Evaluating the role of public agricultural extension and advisory services in promoting agro-ecology transition in Southeast Nigeria

Agroecological farming approaches sustain food production with zero or reduced dependence on agro-chemicals. This study investigated the impact of the public agricultural extension activities in enhancing the transition to agroecological approaches, in particular organic farming, in south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected from 30 farmers and 20 extension personnel using in-depth interviews. The respondents were selected using a purposeful random sampling technique. The results show that extension and advisory activities are influenced by current agricultural policy. Extension personnel currently focus almost exclusively on intensive agricultural practices because of the agricultural transformation agenda which surprisingly ignores the principles of organic farming. Factors such as policy, social, environmental, research, and extension management were observed to impede organic farming transition. It is concluded that there is need for a clearly enunciated organic agriculture policy that supports farmers, organic agricultural research, and information dissemination. A participatory approach in policy formulation and information dissemination that incorporates farmers’ traditional knowledge with capacity to strengthen the agricultural information dissemination structure is recommended to improve agroecological transition.<br/

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA Goat products: Meeting the challenges of human health and nutrition

ABSTRACT The prospect of using small ruminants as food has not been fully exploited. Small ruminants produce food and fiber for man at a relatively low cost as they graze on pasture and feed on farm by -products. There are documentations on the benefits that can be derived from goat products regardless, of the breed or region. Goat meat is a source of high quality protein and low saturated fats which is good for human health. The use of goat meat and milk as therapeutic aids in heartrelated diseases and other ailments is unknown to many. This paper therefore, seeks to present goat as a good source of protein to help alleviate the protein nutritional deficiency of humans. The utilization of goat as experimental animal in researches, for medical purposes and other uses were also highlighted

Appraisal of pig production in Songhai redemption farm, Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria

The objectives of the study are to estimate the costs and returns of pig production in the farm estimate the production function of the enterprise and isolate the factors militating against enhanced production performance of pig enterprises in the farm. Data used for the analysis were collected through well-structured questionnaire and personal interview on the piggery units, costs and revenue items in the farm. The results show that piggery production is a profitable venture. Feeding cost accounted for the largest proportion of the total variable cost incurred in this enterprise. The findings revealed that such variables like number of pigs in stock, labor cost, medication cost and depreciated value of capital implements were positively related to output and statistically significant while feeding cost was negative and significant, but purchasing cost was negative and insignificant. It is recommended that alternative feed sources that will enhance cost reduction and increase output be used. Feed ingredients should be subsidized. More competent workers should be employed and the capacity of piggery production in the establishment should be increased. Workers need motivation and more capital should be made available. Keywords: Pig, production cost, farm, feed, Nigeria > Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 208-21

The role of extension officers and extension services in the development of agriculture in Nigeria

This article contains figuresThe role of agricultural extension in the development of agriculture throughout the world is not in doubt. It has remained one of the prime movers in the development of agriculture and invariably in the rural development. This paper reviewed the role of extension officers and extension services in the development of agriculture in Nigeria. The paper dwelt on the basic concepts underlying the scope, understanding and meaning of agricultural extension, role of extension service and extension officers. It is the belief of this paper that no nation will have real growth in the agricultural sector without effective extension service. It is also the belief of this paper that total eradication of agricultural development problems can be achieved through extension service approach if the role of extension is properly conceived and effectively administered

Agricultural production and climate change: Need for proper extension policy formulation in Nigeria

A research work on Agricultural Production and Climate ChangeChanges in climate are expected to have significant impacts on farm yields and product quality as a result of changes in temperature, moisture, air and soil. This paper reviews the effects of climate change on agricultural production and the need for extension policy formulation. The paper further dwelt on the need for sound agricultural policy but observed that much cannot be achieved in that direction without efficient and effective extension system. It recommends a well articulated and comprehensive agricultural extension policy which will address properly the issue of climate change and its mitigations/adaptation