This study investigated technical efficiency of traditional and improved oil palm fruits processing in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 464 oil palm fruit processors. Primary data were collected via well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and stochastic production frontier model. The result shows that the mean age, years of school attendance, and household sizes for traditional oil palm fruits processors were 40 years, 10 years, and 7, respectively. The mean age, years of school attendance, and household sizes for improved oil palm processors were 43 years, 12 years, and 7, respectively. In the technical efficiency component, the significant factors influencing the output in litres of traditional and improved oil palm fruits processed include quantity of oil palm fruits, quantity of water, quantity of firewood/fuel, capital inputs, and labour use. The age, household size, access to loan facilities were significantly from zero in influencing the technical inefficiency of traditional and improved oil palm fruits processing, while years of experience significantly influence the technical inefficiency of traditional oil palm fruits processing. The mean technical efficiency scores of traditional and improved oil palm fruits processors were 0.8270 and 0.8718, this leaves 17.3% and 12.82% for improvement. The study recommended that oil palm fruit processors organize themselves into cooperative groups or clusters to enable them to access improved processing equipment directly from manufacturers and to process for their members at low cost. Keywords: stochastic production frontier model, technical efficiency, oil palm fruits processing, traditional, improved, seeds, Nigeria
The study assessed farmers’ utilization of mitigation and adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing resilience to climate and environmental change in the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 240 crop farmers. Primary data were used, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a multivariate Probit regression model and four-point Likert scale. The results reveal that education, extension access, credit access, cooperative memberships, and locations were significant factors influencing on-farm, off-farm adaptive and mitigation strategies among crop farmers. The result further revealed that practices such as the use of renewable energy (solar panels), community-based natural resource management, flood management, forest restoration, water reservoir construction, and sustainable consumption behaviors were largely rarely utilized, moderately utilized or not utilized, mainly due to financial constraints, limited technical knowledge, weak institutional support, and inadequate infrastructure. Although some strategies such as reducing food and water wastage, minimizing agrochemical use, planting shade trees, and engaging in non-farm activities were rarely utilized and moderate levels of utilization, widespread implementation remains limited. Livelihood diversification strategies, including temporary migration and shifts to non-farm activities, were important coping mechanisms, reflecting farmers’ responses to increasing climate-related risks and economic uncertainty. Environmental advocacy actions, such as stopping deforestation and supporting local or seasonal products, were recognized but rarely utilized, indicating low community engagement and limited collective action. The study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions that address financial, institutional, and knowledge barriers, strengthen community participation, and improve access to infrastructure, training, and incentives. Keywords: climate change adaptation, mitigation strategies, sustainable agriculture, farmer resilience, environmental management, rural livelihoods
A study on the breeding age of mares, the duration of gestational length, and the influence of selected factors was conducted in mares of the East Bulgarian horse breed. The data used in the study was obtained from the breeding registers and mating records of mares reared at the State Stud Farm Kabiuk near Shumen and covered a long-term period of breeding activity. The analysis included data from 24 mares with a total of 74 registered pregnancies. The average gestational length in mares of the East Bulgarian breed was 333.8 ± 3.50 days. The results showed that the age of the mare had a highly significant effect on gestational length (p < 0.001), while line affiliation also exerted a statistically significant influence (p < 0.01). Mares from the middle reproductive age group showed a tendency toward shorter gestational periods, while younger mares had slightly longer values and older mares demonstrated similar durations with increased variability. Significant differences in gestational length were observed among the different breeding lines within the population. In contrast, the season of conception and family affiliation did not show a statistically reliable effect on the duration of gestation. These findings indicate that variation in gestational length in the East Bulgarian horse breed is mainly determined by age-related and genetic factors rather than the environmental conditions. Keywords: breeding age, East Bulgarian breed, gestational length, mares, reproductive performance, warmblood horses
A study was conducted to investigate the ability of botanical pesticidal soaps to enhance water retention in soil following the application of their aqueous solutions. Natural soaps produced from various plant triglyceride oils, including sunflower oil, crude sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, pumpkin seed oil, palm kernel oil, walnut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, and flaxseed oil, as well as two soaps derived from pure fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids), were evaluated. Soap solutions were prepared using distilled water and very hard tap water (214.8 ppm CaCO₃) to assess the influence of water hardness on water retention. The retention capacity of the soap solutions was investigated in two media: soil and sand. The soil used was an alluvial sandy loam containing 66% sand, 21% silt, and 11% clay, with a particle size of 1 mm. Pure sand with the same particle size was used for comparison. The results showed that, although the tested soaps are anionic surfactants, their addition to water increased the water retention capacity of the resulting solutions in both soil and sand. Increased water hardness was also associated with greater water retention in soil. The findings suggest that natural botanical soaps may represent affordable and accessible products for enhancing water retention in soil. Keywords: water retention, botanical pesticidal soaps, water hardness, soil, sand, anionic surfactants, plant oil-based soaps
This study focused on determinants of formal credit demanded among small-scale rice processors in Bauchi and Gombe states, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to determine the formal credit sources, purpose of credit, and interest rate among beneficiaries, and evaluate the factors influencing the demand for formal credit among small-scale rice processors. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 322 rice processors who are beneficiaries of formal credit and 316 rice processor who are non-beneficiaries. Primary data of cross-sectional sources were used based on a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, demand model, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. The result revealed that the microfinance institutions and cooperative societies were the primary sources of formal credit used mainly for business expansion and working capital at an average annual interest rate of 21.36%. The regression analysis shows that the amount of credit received, income from non-processing activities, and marital status were significant factors influencing the credit demand across both states at (p < 0.01). In the pooled model, additional factors such as gender, distance to financial institutions, and the income from processing activities were significant determinants. The t-test results further confirmed significant differences in credit demand based on processing experience and income levels, suggesting that while formal credit is accessible through specialized institutions, demand is heavily moderated by the processors’ existing financial capacity and demographic profiles. The study recommended that policies should be formulated to support capacity‑building programs in financial literacy and bookkeeping, enabling processors to sustain repayment. Keywords: formal credit, rice processors, small-scale, ordinary least squares regression, demand model
The flat-headed root borer (Capnodis tenebrionis L.) is one of the most destructive pests affecting stone and pome fruit orchards in Bulgaria. In recent years, a significant increase in pest population density has been observed, which could be attributed to several factors: rising ambient temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, abandoned orchard lands, and the restriction of a large number of insecticides due to their high toxicity and detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The current research was conducted in 2025 in a plum orchard at the Fruit Growing Institute - Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The biological efficacy of six synthetical and two biological insecticides was evaluated against the adults of C. tenebrionis. Among the chemical products, the highest biological efficacy was observed for Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen) and Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate Zeon) (30%), while the other active substances resulted in mortality rates below 20%. The only product that showed no toxicity was esfenvalerate (Sumi Alpha). The product, based on Beauveria bassiana caused 30% mortality of the adults on the ninth day after treatment. Keywords: flat-headed root borer , Capnodis tenebrionis , biological control, chemical control
Climate change necessitates the development of productive grapevine genotypes that contribute to atmospheric CO₂ sequestration. The present study evaluated the physiological characteristics and adaptive potential of genotypes of Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris, local varieties of V. vinifera ssp. sativa, interspecific genotypes (V. vinifera × Muscadinia rotundifolia), V. labrusca, and V. rupestris, in terms of CO2 assimilation capacity and water-use efficiency. Photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and water-use efficiency were monitored with the PTM-48A station using the light saturation curve method for a minimum of 72 hours. The climatic trend demonstrated an increase in average temperature and a deficit of atmospheric precipitation for certain periods. It was found that within the temperature range of 28–29°C to 33–36°C, transpiration intensity increased and water use efficiency decreased in all studied genotypes, accompanied by a reduction in photosynthetic intensity. Local genotypes demonstrated a high-water loss coefficient, while interspecific genotypes, such as Ametist and Augustina, demonstrated a stable photosynthetic intensity and an increased water use coefficient. The results demonstrated that the vineyards functioned as an integrated photosynthetic system, and that it is necessary to develop productive interspecific grapevine genotypes with an enhanced potential for sequestering CO₂ from the atmosphere. Keywords: CO2 sequestration, climate change, grapevine genotypes, photosynthesis
Fluted pumpkin pods (FPP) contain valuable nutrients alongside rich fibre profile which can be explored in animal nutrition. Matured FPP was air dried after the seeds had been expunged, ground (2 mm) and included as a treatment in the broiler diets. The diets were formulated to supply 20.15% CP and 12.62 MJ, with graded FPP inclusion levels of 25, 50 75 and 100%. In total, one hundred and fifty one-day-old chicks (Arbor Acres) were raised for eight (8) weeks and fed an FPP-based diet at the finisher phase (4th to 8th week). The data collected were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Compared with the control group, the T3 group (50% FPP) showed a significantly higher feed conversion ratio (2.88) and final weight of 3010.03 g. The digestibility of crude protein was significantly higher in T3 (86.96%), whereas crude fibre digestibility in T5 reached 49.96%. The dressing percentage was significantly higher in T3 (66.45%), whereas 75% FPP (T4) presented a higher percentage breast (28.60%SW) and thigh (17.02%SW) cut parts. It was concluded that broilers fed a diet supplemented with 50% FPP showed improved performance and nutrient digestibility, whereas the diet containing 100% FPP (T5) resulted in reduced belly fat. Keywords: fluted pumpkin pod, broiler chicken, fibre, digestibility, carcass yield
