This study was conducted to determine the effects of sago-tapioca starch ratio and moisture level of feed mixture on the physical properties of a Malaysian mahseer (Tor tambroides) extruded diet. Fifteen iso-nitrogenous diets containing varying ratios of sago-tapioca starch (20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15 and 0:20) and varying moisture contents (200, 300, and 400 g/kg) were formulated. The feed mixtures were extruded using a single-screw extruder. The barrel temperature profile was set at 80-100-120 °C while the die temperature was set at 160 °C. The physical properties of extruded diets (bulk density, expansion rate, floatability, water stability, pellet durability index, sinking velocity and scanning electron microscopy) were investigated. The results showed that increasing moisture level of diet from 200 g/kg to 400 g/kg increased (P<0.05) the value of all physical properties examined. The best moisture level to produce best floating extrudates using sago or tapioca or their combination was 400 g/kg. Sago starch and combinations of the sago-tapioca starch performed as good as tapioca starch alone.

The study described the perceived importance of, and proficiency in core agricultural extension competencies among extension workers in Peninsular Malaysia; and evaluating the resultant deficits in the competencies. The Borich's Needs Assessment Model was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A sample of 298 respondents was randomly selected and interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Thirty-three core competency items were assessed. Instrument validity and reliability were ensured. The cross-sectional data obtained was analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics including mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS). Results of the study showed that on a scale of 5, the most important core extension competency items according to respondents' perception were: "Making good use of information and communication technologies/access and use of web-based resources" (M=4.86, SD=0.23); "Conducting needs assessments" (M=4.84, SD=0.16); "organizing extension campaigns" (M=4.82, SD=0.47) and "Managing groups and teamwork" (M=4.81, SD=0.76). In terms of proficiency, the highest competency identified by the respondents was "Conducting farm and home visits (M=3.62, SD=0.82) followed by 'conducting meetings effectively' (M=3.19, SD=0.72); "Conducting focus group discussions" (M=3.16, SD=0.32) and "conducting community forums" (M=3.13, SD=0.64). The discrepancies implying competency deficits were widest in "Acquiring and allocating resources" (MWDS=12.67); use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and web-based resources in agricultural extension (MWDS=12.59); and report writing and sharing the results and impacts (MWDS=11.92). It is recommended that any intervention aimed at developing the capacity of extension workers in Peninsular Malaysia should prioritize these core competency items in accordance with the deficits established in this study.

The

Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important legume crop, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Poor soil fertility is among the major abiotic factors that contribute to this crop's low yield. Phosphorus (P)-based fertilizers significantly increase cowpea yields but these fertilizers are not well adopted by smallholder cowpea farmers. To understand why, we surveyed 420 farmers across three major cowpea-producing states in Nigeria: first, we assessed the cowpea farmers' knowledge and perception of the need for fertilizers, especially P fertilizers; and, second, we identified factors that determine the use – or non-use – of P-based fertilizers. Although over 80% of farmers surveyed were aware of the value of fertilizers as a yield-increasing factor and were able to identify crops suffering from nutrient deficiency, only 10% used P-based fertilizers like single super phosphate (SSP) and another 11% used combinations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers and SSP for cowpeas. Reasons for not using P-containing fertilizers included high cost, poor availability in rural markets, and lack of awareness on the need to use P fertilizers. Additionally, many growers believed that cowpeas do not require fertilizers, especially if the previous crop had been maize. Our findings are important for strategies to increase the productivity of cowpeas among smallholder growers especially in the northern regions of Nigeria and beyond, where subsistence farming systems are prevalent. Increased cowpea production through the adequate use of inputs like P fertilizers will support Nigeria's effort to reduce its large imports of cowpea grain from neighboring countries. Our survey further demonstrated that P-containing fertilizers are crucial production inputs for increased cowpea production in these regions and in areas with similar traditional farming practices. Our results will benefit breeders, development partners, extension personnel, and other stakeholders in cowpea value chains.

The objective of this study is to examine the training needs of agricultural extension workers in various provinces of Iraq. Validate them and develop a method of identification of training needs for agricultural extension agents. The data collected were analyzed by determination of the mean of the responses from the respondents and one-way of Variance (ANOVA). Using Borich need Assessment model for training needs, the questionnaire survey was adopted for a population of 300 professionals in clients, consultants, and contracting organizations. The majority of respondents were in all kinds of training needs were above the value of 3 meaning that all of them were strongly needed, the highest needed training was on the name of method with mean value 3.74, the moderate needed training was on use computer and ICT with mean = 3.26 and the lowest needed training was on the management with mean =3.15. The study revealed that the majority of respondents in the first categories in the age from 31 to 40 years 37.32%, experience from one to five years 40.94%, the number of training courses from 1 to 5 courses 39.86%, for the education level had a bachelor degree 71.74%, origin from the urban 80.80%, and attended training 81.16%, marital status 73.19%, the gender a male 63.77%, and specialization from agriculture department 71.38%. The results shows significant relationship with provinces, marital status, location of work, training, and the number of training courses. The Extension Agents agreed that they needed training in studies areas of their agriculture.

This study assessed awareness and use of information and communication technologies among extension agents in Maigana Zone of Kaduna State A.D.P. All extension personnel in the zone (70) were interviewed through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the study. It was found that 60.15% of the respondents were aware of at least one ICT in the study area. The multiple regression analysis of the relationship between ICT usage and level of training, membership of professional association, marital status and educational level were positively significant ( p<0.05). It was concluded that socioeconomic characteristics of the extension agents in the study area influence their level of use of ICT. It was recommended that provision of ICT facilities and stable power, as well as capacity building on ICT usage should be promoted among extension personnel. This would enhance effective communication with farm families for improved productivity.Keywords: Awareness, Extension, ICT, Maigana

Agricultural produce upon harvesting have high moisture content which makes it unsafe for storage as the moisture in the crops attracts microorganisms which result in deterioration of the products. A solar dryer was developed, simulated and tested under the weather conditions of Zaria, Nigeria. TRANSYS 16.0 software was used to simulate the collectors’ outlet air temperature. A MATLAB code was written to compute the weight losses of yam slices present in a drying chamber. The computed Nash-Sutcliffe Coefficient of Efficiency values and its corresponding root means square errors between the modelled collector air temperature, and the experimental collector air temperatures confirm the validity of TRANSYS 16 model owing to the good quality of fit between the experimental and the simulated results. Similarly, the computed Nash-Sutcliffe Coefficient of Efficiency values and its corresponding root means square errors between the modelled weight loss of yam slices, and the observed weight loss of yam slices follows the same trend.

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