Analysis of Use of Organic Farming Practices among Rural fish Farmers in South-South Nigeria.

The paper focused on the use of organic farming practices amongst fish farmers in South-South Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used and three states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta) were randomly selected from the six states that make up South-South zone in Nigeria. Data for the study was obtained with a structured questionnaire administered to a sample size of one hundred and fifteen (115) fish farmers. Findings revealed that fish farmers were aware of six out of the fourteen organic farming practices listed. Use level was low in organic farming practices for fish. The result revealed that out of the fourteen (14) practices outlined, fish farmers engaged in the use of three of such practices. Farmers agreed to the use of eco-friendly design (x ̅ = 2.56 and SD = 0.86), site is far from polluting substances (x ̅ = 2.57 and SD =1.01) and pond protection from predators ((x ) ̅= 2.70 and SD = 0.89). From the result, the following were considered not being used; Management without growth hormones ((x ) ̅= 2.41 and SD = 0.89), antibiotics is used in critical cases where no other treatment would work ((x ) ̅= 1.97 and SD = 0.88), cultivate without genetic engineering (x ̅ = 2.21 and SD = 1.18), quality water source (x ̅= 2.14 and SD = 1.09), organic fertilizer (x ̅ = 1.89 and SD = 0.98), low stock density 10kg/m3 (x ̅= 1.62 and SD= 0.98), manage without synthetic appetizer and coloring (x ̅= 1.92 and SD= 1.78), poly-culture (x ̅= 1.98 and SD = 0.99), proper record keeping (x ̅ = 1.98 and SD = 1.10), use of resistant species (x ̅ = 2.43 and SD = 1.00) and natural treatment (homeopathy) (x ̅ = 1.86 and SD = 0.89). The low use of organic farming practices among fish farmers could be as a result of challenges or difficulties in carrying out such practices and lack of awareness of the dangers associated with the conventional practices. It is recommended therefore that training on organic fish production practices be emphasized in Extension activities

Information and Communication Technology Roles in Agricultural Value Chain Promotion Among Peri-Urban Women Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Farmers do not make/maximize profits when they stop at the production level only. To make more profits, they need to add value to their products. This paper examines the roles of ICTs in promoting agricultural value chain among women farmers who reside in the urban fringes of Imo State. The specific objectives were to identify value chain information needs of women farmers; ascertain ICT devices used by the women farmers and determine perceived roles of ICTs in promoting agricultural value chain. A total of 250 women farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using questionnaire complimented with oral discussion. Date collected were analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results showed that respondents need agricultural value chain information on production and storage as shown by 98% response, marketing/business development (100%), financial services (98.8%), processing/packaging (88%), transportation/trading/distribution (93.6%). The following information devices/sources played vital roles –radio (84%), mobile phones (100%), television (62%), newspaper/magazines (55.4%), extension agents (49.6%) among others. On the roles of information sources/devices in value chain promotion, ICT device/sources provide information on time of planting, availability of seeds/input, reducing time of business transactions, financial services provision and market prices among roles

Information and Communication Technology Roles in Agricultural Value Chain Promotion Among Peri-Urban Women Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Farmers do not make/maximize profits when they stop at the production level only. To make more profits, they need to add value to their products. This paper examines the roles of ICTs in promoting agricultural value chain among women farmers who reside in the urban fringes of Imo State. The specific objectives were to identify value chain information needs of women farmers; ascertain ICT devices used by the women farmers and determine perceived roles of ICTs in promoting agricultural value chain. A total of 250 women farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using questionnaire complimented with oral discussion. Date collected were analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results showed that respondents need agricultural value chain information on production and storage as shown by 98% response, marketing/business development (100%), financial services (98.8%), processing/packaging (88%), transportation/trading/distribution (93.6%). The following information devices/sources played vital roles –radio (84%), mobile phones (100%), television (62%), newspaper/magazines (55.4%), extension agents (49.6%) among others. On the roles of information sources/devices in value chain promotion, ICT device/sources provide information on time of planting, availability of seeds/input, reducing time of business transactions, financial services provision and market prices among roles