ABSTRACT
The research was carried out to identify the possible constraints and development of strategic policies in expanding and improving cassava production and processing amongst cassava value chain actors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data generated from the research the 150 cassava producers and processors (cassava value chain actors) through the use of well- define structured interview schedule was collated. The Multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selection of farmer respondents. The multivariate analytical technique was used in analyzing generated data employing the statistical application software of Genstat version 12. The eigen value, percentage variations and loading values contributing to low cassava output were used in achieving the objectives. The results showed that the major constraints to cassava production and processing were agronomic, technical/institutional and financial constraints. The major policy strategies should include a global, national, regional and community strategies all geared towards the evolution of industry analysis for improving cassava productivity in the study area through the development of the traditional farming systems, making good planting material accessible to farmers and on time and at lowest possible prices; the provision of credit facilities to the resource poor cassava –based farmers in the area with no collateral; the establishment of cassava product based cottage industries in the area for cassava value chain development; provision of adequate cassava processing equipment and the formation of cassava farmers’ multipurpose cooperative societies to enhance farmers’ access to benefit from world bank assisted programmes; have free access to basic information and production facilities. The study, therefore, recommended that cassava product based cottage industries be established in the study area in order to encourage both producers and processors in the value addition chain. This will also provide employment and likewise encourage the restive youths in the region to venture into agriculture as a business for economic returns, growth and development of the area. The identified constraints with the higher loading values for each of the principal multivariate should be strengthened using appropriate development strategies/policies to ensure food security and increased farm income for cassava – based farmers in the region.
ABSTRACT
The success of any selection process is greatly enhanced by using appropriate selection indices. The knowledge of the relationship among various traits affecting grain yield is imperative to arrive at potentially effective selection index. The study was carried out to unveil the different attributes of genetic variability, the type of interrelationships among the various traits affecting yield. Fifteen local and improved maize inbred lines were crossed to three tester varieties to develop 45 test cross progenies. The parents and crosses (63 entries in all) were evaluated in two different locations with three replications at each location using the Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data generated was recorded for the quantitative traits evaluated and subjected to statistical analysis for estimation of various variability parameters namely GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance alongside computing genotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis to unveil the direct and indirect effects of the various traits studied. The analysis of variability parameters evaluated revealed the presence of significant variability for all the traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter showed high GCV estimates, with high heritability. The genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grain/row and grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100 seed weight, ear length, kernel rows/ear and grains/row had highest significant correlation with grain yield. The path coefficient analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100 seed weight followed by grains/row, kernel rows/ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100 – seed weight, kernel rows/ear and grains/row. The inferences of the results of the present study and their possible implications in maize breeding have been revealed.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed at determining the educational requirement of Beekeepers in mitigating Climate Change Effects on bee honey production in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used in achieving this. To adequately and appropriately execute the project three objectives were formulated. From these objectives, research questions were generated and hypotheses formulated accordingly to guide data gathering and analysis. The instrument for data gathering was a four point close ended questionnaire from which 150 farmers and 50 extension agents were selected to respond to items in the questionnaire using the census approach. Data collected from their responses were subjected to two forms of descriptive analysis. The first was percentage descriptive analysis which was used to x-ray the biodata. Second, mean and standard deviation were used to treat the research questions. The third method used is the independent t-test on the three man hypothesis of the study. The result of the analysis warranted the rejection of the three null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance with 198 degrees of freedom using 1.96 as the critical t-value. It was found out that ecological practices of farmers contribute to climate change, climate change has impacted negatively on bee honey production, and farmers should be educated through agricultural extension education in order to become conscious of their practices on natural resources and mitigate climate change effects in bee honey production.