Research
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OF PROCESSED FISH IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the causal relationship between quantity of fish sold and marketing costs in Adamawa State. Specifically, the profitability was determined and distribution channels identified. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 80 fish marketers using purposive and simple random sampling technique from Jimeta, Yola, Gurin and Labondo markets. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, market margin and multiple regression analysis. The result showed a margin of 39.8% which could be attributed to the marketing functions. The study identified a decentralized distribution channel in the area. Regression analysis revealed an R2 of 63.8%, F-value of 8.93 and a very low standard error of 0.38889. The result further revealed that initial capital, cost of fish, processing cost and handling charges were positive and significant at different levels indicating that they were the major determinants of selling prices of processed fish in the area. The study concluded that processed fish marketing in the study area was profitable. It recommended that marketers should form a strong co-operative society. There is also a need for government intervention by reducing tax and providing licence to increase the number of micro-credit finance institutions.
Forage Productivity of Gongoshi grazing reserve, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Species Composition and Range Condition of Jibiro Grazing Reserve, Adamawa State, Nigeria
This study assessed the flora species composition and range condition of Jibiro grazing reserve in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Range factors used for the assessment include botanical composition of herbaceous vegetation, ground cover, litter cover, plant vigour, erosion level, and trees/shrubs density on range sites. Plant health (vigour) was rated as stunted, erosion was slight, the mean tree/shrub density per hectare was 475 trees/shrubs and litter cover was 27%. The relative density of the herbaceous species shows that Aristida longiflora had the highest with 24.66% (1953 species) while Cacia obtusifella has the lowest of 0.89% (71 species). The overall results were scored on the range condition score card; giving a total score of 45%. This was then compared to a key for rating condition, which puts the range in a fair condition. Range management and improvement practices such as prescribed burning, range seeding and reseeding, control of rate of grazing and other sustainable management practices that will range trend and improvement within the reserve were recommended.
