The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Agricultural and Rural Transformation in Delta State.

Agricultural and rural transformations are key development strategies for Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general. This is because Nigeria has a vast rural community with broadly unsophisticated agricultural base. Therefore, to transform Agriculture and rural development from this state of un-sophistication and backwardness, there is the need to meet up with farmers production needs which vary from one locality to another. This implies that if the rural community must not be left behind in the effort to creating a knowledgeable society in which ICT becomes the key to socio-economic development, there is the need now, to bridge the gap in the digital divide in information technology aimed at building capacity of rural dwellers to enhance Agricultural and rural transformation. The study examined the use of information and communication technology in Agricultural and rural transformation in Delta State. The stratified sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents who are made up of extension agents of the Agricultural Development programme (ADP), Agricultural staff of the state ministry of Agriculture and those of the Agricultural unit of sampled local government councils. All the respondents from the three Agricultural zones of the state were studied, using questionnaire designed to elicit information. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means and percentages were adopted in analysing data. Finding revealed that ICT is a veritable tool and requirement for agricultural and rural transformation even though it is not widely accessed by farmers in these communities. It was recommended that information communication technology facilities be made available in most rural localities in the state such as internet facilities, overhead projector, video cameras, etc and the Agricultural extension staff should be properly trained in this area to be able to train farmers using ICT facilities. African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 1-

Application of Integrated Soil Fertility Approach in the Improvement of Soil Fertility in Semi-Arid Ecology

Nutrient level and moisture status are low in major soils of the tropical and semi arid ecology. This ecological region, to buttress the facts of its inadequacy in soil fertility and crop production, and do to these results, the soil suffers from inherent soil or land degradation, overgrazing, lack of adequate use of modern facing technologies, continuous cultivation, annual bush burning, moistures stress, and related erosion problems. Innovational practices in the management of organic matters in semi-arid soil, emphasizes, that farmers should engage in the act of recycling of organic matters, ensure that conservative tillage is operated, practice of irrigation, mulching and Alley farming are encouraged. Additionally, the use of organic and inorganic fertilizer in an integrated programme will play a major role in the solving of low nutrient level associated problems, improvement of soil texture and structure, thus boosters food production in the ecological region

Strategies of Integrated Rural Development Adopted by Communities in Delta State

The study examined the integrated rural development strategies adopted by communities in rural development in Delta State. The concept of rural development was put forward and the basic idea was that it is a development process embracing the efforts of individuals, self help groups, non-governmental and governmental organisations, collective thinking, collective action and participation. Each of these groups identifying with different roles towards increasing the social and economic well-being of the people and the advancement towards the nation's growth. The study, therefore, identified some integrated rural development strategies and their application to community and rural development processes. These were represented in a schema as stated in figs 1 and 2. The application of these strategies gave rise to the execution of developmental projects like the market stalls, town halls etc. It could be observed that the integrated rural development process takes place through definite structures and strategies used by local agencies to execute developmental projects in which case the several institutions in the community have hands in any given community project. African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 153-17

The Role of Community Based Orgs (Cbos) In Rural and Agricultural Transformation in Delta State

The study examined the role of community based organizations in rural and Agricultural transformation in Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 144 community based organization (12 from each local government area were selected from 12 out of the 25 local government areas that make up Delta State using stratified and random sampling technique. The community based organization were interviewed using structured questionnaires and the data collected was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics such as means and percentages and the chi-square (x2). The result showed that community based organizations are veritable agents of development in ensuring the agricultural and rural transformation of Delta State. The study recommended that there is need to develop a link between the state and community us so as to increase the managerial and professional capabilities of community institutions. African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 177-18

Computer Aided Design for Soil Classification Relational Database and Retrieval Techniques

The paper focuses on the problems associated with classification, storage and retrieval of information on soil data, such as the incompatibility of soil data semantics; inadequate documentation, and lack of indexing; hence it is pretty difficult to efficiently access large database. Consequently, information on soil is very difficult to retrieve hence, modification and update of soil data become very difficult. The relations supported by the system for the purpose of storage and retrieval of soil classification are outlined and translated into graphical presentation. The paper also presents algorithms showing the procedure for generating various soil classifications, retrieval techniques for efficient and quick retrieval of information on soil data. African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 141-15

Socio-economic factors affecting the role of local leaders in rural development in Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the socio-economic factors affecting the role of local leaders in rural development in Delta State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 272 respondents in 30 communities. Mean, parentage and ordinary least square multiple regression were used to analyse data collected. Findings revealed that there is significant relationship between the socio-economic factors studied and the role of local leaders in rural and community development; in Delta State, because improved socio-economic conditions of the local leaders will greatly enhance their role in community and rural development in Delta State. Findings also revealed that local leaders play active roles in community and rural development. The study recommended that the socio-economic conditions of women leaders be further enhanced to increase their role in rural and community development. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 7(2) 2006: 112-11

Benefits Of Indigenous Language In The Teaching And Learning Of Adult Farmers In Delta State, Nigeria

The importance of indigenous language in disseminating local information to the local people cannot be overemphasized. This paper is focused on the perceived benefits of indigenous language in the teaching and learning of adult farmers in Delta State. Data was collected from 400 randomly selected farmers in the study area and information was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data analysis was by the use of frequency, percentage, and mean. The importance of indigenous language use in the teaching and learning process was confirmed by farmers in the study area. Journal of Agriculture and Social Research Vol. 4 (2) 2004: 54-6

Approaches To Enhancing The Proliferation Of Rural-Based Agro-Industries For Community Development in Nigeria

This paper discusses some useful approaches that will help in enhancing the proliferation of rural-based agro-industries for community development. The entirety of members of the rural household will have to be actively involved for progress to be effected. These development strategies will benefit them individually and collectively. This will also be a springboard for agricultural extension agents to effect diffusion of ideas. Key words: rural, agro-industries, community development Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol.2(2) 2004: 44-5

Relationship Between Perception And Role Of Local Leaders In Rural Development

The study examined the relationship between perception of local leaders and their role in rural development in Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 272 respondents in 30 communities. Means and simple regression were used to analyze data collected. Findings revealed that local leaders play significant roles in rural community development in Delta State because they are actively involved in the planning, and execution of projects. Findings also showed that local leaders have favourable perception about rural development. Regression result revealed positive and significant relationship between perception of local leaders and their role in rural development. Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol.1(1) 2005: 103-10

Factors Affecting Utilization of Cooking Banana among Households in Oguta Area of Imo State, Nigeria

The study investigated factors affecting utilization of cooking banana among households in Oguta area of Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 84 randomly selected respondents from six communities in the study area who were administered with structured questionnaire. Data analysis was by use of descriptive statistics. Findings showed that utilization was generally moderate. Correlation analysis revealed that gender, extension contact and age showed negative and significant relationship with utilization. Awareness campaign about the importance of cooking banana should be intensified. Plant breeders should develop cooking banana cultivars of higher quality to match plantain and or banana