International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

This study looks at the socio-economic characteristics of the farming population in the northern Nigeria vis-à-vis the community food resources as basis for food security. Data were obtained from seven communities with the use of focus group discussions and 219 farmers were equally administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the result shows that the pooled average household size was 7.4. Average farm income earning of community residents was found to be between N158,615.38k ($1,010) to N273,095.24k ($1,740) and non-farm earning between N64,846.15k ($413) to N182,333.33k ($1,161) annually. The per capita income of an average farmer was observed to be N100.42 ($0.64) per day, a 36% figure lower than the $1 poverty line. Farming activities was found mostly indigenous as land acquisition, the most important food production resource, was generally by inheritance. The average total production in grain equivalent per household in the communities sampled was between 1,709.59kg and 3,601.93kg, while many of the communities sampled lacked adequate food resources to feed its residents. Recommendations were given in line with social and economic policies frame work to address institutional infrastructure and economic empowerment for the farmers.

Keywords: Community food resources, Nigeria, Socio-economic characteristic

This study investigates the food coping strategies adopted and severity of food shortage crisis of farm households in the northern part of Nigeria. Data were obtained from 244 farmers though the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, coping strategy index and spearman correlation. The result shows average farm holding of farm households to be 2.05 hectares, within the range 0.5 to 6.5 hectares and the annual farm income earning of farm household was observed to be N180,914.50k ($1,152), and non-farm income, N130,407.10k ($831). The total crop production in grain equivalent was found to be between 412.50kg to 7,915.50kg and an average of 2,147.61kg was observed. About 41% of the total sampled households have experienced food crisis in the last five years that warranted the use of food coping strategies. The farm households that adopted food coping strategies employed strategies ranging from buying from market (88%), eating less preferred food (79%), borrowing money/food (72%), rationing adult meals (55%), sale of livestock (62%), sending children to work for money (17%), even scavenging (14%). The coping strategy index analysis results shows that about 41% of the farm households who used coping strategies had severe food crisis, while income shocks from civil service, trading and carpentry were shown to combat food shortages effectively. The food coping strategies were also found effective in mitigating food crisis. Recommendations were therefore made for sound economic policies geared to addressing economic empowerment for the farmers with attention given to the promotion of non-farm economic activities.

Keywords: Coping strategy index, Food coping strategies, Food security, Household

Wet fufu mash contains a lot of water, is bulky and easily contaminated. This work produced dry fufu powder that solved the above problems. Traditional method of wet fufu production was used to produce wet mash, termed Xo. Eleven organisms were isolated from the system namely: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus coryneformis, Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus sp and Rhizopus sp. Three isolates did not ret the tubers; four caused partial retting while four retted the tubers. The four isolates that retted the tubers were grown in cassava medium. Lactobacillus coryneformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were able to utilize it in 24-48 hours. They were used as starter cultures to ret the tubers as single cultures and mixed cultures to produce wet fufu samples X1, X2 and X3 respectively. The wet fufu mashes produced were dispersed and dried at 65oC for 72 hours. They were crushed, sieved, and assessed for their protein and cyanide contents. Their percentage crude protein content were 2.52, 9.96, 9.85 and 10.44% respectively and their cyanide contents were 0.880, 0.018, 0.016 and 0.012mg/g respectively. Sensory evaluation of the samples accepts all the samples with most preference to X3. The samples were aseptically packaged in cellophane bags and kept for six months without loosing their organoleptic qualities. To achieve long storage, wet mash can be oven-dried, crushed and sieved to fine fufu powder.

Keywords: Cassava tubers, Fermentation, Fufu powder, Starter cultures, Waste water

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of boric acid and/or ascorbic acid on body weight (BW), BW gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, serum cholesterol concentration and crude ash, calcium and phosphorus contents of tibia in broilers. A total of 240 day-of-hatch male sex ROSS 308 broilers were used in a 6-week experiment and randomly allotted to one of the following dietary treatments: C, basal diet; AB, basal diet + 120 mg/kg of boric acid + 200 mg/kg of ascorbic acid; A, basal diet + 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid; B, basal diet + 120 mg/kg boric acid. During weeks 5-6, group A broilers had higher and AB broilers lower feed intake (FI) than group C (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with AB. Serum cholesterol concentration decreased (P<0.001) with A, B and AB, whereas cholesterolemia was not affected by AB. Broilers given B and AB diets had higher tibia and liver boron values at the end of the trial. In conclusion, the results suggest that the inclusion of 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 120 mg/kg boric acid, either individually or combined, can improve growth performance and benefit serum cholesterolemia in broiler chickens.

Keywords: Organic acids, Poultry, Carcass, Cholesterol, Tibia

A total of one hundred and eighty day old broilers were used to determine the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed aflatoxin infected diet with or without toxin binders. Six diets were compounded where toxin-binder A, B, C and D were included in treatment 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Treatment 1 (positive control) was infected and 6 (negative control diet) was left uninfected. The birds were randomly allotted into the six (6) dietary treatments of three replicates each, containing ten (10) birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Parameters monitored were Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG) and Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER). At the beginning of 8th week of the experimental period, three birds per replicate were randomly selected, transferred to metabolic cage where acclimatization prior faecal matters collection for three days was observed. Faecal samples were dried and analyzed for proximate composition. The result together with other parameters was used to calculate the nutrient digestibility of the birds. The birds were starved for 12hours, weighed, slaughtered, dressed, cut to parts and weighed. Segment of breast muscles were analyzed for aflatoxin residue. Significant difference (P<0.05) was recorded in the performance characteristics both at starter and finisher phases especially between those with binder and one without binder. Significantly different (P<0.05) FER was obtained from birds fed infected diets at starter. No significant (P>0.05) difference among ADFI except negative control diet which had lowest (P<0.05) value (78.96g). No difference (P>0.05) among average FER and cost per kg meat produced at finisher phase. Infected diet + binder B gave the best (P<0.05) digestibility potential while others were similar (P>0.05). Only the wing, breast and back cut parts were similar (P>0.05) while others were significantly (P<0.05) different. Abdominal fat was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by the presence of binders in the infected diets. Meat samples from birds fed infected diet without binder had highest (P<0.05) value (3.13ppb) of aflatoxin residue and least value (0.96 ppb) was obtained from negative control. No difference (P>0.05) in the values obtained for treatment 3 and treatment 4. It could therefore be concluded that the aflatoxin residue present in the broiler meat obtained from birds fed all the binder were relatively lower than the safe level recommended by United Food and Drug Administration (UFDA) thereby making the meat safe for human consumption. Activated charcoal is also a promising binder in poultry diet containing aflatoxin.

Keywords: Broiler, Feeds, Meat-quality, Performance, Toxin-binders

Isolation and characterization of microorganisms associated with post-harvest loss of Carica papaya and Mangifera indica fruits sold in the four major markets of Awka metropolis, Anambra State were conducted. Isolation of associated fungi and bacteria from the fruits were carried out on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and Nutrient agar respectively. The organisms were isolated and characterized on the basis of their colonial, morphological and biochemical features. A total of six (6) fungi were isolated from papaya viz. Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Candida sp., Geotrichum sp. and Saccharomyces sp; while a total of four (4) fungi were isolated from Mangifera indica viz. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., and Candida sp. Also, a total of six (6) of bacteria were isolatad from papaya viz. Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Micrococcus sp. and Erwinia sp.; while a total of four bacteria were isolated from Mangifera indica viz. Lactobacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Fungal counts of up to 9.8 x 105 cfu/g and 3.0 x105 cfu/g were recorded in papaya and mango respectively. Also, bacterial counts of up to 3.6 x 105 cfu/g and 8.0 x 105 cfu/g were recorded in papaya and mango respectively. Some of the organisms isolated are human pathogens which can cause harm to people upon consumption. Therefore, fruits washing and storage at proper sanitary conditions, and refrigeration are necessary to increase shelf-life and reduce the risks of diseases to human health upon consumption.

Keywords: Bacteria, Fungi, Mangifera indica, Papaya, Post-harvest

A research was carried out on the hatchlings of Clarias gariepinus under a nursing tank system. Hatchlings were fed from 4th-30th day with different food items as treatment A, B, C, and D respectively, known as follows, A (Water fertilized with 30% Poultry droppings and 70% Cow dung), B (Fertilized water and finely grinded Crayfish 52% Crude Protein (CP), C (Fertilized water and Egg yolk mixed with Ladha powder milk at the ratio of 1:1), and D (Fertilized water and formulated fish feed of 40% (CP). Larvae fed with fertilized water only could not live beyond the 9th day. Hatchlings fed with treatment B (fertilized water and finely grinded Crayfish), lives were sustained, with dark skin, stunted growth and a Percentage Survival (PS) of 37.6%. Hatchlings fed with treatment C (fertilized water and egg yolk mixed with Ladha powder milk at the ratio of 1:1), had a Percentage Survival of 27.8%, with the highest Percentage Growth Rate (PGR) in length of 93.5. Treatment D (fertilized water and formulated fish feed of 40% CP), recorded 47% survival and 77.7% growth rate. The experiment showed that there is a significant difference in treatments A, B, C and D (P<0.5). The Least Significant Difference (LSD) is 1.74, and the difference between the mean value of treatments A and B is 8.24 (P<0.5), C and B is 3.30 (P<0.5), C and D is 1.35 (P>0.5). There is no significant difference between Treatments C and D because the mean difference between Treatments. C and D is less than the LSD. Treatment D. feed, fed to hatchlings recorded the highest number of survivors of 237 and second best PGR in length of 77.7. Also treatment C. feed, fed to hatchlings recorded 139 survivors of PS of 27.8 and the highest PGR in length of 93.5. Therefore, treatments D and C can be used to feed hatchlings provided the feeds have the right texture and particle size and reared under right physico-chemical parameters.

Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, fertilized water, Hatchlings, Nursing tank, Particle size, Physico-chemical parameters, Survivors, Texture

Cocoa is (Theobroma cacao L.) is a significant agricultural commodity in Côte-d’Ivoire which ranks 1st in the world cocoa export. Phytophthora pod rot (Ppr) also call Black pod is the most widespread disease of cocoa. Lost due to this disease depends on the species of the pathogen and vary globally from 15% et 80% of the farm production. Due to the impact of cocoa on the economy, resistance to Phytophthora Pod rot (Ppr) is becoming increasingly important criterion of selection for new cocoa varieties in Côte-d’Ivoire. In this decade, the CNRA has selected new cocoa cultivars with involvement of farmers. Some of these cultivars have shown resistance scoring using detached pod test. Based on 12 microsatellites primers, the results of the genetic diversity and structure of these resistance plant materials are presented. Control clones from breeders collections were used basedon their relationship to the recent genetic structure of cocoa. All the farmers’ accessions presented high heterozygosity value. Most of farmers’ accessions were hybrids between amelonado and upper amazons groups. The neighbour joining analysis performed after 500 bootstrapping revealed 6 genetic groups respectively close to the 5 control groups of amelonado, maranon, contamana, Iquitos and Nanay. Control clones from the scavina group especially, those known be resistant to Pprat the CNRA Research station are quite different to the resistance accessions on the farmers’ field. One group remained unknown based on the controls used. It is recommended that the genetic structure identified through these promising plants in farmers’ fields be further exploited in breeding to obtain new hybrid or clonal cocoa varieties with low incidence of Ppr.

Keywords: Genetic diversity, Microsatellite markers, Phytophthora pod rot, Theobroma cacao

A study of thin layer drying characteristics of cocoyam (X. Sagittifolium) slices was carried out using hot air convective dryer. The drying experiments were performed at five different drying temperatures of 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85ºC at air velocity of 2 m/s with relative humidity of 50, 40, 39.5, 33.8 and 22.2% respectively. Non linear regression analysis was used to model the drying of the cocoyam slices. Drying pattern was observed to be in the falling rate period. Out of the four thin-layers drying models investigated (Newton, Page, Henderson and Pabis and Logarithmic), Logarithmic model best described the drying parameters of cocoyam slices with high values of coefficient of determination of 0.973, 0.988, 0.991, 0.999 and 0.99. The moisture diffusivities at the drying temperatures varied from 2.53 x 10–5 m2/s to 1.09 x 10–5 m2/s. The results compared well with works on similar materials.

Keywords: Cocoyam slices, Drying, Drying rate constant, Moisture diffusivity, Thin layer

Gradual and Massive destruction of our environment is rampant throughout the world. However, the situation is more pathetic in developing countries. Anthropogenic activities which include but not limited to random or indiscriminate tree felling, farming operations, among others are major causes of environmental degradation. Though the world (inhabitants) needs more food andmore protein, unfortunately we may not have it unless we stop the destruction of our environments. With the present destruction/pollution of our environments, photosynthesis is impaired, streams rivers etc. are polluted, the green scenery (aesthetic) changed, clean air is non-existent, human life endangered, aquatic life harmed, wildlife drastically reduced, therefore the quest to reduce world’s hunger becomes but a mirage, a phantasm, a hallucination.

Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, Destruction, Environment, Wildlife