Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to the income and household food security in the Sanaga-Maritime Division, Littoral region, Cameroon (Published)
Cameroon’s tropical forests possess many resources, including Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The present research therefore aims to highlight the contribution of NTFPs to household income and food security in the Sanaga-Maritime Division where the destruction of this resource has been observed for the benefit of oil palm production. Specifically, the aim is to identify the different NTFPs exploited in the sub-divisions of Dizangue, Ngwei and Pouma; – to estimate the contribution of NTFPs to household income; – to analyze the contribution of NTFPs to household food security and to identify the constraints related to the exploitation of NTFPs in these localities. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaires administered to the different categories of NTFP household users. A total of 104 households were interviewed, including 90 operators, 02 traders and 12 consumers. The SPSS 14.0 software and the Excel spreadsheet was used to analyze the data collected. Descriptive statistics as well as econometric logistic regression model combined with the Access Scale tool determining household food insecurity was used to realise the objectives of the study. The results show that the most exploited NTFPs were the leaves of Gnetum africanum, the fruits of Dacryodes edulis and Irvingia gabonensis. Therefore, agriculture remains the main source of income for the households surveyed (32%). However, NTFPs harvested contribute 19.5% of household income. The logistic regression model demonstrated that the consumption of NTFPs from picking, although not significant, positively influenced food security of surveyed households. Factors such as income and household size significantly affect food security. Despite the fact that users of NTFP faced some constraints, some of them still put in place strategies to ensure the sustainability of those resources.
Keywords: Food Security, Household, Income, Non Timber Forest Products
Comparative Analysis of System of Rice Intensification and Traditional System of Rice Production in Abi L.G.A, Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study compared the System of Rice Intensification and Traditional System of Rice Production in Abi L.G.A, Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives included the description of socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers in Abi L.G.A, determination of the rate and levels of adoption of SRI, etc. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Two-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of 100 respondents. Descriptive statistics, t-test and Likert scale were employed for analysis. The major findings of the study shows that, majority (78%) were males and 88% of respondents has rice farm sizes ranging from 1-5ha. The rate of adoption was 50% with 4 levels of adoption of the principles of SRI. The t-test analysis revealed t-calculated value of 8.40 greater than t-tabulated. Meaning that adoption of SRI enhanced the income of the adopters. It is recommended that participation of rice farmers during SRI demonstration be encourage.
Keywords: Adoption, Income, Production
Production Performance of Mango in Dinajpur District of Bangladesh (A Case Study at Sadar Upazilla) (Published)
A study was conducted to identify the status of mango production, mango varieties produced, and problems confronted by the growers and to explore their relationship with some selected characteristics. Data were collected from randomly selected 105 mango growers from eight selected villages of sadar upazila under Dinajpur district through personal interview during March to August, 2008. Data were collected on age, education, family size, farm size, land used in mango production, annual income, experience and knowledge on mango production, varieties and number of mango trees and so on. Relationship between the selected characteristics and dependent variables was done by Pearson’s product moment co-efficient of correlation. In the study, 30 germplasm of mango were identified. Baramashi droop was found as the only year round variety. Gopalbhog holds the first position (15.90%) according to rank of recognized mango varieties based on their availability in respondents’ farm. About three fourths (77.10 %) and more than the same (70.50 %) of the respondents had medium mango production and income respectively. Majority ((75.20 %) of the growers confronted medium problems. Although respondents certified that Dinajpur district is profitable in respect of mango production but further study should be taken place with other variables and characteristics that related to farmers in mango production in different upazillas of Dinajpur district.
Keywords: Bangladesh, Income, Mango Production, Respondents farm, Variety
Determination of the Effect of Agro-Inputs Utilization on Yield and Income of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Rice Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study determined the effect of agro-inputs utilization on yield and income of community-based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) Rice Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers under CBNRMP, identify the agro-inputs made available to rice farmers through their service providers, etc. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources for the purpose of this study. The results revealed that 70% of the respondents were males, 40% of the respondents were within the age range of 41-51years. Majority (90%) of the respondents were married, 85% of the respondents have formal education and majority of the respondents belong to farmers’ cooperatives. The t-test analysis of the effects of agro-inputs utilization on yield and income of CBNRMP rice farmers were significant. Increased government supports for mobilization of rice farmers for participation and sustained provision of agro-inputs were therefore recommended.
Keywords: Agro-Inputs, Income, Utilization, Yield
Comparative Analysis of System of Rice Intensification and Traditional System of Rice Production in Abi L.G.A, Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study compared the System of Rice Intensification and Traditional System of Rice Production in Abi L.G.A, Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives included the description of socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers in Abi L.G.A, determination of the rate and levels of adoption of SRI, etc. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Two-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of 100 respondents. Descriptive statistics, t-test and Likert scale were employed for analysis. The major findings of the study shows that, majority (78%) were males and 88% of respondents has rice farm sizes ranging from 1-5ha. The rate of adoption was 50% with 4 levels of adoption of the principles of SRI. The t-test analysis revealed t-calculated value of 8.40 greater than t-tabulated. Meaning that adoption of SRI enhanced the income of the adopters. It is recommended that participation of rice farmers during SRI demonstration be encourage.
Keywords: Adoption, Income, Production