Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Journal
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Analysis of Cassava Farmers’ Response to Climate Change Adaptation: Implication for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined how smallholder cassava farmers responded to changes in climate by identifying adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers and its determinants. In addition, the study analyzed the trend of production, productivity, and hectarage of cassava in Nigeria from 1980-2017. Multinomial logit model and exponential trend equation were employed to analyze the obtained data. The cassava farmers studied adopted use of irrigation (10%), livestock ownership 53.24%), mixed cropping (79.86%) and use of improved crop variety (92.81%) as major adaptation methods. The adaptive approaches used by cassava farmers were determined by farming experience, level of education and ownership of transport. The empirical trend analysis revealed that the coefficients of cassava output and hectarage were - 45.15 and -43.42 respectively and statistically significant at 1% implying a decrease in cassava output and hectarage within the period under study. It was further revealed that the marginal effects for the level of education and ownership of a means of transport were 0.11 and – 0.12 respectively. The implication of this result is that one unit increase in level of education and ownership of means of transport of a cassava farmer is associated with 11% more likely and 12% less likely that the farmer will adopt livestock ownership as adaptation strategy over the use of new crop variety. Therefore, from the established result, it was suggested that educational campaign on climate adaptation strategies should be embarked on so as to hearten the consciousness of cassava farmers on adaption strategies to climate change. More so improved cassava varieties are required for sustainable cassava production and food security in Nigeria
Effect of Moringa and Poultry Manure on Soil, Growth and Yield of (Amaranthus Cruentus) in Afikpo, Nigeria
Get PDFA Greenhouse trial was conducted in Research farm of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of composted moringa leaves and poultry manure on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of amaranthus. Treatments consisted of three rates of composted moringa leaves (MC), (0, 1 and 2-ton ha-1) and three rate of poultry manure (PM) (0, 1- and 2-ton ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design in a factorial pattern with three replications. The test soil was marginal in organic matter, inadequate in available P, acidic and general low in fertility. The results obtained showed that all rates of the manure significantly improved the soil nutrient status relative to control. All manure rates significantly increase the growth and yield of amaranthus. Relative to control, 2-ton ha-1 MC and 2-ton ha-1 PM increased number of leaves, plant height, and stem girth by 50%, 74.3% and 81% respectively. Generally, treatment combination of 2-ton ha-1 MC and 2-ton ha-1 PM gave the most appreciable increase in both soil nutrient and plant yield and it is therefore recommended for optimum and sustained amaranthus production in soils of Southeastern Nigeria
Development and Quality Evaluation of Flour and Enriched Chin – Chin Snacks from Flour Blends of Maize (Zea mays), Soybean (Glycine max) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogea)
Get PDFFlour samples prepared from maize, soybean and groundnut and their blends were evaluated for their functional and nutrient composition. From the results obtained, flour blends with higher quality parameters were selected and used to develop formulations for the production of chin-chin snacks while chin-chin from 100% maize flour served as control. Physicochemical analyses were examined on the flour blends and chi-chin, while sensory acceptance of the chin-chin was conducted using 20-member panellists. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation of duplicate determinations, while level of significance was accepted for p≤0.05. The result of the functional properties of the flours and their blends showed that the bulk density ranged from 0.71 to1.82 g/ml. The water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity of the flours ranged from 1.49 to 2.81 % and 1.10 to 2.52 % respectively. Foam stability ranged from 15.11 - 87.58 %. The emulsion stability of the flours ranged from 10.00 to 49.28 %. While gelatinization temperature ranged from 38.08 – 96.70oC. The selected composite flours were also nutrient rich in protein (16.39 - 20.33 %), vitamin A (794.50 - 902.50 mg RE/100g) and minerals. The evaluation results of the chin-chin supplemented with soy-groundnut showed significant decrease in moisture content (5.4- 9.64 %), increase in protein (18.55 to 26.44 %), fat (10.97 to 20.54 %), calcium (12.03 to 19.01 %).There were decrease in carbohydrate (55.71 to 31.54 %) magnesium (154.72 to 82.89 mg/100g) and vitamin B1 (3.05 to 2.77 mg/100g) contents when compared to the control sample 101 (100% maize flour). The sensory evaluation showed that acceptable chin-chin products were produced from blends of maize; soybean and groundnut flour. However, the chin-chin products differed was significantly with respect to general acceptability
Challenges and Remedies to Effective Counselling Practicumas Perceived by Postgraduate Student-Counsellors in Three Universities in South-East, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study sought specifically to find out challenges to effective counselling practicum in schools and their remedies as perceived by postgraduate student-counsellors in three universities in South-East, Nigeria. The design of the study was descriptive survey design. Two research questions and one null Hypothesis guided the study. A sample size of 120 students currently studying guidance and counselling at 2nd and 3rd degree levels out of a population of 142, selected using proportionate sampling technique participated in the study. A questionnaire that was duly validated and with reliability index values of 0.56 and 0.65, was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyze data. The findings were that lack of fund, inadequate pre-practicum preparation, uncondusive practicum environment (sites), students’ ignorance about practicum supervision, inability to satisfy the needs of clients were perceived as the challenges. Solution included payment of practicum allowance, allowing students to choose practicum settings for themselves, strict supervision, provision of moral support and adequate simulation in micro practicum. There was no significant gender difference in the perception of the students. Based on the findings, discussion, conclusion and recommendations were made. One of the recommendations was that counsellor-educators on the universities staff should proactively encourage universities’ management to be paying practicum allowance to the students to enable them procure practicum materials and be mentally prepared for the exercise
Potentials of bioremediations of palm oil mill effluent: Effects on growth and yield parameters of maize plant (Zea mays L.)
Get PDFThis greenhouse study was conducted in the Greenhouse of the Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, to evaluate the effect of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on the shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight and root dry weight of maize plant (Zea mays). POME is produced in large quantity in Nigeria and its disposal is a major concern among palm producing industries; and maize is known to be one of the world’s most important crop plants. The growth and development of maize plants with treatment of various quantities of POME (25 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml and 100 ml) were investigate and studied using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A total of 100 maize seeds (four seeds per replicate) were sown and raised in 10 cm in diameter with a volume of 644 ml sterilized container prepared with cotton wool and irrigated every third day for 12 days with different quantities of POME ranging from 0 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml to 100 ml which represents the following treatment groups; T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively that were each replicated 5 times (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5). T1 is the control group and was irrigated with distilled water. Germination percentage data of the treatment groups were taken every 24 hours and the seedling harvested after 20 days post-planting. The shoot and root fresh and dry weight were taken and recorded. Percentage germination of the treatment groups were subjected to a one-way ANOVA which indicated that a significant differences (F(3,20) = 28.013, p = 0.001) exist between different groups. The shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight decreased from 0.97 g to 0.42 g and 0.63 g to 0.21 g respectively with increased quantity of POME treatment. However, maximum (0.68 g) root fresh weight was in recorded in T1 and least (0.47 g) in T3. Results indicated that highest (0.37 g) root dry weight was also recorded in T2 but unlike root fresh weight, least (0.26) root dry weight was obtained in T5. The study revealed that at lower concentrations, POME showed a favourable effect on the parameters measured; but at higher concentrations, inhibitory effects on development of maize were observable
Analyses of Metal Cations in the Bottom Ash of Hospital Incinerator and Open Waste Burning Dumpsite in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study determined the level of metal cations in incinerator bottom ash and open burning dumpsite in Medical Centre, Umuahia. Samples were collected at the depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm from bottom ash, 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm from soil within hospital open dumpsite. Metal cations were analyzed using the absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and results subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), geo-accumulation (I-geo) and Contamination/Pollution Index (C/PI) indices. Data presented using ANOVA, and mean separated with (LSD) at P≤0.05 and p≤ 0.01. Effect of soil depths on cation variability in ash and soil was significant at p≤ 0.05 and ≤ 0.01 levels respectively. Cations decreased in order of : Zn2+ ≥Mn2+ ≥ Cu2+ ≥ Cr2+≥ Pb2+ Cd2+in bottom ash; Zn2+ ≥ Cu2+ ≥2+ Mn2+≥ Cr2+ ≥ Pb2+≥ Cd2+ in open dumpsite. PCA indicate high loadings on Cu2+, Pb2+, Mn2+, Cd2+ in ash while dumpsite loaded with Cd2+ , Cr2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+. C/PI decreased in order of: Cu2+ ≥Zn2+≥Cr2+≥Mn2+≥ Cd2+/Pb2+ for bottom ash ; Cu2+ ≥Zn2+ ≥Cr2+ ≥Mn2+ ≥Pb2+ ≥Cd2+ for open dumpsite indicating slight to very slight contamination respectively. I-geo was in decreased order of: Cd2+≥Pb2+≥Mn2+≥Cr2+≥Cu2+≥Zn2+in ash and Cd2+ ≥ Pb2+ ≥Mn2+≥Cr2+≥Zn2+≥Cu2+in dumpsite indicating uncontaminated to moderately status. Therefore, incinerator bottom ash should be properly managed through pretreatment and landfill disposal and open burning should be discouraged to avert further environmental pollution.  
Production and Evaluation of Fuel Characteristics for Briquettes from Different Crop Residues
No full textBriquettes were produced from selected crop residues namely groundnut shells, maize cobs and an ad-mixture of both (composite). The performance characteristics of the briquettes were then evaluated based on fuel efficiency, cooking efficiency, time taken to boil water and fuel consumption rates respectively. The residues were reduced to 2mm particle sizes with a hammer mill and a set of sieves. Gum arabic and water were added in measured quantities based on a design ratio and thoroughly mixed into a thick paste which was fed into a manually operated briquette mould to produce perforated cylindrical briquettes that were sundried into hard pans. The design ratio of dry matter: gum arabic: water was; for type A (maize cob briquettes) 2:0.8:7, for type B (groundnut shell briquettes) 1.2:0.25:3.5 and for type C (composite briquettes) 1.6:0.5:5.5. A laboratory determination of gross calorific value was carried out and the following values were obtained; type A:-,40.924MJ/Kg, type B:-,25.757MJ/Kg and type C:-,39.656MJ/Kg. A specie of firewood, delonix regia wood labelled type D which was used for comparison was found to have a calorific value of 24.340MJ/Kg. On evaluation, the four fuel types A, B, C and D showed fuel efficiency values of 38%, 62%, 41% and 27% respectively. In the same order, cooking efficiency values were estimated to be 14%, 23%, 11% and 10%. In boiling equal volumes of water, it took type A an average of 15mins, type B 20mins, type C 24mins and type D 58mins. Lastly, the rate of fuel consumption was 1.65Kg/hr, 1.14Kg/hr, 1.00Kg/hr and 0.9Kg/hr for types A, B, C and D respectively. Conclusively, it was observed that briquettes produced from selected residues are better substitutes and alternative energy sources compared to wood
Biochar Amendments and Their Residual Effect on Soil Chemical Properties and Growth Components of Greenleaf (Amaranthus caudatus) In Nutrients Depleted soil
Get PDFSoil nutrients depletion is often a problem associated with the Tropical soils. This study aims to investigate the effect of biochars produced from different feedstock on depleted soil nutrients, growth of Greenleaf (Amaranthus caudatus), some nutrients uptake and their residual effect in the following year. Six types of biochar that originated from cow dung (CDB), goat dung (GDB), poultry dropping (PDB), rice husks (RHB), composted rice husks (CRHB), and mixed feedstock (MFB) (combination of the first named five feed stocks) constituted the treatment. There was also a control (C) that had no amendment. The six amendments were applied once at the rate of 3t/ha to the soil on a plot size of 3m x 3m each, at the research and training farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in 2014 planting season and the residual effect evaluated in 2015 planting season. Greenleaf was planted in each plot at 2014 and 2015 planting seasons. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. Results of the study showed that MFB increased soil pH in water from the initial value of 5.10 before treatment application to 6.21 at the end of the experiment in 2014, while PDB had a residual effect on the pH with a value of5.93 in 2015. PDB showed a significant increase in available phosphorus with values of 68.70 mg/kg and 53.7 mg/kg in 2014 and 2015 respectively. CDB increased the organic carbon above the other treatments in 2015, while MFB increased the exchangeable potassium in the two planting seasons. The uptake of N and P were increased by MFB in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Application of MFB, PDB and CDB resulted in the replenishment of most depleted soil nutrients, Greenleaf growth and nutrients uptake. The three biochar sources could be a good alternative in the absence of fertilizers for soil nutrient improvement and increase crop yields as their residual effects last beyond the year of application
Factors Influencing Farmers’ Participation in Sweet Potato Farming Practices in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study analyzed farmers’ participation in sweet potato farming practices in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select sixty (80) farmers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (probit and multiple regression analyses). Result showed half (50.0%) of the farmers were males and females respectively, with mean ages of 45.5 years, 56.7% were married, mean farm size of 0.5 hectares and intercropped cassava/maize/sweet potato (63.3%). The result indicates that farmers’ sourced information on sweet potato farming practices from personal observations (90.0%), fellow farmers (86.7%) and television programmes (78.67%), while 63.3% intercropped sweet potato vines with cassava and maize. The farmers had favourable perception =2.9) and had high participation =2.3) in sweet potato cultivar characteristics. Probit regression result showed that coefficient for tuber yield, vine yield, early maturity, disease and pest tolerant and good culinary test influenced farmers’ participation of sweet potato farming practices. Multiple regression result showed that coefficients of gender, age, marital status, occupation and farm size influenced farmers’ participation of sweet potato production activities in the study area. Breeding of early maturing, high yielding and disease resistant varieties by researchers and access to land for sweet potato farming activities were advocated
Soil – Transmitted Helminthiasis: Prevalence and Rist Factors Among pupils in Primary Schools in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria
Get PDFSoil Transmitted helminthes is a public health problem in the tropic. A study on helminthissis was carried out to determine its prevalence and associated risk factors among pupils in primary schools in Umuahia South Local Government Area. Abia State Nigeria, using formol – Ether concentration technique on the fecal samples from the different schools and structured questionnaire to determine the risk factors associated with the disease. A total of 450 fecal samples were collected with overall prevalence of 45.33%. The soil-transmitted helminthes recorded were hookworm, 90 (20%), Ascaris lumbricoides, 84 (18.67%) and Trichuris trichuria , 30 (6.67%). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Prevalence was higher among the females 120 (48.78%) than in males 84 (41.18%) through not statistically significant (P>0.05). The prevalence was highest among pupils of age group 11 – 13 (60%), followed by age group 8 – 10 (54.72%) and the least was among 5 – 7 age group (30.77%). Amakama Central School Olokoro had the highest prevalence (68.90%) due to very poor hygiene, followed by Old Umuahia Primary School II (40.00%) while Adventist Care Nursery and Primary School had the least prevalence rate (10%). Hand wash pattern among the pupils showed a very low response, while 42.67% do not wash their hands after using the toilet, 24.89% also do not wash their hands before eating. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) Pupils that make use of public pit latrine had the highest prevalence (57.69%), followed by those that use private pit latrine (44.18%) compared with the pupils that use public water system (41.18%) and those that use private water system (28.25%). The high prevalence and types of soil-transmitted helminthes recorded among children in primary school suggest an urgent need for intervention. Education on proper hygiene habit especially at the primary school level is highly recommended with a coordinated multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary strategy that integrates periodic de-worming, health education, provision of potable water supply and environmental sanitation for effective control and management