UnizikSpace Community: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

Economic analysis of yellow passion fruit production in southeastern Nigeria under different soil fertility management

2025-08-13T15:25:12Z

Title: Economic analysis of yellow passion fruit production in southeastern Nigeria under different soil fertility management Authors: Ndukwe, Okorie Okoro; Okeke, Chinyere Charity; Baiyeri, Paul Kayode Abstract: Three experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2018 to examine the economics of yellow passion fruit production under different soil fertility management. In 2014, two yellow passion fruit genotypes, that is Conventional and KPF 4, were grown in the field and pot simultaneously under varying rates of poultry manure (PM), including 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha. In 2016, the response of the two genotypes to a single and combined application of organic and inorganic fertilisers was evaluated under field conditions, namely no fertiliser application, 10, 20 t/ha PM, 400 kg/ha NPK 15:15:15, 5 t/ha PM + 200 kg/ha NPK, and 10 t/ha PM + 200 kg/ha NPK. The profitability indicators were gross revenue, net revenue, returns per naira invested and the profitability index. In 2014, total variable cost increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in PM rates in both the field and pot studies. The highest net returns and returns per naira invested were obtained with the application of 20 t/ha PM. The combined application of 10 t/ha PM + 200 kg/ha NPK recorded the highest gross return, net return and return per naira invested in the 2016 production cycle. Growing the vines without fertiliser application gave significantly least net returns without profit in both production cycles and methods. Consequently, applying 20 t/ha PM was adjudged the most profitable for yellow passion fruit production in the study area, and hence is recommended particularly when organic farming is intended. However, if growers must use inorganic fertiliser, a combined application of 10 t/ha PM + 200 kg/ha NPK will be most profitable Description: Scholarly work

TRAINING STATUS OF EXTENSIONAGENTSONCLIMATECHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FORCROPANDLIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-EASTERNNIGERIA

2025-08-13T15:22:39Z

Title: TRAINING STATUS OF EXTENSIONAGENTSONCLIMATECHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FORCROPANDLIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-EASTERNNIGERIA Authors: Agomuo, C.I.; Akubuilo, C.J.C.; Ibeagwa, B.O. Abstract: The study investigated the training status of extension agents in climate change adaptation practices for crop production and livestock production in some selected states in South-eastern Nigeria. Specifically the study set out to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the extension agents; ascertain the trainings given to extension agents on crop and livestock climate change adaptation; and ascertain the training status of extension agents on climate change adaptation extension agents and Subject Matter Specialists were selected by proportionate and random sampling techniques for the study. Data were collected from the respondents by means of Focal Group Discussion and structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and climate change adaptation training status index. Results showed that the extension agents had an average age of 43 years were mostly female, and majority had acquired post-secondary education. Also the extension agents had been trained in climate change adaptation strategies for crop production as well as climate change adaptation strategies for animal production. The agents were on the average fairly well trained in climate change adaptation strategies. The study recommends that more male extension agents should be encouraged to get involved in the training and dissemination of climate change adaptation practices to farmers. This is especially so seeing that male may be more endowed with the ability to access even remote areas than females. Also, there is need for the Agricultural Development Programme(ADP) to adequately train all field extension agents on climate change adaptation measures for crop and livestock production, as they play very key role in solving farmers’ problems especially as they relate to climate change as was revealed by the findings that there were training needs of field extension agents in climate change adaptation. Description: Scholarly work

Influence of Cultural Factors on Age of Cooperative Societies in Imo State.

2025-08-13T15:20:05Z

Title: Influence of Cultural Factors on Age of Cooperative Societies in Imo State. Authors: Okoro, Chijioke Nwankwo; Okonkwo, Chukwudi Joseph; Akubuilo, C.J.C Abstract: This study investigated influence of cultural factors on age of cooperative societies in Imo State. The specific objective of the study is to assess various cultural factors as they affect the age of cooperative societies in Imo State. The research study adopted the descriptive survey design. The target population of this study included the management committee of all the cooperative societies in Imo State totaling about 14,000 societies. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of location and cooperative societies. In stage one, five local government areas each were randomly selected from the three senatorial zones (15 L.G.As). Secondly, within the local government areas, ten cooperative societies each were purposively selected (150 cooperative societies). The third stage entailed judgmental selection of Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of the selected cooperatives and this gives a total of 450 respondents. The data collected for the research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as table, percentage, mean, standard deviation and multiple regressions. Findings of the study revealed that age of cooperative business is significantly influenced by cultural factors (F-ratio= 660.266 Sig @ 0.000). Of all items depicting cultural factors, kinship system, age grade practices and religious groups were particularly found to have very high influence on age of cooperative societies. It was recommended that Cooperative societies should uphold the cultural norms of their location of business and engage in activities that promote concern for their host community to avoid effects of restiveness which has the capacity of closing down cooperative shops Description: Scholarly work

ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS BY CHILDREN-INAGRICULTURE PROGRAMME (CIAP) MEMBERS IN ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA

2025-08-13T15:16:43Z

Title: ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS BY CHILDREN-INAGRICULTURE PROGRAMME (CIAP) MEMBERS IN ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA Authors: AKUBUILO, C.J.C. Abstract: A major research question is how best to increase the adoption of innovations by Nigerian farmers. This study investigated the adoption of innovations by Children-In-Agriculture Programme (CIAP) participants in Enugu State of Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was designed, validated, and used to collect information from the one hundred registered CIAP members in Enugu State. An agricultural science test was also administered to all the 100 CIAP members (50 boys and 50 girls). One hypothesis was tested to the effect that there was statistically significant difference in the mean scores of male and female CIAP members on agricultural science knowledge test. The study also showed that the respondents adopted five innovations – sweet potato, mulching, line/row planting, dry season vegetable production, and fertiliser. Measures suggested by the subjects to promote interest of youths in agriculture include: formation of youth clubs in schools; award of scholarships to University students of agriculture; grant of interest – free loans to youths willing to embark on viable agricultural projects, ensuring that every primary school has a garden while every post-primary institution should have a modest farm; and the offer of automatic employment to a good number of agricultural graduates Description: Scholarly work