African Journal of Agriculture

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

An analysis of the HACCP system implementation- The factor of improving competitiveness in Serbian companies

Dejan Djordjevic¹, Dragan Cockalo²* and Srdjan Bogetic³

¹Technical Faculty University of Novi Sad, “Mihajlo Pupin” in Zrenjanin, 23000 Zrenjanin, Djure Djakovica bb, Republic of Serbia.

²Technical Faculty University of Novi Sad, “Mihajlo Pupin” in Zrenjanin, 23000 Zrenjanin, Djure Djakovica bb, Republic of Serbia.

³Belgrade Business School, 11000 Belgrade, Kraljice Marije 73, Republic of Serbia.

Accepted 08 November, 2018

Abstract

The implementation of international standards on the market represents a necessary element in the process of improving a company’s competitiveness. Customer care, healthy and safe food, ecological standards represent only some of the conditions that modern business requires from producers of food products. The implementation of the HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) system, that is standard ISO 22000:2005– Food safety management systems– Requirements for any organization in the food chain, represents one of many requirements directed towards companies in the function of customer health care. Its implementation is becoming compulsory for all companies whose aim is exporting products to European Union countries (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). This paper is a critical analysis and evaluation of the policies and implementation of standards and systems which relate, above all, to quality, environmental and food safety management in Serbian companies. In addition, it offers specific recommendations for improving the competitiveness of Serbian companies within regional and global frames.

Key words: Quality, competitiveness, standardization, QMS, HACCP.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Control of black Sigatoka disease: Challenges and prospects

Ebimieowei Etebu* and Wabiye Young-Harry

Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 October, 2018

Abstract

Plantains and bananas are staple food for about 70 million people throughout the humid and sub-humid tropic of Africa. They provide an important source of revenue for small holders who cultivate them. Production, however, has always been threatened by a variety of constraints; the most overriding constraint being black Sigatoka disease caused by a wind-borne fungus, Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet. As much as 27% of the total cost of production is apportioned to curb the menace the disease. Hence in this write up, the various methods applied so far to control black sigatoka disease in plantains and bananas are reviewed with emphasis on their apparent challenges and prospects. Findings showed that the consumption of plantains and bananas has risen tremendously in recent years, and black Sigatoka disease can be controlled in various ways – culturally, chemically, quarantine, and breeding for disease resistance. A proper management of organic matter using different crop residues as mulch builds up the soil fertility level, and substantially reduced the effect of the disease. The use of forecasting methods could be part of an integrated disease management strategy, as this would reduce the number of fungicide treatment, disease production cost, and partially eliminate pollution challenges. The production and cultivation of disease resistant cultivars in combination with good cultural practices is generally considered to be the most appropriate intervention strategies that would control black sigatoka disease of plantains and bananas.

Key words: Plantain, banana, black Sigatoka disease, Mycosphaerella fijiensis.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-016, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Patterns and drivers of the adoption of improved groundnut technologies in North-western Nigeria

 Michael Boboh VABI^1*, Sadiq Abubakar SADIQ², Amina MUSTAPHA³, Aminu SULEIMAN³, Hippolyte AFFOGNON⁴, Hakeem Ayinde AJEIGBE¹ and Abba Aliyu KASIM¹

¹International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Nigeria.

²Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies (CAS); Nigeria.

³Bayero University of Kano (BUK); Nigeria.

⁴International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Mali.

Accepted 28 December, 2018

Abstract

The most recent groundnut varieties registered and released in Nigeria are SAMNUT 24, SAMUT 25 and SAMNUT 26. Using appropriate sampling procedures, a total of 224 representatives of farm-families were interviewed with 112 from administrative units where a development project is being implemented (PLGA), and 112 from administrative units where project interventions are absent (NPLGA). Results of the study reveal that improved groundnut varieties are becoming part of a multitude of groundnut varieties being cultivated by farmers in PLGA and NPLGAs. Amongst the improved groundnut varieties, SAMNUT 24 was being planted by 39% and 28% of households in PLGA and NPLGA, respectively. Similarly, amongst the varieties described as local, Ex-dakar is grown by 31% and 35% of households in PLGA and NPLGA, respectively. Five underlying factors were found to drive adoption decisions: farming experience, age, education, access to (improved seeds and extension services) and household size. Beyond the combined use of seeds of improved groundnut varieties and accompanying management practices, using the right combination of inputs to optimize financial gains remains a challenge to the households involved in the study.

Keywords: Improved groundnut technologies, adoption, Northwestern Nigeria.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-010, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Weather and seasonal effects on growth, seed yield and soluble carbohydrate concentrations in selected maize cultivars in the humid areas of Nigeria

S.O. Agele

Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria. Email: [email protected].

Accepted 22 October, 2018

Abstract

A study was conducted in 2001 and 2002 to identify genotypic attributes relevant to performance and adaptation of ten maize cultivars grown on the field in the rainy and in the late seasons (terminal drought situation) in a humid zone of Nigeria. Data were collected on shoot biomass and seed yield and on leaf tissue concentrations of chlorophyll a and b and water soluble (non-structural) carbohydrate in the maize cultivars evaluated. Significant cultivar and seasonal effects on growth duration, dry matter production, assimilate reserves and seed yield in the cultivars of maize were obtained. In general, late maturing varieties of maize produced higher seed yield than the early maturing varieties, and when both were sown in the rainy season, they produced larger seed yield than the late season crop. Lower values of chlorophyll concentrations in leaf tissues were obtained for late season maize, but non-significant differences were found for late and early maturing cultivars. Although, the concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates were higher in dry season maize compared to rainy season crop, however, the increased intensities of drought and temperatures during the reproductive phase in the late season could have reduced kernel number (sink size) in the maize cultivars.

Key words: Maize, soluble carbohydrate, chlorophyll, yield, cropping seasons, tropics.