Socio-Economic Determinants Of Small Ruminants Production Among Farmers In Osun State, Nigeria

In the study, the socio-economic determinant of small ruminants’ production in rural setting in Nigeria was investigated.  Structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 120 small ruminants’ farmers and analysed with descriptive statistics and regression analysis.  Findings show that older farmers (55%) dominated ownership of goats and sheep.  Semi intensive system was still practiced with majority dependent on forage grazing for the animals.  Major identified problems constraining small ruminant production included lack of capital/credit, land, pests/diseases and feed shortage.  A regression analysis result showed that certain socio-economic variables such as income, years of rearing experience and educational level had direct impact on small ruminant production (R2=0.78).  The findings suggest that improved small ruminant production could be achieved by giving considerations to those significant variables; creating enabling environment through the provision of micro-credit and extension services to ameliorate the problems faced by the farmers.     &nbsp

Gender differentials in the determinants of usage of climate change adaptation strategies in farming communities of Ekiti and Ogun States, Southwest Nigeria

The use of adaptation strategies remains the only approach to reduce and combat the effects posed by climate change all over the world. We explored the extent of usage of adaptation strategies by farmers in Ekiti and Ogun States. 358 men and 222 women farmers were surveyed using multi-stage procedure. We employed semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed descriptively and presented in percentages and frequency counts. The data were further subjected to Chisquare, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, t-test, multiple linear regression analysis and Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings revealed that the majority of men (99.7%) and women farmers (96.8%) perceived to adapt to climate change. Men (= 2.29) relative to women (= 2.33) used more on-farm adaptation strategies. The strongest determinant of usage of climate change adaptation strategies by men farmers was climate change adaptation barriers (t = 5.13, p < 0.01), while for women farmers, climate change experience (t = 7.42, p < 0.01) was the strongest determinant. The promotion of gender-sensitive approaches to climate change adaptation that cater for the needs of men and women farmers is highly essential to enhance adaptation among them

EFFECTS OF THE SPECIAL RICE PROJECT ON QUALITY OF INPUTS USED FOR RICE PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Through a two stage random sampling technique, 70 participants in Special Rice Project (SRP) were selected from 6 circles in Patigi Local Government Area (LGA) and another 32 participants were similarly selected from 3 extension circles in Edu LGA, making a total of 102 respondents. Data collected by means of interview schedule were subjected to descriptive, t-test and Pearson Correlation Statistics. The result of the study indicated that 86.7%, 91.3%, 90.3% of the participating farmers in SRP rated seed, her- bicide and fertilizer respectively, provided by SRP, to be of very good quality while 19.6%, 49% and 58.8% of them rated seed, herbicide and fertilizer used before they joined SRP to be of very good quality. Furthermore, the highest proportion of participants 90 (88.3%) produced 3 - 4 tonnes of paddy rice per hectare as opposed to 19 .6% of them who were able to produce 3-4 tonnes before SRP was implemented. Participants also recorded an average annual income of N338,700.00 (US$2,419.29) / annum, that is, US$6.63/day, as against N129,410.00 (US$9,24.4)/annum earned by them before SRP was implemented. Thus, participants earned about US$6.63/day, which is higher than poverty income level of US$2/day. The result of the t-test analysis indicated that a significant difference exists between the rice yield of participants before and after the introduction of SRP (t=4.537, p≤0.05). Also Pearson Correlation analysis shows positive, linear and significant relationship between quality of farm inputs used and yield of rice (r = 0.562, p≤ 0.05). Based on the evidence from the study, Special Rice Project has the potential to serve as a good channel of accessing quality farm inputs, increase farm yield and income of farmers and contribute to Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty level by 2015. It is, therefore, recommended that the activities of SRP are expanded to reach all categories of farmers in the country

VASCULAR PERMEABILITY- INCREASING EFFECT OF THE LEAF ESSENTIAL OIL OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM LINN AS A MECHANISM FOR ITS WOUND HEALING PROPERTY.

Persistent microvascular hyperpermeability to plasma proteins is a characteristic feature of normal wound healing. Does the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum heal wounds by promoting this feature? Evan’s blue dye (20mg/kg body weight) in normal saline was administered intravenously through marginal ear vein of experimental rabbits (n=5). Each animal served as its own control. One hour after Evan’s blue dye administration, 0.1ml each of Ocimum oil, histamine dihydrochloride (30µg/ml) and normal saline were randomly administered by intra-dermal injection at the prepared sites on each of the animals. Increase in vascular permeability was assessed by dye effusion test. Analysis of the differences in vascular permeability between treatment groups showed that, Ocimum oil, in intensity and duration, was significantly (

SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE IN INTEGRATED AND NON - INTEGRATED FISH FARMING IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined socio economic factors influencing farmer’s knowledge of Integrated and Non – integrated fish farming in Ogun Sate, Nigeria. Multistage simple  random sampling techniques was used to select 133 non - integrated fish farmers (NIFF) and 216 integrated fish farmers (IFF) making a total of n = 349. Data were analysed using chi-square, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results showed that 92.5% of NIFF were males compared with 90.7% IFF. Also, 96.8% of IFF and 79.7% of NIFF were married. The mean ages of sampled farmers were 44 years (NIFF) and 46 years (IFF) while the mean fish farming experiences were 4 years (NIFF) and 5 years (IFF). Also, 41.2%of the respondents had moderate level of knowledge. knowledge of fish farming had significant association with respondents sex (χ2 = 9.44, df = 2, p < 0.05), marital status (χ2 = 23.2, df = 4, p < 0.05), occupation (χ2 = 25.5, df = 8, p < 0.05), mode of involvement (χ2 = 17.1, df = 2, p < 0.05), interaction with friend and relatives (χ2= 14.0, df = 2, p < 0.05), radio/television (χ2 = 21.7, df = 2, p < 0.05) and internet usage (χ2 = 6.40, df = 2, p < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed significant relationship between farmers knowledge and age (r = 0.20, p < 0.05), fish farming experience (r = 0.17, p < 0.05), level of cosmopoliteness (r = 0.16, p < 0.05), livestock population capacity (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), fish production capacity (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), area of land cultivated (r = 0.55, p < 0.05) and production constraints (r = -0.00, p < 0.05).Â

Capture fish product quality and international trade in developing world

Fisheries products are the worlds most widely traded foods. Despite the fact that global demand for fish and fishery products continues to rise every year, fish export from the developing world have faced many limitation from non-conformity with international standards to inadequate product certification. As international fisheries trade grows, governments, industry and fishers face the reality of a complex web of international trade, environmental policy and legal instruments. The objective of this study was to examine current trend in fisheries trade as it relates to product quality. The methodology used involved different approaches including secondary data, interview of processors, regulatory agents to unveil grey areas in quality of fisheries products. Results showed that there are several public/private standards and certifications involved in fisheries. These standards pose export challenges for developing countries who often find it difficult to meet the requirements of certification bodies as a result of steep certification fees, inadequate data, and small-scale business models. Consequently, up to 20 million metric tons of fish annually is either declared unfit for human consumption, destroyed or rejected at international market due to sub-standard quality problems. Furthermore, some countries are now banned from international trade due to non-compliance with international fishing standards. Poor quality practices in fisheries activities and processing contribute to economic loss in fish trade among the stakeholders. Developing countries need to intensify ways to gain credence of quality standards and certification bodies in order to compete better at international trade

Empowerment of women in Nigeria’s small-scale fisheries: a tool to sustainability

In Nigeria, women play major roles of at least 75% in the fisheries and aquaculture value- chains from production, processing, storage, marketing and trade. Unlike the men, women have not received commensurate levels of attention and empowerment largely because their roles are perceived as ‘invisible’, poorly evaluated and undocumented without substantial sex-disaggregated data as proof. For these reasons above and in furtherance of identifying key areas in which empowerment needs to be strengthened thus closing the gender gap, this study was undertaken to contribute to information on the nature and empowerment of women and the factors influencing their participation in the small-scale fisheries. The study also aimed at determining relationship between the extent of the women’s empowerment and some selected determinants using a cumulative empowerment index (CEI). A mix of transdisciplinary, quantitative and qualitative methods was used for this study in Ikosi in Agbowa and Igboolomi fishing communities of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas of Lagos State respectively. Ten indicators of empowerment : contribution to household income, decision making ability, spending ability, ownership of assets, access to resources, membership in economic or social groups, time allocated to household, productive tasks and leisure activities, coping capacity to household shocks and political awareness were chosen for this purpose. Results obtained in this study showed that women are still very low in the CEI and it is hoped that this will pave way for a strategic framework for including gender –responsiveness in policies and developmental planning

Hepatitis B screening in the Turkish-Dutch population in Rotterdam, the Netherlands; qualitative assessment of socio-cultural determinants

Background. Hepatitis B is an important health problem in the Turkish community in the Netherlands. Increased voluntary screening is necessary in this community, to detect individuals eligible for treatment and to prevent further transmission of the disease. Methods. We investigated socio-cultural determinants associated with hepatitis B screening in male and female, first and second generation Turkish migrants, by means of Focus Group Discussions. Results. Socio-cultural themes related to hepatitis B screening were identified; these were social norm, social support, sensitivity regarding sexuality, reputation, responsiveness to authority, religious responsibility, cleanliness and religious doctrine regarding health and disease, and the perceived efficacy of Dutch health care services. Motivating factors were the (religious) responsibility for one's health, the perceived obligation when being invited for screening, and social support to get tested for hepatitis B. Perceived barriers were the association of hepatitis B screening with STDs or sexual activity, the perception of low control over one's health, and the perceived low efficacy of the Dutch health care services. Reputation could act as either a motivator or barrier. Conclusion. This study identified relevant socio-cultural themes related to hepatitis B screening, which may serve to customize interventions aimed at the promotion of voluntary hepatitis B screening in the Turkish-Dutch population in the Netherlands

The practice of hepatocellular cancer surveillance in Nigeria

Background: Hepatocellular cancer is a disease of global and public health importance due to the widespread distribution of risk factors and associated high case fatality. Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is commonly seen among the younger age groups (<45 years) who present mostly in the terminal stage, when the disease is not amenable to any curative therapy. Hepatocellular Carcinoma surveillance employs the use of simple, cheap and readily available investigations, to detect early curable cancer in individuals with risk factors for HCC.Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the practice of hepatocellular cancer screening among physicians.Methodolgy:This is a nationwide online survey carried out among physicians who care for patients with HCC. A questionnaire was sent out via a web link to all consenting doctors in Nigeria. The responses were collated in a cloud-based application and data was analysed using Epi-info version 20.Results:Atotal of 218 respondents, 142 were males (65.1 %) with a mean age of 37.6 ± 5.7 years. The modal age group was 31-40 years 153 (69.5%). The main factors considered as a hindrance to surveillance were; the cost of the tests (57.7%), failure of return of patients (50.5%) and not being aware of a surveillance program (45.2 %). The majority of the respondents were Gastroenterologists and Family Physicians. 54% of the gastroenterologists and 64% of the family physicians have never offered HCC surveillance to their patients.Conclusion:This survey highlights a knowledge gap in HCC surveillance among physicians. There is a need to make HCCsurveillance a daily routine among patients at risk by all physicians. Keywords: Surveillance, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HBV, HCV, Cancer screening

Gender Involvement in Fadama Farming activities in Ogun State Nigeria

The study examined gender involvment in fadama farming activities in Ogun State. A multi-stage sampling method was used in selecting districts, villages and farmers. An interviewguide wasusedto elicitinformation from 240 fadama farmers andstratifiedinto 102 male and 138 female farmers. The results of the findings showed that a large proportion of sampled male and female farmers were between 31-50 years of age. Majority of the farmers both male and female (82.35%) and 71.74%) respectively were married. About 75% of the male farmers had completed one form of formal schooling while (45.00%) of the female farmers had one form of formal schooling. The findings revealed that (57.84%) of the male hadbetween 4-6 years of farming experience while about (43.48%) of the female had 1-3 years of farming experience. Findings revealed that both male and female farmers cultivated Corchorus olitorus (ewedu) (87.50%). Amaranthusspp (tete) (87.50%) andpepper (88.75%). Results also indicated thatmale farmers engaged in fadama activities such as land clearing (90.19%, preparation (81.37%; ± = 2.84) and weeding (19.17%; female farmers engaged in fadama activities such as harvesting (93.47%; ± = 2.89),storage (94.20%; ± = 2.90) and marketing (98.55%; ± = 2. 99). However lack of credit facilities (84.16%) ranked highest as the major constraint to fadama farming. T-test analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between male and female farmers involvement in fadama farming activities (t = 4.25; P = 0.02) that is female farmers engaged in fadama farming than the male farmers. The study recommended that male farmers should be motivated and encouraged to engage more in fadama farming. Also female farmers shouldbe given opportunity to have access to andcontrol overlandfor cultivationinorderto increase their farmsize andenhancep 2.84), bed 2.88). On the other hand roductivity