Analysis of the determinants of rural households’ adaptation to climate change in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

It is a common belief that rural farmers’ livelihoods are susceptible to climate change. Literature has even suggested that locally driven adaptations are critical complementary strategies that can be targeted to reduce the negative effects of climate change in the short-term. This study examined the determinants of rural households’ adaptation to climate change in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The paper also assessed farmers’ perceived effects of climate change on their livelihood and the strategies adopted by households to adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as the constraints to their adaptation to climate change. One hundred and twenty copies of questionnaire were administered to household heads out of which only one hundred and eighteen copies were found analysable and used for the study. The results showed that there were several effects of climate change perceived by the farmers. These include poor crop yields, which is the most noticeable effect by farmers. Others are a loss of livestock, environmental degradation, and even psychological trauma. The regression results revealed that several socioeconomic variables significantly influenced rural households’ decision to adapt to climate change. Some of these variables were farmers’ access to weather information, access to credit facilities, farming experience, household size. Some of the challenges rural households encountered in their bid to adapt to climate change were also identified. These were unpredictability of weather, high costs of farm inputs, lack of access to water during dry season and lack of access to timely weather information. It is therefore recommended that government through its agency, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, should provide timely weather information to farmers to help them plan their farming activities. In addition, irrigation facilities should be made available to farmers in the study area so that they can engage in dry season farming and make farm produce available all-year round. This will help boost food security status of farmers and by extension, the entire country.Keywords: Climate Change, Adaptation strategies, Ibarapa, Mitigation, Rural Household

Climate change adaptation through conservation agriculture: evidence from smallholder farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study identifies the factors influencing the adoption of CA among smallholder farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. To determine the factors influencing the adoption of CA among smallholder farmers, Tobit regression model was used. From the regression results, minimum tillage, crop rotation, mulching, cost of planting materials, cost of equipment’s are all positively significant at 1% and a unit increase in them will increase the adoption of CA practices in the study area. The primary occupation of the respondents is positively significant at 5% and a unit increase in primary occupation of the respondentsincreases the rate of adopting CA practices by 0.0570868. Age of the respondents is negatively significant at 10% and this implies that a unit increase in age decreases the rate of adopting CA by 0.0018808. Also, household size is positively significant at 10% and a unit increase in households’ size increase the level of adoption of conservation agriculture by 0.0079891. This paper therefore recommends that policies addressing the 3 core principles of CA practices (minimum tillage, crop rotation and mulching) should be re-emphasized so as to improve the food production involve in agricultural value chain activities. Young ones should be encouraged to involve in farming practices especially CA activities. And lastly, cost of equipment and planting materials should be subsidized for farmers so as to foster improved farming, increased food production and hence aid commercialization among smallholder farmers.Keywords: Conservation agriculture, agricultural value chain and smallholder farmer

Contribution of Mushroom Production to Rural Income Generation in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the economics of mushroom production in Oyo State. Data for the study were obtained from Ido, Surulere Local Government Area and Akinyele Local Government Area. A total of 202 respondents were selected for the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and costs-returns analysis. The result shows that majority (71.7%) of mushroom farmers are within 31 - 50 years of age. Majority (67%) of the farmers was male and married (79.2%). Furthermore, about all (95.0%) of the farmers had <1-5 years of experience in mushroom production. The costs-returns analysis revealed that mushroom production is a profitable venture. Profitability indices indicate that for every N1 of sales made, 32kobo profit is realized (ROS). RRI values shows that every N1 invested in mushroom production yields 49kobo in returns and every N1 spent on variable cost leads to 79kobo gain for the farmer. These results clearly show that mushroom production is profitable in all ramifications and should therefore be encouraged and financially supported for large scale production. The study therefore recommends articulation of sound policy by government to cater for financial inclusion and export oriented markets for mushroom. This will drive employment creation, poverty alleviation and increase in foreign earnings for the country

Phytochemical, Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition of Aqueous Crude Extract of Ficus Asperifolia Miq

To determine the chemical constituents, proximate, phytochemical analysis and mineral composition of the crude aqueous extract of the leaves of Ficus asperifolia. The extracts were subjected to proximate and phytochemical screening. The mineral contents were determined using standard biochemical methods and equipment. Phytochemical studies carried out on aqueous extract of Ficus asperifolia leaves showed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, tannin, cardiac glycoside, steroid, cardenolides and phlobatannins while terpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones and chalcones were not detected. Analyses showed that the sample has high level of Carbohydrate (42.64%), moderate amount of Crude Fibre and Protein (18.41 and 14.73%), respectively and little amount of Ash content (9.78%) and Crude Fat (3.16%). Also a considerable level (11.29%) of moisture was shown. This composition shows that the sample could be a good source of Carbohydrate, Dietary Fibre and Protein. Sodium and Potassium content (0.185±0.002 and 0.367±0.007%), respectively indicates the tendency of Ficus asperifolia to be able to regulate or control the osmotic balance of the body fluid as well as body pH. Ficus asperifolia is also found to be rich in Phosphorus (0.349±0.002%) and Calcium (0.203±0.002%), which is essential for bone formation. Magnesium, (0.428±0.003%) is also present, which could help to lower the blood pressure. Antioxidant minerals Zinc (64.45±0.15 mg/kg), Iron (7.00±0.20 mg/kg), Copper (13.35±0.15 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.0027±0.01 mg/kg) are also present. Our findings therefore, suggest that there is an indication that Ficus asperifolia contains important phytochemicals, proximate and mineral compounds that may be linked to its beneficial effects on health

Neglecting antibiotic stewardship in prisons: a concern for antimicrobial resistance response

No abstract available

Effect of fermented pumpkin seed flour addition on quality characteristics of sorghum, maize-based Agidi

This study evaluated the effect of fermented pumpkin seed flour addition on quality characteristics of sorghum, maize-based agidi. Maize and sorghum grains were  fermented, dried and milled into flour. Pumpkin seeds were boiled, dehulled, dried and milled prior to defatting. Composite flours were developed in the following ratios; 100:0:0; 90:5:5; 85:5:10; 80:5:15; 75:5:20 and 70:5:25 (maize, sorghum and pumpkin seed flour respectively). Physicochemical properties of the flour blends were assessed and agidi was produced. The fat (10.81 ± 0.07), fibre (2.25 ± 0.22), ash (1.61 ± 0.03), protein content (22.25 ± 0.47) and calculated energy value (417.98 ± 1.21) of sample (70:5:25) was highest. The swelling (2.46 ± 0.03) and water  absorption (0.70 ± 0.05) capacity of 70:5:25 blend were significantly different, tannins (1.16 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and phytates (0.23 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were least in 90:5:5 and 100:0:0 respectively. The final viscosity was highest in 85:5:10 (275.92 RVU) blend and 90:5:5 blend was most preferred. Conclusively, a formulation of composite flour blends of maize and sorghum with 25% pumpkin seed affects the nutritive quality of agidi – a fermented food eaten mainly in the tropics.Keywords: Agidi, fermented cereals, pumpkin seed, blend formulation, nutrient, acceptability