Research
Constraints and Strategies for Enhancing Pig Production in Delta State, Nigeria
This study examined constraints and strategies for enhancing pig production. The study was carried out in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 90 respondents was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured and validated interview schedule. Data for the study were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Frequency count, percentage and mean scores were used to summarize data, while factor analysis was used to ascertain constraints to pig production. Results of the study reveal that economic, poor management and socio-cultural biases were the major factors hindering pig production in Delta State. Specific issues highlighting these factors were also identified. Strategies for enhancing pig production that were identified by the study include: establishment of functional market for pig and pig products, subsidy for pig housing and equipment, adoption of improved pig production technologies, provision of transport facilities, subsidy for pig feeds, special credit scheme for pig farmers, public enlightenment on the nutritional value of pigs, enacting legislation against discrimination of pig products, and making veterinary services available and affordable.
Farmers Perception and Adoption of Yam Minisett Technology in Anambra State, Nigeria
This study examined farmers’ perception and adoption of yam minisett technology. The study was carried out in Anambra State, Nigeria. A sample size of 120 yam farmers was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured and validated interview schedule. Data generated for the study were summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage and mean scores while the Sigma method was used for calculating adoption scores to ascertain the level of adoption for the various yam minisett technology items. Results of the study revealed that there were more male yam farmers (82 percent) than females. The mean age of respondents was 45years and the mean household size was 11 persons. Also, a mean farming experience of 12years was found for the respondents. Results on perception of yam minisett technology reveal that respondents had favourable perception on four statements out of the thirteen statements used to investigate their perception. These were statements 5,6,11 and 12. The remaining 9 statements were not favourably perceived. They include statements 1-4; 7- 10 and 13.
Analysis of Factors Associated With the Privatization and Commercialization (P and C) of Agricultural Extension Services
The study examined the factors associated with the P and C of agricultural extension services. The study was conducted in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 134 extension professionals of the Delta State Agricultural Development Programmed (DTADP) was used for the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of validated questionnaire. Content validation of the research instrument was done by a team of expert in agricultural extension. A pilot test was conducted as part of instrument validation to test for reliability of the research instrument. Data generated by the study were analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis with iteration and varimax rotation. Variables with coefficient of 0.40 or more were regarded as high loading. Results of the study reveal that the three main factors associated with the P and C of agricultural extension services include: unfavourable economic environment, misgivings about private agencies, and government administrative and policy inadequacies. Specific issues highlighting these factors were also identified by the study. The study recommends that these P and C factors should be given adequate attention by governments and relevant stakeholders before embarking on any form of P and C arrangement.
Constraints to the Implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Measures by Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria
This study examined constraints to the implementation of climate change adaptation measures by farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Crop farmers in three purposively selected extension blocks served as respondents of the study. A sample of 321 respondents was used for the study. A list of farmers in contact with extension served as sampling frame. Data for the study were collected from the respondents of the study through the use of a detailed, carefully designed and validated interview schedule. Trained field assistants selected in each location in addition to the researchers collected the data for the study. Data generated by the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results show that there were more male crop farmers in the area of study. Also, majority (92%) of the respondents had formal education and many years of farming experience. The study found that respondents were using some adaptation measures which include: the use of crop rotation, use of sandbags at river banks, use of bamboo stakes, planting of cover crops and the construction of drainages.
Congruency of Extension Professionalsa and Farmersa Perceptions of Privatization Commercialization of Agricultural Extension Services
This study examined the congruency between extension professionals and farmers regarding their perceptions of privatization and commercialization of agricultural extension services. The study was carried out in Delta State, Nigeria and it had a sample size of 224 respondents comprising of 134 extension professionals of the Delta State Agricultural Programme (DTADP) and 90 farmers that were randomly selected. Data for the study were collected from the respondents through the use of validated questionnaire and interview schedule. The questionnaire was used for the extension professionals, while the interview schedule was used for the farmers. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient was used to determine the congruency in perceptions of respondents. Results of the study showed a high congruency between extension professionals’ perception and their estimate of farmers’ perception (rho = 0.92), while the congruency between farmers’ perception and their estimate of extension professionals’ perception was low (rho = 0.08). The study recommends that farmers’ knowledge of issues relating to P and C should be enhanced through seminars and workshops organized by the appropriate extension agency.
