Modern Storage Facilities Research Articles

POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF MAIZE SUPPLY CHAIN IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Maize holds significant importance in Pakistan's agricultural sector, as it is among the primary cereal crops grown extensively throughout the country. The growing food demand due to the increasing population is a significant issue. Post-harvest losses (PHL) of maize relate to losses that happen laterally in the whole grain logistics network, after harvest to final consumption. The study was conducted in the district Vehari to assess the different types of post-harvest losses and identify the underlying factors responsible for such losses in the maize supply chain. For this purpose, data were collected from 210 respondents by using purposive samplingtechnique. The sample size includes 120 growers, 30 village traders, 30 commission agents cum wholesaler and 30 retailers. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from major supply chain actors. The study findings revealed that the average losses at the grower’s level, village traders, commission agent cum wholesaler and retailer were 12.21, 2.36, 3.21 and 1.01 percent of the total production respectively. It is recommended that the implementation of modern storage facilities, drying using advanced technologies, training programs for the supply chain actors, financial innovations, and efficient transportation systems will result in significant reduction of post-harvest losses (PHL) in maize production and thus contribute to food security.

Assessment of Maize Storage Techniques Utilized by Small- Scale Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study accessed maize storage techniques utilized by small-scale farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria, due to lack of modern and appropriate storage technologies for grains. The specific objectives includes; socio-economic characteristics; methods of storage techniques; reasons for storing; effects of socio-economic factors on maize revenue; and challenges faced by the respondents. Multi- stage sampling techniques were employed to select sample size of 120 respondents. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire and interview schedule. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that 65.8% were female, 67.5% married, 80.0% were literate, and annual income of N511.13. 80.0% stored maize in cribs and identified household consumption and increased income as their major reasons for storing maize. The regression analysis indicated a significant and positive relationship between total revenue and storage cost at 1% and 5% probability levels. The factors that constrained the respondents includes; pests and insects (m=2.92); lack of modern method and management (m=2.83); and lack of extension agents (m=2.75) The study suggests that the maize storage farmers should be encouraged to reduce pests and diseases, trained and motivated to use modern storage facilities. Finally, extension agents should sit-up to its responsibilities in the dissemination of useful information to maize farmers.

Smart food grain storage system using Internet of Things (IoT): A Review

India is one of the largest producers of food grains in the world. The country has a diverse agricultural sector that produces a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, pulses (such as lentils and chickpeas), and oilseeds. Rice and wheat are considered essential for ensuring food security in India. India has an extensive network of food grain storage infrastructure to cater to its significant agricultural production. The storage infrastructure in India is primarily managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), state government agencies, and private sector entities. Some of food grain storage infrastructure in India are warehouses, covered storage structures (silos), mandi storage facilities (temporarily store grains) and strategic reserve (buffer stock for food security). Private sector entities are increasingly investing in the modern storage facilities including temperature-controlled warehouses and automated storage systems, to improve storage capacity and reduce post-harvest losses. India faces challenges in effectively managing and maintaining the quality of stored food grains. Issues such as inadequate storage capacity, insufficient maintenance, lack of proper pest control measures, and logistical constraints contribute to post-harvest losses. The government and other stakeholders are continuously working on improving storage infrastructure and implementing technological solutions to address these challenges that tiggers for spoilage, mold growth, insect infestation and excessive drying. The real time monitoring and controlling of these factor during the storage period is a cumbersome task and needs advanced techniques. In this aspect Internet of Things (IoT) offers numerous benefits to food grain storage systems including real-time monitoring, early warning systems, optimal environmental conditioning, energy efficiency, inventory management, traceability and predictive analytics. By leveraging IoT technology, the industry can improve storage practices, reduce losses, ensure food safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of grain storage operations.

Impact of Storage Methods on Sweet Potato Spoilage in Plateau State Nigeria

Spoilage of sweet potato could be enormous when inadequate methods of storage are used. This research investigated impact of methods of storage on spoilage of sweet potato in three major markets of Plateau State Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained from sellers of sweet potato in Yan Doya market, New market and Farin Gada market of Plateau State through administration of questionnaires. Analysis of the data was carried out using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), F-test statistics, t-test and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with backward elimination procedure. Results from descriptive statistics showed that majority of sweet potato sellers adopted use of sack for storage of their goods. The second method commonly used for storage of sweet potato in the study area was found to be root cellar method. Pair-wise application of PPMC indicated that spoilage of sweet potato was positively correlated with adopted methods of storage which suggested existence of relationship among the variables. Analysis using F-test statistics indicated that the relationship did not occur by chance between the variables hence t-test aided determination of which independent variables mainly influenced the dependent variable of the study. From the use of MLR with backward elimination procedure, spoilages from sacks and root cellars methods were the independent variables which mainly influenced the total spoilage of sweet potato in Plateau State Nigeria. Therefore, policy holders in Plateau State need to offer agricultural extension services that would provide modern storage facilities or educate sellers of sweet potato on best way to use both basket and root cellar methods which were their adopted methods commonly used for storage of sweet potato.

Analysis of the drivers of Agriculture 4.0 implementation in the emerging economies: Implications towards sustainability and food security

Global food insecurity has become a significant concern, especially for emerging economies. The crisis has been exacerbated recently due to the intense supply chain disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. Agriculture 4.0, which combines conventional agriculture with various modern cutting-edge technologies, might help in this regard to improve the food supply and food security. In such a context, it is essential to accurately identify the pertinent drivers of Agriculture 4.0 implementation to ensure sustainability and food security in emerging economies. This study, therefore, aims to classify, assess, and analyze the hierarchical relationships among the drivers of Agriculture 4.0 in the context of an emerging economy like Bangladesh, combining Pareto analysis, fuzzy theory, total interpretative structural modeling (TISM), and Matriced’ Impacts Cruoses Multiplication Applique a un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. Based on the literature review and expert feedback, eighteen factors were identified initially. After employing Pareto analysis, the top thirteen factors have been further analyzed using fuzzy TISM and fuzzy MICMAC to examine their interrelationships. The study findings indicate that “Automation & Robotics to lessen the usage of manual labor”, “Augmented reality (AR) for training new farmers and guiding tool evaluation,” and “Providing adequate financial incentives to impoverished farmers for building modern storage facilities” are the three most influential drivers to implement Agriculture 4.0. This study is expected to contribute significantly to future innovation and development in the agriculture sector, eliminate hunger and improve regional food security. It has the potential to assist the practitioners and industry leaders of emerging economies in strategic decision-making in achieving sustainability in the agricultural sector and thus achieve the relevant SDGs.

Experience of technical development of obtaining cold as a component of national food security

A priori, the fact remains that the current situation of the development of the agricultural sector in Russia is certainly connected with ensuring food security. This article reveals the historical and technical experience of solving the issues of providing cold and operational manufacturability of modern storage facilities, including a buried type, taking into account the dynamics of development and improvement of the qualities of cryogenic equipment. The article assesses the possibility of optimizing the temperature regime of storage facilities on the basis of expanding the functional potential of existing devices and introducing new production systems integrated on the basis of an alternative gravitational-type drive, the operation of which is carried out due to the cyclical formation of volumetric masses of liquid in storage tanks before it is supplied to the consumer, as well as air flow formation systems in natural cold conditions.

Адаптивна система аграрного виробництва в умовах нестійкого зволоження

State of the problem. The latest predictive studies indicate that the trend towards climate warming will continue in the next decade. In regions with conditions of insufficient moisture due to a shortage of water resources, it is possible to counteract the threats of a decrease in the productivity of field crops not only by improving the use of the available potential of natural moisture, but also by improving the sectoral structure of agricultural production. Such improvement is carried out on a bioenergy basis and makes it possible to ensure sustainable and balanced production of food, industrial raw materials and bioenergy. The goal is to analyze the modern use of the agricultural resource potential of the Poltava region, to develop promising, highly profitable models of production activity adapted to the conditions of unstable moisture. Methodology and conditions. Statistical data of the State Committee of Statistics of Ukraine for the Poltava region averaged over the last 5 years were used to assess the effectiveness of the modern extended practice of agricultural production in the region. For the innovative bioproductivity potential of typical chernozem, the information base of long-term agrotechnical experiments of the Poltava research station was used. In the future, the obtained results were used in the development of promising options for the development of the SE “DG Im. January 9” Khorolsky district, Poltava region. Computer multivariate simulation modeling functioned with the help of the “Agroecosystem” software complex. The results. The analysis of statistical information showed that the modern widespread practice of crop specialization in the Poltava region is characterized by high instability of the productivity of the main field crops. Under these conditions, the average profitability of a hectare of arable land for 7 years is 270 u.o. Computer simulation modeling of promising options for the production activity of an agricultural enterprise in the Left Bank Forest Steppe showed that improving its branch structure on a bioenergy basis makes it possible to radically increase the profitability of production activity, to significantly strengthen its stability and resistance to external negative factors, in particular to a lack of hydration. This position is achieved by bringing the structure of acreage in line with the needs of animal husbandry, increasing the productivity of dairy herds, organizing the production of meat and dairy products, sugar, oil and bioenergy, and certifying the obtained products as organic. In the future, this will make it possible to increase the net profit to 8 thousand u.o./ha. Mastering the technology of long-term storage of sugar raw materials with the production of pulp throughout the cold period of the year, construction of an elevator and modern storage facilities for rough and juicy fodder, the formation of an insurance fund sufficient in case of adverse vegetation conditions, as well as a high level of financial self-sufficiency will make it possible to significantly strengthen the stability and sustainability of the production system to adverse factors, including agrometeorological ones. Conclusion. Cross-industry bioenergy optimization of agricultural production in relation to the agricultural resource potential of the left-bank part of the foreststeppe zone without irrigation significantly increases the sustainability of production activity. At the same time, a significant amount of chemical and man-made resources is saved and one’s own energy needs are provided, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of production and increase the profitability of agricultural enterprises.

POST-HARVEST LOSS AND FOOD SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF MAJOR FOOD CROPS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Post-harvest loss (PHL) is the reduction in the quantity and quality of crops produced after harvest. This can lead to serious consequences for household food security in Nigeria. This study was conducted to improve our understanding of the effect of Post-harvest loss in food crops in Katsina State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a survey of 240 farming households that were randomly selected across 16 Local Government areas in the State. The results shows that majority of the respondents are within 41-50 years of age and married with household sizes of between 9-16 persons. Sorghum, millet, maize and cowpea are the major food crops that suffer high levels of PHL in Katsina State. Cowpea PHL were higher during storage, Sorghum PHL were higher during threshing and storage while maize PHL were higher during drying and at storage. Millet losses were also higher during threshing and storage respectively. The PHL in cowpea are mainly due to insect pest attack and spillage during post-harvest handling operations. Poor storage conditions and spillage are also responsible for the losses observed in sorghum. Maize PHL are mainly due to theft and spillage while millet losses are due to spillage and poor storage facilities. The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly influenced household food security in Katsina State. It is therefore recommended that farmers should be trained on Post-harvest management and be provided with modern storage facilities in order to reduce PHL.

On-farm post-harvest loss and loss reduction methods: evidence from China

ABSTRACT Reducing post-harvest loss (PHL) and waste have become important methods for alleviating food security challenges. Based on survey data from 3490 rural households in 28 provinces in China, we first estimated on-farm PHL and waste and assessed the effects of loss and waste on resources in China. We then proposed potential methods to reduce loss and waste. The results showed that the PHL levels experienced by smallholders varied for different varieties, e.g. 4.36% of maize lost in the postharvest chain, while rice and wheat losses were 5.21% and 5.67%, respectively. Meanwhile, 1.73% of the total food is wasted during consumption every day. These losses and waste caused 38.55 million tons of grain to be lost or wasted in total, which is equivalent to 7.03 million hectares of land and 373.37 billion m3 water being meaninglessly input into grain production. This also means that these losses and waste add 9.68 million tons of carbon emissions. The empirical analysis reveals that mechanical harvesting is associated with a high harvest loss, and modern storage facilities are associated with a low storage loss. To reduce these losses, modern handling practices should be improved and promoted.

Factors constraining the role of intermediaries in provisions of storage services for urban fresh fruits and vegetables supply chain in Dar es Salaam

Despite the critical role played by intermediaries in storage services of urban fresh fruits and vegetables, storage services of urban fresh fruits and vegetables in Dar es Salaam are still poorly provided by intermediaries. In this paper, we examine the factors constraining intermediaries in providing storage services in the sector. A qualitative case study was adopted and data were collected using documentary review, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and non-participant observations based on the purposive sample size of 73 respondents. Thematic data analysis strategy was adopted and data were analyzed using MAXQDA 20 software. Findings showed that the intermediaries are generally constrained by technological-related factors, the inadequacy of funds to invest in modern storage, limited knowledge and awareness of modern storage, excessive temperature and atmospheric conditions. We recommend that, in order to improve storage services installation of modern storage facilities in markets and collection centers, providing loans to intermediaries to buy modern packaging and packing facilities, improving market infrastructures, and training intermediaries on the importance of proper storage and how to use contemporary methodology could solve the problem at hand.

ASSESSMENT OF FARMER'S AWARENESS IN HARVESTING AND POSTHARVEST HANDLING PRACTICES FOR MANAGEMENT OF AFLATOXINS ON MAIZE IN MOROGORO REGION

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain strains of Aspergillus flavus that are found in several crops. This toxin is produced by Aspergillus flavus in food and feeds results in adverse health effects for humans and animals, as well as economic barriers to farmers and countries. This study aimed to assess the awareness of farmers in harvesting and postharvest handling practices for the management of Aflatoxin in maize. The assessment was conducted using questionnaire to capture data on bio-data information, farmer’s awareness on aflatoxin contamination, harvesting time, post-harvesting practices, and storage facilities. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The result shows that 65.63% of farmers in Kilosa and 67.28% of farmers in Gairo districts were aware of aflatoxin contamination. The study revealed that, during harvesting time, 92% of farmers at Kilosa and 98% of farmers in Gairo district harvest maize when completely dry. In drying practice, the use of canvas had higher usage compared to other practices where 42.70% of farmers in Kilosa and 16.70% of farmers in the Gairo district were using canvas. Additionally, it was observed that the majority of farmers in both districts store their maize by using storage bags/sacks that favor the rise of insect/pest contamination. The study suggests that there is a need for establishing an educational campaign for maize farmers on the effect of aflatoxin contamination to improve their awareness. The knowledge should base on harvesting, drying practices, and modern storage facilities that can reduce aflatoxin contamination.

CONSTRAINTS TO INTERMEDIARIES ROLE IN VALUE ADDITION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FOR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SUPPLY CHAIN IN DAR ES SALAAM CITY, TANZANIA

Despite the critical role played by intermediaries in value addition and quality improvement in the context of urban fresh fruits and vegetable supply chain, this same role has not been fully realised in the context of urban fruits and vegetable supply chain in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This paper explores the intermediaries’ role on value addition and quality improvement in the context of urban fresh fruits and vegetable (FFVs) supply chain in Dar es Salaam city to understand impediments to value addition and quality improvement. Qualitative approach was adopted and data were collected using documentary review, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and non-participant observations based on the purposive sample size of 60 respondents. Thematic data analysis strategy was adopted and data were analysed using MAXQDA software. Findings showed that the intermediaries’ inability to value addition and quality improvement for urban fresh fruits and vegetables were determined by a number of factors. The inability to facilitate packaging and packing was related to inadequate knowledge and awareness of packaging facilities, limited financial capital to buy modern packaging facilities and lack of quality and value assurance regulatory authorities. Impediments to branding and labelling rotated around inadequate branding and labelling technology and tools, inadequate knowledge and skills, financial difficulties by the intermediaries. Impediments to grading and sorting emanated from lack of proper grading and sorting tools and lack of knowledge and awareness on value addition and quality improvement. Impediments to collection were caused by lack of modern harvesting and collection tools, lack of modern storage facilities as well as climate changes and variation. Lastly, impediments to inspection and arrangement revolved around poor timing for conducting inspection, lack of enough fund to buy inspection tools and poor coordination of inspection. Strategies for overcoming the impediments include introduction and enforcement of relevant laws, regulatory mechanisms, appropriate policies and regulations that would effectively govern issues of fruits and vegetable value addition and quality improvement, sensitizing intermediaries on proper knowledge and skills, provision of financial assistance to intermediaries to facilitate packing and packaging of the FFV as well as improvement of marketing and selling strategies.

FACTORS IMPEDING THE ROLE OF DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS IN SUPPLY CHAIN OF BEVERAGE PRODUCTS IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA: A CASE OF BAKHRESA FOOD PRODUCTS LIMITED

Despite the critical role played by distribution channels in supply chain, along with strategies made by government, the beverage products in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania are still discounted following the distribution channels inability to undertake supply chain roles. This paper examined the factors impeding distribution channels in Supply Chain of beverage products and recommended strategies for improving the same. Qualitative approach was adopted and data were drawn from a purposive sample of 50 respondents through interviews and focus group discussions. Accordingly, distribution channels in Supply Chain was impeded by poor transportation, inadequate storage facilities, inability to improve quality and poor marketing services. The study recommends some ways to minimise the impediments. These include ensuring suitable road infrastructures; providing soft loans and grants to the distribution channels in order to buy modern storage facilities; adequate and reliable storage facilities and ensuring adequate electric power supply. The inability to value addition should be alleviated through empowering financially to obtain enough capital of buying effective handling and storage facilities. Authorities responsible for quality assurance should play their active role in ensuring quality assurance and standards of beverage products; to improve marketing services, devising the innovative ways of reaching the customers by adopting adequate promotion techniques. Therefore, factors impeding the role of distribution channels in Supply Chain of beverages can be alleviated through improvement of storage, distribution and transportation, value addition and quality as well as improving marketing services.

Gender-based Decision Making in Marketing Channel Choice \u2013 Evidence of Maize Supply Chains in Southern Ethiopia

We examine factors affecting the choice of marketing channels for maize among male, female, and joint decision-making farm households using data from households in Dawuro zone, southern Ethiopia. Econometric results suggest that female and joint decision-makers are more likely to sell maize to consumers or retailers in the main local market where the maize price is higher than to wholesale merchants directly from the farm. Individual decision-makers (male or female) who grow improved maize varieties are more likely to sell to wholesalers directly from the farm. This may be an indication of the effectiveness of joint decisions over individual decisions related to the market price. We also found that improved maize varieties distributed to farmers in the study area are of poor quality and that there is a lack of modern storage facilities so that farmers have to sell immediately after harvest during the lower price season. Thus, there is a need for policies promoting the distribution of high-quality maize seeds and encouraging investments in the establishment of modern maize storage facilities in the study area.

A Comparative Analysis on Marketing Efficiency of Raphia and Oil Palm Wine in South East, Nigeria

The study compared the marketing efficiency of oil palm wine (OPW) and raphia palm wine (RPW) in South East, Nigeria. The study specifically described the marketing channels of OPW and RPW, determined the market structure, and ascertained the profitability and efficiency of OPW and RPW marketing by the intermediaries. It also estimated the determinants of profit realized by OPW and RPW marketers; and identified the problems of palm wine marketing in the area. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 240 respondents. Primary and time series data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to the respondents by personal interview. Descriptive and parametric statistics involving enterprise budgeting and multiple regression techniques were used for data analyses. Results identified five marketing channels for palm wine in the area. Gini coefficient analysis gave concentration ratios of 0.19 and 0.44 for OPW and RPW wholesalers; 0.48 and 0.08 for OPW and RPW retailers respectively, implying a fairly competitive market. Palm wine marketing was profitable in the area given the positive values of gross margin, net marketing income, mean net marketing income, and net return on investment of N5,025,872, N4,980,976.03, N41,508 and 0.37 for OPW; N3,640,020, N3,614,966.88, N30,124.72 and 0.96 for RPW. RPW was more profitable than OPW because it returned 96 kobo against the 37 kobo returned by OPW for every N1.00 investment. Purchase and selling prices, transportation cost, and marketing cost statistically and significantly influenced pooled OPW and RPW marketers' profit; marketing cost, purchase and selling prices were common significant determinants of profit realized by the wholesalers of OPW and RPW while selling price was the only common significant determinant of profit realized by the retailers of OPW and RPW. The constraints to palm wine marketing arranged in descending order of seriousness were high cost of transportation, scarcity of modern storage facilities, low shelf life of the product, seasonality of supply, poor patronage, high cost of palm wine, adulteration, and price instability. The establishment of small scale palm wine bottling industries through private initiatives would extend the products' shelf-life, and make it available all year round. Government in collaboration with private initiatives should provide modern transportation, and market infrastructural facilities as well as soft loans, to enable the marketers operate at minimal cost, earn more profit in conducive environment and good health.

Marketing of Orange Fruit in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area, Borno State, Nigeria

This study examined the marketing of orange fruit in Maiduguri. Primary data were obtained from the respondents with the use of structured questionnaires that were filled through interviews from 60 respondents. 30 wholesalers were randomly selected from the major wholesale market and 30 retailers, were also randomly selected, ten each from three different wards of the town. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the marketers as well as the problem associated with the orange fruit marketing. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability of the marketing, while Gini coefficient was used to determine the degree of market concentration. The results show that all orange marketers were in their economically active age and are mostly males with very few educated up to tertiary level (ten percent). The cost and returns analysis showed that the gross margin per marketer per week for wholesalers is N 228,500, while for retailers is lower at N 6,355. However, the gross margin per kilogramme of N 30 for the wholesale market is less than that for the retail market which stood at N 41/kg. The wholesale market has a high level of market concentration with a Gini coefficient of 0.813, while the retail market has a lower degree of concentration with a coefficient of 0.466. The markets therefore have monopolistic and oligopolistic tendencies respectively. Problems mentioned by the marketers include shortage of capital and storage facilities. The study therefore recommends that credit at favourable terms and modern storage facilities be provided to the marketers. This can enable them to expand their scale and possibly lower their cost. This could lead to lower prices to consumers and hence increased intake of orange fruits for better health outcomes. Keywords : Orange, market channel, profitability, market structure DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-22-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

CENTRAL STORAGE FACILITY FOR MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: A NEW TASK FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Museum is collections. Their safe and appropriate storage has always been and will remain the basic statutory activity of every museum. As can be found in both domestic and international sources, merely a fraction of museums’ collections is on permanent display, while their remaining part is kept in museums’ storerooms. Therefore, the priority goal of every museum, of its management, and organizer, should be the availability of an adequate storage area. Regrettably, history and praxis demonstrate that it is precisely within this field that museums have always had and continue having the greatest needs. Worldwide museology faces the ongoing challenge of museum collection storage, and this is the challenge that Polish museums face as well. Fortunately, for over two decades a process of actual transformation in this respect has been occurring, the latter resulting in modern storage facilities being built. These, complying with the latest standards, shall guarantee high-quality protection to the collections, as well as a low-budget construction, and low energy consumption in the course of operations. Poland, too, has been participating in these changes. Recently, the topic of museum storage areas has entered the list of priority tasks of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which in 2016 commissioned the National Institute for Museums and Public Collections (NIMOZ) to provide appropriate reports, analyses, and concepts, while in 2018 it formally assigned the Construction of the Central Storage Facility for Museum Collections Project (CMZM) to NIMOZ. A new position of the Director’s Proxy for the Central Storage Facility for Museum Collections has been created. This means that a major development in the history of Polish museology has taken place: at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and its subordinate cultural institution definite steps have formally been taken in order to resolve the problems of museum collection storage in Poland. The assumption has been made that CMZM will be a pilot and model solution that can be followed by subsequent storage facilities for museums in Poland’s other regions.

Challenges of Artisanal Fishing and Livelihood in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria.

Fishing is one of the major economic activities and livelihood among communities. This marketing is attracting people on daily basis due to numerous benefits attached to it. This research examines the challenges affecting the artisans in the fishing business at Geidam local government area, Yobe state. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 artisans in the fishing business at the study area, 76 men and 24 women. Simple percentage was used to analyze the data collected from the respondents. Findings revealed that the major challenges affecting the artisans include: thefts, road accident, tree storms, lack of modern storage facilities, and lack of capital. Government should therefore support the artisans in terms of modern storage facilities such as cold room at subsidized rate, also, deploy professional fishery officers to help and improve sustainable fishing practice in the study area. The officers could educate the fishermen about hygienic and effective practices, give training on issue of illicit use of gears, and educate the communities about the nutritional benefits on fish products.

The economic effect of insurgency on smoked fish sellers in Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State Nigeria

The research examined the economic effect of insurgency on smoked fish sellers in Baga fish marketing Maiduguri metropolis of Borno-State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using questionnaires. A total of 60 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Descriptive statistics and gross margin was used to analyse data generated. The result reveales that 91.7% of the respondents were male, 83.3% married, 53.3% were between 41- 60 years, 41.7% constitute family size of between 1-5, 33.3% of the respondent had moderate educational level while 90% had trading as their main occupation. The previous and present gross margin values for small, medium and large carton of smoked fish were (N1, 402.00, N1, 962.20, and N4, 455.30) and (N1, 733.80, N13, 893.00 and N66, 488.70) respectively. The problems mostly encountered were poor storage facilities, pests and disease, lower market price by the buyers due to its perishable nature and lack of access to capital with 21.9%, 31.4% 22.5% and 24.3% respectively. The insurgency attack has negative effect on the economic activities of smoke fish sellers. Local dried fish marketers should be organized into cooperative groups by extension agents and government should provide adequate infrastructural facilities such as modern storage facilities, good road network etc.Keywords: Fish seller, Insurgency, Baga market

The Determinants of Consumers’ Preference for Value Added Groundnut in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State

As the world is drifting into globalization with attendant competition coupled with rise in income of consumers, providers of goods and services are becoming extremely conscious of what goods and services they produce or render tomeet and satisfy the ever sophisticated and differentiated consumer’s needs. The study examined the determinants of consumers’ preference for value added groundnut in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives were to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents examine the determinants of consumers’ preference for value added groundnut and identify the different form of value addition in groundnut marketing. Multistage sampling technique was employed in data collection, a total of 76 respondents were selected. Descriptive statistics involving tables, frequency, percentage and mean were used for analysis of the data collected. The result indicates that that majority of the respondents were female (69.7%), between the age of 20–29 years old, had formal education (98.7%) with household size of less than5 members (48.7%). Fried and bottled groundnut (mean=3.28), fried and peeled groundnut (mean=2.92) and boiled groundnut (mean=2.83) were frequently consumed by the respondents. Important factors influence groundnut preferred were taste (mean=2.91), ability to store for long (mean=2.53), price (mean=2.30) and quality (mean=2.24). The major constraints associated with consumers’ preference for value added groundnut were found to be; inadequate capital, lack of storage facilities, and health issues. It was recommended that modern storage facilities be provided for groundnut marketers and groundnut should be fortified with vitamins to encourage increased patronage.