A Comparative Study on Fluted Pumpkin Production in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study compared the differences in the fluted pumpkin production in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and estimated the differences in level of profit achieved in the fluted pumpkin production in the study area. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 340 respondents. Data was collected using personal interview, observations, structured questionnaire and farm records. Descriptive statistics, net income model and z- test were the analytical tools used. The results showed that majority of the respondents were females with 64.4%. The gross margin in Rivers State farm was ₦89,063.06 with a net profit of ₦84,609.91 while the gross margin in Akwa Ibom State was ₦65,224.75 with a net profit of ₦61,963.52. The result  indicated a z- statistic  value of -283.174, with a p value of 0.000, implying that under a two tailed test, the mean difference in the net profit between  Rivers and Akwa Ibom farms varied significantly at 1 percent level. Therefore the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference between the net profit of fluted pumpkin production in the floodplain areas of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States was rejected. Keywords: comparative, fluted pumpkin, production, Niger Delta, Nigeri

Application of the Stochastic Production Frontier Function Model to Cassava Production in the Floodplain Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined the application of the stochastic production frontier function model to cassava production in the floodplain area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The need to evaluate the physical productivity consideration (technical efficiency) in cassava production in the floodplain necessitated this study. The objectives of the study include; identify socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and inefficiency. 170 respondents were randomly selected. Data was collected using questionnaire and farm records. Descriptive statistics and stochastic production frontier function model were the analytical tools used. The result indicated that the average age of the farmers was 44 years and mainly females. The average family size was 8 persons, majority (49.4 %) of the respondents had primary school certificate and 28.8% of the farmers had farm size of less than 0.4 hectare. The result of the technical efficiency indicated that farm size and number of labour used positively influenced the technical efficiency at 1 percent level of significance. The estimated gamma parameter of the model was 0.62, which implied that 62 percent of the total variation in cassava output among the producers could be attributed to differences in the technical efficiencies. The mean technical efficiency was 70 percent. None of the variables included in the model exerted a significant relationship on the technical inefficiency of the farms. Farmers were advised to increase the volume of input use of farm size and quantity of labour in order to achieve the best frontier in cassava production in the study area. Keys words: stochastic frontier model, cassava production, floodplain area, Rivers State, Nigeria

A Comparative Analysis of Productivities in Shellfish Collection in Oil Spill and Non-Oil Spill Communities of River State, Nigeria

This study compares the incomes generated from periwinkle and dog-winkle catch amongst farmers in oil spill- affected and non-oil -spill-affected areas in Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected and data were collected using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. Analytical tools used included descriptive statistics, net income model, T- test and regression analysis model. Results indicated that income realized by the farmers from shellfish sales in non-oil spill-affected Local Government was higher than that of the oil spill-affected Local Government Area per annum and was estimated as ₦407,812.79.00 and ₦182,485.00 respectively. The level of profit recorded among the farmers in the two areas was significantly different with a T-value of 14.42. The null hypothesis was rejected. The regression model employed three functional forms; linear, semi log and double log. Linear model was chosen as the lead equation because of the highest R2 of 59%. Cost of labor and transportation had significant effect on the level of profit. Cost of labor positively influenced profit while cost of transportation negatively influenced the profit. It is recommended that government intervention programs provide a cheaper means of transportation in the area

Comparative analysis of wholesale and retail frozen fish marketing in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study compared frozen fish marketing in wholesale and retail markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State of Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, estimated and compared gross margins in both markets and determined the effects of the marketer’s socioeconomic variables on the volume of sales. Three markets were randomly selected, 10 retail and 10 wholesale frozen fish marketers were randomly selected from each market giving 30 retail marketers and 30 wholesale marketers. Structured questionnaire was used to generate the data. Analytical tools employed were mean, percentage, frequency, gross margin and multiple regression models as well as t-test. The result showed that female dominated the frozen fish markets indicating 87% and 100% in wholesale and retail markets respectively. The dominant age bracket of 31-40 years was 57% and 80% in wholesale and retail markets each. 40% of the respondents in the wholesale market had first degree while majority in the retail marketers had WASC/SSCE with 47%. An estimated gross margin of wholesalers and retailers was ₦129.728.00 and ₦249, 950.70 respectively indicating that frozen fish marketing is profitable. Double log form was chosen as the lead equation because it had the highest R2 of 98.5% which implied that 98.5% of the variation in the gross revenue of the marketers was explained by the independent variables in the model. Cost of transportation, labour and procurement of frozen fish positively influenced the revenue of the marketers and was significant at 5% while cost of processing and storage negatively influenced the revenue of the marketers at 5%. The t-test value of 5.44 suggests that gross margin of frozen fish marketers in the wholesale market is significantly different from the gross margin in the retail market. Therefore, null hypothesis was rejected. High costs of transportation, inadequate supply of frozen fish in the market were the major constraints in the frozen fish marketing. It is recommended that government should put in place policies that would enhance frozen fish marketers’ access to loans in order to increase their gross revenue.Keywords: Comparative, Frozen fish, Marketing, Port Harcourt, Metropoli

The nexus between insurgency, environment and agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria

Against the backdrop of rising trend of insurgency, internally displaced persons, poverty and hunger in Nigeria in a receding economy, the study reviewed the linkages between insurgency, environment and agricultural livelihood activities in Nigeria. The specifically reviewed the theoretical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods; (ii) x-rayed the trend and nature of insurgency in Nigeria lately; (iii) identified the empirical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria. The study anchored on Homer-Dixon's theory of eco-violence. It was observed that there are new modes of insurgency in the country over time, spanning from the Niger Delta militancy started by Isaac Boro to Avengers era in the Niger Delta and the current Boko Haram menacing insurgencies in South-South and North-East Nigeria. Empirical and theoretical data affirmed the complexity and inter connectivity between the problems in focus. The interacting tripartite problems have led to poor yield of crops and livestock, unemployment, migration, flood, increased IDPs, food insecurity, loss of farm assets, human lives, pollution and rising poverty, most of which reinforced each other. The policy responses by the Nigerian government were articulated. It is therefore recommended that the recently signed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the present administration be fully implemented; constructive and diplomatic engagement between the government and leaders of insurgent groups needs to be consolidated; government should increase efforts in tackling the problems of desert encroachment and Lake Chad shrinking; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni land be fully implemented and applied in other areas of the Niger Delta region. Government and donor agencies should consider more realistic programmes that will support farmers and agribusinesses owners regarding supply of farm inputs and conducive environment for agribusinesses operation. Grazing lands should be established to settle the herdsmen

DETERMINANTS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF SMALL-HOLDERS YAM FARMERS IN NIGERIA

Research background: Yam is rated as a principal tuber crop in the Nigeria economy, contributing to more than 200 dietary calories per capita daily in West Africa. It’s also an important source of income generation and trade. However, increase in yam production over the years is attributed more to the large area planted than to increase in farm level productivity. Purpose of the article: This study aimed at estimating the determinants of technical efficiency and inefficiency levels in small-holder yam farms in Nigeria. The research specifically determined farm level technical efficiency and estimated farmers’ socioeconomic variables that contributed to inefficiency level in yam production in Nigeria. Methods: Cross sectional data was collected from 80 yam farmers, randomly selected from the study area. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and percentage) and Cobb Douglas stochastic frontier production function model were the analytical tools used. Findings & value added: Results indicated that the farmers were fairly educated and mainly males (75%) with a mean age of 36 years. Farmers level of education and their age showed negative influence on technical efficiency, while household size and farming experience showed positive influence on technical efficiency. MLE estimates indicated that coefficients of farm size and yam seedlings were significant at 5% while fertilizer and labour were not significant. Mean efficiency of yam farmers was 94.6%, indicating an allowance of 5.4% for improvement. The finding suggests that there is need to support yam farmers in the use of modern techniques in yam production, which would encourage older and educated farmers to remain in farming. High incidence of pest and diseases and high cost of farm labour were among other major challenges faced by the farmers. It is recommended that programmes that would help improve farmers’ access to input supplies at subsided rate should be put in place to enhance farm productivity

Profitability and food safety measures adopted among dried fish traders Rivers State, Nigeria

The fisheries sector provides both food and employment for millions of people globally. Consumption of fish products is making important contribution to human nutrition and well being. Fish trading, especially dried fish is a common business among people in Rivers State. However, safety of fish products sold in the markets is uncertain among consumers in the area due to varying environmental challenges. Therefore, the study assessed the profitability and food safety measures adopted among dried fish traders in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Sixty 60 respondents were randomly selected from the market in the study area. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and budgetary technique. Results indicated that majority of the respondents were females (83.3%) with a mean age of 45 years. The result further showed that net profit from the sales of small, medium and big sized fishes were ₦72,122.25, ₦52,254.50 and ₦91,865 per month respectively. Major safety measures adopted by the traders include; cleaning of display surface, drying using varying temperature, regular washing of utensils, sweeping of the surrounding, use of chemical substances etc. However, poor drying techniques, fluctuation in price, insect infestation among others are major challenges faced by the traders. Dried fish traders should be encouraged to adopt the use of hand gloves, sterilization of materials used in selling the product. Also, safe polythene bag should be used for packaging