Izuogu Chibuzo Uzoma
@staffprofile.funai.edu.ng
Lecturer 1 Department of Agricultural Extension
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
C. Izuogu, G. Azuamairo, Jephther Ebuka Orji, Ikechukwu Chiemena Chilaka, L. Njoku, Joy Obiageli Oparaojiaku, J. Njoku and Emmanuel Ankrumah
The study investigated farmers’ attitudes towards certified rice seeds in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It ascertained respondents’ attitudes toward certified seeds, described their expectations and determined their constraints in cultivating certified seeds. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected for the study through a multi-stage sampling procedure, while structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analysed using percentages, means and regression analysis at p=0.05. Results show that farmers major expectations of certified rice seeds included increased yield (89%), increased income (78%), and ease of harvesting and processing (69%). Farmers’ attitudes toward cultivating certified rice seeds were not very favourable ( 2.10). Weak role of agricultural extension ( 2.9), cost of seed ( 2.9) and lack of agricultural insurance ( 2.8) were constraints to their cultivation of certified rice seeds. Education (β=2.325), distance to the source of certified seed (β=-1.274) and access to extension services (β=3.155) were the factors that influenced farmers’ attitudes toward certified rice seed. Farmers do not have a favourable attitude towards certified seeds. Certified seed distribution networks should be increased to reduce the distance covered by farmers while accessing certified seeds. Dissemination of information on certified seeds should be monitored to prevent misinformation and improve farmer’s attitudes towards it.
Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Jude Onwe Nwokpoku, Martha Akunna Orugbala, Gillian Chidozie Azuamairo, Loveday Chukwudi Njoku, Gabriel Daniel Agou, Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin, and Ikechukwu Chiemena Chinaka
African Journals Online (AJOL)
The study assessed the awareness, access and utilization of certified seeds by rice farmers in Ebonyi State. One hundred and Twenty respondents were selected for the study using a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with percentages, mean and Probit regression at 5% significance level. Results show that 51.7% of the farmers were aware of certified rice seeds. The main sources of information on certified seeds were cooperative associations (72.5%) and mass media (49.0 %). Certified rice seeds were available for the farmers (x̄ =1.8) but not always accessible ( x̄= 1.3). Majority of the farmers utilized FARO 44 (74.2%) due to its early maturing and high yielding quality. Membership of a cooperative association (0.600) and ownership of phones (0.012) had positive significant influence on the utilization of certified seeds. The study concludes that rice farmers have low access to certified seeds and recommends that the value chain for the distribution of certified seeds should be re-invigorated to ensure that certified seeds become more accessible to farmers
John Munonye, D. Matthew, M. Olaolu, R. Onyeneke, JN Obi, M. Amadi, Soumaya Ibrahim, CU Izuogu and LC Njoku
Issues relating to food availability, accessibility/affordability, and food utilization remain of utmost importance to various stakeholders including policymakers and academics. As food security becomes a concern, poverty deepens systematically, and the meager income earned could not cover basic needs. The objective of this work was to analyze the food security and poverty status of the household farmers in Ikwo., Ebonyi State, Nigeria. For this study, a multistage sampling technique was used to select seventy-five farming households using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used, Radimer/ Cornell’s questionnaire to measure the food insecurity of households; the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke model was used to measure the poverty status and Logit regression for determinants of food security. The food insecurity measure showed that 74.7% of the households were food secure. This showed that the monthly expenditures of 75% of the households were above the food security index. The poverty measure of the households shows that 21.3% points of the households express the incidence of poverty while 6.63% points and 2.81% points were found to have depth and severity of incidence of poverty, respectively. One out of the nine variables used as predictors of food security was statistically significant at p<0.05 level of probability. The Logit regression model indicated that income significantly influenced food security scenarios with respect to some of the indicators such as gender of household head, age of household head, farm size, farming experience, household size and education. The households’ coping strategies were reduction in meal size by 85.3%, purchasing simple foods (78.7%), and extra income-generating activities (76.0%). The study concluded that most of the households were food secure and 21.3% fell below the poverty line. The Government should provide credible sources to enable farming households increase production and earn more income. Key words: Poverty, Food Security, Households, Sustainability, Income, Farmers, Resources, Production
Jane Munonye, Emeka Osuji, Michael Olaolu, Anthony Okoisu, Joy Obi, Gladys Eze, Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin, Loveday Njoku, Mark Amadi, Chibuzo Izuogu,et al.
The present study evaluated the perceived effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on food security in Southeast Nigeria. A multi-stage random technique was used to select 209 households. Data for the study were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, z-test, food security model, and Tobit regression model. Results showed that the mean household size was 9.6 persons, which indicates a large household size. The percentage rate of food consumption of the households before the Pandemic was higher relative to the COVID-19 event. Again, exorbitant prices of food materials were noticed during the COVID-19 as compared to the period before the Pandemic. About 10.5% of the households met the minimum food requirements as proposed by World Health Organization (WHO), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as against the majority of 76.1%. The three dimensions of food security which include availability, accessibility, and utilization were interposed by a number of factors, such as artificial scarcity, and an increase in food prices. Furthermore, social distancing and lockdown imposition were COVID-19 determinants of the food security status of households in the Southeast Nigeria. About 24% of the households were food-secured compared to 76% that were insecured during the Pandemic. Robust and effective food and agricultural policy formulations and implementations were recommended in Southeast Nigeria.
Osuji E. E., Munonye J. O. and Olaolu M. O. et al.
A study was carried out to investigate the econometric analysis of fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis production in South East, Nigeria. For this study, multi-stage random sampling was used to select 222 fluted pumpkin farmers using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was observed in the study that the majority of the fluted pumpkin growers were females, married, relatively educated, and within productive age. A high productivity ratio was recorded by 39% of the fluted pumpkin growers due to exposure to agricultural forums and extension visits. Productivity differences across the state varied significantly with higher productivity estimates. Overall total factor productivity (TFP) and partial factor productivity (PFP) values were 11.33 and 111.2. The Majority, 52.2% of the fluted pumpkin farmers disposed of their produce in the local market due to proximity. The profit function analysis result gave N145,309.1, indicating economic viability and profitability of fluted pumpkin. Age, gender, household size, farm size, education, and farming experience influenced both the net returns and land productivity of the fluted pumpkin farmers. Farmers should be encouraged to embrace fluted pumpkin cultivation due to its economic viability, profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Government should also assist in subsidizing and providing the needed inputs to encourage fluted pumpkin growers and enhance production as well.
C. Izuogu, L. Njoku, M. Olaolu, Philomina Chinyere Kadurumba, G. Azuamairo and G. D. Agou
It has become difficult to articulate the impacts, needs and challenges of digitalization of agriculture due to the extensive nature of publications relating to the digitalization of the agricultural sector. This review evaluated the effect of digitalization of agriculture on improved food production and standard of living, identified the training needs of extension staff and clientele for digitalization of agriculture, and highlighted the challenges of digitalization of agriculture. From an initial search of 208 articles, only 87 articles met the inclusion criteria using the PRISMA guidelines. Most articles were published between 2016 and 2020; more studies were carried out in the South Western region of the country. Digitalization of agriculture has reduced the role of middlemen, provided opportunities for farmers to expand their markets, and improved the linkage between extension and research centers, and productivity and livelihood of small-scale farmers. Training needs for effective digitalization of agriculture were in skills, use of relevant digital services, digital privacy and security risks. Challenges of digitalization of agriculture were lack of technical skill, poor infrastructure and high cost of purchase and maintenance. The government should focus on initiating agricultural technology transfer programs and provide the necessary rural infrastructure to support the sector's digitalisation.
Osuji E. E., Onyeneke R. U., Balogun O. L., Tim-Ashama A. C., Onyemauwa C. S., Praise N. C., Azuamairo G. C., Amadi M. U., O. N., Ibekwe C. C.,et al.
Horizon Research Publishing Co., Ltd.
Agriculture is the principal source of income for the majority of Nigerian rural households, but it has suffered significant setbacks in recent years, resulting in lower productivity and returns on investment. The study looked at the econometric analysis of household farmers' agricultural intensification strategies in Imo State, Nigeria. With the help of standardized questionnaires, 198 household farmers were selected using a multi-stage sample technique. The Beta regression model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Cassava, maize, and pumpkin leaves had the highest average outputs of 88.712kg, 87.901kg, and 85.990kg, respectively, which dominated the entire production cycle. Planting materials, soil nutrients, and land improvement activities cost the most, at N81.637.75, N74, 402.82, and N71, 906.80, respectively. At 1% and 5% levels, the coefficients of age, sex, education, net farm income, farm size, extension contacts, and farming experience were statistically significant and influenced the intensification of sustainable agricultural techniques (SAT) in the area. The study recommends farmers to embrace effective and long-term agricultural technologies in order to boost farm production and output. Extension personnel should also meet with household farmers on a regular basis to communicate important information about new technologies.
Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin, Jane Munonye, Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Lateef Lawal Adefalu, Michael Olatunji Olaolu, Gillian Chidozie Azuamairo, Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Loveday Chukwudi Njoku, Jephter Ebuka Orji, Joy Nneamaka Obi,et al.
Common Ground Research Networks
Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Loveday Chukwudi Njoku, Gillian Chidozie Azuamairo, and Mary Chikerenma Atasie
ResearchersLinks Ltd
Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Chukwuemeka Chinonso Emenekwe, Nneka Maris Chidiebere-Mark, Jane Onuabuchi Munonye, Jonathan Ogbeni Aligbe, Clementina Kanu, Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Chukwudi Loveday Njoku, Uwazie Iyke Uwazie, Christian Obioma Uwadoka,et al.
MDPI AG
This study analyzed the interrelationships between participation in MFRMs and dietary diversity of poultry farming households in Southeast Nigeria. We used cross-sectional data from poultry farmers in Southeast Nigeria and employed instrumental variable and seemingly unrelated regression models to estimate the impact of MFRM participation and major linkages to poultry farm households’ dietary diversity. The results show that participating in MFRMs, relative to traditional markets, improved poultry farmers’ dietary diversity. Moreover, dietary diversity was positively related to higher poultry farm incomes, higher value of own poultry products consumed, and larger area of vegetable cultivated using poultry droppings as manure. Furthermore, increased poultry farm income, higher value of own poultry products consumed, and larger area of vegetable land cultivated using poultry droppings as manure increased the dietary diversity of the farm households. In contrast, a higher share of poultry production revenue controlled by men reduced household dietary diversity. These findings make clear the potential of improving farming households’ nutrition outcomes by promoting participation in MFRMs and the major impact pathways.
Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Chukwuemeka Chinonso Emenekwe, Jane Onuabuchi Munonye, Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba, Uwazie Iyke Uwazie, Mark Umunna Amadi, Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Chukwudi Loveday Njoku, and Louis Uchenna Onyeneke
MDPI AG
An in-depth understanding of the impact of vulnerability on livelihoods and food security is important in deploying effective adaptation actions. The Nigerian agricultural sector is dominated by rainfed and non-homogenous smallholder farming systems. A number of climate change risk studies have emerged in the last decade. However, little attention has been given to vulnerability assessments and the operationalization of vulnerability. To highlight this shortcoming, this study systematically reviewed climate-change-focused vulnerability assessments in the agricultural sector by evaluating (1) variation in climate variables in Nigeria over time; (2) the state of climate change vulnerability assessment in Nigerian agriculture; (3) the theoretical foundations, operationalization approaches, and frameworks of vulnerability assessments in Nigeria; (4) the methods currently used in vulnerability assessments; and (5) lessons learned from the vulnerability studies. We used a linear trend of climatic data spanning over a period of 56 years (1961–2016) obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Climate Research Unit of the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, along with a systematic review of literature to achieve the objectives. The analysis indicates a significant and positive correlation between temperature and time in all major agro-ecological zones. For precipitation, we found a non-significant correlation between precipitation in the Sahel, Sudan, and Guinea Savanna zones with time, while the other zones recorded positive but significant associations between precipitation and time. The systematic review findings indicate no clear progress in publications focused specifically on vulnerability assessments in the Nigerian agricultural sector. There has been progress recently in applying frameworks and methods. However, there are important issues that require addressing in vulnerability assessments, including low consideration for indigenous knowledge and experience, unclear operationalization of vulnerability, non-standardization of vulnerability measures, and inadequacy of current assessments supporting decision making.
Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Chukwuemeka Chinonso Emenekwe, Mark Umunna Amadi, Jane Onuabuchi Munonye, Chukwudi Loveday Njoku, and Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu
Asian Economic and Social Society
The paper analyzed the demand for imported rice, local rice, maize, and other cereals in Nigeria. Using the second wave data of the Nigerian Living Standard Measurements Survey - Integrated Survey on Agriculture, it employed the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model for empirical analysis. The result indicates that the imported and local rice are proved to be normal goods. However, imported rice is a luxury item while local rice is a necessity. The compensated and uncompensated own-price elasticities for imported and local rice are negative, indicating that an increase in own-price will decrease its own-demand in line with the law of demand. The estimates of uncompensated cross-price elasticity show that imported rice and local rice are complements in Nigeria. Finally, the study represents an effort to disaggregate food demand analysis to obtain useful information on price and other factors determining the demand for specific foods.
Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Chukwuemeka Chinonso Emenekwe, Jane Onuabuchi Munonye, Michael Olatunji Olaolu, Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin, Mark Umunna Amadi, Chukwudi Loveday Njoku, and Joy Nneamaka Obi
African Journals Online (AJOL)
This study examined the relationship between the adoption of bio-fortified provitamin- A cassava varieties and farming households’ health outcomes using cross sectional data obtained from 318 cassava farmers in southeast Nigeria. The data was analysed using binary logistic regression, propensity score matching of treatment effects and percentages. The study found that number of children under five, household size, education of head of household, extension service, ownership of television, radio, mobile phone and tricycle, membership of cooperative societies, and access to credit were the significant predictors of adoption of pro-vitamin-A bio-fortified cassava varieties in the States. The study also found that the main constraints militating against adoption of pro-vitamin-A bio-fortified cassava include decaying of roots immediately after maturation,high cost of cassava stem, and high moisture content. The estimate of the effect of the adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava varieties onincidence of vitamin-A deficiency related diseases was significant with an average treatment effect on the adopters of -0.463. The adoption of bio- fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava varieties has substantial effect on the reduction of vitamin-A deficiency related health outcomes. There is need for wider awareness and dissemination of the varieties among cassava farmers, while interventions should target the promotion of both production and consumption of such cassava varieties.
 Key words: adoption of bio-fortified cassava varieties; vitamin A deficiency related diseases