Effects of infrastructural development on residential preoerty values in Minna

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Agroforestry farmers’ perception of climate change in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study assessed the perception of Agro forestry farmers in Ibadan,Oyo state, Nigeria to climate change (rainfall and temperature) using questionnaires and interviews. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw agroforestry farmers from the population. A total of 120 respondents were selected from eleven (11) communities in Ibadan. Data collected on perception to climate change was coded and analyzed using stata. Result showed that 84% of the Agroforestry farmers perceived a change in rainfall onset with 48% perceived late rainfall onset, 32% early rainfall onset and 4% perceived fluctuation in the onset of rainfall. For rainfall cessation, majority (78% ) of the agroforestry farmers perceived a change in rainfall cessation in the last 20 years. About 48% perceived early cessation of rainfall while 30% of them perceived late cessation. As to the duration of rainfall, 83% of the respondents perceived a change, while 8% do not perceive change and 8% do not know if there is any change. It was also revealed that education level and farming experience of the farmers as well as extension visits are significant factors affecting the farmers perception on climate change.This study shows that the agroforestry farmers in Oyo state have a good understanding of the changing climate. There is therefore need for planned adaptation strategies to enhance resilience of the farmers to climate change and variability. Key words: Climate Change, perception, agroforestry, adaptatio

An Automated Cassava Peeling System for the Enhancement of Food Security in Nigeria

Cassava is second only to sweet potato as the most important starchy root crop of the tropical world. In most parts of the tropics, cassava is grown on small plots. However, in some countries, e.g. Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria,large plantations have been started and interest in mechanization is growing. The degree of mechanization depends on the size of the land and availability of machines for each unit operation involved in cassava processing. However, of all the unit operations involved in cassava processing, cassava peeling remains a serious global challenge to processengineers. An automated cassava peeling machine was thus developed in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure. The design of the machine was based on the development and modification of the peeling tool of previous cassava peeling machines and the peeling principle is by impact. This machine wasevaluated using newly harvested improved variety of cassava tuber (TMS 30572) grouped into different sizes: 100 . L < 140, 140 . L < 180, 180 . L < 220, 220 . L < 260, and 260 . L < 300. The speed of the machine varies from 100 . 600 rpm while machine operational parameters such as throughput capacity, peeling efficiency, mechanical damage, quality performance efficiency and peel retention were determined for each size. Results revealed that throughput capacity ranged from 76 . 442 kg/h, peeling efficiency ranged from 50 . 75%, mechanical damage ranged from 12 . 44%, quality performance efficiency ranged from 22 . 66%, and peel retention ranged from 7.2 . 33%. These results show appreciable improvement over manual method and existing machines.Keywords: Performance evaluation, cassava, food, peeling, machine

Comparative study of the hypoglycemic effects of coconut water extract of Picralima nitida seeds (Apocynaceae) and Daonil in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats

The study was designed to compare the hypoglycemic effects of coconut water extract of Picralima nitida seeds to that of Daonil in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Twenty five albino rats weighingbetween 170 - 200 g were randomly divided into five groups after allowing the rats to acclimatize for seven days and were made diabetic by intraperitoneal administration of 150 mg/kg of alloxan. The ratswere giving different volumes of the extract and Daonil as per their groupings. All the substances were given for five days by oro-gastric tube. The blood glucose level were measured daily in the rats. Therewas an initial inactivity in the rats following administration of the extract mixture and their appetite was low except for the control group. The blood glucose levels (in mmols/dL) of the rats at the start and endof the experiment for the groups were: control (9.6 ± 0.1 to 9.2 ± 0.1), coconut water only (11.5 ± 0.3 to 6.2 ± 0.1), aqueous extract of P. nitida seeds (12.4 ± 0.1 to 5.8 ± 0.2), coconut water extract of P. nitidaseeds (11.8 ± 0.2 to 4.2 ± 0.1), and Daonil (10.5 ± 0.4 to 4.3 ± 0.1). Therefore, coconut water extract of P. nitida seeds have a significant hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetes comparable to that ofthe Daonil, hence, it could be an effective adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus