The study examined the Effectiveness and Community Based Organization (CBOs) of Fish Processors in Kogi State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe socio-economic characteristics of the fish processors, determine the factors influencing the effectiveness of CBOs in the study area, and identify constraints faced by fish processors in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 192 fish processors. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules, and analysis was done using descriptive statistics and probitregression model. Results revealed that fish processing is a female dominated business in the study area and average household size was 4, motorable roads and household size had significant and positive influence on the effectiveness of CBOs activities. Some of the constraints faced by the respondents were inadequate capital (86.5%), unavailability of loan (68.8%) and high cost of transportation (41.7%). Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that money lending institutions should assist the CBOs by providing them with loans so as to support and empower them.

The contribution of men in Agricultural activities is majorly recognized unlike the efforts of women. This study examined the effects of women participation in yam production in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted, and a proportionate 20% of registered women farmers were selected making a total of 121 respondents. A well-structured questionnaire was used alongside oral interview to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency and a 3-point likert scale) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used to analyze the data collected. The result showed that more of the respondents aged between 31and 40, and that increase in income is the most benefit derived from participation in yam production. Also, the result showed that participation in majority of the farm level operations was high with the exception of ridging, fertilizer application and pesticide application. Results from OLS regression showed that distance to farm is negatively significant while household size, farm size and income were positively significant at 0.01 level of significance. Despite the level of involvement of women in yam production, inadequate farm inputs (96.7%), inadequate capital(95.0%) and land acquisition problems Forming associations in order to pull resources and gain access to loan is recommended. Introduction of adult education, extension training and follow up programs are also recommended. Formulation of land acquisition policies in favor of women by Government can go a long way in solve the problem of land acquisition in the study area.

This paper examined the effect of interest rate deregulation on the growth of Agricultural Sector in Nigeria from 1986 – 2016. This study focuses on the relationship between Agricultural Output and Interest Rate, Agricultural Credits, Exchange Rate and Inflation. Appropriate multiple regression model with parameters was estimated using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique. Test of hypothesis was carried out and the result shows that interest rate deregulation has no significant impact on the Agricultural growth in Nigeria. The significance of the level of income to increased investment cannot be overemphasized as the level of income determines the level of saving and investment that can be made to increase agricultural production in Nigeria. Among other recommendations, this study suggests that government should subsidize interest rate to Agricultural sector. Government should also formulate policies that will encourage the banks to give loans to farmers at a concessionary interest rate.

Good market integration implies successful trade between deficit and surplus areas, efficient flow of goods and prices between markets and a significant food security, growth and welfare of producers and consumers. Poor market integration, however, indicates a decrease in social welfare of producers and consumers by increasing price of consumers in deficit areas and decreasing price of producers in surplus areas. This review was carried out to highlight the extent of integration of markets for some Agricultural commodities in Nigeria. Based on the literature surveyed, it can be deduced that markets for Agricultural commodities in the country are not uniformly integrated. While majority of grains and cereal markets were inefficient, markets for animal products such as beef were highly integrated. Major determinants of extent of integration of markets for Agricultural commodities in Nigeria are distances between the markets including conditions of the road network as well as interaction of urban wholesalers with the farmers. Where markets are spatially located and the road networks are bad or inaccessible, low or minimal market integration was observed. In order to improve market integration, most importantly, government should improve public infrastructures such as construction of accessible roads. This would reduce transfer cost which usually gets translated to the prices of agricultural products, especially across markets in critical distance. Adequate market information on price dissemination should also be provided to market participants through government agencies and media outlets.

Sesame seed is a proteinous oil seed with good nutritional profile and high levels of health-friendly fatty acids. With its wide array of bioactive phytochemicals,its oil and other productswhen consumed regularly can serve as a nutraceutical with numerous health promoting benefits including the prevention, control or cure of many diseases and metabolic disorders. Nigeria is a major world producer of sesame, the utilization of the crop for food purposes is still very low (below 10%) due to limited knowledge on its nutritional and nutraceutical or health benefits. Thus, this paper takes a look at some nutraceutical properties of sesame and the health benefits derivable from consuming sesame or its products