Factors affecting entrepreneurship development among the food marketers in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the factors affecting entrepreneurship development among Food Marketers in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected in four markets in Ilorin. The data was analyzed using frequency count, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The result reveals that mean age of the respondents was 30.5 years and about 58.2% were female. Record keeping skills (mean score =2.42) was the highest ranked entrepreneurial information needs of the respondents while lack of start-up capital (mean score =2.40) was the most severe factor affecting entrepreneurial activities of food marketers. There is a weak positive significant relationship between the entrepreneurial information needs and factors affecting entrepreneurial development of the respondents (r=0.407, p=0.0001). The study recommends that there should be provision of training on entrepreneurial skills based on the identified areas of needs and there should be provision of credit facilities to the food marketers as these will enhance their productivity. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Development, Factors, Information Needs, Food Marketers, Ilorin Metropoli

Entrepreneurial information needs of Agricultural Students of Tertiary Institutions in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the entrepreneurial information needs of Agricultural students in tertiary institutions in Ilorin metropolis. One hundred and  twenty-three respondents were randomly selected among the final year students of Agriculture in University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic  Ilorin. The data was analyzed using Frequency count, Percentage, Mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result reveals that majority (91.1%) of the respondents were willing to go into entrepreneurial activities after graduation from the tertiary institution. The highest  ranked entrepreneurial information need was decision making skills ( = 2.79). Lack of start-up capital was the most severe factor affecting  entrepreneurial activities ( = 2.79). The result reveals that there was a significant relationship between the income (r=-0.356, p=0.0001), factors affecting entrepreneurial activities (r=0.509, p=0.0001) and entrepreneurial information needs of the respondents. The study recommends that there should be creation of more awareness on entrepreneurial opportunities to Agricultural Students of tertiary institutions. Key words: Entrepreneurial activities, Information Needs, Agricultural Students, Tertiary Institutio

Earthworm Urine Used as Foliar Spray on Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth) Boosts Growth and Stimulates Stomata Opening

The advent of spray drones for agrochemical applications calls for continuous exploration of potentially affordable and sustainable liquid biofertilizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of earthworm urine foliar spray on the growth performance (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth) and stomata opening of Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth). Earthworm urine was obtained by placing 500 g of Libyodrilus violaceus in one litre of earthworm saline, for one hour. Amaranthus hybridus seeds were planted into 90 pots, divided into three treatment groups of 30 pots each. Upon germination, the first group was sprayed with earthworm urine, the second and third groups with saline water and ordinary water, respectively. Earthworm urine significantly (p < 0.05) increased all the measured growth parameters, and stimulated the opening of stomata, relative to saline water and ordinary water. This result is a strong indication that earthworm urine contains hormones that boost plant growth, and is potentially suitable for use as a liquid biofertilizer, for increased production of Amaranthus hybridus and related vegetables