FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study aimed at accessing the effectiveness of broadcasting media in disseminating agricultural information to maize farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, identify the broadcasting media available and accessible to maize farmers, examine the perceived benefits of broadcasting media utilized, determine the effectiveness
of broadcasting media utilized, and identify constraints faced by maize farmers in the study area. Multi-stage and simple random sampling procedure was used in the selection of 150
respondents for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage, mean, and standard deviation
while the hypotheses were analyzed using Regression analysis. The findings revealed that 50.7% of maize farmers were female while 49.3% were male with a mean age of 48 years. Most (96.7%) of the respondents had access to electricity. Further findings show that broadcasting media was available to majority (61.9%) of the
farmers and not available to a notable minority (38.1%). Also, majority of farmers (60%) perceived broadcast media to be very effective while 40% did not. Major constraints faced by the farmers were, poor network signal coverage (x̄= 3.75), poor power supply (x̄= 3.56). The study recommend that agricultural broadcast programs should be developed by local radios and community TV stations since most rural farmers rely on them by designing programmes for AM/FM thereby enhancing accessibility to broadcasting media

This study examined the perception of final-year students in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, toward taking farming as a future livelihood. The study aimed to determine students’ interest in farming, identify factors influencing their perception, assess their attitudes toward farming relative to other career pathways, and highlight key constraints that may hinder them from choosing farming as a livelihood option after graduation. A total of 66 respondents were selected using a proportionate sampling technique, which ensured that each of the six departments was represented according to its share of the 218 final-year students in the faculty. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The socio-demographic profile revealed that respondents were predominantly male (90.9%), mostly young (87.9% aged 25 and below, with a mean age of 23 years), and single 97%). Most respondents originated from rural communities (63.6%), and exactly half (50%) reported having access to farmland. The findings indicated a generally positive perception of farming, with high mean ratings for statements suggesting that agriculture offers diverse career opportunities (Mean = 4.59), provides sustainable income (Mean = 4.35), and is becoming increasingly attractive due to technological advancements (Mean = 4.54). Students also showed considerable interest in pursuing farming, although their intentions were moderated by structural limitations. Major constraints identified included insufficient start-up capital (Mean = 3.28), limited access to formal credit (Mean = 3.06), inadequate storage facilities (Mean = 3.13), and high input costs (Mean = 3.03). The correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between certain socio- economic variables and perception. Residential background (r = 0.298; p = 0.016), access to land (r = 0.312; p = 0.011), and farming experience (r = 0.341; p = 0.005) were all significantly associated with students’ perception of farming as a livelihood, suggesting that rural upbringing, land availability, and exposure to farming enhance positive orientation toward agriculture. Conversely, sex, age, marital status and household size showed no significant effects (p > 0.05). The study concludes that while final-year agriculture students at the University of Benin perceive farming positively, key structural constraints, particularly inadequate capital, limited access to land, and insufficient equipment, must be addressed to encourage their participation in the agricultural sector. It is therefore recommended that policymakers address critical constraints of inadequate capital, limited credit access, insufficient storage facilities, and high input costs hindering graduates' agricultural participation

Aquaculture has become a critical element of the world’s food security chain and provides a sustainable approach to protein security, poverty alleviation, and diversification of living resources. This study was conducted to assess participation and motives in the farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer program for aquaculture farmers of the Edo South Agricultural Zone. The specific aims of the research were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of aquaculture farmers in the study area; ascertain the level of participation of aquaculture farmers in farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer
initiatives in the study area; determine the motivations of aquaculture farmers in farmerto-farmer knowledge transfer in the study area; and determine the constraints faced by
aquaculture farmers in participating in farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer in the study
area. The multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 120 aquaculture
farmers from three cluster communities from Ikpoba- Okha LGA. Data were collected
using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics tools such as frequency count, percentages, mean and standards deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed farmers mostly of males (52%), with a mean age of 43, with (97%) attaining at least secondary education. The majority (62%) ranked aquaculture as their
primary occupation. The level of farmer participation within the knowledge-transfer
program remains high, with a mean score of 3.33 to 4.24, representing high levels of
farmer participation, notably during pond construction (100%), feeding (94.9%), drug
administration (100%), and harvest (99.2%). However, participation is low concerning
feed formulation (14.4%), pond fertilization (16.1%), and marketing (39.0%). The
absence of formal training programs related to knowledge sharing (mean of 3.75), the
absence of organized learning platforms (mean of 3.50), and the lack of trust within the
knowledge shared (mean of 3.02) were the major constraints. The results also showed
that households size (–0.250; p = 0.006) was significant. While the level of motivation
possessed a significant positive relationship (correlation coefficient of r = 0.427, a
significance level of p = 0.000). it was concluded that knowledge-transfer program
among farmers is important within the promotion of aquaculture innovation and
alleviates the low formal extension framework within Edo State. It was recommended
that the level of participation within the knowledge-transfer program represents a positive

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health crisis, significantly driven by antimicrobial misuse in livestock production, with the meat value chain serving as a primary route for resistance transmission to humans. This study employed a descriptive design involving a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the emergence, spread and management of AMR in meat products' value chain in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 100 participants were used, including livestock farmers, meat sellers/distributors, meat processors, suya vendors, veterinary doctors and meat consumers, drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State using a stratified random sampling technique. Data collected were coded and analyzed using the IBM SPSS (version 27, 2025). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents’ characteristics and key study variables. Inferential analyses were employed, incorporating chi-square testing to explore associations between categorical variables. Results revealed a 61% awareness of AMR but poor understanding of resistance mechanisms, with 16% unable to name any antimicrobial drug. A critical attitude-practice gap was evident.

This study was conducted to evaluate the implications of Aspilia africana aqueous leaf extract on the internal organ weights of ROSS 308 broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and twelve (112) day-old broiler chicks were used for the seven-week trial. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two replicates per treatment accommodating fourteen (14) birds each. Treatment 1 (T1) served as the control, while Treatments 2, 3, and 4 (T2, T3, and T4) received Aspilia africana aqueous leaf extract at the specified concentrations in drinking water. Fresh leaves of Aspilia africana were collected from the University of Benin environment, thoroughly washed, and air-dried in the shade to preserve their natural compounds. The dried leaves were ground into a fine paste, and 300 grams of the paste was soaked in 2 liters of boiled water for about 12 hours. The mixture was filtered to obtain a clear, dark-green extract, which was stored in airtight containers and refrigerated at 2°C until use. During the experiment, the extract was administered through the birds’ drinking water at concentrations of 100 ml/7L, 150 ml/7L, and 200 ml/7L, which was applied three times weekly. All birds were fed a standard broiler diet formulated to meet NRC (1994) nutrient requirements.

The study was carried out at the Experimental Field of the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (latitude 6.4013754° and 5.6258° North and longitude 5.625880° and 6.40127231 East). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, four treatment levels with different rates of NPK 20:10:10 (0, 150, 300 and 450kg/ha). Planting was done in October at 0.5m x 0.5m spacing. The study was carried out to determine the effect of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizers as soil amendment for the growth and development of fluted pumpkin in a degraded ultisol. Experimental trials were conducted and the following growth and yield parameters were
collected: Vine length and number of leaves. The experiment was terminated 8 weeks after planting and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Soil physical and chemical properties such as Particle Size Distribution, Textural Classification, Soil Organic Carbon, Total Organic Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Acidity were determined.

Maize cobs are an abundant agricultural by-product with limited feeding value due to their low protein content and high fiber composition. Ensiling is a preservation method that can enhance the quality of crop residues, while additives such as wood ash extract may further improve fermentation and nutrient retention. Freshly harvested maize cobs were divided into three groups: one treated with wood ash extract, another soaked in water for 30 mins and the other ordinary maize cobs. The first treatment was ensiled for seven days under anaerobic conditions. At the end of the ensiling period, samples were analyzed for chemical composition (crude protein, crude fiber, ash content, and moisture) and physical properties (color, odor, and texture). Results showed that the wood ash extract treatment (Trt3) was highly effective. It significantly reduced Crude Fiber (from 30.42% to 24.72%), indicating successful alkaline delignification, and lowered Carbohydrates (from 55.44% to 31.26%) through chemical breakdown and fermentation. This treatment also acted as a mineral supplement, significantly increasing the total Ash content (from 1.55% to 3.98%) and fortifying the cobs with Calcium (105.6 mg/100mg) and Sodium (44.75 mg/100mg).

Women's contributions to agricultural production are fundamental to achieving food security and economic development, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, their productivity is often constrained by a range of socio-economic and institutional barriers. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the roles of women in agricultural production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on their socio-economic characteristics, types of agricultural activities, participation levels, and challenges faced. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 women farmers from four communities (Okada, Iguobazuwa, Uhen, and Oduna), of which 110 questionnaires were properly completed and analyzed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple line arregression analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were married(53.6%),within the active age range of 31-40 years (mean age: 36 years), and had secondary education (40.9%). Most women (46.4%) combined farming with trading as their primary occupation, with an average farming experience of 9 years and a household size of 5 persons. Crop farming was the predominant activity (77.3%), with maize (47.3%) and vegetables (45.5%) being the most cultivated crops. Women demonstrated substantial participation across the agricultural value chain, with 70% involved in planting activities and an average of 4 hours spent daily on farm operations. The majority (56.4%) exhibited moderate participation levels, while 81.8% engaged in marketing their produce, and 59% maintained autonomous decision-making authorityovertheiragriculturalenterprises. However, severe constraints were identified, including lack of access to credit (mean = 3.25), genderdiscrimination (mean = 3.23), inadequatemechanized tools(mean =2.81), high labour costs (mean = 2.74), and poor transportation and storage facilities (mean = 2.65). Statistical analysesrevealedsignificantrelationshipsbetweenparticipationlevelsandkey variables:land ownership(χ²=11.106,p=0.085),age(r=0.241,p=0.011),farmexperience(r=0.264,p= 0.005), household size (r = 0.212, p = 0.026), and income (r = 0.314, p = 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that income was the most significant predictor of participation level (β = 0.037, p = 0.001), explaining 19.3% of the variance. Additionally, significant associations were found between participation levels and engagement in crop farming (χ² = 13.447, p = 0.001) and livestock rearing (χ² = 66.403, p = 0.041). The study concludes that women play critical roles in agriculture but face significant constraints. To enhance their productivity and empowerment, the study recommends policy interventions focused on improving access to affordable credit, promoting labour-saving technologies, strengthening women's land rights, and providing gender-sensitive extension services to bridge the existing gaps in knowledge and resource access.

This study investigated the chemical composition and some mineral properties of maize cobs ensiled with wood ash extract fortified with molasses. The study aimed to determine the effect of soaking durations and additive combination on the proximate and mineral composition of maize cob silage. Six treatments were used, comprising ordinary dried ground maize cobs (control), maize soaked in only water, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for three days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for seven days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for three days, and maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for seven days. Samples of these differently treated maize cobs were analyzed for moisture content, dry matter content, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and selected minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, and sodium. The results showed that the inclusion of wood ash extract and molasses, as well as prolonged soaking duration, had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the chemical and mineral composition of the maize cob silage. Moisture, ash, and mineral contents increased with the addition of wood ash extract and molasses, while crude protein, fat, and carbohydrate showed slight decreases as fermentation progressed. The highest ash (6.53%), calcium (188.30 mg/100g), potassium (578.10 mg/100g), and sodium (99.91 mg/100g) contents were recorded in maize soaked in 500 ml wood ash and molasses for seven days, while the control recorded the least mineral enrichment. The increase in mineral content indicates that wood ash extract served as a good mineral fortifier, while molasses enhanced fermentation and nutrient stability. Prolonged soaking improved nutrient diffusion and fermentation efficiency, resulting in better silage quality. The combination of wood ash extract and molasses for seven days proved to be the most effective treatment, producing silage with improved nutritional and mineral composition suitable for livestock feed. This study concludes that maize cobs can be effectively converted into nutritionally valuable and mineralrich silage through ensiling with wood ash extract fortified with molasses, thereby providing a cost-effective and sustainable feed resource for livestock production.

This study examined the effect of positioning and duration of storage on the egg quality of ISA Brown chickens. Eggs from ISA Brown layers were stored under controlled conditions and arranged in different storage positions for varying periods. The aim was to determine how storage orientation and length of storage influence both internal and external egg quality parameters. Key quality indicators such as egg weight, shell strength, albumen height, yolk index, and Haugh unit were evaluated at different storage intervals.

The results indicated that prolonged storage duration led to a gradual decline in egg quality, particularly affecting albumen thickness and yolk stability. Eggs stored for longer periods showed lower Haugh unit values and reduced internal quality compared to freshly stored eggs. Storage positioning also had noticeable effects, as certain orientations helped maintain better structural integrity and reduced quality deterioration over time.

The findings suggest that both storage duration and positioning play important roles in preserving egg quality after laying. Proper storage practices can therefore help maintain the nutritional and market value of eggs from ISA Brown chickens. It is recommended that eggs be stored for shorter periods and in appropriate positions to reduce quality loss and ensure better consumer acceptability.