Feasibility Analysis of Leaf-Based Moringa oleifera Plantation in the Nigerian Guinea Savannah: Case Study of University of Ilorin Moringa Plantation

This study examined the profitability and economic feasibility of a leaf-based Moringa production and processing under a plantation system in the Nigerian guinea savannah using the University of Ilorin Moringa Plantation as a case study. To achieve this objective, data on production and processing cost and revenue for the 2011/2012 planting season were collected and a simulated 10-year production and cost and revenue scenarios were scheduled based on the assumption of a constant cost and cash inflow over the same period. The cost-benefit was reported using the Return on Investment (ROI), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and the Net Present Value (NPV) analyses. Result indicated an estimated average net profit of N827,109 (USD5, 137) ha/annum from a Total production cost of N1,371,360 (USD8, 580) ha/annum and a gross revenue of N2,200,000.00 (USD13,750) ha/annum derived from the sale of an average of 110kg of processed dry leaf powder output. This indicates the relative profitability of the enterprise. Furthermore, at varying discount rates of 17.5%, 20%, 22.5%, and 25%, the BCR indicated that for every N1 invested in cost, the investor could realize N1.60 in returns, the ROI indicate a profit return turnover of 26.7% of the cost of investment and a NPV estimate at the end of the 10-year period considered the project to be financially worthwhile. Based on these findings, this study recommends the encouragement of Moringa production and value addition development due to the potential it portends for income generation.Key words: feasibility analysis, Moringa leaf and enterpris

Knowledge and attitude of agriculture students towards commercialization of date palm in university of Ilorin, Nigeria

In spite of the comparative advantages that Nigeria has in the production of date palm, its cultivation is  largely limited to the homestead. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of agriculture students  of the University of Ilorin towards the commercialization of the plant. The study also investigated the  relationship between attitude towards the commercialization of the date palm and some selected  characteristics of the students. A total of 86 students were selected using a multi-stage sampling  technique. Descriptive statistics and the correlation analysis were the tools used to analyze the data for  the study. The study revealed that only 20.9% of the students had a high knowledge of date palm  production. At p<0.05 students’ knowledge of date palm had a significant relationship with positive  attitude towards the commercialization of the plant. In addition, students’ interest in agriculture as a course of study (p<0.05) and their interest in agriculture as a career (p<0.01) were positively related to their attitude towards the commercialization of date palm. The study concluded that the level of  knowledge and the attitude of agriculture students were generally poor. Increased awareness and knowledge of the agronomy and economics of the plant are therefore suggested among the students. Students who are studying agriculture because they could not secure admission in their courses of choice should be counseled on the potentials in agriculture as a career to enable them settle in and embrace  agriculture. Lastly, the study recommends that entrepreneurship and enterprise development should be impressed upon agricultural students.Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Commercialization and Date PalmRunning Title: Knowledge and Attitude towards Date Palm Commercializatio

Preliminary Survey on Consumption of Moringa Products for Nutraceutical Benefits in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

The public's need for health and dietary adequacy has been the driving force for their use of Nutraceutical supplements. Moringa oleifera is one of the herbal plants promoted based on its acclaimed of its Nutraceutical benefits. However awareness and adoption are critical issues in the utilization of any product/service. This preliminary survey was conducted to examine the consumption of moringa products for nutraceutical benefits in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. One hundred adult respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Binary Logistic Regression and non-parametric correlation analyses were  employed to achieve the study's objectives. The results indicated that a fairly high proportion of the respondents (48%) had used Moringa products for its claimed Nutraceutical benefits. Lack of awareness was a major barrier to the use of Moringa product: 87% of the non-users indicated lack of awareness as a reason for non-use. Educating non-users on its claimed Nutraceutical benefits led to 85% prospective adoption. However, given knowledge, the major determinant of reticence to its adoption was safety concerns, which is statistically significant (p<0.01). Hence, it is recommended that an awareness of the claimed Nutraceutical benefits of Moringa products should be increased since it could increase adoption with a consequent increase in market share. However, it is paramount that pre-clinical and clinical trials on Moringa products for claimed Nutraceutical benefits should be conducted to assure its safety and efficacy in the immediate and long term.Keywords: Moringa products, Nutraceutical benefits, use, adoption, clinical trials

The perception of agricultural extension agents on job motivation in Kwara State Nigeria

This study examined extension agent perception on job motivation in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study engaged  the entire 106 agricultural extension agents in Kwara State. Data were analysed using both Descriptive  Statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that the major perceived  motivating factors among extension agents in Kwara State in descending order were the following:supervision  of work, recognition for good work, feedback from supervision, evaluation of work, salary increment, meeting  with supervisor, promotion prospect, annual leave opportunity, payment of salary at the right time, and good housing opportunity while motivation by pay than money was considered as a minor motivating factor. The  PPMC result showed that significant determinants of job motivation were age (P=0.025), gender (P=0.032), education (0.025), and experience (P=0.032) at P< 0.05. The study recommended among others that the members of staff who perform supervisory roles in the organization should be given more training that places more emphasis on supervision.Keywords: perception, job motivation, extension agent, Kwara state, Nigeri