Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 2-7
COSTS
AND RETURNS OF LIVESTOCK MARKETING IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, BORNO
STATE, NIGERIA
SHETTIMA
B. G., S. B. MUSTAPHA AND I. M. SULUMBE
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension University of Maiduguri P. M. B. 1069
Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This
study analyses cost and returns of livestock marketing in Maiduguri
Metropolitan Council Borno State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study
were to; determine the socio-economic
characteristics of livestock marketers; determine the profit margin of the
respondents and identify the problems associated with livestock marketing in
the study area. Primary data were collected using simple random sampling
technique .Fifty(50) respondents were randomly selected from the population of
200 registered livestock marketers .Descriptive statistics were used to analyze
the data. About (30%) of the respondents
were below 30 years old, 36% had Islamic education, and 46% had business experience of more than 20
years and got their capital from non institutional sources respectively. About
62 % of the respondents employed the service of middlemen to promote sales and
64% sell animals on cash bases. Majority (80%) of the respondents got market
information from villagers and 34% sell between 6 -10 animals on each market
day. The analysis of cost and returns revealed that average profits of
N15,950/animal, N5,280/animal, and N1, 580/animal were made by cattle, sheep and
goat marketers respectively. Poor security services, lack of market information
and each of capital were the major constraints faced by the livestock marketers
in the study area. The study recommended that the livestock marketers should
form cooperatives to address some of the problems mentioned.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 8-15
PERCEIVED
EFFECT OF CORRUPT PRACTICES IN FISHERIES ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF FISHERFOLKS IN
BORGU AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
NWABEZE, G. O1; IFEJIKA, P. I1,
ERIE,
A. P2, AYANDA, J.O1
AND ONEMOLEASE, E. A1
- Socio Economics and Extension Services,
National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), P.M.B 6006,
New Bussa, Niger State. Email: onyegodfrey@yahoo.com
- Dept
of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma,
Edo State
ABSTRACT
The study determined
perceived effect of corrupt practices in fisheries on the livelihood of
fisherfolks in Niger State. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to
select 120 respondents in five fishing communities in Borgu council area
whereas data was collected through semi structured interview schedule. Data
collected were analysed with statistical tools of frequency, percentage mean,
standard deviation and multiple regression. From the result, respondents are
ageing, dominated by men, illiterate and mostly engage in fishing. The most
vulnerable group to corrupt practices in
fisheries as observed by fisherfolk are Ministry of Agriculture (67.5%), Local
Government (60.8%) and individual (44.2%). Result of regression analysis
established that reduced access to quality health care, reduced access to
quality education, lowered basic livelihood outcome, deliberate obstruction of
access to information, diverted
resources and holding back development and increased cost of basic
services have significant influence on fisherfolks’ livelihood activities. It
implies that fisherfolks suffer the negative influence of corrupt practices in
government circle. It is recommended that adequate structure be put in place to
further rededicate fisheries workers and other stakeholders on negative effect
of corrupt practices.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 16-23
A
CRITIQUE OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA (1990-2007)
OGHENEOCHUKO
S. ALAGBA
Department
Of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Delta State University, Asaba Campus
Asaba,
Nigeria. Email: alagba65y2k@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
The insurance industry is one of the major institutions
in the financial system. The industry through its various functions has aided
the growth and development of the economies of nations. Some of the functions
include: mobilization of savings, underwriting, indemnity, payment of
claims/losses and financial intermediation. In spite of the laudable objective
of insurance companies, the industry has a negative perception in Nigeria. It
is generally believed that insurance companies are group of organized
fraudsters, who have government license to operate. This belief accounted for
low level of insurance patronage in Nigeria. Most people who take insurance
policy do so out of compulsion, because the law requires it. The findings in
this study revealed that the insurance companies have performed creditably in
all its functions except one. It is only in the area of payment of claims and
losses that the industry appeared not to have lived up to public expectation.
The difficulty experienced by Nigerian in getting their claims paid is due to
two reasons. First is the low level of awareness of the mode of operation
insurance companies. Second is the way and manner some insurance companies
conduct their business. The conclusion was that it is not correct to say
insurance companies are group of organized fraudsters.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 24-31
EVALUATION OF SIX INDIGENOUS ONION
VARIETIES FOR SELECTED BULB CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ARID LAND OF NIGERIA
DANTATA,
I. J.
Department
of Agricultural Education, Undergraduate Studies Programme, College of
Education, PMB 044 Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria. Email: ishiyakudjames@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Indigenous onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties
are produced in Nigeria due to their high quality and acceptance in local
markets. Evaluation of morphological characteristics for six of these varieties
namely Kano red Local, Mainkan makwarwa Local, Hauke Local, Fara Local, Gindin tasa
Local and Doguwa Local in the arid
lands of the northern senatorial district of Bauchi in Nigeria showed that Kano red and Doguwa had jumbo bulbs. Followed by Fara and Gindin tasa
cultivars. However, Maikan makwarwa
and Hauke had small onion bulbs. Out
of the nine onions bulb shapes studied, Kano red Local, Fara Local and Gindin tasa Local
produced spindle onion bulbs, whereas Maikan
makwarwa Local, Hauke Local and Doguwa Local gave high globe onion
bulbs. Fara had white skin colour, Kano red produced red bulb skin colour,
Mainkan makwarwa, dark red and Gindin tasa, yellow bulb skin, Hauke and Doguwa
were brown -skin coloured. Weight of bulbs in Kano red local was the heaviest, then Fara, Gindin tasa and Doguwa respectively.
Maikan makwarwa and Hauke yielded the least bulb weights. Kano red Local, Gindin tasa Local and Doguwa
Local have very pungent flavour.
Moderately pungent flavours were Hauke
Local and Maikan makwarwa Local. Fara Local is low or mild pungent.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p.32-40
INDIGENOUS
KNOWLEDGE OF THE TECHNIQUES FOR PRESERVATION OF VEGETABLES IN NIGER STATE,
NIGERIA
1AGBONTALE,
A.O; 2OMOTAYO, A.M. AND 3ISSA, F.O.
1.
Federal College of Animal Health and Production
Technology, Moor Plantation, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria Email: omoneimiorg@yahoo.com
2.
University of Agriculture, P.M.B.2240, Abeokuta,
Nigeria Email: akinjuly@yahoo.com
3.
National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison
Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria Email: issafola@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This paper explored the indigenous knowledge and
preservation techniques used in vegetable preservation among rural households
in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a purposively
selected sample of 250 vegetable farmers with the use of interview guide and
focus group discussions (FGDs). Data collected were subjected to descriptive
statistical analysis while the FGDs responses were reported verbatim and
thereafter translated. Results showed that 100.0, 84.4 and 76.8 percents of the
respondents grew tomatoes, jute mallow and fluted pumpkin respectively.
Majority used sun-drying (97.2%), dewing (87.2%); jute-sack (99.6%) and basket
(98.8%) while more than half (58.8%) used salting and few (3.6%) adopted
bottling. It could be concluded that rural households in Niger State had
knowledge of indigenous preservation techniques for vegetables and the practice
of the techniques was common among them. The study therefore recommends that: indigenous practices for vegetable preservation should
be incorporated into development planning, contemporary development strategies
and resource management arrangements; documents on indigenous
practice for vegetable preservation should be replicated throughout the study
area.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 41-45
PRICE LINKAGES WITHIN THE RICE MARKETS’
SUPPLY CHAIN IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
OHEN, S. B, D. I. AGOM AND S. O. ABANG
Department of Agricultural Economics and
Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Email: suzyben01@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper evaluates price linkages within the supply
chain of rice markets in Cross River State using weekly prices in three urban
markets located in major rice producing areas of the State. The Johansen
co-integration test indicated one co-integrating vector both at the 1% and 5%
level of significance. The results of the study indicate that the supply chain
in Cross River is integrated. Though the price changes may vary in the short
run between the different levels, they move together as a system in the long
run. The study recommends facilitative policies that will enhance the provision
of infrastructure and regulatory services to avoid market exploitation.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 46-51
TRADITIONAL
MANAGEMENT OF PIGS IN BOGORO AND TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN BAUCHI
STATE, NIGERIA
LUKA,
J. S. 1 BOGORO, S. E.2 AND DANTATA, I. J. 3
1. Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources P.M.B 0068 Bauchi, Nigeria
2. Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa University, Animal Production, Programme, P.M.B 0248 Bauchi, Nigeria
3. Department of
Agricultural Education, Undergraduate Studies Programme, College of Education,
PMB 044 Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria. Email: ishiyakudjames@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study examined the
traditional management of pigs and their behaviours in Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa
Local Government Areas of southern Bauchi State. A hundred pig farmers were
randomly selected to ascertain the factors influencing pig production in these
areas. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires on source of parent
stocks, management systems adopted, farming experience, common diseases and
veterinary services availability throughout the year among others. Results
showed that respondents between the ages of 21 – 30 (40.71%) engaged in pig
rearing with over 34% at the post secondary education fully participating.
Source of parent stock was by purchase (42.86%) with a flock size ranging from
3 – 4 (30%). Majority of the pig farmers managed their animals by
semi-intensive systems (55%). The farmers had at least 6 – 10 years experience.
Parasites and worms are the most devastating diseases causing high mortality of
about 50%associated with inadequate veterinary services. It is recommended that
farmers should adopt modern farming techniques of management to improve their
production for quick returns.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 52-60
ASSESSMENT
OF EXTENSION PERSONNEL’S JOB PERFORMANCE IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
ALFRED
S.D.Y. and OLAIDE Z. A.
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension , Federal University of Technology,
Akure, Nigeria Email: yomialfred2003@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Effective dissemination of
information is a function of the effective performance of the extension agents
and which is a consequence of their degree of job satisfaction. For the
assessment of this assertion, this study was carried out in three Local
Government Areas (LGAs), namely Akure South, Akure North and Ifedore. A total
of 60 extension personnel were used cutting across the cadres of personnel
positions. Data that were collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Also used were inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Biserial correlation,
Crammer’s Phi Coefficient and Spearman-rho Rank order correlation. It was
found, among others, that extension personnel were much more involved in
programme implementation, programme evaluation and general duties than were involved in need assessment and
programme planning. It was also found that the agents’ performance evaluation
was rated high (71-75%) for all the categories of extension agents while the
socio-economic characteristics of the agents had no influence on their job
performance.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 61-66
ECONOMIC
ANALYSIS OF CULTURED FISHERY IN MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
MOHAMMED,
S.T. ; APAGU, J. AND SHETTIMA, B.G.
Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services, University of Maiduguri,
Borno State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study examined the
economics of cultured fish production in Maiduguri, Borno State. Cross
sectional data were collected from thirty (30) respondents selected
purposively. The data including socioeconomic variables, inputs and output were
obtained through the administration of questionnaires. Data were analyzed by
percentages; gross margin and ordinary least square multiple regression method.
Results indicate majority (63%) of fish farmers are males, more than 70% of
whom are within the age range of 31-50 years. The farmers were all educated
with 73% and 27% attained tertiary and secondary education respectively.
Married individuals comprised 70% of farmers and more than 60% are civil
servants. Fish output was found to be influenced by feed quantity, number of
fingerlings and labour. Although production resources were found to be over
utilized; the venture is profitable with a gross margin per kg of N263.30. The
major problems facing fish farmers in the area include high feed cost,
unavailability of fingerlings and inadequate capital. The study recommends
among others, reduction of over used inputs to improve profit.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 67-75
AGRICULTURAL
KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION SYSTEM (AKIS) IN NIGERIA: PRACTICE, CHALLENGES AND
SOLUTIONS
1AGBONTALE,
A. O. AND 2ISSA, F.O.
1.
Federal College of Animal Health and Production
Technology, Moor Plantation, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria Email: omoneimiorg@yahoo.com
2.
National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison
Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Email: issafola@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The paper examined the practice and challenges of the
Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) in Nigeria. Based on desk
review, the information gathered revealed that the system is not often used as
a result of challenges such as: non-use of participatory approach in packaging
technologies, in-effective communication, in-adequate funding, lack of good
working relationship among the actors
and in-adequate investments
in human capital formation. Actors of the system are the
researchers, extension personnel, and farmers, governmental and
non-governmental organizations. Poor linkage among the actors was found as the
major challenge in the system. Hence, this
paper recommends the provision of mutual learning opportunities for the actors
in the system in order to overcome this challenge. Also, a financially,
socially and technically sustainable technology dissemination system should be
facilitated through demand-driven extension as well as pluralistic and participatory extension
approach to ensure efficient development of human and social resources.
Journal
of Sustainable Development Vol. 8.
Nos. 1/2, September, 2011 p. 76-85
APPRAISAL
OF THE IMPACT OF NUTRIENT SOURCES ON OKRA FRUITS YIELD
DANTATA,
I. J
Department
of Agricultural Education, Undergraduate Studies Programme, College of
Education, PMB 044 Azare, Bauchi, Nigeria. Email: ishiyakudjames@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Appraisal on nutrient
sources as its affect fruit yield in
okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L)
Moench) revealed that fruits yield was increased by cow dung manure at 6 and 8
tha-1. Application of higher rates of cow dung manure (18 and 12 tha-1)
in each case did not. The highest
fruit yield of 1.21 tha-1 was obtained at 60 tha-1
compost. Fruit of okra was
significantly increased by nitrogen up to 80 tha-1 and not by
phosphorus fertilization. Increased yield was also obtained with incremental
rates of N20P10K10 up to 300 tha-1.
Application of 90 or 150 kg P ha-1 gave the highest fruit yield. Similarly, nitrogen at 40 or 80 kg ha-1 increased
fresh pod yield. However, 120 kg N ha-1 resulted in decreased okra
fresh pod yield. Complementary use of phosphorus + 3 t ha-1
cow dung manure as well as nitrogen with 4.5 t ha-1 of poultry
manure + saw dust in ratio of 3: 1 gave the highest okra fruit yield.
Phosphorus + cow dung manure beyond 3 t ha-1 led to decline yield in
okra. Fruit yield recorded with farmyard manure (FYM) alone and in combination
with (MC) microbial culture (FYM+MC) was
higher among processed municipality waste (PMW), vermicompost (VC) and oil cake
pellets (OCP). However, okra yield with
PMW and VC are similar and superior to commercial fertilizer (CF) and OCP. Sole
NPK compound fertilizer at 150 kg ha-1 and 3t. ha-1 of
organomineral (O.M) fertilizers increased fruit yield of okra significantly,
although NPK and O.M combinations (75kg NPK x 3t.O.M ha-1) gave the highest fruit yield. Application of organomineral
fertilizer combinations proved most effective in ensuring good yield
performance in okra and it is therefore recommended in place of organics or
inorganic fertilizers applied singly.
