ABSTRACT
Cotton cultivation in Cameroun is characterized by low yields due to soil infertility and pest infestation. Sustainable improvement requires the use of mycorrhizae combined with aqueous extracts from Hyptis suaveolens and Cyperus rotundus rhizomes. The experimental design used is 7×2×2 split-plot with to factors and seven treatments: (control (Te-); chemical input (Te+); H. suaveolens (H); C. rotundus (C); mycorrhizae (M); two combinations: mycorrhizae-H. suaveolens (M+H) and mycorrhizae-C. rotundus (M+C); two varieties (Q302 and L457) and two localities (Kodek and Mouda). The treatments M+H, M+C, mycorrhizae (M), aqueous extracts of H. suaveolens and C. rotundus (C) improved cotton yield by 30,91; 29,66; 26,34; 9,96 and 7,01 % respectively compared to the Te- treatment. Similarly, the Te+, M+H, M+C, mycorrhizae (M), H. suaveolens extract (H) and C. rotundus extract (C) treatment improved cotton seed yield by 26,14; 26,67; 22,25; 18,04; 14,84 and 10,08 % compared to the Te- treatment. Overall, there were no significant differences between plots treated with the combination of mycorrhizae and aqueous extracts of H. suaveolens or C. rotundus could be an alternative to the use of chemical inputs in order to improve cotton productivity in the Far North Region of Cameroon while ensuring sustainable agriculture.

ABSTRACT
Chicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that significantly impacts poultry globally. The disease is caused by Eimeria species, which causes intestinal damage leading to reduced growth, diarrhea, and death in severe cases. Control strategy includes the use of anticoccidial drugs, vaccination, and good biosecurity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya, from 28th October, 2021, to 8th November,2021, to assess the farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on chicken coccidiosis and collect fecal samples for estimation of prevalence, intensity of infections, and speciation Eimeria species involved. Additionally, a trial was undertaken to test the efficacy of commercial anticoccidials drug in the market. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess farmers’ KAP. Modified McMaster technique was used to analyze fecal samples for oocyst per gram (opg) of feces and positive fecal samples were cultured and sporulated oocyst examined microscopically to identify and characterize probable Eimeria species. One hundred- and twenty-five-day old chicks were acclimatized for 13 days then randomly assigned into five treatment groups; amprolium (GA3), toltrazuril (GT4), sulphachloropyrazine (GS5), negative (GN1) and positive (GP2) controls. After 24-hour of starvation, each chick in GA3, GT4, GS5 and GP2 was orally inoculated with 3.0 x 105 sporulated oocysts. Anticoccidial treatments based on the manufacturers’ recommended dosage commenced when birds showed clinical signs typical of coccidiosis. Effects of treatment was monitored for 5 days through clinical observations and fecal oocyst counts. Experiment was terminated 10th day post infection (dpi). Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, and one way ANOVA. A total of 48 farms; 10 in Sigona, 10 in Karai, 10 in Nachu, 10 in Kikuyu and 8 in Kinoo wards were used in the study.

ABSTRACT
Processing fresh mangoes into value-added products is considered an effective strategy to enhance their economic worth, as processed products generally command higher market prices than fresh fruit. This study aims to analyze the added value and profitability of mango dodol and mango syrup using the Hayami Method, as well as to assess their contribution to the income of small-scale processors. The research was conducted at UMKM ASBORO in Putridalem Village, selected purposively as a representative mango-processing enterprise. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, focusing on the calculation of raw material costs, labor use, and additional input expenditures. The findings show that mango dodol generates an added value of Rp22,967/kg (55.88%), while mango syrup yields a higher added value of Rp64,834/kg (36.05%). The contribution of added value reaches 400% for dodol and 937.5% for syrup, indicating that income from processed products is 4 to 9 times higher than income from selling fresh mangoes. These results demonstrate the substantial economic potential of mango-based agroindustry in increasing processor income and strengthening local economic development.

ABSTRACT
This study aims to evaluate the physical quality and total bacterial count of quail meat as a function of immersion duration and garlic juice marination level. This study was conducted experimentally using a Completely Randomized Design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The first treatment factor was immersion duration, with three levels: 10, 20, and 30 minutes (L1, L2, and L3). Furthermore, the second treatment factor consisted of three marination levels (5%, 15%, and 25% (M1, M2, and M3) and each treatment combination was repeated three times. The variables measured include: pH, water content, Water Holding Capacity (WHC), and total number of bacteria. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) and then subjected to Tukey's test at a 95% confidence level. The results showed an interaction (p<0.05) between the immersion factor and the marination level of quail meat with garlic juice across all observed variables, except pH (p>0.05). In addition, both the immersion duration factor and the marination level independently had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the observed variables. The highest total number of bacteria was observed in the L1M3 treatment combination, with 0.82 Colony Forming Units per gram. Meanwhile, for the best WHC, water content, and pH of meat after marinating, the combination of L3M3, L1M3, and L2M3 treatments yielded 55.28%, 70.15%, and 5.57, respectively. It can be concluded that all variables in normal conditions, and the lowest total number of bacteria, served as the reference for the best treatment combination, namely 10 minutes of immersion and 25% marination (L1M3).

ABSTRACT
Flood disasters in developing countries are not solely driven by climate change but are often intensified by poorly planned infrastructure and weak water governance. This paper explores how infrastructural systems, originally designed to enable development, have exacerbated flooding in Pakistan and Nigeria’. Drawing on academic literature, government reports, and disaster assessments, the study analyzes three major events; Pakistan’s 2010 and 2022 floods and Nigeria’s 2022 flood to evaluate the paradox of progress where infrastructure becomes a source of vulnerability. In Pakistan, the canal irrigation network established in the 1840s and later expanded under the Indus Basin Development Programme disrupted natural river dynamics, contributing to over 1,700 deaths and the displacement of nearly 8 million people in 2022. In Nigeria, downstream flooding linked to water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam caused over 500 deaths, displaced approximately 790,000 people, and affected more than 1.4 million nationwide. Findings reveal that mismanaged infrastructure through levee breaching, sediment buildup, insufficient maintenance, and poor alignment with natural hydrology transforms manageable rainfall into humanitarian disasters. The paper recommends hydrologically sensitive infrastructure design, wetland and mangrove conservation, equitable land-use enforcement, and basin-wide water governance.

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of insecurity on food scarcity among arable crop farmers in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. It provides a thorough analysis of the security challenges farmers face, the implications of these challenges on agricultural productivity, and the strategies they adopt to cope. The research identifies the most prevalent forms of insecurity in the region, including crop theft (88.9%), crop destruction (76.4%), banditry and armed attacks (69.4%), farmer-herder conflicts (68.1%), the Boko Haram insurgency (66.4%), and kidnapping (64.2%). These security threats have led to a significant decline in household income, with 43.3% of farmers earning between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 monthly during periods of insecurity, compared to 35.8% before insecurity escalated. The study establishes a direct relationship between insecurity and food scarcity, with 33.3% of farmers reporting severe food shortages and 30.6% frequently reducing food variety due to these shortages. Furthermore, factors such as climate change, postharvest insecurity, household size, and other socioeconomic variables are found to significantly affect agricultural productivity. In response, farmers have adopted strategies like seeking financial assistance (76.4%), reporting incidents to authorities (73.6%), and engaging in local security groups (69.4%). Paired samples analysis confirms that insecurity has substantially reduced crop yields, underscoring its detrimental effect on agricultural output. The study calls for urgent policy interventions to address the complex challenges posed by insecurity, to safeguard food security in the region.

ABSTRACT
This study investigated the determinants of extent and intensity of improved rice variety (IRV) utilization among small-holder farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a significant rice-producing region in the South-East. Recognizing the crucial role of IRVs in enhancing agricultural productivity, the study aimed to determine the current utilization patterns and identify factors influencing the intensity of IRV utilization. A multi-stage and purposive sampling technique was used to select 120 small-scale rice farmers (cultivating < 3 ha). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Intensity of Improved Rice Variety Utilization (IIRVU) Index. Farmers' perceptions of influencing factors were assessed using a 3-point Likert scale and mean score analysis. Results indicate a high extent of IRV utilization, with FARO 44 (86.67%), ITA 306 (73.33%), MAS 11 (68.33%), and NERICA 8 (60.33%) being the most extensively adopted and utilized varieties. FARO 44, in particular, demonstrated significant post-adoption utilization, consistent with prior research attributing its preference to early maturity and high yield potential. The average rice land area sown with IRVs was 0.78 hectares, representing 60.94% of the total rice cultivated land. This indicates a moderate intensity of IRV utilization, suggesting a substantial integration of modern rice cultivation practices, yet also highlighting continued reliance on traditional varieties. Key factors significantly influencing the intensity of IRV utilization included availability of improved seeds (mean = 2.60), farm location (mean = 2.63), quality of rice (mean = 2.48), cost of improved seeds (mean = 2.40), access to credit (mean = 2.38), and land type (mean = 2.40). The physical accessibility of seeds emerged as the most critical determinant. These findings underscore that economic and logistical challenges, rather than solely awareness, are primary impediments to increased IRV utilization. Therefore, to further enh