scholarly journals Perception of Environmental Effects of Weedicide Use in Oil Palm Production by Farmers in Denkyembour District, Ghana

Author(s):  
F. K. M. Swanzy ◽  
E. K. M. Sosu ◽  
W. O. Danso

Oil palm farmers ‘weed management practices, awareness and their perception about the effects of weedicides’ use on the environment were studied. Data were collected from the oil palm farmers in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. One hundred and Thirty (130) private and independent small scale oil palm farmers were purposively selected from the communities and were interviewed. The purposive sampling technique was preferred for this study to select the farmers who are using herbicides on their farms. Interview schedule was used to obtain data from the farmers. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that a wide variety of weedicides were used by the farmers. A high level of awareness on the risks associated with the use of weedicide was found among the respondents. Most of the respondents (92%) used Glyphosate based weedicides for their weed management activities. However, (60%) of the farmers were not aware that re-entry into a sprayed farm within a short time can expose them to weedicide injuries. Farmers showed favourable attitudes about the risk of weedicide usage.  The intensification of extension services to educate farmers on safe use of weedicide in oil palm production is recommended. This study serves as a platform to carry out more survey on weedicide usage across the country.

Author(s):  
Kemi Funmilayo Omotesho ◽  
Israel Ogunlade ◽  
Peter Olabanji ◽  
Deborah Adedoyin Olabode ◽  
Joseph Adu

Small-scale rice processors in Nigeria cannot afford to individually own rice destoners and have therefore not adopted its use. As a result, locally produced rice has failed to satisfy both the local and foreign markets in terms of quality. This study determined the willingness of the women rice processors to own and manage destoners in groups. The survey also determined the factors that influenced their willingness and the constraints to the joint acquisition of destoners. Following a two-stage random sampling technique, 195 respondents were selected on whom a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics and the Probit Regression Analysis were used to present and analyse collected data. Findings reveal a high level of willingness (62.6%) influenced by the age of the respondents (-0.0341), their total annual income (0.3864), educational level (0.0757), rice farming experience (-0.7927), access to extension (-0.0089), and credit (0.0079) at P<.05. The burden of joint management (Mean score = 2.56), poor accountability (Mean score = 2.55), and poor organisation of the groups (Mean score = 2.47) were the most severe constraints to the joint acquisition of destoners among the women processors. The study concluded that the willingness of the women was high and influenced by some socio-economic characteristics. Strengthening of the processor groups through training in group dynamics and models of joint acquisition and ownership are some of the recommendations from the study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-134
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Oyamedan Imoloame ◽  
Ibrahim Folorunsho Ayanda ◽  
Olayinka Jelili Yusuf

Abstract A survey was conducted in the Kwara State of Nigeria to study the integrated weed management (IWM) practices by farmers. This was in view of the poor weed management practices adopted by farmers, which is a major factor responsible for low yields of many arable crops in Kwara State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 480 respondents, and a structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from them. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factor analysis was also carried out to examine the perception of farmers’ benefits of IWM. Results showed that the majority of farmers (29.4%) were youths, married (89.1%), and involved in medium-scale farming (47.2%). Furthermore, 50.8% of the farmers had primary or secondary education. Although farmers use different weed control methods, more than half of them (54.7%) use herbicides. Most farmers (92.6%) are engaged in the use of IWM, However, 73.5% of them use a combination of herbicides and hoe weeding. Although not properly practiced, farmers perceived IWM as having socio-environmental (29.229%) and techno-efficacious (23.495%) benefits over either hoe weeding or herbicides used alone. The findings suggest a need to train farmers on all aspects of IWM to achieve self-sufficiency in food production in Kwara State.


Author(s):  
AJOKE OLUWATOYIN KAYODE

The use of agro-biodiversity practices are key coping strategies in adapting to climate change. This study determined the level of use of Agro- biodiversity conservation practices, assessed the benefits of the practice and identified constraints to its use. A three- stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents on which a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for data analysis.  Results shows that the use of animal dungs and plant residues as bio-fertilizers  was common biodiversity practice among farmers. 82.5% of the farmers were in the low level of use of these practices.  Constraints such as high cost of production lack of awareness of the use of these practices, were major constraints to the use of biodiversity practices. Age, years of schooling years of farming experience were significantly related to level of usage of Agro biodiversity practices. The study concludes that the level of use of Agro biodiversity practices among farmers was low and influenced by socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers. It recommends that government and other stake holders should provide necessary facilities for this practice. Extension agents should also sensitive farmers on the usefulness of Agro-biodiversity.  


Author(s):  
Ibitunde Ibidun Olatohun ◽  
Farinde Akinloye Jimoh ◽  
Adereti Francis Oke

The study identified the problems of access to inputs by the small-scale farmers; and analyzed the structure and operations of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) on input supply to small-scale farmers in Southwestern Nigeria with the view to investigate the effectiveness of GESS in South western Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting 420 GESS farmers. The interview schedule was used to collect data which were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis to test the hypothesis. Results showed that the mean age of the small-scale farmers was 49.57±10.49 years and a high level, 75.70 per cent were males. A higher percentage (55.80%) showed a high level of identified problems of access to inputs. Analysis of the structure and operations of GESS on input supply showed that GESS was structured and operated by the government among the various stakeholders using the top-down approach. Out of the nineteen GESS effectiveness indicators, none was effective at solving the problems of inputs delivery to the respondents. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between the effectiveness of GESS and respondents' sex (χ2=46.159; p≤ 0.01). Correlation analysis showed a negative and significant relationship between the effectiveness of GESS and identified problems of access to inputs (r=-0.214, p≤0.001). It was concluded that GESS recorded a low level of effectiveness of GESS in the study area as a result of the high level of identified problems of access to agricultural inputs through GESS. The study therefore recommends that there should be better orientation for future likely programmes and a reorientation of the farmers about the GESS in which there will be more extensive sensitization and enlightenment, especially at the grassroots level, also that quantity of input supply be increased and that more inclusive participatory approach instead of top-down approach should be adopted for planning, execution and evaluation of the GESS programme.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Oluwaseyi Joseph Afolabi ◽  
◽  
Taiwo Kareem Alli ◽  
Bukola Temitope Falayi

Taxi service is a pivotal instrument in public transport and its dominance is highly felt in providing door to door service in place and time utility. It is in respect of this importance that this study examined the socio-economic characteristics influence on taxis services patronage in Lagos State. 304 completed questionnaires were used in seeking information from the passengers on their socio-economic characteristics and variation in patronage using multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used in describing socio-economic characteristics while inferential statistical tools of multiple regression analysis were used to determine the influence of socio-economic characteristics on patronage. It was observed from the findings that there is a strong correlation between the passenger patronage of the Taxi companies and socio-economic characteristics of age (Age), gender (Gen), income (Inc), occupation (Occ) and education (Edu) with R = 0.986) in Uber, R = 0.983 in Oga Taxi and R = 0.974 in Bolt Taxi. Hence, it is recommended that strict rules and regulations guiding routine operation and service delivery to the populace must be adhere to, recruitment and selection of drivers be considered on merit with high level of scrutiny.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Khalid Mehmood Ch. ◽  
Ijaz Ashraf ◽  
Asif Tanveer

This study was conducted in district Gujranwala with the major objective to identify factors impeding the awareness level and adoption of weed management practices among the farmers from Rice-Wheat, Rice-Potato, Rice-Maize and Rice-Peas cropping systems. Total 356 farmers, selected through the proportionate sampling technique from four cropping systems participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique and analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings indicated that, inadequate resources, knowledge and limited exposure to the information sources were the factors influencing the awareness level among farmers across the four cropping systems Shortage of finance, high cost of inputs, high cost of diesel and possession of inadequate knowledge were the barriers impeding adoption level. This study suggests that, in order to create awareness and foster the adoption of recommended weed management technologies to further curb the yield losses, the Extension Field Staff should strive to build technical knowledge among farmers through diversified teaching activities. The Integration of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) could help EFS to meet farmers information needs. Furthermore, public-private partnership is also recommended especially for the effective weeds’ management on farm level.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeraja PATEL ◽  
Sandeep CHOUHAN ◽  
Sandhya CHOUDHARY

This study was conducted in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh with the sample size of 120 Vegetable Growers. These 120 vegetable growers were drawn from 10 vegetable growing villages using proportionate random sampling technique. Based on the experts opinion, recommended vegetable cultivation practices were selected for studying the adoption behaviour. All the selected farmers were interviewed personally using a well-structured interview schedule. For the analysis of collected data, descriptive statistics like percentage and analytical statistics were used. The majority of the respondents faced several constraints in adopting the eco friendly management practices. High yielding resistant varieties were costly and thus the vegetable growers were unable to purchase those (81.66%). Moreover, less training on eco-friendly management practices was received by the farmers (76.66%) along with less subsidies and technical support from the government (62.50%). Low knowledge about the environmental issues (50%), less participation of the farmers in extension programmes (41.66%), and inadequate environmental education at the secondary level (29.16%) also hindered the adoption of eco friendly management practices.


2020 ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
O.S Akintobi

The study analyzed the challenges experienced by small-scale farmers’ in accessing human labour in North Central Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for sample selection while questionnaires were used for data collection. A total of 1,750 farmers were randomly interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way factorial analysis of variance and mean separation was done at 5% probability level. Result revealed small scale farmers perceived a lack of access to human labour for agricultural activities in the zone while mean separation showed Niger state has the highest access to labour while Abuja and Kwara states are the least state with access to labour. High cost of labour, lack of fund and scarcity of labour are the major challenges experienced by the farmers in accessing labour for agricultural production. Based on the findings, the research concluded that small scale farmers do not good access to labour while facing serious challenges which has resulted into increased cost of production for the small-scale farmers. The study recommends among others that combine hiring should be encouraged among farmers for the adoption of expensive labour saving technologies/ implements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-253
Author(s):  
J. O. Oluwasusi ◽  
K. R. Nwosu ◽  
B. F. Olajuyigbe

Predictors of biosecurity utilization among broiler farmers are of concern on the need for guaranteed safe meat supply to consumers, guarding against epidemics and sustainability of profitable poultry enterprise. Therefore, this study looked into the determinants of biosecurity utilization among broiler farmers in Ekiti State. Multistage and random sampling techniques were used to select 135 respondents for the study; data were collected using structured interview schedule, frequency counts, percentages, PPMC' and linear regression. Majority (60.7%) of the respondents was males, young (31-40years), more than half (51.1% and 53.3%) were married and had poultry as their primary occupation. Majority (67.4% and 65.9%) always sourced information on biosecurity practices from friends and had high level of biosecurity awareness. Non-compliance of visitors with parking of cars away from the poultry house was rated as a very serious constraint to biosecurity utilization. Level of education (β=0.621), poultry experience (β=0.416), membership of organization (β=0.511), income level (β=0.401), awareness of biosecurity (β=0.317) and constraints to biosecurity utilization (β=0.266) were contributors to utilization of biosecurity for broiler production. Hence, further information on biosecurity practices for broiler production and how the respondents can market their broilers effectively should be provided by public extension agents and channeled through poultry association.


Author(s):  
Adedeji Sharafadeen Olayinka ◽  
Alimi Folorunsho Lawal ◽  
Madu Ali Bwala ◽  
Umaru Habiba Mohammed ◽  
Ajao Ibrahim Sulaiman

This study addresses the economic analysis and pattern of agrochemicals use among smallholder crop farmers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 144 small-scale crop farmers interviewed for the study. Descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques were used for data analysis. The result shows that a typical small-scale crop farmer in the study area is, on average, a 31-year-oldmale with 11 to 20 years of farming experience. These groups of farmers also cultivate 0.78 hectares and have a household size of 8. Herbicides are the predominant agrochemical used during the survey; it was mostly applied both before and after crop emergence. Usually, pesticides were applied without following safety instructions. Users of agrochemicals obtained a total gross margin of USD 1,469.95 per hectare with a profitability ratio of 1.22 which indicates that farming is a profitable business in the study area. The study recommends to increase awareness on farmer safety measures when handlingagrochemicals; and to establish educational programs that will educate farmers on how to safely use agrochemicals.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document