Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development

EFFECTS OF TRADE POLICY ON RICE IMPORTATION IN NIGERIA (1970-2020): A DISAGGREGATED APPROACH

Badmus O. H. — 2025-11-18

The study examined the effects of trade policy on rice importation in Nigeria (1970-2020). The short run and the long run estimates of the fitted model were examined with the use of Vector Error Correction Model. The empirical results showed all the variables failed stationarity test at level, but were stationary at first differencing. The order of integration was one (1) and the lag order is 1 based on the minimum value of SBIC. The coefficient of Error Correction term (ECT) in the short run showed a speed of adjustment of -1.02 which is relatively normal. The long run result showed that local rice production (t = -2.2876) and price of local rice (t = -3.7676) were statistically significant at 1% and had negative relationship with rice importation while exchange rate and inflation rate had positive relationship with rice importation. On the other hand, tariff on rice importation, per capita income and external reserves were found not to be statistically significant and so had little or no effects on rice importation in Nigeria. It is inferred from the research that rice importation is driven by factors beyond import tariff, the insignificance of the variable attest to this claim. As both local rice production and price significantly influence rice importation, it is evident from the study that increasing local rice production could pivot reduction of rice importation. Therefore, Nigeria government should enhance local production of rice which could be achieved by intensifying efforts in rice production technologies by putting in place credit, improved rice varieties and good agronomic practices.

MORPHOMETRIC DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL PIGEONS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

Mijinyawa, A. — 2025-11-18

The study was conducted in Bauchi Metropolis to characterize local pigeons using the morphometric traits. A total of one hundred mature pigeons of mixed sexes were used for the research. The experimental animals (local pigeons) were randomly selected at poultry unit of Muda-lawal Market of Bauchi among the pigeon sellers. Live weight and some morphometric traits such as body length (BL), girth circumference (GC), wing length (WL) and shank length (SL) were measured. Data generated for these traits were subjected to descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and Pearson’s product moment correlation (PPMC) of SPSS version 23 (2016). The result of the finding showed that the coefficients of variation of morphometric traits varied widely among the local pigeons, male were significantly (P<0.01) higher on most of the traits recorded and the correlation coefficients among the variables observed (morphometric trait or morphometric measurements) were mostly low and non-significant (P>0.01). It can be concluded from the study that male had higher value for morphometric traits than female and the relationship among the traits showed that they can indicate each other. The study recommends selective improvement of local Pigeon should be encouraged because the major driving force in selection (variation) is large and farmer should be encouraged to used body girth and length during selection since they indicate body weight and they are very easy to measure.

BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON RURAL DWELLERS IN RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Adetarami, O. — 2025-11-18

The study examined the benefits of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on rural dwellers in rural community development projects of Oyo State, Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty (250) rural dwellers were chosen using a multistage sampling technique. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, and Pearson and Product Moment Correlation. According to the awareness on EIA by rural dwellers, 95.3% of respondents in the study region highly aware and blamed their government for being ignorant regarding EIA’s issues. The survey found that corruption (= 4.37) was the major problem facing the usage of EIA in rural community development projects. Thus, 39.3% of respondents confirmed that EIA had substantive benefits for optimal project sitting and design. The chi-square test at p < 0.05 revealed that sex, religion, marital status, educational attainment, and occupation of the rural dwellers were significant with benefits of EIA on them. However, the correlation results revealed that monthly income (r = 0.039, p = 0.007) of the rural dwellers was significant with benefits of EIA on them in terms of rural community development projects. The findings of this research suggest that after applying the concept, rural inhabitants who used EIA were better able to make environmentally responsible decisions and plan programmes for rural community development projects.

SAHELIAN BUCKS FED GRADED LEVELS OF UREA-TREATED SESAME STRAW DIETS

Abubakar, A. — 2025-11-18

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of urea treated sesame straw (UTSS) diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of Sahel bucks. Feeding trial of 84 days was carried out at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm of the Centre for Dry-land Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. A total of sixteen (16) Sahelian bucks with body weight between 11-14 ± 1.0 kg were randomly assigned to four different dietary groups (A, B, C, & D) containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% inclusion levels of urea treated sesame straw (UTSS) in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications each. The results obtained indicated that, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the experimental diets with regard to proximate and fiber fraction compositions as well as weight of visceral organs and non-carcass cuts. The study revealed that, feed intakes and body weight gain were affected by UTSS inclusions (p<0.05) and better feed conversion ratio (7.14) was observed at 30% UTSS level of inclusion compared to the value for control diet (19.41). Significant differences (p<0.05) with respect to carcass cuts, carcass weight and dressing percentage were also observed. It is concluded that Inclusion of UTSS up to 30% in the diet of Sahel bucks had positive effects on growth performance, carcass weight and dressing percentage Sahelian bucks. It is therefore recommended that UTSS be used as ruminant feedstuff particularly during feed scarcity for improved performance and enhance meat quality. Further studies should be carried out to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of urea-treated sesame straw on fatty acids profile and phytochemicals of Sahelian bucks and to compare the effectiveness of urea-treated sesame straw meal with other abundant fibrous crop residues on growth performance as well as fatty acids profile of goats/sheep

SEASONAL VARIATION IN PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER FROM FOUR SPRINGS IN YANKARI GAME RESERVE, NIGERIA

Auwalu, L. — 2025-11-18

The study investigates seasonal variations in the physico-chemical parameters of four warm springs which included Wikki, Dimil, Gwana, and Mawulgo located within Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected during the dry (November 2019–March 2020) and rainy (June–September 2020) seasons and analyzed for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrates, chlorides, sulphates, conductivity, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and organic matter percentage. Results revealed significant seasonal differences (p ≤ 0.05) among springs. DO and nitrate concentrations were generally higher in the rainy season, reflecting enhanced dilution and runoff, while BOD, turbidity, and DOM levels increased during the dry season, likely due to concentration effects and reduced water flow. Wikki and Dimil Springs demonstrated relatively better water quality across seasons, whereas Gwana and Mawulgo showed higher pollutant loads. These findings highlight the influence of seasonal hydrological cycles on spring water quality and underscore the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable management practices to conserve the ecological integrity of the Yankari Game Reserve springs.

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF WATER-TREATED SICKLE POD (Cassia tora) LEAF FROM DIFFERENT AGRICULTURAL ZONES OF BAUCHI SOUTH

Abubakar, A. — 2025-11-18

The study evaluates the proximate composition, phytochemical content, and anti-nutritional factors of C. tora leaves sourced from four locations in Bauchi South—Bauchi metropolis (Sp1), Alkaleri (Sp2), Toro (Sp3) and Dass (Sp4). Cassia tora, commonly known as "Sickle senna" or "tora" is a medicinal plant that is widely used in ethno-veterinary medicine across several cultures. The leaves of this plant are particularly valued for their health benefits and are used in various medicinal preparations. In this experiment, samples of Cassia tora leaves were collected from different agricultural zones {Bauchi metropolis (Sp1), Alkaleri (Sp2), Toro (Sp3) and Dass (Sp4)} of Bauchi south respectively. The leaves were grinded, packaged and labeled as Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 respectively. Proximate compositions of the leaves encompassing the levels of moisture, ash, crude protein, lipid (EE), crude fiber and metabolizable energy (ME) content were determined. Significance difference (p < 0.05) was shown across the sample points with regard to crude protein, Nitrogen free extract (NFE) and ME. Cassia tora of Alkaleri (Sp2) was highest (28.91%) in terms of % crude protein values followed by Sp4 (24.47%), Sp1 (24.09%) and Sp3 (24.04%) respectively. Other parameters (CF, Moisture, EE, DM and ash) observed to be statistically non-significant (P>0.05) across the groups (Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, and Sp4). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as: flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, and saponins across all the groups with the exception of alkaloids and anthraquinones in Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 correspondingly. The experiment also examined some anti-nutritional factors among the phytochemicals present in Cassia tora leaves. Phytic acid as well as oxalates were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Sp1, Sp2 and SP4 across the groups examined. Tannin was significantly (P > 0.05) higher in Sp3 (1.53g/100g) followed by Sp2 (1.26mg/100g) across the specimen groups analyzed. It can be concluded that Cassia tora leaves of Bauchi metropolis have great potentialities as protein source as well as phyto-additives for improving animal health and productivity. Further research should be carried out to determine the effects of Cassia tora leaves on digestibility and growth performance by animals.

ANALYSIS OF FARMERS’ AWARENESS OF SOME BIOSAFETY SMART PRACTICES AGAINST RECURRENT OUTBREAKS OF VIRAL POULTRY DISEASES IN NORTHWEST, NIGERIA

Bello, O. G. — 2025-11-18

The study examined farmers’ awareness of some biosafety smart-practices against recurrent outbreaks of viral poultry-diseases in Northwest, Nigeria. A 2-stage sampling-procedure was used in selecting respondents for the study and data were collected using questionnaire and interview-schedule administered to 444 poultry-farmers across three selected states (Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa). The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Most perceived prevalent viral poultry-diseases are Newcastle-disease (=1.191±1.091), Infectious-Bronchitis (=1.288±1.135) and Infectious-Bursal disease (=1.356±1.164) respectively. Main sources of information on viral-diseases of poultry are Mass-Media (97.7%), Family/Friends/Neighbors (27.3%) and Veterinary-Services (27.3%). Amongst the three-biosafety smart-components available, the respondents weren’t aware of cleaning and traffic control biosafety smart-components (awareness indexes of =1.491 and =1.488). They were somehow aware of disinfection component (=1.568). Majority (61.7%) claimed very low awareness level of biosafety smart-practices. Major constraints to awareness of viral poultry-diseases are: inadequate extension-services (=1.21), inadequate information (=1.22) and low literacy level (=1.25) among others. The positive determinants of awareness of biosafety practices are: farming-experience (6.870), educational-level (0.960), flock-size (0.048) and average monthly income (0.508) at p≤0.05. The study concluded that respondents were not aware of the biosafety practices against the outbreaks of viral poultry couple with low literacy level of most farmers. It was recommended that more awareness-campaign be instituted. Constraints to awareness of biosafety smart-practices be effectively handled, more pro-activeness of extension-services as well as improvement in the positive determinant factors of awareness of biosafety smart-practices against viral poultry-diseases.

MARKETING ANALYSIS OF LOCALLY PROCESSED RICE AMONG SMALL-SCALE PROCESSORS IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Mamman, B. D. — 2025-11-18

The study assessed marketing analysis of locally processed rice among small-scale processors in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A purposive and simple random sampling technique was used to select 48 small scale rice processors. Data were collected using questionnaire. Data was analyzed using frequency, mean, percentage and marketing margin analysis. The result revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 41 years, 62.5% of the respondents were female and 75% of the respondents were married. Also, 83.3% of the respondents had formal education up to tertiary level. The mean household size was 11 and the mean years of business experience was 22 years. However, 87.5% of the respondents depend on informal sources of credit for their business. The study shows that, total variable cost was N56,760.00 and revenue was N78,000.00 per 75kg with gross margin of N21,850.00 with marketing margin of 37.8%. The benefit cost ratio indicated 1.4 and return per naira invested was 37 kobo, which implies that rice processing and marketing was profitable in the study area. Price fluctuation, inadequate capital, and low level of improved technology among others were identified as the major constraints to rice processors and marketers in the study area. It was recommended that rice processors should form a cooperative in order to ease their accessibility to formal sources of capital and modern rice processing equipment should be subsidized for the marketers.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF SMALLHOL DER WHEAT FARMERS IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Sule, M. — 2025-11-18

The study assessed the effects of Anchor Borrowers’ Brogramme (ABP) on the livelihood of smallholder wheat farmers in Zamfara State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling procedure was used to select 182 beneficiaries and 182 non-beneficiaries of ABP. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using Propensity score matching (PSM). The result of Radius matching shows that ABP had a significant effect (P<0.01) on the yield of smallholder wheat farmers who were beneficiaries of the programme with a difference of 873.598 kg/ha of wheat against the non-beneficiaries of ABP in the study area. Similarly, the result of using Radius matching revealed a difference of N165, 060:00 in income, significant at 1%, and the result of Radius matching revealed a significant (P<0.001) increase in assets accumulation (level of living) of about N527, 275:00 between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of ABP. It can be concluded from the results that ABP had positive effect on the yield, income and level of living (livelihood) of beneficiaries of the programme. It was therefore recommended that the ABP or similar program be replicated in other communities by government, NGOs or private.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVELS OF BREWER DRIED GRAIN AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MAIZE

Iliya, B. — 2025-11-18

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed graded levels of brewers dried grain (BDG) as substitute for maize. A total of two hundred and forty (240) broiler chickens were allotted to four (4) experimental groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) and fed graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of brewers dried grain (BDG). The experimental groups were designated as treatments T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ respectively and further replicated four (4) times with 15 birds per replicates, each group had a total of sixty (60) birds. Growth parameters determined were initial weight grain, final weight gain, daily feed intake, daily, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the feeding trials, two birds per treatment were randomly selected from each of the replicates, starved overnight and slaughtered to evaluate carcass and organs characteristics. Results showed that at the starter phase there were no significant (P>0.05) difference on growth performance parameters. The results at the finisher recorded significant (P<0.05) difference in average daily feed intake. There was no significant (P<0.05) difference in the overall performance among the treatment groups. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed on the carcass parameters measured in plucked weight, carcass, dressing percentage, small intestine, liver, and kidney. However, the values obtained for other carcass parameters did not differ. From these findings, it can be concluded brewers dried grain can replace maize up to 30% in broiler diets without any adverse effect on the performance. Based on the result obtained from this study it was recommended that the use of brewers dried grain at 30% level resulted in lower feed cost thereby improving the profit margin of the poultry production. More studies should be conducted on the inclusion of spent sorghum residue at 50% to evaluate the response on the broiler chickens

UNLOCKING THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF CHILLI PEPPER (Capsicum Annum) MARKETING: EVIDENCE FROM RINGIM LOCAL GOVERNEMENT AREA OF JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Wahab, M. J. — 2025-11-18

The study analysed the economic benefits of chilli pepper marketing in Ringim Local Government of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 Chilli pepper marketers for this study. The study comprised of two major market actors which are wholesalers and retailers. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin, and market margin analysis. The results revealed that most of the Chilli marketers were females (62.0%), married (88.0%), and had formal education. The study revealed a net market margins of ₦1737.3 and ₦1723.7 per basket for chill pepper wholesalers and retailers respectively. The marketing efficiency of 163.78% for retailers while 178.48% for wholesaler which shows resources were effectively utilized in the study area. The study concludes that Chilli pepper marketing in the study area was profitable. Even though the profit is based on seasonality with more profit margin during the festive periods, while the high marketing efficiency ratios for both wholesalers and retailers reveals the effective use of resources. The study recommends that males should be encouraged to participate more in Chilli pepper marketing to ensure gender balance of the trade. Create financial access linkage for Chilli pepper marketers through relevant stakeholders such as microfinance organizations. Provision of training through extension agents on ways to improve shield life of Chilli pepper to minimize spoilage.

INFLUENCE OF SCROTAL BIPARTITION ON HORMONES AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF UDA RAMS

Mijinyawa, A. — 2025-11-18

The study evaluated the influence of scrotal bipartition on semen characteristics and reproductive hormone profiles in Uda rams. The experiment was carried out at the Animal Health and Production Department Research and Demonstration farm in the small ruminant unit of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi following standard management protocol. Twelve (12) Uda rams aged 1 to 1.5 years consisting of Six (6 each) rams with scrotal bipartion (SB group) and non-scrotal bipartition (NB group) were studied. Semen was collected from the rams using electro ejaculator and analyzed for gross and microscopic characteristics while blood collected and evaluated for serum levels of reproductive hormones (testosterone and FSH). The result of semen parameter showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm volume, motility and livability between both groups, however, SB yielded higher values in volume (0.88mL), motility (66.50%) and livability (74.50%) compared to the NB (vol. (0.87mL), motility (62.5%) and livability (72.50%). The evaluated reproductive hormones were not statistically different (p>0.05) between both groups. Although a higher testosterone level was recorded in NB (12.35 ng/mL) compared to SB (8.55 ng/mL). Similarly, serum concentrations of FSH were not differed (p>0.05) between both groups, the result showed SB (0.24 ng/mL) appeared to be higher compared to NB (0.15 ng/mL). It was concluded that scrotal bipartition in rams was shown to be an evolutionary indicator as the animals with this characteristic presented more efficient heat dissipation to maintaining optimal testosterone and FSH for spermatogenesis for production of quality semen for normal reproductive function and overall fertility. Therefore, monitoring reproductive hormone levels and semen quality can be useful for assessing reproductive health and fertility in Uda rams.

ASSESSMENT OF ADOPTION STAGE OF SOME IMPROVED COWPEA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN ADP ZONE-THREE, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Bello, O. G. — 2025-11-18

The study investigated adoption-stage of some available improved-cowpea production technologies among farmers in ADP Zone-Three, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A sample-unit of 120 respondents was used through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority were males (91.7%), married (75.0%), with main occupation farming (83.3%). Majority were with secondary education (66.7%), primary education (16.7%) and Islamic education (10.8%) respectively. The mean age of respondents is 34 years, farming experience of 11 years, farm size of 7 hectares, household size of 5 persons and monthly income of N30,673.51k. Greater proportion (93.3%) were none-members of any cooperative group and no presence of extension-services (91.7%). Available technologies were Tilling and Harrowing Machine with Draft Animal, intercropping with cereals like Millet/Maize, Sun drying/Cleaning/Packaging, pre-planting and pre-emergence use of herbicides (92.5%) amongst others. Adoption stage is at a trial stage (=3.953). Major constraints are Lack of Resistant Varieties better then Local Breed, Striga infestation, Insecurity and Inadequate Finance (95.8%) amongst others. The result of the Chi-square analysis showed positive relationship between the educational qualification (0.179), household size (0.281), farming experience (0.277) and average monthly income (0.411) @ p≤0.05. It was concluded that extension services efforts are not felt by the respondents and some important technologies. It was recommended sustained capacity building trainings and more extension services presence be instituted to achieve full adoption.