Coffee has over the years remained of great importance to the global economy. Although the crop originated from Africa, its production is presently dominated by Brazil and Vietnam, which now respectively account for 34 and 13% of global production. Ethiopia and Uganda which are at the fore-front of production within sub-Saharan Africa account for 62% of the region’s coffee output. Out of the many species of coffee that exist, C. arabica (Arabica coffee) and C. canephora (Robusta coffee) are of outstanding economic importance. While the former does well on high altitudes (1000-2000 m above sea level), average temperature ranges of between 15 and 24°C, and 2000 mm rainfall per annum, the latter, which can thrive under hotter, drier conditions can be grown on altitudes of about 800 m above sea level. Generally speaking, optimal coffee-growing conditions include cool to warm tropical climates, rich soils, and few pests or diseases. Each of the grown species however does well under specific environmental conditions. The constantly increasing environmental temperatures, coupled with accompanying variations in weather conditions, have some direct debilitating effects on coffee production and quality. Pests and pathogens, being able to tolerate a wide range of temperature, have the capabilities to proliferate and negatively influence the crop’s yield, quality and production cost. In view of the the highlighted problems, some mitigation strategies have been developed by researchers to limit the extent of damage caused by global warming on coffee production in the region. Chief among these include genetic improvement/development of resistant cultivars, reforestation (planting under shade), high-density planting/irrigation, integrated pest management, improved access to climate information and reduction of green house gas emissions. These, among others would enhance the quantity and quality of coffee produced and consequently boost the region’s economy.
An easy-to-operate maize dehusker-sheller machine was constructed from locally available materials with relatively low cost at the premises of DAF Technical Services, Ilorin, Nigeria, between June, 2017 and February, 2018. The construction of the machine was carried out by sizing and marking out of the plate using scriber and cutter. The shaft was smoothened with sand paper and various components were welded; assembling of parts was done by fastener (bolts & nuts). The machine consisted of four units (feeding unit, dehusking -shelling unit, cleaning unit and outlets). Results obtained indicated a mean de -husking efficiency of 58.67%, 57.00%, 54.16 at speed 469 rpm, 309 rpm and 298 rpm respectively. The mean shelling efficiencies were 73.36%, 71.53%, 65 55% at 469 rpm to 298 rpm. And mean through put capacity of 55.90 kg/hr, 41.10 kg/hr and 36.00 kg/hr at speed stated above. Also the mean cleaning efficiencies were 79.97%, 79.77%, 82.23% at speed 469 rpm, 309 rpm and 298 rpm respectively. The mean grain losses were 20.37%, 21.20% and 17.16% using the three speeds stated above. In conclusion, the mean dehusking efficiency, shelling and mean through put capacity performed best at 469 rpm while mean cleaning efficiency and mean grain loss was best at speed 298 rpm. Adesokan et al.; CJAST, 34(4): 1-8, 2019; Article no.CJAST.46586 2 Original Research Article
Aims: This study sought to identify the personal characteristics, climate adaptation/coping strategies and enterprise characteristics of cocoa farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study also aimed at determining constraints faced by the cocoa farmers in the course of carrying out the coping strategies. Study Design: Multistage sampling technique. Place and Duration of Study: Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: This research work examined cocoa farmers’ coping strategies for climate change adaptation in Ogun State, Nigeria. A sample size of 60 respondents was used. Data were collected from selected cocoa farmers with the aid of structured interview schedule and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results revealed that the mean age of respondents was 46.5 years, indicating that most of them were still in their active age. The findings also revealed that majority (78.3%) of the respondents were married, while 90.0% of them were educated at various levels. Planting of cocoa under a weeded forest was ranked first in the coping strategies used by the farmers. Poor access to credit facilities was ranked first among the constraint faced by the respondents in the use of adaptation strategies in the study area. However, educational qualification (χ2=22.949, p=0.000) indicated that they were significantly related to the rate of adoption of farmers’ coping strategies to climate change in the study area. Conclusion: The study established that poor funding, among other challenges was a major constraint to farmers’ adoption of climate change coping strategies. Researchers therefore, need to commence developmental interventions aimed at addressing the identified constraints and work towards the development of drought tolerant cocoa varieties in order to boost cocoa production and improve farmers’ livelihood.
World’s calories supply from maize accounts for 20% but global postharvest grain loss caused by insect pests was estimated to be 10%. Control is mostly by synthetic insecticides with consequences such as insect resurgence and resistance and negative effect on non- target organisms. Maize grain losses to weevils are so enormous that effective local solution has to be sought. Thus this research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of powders and ash of rice husk and melon shell in controlling Sitophillus zeamais (Mots) in stored maize. Four treatments, Rice husk powder (RHP), Rice husk ash (RHA), Melon shell powder (MSP) and Melon shell ash (MSA) were applied at eight levels of 0 - 2.0 g 20 g-1 maize grain in three replicates. Five pairs (males and females) of freshly emerged S. zeamais were introduced into each treatment. Mortality test was carried out on the insects at 48 and 96 hours after introduction. Germination test was conducted on ten randomly selected grains after weevil emergence. Significantly higher (p≤0.05) mortality was recorded in treated seeds than the control. Virtually 100% mortality of S. zeamais was attained in both RHA and MSA treated maize in 96hrs at all application rates. Mean adult emergence in maize treated with both RHA and MSA were zero, with no weight loss like those of grains treated with standard control of P. guinensis. Also maize grain treated with Rice husk ash (RHA) and Melon shell ash (MSA) recorded a mean WPI of zero irrespective of application rates as in P. guinensis. The mean percentage germination of maize grain was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in P. guinensis than those recorded on treatments, while germination of treated maize is higher than the control. Thus rice husk and melon shell are effective alternatives to insecticides against S. zeamais in stored maize.
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