Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences

Digestibility of minerals in proprietary feed by rabbits and their manure quality

2025-02-12T05:21:19+00:00

In this study, apparent mineral digestibility by rabbits and their manure quality were examined using proprietary poultry pelleted feed tagged F1, F2, F3 and F4 fed to 12 rabbit bucks of the New Zealand White x Chinchilla crossbreed aged 16 weeks shared into 3 animals per group and housed individually in wire cages. They underwent three days adjustment period and 7 days faecal collection. Each animal was fed 200g of their allotted feed/day without forage. The collected faeces from each replicate were collected, bulked, refrigerated, weighed, dried and analysed for mineral content. The Completely Randomized Design and One–Way ANOVA were used. Data were analysed using SPSS software while significant means (p<0.05) were separated using LSD. Results show the Na, K, Ca, P and Mg contents of feed ranged from 0.23–0.27, 0.79–0.85, 0.87–0.98, 0.48–0.52, 0.34–0.38%, respectively, while the Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn ranged from 2.80–4.50, 56.00–69.35, 5.65–7.60 and 11.40–13.55mg/kg, respectively. The apparent digestibility values of Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn ranged from 26.20–29.06, 18.44–27.96, 21.63–27.99, 38.46–54.45, 37.79–44.20, 46.67–78.57, 28.70–38.66, 42.76–61.06 and 30.63–43.42%, respectively while the DM, N, K, and P contents of the manure ranged from 87.54–88.35, 1.41–1.54, 0.57–0.70 and 0.22–0.32%, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among feed minerals, percent digestibility and manure minerals. The Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe and Mn contents in feed could satisfy rabbit needs while others may not. Digestibility of P , Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn were acceptable while others were low. The N and P in the manures may need supplementation with organic manures rich in these minerals. In conclusion, F3 with better digestibility values is recommended as rabbit feed, while F4 manure is recommended for soils low in P and K .

Gender effect of access to credit on adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-02-12T05:26:09+00:00

This study investigates the impact of gender on access to credit and its subsequent influence on the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Oyo State, Nigeria, where climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture. Recognizing the importance of resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, the research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews with farmers. The study reveals that access to credit significantly affects the adoption of climate-smart practices, with gender disparities evident in credit accessibility. Women farmers, facing socio-cultural norms and institutional barriers, encounter more challenges in accessing formal financial services, resulting in lower adoption rates compared to men. The research highlights a gender gap in awareness of climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the need for information dissemination. While credit access shows reasonable distribution for male respondents, efforts are required to ensure equitable access for women. To address these issues, the study recommends targeted interventions, such as policy reforms and gender-responsive credit schemes, to empower women, improve credit access, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices, ultimately fostering sustainable development in Oyo State.

In vivo screening of five botanicals for the control of anthracnose disease of cowpea caused by Colletotrichum truncatum

2025-02-12T05:34:22+00:00

The Genus Colletotrichum spp has been widely reported to be the major cause of anthracnose disease in cowpeas. The disease is very destructive due to the susceptibility of many cowpea lines. Chemical fungicide which is mostly used has been proved to be unsafe to humans due to the residues found in harvested grains. Five botanicals (bitter leaf, neem leaf, pawpaw leaf, cassia leaf and tobacco leaf) were tested for their antifungal potency in controlling this disease. Other factors tested were concentration (25, 50 and 75%) and time of application (T1–one week before flowering, T2–one week after flowering and T3–one week before and one week after flowering). The result obtained from the study identified bitter leaf and neem leaf as the most potent out of the botanicals evaluated. Disease incidence and severity were lower under these two botanicals and yield was higher when compared to the other botanicals tested in this study. Also, it was discovered that plant extract applied one week before and one week after flowering (T3) gave the best result

Evaluation of Albizia Spp. aqueous leaf extracts on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

2025-02-12T05:45:29+00:00

Poor yield, as a result of loss of soil nutrient, is an important concerns today in agricultural production. Meanwhile, a number of synthetic and organic manure have been used over the years in a bid to enhance soil fertility, some of which were found to have deleterious effects on soil properties and environment at large. This study therefore investigated the potential of aqueous extracts from the leaves of Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia tree species, as liquid fertilizers for promoting the growth and yield of maize.
The aqueous extract of Albizia zygia and Albizia lebbeck were prepared from their fresh leaves. Oba super 6 hybrid maize was planted in a factorial experiment and four application rate (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%).The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) replicated thrice. The liquid fertilizers were applied fortnightly after the first week of planting. Growth parameters including Plant Height (PH), Number of Leaves (NL), Stem Girth (SG), Leaf Area (LA), Cob length (CL), Fresh Cob weight (FCW), Dry Cob Weight (DCW) and Weight Per100grains (WPG) were measured fortnightly. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and means separation was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% levels probability.
The result showed that value of nitrogen ranges between 0.102 - 0.132% while Phosphorus had values between 1.332- 1.432mg/kg and Potassium had 0.07- 0.079Cmol/kg after the application of the extract to the soil. Generally, application of leaf extracts of Albizia zygia and Albizia lebbeck at different concentrations as soil supplement brought about improvement in the soil fertility, evident from the growth and yield of maize. The maize plant treated with Albizia zygia leaf at 30% concentration had the highest value for the aqueous extract plant height (211.0cm), number of leaves (18) and leaf area (720.8cm). For yield parameters, Albizia zygia leaf aqueous extract at 30% concentration had the highest fresh cob weight (65.0g), dry cob weight (35.3g), seed weight (29.3g) and weight of 100 grain (26.3g). It is therefore recommended that Albizia zygia leaf aqueous extract at 30% concentration be used for Oba super 6 maize hybrid cultivation.

Effect of land use / land cover change on the vegetation of Attah watershed in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State

2025-02-12T05:52:00+00:00

The removal, destruction or impairment of natural ecosystems are among the greatest causes of critical impacts on the sustainability of our natural environment. The magnitude of the impacts will vary according to the setting’s conditions with a wide range of possible landscape changes. Changes that can occur to landscapes include: forest clearance, crop- or grazing lands replacing grasslands or other natural terrestrial ecosystems, urbanization (leading to changes in infiltration and runoff patterns as well as pollution), wetlands removal or reduction, new roadwork for transportation, and mining in quarries or large-scale open pits. For Data Acquisition and Pre-Processing Procedure, the change in the forest landscape across the study area was performed using satellite remote sensing data for three epochs (1987, 2000 and 2021). For this study, two scenes of Landsat 5Thematic Mapper (TM), one scene of Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and one scene of Landsat 8 (OLI) were used for the three epoch. Image Classification and Accuracy Assessment During image classification, revealed that Landsat 5, Landsat 7 bands with same spectral ranges as well as the Landsat 8 image were selected for input. A total of three broad classes were used in the study. The three broad classes were forestland, Agricultural land and settlements/bare earth. The process of image classification and accuracy assessment was performed using independent training and testing data. The result revealed that in 1987, the dominating area in Attah was the forest land. About twenty five percent (25.33%) of the forest land was lost to farming (16.76%) and settlement (8.57%).This loss of vegetation increased in the year 2000 where 37.86% of the total forest land was lost to farming (24.42%) and settlement (13.44%), while 46.28% of the forest land was lost to farming (30.34) and settlement (15.94) in 2021.This was as a result of the increase in population which made the settlement to increase while the farming portion also increased because of the peoples’ survival. all land use/land cover classes for the three epochs 1987, 2000 and 2021 shows that water bodies were affected by this land cover change as evident in the reduction in stream depth, width and water quality. The study concluded that the dominating area of the vegetation in the study area was the forested area which gradually reduces as the farming area increases because of the population growth which also caused an increase in the settlement area of the map and this trend continued throughout the study period with the forested area gradually reducing while the farming and settlement area increased.

Impact of Styrofoam wastes generation to the environment using residents living in Ibadan Metropolis as a case study

2025-02-12T10:17:21+00:00

Styrofoam products are dominantly used in Nigeria for packaging of items such as foods, electronics and domestics. The use of Styrofoam is increasing and its impact to environment is now a major challenge. This study investigated the impact of Styrofoam wastes generation to the environment using Ibadan metropolis as a case study. A total of eighty (80) well structured questionnaires were administered to the consumers of Styrofoam products found within Ibadan metropolis. Ibadan has 11 local government areas in the metropolitan which consist of 5 urban local government areas in the city. 3 urban local government areas (Ibadan North, Ibadan South West and Ibadan North West) were adopted for the study based on these factors; commercialization, industrialization and population. Results reveal that male respondents that are still active youths within the 31- 40 years age bracket with secondary school certificate are dominantly involved in the activities (distribution and consumption) of Styrofoam in the studied areas. As recorded, high demand of Styrofoam waste (85%) was witnessed by respondents while 6.7 % of the Styrofoam wastes were openly disposed. Large quantities of used Styrofoam products were monthly derived as waste, which are either disposed in the open space or sold to other users. Most respondents by 66.7 % were not even aware that Styrofoam waste can still be reprocessed for the production of wood-based composite. Pearson chi-square revealed that educational qualification and year of experience are insignificant to the method adopted for disposal. It was realized that Styrofoam products are highly consumed in Ibadan and there is need for the government and other organizations to start generating income through the use of technological management. Apart from being used for adhesive, it can also be useful for the production of composite in the wood based industry, which can serve as carbon gases storage tank rather than climate destroyer.

Haematological and serum biochemical assay of west African dwarf goats fed yam peel and gmelina leaf meal-based diet supplemented with multi nutrient blocks

2025-02-12T10:21:22+00:00

The haematological and biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed yam peel and gmelina leaf meal based diet supplemented with multinutrient block were studied for 8 weeks. Twelve WAD bucks, 5 – 6 months old, with an average weight of 5.6 kg were used. The bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments with three bucks per treatment in a completely randomized design. The bucks in treatment one (control) were fed yam peel and gmelina leaf only. While, bucks in treatments two, three and four were fed yam peel and gmelina leaf supplemented with different multinutrient block compositions. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and analysed. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) across treatments for packed cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts. Total protein, creatinine, urea and albumin were significantly different (P<0.05) across treatments. The haematological and biochemical indices were within the normal range for goats. Therefore, yam peel and gmelina leaf-based diet can be supplemented with multinutrient blocks in the diets of West African dwarf goats for sustainable ruminant production

Level of compliance with timber logging regulations in Central Cross River State, Nigeria

2025-02-12T10:25:35+00:00

The remorseless neglect of forest laws and regulations in timber logging operations is worrisome and detrimental to the health of the forests. This study is aimed at assessing the level of compliance with timber logging regulations in Central Cross River State. The projected population of nine (9) sampled communities from three (3) LGAs which were purposively sampled based on their predominance in illegal logging activities was subjected to Taro Yamene formula to get the sample size of three hundred and ninety-six (396) respondents for the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaire and analysed by the Likert scale rating format. The research findings showed that loggers comply more to forest laws and regulations during periods where there is ban on timber harvesting, where there is strict supervision, control and regulations because of the ban. It is therefore recommended that ban on timber exploitation in the study area be enforced since compliance with forest regulations is higher during the ban period, as well as reviewing and strictly enforcing forest laws and regulations, and also encouraging the locals to manage their own forest (participatory forest management) to improve compliance. Enlightenment campaigns through media such as billboards, radio, television, seminars, workshops, handbill, etc. on the need to comply with forest laws and regulations should be organized by the Government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to encourage compliance with forest regulations on timber logging operations.

Effect of watering regimes and hormones on early growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus

2025-02-12T10:45:25+00:00

Pterocarpus erinaceus is an endangered indigenous species that needs to be regenerated artificially. Its germination challenges as well as slow early growth are major limitations for its use in plantation establishment and in large scale afforestation projects. A study on the effect of water regimes and hormones on early growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus was carried out under nursery condition. Two (2) hormones (honey and Aloe Vera) were used in combination with 5 water regimes to determine the most suitable for early growth of the species. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 15 treatments and 9 replicates. The findings revealed that watering seedlings of Pterocarpus erinaceus twice a day (2x/day) gives better results on early growth (3.17cm, 4.91cm and 5.73cm for treatment without hormone, treatment with aloe vera and honey respectively). The shoot height of seedlings under the watering regime 2X/day was significantly different from the shoot height of seedlings under other water regimes evaluated. The effect of hormone showed that honey was a better hormone than aloe vera at early stages of growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus as seedlings treated with honey showed better responses in shoot height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Both hormones had better results on shoot height, collar diameter and number of leaves compared to the control, indicating that hormones are highly required to enhance early growth of the species. It is therefore recommended that honey be used as hormones in the raising of Pterocarpus erinaceus seedlings and that the seedlings be watered twice daily, in the morning and evening.

Economic analysis of processing and marketing of plantain in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

2025-02-12T10:53:29+00:00

The study analyzed processing of plantain in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo state. A well-structured questionnaire was use to obtain information from the respondents in the study area. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were analysed using Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages and inferential statistics. The result from the demographic distribution of respondents shows that the age of the plantain marketers ranged between below 30 years and above 60 years, with a mean of 58.3%. There is a gender imbalance in the distribution of plantain marketers in the study area, with females and males scoring 73.3% and 26.7% respectively. 85.8% of the plantain marketers were married. As regards household size, forty-five percent (45.0%) had 4-6 persons per household. The average household size was 4 persons per household. Only 33.3% had no formal n education. However, a substantial percentage of the participants (77.5%) engaged in trading as their main occupation. The range and mean of marketing experience of the plantain marketers was between 5 and 20 years and 29.8% respectively, with majority (58.3%) having more than twenty years of experience. In terms of religion, results show that majority (58.3%) of the respondents in the study area are Christians The result revealed that majority of the of the plantain marketers (74.2%) were into plantain chips with majority 80.8% using frying processing methods. Moreover, the budgetary analysis for the year revealed that the average revenue was 197,025,15 and net income was 114,531 and 75. The regression result shows that plantain marketing is a profitable venture. Out of the seven (7) variables modeled, only educational level and cost of raw plantain were statistically significant in determining the profitability of plantain marketers in the study area. The result also revealed that the major problems encountered by marketers are poor storage facilities and high cost of transportation. It is thus recommended that government should promote investment in agricultural processing industries in the country through appropriate credit facilities, and infrastructural facilities.

Achieving gender equality in the Nigerian forestry sector: a way forward in sustainable development

2025-02-12T11:06:59+00:00

Gender inequality and/or discrimination remains a critical challenge world over. Gender gap engendered by restricted access over resources has led to gender bias in leadership roles and disparity in development. Over the years, activities along the forestry value chain were considered a special field for men and this has given rise to several discourses on gender issues especially as it relates to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion of women in sustainable economic, political and social development. Women in Africa are major actors in the forestry sector throughout the developing world but their representation in Nigerian forestry sector is low. Women in Nigeria face several barriers that limit access to a better stake of societal resources and services. In the light of this, it is imperative as envisioned by this paper to critically review gender issues in Nigerian forestry sector especially as it relates to sustainable development. It is recommended that incorporating gender issues into sustainable forest development would in no measure enhance the effectiveness of sustainable resource management policies and drive the equitable distribution of benefits.

Influence of starter fertilizer (NPK) and foliar fertilizer (UREA) on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays)

2025-02-12T11:10:15+00:00

In order to help farmers become more knowledgeable about the optimum fertilizer to apply to maize during and after planting with the intent of increasing crop yield, this study aimed to ascertain the current level of knowledge among farmers on the effects of applying various fertilizers on maize.
The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Aquatech College of Agriculture and Technology, Ibadan, Oyo state. The experiment was arranged in a completely Randomized design (CRD) with three replicates.. The factors used were starter (NPK 15:15:15), foliar (Urea) (25kg of urea in 1 liter of water) and a combination of starter and foliar. The data collected on growth parameters were plant height. Stem girth, leaf length and grain yield and the data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference at p≤0.05. The experiment's findings showed that the combination of foliar and starter fertilizers improved plant height, stem, leaf length, and yield. Starter, foliar, and control performed the worst. In summary, the combination of foliar and starter fertilizers significantly (p≤0.05) increased maize growth and yield, followed by starter only, foliar, and control.

Solid waste disposal and the challenges of flooding in Ibadan Metropolis: the way forward

2025-02-12T16:04:28+00:00

Solid waste characteristics and urban degradation are intricately linked, with the former contributing significantly to the latter. The challenges of urban degradation due to solid waste mismanagement are multifaceted and far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also human health, economic development, and social well-being.
Solid waste characteristics, such as composition, quantity, and disposal methods, play a crucial role in determining the extent of urban degradation. Urban degradation due to solid waste mismanagement has severe environmental, health, economic, and social consequences. Therefore, effective waste management strategies, including recycling, composting, and integrated waste management, are essential to mitigate urban degradation and promote sustainable urban development.
Addressing the challenges of urban degradation requires a multi-faceted approach, involving government policies, community engagement, and individual actions. Further research and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to develop and implement effective solutions to address the complex issues surrounding solid waste characteristics and urban degradation. By acknowledging the intricate relationship between solid waste characteristics and urban degradation, we can work towards creating more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities for future generations. In this research, the methodology used were desk top review of related literatures of the subject matter and field observations

A review of the petroleum, pollution and poverty in the Niger delta based on the report presented by amnesty international in June 2009

2025-02-12T16:15:42+00:00

The ravaging effect of oil pollution in the Niger Delta, which has degraded the region cannot be overemphasized. The life of the inhabitants of the region is becoming unbearable day by day. Amnesty International, the author of the paper had based its write up on the report of UNDP.The report was done in 2009, which is still relevant to the region. The methodology adopted in this review was based on the review of several literatures that deal with the subject matter, especially on oil pollution for 2010 -2024, although references were made to early years before the time of the report. The article started with the problem of quality water in the region due to pollution, which has affected livelihood to the extent that fishes if they are ever caught smell oil. The blessing associated with discovery of oil has as it were, turned to a curse. A case in point is Ogoniland, where it was reported that shell did not do much in the clean-up of the region. The paper went further to look at the adverse effect of pollution on the livelihood of the populace. However, the government is not doing enough to salvage the situation which is making the oil exploration companies pollute the region with impunity. The review concluded by mentioning Niger Delta Development Corporation and the need to overhaul the corporation for effective performance since it has been created for that purpose. Laws governing the environment need to be well enforced to safeguard the environment, especially the Niger Delta.

Tomato prices fluctuation and marketing analysis in Ido Local Government area of Oyo State

2025-02-12T16:22:47+00:00

Tomato is one of the most important and major vegetable crops grown in Nigeria but fluctuations in the prices of tomato reinforce food insecurity and malnutrition. This study sought to assess the effects of price fluctuation and profitability index of tomato business in Ido Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. A two-stage random sampling method was used for this study. Four markets (Akufo, Apete, Elenusonso and Ido markets) were sampled out of 10 major markets in Ido LGA. Afterwards, twenty-five (25) tomato marketers were randomly selected in each of the selected markets. In sum, one hundred (100) copies of a well-structured questionnaire were administered to elicit needed information. The differentials rates in turn-over per season was estimated to assess the influence of price fluctuation on tomato business using descriptive statistics while Gross Margin analysis was used to determine the profitability index of tomato business in the study area. The study thus concluded that there would be high potential for increased turnover during the dry season (Quarter 1 and Quarter 4) and would subsequently bring high income to the marketers within the study area. The marketers should therefore adopt value addition methods through processing and packaging of their products in order to avoid wastages that characterized rainy season business while economic policy of the government should be adjusted.

Assessment of health and safety practices among users of wood coatings in Ibadan Metropolis

2025-02-12T16:30:13+00:00

This study investigated the health and safety practices of woodworkers applying wood coatings in furniture finishing within Ibadan Metropolis. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, targeting a purposively selected sample of 80 male woodworkers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, safety practices, and exposure to wood coatings. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed a predominantly youthful and male workforce, with 32.5% aged 20-29 years and 100% male participation. The educational background is relatively high, as 43.8% have completed secondary education, and 28.8% have pursued tertiary education. Awareness of safety practices by the woodworkers shows that they were not ignorant of the need for occupational health and safety practice in the various aspects of their work especially wood coatings. The multiple regression analysis further illustrated that higher educational attainment and years of experience positively influence the adherence to safety practices, indicating the need for improved training and awareness initiatives to enhance the health and safety culture among woodworkers in this study area. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved safety training and stricter enforcement of protective measures to mitigate health risks faced by woodworkers in this sector.