African Journals Online
Journal of Environmental Extension (Jext)

Volume 1, December 2000
Abstracts

INDIGENISING ENVIRONMENTALISM – A TASK FOR THE NEXT MILLENIUM

A. E. ADEKOYA

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The issue of environmentalism global arising from perceived threat to the environment on all front and thus requiring attention of everyone. In as much as productive activities have contributed to environmental degradation, then it is necessary to address the processes. The environment as a concept however holds different meaning to different people and predilection and the specific meaning is important as it determines how the individual holds the concept.

The dependence on the environment for survival cannot be overemphasized and when survival is threatened, environmentalism suffers. This, in a vicious cycle, further threatens survival and sustainability. Why it is important to plan environmental programmes to mitigate the vandalisation, the real cost of the damage has to determined either by estimating the benefits derived or reparatory cost. Most importantly the relationship between the people in a community and their environment needs to be clearly understood to enhance their participation in fighting the issue. The living pattern of the people, their local knowledge and values will be a right pedestal to commence.

APPROPRIATE EXTENSION STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

S.O. EWUOLA AND S.D. YOMI-ALFRED

Department of Agriculture Economics and Extension,

Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ABSTRACT

On the international scene, pollution is becoming one of the world's greatest ecological problems. With increasing Nigerian population, rising industrialization, large aggregations of people in cities, upsurge in the number of automobiles and other internal combustion engines as well as a steady increase in waste products and materials, pollution is becoming a big problem. It is increasingly assuming critical proportions that need to be addressed for healthy living.

Lots of uninterested ecological alternations are brought about in many habitats endangering many vegetative and non-vegetative spices. Losses of zoological and aquatic lives are equally adversely affected. Effects of these on human life only aggravate pollution's direct effect on mankind.

This article addresses air and water pollution by man and nature. Its causes were identified. Effect of these on terrestrial life was highlighted. Possible control strategies recommended include education or enlightenment, research, and legislation.

INFLUENCE OF EXTENSION EDUCATION ON LAND POLLUTION REDUCTION IN ABEOKUTA AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

S.O. APANTAKU

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan

ABSTRACT

The study attempted to investigate the influence of the level of awareness and use of environmental education information obtained from public extension education program on environmental sanitation and wastes disposal practices by residents of Abeokuta South Local Government Area. A total of 450 residents were interviewed while senior environmental health officials of Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and Abeokuta South LG Council responded to a questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentages, analysis of variance and simple linear regression.

Results indicated that majority of residents disposed wastes improperly, making the town a bit dirty. The level of awareness and use of environmental education information obtained through extension education is low. However, the level of awareness ad use of information obtained through extension education methods influenced resident's environmental sanitation and waste disposal practices. Radio and TV were the commonest sources of environmental education information. Residents' level of income and years of formal education acquired had significant relationship with their waste disposal and environmental sanitation practices. Wastes are disposed improperly because of inability to afford out-door refuse drums (bins), fees charged by private environmental sanitation agencies and far location of refuse disposal houses.

Recommendations included intensification of public extension education programs on environmental sanitation, stricter of enforcement of environmental sanitation laws, building of more refuse disposal houses and provision of out-door refuse bins (placed in strategic places) by the government.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE APPROACH FOR RICE PESTS AND DISEASES CONTROL BY RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

OKUNLOLA, J.O.

Department of Agriculture Economics and Extension,

Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ADEKUNLE, O. A.

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Rice farming is an indigenous occupation particularly in the study area and the farmers encounter a myriad of problems which modern technology has not adequately addressed. Rice farmers in the area are predominantly male (90.0%) and mostly (76%) between 30 and 69 years of age, with few (32%) having some form of formal education. Majority (67%) of the respondents have less than 5 acres of rice farm.

Birds and rodents are the most common pests while yellow mottles, brown spot and rice blasts formed the predominant diseases. Indigenous control methods for rice diseases are the use of fallow periods, timely planting, crop rotation and planting of resistant varieties. For rice pests, destruction of their abodes, regular weeding, use of traps, positions, locally prepared concoctions, as well as planting of resistant varieties, formed the indigenous practices.

AGROFORESTRY FARMING SYSTEMS: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ITS PRACTICE

ONUMADU, F.N., POPOOLA, L.

Department of Forest Resources Management,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ADEKUNLE, O.A.

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Environmental degradation is a global problem but agroforestry seems a potent weapon for tackling this hydra-headed problem. This paper highlighted types and causes of degradation and various systems of agroforestry practices. The need for extension in agroforestry was discussed. Environmental and socio-economic benefits of agroforestry practices were also listed.

OPTIMAL FARM PLANS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES USE FOR FOOD CROP FARMERS IN UNAAB MODEL EXTENSION VILLAGES.

A. DIPEOLU,

Department of Agriculture Economics and Farm Management,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Nigeria

K. ADEBAYO

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria

O. FABOLUDE

Department of Agriculture Economics and Farm Management,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The effective and sustainable use of environmental and economic resources are essential requirements for stimulating agricultural development in the developing world. This study collected data from 60 randomly selected farmers from 4 model villages presently in use by the outreach extension arm of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) to develop optimum farm plans for food crop farmers subject to environmental and economic constraints using the linear programming model.

The study found that farm sizes in the villages varied from 1.03ha. at Ilewo-Orile to 2.67ha. at Ijemo-Fadipe. Operating expenses also varied from N13,547 at Ilewo-Orile to N52,988 at Ajura. Farmers rated the role of Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of UNABB in the farming activities as very good on a 5-point scale. The optimal farm plans indicated that the cassava/maize intercrop gave the best results in Ijemo-Fadipe and Ajura, while the cassava/melon and sole cassava enterprises were best in Ijale-Papa and Ilewo-Orile respectively. Operating expenses was found to be the most limiting factors in all the villages.

The study concluded that despite the perceived positive roles of AMREC in the farming activities of the villages, the farmers were not operating at the optimum level. It therefore recommended that optimum farm plans be derived after major extension efforts in order to estimate incremental levels of attainment.

POVERTY, SHORT TERM EARNING AD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: REALITIES FROM ONDO STATE COASTAL WETLANDS, NIGERIA.

YEMI AKEGBEJO-SAMSONS

Department of Aguaculture and Fisheries Management,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

A.B. AROMOLARAN

Department of Agriculture Economics and Farm Management, University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between poverty and the different fishers management practices being employed by fishermen in the exploitation and harnessing of the costal wetlands of Ondo State. Over 80% of the fisher-folks are by nature very poor and thus will more often than no `eat deep' into the fish resources at their disposal. The results of the study show that the most prevalent management practices were gillnetting, caste netting and seine-netting. These were found to be very versatile, durable and affordable. It reveals that those practices which posses the highest potentials for short-term income generation were more commonly used. The lowest direct cost of investment in engaging in any practice was in gill netting, while the highest was in the use of chemical and herbal poisons. The perceived ability of each practice to generate short-term income gains was highest for gill netting and followed by total draining. The least practice in the generation of short-term income gains was hooks and line, spears and closed season. The paper recommends among others the effective tackling of the poverty-related issues in the Nigeria's artisanal fishery sub-sector.

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT BY LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN IFEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE.

E.O. FAKOYA,

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

C.I. SODIYA AND ENIOLA FABUSORO

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Management of natural resource by local associations not only in its socio ecological but also in its socio economic context will go a long way in reducing environmental degradation in some local communities. This study examined the operational capacity for natural resource management by local associations in Ifedore Local government area of Ondo State. Random sampling techniques was used to select 150 members of local associations from three major communities in the Local Government Area.

Frequency distribution show that majority of the respondents were within ages of 30-50 years (61.34%) about 84 percent were literate, 65.33percent of them are farmers. The operational capacity of the local association members shows the following: erosion combat (15.33%); promotion of environmental management public awareness education (87.33%) imposition of sanctions for bush fires (82.67%), and monitoring of tree cutting in the forest (75.33%). These have contributed towards more effective and equitable management of natural resources.

Multiple regression analysis results indicates that age, educational level, year of association formation and professional status of members were significant factors in natural resource management using the double log functions as the lead equation. The R² was 0.54, 0.58 and 0.63 for linear, semi-log and double log forms of equations respectively.

Local association members should be encouraged to contribute more to the effective management of natural resources in their communities to reduce environmental degradation.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXTENSION AS EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCES USE

L.A. AKINBILE

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan

ABSTRACT

Environmental extension which is the propagation of sustained natural resource use involves dissemination of products of interaction between an entity and its surrounding in a manner of mutual relationship among its component. It should involve all possible interaction of all actors in environmental concerns, i.e. its users, researchers ad change agents in ways of horizontal dissemination of information to foster common understanding of the environment and its management.

This paper suggests ways of maintaining bio-diversity through sustained use of natural resources and use of mass education through environmental extension. This should reduce the threat to man's existence by the depletion of environmental resources.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN CROPPING SYSTEMS OF FRAMERS IN ISEYIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE.

YEKINNI, T.O; L.A. AKINBILE; AND T.O. BANMEKE

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study considered the changes that have taken place in farmers cropping system over time. The changes were consequences of alternations in the environment's soil-vegetation-climate balance resulting from their exploitations. Data was gathered with structured questionnaires form 80 farmers in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

It was discovered that changes have occurred in areas of management practices used by farmers (i.e. use of organic fertilizer, adoption of agroforestry practices, use of shifting cultivation and crop rotation as well as the intensified planting leguminous crops), crops cultivated by farmers (cassava, tomato, cowpea, and melon), while farmers have also had to adjust the crop combination adopted over time.

The implication is that the changes must be taken in to consideration in designing sustainable agricultural system, while efforts are made to reduce the negative effects on the environment, occasioned by its exploitation to ensure sustainability.

ADOPTION OF HOMESTEAD GAIN STORAGE TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOUTH-WEST AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

A.A. ABIODUN, O.O. OLUWOLE, F.A. ADEWUMI, B.O. OGUNDELE, I.O. BAKARE, S.A. BALOGUN, S. AHMED AND L.AGIDI

Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The major types of grains and pulses that are stored in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Lagos states of Nigeria at homestead level are maize, guinea corn, rice, cowpea, Soya bean and groundnut. Bags, hermetic containers and room spaces are used for storage. The adoption of improved storage technology in hermetic containers, cold treatment, polythene lined bags and application of recommended chemicals was relatively low (45%) due to lack of/and inadequate knowledge of usage of these technologies, non-availability and high costs of storage inputs especially the recommended chemicals, and lack of awareness of the technologies.

The training and visits (T&V) System of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) was found to be the most prevalent source of information to the respondents, followed by the radio. Increased use of interpersonal communication as well as prompt and adequate intervention by government in the provision of credit facilities and subsidy on storage inputs among others will enhance the rate of adoption.

AN OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES FOR NIGERIA'S FOREST RESOURCES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

A. OLORUNTOBA AND A.O. AKINSOROTAN.

Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Concept of sustainability in forest resources management in Nigeria was discussed. Sources and magnitude of deforestation over the years were also highlighted. Forest regeneration, wilderness consciousness, outdoor tourism and wildlife preservation were areas of very high potentials in the country. Nigeria was shown to be one of the countries richly endowed with great biodiversity in Africa, but that population pressures are not only leading to its rapid destruction/depletion. The importance of participatory approach to natural resources management strategies through NGO's. rural women involvement in forest regeneration, soil and water conservation, wildlife protection and use of improved wood stoves were advocated as solution. The paper concludes by making some policy recommendations such as upward review of chargeable fees and royalties, that the proceeds should be recycled within the local people to ensure their loyalty and protection of the forest resources, increase in the forest area under reserves (from 10% to 20%), introduction of highly efficient wood stoves which will minimize drastically the fuel wood needs and utilize the wastes from timber in the forest, gantry and sawmills to reduce the population pressures on forest resources and finally encourage the participation of all stakeholders in forestry development.

AN ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS' AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF LAND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN IDDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE.

ADEKOYA, A.E. AND AJAYI, M.A.

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development,

University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The continuous deterioration of the agricultural land resulting in low food output necessitated this study. One hundred and twenty farmers were selected for interview, using a systematic random sampling from the list of 360 registered farmers provided by the ADP officials.

A list of ten management practices was drawn for the farmers to indicate their awareness and practice of each. The selected management techniques included agroforestry, farming across slopes, crop rotation, cover crop planting, manuring and mulching, irrigation, drainage, bush burning and planting trees to intercept wind. The data derived was analyzed using Chi Square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).

The study revealed that the level of awareness of the farmers was very high as they were aware of the techniques provided. It was equally discovered that their attitudes towards the techniques were more of neutral and a few favourable. Their practice of the techniques were more of neutral and a few favourable. Their practice of the techniques were more of neutral and a few favourable. Their practice of the techniques is however not high.

The hypotheses testing shows that age, gender, farm size and contact with Extension agents did not have significant relationship with awareness, while marital status, educational level and religion had significant relationship with awareness. Attitude and participation were significantly related while awareness and participation were not.

In highlighting the sources of information for the farmers' awareness, extension agents and inter personal media were reiterated by the respondents. Sequel to the findings from the study. It is recommended that interpersonal media should be adequately utilized to increase the farmers' awareness and incentives should be made available to encourage the farmers to further practice the techniques.