FULL ISSUEInternational Journal of Advanced Agriculture and Research
Vol. 2, Issue 4 — 2026
3 Articles
· Published: Aug 31, 2026 · Academians Publishers
Article 1 of 3Sarkin Fulani H.A, Maishanu H.M, Adamu T., Rabah A.B & Lema A.M
Abstract
Abattoir activities generate substantial quantities of organic solid and liquid wastes, and inadequate management of these wastes can create environmental and occupational health risks. This study assessed waste generation and management practices at Sokoto Modern Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design involving structured questionnaires, direct field observations and waste-generation measurements was adopted. A total of 110 questionnaires were administered to abattoir workers, while slaughter and waste-generation records were obtained during a seven-day observation period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Traders constituted the largest occupational group among respondents (30.0%), followed by butchers (24.5%), while all respondents were male. Rumen content was the most frequently reported waste type, followed by blood, wastewater and intestinal contents. Blood was predominantly collected by buyers for blood-meal production, whereas rumen content was mainly disposed of in the central waste pile. Intestinal contents were largely discharged into gutters, while wastewater was mainly discharged through open drains. During the observation period, 970 animals were slaughtered. Estimated monthly generation included 504,720 L of wash water, 25,313.28 L of blood, 26,259.44 L of intestinal fluid and 66,430.24 kg of rumen content. The findings indicate considerable waste-generation pressure and inadequate management of major organic waste streams. Improved waste segregation, collection, treatment and resource-recovery systems are recommended for sustainable abattoir management.
Keywords: Abattoir waste; waste generation; waste management; rumen content; wastewater; Sokoto; Nigeria.
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Article 2 of 3Vincent okoth Odira, Dr Isabella Asamba
Abstract
Livestock production is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods in Kenya, contributing approximately 12% to the national GDP and supporting over half of the agricultural labour force. Despite its significance, smallholder productivity remains constrained by genetic limitations and inadequate management practices. This study evaluated the effectiveness of improved livestock breed initiatives on productivity and household profitability among smallholder farmers in Kiminini Ward, Trans-Nzoia County. Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 180 households (90 adopters and 90 non-adopters) through a multistage sampling procedure. The study employed descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models to estimate the impact of breed adoption while controlling for household demographics, institutional access, and farm characteristics. The findings reveal that adopters achieved an average milk yield of 15.2 litres/cow/day compared to only 3.8 litres/cow/day for non-adopters, representing a fourfold increase in productivity. However, adopters incurred significantly higher production costs (KES 95,000 vs. KES 40,200 annually), resulting in a net income of KES 90,000 for adopters versus KES 38,300 for non-adopters. While profitability is higher among adopters, the profit margins are highly sensitive to input costs and management efficiency. Access to extension services and market linkages were identified as critical determinants of successful adoption. The study concludes that while improved breeds effectively overcome biological productivity constraints, their economic viability hinges on complementary support services. Policy interventions should prioritize strengthening extension systems, subsidizing quality feed inputs, and enhancing market infrastructure to ensure that productivity gains translate into sustainable household welfare improvements. This micro-level evidence provides actionable insights for policymakers and development partners seeking to enhance the livestock sector's contribution to Kenya's agricultural transformation agenda.
Keywords: Improved livestock breeds, livestock productivity, household profitability, dairy production, smallholder farmers, technology adoption,
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Article 3 of 3Thomas,C.Y Oche, N L Binbol
Abstract
Wetland soils play a critical role in supporting irrigated agriculture by providing favourable physical conditions, nutrient reserves, and moisture for crop production. However, comprehensive assessments of their physicochemical properties remain limited in north-eastern Nigeria. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of soils in the Lake Ruma Wetland and assessed their suitability for sustainable irrigation agriculture. Composite soil samples were collected during the 2024 field survey and analysed using standard laboratory methods. Physical properties (particle-size distribution, bulk density, particle density, and porosity) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable bases, and total exchangeable acidity) were determined and interpreted using internationally accepted soil fertility and land evaluation standards. The soils were predominantly loam, silt loam, and clay loam, with a mean bulk density of 1.13 g cm⁻³ and porosity of 68.57%, indicating favourable conditions for root growth and water retention. Soil pH averaged 6.61, while electrical conductivity remained low (0.16 dS m⁻¹), confirming non-saline conditions suitable for irrigation. Organic carbon (1.31 g kg⁻¹) and total nitrogen (0.14 g kg⁻¹) were relatively low, whereas available phosphorus (39.75 mg kg⁻¹) and cation exchange capacity (10.77 cmol(+) kg⁻¹) indicated moderate nutrient retention capacity. The results demonstrate that Lake Ruma Wetland soils exhibit high suitability for irrigated agriculture. However, sustaining long-term productivity will require integrated soil fertility management to enhance organic matter and nitrogen levels. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable irrigation planning, land-use management, and wetland conservation in north-eastern Nigeria.
Keywords: Wetland soils; physicochemical properties; irrigation suitability; soil fertility; sustainable agriculture; Lake Ruma Wetland.
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