Faculty of Agriculture

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A Comparative Study of the Daily Activity Patterns of Dog Faced Baboon (Papio anubis) in Captivity at the Kano University Zoo and Kano Zoological Garden
(2019-09-07) Mohammed Musa Yahaya; Isah Suleiman Dutse; Oshibanjo D. O.; Dan`azumi Danboyi Daya
Aim: This study seeks to observed the daily activity patterns of dog faced baboon (Papio anubis) in Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil Zoo and Kano Zoological Garden. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out daily between 6:00am to 6:00pm from December 2016 to January 2017. Digital camera was also attached to cages at the two sites. The observation in the activity patterns were recorded on recording sheet, observation is done three times a week at 20 minutes intervals. Results: The findings on activity pattern of dog faced baboon (Papio anubis) in captivity shows that the day time activities decrease from morning to evening. Resting activities was 47.5%, movement
Analysis of Environmental Factors Affecting Rural Livelihood Diversification among Rural Dwellers in Adamawa State, Nigeria
(EPH - International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 2016-11) Donye, A. O.; Ani, A. O.; Bzugu, P. M.; Nuhu, H. S.
This study analyzed the environmental factors affecting rural livelihood diversification in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The data used for the analysis were generated from 360 respondents, using multi-stage random sampling procedure. The analytical tools used were descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Tobit regression). The descriptive statistics were used in categorizing the respondents on the basis of their socio-economic characteristics. Tobit regression was employed to determine the environmental factors affecting livelihood diversification. The major findings were that: the frequency of natural disasters (X1) and season of the year (X5) were positive and significant for livelihood diversification at 5% level of significance. The number of natural resources (X3) available in an environment was positive and significant for livelihood diversification at 1% level of significance. The distance between state headquarters, local government headquarters and major towns (X2) and where a respondent lives was found to be not significant. Similarly, distance between markets (X4) and where a respondent lives was also found to be not significant for livelihood diversification. It was concluded that the number of natural disasters that occur and the number of natural resources available in the study area are strong factors that affect livelihood diversification. It was recommended, among others, that the prevailing environmental factors in a given area should be considered at the planning stages for any rural development or empowerment projects meant for livelihood diversification. Livelihood diversification opportunities should be made available and possible during dry season periods in the study area.
Analysis of Farmers’ Choice among Alternative Rice Output Markets in Kano State, Nigeria
(Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Social Sciences, 2018-05) Abdulrahman, S.,; Oladimeji, Y.U.,; Abdullahi, M. Y; Binuyo, G.; Abdullahi, M. M.
The study analyzes the farmers’ choice among alternative rice output market in Kano State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 164 rice farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire. This study was conducted in three Local Government Areas of Kano State during 2015 cropping season. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for the study. Probit model was used to estimate the farmers’ choices among alternative rice output market outlets by rice farmers. The result shows majority (98%) of rice farmers are married; average age of 38 years with adjusted household size of 5. The estimated mean years of schooling of the respondents was 5 years, and largely skewed towards the non-formal education. The likelihood ratio was -113.401 and hence exceeds the critical chi-square values at p<0.01 level of significance. The Prob > chi2 was (50.03) and significant at p<0.01 level of probability. The probability of obtaining this chi-square statistic shows the effect of the predictor variables on specified alpha level. Farmers’ choices among alternative rice output market outlets was significantly determined by educational status, access to credit, cooperative membership, distance to market, quantity of output produced by the farmers and market price of rice (P<0.10). Based on the findings, it could be concluded that the most commonly used output markets was rural assembler (82.3%). Rural markets should be linked to the urban market to attract good value for rice products.
Antifungal Activity of Cucumis metuliferus E.Mey. ex Naudin on Some Post-harvest Decay Fungi of String beans
(Journal of Academia and Industrial Research (JAIR), 2015) Nwadiaro, P.O.; Ogbonna A.I.; Wuyep P.A.; Sila-Gyang M.D.
Crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cucumis metuliferus fruit were screened for their phytochemical components which revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides. Steroids and anthraquinones were completely absent. The extracts were tested for their inhibitory effect on five fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor sp., Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus stolonifer) isolated from decayed Phaseolus vulgaris (String Bean). The different concentrations of the extract used ranged between 200-1000 mg/mL. Screening for antifungal activity using agar well diffusion method showed inhibition of all the test fungi especially at higher concentrations except for R. stolonifer that was not inhibited by the ethanolic extract. The highest effect of aqueous extract was observed in P. citrinum with inhibition zone of 34 mm at 1000 mg/mL, followed by Mucor sp. with inhibition zone of 32 mm, the least was recorded for F. oxysporum with zone diameter of 22 mm. The highest activity for ethanolic extract was recorded for A. niger with inhibition zone of 35 mm while the least was recorded for F. oxysporum with zone diameter of 18 mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined using agar dilution method. The MIC values of the extracts ranged between 12.5-25 mg/mL. The results showed A. niger and P. citrinum as the most sensitive and F. oxysporum as the least sensitive to the extract. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of the extracts also ranged between 25-50 mg/mL indicating that the extracts are fungicidal at those concentrations.
Breaking of Dormancy and Its Effects on Seedling Establishment of Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.)
(2016) Habila S.; Ali A. D.; Salihu F. H.
A study was carried out in the Botanical Garden of the Department of Plant Science and Technology, University of Jos, Nigeria, to determine the most effective method of breaking seed dormancy in Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The treatments comprised two types of seed (fresh; seeds less than six month old and the dry seeds were more than six months old) with four different methods of breaking seed dormancy (seeds soaked in acid for 5 minutes, 5 minutes in boiling water, 24 hours in cold water and mechanical scarification) and the control (seeds were not treated). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated five times. Germination rate (%) was measured weekly for four weeks and seedling height (cm) was measured at 2 weeks interval (beginning from 35 days after planting) for a period of eight weeks. The results showed that the different methods of breaking seed dormancy enhanced the germination of the Date palm and seedling growth. The boiling and cold water treatments had significantly (P<0.005) higher germination rate of 100% at 42 days after planting than the control which had 86.67%. The dry seeds had a significantly (P<0.05) low (26.67) germination rate at 35 days after planting but, did not differ significantly with the fresh seeds at 35 DAP. The boiling water treatment also had a significantly (P<0.005) high seedling height (25.00 cm) at 77 days after planting. The control had the lowest seedling height of 6.72 cm at 35 days after planting. The seeds treated with acids for 5 minutes, did not germinate at all. The result indicates that optimum germination and seedling establishment in Date palms occurred in fresh seeds and the most effective method of breaking the dormancy is through the use of boiling water.
Capacity Development and Career Prospects in Conservation Science
(2009-04-28) Babalola, F.D.
Abstract Nutrition is defined as the interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth, tissue repairs and replacement. There is a strong relationship between excessive nitrogen in the atmosphere and the location of intensive farm animal production areas. Upward trend in animal production has led to increasing pressure on pasture; consequently there is greater competition for available forage and compaction of the soil. Single stomach animals like chicken excretes about 100g daily, and 36kg yearly faecal nitrogen. As various experts have identified, reducing GHG emissions is both urgent and critical. As the largest anthropogenisers of land and responsible for more GHG emissions than transportation, the animal production sector must be held accountable for its many deleterious impacts, and changes in animal agricultural practices must be achieved. Improving animal nutrition is therefore expedient to reduce urinary and faecal nitrogen which in turn is proportionally reduces Nitrogen emission into the air.
Design of a GSM Based Information System for Disease Outbreak Reporting
(2026-01) Akpokodje, Edore T.; Adegbola; Akpokodje; Vera.; Tunde
The present method of reporting cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza via telephone hotline to NVRI has proven not to be as effective as required considering the need for timely reporting and response to outbreaks. In order to improve response time, accessibility, provide proper documentation of queries and reduce the financial burden on the average farmer, the researchers have taken advantage of the GSM network which has a coverage of over 46% (NCC1, 2009) of the Nigerian population as at April, 2009 and has infrastructure which is not limited to the urban areas but has also permeated the rural areas to a reasonable extent. The aim of this project is to develop a system that can widen access to electronic databases by use of GSM phones. This would enable small scale rural farmers to have access to the Internet and online Nigerian databases. To achieve this purpose the researchers have created a gateway between the GSM and computer networks. They have also created an SMS message format which is able to interrogate the existing database. Visual Basic 6 was the main programming tool used in designing the system. Nokia PC Connectivity 3.0 SDK and Nokia PC Suite 7.1 were functional requirements for the system to be implemented. A Nokia 7210 Supernova handset was connected to the computer system via USB to serve as the Modem.
Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Two Temperate and Two Tropical Forage Legume Hays Harvested at Early-Flowering in Jos, Nigeria
(Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2019) Akpensuen T. T.; Amodu J. T.; Tanko R. J.; Luka J. S.; Namo O. A. T.; Hassan M. R.
The study was designed to evaluate the dry matter yield and quality of two temperate (T. Pratense and T. repens) and two tropical forage legumes (S. guianensis and C.molle) harvested at earlyflowering stage for hay in a cool tropical environment of Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2015 and 2016 in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design with four replicates in plots measuring 5 m x 3 m. The forages were harvested at early-flowering stage for yield components, dry matter yield and nutrient quality evaluation. The result showed that C. molle was significantly (P<0.01) higher in height in the two seasons compared to the other legumes. Number of leaves per plant was higher (P<0.01) significantly in S. guianensis (125.00) in 2015 whereas, T. repens had higher (P<0.01) value (187.25) in 2016 cropping season. Stylosanthes guianensis produced significantly (P<0.01) higher dry matter with 10.42 t ha-1 in 2015, while the dry matter yield obtained from C. molle (2.90 t ha-1) was the highest in 2016. Trifolium pratense and T. repens were scored excellent grade, while Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle were scored good in quality. Crude protein content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the of the forage materials on the other hand was significantly higher (P<0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes. The temperate forage legumes in this trial were higher in nutrient content, but lower in dry matter yield. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season.
Economics Benefits, Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Broiler Chicken Fed High Fibre Diet
(2019-08-08) Samuel C. Etop; Oshibanjo D. O.; Nwaoru C. E; Ukpong A
Aims: The effects of high fibre diet fed to broilers chicken on growth, carcass performance sensory evaluation, primal cuts and meat characteristics were carried out in a eight weeks feeding trials. Methodology: A total of two hundred and forty, day old broiler chicks of Arbor Acer breed obtained from a commercial hatchery was used for the trial. An average (33±0.12 g body weight) were weighted individually and randomly divided into three (3) Treatment with ten replicate per treatment and eight birds per replicate using a completely randomized design. The diet contained T1= 8.70% fibre; T2= 13.10% with enzyme and T3= 13.10% fibre without enzyme. Parameters measured are
Economics of Small-Scale Broiler Production under Fadama III Project in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria
(Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Social Sciences, 2018) Ahungwa , G.T; Badamasi , S.; Abdulkarim, A.
The research was conducted to examine the economic viability of broiler production enterprise under Fadama III project scheme, with a view of economic diversification and investment opportunities in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State. In pursuance of this objective, 50 registered broiler farmers were selected through stratified sampling technique in three council wards (Kudai, Modobi and Limawa) of Dutse LGA. Data collection was achieved through face to face questionnaire guided interview. Data were then analyzed using profitability and regression analyses. The profitability indices depict that variable cost accounted for about 54% of the total cost with the cost of feed representing 21% of variable cost. Nevertheless, a gross return of ₦198,170.00 and a net return of ₦23,545 were realized on the average, showing that every ₦1 invested returned ₦1.13, which proved that the enterprise is a profitable venture with promising returns on investment. The estimates of regression analysis show that day old chick, water supply, and labour were the most significant determinants of profitability margin of broiler enterprise in the area. Resource use efficiency reflected overutilization of labor, veterinary services and water while feed and day-old chicks were underutilized. It is recommended that increased stocking rate, reduced use of labour and reliance on the use of local materials for pen construction can greatly minimize cost of production.
Effect of Cooking Methods and Temperature on Proximate and Amino Acid Composition of Breakfast Sausage
(2019-08-07) Oshibanjo D. O; Olusola O. O.; Ogunwole O. A.
Aims: The effect of cooking method and temperature on amino acid composition of breakfast sausage (BS) was undertaken in this study. Methodology: Three batches of prepared BS from beef, were randomly allotted to three cooking methods (CM): (boiling, grilling and frying) each at cooking temperatures (CT) of 80, 90 and 100°C to attain internal temperature of 72°C in a completely randomized design. Samples from each treatment were oven-dried and assayed for amino acid and proximate composition using standard procedures. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at α0.05. Results: Results showed that grilled sausage at 80°C had highest total amino acid profile (3.2%). Grilled sausage at 80°C had highest crude protein (25.58%). Grilled BS at 80°C recorded least fat content (15.99%). Grilled sausage at 80°C had the higher ash (6.66%) and least (1.40%) in boiled sausage at 90°C. Conclusion: Therefore, breakfast sausage could be best grilled at 80°C due to maintain high amino acid profile, crude protein, ash and lower fat content. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of Selected Oils on Antioxidant and Physicochemical Properties of Breakfast Sausage
(2019-08-13) Oshibanjo D. O.; Olusola O. O; Luka J. S.; Adesope A. I.; Lawrence Abegunde; Gbeffe K. A; Adeniyi A. K; Akwashiki M. A
Aims: The process of degradation converts fatty acid esters of oils into free fatty acids, by reaction with air, moisture and/or other materials. The main cause of rancidity of lipids is the oxidative deterioration of unsaturated fatty acids through a free-radical chain mechanism called lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study seek to evaluate the effect of selected oils on antioxidant and physicochemical properties of breakfast sausage. Methodology: Breakfast sausage was prepared (g/100 g: beef 65.0, corn flour 10.0, oil 10.0, others 13.0). Lard, was replaced with shea butter, olive oil or groundnut oil in a completely _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of Tier Level, Exposure and Period on Egg Production and Grade of Eggs
(2018-10-23) Adekola Omololu Atanda; Okeke Rufina Obioma; Balami Samuel Paul; Louis Ugwu; Abdullahi Idris; Oludayo Michael Akinsola
A total of 230 Nera birds were studied in an open and close-ended layer house for 6 weeks to determine the effect of cage location, tier level, and exposure of bird on egg production. Birds were supplied ad Libitum with feed and water. Eggs were collected twice daily at 11.00 am, and 4.00 p.m. counted, weighed and classified into sizes. The production of the egg was found to be significantly influenced by the location of laying hen. The upper tier recorded 29.17% superiority over the lower tier. This showed that birds laid more eggs in the upper tier. Besides, tier did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the sizes of the egg laid. In this study, the birds used were exposed to light and dark conditions. The result obtained showed that more eggs were produced at the better lit area than the more shaded area. It is therefore economically viable to have more light in the
Effects of dietary inclusion of cassava peel meal on functional properties of chicken egg in duration of storage
(2018) Ogunwole O. A.; Samireddypalle A.; DaramolaT. B.; Mosuro A. O.; Oshibanjo O. D.
Effect of dietary inclusion of cassava peel meal on functional properties of chicken eggs in days of storage was evaluated. Issa Brown layers (n=2400), aged 36 weeks were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments of 1200 birds each. Control (T1) was corn-soya diet while T2 had 5% corn replaced with cassava peel mash and were fed ad libitum to respective birds for six weeks. Eggs (n=150) were sampled, stored at ambient conditions and functional properties as well as lipid oxidation monitored at days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Bulk density (9.75±0.94-10.00±1.42), emulsion activity (51.83±1.00- 52.00±1.41), lipid oxidation (0.91±0.14-0.96±0.06) increased while foaming capacity (15.17±5.784.17±4.26), foaming stability (8.00±6.63-3.75±2.72), water absorption capacity (1.53±0.781.441±0.89), water retention capacity (1.66±1.06-1.48±0.90), oil absorption capacity (1.39±0.891.38±0.93), oil retention capacity (0.99±0.74-1.16±0.73) decreased in days of storage (DOS). Interaction of DOS and diets affected (P<0.05) foaming capacity and stability of eggs. Dietary cassava peel meal enhanced foaming capacity and lipid oxidation in chicken eggs.
Effects of Feeding Roasted Canarium schweinfurthii Seed Meal on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicken
(2019-08-19) Adelowo O. V; Oshibanjo D. O; Olaiya O. D.; Banjo A. A.; Machen M. J
Aims: The study was conducted to determine the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diet with roasted Canarium schweinfurthii (atili) seed meal. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty (120) two weeks old chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments containing 0% (control) T1, 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3), and 7.5% (T4) of roasted Canarium seed meal (RCSM) respectively, in a completely randomized design. Thirty birds per treatment with three replicate of ten birds each for six weeks. The parameters measured were
EFFECTS OF SEED TUBER SIZE AND NPK FERTILIZER ON SOME YIELD COMPONENTS OF COLEUS POTATO (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir) J.K. MORTON)
(2015) Ogedegbe, S.A; Safwan, I. I; Ajala, B.A
A field experiment was carried out to assess the effects of 3 seed tuber sizes (< 5, 5 ≤ 15 and > 15 g) and 4 levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) of NPK fertilizer on some tuber yield components of Coleus potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius). Factorial combinations of the 3 seed tuber sizes and the 4 NPK application rates formed 12 treatments evaluated. The treatments were fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on number of healthy and rotten tubers, fresh weight of tubers, length of tubers and girth of tubers. The measured variables differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) depending on seed tuber size. The smallest seed tuber (< 5 g) recorded the highest number of healthy tubers but was similar to the other seed tubers. Total tuber fresh weight from < 5 g seed tubers (839.1 g) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) heavier by 51.2 % than that of > 15 g seed tubers (554.8 g). Application of 300 kg NPK ha-1 increased the number of rotten tubers (51) relative to the control treatment (28). The 0 and 100 kg NPK ha-1 treatments produced heavier tubers than the 200 and 300 kg NPK ha-1 treatments. These results signify that the smallest seed tuber (< 5 g) enhanced tuber yield better than the other seed tubers. It is evident that Coleus potato could yield well without NPK fertilization when soil nitrogen is high (i.e. > 0.2 %). further improvement (Prematilake, 2004). Consequently, these tuber crops are propagated by vegetative methods using tubers of varying shapes and sizes. Information on the economic importance and agronomic practices of Coleus potato which has suffered research neglect for several years is limited (Enyiukwu et al., 2014). Concerted efforts at conserving, documenting and promoting the dynamic use of Coleus potato is now required (Olojede et al, 2005). Evidently, agronomic research on Coleus potato is scanty and more are needed before any meaningful advancement on the crop can be made. Although there are coordinated efforts by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nigeria, to improve the cultural and agronomic practices of Coleus potato production, more associated researches are required in multiple locations and with different experimental treatments. This experiment was therefore designed to investigate the effects of seed tuber size and NPK application on some tuber yield components of Coleus potato. Materials and Methods Keywords: Coleus potato, NPK application, seed tuber, tuber yield, Vom
Effects of Tin Mine Tailings on the Growth and Development of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Jos, Nigeria
(2019-06-26) Ali A. D; Habila S.; Isiwu N. C; Osaji K. J; Nyam D. D
Aims: To study the effects of mine tailings on the growth and yield of two genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Study Design: The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments, two blocks and each block was replicated three times. Place and Duration of Study: Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria during the rainy season in a field experiment in 2014. Methodology: The mine tailings combinations include four different additions mine tailings soil {(T0) 0 kg as control, (T1) 2 kg, (T2) 3 kg, (T3) 4 kg} and the respective mine tailings soils were added to 6.3 kg of normal soil. Two common bean accessions were used (Cranberry-G1 and Pinto G2), which gave the total of eight treatment combinations (T0G1, T0G2, T1G1, T1G2, T2G1, T2G2, T3G1, T3G2). Results: The control recorded significant higher mean plant height (cm), number of leaves and number of trifoliate leaves, number of pods and number of seeds per pod in both genotypes for all
Evaluation of Some Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) Accessions for Growth and Yield Potentials in Jos-Plateau Environment
(IDOSI Publications., 2017) O. A. T. Namo; O. J. Akinbola; G. O. Utoblo
The orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) contains -carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, which is used to address hunger and blindness in children. Therefore, there is the need to promote the cultivation and consumption of the OFSP. In this study, twelve accessions of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), namely F2M5/3, Ng – Jay, MD, F1M1/4, ELINDA, SOUL, AI2IB, TIS. 87/0087/08, KWARA/00, F1M4/11, SOLO – 1/100 and SOLO – 1/144, were screened to evaluate their growth and yield potentials in the Jos-Plateau environment in Nigeria between July and November, 2016. The study was carried out at the potato sub-station of the National Root Crops Research Institute,Kuru, Plateau State (Latitude 09°44’N, Longitude 08° 47’E, Altitude 1,293.3 m above sea level). The twelve accessions were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results showed that establishment rate ranged from 97.8 % in the accession SOUL to 30 % in the accession AI2IB. The leaf area index increased with time up to 90 DAP and thereafter decreased in all the accessions. The relative growth rate decreased with time in all accessions.The net assimilation rate (NAR) increased with time up to 90 DAP and thereafter decreased in all but accessions F2M5/3, MD, ELINDA, F1M4/11, SOLO – 1/100 and SOLO – 1/144, where NAR increased up to 120 DAP. The mean number of tubers per plant, tuber length, tuber girth and dry matter content varied with accession. Root-top ratio was highest in the accession Ng-Jay (3.93) and lowest in the accession AI2IB (0.69). Harvest index increased with time up to 120 DAP in all the accessions. Total tuber yield was highest in the accession Ng-Jay (8.2 t/ha) and lowest in the accession ELINDA (2.0 t/ha). The OFSP accessions used in this study showed promising potentials for high yields in the Jos-Plateau environment. They are, therefore, recommended for further screening and selection.
Extracelullar Cellulase Production by Solid State Bioprocesses of Artemisia annua L. Agro Waste
(Journal of Academia and Industrial Research (JAIR), 2017-08) gbonna; Abigail Ify; Sila; Micheal Davou; Onyimba, Isaac A; Ogbonna, Chike I. Chuks
Agrowaste residues are made up of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials. These cellulosic wastes are ideal for the growth of microorganisms which in turn convert the wastes to organic manures. Biodegradation potential of two fungal species isolated from soils of Artemisia annua plantation was investigated. The two fungal strains were selected from a preliminary test carried out on fungal isolates using Carboxymethylcellulose agar plates. Congo red test was performed and Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride showed highest hydrolytic zones and were used for the biodegradation of the A. annua agrowaste. Biodegradation of the agro waste lasted for 7 and 14 d. The percentage weight loss for pulverized agro waste obtained for T. viride was 27 and 21% after the 7th and 14th d of degradation while for A. niger it was 32 and 24%. The percentage weight loss for no pulverized agro waste obtained for T. viride was 34 and 22% after 7th and 14th d degradation process while the figures obtained for A. niger was 36 and 30% respectively. The enzyme produced and its activity was determined under different process parameters including effects of different concentration of Carboxymethylcellulose powder, incubation period, temperature and pH. The pulverization of the A. annua waste into powder gave better results as it helped in high conversion yields obtained as against the no pulverized waste material.
Food Security Situations among Smallholder Farmers under Kogi Accelerated Rice Production Programme: A USDA Approach
(Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Social Science, 2018) Abdulazeez, R.O.; Musa, M. W.; Saddiq, N. M; Abdulrahman, S.; Oladimeji, Y. U.
The study analyzed food security status of smallholder farmers under Kogi accelerated rice production program: a USDA approach. Primary data collected through multistage sampling procedure were obtained from 216 irrigated rice farmers randomly selected using the card method. Descriptive statistics and United State Development Agency (USDA) approach were employed. The results showed the mean age of household heads was 42 years, average household size of 4, and mean farming experience of 8 years. The USDA method categorizes households using a constructed food security scale. The result also revealed that the marginal effect of 0.477 shows that one extra year of education increases the probability of being food secured by 47.7%. Household size and household’s dependency ratio were found to be negative and statistically significant at p<0.1 and p<0.05 level of probability which signified an inverse relationship with household food security. Furthermore, an additional increase in the number of non-working member of household increases the food requirement of households thereby reducing the probability of food security. Income had positive influence on food security status and significant at p<0.10 level. The most widely used coping strategies by the farmers under Kogi Accelerated Rice Production Programmed in the state are purchased food on credit, restricted consumption of adults to allow more for children, reduced numbers of meal per day, sold household assets, begging and borrowing.