Ikwuano Local Government Area Research Articles

Determinants of youth participation in agribusiness activities in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria

Young people perceive agriculture as a profession of intense labour, not profitable and unable to support their livelihood compared to what white collar jobs offer. The study was on determinants of youth participation in agribusiness activities in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of youths in the study area; identified various agro-related enterprises participated by the youths and estimated factors that influence youth participation in agro- related enterprises. Random sampling technique was used to select 90 respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and Probit regression model. Majority (62.42%) of the youths were male. Mean age of the respondents was 23 years. About 90% of the youths were single with diverse levels of formal education. The agribusiness enterprises mostly participated in by the youths were animal production (51.1%) and crop production (23.33%). Result of Probit regression showed that age, household size, access to land, non-farm income, empowerment were 1% respectively and sex (5%) were significant variables influencing youth participation in agribusiness activities. It was recommended that youth in the study area enhance their livelihood sources through diversifying into other agro-related enterprises such as sale of agro-inputs and agro-processing.

Evaluation of the chemical composition and sensory properties of soursop (Annona muricata) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit juices and blends

Background: Fresh fruits contain numerous nutrients that are essential for good health. Their highly perishable nature and prevalent poor preservation methods contribute to enormous losses in national income. The combination of different fruits in juice making will reduce spoilage, increase fruit intake, nutrient density and variety in food consumption.
 Objective: The study evaluated the chemical composition and sensory properties of juices and blends prepared from Soursop (Annona muricata) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruits.
 Materials and methods: Fresh Soursop (S) and Water melon (W) fruits were purchased from Ndioro market in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State Nigeria. The fruits were washed with clean tap water and systematically processed into juices. The juices were formulated into blends of 70W%: 30%S (500), 30%W: 70%S (501), 50%W: 50%S (502), 100%W (503), 100%S (504); and analyzed for nutrient composition and organoleptic properties using standard procedures. Data obtained was subjected to variance analysis, means differences ascertained with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test and significant was judged at p < 0.05 using IBM Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) version 21.0 
 Results: Sample 504 (100% Soursop) had significantly higher carbohydrate (13.21%), protein (0.83%), ash (1.11%), magnesium (32.14mg/100g), sodium (4.81mg/100g), Calcium (73.63mg/100g), potassium (611.14mg/100g), and Vitamin C (148.20mg/100g) content than the other samples. Sample 503 (100%Watermelon) had significantly higher crude fiber (0.21%), fat (0.42%), moisture (86.45%) and Vitamin A (710.34IU) content than other samples. Sample 501 (30%W: 70%S) had appreciable protein (0.77%), ash (0.82%), carbohydrate (12.67%), sodium (4.28%), calcium (69.11mg/100g), potassium (560.72mg/100g), phosphorus (53.25mg/100g), and Vitamin C (131.30mg/100g) second to 504(100% Soursop). Although 503 (100%Watermelon) was rated higher in flavor and color, all blends were generally acceptable to the panelists.
 Conclusion: Soursop and Watermelon juices and blends had varied nutrient density and were generally acceptable to the panelists.

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Anthropometric Status of Adults in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State Nigeria

Background: Ultra-processed foods are industrially formulated food products manufactured largely by food companies packaged in such a way to make them intensely palatable, have long shelf stability and eliminate the need for culinary preparations. Objective: This study assessed the consumption of ultra-processed foods and anthropometric status of adults aged (20-49 years) in Ikwuano Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a cross sectional survey of 440 adults randomly selected for the study. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect information on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics, the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the dietary pattern and anthropometric status of the respondents. The questionnaires were coded and entered into computer using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and anthropometric status of the respondents. Results: More than half of the respondents (67.0%) were males while 33.0% were females. Majority of the adults (62.3%) were between the ages of 26 and 32 years. Majority of the respondents (80.0%) were Christian, about 18.0% were traditionalist, and more than half of the respondents (82.2%) were Igbo. More than half of the respondents (63.6%) had tertiary education. About a quarter of the respondents (48.0%) were traders/business persons, 27.7% were civil/public servant, 8.2% were farmers and 2.5% were unemployed. About a quarter of the respondents (46.8%) earned less than ₦30,000 a month. only a few of the respondents (3.4%) earned above ₦91,000 per month. One third of the respondents consumed sweets, candies, soft drinks, pizza, burger, pasta, canned vegetables and sweetened breakfast cereals daily. About half of the respondents (53.0%) who were overweight consumed soft drinks daily. A total of 36.3% of the respondents were overweight, while 20% were obese. The chi-square analysis showed there was a significant association (p<0.000) between consumption of cake, pizza, burger and BMI of the respondents. Obesity was higher amongst male adults than female adults. Conclusion: One third of the respondents were overweight, while about 20% were obese. There is need to focus on educating the community on the need to consume home-made dishes from fresh indigenous foods.

Influence of Socio Economic Variables on Output of Honey in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This research portrays the influence of socio economic variables on the output of honey in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria. Specific analytical techniques employed were descriptive statistics, Likert rating scale and multiple regression analysis involving the linear, Cobb Douglass, semi log and exponential functional forms. Result from the socio economic characteristics shows that greater percentage of males (76.67%) were involved in bee keeping than their female counterpart (23.33%). Mainstream of the Apiculturist adopted the modern techniques of honey production. The significant socio economic variables influencing the output of honey in Ikwuano LGA were access to credit, Bee farmer’s experiences in Apiculture, gender of the Apiculturist, farm assets, family labour and baiting materials. Lack of access to credit facilities ranked the topmost constraints bee farmers encounter in their enterprises. It is recommended that Bee farmers be encouraged to expand their production by increasing their number of hives; this will reduce their aggregate cost of production and increase their total accruable revenue. Additionally, the government and ministry of agriculture, as well as other agencies should provide credit facilities to Bee farmers in order to increase their scale of production.

Effects of climate change on pests and diseases, its awareness and adaptation strategies among Cocoa farmers in Abia State

The study was a survey aimed at understanding the awareness level among cocoa farmers in Abia state on climate change, its effects on Pests and Diseases of cocoa and how they adapt and mitigate the effects. A multi stage-sampling procedure was used to select 50 respondents from Bende local government area and 50 respondents from Ikwuano local government area of Abia State. Result showed that 96% of the respondents are aware that climate change has a negative effect on cocoa production as a result of high incidence of Pest and diseases and that the effect ranges from high to moderate. Majority of the respondent in the study area adopted various adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on Pests and Diseases prevalence. High level of awareness, adaptation and coping strategies adopted by farmers, made them less vulnerable to the adverse effects of Pests and Diseases as a result of the change in climate has been currently experienced.

MANAGING NATURAL PASTURE FOR SMALL RUMINANTS: THE CASE OF ALLEY FARMING IN IKWUANO AREA OF ABIA STATE

Natural pasture for small ruminants must be sustained, enhanced, and where it has been diminished or destroy, restored, if animal production must contribute meaningfully to national food security. In Eastern Nigeria, farming system, such as bush fallow, are generally based on shifting cultivation. Unfortunately, agricultural lands are relatively scarce, thereby resulting to shortened fallow periods and thus, widespread diminishing and destruction of natural pasture. The urgency of managing deficient and scarce natural pasture in this environment is widely recognized. Not only is this essential for small ruminants’ feeding, but a dynamic animal sector is a key to achieving food security. The paper argues therefore, that alley farming is the right approach to managing deficient and scarce natural pasture, since it is the most promising alternative to traditional slash-and-burn shifting cultivation. Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State was used as the study area. The results show that there is a pressing need for alley farming promotion. Small holders’ access to this technology would aid in revolutionizing animal production in Nigeria. This paper advocates for policies that will incorporate alley farming into production recommendations transferred to small farmers.

Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency and Elasticity of Production among Smallholder Broiler Producers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Resource use efficiency is the extent at which a firm or production unit makes proficient decisions by utilizing limited resources to maximize profit. Elasticity of production is a measure of a firm's success in producing maximum output from a set of input. This research analyzed resource use efficiency and elasticity of production among smallholder broiler producers in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. Specific analytical techniques employed was the production function analysis involving the four functional forms of linear, double log (Cobb Douglas), semi-log and exponential. This was used to obtain the parameters for the measurement of resource use efficiency among the broiler producers. The results of the analysis shows that resource use efficiency (r) was 1.064, 0.018, –0.046 and 0.049 for quantity of broiler produced (stock size), labour expenses, cost of medicines/drugs and feed expenditure respectively. Stock size and feed expenses had the highest efficiency index of 1.064 and 0.049. The least efficiency index was recorded for medicines/drugs with a negative value of –0.046 which implied that the resource use efficiency for medicines/drugs was grossly inefficient. The resource use efficiency for stock size/quantity of day-old-chicks shows that the resource was completely over used. The resource use efficiency with which poultry feeds were utilized shows that the quantity of feeds was over utilized. The elasticity of production of the smallholder broiler producers was 1.016 (ΣEp>1). This shows that, if all resources were to increase by 100%, output would increase by 101.6%. This implies that fixed resources (land, depreciated equipment) were abundant relative to variable resources (feed, day-old-chicks, medication and labour); yet, these fixed resources were not efficiently utilized due to lack of sufficient quantity of variable resources. There is a paramount need to increase variable resources in order to maximize profit.

Challenges of Small Poultry Farms in Layer Production in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.

The study assessed constraints to increased layers production among small-scale poultry farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. Data were collected using a multistage sampling technique to select 120 small-scale poultry farmers. Descriptive statistics (frequencies counts, percentages) were used to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. The result shows that the mean age of the respondents was 48 years and majority (77.5%) of the farmers had higher education. Majority of the respondents (73%) practiced sweeping and packing of dirt in the poultry house as the daily routine management on their farms. The major constraint faced by the respondents was disease and pest attack (76.7%) followed by difficulty in credit and loan procurement processes (73.3%). The study therefore recommends that Government should tackle the problem of loan/credit procurement, market price instability, disease and pest as well as proper funding of small-scale layers poultry business so as to enhance the commercialization of poultry industry in Nigeria.Keywords: Poultry Farms, Layer Production, Socio-Economic Characteristics, Constraints.

Double hurdle modelling approach to local rice consumption in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study analysed the preference and expenditure decision on local rice of rural households in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. A two-stage systematic sampling technique was used in selecting 150 respondents for the study. The households were stratified based on the income levels. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (such as percentages and means) and the double hurdle modeling approach. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that majority (64%) of the respondents were female, 76% were married, 94.67% were below the age of 55 years with a mean age of 41.09 years. Majority (40%) had secondary education among the household heads with a mean years spent in school of 10.56 years while majority (40%) among the spouse had primary education with a mean years spent in school of 8.69 years. The mean household size was about 6 persons. The result of the income distribution of the households showed that majority (52%) of the respondents earn between ₦ 20,000-40,000 per month while the result of the preference for rice showed that 56% prefer foreign rice to local rice. The result of the double hurdle model showed that marital status, age of the household head, education of the household head, household size, price of rice, and the quality of rice significantly influenced the preference decision of the household while marital status, age, household size, monthly income, and quality of rice significantly influenced the expenditure decision of the household in the study area. The major reasons for rice preference by the respondents were absence of foreign matter (impurities such as stones), shape of grain, stickiness after cooking, rate of breakage and cleanliness of the rice. The study recommended that modern processing techniques, which improve on locally produced rice will enable it compete favourable with imported ones; thereby increasing consumption of local rice consumption in the country.Keywords: double hurdle, local rice, consumption

Farm-level determinants of access to land by arable crop farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the farm-level determinants of access to land by arable crop farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 80 arable crop farmers from four autonomous communities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression model. Result from the descriptive statistics showed that (55%) of the farmers were male headed, majority of the farmers had secondary education; while farm size was relatively low. With respect to the methods of land ownership and acquisition, the result revealed that majority of the lands for arable crop farming were owned or acquired through inheritance (92.5%), communal (72.5%) and purchase (50%) respectively. Consequently, the level of access to land for arable crop farming showed that 42% of respondents had moderate access, 35% had high access, while 22% had low access to land for arable crop farming. The result of the logit regression indicated that age, sex, household size, number of years spent in school, cooperative membership and credit amount significantly influenced access to land by arable crop farmers. Communal land ownership and male dominance were identified as constraints to access to land for arable crop farming in the study area. The study therefore, recommended strengthening of relevant institutions so as to enable farmers’ access required land for arable crop farming without gender disparity. Key words : farm-level, determinants, land access, arable crops and Logit

Evaluation of poultry egg marketing in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

The study focused on evaluation of poultry egg marketing in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of egg marketers in the study area, determine the structure of the egg markets using the market concentration index, determine the costs and return of egg marketing and examine factors that influence the profitability of egg marketing. Two stage sampling technique was adopted for this study. Six communities were purposively selected from the ten communities in the LGA. Ten poultry egg marketers were selected from the six communities using simple random sampling technique. This made the total number of respondents to be sixty. Descriptive statistics, gini coefficient, costs and return analysis as well as multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The results showed that majority (55%) of the egg marketers were males who are still young and agile. They were also married with moderate household size. Many were dominantly farmers and acquired different levels of education. The concentration index showed that egg markets were also highly concentrated with core to perfect equality in size distribution. The result showed a net return of ₦215 and marketing efficiency of 1.035. The coefficient for age, education, sex, and price had positive relationships with amount of sales while household size had a negative relationship with it. Variables that positively influence amount of sales from egg marketing should be considered and strengthened in policy implementation. There is need for guaranteed minimum prices for egg, to reduce price fluctuations and increase consumption of eggs. Keywords: poultry egg, market structure, marketing, Abia State

Influence of Cassava Mill Effluent on the Growth Rate of Two Selected Arable Crop Species (Zea mays and Vigna unguiculata L)

Hydrogen cyanide is the dominant element in cassava mill effluent with several toxicological implications. Physiochemical analysis was carried out on the soil samples gotten from three different cassava tuber processing mills located at Amaoba, Umuarigha I, and Umuarigha II in Ikwuano Local Government area of Abia state. The parameters investigated were pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, organic carbon, organic matter; others were the sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium contents. All the afore-mentioned parameters were also analyzed for control sample. The result showed that there was an increase in soil pH, nitrogen and magnesium content of the cassava mill soils. The effect on plant growth rate was studied using maize and cowpea as test crops. The number of leaves, stem girth and length was recorded for a period of eight (8) weeks. The result after eight (8) weeks showed that the growth rate of seedlings on the soil of the three different cassava mills was rapid more than that of the control. This research shows that the cyanide content of the cassava mill effluent had a stimulatory effect on the parameters measured and could serve as an efficient source of nutrient to the soil and thus to crops, making it an alternative to mineral fertilizers.

GULLY EROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING IN IKWUANO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE USING GIS TECHNIQUES

This research work assessed the gully erosion susceptibility of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria using the GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation approach. The objectives were to identify susceptible areas, examine and evaluate the causes as well as the impacts and recommend possible control measures. The multi-criteria evaluation approach of pairwise comparison by Analytical Hierarchy Process was used to calculate and assign criteria weights to the 5 erosion factors. The pairwise comparison matrix was tested using Saaty Consistency Ratio to ensure accuracy. The five erosion controlling factors were analyzed in the GIS environment and prioritized as rainfall erosivity (R factor, 36%), soil erodibility (K factor, 30%), slope (LS factor, 19%), vegetative cover (C factor, 9%) and conservation practice (P factor, 6%) in order of importance. The susceptibility map was produced and validated by ground truthing. Gully initiations are widespread in the study area. Dormant gullies at Umulu, Ihim and Amuro are well-vegetated with bambusa vulgaris. The active gullies at Elemaga-Ibere and Amaegbu-Ariam are within the moderate to high susceptible areas. The major anthropogenic causes of erosion in the study area include sand mining, bad farming practices, lumbering, poor drainage system and abandoned road constructions. The impacts included the destruction of roads and houses, isolation of communities, loss of farmlands and silting of streams. Tree planting and regrassing, engineering and structural designs to channel runoff, proper road design, improved farming practices and engaging in sensitization of all stakeholders targeted on early stage preventive measures were recommended. The GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation approach has proved both useful and effective in the mapping of gully erosion susceptibility in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.

Revenue generation and rural development in Nigeria: a case study of Bende and Ikwuano local government area in Abia state

In Nigeria, corruption has hindered the development of local government areas. This study critically evaluated tax collection as the source of revenue generation and its impact on rural development. In order to achieve this, multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The results show that total tax collected has a positive relationship with revenue generated. The provision of social amenities has an inverse relationship with total tax collected. Granger causality test underscore the uni-directional causality from revenue generation and provision of social amenities. Therefore, all should endeavour to pay their taxes. Government should provide all the necessary amenities and make available financial services to the people. This will enhance their contributions to economic, social development and overall gross domestic product.. The implication is that there will be improved standard of living, self reliance and eradication of poverty in the country.

Revenue generation and rural development in Nigeria: a case study of Bende and Ikwuano local government area in Abia state

In Nigeria, corruption has hindered the development of local government areas. This study critically evaluated tax collection as the source of revenue generation and its impact on rural development. In order to achieve this, multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The results show that total tax collected has a positive relationship with revenue generated. The provision of social amenities has an inverse relationship with total tax collected. Granger causality test underscore the uni-directional causality from revenue generation and provision of social amenities. Therefore, all should endeavour to pay their taxes. Government should provide all the necessary amenities and make available financial services to the people. This will enhance their contributions to economic, social development and overall gross domestic product.. The implication is that there will be improved standard of living, self reliance and eradication of poverty in the country.

Drinking water quality assessment of Iyinna Spring, Umuariaga, Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria

Water samples were collected from Iyinna Spring in Umuariaga, Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State, Nigeria from three stations between January and March 2015 to evaluate its portability. The samples were compared with Nigeria Drinking Water Quality Standard and World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for drinking water. The following parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, sulphate, hardness and chloride were evaluated. The study showed that four of the parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and nitrate) were significantly different among the stations while the others were not. The values of the parameters recorded were as follows: pH (4.35–5.56), electrical conductivity (30.0–68.0 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (15.0–34.0 mg/L), total suspended solids (0.001–4.0 mg/L), nitrate (11.6–24.0 mg/L), sulphate (2.30–8.17 mg/L), hardness (240.2–500.4 mg/L) and chloride (9.54–32.0 mg/L). All the parameters recorded were within acceptable limits except pH and hardness. High hardness values have no health implication but high acidity has rendered the water quality of Iyinna spring unfit for drinking. Water of Iyinna spring is therefore not portable for human. Keywords: Physico-chemical parameters, water quality, Iyinna Spring Nigeria

Influence of School Farm on Teaching of Agricultural Science in Senior Secondary Schools in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State

This work examined the influence of school farm on the teaching of Agricultural Science in senior secondary schools in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design with random sampling techniques. The twelve public senior secondary schools in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State were purposively selected and used for the study. There was no sampling carried out for the study because of the small population rather all the 12 agricultural science teachers drawn from the 12 schools were used (one agricultural science teacher from each of the twelve schools selected). Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. Instruments for data collection were a 10-item structured questionnaire built on a 4-point response format. The validity of the instrument was determined by three experts: one in agricultural education, one in educational administration and one in measurement and evaluation. Cronbach alpha was used to determine the internal consistency reliability index value of the items to be 0.86. Mean, pool mean and standard deviation were used in answering the two research questions. t-test statistic tool was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.005. The findings of the study reveal that school farm has a positive influence on the teaching of agricultural science in senior secondary schools in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that government and even the school management should always ensure the establishment of a functional school farm in schools and both the agricultural science teachers and the students on their own should always ensure proper management and utilization of the school farm.

Determinants of Decision for Non-Farm Entrepreneurship By Women Farmers In Ikwuano LGA, Abia State

Recent years have witnessed numerous Government efforts to boost agricultural production in Nigeria. A key input to achieve this is credit. In the face of formal credit acquisition bottlenecks, there is the need to shift attention to non-farm entrepreneurship, as income made in this sector could be invested in agriculture. This study therefore evaluated determinants of decision for non-farm entrepreneurship by women farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The specific objectives of the study were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of women farmers engaged in non-farm enterprise in the study area; determine factors that influence women decision to embark on non-farm enterprise in the study area; and identify problems constraining women from embarking on non-farm enterprise in the study area. A hree stage random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 120 respondents for the study. Analytical tools utilized, were frequency distribution tables, percentages, means and probit regression model. The probit regression analysis revealed that age, household size, primary occupation, farm income, access to credit, farming experience and membership of cooperative societies were significant determinants of women farmers decision to embark on non-farm enterprise at varied signs and levels of significance. The women were constrained from embarking on non-farm business by lack of startup capital (43.33%), inadequate credit access (35.00), and land procurement barriers (31.67). In line with the findings of the study, it was recommended that the Land Use Act of 1978 should be fully implemented as it will ameliorate the persistent land procurement problem faced by women farmers in Nigeria. Key Words : Decision Determinant, Non-farm Entrepreneurship, Income Generation.

Test marketing for value-added root and tuber based products in Ikwuano local government area of Abia state, Nigeria

The study was conducted at different markets in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State to test-market selected value-added root and tuber based products, developed at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. Its specific objectives were to assess acceptability of the products by the consumers; identify the marketing channels for the products; estimate the profit margins of value addition in selected root and tuber products and determine the benefit cost ratio of value addition. The products were prepared in the Post-harvest Technology Programme of the Institute, using the recommended recipe developed for each of the products. The products were properly packaged, placed at variety shops and taken to Ndoro market for sale on market days, usually once a week for six (6) weeks. Local vendors were also used in the marketing. A simple questionnaire was used to elicit information from consumers. The results were determined with the use of descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. Burger and meat pie were accepted by more consumers among the baked products while meat pie and ginger drink gave the consumers the highest levels of satisfaction. All the products were profitable; however, meat pie gave the highest profit margins while ginger drink had the least cost advantage. In terms of percentage volume of sales, Chin-Chin ranked 1st followed by ginger drink and cocoyam crisps at 2 nd and 3 rd respectively. It is therefore recommended that value-added products of root and tuber crops should be commercialized since they are profitable and likely to be accepted by consumers. This will create markets and increase demand thereby eliminating wastage of root and tuber crops in Nigeria. Keywords : Roots, Tubers, Value-addition, and Ikwuano LGA

Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality Assessment in Ikwuano Area of Southeastern Nigeria

The present work is a review on the geoelectrical characteristics, and a study of physicochemical parameters of groundwater in parts of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The aim was to collate, synthesize and analyse geoelectrical parameters from available literature together with physico-chemical parameters in order to evaluate the geophysical and geochemical character of the aquifer systems; and subsequently determine the quality of groundwater in the area. The study shows that aquifer thickness varies from 24.5m to about 201.1m, the Formation Factor ranges from 2.02 to 13.53, and the groundwater is naturally potable. Total Hardness (TH) values range from 17.86mg/l to 46.91mg/l. The concentrations of major cations and anions are far below the permissible limit for drinking and domestic purposes recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). With respect to agricultural and irrigation purposes, using the values of Sodium Original Research Article Amos-Uhegbu et al.; JSRR, Article no. JSRR.2014.009 367 Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) and Electrical Conductivity (EC), the groundwater samples are excellent.