Intraorganizational Communication: A Study of Communication/Interaction Among Core Subprograms of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program,Enugu State,Nigeria

In recognition of the importance of communication in extension work and agriculture, this study assessed communication methods used among core sub-programs of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program (ENADEP). Sixty-three staff were randomly selected to participate in the study. Statistical tools such as percentage, mean score, and factor analysis were used in data analysis. Findings show that a downward (top-down) communication flow was most common, with posters and workshops as primary communication tools. Technology review meetings and training were major situations in which communication occurred, while achievement of ENADEP objectives was the most important motive for communication. Communicator knowledge about subject matter was the top-rated factor that enhanced communication; security/credibility- and human/autocracy-related problems were major constraints to effective communication. The study recommends a de-emphasis on top-down communication approaches and encourages use of digital/information communication technology (ICT) tools to minimize the gap between generation and dissemination of information and its application.     

Ethno-Practices and Adaptation Strategies for the Mitigation of Climate Change by Arable Crop Farmers in Osun State: Implications for Extension Policy Formulation in Nigeria

The study investigated methods used by arable crop farmers to mitigate climate change in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of a structured interview schedule from 120 arable crop farmers selected from 24 communities. Age (b = ?.392; p < .05), household size (b = .190; p < .049), income (b = .182; p < .057), sources of information (b = .161; p < .105), and farm size (b = .258; p < .004) were significant with adaptation strategies. Strategies regularly employed included use of different planting dates (88.6%), multiple cropping (73%), and cover cropping (55%). The study concluded that arable crop farmers use sustainable methods to ameliorate climate change to the advantage of their production.     

Awareness and Use of Information Communication Technologies by Farmers in Oyo State,Nigeria

Due to inadequate personnel, information communication technologies (ICTs) have become an attractive option for delivery of extension information. This study examined awareness and use of ICTs by farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 192 farmers were interviewed. Results indicate that most farmers had no formal education and small farm holdings. Awareness of older ICTs like radio and television was more prevalent among farmers as compared with newer ICTs such as Internet and cable television. However, use of modern ICTs like mobile phones and cable television was greater than that for older technologies such as fax machines. Farmers were constrained in ICT use by prohibitive cost and service failure. The Nigerian government should encourage a liberal policy for affordable prices for modern ICT products, especially mobile telephones.     

Contribution of Farm-Radio Broadcasts to Yam Output in Benue State,Nigeria

This study analyzed farmers’ perceptions of the contribution of farm-radio broadcasts to yam production. Data collected from 200 randomly selected farmers in Benue State, Nigeria using a structured questionnaire showed that 94.0% considered hours of broadcasts (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.) suitable, 98.5% were satisfied with the language of broadcasts, 97.5% found the contents adequate, and 88.5% utilized the messages. The paired sample t test showed significant differences between yield of yams before and after listening to radio (p < .01), indicating farm-radio broadcasts’ contribution to productivity. It is recommended that farm-radio broadcasts be intensified and sustained to enhance output and food security.     

Information Delivery and its Effect on Production of Cashews in Oyo State,Nigeria

This study assessed information delivery and effect on the productive capacity of contact and non-contact cashew farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The results showed that the output of contact farmers was significantly different from that of non-contact farmers (p = .006), despite significant differences in farm size (p < .05). Interpersonal contacts through extension agents and friends were the most frequently used sources of information. In addition, information on cashew production and marketing was the most important to farmers. The study shows that farmer's productivity is enhanced through interaction with extension agents.     

长株潭城市群都市农业可持续发展综合评价

[目的]在借鉴国内外有关都市农业可持续发展评价的基础上,全面考虑都市农业的多功能性,构建都市农业可持续发展评价指标体系,对长株潭城市群都市农业可持续发展进行评价,为城市群建设提供理论支撑。[方法]首先利用层次分析法确定各指标的主观权重,然后利用指标数据的变化情况,求取各指标的熵权,利用主观权重与熵权确定各指标的复合权重,最后利用TOPSIS模型对2010—2017年长株潭城市群都市农业可持续发展水平进行评价与分析。[结果]①2010—2017年间,长株潭城市群都市农业可持续发展水平相对贴近度由2010年的0.306 5增加到了2017年的0.523 9;②各分功能的相对贴近度变化趋势各异,但总体呈上升的发展态势。[结论]长株潭城市群都市农业可持续发展水平呈波动上升的发展态势,可持续水平由"低水平"上升为"中等水平";都市农业的经济功能已呈现出逐步弱化与边缘化的趋势,越来越多地展示出了都市农业的社会功能、生态功能与示范教育功能。为了进一步促进长株潭城市群都市农业的可持续发展水平,在进行长株潭城市群建设规划时,必须保持一定数据与规模的都市农业景观用地,保证都市农业生态系统结构完整,同时需要加大经济功能所占比重,以保持各分功能更为协调。     

Dynamics of Agricultural Information and Effect on Income of Melon Farmers in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The study assessed effects of agricultural information on the income of melon farmers. Ninety melon farmers constituted the sample for the study. Data were collected through an interview average annual income of the respondents from melon only was ?7,455.4, while their total average schedule, while percentage mean score and correlation were used in the analysis. Findings reveal that the monthly income was ?1,223. About 62 and 42% of the respondents, respectively, did not receive information on melon production and general agriculture. Thus, a positive and significant relationship exists between the number of times respondents received information on melon/general agriculture and their incomes.     

A comparison of soil degradation under smallholder farming and large-scale irrigation land use in Kano State,Northern Nigeria

Changes in soil properties under two land use types: smallholder farms and large-scale irrigated agriculture were investigated over a period of 13 and 14 years respectively using the following parameters: particle size distribution, soil pH, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon and nitrogen and total and available potassium and phosphorus. Results indicate that more adverse changes took place in soils under large-scale irrigation than in those under smallholder farms during the periods under consideration. Agricultural sustainability is more likely to be achieved for smallholder farms than for large-scale irrigation where soil degradation resulting from loss of fine soil particles through erosion can be a serious hindrance to long-term land use. In order to achieve agricultural sustainability in Kano State, it is recommended that chemical fertilizers be incorporated into the smallholder farming system, while the adoption of suitable soil conservation practices would make the large-scale irrigation systems more stable and sustainable.     

Analysis of Market Information Sources for Agricultural Transformation Among Cassava Farmers in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State,Nigeria

This study investigated sources of market information among cassava farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was employed; data were collected through an interview schedule and described and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square. Results showed that the majority of the cassava farmers were male and married, had no formal education, and sourced market information from middlemen. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ personal characteristics, such as tribe and primary occupation (χ² = 34.360, χ² = 43.203), and market information sources. Market information should be disseminated using local languages preferred by cassava farmers and be reliable, timely, and relevant.     

发挥农业网站优势促进佛山都市农业可持续发展

比较分析了国内外农业网站建设的成功经验,论述了农业网站在现代农业发展中的作用,全面阐述了目前佛山农业网站的建设现状,提出了佛山农业网站可持续发展的措施。     

Water,land and health in urban and peri‐urban food production: the case of Kano,Nigeria

In sub‐Saharan Africa, urban and peri‐urban food production has been identified as an important resource for meeting the challenges of rapidly growing cities, and the positive aspects of such production have been well documented in the literature. This paper examines some of the health and environmental concerns associated with urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA). Empirical evidence from the city of Kano in northern Nigeria suggests that there is currently much reason for concern as industrial and domestic toxins are reaching dangerously high levels. As soils and water channels become increasingly polluted, the sustainability of urban and peri‐urban food production is questioned. Since the health implications of long‐term exposure to toxins are unclear, it is suggested that coordinated longitudinal research involving urban planners, agricultural scientists and health specialists is urgently needed. In addition, it remains crucial that government and institutional actors effectively monitor and enforce both environmental and zoning by‐laws, if the health and environmental constraints of UPA are to be overcome, and the future sustainability of production is to be assured. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Research Support Services for the Field of Agriculture: Ithaka S+R Interviews and Themes for Libraries

ABSTRACT

As part of a larger, national survey, we performed an in-depth qualitative analysis using semistructured interviews and a standard set of questions. We wished to examine the research practices of faculty in agriculture, to understand what they need to be successful in their teaching and research. We plan to use this information to make improvements to research support services. The national survey results should help pinpoint opportunities for developing new research support services for agriculture. This study adds to library and information sciences by examining the specific needs of faculty members in agriculture and agricultural extension, groups that have been previously underrepresented in the library literature.     

Traditional Crop Diversity and its Conservation on-Farm for Sustainable Agricultural Production in Kumaon Himalaya of Uttaranchal State: A Case Study

Farming communities in traditional agroecosystems have been playing an important role in conserving agricultural diversity. They are not only the custodians but also managers of the crop diversity and maintain the dynamic processes of crop evolution and adaptation, the key elements of sustainable agricultural productions. The Himalayan highlands are important centres of crop plant diversity due to high ecological heterogeneity and high local socio-cultural integrations. The crop genetic diversity of Kumaon Himalaya in Uttarachal State of India has been documented in the present study. Existing crop genetic diversity at inter- and intra-species level was assessed and factors for changes in crop compositions and farming systems during the recent past were studied. Farmer management of rice landrace populations were studied in greater detail. Various benefit enhancing options for farmers from local crop diversity were scrutinized based on farmer perceptions and priorities for efficient management of local crop diversity on-farm and its sustainable utilization for agricultural production.