Journal of Community & Communication Research

ASSESSING THE GENDER GAPS IN EXTENSION DELIVERY SERVICES IN EBONYI STATE NIGERIA

2023-12-31T10:07:57+00:00

This study assessed gender gaps in extension delivery services in Ebonyi State Nigeria, based on the following objectives: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the extension agents in the study area, assess gender involvement in extension delivery services, and determine factors affecting the respondents’ access to extension delivery services. Primary data were collected from 120 (60 males and 60 females) randomly selected extension agents in Ebonyi State, using a structured interview schedule. Qualitative and quantitative statistical tools were employed for data analyses. The major findings were that both genders were well-educated with the female extension workers having a higher percentage. The findings further showed that female extension workers were more involved in extension services delivery, such as training, farmers meetings, MTRM, FNT, and monitoring and evaluation, while their male counterparts were more involved in enumeration work. The result of the organizational factors affecting extension workers in extension services delivery showed that the male extension workers were affected by eleven out of fourteen factors in delivering their extension services with a mean score of (????̅=2.38 ) The study further concluded that the socioeconomic profile such as marital status, distance from office to field, working experience and age had a lot of bearing on their involvement in extension services delivery. The study therefore, called for policies aimed at giving gender-equitable services, motivating extension agents, and increasing the proportion of women extension officers using quota to have an adequate number of female extension workers to effectively attend to female farmers/clients in Nigeria and fill the existing gender gaps in extension services delivery in ADPs.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCED THE PERCEIVED EFFECT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON FOOD PRODUCTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T11:58:50+00:00

The study sought to understand the factors that influenced the perceived effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on food production among rural farmers in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, the study examined the perceived effect of Covid 19 lockdown on food production, identified the sources of farm-related information among the rural farmers during the lockdown, and identified the factors that affected the perceived effect of COVID-19 lockdown on food production among rural farmers in Akwa Ibom State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 180 respondents for the study. Data used for the study were obtained through a well-designed questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, mean, and simple linear regression models. The majority of the respondents agreed that the Covid-19 lockdown reduced farmers’ income (4.76) reduced workers’ availability (4.67), the restriction of movement due to the pandemic was responsible for the disruption of transportation of farm inputs (4.62), food unavailability (4.61) food unaffordability (4.56) and reduced accessibility to food (4.47). The most used sources of information among the respondents during the lockdown were extension agents (3.62), radio (3.46), mobile phones (3.16), neighbour to neighbour (3.13), and crop farmers association (3.07). We also found that lack of funds (0.99), lack of fertilizer and agro-chemicals (0.97), high cost of inputs (0.96), lack of planting materials, and high cost of hired labour (0.94), poor market linkages (0.93) and poor storage facilities (0.90) were the factors influencing the perceived effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on food production among the respondents. This study found a positive and significant influence (R = 0.666; F_(1,178) = 141.826; P < 0.05) of these factors on the variance in the perceived effect of COVID-19 lockdown on food production. This implied that as these factors increased, the perceived effect of covid-19 lockdown on food production also increased. Farmers should be encouraged and supported to engage in multiple economic activities to forestall this state of vulnerability should a pandemic break out in the future and improve their income level, as well as boost their food production status based on affordability.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TEACHING OF PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-01-03T14:19:24+00:00

The study examined factors influencing teaching of practical agriculture in secondary schools in Imo State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was utilized in selecting 190 respondents used for the study. From the study, eighty six percent of the teachers are professionally trained as they had educational qualifications and seventy two percent of them taught in government schools. Results revealed that majority of the instructional materials were available but were not all adequate for practical agricultural training, and that teachers were faced with problems like distant location of school farm from school premises, the structure of the curriculum does not allow for practical agricultural training, inadequate fund for agricultural science teachers, and needed support for them to effectively teach practical agriculture. From the binominal logit regression analysis, there was negative significant relationship between type of school, level of teaching, position of agricultural science teachers, problems faced by these teachers, availability of instructional materials and positive significant relationship between support needed by agricultural science teachers and their involvement in teaching practical agriculture. It was recommended that the necessary instructional materials needed should not only be made available but should be adequate as this will facilitate effective practical agricultural training. Government should assist secondary schools in tackling the various problems faced by agricultural science teachers.

ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION SOURCES, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF GBONGAN RESIDENTS (OSUN STATE) TOWARDS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

2023-12-31T11:24:38+00:00

This research investigated the information sources, knowledge, and attitudes of Gbongan residents towards female genital mutilation (FGM). Employing a mixed-method design that integrates a survey with in-depth interviews, the study utilized a questionnaire and interview moderator's guides to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis involved simple percentage calculations, correlation assessments, and thematic analysis. The findings underscore the prevalence of interpersonal communication sources as the most widely used and accessible channels for acquiring information on FGM among the Gbongan residents. Despite a high level of awareness about FGM, the study revealed a noteworthy gap in knowledge concerning the associated dangers and consequences. Paradoxically, residents expressed support for FGM, considering it a social convention, indicating a sustained prevalence of the practice. Crucially, the study establishes a positive correlation between information sources on FGM and both knowledge (p= 0.000 < 0.05) and attitude (p= 0.005 < 0.05) towards the practice. The results suggested that leveraging interpersonal sources such as social groups, traditional and village leaders, family networks, extension workers, village/town hall meetings, schools, and health workers is pivotal for effectively sensitizing the community against this harmful practice. The implications of these findings are discussed, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and community engagement strategies to address the prevailing knowledge gaps and support for FGM among Gbongan residents.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES IN BROILERS FED GNETUM AFRICANUM (WELW) LEAF MEAL

2023-12-31T12:46:04+00:00

In this study, the effect of diets supplemented with leaf meal of Gnetum africanum on hematology and serum biochemistry of broilers was determined. The leaves were collected, air-dried, and pulverized. Eighty broiler chicks used for this study were acclimatized for three days and randomly distributed into five groups (n=16). The birds were fed commercial starter and finisher ration into which the leaf meal was incorporated at various levels for 8 weeks. Birds in group 1 received feed without Gnetum africanum meal, while birds in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received: 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of Gnetum africanum supplemented meals, respectively. Blood was collected at the end of 8 weeks of feeding. Results showed that treated birds had significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of packed cell volume, red blood cell, and white blood cell count than the control groups. Serum liver enzymes were significantly (P<0.05) reduced, while the serum kidney function markers, uric acid, and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared with the control group. We conclude that G. africanum induced hematopoiesis and could have been a stressor to the broilers which was seen as leukocytosis and elevated kidney function markers.

CHILD’S CREATIVITY FRIENDLY HOME ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS AMONG STUDENTS IN UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICTS, AKWA IBOM STATE

2023-12-31T10:51:19+00:00

The study assessed the child creativity-friendly home environmental (CCFHE) status in Uyo senatorial district due to the sensitivity of the construct variable transformative development of the social and economic wellbeing of the individual and the economy. The background characteristics of the respondents were identified, the child's creativity-friendly home environment was estimated and its dynamics were profiled. The study was conducted in the Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select upper classes of elementary schools for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were deployed and results were obtained as follows. The majority of the respondents were male (51%) and were in late childhood and early adolescence with 12 years of age constituting 25.3% of the sample. The majority come from households with 2-5 persons (48.7%). The study showed that 86.3% of students were under parental guidance. A mixed-method research approach to item generation led to 12-item construct measures. The KMO and Bartlett's test affirmed the tenability of the measurement construct. However, the factor analytic results revealed four significant underlying dimensions of the factors for child creativity-friendly home environment programming. Incidence index analytics revealed relatively low occurrences and three incidence index magnitude categorizations among the twelve scaled items and the composite index analytics of the status of CCFHE revealed that 30.3% of the population are child creativity home environment friendly at a percentage index of 75.0 and above. The CCFHE background characteristics profile analysis indicated that out of 6 selected variables only 2 variables: age and guidance type had statistically significant variation CCFHE mean index. It suggests that most of the homes (69.7%) were not creative home environment friendly.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UTILISATION OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS AMONG USERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T12:22:13+00:00

The study examined the factors influencing the utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products among users in Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were gathered through the administration of a questionnaire to 251 randomly selected users from 9 purposively selected communities in the state. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binomial logit regression. The result of the analysis showed that fish was ranked 1^st among the list of identified NTFPs while the level of utilization indicated a high mean score for fruits/ vegetables (2.8), fish (2.7), charcoal (2.7), locust bean (2.5), shea oil (2.4), fuelwood (2.4), kola nut (2.1) and honey (2.0). Furthermore, the result of the binomial logit regression revealed that age, income, household size, utilization experience, knowledge of use, and NTFP cost significantly influenced the utilization of NTFPs in the State. The study recommends sustainable cultivation, collection, processing, and trading of NTFPs among users to make the products affordable to users in perpetuity.

FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT AND THE AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF FARMERS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T10:22:56+00:00

The study examined the farmer-herder conflict and the agricultural livelihood activities of rural farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 120 rural farmers. Data collection was through a questionnaire and analyzed using mean while ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis formulated for the study. Findings show that grazing rights dispute (= 3.11), lack of security in the rural areas (= 3.07), destruction of farmlands and crops (= 3.05), land encroachment (= 3.01), reprisal attacks (= 2.97), poor arrest and prosecution of offenders (= 2.72), stealing of farm produce (= 2.68), rape and sexual harassment (= 2.64) and population increase (= 2.54) were the perceived causes of farmers- herdsmen conflict in the study area. Destruction of crops (= 3.69), loss of labour as a result of killings and displacement of rural dwellers (= 3.57), high transportation costs (= 3.45), disruption of planting activities (= 3.44), disruption of supply and distribution of agricultural inputs (= 3.43), loss of storage and processing facilities (= 3.38), loss of cultivable farm lands (= 3.35), unfavorable market prices (= 3.29) and lack of contact with extension agents (= 3.17) were the negative effect of farmers herdsmen conflict on the agricultural livelihood activities of rural farmers in the study area. Findings also revealed that the formation of vigilante groups/night watcher volunteers (= 3.12), use of males as major source of farm labour (= 3.04), ban on open grazing (= 2.98), reporting conflict activities to community leaders and security agents (= 2.91), walking in groups to the farm (= 2.87), formation of cooperative groups (= 2.83) and relocation to other areas in periods of severity (= 2.80) were the coping strategies adopted by rural farmers in the study area. The ANOVA result shows that there was a significant difference in the effect of farmer’s herdsmen conflict on the agricultural livelihood activities of rural farmers in the study area at a 5% probability level. Conclusively, farmers herdsmen conflict had a negative effect on the agricultural livelihood activities of rural farmers in the study area. The study recommended that extension agents and non-governmental organizations assist in the proper education of rural farmers on the adoption of effective coping strategies in mitigating the effects of farmers-herdsmen conflict on their livelihood activities.

EFFECT OF LOAN UTILIZATION ON OUTPUT OF CASSAVA FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T12:04:42+00:00

The study analyzed the effect of loan utilization on the output of cassava farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the sources of loans available to farmers, estimated the extent of agricultural loan utilization by cassava farmers, determined the effect of socio-economic factors on loan utilization among the cassava farmers, and determined the relationship between loan utilization and cassava output in the area. Multistage random sampling technique was utilized in selecting two hundred and twenty-eight cassava farmers used for the study. Data were obtained with the aid of a structured interview schedule and analyzed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistics, such as percentage, mean, student t-test, and multiple regression model. The results showed that the predominant source of loans among respondents was farmers’ cooperatives (41.3%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that annual income, farm output, and membership of cooperatives with coefficients -1.794, 0.003, and -0.302 respectively, were significant factors that influenced farmers' loan utilization. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference between the output of farmers who fully utilized the loan and those who partially utilized the loan, with t = -18.43, p<0.01. The study recommended that efforts be made to make farmers benefit from formal agricultural loans, while credit institutions should set up supervisory agencies that would monitor farmers’ activities to ensure effective and judicious utilization of such loans.

INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURE THROUGH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS) FOR OPTIMIZED FOOD PRODUCTION BY WOMEN CASSAVA FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T11:47:19+00:00

The need to facilitate access to required information and knowledge through the deployment of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to empower women cassava farmers, especially in the rural areas of Imo state, Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. As a result, a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) were used by researchers for data collection from 120 sampled respondents for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square regression as inferential statistics. From the data collected and analyzed, the result showed that major factors influencing the use of ICTs by women farmers are farming experience, economic status, years of education, and cooperative membership and they have a lot of bearing on the women's involvement in cassava production and ICT usage. The women farmers utilize improved cassava varieties, practice new agronomic techniques, and process cassava into value addition. The result also showed that the use of mobile phones, radio, WhatsApp, Facebook, and fliers top the mean rating of major ICT gadgets commonly used by women and it enhances their overall effectiveness, though the present economic crisis is their major challenge. Therefore, a free adult education policy is highly recommended to enable women farmers to have easy access to ICTs and process innovative information on improved cassava-based technologies to boost participation, and food production and enhance their income and output. More importantly, constant training and retraining of women farmers in the effective use of ICT devices in their farm business to improve efficiency and productivity is highly recommended.

EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF COWPEA IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO SKILL ACQUISITION FARM

2024-01-03T14:01:40+00:00

The study aimed at determining the effect of poultry manure on the growth and yield performance of cowpeasiron beans, navy white beans then Ife brown beans varieties) in Agricultural Education Skills Acquisition Farm, University of Uyo. The study was guided by two purposes, two research questions, and two null hypotheses. The study adopted the randomized complete block design (RCBD). The parameters observed in the study were the height of the plant and the number of pods. A sample size of 300 stands from the three varieties of cowpeas was selected using a random sampling technique. A calibrated meter ruler and measuring tape were used to collect data on the height of the plant and the number of pods was determined by counting and computing using a scientific calculator. Experimental procedures were duly followed. Data collected were analyzed using means to answer research questions and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results of the findings showed that poultry manure had a great effect on the height of plants and the number of pods of iron beans, navy white beans then Ife brown beans in the University of Uyo Agricultural Education Skills Acquisition Farm. Furthermore, there were significant effects on the height of the plant and the number of pods grown with poultry manure in the study area. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that Agricultural extension workers should organize sensitization seminars and workshops for crop farmers on the cultivation of iron beans in Uyo Local Government Area thereby meeting the demands of cowpea production within and outside Uyo Local Government Area. The Ministry of Agriculture should also create awareness among teachers by giving them training on the production of cowpeas and the effect of poultry manure on cowpeas production for better yield in the Uyo Local Government Area.

IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY ON SELECTED CROPS (COCOA, RUBBER and CASHEW) EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA (1980-2016): A GARCH APPROACH

2023-12-31T11:13:00+00:00

The study investigated the impact of exchange rate volatility on the export performance of selected agricultural products mainly cash crops in Nigeria using time series data from 1980 to 2016. The selected agricultural commodities were cocoa, rubber, and cashew. The study used the Granger causality test, GARCH, and OLS regression models for the data analyses. From the results, the GARCH test for volatility revealed that the exchange rate was highly volatile for the period of study. The Granger causality test showed that a unidirectional causality from exchange rate volatility to export performance of cocoa and rubber existed, while the causality between exchange rate volatility and export performance of rubber was bidirectional. For the OLS regression analysis, it was found that exchange rate volatility had a significant impact on the export performance of cocoa, rubber, and cashew which led to the conclusion that exchange rate volatility is an important factor to consider in export trade. Based on the findings, it was recommended that monetary authorities should adopt a mechanism that will lead to the stability of the exchange rate.

EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON AGRIBUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS’ PERFORMANCE IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T12:31:49+00:00

This study estimated the degree of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the performance of agribusiness entrepreneurs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and oral interviews. One hundred agribusiness entrepreneurs were selected through a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used. Multiple regression was used to examine the relationship between each of the constructs of entrepreneurial orientation and the agribusiness performance of entrepreneurs. The grand mean result of the degree of innovativeness, pro-activeness, and risk-taking dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation was greater than three (>3), showing that the three EO dimensions studied significantly contributed to agribusiness performance in the study area. The result of regression analysis shows that two out of the three EO constructs (pro-activeness p< 0.01, and risk-taking initiative p< 0.01) and education(p< 0.05) had a significant positive relationship with the performance of the agribusiness entrepreneurs with a coefficient of multiple determination (R²) of 0.731. The study concluded that the application of EO constructs led to an increase in agribusiness performance. It recommended awareness creation to embrace entrepreneurial orientation dimensions by agribusiness entrepreneurs in the study area so as to increase their profit by always searching for and promoting new opportunities. Involvement in a calculated risk venture, while the government should ke advantage of the literacy level to organize training, workshops, and seminars to position the entrepreneurs toward tackling the emerging challenges in the agribusiness sector.

EVALUATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION ADAPTIVE CAPACITY FRIENDLINESS FOR SUSTAINABLE HUMAN SECURITY AMONG TEEN YOUTHS IN A PERI-URBAN AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T10:34:44+00:00

This study evaluated the teen youth responsiveness towards sustainable socio-economic health security intervention communication, the responsiveness index of the respondents was estimated and how significant variations in teen youths responsiveness across their characteristics were ascertained. The study was conducted in the Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The target population of the study was all youths between the ages of 14 and 25 years. A multi-stage sampling technique was used and a total of 200 respondents were sampled to generate the needed data that were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that 93.5% of the teen youths were aware of the threat of HIV/AIDs issues to the sustainable socio-economic-health status of households as 32.5% had the courage to visit the VCT center to ascertain their status. It was surprising that only 25% knew that the VCT services were confidential. Overall, about 34% of the teen youths had a responsiveness index that was considered high and friendly to call to know HIV/AIDs status; and adopt voluntary counseling and testing to promote zero HIV spread in the region. With regards to sources of variation in teen-youths responsiveness index, the majority of the personal characteristics of the respondents; sex, number of household income earners, father’s level of education, and household size, were statistically not significant variables even though there were considerable variations in the mean index of teen-youths responsiveness to HIV/AIDs VCT across their factors. The variable: age showed statistical significance among its age range categories. As the age range increased, it revealed a higher index of teen-youth responsiveness, which suggested that maturity with advancement in age increases the consciousness of young adults to be careful and safe in society. Irrespective of the background characteristics of the respondents, their decision to stay safe was more of a personal decision to stay safe and healthy.

ADAPTATION MEASURES UTILIZED BY FOOD CROP FARMERS TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT IN NORTHWEST DISTRICT OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

2023-12-31T12:12:00+00:00

The study assessed the adaptation measures utilized by farmers to mitigate climate change effects in Akwa Ibom State North West district, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the level of awareness of the farmers on climate change, examined the perceived effect of climate change on farming and human activities, determined the extent of utilization of the adaptation measures to mitigate climate change, and identified the constraints to the utilization of the adaptation measures. Data for the study were obtained from 145 farmers, using a multi-stage sampling procedure and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result revealed that 54.5% of the respondents were women, mostly married with an average number of 6 persons per household. The farmers earned a mean income of N90,500 annually and had been farming for an average of 25.5 years. The climate change awareness level was high, and the major sources of information on climate change were radio (20%), contact farmers (18.6%), and peer groups/friends (17.9%). Consequently, 67% of the adaptation strategies were utilized by the farmers. They ranged from mulching, increased weeding, and mixed farming to the diversification of sources of livelihood giving a total of 1.66 mean scores. The study also revealed that climate change had a significant effect on farming activities. Furthermore, all the variables presented were significant constraints to adaptation measures to cope with the effects of climate change. The study therefore suggested that extension workers should be trained more on the issues of climate change to assist farmers to better understand changes in the climate as it affects their farming/livelihood sources.