Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Journal
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Sources of Lecturers’ Job Satisfaction in Universities in South-East, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined the sources of lecturers’ job satisfaction in universities in South East, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. Five research questions guided the study. The population of the study consisted of 5,838 lecturers. The sample for the study was 416 lecturers obtained using Taro Yamane’s Formula. Proportionate stratified random sampling procedure was used to select the number of lecturers per the five universities. One instrument namely “Sources of University Teachers’ Job Satisfaction Questionnaire” (UTJSQ) was used. The instrument was validated by three experts in Educational Administration and Planning, and one expert from Measurement and Evaluation, from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. The data collected were presented using mean, and standard deviation. The findings indicated that social interaction is a source of lecturers’ job satisfaction in South-East Nigeria. These include working with colleagues, students, immediate superiors, subordinates, non teaching staff, and communities. It was revealed that working conditions, infrastructural facilities, university policies, monetary benefits are not sources of job satisfaction lecturers. It was recommended that the government should provide adequate sources of job satisfaction to enable the lecturers derive job satisfaction from their job. 
Production and Evaluation of Breakfast Cereals From Blends of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) Flour and Corn (Zea Mays) Flour
Get PDFBreakfast cereals from blends of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and corn (Zea mays) flours were produced and evaluated. African yam bean (AYB) flour was obtained by steeping the grains, boiling, dehulling, milling and sieving. Corn flour was obtained by conditioning the grains, coarse milling, degerming, fine milling and sieving. Six samples were obtained by mixing AYB flour and corn flour in the ratios of 100:0, 0:100, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70 respectively. Each of the flour samples was wetted with water and slightly kneaded to form dough, the dough was extruded and toasted at 180 0C for 10 min. Weetabix, a known commercial breakfast cereal was used as control. The functional properties, proximate composition, gross energy, calcium and potassium contents and organoleptic properties were assessed. The result showed that 100% AYB flour breakfast cereal is high in protein (21.40%) and fat (11.30%) but low in carbohydrate (37.70%) and gross energy (339.10 kCal/100 g) and 100% corn flour breakfast cerael is high in carbohydrate (72.14%) but low in protein (8.19%), fat (2.7%) and energy (345.62 kCal/100 g). Both 100% AYB and 100% corn flour breakfast cereals were rejected by the judges. Breakfast cereals from AYB-corn flour composite blends were all accepted. The breakfast from the composite blends also had higher protein (13.57-14.19%) than the control (9.19%), higher fat (6.10-6.50%) than the control (3.80%), higher crude fibre (4.30-4.90%) than the control (2.10%) and higher calcium (339.37-482.14 mg/100 g) than the control (100.08 mg/100 g). Energy value however, did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from that of the control. The production and commercialization of the breakfast cereals from the composite flour blends of 50% AYB and 50% corn flour which had the optimum quantities of all the attributes tested is recommended
Effects of Poultry Manure and Rice Mill Waste on Some Physical Properties, pH and Organic Matter Content of Soils Under Three Land Use Types in Owerri North LGA, Imo State
Get PDFChanges in land use induce alterations in soil properties over time. A study was conducted in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria to assess changes in aggregate stability, water retention characteristics, bulk density (BD), organic matter (OM) and acidity (pH) of soils from different land use types amended with organic materials. The experiment was a 3x3 factorial laid out in a completely randomized design replicated thrice. The factors were oil palm plantation (PP), rubber plantation (RP) and arable land (AL) as factor A, and poultry manure (PM), rice mill waste (RMW) and a control (CT) as factor B. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and F-LSD0.05 was used to compare the means. Rubber plantation (RP) recorded the highest mean weight diameter (MWD) in all treatments across land use, 3.00 mm in (CT), 4.93 mm in RMW, and 4.43 mm in PM) while AL recorded the lowest as observed in CT (1.60 mm), RMW (3.03 mm) and PM (2.53 mm). Arable land (AL) was most dispersed having clay dispersion index (CDI) of 53.90% (CT), 47.13% (RMW) and 45.77% (PM). Rice mill waste was better in reducing BD than PM and had the best reducing effect in AL (29.44%) than in PP (26.42%) and RP (11.11%). Field capacity (FC) increased by 15.24% when AL was amended with RMW and by 5.93% when amended with PM. Rice mill waste reduced acidity by increasing pH from 5.10 to 5.43 in PP, 5.40 to 5.66 in RP and 4.90 to 5.43 in AL. Organic matter (OM) was increased by 28.13%, 15.39% and 36.90% in PP, RP and AL, respectively, with application of RMW. The results indicated that the soil properties varied under the different land use types and they improved in response to the organic amendments. Therefore, the organic materials were effective in ameliorating the studied soils
Effects of Different Processing Methods on the Quality of Moringa oleifera Seed Flours
Get PDFThe effects of different processing methods on the quality of Moringa oleifera seed flours was studied. The seeds were processed into flours by toasting, oven drying and, boiling and sun drying processing methods. Unprocessed Moringa seed flour was used as the reference sample. The functional properties, proximate, qualitative phytochemical and antinutrient composition as well as the sensory characteristics were evaluated. The functional analysis showed that, bulk density and emulsification capacity ranged from 0.50 to 0.59 g/ml and 75.96 to 94.62 % respectively with oven dried sample (OMF) having the highest value. The viscosity (21.53-15.39) and gelatinization temperature (107.15-91.95°C) decreased with processing. The pH (4.55-5.64), water absorption (1.70-2.00 g/ml) and oil absorption (0.50-1.25 g/ml) capacity increased with processing. Proximate analysis showed that, processing resulted to decreased moisture (12.70-9.80%), crude protein (22.97-18.06%), and fat (13.90-13.30%) content, while increase in carbohydrate (45.48-53.42%) and ash (4.45-4.88%) was recorded. The qualitative phytochemical test showed that all seed flours could possibly contain alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. Steroids were absent in all samples. The antinutrient analysis revealed that, processing led to decreased oxalate (11.66-9.39 mg/100g) and phytate content (69.60-46.45 mg/100g). The alkaloid content ranged from 1.53 to 1.88 mg/100g, with the oven dried sample having the highest alkaloid content. Sensory analysis revealed that unprocessed Moringa seed flour possessed better organoleptic characteristics. The different processing methods affected the functional properties, proximate and antinutrient compositions of the flours. However, processed M. oleifera seed flours, had good nutrient composition which can be exploited in functional foods
Comparative Evaluation of five formulated Maize-Soybean Complementary foods and a commercial Complementary Food
Get PDFThis study evaluated the nutrient, sensory and functional properties of complementary food formulated from maize-soybean blends. Clean maize grains (1.5kg) were parboiled (1000C, 15min), washed and fermented overnight (24h) in cold water. This was washed, oven-dried (500C, 24h), coarsely ground and the seed coats winnowed out. Also, clean soybeans (1.5kg) were soaked in water for 90min, dehulled and cooked for 45min. This was washed, drained and oven-dried (500C, 48h) The maize sample was blended in proportions with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the soybean sample to give 500g of each of the blends, A, B, C, D and E respectively which were separately milled into flour. These were sieved into fine powder using a 4mm sieve. Each of the blends was mixed with sucrose 25%), sodium citrate (2%), vegetable oil (1.75%) and common salt (0.5%). This was blended into fine powder and analyzed alongside with a commercial infant formula for physicochemical and sensory properties. The formulated weaning foods were relatively high in nutrient contents. All the samples had safe, low moisture content of 4.72 to 6.32%. Protein content increased from 10.15% in the 100% maize and the commercial samples to 20.05% in the 40% soybean blends. Also carbohydrate content ranged from 62.27% in E to 74.5% in F, crude fibre increased with increasing soybean addition in the formulated samples and ranged from 0.97% in A to 1.47% in D but was 1.01% in the control (F). Maize-soybean complementary blends gave better consistency and homogenous mixes of the gruel, and could balance the limiting essential amino acids of both in the complementary foods. The minerals (mg/100) calcium, potassium and phosphorus were high in samples A, B, C and D while magnesium (mg/100) was high in E (8.46). There were significant differences (P< 0.05) in appearance, texture, flavour, mouth feel and overall acceptability of the samples. Soybean in combination with maize produced better quality of complementary foods and is therefore recommended for infant formula. Complementary food D with 30% soybean addition had the best balanced nutrient composition and functional properties than every other of the samples; and is therefore recommended the best of all the samples
Production and Quality Evaluation of Soy Cheese (Tofu) Using Selected Coagulants
Get PDFFood formulations that incorporate soy ingredients are being exploited as veritable alternatives. Cheese analogues are healthy alternatives to benefit from consuming functional foods. There is the need to enhance the production and quality of soy cheese. In this work, soy cheeses (Tofu) were prepared from soybean using four selected coagulants – Moringa oliefera seeds extract (MC), Tamarind fruit pulp extract (TC), Lime juice (LC) and Alum (AC). The effects of the coagulants on the physico-chemical, microbial and sensory qualities of the soy cheese products were evaluated. The results of the physical properties of the samples showed that MC gave higher yield (12.84 %) and acidity (0.37 %), while AC had the highest values in hardness (84.55 %) and dry matter (36.72 %) contents. The proximate composition showed that MC had the lowest moisture (60.52%) but highest protein (22.51%) contents. The ash contents of the soy cheese from the plant coagulants MC (3.00 %), TC (2.80 %) and LC (3.5%) were lower than that of the Alum coagulant AC (3.89%.).The cheese from Alum coagulant (AC) had more minerals than those from plant coagulants.TC had the highest Vitamin C (2.69 mg/100g) while MC had the highest vitamin B1 (6.07 mg/100g) and B2 (29.21 mg/100g) contents. There was no detection of coliform in the soy cheese samples. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) in the appearance and overall acceptability of sample MC and sample LC. Sample MC from Moringa oliefera seed cake extract coagulant had the highest sensory scores for Flavour (8.35), texture (8.40) and overall acceptability (8.63).The results of quality properties of the cheeses differed with the coagulants used. Moringa oliefera coagulated cheese had the most improved quality of all the samples
Growth Rates and Determinants of Rubber Export in Nigeria
Get PDFThe study analysed growth rates and determinants of rubber export in Nigeria. Time series data used for the study were collected from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The data were analysed using exponential trend model, quadratic trend model, ordinary least square regression model and z-test. Findings from the study showed that time trend variable was a major factor in determining rubber export in the study period. The growth trend of rubber export in Nigeria per annum within the period under study (instantaneous rates of growth) was 4.15% and the rate of growth of rubber export in Nigeria (compound rates of growth) was 4. 23%. Results showed that there was stagnation in the growth rates of rubber export. Results further showed that there was a significant difference in the mean output quantity of rubber and exports within the period under review. From the regression model, it was observed that rubber export was positively influenced by output quantity of rubber, world price of rubber and producer price while it was negatively influenced by domestic utilization and nominal exchange rate. The study recommended the need to reassess the rubber export policy in Nigeria and to compliment it with such policies as farm support policies, output price incentives and non-price incentive policies
Influence of Maternal Occupation and Number of Steady Adults in the Family on Feeding, Cleaning and Sanitation of Children in Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigated the influence of maternal occupation and the number of steady adults in the family in the child feeding, cleaning and sanitation (CFCS) practices of parents of children in day care centres in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Two research questions were answered and two hypotheses were tested. The population consisted of 12080 mothers of children (age from birth to 3 years) in the 604 government approved crèche/nursery schools in the State. A sample of 1200 mothers (respondents) was drawn from this population using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a 46-item Feeding, Cleaning and Sanitation Practices Scale (FCSPS) adopted to evaluate CFCS practices of p mothers related to infancy. Means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions while one-way Analysis of Variance was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. The findings revealed that maternal occupation and the number of steady adults in the family significantly influenced the CFCS practices of such parents. Civil servants performed significantly better than teachers in CFCS practices while teachers performed significantly better than traders and traders better than artisans and farmers. Further findings showed that CFCS practices of mothers is best when there are two or three steady adults in the family compared to when there is one or more than three steady adults. Among others, it was recommended that government and social welfare centres should assist nursing mothers who are artisans and traders in terms of knowledge and material support on CFCS practices. Parents should also limit the number of steady adults in the family to two or three to avoid the law of diminishing returns on the contributions of such adults to CFCS practices of mothers
Adoption of Agricultural Technologies Transferred Via Radio-Farmer Programme Among Farmers In Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study analyzed the adoption of technologies transferred via Radio-Farmer programme among farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A sample of 360 farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The Multi stage, proportional random sampling procedure was used in sample selection. Data analysis involved use of descriptive statistics. Result showed that most of the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers significantly influenced the adoption of technologies transferred. Result further shows that fourteen improved technologies were transferred. Results revealed that level of adoption of improved technologies was generally low. Result show that majority of the farmers had more than N150,000 as their farm income with mean annual income of N161, 4623.61. The modal age group was 40-49 years while the mean age was 46 years. Majority (50.9%) had between 5 to 8 persons in their households with mean household size of 8 persons. Also most of the farmers (60.8%) had spent 7-12 with mean literacy level of 8.5 years. Majority had enough years of farming experiences which was approximated to 11 years with the modal class of 11-15 years. Result shows that fourteen improved technologies were disseminated to farmers via Radio-Farmer programme only one was adopted. Fertilizer application had the highest level adoption (x=5.7) followed fish pond construction technique.(x=4.1). Result show that major technologies perceived to be highly disseminated were practical tips (=2.9) fertilizer application (x = 2.8) cassava processing (2.8) soil conservation (x=2.8) and timely harvesting of crops (x=2.8). Furthermore, the improved technologies perceived to be moderately disseminated were cassava/yam/melon (x=2.7) weed control (x=2.7) and staking of yam (x=2.7) while plantain production technologies (x=2.3) was lowly frarely transferred. The major constraints were high cost of inputs (X=2.9), lack of collaboration between farmers, research and extension (x=2.9) and lack of feedback (x = 2.9). The major recommendation is that farmers should form Radio-Farmer programme listeners group and arrange to listen to the Radio-Farmer programme together in order to avail themselves the opportunity to interact and discuss the content of the broadcast
Agricultural Potential of Soils Derived from Coastal Plain Sand for Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Cultivation in Ikwuano Local Government Area, South Eastern Nigeria.
Get PDFThe current food requirements of a rapidly increasing population demand that marginal lands such as the coastal plain sands which have been left under-utilized, be brought under intensive agricultural land use to ensure food security. Thus, this study was carried out to characterize and evaluate the agricultural potentials of the coastal plain sands soils of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria for sustainable food production. Four farming communities were used as study sites. Results from the study showed that the soils were predominantly coarse in texture with moderately acid (pH 5.4 –5.6) top soil over strongly acid (pH 4.0 – 5.0) subsoil. The soils were moderate in the following surface soil fertility parameters: organic carbon content (1.00 - 1.40%), total nitrogen (0.15 – 0.21%), cation exchange capacity (11.25 - 13.62 cmol kg-1), exchangeable K (0.30 - 0.55 cmol kg-1), available phosphorus (10.60 - 15.43 mg kg-1) and base saturation (41 - 49%). The results of land suitability evaluation revealed that the land is currently marginally suitable (S3) for oil palm. Major crop production constraints identified were soil physical characteristics (texture) and fertility (basic cations). Management techniques such as application of organic fertilizers to enhance nutrient holding capacity of the soils and supply the deficient basic cations will raise the productivity of the soils. Regular soil testing for proper fertilizer application is also recommended