against risks
on their farms. Significant relationships exit between age, education status,
farm size, and poultry farmers’ attitude towards risk. There is need to
increase the awareness of farmers on importance of insurance, formation of
marketing groups and adequate credit facilities should be made available.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 37-43
GERMINATION AND
SEEDLING GROWTH OF PARKIA BICOLOR (A.
CHEU) AS INFLUENCED BY VARIOUS NURSERY TECHNIQUES
OKUNOMO, K.
Department of
Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria
Email: kehinde_okunomo@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the
effect of different pre-treatments on the germination and seedling growth of Parkia bicolor. The experiment was
conducted at the nursery section of the Teaching and Research Farm of the
Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba Campus,
Asaba, Nigeria. The study tested for the most effective method of improving
germination and growth of this species using tetra (vi) acid at different
soaking time (0, 2, 4 and 6 minutes). Secondly, seed storage in refrigerator
for 0, 2, 4 and 6hours, also different soaking time in warm water (550C).
The fourth experiment involved examining the species performance in various
sowing media top soil, sharp sand, sawdust, and clay soil, and finally effect
of organic manure on the seedling growth of P.
bicolor was also studied. The treatments considered were poultry droppings,
cow dung, pig manure and top soil (control). A randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with three replicates was used for this study. The result indicated
significant differences among the treatments for 2 minutes exhibited the
highest germination percentage (93%) while prolonged storage in refrigerator
(6hours) elicited the highest germination percentage. Pre-treatments in warm water
had a pronounced effect on germination which was not significantly different
from the control. Poultry manure application impacted positively the growth
parameters assessed plant height (22.2cm), leaf area (528.84cm2),
number of leaves (26.65) and collar diameter (0.6mm) from a practical stand
point subjecting P. bicolor to any
form of treatment should not be a concern for establishment.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 44-51
PROFITABILITY
ANALYSIS OF FISH FARMING: AN ANTIDOTE TO ECONOMIC MELTDOWN
1WILLIAMS, S. B.; 2
R. O. KAREEM; 1N. M. ENEH
1Department of
Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State,
Nigeria.
2 Department of Economics and Actuarial Sciences, Crescent
University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Email: rskventures@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study discusses the profitability of
fish farming as an antidote to economic meltdown. Cross sectional data were
collected from the 50 randomly selected fish farmers in Ife North Local
government area of Osun State, Nigeria. The data was analysed with
a descriptive statistics to examine the socio-economic characteristics and
the problems militating against the operation of the fish farmers. Costs and
Return Analysis was used to determine the profitability of the fish farming
business in the area. The results however showed that majority (84 percent) of
the fish farmers are in their productive age (20-59), majority are males
(88 percent), married (62 percent) with an average of 1 acre and majority operate
concrete pond types. The results of profitability showed that a farmer makes an
average of N840,554.47 per season This thus
Signify that fresh water fish farming is a profitable business that can
serve as an immediate solution to the recent and persistence economic meltdown
plaguing our economy and the world at large.. The study therefore recommended
that for a more enhanced productivity in fish farming in the state as well as
adequately providing for the increasingly teeming population, the government
role in the area of provision of Institutional credit and loans to acquire
more land for more ponds to be constructed is a sine qua non.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p.52-55
RESPONSE OF
LIVINGSTONE POTATO (PLECTRANTHUS ESCULENTUS)
TO DIFFERENT NPK 15:15:15 FERTILIZER RATES
1AKINPELU, A. O., 1ASUMUGHA,
G. N., 2OMONONA, B. T., 1OLOJEDE, A. O.
1 National Root
Crops Research Institute, Umudike, P.M.B.7006, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
2. Department of
Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This
study examined the response of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus) to different rates of NPK15:15:15
Fertilizer. The work was done during 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons. The
experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. Plant
spacing of 100 cm x 50 cm was used. Four different NPK15:15:15 fertilizer rates
were used in the study at 0,200,400,600kgha-1 respectively. Total
harvest was calculated from each unit plot and converted to per hectare yield.
The highest average yield (6.41 t/ha) was obtained from 200 kgha-1 which
was closely followed by 0 kgha-1 (6.06t/ha). Average yield
(5.88t/ha) was recorded from 400 kgha-1
fertilizer rate. The lowest average yield (5.46t/ha) was recorded
from 600 kgha-1 fertilizer
rate. It is therefore suggested that NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer application rate
at 200 kgha-1 is economically suitable for Livingstone Potato
production in Umudike.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 56-61
THE EFFECT OF
FUNGICIDES ON THE NODULATION OF COWPEA (VIGNA
UNGUICULATA L. WALP) IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST ENVIRONMENT
UTHMAN T. O. 1,
A. O. AWOSANYA1, A. O. S. AYANWALE2
AND T. G. AYINDE2
1. Biological Science
Department, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode Nigeria
2. Livelihood Support
and Development Centre, Asero, Abeokuta, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Two fungicides,
Apron Star and Red Force were used to test the effect of fungicides on the
nodulation rate of cowpea (Vigna
ungiculata) of two varieties, “Gbawojo” (a local variety) and IT98D (an
improved variety). Nodule numbers, plant height, root length and shoot dry mass
were the traits studied after eight weeks after planting. There was no
significant effect observed in the plant height, root length and shoot dry mass
between the two varieties. Application of fungicides (Apron Star and Red Force)
increased nodulation in both varieties but more effect was observed in the
“Gbawojo” variety treated with optimum concentration of Red Force. The result
suggested that fungicides are beneficial for the nodulation of cowpea.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 62-69
STRUCTURE,
CAUSALITY AND PRICE TRANSMISSION TESTS IN THE MARKETING OF IRVINGIA SEED (OGBONO) IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
P.C. IKE
Department of
Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus,
Asaba, Nigeria Email: ikepeecee@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study examined the marketing of Irvingia seeds (ogbono) in Enugu state,
Nigeria, especially as it concerns margins, structure and causality as well as
price transmission tests. Primary data were collected from 180 respondents
composed of 36 producers, 54 wholesalers and 90 retailers. Data were analysed
with descriptive and inferential statistical tools including the Gini
coefficient. Irvingia seed marketing
margins were generally high, apparently due to poor socioeconomic environments
of the actors. The margins were, however on the average, lower than the
producer’s share of the consumer spending. The result of the analysis also
suggests a competitive market structure for Irvingia
seed in the study area. Prices were determined at the production level of the
chain, but producers were asymmetric in their price transmissions to the
wholesale level. These observations suggest that policy intervention in the
form of improving the socioeconomic environment under which marketing agents
operate and facilitation of market information flow (which could reduce the
asymmetric behaviour of producers) could improve Irvingia seed marketing.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 70-77
AN OVERVIEW OF THE CHALLENGES TO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PRACTICE,
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER IN NIGERIA
ISSA, F. O
National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services
(NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria. Email: issa5868@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
In spite of
their long histories and large numbers, the agricultural extension programmes
have been generally weak and have not had appreciable impact on agricultural
production in the country. Small-scale farmers that form the bedrock of the
nation’s agriculture have not adopted farm technologies as expected. The
national and global agricultural extension practice (AEP) could not withstand
the increasing challenges to meet future demands of the rural actors.
Agricultural extension could not develop enough capability to mobilize all
stakeholders – research, farmer, input agency, private sector, NGO, Finance
agency, professional body etc - to sustain efficient and effective practice.
Farm technology development and transfer in the Nigerian agricultural research
system has been hindered by lots of challenges and institutional factors. In
addition to the deplorable state of agricultural research and technology
development and transfer programmes in Nigeria, the system is bedevilled with
various instabilities: policy-induced, institutional, programme, funding,
research staff, and research governance.
In the wake of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)
re-introduced in 2006, stakeholders expect much from the ARCN to salvage the
collapsing ship of AEP. This paper addresses these and other related issues in
the light of recent practices and evidences in the literature. It recommends a
restructuring of the ministry to give more autonomy to extension. It also
recommends a full integration of the activities and management of all the NARIs
into the faculties of agriculture in the Nigerian Universities.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 78-87
IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT ON NIGERIA ECONOMY (1980-2008)
1KAREEM, R. O; 1ADENIJI, T. R; AND 2AYANWALE,
A. O. S.
1. Department of Economics and Actuarial Sciences, Crescent University,
Abeokuta, Nigeria. Email: rskventures@yahoo.com
2. Research and Development Programme, Livelihoods and Development
Centre, Asero, Abeokuta, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study
examined the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Nigerian economy.
Specifically, it showed the trend of the macro economic variables (Foreign
Direct Investment, Real Gross Domestic Product, Gross Capital Formation, Total
Export, External Reserve, Total External Debt and Inflation) and examined the
relationship between FDI and determinants in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics
and ordinary least square (OLS) methods were used in data analysis. The
findings show the trend of the macroeconomic variables as been fluctuating over
the years under review. The regression results reveal total export plays a
significant role in the determinant of Foreign Direct Investment. Correlation
analysis show also depicts strong relationship between Foreign Direct
Investment and Real Gross Domestic Product. The study concluded that there is a
significant relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and Real Gross
Domestic Product (p<0.01). Therefore, it recommended that government should
provide the enabling environment that will attract new Foreign Direct
Investment into economy.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 1, March 2010 p. 88-93
NUTRIENT INTAKE OF
WEST AFRICAN DWARF (WAD) SHEEP FED BOILED COCOA SEED TESTA AND SORGHUM MALT
DUST-BASED DIETS
1. ETTU, R. O., 2.
ONWUKA, C. F. I., 2. ARIGBEDE, O. A. AND 1ISAH, O. A.
1. Tai Solarin
University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
2. College of Animal
Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The
study investigated nutrient intake of sheep fed boiled Cocoa Seed Testa (CST)
and Sorghum Malt Dust (SMD)-based diets. The feeding trial was conducted on the
feed intake response of WAD sheep in a completely randomized experimental
design using boiled CST and SMD based-diets. A total of twenty-eight animals
were used for the trial. The trial had seven treatment groups with four
replicates. The seven dietary treatments used in the trial comprised CST at 10,
20 and 30% levels, SMD at 10, 20 and 30% levels and a control. The experiment
lasted 90 days. Data generated were computed and subjected to a one-way
analysis of variance. In the trial, The DM, CP, Ash, EE and NFE intakes from
forage were significantly (P<0.05) higher in diet 5 (20% SMD inclusion).
Also, the DM, Ash and NFE intakes from concentrate were also significantly
(P<0.05) higher in diet 5 except diet 4 (10% SMD inclusion) where there was
no significant difference (P<0.05). DM intake from concentrate increased as
the level of inclusion of CST increased in the diets but decreased in diet 3
(30% inclusion of CST). DM intake increased as the levels of inclusion of CST
and SMD increased but decreased as the level increased to 30%. The animals had
adequate dry matter intakes (g/day) that ranged from 401.26 to 458.29g/d which
amounted to 4.06 to 4.78%. Available nutrients in the diets containing boiled
Cocoa Seed Testa and Sorghum Malt Dust were significantly better in their
utilization by sheep that consumed boiled Sorghum Malt Dust-based diets. 