HIV Prevalence and Impact on Renutrition in Children Hospitalised for Severe Malnutrition in Niger: An Argument for More Systematic Screening

Background: In developing countries, malnutrition is a contributing factor in over 50 % of child deaths. Mortality rates are higher in underweight children, and HIV-infection is known to increase underweight. Our goals were to evaluate the prevalence of HIV among children hospitalised for severe malnutrition (SM) at the Niamey national hospital (Niger), and to compare renutrition and mortality by HIV-status. Methods: Retrospective study based on all children,5 years hospitalised for SM between January 1 st 2008 and July 1 st 2009. HIV-prevalence was the ratio of HIV+ children on the number of children tested. Duration of renutrition and mortality were described using survival curves. Results: During the study period, 477 children were hospitalised for SM. HIV testing was accepted in 470 (98.5%), of which 40 were HIV+ (HIV prevalence (95 % confidence interval) of 8.6 % (6.2–11.5)). Duration of renutrition was longer in HIV+ than HIV2 children (mean: 22 vs. 15 days; p = 0.003). During renutrition, 8 (20%) and 61 (14%) HIV+ and HIV2 children died, respectively (p = 0.81). Conclusion: Around 9 % of children hospitalised for severe malnutrition were HIV infected, while in Niger HIV prevalence i

Building the capacity of agricultural extension personnel for effective implementation of agricultural transformation agenda in Nigeria

This paper reviews the capacity (number, quality and motivation) of the extension personnel in Nigeria; and describes farmers’ perception of the quality of extension service delivery using evidences from literature, reports of organizations as well as experiences from field research. Findings reveal a tremendous shortage in the number and quality of extension personnel across the country as major reason for the poor performance of the ADPs thereby leaving no hope for the “beautiful” transformation agenda. This paper strongly recommends immediate recruitment of new hands as well as full implementation of a well-designed capacity building programme so as to ensure a sustainable extension service delivery system where extension personnel can operate in the expected commercial (agriculture-driven) economy.Keywords: Capacity building, training, extension personnel, sustainability, Agricultural transformation Agenda (ATA

Farmers perception of the quality and accessibility of agrochemicals in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria: Implications for policy

This study analyzed the quality and accessibility of agrochemicals as perceived by crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. A total of 260 crop farmers were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority (62.7%) of the crop farmers perceived the quality of agrochemical to be poor or just average. Similarly, many (43.5%) perceived agrochemical as accessible. Farmers’ perception of quality of agrochemical was strongly influenced by level of education (0.059) and experience (0.015) among others. On the other hand, perception of accessibility of agrochemical is influenced by education (0.064) and income (0.012) among others. Major constraints to accessing quality agrochemicals were inadequate enforcement of pesticide regulations, high cost, and porous borders. This study therefore, recommends that government should device policy and special financial incentive (subsidy) geared towards boosting local production of agrochemical. It is also advocated that government should review pesticide laws to facilitate the effective supervision of pesticide quality in Nigeria.Keywords: Agrochemical, farmers’ perception, agricultural input

Agricultural Extension Systems in West Africa: Adoptable Strategies for Nigeria’s Agricultural Extension Reform Agenda

National agricultural extension and advisory systems have undergone major changes during the past two decades. These changes have been attributed to the success of the Green Revolution, commercialisation of agriculture and trade liberalization. In addition, transnational corporations develop a wide range of new technologies, which directly impact on agricultural production in developed and developing countries. As more and more production technologies become “private goods” and as an increasing percentage of farmers become commercialized producers, advisory services associated with these specialized technology transfer become progressively sophisticated to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. This necessitates a policy reform that can accommodate the current scenario in the Nigerian quest for rural development. This paper examines the agricultural extension systems in some West African countries for possible adaptation and adoption in Nigeria’s agricultural extension policy reform. Key words: Agricultural extension systems, local development planning, reform agenda

Adoption of Recommended Agrochemical Practices among Crop Farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices among crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. It measured the perception of farmers on pesticides and their knowledge on the harmful effects of pesticides. A total of 260 crop farmers who have sustained the use of agrochemicals for at least five years were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (mean and percentages) were used for data analysis. The results obtained revealed that 33.1% of the farmers considered pesticides as always favorable (harmless) whereas 30% of the respondents perceived pesticides as sometimes unfavorable (harmful). All (100%) the respondents indicated that pesticides cause damage to human health. Furthermore, the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices (RAPs) was generally low (weighted mean =1.49) despite high level of awareness (weighted mean =2.24). This study recommends that campaign for attitudinal changes on the use of agrochemical should be mounted by extension agencies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.Key words: Recommended agrochemical practices; Adoption; crop protection chemicals.</jats:p

Adoption of Recommended Agrochemical Practices among Crop Farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices among crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. It measured the perception of farmers on pesticides and their knowledge on the harmful effects of pesticides. A total of 260 crop farmers who have sustained the use of agrochemicals for at least five years were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (mean and percentages) were used for data analysis. The results obtained revealed that 33.1% of the farmers considered pesticides as always favorable (harmless) whereas 30% of the respondents perceived pesticides as sometimes unfavorable (harmful). All (100%) the respondents indicated that pesticides cause damage to human health. Furthermore, the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices (RAPs) was generally low (weighted mean =1.49) despite high level of awareness (weighted mean =2.24). This study recommends that campaign for attitudinal changes on the use of agrochemical should be mounted by extension agencies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.Key words: Recommended agrochemical practices; Adoption; crop protection chemicals

Role of the Three Tiers of Government in the Provision of Sustainable Agricultural Extension Service in Nigeria

This paper focused on how the three tiers of government actually work in delivering extension services, and whether there is synergy of responsibilities—both financial and managerial—to improve accountability and performance. This analysis provides some informed speculation on what could be expected in terms of outcomes/performance if roles and responsibilities are clearly stated. Thus, it aims to contribute to the process of transformation in the country to reach an agreement on which tier is best suited to undertake extension expenditure responsibilities and how these should be financed. What institutional arrangements would enable better performance in the delivery of extension services? The public extension delivery system operative in Nigeria was reviewed highlighting the major challenges and way forward. The need for a legislated agricultural extension policy championed by the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE) was recommended.Key words: Government, sustainable, extensio

Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change and Coping Strategies across Gender in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

This study examined farmers’ perception of climate change and coping strategies across gender in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Two agro-ecological zones namely north-central and north-west were purposively selected and one State Agricultural Development Project each namely Niger and Kaduna were selected repectively. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 140 respondents. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Personal experience was the most prominent means through which females (35.7%) and males (38.6%) became aware of climate change. Majority of the females (85.7%) and males (74.3%) in the north-central zone , started to notice the effect of climate change only about 1-5years ago. About 89% of males and 82% of females opined that yearly rainfull begins late. About 97% of the female and 99% of the males were of the opinion that there had been gradual reduction of vegetation cover. General perception by both females (mean=3.2) and males (mean=3.2) was that climate change reduces the yield of crops, increase the cost of crop production and reduces the productivity of livestock and also time spent by the females to look for water for domestic use had increased. Chi-square analysis indicated positive and significant relationship between perception of climate change and farm size (X2 = 4.1; p&lt;0.05) in north- central and farming experience (X2 = 7.3; p&lt;0.05) in north west zone. The results of t-test analysis showed significant difference between how the females and males perceived the effect of climate change with regards to rainfall ending early (t(138)=2.5; p&lt;0.05) and time spent to look for water for cooking food has increased(t(138)=2.2;p&lt;0.05). A multi-media enlightenment campagn of the effects and posssible coping strategies of climate change should be adopted by all tiers of government and NGOs to reach the farmers using available extension structure on ground. Also, farming communities can run local disaster risk committees to encourage local adaptation measures as survival tactics for the purpose of ensuring food security.Key Words: Gender, Farmers Perception, Coping strategies, Climate Change, Agro-ecological Zon

Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change and Coping Strategies across Gender in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

This study examined farmers’ perception of climate change and coping strategies across gender in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Two agro-ecological zones namely north-central and north-west were purposively selected and one State Agricultural Development Project each namely Niger and Kaduna were selected repectively. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 140 respondents. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Personal experience was the most prominent means through which females (35.7%) and males (38.6%) became aware of climate change. Majority of the females (85.7%) and males (74.3%) in the north-central zone , started to notice the effect of climate change only about 1-5years ago. About 89% of males and 82% of females opined that yearly rainfull begins late. About 97% of the female and 99% of the males were of the opinion that there had been gradual reduction of vegetation cover. General perception by both females (mean=3.2) and males (mean=3.2) was that climate change reduces the yield of crops, increase the cost of crop production and reduces the productivity of livestock and also time spent by the females to look for water for domestic use had increased. Chi-square analysis indicated positive and significant relationship between perception of climate change and farm size (X2 = 4.1; p&lt;0.05) in north- central and farming experience (X2 = 7.3; p&lt;0.05) in north west zone. The results of t-test analysis showed significant difference between how the females and males perceived the effect of climate change with regards to rainfall ending early (t(138)=2.5; p&lt;0.05) and time spent to look for water for cooking food has increased(t(138)=2.2;p&lt;0.05). A multi-media enlightenment campagn of the effects and posssible coping strategies of climate change should be adopted by all tiers of government and NGOs to reach the farmers using available extension structure on ground. Also, farming communities can run local disaster risk committees to encourage local adaptation measures as survival tactics for the purpose of ensuring food security.Key Words: Gender, Farmers Perception, Coping strategies, Climate Change, Agro-ecological Zone</jats:p

NGOs and CBOs Structures and Mechanism for Collaboration in Agricultural Extension Delivery in Nigeria

This paper provides the structures and mechanisms for collaboration in technology generation, adaptation, dissemination and utilization with clear roles and responsibilities that NGOs and CBOs will play to improve the performance of agricultural extension delivery services in Nigeria. NGOs and CBOs services are usually well managed, efficient and cost effective. Also, they can be more flexible in their programmes than the States extension system due to their size, closeness to the ground in rural community and usually have established credibility with the farmers. These advantages ensure positive impact in extension delivery if they work in hands with the States extension agents