Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Germination And Moisture Level Response Of Some Selected Leguminous Seeds To Various Storage Methods

Peter E N, Efretuei A O, Iwo G A — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Leguminous crops such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), and soybean (Glycine max) play critical roles in food security, soil fertility, and economic sustainability due to their high protein content, nutritional value, and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, the viability of legume seeds during storage is significantly influenced by storage conditions. This study evaluated the effects of five storage using jute bags, cotton bags, plastic containers, hermetic storage, and underground storage on the germination rate and moisture level of these crops. Seeds were stored for three months under each method, and viability tests including germination rate, and moisture content were conducted. The results revealed significant differences among storage methods; Underground storage was the most effective, yielding the highest germination rates (82.67% for cowpea, 76.33% for groundnut, and 71.00% for soybean) and maintaining optimal moisture levels. Hermetic storage also performed well, with comparable germination rates and excellent moisture retention. The Hermatic storage system promoted germination across the three crops with cowpea recording the highest percentage of 82.33% followed by groundnut (72.33%) and Soybeans (63.00%). Plastic container gave 75.67% for Soybean and 65.67% for Cowpea but only 51% for groundnut. Cotton bag system of storage gave marginal germination of the three crops from 47.33% to 53.33%. In contrast, seeds stored in jute bags exhibited the lowest germination rates (14.00% for groundnut, 49.67% for cowpea, and 42.33% for soybean) due to high moisture absorption, pest infestations, and membrane damage, as indicated by low germination rate values. The study underscores the importance of proper storage techniques in preserving seed viability and highlights underground and hermetic methods as superior options.

Estimating the inheritance of drought-tolerance and yield-associated traits of groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.) Using generation mean and variance analysis of parental, f1 and the segregating populations (backcrosses and f2)

Oppong Sekyere Daniel, Aduguba Orlando Wilberforce, And Essel John Henderick — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a vital legume crop globally, particularly in semi-arid regions where drought stress significantly hampers yield and productivity. The inheritance of drought tolerance and yield-associated traits remains a key challenge in groundnut breeding programs. This study aims to estimate the genetic basis of drought tolerance and yield-associated traits using generation mean and variance analysis of parental, F1, and segregating populations (F2 and backcrosses). The study was conducted at the Department of Ecological Agriculture, School of Agriculture, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana. Hybridization activities were carried out in a screen house starting on August 2, 2022, to develop bi-parental crosses. Field evaluations of parental lines (P1 and P2), F1, F2, and backcross generations (BC1.1 and BC1.2) were conducted between January and November 2023 under two water regimes: well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) conditions. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The genetic material included the drought-tolerant landrace Chinese (M) and three other landraces, Sinkara (M), Ndogba (F), and Chaco-pag (F), selected for their high pod, seed, and biomass yields, as well as their farmer-preferred traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among generations for traits such as days to flowering, plant height, pod weight, seed weight, and biomass yield. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability (h2n) ranged from 0.07 (harvest index) to 0.96 (dry biomass), while broad-sense heritability (H2b) values were consistently high (>0.65), indicating strong genetic influence on these traits. Generation mean analysis suggested the predominance of additive gene action for most traits, though dominance and epistatic interactions were also significant for specific traits.

Estimation Of Water Requirements Of Early And Late Season Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) In Umudike Southeastern Nigeria, Using Penman’s Equation

Nwamuo L O, Osodeke V E, Nwaogu R E — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The estimation of water requirements of tomato was carried out based on 10 years meteorological data in Umudike Southeastern Nigeria, typical of the humid tropical zone. The climatic data used to calculate the crop evapotranspiration (ETo) for estimation of water requirement of tomatoes were obtained from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NOAA/NCEP) under the National Weather Service, United States of America using Penman’s equation. Results obtained showed that the crop evapotranspiration (ETo) value for early tomato (April - July) was 429.6mm while late season was 375.4mm. Irrigation water requirement was zero for tomato which shows that there was no water deficit. Therefore, no Supplementary irrigation is necessary for tomato in Umudike but there may be need for irrigation to guide against water stress of tomatoes to supplement rain water in late season in the study area.

Estimation Of Water Requirements Of Early And Late Season Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) In Umudike Southeastern Nigeria, Using Penman’s Equation

Nwamuo L O, Osodeke V E, Nwaogu R E — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Crop Farmers’ Perception Of Flooding On Livelihood Activities In Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Elemi Ginini F, Eta Hilda C, Obindin David C — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined crop farmers’ perception of flooding on livelihood activities in Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain causes of flood in the study area, identify the types of flood prevalent in the study area, ascertain the frequency of occurrence of flood in the study area, examine the perceived effect of flood on respondents’ livelihood activities and identify the constraints encountered by crop farmers toward controlling flood. A Multi-staged sampling technique was used to select respondents and a total number of 245 crop farmers were sampled using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that causes of flood in the study area were: Heavy and prolonged rainfall with mean score of 3.17 and construction of settlement in flood plains with mean score of 2.81. The flood types prevalent in the study area were river flood and surface water flood as it ranked 1^st with mean score of 3.60 and 2^nd with mean score of 3.05. The result on the frequency of occurrence of flood showed that a larger proportion (57.6%) experience flooding every year Some of the perceived effect of flood on livelihood activities as indicated by the respondents were loss of crops, loss of income and hunger and starvation as they ranked 1^st with mean score (2.88), 2^nd with mean score (2.76) and 3^rd with mean score (2.57) respectively. Major constraints encountered by respondents were inadequate fund for controlling flood with mean score of 3.55 and inadequate information on the occurrence of flood with mean score of 3.51. It is recommended that, the government should provide adequate infrastructures such as good drainage systems, crop resistance varieties should be made available to farmers in flood prone areas and construction of houses in flood plain area should be discouraged.

Changes In Stress Markers And Thermoregulatory Response Of Broilers, Noilers, And Native Chickens To Transportation Stress

Anoh K U, Halilu A, Ogar S A, Paul J N, Anthony G — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study evaluated the changes in stress markers and the thermoregulatory response of broilers, noilers, and native chickens to transportation stress. A total of 45 chickens of three breeds (matured native chicken, noiler chicken, and broiler chicken) were used in this study and each breed had 15 chickens respectively and the breeds served as the treatments. The chickens were randomly placed in the transportation crates in a completely randomized design. The birds' rectal temperature (RT) and body temperature (BT) were measured before, during, and after transportation. Five (5) ml of blood was collected from the wing vein of five birds of the three strains, respectively, chosen randomly, into sample bottles/tubes for haematological and changes in the evaluation of stress markers. Data obtained from the study was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. The result showed that the body temperature of the broiler before, during, and after transportation was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of noiler and the local chicken. Cortisol concentration in the broilers was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than cortisol levels in the noilers and Local chickens. Cortisol levels recorded after transportation were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than before. Most of the haematological parameters of the three breeds of birds significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased after transportation. The values of the stress markers were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the Broiler and Noiler chickens than in the Local chickens. After transportation, the serum glucose of the noiler significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased while the calcium and sodium decreased. It was concluded that broilers were susceptible to transportation stress at a short distance while noilers and local chickens were prone to transportation stress at a longer duration.

Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Of Small-Scale Fisherfolks In Cross River State, Nigeria

Ekanem Abasiekong Etuk, Susana Ben Ohen, Francis M Nwosu, Idiong C Idiong — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the multidimensional poverty status of small-scale fisherfolk in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using the Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Tool (MPAT) and data from 175 households. The methodology employed a multi-stage sampling technique, and data were collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The study revealed a high incidence of multidimensional poverty, with 76% of households experiencing deprivation in at least three essential dimensions. The Alkire-Foster method was used to derive the multidimensional poverty index. The results show that the aggregate multidimensional poverty index (MPI) was 0.388 and 0.345 for K=0.3 and K=0.5, indicating that many respondents were multidimensionally poor. The intensity of poverty was 0.510 and 0.538 for K=0.3 and K=0.5, respectively. The study identifies domestic water supply, gender and social equality, housing, clothing, energy, and farm assets as key dimensions of poverty. Pearson's correlation analysis reveals significant relationships between these dimensions and healthcare (r = 0.377, p < 0.05), education (r = -0.220, p < 0.05), and non-farm assets (r = 0.181, p < 0.10). Binary logistic regression analysis identifies age (Exp(B) = 0.968, p < 0.05), agricultural zone (Exp(B) = 1.987, p < 0.01), and possession of fishing assets (Exp(B) = 0.391, p < 0.10) as significant factors influencing multidimensional poverty. Based on the findings, this study recommends that policymakers and development organizations prioritize interventions aimed at improving domestic water supply, promoting gender and social equality, and enhancing access to farm and non-farm assets (fishing assets).

Determinants Of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Employed By Arable Crop Farmers In Cross River State, Nigeria

Idiong C Idiong, Ekanem A Etuk, Susana B Ohen — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the climate change adaptation strategies employed by arable crop farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. It adopted a multi-stage and random sampling procedure to select 318 registered arable crop farmers from three agricultural zones in the State. Primary data were collected using a set of structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, and a multinomial logit model (inferential statistics). The results indicate predominance (63%) of male arable crop farmers, with an average age of 48±10.91years. A majority (96.54%) had attained some level of education and had a mean farm size of 1.02±0.10 hectares. The adaptation strategies employed by the respondents included; crop diversification (77.04%), off-farm employment (73.90%), adoption of enhanced crop cultivars (69.50%), land fragmentation (68.55%), and planting of early maturing crops (57.23%). The multinomial logit analysis which revealed that education (0.052; 0.065) positively and significantly influenced the adoption of enhanced cultivars (P<0.01) and early-maturing crops (p<0.05) respectively, while access to extension services (0.025) positively and significantly (p<0.05) influenced the adoption of enhanced cultivars. On the other hand, the coefficients of farm size (0.033, 0.0312 and 0.013) were positive and significantly influenced, use of enhanced cultivars, planting early maturing crops and off-farm employment respectively. Conversely, age (-0.054, -0.012, -0.021 and -0.031) negatively impacted use of enhanced cultivars, planting of early-maturing crops, off-farm employment and land fragmentation strategies respectively. It is recommended that government and non-governmental organisations should create and implement policies supporting sustainable land management practices, encouraging off-farm employment, improving financial access for farmers, promoting climate-smart agriculture educational programs, and advancing research on climate-resilient crops.

Constraints Affecting The Fundraising Capability Of Community Development Associations In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Akpabio Iniobong Aniefiok, Udousung Idongesit John, Ekpo Owoidoho Sunday — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was designed to analyse factors deterring the fundraising capability of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the profile of CDAs, evaluated their fundraising capability, and identified constraining factors affecting their fundraising capabilities. Data was collected from 270 respondents affiliated with 27 CDAs across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Collated data were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, means, percentages and ranks) and inferential (Principal Component Analysis) statistical tools. Findings indicate that CDAs are predominantly led by middle-aged individuals (51-60 years: 33.6%; 41-50 years: 29.9%), with a male-dominated leadership structure. The highest proportion of members hold higher education qualifications (50.7% first degree, 13.3% master’s degree), equipping them with strategic planning and financial management skills. Despite demonstrating strong technical capabilities in resource mobilization (x̄=3.23) and frequent engagement in fundraising (x̄=3.54), CDAs struggled with financial management, proposal writing (x̄=2.94), and online fundraising (x̄=1.84). Governance analysis showed committed board leadership (x̄=3.06), but comprehensive fundraising plans were moderately implemented (x̄=2.90). Six key factors were identified as constraint factors to the fundraising capability of CDAs. The major factors were: Organizational capability and internal challenges (which had strong loadings on insufficient investment in fundraising training and internal disputes); donor relations and proposal quality (which showed a high load on maintaining donor relationships); and financial management and accountability (which focused on weak financial recordsand delays in fund disbursement). The study concludes that weak internal structures, poor donor engagement, financial mismanagement, and resistance to innovation significantly hinder fundraising success. To mitigate fundraising constraints, the study recommends, among others, that CDAs strengthen financial accountability, invest in donor relations, leverage digital platforms and adopt innovative fundraising techniques.

Gender Participation In Community Forest Management, Cross River State, Nigeria

Eta Hilda Chia, Eremi Emmanuel Ohara, Iyamah Dorathy Aje — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated gender participation in sustainable forest management in Cross River State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 135 respondents. Data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test at 5% level of significance. Socio-economic characteristics showed that 59.3% of forest users were males and 64.5% had primary education and below. Users were aware of sustainable forest management practices like: participation in forest management committee meetings (100%), prohibition of deforestation (98.5%), and membership into forest management committees (95.6%). Concerning participation in community forest management activities, 3.6% women participated in forest patrol activities against 27.5% men, 14.6% women belonged to community forest management groups compared to 40% men. Major factors that constrained women’s participation were: traditional gender roles/responsibilities (MS= 4.37) and high level of poverty (MS=4.32). For men they were: stringent laws on accessing/harvesting forest resources (MS= 4.25) and age of forest user (MS= 4.17). The t-test results showed that when equal variances were assumed, there was no significant difference in the level of participation in community forest management activities between the males and females [t (133) = -.723, p=.472, 95% CI (-.140, .065)]. The study recommended that technical support to community members should focus on strategies that motivate them to get actively involved in sustainable management of their forest.

Assessing The Level Of Participation In The Success Of Agricultural Initiatives In The Rural Areas Of The Niger Delta Geopolital Zone, In Nigeria

Amafade U G, Umehai M C, Eromedoghene E O, Adeoti V I, Ogholo W, Adeoti J T — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study assesses the level of community participation in agricultural initiatives in the rural areas of the Niger Delta, Nigeria, with the aim of understanding the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, the accessibility of information on community participation, and the overall level of involvement in agricultural development projects. Utilizing a multistage random sampling technique, data were collected from 100 respondents across five selected states. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Findings reveal that 57.5% of respondents were male, with the majority aged between 40-49 years and engaged predominantly in farming. A significant relationship (p-value = 0.008) was identified between access to information and community participation, indicating that enhanced information availability positively influences engagement levels. On a scale of 4 to 5, community participation was rated at a mean of 3.58, reflecting active involvement in project planning and monitoring, while areas such as financial contributions were rated lower (mean = 2.39). The study recommends the adoption of inclusive strategies that empower marginalized groups, ensuring their voices are integral to agricultural initiatives. A shift from traditional top-down approaches to collaborative, bottom-up strategies is essential for fostering sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of rural communities in the Niger Delta.

Climate Change And Rural Farmers’ Water Shortage Coping Mechanisms In Idemili North Agricultural Block, Anambra State, Nigeria

Eta H C, Elemi G F, Idiku F O, Aya C F, Nwolisa G C — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, climate change is a topical environmental issue because of its impacts on ecosystems and communities. Rural farmers suffer most due to low incomes, technological/institutional capacity to adapt to these changes and greater reliance on climate-sensitive renewable natural resources like water. This study therefore investigated rural farmers’ water shortage coping strategies in Idemili North agricultural block, Anambra State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 110 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaire and analyzed using means, percentages, and multinomial logistic regression. Major water sources available were: boreholes (95.5%), rainwater (90.0%), and streams (87.3%). Main perceived effects of climate change on water sources were: change in water quality (x̅=4.48), change in water colour (x̅=4.40), change in quantity of surface water run-off (x̅=3.98), reduction in the number of water sources (x̅=3.60), and rising water levels resulting in flooding (x̅=3.54). Significant coping strategies adopted were: water harvesting and storage (x̅=4.78), reducing the quantity of water for both domestic agricultural purposes (x̅= 4.56), planting trees around water catchment areas (x̅=4.20) and trekking long distances in search of water (x̅=4.06). Local based development organizations should mobilize rural farmers and empower them with knowledge and skills to sustainably use and conserve water for agriculture and other purposes.