Moor Journal of Agricultural Research

Characterization and Cross-Compatibility in Interspecific Hybridization of Jute (Corchorus spp.)

T.O. Fafemi — 2025-08-01

Jute (Corchorus) species are widely distributed and cultivated for fibers, vegetables and traditional medicine throughout the tropics, subtropics and temperate regions. The objectives of this study were to (i) characterize the three Corchorus species (Corchorus olitorius, Corchorus incisifolius, and Corchorus tridens); and (ii) investigate the cross-compatibility of interspecific hybridizations within the genus Corchorus. The three Corchorus species were evaluated at botanical garden of University of Ilorin in 2016 and were crossed in all possible combinations using hand emasculation procedures to generate F1 hybrids. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the agronomic data collected on them. The difference between means was separated by the least significant difference (LSD). The percentage of successful and aborted crosses was calculated. The results obtained from the analysis revealed that Corchorus incisifolious shared common characteristics (monomorphic) with Corchorus olitorius such as yellowish leaf-lamina, glabrous hairiness, and medium seed-size, whereas Corchorus tridens had wine coloration in its leaf-lamina, pubescent hairiness of leaf, and small seed-size. Thus, the three species differed in some qualitative characters (dimorphic or polymorphic), such as leaf shape, seed coat color, and leaf apex, which were proposed diagnostic features. Corchorus incisifolious had the most leaves, longest pod, and widest pod based on quantitative characters. About 121 crosses were attempted between the three species of Corchorus using hand emasculation method, but only one cross combination was successful between Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus incisifolious (4.76%) out of 21 attempts, while other cross combinations failed. Therefore, qualitative characters are good genetic markers to distinguish cultivated Corchorus species, while sexual barrier and other factors were suggested to be responsible for the low success rate recorded in this study. Hence, biotechnology techniques (in vitro pollination or embryo rescue) can be used to overcome these barriers.

Impact of Climate Change on Smallholder Maize-Based Farmers’ Choice of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Productivity in Southwest Nigeria

O. T. Akinwole — 2025-08-01

This study is motivated by the extant literature showing the sensitivity of Nigeria’s agricultural sector to the impact of climate change and its subsequent effect on smallholder farmers. This study examined the effect of choice of sustainable agricultural practices on smallholder farmers’ maize farms in Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, 300 maize farmers were surveyed for the study. Data were analyzed using a multivariate probit model and endogeneity corrected frontier model. The study found that variables such as age of household head (p<0.01), gender (p<0.01), farming experience (p<0.05), farm size (p<0.01), years of formal education (p<0.01), membership of association (p<0.05), access to extension service (p<0.01), and access to credit (p<0.05) significantly impact farmers’ choices and adoption of different sustainable agricultural practices. The farm size (p<0.05), seed, fertilizer (p<0.05), the interaction of labour with farm size (p<0.01), herbicides and fertilizer (p<0.01), and the interaction of farm size with seed, herbicides, and fertilizers (p<0.05) contain significant predictive content for efficiency of maize production. Therefore, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the negative impact of climate change helps the farmers to improve their maize production efficiency. To improve the technical efficiency of the maize farmers, the study recommends that there is a need to increase access to extension services, increase their level of education through agricultural training and seminars, and improve their access to financial support for the attainment of increased productivity.

Effects of Climate Variability on Technical Efficiency of Maize Production among Farmers in Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

O.D. Taiwo — 2025-08-01

Agriculture being a cornerstone of the Nigerian economy, climate change poses significant challenges due to erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, and increased pest infestations. Using primary data collected from 140 maize farmers, this study employed the use of primary data through the use of well-structured questionnaire while multistage sampling technical was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Stochastic Frontier Analysis. The research revealed that socio-economic factors such as education, household size, and farming experience influence efficiency. farmers of 62.9% showed awareness of climate change impacts and employed various adaptation practices, such as crop diversification (27.9%), intercropping (58.6%), and irrigation (32.9%). However, technical inefficiencies persist, driven by limited resources and high variability in climate conditions. The findings underscore the need for targeted support, including improved access to credit, training on sustainable practices, and enhanced extension services, to foster resilience and productivity in maize farming.

Forest Trees and their Perceived Negative Impacts on Cocoa Plantations in Southern Nigeria

F.T. Agulanna — 2025-08-01

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a key agricultural crop in Southern Nigeria, contributing
significantly to the livelihoods of rural populations and the nation’s economy. However,
forest trees within cocoa plantations are often perceived by farmers to negatively affect
cocoa production through resource competition, excessive shade and the promotion of
pests and diseases. This study investigates farmers' perception of these negative effects
and examines the socio-economic factors influencing cocoa farming in Southern Nigeria.
Field data were collected from 138 cocoa farmers in Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states using
a multistage random sampling technique. The results showed that 66.0% of the farmers
believe that forest trees, particularly Cola gigantea and Spondias mombin, reduce cocoa
yield. The results further reveal that fifty-five percent of the farmers (55.0%) are middle
aged men with secondary education (51.0%), and hired labour (75.0%) is commonly
used. Chi-square analysis indicated significant relationships between cocoa yield,
farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, and the perceived negative impacts of forest
trees. Specifically, factors like age and educational status of the farmers significantly
influenced the perception of farmers on the effect of forest trees on cocoa production.
This study concludes that forest trees reduce cocoa yield but may be detrimental to cocoa
or any other crop. It is recommended that while forest trees offer ecological benefits,
their management must be well carried out. Also, selective tree retention for improved
shade management practices is recommended to maximize cocoa productivity and
maintain environmental sustainability.

Land Evaluation of Balanga Irrigation Scheme, Balanga Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

I.A. Jimoh — 2025-08-01

The productivity of Balanga Irrigation Scheme in Gombe State, Nigeria, is
declining, necessitating a land evaluation to determine the causes and improve
sustainable crop production. Soils samples were collected at 0 - 30 cm depths in a
grid of 1km interval from the slope positions (upper, middle, and lower slope) and
analysed for physiochemical properties using standard laboratory procedures. The
results showed upper and middle slopes positions were clayey while lower slope
was clay loam. The soil pH ranged (7.7 – 8.7) was slightly alkaline to strongly
alkaline. Soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) values were rated low
for all slope positions (< 10 g/kg and < 1.5 g/kg). Soil available phosphorous (Avail.
P.) was low to moderate for the slope positions. All the slope classes were rated high
in exchangeable bases but low in soil exchangeable acidity. The highly variable
properties were OC, Avail. P, and K while the least variable was pH and BS. Spatial
interpolation result shows higher fertility area dominated the irrigation scheme with
48% (2689.9 ha) followed by medium fertility with 42% (2331.4 ha) and the low
fertility area with 11% (593.8 ha). Based on the fertility capability classification
(FCC), middle slope offers the best conditions for arable agriculture followed by
lower and upper slope position. The limiting factors for crop production are gleying,
excessive wetness, and the general low OC, Avail. P. and TN. The need for
application of organic manure and construction of drainages based on site
requirements for sustainability.

Soil Quality Assessment for Urban Agriculture in Two Cities of Southwest Nigeria Adelana A.O.

A.O. Adelana — 2025-08-01

Urban agriculture (UA) is increasingly becoming vital for food security and
sustainable urban development, yet urban soils often face challenges like
compaction, nutrient depletion, and poor soil structure. This study was carried out
to assess soil quality across 12 UA sites in Akure and Okitipupa, southwest
Nigeria, evaluating physical, chemical, and biological properties in order to guide
management strategies. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, bulk density (BD),
hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water-stable aggregates (WSA), pH, organic carbon
(Corg), total nitrogen (Ntot), available phosphorus (AvP), exchangeable cations,
microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), nitrogen (Nmic), and soil microbial respiration
(SMR). Results showed that Akure soils were sandy loam, slightly acidic (pH
5.91–6.76), with variable Corg (6.05–19.65 g kg-1) and low Ntot (0.73–3.63 g kg-1).
Okitipupa soils were loamy sand to sandy loam, moderately acidic (pH 4.93–5.96),
with higher Corg (8.76–22.71 g kg-1). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed
that the first two components explained 75.4% of the variance, with PC1 driven by
texture and Ks, and PC2 by Corg, Ntot, and AvP. Hierarchical clustering grouped the
UA sites into four clusters: Cluster 1 (sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor), Cluster 2
(compacted, poor soil structure), Cluster 3 (fertile, loamy, high Corg/Ntot), and
Cluster 4 (moderate fertility, erosion-prone). Management recommendations
include organic amendments and cover crops for Cluster 1, deep tillage and raised
beds for Cluster 2, crop rotation and minimal tillage for Cluster 3, and mulching
with conservation tillage for Cluster 4. These results highlight urban soil
heterogeneity and provide tailored strategies to enhance agricultural productivity
in southwest Nigeria.
Nigeria.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion Levels of Blood Meal on Performance of Weaner Piglets

S.S. Ndams — 2025-08-01

Conflicting results of the nutritional qualities of different processed blood meal
has been established in animal nutrition. Therefore, an experiment was conducted
to investigate the effect of graded dietary levels of blood meal (BM) on the growth
performance of growing pigs in 112 days. 24 weaned pigs (Large white x
Landrace) with an average body weight of 10.3±3kg were randomly assigned to
four dietary treatments (D1, D2, D3 and D4) containing blood meal at 0, 2.7, 5.4
and 8.1% levels respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice (2 piglets per
replicate) in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that the feed
intake of grower pigs fed diets containing 2.7 and 5.4% BM was similar (p>0.05)
and significantly higher than in other treatments. Final and daily weight gain
(27.00±0 and 0.30±0) kg were significantly highest in piglets offered dietary
treatment D4 (8.1% BM inclusion) than other treatment groups. Feed conversion
ratio was lowest in piglets fed diet of 2.7% BM inclusion. The feed cost(N)/kg
gain for growing pigs on 0 and 8.1% diets were similar (P>0.05) but significantly
lower than those on 5.4% diet. It’s concluded that blood meal could be
incorporated in the diets of weaner piglets at 8.1% for effective growth
performance and significant reduction in production cost.

Imported Hides and Skin Diversion: A Threat to Public Health and Food Safety in Nigeria

A.D. Kekere — 2025-08-01

Africa is in short supply of protein due to poverty and cultural practices, which in
turn encourage demand and consumption of other meat products such as hides and
skin. International trade in hides and skin is more valuable than that of meat.
Importation of hides and skin into Nigeria is estimated to cost over 111.8 billion
naira between 2018 and 2022. This study was conducted to find out the volume
of imported hides and skin within the second quarter of 2024, establish if these
imported hides and skin are being diverted for consumption purposes and the
public health implications. A scheduled visit was conducted to selected terminals
at the major seaport in Lagos, Nigeria to witness the examination of hides and
skin. Data on the volume of importation of hides and skin was also obtained from
relevant government agencies present at the seaport. A visit to Ijebu-Igbo was also
embarked upon to ascertain the chain of distribution of some imported hides and
skin. Results showed an increased volume of hides and skin being imported into
Nigeria. This also shows an increased investment in this sector. The hides and
skin being imported into Nigeria are imported without a permit. Imported Hides
and skin were found to be diverted to different processors located in Ijebu-Igbo.
This is then processed and redistributed all across Nigeria. Consumption of such
uncertified hides and skin has public health implications. Unhealthy hides are a
medium for the spread of zoonotic diseases such as foot and mouth disease,
anthrax and lumpy skin disease. The consumption also exposes consumers to the
chemicals used to process these hides. Although the government, concerned
organizations and individuals have mounted a campaign against the habit of hides
and skin consumption, consumption is still on the rise and this poses threat to the
leather manufacturing industry. An effective monitoring system should be out in
place to prevent continuous diversion.

Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Safe and Labeled Palm Oil in Ibadan Metropolis

A.K. Adigun — 2025-08-01

In recent decades, the quality attribute of palm oil in food products has raised significant concerns about its effects on human health, society and the environment. Ensuring the safety and quality of palm oil is therefore critical, as it remains a widely used ingredient in many households. This study examined consumers' willingness to pay for packaged palm oil in Ibadan Metropolis. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and logit regression model. Results revealed that 83% of palm oil consumers were aware of packaged and labeled palm oil as a quality attribute. However, only 19.4% were willing to pay for safe packaged and labeled palm oil at ₦2100 per liter. The result also showed that household size, access to credit, packaging and labeling were factors that significantly influenced respondents’ willingness to pay for safe and labeled palm oil among the consumers at 10%, 1% and 1% levels of significance respectively. The study recommended that emphasis should be laid on the benefits of safe and labeled palm oil through educational campaigns by producers, government agencies and relevant NGOs so as to increase the potential of consumers' willingness to pay for safe palm oil products.