Table of Contents

The Functional Properties of the Dehulled and Undehulled

Mungbean (Vigna Radiata (l.) Wilczek) Flours as Influenced

Processing Treatments

Akaerue, Blessing I. and Onwuka, Greg I. ………………………….                                   1-28

Vetiver Grass Performance under Compost and

Mycorrhiza Treatments

Y.B Oyeyiola, E.A Ewetola and J.O Ogunrinde ……………………                         29-35

Functional and Pasting Properties of Pumpkin

(Cucurbita pepo) Seed Products.

Atuonwu, A .C and Akobundu, E.  N. T. ……………………………                                    36-49

Catch Composition of Fin Fish in Ikere Gorge, Oyo State Nigeria

Adeosun F.I., I. T. Omoniyi and Y. Akegbejo-Samsons …….                              50-57

Solar Energy Applications for Agriculture

Chikaire, J. Nnadi, F.N., Nwakwasi, R.N., Anyoha,

N.O, Aja O.O., Onoh, P.A., and Nwachukwu C.A. ………………                           58-62

Length Frequency Distribution and Length-Weight

Relationship of Schilbe mystus from Lekki Lagoon in

Lagos, Nigeria

Olagbemide Peter Taiwo …………………………………………….                         63-69

Survey of Ectoparasite and Their Prediliction Sites on

Cattle in Bukuru Market

Olabode, H O.K.; Silas, P.M. and Agbede, R.I.S …………….                                70-74

State Policy, Depeasantisation and Agrarian Change:

The Effects of the Psi on Cassava-Starch on Peasant

Farmers’ Socio-Economic Livelihood

Paul Kofi Andoh and Thomas Antwi Bosiakoh………………….                              75-89

Household Food Security, Nutritional and Health Status

of Pre-School Children From Low Income Households

Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Olatidoye, O.P¹, Jimoh, K.O² and Adebusuyi, S.M³……………                              90-100

Some Physical Properties of Selected Vegetable

Ilori, T.A., Raji.A.O and O.O. Kilanko ………………………….                               101-109

Modeling the Growth Rates of African Yam Bean

(Sphenostyles stenocarpa) Following Application of Fertilizers

Olatunde, A. Olaposi and Adarabioyo, M. I. …………………..                              110 – 119

An Appraisal of Gari Packaging in Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria

 Adejumo, B. A.  and A. O. Raji   …………………………………                            120 – 127

AN APPRAISAL OF GARI PACKAGING IN OGBOMOSO, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

* Adejumo, B. A.  and A. O. Raji **

*Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso

** Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Email: funmibitan@yahoo.com;bolanleadejumo@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

An appraisal of gari packaging and sale in ogbomoso, Nigeria is reported. The objectives of this work is to appraise the various packaging materials used for gari and to suggest safe, appropriate and affordable packaging materials for gari packaging and storage. This is with the aim of reducing losses during storage and for proper planning of marketing strategies in terms of product packaging. The study was carried out by administering structured questionnaire combined with personal interviews with producers and marketers. A total of 50 respondents consisting of 35 marketers and 15 producers were interviewed. The results showed that the packaging materials used for gari packaging are all improvised material not specifically made for gari packaging. Ninety-six percent (96%) of the respondents uses hessian bags, 1% polyethylene bags while 2% combine hessian and polyethylene bags for the packaging of gari. Ninety percent (90%) of the respondent stored gari for between 1-6 months, 8% for 6-12 months while 2% stored for above 12 months in hessian bags. The percentage loss of gari during storage ranges between 3-10% for the packaging methods assessed which is a function of the type of storage materials used, storage conditions, storage duration and the quality of the gari before storage. The losses were in terms of change in colour, odour and taste. Ninety-five percent (95%) of the respondent retail gari from open containers, 4% from mats and 1% in 50kg bags usually wholesalers. It was observed that the problem of poor keeping quality of many dehydrated foods such as gari in the tropics is related to their moisture uptake during merchandising. This is perhaps due to poor packaging materials and the levels of moisture at which they are prepared and exposed. The use of plastic packaging bags cannot be overemphasized. There is therefore the need for further studies into the appropriate storage and packaging materials for gari as regards its physicochemical qualities as well as its protection against contaminants and increased shelf life.     

Keywords: Gari, hessian bags, jute bags, packaging, losses, storage.

SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SELECTED VEGETABLE

¹ Ilori, T.A., ²Raji.A.O and ³O.O. Kilanko

¹Department of Agricultural Engineering Programme, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan

²Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota

E-mail: iloritaa@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Physical attributes of biomaterial are needed as parameter in computer simulation of deformation of Agricultural and Food material under compressive loading using Discrete Element method. In this study, two vegetable namely chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescens)and bell pepper (Capsicum annum) were selected and some physical properties (mass, major diameter, intermediate diameter, minor diameter, and volume) at 10.88% w.b and 9.79% w.b moisture content were determined using standard methods. The results of the study show that the frequency distributions of each of the size of the two pepper varieties follow a normal distribution curve. The average geometric mean diameter and sphericity of bell pepper are 43.94mm and 64.23%while that of chilli pepper are 25.55mm and 86% respectively The mean mass, volume, true density and bulk density for bell pepper were 29.91g, 27.75cm³, 1.117gcm^-3 and 0.52gcm^-3 while that of chilli pepper were 8.4g, 8.23cm³, 0.90gcm^-3 and 0.41 gcm^-3  respectively. These data are useful in the design and development of handling and processing machines

Keywords:  DEM, bell pepper, chilli pepper, physical properties

MODELING THE GROWTH RATES OF AFRICAN YAM BEAN (Sphenostyles stenocarpa) FOLLOWING APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

¹Olatunde, A. Olaposi and ²Adarabioyo, M. I

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria

²Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer & information Systems, Achievers University, Owo,

ABSTRACT

The effect of fertilizer on the performance of three cultivars of African Yam Bean (AYB), Benue Brown (BB) and Emure White (EW) were evaluated in a pot and field trials. The fertilizers were applied as complete NPK (20-10-10) to the soil at the rate of 0 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha, 60 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha and 120kg/ha at planting. Plant vegetative characteristics, dry matter (DM), accumulation and yield characteristics increase progressively as NPK level increased up to 60 kg NPK per hectare before declining in pot and field experiments. The calculated growth rates: Net assimilation rate (NAR); Absolute growth rate (AGR); Crop growth rate (CGR); Relative growth rate (RGR); Specific leaf area (SLA); Leaf weight ratio (LWR); Leaf area duration (LAD) and Leaf area index (LAI) responded positively to NPK fertilization. From this study, it is evident that AYB responded positively to soil applied and 60 kg NPK/ ha seems adequate for optimum growth, flowering, pod formation of the crop under local conditions.

HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH STATUS OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Olatidoye, O.P¹, Jimoh, K.O² and Adebusuyi, S.M³

¹Department of Food Science and Technology, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

²Department of Food Science and Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria

³UAC Restaurant, A division of UACN Plc, P.O.Box 37040, Ibadan.

E-mail: waledoye@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Availability of food and access to food are two important determinants of food security and Childhood nutrition is known to have a considerable impact on children’s health. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the food security and health status of selected households in Nigeria.   Nutritional status of one hundred and fifty children (0 – 5 years) was studied in Bode-Igbo, a rural area located in Iddo local government  of Oyo State, Nigeria, to determine factors that may affect their household food security. Anthropometric measurement of height, weight, arm, head and chest circumferences were obtained together with information on socioeconomic, dietary pattern, health and sanitation of the parents using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that, using weight for height parameter, 18% had mild PEM, 19.3% were moderately malnourished and 11.3% were severely malnourished. Weight for age classification showed that 17.3% were mild, 30.7% had moderate PEM and 22% with severe PEM. Height for age, 56% of the children were normal, 60% were mild malnourished, 14.7% had moderate PEM and 23.0% had severe PEM. The majority of household heads were reported to be involved in farming (83.3%) while 50% and 27.9% of mothers were petty traders and food vendors respectively with the same population appeared to be food insecure. The findings showed that the duration of breastfeeding, areas of land owned and income had positive association with child nutritional status.

Keywords: PEM, nutritional status, malnourish, dietary intake, household food Security,

STATE POLICY, DEPEASANTISATION AND AGRARIAN CHANGE: THE EFFECTS OF THE PSI ON CASSAVA-STARCH ON PEASANT FARMERS’ SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOOD

Paul Kofi Andoh[1] & Thomas Antwi Bosiakoh[2]

Department of Behavioural and Social Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon

Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Legon

Email: pkandoh@gmail.com, and bosiakoh@gmail.com/bosiakoh@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the interface between state policy initiatives, the process of depeasantisation and agrarian change, using the Presidential Special Initiative on Cassava-Starch as a case. Employing both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques, primary data were collected from six farming communities in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya and Atebubu-Amantin districts of the Central and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. The analysis of primary data revealed that with the right policy initiatives by the state, it is possible to systematically incorporate peasant farmers into mainstream economy and to improve their socio-economic livelihoods. To this extent, the study recommends among others that given the importance of cassava to peasant farmers and its potential in both local and international markets, there should be consistent effort to promote its cultivation through extensive research and development with the view of introducing new varieties with high yields along with right agronomic practices.

SURVEY OF ECTOPARASITE AND THEIR PREDILICTION SITES ON CATTLE IN BUKURU MARKET

Olabode, H O.K ¹., Silas, P.M.² and Agbede, R.I.S ³

 ¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology,University of Abuja, Nigeria.

²Department of Agriculture, Local Government Service Commission, Bukuru

³Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

 Email: olabodeok@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Survey of ectoparasites and their predilection sites was conducted to determine their occurrence and economic impact on cattle brought for sales in Bukuru livestock market. A total of 120 cattle were examined for these ectoparasites in January-February, 2010 in Bukuru livestock market. Out of this figure, 12.5% were infested with ectoparasites of which, 7.5% were positive for Amblyomma spp, 1.3%, were positive for Boophilus spp and Hyalomma spp respectively, while Haematopinus spp had 0.83% occurrence. Oral interview with the marketer revealed that ectoparasite infested cattle are usually identified, and parasites especially Ticks are handpicked in the early hours of the business-day.  They also acknowledged the fact that such parasites could transmit diseases to healthy stock causing reduction in market value. Strategic and tactical control of ectoparasites in cattle herds and markets is therefore recommended.

LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION AND LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF Schilbe mystus FROM LEKKI LAGOON IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Olagbemide Peter Taiwo

Department of Biological Sciences

Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

E-mail-petseko2004@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACTS

Length-weight relationship and length-frequency distribution of 6months samples of Schilbe mystus from Lekki Lagoon were estimated. The length range was 10.1 – 20.7cm for both sexes. The young fish did not constitute the highest percentage of all the catches. The parameters a and b of length-weight relationship were -2.075 and 2.938, that is, the regression constant and the regression presented an inverse relationship. The species exhibited negative allometric growth. The importance of the estimated length-weight relationship parameters to the assessment of Schilbe mystus in Lekki Lagoon was highlighted.

Key words: Allometric growth, Epe, modal length.

SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE

Chikaire, J. Nnadi, F.N., Nwakwasi, R.N., Anyoha, N.O, Aja O.O., Onoh, P.A.,

 and Nwachukwu C.A.

Department of Agricultural Extension

Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Email: bankausta@ yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Renewable energy and farming are a winning combination. Wind, solar and biomass energy can be harvested forever, providing farmers with a long-term source of income. Renewable energy can be used on the farm to replace other fuels or even sold as a cash crop. It is one of the most promising and important opportunities for value-added products in agriculture. It has been said that “anything that can be generated from a barrel of oil can be generated from biomass. They type of renewable energy technology used in agriculture depends on the type of energy required, access to the renewable energy source and the design of agricultural facilities and processes. Solar energy can be used in agriculture in a number of ways, saving money, increasing self-reliance, and reducing pollution. Solar energy can cut a farm’s electricity and heating bills. Solar heat collectors can be used to dry crops and warm homes, livestock buildings, and greenhouses. Solar water heaters can provide hot water for diary operations, pen cleaning, and homes. Photovoltaics (solar electric panels) can power farm operations and remote water pumps, light, and electric fences. Building and barns can be renovated to capture natural day light, instead of using electric light, solar power is often less expensive than extensive power lines, making the farm more economical and efficient. This paper therefore discusses briefly the various applications of solar energy technologies in agriculture.

Keywords: Agriculture, photovoltaic, renewable energy, solar.

CATCH COMPOSITION OF FIN FISH IN IKERE GORGE, OYO STATE NIGERIA

*Adeosun F.I., I. T. Omoniyi and Y. Akegbejo-Samsons

Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries Management

University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Email: adeosunfi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The fin fish composition in Ikere gorge was investigated. The fin fishes comprised a total of 34 species belonging to 13 families. Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus was most abundant and highest in biomass (69,198.33kg) accounting for 34.65% of the catch. Synodontis nigrita, Malapterurus electricus, Marcusenius psittacus Gnathonemus sensgalensis and Gnathonemus cyprinoides were the least in number, while Phago loricatus was least in biomass (20.00kg) accounting for 0.01%.The major aim was to assess the fish resources of the gorge and evaluate the water parameters as related to fish production. No significant difference was observed in dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, water temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solid and pH range value in the stations. The water quality parameters were favourable for fish production. Water level and temperature were observed to guarantee high fish yield in the gorge.     

Key word: Fin Fish, Checklist, Ikere gorge.