African Journals Online
Journal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR)

Volume 3, Number 1, 2003
ISSN 1595-7470
ABSTRACTS

EFFECT OF COOKED PIGEON PEA (Cajanus cajan) SEED MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

Etuk, E. B. and Udedibie, A. B. I.

Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri – Nigeria.

Abstract

Two hundred seven day old broilers were used to determine the effect of cooked pigeon pea seed meal (CPSM) on the performance of broiler chicks. The brown coat coloured pigeon pea seeds were cooked for one hour, sun-dried and milled. CPSM was included in the broiler starter diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50% levels respectively to replace maize and soybean meal. Data on weight gain, feed intake were recorded and used to calculate the feed conversion ratio. Feed cost and cost of feed per kg weight gain was also determined. The results of this study indicated a slight reduction in crude protein content of pigeon pea seed meal after cooking. CPSM significantly (P<0.05) depressed weight gain progressively with increasing dietary level. Birds on diets 3, 4 and 5 did not indicate any significant (P>0.05) difference in weight gain. Birds on diet 1 recorded the highest feed intake, which was significantly (P<0.05) different from birds on diets 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, birds on diet 1 recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.99) and the least feed cost per kg weight gain (N54.60), though with the highest cost of feed per kg (N27.44).

FINANCING SMALL RUMINANT OPERATIONS ALONG GENDER LINES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

N. N. O. Oguoma

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the distribution of ruminant livestock in Imo state, the gender-perceived production constraints; the relative contributions of these ruminants to the farm household net income and the implications of these contributions to loan repayments if production is assigned on gender basis. Results showed that within the ruminant class of livestock, small ruminants, particularly goats, dominate the others, followed by sheep and then large ruminant, cattle. Their relative contribution to total farm household net income follows the same order. Female gender class was found to rear higher number of the small-ruminant livestock. However, a c² analysis showed that no significant difference exists in their net farm income from these two classes of livestock. It was concluded that financing of these enterprises on gender basis would not significantly improve the contribution of ruminants to farm household net income and loan repayment capacity. It was recommended, among others, that the constraints imposed by factors such as poor marketing and research systems be addressed in order to translate the relative technical advantage of production of small ruminants by female farmers into financial advantage.

ANALYSIS OF COSTS AND RETURNS IN RICE FARMING BY FARM SIZE IN EBONYI STATE

Ohajianya, D. O. and C. E. Onyenweaku

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri P. M. B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State.

Abstract

Small-scale rice farmers are not equally considered with their large scale counterparts in resources inputs allocation and distribution with the presumption that their returns on investment is not as high as those of the large scale farmers. However, this presumption of lower returns on investment has no empirical backing for rice production in Nigeria. This study was designed to analyze the costs and returns of rice farming by farm size in Ebonyi state of Nigeria. Data were collected through the cost-route approach with pre-tested structured questionnaire from 40 randomly selected small scale and 40 purposively selected large-scale rice farmers, Data were analyzed by Net Farm Income analytical technique, Z - statistics and percentages. Rice production was found to be profitable enterprise but there was no significant difference in the net farm income levels of large scale and small-scale rice farmers. Labour cost is a major component of the total variable costs in rice farming and is higher in large-scale rice farms. There would be increased rice outputs and farm income if resource inputs are equally distributed among large scale and small scale farmers by the agencies charged with farm inputs distribution.

MINIMIZING FUELWOOD CONSUMPTION THROUGH THE EVOLUTION OF HOT STONE COOKER AS AN ALTERNATIVE DOMESTIC ENERGY SUPPLY

M. A. C. A. Odii and J. N. Mokwunye

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The central objective of this paper is to minimize fuelwood consumption through evolving alternative domestic energy. Data on alternative domestic energy sources, and use fuel wood consumption during scarcity of petroleum were collected using structured questionnaires. Data on time spent to cook yam, race and beans with hot stone were also collected. The hot stone cooker design was observed to cook food faster. The application of hot stone cooker during the period of scarcity of petroleum products would minimize the use of fuelwood as a source of domestic energy supply. This would lead to a sustainable environment. The study recommended the adoption of the hot stone cooker so as to ensure sustainable environmental protection through minimizing the use of fuelwood

CASSAVA HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL AREAS OF IMO STATE

C. O. Asinobi

School of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, Owerri

Abstract

In an attempt to verify the myth associated with cassava, that high consumption causes malnutrition, anthropometric measurements of 445 preschool children aged 0 - 5 years in 90 randomly selected farm households of cassava growing areas of Imo State were undertaken. Growth deviations (Z – scores) were calculated and assessed from National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS). Expenditure on cassava and other staple foods was determined for each household of the preschool children and classified into two groups and the average determined. Significance of difference between the mean Z – scores of the children for above and below average expenditure households was determined by Student t – test. The growth deviations were less among preschool children from high than among those from cassava, yam and millet food expenditure households in all the anthropometric indices except in maize expenditure households, but the deviations were significantly less for total food expenditure households. High cassava food expenditure households had higher cash incomes through processed cassava products and hence better nutritional status. In order to maintain good nutritional status total expenditure on all foods rather than expenditure on individual food items as well as more processed cassava products production should be encouraged.

CORRELATION BETWEEN YAM MINISETT USAGE LEVEL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMERS IN RIVERS STATE

A. C. Agumagu

Research Fellow at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Abstract

This paper investigated the relationship between yam minisett usage level and demographic characteristics of farmers in Rivers State. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 63 respondents in the study area who were administered structured questionnaire. Data were analysed by using frequencies, percentages and Pearson correlation. The findings revealed that usage level of yam minisett was moderate and majority of the respondents were middle-aged, had formal education, were males and had between 1 and 5 years farming experience, most got information on yam minisett from Agricultural Extension agents. Of all the variables identified, only experience showed significant relationship with usage level of yam minisett. Age, education, family size, gender and source of information did not show significant relationship.

EFFECTS OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES ON GENDER PRODUCTIVITY IN CASSAVA PRODUCTION

Marshall A. C. A. Odii

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to find out the effect of improved technologies on gender productivity in cassava production. Data on 80 farmers selected through a multistage random sampling and made of 40 males and 40 females were collected from four communities in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State and analysed using the ordinary least squares multiple regression fitted into linear , semi-log, double-log and exponential forms. The result for the models used for the analysis revealed that the linear form provided the best fit and the selected technologies accounted for 58 percent variations in male cassava output and 67 percent for female cassava output. The result also showed that the three selected technologies i.e. fertilizer, grinding machine and improved variety of cassava had positive effect on the male and female farm output. Improved agricultural technologies are important in improving cassava output. Research should be geared towards introducing simple, less expensive and appropriate technologies to serve farmers particularly for increased cassava production.

FARMERS PERSONAL AND FARM ENTERPRISE CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR ADOPTION OF IMPROVED CASSAVA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

E. C. Matthews-Njoku

Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The relationship between farmers personal and farm enterprise characteristics and their adoption of improved cassava production technologies in Imo State, Nigeria was examined in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 450 cassava farmers who were selected through stratified sampling technique from 6 autonomous communities in Imo State. Findings showed that adoption of improved cassava production technologies among farmers was generally low. Education level, Annual farm income, attitude towards change in agriculture, farm size, Social participation, usefulness of information, and credibility of information source were positively and significantly related to adoption of improved cassava production technologies, while age was negatively but significantly related to adoption of improved cassava production technologies.