State Agricultural Development Programme Research Articles

Effect of Interpersonal Conflict among Extension Staff in Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) In Rivers State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to ascertain the effects of interpersonal conflict among Extension staff in Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically the study identified the forms of interpersonal conflict among the ADP Extension staff, and ascertained the effects of interpersonal conflict on members of Rivers State ADP Extension staff. A proportionate sampling technique was used to select 149 ADP Extension staff. However, only 135 questionnaires were retrieved from the field. Variables were analyzed and presented using frequency, percentage and mean scores. The result showed that communication conflict and relationship conflict (88.10%) ranked highest forms of conflict in the ADP. The most occurring conflicts were communication conflicts (X̄=3.89), task conflict (X̄=3.77) and power conflict (X̄=3.70). The respondents agreed that interpersonal conflict improves future communication among staff (X̄=3.93), boosts staff morale (X̄=3.93) and improves trust (X̄=3.87). However, they also agreed to these negative effects of interpersonal conflict; apathy (X̄=3.93), distraction (X̄=3.76) and low morale (X̄=3.75). The study concluded that interpersonal conflict improves future communication, boosts staff morale and improves trust. On the contrary; interpersonal conflict leads to apathy, distraction and low morale. It was recommended that government and employers should make Conflict management and resolution as part of compulsory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for staff of the ADP. This will effectively utilize positive effects of interpersonal conflict while minimizing the negative effects for a more productive organization.

Profitability Level of Fish Farming In Ife-Ijesa Agricultural Development Programme, Osun State, Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to estimate the profitability level of fish farmers in Ife-ijesa zone of Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSADEP), Nigeria using standard procedures of structured questionnaires administered to 100 respondents that were randomly selected. The study revealed that fish farming in the Area was male dominated with 89%. For the respondents using earthen 41.3% were range between50-60% and 31.6% of the respondents using concrete were within the range of 50-60years. 70.3% of the respondents using concrete were married and 56.6% of the respondents using earthen were married. 40.5% of the respondents using concrete had tertiary education and 45.2% of the respondents using earthen had tertiary education. 95.7% of the respondents using earthen operate by self-savings and 98.1% of the respondents using concrete also operate by self-saving and the average pond size used was 0.5 hectares. Findings also showed that the estimated average fixed cost and variable cost incurred for all fish farmers were N109.296.43 for the respondents using concrete and N173,473.38 for the respondents using earthen, while gross margin and average farm profit were N108, 718,43 for the respondents using concrete and N172,734.88 for the respondents using earthen per annum respectively.

Perception of Leadership Role among Agricultural Extension Frontliner’s Job Satisfaction in Oyo and Osun state ADP, Nigeria

The study determined perception of leadership roles among agricultural extension frontliners’ job satisfaction in Oyo and Osun State Agricultural Development Programme Nigeria. Simple random sample technique was used to select 123 respondents from the study area. Data were analyzed using mean and regression analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 43.4years while 63.6% were male respondents. Major leadership roles include supervision of employees’ work ( ­=3.67), goal-oriented roles ( =3.39), effective dissemination of information among the employees ( =3.35) and creation of a friendly work environment. Major employees’ satisfaction were employees work together with their colleagues ( =3.54) and interact freely with their colleagues ( =3.51). Major challenges affecting employees job satisfaction were inadequate funding ( =3.30), irregular leave bonus ( =3.29), climate and weather condition ( =3.08) and inadequate incentive ( =3.02). Regression analysis show a positive significant coefficient (P<0.05) exists between educational status (1.701) year of service (β = 0.551), leadership roles (β = 0.513), challenges faced by respondents (β = 2.091) and employees’ job satisfaction. The study concluded that leadership roles have significant relationship with employees’ satisfaction. For adequate job satisfaction among agricultural employees, organization should pay attention to disbursement of training funds, provision of incentive and leadership recognition. Keywords: Perception, Leadership roles, Agricultural extension frontliners and Job satisfaction

Successive national agricultural policies/programmes, growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and expansion of agribusinesses in Nigeria.

In Sub Saharan Africa, agriculture's contribution to employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be higher than other sectors. Policies designed and implemented for the agricultural sector could be an influencing factor to the variations in the contributions of agriculture to the annual national GDP. These policies are believed to have shaped and (some) still shaping the landscape of agriculture and national economy. The study analysed agriculture's GDP contribution during the implementation of various national agricultural policies, and the potential of the policies to foster agrobusiness development in Nigeria between 2000 and 2021. The study adopted mixed-method approach. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered on 29 purposively sampled state Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) directors across Nigeria. The questionnaire was face-validated by three experts. Reliability test was carryout using Cronbach Alpha approach, which yielded an index of 0.89. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on the respondents through direct contact. Secondary data were collected from the Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Bureau of Statistics, and World Bank. Data was analysed with mean, standard deviation, percentages and ANOVA. Findings of the study revealed that the performance of implemented agricultural policies had influence on agricultural sector's percentage contribution to national GDP, and changes in agriculture's GDP contribution had significant impact on national GDP growth. The duration of active life of the policies did not influence their performance, like the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme which lasted longer yet performed less than the National Special Programme on Food Security in terms of improvement in agriculture's GDP contributions. All the policies implemented had several limitations in their ability to foster agribusinesses in Nigeria. The study recommends that future policies should focus on providing sustainable frameworks for developing the business in agriculture through value chain optimisation and the use of the teeming, young, and affordable labour force like China and India did to become global food producers.

ANALYSIS OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the training needs of extension agents on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme (KADP), Nigeria. Seventy-five extension agents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and multinomial regression. The results revealed that the majority of the extension agents had a great need for training in the use of ICT facilities such as multimedia (85%), remote sensing equipment (83.3), internet (83.3%), video camera (81.7%), audio recorder/player (76.7%), computer (73.3%) and audio-visual aids (66.7%). majority (83%) of the respondents had participated in one extension programme or the other while 20 % of the extension agents have never participated into any agricultural extension programme. Factors that influence the training needs of extension agents included training (-0.349 and 0.312), education level (-0.322 and 0.205), job experience (0.142) and age (-0.528) of the extension agents. The major constraints associated with the use of ICT tools by extension agents include lack of skills and knowledge, poor finance, the problem of internet coverage and connectivity, high cost of ICT tools, poor power supply and unavailability of ICT tools. The establishment of ICT units equipped with modern ICT facilities for extension services in all the KADA zones should be carried out. Training courses on the application ICT facilities in extension services should be planned and conducted for all extension agents in KADP for effective extension service delivery.

ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING NEEDS AMONG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AGENTS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN KADUNA STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the training needs of extension agents on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme (KADP), Nigeria. Seventy-five extension agents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and multinomial regression. The results revealed that the majority of the extension agents had a great need for training in the use of ICT facilities such as multimedia (85%), remote sensing equipment (83.3), internet (83.3%), video camera (81.7%), audio recorder/player (76.7%), computer (73.3%) and audio-visual aids (66.7%). majority (83%) of the respondents had participated in one extension programme or the other while 20 % of the extension agents have never participated into any agricultural extension programme. Factors that influence the training needs of extension agents included training (-0.349 and 0.312), education level (-0.322 and 0.205), job experience (0.142) and age (-0.528) of the extension agents. The major constraints associated with the use of ICT tools by extension agents include lack of skills and knowledge, poor finance, the problem of internet coverage and connectivity, high cost of ICT tools, poor power supply and unavailability of ICT tools. The establishment of ICT units equipped with modern ICT facilities for extension services in all the KADA zones should be carried out. Training courses on the application ICT facilities in extension services should be planned and conducted for all extension agents in KADP for effective extension service delivery.

The Role of Financial Information Literacy in Strategic Decision-Making Effectiveness and Sustainable Performance among Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

The current financial environment is characterized by frequent innovations and complex financial products and services and this poses particular challenges for agribusiness entrepreneurs in rural areas. This study examined the sources of financial information available to agribusiness entrepreneurs in rural areas and how financial information literacy impacts performance sustainability and strategic decision-making effectiveness among agribusiness entrepreneurs amid complex and frequent innovations in financial environments in Nigeria. Utilizing a probability sampling approach, 397 respondents were drawn from the pool of agribusiness entrepreneurs registered with the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme for the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchored Borrower’s Programme (ABP) for farming businesses. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. The results from the demographic analysis suggest that agribusiness entrepreneurs have the highest access to radio adverts/programs on financial matters while television adverts/programs exert the highest persuasive influence on these agribusiness entrepreneurs. The outcomes from this analysis indicate that financial information literacy significantly impacts agribusiness performance sustainability among entrepreneurs. In addition, the proposed link between financial information literacy and strategic decision-making effectiveness among agribusiness entrepreneurs was confirmed. It is concluded that financial information literacy is needed for strategic decision-making effectiveness and performance sustainability among agribusiness entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, amid frequent innovative financial products and services.

Leadership Effectiveness of Zonal Extension Officers by Extension Agents in Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme, Nigeria

In the structure of the Kwara Agricultural Development Programme, the position of Zonal Extension Officers (ZEO) is vital and central to the execution of the extension programmes which are implemented through the frontline Extension Agents. The study examined the leadership effectiveness of the Zonal Extension Officers (ZEOs) in Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme, factors that hindered the leadership effectiveness of ZEOs and the demographic characteristics of ZEOs and Extension Agents (EAs) in Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme. One hundred and thirty (130) EAs and four (4) ZEOs were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics while the hypotheses were tested with Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-Square Statistics. Results of the study revealed that 94.6% of the EAs and all four ZEOs acquired tertiary education. The EAs and the ZEOs had an average of 8.01 and 5 years of field experience respectively. Furthermore, 59.2%, 58.5% and 50% of ZEOs were effective only in clarifying the organization’s goals, ineffective in staff motivation and communication respectively. There was a significant relationship between level of education (χ2 = 47.53, p=<0.05), years of experience (r=0.27, p=<0.05) of EAs and perceived leadership effectiveness of ZEOs. Based on the empirical evidence, the ZEOs need to improve their job performances. Extension personnel should acquire tertiary education with cognate field experience before they could function as ZEOs for optimum effectiveness.

Frontline extension workers’ satisfaction with organizational climate in Edo State, Nigeria

Extension personnel express satisfaction differently with organizational and interactional issues. This study assessed the satisfaction of frontline extension workers (FEWs) with organizational climate (OC) in the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ESADP). Specifically, it described the personal characteristics of FEWs, examined the extent of and satisfaction with organizational motivation and relationship with co-workers as well as identified the constraints to satisfaction. Data were collected from all the 56 scheduled FEWs using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with frequency, percentages, means and Spearman rank correlation. Findings showed that the FEWs had mean age and working experience of 45.9 years and 13 years, respectively. Organizational climate items in place include discipline (x̅ = 3.28), feedback/reporting (x̅ = 3.13), role clarity (x̅ = 2.99) and a high level of satisfaction in interaction with co-workers (x̅ ≥ 2.50). The most serious constraints to satisfaction with OC include poor funding (x̅ = 3.56) and inadequate equipment and facilities (x̅ = 3.24). Results also showed that grade level (r = 0.216; p = 0.026), age (r = 0.172; p = 0.029) and work experience (r = 0.173; p = 0.046) were significantly correlated with job satisfaction. Various organizational climate items were in place but FEWs had low satisfaction. Edo State ADP needs to be revamped through adequate funding and an efficient reward system to motivate staff, most especially the younger staff.

An Assessment of the Role of Extension Officers in Enhancing Agricultural Safety Awareness in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assesses the role of extension officers in enhancing agricultural safety awareness in Cross River State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify the qualifications needed by agricultural extension officers to ensure safety in agriculture in the study area, asses the roles of Agricultural Extension agents in enhancing agricultural safety awareness in the study area, determine the factors that constitutes the extension safety awareness process in the study area and ascertain the challenges to extension officer’s safety awareness to Farmers in the study area. The population of the study was all the agricultural extension agents in the Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme (CR-ADP). Both primary and secondary data were adopted and the simple random sampling technique was used to select 83 respondents for the study. The findings revealed that Agricultural Extension agents required certain qualifications to enhance safety awareness to Farmers. That the roles of Agricultural Extension officers is crucial to the development of safety awareness education in the study area as most of the variables were highly significant with a mean of 3.0. That certain factors which were all highly significant in the study constitute the agricultural extension safety awareness process. All the constraints identified were all significant. The study recommended that the poor allocation/allowance and low motivation of extension agents should be addressed by collaborating agencies including the government.

Urban Agriculture Practices and Households’ Livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study examined the effects of urban agriculture on households’ livelihoods in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 150 respondents. Data were obtained through the use of interview schedule and analysed using percentage, charts, and mean statistic. Results revealed that the major crop and livestock kept were leafy vegetables (100.0%) and broilers chicken (57.0%), respectively. The majority (82.0%) of the respondents that practised urban agriculture had no contact with extension agent. The practice of urban agriculture had significant effects on respondents’ livelihood in term of improvement in standard of living from 85.0% to 98.0%, and improvement in saving pattern from 66.7% to 100.0%. The practice of urban agriculture had also led to an improved knowledge of the respondents. The extension services of Ondo State Agricultural Development Programme should be extended to those practicing urban agriculture. This will go a long way in improving and sustaining households’ livelihoods.

Evaluation of Agricultural Projects and Extension Services of the Bayelsa State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)

The study evaluated the agricultural projects and extension services of the Bayelsa State Agricultural Development Programme. Three specific objectives and hypotheses were developed to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was employed to observe a cross-section of the population of the farmers in the three ADP zones, in Bayelsa State. Both purposive and proportionate sampling techniques were used to select two hundred and fifty – four (254) registered farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, arithmetic, and weighted mean scores were used, while inferential statistics - Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05% level of probability. The findings showed that agricultural projects carried out in Bayelsa State within the past five years were: Fish farming (GM = 3.18), cropping practices of most crops (GM = 2.97), poultry production (GM = 2.71), seed multiplication/Yam minisette technology (GM = 2.70) and snail farming (GM = 2.59), among others. The findings also cataloged the agro projects that have not been carried out in the area including Yam bag technology (GM = 1.83), Goat/sheep farming (GM = 1.94), Grasscutter/Rabbit farming (GM = 1.80), processing of tubers/grains/plantains into flour and farmers' cooperative formation with an equal grand mean (GM = 2.32), among others. The result indicated that only: Fish farming (GM = 2.89), organic farming (GM = 2.76), poultry production (GM = 2.70), cropping practices of few crops, and snail farming with a marching grand mean (GM = 2.66) had high adoption rate in the study area. Finally, the findings showed that: Lack of insurance practices by farmers (GM = 3.68), when the farmers are not involved in the planning of the project (GM = 3.50), weak government policies/leap services in agriculture (GM = 3.30), when the projects are not guided by the needs of farmers (GM = 3.23), inadequate agricultural credits (GM = 3.14), lack of incentives for farmers (GM = 3.13) and when projects are gender-specific (GM = 3.10), among many other factors add up to the most serious challenges in adopting agricultural projects in Bayelsa State. All the ANOVA results in this study showed that the views of the registered farmers on the agricultural projects carried out by ADP in the past five years did not differ significantly among the three ADP zones in Bayelsa State at a P > 0.05 significant level. The study, therefore, recommended among others that: Agricultural Development Project (ADP) should beef up its extension package and extend worthwhile services to the farmers in their zones; Engagement of qualified Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture with a clear mandate to assist the farm families to grow should be emphasized in Bayelsa State, and Registered farmers should be formed into cooperative groups and be involved in planning agricultural programs that concern them.

ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING NEEDS OF EXTENSION WORKERS IN BAUCHI STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, NIGERIA

The study assessed the training needs of extension workers in Bauchi State agricultural development program, Nigeria. The study employed random sampling techniques to select 145 respondents across the three (3) agricultural zones. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results pointed out that majority (81.4%) of the respondents were male with small proportion of females. The results also showed that 26.5% and 25.0% of the respondents had Higher National Diploma and National Diploma, respectively. The findings revealed that all (100%) of the respondents reported the need for training of extension workers. The findings also showed that majority (58.6%) of the respondents received in-service training. The study recommended the needs to provide adequate financial support and continuous training in some key areas to support Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme as at when due for proper planning and execution of training programmes for extension staffs. Motivation should also be put into consideration to improve in their job performance.

TECHNOLOGIES USING TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

The global crisis in Climate Change (CC) requires Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Information and Technologies (CSAITs) to address it. Mobile Phone Applications (MPAs) among other ICTs could be veritable tools for enhancing job performance of field staff by facilitating their generation and dissemination of relevant information to adapt, cope with and mitigate the effects of CC. This study examined access and dissemination of CSAITs using MPAs by field staff in Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics, access and dissemination of CSA-related information, use of MPAs for CSAITs and the constraints to usage of MPAs among field workers. Data were collected from the 120 field staff comprising 78 Field Extension Workers and 42 Enumerators of Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results show that 55.8% of respondents were males and 40.8% were between 41-50 years of age, 54.2% were HND/B.Sc holders and 50.8% had between 11-20years working experience. The CSAITs mostly accessed (≥50%) using MPAs include irrigation and “fadama” farming, weather forecasts and zero or minimal tillage and non-burning while CSAITs mostly disseminated include manure application, mulching, and timely harvesting. The MPAs used for CSA-related tasks include voice calls ( =2.78), Short Messaging Service (SMS) ( =2.53), calculators ( =2.46), camera ( =2.46) and emails ( =2.43). Constraints to using MPAs for CSAITs-related tasks included inadequate knowledge and skills in CSAITs ( =3.72) and in the use of many MPAs and

INFLUENCE OF EXTENSION AGENTS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS ON THEIR JOB PERFORMANCE IN EDO STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The study examined the influence of the personal characteristics of extension agents in Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ESADP) on their job performance. A well - structured questionnaire was used to collect information from fifty-three respondents, spread across the ADP blocks in the three agricultural zones in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents were male (66.0%) and married (94.3%). Majority (83%) had OND/NCE certificate and were relatively young (average age = 40 years) and experienced as extension agents (average = 14 years). The job performance of majority of the extension workers was rated high (58.5%). Also, Chi- square result showed that there was no significant association between the personal characteristics of the extension agents and their job performance. The study therefore suggests the need to examine organizational factors as crucial incentives needed to enhance the job performance of the workers in the study area

Effects of Extreme Flooding on Output of Selected Crops in Anambra State, Nigeria from 1990 to 2019

The study has analyzed effects of extreme flooding on output of selected root and tuber crops in Anambra State, Nigeria for the period of 1990-2019using secondary data collected on cassava, yam and sweet potato output from the agricultural production survey of Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme and annual averages of rainfall from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency inAwka station. Data collected were analysed by using multivariate simple linear regression and trend analysisin linear trend analysis and line graph. Results respectively showed an increasing trend in output of cassava, yam and sweet potato within the researched period with a depression in output of cassava and yam in 2014 and 2015. The regression results showed that coefficients of determination (R2) values of yam output were (0.620), cassava output (0.560) and sweet potato (0.580), which implied that 63%, 56% and 58% changed in output of roots and tuber crops accounted for rainfall within the research period. Specifically, rainfall (0.002) was positively related to yam output at (p<0.05). This implied excessive amount of rainfall resulting flooding, which influenced the output of production of yam. Rainfall (-0.015) and (-0.003) were negatively related to output of cassava and sweet potato at 5% probability level, which indicated extreme rainfall translating into flooding, which adversely affected the output of cassava and sweet potato in this area. The result of the tested hypothesis showed that extreme flooding had significant negative effects on output of roots and tuber crops in the researched area. Based on results, it was concluded that extreme flooding deleteriously affected output of root and tuber crops in Anambra state, Nigeria. Therefore, farmers were advised to change their crop production technologies including time of planting to suit changes in rainfall pattern in order to avert their adverse effects.

Extension Agents’ Use of Mobile Phone Applications for Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme, Nigeria

This study assessed extension agents’ use of mobile applications (apps) for extension service delivery in Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme (EBADP). The study involved 100 field extension agents. Percentage and mean score derived from 4-pointLikert-type scale was employed in the analysis of data. The results of the analysis showed that the most utilized mobile apps for extension service delivery were WhatsApp (76%) and facebook (53%). Lowland rice production (65%), cassava/maize/vegetable production (58%), and upland rice production (47%) were the most recommended packages of crop production component that were extended using mobile apps in EBADP. However, the use of mobile apps for extension service delivery were limited as a result of unavailability of network coverage in rural area (84%), lack of institutional policy for application of mobile apps in extension service (75%), low ownership of smartphones among farmers (73%), poor farmers’ knowledge on the use of mobile apps (67%), and poor internet connectivity (66%). Government should initiate e-extension policy, making mobile apps extension services mandatory for public extension organizations; extension organizations should develop specific mobile apps that will support extension service delivery; and organizing training programmes for extension agents on the use of mobile apps for extension service delivery.
 Keywords: Mobile apps, smartphones, extension service, WhatsApp, Facebook

Farmers' use of Improved Aquaculture Managment Practices in Western Zone of Lagos State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Nigeria

Improved Aquaculture Management Practices (LAMP) always lead to increase productivity, generate greater income, reduce poverty and improve livelihood. This study assessed the extent of the use of IAMP by fish farmers in the Western Zone of Lagos state ADP, Nigeria to describe level of usage of IAMP and examine the constraints faced by fish farmers in the use of IAMP The primary data were collected with the aid of structured interview guide, administered through personal interviews and observations to elicit information from 100 fish farmers using simple random sampling and purposive technique. Descriptive statistics was used to analysis the socio-economic characteristics, while budgetary analysis was used to determine the profitability and multiple regression analysis. Findings show that the mean age of the respondents was 42.6 years, 71.0% were male, 90.0% married, 63.0% secondary occupation and 84.81% were aware of IAMP On a daily basis, 87.0% of the respondents were involved in record keeping, 82.0% carried out general observation in the farm and used concrete tanks while site selection, tank construction, pond liming and use of drugs were done occasionally. Constraints faced by the respondents were high cost of inputs (88.0%), flooding (79.0%),. predators (71.0%), mortality (61.0%), pollution (61.0%), inadequate technical know-how (61.0%) and disease outbreak (58.0%). Respondents' household size (r = -0.202, p<0.05) and marital status (χ2= 61.082, P<005) were significantly associated with factors affecting the use of IAMP. There were significant differences between IAMP used and revenue generated (t =4.641.,p<0.05). In conclusion, adoption of IAMP leads to increase aquaculture productivity and changes of social status. Government should provide assistance in loan at low interest, appropriate land, grants, fish farm input at subsidized rate adequate marketing information and networking among fish farmers.

Sustainable children investment in guinea pig production and its implications for extension services

This study was conducted specifically to identify the level of children investment in guinea pigs production, the major sources of fund for the children, the methods of communication between the children and their source of information, and to determine their level of performance in guinea pig production. Implications for extension service were also determined. The children who invested in the production of guinea pigs within llesa East Local Government Area of Osun State constituted the study population. Simple random sampling technique was used to select twenty-five percent of the population as sample. To this end respondents were selected and interviewed for the study using structured interview schedule. The data collected were analysed through frequency counts, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Correlation analysis was used to establish relationship between the variable of the study. Findings revealed that all the respondents were male secondary school children, aged between 11 and 20 years. The major sources of information were friends (100%), successful farmers (27.3%) Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSADEP) 27.3%), interpersonal visits (92.796) and field demonstration (81.8%). Majority (52.7%) of the respondents had between 1 and 4 guinea pigs while only few (9.1%) had between 15 and 19 guinea pigs. Positive and significant correlation existed between the sources of agricultural information and the performance of children in guinea pig production (r=0.313) and between methods of communication (when combined) and performance of respondents in guinea pigs production (r=0.291), Based on the findings, it was posited that the agricultural extension system should identify and reach the children guinea pig producer with programmes intended to encourage sustainable guinea pigs production.

Value Chain Analysis of Sesame in Bade and Jakusko Local Government Areas of Yobe State, Nigeria

The study analyses value chain of sesame in two Local Government Areas of Yobe State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of the sesame farmers; characteristics and roles of value chain actors in sesame as well as the profitability of production, processing and marketing of the commodity. Data for the study were obtained from a total of 210 respondents using structured questionnaire and interview. Using descriptive statistics, net margin and value-added models; the results indicate that each actor along the value chain incurred both variable and fixed costs. The results further showed that labour alone accounted for bulk of the total variable cost for all the actors. And the gross margin per hectare was ₦82,367.85 with the return on every naira invested amounting to ₦3.1. The State Agricultural Development Programme should ensure the provision of improved varieties of sesame especially those with high export value and high oil content to the sesame farmers; this agency should also make available cottage level processing and utilization technologies to sesame producers, marketers and processors to enhance value addition as the commodity moves along the chain. This can bring an increase in overall return of all actors along the chain.