Agro-ecological Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Farmers’ Perception of the Effects of Climate Change and Coping Strategies in Three Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

The study assessed farmers perception of the effects of climate change and coping strategies in three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Three agro-ecological zones namely Middle-Belt, North-Central and North–East were purposively selected and one LGA where NAERLS extension model village is located was purposively selected from each of the 3 agro-ecological zones. One village was randomly selected in addition to the NAERLS model village. Twenty five farmers were randomly selected from each village. One hundred and fifty (150) validated structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from respondents. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Farmers were fully aware of the effect of climate change and possible coping strategies such as the need for agricultural insurance, planting of drought and flood tolerant varieties and reduction of water loss through practices such as mulching and rearing of heat tolerant livestock. General perception was that climate change increases the rate of sickness/infection, reduces family income and that frequency of flood and that drought has increased. Chi-square analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between perception of climate change and agro-ecology (X2 =23.52; p

Genetic structure and diversity of Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates from soyabean

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to classify 116 isolates of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of soyabean rust, collected from infected soyabean leaves in four agroecological zones in Nigeria. A high degree of genetic variation was observed within the sampled populations of P. pachyrhizi. Eighty‐four distinct genotypes were identified among three of the four agroecological zones. Nei’s average genetic diversity across geographical regions was 0·22. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance showed low genetic differentiation among all populations of P. pachyrhizi. The majority (> 90%) of the genetic diversity was distributed within each soyabean field, while approximately 6% of the genetic diversity was distributed among fields within geographic regions. Low population differentiation was indicated by the low FST values among populations, suggesting a wide dispersal of identical genotypes on a regional scale. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a strictly clonal structure of the populations and five main groups were observed, with group II accounting for 30% of the entire population. Because of the asexual reproduction of P. pachyrhizi, single‐step mutations in SSR genotypes are likely to account for the genetic differences within each group.

Agro-ecological incidence and severity of Pepper veinal mottle virus, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae, on cultivated pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Nigeria

A survey on the agro-ecological distribution of Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) (Family Potyviridae, genus Potyvirus), its incidence and severity on cultivated pepper was conducted between 2003 to 2005 in six agro-ecological zones in Nigeria, comprising the major pepper producing areas of the humid forest, derived savanna, southern Guinea savanna, mid-altitude, northern Guinea savanna and Sudan savanna The virus was isolated and its physical properties determined. PVMV was confirmed to be present in cultivated pepper fields in the six agro-ecological zones surveyed but with significant difference in disease incidence and severity within the agro-ecological zones. Out of the 3000 suspected viral infected pepper leave samples collected from the fields in the six agro-ecological zones, 88% were confirmed to be PVMV positive by serological testing while 12% were found to be negative. The electron micrograph photograph showed antiserum decorated PVMV particles, having flexuous filamentous particles of 750 nm in length and 10 nm wide. The thermal inactivation point of the virus was 70°C and still infective up to the 12th day, while the dilution end point in which PVMV extract from Capsicum annuum L. was still infective was 10−4. The incidences of PVMV diseases were observed to be high in the derived savanna and the humid forest compared with the other agro-ecological zones. The percentage PVMV disease incidence ranged between 39.14% with 34.48% severity in the Sudan savanna to 50.12% incidence and 43.85% severity in the derived savanna zone. The high incidence and severity of PVMV in these two agro-ecological zones that are characterized by thick vegetation and warm humid climate, with the presence of many secondary host plants for the virus, suggest that ecological characteristics, climate and vegetation in the different ecological zones appeared to play a major role in determining the incidence and severity of PVMV infection on pepper in the fields.

THE EFFECT OF AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES ON THE INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF APHID VECTORS OF PEPPER VEINAL MOTTLE VIRUS, ON CULTIVATED PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) IN NIGERIA

The distribution of aphid vectors of Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) was studied on cultivated pepper between 2003 and 2005 in the major pepper producing areas of the six agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The aphids were isolated, identified and their transmission ability determined. Population of aphid vectors increased progressively in all the agro-ecological zones from March at the onset of raining season reaching a peak in August and then declining from September at the on set of the dry season. The Humid forest and Derived Savanna agro-ecological zones recorded highest mean population of aphids / leaf and types of aphid’s species compared with other agro-ecological zones. Six species of aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis gossipii (Glover), Aphis craccivora (Koch), Aphis spiraecola (Patch), Aphis fabae (Blanchard), and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), were identified on the pepper fields surveyed in all the agro-ecological zones. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of M. persicae, A. gossipii, A. craccivora, and R. maidis while A. spiraecola and A. fabae that varied in occurrence in all the zones. Ability to transmit PVMV to a healthy pepper plants varied in all the identified aphid species but R. maidis was not able to transmit PVMV from infected to a healthy pepper plant. A more sustainable approach to controlling pepper viruses is by targeting the aphid vectors and preventing the vectors from reaching the crops because the aphid vectors which are virus specific are the major means of transmitting virus to healthy plant.

Use of remote sensing and GIS for improved natural resources management: case study from different agroecological zones of West Africa

Historical and recent aerial photograph and satellite images were analysed to study the change of land use/land cover and soil degradation in different agroecological zones of Nigeria and Benin. The sites were characterized by an expansion of farmland at the expense of forest and shrub, fallow and uncultivated land, at an increasing rate due to population growth, food demand and land scarcity. Sheet and gully erosion were the consequences of the land use intensification and have destroyed extensive areas of farmland and grazing land. Reduced agricultural and livestock production, declining revenue, as well as increased conflict from resource competition between farmers and pastoralists are expected for the future. To combat these problems, improved land use management through continuing land inventory, generating an environmental database, developing land use plans and controlling erosion through adequate soil conservation measures are recommended.

Multivariate Analysis of Spatial Patterns of Morphological Traits in West African Dwarf Goats in Three Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria

Yakubu, A., Salako, A.E. and Imumorin, I.G. 2010. Multivariate analysis of spatial patterns of morphological traits in West African dwarf goats in three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 257–260. A multivariate analysis of phenotypic trait distribution across agro-ecological zones (tropical rainforest, guinea savanna and sudan savanna zones) in Nigeria was carried out on 302 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Most of the morphometric traits of rainforest and guinea savanna goats were higher (P<0.05) than those of the sudan savanna zone. Abdominal circumference, rump width, ear length, chest depth and cannon circumference were the most discriminating variables among the goats of the three zones. Based on Mahalanobis distances, the least differentiation was observed between rainforest and guinea savanna goats. Only 24.38% of rainforest and 22.86% of guinea savanna goats were classified into their source population. The relatively low morphometric distances as well as intermingling between the three goat populations indicate that they are homogenous and share similar genetic identities. This could aid in their conservation and formulation of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.

In Vitro toxicity of oil extracted from neem seeds collected from different locations across savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria on seed and soil-borne pathogens of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Graded extracts of neem seed oil extracted across the savanna agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria were tested on mycelial growth of Colletotrichum capsici and Macrophomina phaseolina of cowpea in Nigeria. Minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) and effectiveness levels of oil from AEZs were determined. Data were subject to ANOVA. Biplot was employed to access variation and interactions among the AEZs. Across the AEZs, fungitoxicity, MIC and effectiveness level varies; concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0% reduced the growth of C. capsici, while M. phaseolina was reduced at 10% concentration. On M. phaseolina, neem oil extracted from Ilorin, Ogbomosho (derived savanna) and Mokwa (southern guinea savanna) performed similarly, while a strong positive association existed between Ogbomosho (derived savanna) and Hadejia (Sahel savanna) samples. On C. capsici, samples from Bida (southern guinea savanna) and Ilorin (Derived savanna) were similar. This result could be a possible link between ecology, biodiversity and toxic principles in plant materials.

Factors influencing cassava - pulp fermentation period for gari processing among cassava processors in southeastern Nigeria.

paper examined factors influencing cassava pulp fermentation period for gari processing among cassava processors in South-eastern Nigeria. Five out of nine states that constitute South-east Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria were purposively sampled on the basis of being notable for cassava production. From each sampled state and by simple random sampling technique, 64 cassava processors were selected evenly from across the agricultural zones of the state. This summed up to a sample size of 320 respondents from the entire study area. Using structured interview schedule, data on age of farmers, educational status, years of gari processing experience, marital status, membership of cooperative societies, etc were collected from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Probit model analysis. Result of probit model analysis at 5% significance level shows an R value 0.4728 indicating that 47.28% of factors affecting cassava-pulp fermentation practices in the study area were accounted for by the variables considered in this study. Marital status (2.236**) and respondents' cultural influences (1.960**) were positively related to long period fermentation of cassava-pulp among the respondents. On the contrary, socio-economic statuses (-2.466**) of the respondents were negatively related to long period fermentation of cassava-pulp among the respondents. It is therefore, recommended that awareness campaign should be mounted to sensitize cassava processors to the health risks associated with short period of fermentation of cassava-pulp during gari processing. Similarly, extension agents should use occasion of personal visits to farmers to educate them on the importance of adequate fermentation of cassava pulp during gari processing. Cultural groups and activities should be explored by extension agents and nutritionists in disseminating information on need for longer period of fermentation of cassava pulp during gari processing. Keywords: Cassava-pulp, Fermentation, Gari Processing, Cyanide, Toxic

Interaction between Grain Yields of Rice and Environment (Soil) in Four Agroecological Zones in Nigeria

Rice grows in all agroecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria as the weather (rainfall, solar radiation, relative humidity) is optimum. Investigation was conducted in four AEZs to evaluate the effect of environment (soil) on the grain yields (GYs) of four new rice cultivars for Africa (NERICA) compared with farmers cultivars (i.e., Ofada and ITA 150). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated 10 times. The treatments were four AEZs [the northern Guinea savanna (NGS), derived savanna (DS), southern Guinea savanna (SGS), and Sudan savanna (SS)], four NERICA rice cultivars [WAB 189-B-B-B-HB (or WAB 189), WbAB 450-1-P-38-HB (or P-38), WAB-450-11-1-P31-1-HB (or P-31), WAB-450-24-3-2-P18-HB (or P-18)], Ofada, and a control (ITA 150). Ten on-farm plots were used as replicates. All trials were farmer managed. Data were collected on the soil physicochemical characteristics before the experiment, while GYs were collected at harvest. Results of the GYs were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Soil properties that significantly related to the GYs of rice were isolated using stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA). The most stable rice cultivar across all AEZs was obtained from the slope of a regression equation from the cultivar means versus environmental means. Results of the soil chemical properties showed that across all AEZs, soil fertility status varied between low and medium. Furthermore, the GYs of rice cultivars ranged between 2.55 and 3.44 t ha−1 and were of the order ITA 150 > P 18 > P 31 > Ofada > P 38 > WAB 1, though not significantly different. However, across AEZs, the GYs of rice were of the order SS > SGS > NGS > DS. The SMRA showed that the only three soil properties (pH, available P, and clay) significantly related to the GY of three of the rice cultivars (Ofada, P31, and WAB 189) with R2 values of 36, 53, and 63% respectively. The slopes of regression equations were 0.50, 0.65, 0.69, 0.85, 0.89, and 0.98 respectively for rice cultivars P31, P38, P18, ITA 150, Ofada, and WAB 189. This suggested that the most stable rice cultivars were P31 and P38. However, observations across sites showed that majority of farmers still prefer to grow Ofada on their farms, suggesting most local farmers are not yet aware of these rice cultivars. Results further showed that with proper management of the soil pH and available P and soil moisture (i.e., clay content), the GYs of these rice varieties could be improved. Critical organic carbon, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and clay contents required for a sustained and continuous cultivation of these rice cultivars were 7.0 g kg−1, 8 mg kg−1, 0.13 cmol kg−1, and 198 g clay kg−1, respectively.

Factors influencing the adoption of National Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT) Technologies in southeastern Nigeria

The study assessed the factors that influence the adoption of horticulture technologies in Southeast Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Three states were sampled for study from the nine states in the zone. Abia, Imo and Akwa Ibom were randomly selected for study. One hundred and ninety two (192) farmers were randomly sampled from the three states. Sixty (60) extension agents were also randomly selected from the zone. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage scores), and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that the mean adoption score of National Horticultural Research Institute technologies was very low (1.1). The reasons proffered were scarcity and high cost of technology packages. Factors that influenced adoption by farmers were age, mass media exposure, contact with extension agents and household size. It was recommended that technology inputs be multiplied and distributed to farmers at affordable prices.

Farmer and input marketer’s involvement in researchextension- farmer-input linkage system continuum of activities

This study determined the level of involvement of farmers and input marketers in the Research-Extension-Farmer-Input Linkage System (REFILS) continuum of activities in the Southeastern agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 80 randomly selected respondents from four states in the zone. Results showed inadequate involvement of farmers and input marketers in the REFILS continuum of activities. The overall assessment showed no significant difference in Chi-square analysis at p

Rural Poultry Populations and Strains in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

Rural Poultry Populations and Strains in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

Screening cassava genotypes in two agroecological zones of Nigeria using tuberous root poundability

Twelve cassava genotypes were evaluated in two agroecological zones (Ibadan: 25 ± 5 oC and Jos: 14 ± 5 oC) to determine the tuberous root poundability at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after planting (MAP). The resultsshowed that there were no significant differences (P

A Survey of Rootstock Usage and their Influence on Major Insects and Diseases of Citrus in Nigeria

In the various agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, most farmers do not use the recommended rootstocks that enable the production of vigorous and pest/disease resistant plants. Consequently there are many reports of citrus stand losses and low fruit yields in pest and disease endemic areas. This necessitated the initiation of the present study with a view to appraise the validity of existing rootstocks and evaluate, where necessary, new ones adapted to the areas lacking appropriate ones. Questionnaires were administered to 84 citrus farmers in selected producing areas of Nigeria and field visits were made to sample for pests and disease incidence in their farms. The questionnaires covered citrus types and varieties cultivated, sources of planting materials and rootstocks used, pests and diseases causing damage. Results indicated that the citrus types cultivated were in the following decreasing order of preference: sweet oranges (100 % of the farms), mandarins (32 %), tangelo (30 %), grape (28 %), lemon, lime and shaddock altogether were cultivated in 20 % of the farms. Seedlings were either obtained locally or from agricultural agents. Somefarmers combine budded seedlings with seedlings from seeds to establish their orchards. Often, the rootstocks chosen for seedling production were not based on recommendations. Only 16 % of the farmers used the recommended rootstocks. Major insect pest and disease attacks that directly correlated with stand losses included those of termites, scale insects, aphids, Phytophthora and tristeza. The rootstocks used affected the severity of some pests and diseases when compared.

Evaluation of water yam (&lt;i&gt;dioscorea alata l&lt;/i&gt;) genotypes for yield and yield components in Abakaliki agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Evaluation of water yam (&lt;i&gt;dioscorea alata l&lt;/i&gt;) genotypes for yield and yield components in Abakaliki agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Beta Carotene Content of Commonly Consumed Foods and Soups in Nigeria

Deficiency of vitamin A in the diets represents one of the key challenges affecting the developing world. However, beta-carotene is the most available/important source of pro-vitamin A in the diets of most people living in developing countries. It reportedly provides about 66% of vitamin A in their diets. In West Africa, much carotenoid is obtained from red palm oil, which is widely used in cooking. However, it has been reported that these available sources of pro-vitamin A are very often neglected by children and pregnant women who are more vulnerable or at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Also amount of dietary intakes of beta- carotene of Nigerians is not known. This study therefore aimed at determining the beta-carotene contents of some selected commonly consumed foods and soups in Nigeria. These foods and the soups were selected to reflect consumption across the three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Food samples were purchased from food vendors and were also obtained from people from these zones. The extraction of beta carotene in the matrices of the food samples was done using a modified method; while the determination of the beta carotene contents of the extracts was done using the ultra violet visible spectrophotometer. The beta carotene contents of the foods varied in each food group and the values obtained were similar to the values previously reported in the literature. Soups and stews had the highest concentrations of bet a carotene. Also foods such as moinmoin, akara, bean porridge and yam pottage prepared with red palm oil had moderate amounts of beta carotene. Foods prepared from yellow maize such as ogi/pap and eko/ agidi had lower values. Generally, the beta carotene content of foods analyzed ranged from 6 µg/100 g in Fufu to 13,279 µg/100 g in 'edikang ikong' soup. The beta carotene content of a considerable number of foods and soups commonly consumed in Nigeria is hereby provided. This result therefore adds to the 'food composition data' available for Nigeria. Food consumption studies and dietary management will benefit from these analyses. Since dietary improvement and diversification has been recognized as the long term solution to controlling VAD, soups containing enough green leafy vegetables such as edikang ikong, efo riro, palm oil stew and foods prepared with red palm oil, which are rich sources of provitamin A should be consumed in increased amounts to address vitamin A deficiency.

Study of Fish Weight Loss in Solar Dryer Across Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

AbstractDrying sessions were conducted across Nigeria to study the interaction between fish weight loss and the meteorological parameters. Correlation analyses using weight loss values show that latitude is strongly related (r =+0.96) to weight loss of fish inside the dryer while altitude had a weak relationship (r = +0.24) with weight loss. The results show that New Bussa recorded more weight loss of fish than Jos, despite their uniform latitude. Weight loss records in Jos, was however better than those of Warri and Ibadan.

Study of Fish Weight Loss in Solar Dryer Across Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

Study of Fish Weight Loss in Solar Dryer Across Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

Pathogenic Variation ofPhakopsora pachyrhiziInfecting Soybean in Nigeria

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is an important disease in Nigeria and many other soybean-producing countries worldwide. To determine the geographical distribution of soybean rust in Nigeria, soybean fields were surveyed in the Derived Savanna (DS), Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS), and Southern Guinea Savanna (SGS) agroecological zones in Nigeria between 2004 and 2006. Disease severity in each zone was determined and analyzed using geostatistics. Prevalence of infected fields and disease severity in surveyed fields were significantly (P < 0.05) different between geographical zones with both variables being higher in the DS zone than in either NGS or SGS zones. Geostatistical analysis indicated that the spatial influence of disease severity at one location on severity at other locations was between 75 and 120 km. An exponential model best described the relationship between semivariance and lag distance when rust severity was high. Spatial interpolation of rust severity showed that locations in the DS zone were more conducive for the rust epidemic compared to areas in the NGS zone. In the 2005 survey, 116 purified isolates were established in culture on detached soybean leaves. To establish the nature of pathogenic variation in P. pachyrhizi, a set of four soybean accessions with Rpp(1), Rpp(2), Rpp(3), and Rpp(4) resistance genes, two highly resistant and two highly susceptible genotypes were inoculated with single uredinial isolates. Principal component analysis on the number of uredinia per square centimeter of leaf tissue for 116 isolates indicated that an adequate summary of pathogenic variation was obtained using only four genotypes. Of these four, PI 459025B (with Rpp(4) gene) and TGx 1485-1D had the lowest and highest number of uredinia per square centimeter, respectively. Based on cluster analysis of the number of uredinia per square centimeter, seven pathotype clusters were determined. Isolates in cluster III were the most virulent, while those in cluster IV were the least virulent. Shannon's index (H) revealed a more diverse pathogen population in the DS zone (H = 1.21) compared to the rust population in SGS and NGS with H values of 1.08 and 0.91, respectively. This work will be useful in breeding and management of soybean rust by facilitating identification of resistant genotypes and targeting cultivars with specific resistance to match prevailing P. pachyrhizi pathotypes in a given geographical zone.

Incidence of African swine fever and its socio-economic implications on pig production in Lagos state, Nigeria

The significant contribution of pig production in the supply of high quality protein in Nigeria is evident in the rapid increase in number of pig farms witnessed recently. However, African Swine Fever (ASF) has since ravaged pig farms and consequently resulted in loss of farmers’ investments especially in some parts of the Southwest Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria (Majiyagbe et al., 2004; Otesile et al., 2005; Olugasa and Ijagbone, 2007). Putting the growth of the enterprise back on track requires proper assessment of the socio-economic environment surrounding the spread of the disease with the aim of determining the extent of infection, the consequences in terms of mortality of animals and loss of revenue alongside identifying farm specific factors that could have contributed to the spread. This study thus investigated the incidence of ASF and its socio-economic implications on pig enterprise in the zone.