DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF EXPERIMENTAL SOLAR FOOD DEHYDRATOR FOR ROOT CROPS AND VEGETABLES DRYING

In the majority of African countries, agriculture represents the most important part of the economy. However, national food production still doesn't meet the requirements of the population. The decrease in food production caused by crop-failures, significant seasonal fluctuations, lack of appropriate and affordable preservation and storage systems can be resolved by way of drying. Locally, crop drying has been accomplished by burning wood and fossil fuels in ovens or outdoors drying under screened sunlight. These methods, however, have their shortcomings. The previous is expensive and not environmental friendly and the latter is vulnerable to the variability and unpredictability of the weather. This paper discusses the development of a hybrid solar food dehydrator using locally available materials like plywood, wire mesh, and a glass, to supply an honest method for food preservation that maintains a high level of flavor and nutrients, at the same time providing a convenient, compact, easy-to-store supply of Agricultural produce at a far lesser cost.

EFFECT OF PRE-SOWING TREATMENT ON THE SEED EMERGENCE OF DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS

This study was carried out at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, to determine the effect of silvicultural treatments on the germination and early growth of Diospyros mespiliformis. The study was carried out in the Forestry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture. The effectiveness of nine (9) different presowingtreatments were assessed, control inclusive. Treatment 1 (TRT1) seeds were soaked in tap water for 48 hours, Treatment 2 (TRT2) seeds were mechanically scarified opposite to microphyle, treatments 3, 4, and 5 (TRT3, TRT4, TRT5) seeds were immersed in H2SO4 for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively, treatments 6, 7 and 8 (TRT6, TRT7 and TRT8) seeds were soaked in hot water (100oC) for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively and untreated seeds (CNTRL). Completely Randomized Design with three (3) replications was used. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).Seeds of D. mespiliformis subjected to TRT1, TRT2, TRT3, TRT6, TRT7 and TRT8 recorded with highest FGP (100%) and was found to differ significantly (P<0.05) with other treatment and CNTRL recorded the least FGP (83.33%).Thus, TRT 3 was shown to be the best asit’s recorded with 100% FGP, MGT value of 7.53, highest GRI (14.57), lower FDG (6), highest GE (11.57), and maximum GI value (913.33).Based on the result, pre-treatment of D. mespiliformis seeds with sulphuric acid is recommended for the mass production and uniform germination.

ASSESSMENT OF VEGETATION COVER CHANGE OF KEBBE FOREST RESERVE, KEBBE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA USING REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) TECHNIQUES

This study examined the change in vegetation cover (land use cover) of Kebbe forest reserve, Kebbe local government area of Sokoto state. The research was divided into phases comprising satellite image sourcing; corrections of the images and classification of the land cover types based on the result from the ground truthing of the Kebbe Forest reserve. Two research hypotheses and research objectives were formulated for the study. Satellite images of 5 thematic mapper (TM) of 2003 and 8 operational land imager thermal infrared sensor (OLI-TIRS) of 2018 were selected for this study. The data were haze corrected using pancroma software with the Dark Object Subtraction (DOS) algorithm. The highest increase in area among the LUC between the dates is the shrub land with about 20.42% increase, which is from 138.42 to 881ha and the least being the sparse forest with 1.35% increase, also from 1309.59 to 1359ha of the reserve. On the other hand, the highest decrease was experienced in the deep forest, with 24.89% of the decrease being from 1649.25 to 744ha, and the least being the bare land with 8.73% decrease, which is from 406.71to 89ha of the total reserve area. The results from this study indicate that the reserve of the Kebbe forest is not properly managed, and has also faced high degradation rate that affected the land use and land cover of the reserve. Forest conservation measures should be put in place to salvage the remaining forest land area. Further research into the causes of the forest degradation should be conducted.

EFFECT OF DIETARY TOASTED LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA SEED MEAL ON THE GROWTH AND FEED UTILIZATION OF CLARIID CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLINGS

An experiment was designed and carried out to assess the growth performance and feed utilization (weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate, feed intake and survival) of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed graded levels of toasted Leucaena leucocephala seed meal based diets with the aim of establishing the best inclusion level of Leucaena seed meal. One hundred and eight (108) fingerlings with an initial mean weight of 2.10g were allotted at random to six treatments in triplicate groups with each treatment tank having six fingerlings and were fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing 40% crude protein (CP). The toasted seed meal was used to replace soybean meal in the diets in the following proportions: diets I (0%), diets II (10%), diets III (20%), diets IV (30%), diets V (40%) and diets VI (50%). At the end of the feeding trials that lasted for 6 weeks, the mean weight gains of fish, relative weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency was highest in treatment I while mean weight gain of fish, relative weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio was lowest in treatment V. Feed intake was lowest in treatment VI and protein efficiency was lowest in treatment II. Survival among treatments slightly varied significantly but was not as a result of the feed consumed. At the end of the experiment, the recommended inclusion level of Leucaena seed meal was 20%.

EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON THE PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG RURAL RICE FARMERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This paper ascertained the level of awareness of climate change among rural rice farmers in Anambra Agricultural zone of Anambra state, determined the effect of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers on their perception of climate change, and identified the coping strategies adopted by these farmers to mitigate the impact of climate change. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 rice farmers in rice producing areas of Anambra Agricultural zone. Descriptive statistics and Regression analysis were used for the analysis. Results showed that 52% of the farmers were highly aware of the concept of climate change while 38% were slightly aware. These rice farmers’ perceptions of climate change included high intensity of sun, variation in rainfall duration, change in weather, and poor yield of crops. Number of years in school, Farming experience, sex, number of visits by extension agents and mode of farming were identified as the socioeconomic characteristics affecting farmers’ perception of the concept of climate change. The coping strategies adopted by these farmers included adjustment of planting calendar, mixed cropping, close monitoring of weather, improved managerial skills and usage of improved varieties. The study recommended that the extension agents should enlighten the farmers, through an on-farm education, on climate change and its coping strategies, and also, the use of plant varieties that can withstand changes in the climate should be promoted.

IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY ON CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN KWAMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF GOMBE STATE

The study was carried out to determine the impact of agricultural extension service delivery on cassava production in Kwami local government area of Gombe State. Four research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The design for the study was survey. The sample for the study was 105 respondents with 93 cassava farmers and 12 agricultural extension agents. A simple random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample. The instrument for data collection was a researcher designed structured questionnaire rated on a four- point scale. The instrument was subjected to validation by 3 experts. To determine the reliability of the instrument, Pearson Product moment correlation coefficient was used after administering the instrument on a different population of farmers in Adamawa State. The coefficient obtained was 0.99. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question while t-test was used at 0.05 level of significance to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that factors such as poor soil fertility among others influence cassava production in Kwami local government area of Gombe State and cassava farmers derive benefit from agricultural extension agents. The study recommended that more agricultural extension agents should be employed by the government so as to have sufficient agricultural extension service among others.

ANALYSIS OF USE OF AGRO-CHEMICALS AMONG VEGETABLE FARMERS IN MAIDUGURI AND ITS ENVIRONS, NIGERIA

The study analysed the use of agro-chemicals among vegetable farmers in Maiduguri and its environs in Nigeria. Primary data were mainly used for the study. Multi - stage sampling techniques was employed to select 160 vegetable farmers for this study. Both descriptive (frequency distribution, percentages and mean scores) and inferential (regression analysis) statistics were used to analyze the data. The studies revealed that majority (77.50%) of the respondents were male and married (85.63%). The results indicated that majority (70.0%) of the respondents had 7 and above years of formal education. On the vegetable farmer’s sources of information on agro-chemical usage, the study revealed that most (50%) of the respondents got information on agrochemicals from other farmers, followed by stockists with 20%. Most (36.80%) of the respondents showed that they make use of herbicides than other forms of agro-chemicals. The farm size (ha) and income of the respondents has a positive and significant coefficient with p values of 0.000 at 1% level each. The major constraints considered as severe on the use of agro-chemicals among the respondents were high cost of supplies (mean score = 2.16), irregular supplies and insufficient farm incomes (mean score = 2.10) each which were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The study recommended those agricultural extension organizations and other stakeholders such as the Ministry of agriculture to carry out improved mobilization and sensitization campaigns to educate farmers on proper and efficient use of agro-chemicals with a view to improving productivity as well as prevent adverse environmental and human health effects.

ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH AGROCHEMICALS USAGE AMONG VEGETABLE FARMERS IN MAIDUGURI AND ITS ENVIRONS, NIGERIA

The study assessed health hazards associated with agrochemicals usage among vegetable farmers in Maiduguri and its Environs, Nigeria. Multi - stage sampling techniques was employed to select 160 vegetable farmers for this study. Both descriptive (frequency distribution and percentages) and inferential (logit regression) statistics were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that majority (59.37%) of the respondents were members of vegetable farmers’ organization and half (50.00%) of them were visited by extension agents less than thrice with majority (85.00%) of them had no access to credit during the period under study. The study revealed the most common symptoms of health hazards associated with agro-chemicals usage among respondents were skin problems (67.70%), dizziness (57.50%) and headache (52.50) in the study area. The logit regression revealed that extension contact had a positively significant influence at p < 0.05 level, while access to credit, sources of credit, availability of agro-chemicals shop and membership of FBOs had significant influence at p < 0.10 level each on wearing of PPEs during agro-chemicals application. The most important constraint affecting PPEs use was high cost of PPEs as reported by 55.00% of the respondents. The study recommended that vegetable farmers in the study area should be encouraged to form strong farmer organisations that will enable them to work as a team in order to eradicate or minimize the constraints of high cost of PPEs by obtaining subsidized PPEs from government for improved use of the same.

ECONOMICS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN EKEREMOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Catfish farmers are facing new barriers in both their production and returns on investment. Despite its potentials, the level of fish production has failed to meet domestic demand. This study aims to analyze the determinants of catfish production so as to boost the level of farm productivity and profitability. Random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the respondents for this study. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression analysis were the analytical techniques employed. The results indicated that most (58.3%) were within the age bracket of 20-39 years; 63.3% were male; most (75%) used organic fertilizer; 45% had no access to credit; most (75%) had formal education; 83.3% used earthen ponds; 83.3% were married; most (58.3%) had household population of 1-5 people; 66.7% had farming experience of 1-5 years; 75% hired labour; 91.7% had no access to extension contact; 58.3% had pond size of 1-400 sqm and most (58.3%) had stocking density of 1001-2000 fingerlings. The net farm income was ₦433,000/400sqm. Also, the estimated fixed and operating ratios were 0.43 and 0.67 respectively, while the benefit- cost ratio was 1.67. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.839, hence 84% variation in the output is attributable to variables included in the regression model. Furthermore, the constraints identified affected catfish production in the study area. However, improved access and supply of feeds, credit, technology, market linkages, extension services, input subsidy, cooperative formation and training are strongly recommended.

ASSESSMENT OF ROLES OF TREES TO RURAL LIVELIHOOD IN BUNZA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KEBBI STATE

The importance of tree to people and the environment was the aim of this paper. The Research was carried out at Bakura Local Area of Kebbi State. Questionnaire was used to get feedback from the farmers. The results that show the socio-economic status reveal that most of the dwellers in the local government use trees for shelter, food, medicinal, fodder, and fuel wood. Majority of the respondents (57.1%) in the area reported that they were married, (24.3%) were single, divorce (16.8%) while widows have (1.5%). This indicated that majority of the respondents have family responsibilities to cater for which affecttheir farming activities. Majority of students were male and only few were female, adults dominate the study area. On the education level, it was reported that primary education recorded (30%) of the respondents in the study followed by tertiary education (27.1%), secondary education had (11.5%) while quranic education had (15.9%). It is recommended that farmers should practice agro-forestry services, because of its dual benefits that people got from it and it also leads to successful recycling of nutrients and soil protection as well as improving their livelihood and agricultural production. Government should provide alternative source of living in the area so as to reduce the pressure on forest trees.