Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a devastating pest of over 350 plant species especially the cereal crops such as, maize, sorghum and rice. The pest is currently posing threats to food security in Africa. FAW could be potential animal feed that can supplement chicken feed. However, there is little information on its nutritional profile as poultry feed. The aim of the study was to compare the nutrient content of FAW larvae to other chicken feeds. Proximate analysis was performed on air-dried samples of fall armyworm larvae in order to determine the crude fibre, crude protein, ash, ether extract and carbohydrate contents. Experimental data was compared to secondary data of other chicken feeds to determine the quality of fall armyworm as poultry feed. The results indicated that FAW had crude protein content of (36.9 -63.54)%, crude fibre (9.1 -9.6)%, fat (17.8 -22.9)%, ash (5.6 -7.4)% and carbohydrates (1.65 -3.3)%. From the findings, FAW larvae have nutrients in sufficient quantities to be considered as an alternative source of protein for chicken diets. Therefore, the study recommends use of FAW for chicken feeding.
Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems (ICLFS) are globally recognized for their contributions to improving agricultural sustainability. These systems also play a big role in conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) since they reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus assisting in coping with the effects of climate change. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of extension services in achieving food and nutrition security by farmers practicing integrated crop-livestock farming systems. The data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The frequency over which farmers receive their extension services indicated that the majority never received them, followed by farmers who annually received extension service. From the findings, mass media and village meetings were statistically significant in extension delivery modes. The results indicated a strong and positive correlation between the extension service provision and performance. The standardized regression coefficients revealed that for every unit increase of extension service increases performance and was statistically significant. Therefore, this study recommends a refinement and improvement of extension services to impact integrated farming system positively.
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