Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Exploring the relationship between soil moisture dynamics and postharvest losses in drought and flood-prone regions of the tropics: A review
No full textSoil moisture dynamics significantly influence agricultural productivity and postharvest losses, particularly in tropical regions prone to droughts and floods. Extreme moisture conditions negatively impact crop quality, storage potential, and food security, with droughts causing poor grain filling, increased pest infestations, and inefficient drying, while floods result in waterlogging, delayed harvesting, and contamination risks. This review explores the relationship between soil moisture variability and postharvest losses, highlighting the need for sustainable soil and water management strategies. Conservation agriculture, improved drainage systems, and postharvest technologies such as solar drying, hermetic storage, and AI-driven monitoring systems are critical in mitigating losses. Despite advancements, knowledge gaps remain in predictive modeling, localized soil moisture retention, and cost-effective postharvest solutions for smallholder farmers. Future research should focus on Artificial Intelligence-driven soil moisture forecasting, adaptive irrigation techniques, and resilient storage infrastructure. Additionally, policy frameworks must integrate climate adaptation strategies, research funding, and extension services to enhance farmer capacity. A multi-disciplinary approach involving governments, research institutions, and local communities is essential for implementing sustainable solutions. The integration of remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and AI technologies can improve real-time monitoring and decision-making in soil moisture management. Strengthening collaborations and investments in climate-smart agriculture will enhance food security and economic stability in tropical regions. This review highlights the pressing need for innovative, scalable, and region-specific interventions to mitigate postharvest losses resulting from soil moisture extremes
Assessment of factors influencing investment among cassava processors in Imo State, Nigeria
No full textOne of the best strategies to combat hunger and poverty, increase agricultural output, and improve environmental sustainability is to invest in agriculture. The specific objectives of the study were to analyze the factors influencing investment among cassava processors in Imo State and examine the constraints to investment among cassava processors in Imo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents. Primary data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire, complemented with an oral interview, and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that age (2.728), savings (5.878), interest (-2.129), value of credit obtained (2.576), and income (3.499) were responsible for 85.6% of the variations observed in the investments of cassava processors. The constraints to investment among cassava processors were categorized to be financial, marketing, and processing constraints. The study revealed that age, savings, credit access, and income positively influenced cassava processing investment, while high interest rates deterred it. These findings suggest that financial support and lower interest rates are essential to encourage investment growth. It is recommended that incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans specifically for reinvestment in processing equipment and facility upgrades be developed and rolled out by the government and relevant stakeholders to make reinvestment more attractive by reducing the financial burden associated with upgrading processing infrastructure
Farmers’ perception of mechanical rice seedling transplanter in Edu and Pategi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria
No full textThis study assessed rice farmers\u27 perceptions of mechanical rice seedling transplanters in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 150 rice farmers from Edu and Pategi Local Government Areas. Data were analysed using percentage and Pearson correlation. Results showed that most farmers (94.7%) had very high positive perceptions of mechanical transplanters, recognizing benefits like reduced seedling wastage, faster planting, labour savings, and improved crop uniformity. However, accessibility remained limited, with only 3.3% accessing government subsidies and 24.7% having finance to procure transplanters. Major challenges included inadequate funding, poor technical knowledge, and high maintenance costs. Significant relationships were found between farmers\u27 perceptions and socioeconomic factors like age, farming experience, farm size, and income. While perceptions were positive, actual adoption was low due to accessibility barriers. Recommendations include expanding subsidies and training programs, developing targeted financial products, and formulating mechanization policies accounting for socioeconomic influences on adoption. 
Utilization and challenges of seed priming techniques in agricultural crops: Prospects for the future
No full textSeed priming is an effective pre-sowing technique that enhances seed germination, seedling vigor, and nutrient uptake, ultimately improving crop establishment and yield. While numerous studies have demonstrated the agronomic benefits of various seed priming methods, fewer have comprehensively addressed the associated challenges or explored future directions. This review highlights the multifaceted benefits of seed priming beyond crop performance enhancement, including its role in inducing biochemical, physiological, molecular, cellular, and subcellular changes that strengthen plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite these advantages, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the limitations of seed priming across different crop types and environmental conditions. The findings underscore the potential of seed priming as a sustainable tool for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. The review advocates for future research into integrated priming strategies, such as combining multiple priming methods, and calls for deeper investigation into the mechanisms governing interactions between priming duration, sowing time, seed quality, and crop response. These insights are vital for advancing the practical application of seed priming to address global food production challenges
Agronomic assessment of vine segment and variety influence on the production of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
No full textSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plays a vital role in enhancing food security in Nigeria, yet many farmers continue to propagate it using vine cuttings without regard to the specific segment—basal, middle, or apical. To evaluate the impact of vine segment and variety on growth and yield, a field experiment was conducted at the Osun State Water Mini Scheme, Ejigbo, Nigeria, on an experimental plot measuring 810 m². The study was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a 3 ×4 factorial arrangement with three replications. Treatments included three vine cutting positions (basal, middle, apical) and four sweet potato varieties (TIS87/0087, 440261, Modern Delight, and King J). Results revealed that variety had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on key parameters such as vine length, tuber weight per plant, number of tubers per plant, tuber weight per plot, and total yield (tons/ha). Among the varieties, TIS87/0087 produced the highest yield (3.03 tons/ha), followed closely by 440216 (3.10 tons/ha), while Mother\u27s Delight (2.06 tons/ha) and King J (2.18 tons/ha) recorded the lowest. The vine segment also significantly influenced growth and yield. Apical cuttings (tip) consistently outperformed both middle and basal segments, with the highest vine length (36.93 cm in Week 1) and yield of 3.04 tons/ha, compared to 2.36 and 2.38 tons/ha for middle and base cuttings, respectively
Optimizing phosphorus fertilization for enhanced growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. WALP) in Sudan savanna agroecology of Nigeria
No full textPhosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to cowpea productivity in tropical soils, yet optimal P rates for Sudan Savanna agroecology remain poorly defined. A field study was conducted in 2023 during the rainy season at two locations in Kano, Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of six P rates (0, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kg P/ha) on growth, yield, and physiological traits of cowpea (cv. SAMPEA 14). The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data on growth and yield characters were collected and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant means were separated using the Student-Newman-Keuls test. Results indicated that P application significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters, with 40 kg P ha⁻¹ producing the highest leaf area index, number of nodules, leaves, and branches per plant. Yield attributes responded quadratically to P, peaking at 40 kg P ha⁻¹ (1.27 and 1.18 for BUK and Wasai, respectively), beyond which marginal returns declined. Responses were lowest and statistically similar between 0 and 20 kg P ha⁻¹, except for grain yield at both locations, where significantly different responses started at 30 kg P ha⁻¹. Regression analysis confirmed 40 kg P ha⁻¹ as the agronomic optimum for maximizing cowpea productivity in low-P sandy loam soils. These findings provide actionable recommendations for smallholder farmers in Sudan Savanna regions to optimize P fertilization, improve resource-use efficiency, and sustainably intensify cowpea production
The Role of Customary Law in Shaping Indigenous Corporate Structures in Nigeria
No full textThis paper critically examined the role of customary law in shaping indigenous corporate structures in Nigeria, with a focus on understanding how traditional norms and practices influence business ownership, management, and governance. The primary objective is to explore how traditional norms, values, and governance models embedded in Nigerian customary law continue to influence the formation, operation, and sustainability of indigenous corporate entities in Nigeria. The research methodology adopted is doctrinal, involving a critical analysis of relevant statutory provisions, judicial decisions, and customary practices across certain Nigerian communities. The findings of the study reveal that customary law plays a significant role in shaping indigenous corporate structures, particularly in relation to family and kinship ties, communal ownership, and traditional leadership structures. The study argues that customary law, while often overlooked in formal corporate discourse, remains a foundational pillar in indigenous business environments and continues to shape economic behavior, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. However, the lack of formal recognition of these indigenous structures in statutory corporate law creates a legal and operational gap that impedes their growth and integration into the national economy. The paper recommends a pluralist approach to corporate law that formally recognizes and integrates customary corporate practices, thereby enhancing legal inclusivity, preserving cultural identity, and fostering sustainable development within indigenous communities in Nigeria.
The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Tax Transparency and Revenue Collection in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
No full textNigeria\u27s oil and gas sector has historically faced systemic inefficiencies, significant revenue losses, and ambiguous tax regulatory frameworks. However, blockchain technology presents a transformative opportunity with its decentralised and immutable ledger system, which can significantly enhance transparency and efficiency in tax collection. By exploring the potential of blockchain to automate compliance, reduce fraudulent activities, and strengthen accountability in Nigeria, this study adopts a doctrinal methodology to develop a roadmap for modernising tax administration in this sector. Despite these benefits, challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps, and steep implementation costs pose significant barriers to adoption. To effectively leverage blockchain, the writer emphasises the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritise legal reforms and invest in robust digital infrastructure. These actions are essential and urgent in fostering collaborative stakeholder engagement and overcoming the substantial barriers to adoption. This critical analysis scrutinises these challenges, identifies key implementation hurdles, and proposes actionable strategies for overcoming them.
PERCEIVED IMPACT OF PEER RELATIONSHIP ON THE EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF PUPILS IN ONITSHA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY
No full textThis study investigated the perceived impact of peer relationship on the emotional and socialdevelopment of pupils in Onitsha South Local Government Education Authority of Anambra State.Three research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted to carryout the research. The population of the study constituted 482 teachers in the 39 public primaryschools in the study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 teachers fromthe total population. The instrument for data collection was an 18-item structured questionnaire titled“Questionnaire on the Perceived Impact of Peer Relationship on the Emotional and SocialDevelopment of Pupils” (QPIPRESDP) developed by the researcher. The instrument was validatedby three experts, two from the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, and one fromMeasurement and Evaluation Unit in the Department of Educational Foundations, all from theFaculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The reliability was established usingCronbach Alpha and test yielded reliability coefficient of 0.80, 0.85 and 0.78 respectively. The overallreliability co-efficient of the instrument was 0.81. Mean was used for the analysis of data collected.The result of the findings revealed that peer relationships positively impact the emotional and socialdevelopment of pupils in Onitsha South LGEA. Also, the findings identified the use of cooperativelearning activities, introduction of socioemotional learning programs, among others as the strategiesfor improving peer relationships among pupils. Based on the findings, the researchers recommendedamong others that schools should integrate cooperative learning activities into classroom practicesto encourage teamwork and strengthen positive peer interaction
PERCEPTION OF SANDWICH STUDENTS ON THE UTILIZATION OF ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR EFFECTIVE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA
No full textThis study determined the perception of sandwich students on the utilization of online learningplatforms for effective adult education programmes in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Tworesearch questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Thepopulation for this study was made up of 123 sandwich students who enrolled in the Sandwichprogrammes from 100 Level to 500 Level in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka for 2024/2025academic session. No sampling was done as the population was considered manageable. Theinstrument for data collection was a researcher structured questionnaire entitled Perception ofSandwich Students on the Utilization of Online Learning Platforms for Effective Adult EducationProgrammes (PSSUOLPEAEPQ). The instrument was validated by two research experts. The datafor the study were administered and retrieved by the researcher through a Google Form. The dataretrieved for the study was analyzed using mean. The study found out that sandwich students inNnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, use of LMS makes it easier for them to access learning materialsanytime, anywhere and navigate academic activities such as downloading materials and takingquizzes; and use of YouTube help them in understanding complex academic topics and recall mostacademic concepts more effectively