Journal of Community & Communication Research

ASSESSMENT OF MUSHROOM PRODUCTION ON INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS IN UMUAHIA AGRICULTURAL ZONE, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.

Onuoha L.U., Adiele P.N., Ukpongson M.T, Nnadi F.N., Stephen D.E — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the engagement in mushroom production on households’ income in the Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 60 mushroom farmers were purposively and proportionately sampled, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were employed to analyze socio-economic characteristics, engagement in mushroom production, income, and production constraints. Results showed that most farmers were educated (80% with tertiary education), predominantly female (55%), and within the economically active age range (mean age = 35.6 years). Farmers demonstrated moderate engagement across mushroom production activities (grand mean = 3.30), and a large proportion of households (23.3%) produced above 400kg of mushrooms annually, indicating that a significant number of farmers operated at relatively high production levels, reflecting the enterprise’s commercial potential. While the majority of the households (40%) earned between ₦1,000 and ₦100,000 annually, indicating that mushroom farming served as a supplementary income source for many households. Key constraints included limited access to quality spawn (mean = 3.42), inadequate skills (3.00), and restricted access to credit (3.35). Multiple regression analysis indicated that household size, income, and extension contact significantly influenced engagement, with the model explaining 51.2% of the variability. Simple linear regression further revealed a significant positive relationship between engagement in mushroom production and income. The study, therefore, concluded that mushroom cultivation offered a viable pathway to improved household income and recommended targeted interventions such as technical training, input support, and improved market access to enhance productivity and profitability.

Keywords: Household, Engagement, Mushroom, Production, Effect, Income.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE UTILIZATION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL TECHNIQUES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Olaniyi, A.I., Asanwana, V. A, Okoro, G.I. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined gender differences in the utilization and constraints of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) techniques among rural farmers. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of male and female farmers, assessed their CSA utilization levels, and identified major constraints to adoption. A total of 480 farmers (240 males, 240 females) were selected using a multistage sampling technique across four agricultural zones. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged 31–45 years, had secondary education (43.8%), and cultivated farms averaging 2.8 ha, with males generally older, more experienced, and earning higher incomes than females. Overall utilization of CSA techniques was moderate (mean = 42.6 ± 9.8), with males adopting practices slightly more frequently (44.2 ± 9.2) than females (41.0 ± 10.1); 51.7% of farmers fell in the moderate utilization category. Adoption was highest for improved crop varieties, biosecurity in poultry, and manure management in livestock, while aquaculture practices were least utilized. PCA revealed five major constraints: financial (21.2%), institutional (19.0%), technical/knowledge (16.8%), environmental (13.7%), and socio-cultural (12.1%), with financial and technical limitations most pronounced for female farmers. The study concluded that gender disparities affect CSA utilization, with women facing greater barriers to utilization. It recommended targeted capacity-building, inclusive extension campaigns, and provision of accessible credit and technical support to enhance equitable participation in climate-smart agriculture.

Keywords: Climate-Smart Agriculture, Gender Differences, Utilization, Constraints

PERCEIVED FACTORS INFLUENCING THE WILLINGNESS OF YOUNG FARMERS TO USE DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING APPLICATIONS FOR IMPROVED MARKET ACCESS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Duruson, K. C., Ekanem, J. T, Nkeme, K. K. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the willingness of young farmers to use digital agricultural marketing applications for improved market access. Specifically, it identified the perceived factors influencing the willingness of young farmers to use digital agricultural marketing applications for improved market access in Akwa Ibom State. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select two hundred and sixty-six young farmers. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire and analysed using binary logistic regression. Findings revealed that the cost of smartphones and internet negatively influenced willingness to use agricultural marketing applications (β = −0.614, p = 0.060; Odds Ratio = 0.541), while ease of use (OR = 1.569), logistics availability (OR = 1.493), and training support (OR = 1.357) showed positive associations with willingness to use. The study concluded that the high cost of digital tools and weak infrastructure are the primary barriers to willingness to use digital Agricultural Marketing applications among young farmers, and recommended subsidised smartphones and data plans, improved rural internet connectivity, and farmer-targeted digital literacy programmes.

Keywords: Factors, willingness to use, young farmers, digital agricultural marketing applications

ACCESSING THE EFFECT OF INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) FINANCING ON AGROENTERPRISE CLIENTS IN UMUAHIA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Ogbe, S.E. , Alaefuna, A. N. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the effect of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) financing on agroenterprise clients in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The study's objectives were to: determine the socio-economic characteristics of agroenterprise clients, assess the level of credit demanded and received among agro-enterprise clients, and determine the type of agro practices adopted before and after IFAD credit was received. A random sampling procedure was used in selecting 60 agroenterprise clients for the study. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as percentages, frequency distribution, and Agroenterprise Percentage Increase (AePI). The result showed that most of the respondents were male (52%), young (36 years), married (67%), and educated with moderate household size (4 persons per household). The mean amount of credit received (N 434,733.33), representing 66% of the respondents' credit portfolio, actually had the capacity to deploy financial resources into crop enterprises to generate the necessary financial returns that can offset their loans. Moreover, the mean performance of clients before IFAD financing was N 32586.51, while the performance of clients after IFAD financing was N 88283.33. This means that there was an increase of about 171% in the mean value of performance among clients after IFAD financing, showing that IFAD financing among clients was impactful. Furthermore, the majority of the clients adopted and intensified useful agro-practices that were cost-effective and eco-friendly. Future IFAD financing programs should prioritize experienced, educated, and cooperative-affiliated farmers for improved financial sustainability.

Keywords: Agricultural Development, Financing, Agroenterprise, Clients

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND THE FUTURE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN NIGERIA

Obiajunwa, G.O, Okoroma, E.O. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined intellectual property rights and the future of Nigerian traditional medicine. Data were obtained from 120 traditional medicine practitioners selected through a multistage sampling procedure with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using mean score analysis and regression analysis. The findings indicated strong support for the creation of special laws tailored to protect traditional medicine knowledge (Mean = 4.83) and benefit-sharing mechanisms when knowledge is commercialized (Mean = 4.10). Result also indicated that modern laws offer inadequate protection to orally transmitted knowledge (Mean = 3.87), while improved protection could encourage youth participation (Mean = 4.48). Collective organization among practitioners was highly supported (Mean = 4.61). Regression results revealed that mainstreaming traditional medicine significantly depends, among others, on ownership and legal protection (t = 4.96); modern law compatibility (t = 4.31); and youth participation (t = 3.44). Strengthening these areas can improve public health outcomes and safeguard cultural heritage in Nigeria.

Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights, Traditional medicine, Health regulation, healthcare system, Nigeria

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION OF IMPROVED COCOA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES BY RURAL FARMERS IN CROSS RIVER AND AKWA IBOM STATES, NIGERIA

Ukoha, J. C. I., Odoemelam, L. E. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study comparatively assessed the utilization of improved cocoa production technologies by rural farmers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to collect data for the study from 240 respondents using a structured questionnaire and FGD. The study data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Major results showed that in Cross River State, the highly utilized improved cocoa production technology was Control of black pod disease with fungicides (x̄ =3.91), while the farmers in Akwa Ibom State utilized most of the technology on weed control with herbicides (x̄ = 3.65). However, the grand means of x̄ = 3.38 and x̄ = 3.22 recorded in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, respectively, indicated that there was a high level of utilization of improved cocoa production technologies. In Cross River State, the result showed that the high cost of labour (x̄ = 3.59) was a very serious constraint, while in Akwa Ibom State, the activities of middlemen came first (x̄ = 3.65) as a very serious constraint to the utilization of technologies. The grand mean scores of 3.20 recorded in Cross River State and 3.07 in Akwa Ibom State implied that the constraints that affected the utilization of technologies were very serious. The study concluded that rural farmers in both States faced very serious constraints in utilizing the technologies and therefore recommended that the government should intervene to reduce the high cost of labour and check the activities of middlemen to boost utilization of the technologies.

Keywords: Constraints; Utilization; Improved Cocoa production technologies, rural households

KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ATTITUDE OF ARTISANAL FISHERMEN TOWARDS MALARIA PREVENTION IN FISHING COMMUNITIES IN EKET AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Nkeme, K. K., Nelson Okorie, Frank, Namso N. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study assessed artisanal fishermen’s knowledge level and attitude towards malaria prevention in the study area. The primary data used were derived from a structured questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select 120 fishermen. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that artisanal fishing was dominated by men of active age, married and literate, with an average household of 5 persons and fishing experience of 13 years. They made an average monthly income of N38,000.00, but the majority had no access to credit. Their relevant treatment methods included consultation of trado-doctors, patent medicine dealers, and the use of herbs. Their attitudinal preventive measures included home treatment, vaccination, and protection of doors and windows with nets. The determinants of knowledge of prevention were membership of cooperative societies, level of education, fishing experience, household size, and income from fishing. However, determinants of attitudinal preventive measures were marital status, membership of cooperative societies, level of education, fishing experience, age of fishermen, household size, and income from fishing. The study recommended educational interventions and encouragement to belong to cooperative societies as requisites to increased knowledge level of fishermen on malaria prevention.

Keywords: Knowledge level, Attitude, Artisanal fishermen, malaria, Fishing Communities.

FARM LABOUR USE FOR TELFEIRIA PRODUCTION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ABA AGRICULTURAL ZONE, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Igwe, C.O.K., Aboh J.A , Ekwe, K.C — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study analyzed the extent of farm labour use for telferia production among rural households in the Aba agricultural zone, Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of labour used and ascertained the sources and extent of labour used in the study area. A two-staged sampling procedure was used to select the one hundred (100) rural households for the study. The data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including percentages, means, and frequencies. The inferential statistics included ordinary least squares regression analysis. Results showed that 10.0% of the respondents engaged in family labour, 90.0% of them engaged in hired labour, 07.0% of them engaged in exchange labour, 10.0% of them engaged in group labour. At the same time, none of them agreed to engage in communal labour. About 64.0% of the respondents used family members as their source of labour, 15.0% used youths in the community, 87.0% used farm labourers from distant places, 10.0% used local labour groups, while

17.0% used labour partners. A grand mean of =3.57 indicated a high extent of use of farm labour in Telferia production from land clearing to harvesting in the study area. Age, sex, marital status, extension contact, and farming experiences were found to be significant at 5% and 1% levels of probability. A clear shift from traditional family-based labour towards hired and alternative labour forms is evident to achieve an increased income from telfaria production. The study recommended that stakeholders should introduce and popularize appropriate mechanization and labour-efficient tools for Telferia production, especially targeting weeding and harvesting operations.

Keywords: farm labour, telferia, production, households

EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DISSEMINATING IMPROVED PRODUCTION INFORMATION AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Akpan O. V, Okorie, N. U, Udousung, I. J., Ekanem, J. T. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the effectiveness of digital communication tools (DCTs)in disseminating improved poultry production information among poultry farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 poultry farmers from three agricultural zones of the state. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results showed that mobile phones were the most frequently used communication tool (x̅ = 2.63), followed by radio (x̅ = 2.28) and smartphones (x̅ = 2.22). In terms of perceived effectiveness, respondents indicated a high perception of the effectiveness of DCTs. They perceived digital communication tools to improve access to disease prevention information (x̅ = 3.18), facilitate easier access to improved poultry production information (x̅ = 3.17), increase awareness of modern poultry production techniques (x̅ = 3.08), and be effective in disseminating improved poultry production technologies (x̅ = 3.08). The study concluded that digital communication tools, particularly mobile phones and smartphones, are effective in disseminating improved poultry production information in the study area. It recommended enhancing farmers’ digital skills and strengthening digital agricultural extension services to improve poultry productivity in Akwa Ibom State.

Keywords: Digital communication tools, Effectiveness, Dissemination of improved information, Poultry farmers

TEACHING AND LEARNING PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ESAN CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Belonwu, N. E. — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assesses the teaching and learning practical agriculture in senior secondary schools in Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The primary objective was to explore the socio-economic characteristics of the participants, determine students' perceptions towards practical agriculture, and identify challenges faced by both teachers and students. A mixed-method approach, utilizing descriptive statistics and SPSS, was used to analyze data from 60 students and 10 teachers. The results showed a gender imbalance among students (61% female, 39% male), while the gender distribution among teachers was more balanced (60% female, 40% male). Most students (79.6%) were aged 16-18, with 57.6% in SS3, a critical stage for agricultural skill development. The study highlighted challenges such as inadequate teaching tools (mean = 2.900) and insufficient farmland (mean = 2.600), both of which limited effective hands-on learning. While 93.2% of students had a positive perception of practical agriculture, 6.8% showed negative perceptions, likely due to resource constraints and outdated teaching methods. Furthermore, 79.7% of students expressed a positive attitude towards agriculture. Teachers also faced challenges, including stress from insufficient resources (mean = 2.200) and student disengagement. The study underscored the need for improved resources, teacher training, and curriculum reforms to enhance agricultural education in the region.

Keywords: Practical Agriculture, Secondary Education, Teaching Challenges, Student Perception, Educational Resources

ANALYSIS OF CONSUMERS' PREFERENCE FOR HONEY IN ODEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

jccrAdmin jccrAdmin; Oladeji S.O., Adekunle C.P, Tolorunju E.T., Oyekunle A.A — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the consumers' preference for honey in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents with the use of a wellstructured questionnaire, using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a probit regression model. The results revealed that the majority (56.7%) were female, 90% of them were married, with an age range between 41and 50. About 91.7% of the respondents were aware of the health benefits of honey and thus consumed honey. Majority (85%) of the consumers preferred honey to other sweeteners, and local honey was commonly consumed. Supermarkets (58%) and local markets (42%) were the common points of purchase. The preferred attributes considered in the purchase of honey included quality of honey (40%), packaging (35%), and labeling (25%). Education, health benefits, monthly income, and sex were the major factors that influenced consumers' preference for honey. The study suggested that local honey processors and distributors should improve the quality, packaging, and labeling of honey in the study area.

Keywords: Honey, Preference, Packaging, Labeling, Ogun State, Nigeria

INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG-ADULT FARMERS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Ike Nwachukwu, Nwanneka Ogbuji, Ogechi Obiozor, Samson Onu, Godwin Akporube — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study empirically assessed the influence of socio-cultural factors on drug abuse among young adult farmers in South-East Nigeria. Specifically, it identified commonly abused drugs, examined prevalence and socio-cultural determinants of drug use, and assessed its effects on social wellbeing. Data were collected from 360 young adult farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique across Abia, Enugu, and Imo States (120 per state). Primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and OLS regression. Findings showed that most of the respondents were male (81.1%), single (81.9%), aged 21–25 years (56.1%), and had secondary education (51.9%). Awareness of drug abuse was high (92.2%), with prevalence highest in Imo State (58.3%) compared with Abia and Enugu (30.8% each). Commonly abused substances included synthetic marijuana (94.2%), tramadol (87.8%), cannabis (85.6%), and methamphetamine (85.8%). Peer influence, unemployment, and easy accessibility were the major drivers of drug abuse (x̄ = 3.19). Drug abuse negatively affected wellbeing through increased crime (x̄ = 3.35), financial difficulties (x̄ = 3.33), mental and health problems, and reduced productivity. Regression results showed that socio-economic variables significantly influenced drug abuse, explaining 49–60% of observed variations, while drug abuse had a significant negative effect on wellbeing, particularly in Imo State (β = -0.7145, p < 0.01). The study concluded that drug abuse among young adult farmers was a major public health and socio-economic challenge driven by peer influence, unemployment, stress, and cheap access to drugs. It recommended strengthened awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, community-based counselling centres, and state-specific rehabilitation interventions to improve farmers’ wellbeing and productivity.

Keywords: Influence, Socio-cultural factors, Drug abuse, Young-Adult farmers

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION PRACTICES AND PROFITABILITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN IMEKO AFON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

Ogunseitan, T. O., Lawal, R. A., Opeoluwa, O. J., Bolarinwa, E.O — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics, production practices, challenges of groundnut production, and profitability of groundnut farming among smallholder farmers in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 120 groundnut farmers were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and personal interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin, and return on investment (ROI) analyses. Results revealed that 75.8% of the respondents were male, mostly of the active age range of 40–59 years. Three-quarters of them (72.5%) practiced Mixed cropping, while 50.8% of farmers relied on both family and hired labor. More than half (59.2%) had access to farm inputs, and 54.2% used improved varieties, though access to irrigation (15%) and financial support (9.2%) remained low. The analysis showed a gross margin of ₦2,708,865.95, a net farm income of ₦2,610,115.95, and an ROI of 19.42%, indicating that groundnut production is profitable in the study area. However, farmers still contend with high input and transport costs, poor market prices, and pest and disease issues. This concludes that groundnut farming holds great potential for improving rural livelihoods and recommends policies that enhance access to inputs, affordable credit, extension services, and structured markets to sustain profitability and ensure food security.

Keywords: Productivity, profitability, groundnut production, smallholder farmers.

INTERPRETATION OF INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL TERMINOLOGIES BY ALGORITHMIC TOOLS AMONG YOUNG DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL USERS IN NIGERIA

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This study analysed interpreted indigenous agricultural terminologies used in Nigeria by algorithmic tools from youth and gender perspectives. Data were collected from 396 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results revealed dominant male respondents (60.4%). Youths aged 21–40 years represented 59.3% of the sample, while adults aged 41 years and above accounted for 40.7%. The majority (33.0%) possessed Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees (24.3%), PhDs (22.0%), and professorial ranks (12.9%). Results further showed that misinterpretation of indigenous agricultural terminologies recorded an average occurrence of 10.3%–16.2% across all age groups. Indigenous food names (14.9%) and local farming tools (14.9%) were frequently distorted. Lack of localized NLP training data (18.2% youth males; 12.6% adult males; 12.1% youth females) was among the key challenges exacerbating algorithmic misinterpretation. The study concluded that algorithmic tools consistently misinterpreted indigenous agricultural terminologies across all age groups of users, hence, the need to prioritize the creation of inclusive, gender and youth-responsive NLP datasets that integrate indigenous agricultural knowledge, local languages, and contextual variations in Nigeria.

Keywords: Gender, Youth, Algorithmic tools, indigenous agricultural terminologies, Digital Agricultural Users

ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY THROUGH COOPERATIVE-BASED NUTRITION EDUCATION, AMONG WOMEN COOPERATORS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Dr. Appolonia Osita Anurugwo, Dr. Christiana Amara Otty — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated enhancing food security through cooperative-based nutrition education: a study of women cooperative societies in rural communities of Imo State, Nigeria. The study was initiated due to the lack of access to accurate, timely, and culturally relevant nutrition education; poor dietary habits; and insufficient nutrition awareness, resulting in undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased vulnerability to illness in rural communities in Imo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population consisted of all the 312 registered women's cooperative groups with an estimated membership of 9,360 women in the rural areas of Imo State. The study sample consisted of 384 respondents (members of women's cooperative societies) determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula for a finite population and selected through a multi-staged sampling technique. The Cooperative-Based Nutrition Education Questionnaire (CBNEQ) (r = 0.84) was used to obtain the data. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Findings showed that Cooperative-based training programmes provided minimal nutrition education. Major challenges faced by women’s cooperative societies in implementing nutrition education initiatives for food security include: lack of trained facilitators on nutrition, inadequate funding for training materials, and limited time for practical demonstrations, while strategies that can improve the effectiveness of nutrition education through women's cooperative societies include: Train-the-trainer model for cooperative advocates; regular agenda slot for nutrition and practical cooking demonstration with local or seasonal food. The study advocated the integration of nutrition education within cooperative frameworks and the prioritization of practical, cost-effective demonstrations, among other recommendations.

Keywords: Food security, Cooperative-based, Nutrition Education, Women cooperative Societies, Rural communities