Effects of four organic amendments on some soil physical and chemical properties were investigated in Awka, Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Over the years, use of synthetic materials in crop production has been a common practice globally. The attendant detrimental effects of the chemicals used in the formulation of these synthetics on animal and human health as well as the environment has made researchers to look out for a better agronomic practice that would not only improve productivity but at the same time sustain a healthy environment.

In contrast to a large body of literature linking agroecology to food security through sustainable agronomic practices, research on how agroecology enhances smallholder farmers’ access to productive resources, yet necessary for food security and nutrition, is sparse in Africa. Literature does not consider the fact that agroecology practices are often adopted via entering a group that provides corresponding knowledge, network and possibly markets. We investigate the case of an agroecology group operating parallel to the dominant agri-industrial food system in Southeast Nigeria.

Abstract

There has been a dramatic decline in cocoyam production in Nigeria in recent years due to climate related stressors. We investigated the nature and extent of these impacts and the resilience building strategies used by cocoyam farmers in Nigeria. Data were collected from the farmers in 2010 and 2017 and from FAO statistical database. Results show a yield decline from 8mt/ha in 2005 to 4mt/ha in 2016, due to acid rain, causing bleaching of cocoyam leaves, die back, smaller tubers, early decay of the tubers and decline in the quality and taste of the tubers.

The study investigated gender in wholesale smoked-fish marketing in Kanji Lake Basin, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified roles of  individual actors in fish marketing, determined the profitability of fish marketing, analyzed the marketing efficiencies and estimated gaps  in the fish marketing chain. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 60 wholesale smoked-fish marketers from 13  communities. Primary data were collected from wholesale smoke-fish marketers using an interview schedule.

Food security remains a major concern, as efforts to commercialise and specialise in agricultural production have been constrained. This is partly due to land scarcity, compelling smallholder farmers to operate on fragmented lands. Land reforms that seek to consolidate lands and promote crop specialisation can be welfare-enhancing because they can stimulate investment in agricultural innovation.

Background: The study was motivated by the lack of poultry waste management policy in Nigeria to develop better initiatives for the development of green and alternative energy sources to mitigate climate change. Multiplicities of researches have neglected the research in this area despite the environmental health concerns and benefits associated with it. Methods: The study was conducted in 2019. Three states with a high concentration of poultry farmers in South East Nigeria were selected. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select poultry farmers and policy actors for the study.

In Nigeria, agriculture plays a critical role in the economy and remains the key to the country’s economic diversification plan. However, the agricultural sector is facing numerous challenges such as climate change, widespread insecurity, price volatility, poor government policies and the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the already existing problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to global food supply chains. It has led to severe economic stress and malnutrition particularly in developing countries. This paper outlines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on agriculture and livelihoods in Nigeria, measures put in place by the Nigerian Government to cushion the effect and parses evidence on programmes and policies that can help speed up sustainable economic recovery that Nigeria desperately needs post COVID-19 pandemic, through agricultural growth.

The study examined the determinants of technical efficiency among lowland rice farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced from rice producers through the use of well designed questionnaires. The study was conducted in four agricultural zones of Enugu State, during the 2017/2018 cropping season. Multistage and simple random sampling technique was employed to select 300 sampled rice farmers for the study.