The 2nd African Organic Conference – Mainstreaming ... - ICROFS

2 nd AFRICAN ORGANIC CONFERENCE 2012
May 2-4, 2012 in Lusaka, Zambia
grains or foods against pest. It is indeed true that prior to the advent of synthetic chemicals, plant parts have
(organically) been used to protect food from pest invasion. It is against this backdrop that this on-farm
study on the efficacy of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) as a potential organic source for the
management and control of the insect pest complex and yield of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) was
carried out in the institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Staff Quarters, Samaru,
Zaria – Nigeria (11˚, 11' N', 07˚, 38' E and 686m above sea level); in the Northern Guinea Savannah agroecology.
The results indicated that the combination of (NSE + NLS), was significantly (p≤0.05) most
effective in the management and control of the insect pests complex found in grapevine production;
compared to the single dose treatments of NSE and NLS; which were in turn statistically not different with
each other; but significantly (p≤0.05) better than the control. This resulted in better grapevine crop vigor
growth and yield. The treatment combination of NSE and NLS recorded a 79% higher fruit yield (kg
plant 1 ) over the control; and 48% and 68% over those treated with NSE and NLS (single doses)
respectively. The combination treatment of NSE + NLS was concluded to be most effective in controlling
the various insect pest complexes of the grapevine; resulting in better crop growth and fruit yield. It can be
concluded that the organic neem tree extract offers an eco-friendly, organically, sustainable window for
crops protection with all the attendant environmental and human health benefits and enhanced crop
productivity.
Key words: Neem, organic, synthetic, insect pest complex, eco-friendly, crop vigor, sustainable,
productivity
ATTITUDES&AND&WILLINGNESS&OF&CONSUMERS&TO&PAY&FOR&ORGANIC&AGRICULTURAL&
PRODUCTS:&IMPLICATION&FOR&ESTABLISHING&NICHE&MARKET&IN&NIGERIA&
NKIRU THERESA MELUDU 1 , A.A ADEOLUWA 2 AND T.J ABOLADE 3
1&3
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and
2
Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University Of Ibadan.
e-mail; nkiru_m@yahoo.com
Abstract
Organic agriculture will sustain farmers’ as well as the consumers’ health since the use of agro – chemicals
will not be involved in their agricultural production. This study was carried out with the general objective
of determining the attitudes and willingness of consumers to pay for organic agricultural products in
Ibadan, South – Western part of Nigeria.There was a significant association between education (χ 2 = 0.174;
p = 0.04) and occupation (χ 2 = 0.282; p = 0.04), of the respondents and their willingness to pay for organic
agricultural products. There is also significant relationship between attitude as regards to organic
agricultural products enhanced good health (χ 2 value = 13.946; P value = 0.007) and willingness to buy.
This implies that majority of the consumers are willing to pay for organic agricultural products. There is
need to create awareness to both the farmers and consumers on the benefits of organic agriculture, through
training by the agricultural extension agents.
Keywords: organic agriculture, consumers, better health, attitude, willingness to buy, niche market
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 59