Efficiency and Productivity of Farmers in Nigeria: A Study of Rice Farmers in North Central Nigeria

This study contributes to the agricultural productivity literature in developing countries and Nigeria especially by quantifying the level of efficiency for sample of rice farmers from North Central Zone of Nigeria. A stochastic efficiency decomposition frontier analysis was used to derive technical efficiency measures separately for rice under two production systems (upland and lowland systems). Average economic efficiency of 51.9 % and 55.4 % found for up land and lowland rice farmers respectively suggests that there is room for productivity gain for farms in the sample through better use of available resources given the state of technology. Gains in productivity growth have become increasingly important to Nigerians as demand for rice continue to increase due to population increase. Although, all the socio-economic variables tested against efficiency were significant at one level or the other there was no clear strategy of improving the relationship between them. One possible explanation for this finding is the existence of stage of developing threshold below which there is no consistent relationship between socioeconomic variables and productivity. The results suggest that rice farmers can still improve to reach such threshold in Nigeria. Hence, adoption of improved rice varieties, improvements in educational levels would be needed to go beyond this threshold before additional investments in human capital and other related factors.Crop Production/Industries, Productivity Analysis, D2,

Effects of catechin, quercetin and taxifolin on redox parameters and metabolites linked with renal health in rotenone-toxified rats

Summary: Nephrotoxicity, with the attendant risk of progression to kidney failure, is a growing problem in many parts of the world. Current orthodox treatment options for nephrotoxicity and kidney failure are limited and there is need for alternative or complementary approaches. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of three structurally related flavonoids, catechin, quercetin and taxifolin on renal redox and metabolite biochemical disturbances in rotenone intoxicated animals. Male Wistar rats were administered 1.5 mg/kg rotenone (s.c.) for ten days followed by post-treatment with catechin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), quercetin (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and taxifolin (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) (s.c.), for 3 days. Renal redox indices and levels of renal-related metabolites (creatinine, urea and uric acid) were assessed after sacrifice of animals. Catechin, quercetin and taxifolin significantly attenuated rotenone-induced effects on oxidative stress markers and metabolites linked to renal health. Quercetin was clearly more effective than catechin. The activity demonstrated by taxifolin, despite being administered at the lowest doses, was compelling. The results highlight the potential of these phytochemicals in the management of renal dysfunction. The findings additionally suggest a correlation between the structure of the flavonoids and their activity but also indicate that additional structural considerations beyond conventionally acknowledged ones may be involved.Keywords: Flavonoids, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, structure-activity relationshi

Tree Species Diversity and Abundance of Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the tree species diversity and abundance in a natural forest ecosystem in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. Data were collected from a four equal size sampling plot of 50×50m in a permanent sample plot section of Akure Forest Reserve. All living trees with DBH ≥ 10cm were measured and identified. A total of 956 trees were encountered. These trees were from 42 genera and 20 families. Celtis zenkeri belonging to the family of Ulmaceae was the species with the highest population distribution while Sterculiaceae was the dominant family in the study area. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (Hˈ) of 3.196 and species evenness of 0.84 were obtained from the study area. The high values of diversity indices obtained indicated that the forest is rich in biodiversity and hence should be protected from any forms of disturbance to enhance sustainability as well as protect the rare species in it from going into extinction

Effect of soil nutrient concentrations on the quantity of tannin and flavonoid deposited in Gmelina arborea fruit located in different locations

This research was geared towards the study on the effect of soil nutrient concentrations on the quantity of tannin and flavonoid deposited in Gmelina arborea fruit located in Onigambari forest reserve within latitude 7o 23’ N and longitude 3o 33’ E and environs of Ijebu-Ife  which lies within latitude 6o 47’ N and longitude 4o 2’ E. Soil samples and 50 Gmelina arborea fresh fruits were collected from each  location, the pulps and seeds were air dried for 15 days at room temperature to reduce its moisture content, and then grinded into  powdery forms before being subjected to Trease and Evans technique to screen for the Tannin and Flavonoid quantity. The results were subjected to both t-test and analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.0 version. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability. The seed (0.54 g) and pulp (0.45 g) harvested from Ijebu-Ife have higher concentration of tannin compared with Onigambari seed (0.06 g) and pulp (0.12 g), also flavonoid concentration of seed (0.11 g) and pulp (0.24 g) of Onigambari is lower than that of Ijebu Ife seed (0.35 g) and pulp (0.40 g). The study shows that variations in soil nutrient concentration levels, soil pH and soil textural class of different locations will influence the quantity of Tannin and Flavonoid of Gmelina arborea fruit. The study further revealed that soil nutrient at concentrations levels that are high and tending towards toxicity will reduce deposits of plant phytochemicals which is a quality parameter in plant nutrition

The economic analysis of beef marketing in Akure, Ondo State

This study examined the economic efficiency of beef marketing in Akure, Ondo State. In this regard, the different marketing function performed by the beef sellers were identified and evaluated. Also the size and different components of beef marketing costs and margins were determined. A total sample of 110 respondents were randomly selected from three markets in the study area. Descriptive statistics and some other mathematical computations were also carried out.The evaluation of the beef sellers marketing efficiency showed that they are highly efficient with average efficiency ratio of 0.85. Analysis of the size and different components of marketing costs and margins revealed that purchase cost and transportation cost constituted the highest share of the total marketing cost. The gross and profit margin analysis also showed that beef sellers had high margins. When the gross and profit margins were expressed as a percentage of total revenue, the average was found to be 22.62 and 14.41 per cent respectively. (Af. J. of Livestock Extension: 2003 2: 61-66

Factors influencing the outcome of elective paediatric orthopaedic operations in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

There is a paucity of published data on the types of paediatric orthopaedic conditions that require surgery and factors influencing their outcome in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a necessary audit to improve paediatric orthopaedic practice. We carried out an audit of all elective orthopaedic operations performed in children at Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Nigeria from January 2000 through December 2005. The aim was to document the clinical outcomes and the factors that influence them. This is with a view to instituting necessary measures to improve paediatric orthopaedic practice in the area. A total of 146 children who had elective operations on 210 limbs were included in the study. Their mean age was 75.6±66.8 months (range 0.3-396 months). The commonest indications for surgery were angular knee deformities (from Blount’s disease and rickets) and club foot. The mean hospital stay before surgery was 12±8.8 days (range 1-38days). The mean duration of operation was 78.4±36min. (range 30-195 min). The total length of hospitalization was 34.97±19.91 days in males and 41.97±25.15 days in females. Wound infection was the commonest postoperative complication (8.2%). The patient’s age (P=0.002), indication for surgery (P=0.008), length of preoperative hospital stay (P=0.048), length of operation (P<0.001) and intraoperative blood loss above 200ml (P<0.001) were found to be statistically significant factors adversely affecting the surgical wound outcome. We conclude that most of the factors that predicted poor outcome in this study were patient and environment-related and are preventable. There is need to upgrade facilities in health institutions in Nigeria

Efficiency and Productivity of Farmers in Nigeria: A Study of Rice Farmers in North Central Nigeria

This study contributes to the agricultural productivity literature in developing countries and Nigeria especially by quantifying the level of efficiency for sample of rice farmers from North Central Zone of Nigeria. A stochastic efficiency decomposition frontier analysis was used to derive technical efficiency measures separately for rice under two production systems (upland and lowland systems). Average economic efficiency of 51.9 % and 55.4 % found for up land and lowland rice farmers respectively suggests that there is room for productivity gain for farms in the sample through better use of available resources given the state of technology. Gains in productivity growth have become increasingly important to Nigerians as demand for rice continue to increase due to population increase. Although, all the socio-economic variables tested against efficiency were significant at one level or the other there was no clear strategy of improving the relationship between them. One possible explanation for this finding is the existence of stage of developing threshold below which there is no consistent relationship between socioeconomic variables and productivity. The results suggest that rice farmers can still improve to reach such threshold in Nigeria. Hence, adoption of improved rice varieties, improvements in educational levels would be needed to go beyond this threshold before additional investments in human capital and other related factors

Adoption of homestead grain storage technology in the south-west agricultural zone of Nigeria

The major types of grains and pulses that are stored in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Lagos states of Nigeria at homestead level are maize, guinea corn, rice, cowpea, Soya bean and groundnut. Bags, hermetic containers and room spaces are used for storage. The adoption of improved storage technology in hermetic containers, cold treatment, polythene lined bags and application of recommended chemicals was relatively low (45%) due to lack of/and inadequate knowledge of usage of these technologies, non-availability and high costs of storage inputs especially the recommended chemicals, and lack of awareness of the technologies. The training and visits (T&V) System of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) was found to be the most prevalent source of information to the respondents, followed by the radio. Increased use of interpersonal communication as well as prompt and adequate intervention by government in the provision of credit facilities and subsidy on storage inputs among others will enhance the rate of adoption.. [JEXT Vol.1(1) 2000: 82-88

Effects of selected green manure on the growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum and Thonn) Taubert seedlings

Despite the high medicinal properties of Tetrapleura tetraptera to most of the people of Nigeria and other nations of the world, it only exist as a protected and semi domesticated plant. This study was carried out to determine the effect of green manure (Chromolena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia) on the growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera seedlings with a view to enhancing growth without causing any damage to the environment. The treatments were Chromolena odorata leaves (5g, 10g, 15g and 20g), Tithonia diversifolia leaves (5g, 10g, 15g and 20g) and the control. Thirty-six (36) healthy seedlings were selected and transplanted into polythene pots filled with 1 kg of loamy soil with different levels of C. odorata and T. diversifolia. Each treatment was replicated four times and laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Initial growth parameters were taken after transplanting into polythene pots and every other data were collected every two weeks for the period of 12 weeks. The data collected were height growth (cm) collar diameter (cm) and leaf production. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results from ANOVA revealed that there was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference among the treatments used at 5% level of probability which implies that varying level of green manure employed shows no significant effect on the height, stem diameter and leaf production of T. tetrapleura seedlings