IOSR-JAVS   Volume-4 ~ Issue-3 ~ JULY-AUG-2013

ABSTRACT: A study was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus in 2005 to evaluate the effects of five different staking methods on the growth and development of Telfairia occidentalis. Five treatments involving different staking methods were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. The result indicated a positive or significant influence of staking on the yield and yiels component of T. occidentalis: Plant growth and yield were better under staking than when allowed to creep on the ground. Raised platform proved to be the best method of staking and was recommended with a view to exploiting the great economic potentials of crop.

Keywords: Staking Methods, Fluted Pumpkin, Growth and Yield, Asaba Nigeria.

[1]. Akoroda, M.O., Ogbechei-Odinaka, N.I., Adebayo, M.I. Ugwu, O.E. Fuwa B. (1990) Flowering, pollination and fruiting in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentals) Scientia Horticultura, 43:197-206
[2]. Amina, J.G. Derbew, B, Ali M. (2012). Yield and quality of Indeterminate Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) varieties with staking methods in Jimma. Singapore Journal of Scientific Research 2:33-46. Science Alert.
[3]. Borget, M. (1992) Food Legumes Macmillan Press, London.
[4]. Bouyoucos, G.H. (1951). A re-calibration of Hydrometer for making mechanical analysis of soils. Agronomy 43 :434 – 538.
[5]. Brady, C. and Weils, R.R. (1999). Nature and properties of Soil Twelfth Edition, Prentice Hall, New Delhi pp 74 –114.
[6]. Egun, A.C. (2007) Comparative Marketable leaf yield of staked and unstaked Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentals) in a Tropical Utisoils. Stud. Home comm. Sci. 1(1) 27-29. Kamia- Raj 2007.
[7]. Esu, I.E. (2001) Pedological characterization of soils of Alluvial complex of Nigeria. Ibadan. Pedological handbook 171-190.
[8]. F.A.O. (2007) Green Beans integrated pest management. An Ecological Guide Training Resource Text in Crop Development, Major Agronomic Practice, Disease and Insect Ecology, Insect Pest, Natural Enemies and Diseases of Green Bean. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy.
[9]. Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) (1996). Annual abstract of statistics (1996) Ed. Lagos, Nigeria.
[10]. FMANR (1990). Literature review of soil fertility. Investigation in Nigeria (in five volume) 3(2) 102-106.

ABSTRACT: The present investigation was conducted to elicit information on extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twenty-one characters in 84 intrahirsutum cotton hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum.L) plus two checks which were derived by involving twelve lines and seven testers in line X tester fashion. These lines were developed from new heterotic genepools. These 84 intrahirsutum cotton hybrids along with two checks were evaluated during kharif 2010-11. Wide variability was observed incase of number of sympodia, specific leaf weight, crop growth rate at peak flowering stage, crop growth rate at boll formation stage, crop growth rate at maturity stage. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance was observed in case of plant height, number of monopodia, number of sympodia, relative water content, specific leaf weight, crop growth rate at peak flowering stage, crop growth rate at boll formation stage, crop growth rate at maturity stage, boll weight, seed index and lint index indicating the role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and directional selection could be profitably applied on these traits in the genetically diverse material.

Keywords: Variability, heritability, genetic advance, American cotton

[1]. Allard R. W. Principles of Plant Breeding. John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York. 1960, 145-147.
[2]. Burton, G. W. Quantitative inheritance in grasses. Proceedings of the 6th International Grassland Congress., 1952, 277-283.
[3]. Do Thi Ha An., Ravikesavan, R. and Iyanar, K. 2008. Genetic advance and heritability as a selection index for improvement of yield and quality in cotton. Journal of Cotton Research and Development. 22 (1), 2008, 14-18.
[4]. Girija Rani, M.Genetic Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hybrids and Cultivars based on Quantitative and Physiological Characters. M.sc. (Ag.) Thesis. Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University Hyderabad, India.2000.
[5]. Johnson H. W., Robinson H. F and Comstock R. E. Estimates of genetic and environmental variability in soybean. Agronomy Journal. 47, 1955, 314-318.
[6]. Kempthorne O. An Introduction to Genetic Statistics John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York. 1957, 458-471.
[7]. Kulkarni A. A., Nanda H. C and Patil S. G. Genetic variabitity, heritability and genetic advance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The Andhra Agriculture Journal. 57 (3), 2010, 257-297.
[8]. Kumari S. R and Chamundeswari N.Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Research on Crops. 6 (1), 2005, 98-99.
[9]. Narisireddy A and Ratnakumari S. Genetic components of variation of physiological attributes for drought screening of genotypes in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Annals of Agriculture research. 25(3), 2004, 412-414.
[10]. Narisireddy A and Ratnakumari S. Genetic components of variation of physiological attributes for drought screening of genotypes in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Annals of Agriculture research. 25(3), 2004, 412-414.

ABSTRACT: Between January 2004 to December 2005, studies were carried out on the bird species diversity and relative abundance of two lakes, Kiri and Gyawana near Numan using the "Timed Species Count (TSC)" method. 163 species in 53 bird families and 160 species in 55 bird families were recorded at Kiri and Gyawana lakes respectively. There was no significant difference in species diversity within bird families between the two lakes (p>0.05). Whereas in Gyawana Lake, one of the sites qualifies for Ramsar site, none strongly qualifies as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The significance of these funding are discussed.

Key words: conservation, diversity, lacustrine, upper Benue, waterbirds, wetlands.

[1] W.E. Odum, C.C WcIvor, and J.J. Smith III, The ecology of the mangroves of South Florida: a community profile. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Service, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-81/24. 1985) p.144.

[2] P.R.O. Kio and B.A. Ola-Adams, Utilization and Development in T.V.I. Akpata and D.U.U. Okali (Ed.) Nigerian wetlands. Man and Biosphere State – of – Knowledge Workshop on Nigerian Wetlands. The Nigerian MAB Committee, UNESCO and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. 14 (Yemi Press, Semonda, Ibadan ,1990) P 68.
[3] Ramsar Convention Website (2003). www.ramsar.org.

[4] ICBP putting diversity on a map: priority area for global conservation. Published by the International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP, now Birdlife International). (sThe Burlington Press, Cambridge, U.K. 1992, 90p.

[5] J.L. Fiselier, Living off the floods: strategies for the integration of conservation and sustainable resource utilization in floodplains. (Environmental Database on Wetland Interventions (EDWIN, The Netherlands. 1990) p.112.

[6] E.B. Barbier, W.M. Adams, and K. Kimmage, Economic valuation of wetland benefits: the Hadejia – Jama'are floodplain, Nigeria. The London Environmental Economics Center, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED, London, 1991) p.26.

[7] E.O. Wagari, Message from UNESCO. in T.V. Akpata and D.U.U Okali (Ed.), Nigerian Wetlands: Man and Biosphere State – of – Knowledge Workshop on Nigerian Wetlands. The Nigerian MAB Committee, UNESCO and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation ( Yemi Press, Semonda, Ibadan, 1990) 4-6.

[8] D. Pomeroy and B.C. Tengecho, Studies of birds in a semi-arid area of Kenya III- the use of ‗time species – counts' for studying regional avifauna. Journal of Tropical Ecology 2, 1986, 231-237.

[9] D. Liley and P.A. Robertson Assessment of sites: Measurement of species richness and diversity, in C. Bibby, M. Jones and S. Marsden(Ed.), Expedition Field Techniques: Birds Survey. (Published by the Expedition Advisory Center, Royal Geographical Society, London, 1998) 76-98.

ABSTRACT: Water shortages have of late caused many health problems as people resort to unprotected water sources. This research study assessed water shortages and coping mechanisms of Harare residents in Zimbabwe. The study was carried out in Msasa Park and Dzivaresekwa Extension suburbs. Coping mechanisms used by the residents during the time of water shortages were identified. Multiple sources of evidence were provided by respondents from the two suburbs. Instrument triangulation was used to add authenticity to the research findings. Convenient sampling and snowballing of 40 residents and 10 councilors was used to draw respondents from the whole population.Findingsshowed that residents went up to more than a month without clean tap water.Respondents were aware of the causes of water shortages.Some respondents from Msasa Park had home-made wells on their households whilst respondents from Dzivarasekwa relied on community boreholes.Residents used buckets and dishes for harvesting rainwater. Recommendations were thatcity authorities should make a roaster for water cuts. Ward councilors should hold developmental meetings on a regular basis to clarify and assiston issues concerning the residents' welfare. There was need to regularly service community boreholes so that residents would continuously have safe and clean water.

Keywords: Improved water source,Personal hygiene,sanitation,ward Councillor,water supply,

[1] Appelgren, B and Klohn, W. (1998). Management of Water Scarcity: A Focus on Social Capacities and Options. Land and Water Development Division. Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, Rome: Italy.

[2] Associated Press (2008) Zimbabwe Faces Water And Cholera Crisis.

[3] Aroka, N. (2010) Rainwater Harvesting in Rural Kenya: Reliability in a Variable and Changing Climate Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University.

[4] Baietti, A., Kingdom, W., and Ginneken, M. V., (2006), Water Supply and Sanitation Working Notes. Note no. 9,

[5] Characteristics of Well Performing Public Water Utilities, Washington DC, World Bank.

[6] Chigumira, E. and Mujere, N. (2009).Variability Of Urban Water Supply and Demand. In J.

[7] Emerald Hill School for the Deaf leaflet (2008) School Development Project

[8] Falkenmark, M. and Lundqvist, J. (1995) World freshwater problems: Call for a new realism. Background paper for the Comprehensive Freshwater Assessment. Stockholm Environment Institute (In press).

[9] Grant, N.J.H and Bimha, J.M. (1984) English for Zimbabwe Students Book 4, Longman Harare. [10] Heppner P. P. (1992) Research Design in Counseling. New York: Allyn and Bacon.

ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of subsidies on the level of fish production by the fishermen in the coastal area of Ondo State. Two hundred and five (205) respondents were randomly sampled to obtained information on socio – economic characteristics of the fishermen. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and production level of the fish farmers. The result from this study shows that when fishing inputs are subsidized this increases fishing activities, efforts and output of the fishermen. This study also shows that fisheries subsidies not only have their own peculiar production distortion effects but they have adverse effects on the environment and economic sustainability.

Keywords: fishermen, respondents, subsidy, fishing vessels

[1]. Apata T.G., K.D. Samuel and A.O. Adeola (2009). Contributed Paper prepared for presentation at the international association of Agricultural Economists 2009 Conference, Beijing, China, August, 2009
[2]. Bolorunduro, P.I (2003). Improved fisheries technologies and approaches for dissemination. A case study of Niger State. In : Eyo, A.A and Ajao, E. A (eds) proceedings of annual conference of the fisheries society of Nigeria (FSON), held at Maiduguri, from 4th - 9th 2001.Pp 74-79.
[3]. Dey, M.M., Rab, M.A; Paraguas, F. J; Piumsombun, S; Bhatta, R; Alam, F.M; Koeshendrajana, S; and Ahmed, M (2002). Social-economics of freshwater fish farm in Asia: Strategies and options for increasing and sustaining fisheries and aquaculture production to benefit poor households in Asia. Fish supply & demand in Asia progress report 2002. World Fish Center, Pp1 -4.
[4]. Downes, D. and B. Van Dyke, fisheries conservation and trade rules; ensures that Trade Law promotes Sustainability Fisheries, (Undated), Biodiversity Economics Library.
[5]. Edwards, P. (2000). Aquaculture, poverty impacts and livelihood. Oversea Development institute. No. 56. June. Pg. 1-8
[6]. Ifejika , P. I (2006): Effect of dissemination strategies on the utilization of fisheries aquaculture technologies in Anambra State. Unpublished M.Sc. thesis, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Pp. 54-55.
[7]. Ikenweiwe N.B; A.A. Idowu, A. Nathenael, S. Otubusin, E.O. Fadipe (2011) Effect of socio economic factors on fish catch in lower Ogun, River, Isheri – Olofin and Ihsasi, Ogun State, Nigeria. International Journals of Agricultural Management and Development (IJAMAD). ISSN:2159-586(Online): ISSN:2159-5852(Print).
[8]. International Energy Agency (IEA); 1999
[9]. Mabawonku Adewale, F (1986). The role and effect subsidies on fisheries development in West Africa (Nigeria, Cote d'Vore, The Gambia, Senegal)
[10]. Olatunde A.A (1998) Approaches to the study of fisheries Biology in Nigerian inland waters . Proc. Nat.con of two decades of research on Lake Kainji. (Ayeni and Olatunde (Eds) pp1538-541.

ABSTRACT: The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate potential inhibitory effect of indigenous bio-control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici, (FOL), a causal organism of wilt disease in tomato crops. Twenty indigenous Trichoderma species were isolated from tomato rhizosphere soil collected from tomato growing fields in and around Mysore district, which is geographically located in Southern part of Karnataka, India. Amongst twenty Trichoderma isolates, eight isolates displayed significant activity against the test pathogen. Among the eight isolates two isolates, T. harzianum and T. viride, exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on the test pathogen in dual culture technique. The obtained preliminary results are valuable and promising enough for further studies towards isolation and characterization of antifungal agent responsible for activity.

Key words: Tomato wilt, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma, Rhizospheric soil, Bio control agents.

[1] H. Behzad, T. G. Mousa, R. M. Mohammad, and D. Mahdi, Biological potential of some Iranian Trichoderma isolates in the control of soil borne plant pathogenic fungi, African Journal of Biotechnology, 8, 2008, 967-972.

[2] D. K. Bell, H. D. Wells, and C. R. Markham, In vitro antagonism of Trichoderma species against six fungal plant pathogens, Phytopathology, (72), 1982, 379-382.

[3] L.W Burgess, B. A. Summerell, S Bullock, K. P. Gott, and D. Backhouse, Laboratory manual for Fusarium research, 3, 1994, 9-11.

[4] J. P. Gilreath, J. P. Jones, A. J. Overman, Soil borne pest control in mulched tomato with alternative to methyl bromide. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, 107, 1994, 156-159.

[5] ISTA, International rules for seed testing, Rules Draper (ed) Switzerland, The International Seed Testing Association, 2003, 1- 47.

[6] R. Kumar Kiran, K. S. Jagadeesh, P. U. Krishnaraj, M. S. Patil, Enhanced growth promotion of tomato and nutrient uptake by plant growth promoting rhizobacterial isolates in presence of tobacco mosaic virus pathogen, Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2, 2008, 309-311.

[7] M. Marlatt, G. Gilardi, M. L. Gullino, A. Garibaldi, Biological control potential of Achromobacterxylosoxydoms for suppressing Fusarium wilt of tomato, International Journal of Botany, 4, 2008, 369-375.

[8] M. Radwan, Barakat, A. M. Fadel, S. Mohammed, AliShtayeh, I. A. M. Mohammad, Biological Control of Rhizoctonia solani by Indigenous Trichoderma spp. Isolates from Palestine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 3, 2007, 1 – 15.

[9] Shafiquzzaman S , Umi K Y , Kausar H, Sarwar J, In vitro studies on the potential Trichoderma harzianum for antagonistic properties against Ganoderma boninense, Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment, 4, 2009, 970 - 976.
[10] V. Shanmugam, N. Kanoujia, Biological management of vascular wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycospersici by plant growth-promoting rhizo-bacterial mixture, Biological control, 57, 2011, 85-93.

ABSTRACT: Davana (Artemisia pallens) ia an important high valued annual aromatic herb of India belonging to the family Asteraceae. India has a monopoly in production and export trade of davana oil and India stands 3rd in essential oil production in the world. This study was conducted at Department of seed science and technology, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to standardization of suitable invigouration treatment for seed quality enhancement in davana under laboratory condition. The seeds of davana subjected to different seed invigouration treatments. The treatments are seed invigouration with GA3 25 ppm, GA3 50 ppm, GA3 100 ppm, Thiourea 100 ppm, Thiourea 150 ppm, Thiourea 200 ppm, KNO3 0.05%, KNO3 0.1%, KNO3 0.2% with three different soaking durations viz., 10, 20 and 30 mins. and dry seeds served as control. The observation made on germination %, seedling length (cm), dry matter production and vigour index. The results revealed that seed invigouration with GA350 ppm for 20 min. improved the germination (62%), seedling length (2.4cm) and vigour index (147.6)

Keywords: Davana, seed invigouration, germination %, seedling length, drymatter production, vigour index.

[1] Narayana,M.R., M.N.A.Khan and B.P.Dimri. Davana and its cultivation in India, Farm Bull., No.12, CIMAP,Lucknow,11: 1998 ,1-10. [2] Pisana,R.C. Flavour and extract manufactures association of the united states report.11th International congress of essential oils, fragrances and flavours. New Delhi, India. 1989, pp.157.
[3] Al-Harbi,M.M., S.Qureshi, M.M.Ahmed, M.Riza, G.A. and A.H.Shah. Studies on the Anti-inflammatory antipyretic and analgestic activities of santanonin. The Jap J.Pharmacol. 64(3): 1994,135-139
[4] Vashistha, R.K., B.P.Nautiyal and M.C.Nautiyal. Pre-sowing treatments to improved seed germination in Angelica glauca Edgew, an endangered Medicinal Herb of the western Himalayas. J. Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants, 15 : 2009, 73 – 85.
[5] ISTA. International Rules for Seed Testing. Seed Sci. & Technol., Supplement Rules, 27: 1999, 25-30.
[6] Abdul-Baki, A.A. and J.D. Anderson. Vigour determination in soybean seed by multiple criteria. Crop Sci., 13: 1973,630-633.
[7] Panse, V.G. and P.V. Sukhatme. Statistical methods for Agricultural workers. ICAR, Publication, New Delhi: 1985, 327-340.
[8] Sundaralingam, K., P. Srimathi and K. Vanangamudi. Pre-sowing seed management. In: Recent trends and participatory approaches on quality seed production. (Eds: K.Vanangamudi, A.Bharathi, P.Natesan, R.Jerlin, T.M.Thiyagarajan and S.Kannaiyan) Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 2001.
[9] Vijayakumar, A. Seed technological studies in bhendi. Ph.D. Thesis, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. 1996.
[10] Rudre gowda,H., A.R.Farooqi and Thilak Subbaiah. Studies on the seed germination of lemon-scented gum as influenced by various pre-treatments. Indian Perfumer, 37(3): 1993, 256-260.

ABSTRACT: This work compared maize crop yield of agroforestry with non agroforestry plots in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Data on farmers' experience, size of farm plots, number of tree species per hectare, and yield of maize per hectare were obtained from farmers in four districts of Gombi Local Government. Farmer's plots were grouped into agroforestry and non-agroforestry, depending on the number of trees found within the farm. Maize grain yield for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 cropping seasons were obtained from the farmers. Data analysis using T-test at 5% significant level was employed. There was a significant difference in maize yield between agroforestry and non agroforestry plots. The average maize yield for the agroforestry plots and non-agroforestry plots were 10.41Kg and 7.19Kg respectively. The percentage increase was 30.9 over and above non- agroforestry plots. Farmers were then advised to avoid clear felling of trees technique in their farms. Recommendations to help the local farmers adopt the agro forestry system were given.

[1]. Akosim C. (1999) Desertification Control in Adamawa State, Adamawa State Environment Action Plan, Draft SEAP Report. PP 81 – 86.
[2]. Amadi, D.C.A. (2002) The Effect of Agro forestry Practices on Crop Yield: A Case Study of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. An M.Sc. Dissertation, Dept of Geography, Federal University of Technology, Yola.
[3]. Gholz H.L (1987) Agroforestry, Realities, Possibilities and Potentials. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Boston. PP 14-24.
[4]. Ian Nuberg, Brendan George and Rowan Reid (Eds) (2009) Agroforestry for Natutral Resource Management. Csiro Publishing Australia
[5]. International Concil for Research in Agro forestry (ICRAF) (1981) Agroforestry Today Journal Vol.1; No14 of 1981. PP19-26.
[6]. Julian Evans (2009) Planted Trees – Uses, Impacts and Sustainability. F A O United Nations
[7]. Julie Kerr Casper (2007) Forests, More Than Just Trees Chelsea House Publishers, New York.
[8]. Kerkhof Paul (1990) Agro forestry in Africa. A survey of project Experiences Panos Publishers Ltd. London. P 21.
[9]. Nwagboso N.K and Uyanga J. (1999) Population: In Adamawa State in Maps, Dept of Geography FUT. Yola and Paraclete Publishers, Yola PP 96-100.
[10]. Adebayo A.A and Tukur A.L (1999) Landforms. In Adamawa State in Maps. Dept of Geography FUT. Yola and Paraclete Publishers, Yola. PP 14- 15

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus in 2005 and repeated in 2006 to conduct an economic evaluation of leaf and pod yields of Telfairia occidentalis produced by five different staking methods replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (L.S.D). The results of obtained indicated a positive influence of staking on yield and yield components of Telfairia occidentalis. Leaf and pod yields were better under staking than when the crop was allowed to creep on the ground. Based on the findings of the study, raised platform method, which had the highest values with respect to leaf yield, pod yield, market values and benefit cost ratio, was recommended to farmers in the study area.

Keywords: Economic Evaluation, Leaf and Pod Yields, Fluted Pumpkin Staking Methods, Asaba Nigeria.

[1]. Akoroda, M.O., Ogbechei-Odinaka, N.I., Adebayo, M.I. Ugwu, O.E. Fuwa B. (1990) Flowering, pollination and fruiting in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentals) Scientia Horticultura, 43:197-206
[2]. Amina, J.G. Derbew, B, Ali M. (2012). Yield and quality of Indeterminate Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) varieties with staking methods in Jimma. Singapore Journal of Scientific Research 2:33-46. Science Alert
[3]. Borget, M. (1992) Food Legumes Macmillan Press, London.
[4]. Bouyoucos, G.H. (1951). A re-calibration of Hydrometer for making mechanical analysis of soils. Agronomy 43 :434 - 538
[5]. Brady, C. and Weils, R.R. (1999). Nature and properties of Soil Twelfth Edition, Prentice Hall, New Delhi pp 74 –114.
[6]. Egun, A.C. (2007) Comparative Marketable leaf yield of staked and unstaked Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentals) in a Tropical Utisoils. Stud. Home comm. Sci. 1(1) 27-29. Kamia- Raj 2007
[7]. Esu, I.E. (2001) Pedological characterization of soils of Alluvial complex of Nigeria. Ibadan. Pedological handbook 171-190
[8]. F.A.O. (2007) Green Beans integrated pest management. An Ecological Guide Training Resource Text in Crop Development, Major Agronomic Practice, Disease and Insect Ecology, Insect Pest, Natural Enemies and Diseases of Green Bean. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy.
[9]. Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) (1996). Annual abstract of statistics (1996) Ed. Lagos, Nigeria.
[10]. IITA (1979) Selected methods for soil and plant analysis. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Manual series. No 1

ABSTRACT: Zimbabwe has a projected population of 12.7 million people and is among the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa worst affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The estimated HIV prevalence among adults 15 years and above is 13.1% according to the UNAIDS (2011). The Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) and civic organizations have supported therapeutic and supplementary feeding of children and adults living with HIV who suffer from moderate to severe malnutrition. Urban agriculture has for years served as a vital strategy to enhance food security of many poor urban households in Zimbabwe. Traditionally, urban agriculture focused on the production of green vegetables and fruits with the staple maize being accessed from the market. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Low Input Gardens on urban vegetable production systems, its effect on household dietary diversity and lives and livelihoods of urban poor HH affected by HIV and AIDS. Random sampling in survey site of Mufakose Harare high density suburb were NGOs are active in urban and peri-urban agriculture. N=350, n=65 using the Bartlett, Kotrlik and Higgins (2001) tables. A household dietary diversity interview was done on the sample of households. The results showed a higher dependency on nutrition gardens on females than males with 57% of the households composed of widows and single parents as a result of the effects of HIV/AIDS. Household ownership has an effect on the level of adoption of urban agriculture. Urban poor households have limited resources and therefore have limited access to quality inputs for use in their gardens including seed. Provision of seed starter packs by NGOs for uncommon nutritious vegetables had an effect of the variety of crops after LIG. It was shown that there is a positive relationship between capacity building programs and the improvement of livelihoods by the urban households.

Key words: urban agriculture, Zimbabwe Mufakose, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, low input gardens.

[1] Almar (2000) Urban Agriculture and Food Security, Nutrition and Health. In Bakker et al.(Eds.): Growing Cities, Growing Food. Germany. Feldafing-DSE. Pg100-110.
[2] Bartlett J.E. Kotrlik J.E. and Higgins C.C. (2001) Organizational Research: Determining Appropriate Sample Size in Survey Research. Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal Vol. 19. No.1.
[3] Bowyer B. (2001) Conflicts For Resolution And Suggestions For Consensus: Legalising Urban Agriculture In Harare. University Of London. UK.
[4] Cattleman T. Seumo-Fosso E. and Cogill B. (2003) Food and nutrition implications of antiretroviral therapy in resource limited settings. Washington DC. FANTA Project.
[5] Corbet J.(2006) Multi-storey gardens to support food security. University of Washington.
[6] Drain P.K.et al (2007) Micronutrients in HIV-positive persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 85: 333-345.
[7] Flynn K.C. (2001) Urban agriculture in Mwanza,Tanzania. 71: 666-691.
[8] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2001) FAO's Initiative on Soaring Food Prices; Guide for Immediate Country Level Action. Rome. FAO. P.5.
[9] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2007) Guidelines for measuring household and individual dietary diversity. Rome. Italy.
[10] Gordon D. (2005) Indicators of Poverty & Hunger. In proceedings of the Expert Group Meeting on Youth Development Indicators. United Nations Headquarters. New York. 12th – 14th December 2005.