FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

This study examined the comparative economic analysis of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin in Benin metropolis Edo State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of fluted pumpkin and waterleaf farmers in the study area, identified and compared the production operations of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin, determined and compared the profitability of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin production, examined and compared the factors affecting the production of waterleaf and fluted pumpkin and identified the constraints faced by farmers in the production of fluted pumpkin and waterleaf in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure involving the combination of purposive, and simple random sampling technique was used to sample a total of 90 respondents (39 for waterleaf and 51 for fluted pumpkin respondent). The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary model, and multiple regression model and t- test. The results of the analysis showed the mean age of 52years for waterleaf and 53years for fluted pumpkin while 74.36% were female for waterleaf farmers and 84.31% were also female for fluted pumpkin farmers. The results also revealed that 56.41% had primary education for Waterleaf farmers and 58.82% for Fluted Pumpkin farmer and the highest form of education is primary education

The study analyzed sharp practices used in storing grains by grain marketers in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 74 grain marketers were sampled in the study area. Copies of structured questionnaire were used in collecting data for the study. The data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation and logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis. The major findings were that some (33.8%) of grain marketers were between the age 31- 40 years and the computed mean age of the respondents was 41. Also almost equal proportion of both sexes were involved in marketing of grain (male - 51.4%, female - 48.6%). The results also showed that higher percentage of the respondents (55.4%) dealt with maize and most (37.8%) of the respondents acquired secondary school education as their highest form of education, 68.9% had their source of information on how to store grains from their family. Results also show that majorities (> 50%) of respondents were aware of each sharp practice mentioned.

This study evaluated the sensory and proximate composition of weaning food containing maize, soybean, and carrot. Maize was fermented, and flour was produced. Also, soybean and carrot were processed into flours; blends were produced at different combinations to produce four samples. The blends were produced to form gruel and sensory evaluation was carried out. Proximate evaluation was done. The results for sensory evaluations showed that sample B (4.83 ± 0.37) had the best color quality, this was followed by sample C (4.15 ± 0.80), A (3.67 ± 0.48) and the least was D (3.38 ± 1.19). The results for texture showed that the samples were not different in terms of texture. However, the highest score was sample B (3.84 ± 1.07). The best taste was observed in sample B(4.45± 0.52), next was A (3.54 ± 0.52), C (3.31 ± 0.48) and the least was D(2.54 ±0.86). The overall acceptance was sample B (4.83 ± 0.37) while the least was D(2.54 ±0.78).The proximate composition was greatly improved for blends with soybean and carrot. The highest ash was sample D (2.53%), fiber sample D (2.16%), fat sample D(23.66%). Sample B (80% maize, 15% soybean and 5% carrot) had the best sensory attributes and was greatly recommended due to its appreciable nutritive contents.

Phosphorus (P) is a critical macronutrient essential for plant growth, it involved in energy transfer, cell division, and development of root systems. This study was conducted to examine different forms of inorganic phosphorus in soils planted to plantain. The study was conducted between April-October 2025, on twelve (12) soil samples collected from five (4) depths, three (3) replicates in soils planted to plantain within University of Benin, Edo States, Nigeria. Some soil properties were determined using standard laboratory procedures, Forms of inorganic P were determined by six step sequential fractionation using suitable chemical extractants, while the relationship between some soil properties and forms of inorganic P was
evaluated by simple linear correlation. Genstat (12 th edition) statistical package was employed for data analysis, Duncan multiple ranged test was used to separate means at 5%. Results revealed that various forms of inorganic P were distributed in the soils with the Al and Fe bound P forms occurring in the largest amount with grand mean values of 88.83 and 51.80 mg kg -1 respectively. The forms of P in the soils were influenced negatively and positively by some soils properties across the various soil depths, however at 0-30 cm soil depths Ca bound P correlated positively with Ca+Mg (r= 0.997*), saloid bound P showed significant positive and negative relationship with sand (r = -1.000 ***) and Organic carbon (r = 1.000***) respectively, the relation between other soil properties, with some forms of inorganic P were also obtained

This study evaluated the application of machine learning models in predicting live weight of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds using morphometric traits. Data were collected from three major breeds, which include Red Sokoto, West African Dwarf, and Sahel goats. The data was collected across several markets in Benin City, Nigeria. Morphometric measurements including heart girth, body length, height at withers, and rump height were taken from each goat and analyzed using machine learning models such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Extra Decision Tree(EDT). The Extra Decision Tree(EDT) model recorded the highest prediction accuracy (89.22%) and coefficient of determination (R² = 93.76%), while also achieving the lowest Mean Square Error (MSE = 1.23) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE=0.05). These results indicate that Extra Decision Tree provided the most reliable and stable prediction of live weight among the evaluated models. The findings demonstrate that morphometric based machine learning approaches can serve as efficient, low-cost tools for accurate live weight estimation in indigenous goat breeds, supporting improved productivity and management in Nigeria’s livestock systems.

This study investigated the poverty status and income inequality among cooperative and non-cooperative cocoa farming households in Edo State, Nigeria. Cocoa production remains a major livelihood activity in rural communities, yet farmers continue to experience persistent poverty due to structural, financial, and agronomic challenges. The study specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers, identified services provided by cooperatives, assessed poverty levels using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices, analysed determinants of poverty through logistic regression, and identified major constraints affecting cocoa production. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 106 respondents, consisting of 54 cooperative members and 52 non- members. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics, FGT measures, and logistic regression models. Findings revealed that cocoa farming in the study area is dominated by middle- aged and elderly males with moderate levels of education and household sizes. Cooperatives provided key services such as credit, agro-chemicals, improved seedlings, marketing support, and discounted inputs. Surprisingly, poverty incidence was higher among cooperative households (P₀ = 0.407) than among non cooperative households (P₀ = 0.288). Poverty depth and severity followed the same trend, indicating that cooperative members were more deeply affected by poverty

he research assessed agriculture students’ perception of academic and institutional services in University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma. The core findings focused on the quality of academic and institutional service available in the University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma. Agricultural students were selected from the different agriculture department based on level of study, data generated was analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and mean while hypothesis was tested with spearman correlation and chi square. Findings showed that a higher proportion (57.5%) of the respondents were male students which showed that males were given more opportunity for higher education in the study area. A higher proportion 67.5% and 32.5% of the students attended both private primary and secondary schools respectively. It also showed that the students had positive perception that social opportunities (canteen, garden and seating places) of the faculty are sufficient (Mean 3.84). findings also established that students’ interest to venture into agriculture was high as there is opportunity for self employment in agriculture (Mean, 4.21). results also showed that students had high level of satisfaction as agricultural class has provided me with the competencies needed to succeed in business and industry (Mean, 3.29). The results also showed that the most serious constraints faced by students was methods used in teaching practical is laborious (Mean 2.90)

Periwinkles are small edible snails commonly available for sale in the southern part of Nigeria. The increasing awareness that periwinkle is highly proteinous, one of the cheapest sources of protein and help for body and mental development as increased the demand in different country. The study investigated the effect of oven – drying and smoke – drying methods on the proximate composition of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) preserved in natural agents. 50g of periwinkle were measured for each drying method and preserved with salt, lime, lemon and alum within 24 hours. Each sample were dried at about 55 oc – 70 oc. The samples were labelled T1 -T13 including the fresh sample. T5 retained the least moisture (p<0.05) and had the highest fat content, fibre content and ash content (p<0.05). There was a substantial difference between (p<0.05) the crude protein and carbohydrate contents of the preserved samples using the different drying processes. T5 had more excellent qualities compared to the others and should be the recommended drying procedure for retaining excellent qualities

This study was conducted in the Greenhouse of the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, to determine the heavy metal concentration of Celosia argentae raised on soils from dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State. Soil samples were collected from dumpsites from three different land uses around Ugbowo Campus of University of Benin City. The soils from the dumpsites were filled into plastic buckets and used to raise Celosia argentae. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments and replicated three times. Soil and plant sample were collected and taken to the laboratory for analysis and standard
procedures were used to analyze the samples. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means at 5% level of significance. The parameters measured include: pH, Total organic carbon, Total nitrogen, Available phosphorus, Sand, Silt, Clay, Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc, Lead, Chromium and Cadmium for the dumpsite soils, while the micro nutrients (Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc) and heavy metals (Lead, Chromium and Cadmium) for the plant samples. The results show that the pH of the soils from the dumpsites were moderately acidic (5.66 – 5.92). The soils belong to the textural class sand

The study was carried out at Iguzama Community in Ovia North East Local Government area of Edo state, Nigeria, to evaluate some soils for tomato cultivation. The study area consisted of two sites; Site A, a 4 hectare land, and site B, a 12 hectare land. Soil survey was carried out by the rigid grid method at a detailed scale, using the rigid grid method which produced four mapping units. Each mapping units was represented by a pedon and each pedon was appropriately described. Soil samples were analysed using standard procedures. The result of the land evaluation revealed that pedon 1a (1.65ha) representing 38%, pedon 2a (2.64ha) which representing 62%, pedon 1b (6.4ha) representing 53% and pedon 2b (5.69ha) representing 47% of the study area were not suitable (N) for tomato cultivation due to severe limitations in soil physical characteristics and fertility. Limitations in soil physical characteristics cannot be amended, thus the study area should not be used for tomato cultivation; however, the study area may be used for other purpose(s) for which it is found suitable.