This study aimed to assess the incidence of birds raiding rice fields in the Kpong Irrigation Dam area of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to interview rice farmers in order to identify the bird species involved, quantify the economic losses incurred, and determine the mitigation measures employed by farmers. The main bird species identified as actively raiding rice fields were Ploceus cucullatus, Ploceus nigerrimus, Spermestes cucullatus, Spermestes bicolor, Quelea erythrops, and Dendrocygna viduata. The economic loss associated with bird raiding was estimated to range from 1,000.00 GHC (124.61 USD) to 1,500.00 GHC (186.92 USD), considering an exchange rate of 8.06 GHC to 1.00 USD at the time of the study. Additionally, farmers incurred 20.00 GHC in daily overhead labour costs to prevent bird raiding. Bird raiding on rice fields not only caused substantial economic losses but also had unintended social consequences. These included increased students’ absence from school and farmers' inability to attend and participate in family, community, and other social gatherings. The study highlights the need for practical and efficient methods to mitigate the effects of bird raiding. Given the significant economic and social impacts, it is crucial to develop strategies that effectively reduce bird raiding in rice fields.
This study analyzes consumers’ motivations, perceptions, and effects of COVID-19 on the consumption of local chicken in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 400 local poultry consumers. In addition to descriptive analysis, an ordered regression model was used to analyse the effect of COVID-19 on the consumption of local chickens. The results show that consumers consider nutritional and health values, safety, taste, and freshness as the most important motivating factors for the purchase of local chicken. More than one-third of the respondents reduced poultry meat consumption owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, other factors, such as age, income, market channels, efforts to find local chicken, and support for the local economy, significantly influenced the frequency of consumption. Based on these findings, marketing strategies should focus on the nutritional and health value, safety, taste and freshness associated with the local chicken and support for the local economy. Making chickens available in cold stores and supermarkets increases their consumption.
Twenty-five mature male crossbred (Chinchilla × California× New Zealand White × Dutch) bucks (aged between six and seven months) of average weight (1915±125 g) were used. The bucks were fed either of five diets with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as a complement and mixtures of either garlic, ginger or black pepper (spices) as supplements; diet one having no MOLM or spices; diet two having 6% MOLM; diet three having 6% MOLM with mixtures of 3.5 g garlic (GR) and 3.5g ginger (GG) per kg diet; diet four having 6% MOLM with mixtures of 3.5 g garlic (GR) and 3.5 g black pepper (BP) per kg diet; diet five having 6% MOLM with mixtures of 3.5 g ginger (GG) and 3.5 g black pepper (BP) per kg diet in a CRD for three months. Data was analyzed using the GLM procedure while mean separation was done using pairwise difference method of SAS. Significantly (p < 0.05) lowest testes weight was obtained for MOLM + GR + BP fed bucks. Total testes volume was significantly (p < 0.05) lowest for MOLM + GR + GG fed bucks. Total caudal epididymidis sperm reserves were significantly (p < 0.01) highest for MOLM fed bucks. Daily sperm production and daily sperm production per gramme parenchyma were not (p > 0.05) affected by MOLM or addition of the spices to the diets. It is concluded that testes volume was increased by 6% MOLM + 3.5 g GR + 3.5 g BP. Also, MOLM fed at 6% dietary level increased caudal epididymides sperm reserves.
The study assessed the influence of warehouse receipt system (WRS) on market access using 400 smallholder maize farmers from six communities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Primary data were collected through the use of an open-ended questionnaire. The endogenous switching regression model and propensity score matching was employed for data analysis. The results showed that participation in the WRS was mostly influenced by loan accessibility, size of crop output, established buyers, and membership in farmer organizations. The implications of the results are discussed. The paper concludes that the sustainability of farmer participation in WRS lies in strengthening farmer organizations and access to high-end markets through forming trust relationships with buyers.
Field surveys were conducted in three oil palm producing regions of Ghana to determine the frequency, population density and geographical distribution of plant parasitic nematodes associated with oil palm. Palms ranging from 4 to 12 years were surveyed during the peak periods of two successive cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020. A total of 64 soil and root samples were collected and plant parasitic nematodes extracted and identified from them. 716 mixed populations of 11 economically important plant-parasitic nematode genera were recovered and identified from both roots and soils during the period. These were Aphelenchus, Criconemoides, Helicotylenchus, Hemicriconemoides, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Radopholus, Rotylenchus, Tylenchorynchus, Tylenchus and Xiphinema. Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus were the most frequently isolated and widely distributed geographically. Meloidogyne recovered from both soil and roots were 220 whilst Pratylenchus recovered were 129. These nematodes are very important pests of several crops, therefore, if not managed properly, could pose a threat to oil palm production in Ghana.
Cassava is a staple food in Nigeria and many households largely depend on its food products for their daily calorie requirements. The need to critically evaluate the consumption pattern of cassava food products (CFPs) amongst households in Imo State, Nigeria necessitated this study. A multilevel sampling technique which involves purposive and random sampling was used to select 432 farmers for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 16. A three- and four-point Likert scale rating with 2 and 2.5 decision points respectively was used to measure the consumption pattern of CFPs and factors affecting them. The results show that 43% of the farmers were male, 93% attended at least primary school and 60% were aged between 30–50 years. About 65% cultivated UMUCASS 1379 cassava variety. Abacha (89%) and Garri (88%) were the most available CFPs and Garri with the highest mean score (MS = 2.84) was the most consumed. Consumer preferences (MS = 2.91), and culture, custom or tradition (MS = 2.88) were the major factors affecting the consumption pattern of CFP in the area. To effectively promote CFPs consumption, policies should emphasize more on culture and the provision of necessary processing equipment to encourage more families to produce, process and consume more CFPs.
Dried fruits contribute immensely to breakfast menus and snacks for most people. A wooden cabinet dryer was fabricated and used to dry mango, pineapple and papaya to assist processors and micro-, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) gain economic advantage of dried fruits and reduce the high postharvest losses of fruits. The performance assessment of a wooden cabinet dryer was conducted to determine its effect on the weight of fruits (4.8–12.0 kg), yield (12.4–14.4%) and drying temperature (65°C) over a period of six to eight hours. Additionally, the efficiency (13.49–14.38%) of the wooden cabinet dryer was based on the full capacity load of the three fruits (40.0–50.0 kg), initial moisture content (82.60–84.20% w/b), final moisture (13.50–15.80% w/b) and drying time (10–12 h). The proximate composition of the three fruits was observed for protein (2.8–3.9 g/100g), ash (1.9–3.4 g/100g), fat (0.2–4.3 g/100g), carbohydrate (90.9–92.4 g/100g) and energy (387.5–414.0 Kcal/100g). The drying efficiency of the wooden cabinet dryer was highest for drying pineapple among the three tropical fruits and has the potential of reducing the operational cost associated with processing dried fruits.
Fusarium wilt of eggplant is a major cause of losses to eggplant production globally. The disease is caused by many Fusarium species. In this study, incidence, diversity and distribution of Fusarium wilt pathogens of eggplants were determined in five communities each from Ashanti, Eastern and Volta Regions of Ghana during the 2017–2019 cropping seasons. Purposive sampling method was used to select 10 eggplant farms infected with Fusarium wilt from each community. Infected eggplants were sampled for isolation and identification of Fusarium species. Fusarium wilt incidence was below 10% in 57.3% of the sampled farms. Differences in disease incidence were significant (p ≤ 0.05) between the Regions. Volta Region recorded the highest disease incidence. A total of eight Fusarium species were isolated. These included F. accuminatum, F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. poae, F. solani, F. subglutinans, and F. verticillioides. Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum and F. culmorum were the most occurring species, representing 92.79% of the isolates. Six, five and eight Fusarium species were isolated respectively in Ashanti, Eastern and Volta Regions. Inoculum density of the Fusarium species was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions than in the Volta Region.
The study was conducted in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, a derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Body measurements and live weight were assessed in 399 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats 194 bucks and 205 does. The data were segregated based on sex and age groups to obtain detailed information for characterisation goat in the experimental area. Body measurement values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with age in both sexes. Mean body weight ranged from 5.32±0.15 kg to 29.63±1.88 kg in bucks, and 5.75±0.13 kg to 30.29±1.22 kg in does. Live weight was positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) related with most body parameters. Body length, heart girth, rump height had highest coefficient of correlation across ages. Phenotypic values were higher in male WAD goats than the female. Conclusively, body weight and linear body measurements are economically important traits in animal genetic resources especially small ruminants like goats. Selection for increase in any of the two phenotypic variables (live weight and linear measurements) will result in an equal increase in the other. Equally, live weights, in the absence of adequate records, can be utilized to predict traits that are correlated with linear measurements.
Farmer-saved seeds are major plant pathogen carriers, which serve as the primary source of inocula of many diseases leading to massive crop losses. In view of this, laboratory experiments to evaluate seed quality and prevalence of seed-borne fungi of farmer-saved okra seeds in 10 major okra growing communities in the Ashanti region were conducted. Two local okra varieties (Asontem and Asante Aba) were collected from farmers for the laboratory studies. Although the collected seeds were observed to be of high purity, their moisture contents were high. The germination percentage, percentage of normal roots, field emergence and establishment of seedlings derived from okra seeds were also low. The study moreover showed high total seed-borne fungi infection. Health testing of the okra seeds revealed the presence of eight seed-borne fungi namely Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp. and Curvularia sp. Seeds of Asante Aba variety showed good quality characteristics over seeds of Asontem. Seeds of the two varieties placed in airtight plastic containers stored better than seeds placed in insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Treatment of okra seeds with Dresscare and Senna siamea wood ash resulted in a lower incidence of seed-borne fungi and better seed quality characteristics. Treating okra seeds with Dresscare and Senna siamea wood ash and storing in airtight plastic containers is therefore recommended.
To understand the welfare implication of photoperiod manipulation on Clarias gariepinus, fingerlings (n = 108) and juveniles (n = 108) of C. gariepinus with a mean weight of 3.75±0.03 g and 21.7±2.88 g were exposed to zero light (0L:24D)-T1, average light (12L:12D)-T2 and continuous light (24L:0D)-T3 in triplicates for 35 days. The highest mortality rate was recorded in T2 and T3 for the fingerlings (13.9%) and juveniles (22.2%). T1 recorded a significantly higher (p = 0.03) weekly growth rate and mean weight gain (MWG). Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were highest in T1 for both fingerlings and juveniles. Lowest average swimming rate was observed in T1 while the highest aggressive act, bruises, and scars were recorded in T3 for fingerlings and juveniles. The highest (58.6 mg/dl and 56.9 mg/dl) plasma glucose was found in T3 for both fish categories. There were no significant differences (P = 0.11) among the average cortisol levels of both categories of fish at the different photoperiod regimes. Fingerlings and juveniles exposed to 24-hour darkness had a higher MWG, survival rate, SGR and FCR without any physiological stress. A photoperiod regime of 24-hour darkness is recommended for the culture of fingerlings and juveniles of C. gariepinus to boost fish production in the Aquaculture sector.
This study determined the daily intake of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg) in order to assess both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by the heavy metals in Tilapia guineensis of Lagos Lagoon. The heavy metals were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metal distribution was Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg with values of 0.0248±0.04, 0.0093±0.01, 0.0005±0.00 and 0.000±0.00 mg/kg respectively. Daily Intake of Metal was in the order of Zn (0.02) > Cu (0.01) > Pb (0.00) ≥ Hg (0.00), while Target Hazard Quotient decreased in the order of Pb (3.82×10-4) > Cu (9.54×10-5) > Zn (2.49×10-6) > Hg (0.00). The values for Health Risk Index were 0.016 (Cu), 0.00 (Hg), 0.006 (Zn) and 0.034 (Pb), while that for the Health Quotients were 0.400 (Pb), 0.187 (Cu), 0.066 (Zn) and 0.00 (Hg). Similarly, all Hazard Index were less than one. This showed that the consumption of the fish from the study area had no non-carcinogenic health implication of Hg, Zn, Cu and Pb. However, the Target Cancer Risk for Pb (1.38×10-8) indicated minimum cancer risks for the consumers. The ecological risks quotients also revealed that T. guineensis of Lagos Lagoon constituted no ecological risk to the environment since the ERQs were less than one (i.e. ERQ < 1).
The use of adaptation strategies remains the only approach to reduce and combat the effects posed by climate change all over the world. We explored the extent of usage of adaptation strategies by farmers in Ekiti and Ogun States. 358 men and 222 women farmers were surveyed using multi-stage procedure. We employed semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed descriptively and presented in percentages and frequency counts. The data were further subjected to Chisquare, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, t-test, multiple linear regression analysis and Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings revealed that the majority of men (99.7%) and women farmers (96.8%) perceived to adapt to climate change. Men (= 2.29) relative to women (= 2.33) used more on-farm adaptation strategies. The strongest determinant of usage of climate change adaptation strategies by men farmers was climate change adaptation barriers (t = 5.13, p < 0.01), while for women farmers, climate change experience (t = 7.42, p < 0.01) was the strongest determinant. The promotion of gender-sensitive approaches to climate change adaptation that cater for the needs of men and women farmers is highly essential to enhance adaptation among them.
Rotten sweet potato root tuber samples were collected from a barn and experimental field of the CSIR - Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI), Bunso. Isolation and identification of the fungi associated with the samples were carried out at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the same institute. In all, six fungal species belonging to four genera, namely Fusarium solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were isolated from the samples from both the barn and the experimental field of CSIR - PGRRI. Fusarium solani and Aspergillus niger were frequently isolated from the sweet potato tuber samples from both the field and the barn. Pathogenicity tests carried out using the six fungal isolates on fresh and healthy sweet potato tubers showed that all the six fungi isolated were pathogenic in causing rot of sweet potato tubers with Lasiodiplodia theobromae being the most virulent.
An experiment was carried out to evaluate the serum total protein, glucose, liver, kidney and haematological response to varied levels of exogenous L-Selenomethionine (L-SeMet). Twenty four male rabbit bucks, about 10 months old were randomly allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were collected at day 21 and day 42 from the bucks and processed for total protein, glucose, haematocrit, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes,and leukocyte differential count determination. Serum total protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rabbits administered 0.3 mgkg-1 and 0.4 mgkg-1 at day 21 than those fed 0.2 mgkg-1. However, Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, spartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly influenced by L-SeMet administration at both days 21 and 42. Blood urea was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in bucks administered 0.4 mgkg-1 L-SeMet comparedto the control. Creatinine and sodium levels in the bucks were also not significantly influenced by L-SeMet. This suggested that exogenous supplementation of L-SeMet did not have adverse effect on the physiological processes of the rabbit bucks. Increased serum total protein observed in the experimental animals could be attributed to L-SeMet administration to the rabbit bucks which probably enhanced dietary protein utilization and/or protein synthesis.
Cassava bio-fortification is presented as a cost-effective approach, and it is predicted to provide some economic benefits to its adopter. On the other hand, gender-blind agricultural innovation delivery strategies impede short- and long-term impact among adopters. Due to a disregard for gender differences, many agricultural programs fall short of their objective. Recent studies in Nigeria are yet to adequately capture the gender differentials in the economic implication of BCVs adoption. This study, therefore, investigates the gender differentials in the economic implication of BCVs’ adoption among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select a total of 180 respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary techniques. Descriptive statistics revealed a significant difference between the socio-economic characteristics of male and female cassava farmers. The results suggested that BCVs’ production is profitable and can serve as a panacea for the economic improvement of households. Study findings thus concluded that the adoption of BCVs is economically beneficial to cassava farmers and thus recommended that concerted efforts are made to ensure all farmers adopt BCVs for planting. The study proposes an integration of gender-responsive strategies to further enhance the delivery of BCVs in Nigeria.
This study evaluated the effect of coconut water and benzyl adenine on the stimulation of corms for stolon and sucker production for increased planting material production. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. There were four levels of benzyl adenine (BA): 5 mg L-1/plant, 1.0 mg L-1/plant, 1.5 mg L-1/plant and zero treatment as control; four levels of coconut water (CO): 10 ml/plant; 15 ml/plant; 20 ml/plant and zero treatment as control and two taro varieties; BLSM 80 and BLSM 16. Results showed that the appropriate level of benzyl adenine required for inducing more stolon and sucker production was 1.5 mgL-1. Optimum levels of coconut water required was 15 ml. A multiplication ratio of 1:15 and 1:16 suckers and stolons for CO and BA treatments, respectively was achieved. Planting the suckers in three cycles in a year, a potential of 3,375 or 4,096 stolons and suckers could be generated when the taro is treated with either CO or BA respectively. Benzyl adenine or coconut water can be used to induce many stolons and suckers to generate more planting materials. Farmers who cannot obtain commercially made benzyl adenine can use coconut water for the process.
Combining organic and inorganic fertilizer has been proved to be an effective and sustainable soil management strategy for increased crop yield and safe environment. Field experiments were conducted in two locations in Nigeria namely Malete and Shao during 2018 and 2019 seasons. This was to find out the efficacy of organic and inorganic fertilizer (including prilled and granular urea) and their various combinations on grain yield and agronomic characteristics of maize. The use of full dose of P and K + 75% N through Granular Urea + 25 % N through farmyard manure improved most of the soil chemical properties with high economic returns. It was concluded from the experiment that a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is an environmentally friendly practice and could lead to high yields and improve farmers’ income and their livelihoods.
The disease causing ability of Colletotrichum coccodes and the effect of anthracnose on growth and yield of sweet potato accessions were evaluated in a two-year field trial. Field layout was a randomized complete block design with 16 sweet potato accessions replicated thrice. Young leaves of sweet potato accessions were sprayed with an inoculum concentration of 2.1 × 107 in a two-split application in the field with growth, yield, and disease indices recorded. Pathogenicity of C. coccodes was significantly highest among four accessions; OW4, SE10, SE12 and SPK-004 with abundant necrosis on leaves and stems of inoculated plants. Disease incidence varied between 2.48% - 52.83%, and 2.77% - 50.73%, during the 2018 and 2019 planting seasons respectively, with host response ranging from being susceptible to resistant. Accessions OW5 and OS15 had significantly lower disease incidence and severity than other treatments (p = 0.031 and 0.28 respectively) and also produced the highest yield ranging between 15.84 - 17.29, and 14.88 - 15.72 t/ha-1, in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This study has shown that anthracnose causes significant reduction in expected yield in sweet potato cultivation and also identified two resistant sweet potato accessions that can be useful sources in breeding for resistance to the disease.
Integrating renewable energy (RE) technologies into agriculture can contribute to attaining sustainable production. Farmers’ adoption of RE in agriculture can lead to substantial reductions in Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions as well as providing alternative income sources for farmers, and reliable energy supplies for farms and households. Policies can facilitate, support, or encourage farmers’ adoption of RE. However, it is not clear what policies currently exist which facilitate or promote the adoption of RE technologies in Ghanaian agriculture. This paper aims to identify policies in Ghana that can facilitate the adoption of RE in agricultural production. A policy review was conducted to identify such policies, evaluate their potential impact on RE adoption, and suggest paths to enhance RE adoption by farmers. These policies are focused on two aspects: 1) promoting solar energy and 2) the conversion of agricultural waste to energy. Noting limitations including the underdevelopment of the RE sector and the lack of a central policy to promote RE utilization in Ghanaian agriculture, the review suggests that policymakers need to fully implement provisions of the Renewable Energy Act-(832) (2011) through the application of, for example, policy levers such as subsidies, tax exemptions, financing, and training potential end-users in the agricultural community.
