ONLINE PAPER PUBLISHING - Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition

All listed papers are published after full consent of respective author or co-author(s).
For any discussion on research subject or research matter, the reader should directly contact the undersigned authors.

Authors: AGBAREVO M.N.B., NWANKWO P.C.

Abstracts: The study compared the effect of non-farm activities on rural farm household income between Abia and Ebonyi States, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty (120) rural farm households each, from Abia and Ebonyi States engaged in non-farm activities were selected using the multi-stage random sampling technique. Data collection was by a structured questionnaire/interview schedule. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic (mean) and inferential statistic (z-test) for independent samples. The hypothesis of the study was tested, using z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that, the annual mean non-farm income of rural farm households in Abia State was (N536, 170.72), while that of Ebonyi State was (367,726.68).The difference in the mean annual non-farm income between the two states was significant in favour of Abia State. The study concluded that the engagement of Abia State rural farm households in non-farm enterprises more than Ebonyi State was because Ebonyi State is the food basket of South East Nigeria. The study recommended that engagement in non-farm sources of income in rural areas should be encouraged through entrepreneurial skills training, capacity building, and infrastructural development to boost rural economy, which is part of the dividends of democracy for grassroots.

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Pages: 21-28

Cite this Article: AGBAREVO M.N.B., NWANKWO P.C. , "COMPARISON OF EFFECT OF NON-FARM ACTIVITIES ON RURAL FARM HOUSEHOLD INCOME BETWEEN RARMERS IN ABIA AND EBONYI STATES, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 21-28 #JAEES

Authors: AGBAREVO M.N.B., IFENKWE G.E., MAZZA R.

Abstracts: The study evaluated the effect of National Special Programme on Food Security on yam production in South East, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for the selection of the sample of 360 farmers. Three South East states, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo were randomly selected. Two extension blocks were randomly selected from each of the agricultural zones of the states selected, giving a total of 18 blocks. Two circles were randomly selected from each of the 18 blocks, giving a total of 36 circles. Five participants and five non-participants in the programme were selected from each circle. Thus, ten farmers were selected from each circle, giving a total of 360 farmers, comprising 180 participants and 180 non-participants respectively. The data collected through the use of questionnaire were analyzed using both descriptive (the mean) and inferential statistic (the z-test for independent samples). The Z- test of significance of difference between means showed that there was a significant difference between the mean yam yields of farmers, who participated in the programme and those who did not participate. The paper concluded that the National Special Programme on Food Security delivered on its mandate to help increase yam production towards food security in the study area, which contributes to reducing poverty at the grassroots. It recommended, among others, the expansion of the programme to include more famers for incremental food production in the study area.

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Pages: 12-20

Cite this Article: AGBAREVO M.N.B., IFENKWE G.E., MAZZA R. , "EFFECT OF NATIONAL SPECIAL PROGRAMME ON FOOD SECURITY ON INCREASED YAM PRODUCTION IN SOUTH- EAST, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 12-20 #JAEES

Authors: AGULEGBE T., ODOEMENEM I.U., EZIHE J.A.C.

Abstracts: The study assessed Presidential Initiative on cassava value-addition among rural farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 202 rural farmers through a well - structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean score and gross margin analysis were used for data analysis. Result revealed that the mean age of processors was 34.91 years and the processors were dominated by females (61.4 %) in the study area. Also, majority (71.80 %) of the respondents were married and had secondary education (49.0 %). Dominant products of cassava processed in the study area were flour (35.6 %), garri (25.7 %), akpu (29.7 %) and starch (9.9 %). Findings show that gross margin of N21 929.294.67 was the annual income of processors while N5.24 as the rate of return on investment. It was recommended that both public and private partnership be sensitize with the need to review policies that will help improve the processing of cassava products that will attract demand and utilisation both within and outside the country

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Pages: 29-44

Cite this Article: AGULEGBE T., ODOEMENEM I.U., EZIHE J.A.C. , "ASSESSMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE ON CASSAVA VALUE-ADDITION AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 29-44 #JAEES

Authors: AMEH M., IHEANACHO A.C., ATER P.I.

Abstracts: The study analyzed the effects of loan utilization on rice farmers' productivity in Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 227 rice farmers in the three Agroecological zones involving six Local Government Areas using multi-stage sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiregression model and student t-test. The findings of the study showed that the predominant source of loan among respondents was farmers' cooperatives (43.2%).The result of the multiple regression model revealed membership of cooperative, annual income and farm output with coefficients(-0.201, -1.876 and 0.002) respectively as significant factors that influenced farmers' loan utilization. The result of student t-test shows that there is significant difference between the output of farmers that fully utilized the loan and those that partially utilized the loan with (t = -18.44, p < 0.01). Based on these findings, it is recommended that efforts be made to make farmers benefit from formal agricultural loans, while credit institutions should set up supervisory agencies that would monitor farming activities in order to ensure effective and judicious utilization of such loans.

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Pages: 45-54

Cite this Article: AMEH M., IHEANACHO A.C., ATER P.I. , "EFFECTS OF LOAN UTILIZATION ON RICE FARMERS PRODUCTIVITY IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 45-54 #JAEES

Authors: DICKSON S.R., ONWUMELU O.P.

Abstracts: This study was carried out to investigate the working capital management variables on the return on assets of UNILEVER and PZ industries between 2007 and 2016. Secondary data were collected from the published annual reports and audited financial statements of the two companies and analyzed using regression analysis. It was found that liquidity significantly affected the return on assets of the companies at 10% level of probability (sig. = 0.063), while leverage was significant at 1% (sig. = 0.000). The adjusted R2 value of 0.794(79.4%) indicates that the explanatory variables accounted for 79.4% of the variations in the return on assets of UNILEVER and PZ industries. The study recommends that the companies should concentrate on the management of liquidity and leverage to improve their return on assets.

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Pages: 174-178

Cite this Article: DICKSON S.R., ONWUMELU O.P. , "IMPACT OF WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF SELECTED FIRMS IN NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 174-178 #JAEES

Authors: EWEBIYI I.O.

Abstracts: The study assessed perceived effects of mobile phones on the livelihood of rural farming households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Snowball sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from (12) rural areas. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and chi-square. The result shows that majority (61.7%) of the respondents involved in the use of mobile phones were males. From the result (78.4%) of the respondents fell within the age bracket of 31-50 years, while (45.8%) of them had secondary education. Most respondents (86.7%) used mobile phones to access market information. The result shows that respondents expressed positive perception towards statements bordering on effects of mobile phones on rural livelihood. Inadequate knowledge of mobile phone technologies (70.0%), poor networking (55.8%), epileptic power supply (68.3%) and high cost of purchase and maintenance (69.2%) were identified by the respondents as severe constraints militating against effective use of mobile phones. The result further revealed 2 significant relationship between respondents' education (X =0.319, p=0.012) and perceived effects of mobile phones on their livelihood. Mobile phone played significant roles in improving the livelihood of rural households, in spite of some challenges hindering its effective usage. Provision of adequate rural infrastructural facilities, low cost of mobile phone acquisition and subscription charges will help in enhancing livelihood of farm families in the study area.

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Pages: 68-79

Cite this Article: EWEBIYI I.O. , "PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONES ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 68-79 #JAEES

Authors: IKOTUN T.O.

Abstracts: Physical properties of Agricultural products are important in the design of processing and storage equipment. Therefore, this study is carried out to investigate some of the physical properties of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) which can enhance its production now that it is becoming a household fruit in Nigeria. The date fruit was source from a local market in Ibadan, Oyo State. Standard methods were used in the determination of some of its physical properties namely, linear dimensions, bulk density, true density, angle of repose and porosity. Also, the coefficient of friction was tested on galvanized steel, stainless, mild steel, glass and plywood\The length varied from 28.01 to 39.63mm, the width from 13.4 to 19.70mm and the thickness from 11.99 to 17.17mm. The geometric mean varied from 16.51 to 23.75mm and the surface area varied from 857.1 to 1773.5m2 while mean values of geometric mean and surface area were 20.65m and 1339.81m2 respectively. The sphericity varied from 58.94 to 59.94% with mean value of 59.41%. The true and bulk density varied from 1.01 to 1.34 x 10-3kgm-3 and 0.59 to 0.68 x 10-3kgm-3 with the mean values of 2.0306 and 1.1508 respectively. The porosity varied from 33.00 to 54.6% with the mean value of 42.82%. The angle of repose varied from 26.10 to 82.410 with the mean value of 53.270. The coefficient of static friction on galvanized steel varied from 0.2773 to 0.7002, stainless varied from 0.2680 to 0.6745, mild steel varied from 0.2401 to 0.4142, glass varied from 0.0662 to 0.4663 and plywood varied from 0.230 to 0.46631. These results imply that during processing, water cannot be used as a medium for separating the fruit from impurities. Also the flat bed feed mechanism will be appropriate for use during conveyance.

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Pages: 80-87

Cite this Article: IKOTUN T.O. , "THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DATE FRUITS (Phoenix dactylifera)", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 80-87 #JAEES

Authors: IORLAMEN R.T., TSUE T.P., ABAH D.

Abstracts: The study analysed efficiency of resource use in sesame production in Benue State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 240 respondents for the study. Data was obtained with well-structured questionnaire. It was found that, Sex (0.42) and farming experience (0.43) significantly (p < 0.01) influenced size of farm land used , Farming experience (0.22) and sesame farm income (0.12) significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively) influenced quantity of seed used. Only farming experience (0.41) contributed significantly (p < 0.01) to quantity of herbicides used, Sex (-0.91) had negative but significant (p < 0.05) influence on quantity of fertilizer used, Age (I.15) significantly (p < 0.01) influenced use of labour. Farm size (46.94), seed (6.35), herbicide (9.12) and fertilizer (11.41) were underutilized while labour (0.0026) and other capital inputs (-1.03) were over utilized by farmers. The mean gross margin of sesame farmers was N80,364.41 per hectare. It was recommended that, farmers should be encouraged to invest into sesame farming for its economic value and viability; sesame farmers should be encouraged to receive training on proper agronomic practices and usage of input to enhance efficiency of input utilization.

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Pages: 111-121

Cite this Article: IORLAMEN R.T., TSUE T.P., ABAH D. , "EFFICIENCY OF RESOURCE USE IN SESAME PRODUCTION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 111-121 #JAEES

Authors: KINGSLEY H.O., AGBO D.A.

Abstracts: This study focused on influence of mother's career on child's upbringing in Makurdi metropolis, Benue-State. The study used a survey design. The sample size for the study was made up 100 career mothers working in selected careers prominent in Makurdi. These are: Teaching, Journalism & Photography, Lecturing, Banking, Administration (Secretary), Oil and gas, Sales agents, Construction Firms (Engineering), Military and Para- Military. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and mean. Results show that banking career has the highest time demand on career mothers; indicted by 17% of respondents. Findings revealed that career mothers over pamper and show love, care to children while available The result also shows that fathers play the role of mothers while mothers are away at work since the mean is only The research revealed that the greatest challenge encountering career mothers is difficulty in understanding who their children are Inability to achieve set family goals for the children poses the least challenge to career mothers. Result of the hypotheses states that mothers career has influence on children's upbringing. Based on the findings the study recommends that, would-be-mothers should carefully consider courses to take in order to select careers that would make the least demand on their time to effectively bring up their children. Mothers should make concerted efforts to spend time with their children to ensure good children upbringing.

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Pages: 98-110

Cite this Article: KINGSLEY H.O., AGBO D.A. , "INFLUENCE OF MOTHERS' CAREER ON CHILDREN UPBRINGING IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 98-110 #JAEES

Authors: NWAOBIALA C.U., ONWUKE F.O.

Abstracts: The study analysed socio-economic factors influencing farmers' indigenous knowledge practices of soybean production in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Purposive and multi-stage random sampling techniques were used to select 120 respondents. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Research findings showed that 58.4% of the farmers were females, 50% and 65.0% were civil servants and married respectively, had mean farming experience of 14 years, mean farm size of 1.2 hectares, and 70% never had contact extension. Majority (85.2%) and 72.4% of the respondent's sourced information on soybean from their parents /grandparents and fellow farmers respectively. The respondents also had high level of Indigenous Knowledge (X=2.5) on soya bean production practices. The Tobit regression analysis result showed that coefficients of gender (t = -3.38), farming experience (t = 7.44), education (t =2.27) and occupational status (t = 2.88) significantly influenced soya bean production in the study area. Lack of extension contact (98.8%), unavailability of hybrid seeds (92.8%) and disease and pest infestation (72.5%) were constraints to soya bean production in the study area. The study recommends increased extension education, provision of hybrid soybean seeds and other farm inputs to farmers for increased soybean production.

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Pages: 135-148

Cite this Article: NWAOBIALA C.U., ONWUKE F.O. , "ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS' INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE PRACTICES OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 135-148 #JAEES

Authors: OBEKPA H.O, ADIKWU O., NYAM J.N.

Abstracts: The study examined the Assessment of Palm Oil Processing in Boki Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Nigeria. Using a random sampling technique to select 134 respondents. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression models were used for data analysis. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and interview schedules. Results showed that majority of the respondents were; males (73.9%), in their most average active years (43.5) and married (82.2%). The average household size was six persons with average educational level of 10years.The farmers had an average farm size of 6.7 hectares with an average farming experience of 13 years. The result revealed that (64.2%) of the processors used modern method of processing. Results of the multiple regressions indicated that the major factors that influenced the output of oil palm processing enterprise in the study area were; palm fruits, annual income, methods of processing and high cost of transportation. The result further showed that the major problems faced by the processors were inadequate finance, and poor road network. The study recommended that financial assistance should be given to processors through grants and loans from agricultural banks or any other related financial institution. This should be done at low interest rates to encourage borrowing, which would lead to increase in processing and hence, improve the standard of living of processors in the study area.

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Pages: 163-173

Cite this Article: OBEKPA H.O, ADIKWU O., NYAM J.N. , "ASSESSMENT OF PALM OIL PROCESSING IN BOKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 163-173 #JAEES

Authors:  OBINNA L.O., NZERIBE T.

Abstracts: The study assessed the perceived effect of social capital on the well- being of members of women co-operative in Imo State, Nigeria. A sample size of 132 respondents selected via multi- stage sampling technique was used. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and scheduled interviews. Data were analyzed descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed a mean age of the respondents as 38 years, with about 68.2% married. About 96% of the respondents were literate, with a mean monthly income of ? 27,878.78, a mean household size of five persons and a mean business years of experience of 16 years. In addition, respondents participated moderately in the activities of the cooperative. It also showed moderately high level of social capital status for the co-operative and equally showed that social capital influenced significantly the well-being of the co-operators in Imo State. It was recommended that government and its agencies, philanthropists, NGOs, and community leaders should encourage the formation of women co- operatives, mostly in Imo State as a way of empowering them.

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Pages: 192-201

Cite this Article: OBINNA L.O., NZERIBE T. , "AN ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED EFFECT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON THE WELLBEING OF MEMBERS OF WOMEN CO-OPERATIVE IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 192-201 #JAEES

Authors: OCHE E.O., OBINNE C.P.O., ANONGUKU I.

Abstracts: The study analysed agricultural knowledge co-creation among farmers in North Central Nigeria. A sample size of 300 respondents was selected using stratified, purposive and random sampling techniques. Two hundred and ninety nine (299) out of the 300 questionnaires distributed were retrieved and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean score and inferential statistics (factor analysis, chi-square, ordered logistic regression estimate and Mann Whitney tests) were used for data analysis. The pooled results showed the mean scores of key actions adopted by knowledge creators in the study area were all higher than the cut-off mean score (1.50). Most of the knowledge creation strategies by the respondents had higher mean scores than the cut-off mean score (1.50) while level of participation of respondents in knowledge co-creation mean scores were lower in all the states compared to the cut-off mean (2.0). The study concluded that level of participation among the respondents was quite low. It was recommended that stakeholders in knowledge creation should guarantee adequate involvement of farmers in formulating packages for farmers' utilization.

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Pages: 202-214

Cite this Article: OCHE E.O., OBINNE C.P.O., ANONGUKU I. , "ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE CO-CREATION, AMONG FARMERS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 202-214 #JAEES

Authors: OGEBE F.O., ABU G.A., NNAMA U.C.

Abstracts: The study was conducted to assess the economic cost of River-blindness (Onchocerciasis) among Agricultural Households of Benue State, Nigeria. A survey method was used for the study and primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. The population of the study consisted of households affected with Onchocerciasis in Benue State, Nigeria. Random Sampling Technique was used in selecting a sample size of 206 respondents from three LGAs: Buruku, Ushongo and Ogbadibo. The Nigerian Onchocerciasis Control Programme list of endemic Local Governments/ Villages was used to identify households affected with Onchocerciasis. Descriptive Statistics and Cost of illness Approach model were used in analyzing the data. The descriptive statistics showed that majority (76.0%) of the respondents were males and married (75.0%) with average age of 45.9 years and average household size of 11 persons. Majority (77.5%) of the respondents were educated with only (22.5%) having no formal education. The indirect cost of Onchocerciasis to the households was estimated at N189, 035.10 (workdays lost cost and time lost cost combined) which represents 82.15% of the total cost of Onchocerciasis illness. The Cost of illness approach revealed that the average direct cost of Onchocerciasis illness in the study area was N42, 978.66 (prevention and financial costs combined) per household. The annual economic cost of Onchocerciasis illness per household was estimated at N241, 103.76 (direct and indirect costs). The study recommends prioritizing domestic resource allocation for the treatment of the disease for significant and sustained reduction in the burden of Onchocerciasis.

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Pages: 122-134

Cite this Article: OGEBE F.O., ABU G.A., NNAMA U.C. , "ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC COST OF RIVER-BLINDNESS (ONCHOCERCIASIS) ILLNESS AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 122-134 #JAEES

Authors: OLOTU A.O., ABAH O.G.

Abstracts: This study is centered on Value Chain Development and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Benue State, Nigeria: A study of Makurdi Local Government Area. Value chain development has contributed to the growth of many developing countries hence the need for the study. Primary data were collected among 186 respondents. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency were used to answer the research questions. The data were analyzed using percentages for bio data and t-test was used through regression analysis for the hypothesis. The result shows that t-test value of growth is 0.653 which shows positive and significant effect at 0.05 level of significance. This means there is significant effect of the value chain development on the growth of SMEs in the study area. It was therefore recommended that ggovernment, philanthropic organizations and well-meaning individuals should provide credit facilities to rice SMEs to enable them acquire latest technologies requires in value chain methods and Rice entrepreneurs should be given adequate training through established institutions to teach them new innovations and skills needed in the value chain processes.

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Pages: 88-97

Cite this Article: OLOTU A.O., ABAH O.G. , "VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF RICE FARM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF SELECTED SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN BENUE STATE", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 88-97 #JAEES

Authors: ONU S.E., UGBOAJA C.I.

Abstracts: The study investigated the sociocultural factors influencing the perception of Osu caste system among rural households in Imo State, Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 165 respondents. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (regression). The major results showed general low level (grand x=2.09) of involvement in local leadership. The result of Tobit regression estimate showed that tradition/custom at 1%, norm at 1%, age at 5%, education at 1%, occupation at 1%, cosmopoliteness at 1%, community leadership at 1%, income at 1% and membership to community development organizations at 1% significantly influenced respondents' perception of Osu caste system. The study concluded that sociocultural factors influenced the perception of Osu caste discrimination in the study area. The study therefore recommend that sensitization, research, awareness campaigns, conferences and public debate should be organized by Igbo leaders to educate people on the effects of Osu caste system on the unity, peace and development of Igbo land.

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Pages: 215-222

Cite this Article: ONU S.E., UGBOAJA C.I. , "SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PERCEPTION OF OSU CASTE SYSTEM AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 215-222 #JAEES

Authors: UGAH A.A., AGBO D.A., KEMBE E.A.

Abstracts: This study was conducted to find out how families can reduce their clothing expenditure in Makurdi metropolis in an economy characterized by inflation. The population for the study comprised of 1166 secondary school teachers (male and female) registered with Teaching Service Board. The sample size was made up of two hundred and ninety one (291) teachers proportionately selected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse the data generated from the research questions. The findings of the study showed that females spend more on clothing than males with highest percentage. Garments are purchased only when money is available had the highest mean (Xm =2.83, Xf=2.81) as the method adopted by married people in expending money on clothing. Based on the findings of this research it was recommended that families should adopt methods that will still allow them have extra money for other needs in the family.

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Pages: 1-11

Cite this Article: UGAH A.A., AGBO D.A., KEMBE E.A. , "REDUCING CLOTHING EXPENDITURE AMONG FAMILIES IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS IN AN ECONOMY CHARACTERIZED BY INFLATION", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 1-11 #JAEES

Authors: UGBOAJA C.I., ONU S.E.

Abstracts: This study investigated the consumption preference of foreign and local rice among rural households in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain the level of preference of local rice, determine the factors influencing household preference of local rice consume. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in sampling 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with the used of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The grand mean score of 1.60 revealed that the respondents preferred local rice. Factors that significantly influence the household consumption preference for local rice were price (p < 0.05), nutritional value (p < 0.05), ease of preparation (p < 0.01) cleanliness (p < 0.01) and taste (p < 0.05). The study concluded that rural dwellers still preferred to consume local rice due to its nutritive values. It was recommended that local rice producer should improve the quality of the rice for it to have competitive advantage over foreign rice. Government should invest in local rice production by issuing loans to local rice farmers and encourage mechanization.

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Pages: 223-299

Cite this Article: UGBOAJA C.I., ONU S.E. , "CONSUMPTION PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL RICE AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 223-229 #JAEES

Authors: WEYE E.A., UMEH J.C., ABU G.A.

Abstracts: This study was undertaken to determine effects of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) scourge on agricultural households in North-Central Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all farming households in North Central Nigeria. Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States were purposively selected based on their high HIV prevalence rates. Random sampling was used in selecting 408 respondents. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results showed that majority (68.6%) of the respondents were males, and married (64.0 %) with average household size of 9 persons. Up to 83.1% had primary or secondary education having farming (51.2 %) as a major occupation with a mean farming experience of 20 years. Land ownership was mainly through inheritance (66.9 %) while most (87.5%) farms ranged from 1.0 – 6.0 hectares in size with a mean farm size of 3.75ha. Majority (65.69%) of the respondents had annual farm incomes ranging from N 1 – N, 200,000 with a mean annual farm income of N 173,290. The major coping strategies against the scourge were withdrawal of money from savings (63 %), borrowing from friends and relatives and reduction in quantity and quality of meals eaten (61 %), changing children's schools to cheaper ones (58.6 %), taking up secondary occupation (55.6 %) and reduced consumption of other goods (50.4 %). Marital status, annual income, level of education, farm size, civil servant farmers, sale of assets and de-saving, had positive relationship and were statistically significant with the consumption of such goods and services. However, household size was negative to it. The study concluded that HIV and AIDS constitute a heavy financial and economic burden on households through catastrophic health expenditures and adversely reduced agricultural productivity. Social security programmes like National Health Insurance Scheme are recommended for poor households to help them smooth consumption.

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Pages: 149-162

Cite this Article: WEYE E.A., UMEH J.C., ABU G.A. , "COPING STRATEGIES AND CONSUMPTION SMOOTHING AMONG HIV AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 149-162 #JAEES

Authors: OGUNLEYE K.Y., OJEDOKUN A.O.

Abstracts: This study examined factors that influence teaching of practical agriculture in secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 161 respondents from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state using simple random sampling. The descriptive statistics revealed that 61.4% of the respondents were females, between 20 – 40 years of age, 34.3% are professionally trained as they had educational qualifications, 72.3% taught in government schools while 71.7% are agricultural science teachers. The result revealed that majority of the instructional materials were available but were not all adequate for practical agricultural training and that teachers were faced with problems such as inadequate fund for agricultural teachers, distant location of school farm from school premise and needed support for them to effectively teach practical agriculture. The binomial logit regression revealed a positive significant relationship between support needed by respondents (0.511; p = ≤ 0.10) but negative significant relationship between position of respondents (-0.700; p = ≤0.005), type of school (-0.983; p = ≤0.10), level of teaching (-0.818; p = ≤0.05), problems faced by the teachers (-0.478; p = ≤ 0.10), availability of instructional materials (-2.687; p = ≤0.05) and involvement of respondents in teaching practical agriculture. The study recommended that the necessary instructional materials needed should not only be made available but should be adequate as this will facilitate effective practical agricultural training. Government should try to assist secondary schools in combating the various problems faced by agricultural science teachers.

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Pages: 179-191

Cite this Article: OGUNLEYE K.Y., OJEDOKUN A.O. , "FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TEACHING OF PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 179-191 #JAEES

Authors: ATER P.I., BIAM C.K., ABU G.A., EWUNG B.F.

Abstracts: The research assessed effects of HIV/AIDS on rural labour force and productivity of agricultural communities in Cross River State. Using multistage random sampling techniques on infected and non-infected farm households, 308 respondents were sampled and structured questionnaire administered by trained enumerators with adequate experience in the State. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics like OLS regression and correlation analysis. The result on age for the infected households indicated a mean of 41.98 years with 55.3% falling within the age bracket of 21 to 40 years. For the non-infected farmers, the average age was 47.98 years. Fertilizer and seed inputs utilization were statistically significant (p≤0.05) for infected and non-infected farm households. Farm size and family labour however, were statistically significant only for non-infected households. The average labour force (18 years and above) for infected households was approximately 3 persons as against 4 persons for non-infected farm households. The mean labour productivity for infected farmers was 6715.62ton/man day while, that of the non-infected farmers was 8285.89ton/manday. The difference in productivity was significant at 5% level of probability. The study recommends special inputs subsidy programme for infected farmers, institutionalization of the HIV/AIDS (public health) desk in the State and Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as ensuring continued sensitization on HIV/AIDS prevention methods to check vulnerability scourge and improve on labour force supply and productivity.

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Pages: 55-67

Cite this Article: ATER P.I., BIAM C.K., ABU G.A., EWUNG B.F. , "RURAL HOUSEHOLDS' HIV/AIDS MENACE ON PRODUCTIVE LABOUR FORCE AND PRODUCTIVITY IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA", Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Science (JAEES), http://www.JAEES.org/online-papers-publishing/May2018, Volume 4 - Issue 2, May 2018 Edition, 55-67 #JAEES