Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development

UTILIZATION OF ROSELLE SEED CAKE AS PROTEIN SOURCE IN THE DIETS OF GROWER RABBITS AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR SOYBEAN MEAL (SBM)

Waziri, A. — 2025-05-02

The study investigated the utilization of Roselle seed cake (RSC) in the diets of growing rabbits as Partial Replacement for Soybean Meal (SBM). Thirty grower rabbits of mixed breed were used for the six (6) week study. The grower rabbits were randomly assigned to five treatments, with three replicates having two rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets contained RSC at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, corresponding to T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅, respectively. The performance results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in most parameters except in feed intake. Initial body weight ranged from 708.33 to 715.00g, final body weight 1235.00 to 1268.33g, total weight gain 525 g (10% RSC) to 553.33 g (40%), and daily weight gain 12.50 g (10%) to 13.17 g (T₅ 40% RSC). The fed conversion ratio ranged from 5.33 (40%) to 6.38 (10%). Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in total feed intake. The highest TFI was in T₂ (10%) at 3346.67g and T₄ (30%) at 3285.78 g, while T₅ (40%) had the lowest at 2925.56g. Nutrient digestibility results revealed that the highest dry matter digestibility was in rabbits fed 30% RSC, while the crude protein digestibility ranges from 54.99-68.15% at 0 and 10% RSC. Crude fiber ranges from 57.37-60.24% at 40 and 10% and ether extract digestibility were significantly different (p<0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of 40% RSC did not significantly affect the growth performance and nutrient digestibility. It is recommended to include RSC at levels up to 30% to optimize growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

ASSESSMENT OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Sulum, A. A. — 2025-05-02

The study assessed of Catfish production in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria. Multi stage random sampling technique was applied to select 100 respondents for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The descriptive statistics used include; frequencies, means and percentages while the inferential statistics used multiple regression analysis. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The result revealed that 73% of the respondents were male and 27% were female. However, majority (74%) were married, 45% of the respondents were between the ages of 34-45 years and 85% have access to extension. In addition, 46% of the respondents had 11-15 years’ experience in catfish production. Furthermore, 45% of the respondents had secondary education and half of the respondents (50%) had 7-10 household size. The result of Multiple regression analysis shows that 77.97% variation in the dependent variable was explained by the independent variables included in the model. This study recommends that creation of avenue for sourcing/accessing loan will go a long way in assisting the women farmers in having input to inject in Catfish Production and extension agents/stakeholders should organized training for women in Catfish Production.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NSPRI PARABOLIC SHAPED SOLAR DRYER FOR TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum) DRYING

Oshadumo, D. — 2025-05-02

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, notable for its high production and consumption levels. Rich in essential nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A and C, tomatoes offer significant health benefits. However, their short shelf life poses a considerable challenge to realizing their health and economic potential. Traditionally, sun drying has been the primary method employed by farmers for tomato preservation. However, this technique predisposes agricultural commodities to a lot of contaminants. Experimental research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and economic viability of the Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), developed by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI). Four baskets of fresh tomatoes weighing 208kg were purchased from Yankaba Market, Kano, for the research. Over six days, the moisture content of the tomatoes was reduced from 96% (wet basis) to approximately 11.5%, compared to 12-14 days required for the open sun drying method to achieve similar moisture levels. The analysis revealed a life cycle cost of ₦23,578,194.33 and life cycle benefits of ₦27,585,909.08, resulting in a cost-benefit ratio of 1.17, indicating the PSSD's potential as a viable alternative to traditional drying methods. The net present value of ₦4,007,714.75 confirmed the economic feasibility of the system, while a moderate payback period of 5.69 years underscored its cost-effectiveness. The study concluded that investing in the NSPRI Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer for tomato drying is both worthwhile and advantageous. Given the technology's viability and the significant initial investment required, NSPRI should focus on promoting it through farmers' organizations and cooperative groups to assist individual smallholder farmers in accessing it.

MORPHOLOGY, CLASSIFICATION AND SUITABILITY EVALUATION OF SOILS FOR GROUNDNUT CULTIVATION IN OWERRI SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Nwaoba, O. W. — 2025-05-02

The study was conducted to characterise, classify and evaluate the suitability of soils in Ndegwu, Owerri area, Imo State, Nigeria for groundnut cultivation. Transects and soil angering were used to identify seven soil units. Seven (7) profile pits were dug each representing the soil units. The soils' morphological, physical and chemical properties reveal that percentage sand in all pedons was high with clay particles (54-90%) increasing with soil depth. The soil reaction was strongly acid to moderately acid (pH 4.70-5.80) and organic carbon (0.012.10%). Total nitrogen (0.01-1.20%); CEC (4.00-33.00 cmolkg-1) and exchangeable K (0.041.00 cmolkg-1) were rated very low to high. Percentage base saturation was low to high (30.30-60.90%); Available P was low to moderate (4.50-16.50mgkg-1); Exchangeable Mg was very low to high (0.01-2.00 cmolkg-1). Exchangeable Na was low to moderate (0.020.0.04 cmolkg-1); Available Mn ranged from 1.70-5.50mgkg-1 in all the pedons analysed. Available Fe ranged from 2.33-6.80 mgkg-1; Available Cu ranged from 0.4-2.15mgkg-1, Available Zn ranged from 1.50-6.75mgkg-1 which were all above their critical limits [1.0 mgkg-1(Mn), 2.0mgkg-1 (Fe), 0.4mgkg-1(Cu) and 2.0mgkg-1 (Zn)]. Soil units ON-01, 02, 03 and 07 were classified as Typic Hapludult at the sub-group level or Haplic Acrisol (WRB). Soil units ON-04 were classified as Oxic Dystrudent at the subgroup level or Haplic Arenosol (WRB) while soil units ON-05 and 06 were classified as Typic Paleudult at the subgroup level (USDA) and Haplic Acrisol (WRB). Results of the Land suitability evaluation (LSE) classified the soils as currently unsuitable (N1-f) with fertility (Organic carbon, Total N and Base saturation) as a limitation. Agronomic and soil management practices such as liming, organic manuring, avoidance of bush burning and crop rotation could also make these soils highly suitable for groundnut cultivation.

INVESTIGATING THE STRATEGIES OF MARKET ACCESS DYNAMICS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Kareem, A. T. — 2025-05-02

The study examined the strategies, market access dynamics, and barriers affecting agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Ido LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was applied to select 80 farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, frequency, and percentage. The result revealed that the average age of respondents was 38.57 years, with a household size of 7.12 persons. However, the respondents had an average farm size of 2.21 hectares and 9.26 years of farming experience. The annual income averaged N1.296 million, highlighting the economic constraints faced by farmers. Market access strategies were occasionally applied, with the highest mean score of 1.77 for partnering with grocery stores, followed by online marketing (1.65) and local farmers’ markets (1.61). The lowest score (1.36) was recorded for attending agricultural fairs, suggesting underutilization of networking opportunities. Barriers to market access included inadequate transportation infrastructure (1.70), reliance on middlemen (1.65), and limited adoption of mobile technology (1.53). Government support (1.79) and farmers’ cooperatives (1.78) were identified as key facilitators. Constraints such as poor literacy levels (1.83), high planting material costs (1.79), and inadequate extension services (1.78) were significant challenges. Poor road networks (1.75) and limited market access (1.70) further hindered productivity while lack of finance (1.61) remained a critical obstacle to purchase necessary inputs, invest in infrastructure and adopt advanced technologies. Overall, the study highlights the need for improved infrastructure, financial access, and digital adoption to enhance market participation and sustainability for small-scale farmers.

ASSESMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTIC AND INFORMATION SOURCES AMONGS FARMERS IN ADOPTION OF IMPROVED SESAME PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Ladan, Y. M. — 2025-05-02

The study was conducted to analyze the assessment of socioeconomic characteristics and information sources among farmers in the adoption of improved sesame production technologies in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state. Random sampling technique was used to generate data from 120 respondents. Data generated were subjected to descriptive statistics. The major findings revealed that 28.33% of the respondents were between 40 and 49 years old with a mean of 39 years, 85% were male out of which over 78% were married. About, 55% of the respondents had tertiary education with 41.66% having farming as their major occupation. Furthermore, 30.83% have a household size of 4 individuals or less, and 46.67% have farming experience of 11-20 years, On improved Sesame production technologies by the respondents. The major source of information to the respondents on improved Sesame production was media, specifically, radio and Television. The study recommends that; the media outlet most especially Radio and Television should more strategies and professionalism in all their agricultural programmers towards reaching the targeted audience And Credit facilities with favorable terms and conditions should be extended.

DETERMINANTS OF PROCESSING TIME OF FRESH FRUITS BUNCHES (FFB) AMONG OIL PALM (Elaeis guneensis) PROCESSORS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Frank, N. N. — 2025-05-02

The study was designed to assess the determinants of fresh fruits bunches (FFB) of oil palm (Elaeis guneensis) processing time from harvest in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 250 processors. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows that majority (66.4%) of the processors were female and married (67.2%). The result also shows that about 37.3% of the respondents had secondary education with majority (62.4%) of them being sole processors and bought FFB with bunches (64.7%). The results further showed that about 45.6% of the respondents in the study area falls within the age bracket of between 34-50 years with most (52.4%) of them having 11-20 years of business experience with majority of them (62.8%) using family/hired labour. Equally, motorcycle was the most common form of transportation (57.2%) and they used local processing machines, majority (84.2%) were not mill owners with most (68.4%) of them asserting that mills were booked before usage. Results further indicated that 44.5% of respondents were not aware of the adverse effect of their practices on the palm oil quality while about 46.8% did not have knowledge on the extent of processor on oil palm quality. The result of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis on factors determining processing time of fresh fruit bunches from harvest reveals that, household heads age, purpose of processing, access to processing mill, source of labour, distance to mill household heads level of education, years of experience, sole processor and purchase status, were significant factors determining processing time of fresh fruit bunches from harvest in the study area. It can be concluded that processing method was still traditional and most of the processors were not aware of the negative effect of their processing practices. The study therefore, recommended for more sophisticated mills in the study area and that intense awareness on these negative practices be carried and premium price place on quality oil palm.

DETERMINANTS OF USE OF CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN UYO AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Okon, U. E. — 2025-05-02

The study analyzed the determinants of use of climate-smart practices among arable crop farmers in Uyo Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was applied to select 123 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using simple percentages, mean, standard deviation and the Multinomial Logistic regression analysis. Findings showed that 30.8% of farmers were within the age bracket of 51-60 years with a mean of 40 years. The result show that 98.4% of the farmers were educated and 49.7% attended secondary school. Most (83.8%) of the farmers were female with a mean household size of 6 persons. However, 40.6% of the farmers were experienced with 88.6% engaging in off-farm work. About 76.7% were members of cooperatives and adopted between 5-10 climate-smart practices (90.3%). A total of 17 climate-smart practices were adopted by farmers. These were grouped into four broad categories. Of these, crop management practices were mostly used (63.8%), followed by field management practices (51.2%), while farm risk reduction practices and soil conservation practices accounted for 43.3% and 43.5% respectively. Results of the multinomial logit showed that educational attainment, age of farmer, household size, extension contact, farm size, credit access, monthly income, farming experience, marital status and group membership were among the socioeconomic factors that exerted varying degrees of influences on the choice of different climate-smart practices adopted by arable crop farmers. Hence, it is recommended that policies that will increase access to extension services, encourage cooperative membership, boost farm income, and enhance educational attainment be pursued.

INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY UTILISATION ON FARMERS’ MARKETING EFFICIENCY

Popoola, L. A. — 2025-05-02

The review set out to scrutinise the rising influence of digital communication technology on marketing efficiency of farmers under a dichotomize scenario. As digital momentum progresses, one of its core upsides is expected to emerge in form of steady to radical shift in farmers’ marketing efficiency. While significant body of literature have offered encouraging projection, we proceeded to avoid over generalization, to understand precise direction of digital impact on marketing outcome of smallholders and commercial farmers as well as accompany trend. We posit that, the existing intervening elements or determinants of marketing efficiency is about to change in the unfolding digital age. We expressed, that factors such as traceability, participation in Global Value Chain, ease and safety of transaction will indicate efficiency or otherwise of farmers marketing as digitization becomes mainstream. Adopting a systematic review methodology, we synthesized evidence that beyond the general optimism, smallholder farmers are far removed from optimizing digital advantage in their marketing. We unravel a major divide, as commercial farmers tend to wield noticeable edge, reaping digital benefit in marketing while smallholders struggle persists. Electronic commodity exchange, digital marketplace and ability to integrate ancillary services is ramping up commercial farmers potential marketing efficiency. Conversely, we noticed available marketing digital solutions for smallholders are mostly stand alone and works in isolation. Dearth of appreciable digital skills and basic infrastructure were found limiting in smallholder case. We conclude by advancing policy suggestion to scale farmers digital readiness through cooperative and calls for wider collaboration between government and development partners to accelerate delivery of end-to-end digital technology for the marketing benefit of smallholders as a means to closing emerging divide.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF UPLAND RICE PRODUCTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Danmusa, A. H. — 2025-05-02

The study analysed economic analysis of upland rice farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria. We collected data using questionnaires between July and November 2023, from 239 upland rice farmers in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) under Zone II of Katsina Agricultural & rural development (KTARDA) of the state. Using means, percentages, frequency distributions, we analyzed the data and performed a multiple regression using the ordinary least squares method. The data were further subjected to efficiency analysis. Results showed that availability of land, capital, labour, seeds, fertilizer and other inputs had a positive effect on rice output. Cobb- Douglas was the lead equation and the component variables jointly explained 89% of the variation in rice output. The efficiency analysis showed that land and labour were over utilized while seeds and fertilizer were under-utilized. The overall function shows that the farmers were producing at the region of increasing returns to scale, implying that the productivity was not at the optimum level. To attain the optimality in use of input resources and produce efficiently, the rice farmers should decrease their use of land and labour, and increase the use of improved seeds and fertilizers.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTION AND AGRI-BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION AMONG THE MAIZE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Ibrahim, U. M. — 2025-05-02

The study investigates the impact of the Climate Change Adaption and Agri-business Support Programme on the welfare of maize farming households in Katsina State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 430 smallholder maize farming households using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, probit regression analysis; independent t-test analysis, and propensity Score-matching techniques. Results of descriptive statistics show that the average age was 48.30 years and 50.52 years for participating and non-participating households respectively. The average household size was 9 persons for participating and non- participating households. It also indicates that the most (89.75%) of participating household heads and 94.85% of the non-participating households were male with only 10.25% and 3.16% respectively being female. Probit model results show that the pseudo-R² value was 21% and likelihood ratio (LR) statistic indicated by chi-square was significant (P>0.000). It was discovered that age, household size, years of formal education, extension contact, access to credit, and participation in the productivity trail revealed positive relationships and significantly influenced participation in the program. Overall, the empirical result of Propensity Score matching indicate a robust, positive impact of CASP participation on Maize farmers Net farm income, food security at 1% level of significance and per capita assets value at 5% level of significance. This confirms the potential direct role of participation in climate change adaptation programs in improving rural household welfare, as higher income from climate change adaptation strategies translates into lower poverty and food-secured households Therefore, this study recommends policy measures to increase participation of climate change adoption through mainstreaming climate change strategies into productive systems and productive land scape to improve food security, income and households assets among farmers in the area.

PROFITABILITY OF PLANTAIN PRODUCTION (Musa Spp) IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Bethel, O. — 2025-05-02

The study examined the profitability of plantain production in Rivers State, Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling method was employed to select 240 plantain producers. Descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, percentages and budgetary analysis were employed. From the result, males (60.40%) dominated plantain production, with an average age of 46 years, majority of plantain farmers (60.41%) were married, 94.17% had some kind of education, the average household size was 5 persons, and the farmers' average farming experience was 14 years. Additionally, the majority of farmers (56.67%) had a typical farm size of 0.78 hectares and used both family and hired labour. In terms of estimated cost and returns related to plantain cultivation, the overall production cost amounted to ₦ 482,010.27, while the total realized revenue was ₦ 1,638,000, resulting in a net income of ₦ 1,155,989.75. The analysis showed that it was profitable to produce plantains The main factors militating against plantain production are low market value, poor quality roads, insufficient land, The study concluded that plantain production in the study area was dominated by small scale farmers. The study recommended that farmers should increase their farm size thereby increase their output.

FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SESAME PRODUCTION IN TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

Ladan, Y. M. — 2025-05-02

The study was conducted to analyze the factors affecting adoption of recommended Sesame production practices among Farmers in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria A random sampling technique was used to generate data from 120 respondents. Data generated were subjected to multiple regression analysis. The findings of the regression analysis revealed that 88.27% of the variations in the number of recommended practices by the respondents were explained by the independent variables included in the models. Sex, age, household size, farm size, farming experience, access to farm credit and number of extension visits were found to be significant. Non-availability of improved seeds, high cost of improved seeds, high cost of labour and inadequate credit facilities was identified as the major constraints to Sesame production technologies by the respondents. The study recommends provision of training to sesame farmers, adequate supply of improved short time sesame varieties at affordable price, strengthening the existing extension services, fair price for sesame as well as provision of credit facilities to boost adoption of recommended sesame production practices by the respondents.

EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN COMMUTATION MEDIA AMONG POULTRY EGG FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Akeni, T. E. — 2025-05-02

The study investigates the nuanced impact of traditional and modern communication media among poultry egg farmers in Nigeria. Recognizing the pivotal role of the Nigerian poultry industry in ensuring food security and economic development, the research explores the multifaceted effects of communication channels on the practices and outcomes of poultry farmers. Employing a theoretical framework that integrates the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Social Network Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Framework, and Media Richness Theory, the study navigates the complexities of information dissemination within the sector. Empirical findings, drawn from an extensive literature review, highlight the historical significance of traditional communication channels, such as word-of-mouth knowledge sharing and community gatherings. Simultaneously, modern communication tools, including radio broadcasts and digital platforms, emerge as influential contributors to real-time information exchange among poultry farmers. The study not only answers key research questions but also critically evaluates the dynamic interplay between historical practices and contemporary advancements.

EFFECT OF AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA SUPPORT PROGRAM ON POVERTY STATUS OF RICE FARMERS IN NIGER AND KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Yisa, J. — 2025-05-02

The study assessed the effect of the agricultural transformation agenda support program (ATASP-1) on the poverty status of rice farmers in Niger and Kebbi State, Nigeria. Using the Foster-Greer Thorbecke (FGT) model and Propensity Score Marching (PSM) and the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) Model. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 710, consisting of 355 participants and non-participants of ATASP-1 rice farmers in Niger and Kebbi States, respectively. Data were analyzed using the FGT model and then the propensity score marching method. Results showed that among ATASP-1 participant farmers, 31.55% were classified as moderately poor, 5.07% were extremely poor, and 63.38% were non-poor. The poverty line was estimated to be 0.3243, 0.3693, and 0.3520 for the participants, non-participants, and in the pooled result, respectively. The poverty severity we found to be 0.1052 for the participants, 0.1364 for the non-participants, and 0.1239 in the pooled result. The study found that various factors, including crop output, age, marital status, household size, credit received, extension visits, and farmer's group membership, significantly influenced participation in ATASP-1. The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support program positively impacted participants' poverty status, suggesting the need for wider coverage.

EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE BANKS LOAN ACCESSIBILITY ON WOMEN CASSAVA PROCESSOR’S WELFARE STATUS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: AN ENDOGENOUS SWITCHING REGRESSION APPROACH

Kolawole, D. G. — 2025-05-02

The study estimates the effect of microfinance credit loan on women cassava processor’s welfare in southwest Nigeria. An endogenous switching regression model was adopted to control for a possible selection bias due to unobserved factors. Multistage sampling was used to select 200 respondents and semi-structured questionnaire augmented with scheduled interview was used to retrieve information. It was found that access to credit (especially microfinance loans) was generally low. Welfare status was also low across the respondents as the majority of the processors (95%) are in the lower boundary welfare status. The endogenous switching regression results confirmed the presence of both a positive and negative selection bias. In general, the results showed that microfinance loan significantly (p<0.05) affects the outcome of both groups. Households who are beneficiaries would have had a drop in welfare of about 10.3% less if they had not opted for the microfinance loan i.e. ATT. Similarly, households who are non-beneficiaries would have earned about 33.1% in welfare increase if they had opted for micro loans, i.e. ATU. This welfare increase gained due to participation in micro loans and the potential benefits indicates that getting a microfinance loan has a strong positive and significant effect on welfare. As a result, it is recommended that government agencies and financial institutions should collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to create policies that reduce barriers to accessing microfinance loans for cassava processing women. This could include lowered interest rate, provision of securities and guarantees, and simplification of loan applications and assessment.