Factors Influencing Farm Income among Farmers in Northern Nigeria

The observed decline in farm income in recent times was a source of concern for farmers and other stake holders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This could be a serious setback for Nigeria’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This paper focused on identifying the determinants of farm income in northern Nigeria. Result of the study could be beneficial to farmers and policy makers by providing insight on the factors that could raise farm income. The study was based on the hunch that certain socio economic factors and climatic elements could improve farm income. Findings of the study revealed that livestock keeping, access to credit, farm power, proximity to market, marital status, gender and climate influenced farm income. In addition variation in factors due to difference in agro ecological zones significantly affected revenue. Conclusion of the study was that farm specific factors could be used as a framework to improve farm income. Keywords: Factors, farm income, farmers, Northern Nigeri

Determinants of Yield among Rice Farmers: Evidence from Fadama III AF Project Intervention in Sokoto State

The major focus of this paper was to examine the factors that contribute to rice yield among Fadama III AF beneficiaries in the three senatorial zones of Sokoto state. A sample of one hundred and twenty (120) rice farmers was surveyed across the three senatorial zones of the state to identify the determinants of yield and compare yield between senatorial zones. The study hypothesized that farm specific and socioeconomics are directly related to farm yield. Findings of the study could provide important insights on how to improve farm productivity among farmers in the study area. Results of the study revealed that farm size, experience, income and variability due to difference in farm location influence farm yield among Fadama III AF supported rice farmers in Sokoto state. Similarly, the high average yield obtained by the farmers could be as a result of Fadama III AF support in the area. The study concluded that farm specific factors could be tapped to improve yield. Keywords: Determinants, yield, rice, Fadama III AF, interventio

Insights into hybrid TiO2-g-C3N4 heterostructure composite decorated with rGO sheet: A highly efficient photocatalyst for boosted solar fuel (hydrogen) generation

Herein, we couple graphene with TiO2-g-C3N4 heterostructured material through a one-pot solvothermal approach for efficient solar fuel generation. The 2 wt.% rGO/TiO2-g-C3N4 (2-RTC) photocatalyst with optimized loadings (40 wt.% TiO2 and 2 wt.% rGO) exhibits a superior solar fuel (H2) generation rate of 27,254.4 µmolg−1h−1, an approximately 163-enhancement compared to bare g-C3N4, which is providentially higher than many already reported g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. Besides, the H2 generated in this study is the highest H2 produced so far with the combination of graphene, TiO2, and g-C3N4 materials. Additionally, the optimized photocatalyst presents a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 3.868% higher than many already reported results

Influence of physico-chemical parameters on the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Makwaye and Kubanni Reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the influence of physico-chemical characteristics on diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Physico-chemical characteristics and diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria, were investigated for a 12-month period (January to December, 2014). Physico-chemical properties were analyzed according to the standard procedures for examination of water and waste waters. The molluscs were collected using an Ekman grab model number 923, measuring 19 cm by 14 cm with an area of 0.0266 m2. PAST software was used to run Principal Component Analysis, Shanon-Weiner diversity index and Cluster analysis. Results: A total of 978 Bulinus globosus and 3612 Biomphalaria pfefferi were recorded in Makwaye reservoir with high abundance in dry season while a total of 163 B. globosus and 602 B. pfefferi was recorded in Kubanni reservoir with higher abundance in wet season. Shanon-Weiner diversity index of Makwaye reservoir also ranged from 2.01-2.22 and 1.16-1.31 in Kubanni reservoir. Significant variations (P≤0.05) were observed in physicochemical parameters, schistosomes intermediate host abundance with seasons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant influence (P≤0.05) of physicochemical properties on schistosome intermediate host composition, with BOD, DO, pH and Calcium significantly influencing the presence of B. globosus and B. pfefferi in both reservoirs. Conclusion: It is concluded that the presence of these molluscs in the study areas may constitute a predisposing factor to schistosomiasis and therefore, various management strategies and recommend preventive measures to people coming in contact with these two reservoirs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 363-370