Crop In Nigeria Research Articles

Factors affecting stakeholders’ preferences for cowpea grains in selected parts of Nigeria

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.Walp) is an important food security crop. It provides food and income for many small-holder farmers in Africa. As a food source, the grains contain large quantities of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. In spite of the high nutritional value of cowpea, the crop is underutilized in most households and commercial eating houses in Nigeria. Several factors have been reported as constraints affecting the consumption and utilization of the crop in Nigeria, but have not been documented. This research was conducted to identify the factors affecting the utilization of the crop and determine the stakeholders’ preferences that will increase the demand and consumption of cowpea grains in Nigeria. The study was carried out in Ibadan in Oyo State and Zaria in Kaduna State in Nigeria,with a total of 318 respondents. A descriptive research design was used to collect data which were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) IBM version 20 and Microsoft Excel spread sheet. From the social demography result, the respondents were from six different category of stakeholders in the cowpea value chain mainly from breeders (3.7%), farmers (36.0%), marketers (12.7%), food vendors (6.7%), nutritionists (2.6%) and consumers (38.9%). This implies that the respondents were knowledgeable about the factors affecting the cowpea utilization. The two factors identified to affect the utilization of cowpea were culinary qualities (63.0% of respondents) and removing dirt (37.0% of respondents). Among the culinary qualities, the major quality preferred was reducing the cooking time (42.9% of respondents), followed by improved taste (31.7% of respondents), and value added products such as cowpea in powdered form (19.0% of respondents), and canned cowpea (6.4% of respondents). A total of 47.2% of respondents preferred the duration for cooking cowpea for21-30 minutes as against the 40-60 minutes most cowpea varieties cook for. These findings indicate that cooking time is still the major factor affecting the utilizationof cowpea grains. Therefore, improving this quality and other utilization attributes will increase the demand and consumption of cowpea grains.

Rice and Climate Change: It’s Significance towards Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: A Review

Climate change is already impacting on every aspect of man life on earth especially in the agricultural sectors of developing nations. In Nigeria, and indeed the world over, seasons are shifting, temperatures are rising, landscapes are changing and sea levels are rising. Extreme weather events like drought and flood are becoming more frequent and pronounced.[3] stressed on the fact that Agriculture will suffer from major damage caused by changes in climate especially in the African continent. Nigeria is one of the African country that is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, as Nigeria is still practicing rain fed agriculture [16]. The impact of climate change is experienced in form of extreme climatic events like flooding, severe heats, and droughts which has led to the degradation of soil and consequently low yield in crops. This will have consequences for rice cultivation in Nigeria, where the dominating climatic factor relied on by farmers in the choice of when to prepare the land for planting, the actual planting,the types of crop variety to plant and harvesting of crop is rainfall [23, 24].The implication of this will be interference with food security as rice is an essential food crop in Nigeria that is consumed by a large number of the population. [26] has warned that hunger in Africa will be worsen by adverse effects of climate change, as it threatens the capacity of vulnerable countries like Nigeria to guarantee food security, eradicate poverty and actualize sustainable development in agriculture. The increasing rate of inadequacy in food supply in the world leading to different form of malnutrition is worrisome and more needs to be done in the areas of agriculture so as to guarantee food security to some extent and improve on nourishment, if a world without hunger is to be achieved by 2030.

Current Status of Yam (Dioscorea Sp) Genetic Resources-Case Study of Selected Locations in South-West Nigeria

Yam is an important tuber crop in Nigeria. Some locations in South west Nigeria (Oyo State, Ondo State, Osun State, and Ogun State) were surveyed to find out the existence and the abundance of diversity of white guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata). It was discovered that there are also diversity in other species of landrace yams (Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea dumentorum). One unidentified species of yam was found in Ondo State. This species also exist in Osun State. Some of the yam diversities are endangered. Genetic erosion of these yam diversities is imminent because of the decline of the traditional farmers growing these diversities; also because of modern commercial farms that tend to mono-cropping of improved variety and also because of problem of storage of yams and especially ex-situ conservation of yam genetic resources of yam in Nigeria.

Biocontrol of cassava root-rot mycopathogens with antimicrobial extracts of wood shavings

ABSTRACT Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an excellent source of calories and a good source of income to both small and large-scale farmers in Nigeria. Cassava root rot is an important disease in different agroecological zones of West Africa, limiting the economic yield of this crop. Three prevalent root-rot mycopathogens (Fusarium oxysporum ACV16, Fusarium solani ACV09, and Aspergillus flavus OCV01) were isolated from freshly harvested cassava through direct plating on Potato Dextrose Agar. F. solani ACV09 was the most virulent, with rot severity of 37.96%. The biocontrol potentials of aqueous extracts of Cola nitida, Gmelina arborea, and Milicia excelsa wood shavings against root-rot pathogens were investigated using the in-vitro mycelial inhibition assay (medium amendment). C. nitida extract, at 0.002 g/mL, had the highest overall inhibitory effect on F. oxysporum ACV16, F. solani ACV09, and A. flavus OCV01, with average mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) of 52.09%, 84.46%, and 78.70%, respectively. G. arborea was most effective against F. solani ACV09, with MGI of 83.50% at 0.002 g/mL. However, F. oxysporum ACV16 appeared to be resistant to M. excelsa wood extract, with mycelial growth inhibition range between 0.69% and 2.08%. Aqueous extracts of C. nitida, M. excelsa and G. arborea wood shavings possess antifungal properties against cassava root-rot pathogens. These plant materials can be considered in the development of efficient biocontrol measures against cassava root-rot diseases, to enhance the production of this economically important crop in Nigeria.

Synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of a novel sodium carboxymethyl starch obtained from matured seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma

Background and objective Brachystegia eurycoma is an indigenous but underutilized legume crop in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to extract, purify, chemically modify, and characterize for its material and functional properties the starch from matured seeds of B. eurycoma and determine its suitability as an excipient in solid oral dosage formulations.Materials and methods Starch was extracted, purified, and subjected to carboxymethylation using modified methods. Micromeritic and rheological properties of the starch products were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, powder radiograph diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques, which were used to characterize the preparations. Granules were prepared using the method of wetting and massing. The bulk properties, solubility, and the disintegrant properties were evaluated in isoniazid capsules and tablets.Results and discussion The results show good compressibility and excellent flow of the modified starch. The solubility of the modified starch was increased by 2–10 folds, whereas the swelling capacity of the native starch was increased up to 9.0–16 times. Both differential scanning calorimetry and XRD results have shown a reduction of crystallinity, whereas the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated formation of carbonyl functional group and absence of interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed eruption and coalescence of starch granules after modification. XRD showed decreased thermal stability, and thermogravimetric analysis showed product decomposition at lower temperatures than the native starch. Disintegration was found to be faster with lower concentration of carboxymethylated starches.Conclusion The study concludes that derivatization of carboxymethylated starch from B. eurycoma seed yielded starch products with unique functional properties that could be explored for the formulation of controlled-release systems.

Viruses Infecting Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) in Nigeria

Sweet potato is the second most important root crop after cassava in Nigeria. Due to decline in Nigeria‘s economy in recent years, the production of sweet potato has significantly increased from 2.4 million metric tonnes in 2000 to 4.1 million metric tons in 2017 to meet up with its demand for local consumption. However, the profitable production of the crop is being threatened by virus diseases such as Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Useful information about these viruses is instrumental in the effective management of the crop in Nigeria. This paper reviewed the major viruses that affect sweet potato production in Nigeria.

Determinants of Soybean Farmers' Adoption of Green Revolution Technologies in Oyo State, Nigeria

Soybean is a non-indigenous crop in Nigeria, but has become an important food security crop due to its nutritive, economic and agronomic benefits. In recognition of these benefits, numerous efforts have been made to boost soybean output and productivity in Nigeria through the 'green revolution' pathway. However, despite the impressive widespread adoption of high yielding varieties of soybean in Nigeria, observed yields are still below regional and global averages, prompting research into the disparity between actual yields observed and obtainable potential yield. One of the reasons suggested in literature is that farmers do not fully adopt the 'green revolution' technology package that includes fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, leading to sub-optimal yields. This study therefore assessed the adoption rate and determinants of adopting the complementary components of high yielding varieties of soybean (fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides) among its farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study made use of primary data collected from 108 soybean farmers in a cross-sectional survey with the aid of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Multivariate Probit regression model. The results show that most of the soybean farmers are male, married and middle aged (average of 50 years), with a mean household size and years of formal education of 9 persons and 4 years respectively. However, while herbicides (93.5%) and pesticides (92.6%) are widely adopted, the adoption rate of fertilizer is low (38.9%) among the soybean farmers. The adoption of these technologies is significantly influenced by gender, education, age, household size, extension contact and credit access, albeit heterogeneously. Soybean farmers that had contact with extension service are more likely to adopt fertilizers, while education and credit access positively influence the adoption of herbicides and pesticides. Female farmers have a higher likelihood of adopting herbicides, but are less likely to adopt fertilizers relative to male farmers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that efforts to expand the rural financial market to improve farmers' access to credit should be made. Similarly, extension activities designed to inform, train and monitor farmers about fertilizer use in soybean production should be intensified in order to encourage the adoption of these complementary components for improved yield, nutrition and welfare of soybean farmers.

Ethnobotany of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and its importance in the household economy of the Ikale and Ilaje of Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), a perennial crop that originated from Tropical rainforest of West Africa, is one of the most important economic oil crops in Nigeria providing income for rural and semi-urban folks. This study described the ethnobotany of the plant and evaluated the extent to which it contributes to the livelihood strategies of the Ikale and Ilaje speaking people of Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: Interviews were conducted in the local language and questionnaires were administered to willing respondents. Photographs of tools/machines used in the production of palm oil and allied products were taken. Drawings of the tools were generated on site. Results: The plant is the principal source of palm oil. Major processing tools of palm oil include cracker, presser, digester, and boiling trough. Other products that are derived from oil palm parts are palm kernel oil, kernel meat (for livestock feed), kernel shells (for fuel), palm wine, broom, fish trap, and traditional soap. All these products are made using indigenous methods. They feature in medicinal preparations, traditional ceremonies and are important household commodities. Conclusions: The products derived from oil palm tree serve as means of livelihood in the study communities and are local resources used in everyday activities of the people. The indigenous production methods observed further emphasize the role these products play in the economy of oil palm product makers and sellers. Sustainable tapping of palm wine should be encouraged in order to derive maximum benefits from oil palm tree. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Economic Botany, African Oil Palm, Ondo State, Nigeria

Serological and Molecular Characterisation of Virus Infecting Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Adim-Biase, Cross River State, Nigeria

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, (Thunb.) is an annual crop in the Cucurbitaceae family grown for it fruits. It nutritional and medical uses helps in combating some illnesses and maintaining good health. The production of this crop in Nigeria is seriously under threat by virus disease. A survey of some farms in Adim, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria during the 2019 planting season revealed mosaic and chlorotic symptoms. Mechanical inoculation was performed on young seedlings of Cucumeropsis mannii from watermelon samples showing viral symptoms and latter tested against the universal potyvirus antiserum and further detected by RT-PCR assay using cylindrical inclusion (CI) primer. The amplified cDNA was cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined. The serology result showed that there was positive reaction against the potyvirus antiserum confirming it to be a potyvirus. The gene sequence analysis revealed 86% sequence identity with Algerian watermelon mosaic virus. This is the first report of Algerian watermelon mosaic virus strain infecting watermelon in Nigeria.

Intensification options of small holders’ cassava production in South‐west Nigeria

AbstractCassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food crop in Nigeria, but root yields hardly exceed 10 t ha−1. Intensification of small holders’ cassava production is key to improved food security and income generation. We tested, in two demonstration trials and 20 on‐farm trials, different intensification options: cassava growth type (erect and branching), fertilizer application (with and without), and cassava − legume arrangement (0.5 by 2 m/1 by 1 m spacing of cassava) in demonstration trials. In on‐farm trials, farmers tested a subset of these treatments. The demonstration trials had median cassava yields of about 20 (Akindele village) and 15 (Osunwoyin village) t ha−1. Fertilizer application increased the yield of the erect cassava variety. Cassava intercropped with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], reduced yield and the branching cassava variety produced lower yield than the erect variety. Median cowpea yields were about 1 and 1.5 t ha−1 pod yield. Median yields in the on‐farm trials were about 10 t ha−1. Intercropping with cowpea reduced cassava root yields (on average by 2.4 t ha−1), again, cowpea pod yields of 1−1.5 t ha−1 were attainable. In summary, this study confirmed that intensification measures need to be site and user or farmer specific.

DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION DENSITIES OF PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an important cash crop in Nigeria. In spite of the economic importance of plant-parasitic nematodes reported on ginger, little or no information is available as regards plant-parasitic nematodes diversity and abundance on ginger in Nigeria. This work was conducted in 2018 to identify plant-parasitic nematodes associated with ginger in Kaduna state and to determine their population densities. Three Local Government Areas (LGA) were visited and between 12 to 16 ginger farms were sampled per LGA. A total of 42 soil samples was collected at a depth of 0 - 30 cm of the plant rhizosphere. Plant-parasitic nematodes were extracted from the soil using modified sieving and decanting method. Identification to genera level was done using identification keys viewing with dissecting microscope at X40 magnification. Nineteen (19) genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were identified, with 12 genera occurring in all LGA(s). Scutellonema (113.33), Meloidogyne (110), and Pratylenchus (93.33) were the most abundant per 100 ml of soil when locations are combined. Plant-parasitic nematodes population average was 870-950 per 100 ml of soil. All locations showed a high percentage similarity of plant-parasitic nematodes diversity and were statistically similar. This high diversity and population abundance can be among the reasons for the low productivity of ginger in Nigeria. It is therefore important to educate farmers on the economic importance of plant-parasitic nematodes on ginger and its management. Further research using the most occurring genera to establish the threshold population densities capable of causing economic yield loss needs to be conducted

Productivity, nutrient concentration, uptake and quality of Amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus L.) as influenced by cutting heights and fertilizer type

Amaranthus cruentus L. is a leafy vegetable that is cultivated mainly for its leaves and grains. Due to high demand for this crop in Nigeria, the need to boost its productivity becomes necessary. Field and laboratory studies were conducted during in two successive cropping seasons at the experimental farm and laboratory unit of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. Three cutting heights C1: (10 cm), C2: (15 cm), C3: (20 cm) and a control C0: (no cutting) and four rates of fertilizer application F0: (Control), F1: (10 t ha-1 poultry manure), F2: (150 kg ha-1 NPK15:15:15) and F3 (75 t ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 5 t ha-1 poultry manure) constituted the treatments. The treatments were in three replicate laid out in a (4 × 4) factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Data collected were plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (cm) and number of branches. Fresh and dry herbage yield were taken at harvest. Growth, yield, and quality of Amarathus cruentus were significantly influenced by cutting heights and fertilizer application. In both years, number of branches (3.50 and 6.01) were lowest at C0 compared with other treatments. Herbage fresh and dry yield (49.10 t ha-1 and 18.20 t ha-1) were highest at C3 and was consistent in both years. Similarly, the concentration of K, Ca, and Mg in plant tissue and the uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) increase at C3 compared with other treatments. F3 significantly (p<0.05) produced highest dry herbage yield (13.08 t ha-1and 25.15 t ha-1) in both years. Crude protein, fibre and fat content of the shoots were highest at cutting height of C3 and at F3 fertilizer rate. Therefore, for good yield and better quality of Amaranthus cruentus L, a combination of (75 t ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 5 t ha-1 poultry manure) at cutting height of C3: (20 cm above soil level) is recommended for Amaranthus cruentus L production in the study area.

Effectiveness of Selected Parapheromones for Mass Trapping of Mango Fruit Fly, Ceratitis cosyra Walker and Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Mango

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop in Nigeria. It is a source of essential vitamins and is also cultivated for its nutritional, medicinal and industrial uses. Fruit flies infest various commercial fruit crops and cause economic damage. Mass trapping and male annihilation technique (MAT) has been the most useful and common means of controlling fruit flies with special focus on Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) on mangoes. The study evaluated the effectiveness of four types of parapheromones namely, methyl eugenol (liquid and solid forms), cuelure, terpinyl acetate and trimedlure for mass trapping of fruit flies on Mango. Modified Lynfield traps containing the parapheromones were randomly set on the mango orchards in three replicates in Nigeria Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) orchard, Okigwe, Imo state, Southeast Nigeria. This study was conducted during the mango fruiting period of 2019 season, when the density of fruit flies peaked. Effect of parapheromones on mean number of damaged dropped fruits was also evaluated. The mean population of B. dorsalis and Ceratitis cosyra was significantly higher (P>0.05) in liquid methyl eugenol traps when compared to other parapheromones. Bactrocera dorsalis recorded more than 90% of the fruit flies that were trapped especially in the first 3 weeks of trapping. In orchard I, Liquid methyl eugenol significantly (P<0.05) trapped highest number of B. dorsalis (270.20) in week I and similar trends were observed in orchard II. There was steady decline in damaged dropped mango fruits as the study progressed (Fig. 1 and 2). Use of liquid methyl eugenol was most effective in trapping B. dorsalis and C. cosyra, and it can be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes for the control of fruit flies.

A Search for Suitable Growing Environment for Sesame Production in Nigeria

The economic relevance of farm management practices to the production of sesame crops in Nigeria includes preventing and combatting food crises, actualization and realization of national food security as well as enhancing gross domestic product. This research seeks to examine the edaphology of some soil types in relation to the productivity of sesame crops in Nigeria. The experiment was conducted in statistical farm of Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State, Nigeria during 2019 growing season. The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design with one hundred replications. There were three types of soils investigated; Clay, Sandy, and Loamy were compared with one another. The soils were made free of any nuisance factors effects. The chlorophyll content of the plants was read using Konica Minolta chlorophyll meter SPAD-502 plus, and the data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The result of the analysis indicates a higher significant effect of Sandy soil (M = 11.20, SD = 2.37) on the yield of sesame crops in this region as compared to the effects of the Clay (M = 3.60, SD = 0.89), and Loamy (M = 6.86, SD = 3.39) soils. The overall ANOVA test indicates that growing environment does have effect on sesame production, F (2, 27) = 6.70, p = 0.00. However, the result indicates insignificant chlorophyll mean difference between Clay and Loamy soils. It is therefore evident from these results and the reviewed literatures that the suitable growing environment for sesame production in Nigeria is fertile Sandy soil that is deep, light textured, well-drained and that is exposed to an average temperature of 25oC to 37oC. The crop is also tolerant to draught, but not at the germination and seedling stages, water logging, and excessive rain fall while it requires 90–120 frost-free days to achieve optimal yields in cold regions. The challenges which stand in the way of increasing the productivity and quality of sesame crops need to be overcome. As with other crops, which is a major export crop in many countries, these crops should be given more research attention.

Changes in Chlorophyll and Protein Contents of Vigna unguiculata, Glycine max, Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor Raised in Soil Incorporated with the Shoots of Tithonia rotundifolia

Tithonia. rotundifolia is an allelopathic weed that grows in association with cultivated crops in Nigeria. Allelopathy is a phenomenon of plant releasing allelochemicals into the environment that can inhibit or stimulate the growth of other plants and microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil incorporated with the fresh shoots of T. rotundifolia on chlorophyll and protein accumulation of Vigna unguiculata L. Glycine max L., Zea mays L. and Sorghum bicolor L. 250 g of fresh shoots of T. rotundifolia were worked into each plot of 2 m2 dimension and the test crops were sown in the plots. Plots with no T. rotundifolia shoots were included as control plots. The experiment was performed in completely randomized block design (CRBD). The parameters measured were chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b total chlorophyll and protein content. The results showed a stimulation in chlorophyll contents in the test crops except inhibition in chl b and total chlorophyll in Zea mays L. Also, there was a stimulation of protein in Zea mays L. and Sorghum bicolor L. The study suggests that incorporation of shoots of Tithonia rotundifolia could imparts stimulatory allelopathic effects.

English

Genetically modified crops (GM crops) have gained wide attention over the years some GM crops have been undergoing field trials in Nigeria, but they have not proceeded to commercial cultivation due to the absence of regulatory law. The biosafety act was passed into law in 2015 and the presence of this law, can see to the progression of the GM crops from field trials to commercialization. This study investigated the readiness of potential consumers for the possible introduction of these GM crops into the food market. The survey was designed to investigate among other factors their willingness to consume GM crops and to identify their concerns, if any. The results obtained indicated that most of the respondents have medium level knowledge about GMO\GM crops. The desire to consume GM crops among respondents varied and many respondents indicated that they have concerns about GM crops. Their concern was primarily related to potential health risks. Participants also indicated the need for further information about GMOs and stated the factors that influence their attitude towards GM crops. The internet and the media (newspapers, TV etc.) were stated as the means of previous knowledge about GMOs and the internet was again requested as a means of further information about GMOs. Based on this study, regulatory authorities and relevant stakeholders can understand the position and concerns of the consumers prior to the commercialization of GM crops in Nigeria.   Key words: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), crops, food, biotechnology, biosafety, risk perception, policy.

A meta-analysis of the technical efficiency of yam production in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The paper presents the first meta-analysis of yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) production studies in Nigeria, with a special emphasis on technical efficiency. The focus was on published studies in journal papers and conferences. For the meta-analysis of production function, a total of 40 studies were included for ware yam and 3 for seed yam, for technical efficiency a total of 23 ware yam and 3 seed yam studies were included and for the farm budget meta-analysis, a total of 22 ware yam and 6 seed yam studies were included. The “peak” years of publication of the ware yam studies were from 2012 to 2014. The bulk of the studies took place in the major yam-growing states, such as Ekiti, Benue, and Kogi. Technical efficiency of yam production varied between and within each of the studies, with an average technical efficiency across studies of between 0.6 and 0.8. The studies highlight the importance of knowledge; it is not just about the quantity of inputs applied but how they are used that matters. The paper notes that meta-analyses of studies designed to explore the factors influencing production of agricultural crops in Nigeria are relatively sparse in number, yet given the importance of agriculture in the country, both for the livelihoods of millions of people, and export, then more such analyses are needed.

Empirical analysis of dry spells during growing season with respect to maize crop in Nigeria

Dry spell analysis during growing season with respect to maize crop is performed in nine stations in Nigeria. The main data used are daily rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine hours (1971–2013) from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Lagos. The same data set (excluding rainfall and sunshine hours) from 0.125° ERA INTERIM Reanalysis (1979–2013) and daily 0.25° horizontal resolution 3B42 rainfall from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (1998–2013) are obtained to serve as useful supplement to NiMet data. The daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is computed using the methodology described in the FAO Irrigation and Drainage Publication 56 with the Penman-Monteith equation. Dry spells frequency and average maize crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for the initial, mid-season, and late season stages for 118 day maize crop variety are computed. Critical onset dates, lengths, and trends are determined during the mid-season growth stage. Mann-Kendall tests are performed on the onset dates and lengths to ascertain statistically significant trends. In the 9 stations, more (less) critical dry spells occurrence of lengths 5–10 and 11–15 days during the mid-season and 5–10 days only during initial stages leading to less (more) maize yield are generally associated with El-Nino (La-Nina) years. The percentage frequency of mid-season spell lengths of category 5–10 days ranges from 4 to 31% for the nine stations. The number of days maize farmers in all the stations could expect first and second critical dry spell occurrences after planting ranges from 35 to 82 and 50–86 days respectively. This finding will aid strategic planning of agricultural operations for enhanced crop yield.

Effects of climate change on the long-run crops' yields in Nigeria.

The study investigated the impact of climate change on yields of leading food crops in Nigeria and assessed the transmission channels of climate shocks to welfare. Long-run causality test, Markov-switching regression and Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model were used. Long-run causality between climate change and crop yields was not rejected. A rise in temperature by 1% reduces crop yields by -0.12% in the regime of high yield while 1% increase in rainfall increases yields by 0.21% and 0.26%, respectively in high and low yield period. Shocks to welfare is traceable to climate change via crop yields and food prices effect.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP 1) Programme and Its Implications on Cocoa Yield of Participants in Ondo State, Nigeria

The continuous fall in the output of cocoa in Nigeria in the past years has been a great concern to the Nigerian Government. Cocoa which is the majorexport crop in Nigeria is experiencing drop in the foreign exchange earnings accruing to the Nigerian Government from its exportation. It is therefore necessary to restore the relevance of cocoa export to the forefront. This necessitated the Federal Government to embark on phase 1 of a programme called Good Agricultural Practices (GAP 1) in which selected cocoa farmers were trained on best sanitation practices that will improve cocoa production. This research determined the effects of farm sanitation training on cocoa output and also determined the relevance of farm sanitation training in cocoa production. Using random sampling procedure; one hundred and ten (110) respondents were selected from the 140 farmers trained on cocoa farm sanitation under the GAP 1 programme of Federal Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with Ondo State Agricultural Development Programme (ODSADP). A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather information from the farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and paired T-test. The results revealed that majority (64.5%) of the farmers were male and married (67.3%). The average age of the respondents was 56 years, 18.2% had completed primary school education. The study revealed that cocoa farmers were trained on removal of black pods, cankers, mistletoes, chupons, termites and weeds. The findings also revealed that there was a significant relationship (x2 = 13.220, P = 0.040<0.05) between respondent’s marital status and level of use of farm sanitation training. There was also a significant difference between the cocoa farm output before and after farm sanitation training. There was an increase of cocoa output of the respondents by average of 41.28kg/ha. The use of farm sanitation training was responsible for 7% proportion of the increase in the output of the respondent’s farm. The results of the study further show that there was high level of contact betweenthe cocoa farmers in the study area and the extension agents. Major source of information to the respondents was extension agents of Ondo State ADP. Thefarmers practised the various farm sanitation techniques on which they were trained such as removal of canckers, removal of mistletoes, removal of chupons, hand weeding and picking of unwanted materials. The training variable with the highest impact on the output was removal of pods infected with black pod which brought about 0.290 units change in the output of the cocoa based on the coefficient.