Godfrey Onuwa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Godfrey Onuwa

Food and Environment Safety, 2020

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentials of soybean and sunflower feed rations on t... more The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentials of soybean and sunflower feed rations on the growth parameters of broilers. The study was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Federal College of forestry, Jos, Plateau state. One hundred (100) day old broiler chicks were purchased and divided into two (2) groups (A and B) with three (3) replicates in each group. Group A were fed with soybean feed ration, while Group B was fed with sunflower feed ration over a period of eight (8) weeks. Descriptive, proximate analysis and statistical ratios were used in analyzing data for the study. Feed A is composed of soybean meal (55%), groundnut cake (40%) and yellow maize (15%), while feed B is composed of sunflower (55%) groundnut cake (40%) and yellow maize (15%). The result of the proximate analysis indicated that each feed ingredients contained crude protein, crude fiber, ash and fat in significant quantities. The survival rate for the duration of the...

One Health & Risk Management

Introduction: While some patients recovered, others died across the world thereby losing their lo... more Introduction: While some patients recovered, others died across the world thereby losing their loved ones. The objective of the current study is to determine statistical difference in means of COVID-19 infected population (laboratory confirmed), discharged cases(recovered) and deaths resulting from COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: In this study, extraction of infected population (laboratory confirmed), discharged cases and deaths from COVID-19 was carried out from data obtained from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control which covered a period of 572 days (25th March 2020 - 17th October 2021). The test for significance of means among the variables was done using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey HSD test. The two variables whose means do not significantly differ were tested for strength of relationship and dependence using correlation analysis and cubic polynomial function respectively. Results: Results showed that there is statis...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, Aug 24, 2022

Agricultural production have remained rudimentary despite many years' of technology development a... more Agricultural production have remained rudimentary despite many years' of technology development and transfer; to reverse this declining trend, several agricultural policies and programmes aimed at ensuring sustainable production, improved income and farm expansion with added value output have become very germane. This study therefore analyzed tomato farmers' participation in ASTC activities in Jos-south local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. This study adopted multi stage sampling techniques. Primary was data collected from 80 respondents, during the 2017/2018 farming season and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, participation index, weighted average index analysis and Binary Logit regression. The result of the study revealed that 73.8% were male; 88.75% had access to extension contact. The estimated mean for educational training, household size, farm income and farming experience were 6 years; 8 people; ₦108,500/ha and 12 years respectively. Also, most (68.7%) of the farmers have low participation index of ≤0.45; this trend is responsible for the existing low farm productivity of this crop in the area. Furthermore, the benefits derived from participating in ASTC activities among the respondents were significant as indicated by their weighted average index. In addition, the estimated coefficient of multiple determination (R 2) was 0.7602. Also, the coefficients of household size (0.421), education (0.559), experience (0.808), income (0.485) and extension contact (0.376) were statistically significant; implying that these factors in the regression model affected the likelihood of farmer's decision to participate in ASTC activities. Adequate labour supply; establishment of pilot farms; capacity training; access to agricultural credit, extension services, agro service centres, agricultural information, input supply and cooperative formation are strongly recommended.

International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Spoilage of sweet potato could be enormous when inadequate methods of storage are used. This rese... more Spoilage of sweet potato could be enormous when inadequate methods of storage are used. This research investigated impact of methods of storage on spoilage of sweet potato in three major markets of Plateau State Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained from sellers of sweet potato in Yan Doya market, New market and Farin Gada market of Plateau State through administration of questionnaires. Analysis of the data was carried out using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), F-test statistics, t-test and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with backward elimination procedure. Results from descriptive statistics showed that majority of sweet potato sellers adopted use of sack for storage of their goods. The second method commonly used for storage of sweet potato in the study area was found to be root cellar method. Pair-wise application of PPMC indicated that spoilage of sweet potato was positively correlated with adopted methods of storage which suggested ex...

AGRIEKONOMIKA

Agricultural technology adoption is germane for improved farm efficiency and productivity. Thus, ... more Agricultural technology adoption is germane for improved farm efficiency and productivity. Thus, the socioeconomic determinants of adoption of maize production technologies among smallholders were analyzed. Primary data collected via multi-stage sampling from 101 respondents was empirically evaluated using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. The respondent’s socioeconomic factors affected maize production technology adoption. Several maize production technologies were available in the study area; however adoption of these technologies among respondents was relatively low. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.74827. The regression coefficients of household size (0.541), education (0.331), farm experience (0.615), farm size (0.448) and extension contact (0.457) were statistically significant at p0.05 probability level. Furthermore, the constraints identified by respondents also affected the adoption of maize production technologies in the study area. This stud...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology

Dietary diversity became a global concern in improving health conditions through the habit of foo... more Dietary diversity became a global concern in improving health conditions through the habit of food group consumption by adding health dimension to the issue of food calorie consumption. Access to nutritionally adequate and good quality diet is essential to human health, productivity and work output. However, despite the various concerns by governments all over the world on ensuring that every household can at least provide three square meals per day, food insecurity continues to be a major development problem across the globe. This study assessed the effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on households’ dietary diversity in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 265 households. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaire. The analytical techniques were; Descriptive statistics, Dietary Diversity index and Z-Statistics Test. Gender, age, household size, education, marital status, cooperative membership and access to credit w...

Food and Agribusiness Management, 2022

IGI Global eBooks, Dec 9, 2022

IGI Global eBooks, Dec 9, 2022

Journal of Forests

The need to increase arable crop production to keep pace with food demands for a growing populati... more The need to increase arable crop production to keep pace with food demands for a growing population without degrading ecosystems can only be achieved through adoption of agroforestry. Agroforestry practices help to achieve food security, biodiversity, conservation and land sustainability. The 94 famers were chosen using a multistage sampling process. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Most (74%) of respondents practiced home gardening. The significant benefits derived from agroforestry were; food/fruits (97%) and soil improvement/conservation (88%). The mean adoption index was 0.27. The log-likelihood obtained from Tobit was 67.92 indicating that the independent variables significantly explained the variation in the farmer’s adoption decision. Educational level (β=0.426) and farm experience (β=0.597) were both positive and statistically significant at ρ˂0.05; farm income (β=0.568) was significant at ρ˂0.01, and extension contact (β=-0.887, ρ˂0.01) ...

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

The use of Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in the control of ticks that infest cattle and other lar... more The use of Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in the control of ticks that infest cattle and other large farm animals was studied in the bid to developing environmentally safer acaricides and their attendant deleterious effects on other organisms. Stem-bark of Jathropha curcas was collected from the premises of Federal College of Forestry Jos, air dried, pulverised, sieved and the powder was dissolved in distilled water for 24 hours and then filtered. The filtered solution was used to test for presence phytochemicals. Completely Randomized Design was used to distribute Seven hundred and twenty (720) ticks in petri dishes with tissue papers soaked with the extract; of 4 treatments (length of time of stem-extract storage) and 3 replications. Result showed the presence of the following phytochemicals; glycosides, saponins, alkaloids and tannins in high quantities. Ticks treated with extract at zero hour of storage, resulted to 93% mortality, after 6 hours of storage 84% mortality, after 12 hours of storage, 66% mortality and after 18 hours of storage, 57% mortality. From the finding, as the length of storage increases, the rate of mortality of the ticks decreases. The analysis of variance showed that there are significant differences in mortality existing between the various treatments. Therefore, it is suggested that farmers may use fresh extracts in controlling ticks while further research is being carried out to increase the mortality rate. More research should also be carried out in the area of toxicity or possible side effect, if any on animals.

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

This study examined village extension agent's access and use of information and communication tec... more This study examined village extension agent's access and use of information and communication technology in extension services delivery to farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. The population for the study consisted of all the village extension agents (VEAs) of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) in the central agricultural zone of the state. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting the respondents for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and interview techniques and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study shows that majority (77%) of the sampled village extension agents (VEAs) were males with a mean age of 43 years, Majority (87%) of the respondents were married with a mean household size of 4 persons. The study also showed that majority (80%) of the VEAs had tertiary education with a mean working experience of 13 years and average monthly income of ₦64875. The result also shows that four (4) out of the seven (7) listed ICT facilities were adjudged the ICT facilities accessible to VEAs in the study area having had mean values above the discriminating index (x ̅ =2.50). They included; GSM (phone) (x ̅ =3.94), radio (x ̅ = 2.83), television (x ̅ = 2.73) and computer (x ̅ = 2.68). Based on 2.50 discriminating index, only two out of seven listed conventional ICT facilities had mean values above the discriminating index (x ̅ 2.50) and thus were adjudged the ICT facilities used by VEAs. The GSM (phone) had the highest mean value of 3.62 followed by radio with mean value of 2.54. The logit regression result shows that coefficients of years of working experience and monthly income were significant and positively related to ICT use, while age and complexity in use of ICT were significant and negatively related to ICT use. Major constraints to use of ICT by VEAs includes; lack of administrative support in provision of ICT (87%), lack of in-service training on ICT use (66%), Poor salary/remuneration (64%), lack of awareness of ICT importance in extension (56%) among others. The study recommends intervention, serious synergy and proactive response on the part of government, non-governmental organization and extension organizations in ICT provision and training of VEAs on ICT use as well as stepping up campaigns on the importance of ICT use in agricultural extension delivery. KEY WORDS Village extension agents (VEA), access, information and communication technology (ICT), delivery, extension services. Sustainable agricultural development cannot be achieved successfully without accurate and up-to-date information and technologies to cope with globalization and its simultaneous rapid technological changes. This is because information is important for the development of any society and success for human endeavor (Sokoya et al., 2014). According to Tiwari and Sharma (2015), information is considered the fifth human need after air, water, food and shelter. Therefore, the concept of agricultural information in general and in particular, as a source of development, is of great importance in the contemporary world and cannot be overemphasized (Ogbonna and Aguvu, 2013). There is hardly an area of human activity today that has not been touched by dramatic changes in information and communication

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

This study used multinomial logit regression to determine the factors that drive the choice of ma... more This study used multinomial logit regression to determine the factors that drive the choice of major adaptation measures by famers in Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State. The study used multistage sampling procedure to select 120 food crop famers in the area. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, likert scale and Multinomial logit regression model. From the results, the level of awareness of climate smart agriculture was high and several adaptation strategies were consciously or unconsciously adopted and practiced by the famers. The CSA identified were early planting, mixed cropping, cover cropping, multiple planting dates, dry season farming, planting improved variety and late planting. Farmers confirmed that based on observation, climate change has led to a reduction in crop yields over the years. The multinomial logit result indicated that factors that influence the adoption of the CSA practices are age, headship of households, education, farm size, experience in farming, household size, and income from farming. Finally, the study established that there is high level of awareness of the debilitating effects of climate change among the farmers. To encourage the famers to adopt CSA, the calls for education of farmers on climate change and variability cannot be overemphasized.

Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2017

Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development

In the tropics, okra is an important vegetable crop and its production is a viable livelihood act... more In the tropics, okra is an important vegetable crop and its production is a viable livelihood activity; however, several factors affect its marketing and margins derivable thereof. Therefore, this study analyzed the determinants of market margins among okra traders in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via multistage sampling were analyzed using descriptive statistics, market performance and regression analysis. The results revealed that the estimated market margin and market efficiency index were ₦1900/bag (100kg) and 0.35, respectively. Channel 4 (27%) had the highest percentage of commodity sales volume. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.826; hence, 83% variation in the market margin was accounted for by variables in the regression model. Moreover, coefficients of the variables including age (0.873), education (0.696), market experience (0.571), cost price (–0.598), quantity sold (0.576), marketing cost (–0.72) and income level (0.98) were signi...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology

Adoption of improved technologies and agricultural practices are prerequisites for increased farm... more Adoption of improved technologies and agricultural practices are prerequisites for increased farm productivity. Assessing the appropriateness of potential new technologies or practices increases the likelihood of adoption or modification to suit farmers’ needs; however, low farm output still persists among smallholders, attributable to several factors including poor and low adoption of modern production practices. This study therefore analyzed the index of adoption of recommended onion production practices (ROPPs) and correlation of multivariate factors among smallholder farmers in Dambatta, Kano State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 100 respondents for this study. Primary data collected via well-structured questionnaires were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Adoption index and Multivariate Correlation techniques.The results revealed that the prevalent ROPPs adopted by the farmers include improved onion varieties (78%), plant spacing (69%), plan...

Agricultural Socio-Economics Journal, Oct 31, 2022

Livelihood diversification is an integral component of household income. Diversification determin... more Livelihood diversification is an integral component of household income. Diversification determinants were estimated. Multistage sampling was adopted, and primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. Socioeconomic factors affected livelihoods. Several diversification activities and derivable benefits are indicated. Variations in diversification decisions were attributable to the regression variables. Policy modifications and strategies that improve livelihoods are recommended.

UMYU Scientifica

Layer production depends on many factors, and it is an excellent source of nutritious animal prot... more Layer production depends on many factors, and it is an excellent source of nutritious animal protein (meat and eggs). Empirical knowledge of the determinants of firm efficiency improves productivity in poultry-egg production systems. Therefore, this study analysed firm efficiency and return to scale in layer production among smallholders in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via two-stage cluster sampling were evaluated using descriptive statistics, regression, and elasticity of production analysis. The results revealed that average flock size, feed quantity per cycle, medication cost, labour and capital requirement was 105 birds, 2,750kg, N 17,250, 1095 person-days and ₦330,750, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.768, indicating that variables in the regression model explain 77% of the variation in layer production. Moreover, the coefficient of variables including flock size (-0.446), feed quantity (0.791), medication cost (0.165), labou...

FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Sep 15, 2022

Cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa obtain low yields; sole cropping system with the use of impr... more Cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa obtain low yields; sole cropping system with the use of improved technologies can yield 1,500-2,000 kg/ha of cowpea. However, 200-500 kg/ha yield is obtained by smallholder farmers. It is a multipurpose crop and despite its importance, high level of inefficiency in its production persists. Therefore, the determinants of efficiency in cowpea production were analyzed; the decline in cowpea yield in the study area was attributable to several socioeconomic variables. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 70 cowpea farmers from the study area. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function were the analytical techniques adopted. The results indicated that the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents significantly affected cowpea production. The mean technical efficiency index was 0.59. Furthermore, the stochastic frontier analysis revealed that coefficients of farm size (0.297), labour (0.394), quantity of seed (0.433) and agrochemicals (0.057) were all positive and statistically significant. Also, the inefficiency model revealed that the coefficients of household size (-0.284), education (-0.493) farm experience (-0.402), extension contact (-0.45) and access to credit (-0.255) were negative but statistically significant. Thus, the significant variables were the determinants of technical efficiency in cowpea production. The identified constraints adversely affected farm productivity and efficiency. Formation of cooperatives, adoption of measures that improve access to agricultural credit, agro-services centers, input supply, technology transfer and subsidies; extension services, information exchanges and market linkages are recommended to mitigate technical inefficiency in cowpea production among smallholder farmers.

Food and Environment Safety, 2020

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentials of soybean and sunflower feed rations on t... more The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentials of soybean and sunflower feed rations on the growth parameters of broilers. The study was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Federal College of forestry, Jos, Plateau state. One hundred (100) day old broiler chicks were purchased and divided into two (2) groups (A and B) with three (3) replicates in each group. Group A were fed with soybean feed ration, while Group B was fed with sunflower feed ration over a period of eight (8) weeks. Descriptive, proximate analysis and statistical ratios were used in analyzing data for the study. Feed A is composed of soybean meal (55%), groundnut cake (40%) and yellow maize (15%), while feed B is composed of sunflower (55%) groundnut cake (40%) and yellow maize (15%). The result of the proximate analysis indicated that each feed ingredients contained crude protein, crude fiber, ash and fat in significant quantities. The survival rate for the duration of the...

One Health & Risk Management

Introduction: While some patients recovered, others died across the world thereby losing their lo... more Introduction: While some patients recovered, others died across the world thereby losing their loved ones. The objective of the current study is to determine statistical difference in means of COVID-19 infected population (laboratory confirmed), discharged cases(recovered) and deaths resulting from COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: In this study, extraction of infected population (laboratory confirmed), discharged cases and deaths from COVID-19 was carried out from data obtained from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control which covered a period of 572 days (25th March 2020 - 17th October 2021). The test for significance of means among the variables was done using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey HSD test. The two variables whose means do not significantly differ were tested for strength of relationship and dependence using correlation analysis and cubic polynomial function respectively. Results: Results showed that there is statis...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, Aug 24, 2022

Agricultural production have remained rudimentary despite many years' of technology development a... more Agricultural production have remained rudimentary despite many years' of technology development and transfer; to reverse this declining trend, several agricultural policies and programmes aimed at ensuring sustainable production, improved income and farm expansion with added value output have become very germane. This study therefore analyzed tomato farmers' participation in ASTC activities in Jos-south local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. This study adopted multi stage sampling techniques. Primary was data collected from 80 respondents, during the 2017/2018 farming season and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, participation index, weighted average index analysis and Binary Logit regression. The result of the study revealed that 73.8% were male; 88.75% had access to extension contact. The estimated mean for educational training, household size, farm income and farming experience were 6 years; 8 people; ₦108,500/ha and 12 years respectively. Also, most (68.7%) of the farmers have low participation index of ≤0.45; this trend is responsible for the existing low farm productivity of this crop in the area. Furthermore, the benefits derived from participating in ASTC activities among the respondents were significant as indicated by their weighted average index. In addition, the estimated coefficient of multiple determination (R 2) was 0.7602. Also, the coefficients of household size (0.421), education (0.559), experience (0.808), income (0.485) and extension contact (0.376) were statistically significant; implying that these factors in the regression model affected the likelihood of farmer's decision to participate in ASTC activities. Adequate labour supply; establishment of pilot farms; capacity training; access to agricultural credit, extension services, agro service centres, agricultural information, input supply and cooperative formation are strongly recommended.

International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Spoilage of sweet potato could be enormous when inadequate methods of storage are used. This rese... more Spoilage of sweet potato could be enormous when inadequate methods of storage are used. This research investigated impact of methods of storage on spoilage of sweet potato in three major markets of Plateau State Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained from sellers of sweet potato in Yan Doya market, New market and Farin Gada market of Plateau State through administration of questionnaires. Analysis of the data was carried out using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), F-test statistics, t-test and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with backward elimination procedure. Results from descriptive statistics showed that majority of sweet potato sellers adopted use of sack for storage of their goods. The second method commonly used for storage of sweet potato in the study area was found to be root cellar method. Pair-wise application of PPMC indicated that spoilage of sweet potato was positively correlated with adopted methods of storage which suggested ex...

AGRIEKONOMIKA

Agricultural technology adoption is germane for improved farm efficiency and productivity. Thus, ... more Agricultural technology adoption is germane for improved farm efficiency and productivity. Thus, the socioeconomic determinants of adoption of maize production technologies among smallholders were analyzed. Primary data collected via multi-stage sampling from 101 respondents was empirically evaluated using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. The respondent’s socioeconomic factors affected maize production technology adoption. Several maize production technologies were available in the study area; however adoption of these technologies among respondents was relatively low. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.74827. The regression coefficients of household size (0.541), education (0.331), farm experience (0.615), farm size (0.448) and extension contact (0.457) were statistically significant at p0.05 probability level. Furthermore, the constraints identified by respondents also affected the adoption of maize production technologies in the study area. This stud...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology

Dietary diversity became a global concern in improving health conditions through the habit of foo... more Dietary diversity became a global concern in improving health conditions through the habit of food group consumption by adding health dimension to the issue of food calorie consumption. Access to nutritionally adequate and good quality diet is essential to human health, productivity and work output. However, despite the various concerns by governments all over the world on ensuring that every household can at least provide three square meals per day, food insecurity continues to be a major development problem across the globe. This study assessed the effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on households’ dietary diversity in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 265 households. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaire. The analytical techniques were; Descriptive statistics, Dietary Diversity index and Z-Statistics Test. Gender, age, household size, education, marital status, cooperative membership and access to credit w...

Food and Agribusiness Management, 2022

IGI Global eBooks, Dec 9, 2022

IGI Global eBooks, Dec 9, 2022

Journal of Forests

The need to increase arable crop production to keep pace with food demands for a growing populati... more The need to increase arable crop production to keep pace with food demands for a growing population without degrading ecosystems can only be achieved through adoption of agroforestry. Agroforestry practices help to achieve food security, biodiversity, conservation and land sustainability. The 94 famers were chosen using a multistage sampling process. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Most (74%) of respondents practiced home gardening. The significant benefits derived from agroforestry were; food/fruits (97%) and soil improvement/conservation (88%). The mean adoption index was 0.27. The log-likelihood obtained from Tobit was 67.92 indicating that the independent variables significantly explained the variation in the farmer’s adoption decision. Educational level (β=0.426) and farm experience (β=0.597) were both positive and statistically significant at ρ˂0.05; farm income (β=0.568) was significant at ρ˂0.01, and extension contact (β=-0.887, ρ˂0.01) ...

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

The use of Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in the control of ticks that infest cattle and other lar... more The use of Jatropha curcas leaf extracts in the control of ticks that infest cattle and other large farm animals was studied in the bid to developing environmentally safer acaricides and their attendant deleterious effects on other organisms. Stem-bark of Jathropha curcas was collected from the premises of Federal College of Forestry Jos, air dried, pulverised, sieved and the powder was dissolved in distilled water for 24 hours and then filtered. The filtered solution was used to test for presence phytochemicals. Completely Randomized Design was used to distribute Seven hundred and twenty (720) ticks in petri dishes with tissue papers soaked with the extract; of 4 treatments (length of time of stem-extract storage) and 3 replications. Result showed the presence of the following phytochemicals; glycosides, saponins, alkaloids and tannins in high quantities. Ticks treated with extract at zero hour of storage, resulted to 93% mortality, after 6 hours of storage 84% mortality, after 12 hours of storage, 66% mortality and after 18 hours of storage, 57% mortality. From the finding, as the length of storage increases, the rate of mortality of the ticks decreases. The analysis of variance showed that there are significant differences in mortality existing between the various treatments. Therefore, it is suggested that farmers may use fresh extracts in controlling ticks while further research is being carried out to increase the mortality rate. More research should also be carried out in the area of toxicity or possible side effect, if any on animals.

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

This study examined village extension agent's access and use of information and communication tec... more This study examined village extension agent's access and use of information and communication technology in extension services delivery to farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. The population for the study consisted of all the village extension agents (VEAs) of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) in the central agricultural zone of the state. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting the respondents for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and interview techniques and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study shows that majority (77%) of the sampled village extension agents (VEAs) were males with a mean age of 43 years, Majority (87%) of the respondents were married with a mean household size of 4 persons. The study also showed that majority (80%) of the VEAs had tertiary education with a mean working experience of 13 years and average monthly income of ₦64875. The result also shows that four (4) out of the seven (7) listed ICT facilities were adjudged the ICT facilities accessible to VEAs in the study area having had mean values above the discriminating index (x ̅ =2.50). They included; GSM (phone) (x ̅ =3.94), radio (x ̅ = 2.83), television (x ̅ = 2.73) and computer (x ̅ = 2.68). Based on 2.50 discriminating index, only two out of seven listed conventional ICT facilities had mean values above the discriminating index (x ̅ 2.50) and thus were adjudged the ICT facilities used by VEAs. The GSM (phone) had the highest mean value of 3.62 followed by radio with mean value of 2.54. The logit regression result shows that coefficients of years of working experience and monthly income were significant and positively related to ICT use, while age and complexity in use of ICT were significant and negatively related to ICT use. Major constraints to use of ICT by VEAs includes; lack of administrative support in provision of ICT (87%), lack of in-service training on ICT use (66%), Poor salary/remuneration (64%), lack of awareness of ICT importance in extension (56%) among others. The study recommends intervention, serious synergy and proactive response on the part of government, non-governmental organization and extension organizations in ICT provision and training of VEAs on ICT use as well as stepping up campaigns on the importance of ICT use in agricultural extension delivery. KEY WORDS Village extension agents (VEA), access, information and communication technology (ICT), delivery, extension services. Sustainable agricultural development cannot be achieved successfully without accurate and up-to-date information and technologies to cope with globalization and its simultaneous rapid technological changes. This is because information is important for the development of any society and success for human endeavor (Sokoya et al., 2014). According to Tiwari and Sharma (2015), information is considered the fifth human need after air, water, food and shelter. Therefore, the concept of agricultural information in general and in particular, as a source of development, is of great importance in the contemporary world and cannot be overemphasized (Ogbonna and Aguvu, 2013). There is hardly an area of human activity today that has not been touched by dramatic changes in information and communication

Russian Journal of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, 2021

This study used multinomial logit regression to determine the factors that drive the choice of ma... more This study used multinomial logit regression to determine the factors that drive the choice of major adaptation measures by famers in Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State. The study used multistage sampling procedure to select 120 food crop famers in the area. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, likert scale and Multinomial logit regression model. From the results, the level of awareness of climate smart agriculture was high and several adaptation strategies were consciously or unconsciously adopted and practiced by the famers. The CSA identified were early planting, mixed cropping, cover cropping, multiple planting dates, dry season farming, planting improved variety and late planting. Farmers confirmed that based on observation, climate change has led to a reduction in crop yields over the years. The multinomial logit result indicated that factors that influence the adoption of the CSA practices are age, headship of households, education, farm size, experience in farming, household size, and income from farming. Finally, the study established that there is high level of awareness of the debilitating effects of climate change among the farmers. To encourage the famers to adopt CSA, the calls for education of farmers on climate change and variability cannot be overemphasized.

Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2017

Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development

In the tropics, okra is an important vegetable crop and its production is a viable livelihood act... more In the tropics, okra is an important vegetable crop and its production is a viable livelihood activity; however, several factors affect its marketing and margins derivable thereof. Therefore, this study analyzed the determinants of market margins among okra traders in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via multistage sampling were analyzed using descriptive statistics, market performance and regression analysis. The results revealed that the estimated market margin and market efficiency index were ₦1900/bag (100kg) and 0.35, respectively. Channel 4 (27%) had the highest percentage of commodity sales volume. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.826; hence, 83% variation in the market margin was accounted for by variables in the regression model. Moreover, coefficients of the variables including age (0.873), education (0.696), market experience (0.571), cost price (–0.598), quantity sold (0.576), marketing cost (–0.72) and income level (0.98) were signi...

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology

Adoption of improved technologies and agricultural practices are prerequisites for increased farm... more Adoption of improved technologies and agricultural practices are prerequisites for increased farm productivity. Assessing the appropriateness of potential new technologies or practices increases the likelihood of adoption or modification to suit farmers’ needs; however, low farm output still persists among smallholders, attributable to several factors including poor and low adoption of modern production practices. This study therefore analyzed the index of adoption of recommended onion production practices (ROPPs) and correlation of multivariate factors among smallholder farmers in Dambatta, Kano State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 100 respondents for this study. Primary data collected via well-structured questionnaires were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Adoption index and Multivariate Correlation techniques.The results revealed that the prevalent ROPPs adopted by the farmers include improved onion varieties (78%), plant spacing (69%), plan...

Agricultural Socio-Economics Journal, Oct 31, 2022

Livelihood diversification is an integral component of household income. Diversification determin... more Livelihood diversification is an integral component of household income. Diversification determinants were estimated. Multistage sampling was adopted, and primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression. Socioeconomic factors affected livelihoods. Several diversification activities and derivable benefits are indicated. Variations in diversification decisions were attributable to the regression variables. Policy modifications and strategies that improve livelihoods are recommended.

UMYU Scientifica

Layer production depends on many factors, and it is an excellent source of nutritious animal prot... more Layer production depends on many factors, and it is an excellent source of nutritious animal protein (meat and eggs). Empirical knowledge of the determinants of firm efficiency improves productivity in poultry-egg production systems. Therefore, this study analysed firm efficiency and return to scale in layer production among smallholders in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via two-stage cluster sampling were evaluated using descriptive statistics, regression, and elasticity of production analysis. The results revealed that average flock size, feed quantity per cycle, medication cost, labour and capital requirement was 105 birds, 2,750kg, N 17,250, 1095 person-days and ₦330,750, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.768, indicating that variables in the regression model explain 77% of the variation in layer production. Moreover, the coefficient of variables including flock size (-0.446), feed quantity (0.791), medication cost (0.165), labou...

FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Sep 15, 2022

Cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa obtain low yields; sole cropping system with the use of impr... more Cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa obtain low yields; sole cropping system with the use of improved technologies can yield 1,500-2,000 kg/ha of cowpea. However, 200-500 kg/ha yield is obtained by smallholder farmers. It is a multipurpose crop and despite its importance, high level of inefficiency in its production persists. Therefore, the determinants of efficiency in cowpea production were analyzed; the decline in cowpea yield in the study area was attributable to several socioeconomic variables. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 70 cowpea farmers from the study area. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function were the analytical techniques adopted. The results indicated that the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents significantly affected cowpea production. The mean technical efficiency index was 0.59. Furthermore, the stochastic frontier analysis revealed that coefficients of farm size (0.297), labour (0.394), quantity of seed (0.433) and agrochemicals (0.057) were all positive and statistically significant. Also, the inefficiency model revealed that the coefficients of household size (-0.284), education (-0.493) farm experience (-0.402), extension contact (-0.45) and access to credit (-0.255) were negative but statistically significant. Thus, the significant variables were the determinants of technical efficiency in cowpea production. The identified constraints adversely affected farm productivity and efficiency. Formation of cooperatives, adoption of measures that improve access to agricultural credit, agro-services centers, input supply, technology transfer and subsidies; extension services, information exchanges and market linkages are recommended to mitigate technical inefficiency in cowpea production among smallholder farmers.