Chikamso Christian Apeh
@uaes.edu.ng
Agricultural Economics
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo Imo State, Nigeria
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Multidisciplinary
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Chikamso Christian Apeh, Stella Nwawulu Chiemela, Andrew Chiahalam Apeh, Richard Anayo Okere, Sunday Ifeanyi Ukwuaba, and Anthony NwaJesus Onyekuru
Wiley
ABSTRACTThe declining level of crop yield in connection with soil infertility poses a major threat to farmers’ food security and income leading to adoption of different soil nutrient management (SNM) practices by rice farmers. The study identified five soil SNM options adopted by rice farmers and the factors influencing their adoption in the South Eastern region of Liberia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study areas and participants, starting with purposive sampling of 6 high rice‐producing counties and 12 districts, followed by random sampling of 17 rice farmers from each district, resulting in a total of 408 farmers, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a probit regression model to understand the factors influencing SNM adoption. The result showed that the majority (78.43%) of the rice farmers were into lowland rice farming, 97.55% into integrated SNM with 26.72% in organic fertilizer options. The probit regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of adopting SNM practices was significantly influenced by gender (−4.9%), age (+8.2%), education (+16.7%), land ownership (−6.8%), farm size (+4.4%), agricultural group membership (+32.08%), credit access (+4.9%), and farm distance (−8.8%). It was observed that rice farmers adopt SNM practices primarily to increase yield ( = 4.34), with secondary motivations including maintaining a healthy environment ( = 3.89), increasing income ( = 3.46), and improving food and nutrition security ( = 3.11). To ensure efficient and effective rice production and boost agricultural output, agricultural policymakers and extension services should actively promote the adoption of SNM and integrated practices by providing targeted education and increasing access to credit facilities for farmers.
Andrew Chiahalam Apeh, Chikamso Christian Apeh, Sunday Ifeanyi Ukwuaba, Ikechi Kelechi Agbugba, and Helen Onyeaka
Wiley
AbstractBackgroundFarmers in Nigeria are using agrochemicals inappropriately which pose health and environmental risks. The current research aims at establishing the socio‐economic pressure factors behind these practices and also assesses the effectiveness of measures into reducing the risky use of agrochemicals. Data were collected from 840 participants comprising farmers and agrochemical marketers using a multistage sampling technique across six states in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and detailed case studies were employed to explore socio‐economic antecedents of agrochemical application.ResultsFindings of this study showed that market demands, costs, and unavailability of safer compounds put the farmers in a dilemma regarding proper usage of agrochemicals. Among the farmers in Esanland, 96% of them applied agrochemicals in their farming activities without first following the best practices, and the reason was that 61% of them mentioned that they were compelled to use it due to market demands. Likewise in Fadan Daji, 65% farmers revealed that high cost and no training were the causes of their improper use of agrochemicals. This study also established that factors that hindered the prevention of these practices including financial constraints, lack of adequate education and training, and weak enforcement of regulations.ConclusionThis study suggested that to encourage proper utilization of agrochemicals, extended emphasis needs to be placed on addressing the socio‐economic factors. Hence, the study recommended the following measures: incentives to facilitate the use of sustainable practices by encouraging financial rewards, extensive education, and training on the benefits of sustainable practices as well as new legislation to reduce supply of reckless agrochemicals.
Chikamso Christian Apeh, Stella Nwawulu Chiemela, Chinedum Jachinma Chiemela, and Andrew Chiahalam Apeh
Informa UK Limited
Chikamso Christian Apeh, Ikechi Kelechi Agbugba, and Lelethu Mdoda
MDPI AG
This study sought to explore the determinants of adopting urban tree planting as a method of reducing climate change in the metropolis of Enugu. The 823 respondents were chosen using a multistage random selection process. Logistic regression and descriptive statistics were employed in analysing the data. The study results indicated that the majority (53%) of the respondents were male, with an average age of 36 years. The majority of the households were aware of climate change, since they perceived extreme weather events like drought, a decrease in rainfall, and a rise in temperature. Moreover, the majority of the households experienced a decline in agricultural productivity, a reduction in farm returns, and a rise in unemployment during peak seasons. The mitigation strategy adopted by households for climate change is urban tree planting, and this contributes positively to livelihood improvement. Furthermore, the study results showed that the price of the tree, access to information on the changing climate, access to water, use and access of trees, and occupation positively influenced households’ decisions in adopting urban tree planting. Therefore, we recommend that stakeholders such as governments must promote the delivery of agricultural extension and advisory services by improving their climate information systems, among other strategies to boost their all-inclusive adaptation to the effects of climate change.
N.A. Onyekuru, E.J. Ihemezie, C.P. Ezea, C.C. Apeh, and B.O. Onyekuru
Elsevier BV
Chikamso Christian Apeh, NwaJesus Anthony Onyekuru, Stella Nwawulu Chiemela, and Chimeremeze Paulinus Apeh
Springer International Publishing
Stella Nwawulu Chiemela, Chinedum Jachinma Chiemela, Chikamso Christian Apeh, and Chikaosolu Maryqueen Ileka
African Journals Online (AJOL)
The study used household data from 240 randomly selected respondents to assess the food and nutrition security of households in Enugu State. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) were used to describe households’ food security levels. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages, were also utilized to describe households' food sources, as well as their understanding of food nutrition and balanced diet, while the Likert scale was employed to identify the variables influencing their food choices. Only 30% of the respondents were food secure. The mean score of the dietary diversity of households was 5.95 out of 12. The respondents had little or no knowledge of food nutrition and balanced diet. Educational programmes on food and nutrition security should be conducted and encouraged by extension agents, governments and non-governmental agencies to enlighten households.
Anthony NwaJesus Onyekuru, Chikamso Christian Apeh, and Chukwuma Otum Ume
Springer International Publishing
Chikamso C. Apeh
Environmental Health Perspectives
Background. Five hundred milliliter bags of water, referred to as ‘sachet water,’ are widely used in Liberia, as they are low cost, safe sources of clean drinking water for the population. Objectives. This study aims to determine sources of drinking water in the study area, the rate of sachet water use, empty sachet water disposal methods and environmental problems associated with sachet water waste disposal. Methods. Using a simple random sampling technique, 257 respondents were interviewed between April and June 2018 using structured questionnaires. On a five-point Likert scale with a mean score of 3 as the cutoff point, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. The paper found that sachet water (mean (M)=4.37) is an essential source of drinking water in Liberia with a daily consumption rate of at least 6 bags of sachet water per individual. Affordability, availability, and safety were named by respondents as reasons for their consumption of sachet water. Improper disposal methods practiced by the residents of Liberia included ground littering (M=3.42) and burning (M=3.03). Conclusions. Sachet water consumption has contributed to environmental issues such as drainage system clogs, littering of the environment, the death of terrestrial and aquatic animals due to plastic waste consumption, reduction of oxygen for aquatic life and soil infertility. We recommend the creation of policies and enforcement of sachet water production to include reuse and recycling of sachet water by-products as a requirement for licensing of producers, provision of adequate waste bins and the use of public education campaigns to educate residents on environmental best practices. Ethics Approval. This study was approved by the Institute for Population Studies, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia. Informed Consent. Obtained Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Chikamso C. Apeh
Environmental Health Perspectives
Background. Agrochemicals are used by farmers in Southeast Nigeria to increase crop yields and food production. However, farmers are often illiterate and do not follow precautions for their usage and application, increasing the risk of exposures to humans and the environment. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of the use of agrochemicals by farmers, category or type used, ability to read instructions, exposure to agrochemicals during application and perception of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals in Southeast Nigeria. Methods. From February–June 2017, a total of 200 farmers were surveyed using oral interviews and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were asked about items such as socioeconomic characteristics, types and amounts of fertilizers and pesticides used, exposure during application and perceptions of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals. Results. In the present study, the majority of farmers (74%) used inorganic fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)) and 26% used organic fertilizers (compost manure). Most of the farmers in the present study (65%) reported that they could not read agrochemical application instructions, 92% of farmers were exposed to agrochemicals during application, and most farmers (73%) reported falling sick after exposure to agrochemicals. Conclusions. We recommend that agricultural extension agents provide farmers with comprehensive training in agrochemical use to ensure their health and lower environmental risks. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Competing Interests. The author declares no competing financial interests