Elsie Ezinnwa Nwoko: An Art Music Composer and Music Education Practioner

An art music composer as the term imply refers to a person or persons who were academically or formally trained in the art and techniques involved in music composition.  These categories of composers are broadly divided into two – those whose compositional styles reflect that of western classical music and those whose creative styles seek to leave imprints of Africanness on their works.  On the other   hand, a music education practitioner is one who had had formal training in the field of music education conceptually, theoretically and practically – who in turn trains and or transmit musical knowledge to learners.  In other words, a music education practitioner could be called a music educator.  In Nigeria today abounds art music composers and music education practitioners.  Examples are professor J.H.K, Nketia, T.K.E, Philips, professor Omibiyi-Obidike, Ephraim Amu, professor W.W.C, Echezona, Fela Sowande, professor Richard Okafor to mention a few. This paper focuses on Elsie E. Nwoko as one of the founding fathers of African musical arts education in Nigeria. The topic shall be examined under the following headings: Elsie Nwoko’s biographical data, Elsie Nwoko as an art music composer and music educator, her works and contributions to African musical arts education and conclusion.  In order to achieve the objective of this paper, related materials were perused and reviewed.  Oral interview and random sampling methods were also employed.

Agricultural extension needs of farmers in Telfairia production and marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed agricultural extension needs of farmers in Telfairia production and marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 160 Telfairia farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Results show that farmers sold their products directly to consumers through village or local markets (56.9%), village squares (27.6%), at roadside stands (16.2%), while 11.2% sold them at farm gate. Only 3.6% sold their products through cooperative societies. The quantity and price of sale of produce varied depending on the season of the year (26.6%) in which the crop was produced, number of buyers (20.0%) and quality of produce (16.2%). About 63% of the respondents did not have extension contact in the last one year. Extension needs of farmers were indicated in the following areas: sourcing of farm input (M= 3.62), sourcing appropriate marketing channel (M= 3.18), sourcing of improved farm tools (M= 3.11), expansion of scale of production (M= 3.07), receiving information on appropriate cultural practices (M=3.06), and sourcing farm credit (M= 3.00). Infrastructural, technical, logistic and financial challenges hindered effective production and marketing of Telfairia among farmers. There is need for extension to assist farmers to source farm inputs and establish or explore viable markets where farmers will sell their products at a favourable price

Agricultural extension needs of farmers in Telfairia production and marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed agricultural extension needs of farmers in Telfairia production and marketing in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 160 Telfairia farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Results show that farmers sold their products directly to consumers through village or local markets (56.9%), village squares (27.6%), at roadside stands (16.2%), while 11.2% sold them at farm gate. Only 3.6% sold their products through cooperative societies. The quantity and price of sale of produce varied depending on the season of the year (26.6%) in which the crop was produced, number of buyers (20.0%) and quality of produce (16.2%). About 63% of the respondents did not have extension contact in the last one year. Extension needs of farmers were indicated in the following areas: sourcing of farm input (M= 3.62), sourcing appropriate marketing channel (M= 3.18), sourcing of improved farm tools (M= 3.11), expansion of scale of production (M= 3.07), receiving information on appropriate cultural practices (M=3.06), and sourcing farm credit (M= 3.00). Infrastructural, technical, logistic and financial challenges hindered effective production and marketing of Telfairia among farmers. There is need for extension to assist farmers to source farm inputs and establish or explore viable markets where farmers will sell their products at a favourable price