Over time, Nigerian entrepreneurs have found success with their oil palm fruit ventures. As a result, the study explicitly identified variables affecting the socioeconomic status (SES) of participants engaged in entrepreneurial activities along the oil palm fruit value chain in Osun State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was employed to gather quantitative data, and a total of 180 respondents were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling procedure. To evaluate the data, percentages and frequencies were used, and correlation was used to draw inferences. Additionally, factors affecting the socioeconomic status (SES) of processors in entrepreneurial activities along the oil palm fruit value chain were identified using factor analysis. Six key factors: Family characteristics factor (24.110%), exposure factor (18.848%), fund sourcing factors (11.848%), invested capital factor (11.277%), community residence factor (9.720%), and community cultural factor (7.525%) emerged from factor analysis influencing processors’ socio-economic characteristics in the oil palm values chain entrepreneurial activities. Further results show that a positive and significant relationship existed between SES and selected personal characteristics; marital status ( 2 =77.86) and year of formal education (r = 0.732) for processors, at p ≤ 0.01. It was concluded from the study that various factors influenced the SES of the processors along the oil palm value chain enterprises.
Post-harvest losses in sub-Saharan Africa, largely caused by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, remain a major threat to food security and economic stability. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of Nauclea vanderguchtii leaf extracts as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic insecticides. The study was conducted at the Biology Laboratory, Federal University Otuoke using a completely randomized design (CRD). Fresh leaves were powdered and extracted with ethanol and acidified distilled water using Soxhlet extraction and cold maceration methods. Quanlitative phytochemical analyses and bioassays were carried out using three extract concentrations (1.5 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL), each replicated three times against adult S. zeamais over five days. Two negative controls were included to account for solvent effects. The results showed that both extracts exhibited dose-dependent insecticidal activity, with the ethanol extract showing significantly higher potency than the aqueous extract (p < 0.05). The 6 mL ethanol treatment achieved 100% mortality within 24 hours, whereas the corresponding aqueous treatment recorded a peak mortality of 22.7 ± 1.5 insects by day five. The 3 mL and 1.5 mL aqueous treatments resulted in cumulative mortalities of 15.0 ± 2.1 and 7.0 ± 1.5 insects, respectively. In general, insect mortality increased with longer exposure periods. Flavonoids were identified as the dominant phytochemical, occurring at higher concentrations in the ethanol extract (65.0%) than in the aqueous extract (51.0%). Other phytochemicals detected included glycosides, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, and tannins. These findings suggest that N. vanderguchtii, particularly its ethanol extract, has strong potential as a sustainable botanical insecticide for stored maize protection.
The study aimed to regenerate, using the PIF technique, in vivo plants collected from fields in the villages of Ossiba, Bihoua, and Kikondé. Surveys were conducted, and the collected plant material was subjected to the PIF method using three substrates (sawdust, clay, and peanut shell). Sphinx Plus V5 and SPSS 26.0 softwares were used to generate cross-tabulation tables associated with the chi-square homogeneity tests, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis’ unidirectional ANOVA on rank was applied. Medians were separated at the 95% confidence level. The results showed that plantain producers in the villages of Ossiba, Bihoua, and Kikondé are men of all ages with varying levels of education. They practice monoculture in forested areas. The tested cultivars express comparable regeneration potential. However, the type of substrate may have an effect on the production of leafy shoots.
Anthracnose is a major disease of cowpea caused by Colletotrichum capsici, responsible for yield losses of up to 85% in the field. Although synthetic fungicides are commonly used to control this disease and are generally effective, their use has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, plant extracts represent a promising alternative. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of phytochemical compounds present in Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. seed extracts, as identified by GC-MS, against C. capsici. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analyses were carried out, and in vitro inhibition tests were conducted using aqueous and organic (methanolic and acetonic) extracts of B. aegyptiaca seeds at concentrations of 12.5, 25 and 50 μL·mL⁻¹, compared with a control (0 μL·mL⁻¹) and a commercial fungicide containing 80% Maneb at 3.33 g·L⁻¹. The tests were performed against two isolates of C. capsici collected from the Akonolinga locality. Mycelial growth, as well as the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀), were evaluated. The results showed that phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds in B. aegyptiaca seed extracts with known antifungal properties. The most abundant compounds were pyridine (52.05%) in the aqueous extract and 9-octadecenamide (29.79%) in the organic extracts. Both aqueous and organic extracts at 50 μL·mL⁻¹ inhibited up to 93% of mycelial growth in the two C. capsici isolates. The lowest MIC₅₀ values were obtained with the aqueous extract (5.81 μL·mL⁻¹ and 9.21 μL·mL⁻¹) for isolates CAK01 and CAK05, respectively. Based on these results, B. aegyptiaca seed extract appears to be a promising natural antifungal source, warranting further field trials to confirm its potential efficacy under natural conditions.
Potato is a key food security and cash crop in the Guji zone, facing challenges from climate change, poor agronomic practices, and soil fertility depletion. A field experiment was implemented to determine optimal NPSB fertilizer rates to enhance potato production. The treatments comprised of seven rates of NPSB (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg ha-1) combined with a fixed nitrogen application 46 kg of N ha-1 , using the Bubu variety in a randomized complete block design. Results indicated that NPSB significantly affected flowering time, maturity, plant height, and tuber yields, with 250 kg ha-1 yielding the highest marketable tuber yield (37.58 t/ha) and net benefit (1,002,560 ETB/ha). The application of 250 kg NPSB ha-1 is thus recommended for economic viability in the region.
This study explored the potential applications of polyploidization, cytology, and histology in different soursop (Annona muricata L.), by means of colchine treatments and characterized resultant genotypes via flow cytometric DNA content analysis, chromosomal counts and leaf histology. Polyploidization was initiated ex vitro, soursop seeds were imbibed in four different colchicine levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) and exposed to six exposure durations (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 hours). Fresh soursop leaf samples collected from the treated seedlings were used for flow cytometric analysis, direct chromosome count, and histology. Direct somatic chromosome count revealed that soursop genotypes had a consistent diploid chromosome number of 2n=13 and 2n=14 across treatments, with no unequivocal polyploidy cells. Additionally, Flow cytometry studies confirmed the ploidy status of colchicine-induced soursop genotypes as diploids and triploids. Histology assay showed activities of cell proliferation with an increased stratification of epithelial cells in the epidermis, and hyperplasia of the palisade and spongy mesophyll layers and increased chlorophyll pigment signals at 12, 18, 24, and 30 hours of exposure. For ex vitro polyploidization of soursop, higher percentage of colchicine concentration (2% to 4%) and longer exposure durations (24, 48 and 72 hours) are recommended, as well as the use of primordial tissues or newly sprouted seedlings. Based on these findings, optimization of colchicine concentration, exposure time and selection of regenerants is recommended to achieve stable polyploidy lines in soursop, and historical markers may provide early screening tools.
The name Simbo was given to newly release common names for the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety with the pedigree names of CIP-313033.06 which was developed by Bore Agricultural Research Center. The genotypes were introduced from Sinana and Holeta Agricultural Research Center and evaluated in order to select high yielding, disease resistant/tolerant and stable potato genotypes. Thus, fourteen (14) potato genotypes were evaluated in multi-location trial for two consecutive years (2022/23-2023/24) during ‘belg’ cropping season. From tested genotypes, Simbo (CIP-313033.06) was higher in marketable tuber yield, stable in performance and resistance to major potato diseases and also based on other desirable characteristics of internal and external quality traits. The Simbo potato variety gave means marketable ranged from 43.18 to 45.12 t/ha on research field and 50.61 to 51.66 t/ha on farmers field and it showed 50.88 to 55.35% marketable tuber yield advantage over the standard checks, respectively. Accordingly, based on field evaluation recommendation by the NVRC members technical committee and other specialists potato variety Simbo was officially released in February 18/2025 for production in areas ranging from mid to high altitude in Guji zone and areas having similar agro-ecologies of Ethiopia.
Secondary forests constitute 74% of the world's natural forests and, while the conservation value of primary forests is irreplaceable, secondary forests can provide important biological conservation services and secure the future of many species. This study contributed to the sustained growth of the Relic Forest in Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Abia State Nigeria through the use of indigenous tree species whose nursery where raised in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Abia State for enrichment planting and fashioning appropriate management strategy. Evaluation of the growth of three (3) indigenous timber species were performed after four (4) years of planting. The selected species were Terminalia superba, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Terminalia ivoriensis. They were planted within the forest space on the natural soil of the forest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of secondary forest in the conservation of indigenous trees. For this, the survival and growth of 30 seedlings, belonging to three (3) indigenous tree species and planted inside the secondary forest, were analyzed for one year. The soils was sample at the depth of 0-5cm and 15-30 cm, by the use of soil auger to collect the soil sample, texturally the soils belonged to sandy clay loam. The result shows that the survival rate of the species was positively correlated with height and the diameter. In this context, height accounted for a higher variation of the survival rate than the diameter. It was recommended that the secondary forest should be environmentally conducive to the survival of indigenous species of most tree seedlings, it will also imposes growth limitations typical of environments with forest physiognomy.
The search for natural, eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production has become essential for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. This study investigated the effects of aqueous pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf infusion (PLAE) on the growth performance, carcass, and organ characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 150 day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allotted to five treatments with three replicates each (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of a negative control (plain water), a positive control, and three inclusion levels of pawpaw leaf infusion at 10, 20, and 30 g/L, respectively. The trial lasted six weeks. Results showed that birds administered PLAE had comparable (p > 0.05) growth performance and carcass yield to the control groups. Carcass components such as breast, thigh, and drumstick weights were not significantly affected by PLAE inclusion, although abdominal fat tended to decrease in treated groups. Organ weights, including liver, heart, kidney, and spleen, were also similar across treatments, indicating that the infusion had no detrimental physiological or toxic effects. The findings demonstrate that aqueous pawpaw leaf infusion can safely replace conventional antibiotics without compromising productivity or meat quality. In line with the principles of climate-smart agriculture, the use of pawpaw leaf infusion supports sustainable livestock production by promoting local resource utilization, reducing environmental contamination, and lowering the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, Carica papaya leaf infusion represents a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative for antibiotic-free broiler production systems.
This innovative way of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerling multiplication method was conducted in Bora District of East Showa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. For this purpose two ponds (6m x 8m) were prepared with the same size. One pond is hapa based and the second one without hapa based which is conventional method of fingerling production. Each hapa was stocked with 4 male and 8 female brood stocks, finally 3600 fingerling having good performance were counted with good status. Totally from the stocked four hapa a total of 14,400 fingerlings was produced within one breeding cycle. In average one female brood stock produced 450 eggs with in one time breeding section. In similar way the data was taken from the second open ponds. From this pond a total of 12,500 fingerlings harvested with in the same time and the same number of brood stock. Eventually training was given for a total of 34 participants and demonstrated the result of the activity to the participated farmers, experts and researchers. The demonstration result shown that, there was statistically significance difference between the improved and traditional fingerling multiplication methods. Therefore, hapa based method of fingerling multiplication technology was recommended for scaling up at similar agro ecological regions.
The study examined the role of agricultural sector in the diversification of Nigeria economy employing annual time series data obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and World Bank Data base for the period 1982 to 2023. The specific objectives were to determine the impact of Agricultural Sector Output on economic growth and causal relations between Agricultural Sector Output and other sectors of the economy in Nigeria. The study employed the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test, ARDL Bounds test for cointegration, the error correction mechanism and Granger causality test. The results of the ARDL and ECM indicated that the agricultural sector’s production significantly impact economic growth of Nigeria. The coefficient of the ECM was negative and statistically significant at 5%, Findings of the study from the Granger causality test reveals a unidirectional causal relation running from Agricultural sector to Manufacturing sector while there’s no significant causal relation between Agriculture, Trade and Transportation for the period of study. The research proposed, among other things that, Government should strongly diversify the economy through sufficient investment and budgetary allocation into the agricultural sector, efficient utilization of allocated resources in order to guarantee agricultural productivity.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) is an important plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae and usually used as oil in the food industry. This study investigates the phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials of aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa). The H. annuus leaves were collected from botanical section of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and were taken to the laboratory and processed into aqueous extract using standard method. The Aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa) were assessed for phytochemical attributes, Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential against food pathogens using standard procedures. Phytochemical analysis of the assessed extracts revealed the presence of some plant metabolites including flavonoids, steroid, tannins and saponins while FTIR showed the presence of some key functional groups such as O-H stretch, H-bonded, O-H stretch, H-bonded, Methylene C-H stretch, Methyne C-H stretch and C=C Conjugated bonds. The peak at 2355.00 cm1 and 1735.60 cm1 were related to stretch vibration of Methylene C-H and C=C, respectively both denoting the presence of fat while the highest peak (3759.57 cm-1) was related to hydroxyl group. AqHa had the highest zone of inhibition (13 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus while the least (7 mm) inhibition was on Staphylococcus spp. The highest antioxidant activity was evaluated as Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay (56 and 87%) and reducing power scavenging assay (49% and 83%). Aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa) contains phytochemical compounds, had antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potentials on food pathogens, and could be used as an alternative in the development of plant based antimicrobials or as preservatives in food industries.
The research employed a descriptive survey design, collecting primary data from 300 respondents across three wards in Wukari using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socioeconomic characteristics, preferences, and influencing factors. The findings revealed that yoghurt (26.7%) and powdered milk (24.3%) were the most preferred dairy products, while cheese (1.7%) was the least consumed. Cow milk dominated preferences (80.3%), with goat milk trailing (12.6%). Price emerged as the primary factor influencing purchases (34.0%) and the main barrier to consumption (37.0%), followed by availability (22.3%) and quality (20.7%). Family and friends significantly influenced preferences (83.3%), outweighing advertisements (7.7%) and social media (7.0%). Socioeconomic data showed a male majority (56%), with most respondents being young (57.6% aged 18–25), single (67.6%), and students or traders. The study concludes that affordability, accessibility, and taste are critical drivers of dairy consumption in Wukari.
Escherichia coli is an important bacterial pathogen capable of multiple drug resistance and biofilm formation. Its presence in meats and their products may eventually lead to outbreaks especially if the pathogenic multidrug resistant strains are involved. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Escherichia coli isolated from chicken meat samples in Gombe metropolis, their multidrug resistance as well as their potential to produce biofilms. A total of 60 chicken parts; 10 samples from each of chicken breast, drumstick, wings, thighs, backs and legs were purchased and analyzed. Specimens were immediately transferred to the laboratory in a cooler with an ice pack. The bacteriological culture-based technique on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and Gram staining and further phenotypic identification techniques were employed to characterize the organism. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using agar-disc diffusion was performed with 10 commonly used antibiotics using Mueller-Hinton agar. The incidence of E. coli was highest in the chicken legs with 33.3% (n= 10) and lowest in drumstick with 6.7% (n=02). The highest contamination level of E. coli was in chicken legs with 3.00 x 103 CFU/g while the lowest was observed in drumstick at 1.32 x 103 CFU/g. There was high resistance to Amoxycillin (100%), Tetracycline (100%), Doxycycline (93.3%), Mecillinam (90%) and Levofloxacin (70%). There was low resistance to Ciprofloxacin (10%), Streptomycin (10%), Ceftazidime (13.3%) and Ceftriaxone (16.7%). All the isolates except WEC 3 and LEC 10 were multidrug resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 indicating high risk of disease and eventually if not checked, can lead to outbreaks.
An experiment was conducted to assess the performance and economy of the production of growing Chinchilla rabbits fed graded levels of sundried cassava peel and maize in a completely randomized design. A total of 20 weaned rabbits of mixed sexes at the age of 10 weeks were randomly allocated to five dietary groups for a period of 56 days. Diet 1 serving as the control without sundried cassava peel and 100% maize, Diet 2 had 25% sundried cassava peel and 75% maize mixture, Diet 3 consist of 50% sundried cassava peel and 50% maize mixture, SCP (75%) and 25% maize constitute diet 4 while diet 5 represents the vice versa of control group. The rabbits were divided into 5 treatment groups of four rabbit per treatment and assigned randomly to the five diets. Replications was twice with 2 rabbits in a replicate in a completely randomized design. Results revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences in the values obtained for weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Average weight gain ranged from 83.7g to 99.4g/day, while feed conversion efficiency ranged from 2.73 to 3.54. Feed cost per weight gain ranged from #683 to 1, 332.00, while the revenue realized monetarily from each group ranged from #16,000 to #20,000.00. The results revealed that rabbits have the capacity to utilize sundried cassava peels effectively, but can perform better when combine with maize feedstuff at a graded level below 50% inclusion rate.
The study assessed the effects of dietary kaolin as feed additive on some semen traits in two rabbit strains (New Zealand White and Chinchilla rabbit bucks). Thirty-two (32) adult New Zealand White (16) and Chinchilla (16) rabbits acquired from Unberik Farm, Rivers State which were divided into two groups based on strain. Each strain was allocated to four (4) treatments T1 (0g of Kaolin per kg of feed), T2 (20g of Kaolin per kg of feed), T3 (30g of Kaolin per kg of feed) and T4 (40g of Kaolin per kg of feed) replicated four (4) times with each replicate having one (1) rabbit, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The result of multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant impact of dietary Kaolin on most semen parameters such as pH, volume, viability, normal morphology, abnormal morphology, actively motile, sluggishly motile and %dead. There was however, significant improvement in sperm count of both New Zealand White and Chinchilla bucks at supplemental levels of 30g and 40g per kg of feed respectively. Further research, using different approaches such as feeding frequency, combination with other feed additives, etc. was recommended.
The study assessed the effects of dietary kaolin as feed additive on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. Thirty two (32) weaner New Zealand rabbits acquired from Unberik Farm, Rivers State which were allocated to four (4) treatments T1 (0g of Kaolin per kg of feed), T2 (20g of Kaolin per kg of feed), T3 (30g of Kaolin per kg of feed) and T4 (40g of Kaolin per kg of feed) replicated four (4) times with each replicate having two (2) weaner rabbits, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The result of multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant impact of dietary Kaolin on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of the rabbits. There was however, significant improvement of the carcass characteristics of the rabbits fed 20g per kg of rabbit feed. Further research was recommended to assess the effect of Kaolin on growth performance using an extended period of feeding trial.
This study evaluated the effects of Aqueous Extract of Momordica charantia Leaf (AEOMCL) on broiler growth performance, organ weight, and carcass characteristics. A total of 150-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design, with three replicates of ten birds each. Treatments included: T1 (control, 0% AEOMCL), T2 (20% w/v AEOMCL + vaccine), T3 (20% w/v AEOMCL), T4 (40% w/v AEOMCL + vaccine), and T5 (40% w/v AEOMCL). The extract was prepared by soaking M. charantia leaves at 20% and 40% w/v for 12 hours before filtration. The experiment lasted eight weeks. Results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in final weight, weight gain, and daily weight gain in treated groups, indicating an impact on growth performance. However, carcass yield and organ weight were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that lower doses of M. charantia extract may be more beneficial for broiler growth. It is recommended that AEOMCL be administered at concentrations below 20% for optimal performance.
Maize, a versatile and widely cultivated cereal, encompasses numerous varieties grown worldwide. This study focused on 23 prominent varieties cultivated in Northern Nigeria, selected for their widespread availability, to investigate their proximate composition. The composition of the nutrients varied across the varieties; % crude moisture was significantly higher in BA-01 (11.25 %), NA-03 had a significantly higher % ash content of 3.64 %, % crude Fat ranged from 2.30% – 4.47 %, BA-03 had a significantly low % crude fibre of 10.06 %, KD-04 recorded the highest fibre content of (3.61 %) , while BA-03 had a significantly higher % carbohydrate content of 78.15%. Knowledge of the levels of nutrients present in the different varieties will help in choosing the variety that can suit any intended purpose.
The rubber industry in Nigeria plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy, with small-scale farmers contributing a significant share of the national rubber output. Despite their central role, small-scale rubber farmers face several challenges that hinder their productivity and potential for growth. This review delves into the socio-economic importance of small-scale rubber farming in Nigeria, the constraints faced by these farmers, and suggests strategies for improving their productivity. By highlighting relevant literature and recent findings, the review underscores the importance of policy intervention and investment in addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s rubber industry.
