This study was on cost and return analysis in small scale rice production in Cross River State. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of small scale rice farmers, estimated costs and returns from production and examined socioeconomic factors affecting small scale rice production in the area. A four stage random sampling technique was employed to obtained primary data from one hundred and twenty respondents (120) with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, frequency count; percentages, gross margin analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that small scale rice production in the area was profitable; Age of the farmer, farm size, education and cost of seed were the significant factors that affected rice production in the study area. Farmers in the study area are faced with constraints such as lack of access to finance, poor storage facilities and high cost of agro-chemicals. The study recommended that credit facilities should be given to small scale rice producers in the area so as to increase output and policy interventions aimed at protecting local producers should be put in place.
Woodlands in Ethiopia are under heavy pressure and shrinking overtime.Despite the woodland's economic and ecological importance's, little attention has been given to monitor the condition of the resources through time.The aim of this study is to assess the status of western dry woodlands of Ethiopia by analyzing land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics and recommend their future sustainable management and development in view of their multi-functions, climate change mitigation potentials as well as local livelihood improvement.Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Positioning System (GIS) were used to assess the LULC dynamics in three regional states (Amhara, Tigray, and Benshangul-Gumz).Three study sites: Metema, Kafta-Humera and Sherkole were selected, respectively.In all study sites the classes of agricultural land and bare land have expanded at an average rate of 2322.9 and 726.6 ha/year, respectively.On the other hand, the woodland cover in the three districts was decreasing at an average rate of 2833.8 ha/year in the past 25 years (1985-2010).The woodland cover was transformed mainly to agriculture at an average rate of 2057.9 ha/year.
Low multiplication ratio of yam and scarcity of planting materials are major constraints militating against sustainable yam production. In order to evaluate the behavior of the four various types of seeds of two species of yams Dioscorea cayenensis and Dioscorea rotundata, cultivated on the experimental ground of the Higher National Institute of Agronomy and Biotechnology (INSAB), a test was realized in a randomized complete block design with six replications. The samples were cut and three levels of each tuber were used: proximal, medial and distal parts of the tuber. The fragments of tuber and the whole tuber represent the various types of seed used in this work. The results showed significant (P<0.05) differences in number of plants emerged and time of emergence in a mixture of 40% soil and 60% sand three months and half after planting. For all species, the proximal parts sprouted earlier than the medium parts and then the distal parts. The fragmentation of tubers in three (3) parts can show the existence of a gradient along the tuber in its potential for sprouting and growth. There was a highly significant (P<0.05) difference between yield performances after nine (9) months of culture. This technique improves the production of tubers in both species.
Kolanut is an economically important indigenous cash crop. Two species– cola nitida and cola acuminata are the most prevalent in Nigeria. Soils of five Kolanut plantations in different Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun State were evaluated for effects of previous farming practices as well as their suitability for continuous use for kola cultivation. The sites were selected based on production outputs from the 10 Kolanut producing LGAs in the state. The stratified random technique at depths of 0-15cm, 15 – 30cm and 30 – 45cm was employed for soil sampling. Analytical results showed the pH of the soils to be between 5.29 and 7.57, sand content between 49.95% (Mamu) and 73.57% (Agoro) and clay contents between 17.57% (Odogbolu LGA) to 35.81% (Ijebu-North LGA). The silt contents ranged from 2.64%. (Ikenne LGA) and 14.72% (Ijebu North LGA). The predominant soil texture in these areas is sandy loamy. Soil organic carbon contents were adequate in all LGAs except Odogbolu LGA which was found to be below critical levels. Odogbolu LGA was also found to have Nitrogen (N) content below the critical level for the cultivation of kola. Available Phosphorus, P in the all five LGAs was between 8.03mg/kb and 13.98mg/kg which are above the critical required value of 3.7mg/kg soil. Exchangeable Potassium ranged from 0.08cmol/kg in Ikenne LGA to 0.44cmol/kg in Sagamu LGA. The Magnesium, Mg contents of the soils in all five LGAs were found to be below the critical level. The results confirm the fact that Kola plantations thrive under different soil conditions in the state hence soil management practices have to be established specifically for each farm for maximum yields. There is no one-fits-all remedy for the farms. Coppicing of old and expired trees would also help in achieving better productivity.
