Federal University of Technology, Akure

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ANALYSIS OF URBAN AND RURAL PLANTAIN MARKETS INTEGRATION IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2012) AJAYI, JOSEPH OMOTOSO
This study analysed urban and rural plantain markets integration in Ondo State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of plantain marketers in the urban and rural markets in the study area, the factors that influenced the price of plantain in the urban and rural markets in the study area, examined the trend of plantain prices in the urban and rural markets in the study area and whether the urban and rural plantain markets in Ondo State are co-integrated. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty (180) respondents and structured questionnaires administered on them to collect the required data. The secondary data used were the monthly nominal prices in naira per kilogramme of plantain in Ondo State of Nigeria. Secondary data were collected from the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The method of data analysis included descriptive statistics, regression analysis, price trend analysis and co-integration. The results of analysis of socio-economic characteristics of respondents in both the urban and rural markets in the study area revealed that married women dominated plantain marketing with 64.64% of the respondents being female while only 35.36% of the respondents were male in in the urban markets. In the rural markets, women represented 85.56% of the respondents in rural markets while only 14.44% of the respondents were men. The stationarity tests revealed that both price series were stationary at the first difference while the co-integration test revealed that the null hypothesis of no co-integration was rejected at 5 percent level of significance. The study concluded that the rural plantain markets and urban plantain markets had their prices tied together in the long run.
An Automated Cassava Peeling System for the Enhancement of Food Security in Nigeria
(2012) Jimoh MO; Olukunle OJ
ABSTRACT Cassava is second only to sweet potato as the most important starchy root crop of the tropical world. In most parts of the tropics, cassava is grown on small plots. However, in some countries, e.g. Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria, large plantations have been started and interest in mechanization is growing. The degree of mechanization depends on the size of the land and availability of machines for each unit operation involved in cassava processing. However, of all the unit operations involved in cassava processing, cassava peeling remains a serious global challenge to process engineers. An automated cassava peeling machine was thus developed in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure. The design of the machine was based on the development and modification of the peeling tool of previous cassava peeling machines and the peeling principle is by impact. This machine was evaluated using newly harvested improved variety of cassava tuber (TMS 30572) grouped into different sizes: 100≤L<140, 140≤L<180, 180≤L<220, 220≤L<260, and 260≤L<300. The speed of the machine varies from 100 – 600rpm while machine operational parameters such as throughput capacity, peeling efficiency, mechanical damage, quality performance efficiency and peel retention were determined for each size. Results revealed that throughput capacity ranged from 76 – 442kg/h, peeling efficiency ranged from 50 – 75%, mechanical damage ranged from 12 – 44%, quality performance efficiency ranged from 22 – 66%, and peel retention ranged from 7.2 – 33%. These results show appreciable improvement over manual method and existing machines.
Surveying Attitude and Use of Institutional Repositories (IRs) by Faculty in Agriculture Disciplines: A Case Study
(2014) Bamigbola AA
Over the last few years there has been increase in awareness of the importance of institutional repositories (IRs) in scholarly communication in tertiary institutions. However, low participation of faculty in contributing their intellectual products has been a great concern because it has not allowed institutional repositories to achieve its full potentials. Awareness and attitude among others are factors affecting the use of IR. This paper examines the level of awareness, attitude to use of institutional repositories and challenges faced by faculty in Agriculture disciplines in Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) Nigeria. Survey method was adopted; data was collected through questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study integrated diffusion of innovation (DOI) and theory of reasoned action (TRA) to understand the awareness and attitude to use of IR. The findings suggest that the level of awareness about IRs by faculty members is increasing; however, there was variation in the level of awareness across agriculture disciplines. In addition, there seems to be general positive attitude to IR, yet there was low submission of scholarly works by faculty. Finally, it was revealed that the use of IR is jointly determined by level of awareness and attitude.
Employability Skills in TVET Curriculum in Nigeria Federal Universities of Technology
(2015) Ismail S; Mohammed DS
In the 21st century, employability skill is the most required skill besides technical knowledge in an attempt to compete for employment and sustain job at the industrial global market. However, Nigerian TVET graduates are not equipped with the employability skills needed by the industries and as a result, they are not ready to enter into workforce. This concept paper is written to discuss how the curriculum of one of TVET programmes at the Federal Universities of Technology in Nigeria, which is Electrical Technology Education has contributed to this issue. Analytical review on Electrical Technology Education programme curriculum showed that the curriculum gave less attention to practice based courses that provide skills of the programme than theory based courses and no course in the programme curriculum that directly teaches good attitudes and traits. As a result, there is lack of incorporation of employability skills such as Problem solving and decision making, Lifelong learning and Competencies amongst the graduates. Other issues discussed are the need of employability skills in TVET curriculum of Nigeria, employability skills, Electrical Technology Education in Nigeria, and the analysis of Electrical Technology Education curriculum in Nigeria The last part of this paper is recommendation for the curriculum of Electrical Technology Education to be designed with equal number of theory and practice courses by giving emphasize on all eleven generic skills, good traits and attitudes.
AN EVALUATION OF CASSAVA MARKETING IN THE AGRICULTURAL ZONE ONE (1) OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA.
(2015) ROTOWA, ADEOLA IDOWU
This study focused on the evaluation of cassava marketing in the ADP Zone 1 of Ondo State, Nigeria. It examined the socio-economic characteristics of the cassava marketers in the study area, analysed the structure, conduct and performance of the cassava market and identified the main marketing channels for cassava in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting eighty (80) respondents and structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Methods of data analyses include descriptive statistics, Concentration ratio, Gross Margin analysis and the Gini coefficient. The results of analysis of socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the study area showed that married people dominated the cassava market, with 87.50% of the respondents being married while the rest are either single or divorced. The study also revealed that marketing of cassava is mostly undertaken by males (55%). Most of them are literate, with at least 62.5% having secondary school education. Cassava marketing is a profitable enterprise in the study area, with average marketing margin of 35% per marketer. The market is profitable and operationally efficient, with profitability and efficiency ratios of 0.50 and 1.51 respectively. Majority of the respondents (97.5%) do not belong to cassava marketing association. The problems faced by the marketers include high transportation costs and poor pricing from buyers. More processing companies should be established in the study so as to enable marketers receive better prices; marketing cooperatives should be formed likewise. Construction and rehabilitation of good feeder roads should be done for easier and cheaper transportation of cassava tubers.
Challenges of Urban Housing Quality: Insights and Experiences of Akure, Nigeria
(2016) Adeoye DO
This research was conducted in order to evaluate the housing infrastructure and quality in Akure, capital city of Ondo state, Nigeria. It tries to identify the problems that have aided the degradation of basic housing infrastructures, substandard housing, overcrowding and the likelihood of future incidences of disease and epidemics. In order to achieve the above; the city was divided into high, medium and low – density zones. The study also made use of the existing demographic and land use characteristics of the city and both primary and secondary data were used for the data collection. From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, collection and updating of the base maps, observation checklists and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. Penalty scoring was used to assess the conditions and quality of houses. A total number of 180 houses were selected for the study. Secondary data involved information from existing literatures, books and journals. The study reveals that Houses in the high – density area have the worst property and environmental characteristics followed by houses in the medium – density area. Based on housing condition alone, approximately half of all the dwellings surveyed (54.44%) in the three zones are categorized as either sub – standard or unfit for human habitation. More than half of the houses surveyed have at least one or more major defects. Many of the houses are overcrowded with perhaps up to eight persons per room and the rooms are subjected to tenant's abuse by internal conversion to increase the occupancy rate. Also, many of the residents in the high density area are polygamists. The study further suggested a regeneration by private investors with possible displacement of residents from the high – density zone to new towns; a vigorous programme of housing and health education; enhanced collaboration between stakeholders to develop enforceable standards for existing housing stock is necessary; while the government is also expected to improve the existing infrastructures.
Antibiotic sensitivity assay of pathogenic microorganisms isolated from selected areas in some primary health centres in Akure Metropolis
(2016) Omoya FO
Towards the Emulation of the Cardiac Conduction System for Pacemaker Testing
(2016-03-16T23:58:42Z) Adewoye Seun
The heart is a vital organ that relies on the orchestrated propagation of electrical stimuli to coordinate each heart beat. Abnormalities in the heart's electrical behaviour can be managed with a cardiac pacemaker. Recently, the closed-loop testing of pacemakers with an emulation (real-time simulation) of the heart has been proposed. An emulated heart would provide realistic reactions to the pacemaker as if it were a real heart. This enables developers to interrogate their pacemaker design without having to engage in costly or lengthy clinical trials. Many high-fidelity heart models have been developed, but are too computationally intensive to be simulated in real-time. Heart models, designed specifically for the closed-loop testing of pacemakers, are too abstract to be useful in the testing of physical pacemakers. In the context of pacemaker testing, this paper presents a more computationally efficient heart model that generates realistic continuous-time electrical signals. The heart model is composed of cardiac cells that are connected by paths. Significant improvements were made to an existing cardiac cell model to stabilise its activation behaviour and to an existing path model to capture the behaviour of continuous electrical propagation. We provide simulation results that show our ability to faithfully model complex re-entrant circuits (that cause arrhythmia) that existing heart models can not.
Nexus between the participation of residents in house design and residential satisfaction in Akure, Nigeria
(2017) Fakere AA; Arayela O; Folorunso CO
This study examined the relationship between residents’ level of participation in house design and level of residential satisfaction in Akure, Nigeria. The study was based on the idea that the goal of housing projects is to provide satisfactory environments for users. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 304 household heads in transitional and peripheral zones of the city. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions and observations. The obtained data were subsequently subjected to single-factor descriptive analysis, mean satisfaction scoring, and categorical regression analysis. Results showed a positive significant relationship between the level of resident participation in house design and the level of residential satisfaction. The significant participatory predictors of satisfaction were number of bedrooms, general house design, development of the brief for the design, arrangement of interior spaces, and selection of finishing materials. Space size and building materials were not significant predictors in this context. The obtained p-value of 0.000 indicated that the regression model was significant. This study recommends a high level of resident participation in house design to achieve a high level of residential housing satisfaction in Nigeria.
Evaluation of road failure vulnerability section through integrated geophysical and geotechnical studies
(2017) Adiat KA; Akinlalu AA; Adegoroye AA
In order to investigate the competence of the proposed road for pavement stability, geotechnical and geophysical investigations involving Land Magnetic, Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and Electrical Resistivity methods were carried out along Akure-Ipinsa road Southwestern Nigeria. The magnetic profile was qualitatively and quantitatively interpreted to produce geomagnetic section that provides information on the basement topography and structural disposition beneath the proposed road. Similarly, the VLF-EM profile was equally interpreted to provide information on the possible occurrence of linear features beneath the study area. These linear features pose a potential risk to the proposed road as they are capable of undermining the stability of the pavement structure. The geoelectric parameters obtained from the quantitative interpretation of the VES data were used to generate geoelectric section. The geoelectric section generated shows that the study area was underlain by four geoelectric layers namely the topsoil, the weathered layer, the partly weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement. The major part of the topsoil, which constitutes the subgrade, is characterized by relatively low resistivity values (<100Ωm) suggestive of weak zones that are capable of undermining the stability of the proposed road. This therefore suggests that the layer is composed of incompetent materials that are unsuitable for engineering structures. Furthermore, fractured basement was also delineated beneath some portion of the proposed road. Since fracture is a weak zone, its presence can facilitate failure of the proposed road especially when it is occurring at shallow depth. The geotechnical results reveal that most of the investigated soil samples are clayey in nature. Integration of the results demonstrates that there is a good correlation between geophysical results and the geotechnical results. Furthermore, a vulnerability section that divided the road segments into three zones based on the degree of vulnerability was produced. These zones were high, moderate and low vulnerability zones. It is estimated that about 60% of the road segments constitutes moderate degree of vulnerability while 30% and 10% of the segments respectively constitute high and low degree of vulnerability.
ANALYSIS OF MAIZE VALUE CHAIN IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2017) JEJE, EMMANUEL TEMITOPE
This study examined the maize value chain in Ondo State, Nigeria. It identified the various actors in the maize value chain, their products and functions, the value added at each stage of the value chain and the overall value chain. One hundred and seventy nine (179) respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Interview schedule and structured questionnaire were used to obtain primary data. Data were collected on cost and returns on procurement of input supply, production, processing, marketing and consumption. Also data on information delivery was collected and this was analyzed using functional and budgetary Analysis. Result from the functional analysis with other socio-economic characteristics, showed that there were five major actors or stages in the maize value chain in Ondo State, Nigeria. They are input suppliers, farmers, processors, marketers and consumers. Budget analysis revealed gross margin per month of N8,3620,643.78k for input manufacturers, N8,956,893.87k for agricultural development programme (ADP), N1,375,766.67k for the input supply Agency (AISA), N2,841,62346 for private agro dealers, N177,104.39k for gross margin of farmers, N246,119.30k for gross margin of processors of maize flour, N51,332.25k for gross margin of Boiled maize, N45,627.98k for Roasted maize processors, N11,69,203.58k for livestock feed millers, N255,939.27 for gross margin of markers. It can be concluded that maize farmers produce or cultivates at a subsistence level based on one factor and others. Storage facilities, pest and disease control is not adequate which can reduce post-harvest losses. Market information should be adequate through marketing or price Board which will prevent consumers not to be worsen-off. Based on the study, government should tar rural communities’ roads leadings to different farms for easy motorable of farm produce. Both government and input suppliers should increase and continue training of farmers in the use of farm inputs and implements through seminar workshop, training and visit, posters, handbill. Also processors of maize products should not be left out from training especially in the handling of their milling machineries (technical know-how). Government should give soft loan to maize input suppliers, farmers, processors and marketers at low interest rate to improve maize farming.
Data set on concentrations, bioavailability, dose and lung deposition of labile metals bound to inhalable and respirable fractions of ambient particulate matters in Akure suburbs
(2018) Olumayede EG; Oguntimehin I; Ediagbonya FT; Ojiodu C; Sodipe GO
This article consists of data sets of concentrations, dose and deposition of some labile metals bound to inhale ambient particulate matter collected at human breathing height of 1.5–2 m in Akure, South Western Nigeria. Ten (10) data points, of different air quality, were selected for study using active sampling method; during the dry season months of November, 2016 to March, 2017. At each data point, the dust particles were collected four times, sorted into inhalable and respirable fractions. The metal concentrations in each fraction were determined using Perkin-Elmer 6000 Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The data set were processed and analyzed via descriptive statistics (averages and standard deviations), and numerical analyses. The data were explored further to estimate the exposure dose of metal particles and deposition in various regions of lung (alveolar, trachea-bronchial and extra thoracic) in adults (male and female) dwelling in the area. The data revealed that the highest dose and deposition of metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) occur in the alveolar region of the lung of adults.
Prevalence and distribution of malaria, Pfcrt and Pfmdr 1 genes in patients attending FUT Health Centre, Akure, Nigeria
(2018) Simon-Oke IA; Obimakinde ET; Afolabi OJ
This research evaluated the distribution of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) and Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistant (Pfmdr1) mutant genes among patients attending FUTA Health Centre. The research was carried out between December 2015 and February 2016. One hundred and forty (140) patients coming for malaria test were examined out of which 74 (52.86%) were males and 66 (47.14%) were females. Malaria test was done by thick blood film microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. PCR technique was used to detect Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes of P. falciparum. Information about sex, age, status and date of collection of each patient were collected. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used for analysis. Out of 140 blood samples that were tested, 100 (71%) were positive for malaria infection. The percentage distribution of malaria infection among male and female patients was 54 (72.97%) and 46 (69.70%) respectively with no significant difference (P=0.668). The prevalence of Pfcrt (95%) and Pfmdr1 (45%) showed significant difference (P=0.001). The research revealed high prevalence of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes of P. falciparum among patients which may be as a result of treatment of malaria with Chloroquine and other medication which the parasite have formed resistance against. It is therefore important to administer other malaria drugs apart from the drugs the parasite have formed resistance against.
GGE biplot analysis of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) landraces evaluated for marketable leaf yield in Southwest Nigeria
(2018) Fayeun LS; Alake GC; Akinlolu AO
The study was undertaken with the objective to examine the nature and to quantify the magnitude of genotype×environment interaction (GEI) effects on marketable leaf yield of fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis (Hook. F.) and to determine the winning genotype (s) for the test environments in Southwest Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using twenty-five landraces of fluted pumpkin in four environments [comprising two different locations (Abeokuta and Akure) for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013)]. Randomized complete block design with three replicates was employed. The combined analysis of variance over environments explained that fluted pumpkin marketable leaf yield was significantly (p<0.001) affected by environments, genotypes and GEI. The result showed differential performance of fluted pumpkin landraces at different test environments and hence the interaction was crossover type. The genotype main effect plus genotype×environment interaction (GGE) biplots were applied to analyse and visualize pattern of the interaction components. The first two PCs explained 86.40% (PC1=66.93%, PC2=19.47%) of the total variation of the GGE model (i.e. G+GE). Landraces Fts34, Ftn44 and Ftk20 were most stable but Ftd1 and Ftw21 were more desirable. Landraces Fta39 (398.80g) and Ftw21 (299.60g) were high yielding and are adapted to Akure and Abeokuta respectively. Akure is considered a better location for the evaluation of fluted pumpkin for marketable leaf yield.
Panoramic azimuthal Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding for fracture orientation and anisotropy quantification
(2018) Ogunbo JN; Mamukuyomi EA; Adepoju WS; Adebowale H; Akinro O; Ukaegbu CR
Vertical electrical sounding (VES) data acquired with the Schlumberger configuration is popularly used to image the electrical resistivity variation with depth at a single azimuth. Apart from the random subjective choice of the single azimuthal direction by the field geophysicists, important hydrological information such as fracture orientation and anisotropic coefficients needed for understanding resultant groundwater flow direction are by design lost in the process. Panoramic (0°–360°) azimuthal VES data were acquired at two data points at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) at angular step of 15°, making a total of 24 data sets per data point. Each azimuthal VES data was inverted using equal number of layers in order to confirm the presence of anisotropy, quantify the anisotropic coefficients and image the orientation of fracture at a particular depth. Little to large apparent resistivity data and model suggested the presence of anisotropy which otherwise would have been lost in a single azimuthal survey. Elliptical fit of each layer azimuthal inverted resistivity was used to quantify the fracture orientation and coefficient of anisotropy with depth. From the results, it is established that anisotropy is present only at the near-surface: and the anisotropic coefficient increases from the surface to 7m. The result also showed the presence of an isotropic unit from 8m to the fresh basement. In agreement with existing published results on the geology of the area, the majority of the fractures trend North West and North East at stations 1 and 2 respectively. We hope that the methodology will foster detailed 3D panoramic imaging of the fracture network within and outside the study location, which will help in designing better groundwater management scheme and understanding resultant groundwater flow direction for contaminant and pollutant prevention and for flood control.
Empirical relationship between electrical resistivity and geotechnical parameters: A case study of Federal University of Technology campus, Akure SW, Nigeria
(2018) Akintorinwa OJ; Oluwole ST
Antimicrobial sensitivity, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and plasmid profile by microorganisms from Otitis media patients in Owo and Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
(2018) Onifade AK; Afolayan CO; Afolami OI
Microbiological analyses were carried out on clinical samples from Otitis media patients attending two government hospitals in Akure and Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Bacteria isolates such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal isolates such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans were identified from the analyzed samples. All the bacteria isolates were screened for beta lactamase production of which varying percentages of the characterized isolates were positive for beta-lactamase production such as E. coli (12.1%), K. pneumoniae (16.7%), P. mirabilis (8.2%), P. aeruginosa (28.8%), S. aureus (11.1%), Strep. pneumoniae (13.3%), S. epidermidis (7.1%) and Strep. pyogenes (10.7%), respectively. The results obtained from antibiotic sensitivity revealed the presence of multiple antibiotic resistant isolates (MDRIs) present among the bacteria isolates obtained and that Nitrofurantoin and Ofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics against the bacteria isolates tested. The Multiple Drug Resistant Isolates were subjected to plasmid profile analysis and they were cured of their resistant factor plasmids; they were subjected to post-plasmid curing antibiotic resistant assay where it was discovered that their initial antibiotic resistance was plasmid-mediated. Furthermore, the antifungal sensitivity test of fungal isolates revealed that Fluconazole and Clotrimazole were the most effective antifungal agents against the fungal isolates obtained from the samples analyzed.
Dataset on the patterns of electricity consumption in public universities in southwestern Nigeria
(2018) Nunayon SS
In this data article, a thorough dataset on patterns of electricity use in Nigerian public universities was presented. Three relatively old public universities with staff and students’ halls of residences were purposively selected. The selected universities were Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and University of Ibadan (UI). Data were obtained through the administration of a structured questionnaire on electricity end users in the universities sampled. For the data collection, the electricity end users in public universities were stratified into users in university staff offices, staff residences, student residences, and commercial units. Electricity users were selected using systematic random sampling and accidental sampling techniques. In OAU, FUTA and UI, 217, 137 and 164 students, respectively were sampled; 30, 3, and 61 households in OAU, FUTA, and UI, respectively were sampled while 28, 6, and 18 commercial units in OAU, FUTA and UI, respectively were also sampled. The sample size determined for staff in OAU, FUTA and UI were 139, 81 and 182, respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using radar charts. The information provided in this data article will encourage investigation into electricity management strategies, critical success factors for electricity management, planning, and policy formulation towards the realization of sustainable campuses.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES ON CASSAVAPRODUCTION IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA.
(2019) OWOEYE, Rufus Sunday
Evidences from literature and past studies have revealed that climate change has influenced agricultural productivity leading to declining global food production. The study was to examine the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on cassava production in Southwest, Nigeria where two different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) (rain forest and savannah) were chosen for the study. The study used multi-stage sampling procedures, with the aid of well-structured questionnaire, to select 150 cassava producers from each AEZ, making a total of 300 cassava producers for the study. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, cost-benefit analysis, multinomial logit model and stochastic frontier production function. From the study, it was revealed that cassava farmers in the study area were relatively young, fairly educated, mostly married, well experienced, adequately aware of climate change, but operated on a small scale. Result from vulnerability assessment of the cassava farmers showed that cassava farmers in rain forest AEZ (0.197) were more vulnerable to climate variability and extremes weather events than in the savannah AEZ (0.016). The most commonly practiced climate adaptation strategies were; the use of improved varieties, multiple planting dates, increasing farm size, mulching, farm plot fragmentation and crop diversification. Factors influencing the choice of these climate adaptation strategies were; sex, age, farm income, years spent in school, labour availability, amount of credit obtained, intensity of rainfall and temperature. Results from the costs and returns analysis revealed that crop diversification generated the highest gross margins of ₦472,924 per hectare and ₦377,000 per hectarein rain forest and savannah AEZs respectively among the cassava farmers that practiced only one adaptation strategy. Also, cassava farmers who practiced combination of adaptation strategies in both AEZs revealed that cassava farmers who used at least five adaptation strategies had the highest gross margins of ₦507,478.5 and ₦332,060in rain forest and savannah AEZs respectively. Result on the influence of climate adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of cassava production in both rain forest and savannah AEZs in the study area revealed that technical inefficiency effects existed in cassava production as confirmed by the gamma values of 0.687 and 0.639 in rain forest and savannah respectively. The study therefore recommended that farmers, via extension agents, should be encouraged to practice multiple adaptation strategies because the resulting crop enterprise yield high profit per hectare; and that government should create opportunities for non- farm income sources as this helps them to engage in those activities that are less sensitive to climate change.
CONSUMERS’ PREFERENCES AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ORGANIC AMARANTH AND TOMATO IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM CHOICE EXPERIMENT
(2019) AKINWEHINMI, Joseph Oluwagbenga
This study made use of a stated preference technique, Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE), to elicit consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for organic amaranth and tomato. Also, the study investigated heterogeneity in consumers’ preferences at the same time described socio-economic characteristics of respondents driving heterogeneity. A total of 247 respondents were drawn through the administration of well-structured questionnaire following a multistage sampling technique. The analytical techniques employed included descriptive statistics and parametric and semi parametric logistic regression analysis. The results of analysis of key socio-economic characteristics showed that respondents in the amaranth and tomato groups had mean ages of 48 and 44 respectively. Male respondents dominated the survey with 67.9% and 84.3% in the amaranth and tomato groups respectively. Most of the respondents have smaller households with average of four members in the amaranths group and three in the tomato group. It was found that only 28.06% and 5.77% were really fully aware of the organic products in the amaranth and tomato groups. In the unobserved heterogeneity model formulations, price of organic amaranth, chemical reduction, taste, freshness and NAFDAC certified attributes were consistently revealed as strong predictors for consumers’ choice of organic amaranth. In relation to the results for organic tomato, the strong predictors were price, chemical reduction taste, complete and partial freshness. Explaining heterogeneity in mean taste parameters for organic amaranth data, age, gender and level of awareness about organic products were found to be the best explanatory individualspecific factors in preference for chemical reduction. Only gender explained variation in preference for taste while level of awareness explained variation in preference for NAFDAC certification. In the pooled data, age and percentage of spouse income contribution in the total household income significantly explained variation in sensitivities to chemical reduction. Level of awareness explained variation in sensitivities towards NAFDAC certification. The results based on WTP-space model for the organic amaranths reveal that consumers were willing to pay premium for all attributes except the relatively unknown Nigerian Organic Agriculture Network (NOAN) certification. In the tomato group, results showed that respondents were only willing to pay for chemical reduction and tastiness in tomato even though they preferred the other attributes in the preference models. In all of the models estimated and in both commodity groups, chemical reduction was revealed to be the strongest attribute that positively induced consumers’ willingness to pay. Given a relatively low level of awareness of organic concept, we suggest policies that drive consumers' awareness of organic concept. In relation to certification, certified organic market may only speed up to consumers acceptability if a relatively popular NAFDAC would include standardization of organic agricultural production in her portfolio. Furthermore, government can spark up organic food production by reviving the moribund organic fertilizer plant in the study area.

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