Agricultural Zone Of Delta State Research Articles

Socio-Economic Status and Level of Biosecurity Practice of Catfish Farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone, Delta State, Nigeria

The socio-economic status and level of practice of biosecurity measures amongst catfish farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State were assessed. Data was collected randomly from 115 catfish farmers by oral interview and administration of structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze data collected. Results obtained show that catfish farmers had a mean of 45 years, dominated by males with 54.8 % having secondary education and 7.8 years experience in fish farming. The coefficients for stocking density, source of fish seed, organic inclusions, workers shower, access restrictions, a record of fish disease and pathogen management were highly significant (P<0.05). It implies that these variables are important factors influencing the practice of biosecurity measures in the study area. A poor level of practice of biosecurity was observed with a large number of negative coefficients of independent variables, implying that increases in the magnitude of these variables may lead to a reduction in the level of biosecurity practice amongst catfish farmers in the area. This study also observed that the practice of biosecurity measures was not an important issue among catfish farmers. Guidelines supported by appropriate legislation is needed to enforce practice and compliance of biosecurity practice.

Effect of Rural - Urban Migration on Arable Crops Production in Delta North Agricultural Zone, Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the events of rural-urban migration on Arable crops production in the rural areas of Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State. Data were collected from 180 rural households’ arable crops farmers. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Most migrants were able bodied young adults. Labour shortage was experienced in almost every household by arable crops farmers. As a result of labour shortage there were lots of uncultivated and under-cultivated arable crop lands in hectares. Net revenue foregone significantly correlated with labour shortage, reduction in arable crops production and rate of migration. The findings reveal that rural-urban migration was selective of age, marital status, and educational backgrounds while the primary reason for the movement was to better themselves economically. Also, that the massive influx of people to the cities was due to the dearth of infrastructure and economic opportunities and the neglect suffered by the agricultural sector in the rural areas. As a recommendation, a more proactive measure be adopted in the rural infrastructural development and government should adopt and enforce infrastructural priority policies that will create the enabling environment for rural transformation and agricultural development in rural areas that will bring positive effects to households of arable crops farmers who are the hub of food production in Delta North.

Factors influencing participation in homestead catfish production in Delta State, Nigeria

Domestic fish production in Nigeria has been growing for the past decade, yet a widening demand-supply gap has persisted leading to a substantial loss in Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings due to fish imports. In order to boost household food fish supply many individuals have converted available land space within their homestead for catfish production. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of socio-economic variables on the participation in homestead catfish production in the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Using data from 137 respondents engaged in catfish farming, the findings showed a mean age of 44 years for catfish farmers and an average land size of 104.35 m2 for pond construction. The probit model had a good fit with a Psuedo-R2 of 0.62, 90.5 % of cases correctly predicted, and a significant likelihood ratio (LR) test (p < 0.01). Results of the probit analysis indicated that pond location, age, land area, adults per household, years of education, disposable income, and access to credit exerted a positive and significant effect on homestead catfish production participation decision.

Profitability and technical efficiency in homestead catfish production in Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the proftability and technical effciency in homestead catfsh production in the central agricultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 162 homestead catfsh farmers with the aid of well-structured questionnaire, using multi-stage sampling procedure. Budgetary analysis and stochastic frontier production function were used to analyse the data. Catfsh production was found to be proftable with a net margin of 67.17/kg; net margin of 490.31 /m2 and a net margin-total cost ratio of 29%. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) results indicated that pond size, feeds, fngerlings and labour positively and signifcantly affected homestead catfsh output. The returns to scale (RTS) of 2.26 implied that the farm frms in the area exhibited increasing returns to scale. Technical effciency of catfsh farms ranged from 28% to 96% with an average of 87%. Observed ineffciency was due to age, education, credit access and household size.

Constraints to participation of rural farmers in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme in Delta north agricultural zone of Delta state, Nigeria

The study analysed the constraints to participation of rural farmers in agricultural extension sub-programme in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. One of the barriers that contributes to lack of of success in agricultural development programmes is the nonparticipation of farmers in agricultural extension programme and activities. There is paucity of information regarding the constraints to participation of rural farmers in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme. The study therefore bridges this gap. The study specially investigated the socio-economic characteristics of the non-participating rural farmers and constraints to their participation in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select the ninety-nine (99) farmers, which constituted the sample for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed by percentages, means and chi square. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 46 years, 79.8% were literate with an average farming experience of 40 years and 52.5% were males. Findings revealed that the farmer’s average income per annum was N148,500.00. The constraints of rural farmers participation in agricultural extension programme were poor incentive (x=3.15), insufficient availability of land (x=3.05), inadequate extension workers (x=2.97), inadequate infrastructure (x=2.95) and age (x=2.62). There was statistically no significant relationship between the constraints influencing male and female rural farmers’ participation in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme (X 2 cal 1.05 < X 2 table 14.07 at 0.05). It is recommended that to discourage non-participation of rural farmers, there should be an increase in the incentive for participation and in the number of extension personnel in rural communities. Keywords : Non-participation, Agricultural Extension, programme, Agricultural Production.

Analysis of Gender Roles in Palm Oil Production in the Northern Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Analysis of Gender Roles in Palm Oil Production in the Northern Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Farm Operations Cooperative in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine farm operations cooperatives in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. All the members of the six (6) selected groups were used for the study. The data which were collected with the use of questionnaire and interview schedule were analyzed with the use of frequency counts, percentages and tobit regression model. Most of the members were females and were also mostly married. Most of them were educated formally and had average household size of 5 persons and average farm size of 2.5 ha. They had an average farming experience of 13 years and most of them had no contact with extension agents. Most (76.50%) household had members that emigrated from households. They subscribed to these groups because of reduction of labour cost, timely execution and conclusion of farm operations, exchange of ideas and information, expansion of farm size and reduction of drudgery involved in farming. They were mostly satisfied with their various groups. They however had challenges ranging from irregular meeting attendance, inadequate access to extension service, bloated membership strength to lateness to work. Inadequate membership strength was also a constraint to few of the groups. The farmers’ decision to subscribe to their various groups was informed or influenced by their marital status, level of education, household size, farm size, farming experience, extension visit and contact with other farmers, and emigration of household members. It was recommended that extension agents should establish frequent contacts with the various groups and educate them on the importance of time and regular meeting attendance. The groups with bloated membership strength should be split into two groups while farmers need to be encouraged to subscribe to those groups with inadequate membership strength.

Social Impact Assessment of Crude Oil Pollution on Small Scale Farmers in Oil Producing Communities of the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

The study assessed the social impact of oil production on small holder farmers in oil-producing communities of the Central zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 respondents by the use of questionnaires. Soil erosion (96.6%), noise pollution (98.3%), bush burning (93.3%), land degradation/pollution (87.5%), water pollution (80.3%), air pollution (62.5%), massive deforestation (62.5%) and acid rain (52.5%) were seen as the major environmental problems experienced in the study area. The respondents reported that oil pollution impacted negatively on their income (83.3%), agricultural production (98.3%) and land availability (85.8%). None of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents such as age, gender, Educational level, religion, marital status, type of farming, family size, Farming experience, farm size, income, housing, tenure, membership of organization, land tenure and source of labour were found to determine the social impact of oil pollution on small-scale farmers. Recommendations given dwelt on making the environment conducive for the communities, agricultural activities and it sustenance for future generations.

Farmers’ knowledge and perception regarding the importance of cover crops in the Northern Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined farmers' knowledge and perception regarding the importance of cover crops in the northern agricultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Eighty crop farmers that were randomly selected served as respondents of the study. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, mean scores, and percentage were used to summarize data. Farmers' knowledge of cover crops was determined through a knowledge test, while Likert scaling was used in determining perception on the importance of cover crops and constraints to the utilization of cover crops. Results reveal that majority of the farmers operate on a small-scale with farm size ranging between 1 and 3 hectares. About 75 percent of the farmers had formal education. Majority of the farmers plant cover crops primarily for consumption and income generation not as a soil conservation measure. Popular cover crops planted include melon, beans and sweet potato. Farmers had a low knowledge on cover crops, however, majority of the farmers agreed with 13 of the 15 importance of cover crops investigated by the study. This suggests that they understand the rationale for the use of cover crops. Important constraints to the use of cover crops identified by the study include: attracts and harbor pests (M = 2.66), difficult to manage (M = 2.75), increase cost of production (M = 2.93), adds excessive residue to the soil (M = 2.66), and competes with food crops for space, light and nutrients (M =3.44). Based on the findings of this study, it concludes that crop farmers in northern agricultural zone presently do not exploit the full benefits of cover crops because of their limited use of cover crops. The study recommends that the farmers should increase their level of cover crops utilization by planting different cover crops species.

Influence of Agricultural Extension Contact on Control of Farmland Degradation among Yam Farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of extension contact on control of farm land degradation among yam farmers. Eight rural communities were randomly selected for the study. From the eight communities one hundred and twenty (120) yam farmers were randomly drawn to compose the sample. Data were collected by use of structured interview schedule and analysed by mean, Chi square test and Pearson r. It was found that majority of the farmers were old (M =47.77) and below secondary education (M = 9.41). The mean number of extension contact had by the farmers was 3.93. The yam farmers agreed that land degradation could cause famine (M= 2.78), low yam yield (M= 2.71), low quality of yam (M= 3.14), and tussle and pressure on available land M= 2.51). There was a positive and significant relationship between extension contact and perception of the effects of farm land degradation on yam production (r = 0.87). There were significant relationships between number of extension contacts, and mulching (X2 =60.25, r= 0.71); organic manure application (X2 = 55.03, r = 0.68); and avoidance of bush burning (X2 = 86.40, r = 0.85). There was no significant relationship between extension contacts and terracing (X2 =15.95, r= 0.37). The study established that education campaign I the control of farm land degradation through avoidance of bush burning, use of mulching and organic manure. The education campaigns to control farm land degradation was effective in the study area. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p33

Crop Productivity, Land Degradation and Poverty Nexus in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This paper examined the nexus among crop productivity, land degradation and poverty in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The hypothesis was that there is no significant relationship among crop productivity, land degradation and poverty in the study area A Multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 150 respondents. Data were analyzed using percentages and Logit regression. In the regression analysis of Determinants of Crop Productivity, the adjusted R-square showed that about 46 percent of the variability in crop productivity was due to the explanatory variables. The F-stat of 21.41 was significant P = 0.01. All significant variables were positively related to the farmers’ crop productivity. The weighted measure of poverty was employed to determine the poverty line as N5, 383.98. The logit model estimated the determinants of poverty in the study area. The model was well fitted with the log-likelihood function (-54.39) and the Chi-square X2(98.74) significant at 1% level and different variables being significant in the model. The estimated household size variable has a positive coefficient of 0.84 at 1 % significance level. The dependency ratio (X4) coefficient of -0.52 was significant p = 0.05 %. The value of elasticity showed that if dependency ratio decreases by one percent, the probability of being poor will increase by 0.13 percent. Household farm income (X5) coefficient was found to be significant at 1% and negatively related to poverty status. Also the marginal analysis revealed that if farm income increases by 1 percent, the poverty status will remain unchanged. Land ownership (X13) variable has a positive coefficient of 1.07 at 10 % significant level. Agricultural information (X14) was also found to be statistically significant at 5 % level but with negative coefficient of 1.56. We recommend that Policy on land management practices and natural resource exploitation should be reviewed or put in place where not existing and adhered to strictly by all relevant bodies and individuals as it will go a long way to conserving the natural resources and promoting crop yields with resultant increased farm income, all things being equal. Secondly, that family planning policy/programme of a maximum of four children to a family be revisited with a view to implementing it rigorously if the problems of large family size and unemployment are to be effectively addressed in the medium to long term.

Extent of Use of ICTs by Fish Farmers in Isoko Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the extent of use of ICTs by fish farmers in Isoko agricultural zone of Delta State. Data obtained from 60 respondents purposively selected for the study, were summarized using percentage, mean score and correlation coefficient. The respondents were within the mean age of 45 years and males (60%) were more involved in fish farming than their female counterparts; they were mainly small scale fish farmers. The respondents were well aware of and used the telephone (GSM), television and radio for their contacts and enquiries, report preparation and information search. However, use of ICT facilities was constrained by the problem of maintenance, low level of production and rural poverty. Training to increase technical efficiency of farmers on ICT use and maintenance, and establishing appropriate policies to reduce rural poverty remain instrumental towards ICTs use by fish farmers.

Leadership Effectiveness among Farmers’ Self-Help Groups in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria and Its Implication for Improved Agricultural Extension Service

This study was conducted in Delta Central Agricultural Zone to determine the effectiveness of the leadership of farmers’ self-help groups through attendance to meetings, regularity in the payment of dues and participation in group activities. Farmers’ groups are ubiquitous, yet the level of production among farmers is still inadequate. Seven of the registered farmers groups were randomly selected. Ten percent (10%) of the members of each selected group were also randomly selected to give 68 respondents that were used for the study. Primary data were collected from the respondents with the use of questionnaire and interview schedule while secondary data were collected from the records of the selected farmers’ groups. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis by using mean derived from 4-point Likert-type scale, frequency counts and percentages. The hypotheses were addressed with the use of Pearson correlation. Leaderships were rated low in qualities of leaders and were found to be fairly effective

RURAL FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Farmer perception of their environment is a factor of climate change. Adaptation to climate change requires farmers to realize that the climate has changed and they must identify useful adaptations and implement them. This study analyzed the per-ception of climate change among rural farmers in central agri-cultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Climate change studies often assume certain adaptations and minimal examination of how, when, why, and conditions under which adaptations usually take place in any economic and social systems. The study was conducted by survey method on 131 respondents using struc-tured interview schedule and questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and linear regression model to test that education, gender, and farming experience influenced farmers’ perception of climate change. The results showed that the farmers were aware of climate change. The identified causes of climate change were ranging from intensified agriculture, population explosion, increased use of fossil fuel, loss of in-digenous know practice to gas flaring. The effects of climate change on crops and livestocks were also identified by the rural farmers. Many of the farmers adapted to climate change by planting trees, carrying out soil conservation practice, changing planting dates, using different crop varieties, installing fans in livestock pens, and applying irrigation. Almost half of them did not adapt to climate change. The linear regression analysis revealed that education, gender, and farming experience influ-enced farmers’ perception of climate change. The major barriers to adaptation to climate change included lack of information, lack of money, and inadequate land.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;

RURAL FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Farmer perception of their environment is a factor of climate change. Adaptation to climate change requires farmers to realize that the climate has changed and they must identify useful adaptations and implement them. This study analyzed the per-ception of climate change among rural farmers in central agri-cultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Climate change studies often assume certain adaptations and minimal examination of how, when, why, and conditions under which adaptations usually take place in any economic and social systems. The study was conducted by survey method on 131 respondents using struc-tured interview schedule and questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and linear regression model to test that education, gender, and farming experience influenced farmers’ perception of climate change. The results showed that the farmers were aware of climate change. The identified causes of climate change were ranging from intensified agriculture, population explosion, increased use of fossil fuel, loss of in-digenous know practice to gas flaring. The effects of climate change on crops and livestocks were also identified by the rural farmers. Many of the farmers adapted to climate change by planting trees, carrying out soil conservation practice, changing planting dates, using different crop varieties, installing fans in livestock pens, and applying irrigation. Almost half of them did not adapt to climate change. The linear regression analysis revealed that education, gender, and farming experience influ-enced farmers’ perception of climate change. The major barriers to adaptation to climate change included lack of information, lack of money, and inadequate land.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;

Effect of community participation on sustainability of rural water projects in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the effect of community participation on sustainability of rural water projects in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The study was concentrated in the rural settlements where water projects were executed. The community citizens were rarely often or always involved in the various stages of the projects as the community development committees’ executives represented the communities. In most communities, the water projects were funded by the respective communities and other bodies. Those counter partly funded were highly sustainable than those solely funded by governments. The various communities were mostly organized through formation of community development committees, weekly meetings and formation of social groups. There was significantly relationship between participation and sustainability of water projects (r-cal = 0.652 and r-critical = 0.632). It is recommended that the level of participation in projects should be increased; and the communities should continue with their methods of organization with more emphasis on regular conference and institution of sanctions/rewards to encourage citizens to participate in development projects. Key words: Effect, community participation, sustainability, rural, water, projects.

Rural Youths’ Involvement in Agricultural Production In Delta Central Agricultural Zone: Challenge To Agricultural Extension Development In Delta State

Youths are a formidable force in the agricultural production process, constituting a sizeable proportion of future progressive farmers and better citizens, especially in the rural areas. While their contribution towards attaining food security cannot be underestimated, their apparent lukewarm attitude towards agriculture is a source of concern and challenge to the development of agricultural extension. This study investigates rural youths’ involvement in agricultural production activities in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire from 88 youths in the study area. Data analyses were through the use of percentages, means and correlation coefficient. Findings from the study showed that more than half (64.8%) of the youths were resident in rural areas and are mainly farmers (52.3%) involved mostly in arable crop production (69.3%). A greater percentage of the respondents (69.3%) expressed unfavourable attitude towards agriculture. Attitude correlates positively and significantly with participation in agricultural production activities (r=0.435) and influenced youths interest in agricultural activities. The need to provide social amenities and infrastructures that will make the youths live and work in the rural areas is emphasized. Also there is need to stimulate youths’ interest in agriculture through effective rural youth agricultural extension programmes.

Poultry Farmers’ Response to Agricultural Insurance in Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the response of poultry farmers to agricultural insurance. The study was carried out in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 120 poultry farmers was used for the study. Trained field assistants in addition to the researcher collected the data. Descriptive statistics such as mean scores, frequency and percentage were used to summarize data, while t-test was used to determined differences in perception of constraints to agricultural insurance between participating and non-participating poultry farmers. Results of the study reveal that only 37% of the respondents insured their poultry farms. This indicates a low participation in agricultural insurance by the farmers. The study also found a generally favourable attitude of the farmers towards agricultural insurance. The poultry farmers agreed that agricultural insurance is beneficial and is needed to cushion the effects of losses and damages. Constraints to poultry farmers’ participation in agricultural insurance identified by this study include: fears that claims may not be paid; inadequate knowledge on the benefits of agricultural insurance; late payment of compensation, high premium rate and compensation paid does not cover losses. The low participation of poultry farmers in agricultural insurance despite their favourable attitude could be blamed on these constraints. In order to enhance poultry farmers’ participation in agricultural insurance, this study recommends that the government should make agricultural insurance more affordable to poultry farmers by subsidizing the cost of taking an agricultural insurance cover. Insurance companies should endeavour to keep religiously to contractual arrangements so as to allay the fears of farmers that claims may not be paid. Also, a special loan scheme for poultry farmers should be established by government to enable the farmers cope with the financial requirements involved in taking an agricultural insurance cover.

Utilization Of Yam Minisett Technology Among Farmers In Delta North Agricultural Zone Of Delta State, Nigeria

This paper examined the utilization of minisett technology among farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Two local government areas were purposively sampled based on their outstanding involvement in yam production. Two communities were also purposively selected from the area from where 50 respondents were randomly sampled for the study. Data were collected with use of structured interview schedule and analyzed with descriptive statistics as well as probit model statistics. Result of the study revealed an R2 value of 0.65 indicating that 65% of variation in the utilization of the technology was accounted for by the variables under consideration in this study. Specifically farmers' sex, educational status, membership of cooperative societies as well as purpose of seed yam production were positively related to utilization of the yam minisett technology in the study area. It is therefore recommended that Extension agents should assist the farmers to join cooperative societies. This will enable them have easy access to the credits, farm inputs and their technical information normally made available to such cooperative societies. Again, formation of young farmers' club in the area will go a long way in capturing and sustaining interest of youths in farming and yam production in particular. Yam production is labour intensive, labour required for such enterprise is more available with the youths hence the need for their involvement. Furthermore, women folks should also be encouraged to participate in seed yam production through having access to the minisett technology as well as other essential factors of production Keywords : utilization, yam minisett technology, farmers Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 92-97

Availability, Accessibility and Utilization of Mass Media Channels: Implications for Extension Delivery Among Cassava Producers in the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effectiveness of mass media availability, accessibility and use on farmers' adoption of cassava-related innovations in the central agricultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The influence of a specific media type was also determined. Data, collected from a random sample of 133 cassava farmers resident in nine communities in the study area, were analysed using frequency distribution, mean, Spearman rho and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Results show that, while radio, television, and newspaper were the most available media in the study area, the most easily accessible media were radio and television. The media channels with the strongest influence on farmers' adoption of innovations were radio and television. The availability and accessibility of mass media channels also exerted significant influence on the respondents' adoption of farm technologies. Improving the availability of radio and television signals in rural areas was recommended.