Nigerian Farmers Research Articles

Historical Analysis of Climate Variability and Agricultural Production in Nigeria (1931-2020)

This study investigates the historical dynamics of climate variability and its impacts on agricultural production in Nigeria from 1931 to 2020. Utilizing a robust analytical framework that integrates climatic data analysis, statistical modelling, and geographic information system (GIS) techniques, the research explores trends in temperature and precipitation across different agro-ecological zones. Key findings reveal a consistent upward trend in average annual temperatures, with more pronounced warming observed in northern Nigeria, notably the Sahelian zone. Concurrently, precipitation patterns exhibit regional disparities, characterized by increased rainfall in southern regions and variable patterns in the north, including periods of severe droughts during the 1970s and 1980s. Statistical analyses employing Mann-Kendall trend tests and regression models confirm significant temperature increases and varying precipitation trends, underscoring their direct impacts on agricultural productivity. The study highlights the sensitivity of crop yields to climatic factors, demonstrating that rising temperatures adversely affect staple crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum, while adequate precipitation plays a critical role in enhancing yields. Socio-economic factors, including disparities in resource access between northern and southern regions, influence farmers’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate variability. Adaptation strategies adopted by Nigerian farmers, such as adjusted planting schedules, crop diversification, and irrigation practices, are explored within the context of socio-economic constraints and infrastructural limitations. Spatial analysis using GIS provides insights into the differential impacts of climate variability across Nigeria, emphasizing the vulnerability of northern regions to climate shocks compared to the relative resilience of southern regions. Policy implications underscore the urgency of promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving resource access, enhancing rural infrastructure, and implementing targeted capacity-building initiatives. These measures are essential for enhancing adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainable agricultural development amidst on going climate variability and change in Nigeria.

Biological potentials of Landolphia owariensis leaf methanolic extract against pathogenic fungi isolates from different Dioscorea species

Abstract Regarding economic significance, the Dioscoreaceae family, which includes the well-known Dioscorea (yam) species, is the fourth most important tuber crop globally. A basic meal found all across the world, yams encourage and ensure the food security of households. Although they are challenging to preserve and store however a post-harvest deterioration control must be developed. Over the years, Nigerian farmers have employed medicinal herbs to manage post-harvest pest invasion; nevertheless, the scientific basis for this fungal management has not yet been well documented. As a result, Landolphia owarensis leaf extract was used as a biological control, and fungi were isolated from Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea alata, and Discorea rotundata. Samples of yam tubers – both rotten and healthy – were procured in the markets and brought to the lab for fungus isolation and identification. Leaves of Landolphia oweriensis were collected, air-dried, milled, and macerated in pure methanol for 72 h, extracted and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. The agar-well diffusion method was used for the biological control assay against the fungal isolates. The biological control results were presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) while analysis of variance (Anova) was used to deduce least significant difference (LSD). A total number of 605 fungi isolates were observed in which D. cayenensis had the highest, 50.58 %, D. alata and Discorea rotundata 24.71 % respectively. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus were found in the three species while Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Collentotricum spp. and Penicillium spp. in either of the species. L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts possesses biological potentials against Colletotrium spp., A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus only. The problem of postharvest fungal invasion of Dioscorea species can be solved with the inhibition observed with L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts as a biological control measure thereby sustaining food security in the world.

Gastrointestinal helminthiasis among Nigerian farmers in Delta North communities

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections among farmers of different age groups and the risk factors influencing disease transmission in different geographic settings with intermittent treatment in Delta North Agricultural Zone in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all age groups in some farming communities in freshwater swamp forest and lowland rainforest of Delta North Agricultural Zone. Kato Katz method was used to detect gastrointestinal helminth infections in stool samples. Study participants totalled 20 698 including 11215 (54.2%) males and 9483 (45.8%) females. Additionally, diagnostic tests performance for Schistosoma mansoni using Kato Katz and PCR were compared. Results: This study identified six parasites namely, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis, with a total prevalence of 21.6%. The freshwater swamp forest had a slightly higher prevalence (21.8%) with six parasite species than that of the lowland rainforest (21.0%) with five species, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Factors that influenced disease transmission include sex, age, behaviour, type of infection, culture and environment, with vulnerabilities higher among children and females (P < 0.05). Additional investigation comparing Kato Katz method and PCR using Schistosoma mansoni 121 bp primer on 120 samples showed prevalence of 0.0% for Kato Katz and 4.2% for PCR. Conclusions: This study revealed persistent gastrointestinal helminth infections in areas where there is intermittent mass antihelminthic administration. This underscores the need for integrated control of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in farming communities.

Fish feed formulation: Does Nigerian farmers' risk and time preference play a part in choosing feed protein sources for intensively farmed fish?

Fish meal is commonly used in the diets of fish, but its high cost and sustainability as a feed ingredient raise concerns. In order to reduce dependence on fish meal, proteins from plant sources are increasingly being recommended as an alternative ingredient in fish diets. The paper aims to examine whether risk attitudes and time preferences influence the decision to choose feed protein sources for intensively farmed fish. Using measures based on behavioural economics theories, we elicit risk attitudes and time preferences of 100 Nigerian fish farmers and estimate a double hurdle regression by assuming that fish farmers make their feed protein substitution decisions in two steps. The results indicate that risk-seeking farmers are less likely to substitute (risk-increasing) fish meal for plant-based proteins in fish feed. There is no statistically significant effect of time preference on the decision to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins. Other results show that a higher level of education and income and a larger farm size positively influenced the decision to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins, while male farmers were less likely to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins. These findings suggest that farmers' risk attitudes, education, income, farm size, and gender are critical factors that policymakers and stakeholders should consider in interventions to encourage farmers to transition to more sustainable feed input.

Tractor acquisition and agricultural performance among Nigerian farmers: Evidence from Co-integration Modeling technique

Given the envisioned significance of the agricultural sector in Nigeria, which scholars have argued has the potential to promote pro-poor growth and poverty alleviation. However, questions have been raised about using and accessing modern agricultural machinery for farm cultivation. In this regard, this study uses a co-integration modelling technique to investigate the impact of tractor acquisition on agricultural performance. Two equations were established through the normalisation processes to proxy agricultural performance: the agricultural output and employment equations. Firstly, the analysis procedure requires a preliminary test to determine the statistical properties of the series used in this study; evidence from the outcome indicates that the series are not stationarity at level form and are integrated of order one. Secondly, based on the outcome of the preliminary result, the error correction model approach to co-integration was adopted, which helps to capture the short-term dynamics and long-term equilibrium of the effect of tractor acquisition on agricultural output and employment. The findings from the agricultural output equation show that credit to the agricultural sector, land cultivated for agricultural purposes, and tractor acquisition are statistically significant contributors to agricultural output. The agricultural employment equation shows that credit to agricultural purposes, land cultivated for agriculture and rainfall have a positive long-term relationship with employment. At the same time, tractor acquisition has a negative impact on agricultural employment in the long run. In the short run, exchange rate, rainfall, and tractor acquisition positively correlate with agricultural employment. In contrast, credit for agricultural purposes and land cultivated for agriculture negatively affects employment. Based on the findings, there is a need to strengthen policies that support access to credit, promote sustainable land use practices, and enhance water management. Also, policymakers should consider implementing measures that encourage the adoption of tractor technology while simultaneously addressing potential challenges related to job displacement.

Assessment of Health Impact on Agricultural Workers and Rural Inhabitants Exposed to Pesticide in Selected Towns in Southern Region of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Many studies in and outside Nigeria has established that Nigerian farmers depend heavily on pesticides for agricultural purposes. Exposure to it have shown varying health impairment. Thus, this study assesses the effect of pesticide exposure on health of agricultural workers an rural inhabitant of southern Ekiti. The study adopts a cross-sectional descriptive, while convenience sampling was used to sample 306 agricultural workers who have record of pesticide use. Descriptive statistics were used to describe information. Chi-square test was used to test the dependence of pesticide exposure and health impairment. 72% of the farmers used pesticide for agricultural purposes while 83.7% use pesticides at home. Most of them used for over 2 years (69.6% on the field and 56.2% at home). Of the respondents, 53.4% have experienced at least one health challenges or the other due to pesticide exposure. The Chi square test of independence between pesticide exposure and health impairment shows a P-value of 0.0439, the P-value of the test between knowledge and use of pesticide is 0.275, and the P-value of type of crop cultivated and health impairment is 0.093. This reveals that exposure to pesticide results in health challenges; farmers’ knowledge about pesticide did not influence proper use of it; and exposure to pesticide due to type of crop planted by farmers did not significantly lead to health impairment of farmers. The study concludes that improper use of pesticide among the farmers results in one health challenge or the other. It is thus recommended that farmers should carefully read and adhere to instruction on pesticide containers; farmers should adopt the use of PPEs; government should build and maintain health care facilities to aid prompt treatment of short-term effect of pesticides.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF BORDER CLOSURE BY THE NIGERIA GOVERNMENT ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN THE WEST AFRICA REGION

Abstract
 Nigeria is the acclaimed giant of Africa in specific ramifications. The country is bordered by four African countries namely Cameroon, Chad, Benin, and Niger, and emphatically the hub-nub of economic survival of many African nations such as Togo and Ghana. However, Nigeria’s government recently announced the closure of its borders with these neighboring countries albeit, temporarily, and cited illegal importation of goods and services from these countries which has a consequential damaging effect on her economy. This paper interrogates the reasons and consequences of Nigeria’s Government’s action on border relations with neighboring countries. Adopting the descriptive design method, the research work relied heavily on secondary sources of data collection. Proximate stakeholders such as importers and exporters, Nigerian farmers, and relevant government agencies on border control were also interacted with. Using protectionist theory to analyze trends of actions, the theory argues that protectionist trade policies will always lead to an improved economic result. Findings reveal that despite short-run socio-political and economic gains, protectionism negates the principle of globalization and free trade principles which both the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) and Africa Union(AU) promote among its member states including Nigeria that are signatories to the free trade protocols. The paper recommends among others, that the Nigeria Government should address her internal challenges within its border security apparatus to avert the double jeopardy of violating border relations principles and creating a trade war with her neighbors

Understanding commitment to agroforestry a crosssectional study among a sample of Nigerian farmers

Agroforestry is strategic in reconciling food production with forest biodiversity conservation. The methodical investigation of the beneficial and ecological imperativeness that informs smallholder farmers’ commitment to agroforestry is called for. This work is therefore an attempt to examine the relative importance of farmers' attitudes towards forest loss and perceived benefits of agroforestry in farmers' commitment to agroforestry among a group of farmers in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional survey that featured the interview administration of 400 structured questionnaires among crop farmers that were selected through clustered purposive sampling. Respondent’s agreement with sets of relevant statements was elicited and used in the assessment of variables. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the significance of the difference in respondents’ commitment to agroforestry across sub-groups of gender and age/education respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between variables. Results indicate that 57.8% exhibited a 'high' commitment to agroforestry. Gender, age and education had main effects on commitment (p < 0.05). There is no significant relationship between attitude towards forest loss and commitment to agroforestry (r = 0.038, p > 0.05) but not perceived benefits (r = 0.426, p < 0.05). Being male, middle-aged and poorly educated are significantly more predisposing to exhibiting lower commitment to agroforestry. There is hardly an ecological or forest restoration motivation for agroforestry in the study area. Ecologically smart agriculture or the restorative importance of agroforestry appears to be poorly entrenched among farmers in the study area.

Nigerian Agricultural Posts on Facebook and Instagram within the West African Agricultural Messaging Framework

This study generated and content-analyzed Facebook and Instagram postings on agricultural messages by Nigerian farmers in three years (2019-2021) within specific contexts and in comparison with postings similar to ones initiated by private individuals and government agencies as well as those posted at continental level on the two social media channels. While the data are graphically displayed, a paired-sample T-test was conducted to establish statistically significant differences in the agricultural messages posted on the two social media by Nigerian farmers and farmers from other countries in Africa. All four null hypotheses tested were rejected as statistically significant differences were established between the paired population means. It was also found that Nigerian farmers are accustomed to the use of social media in promoting agricultural-related messages, indicating their exposure to the diffusion of agricultural innovation in line with the trends in advanced nations. It was concluded that social media remains a viable tool for promoting agriculture, particularly during food insecurity and global economic crisis. It was recommended that the Nigerian government should provide an enabling environment for agricultural promotion in the digital age.

The Economic Implications of the Second World War on the Nigerian Economy

This paper examines the economic implications of the Second World War on the Nigerian economy. The focus of the paper is to examine the extent to which the colonial policies put in place during and after the Second World War had impacted on the Nigerian economy. The paper investigated the effects of the colonial policies on the welfare of the Nigerian farmers on one hand and the production of crops on the other. The study of the Second World War period is important because it enables us to examine two crucial elements in the economic history of Nigeria. On the one hand is the pursuit of the economic interest of the colonizing power, and on the other hand is the attendant economic implications of the agricultural policies on both the producers and the general economic landscape of Nigeria. The research work obtained its data from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source consists of archival materials such as Agricultural Department reports, Intelligence Reports, Government Publications and Agricultural Policy documents. The secondary sources for this work were obtained from the earliest Nigerian Newspapers and magazines, relevant textbooks, Journal articles and conference proceedings. The study finds out that the war time colonial agricultural policies rather than alleviating the suffering of the peasant farmers did upset the indigenous economy and made no attempt at improving the agricultural techniques. Furthermore, the farmers were put at disadvantage and short changed through the agency of the marketing boards as they did not receive commensurate price for their agricultural products.

Stressor or succour? Examining the association between conflict, livestock assets, and farmers’ mental health in Nigeria

Farmers are disproportionately vulnerable to violent attacks in the conflict situation in Nigeria, with potential traumatising effects due to the destruction of agricultural livelihoods. In this study, we conceptualise the links between conflict exposure, livestock assets, and depression, using a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of 3021 Nigerian farmers to quantify the relationships. We highlight three main findings. First, conflict exposure is significantly associated with farmers exhibiting depressive symptoms. Second, holding higher herds of livestock, more cattle, and more sheep and goats while exposed to conflict is associated with higher risk of depression. Third, keeping more poultry is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Finally, this study accentuates the significance of psychosocial support for farmers in conflict situations. The relationships between different livestock species and farmers’ mental health may interest further research in strengthening the evidence.

Forest-degrading behaviour among a group of Nigerian farmers: an application of the health belief model

ABSTRACT This article investigates what predicts forest-clearing behaviour in Nigeria. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire among 320 randomly selected crop farmers in Afijio, Oyo state, in southwestern Nigeria. Stepwise, multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of forest-clearing behaviour. Six variables, derived from a health belief model, determined the prediction of forest-clearing. Results indicate that “perceived barriers’ was the best predictor. “Cues to action”, “perceived benefit” and “perceived severity” were also good predictors of forest-clearing behaviour. The four constructs correlated with behaviour and explained 20.2% of the variance. Robust perception of barriers to conserving forests and perceived benefit derivable from such conservation aggravates forest degradation. In contrast, the intensity of cues that stimulate forest conservation and the severity of peoples’ perception regarding the severity of forest clearing, alleviates forest-clearing. Thus, pursuing forest conservation while invoking these variables is promising for reducing forest-clearing in Nigeria.

Food Security in Nigeria: Enhancing Workers’ Productivity in Precision Agriculture

Food security has gained international attention in recent years and Nigeria, with its abundant human and natural resources, is not exempted from this, as improving food security requires a strong focus on agricultural development. Innovations like precision agriculture tools and other advancements in modern agriculture provide farmers worldwide with the tools and expertise to improve workers’ productivity in the agricultural sector and combat food insecurity. This paper examined the state of food security in Nigeria and how precision agriculture enhances workers' productivity in Nigeria. The study adopted a systematic review of relevant literature on the various issues addressed in the research. The paper revealed that there is a high level of food insecurity in Nigeria, with estimates of more than 65% of the Nigerian population being food insecure, and the average productivity of Nigerian farmers is several times lower compared to farmers in a developed economy. The study revealed that precision agriculture boosts workers’ productivity by utilizing cutting-edge sensor and analysis techniques, increasing agricultural yields, and assisting management decisions which boost output, shorten labor hours, and guarantee efficient control of irrigation and fertilizer systems. Therefore, the paper recommends that Nigeria's farming sector incorporate precision agriculture equipment and technology, including drones, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence tools. Additionally, workers must be trained to use these innovative instruments and procedures to boost worker productivity and improve food security.

Understanding forest land conversion for agriculture in a developing country context: An application of the theory of planned behaviour among a cohort of Nigerian farmers

Abstract Natural and forest-rich ecosystems are determinants of environmental sustainability, which are threatened by forest land conversion for agricultural purposes, especially in less-developed contexts. Moreover, human behaviour is central to achieving the much desired ecologically balanced environment. Hence, a partly novel model informed by the theory of planned behaviour was used in the examination of forest land conversion for agricultural purposes. The study design was a cross-sectional survey targeted at a group of farmers of southwestern Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire among 320 randomly selected crop farmers. Independent samples t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the significance of difference in respondents' forest conversion behaviour across subgroups of gender and age/education, respectively. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify the determinants of forest conversion behaviour. Results showed that 87.8% of respondents had ever engaged in forest conversion. Gender and education had no significant effect on forest conversion behaviour (p > 0.05), but age did (p < 0.05). Attitude was the best determinant (β = 0.289, r = 0.510, R 2 = 0.260, p < 0.001), subjective norm was better (β = 0.257, r = 0.496, R 2 = 0.055, p < 0.001), while perceived behavioural control was good (β = 0.131, r = 0.398, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.012, p < 0.005). The three variables correlated with intention by a degree of 57.2% (multiple R = 0.572), while they explained 32.7% of the variance in intention (R 2 =0.327). Intention was also found to be a significant determinant of behaviour (β = 0.222, r = 0.222, R 2 = 0.049, p < 0.001). Middle age predisposes to, whereas younger and older age protects against greater extent of forest conversion. The partly novel model derived from the theory of planned behaviour proves the likely viability of the pursuit of socio-psychologically predicated interventions to enthrone forest conservation.

The Occupation of Last Resort? Determinants of Farming Choices of Small Farmers in Nigeria

In Nigeria, there is a stigma associated with small farming. There is also the assumption that farming is the occupation of last resort. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support or dispute these assertions. We examine data from 2,446 small farmers intending to find the answer to some lingering questions. Are farmers in the occupation out of choice or a lack of options? Are farmers generally satisfied with their jobs? Do most farmers have the intention to quit? Contrary to postulations that farming in Nigeria is the occupation of last resort, we find that Nigerian farmers choose to farm and take pride in their job. Notably, 67% have been farming for over 10 years, and 89% intend to continue. The logit regression suggests that job satisfaction, age, education and livestock ownership influence farmers’ intent to quit. We conclude that the government needs to make agriculture more attractive for younger and more educated farmers. This may be achieved through policies and interventions that prioritise improving rural infrastructure, address volatility, limit market fluctuations, remove barriers to markets for local farmers and facilitate the agricultural value chain so that agriculture can thrive as a business.

Analysis of household crop commercialization in Nigeria

Nigeria is experiencing a gradual shift from subsistence to commercialized agriculture, thereby increasing involvement and activities at different nodes of agribusiness. Participation of farmers in markets is an important determinant of well-being and development, and one of the pathways towards economic growth. This study analysed household crop commercialization in Nigeria. The secondary data used were the General Household Survey (GHS, 2018) Wave 4. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, household crop commercialization index (HCCI) and ordered probit regression model.
 Mean age of Nigerian farmers was 50.04 years (±15.22), majority (85.68%) were male, married (82.51%), and 72.14% had formal education. Farming is viable in all the geopolitical zones and majority (87.64%) of the farmers were from the rural sector, holding a mean total plot size of 12.61(±15.63) hectares, and planted 3 crops on the average. The most produced crop categories are cereals (46.75%), tubers (20.70%) and legumes (19.00%); legumes and cereals are highest in the North, and tubers in the South. Subsistence households were 32.81% (HCCI=0), only 1.71% of the households were fully commercial (HCCI=100), while semi-subsistence households (0≤HCCI≤100) constitute 65.48%. Years of education (p<0.05) and crop production in North East and North West zones (p<0.01) constrain commercialization, while at p<0.01, crop production in the rural sector and the South zones, and increased land holding are the drivers of household crop commercialization in Nigeria.
 Nigerian farming households are mainly semi-subsistence and are diversified in crop production. Nigeria relies more on market participation of the semi-subsistence households, through their marketable surplus, to feed her teeming population and for exports. Further attention on rural infrastructure development in all geopolitical zones and awareness creation on producing market oriented products will increase agribusiness activities. This will generate green decent jobs that will take unemployed youths off the streets of urban centres. This is in tune with the economy diversification bid and the new Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
 JEL CODE – Q13

Stakeholder Relations Perspectives in Managing Nigeria’s Rising Crimes

In today’s Nigerian society, crime represents a critical stakeholder. The unprecedented rise in crimes, such as, armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and cattle rustling has constrained the Nigerian government to introduce several crime fighting approaches. Despite government efforts, especially through State security forces, crimes have assumed a worsening dimension with increasing cases of attacks and abduction of villagers, worshippers, travellers and other settlers around Nigeria. Schools around the country are not spared, as both students and staff of different levels of educational institutions are kidnapped for ransom and sometimes killed by bandits and terrorists. Many Nigerian farmers have also been forced to abandon their farms due to incessant attacks. Not only are lives and property threatened, the Nigerian economy is also distressed by the impacts of insecurity on agriculture and the attendant hike in the prices of essential food commodities. Following the seeming inability of regular government crime fighting approaches to substantially deal with Nigeria’s rising insecurity, this paper examined the application of stakeholder relations perspectives to approach the country’s worsening insecurity. The qualitative paper combined Stakeholder and Relational Dialectics as theoretical cornerstone. It examined the impacts of some crime-yielding challenges, such as, illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, economic inequality and pseudo-social participation on the meteoric rise in crime in Nigeria. The paper recommended the application of dialogue in managing the rising militia activities and crimes. It was also recommended that beyond equipping State security formations, Nigerian government should direct attention to the conditions that breed crimes in the country.

Spatial Dependence of Time Preferences: Evidence from Field Experiments with Nigerian Farmers

Spatial Dependence of Time Preferences: Evidence from Field Experiments with Nigerian Farmers

Prevalence and Exposure to Ergonomic Risk Factors among Crop Farmers in Nigeria

This study examined the prevalence and exposure to ergonomic risks factors among crop farmers in selected states in Nigeria. We used cross-sectional data to provide this evidence. Data were collected with the aid of a standardized questionnaire administered to farmers. A total of 480 smallholder cassava farmers selected across 24 farming communities in Kogi and Kwara states, Nigeria, were engaged in the study. Descriptive statistics and binary regression were used for analysis. About 96% of the respondents reported shoulder pain, 85% reported lower back pain, 82% reported upper back pain, 64% reported neck pain, and 53% reported elbow pain during farming operations. We found that the age of farmers (OR = 2.01) and daily duration of daily chemical spray (OR = 1.17) were risk factors, while previous training on the safe use and application of farm chemicals was found to be a protective factor (α = 0.05). The study identified affordability of farm safety measures and poor access to relevant safety information as top constraints to farmers’ adoption of safe farm practices. We concluded there is a high prevalence of ergonomic risks during cassava operations among respondents. A crop-specific co-designed ergonomic intervention targeted at Nigerian farmers to reduce exposure to ergonomic risks is recommended.

Towards Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: A Fuzzy Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Organic Fertilizers

In the quest towards achieving the Zero hunger agenda of the sustainable development goals by 2030, the utilization of organic fertilizers, for soil amendment purposes, has been posited as a feasible alternative for overcoming the negative impacts of inorganic fertilizers. Despite its manifold benefits, the use of untreated and improperly treated organic materials in agricultural production is however capable of introducing toxic metals in the soil-plant systems causing health and agro-environmental impacts. In this study, available organic fertilizers use by Nigerian farmers were selected and analyzed for nutrient values and most importantly, heavy metal contamination. The degree of contamination in each sample was modeled using fuzzy comprehensive assessment. The manure samples possessed optimum nutritional values; the nitrogen, phosphate, and potash contents ranged from 0.91 – 7.44, 0.06 – 1.61, 0.14 – 0.58% respectively. The fuzzy algorithm results categorized all the organic fertilizers as pristine, with a membership degree ranging from 35 to 99%. However, an excessive level of toxic contamination, with a membership function between 3 to 33% was observed. The major contaminants were identified as Zn, Cr, and Cd with an individual contribution of 16, 29, and 33% respectively. Adequate remediation techniques and good management practices that reduce the concentration of heavy metals in the organic fertilizers especially that of Zn, Cr, and Cd, should therefore be promoted among the producers and users of these soil improvers in Nigeria.