| 1 |
Author(s):
Anyoha N.O., Umunakwe P.C., Nwozuzu S.O., Achuko G.U..
Page No : 1-10
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Rural Farmers’ Perception of Ecosystem-Based Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study analyzed rural farmers’ perception of ecosystem-based climate change adaptation strategies in Anambra State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were determination of awareness of EbA, identification of sources of information on EbA, ascertainment of EbA practices used by the farmers, analysis of the perception of EbA and identification of the constraints to EbA. Data were obtained from a sample of 120 rural farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure and were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results showed that the majority (57.5%) of the farmers was male, a greater proportion (38.3%) was within the age range of 41-50 years, with a mean age of about 40 years and a greater proportion (42.5%) had friends/relatives as their major source of credit. It further revealed that the majority (92.5%) of the farmers was aware of EbA and that local government officials (62.2%), television (87.4%) and radio (83.2%) were the dominant sources of information on EbA in the area. Crop diversification (95.0%), intercropping (95.8%) and manual weeding (87.5%) were the major EbA practices used. The perceptions of EbA included reduced soil fertility loss (X = 2.52), reduced soil degradation (X = 2.50), reduced pest attack (X = 2.40) and increased yield (X = 2.35). The major barriers to the use of EbA in the area were poor extension coverage (X = 4.89), inadequate capital (X= 4.75) and high labour requirement (X = 3.72). It was recommended that more field extension staff should be recruited and trained on EbA practices and policies should made to promote EbA in the area.
| 2 |
Author(s):
A.A. Sadiq.
Page No : 11-31
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An Overview of Soil Micromorphology Trend in The Field of Soil Science
Abstract
Over four decades soil micromorphology is considered as a new field of study in soil science agenda. The field is now receiving global attention in the field of research as considered sub-discipline in the field of soil science. However, there are trending views in both scientific and technical challenges regarding the concept of soil micromorphology in terms of its procedures, operational techniques, implications and application in the field of soil sciences. Thus, this paper imperatively overviewed the past and current trends overwhelming the field. The new modern field is basically concerned with the study of micromorphological features of soil under microscopic level, which is useful for evaluating soil mineralogy, genesis, pedogenic and geomorphic processes of soils. The trend in soil micromorphological analysis is quite receiving apparent limitations and constraints which include frequent lack of coordination of both sampling and analyses among the various specialists working on a single site or project, some features are in thin sections are still unidentified or badly understood, climate dynamism, low or lack of petrograhic knowledge among others. To overcome such limitations intensive scientific research should be geared in the field through adoption of standard techniques in its application, using modern microscopic techniques and adequate knowledge on micromorphic features interpretation respectively.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Oshomoh E. O., Eromosele E. O..
Page No : 32-41
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Effect of three Detergents (Ariel, Omo and Sunlight) and Soda on the Growth Profile of Soybean Plant (Glycine max)
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of detergents (ariel, omo and sunlight) and Soda on the growth rate of Soybean plant (Glycine max). Increase in mans’ population brought about correspondence increase in basic amenities like water, food and housing. Lack of effective water supply led to the reuse of waste water for irrigation especially in rural areas deficient of adequate water supply. The need for environmental conservation necessitated the need to investigate the effect of this waste water constituent on soybean plants. The research was a pure experimental study of which ariel, omo, sunlight and soda were applied on soybean at 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % concentrations respectively with a replicate of two across the various concentrations used. The effects of these treatments were focused on plant height, leaf area, leaf number as well as on the wet and dry weight of soybean plant. Simple descriptive statistics was used to check the effect of these treatments on soybean plant. The result revealed that ariel and sunlight has a strong inhibiting effect on soybean plant but soda shows a promoter effect on soybean plant as it pertains to plant height, leaf number, leaf area as well as wet and dry weight of soybean plant.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Ihenacho L.U., Okorie U.G..
Page No : 42-47
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Problems of Oil Palm Production and Processing as Perceived by Palm Oil Processors/Millers in Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was carried out in Imo State to examine the perceived problems of oil palm production. A total of 124 processors or millers were selected randomly and given questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the problems facing oil palm production include lack of adequate land space, inadequate storage facilities which results in low production of oil palm, inadequate finance. While its prospects include that the cultivation of oil palm is an inevitable means of shifting the nation’s dependence on oil and a means of discouraging urban drift. It was recommended that governments at all levels should provide loans specifically to oil palm producers, cooperative societies should also be encouraged to ensure easy milling of oil palm, adequate market information be given to millers for profitable income and land tenure reform be taken to ease land problems.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Maryam Abdullahi, Abdulqadir Abubakar Sadiq.
Page No : 43-63
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An Evaluation of Fertilizer Use Intensity Among Arable Farmers in Yola South LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Fertilizer use intensity per unit area is receiving a gross decrease in Africa most especially in Nigeria where farmers are faced with different factors limiting the intensive use of fertilizers particularly in Yola South LGA, of Adamawa State. Therefore, there is need to evaluate determinants factors affecting fertilizer use intensity is timely and essential. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluation of fertilizer use intensity among arable farmers in Yola south LGA, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Four (4) farm locations were selected (Bole, Yolde Pate, Mbamab and Wuro-chekks) in the area with intensive cultivation were well structured questions were administered to 40 sampled farmers were selected from each location culminated to 160 total sampled farmers. The primary data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics where percentages, frequencies and charts were presented. The results revealed that most farmers in the area were in the middle- active age with an average literacy level having low monthly income. In all the farm location in the area the cost of fertilizers as very expensive and the cost of stable will not compensate the fertilizer cost per 100 Kg. Similarly, it was found that inorganic fertilizers are readily available in all the farm location, but due to its high cost, lack of capital, unavailability of credit and untimely released of fertilizers to the target farmers limit the affordability and availability among farmers. To realized effective fertilizer use intensity among farmers for profitable farming, it is therefore recommends that government at all levels should reduce the high cost of fertilizers at affordable rate, farmers should have access to loans and credit as startup capital and timely distribution of farmers by the government should geared towards target farmers respectively.
