Problems and Prospects of Pineapple Production in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study identified problems and prospects of pineapple production in Enugu State of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select eighty (80) pineapple farmers from two agricultural zones. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean score. Results showed that greater proportion of the farmers was male (56.2%), had no formal education (47.5%) and had their farm located far from their residence (68.8%) while many of the farmers cultivated improved pineapple variety (43.8%) and a greater proportion (55.0%) sourced planting materials from their farms. All the respondents (100%) harvested their produce manually. Respondents indicated that the major potentials of the area for pineapple production included: availability of fertile land for pineapple production (x̅=2.78), ready market for the sale of the crop produce (x̅=2.72), a good source of income (x̅=2.62), and good health through consumption among farmers/inhabitants (x̅=2.78). The major constraints of pineapple production identified by the respondents were poor access road for transportation of produce (x̅=2.56), and lack of technical knowledge on the use of improved technology (x̅=2.56). It was concluded that pineapple had good prospects for production in the area. However, issues of infrastructure and technical knowledge should be tackled in order to harness those potentials.Key words: pineapple production in Enugu Stat

Awareness and Use of E-Resources among Public Extension Personnel in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract The study assessed the awareness and use of e-resources among public extension personnel in the area. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting respondents from each cadre of the Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (ASADEP). A total of sixty nine (69) agricultural extension staff was used for the study. Findings show the major e-resource tool that was available to the majority (94.2%) of extension staff in the area was mobile phone, while 62.3% indicated that computer was available to them. The majority (69.6%) of the respondents were each aware of Facebook, and email, while 56.5% were aware of twitter. Among those who were aware of email, the majority (59.4%) indicated they used it while 43.5% of those that were aware of Facebook indicated they used it. Results show that 15.9% of the respondents indicated they used e-journal in exchanging information on pests and diseases, 10.1% exchanged weather and climate information on e-mail, while 11.6% each indicated they used email to exchange information on farm inputs and market prices.On the other hand, 10.1% each used e-journal and e-mail to exchange information on processing methods. The study concluded by drawing attention to the very low adoption of e-resources in extension service delivery in the area. Efforts should be made by both federal and state governments to provide enabling technological environment and training opportunities for extension personnel in order to improve e-extension which is a veritable alternative towards solving the issues of dearth in extension staff that has been a persistent problem plaguing extension service in the country

Awareness and Use of E-Resources among Public Extension Personnel in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract The study assessed the awareness and use of e-resources among public extension personnel in the area. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting respondents from each cadre of the Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (ASADEP). A total of sixty nine (69) agricultural extension staff was used for the study. Findings show the major e-resource tool that was available to the majority (94.2%) of extension staff in the area was mobile phone, while 62.3% indicated that computer was available to them. The majority (69.6%) of the respondents were each aware of Facebook, and email, while 56.5% were aware of twitter. Among those who were aware of email, the majority (59.4%) indicated they used it while 43.5% of those that were aware of Facebook indicated they used it. Results show that 15.9% of the respondents indicated they used e-journal in exchanging information on pests and diseases, 10.1% exchanged weather and climate information on e-mail, while 11.6% each indicated they used email to exchange information on farm inputs and market prices.On the other hand, 10.1% each used e-journal and e-mail to exchange information on processing methods. The study concluded by drawing attention to the very low adoption of e-resources in extension service delivery in the area. Efforts should be made by both federal and state governments to provide enabling technological environment and training opportunities for extension personnel in order to improve e-extension which is a veritable alternative towards solving the issues of dearth in extension staff that has been a persistent problem plaguing extension service in the country

Farmers Use of Erosion Control Measures in Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the attitude of farmers to the use of erosion control measure in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers used for the study. Results show that majority (99.2%&98.3%) of the respondents indicated that rain water run-off and poor road construction respectively were the major causes of soil erosion in the area. All (100%) the respondents used mixed cropping, tie ridging and mulching as control practice against erosion. Challenges to farmers’ use of erosion control practices were: unavailability of resource required (ẋ=3.44), and high cost of using the practice (=3.23). Respondents had positive attitude to erosion control as indicated by the results including: it is good to adopt some erosion practices as it helps to save the soil (=2.68), interested in issues concerning erosion as this will help me gain knowledge of how to control it (=2.68),I always teach their family members how to control erosion on their farmland/homes (=2.56), I will like to be trained about erosion control even though it has not directly affected them(=2.55).in the area. The paper advocates that government at all levels should provide financial incentives to farmers so that they can afford some good erosion control practices which are costly for them.   Key words: erosion, environmental degradation, farmers’ attitude, erosion control practices

Farmers’ Adjustment to Dwindling Services of the Public Extension System in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study investigated farmers’ adjustment to dwindling public extension services in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select ninety-six (96) respondents from three agricultural zones in the study area, data were collected through the use of semi-structured interview schedule. Percentage, frequency and mean scores were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The majority (64.6%) of the respondents adjusted by developing stronger management skill. Findings revealed that all (100%) the respondents adjusted in information source by sourcing agricultural information from personal experience. Findings showed that the majority (97.9%) adjusted in sources of finance and credits by using self-financing. The majority of the respondents (76.0%) preferred self-financing as their source of finance and credit coming from their savings. Results showed that the majority (97.9%) of the respondents made finance/credit adjustment by increased saving for future

Farmers Use of Erosion Control Measures in Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the attitude of farmers to the use of erosion control measure in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers used for the study. Results show that majority (99.2%&98.3%) of the respondents indicated that rain water run-off and poor road construction respectively were the major causes of soil erosion in the area. All (100%) the respondents used mixed cropping, tie ridging and mulching as control practice against erosion. Challenges to farmers’ use of erosion control practices were: unavailability of resource required (ẋ=3.44), and high cost of using the practice (=3.23). Respondents had positive attitude to erosion control as indicated by the results including: it is good to adopt some erosion practices as it helps to save the soil (=2.68), interested in issues concerning erosion as this will help me gain knowledge of how to control it (=2.68),I always teach their family members how to control erosion on their farmland/homes (=2.56), I will like to be trained about erosion control even though it has not directly affected them(=2.55).in the area. The paper advocates that government at all levels should provide financial incentives to farmers so that they can afford some good erosion control practices which are costly for them.   Key words: erosion, environmental degradation, farmers’ attitude, erosion control practices

Farmers’ Adjustment to Dwindling Services of the Public Extension System in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study investigated farmers’ adjustment to dwindling public extension services in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select ninety-six (96) respondents from three agricultural zones in the study area, data were collected through the use of semi-structured interview schedule. Percentage, frequency and mean scores were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The majority (64.6%) of the respondents adjusted by developing stronger management skill. Findings revealed that all (100%) the respondents adjusted in information source by sourcing agricultural information from personal experience. Findings showed that the majority (97.9%) adjusted in sources of finance and credits by using self-financing. The majority of the respondents (76.0%) preferred self-financing as their source of finance and credit coming from their savings. Results showed that the majority (97.9%) of the respondents made finance/credit adjustment by increased saving for future

Role of Intra-Household Water Management Practices in Transforming Water Resources Available for Agricultural Activities in Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed the role of intra-household water management practices in transforming water resources available for agricultural activities in Benue State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents used for the study. Data were collected using interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis.  Findings of the study showed that majority (67.8%) of the respondents indicated that women provided drinking water in their households; also majority (71.3%) indicated that women provided water for cooking and majority (66.1%) stated that women also provided water for laundry (66.1%), bathing (65.5%), and home cleaning (65.5%), while greater proportion (26.4%) indicated that boys were responsible for watering of livestock. The result showed that reducing the number of baths per household member (1.98), reducing the number of times dishes are wished per day (M=1.97), watering of gardens in the morning and evening only to reduce evaporation (1.95) gray water re-use (M=1.91), use of alum in purifying water (M=1.56), and use of water closet toilets (M=1.54) were among the water demand management strategies employed by households in the area. Strategies for improving water availability for households in the area include: participatory risk assessment involving local people and all other stakeholders (M=3.90), engaging the beneficiary community for which water provision is planned (M=3.88), encouraging local watershed management (M=3.88), mainstreaming gender in community water management (M=3.79) among others. It was recommended that gender mainstreaming in community water management be encourage so that both men and women will be involved in  issues relating to water provision, policy and decision making for the development of water supply infrastructure

Role of Intra-Household Water Management Practices in Transforming Water Resources Available for Agricultural Activities in Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed the role of intra-household water management practices in transforming water resources available for agricultural activities in Benue State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents used for the study. Data were collected using interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis.  Findings of the study showed that majority (67.8%) of the respondents indicated that women provided drinking water in their households; also majority (71.3%) indicated that women provided water for cooking and majority (66.1%) stated that women also provided water for laundry (66.1%), bathing (65.5%), and home cleaning (65.5%), while greater proportion (26.4%) indicated that boys were responsible for watering of livestock. The result showed that reducing the number of baths per household member (1.98), reducing the number of times dishes are wished per day (M=1.97), watering of gardens in the morning and evening only to reduce evaporation (1.95) gray water re-use (M=1.91), use of alum in purifying water (M=1.56), and use of water closet toilets (M=1.54) were among the water demand management strategies employed by households in the area. Strategies for improving water availability for households in the area include: participatory risk assessment involving local people and all other stakeholders (M=3.90), engaging the beneficiary community for which water provision is planned (M=3.88), encouraging local watershed management (M=3.88), mainstreaming gender in community water management (M=3.79) among others. It was recommended that gender mainstreaming in community water management be encourage so that both men and women will be involved in  issues relating to water provision, policy and decision making for the development of water supply infrastructure

Practices of farmers in production and marketing of tomato in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study described socio-economic characteristics, production, consumption and marketing patterns of tomato farmers as well as constraints they encounter in tomato production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty tomato farmers randomly selected form twelve villages in the area constituted sample for the study. Data were collected with interview schedule and questionnaire and were presented with frequency, percentage and mean scores. Findings show that the respondents were mainly married (71%) women (72.5%) who were literate with mean age and mean farming experience of 42.22 years and 17.21years respectively. Greater proportion of the respondents grew tomatoes on communal land (31.7%) with personal savings (42.5%) and hired labour (45%). They grew tomatoes during rainy season (54.1%) using personal reserved seeds (53.3%). Lack/poor storage facility (M=2.00) and fluctuation in price of tomato (M = 2.13) were some of the serious constraints to production and marketing of tomatoes respectively in the area. The study recommends that government, non-governmental organisations, self help development organisations/agencies as well as philanthropists should assist in provision of storage facilities for tomatoes so as to reduce losses and ensure preservation and availability of the product all year round at reasonable and stable price