This study investigated the profitability of shrimp value chain. Primary data were obtained using well structured questionnaire from randomly selected 240 shrimp operators (harvesters, processors and marketers). Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze collected data. The result revealed that the mean profit realized was N70,092 N36,255 and N26,097.30 by harvesters, processors and marketers respectively. Value added at was N500 and N1000 per basket by processors and marketers respectively. Test of hypothesis indicates that quantity sold (0.218), price (0.033), bargaining power (0.002) and union dues (0.099), showed positive and significant relationship with shrimp value chain profitability. While market levy and store rent showed negative relationship with profitability in shrimp value chain. It was recommended that there should be moderate store rent. Marketers should increase their bargaining power at the point of procurement and union dues should be reduced so that shrimp value chain profitability can be enhanced.

Increasing concern about the problem of risk associated with poultry business has highlighted the need for its comprehensive understanding. A clear knowledge of financial risk in broiler enterprise will pave the way to efficient mitigation strategies among broiler producers. This study investigates financial risk programming, and threshold analysis in broiler enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria. Probabilistic (multi-stage) sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 200 broiler farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect 6 years time series data (2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)) from the respondents. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, QSB version of linear programming model, and threshold model. The results of the study showed that broiler enterprise is profitable with optimum net profit of N47,925 and N357,558 per small scale and large scale producers, respectively. An optimum profit of N389.9 per bird was earned by broiler producers. The output of QSB version of linear programming showed that at the stocking rate of 20, 692 birds, financial risk is optimized at 15%. The threshold regression model revealed that the broiler enterprise in the study area generally operated below the risk threshold. Simple regression indicated that expected return is positively and significantly (P < 0.05) related with financial risk. Incorporating financial risk as a constraint in the broiler farm plan is a useful contribution that will enhance efficient farm planning. The optimal return and financial risk threshold provided in this study will improve the confidence level of stakeholders in poultry industry such as current and potential investors, insurance institution and institutional lenders. This will translate to growth in the broiler subsector of the poultry industry in Delta State.

Orchards can generate financial benefits and are thus capable of alleviating poverty and food insecurity. It is important to broaden and clarify the existing body of knowledge on the dual impact of orchards ownership among indigenous farmers. This study empirically investigated the direct and indirect impact of orchards on household food security, poverty status and ownership decision of orchards. Cross sectional data were collected with structure questionnaire from randomly drawn sample of 150 farmers. Primary data collected were analyzed using relevant descriptive and inferential statistical tools (mean, percentage, standard deviation, logistic regression and chisquare). The test of hypothesis indicated significant difference in the income (poverty) level of owners and non-owners of orchards. Marketing of tree fruits generated 13% and 24% of household food security and income respectively. Multiplier index of 28% was generated by orchards ownership. Income derivable via tree diversity and food security are the most significant factors that influenced tree crop ownership decision among rural farmers. It was recommended that international organizations such as World Bank, United Nations with poverty alleviation and food security policies targeted at developing countries should consider the dual potentials of backyard orchards in this regard.

This study investigates aged operators' willingness to quit operations and youths' inclusion in shrimp value chain. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaire from randomly selected 120 shrimp operators. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze collected data. Demographic result suggests that majority (82.50%) of the operators were female and (52.50%) acquired secondary education. The finding shows that aged people (70.83%) dominated shrimp value chain with 29.17% inclusion rate for young actors. Result of hypothesis testing shows that the average income realized by youths is significantly higher than the net income realized aged. About 48% of the aged operators indicated willingness to quit shrimp harvesting in the future due to the drudgery involved. Incentives such as grants, loans and aquaculture-specific education should be given to the youth to encourage more participation. Youths should form important component of government policy and programmes for the development of shrimp industry in Nigeria.