Niger River Basin Development Authority Research Articles

Assessment of Stakeholder Involvement and Borehole Water Projects Delivery in Kogi West Senatorial District, Nigeria

There is huge challenges in the supply of clean water for household consumption in many countries, in particular, Nigeria. Kogi West Senatorial District (KWSD) has witnessed more borehole projects in Nigeria but the challenge of clean water still persists. This has necessitated more research into the field of water resources to combat such challenges in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study assessed the effects of stakeholders’ involvement in KWSD, Nigeria, with a view to improving the delivery of borehole water projects in the study area. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 267 stakeholders comprising Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) staff, community leaders and community members that were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study objective was assessed with inferential statistics (Partial Least Square in Structural Equation Modelling). The results disclose the direct path coefficients for Initiation stage (bIS), Planning stage (bPS), Execution stage (“bES”), Monitoring and closure stage (bMS), Post construction stage (bPCS), Budget (cBG), Time Delivery (cTD) and Stakeholder’s Satisfaction (cSS). The results illustrated positives and significant relationship with bES -> cBG (β = 0.422, t = 5.708), bES -> cSS (β = 0.495, t = 6.366), bES -> cTD (β = 0.493, t = 7.422), bMS -> cBG (β = 0.164, t = 2.643), bPCS -> cTD (β = 0.257, t = 5.7084.440), and negative significant relationship with bMS -> cTD (β = -0.184, t = 2.547) and bPS -> cSS (β = - 0.182, t = 2.586). The study concludes that stakeholders’ involvement is a strong predictor of viable Borehole water projects delivery in the study area.

Pollen Viability and Germinability of Gamma Irradiated M4 Lines of Sesame

Pollen viability and germinability are indispensable criteria in plant breeding programmes. This research evaluated eleven M4 mutant lines of gamma irradiated sesame (Sesamum indicum) for some pollen parameters. Seeds were obtained from the Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna and were raised to maturity alongside their respective checks in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna. Pollen viability and diameter were determined using standard procedure. The germinability test was done using three different sucrose concentrations (10 %, 20 % and 30 %) with 1 % nutrient agar solution. The results revealed that all the M4 mutant lines had adequate pollen viabilities (over 80%) with ML-10 having the highest (97.56 %) viability followed by ML-7 (95.61 %), ML-8 (95.01 %) and Check-2 (95.60 %). The highest pollen germinability was recorded at 20 % sucrose concentration for all the mutant lines with line ML-7 (39.70 %) having the highest percentage. Check-1 at 10 % sucrose concentration recorded the least percentage (11.46 %) across the concentration and treatments. Highest pollen diameter (169.52μm) was recorded in Check-1. Suboblate shapes with 10-13 colpi was observed in all the mutant lines and the checks. Pollens from all the lines comprised of circular and elliptic pollens except in ML-7 and the checks where the pollens were solely circular in polar view. The study revealed that gamma-irradiation could be a reasonable tool for inducing variability in sesame and advantageous in increasing the pollen viability.

Aqueous seed extracts of Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.) stimulate morpho-agronomic attributes in selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties

Datura stramonium (L.) contains allelochemicals capable of affecting agro-morphological traits in plants. Thus, field experiment was carried out at Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna, Nigeria to examine the effects of different concentrations [25%, 50% and 100% and 0% (control)] of D. stramonium aqueous seed extracts on agro-morphological attributes of two soybean varieties (‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022-4E’), obtained from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. Dry seeds of the soybean were pre-soaked in the Datura seed extracts for two hours before planting in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates each. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). At maturity, D. stramonium seed extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant height (38.37 cm) and length of petiole (2.93 cm) for ‘TG x 2018-5E’ at 100% concentration. Significantly highest plant height (29.20 cm) and number of branches (17.00) were enhanced in ‘TG x 2022-4E’ at 50% concentration. Both ‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022-4E’ leaf areas were significantly highest (23.11 cm2 and 28.41 cm2, respectively) at 100% concentration. Yield attributes such as number of seeds per plant, weight of fresh and dry pods per plant for both ‘TG x 2018-5E’ (3.33, 1.60 and 1.32, respectively) and ‘TG x 2022-4E’ (3.00, 0.60 and 0.26, respectively) were significantly stimulated in 50% concentration while number of pods per plant was significantly highest for ‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022- 4E’ (3.33 and 3.00, respectively) in 100% concentration. On these premises higher concentrations (50% and 100%) of D. stramonium seed extracts support better morphological growth and yield characters in soybean varieties.

Regional Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone Using Remote Sensing, GIS and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis Techniques

The growing demand for freshwater for domestic and industrial purposes is a current challenge in the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority area. Consequently, there is heavy demand for groundwater resources to meet this need. This challenge has worsened due to the non-incorporation of integrated methods in groundwater exploration campaigns. Innovative scientific principles and quantitative assessment of groundwater resources are required for sustainable and proper management of the resources. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to exploit the potential application of remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques in mapping groundwater potential zones. To achieve this, seven factors deemed to have significant control over the occurrence and movement of groundwater viz. geology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, land-use/land cover, and soil class were produced. These factors were assigned weights and normalized with respect to their relative contributions to groundwater occurrence using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This resulted in groundwater potential zones that have been classified into four: Very good, Good, Moderate and Poor representing 7%, 27%, 43%, and 23% respectively. This result represents groundwater potential in the area and should be used as a preliminary reference in selecting prospective sites for detailed groundwater resource exploitation

Impact of Land Right Arrangements on the use of Irrigation Resources in the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority of Nigeria

Impact of Land Right Arrangements on the use of Irrigation Resources in the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority of Nigeria

EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATED AND RAIN-FED RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) PRODUCERS IN FADAMA AGRICULTURE, NIGERIA

SUMMARYGiven the importance of irrigation for rice production, this study compared the technical efficiency of irrigated and rain-fed rice (Oryza sativa) farms in the Upper Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority (UNRBDA), Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 300 irrigators and 325 rain-fed rice producers. Applying the stochastic frontier Cobb–Douglas production function, net income analysis and Likert scale rating techniques, the study found that irrigated scheme increased marginal factor productivity and profitability. The study revealed the existence of large technical inefficiency in rain-fed farms when compared with irrigated farms. This suggests that there is room for output gains through technical efficiency improvement in the rain-fed system. The mean value of the marginal physical product of inputs (VMPPX) in the irrigated farms (₦2.32) was more than that of rain-fed farm (₦1.67). Thus, if the average producers in the rain-fed are to achieve the technical efficiency level of the average producer in the irrigated farms, they can realize 38% output gains. Similarly, the mean net farm income (NFI) of ₦62,280.00 per ha in the irrigated farm was more than double of that of rain-fed farms ₦22,391.00. The partial regression coefficients for the individual production factors (β1) and (β3) for labour input (X1) and other variable inputs (X3), respectively, were positive and significant at 1% level, suggesting that the partial elasticity of crop output with respect to labour and other costs was higher in the irrigated farms than in the rain-fed farms. The Likert scale rating techniques showed that the poor knowledge of irrigation techniques, insufficient water for irrigation during the dry season, high cost of labour and lack of access to credit were the critical constraints preventing the rain-fed rice producer from joining the irrigation scheme. In view of this, rice irrigators should be encouraged to train more rain-fed farmers on some rudiments of irrigation techniques. They should also be linked to the sources of finance. Water Users Association (WUA) should be established in communities within the scheme areas for effective communication between farmers and the officials of the UNRBDA. Decision on the allocation of resources to Fadama sites including water should be given to WUA to strengthen the membership of the organization, while the government officials serve as supervisory and advisory body.

English

Mechanism for water allocation in the irrigated agriculture has been subject of conflict and challenges in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) due to higher input in rice farming and increasing water shortage. How satisfactory is the allocation mechanism by the stakeholders (the providers, policy-makers and the farmers) and how do farmers perceive equity objective on the existing water allocation mechanism in Nigeria? This paper examines constraints confronting water distribution, farmers’ level of satisfaction and their perception on equity in the process of water distribution to farmlands in the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA) in Northern Nigeria. This study employs semi-structured interview and validated questionnaires survey approaches with stakeholders. Data collected were analysed using thematic approach based on themes generation and simple descriptive statistics. Findings show that weak institutions, legal framework incapacity and aging infrastructures majorly hinder equitable water allocation in the irrigated agriculture. Varied opinions were observed on the level of satisfaction among the stakeholders. While 77.7% of farmers reported that equity objective is observed, 22.2% declined that there is equity in the allocation policy. Institutional reform and adequate funding for maintenance of facilities is recommended for justice and equity in water allocation. Key words: Constraint, equity, irrigated agriculture, satisfaction, stakeholders, water allocation.

Assessing the geo-electric characteristics of Basement Complex rocks and its implication for groundwater prospecting in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract. In Basement Complex rocks where rainfall is seasonal, water provision in dry season depends on regolith aquifer. For effective exploitation of groundwater resources, it is reasonable that geophysical investigation be conducted before development of well. In many instances, geophysical surveys may be expensive or nonexistent. Hence, there is a need for spatial analysis which might advise water engineers within such environments. Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) data of 53 locations conducted with ABEM SAS-1000 terrameter using Schlumberger electrode configuration were obtained from the hydrogeology Department of Kwara state Ministry of Water Resources and Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Ilorin. VES locational coordinates were recorded using handheld GPS device. Sound curves were evaluated by partial curve matching approach and computer iteration using WinResist. The results depict six geo-electric regional successions, namely: top soil, lateritic clay, weathered basement, fairly-hard basement, thin fractured and hard basement. The geo-electric succession identified was plotted in Surfer 12 environment, using kriging interpolation method to show spatial distribution pattern of this zone. The spatial pattern is expected to give an insight to the nature of spatial variability of geo-electric layers and assist drillers as well as water resources policy makers in their operations. Keywords. Geo-electric, groundwater, basement complex, geophysical, GIS

Hydrogeological Characteristics of Groundwater Yield in Shallow Wells of the Regolith Aquifer: a Study from Ilorin, Nigeria

Present paper tries to understand the influence of hydrogeological characteristics on groundwater yield of shallow wells in regolith aquifer, Ilorin, Nigeria. The data on hydrogeological characteristics such as drawdown, water level, depth of borehole, depth of overburden and well yield for 78 borewells were collected from Kwara State Ministry of Water Resources and Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin. While the aquifer transmissivity and well specific capacity was calculated from this data. The data obtained were subjected to Pearson moment correlation, multiple and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results of the stepwise multiple regression (R 2 of .929) indicates that aquifer transmissivity and drawdown contributed 92.9% to the variability in well yield in the study area. It is concluded that while constructing wells, aquifer transmissivity and the rate of drawdown be taking into account for the purpose of having productive well in the study area. Keywords : Aquifer Transmissivity, Well Specific Capacity, Regolith Aquifer, Drawdown, Well Yield, Groundwater, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Smallholder Farmers Perception of Climate Change and Variability Impact and Their Adaptation Strategies in the Upper and Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Areas, Nigeria

The work attempted to analyze vulnerabilities and adaptation responses of smallholder farmers in the Upper and Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority areas (U & LNRBDA). Qualitative data was used in this study. The qualitative data was collected using questionnaire method. One thousand and two hundred questionnaires (1200) were administered out of which one thousand and one hundred and twenty-four (1124) were returned for analysis. The research findings revealed that there is high level of climate change awareness in the study area. A significant number of the smallholder farmers attested to the fact that they were aware of the changing climate-increasing temperatures, unpredictable, erratic, heavy and increasing rainfall, late onset and early retreat of rains. This is validated by the various empirical studies in the region. Smallholder farmers in the study areas really possess knowledge of the impacts of climate change and variability which helped them to cope with climate change and variability. They were able to identify their areas of vulnerability and appropriate adaptation options in their own capacity. It is recommended that the government needs to build on their capacity, knowledge and practices to enhance resilience of the smallholder farmers and for sustainability of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability.

Percentage Yield Difference, an Index for Evaluating Intercropping Efficiency

Aim: To evaluate intercropping efficiency using percentage yield difference (PYD) and to compare the index with other indices. Study Design: The design was a 2 X 5 factorial in a randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. Location: The study was carried out at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ejiba (18°18°N, 5°39°E), Kogi State in the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons. Methodology: Erect and prostrate cowpeas and maize were mixed at five population ratios. The five population ratios were: 100%C: 75%M, 100%C:50%M, 100%C:25%M, 75%C:25%M and 50%C:50%M (were C and M represented Cowpea and Maize respectively). Sole crops of each crop at full population were included as control treatments. Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER), Monetary Equivalent Ratio (MER) and Percentage Yield Difference (PYD) were estimated and compared. Results: Results of this study showed that LER, ATER, and PYD values were similar for the two cultivars in the two years. Original Research Article Afe and Atanda; AJEA, 5(5): 459-465, 2015; Article no.AJEA.2015.045 460 LER values ranges between 1.18 and 1.27 in 2008 and 1.12 and 1.30 in 2009. MER did not follow the same trend as LER and ATER. Lower values were obtained particularly in 2009. However, the highest MER 1.35 and 1.23 in 2008 and 2009 respectively were obtained in prostrate cowpea / maize mixture at population ratio of 100:50. The PYD advantage varies between 5-33% in the two years. Conclusion: The comparable values of PYD with other indices suggest that it can be used to evaluate/ intercropping efficiency in crop mixture.

Factors affecting farmers' participation in irrigation schemes of the Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Kwara State, Nigeria

In Nigeria the performances of many governments owned irrigation schemes have fallen short of expectation. Management issues and steps required to ensure sustainable growth in irrigated agriculture were not given proper attention. This study therefore examined those factors affecting farmers’ participation in irrigated agriculture at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty (160) respondents were selected from communities around LNRBDA site at Oke Oyi for this study through a two-stage sampling procedures. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. The result showed that majority of respondents were farmers within the economic active age and relatively literate. They identified factors affecting farmers’ participation in the scheme to include poor knowledge of irrigation techniques(78.3%), Insufficient water for irrigation during the dry season (80.5%), high cost of labour (75.8%), Lack of access to credit facility (76.6%), poor response to farmers’ needs by the Authority (85.2%), Irregular pumping of water (86.7),. Consequently, the study recommended encouragement of participatory irrigation scheme (PIM) in which farmers would take charge of daily allocation of water while the authority serves as supervisory body and stepping up of extension activities within the surrounding villages. Keywords: Irrigation, Water, Participatory Irrigation Management, LNRBDA

Effect of Tillage Methods and Foliar Fertilization (<i>Boost Extra</i><sup>TM</sup>) on Soil Physical Properties, Weed Dry Matter and Grain Yield of Sorghum in Ejiba, Kogi State, Nigeria

An experiment was carried out for two consecutive growing seasons (2012 and 2013) at the Research Site of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ejiba, Nigeria, to examine the response of sorghum to tillage methods and foliar fertilizer (Boost ExtraTM) application. A split plot experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates to randomize the tillage methods (main plots) and foliar fertilizer application (sub-plots), respectively. The experiment comprised of three tillage methods: No Tillage (NT), Manual Tillage (MT) and convectional tillage (Ploughing, Harrowing and Ridging, PHR) and three foliar fertilizer rates: 0, 2 and 4 liters of foliar fertilizer per hectare. The parameters taken on soil physical properties and weed characters are soil moisture content (%), soil temperature (℃), weed species and weed dry weight (g). Growth and yield parameters taken are: average plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), leaf area (m2), days to 50% flowering, root dry weight (g), shoot dry weight (g), weight of 1000 seeds and grain yield per land area. Weeds were identified and harvested, and their dry weights were taken and recorded. Data were also collected from ten randomly selected plants in each plot. The data were statistically analyzed using GENSTAT. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to find out the significance of variation among the treatments while the significant differences between mean treatments were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The results obtained from this study indicated that tillage methods and foliar fertilizer application significantly affected growth and yield parameters of sorghum, consequently the yield per unit area. The results also indicated that “Manually Tilled” seedbed (MT) improved soil physical properties better than either plots with PHR or No Till plots in the study area. Foliar fertilizer application at 2 l/ha performed best in terms of growth and yield. It is therefore recommended that manual tillage should be used as a method of seedbed preparation for sorghum production. However, better and stable grain yield of sorghum could be obtained with the practice of manual tillage (MT) in combination with foliar fertilization at rate of 2 litres/ha. It is recommended that different tillage methods should be combined with foliar fertilizer application for higher grain yield in the study area.

Effect of Different Spacing and Urea Application Rates on Fruit Nutrient Composition, Growth and Yield of Tomato in Derived Savannah Vegetation of Kogi State, Nigeria

Experiments were located at Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ejiba and Horticultural Section College of Agriculture, Kabba in 2014 cropping season to investigate the effect of different spacing and urea application rates on fruit nutrient composition, growth and fruit yield of tomato in derived savanna vegetation of Nigeria. Field experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in factorial fashion with three replications. The row spacing were 75 × 40 cm (33,333 plant·ha-1, 75 × 50 cm (26,666 plant·ha-1) and 75 × 60 cm (22,222 plant·ha-1) while the urea rates comprised control (0 kg urea·ha-1), 54.3 and 108.6 kg urea·ha-1. Growth and yield parameters taken were as follows: average plant height, stem girth, leaf area (m2) and yield per land area. Data were collected from ten randomly selected plants in each plot. The data were statistically analyzed using GENSTAT. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to find out the significance of variation among the treatments while the significant difference between mean treatments was separated using least significance Difference at 5% level of probability. The result obtained from this study indicated that urea application and spacing affected significantly growth parameters of tomato and yield per land area. It could be concluded that there was a significant increase in plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits per plant and final fruit weight of tomato as a result of urea fertilizer application at the rate of 108.6 kg urea/ha. However, this was not significantly better than plots with urea application at 54.8 kg/ha in both Ejiba and Kabba. Row spacing of 75 × 50 cm showed better performance in number of fruit and fruit yield per plots. Farmers in Ejiba and Kabba should apply urea at the rate of 54.8 kg per hectare and plant the crop at a row spacing of 75 × 50 cm for optimum yield and for a more profitable production of tomato.

Variability and Trends of Daily Heavy Rainfall Events over Niger River Basin Development Authority Area in Nigeria

Using 70 years of daily rainfall records in eight stations, an analysis of variability and trends of daily heavy rainfall events over Niger River Basin Development Authority Area was carried out by using Standardized Anomaly Index and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. Significant temporal variability on interannual and decadal time-scales was observed in the frequency of heavy rainfall events and annual heavy rainfall amount. Both the annual heavy rainfall amount and frequency of heavy rainfall events demonstrated no pronounced temporal decreasing or increasing trend. However, more recent data records from 1981 onwards revealed an increasing trend. Thus, evidence of a temporal change is apparent in heavy rainfall events in the last three decades in sympathy with global warming.

Influence of Climate Change in Niger River Basin Development Authority Area on Niger Runoff, Nigeria

The influence of climate change on the runoff of Niger River is investigated for the period 1055-2010 using Gaussian Low Pass Filler, Spearman rank correlation co-efficient and multiple regression analysis. Niger River runoff is characterized by marked temporal variability which must have obliterated any trend in the long-term. An increasing trend which is insignificant (0.0226) during the long-term period (1955-2010) but significant (0.6762) in the recent period (1981-2010) has been detected. There is high positive correlation between annual rainfall (0.653) annual heavy rainfall (0.658) with annual runoff while (he correlation between annual temperature and annual runoff is significant but negative (-0.325). The multiple regression analysis shows that the annual rainfall, annual heavy rainfall and annual temperature account for 54.4% of its variance and are good predictors of runoff. The runoff of Niger River has been observed to be highly sensitive to changes in rainfall as a small increase or decrease in rainfall resulted in marked changes in runoff particularly in dry climate. The projected changes in runoff in the sub-Sahara Africa are consistent with the observed increase in the Niger River runoff.

Comparative Response of Conventional and Quality Protein Maize Hybrids to High Population Densities in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Optimum plant population is very important in enhancing high and stable grain yield especially in quality protein maize (QPM) production. A field trial was therefore conducted to compare the performance of six hybrids (three each of QPM and normal endosperm) at three population densities using a split-plot design at the sub-station of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Oke-Oyi, in the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Plant population -1 densities (53,333, 66,666, and 88,888 plants ha ) constituted the main plots and the six hybrids were assigned to the subplots, replicated three times. Our results showed a differential response of maize -1 hybrids to high densities, with plant populations above 53,333 plants ha reduced grain yield, and this is more pronounced in QPM than normal endosperm hybrids. This is contrary to the results observed in many other countries. This might be that the hybrids were selected in low yield potential area at low plant densities, and hence not tolerant to plant density stress. It may also be due to low yield potential of the experimental site, which does not allow yield increases at high plant densities. Though normal endosperm hybrids 0103-11 and 0103-15 as well as QPM Dada-ba were superior for grain yield among -1 the hybrids at 53,333 plants ha , hybrid 0103-11 was most outstanding. Therefore, genetic improvement of QPM and normal endosperm hybrids for superior stress tolerance and high yield could be enhanced by selection at higher plant population densities.

Performance evaluation of portable sprinkler irrigation system in Ilorin, Nigeria

The global climate change and its attendant effect on scarce water resources have further reduced the amount of water available for agriculture. Under this circumstance, the use of pressurized irrigation systems can be an option of enhancing the efficiency of water consumption. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the performance of a new portable sprinkler system purchased by the lower Niger river basin development authority, Ilorin, Nigeria. Catch can test were carried out to determine the performance of irrigation applied with the portable sprinkler irrigation systems under field conditions. The tests were carried out using ASABE (2009) standard procedures. The coefficient of uniformity (CU) was used to compute the uniformity of sprinkler water application on the field; while the delivery performance ratio (DPR) was used to quantify the efficiency of the management inputs of the sprinkler system. Results of the field evaluation indicated that the average CU and DPR of the system were 86% and 87%, respectively, indicating satisfactory performance of the sprinkler system. Emanating from the study were a set of performance guidelines and recommendations for the design and management of sprinkler irrigation systems necessary for the achievement of optimum performance.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle in Irrigation Farming System for Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria

This paper is a pilot investigation into irrigation activities and the need for a reform to attain food security in Nigeria. Oke-Oyi irrigation project of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin was chosen as epitome of irrigation projects in Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were administered on the 135 farmers participating in the project for detailed analysis. Past and present project officers were also interviewed. Simple percentages were used to summarize the data for discussion. The study revealed that the services of the irrigation agency is poor and grossly inadequate, revenue from irrigation farming cannot meet the cost let alone aiding further investment. The farmers do not have access to farm inputs such as fertilizer and micro credit among others. The paper is of the opinion that a reform in this sector will transform irrigation system towards a path of sustainable food security.

Critical parameters for maize yield under irrigation farming in the savanna zone of kwara state, Nigeria.

This study examines the critical variables that determine maize yield under irrigation farming in the savanna ecological zone of Kwara State. Seventy-five soil samples were randomly collected from irrigation farm of Oke-Oyi irrigation project of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Ilorin and bulked into 15 samples. In addition, copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to 15 irrigation farmers whose farm plots were sampled. The soils were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationships among the soil and socio-economic variables, Stepwise regression analysis was employed to identify the critical soil and socio-economic parameters responsible for maize yield. The result of the regression model revealed that Fertiliser and Volume of water are the two critical input parameters for maize yield under irrigation. They both account for 69% of the variation in the quantity of maize produced while fertiliser alone accounts for 54%of the total variance in maize yield. Key words: maize, yield, irrigation, savanna soil Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (3) 2008: pp. 32-39