Mushroom production in the faculty of agriculture teaching and research farm, university of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The study was carried out in the Teaching and Research of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The main objective was to conduct an economic assessment of mushroom production in the farm. The study utilized secondary data generated from the farm record of the farm. Gross margin model was the analytical used. The results indicated that total variable cost spent in the production of mushroom in 2015 was ₦131,090.00, out of which, cost of energy for sterilization that is industrial gas constituted ₦54, 450.00. The result shows that the quantity of mushroom harvested was estimated at 619.8 kg. A kilogram of mushroom was sold for ₦750.00 and the total revenue generated was ₦464, 850.00 with a net return of ₦333,759.00. The result further showed that the Total Variable Cost was estimated as ₦127, 000.00 in 2016. Out of which cost of energy for sterilization was ₦46, 500.00. The quantity of mushroom harvested during the period was estimated at 403.0 kg. A kilogram of mushroom was sold for ₦1000.00 with estimated total revenue as ₦403,000.00 showing a net return of ₦276,000.00. The energy source of gas for sterilization in 2015 was 41.5% of the total cost of production while in 2016; it was 36.2% of the total cost of production. A positive return in the production of mushroom in the study area implies that if the scale of mushroom production is increased, it will definitely increase the quantity of mushroom harvested which will increase the revenue.Keywords: mushroom production, teaching and research far

Economic potentials of mushroom (Pleurotus floridanus) production among Rumuekini women group in Obio/Akpo, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study assessed economic potentials of mushroom production using farm produce waste in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, socioeconomic characteristics of mushroom farmers in the LGA were identified, perception of farmers about mushroom cultivation was analyzed and cost-return analysis of mushroom cultivation was estimated. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 32 farmers who participated in the training of mushroom cultivation in Rumuekini community was selected. Data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such means, and percentage and gross margin model was used to determine profit level. The result showed that mushroom farmers were mainly women aged between 50 years and above. Gross margin analysis of mushroom cultivation showed that estimated total variable cost of production was four thousand nine hundred and fifty naira (₦4,950 .00 = 12.4 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom. Estimated total revenue realized was twenty-two thousand, five hundred naira (₦22,500= 56.3 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom and gross margin was seventeen thousand, five hundred and fifty naira (₦17,550=43.9 USD) per 100 substrate bags of cultivated mushroom. It was found that mushroom cultivation has the potential to improve income status of the women. Also, the materials for mushroom production could be sourced locally and farmers preferred cultivated mushroom to wildly sourced types. It is recommended that more awareness be created, and support services be given to the women in the area to encourage their participation in mushroom production. Mushroom cultivation could be extended to interested smallholder women for the purpose of augmenting nutrition, and economic empowerment. Keywords: Mushroom, Economic, Potentials, Production, Farmers

Analysis of Technical Efficiency and its determinants in Rice Production: Evidence from Abia State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the technical efficiency of rice production in Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of the rice farmers, the level of technical efficiency and inefficiency among rice farmers and identified the constraints of rice production in the study area. Data for the study were obtained from a total of 93 farmers and were analysed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function model. The results showed majority (65.6%) of the rice farmers were in the age bracket (40 60 years), 58.1% of them were women and most of the farmers (48.4%) had farming experience of 11 years and above. A mean technical efficiency of 83% was recorded in the area. The gamma coefficient was (0.81) which implied that 81% of the variation of rice output from the production frontier was accounted by the technical inefficiency of the farmers. The major factors which influenced the farmers' technical efficiency were farm size and labour while gender and occupation exerted a significant effect on their inefficiency level. The major problem faced by the farmers were insufficient fund, pest and diseases, planting materials, high price of inputs, cost of production, access road and processing equipment. Improved production technology, land acquisition policies and mechanized labour was recommended for the government and ministries intervention

Analysis of Broiler Production: Evidence from South East, Nigeria

The study analyzed the profitability and effects of farm resources on broiler output in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, South East Nigeria. A total of fifty broiler farmers were randomly selected from a list of 120 poultry farmers registered with Imo State Agricultural Development Programme Office. Data were collected using a set of structured questionnaire. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistical tools, net farm income and multiple regression models. Out of the three functional forms tried, double log model emerged as the lead equation because results indicated that 84% of the farmers used deep litter housing system in broiler production and 92% of them stocked 1000 birds or less in their farms. On the average, a farmer spent N289, 051.67 on purchase of variable inputs, out of which, cost of poultry feeds was N142, 405.34. A net income of N442,5281.36K was realized per annum which implied that broiler production is a profitable business. Multiple regression result indicated that stock size was positive and significant at 1% level while quantity of feeds used was significant at 5% but showed negative influence on broiler production. It is recommended that farmers should increase the number of day old chicks and reduce labour and quantity of feeds used in broiler productio

Assessment of cassava-melon intercrop-based farm practices under climate change variation in Isiala-Mbano L.G.A, Imo State, Nigeria

The study assessed cassava-melon intercrop-based farm practices used by farmers under the climate change variations in Isiala-Mbano, L.G.A. of Imo State, Nigeria. Specific objectives achieved were; socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, various farm practice options used by farmers during the period and constraints faced by farmers while using farm practice options were identified. Lastly effects of farm practices on cassavamelon intercrop-based farms were determined. 12 communities were selected from 28 communities in the study area and simple random sampling technique was used to select 5 farmers from each community giving 60 farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. Results showed that majority of the farmers were female (62%) and married (58%). Farm practice options used by farmers include; change in planting and harvesting dates, early rainfall planting, fertilizer and organic manure application, mulching, change in tillage operations and use of irrigation. The result of regression showed R2 and F-statistics of 48.8% and 3.372 respectively. R2 value of (0.488) implied that 48.8% variability in the yield of cassava-melon was explained by farm practices adopted by the farmers in the study area. Use of improved varieties, late planting, quantity of organic manure used, and mulching were significant and positively influenced crop yields. Fertilizer application was significant but showed negative influence on yield. However, inadequate skills in using farm practice options, limited access to weather forecast and poor information access to climate change conditions were among the major constraints faced by the farmers. It is recommended that farmers should improve on the use of farm cultural practices such as mulching, application of organic manure and increase access to information on climate change variations in order to improve crop yield.Keywords: Assessment, Farm practice, Cassava-melon, Intercrop, Climate change variation

Assessment of broiler production in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the production of broiler birds in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 60 broiler farmers were randomly selected in the study area. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Descriptive statistics, enterprise budget and multiple regression models were used to analyse the data. The result showed that males dominated the broiler business with 62.3% with average age of 41.4 years, average household size was 5 persons, majority of the respondents were able to obtain tertiary education (61.67%). The result also shows that farmers made an average net profit of N974, 280.58 per production cycle. The result of the regression analysis shows that cost of feed negatively influenced the amount of revenue realized and was significant at 1% while farm size and years of experience positively influenced the farmers’ revenue at 5% significance level. Double log model was chosen as the lead equation because it showed the highest R-squared ratio of 0.7615. This means that the explanatory variables included in the model were able to explain about 76% variation in the revenue of broiler production in the study area. Major constraints in broiler production include; high cost of feed, high cost of day old chicks, inadequate extension services and inadequate funds. It is recommended that farmers should include non-conventional feed in feeding the birds in order to reduce the cost of feeding

Analysis of insecurity shocks and farmers’ resilience in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The study assessed the shocks from insecurity and farmers‟ resilience in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The region has recorded several security challenges and unrest which adversely affected the economy of the country having a high unemployment rate of 24%. This particularly has affected farmers resulting to a decreased agricultural productivity. The insecurity issues identified in the study area include: environmental degradation, climate change, poverty, conflicts and crime. Meanwhile, the form of crisis and conflicts include; conflicts between communities and companies over host community status, oil spill compensation, electoral and political violence, violent chieftaincy title struggles, struggles over oil bunkering territories, cult fraternity groups (Icelanders, bush boys, Greenlanders), Insurgent groups (MEND), organised crime and violent accumulation (kidnapping as business, piracy and the most recent is the Niger Delta Avenger group among others. The shocks experienced by the people as a result of security challenges were; high prices of food and other consumables leading to high cost of living in the area, low farm productivity, feeling of weakness, strange, stress, anger, frustration, youth restiveness and so on. With ever increasing poverty rates in the south-south in 2012-2013 periods as 27.70% and 24.40% respectively. Thus, improved agricultural inputs and technology, social protection and the provision of human security are some of the resilient strategies identified. Hence, it was recommended that the government should take adequate measures by providing adequate security for the people especially farmers, also give supports in form of subsidy on farm inputs and financial grants to farmers to increase food production