Volume 3 Issue 5 October 2024
Preferred Recreational Activities of Tourists in Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Rivers State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study assessed recreational activities and preferred recreational activities of tourists in Port Harcourt
Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt, using data collected through the administration of two sets of questionnaires,
in-depth interviews, and personal observations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics
presented in form of tables and charts. Results from the study show different recreational activities in the
park include Pedal Boat ride (81.4%), body fitness exercise in the park’s gym (75.7%), golfing 55.5% and sport
fishing (46.4%). Most tourist respondents (76.7%) preferred relaxation in the canteen/restaurant, pedal boat
ride (70.8%), 5-D/9-D cinema (62.5%) and sight-seeing (49.2%). Majority of the tourists are males (80.0%),
between 20-35 years, 43.3% students and 26.7% self-employed. In addition, 50.8% are single, 57.5%,
obtained tertiary education, 98.5% are Nigerians and 85.5% reside within Port Harcourt city. Chi-square
analysis shows that there are significant relationships between preferred recreational activities and age,
marital status, level of education (P<0.05). However, there is no significant relationship between sex and the
preferred recreational activities of tourists (P>0.05). The management of the park should improve on the
quality of current facilities and provide more amenities in order to attract more visitors to engage in more
recreational activities thereby meeting the recreational experiences of diverse tourists in the park.
Lead Farmer Extension Model: A New Paradigm in Agricultural Extension Services
Mohammeda*, N.; Japhetb, E. N.; Abdul’azeezc, M. A.; Malahb, M.; and Koloa, M. K.
ABSTRACT
The extension system in Nigeria has taken a new dimension due to inadequate extension worker to farmer
contact. The poor ratio of the extension agent to farmer in Nigeria is against the World Bank recommended
ratio of 1:800. This led to a new paradigm in the agricultural extension system that was considered to be
appropriate in dealings with farmers’ information and technology transfer needs for improving agricultural
production and food security. The lead farmer extension model is a systematic way to strengthen the
information flow, timely adoption of technologies and enhance the overall agricultural production. The
model helps in building an effective farmer-centred extension systems and empowering farmers as change
agents for improving livelihoods. The model is likely to be the best when it comes to women engagement in
agriculture because it help increase women’s participation in providing extension services as well as access
to them. Farmers assume a central role and become key players in technology identification, generation,
adaptation and dissemination. The model adversely reduces the cost of extension services. Moreover, this
model needs community engagements, NGO’s as well as government support to ensure adequate
sustainability of the model as extension services providers.
Assessing the Profitability and Choice of Feed-Type Determinants in Egg Production: Evidence from Ondo State, Nigeria
Olanrewaju Peter Oladoyin1, Temitope Olanrewaju Bello2, Abiodun Festus Akinrotimi2,3, Tolulope
Seun Olubunmi-Ajayi2*, Julius Olumide Ilesanmi4
ABSTRACT
The study investigates the determinants of profitability and choice of feed type used for egg production in
Ondo State, Nigeria. Using primary data gathered through a well-structured questionnaire, the analysis
employed descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, multiple regression, and multinomial logit (MNL)
models. Results indicate that 74% of respondents were male, 85.8% were married, and the average
household size was 4 persons. Key findings showed that 88.3% of the farmers had access to loans, and the
majority owned between 200–250 birds. Feed-related issues were critical, with 82.5% citing poor feed
quality as a major challenge. The Return on Investment (ROI) for egg production was calculated at 3.85.
Significant factors affecting profitability include education level, age, access to loans, number of birds, feed
choice, labour, and output quantity (p<0.05). The results of the MNL model revealed that marital status,
age, number of birds, and profit were significant predictors of feed choice (p<0.05). Specifically, being
married, older, having a higher number of birds, and achieving higher profits increased the likelihood of
using non-self-formulated feeds. These factors also positively influenced the likelihood of using both self
formulated and non-self-formulated feeds. The study concludes that egg production is profitable and
recommends enhancing loan access and investing in better feed quality to improve productivity and reduce
unemployment.
Potentials of Date Palm Tree (Phoenix Dactylifera) For Livelihood Sustenance in Northern Nigeria
Gujja, A.A, UMAR, A.I., And Halima, A.D.
ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the critical role of date palms in sustaining rural livelihoods across regions in Northern
Nigeria where they are a dominant feature. It examines the traditional and contemporary ways local
communities utilize date palms, providing insights into their cultural and economic significance. Furthermore,
the review explores the potential of date palms in ensuring food security and poverty reduction in these areas.
It analyzes the nutritional value of dates and their contribution to a balanced diet. Additionally, it examines
the economic benefits associated with date palm cultivation, including job creation, income generation, and
diversification of income streams for rural households. It also sheds light on the marketing systems currently
in place for date palm products in Northern Nigeria. It analyzes the efficiency and reach of these systems.
Finally, the review recommends advancements in date palm production within Nigeria.
Tillage Practice and Intercropping Combination Effect on Growth Development and Yield of Groundnut in Maize - Groundnut Cropping System
Oyewole Charles Iledun1*, Shuaib Harira2, Musa Umar Tanko3, Attah Enejo Simeon4, Agahiu
Emmanuel Attai5 and Ezeogueri-Oyewole Anne Nnenna6
ABSTRACT
Maximization of land utilization has become imperative due to high population pressure compounded by
competing human activities for agricultural land. However, achieving this in the tropics with monoculture
system is proving challenging. The use of simple farm tools for agricultural production is also limiting land
area brought under cultivation. This study therefore evaluates the impact of tillage practice and
intercropping combination on groundnut growth, development yield components, and yield in a maize
groundnut system. The trial was conducted in the rainy seasons of 2020 and 2021, at the Kogi State
University Students’ Research and Demonstration Farm in Nigeria’s Southern Guinea Savannah agro
ecological zone. Treatment consisted of three tillage practices and three intercropping combinations
assigned to a 3 x 5 Factorial experiment with four replications. Data were collected for growth parameters,
such as canopy height, leaf number and for yield related parameters, which included haulm yield / ha, pod
yield / ha, harvest Index (HI), 100-seed weight, amongst others. Analyzed data showed no significant (p ≥
0.05) influence of tillage practice on canopy heights, leaf numbers as well as most yield related parameters
except haulm yields and harvest index while intercropping combination significantly influenced canopy
heights, leaf numbers as well as most yield parameters: days to crop flowering, haulm yield / ha, pod yield /
ha, harvest Index (HI) and 100-seed weight. Taking into account efficiency of production, across the tillage
practice the most efficient tillage operation was the zero tillage, while considering the intercropping
combination, sowing groundnut with maize at one row of groundnut to one row of maize was the most
efficient combination, thus recommended for the study area. Among the tillage practices, the comparable
performance of zero tillage when compared with other tillage method could be a cost saving measure for
resource poor farmers to adopt.
Carbon Sequestration Potentials of Urban Trees in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria
Akighirga, A.T. *1; Bada, B.S. 2; Oladoye, A.O.3; Meer, B.B.4; Japheth, D.H.5
ABSTRACT
Rapid urbanization and increasing vehicular emissions in urban areas are major contributors to rising
atmospheric CO₂ levels, a key driver of global warming. This study assesses the carbon sequestration
potential of urban trees along six selected roads in Makurdi, Nigeria, aiming to quantify their role in
mitigating CO₂ emissions. A purposive sampling method was used to sample major roadways within a 2
kilometer radial scope, with a 2-meter lateral buffer on each side. Trees with a diameter at breast height
(DBH) ≥10 cm and a height >1.3 m were included in the study. For each tree, species identification, diameters
(measured at the base, middle, and top), and total height were recorded using girth tape and a Spiegel
Relaskop. A non-destructive approach was used to estimate the above-ground biomass (AGB), based on
volume and wood density. Carbon stock was calculated as 50% of AGB, and CO₂ sequestration potential was
determined by multiplying the carbon content by the conversion factor (3.67), representing the molecular
mass ratio of carbon in CO₂. Results showed that Azadirachta indica stored the highest carbon (9.3 tons),
while Casuarina equisetifolia (4.93 tons). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in biomass or
carbon content between tree species among the roadways. Species (Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica,
Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Khaya senegalensis) demonstrated a higher potential
for carbon sequestration. Tree species selection for urban planting should prioritize high carbon
sequestering species to strengthen urban green infrastructure and contribute to climate change mitigation.