This study determined the effectiveness of extension services among food crop farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 145 respondents in the study area. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents; data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results reveal that more than half of the farmers are female (56.6%) and have poor contact with extension services (54.5%). Significant relationship exists between age, sex, level of education, farming experience, farmer's attitude toward extension services, extension services received, and the effectiveness of extension services. Training and increased incentives for extension agents, as well as proper monitoring and evaluation of extension budgets, are pertinent to improving extension service delivery to farmers.
Conflict resolution approach of Local Government Peace and Security Committee (PSC) set up in Ibarapa area of Oyo state is pertinent and exemplary to the realization of the important goal of a food secured country and achievement of sustainable agricultural development policy in the country. The study examined stakeholders' effectiveness of role of Local Government PSC in preventing farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Ibadan/Ibarapa Agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 170 respondents (86 farmers and 84 pastoralists) were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, chi-square and Correlation. Majority (80.3%) were below 50 years of age. There were more males than females. Destruction of crops, water pollution and competition for land were the main causes of farmer-pastoralist conflicts. Respondents were aware of preventive measures of payment of fines by the violators (81.2%), formation of local community associations (77.1%) likewise education of herders and farmers (76.5%) as measures adopted for conflict resolution. Sex, religion, educational status, marital status and age were significantly related to perceived effectiveness of roles of PSC. Cattle rustling (r=0.208), destruction of crops (r = 0.170), female harassment (r = 0.180) and water pollution (r =0.275) showed positive and significant relationship with perceived effectiveness of PSC. The t-test result shows that the perception of farmers (Mean = 66.93) and pastoralists (Mean = 77.93) were significantly different (t =-59) in terms the effectiveness of roles of the PSC committee. Measures used by the PSC were not effective enough, more pro-active measures to resolve farmer-herder conflicts should be incorporated through a participatory approach.
Predictors of biosecurity utilization among broiler farmers are of concern on the need for guaranteed safe meat supply to consumers, guarding against epidemics and sustainability of profitable poultry enterprise. Therefore, this study looked into the determinants of biosecurity utilization among broiler farmers in Ekiti State. Multistage and random sampling techniques were used to select 135 respondents for the study; data were collected using structured interview schedule, frequency counts, percentages, PPMC' and linear regression. Majority (60.7%) of the respondents was males, young (31-40years), more than half (51.1% and 53.3%) were married and had poultry as their primary occupation. Majority (67.4% and 65.9%) always sourced information on biosecurity practices from friends and had high level of biosecurity awareness. Non-compliance of visitors with parking of cars away from the poultry house was rated as a very serious constraint to biosecurity utilization. Level of education (β=0.621), poultry experience (β=0.416), membership of organization (β=0.511), income level (β=0.401), awareness of biosecurity (β=0.317) and constraints to biosecurity utilization (β=0.266) were contributors to utilization of biosecurity for broiler production. Hence, further information on biosecurity practices for broiler production and how the respondents can market their broilers effectively should be provided by public extension agents and channeled through poultry association.
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