GPH-International Journal of Agriculture and Research

Physicochemical Characteristics, Fish Species Composition and Diversity of Orakpa River, Kogi State, Nigeria

2026-04-10T12:38:19+00:00

This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics, fish species composition, and diversity of Orakpa River, a tributary of the Lower River Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. Water and fish samples were collected from three sampling stations (upstream, midstream, and downstream) over a three-month period (July-September 2022). Physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods, while fish species were identified using taxonomic keys. Fish diversity was evaluated using Simpson’s Index. Results showed that most physicochemical parameters, including pH (7.60-7.67), temperature (26.67-27.00°C), dissolved oxygen (5.03-6.30mg/L) and conductivity (95.25-140.72µS/cm), were within acceptable limits for tropical freshwater fish species. However, dissolved oxygen decreased downstream (5.03 mg/L), indicating localized environmental stress. A total of 646 fish individuals comprising 20 species from 10 families were recorded. The family Bagridae, particularly Bagrus bayad (23.2%), was the most dominant, while Schilbe mystus (0.7%) was the least abundant species. Fish abundance was highest at the midstream station and lowest downstream, reflecting variations in environmental conditions. The Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1 - D = 0.90) indicated high species diversity, suggesting a relatively stable ecosystem despite moderate dominance by a few species. The study concludes that Orakpa River maintains good ecological status but shows signs of downstream environmental stress. These findings provide essential baseline data for sustainable management, conservation planning, and future monitoring of the river system.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE PROFITABILITY OF PIG FARMS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

2026-04-10T13:09:36+00:00

The study ascertained strategies for improving the profitability of pig farms in Cross River State, Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population for the study was 744 participants made up of 456 and 288 registered pig farmers and agricultural extension officers respectively in the study area. The sample for the study comprised 260 participants made up of 150 registered pig farmers and 110 agricultural extension agents. The sample size for the registered farmers and extension agents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. The random sampling technique was used to select the pig farmers and extension agents that participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. To test for reliability of the structured questionnaire, the Cronbach Alpha method was employed to test the internal consistency of the instrument. The reliability test yielded coefficients of 0.80. It was found out that there was no significant difference in the mean responses of agricultural extension personnel and pig farmers on the strategies for improving the profitability of pig farms. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the profitability of pig farms could be improved through the adoption of strategies such as effective use of available resources, use of innovative technologies, implementation of relevant policies, joining relevant organizations, effective extension services, establishment of pig breeding centres, and creating marketing linkages, among others. It was recommended among others that the ministry of agriculture at the state and federal level, animal product based nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders should provide funds for farmers to implement the strategies identified to enhance improvement in pig farms in the study area.

CONTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN DISSIMINATION OF INNOVATIONS AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN SOUTHERN TARABA, AGRICULTURAL ZONE, NIGERIA

2026-04-14T09:31:50+00:00

The study assessed the contribution of digital platforms in dissemination of innovations among rural farmers in Southern Taraba, Agricultural Zone, Nigeria. The specific objective were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, identify the types of digital platforms used by rural farmers, access the accessibility and usability of the identified platforms, assess the effectiveness of digital platforms in improving farming practices determine the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption of the identified digital platforms and identify challenges faced by farmers in using digital platforms. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 123 respondents from three local government areas, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, types of digital platforms, accessibility, usability, effectiveness, and challenges, while Tobit regression analysis was applied to analyze the socioeconomic factors influencing adoption. Findings revealed that most respondents were in their economically active years wmean age = 37.6 years), predominantly male (69.9%), and fairly literate, with 84.6% having attained secondary or tertiary education. Facebook (75.6%), WhatsApp (48.0%), and YouTube (30.9%) emerged as the most widely used platforms, with farmers mainly accessing weather forecasts, pest and disease control information, and improved crop varieties. Digital platforms were found to be effective in improving yields (72.5%), enhancing market access (92.6%), and promoting the adoption of improved technologies (63.4%). However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity (94.3%), high data costs (89.4%), and unstable electricity supply (88.9%) limited usage were encountered by the respondents. The Tobit regression results indicated that Age (0.013) was significant at 1%, Farm size (0.060) was significant at 5%, Internet access (0.189) was significant at 10% and occupation (−0.148) was also significant at 1% which significantly influenced adoption, with smallholders and full-time farmers more likely to adopt digital platforms compared to large-scale and part-time farmers. The study concludes that digital extension platforms play a vital role in bridging agricultural knowledge gaps and improving rural farmers’ productivity and livelihoods. It recommends strengthening ICT infrastructure, reducing data costs, and tailoring digital services to farmers’ socioeconomic contexts for sustainable adoption.

Establishing a Viable Enterprise Using Free-Range Chicken Production Technology in Bataan, Philippines

2026-04-22T06:18:43+00:00

The study aims to establish a viable enterprise for 2 years, funded by DA-ACEF, to increase the production of F1 free-range chicken, increase adoption of the technology developed by Tarlac Agricultural University, and enhance beneficiaries' capacity. A total of six technology packages at both on-station and on-farm sites,ncluding FRC housing, FRC breeding, FRC brooding, FRC ranging, FRC feeding, and FRC health management.

BPSU supported farmers from different cooperatives: 2 females and 2 males (on-farm) located in Tuyo, Balanga City, and Gabon, Abucay, and one (on-site) in BPSU, with a breeder house, 114 breeders, feeds, madre de agua plants, incubators, and training. Both sites were 100% adopted the developed technologies and improved practices focused on breeder, grower house, brooding, ranging area, feeds, alternative feeds, concoctions, and eggshell calphos. The on-site produced fertilized and unfertilized eggs, hardened chicks, and growers and layers as a payback scheme for "passing the gift" for the second batch of beneficiaries. The first and second batches of beneficiaries attended a total of three training sessions. Production performance of free-range chickens from both on-station and on-farm sites was analyzed using the Statistical Tool T-Test: Two-sample assuming equal variances. Significant results were obtained for average egg production and mortality rate (P<0.05). On-station and on-farm sites showed no significant differences in average egg sales, feed consumption, or feed cost (P>0.05). Financial analysis assumptions for the selling price per tray are Php 230-250, Average Annual Sales Volume of Php 519, 661.01, Annual Net Income is Php 185, 921.70, Investment cost is Php 401, 901.00, and ROI is 2.16 years with a rate of return on capital of 55.71% per station. In conclusion, the project increased free-range chicken production in the community, adopted technology, and capacitated farmer beneficiaries. The sustainability plan for the project implemented a payback scheme to fully utilize stocks and inputs and achieve a positive return for free-range chicken growers.

Fermentative characteristics and nutritional value of banana peel silage with carob syrup

2026-04-22T07:10:41+00:00

The nutritional evaluation of banana peels and green cultured barley silages, supplemented with either 11% molasses or carob pod syrup, was conducted as part of this study. The results concluded that the physical characteristics of the silages were all within acceptable limits, classified as either good or very good silage quality. The quality score of the silages indicated that the highest quality was achieved with supplementation of carob pod syrup. In addition, the in vitro dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and the metabolizable energy value were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the carob pod syrup than with the molasses supplementation. A significant difference (p < 0.01) was also found in dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and non-fibrous carbohydrate content, while the dry matter content did not show any difference. The addition of carob pod syrup to green cultured barley silage reduced fermentation losses; however, the silage's fiber and protein quality declined when supplemented with carob pod syrup. In terms of the chemical composition of the silages, in vitro dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and the metabolizable energy values were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in silage B (42.62%, 65.70%, and 6.39 MJ/kg DM, respectively) than in silage A (37.38%, 49.90%, and 5.61 MJ/kg DM, respectively).