FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study examined post-harvest losses in cassava production and their impact on food security among cassava farmers in Etsako East, Edo State. Primary data were collected from 100 randomly selected cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The socio-economic characteristics revealed
that respondents were predominantly middle-aged, married, and experienced small-scale farmers with a mean annual income of ₦505,625. Results showed that major factors influencing post- harvest losses included mechanical damage during handling, unfavourable climatic conditions, lack of transportation, irregular market days, pest and disease attacks, and poor storage facilities. Food insecurity indicators revealed that households frequently reduced meal quantity, skipped meals, or borrowed food due to shortages, indicating moderate levels of food insecurity. Strategies used to combat food insecurity included reliance on cooperatives, selling farm produce, seeking assistance from relatives or NGOs, and engaging in off-farm jobs. The binary logistic
regression revealed that age, sex, education, household size, farming experience, farm size, cooperative membership, annual income, and access to extension services significantly influenced food security status (p < 0.05). The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly undermine both income and food availability, thereby contributing to household food insecurity in the area. It recommends investment in improved storage facilities, timely processing technologies, better road and market infrastructure, and strengthened extension services to reduce losses and enhance food security among cassava farmers.

This study investigated the influence of Aspilia africana aqueous leaf extract on the haematological performance of ROSS 308 broiler chickens. This experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Uniben Farm Project, Animal science Department, University of Benin. A total of one hundred and twelve (112) day-old broiler chicks were used for the experiment which lasted seven (7) weeks. The birds were randomly distributed into four (4) treatments groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) and replicated twice in
a complete randomized design, which each treatment having 14 birds. T1 served as control and received clean water without the extract, while T2, T3, and T4 received Aspilia africana aqueous leaf extract at concentrations of 100 ml, 150 ml, and 200 ml
per 7 litre of drinking water respectively. Fresh leaves of Aspilia africana were collected, washed, air-dried overnight, milled, and soaked in boiled water to prepare the aqueous extract, the extract was kept under 2◦c in a refrigerator to preserve for use
and these processes were maintained every 4 days to maintain freshness

This study examined the socio-economic effects of artificial intelligence in Agricultural by farmers and extension agents in Edo state, Nigeria. A stratified sampling procedure was used to select 131 farmers and 82 extension agents that were used for this study. The specific objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics ( frequency, percentage and mean rating ) why regression analysis was used to analyze the hypothesis. Findings revealed that the majority of farmers (62.4%) and extension agents (61.7%) were male, and most fell within the economically active age range of 31–50 years. Awareness level of AI technologies was high, 74.4% and 91.7% of farmers and extension agents respectively, satellite imagery (64.0% of farmers; 75.0% of extension agents), and climate precision models (60.0% of farmers; 81.7% of extension agents). However, advanced technologies such as remote sensing recorded low adoption (8.0% of farmers; 1.7% of extension agents). Adoption levels of Artificial intelligence(AI) varied and showed mixed sociocultural reactions towards AI technologies. The regression analysis shows that most socio-economic characteristics, sex (β = 0.162; p = 0.020), association membership (β = 0.258; p < 0.01), awareness of AI (β = 0.585; p < 0.01), and location (p = 0.058) of respondents have significant influence on awareness ( β = 0.585; p < 0.01 ) and adoption (Adjusted R² = 0.523 ) of AI technologies with some sociocul tural effects. The study concludes that while awareness and partial adoption of AI technologies are increasing, full integration into agricultural practice is hindered by sociocultural beliefs, limited infrastructure, and gaps in technical capacity

This study investigated the shelf life and viability of Trichoderma harzianum formulated with various carrier combinations to enhance its potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent. Formulations were prepared using different ratios of corn cob and spent mushroom substrate (4:1 and 1:1) respectively, combined with clay and cassava starch. The viability of T. harzianum spores was monitored monthly over a five-month storage period under room temperature conditions (15–35 °C) by determining colony-forming units (CFU/g) on potato dextrose agar. The experiment was subjected to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and data was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results revealed that the media type had a highly significant effect (p< 0.001) on spore viability across all months, while concentration and substrate × concentration were non-significant. The formulation containing a 1:1 mixture of corn cob and spent mushroom substrate supplemented with clay and cassava starch consistently produced the highest CFU/g values throughout the storage period, indicating superior shelf stability. onversely, formulations with higher corn cob ratios (4:1) showed reduced viability. Overall, the inclusion of starch improved moisture retention and nutrient availability, slowing the decline in spore viability over time. The study concludes that a balanced organic–inorganic matrix enriched with starch provides an optimal carrier system for maintaining the viability of T. harzianum during storage, thereby enhancing its suitability for large-scale biocontrol applications.

This study was carried out to assess the type of furniture-making industries, their preferred woody species, prioritization of woody species based on availability and commonly used and estimate volume of wood used monthly and yearly by these furniture industries. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, eighty (80) questionnaires were distributed to 16 furniture-making industries in Oredo Local Government Area. All the data collected were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and charts. This result showed that age of respondent ranged between 18-55years. Also, the result showed that the years of experience of the respondents ranged between 1-15 years. This revealed that 7 industries were small-scale, 6 were medium-scale and 3 were large-scale. A total of 10 woody species from 7 plant family were identified as being utilized by the sampled furniture industries. The most preferred woody species was Cordia millenii, followed by Khaya ivorensis and the least preferred is Guarea cedrata followed by Mansonia altissima. The estimated volume of wood utilized monthly by the industries ranged from 0.6m3 to 10.81m3 with a total monthly volume of 113.94m3 and a mean of
7.12±0.84m3 per outlet and also, the estimated yearly usage ranged from 10.6m3 to 106.2m3 culminating in a total annual volume of 1062.2m3 and a mean of 66.39±8.1m3 per outlet. This study revealed that furniture making is an economically viable and steadily growing craft within Oredo Local Government Area, largely sustained by small-scale and medium-scale industries. To ensure long-term resource availability and industrial growth, there is a pressing need for reforestation initiatives, sustainable wood sourcing practices, and policy interventions that promote responsible utilization of forest resources in Oredo Local Government Area.

This study focused on effects of market association activities on the marketing of palm oil in Ovia North East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of palm oil marketers; ascertain the conditions for entry and exit from the association; identify the activities carried out by the market association in the marketing process; examine the effects of association activities; identify the marketing information channels used by the respondents; identify the constraints encountered by palm oil marketers. A two-stage sampling procedure was used for simple random sampling of 80 palm oil marketers from Five (5) palm oil markets in the LGA. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire in line with the objectives of the study and was supported by in-person interviews conducted among the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, as well as inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).

This study was carried out to determine the Hematology performance of Clarias gariepinus fed diets supplemented with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) at different inclusion levels. 300 post juveniles were stocked randomly into five tanks at a density of 60 fish per tank; (T1 0%, T2 1.0%, T3 1.5%, T4 2.0%, T5 2.5%) and were fed twice daily to satiation with the prepared diet. Each treatment was replicated 3 times. The experiment lasted for a period of 9 weeks after which blood samples were randomly collected three per treatment for haematological studies and data was subjected to analysis of variance. The result of this study showed that WBC had the highest value of 25.17×10^3uL at T4 and the lowest value at T5 (16.37×10^3uL), RBC performed better at T3 (2.23×10^6uL) and lowest at T5 (1.70×10^6uL) and HCT values were found to be in the normal range for catfish, T3 (1.5%) being the highest and T5 recorded the lowest 2.5% inclusion level of mushroom

The study examined the use of food safety information practices among garri consumers in University of Benin communities, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of garri consumers, determined their level of awareness and sources of garri food safety information available and accessible, assessed the utilization of garri food safety practices, identified constraints inhibiting the use of garri food safety information, and examined the relationship between awareness, socio-economic characteristics, and the use of garri food safety information practices. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that nearly all the respondents (97.5%) were below 30 years, predominantly female (75%), unmarried (95.8%), and literate, with most being students (83.3%). The study showed a high level of awareness of general food safety issues such as knowledge of food spoilage, illnesses and hygiene but a low level of awareness of storage-related practices. Social media (90.8%) and television (74.2%) were the most common sources of food safety information, while extension agents, flyers/posters, food vendor/producer and health workers played minimal roles. Consumers showed high utilization of information from peers and social media but limited utilization of technical practices such as re-roasting and sieving. Regression results indicated a positive and significant relationship between awareness and utilization of food safety practices (p < 0.001), though awareness accounted for only 11.1% of the variation in utilization. Among socio-economic
characteristics, only the volume of garri purchased significantly influenced the use of food safety information (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while garri consumers in the study area are aware of food safety issues, awareness alone does not guarantee consistent safe practices. It
recommends that government agencies, universities, and health educators intensify targeted food safety campaigns, promote credible information sources, and strengthen enforcement of hygiene standards among garri sellers to ensure consumer safety and public health.

The increasing demand for sustainable food production and environmental conservation has necessitated the development of eco-friendly agricultural structures. This study focuses on the design and construction of an eco-friendly minimizing ecological impact. The project integrates locally available and biodegradable materials such as bamboo, palm fronds, and recycled mesh to
create a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable housing system. The screen house was designed to provide an ideal microclimate—maintaining adequate humidity, temperature, and ventilation—to enhance the growth, breeding, and survival rates of Achatina species. Solar-powered lighting and a rainwater harvesting system were incorporated to reduce energy consumption and promote resource efficiency. Performance evaluation of the structure showed improved snail growth rate, reduced mortality, and minimal pest invasion compared to conventional open systems. The results demonstrate that eco-friendly screen houses offer a production. practical, low-cost, and sustainable solution for small- and medium-scale snail farmers, aligning with global efforts toward green agricultural innovations and climate-smart animal

Cassava production remains a major livelihood activity and an important contributor to food security in Nigeria. However, farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State face several production challenges that affect their efficiency and profitability. This study assessed the farm-level efficiency of cassava production in the area, focusing on the socio economic characteristics of farmers, cost and returns, technical efficiency, and major production constraints. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 cassava farmers from six purposively chosen communities. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and percentages), gross margin analysis to determine profitability, a stochastic frontier production function to estimate technical efficiency, and a Likert scale to identify production constraints. The results showed that cassava farming is dominated by middle-aged, active farmers, with 74.17% being male and a mean age of 41 years.Most respondents were married (58.33%) and had moderate to high education levels, with
37.50% possessing OND/NCE qualifications. The farmers had an average of 13 years of farming experience, and 52.10% had household sizes of 1–5 persons. The cost and returns analysis revealed that cassava production is profitable, with a total revenue of ₦1,884,166.67 and a total variable cost of ₦1,022,710.51, resulting in a gross margin of ₦861,456.16. The stochastic
frontier model indicated that farmers operated at a mean technical efficiency of 0.68, suggesting that they achieved only 68% of their potential output and could increase productivity by 32% without increasing input levels. The distribution of technical efficiency scores showed that 40% of farmers fell within the 0.51–0.70 range, 37.5% between 0.71–0.90, while only 3.33% attainednear-optimal efficiency (0.91–1.0). Farmers also faced several constraints, with unpredictable input prices (mean = 3.02), pest and disease outbreaks (mean = 2.95), and lack of mechanized equipment (mean = 2.79) emerging as the most severe challenges. The study concludes that cassava farming in Uhunmwonde LGA is profitable yet constrained by inefficiencies and
production challenges. It recommends increasing extension contact, strengthening access to subsidized inputs, and establishing community-level mechanization hubs to improve efficiency and enhance cassava productivity in the area