This study examined the knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use among small-scale poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 88 poultry farmers. The interview schedule was used for data collection. Respondents' indices of knowledge of antibiotic use (KABU), antibiotic resistance (KABR) and antibiotic use practices (PABU) were determined. Binary logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of socio-demographics of respondents, knowledge of antibiotic use and knowledge of antibiotic resistance on the likelihood that farmers use antibiotics inappropriately. All poultry farmers studied used antibiotics for growth promotion, disease prevention, and treatment. The mean index of KABU was 0.54 with 48 % of the respondents having good KABU while the mean index of KABR was 0.65 and 70.5 % of the farmers had good KABR. The farmers’ mean index of PABU was 0.47 and 83 % of them used antibiotics inappropriately. Farmers with good KABU (OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.030–17.222) and KABR (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.258–15.791) were more likely to misuse antibiotics than those with poor knowledge. Antibiotics are routinely, and on many occasions inappropriately, used in small-scale poultry production in Enugu State, Nigeria. Antibiotics are valuable agents whose efficacy can only be preserved if they are handled with care. Training small-scale farmers will allow them to improve their knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use.

Bio-security measures employed by poultry farmers in Enugu State Nigeria

The study examined constraints of pig production in Edo Central Agricultural Zone of Edo State. Data were collected through interview schedule administered to forty one (41) private pig farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used to analyse data for the study. Results showed that majority (85.4%) of the pig producers were male. The stock kept ranged between 1 and 50 pigs for small scale producers who formed 58.4% of surveyed farms, 51-100 pigs for medium scale producers (15%) and above 100 pigs for large scale producers (26.6%). Major obstacles identified among pig producers in the study area were difficulties in securing institutional loans (61.0%), high cost of feed and feed ingredients (46.3%). Flock size (t = 3.313; p = 0.002) had a significant effect on returns accruing to farmers in pig production. Institutional loan scheme to promote pig production should be established and properly managed by government and stakeholders in the livestock industry in Edo State.

Information Needs and Challenges of Agricultural Researchers and Extension Workers in Edo State, Nigeria Information Needs and Challenges of Agricultural Researchers and Extension Workers in Edo State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the influence of institutional factors and attitude on the use of herbicides by farmers in Edo State, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and experimental. Multistage sampling technique was used. Thus the total sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data was analyzed and presented using percentage, mean statistic and standard deviation respectively. Hypothesis for the study was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression with a p≤0.05 level of significance. Majority (90.8%) of the respondents were members of different social organizations with thrift (isusu) society ranking highest (50.8%). Farmers in the study were concerned about the harmful effects of herbicides on the environment ( = 3.70) as such were of the view that alternative weed pest control should be considered ( = 3.78). Extension contact, access to credit and membership of social organization have significant influence on herbicide use. Based on the findings and conclusion, it is recommended among others, that policy makers, extension agents, NGOs and related organizations should consider the use of social organizations in group education of farmers.

The main objective of this study was to assess farm management activities of prison farms in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design. Most implemented programs in prison farms included crop production. Inmates preferred rice farming because it is a staple food with a readily available market to sell and make profit. There were no provisions made by the management of the prison farms visited to reach out to prisoners upon release. Agricultural activities that could increase inmates’ chances of gainful employment when released and channel energy and thoughts towards positive things motivated them to effectively participate in farm operations. To enhance inmates’ skills acquisition in agricultural vocations, more efforts should be made by the management of Nigerian prisons service to sustain fully implemented agricultural programs while attempts are made to fully implement other agricultural programs, especially in the areas of animal husbandry.