International Journal of Agriculture, Food and Biodiversity

Analysis of Income Levels on the Pattern of Breadfruit Consumption in Ebonyi State

I. A. Enwelu — 2023-10-01

The output of breadfruit in Ebonyi State is gradually declining. Therefore the study analyzed the income levels on the pattern of breadfruit consumption in Ebonyi State. This is done with a view to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from breadfruit consumption. One hundred and twenty (120) randomly and purposively selected breadfruit farmers were interviewed. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State because it was traditionally known for production of breadfruit. Data collected were analyzed using mean, Percentage and multinomial logit regression. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of 43 years, mean household size of 8 persons and mean monthly income of ₦21,500. The study revealed a high level of consumption of breadfruit in the area with 49% consumed breadfruit at least twice a week. About 80% change observed in the consumption level of breadfruit was as result of the consumers’ income. Furthermore, about 89% variation observed in the consumption level of breadfruit was as a result of the combined effects of the identified socio-economic characteristics of respondents included in the regression model. The predominant factors that influenced the consumption of breadfruit in Ebonyi State included: price of breadfruit (x̄ =2.98), nutritional value (x̄ = 2.95), time for cooking (x̄ = 2.93), level of supply (x̄ = 2.83) and method of cooking or preparation (x̄ = 2.81). The study concluded that consumers’ socio-economic characteristics had significant influence on the consumption level of breadfruit in the area. It was also observed that there was high level of consumption of breadfruit in the area even though there were identified factors that influenced consumption level. The paper recommends diversification of sources of income to attract more people with high income in consumption of breadfruit. Also, more awareness should be created to encourage those who have not tested breadfruit to do so.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Food Security among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in North Central Nigeria

C. C. Okeke — 2023-10-01

This study was carried out to assess the determinants and constraints of food security among internally displaced persons in North Central Nigeria. Primary data used for the study were derived by a survey of 137 residents of the IDP camps using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and binary logit regression. The result of the analysis showed that household size, children status, and religion are statistically significant at 5%. Poor health status, high cost of food in the camp, lack of steady income, limited access to farmland, and rapid population growth in the camp were identified among others as the constraints to food security with a high mean score of >2.4. The study recommended that government policy measures directed towards family planning in IDP camps should be given adequate attention and made a priority to reduce the number of persons in a household and ensure that every one is adequately taken care of.

Mineralogical Composition and Distribution in Selected Floodplain Soils of Southeastern Nigeria: Implications for Arable Crop Production

E. C. Nnabuihe — 2023-10-01

Floodplain soils are found on low-area of land where flood water periodically spreads when a river or stream overflow its banks. Floodplain soils of Mgbo-Abaja, Obokofia and Mbutu in Southeastern Nigeria formed under alluvium parent material were investigated and characterized in terms of their physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Six profile pits (> 150 cm depths) were dug, two each in Mgbo-Abaja (Abakaliki), Obokofia (Egbema) and Mbutu (Owerrinta) study sites. The pits were geo-referenced using handheld GPS receiver, described and sampled from genetic horizons. Soil samples collected were air-dried, sieved and analyzed in the laboratory to determine their physico-chemical properties using standard methods, and mineralogical analysis using x-ray diffractometer. Results indicated that pedons were sandy in nature with low contents of organic carbon, pH, basic cations, cation exchange capacity and base saturation. Minerals in soils showed strong peak values at different intensities: Abakaliki site was dominated with quartz, zircon, magnetite and anatase with percentage abundance of 70%, 7%, 8% and 15% respectively; Egbema site recorded a percentage abundance of 69% and 31 % for quartz and microcline respectively; and Owerrinta site had 86%, 12% and 2% abundance in quartz, kaolinite and rutile respectively. Quartz minerals contribute to good soil structure, drainage and growing environment for crops. Zircon mineral (Mgbo-Abaja site) releases trace elements like zirconium which support various physiological processes in plants. Magnetite mineral (Mgbo-Abaja site) can be utilized for soil mapping and monitoring purposes, contributing indirectly to efficient soil management practices. Rutile and Anatase (Mbutu and Mgbo-Abaja sites respectively) can influence some soil properties such as water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, soil acidity and alkalinity which affect crop growth. Microcline (Obokofia site) which contains feldspar minerals releases K⁺ ions and can contribute to soil fertility, supporting crop productivity. Kaolinite (Mbutu site) has high water-holding capacity that aids in retaining moisture for plants during dry periods, but low in CEC and nutrient-holding capacity, which result in reduced nutrient availability for plants.

Economic Analysis of Rain-Fed and Dry Season Bitter Leaf Production under Different Frequencies of Poultry Manure Application

V. T. Nwakanma — 2023-10-01

Despite the importance of bitter leaf, the performance on addition of poultry manure at intervals as well as its economic implication remains unknown. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the rainy and dry seasons to determine the agronomic performance of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) as influenced by mulching and frequency of poultry manure application and to also examine the economics of bitter leaf production under different frequencies of poultry manure application. The research was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out as a split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors comprised mulching (mulch and no mulch) in the main plot and varying frequencies of poultry manure application (no application, application at planting 2, 4 and 6 weeks intervals) as to the sub-plot. There was significant (P<0.05) variation in growth and yield of bitter leaf with the various frequencies of poultry manure application. Application of poultry manure at 2 and 4 weeks intervals gave optimal growth and yield during the rainy and dry seasons. However, using profitability indicators, which were, gross revenue, net revenue, benefit cost ratio (BCR) and profitability index of yield, application at 6 weeks intervals gave the highest net returns (₦37,835.00) as well as BCR (1.65) during the rainy season while application at planting gave the highest net returns (₦1,656,603.00) as well as BCR (36.1) during the dry season. Consequently, applying poultry manure at 6 weeks intervals was adjudged the most profitable for bitter leaf production during the rainy season while applying poultry manure only at planting was adjudged the most profitable for bitter leaf production during the dry season in the study area, hence these were recommended.

Evaluation of Soil Properties under Citrus Orchard Land Use in Southern Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology

W. O. J. Kadiri — 2023-07-26

Viable citrus production requires good soil management practices. Evaluation of soil properties under citrus orchard land use (CLU) will provide information on soil productivity potential for sustainable citrus production. This necessitates this study, which was carried out at Kabba, Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Kogi State, Nigeria. Five undisturbed core and auger samples of soil were collected at random, from four soil depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm) from CLU for laboratory analysis. The result of the soil analysis revealed that CLU soil texture was sandy loam, bulk density was ideal (1.31 gcm^-3), pH was moderately acidic (5.7) and total nitrogen was high (0.32%). These soil properties support citrus growth and yield, while soil organic matter (SOM, 1.41%), available phosphorus (AP, 6.11 mg kg^-1), exchangeable potassium (K, 0.27 cmol kg^-1), exchangeable calcium (Ca, 3.05 cmol kg^-1), total exchangeable bases (TEB, 4.88 cmol kg^-1) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC, 5.87 cmol kg^-1) were low. The low soil properties therefore, demand better soil management practices geared toward optimum SOM level, in order to improve CLU soil nutrient storage and supply for sustainable, profitable and good quality citrus production.

Profitability of Selected Weed Control Methods in Maize (Zea mays L. Moench) Production at Igbariam in Three Successive Months

E. N. Ngonadi — 2023-07-26

This experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 cropping season at the Teaching and Research farm Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State. The aim was to determine the effect of selected weed control methods on sole maize production and their economic profitability in Igbariam, Nigeria. It was a 3x4 factorial combination laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The selected cultivars was the main factor (Oka Bende, Oka Abakaliki and Oka Nsukka) while the four weed control methods (weedy check, hoe weeding, pre-emergence and post emergence) represented the sub-factor. Data was collected on germination percentage (5DAS and 8DAS), growth parameter (Plant height, stem girth and leaf area) and economic assessment. Data collected was subjected to data analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant mean were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference. The highest number of percentage seed germination was recorded in Oka Nsukka 92.2% at 5DAS and Oka Bende 99.0% at 8DAS. Application of pre-emergence herbicide gave the plant height (249.0 cm), leaf area and plant girth was highest in Oka Bende. Pre-emergence herbicide indicated to have more superior weed control effect and more profitable than the other weed control methods used in the study.