DSpace Community: SAAT

MICROFINANCE ACCESS ENABLES SCALE BUT NOT PROFITABILITY: AN ECONOMIC AND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FISH FARMS IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: MICROFINANCE ACCESS ENABLES SCALE BUT NOT PROFITABILITY: AN ECONOMIC AND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FISH FARMS IN MINNA, NIGERIA Authors: Abubakar, Fati Nnaja; Ndanitsa, Mohammed Attahiru; Olayimika, Slolomon Olusola Abiodun Abstract: This study assessed the economic viability and water quality conditions of microfinance-supported fish farms in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. A comparative survey of 30 microfinance beneficiaries and 30 non-beneficiaries evaluated differences in investment scale, profitability, and pond water quality. Results showed that microfinance access significantly increased initial capital investment (median: N1,250,000 vs. N1,000,000; p = 0.031), enabling beneficiaries to operate at a larger scale, as evidenced by higher feed expenditure. However, this expanded operational scale did not translate into statistically higher net profits (median: N1,163,500 vs. N1,171,000; p = 0.988) or improved return on investment (mean ROI: 82.5% vs. 84.1%), indicating that capital alone is insufficient to enhance profitability. Water quality parameters including pH (6.87-6.89), dissolved oxygen (6.73-7.26 mg/L), alkalinity (95-96 mg/I), and hardness (88-100 mg/l) remained within acceptable ranges for Clariidae fishes in both groups. While water temperatures were only marginally higher among beneficiaries (30.22°C vs. 29.96°C), their significantly elevated biological oxygen demand (BOD: 4.45 vs. 3.95 mg/l) suggests greater organic loading, likely due to intensified feeding practices. The findings suggest that while microfinance effectively alleviates capital constraints, its impact on farm profitability is mediated by non-financial factors such as management capacity, feed efficiency, and market access. Therefore, sustainable aquaculture development in the region requires integrated support that combines credit access with technical training, market linkages, and routine water quality monitoring.

Optimization of culture conditions for phytase producing Coprinopsis cinerea using rice bran extract as substrate

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Optimization of culture conditions for phytase producing Coprinopsis cinerea using rice bran extract as substrate Authors: Muhammad, S; Oyewole, O; Ibikunle, Richard; Eniwaiye, Adenike; Abioye, O Abstract: Phosphorus is an essential element for vital life processes but is not readily available due to its presence in bound forms. Phytate, the main reservoir for phosphorus in soil and plant materials is not easily digested in monogastric animals due to lack the enzyme phytase which catalyse the hydrolysis of phytase to release phosphorus and other nutrients. This study was aimed at optimization of culture conditions for phytase producing Coprinopsis cinerea AmutBmutpab 1-1 isolated from poultry dumpsite in Minna, Niger State. Phytase producing microorganisms were isolated from soil sample collected from a poultry dumpsite in Randan Ruwa, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The best phytase producing strains was identified through molecular characterization. Fermentation conditions (incubation time, temperature, carbon source and pH) were optimized for enhanced phytase production. The results showed that Coprinopsis cinerea AmutBmutpab 1-1 the best phytase producer with a phytase activity of 642 U/mL at optimum conditions of 3 days of incubation, 3% glucose concentration, pH of 6.5 and temperature of 32.5°C. The result of this study showed that rice bran is a good alternative for microbial phytase production.

Evaluation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf powder as a natural anaesthetic during transportation of red belly tilapia (Coptodon zillii)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evaluation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf powder as a natural anaesthetic during transportation of red belly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) Authors: Yusuf Jaafar and Ibrahim Busari Abstract: Transportation of fish is a crucial process in aquaculture but often induces stress that affects physiological stability and survival of fish. This study evaluated the effectiveness of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf powder as a natural anaesthetic during transportation of red belly tilapia (Coptodon zillii). Lemon balm leaves were collected, dried and ground into powder. Ninety tilapias with an average weight of 23.1 g were randomly distributed into three treatments: T1 (control, without anaesthetic), T2 (5 drops palm oil/7.5 L water), and T3 (10 g/7.5 L Melissa officinalis powder) respectively. Ten fish were stocked in each of nine plastic containers (10 L capacity). Thereafter, the fish were transported over a distance of approximately 210 km (Minna-Suleja route, to and fro). Mild induction time and faster recovery time were observed in treatment T3. No significant difference (p>0.05) was recorded in water temperature across the treatments. However, significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded in dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, and phosphorus levels. The control group had the highest mortality, while T3 showed the highest survival rate. These findings suggest that Melissa officinalis leaf powder could serve as a promising natural anaesthetic for tilapia transportation in aquaculture.

Application of Collected Shells as a Bioremediator for Fish Pond Effluent

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Application of Collected Shells as a Bioremediator for Fish Pond Effluent Authors: Ja’afar Yusuf, Saratu Usman Ibrahim, Umar Rasool Parry, Umar Paiko Yakubu, Macarthy Timothy Oluwaseun, Maryam Lawal, Ogundipe Tomilayo Ajibola Abstract: The increasing pollution caused by effluent from fish ponds is a significant environmental concern, particularly in aquaculture. This study evaluates the use of snail and crab shells as bioremediators to treat fish pond effluent. Snail and Crab shells were purchased from local seafood markets and a snail farm, washed, dried, and homogenized by grinding to a small particle size. 100 g each of the shells was measured and introduced into 10 L of plastic rubbers designated as control (no treatment), Treatment 1 (snail shells), Treatment 2 (crab shells), and Treatment 3 (a combination of both). Fish pond effluent was collected from a nearby fish pond and filled into the plastic at 8.5 L. Physical and chemical param eters (Total Hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), pH, calcium, chloride, Dissolved Oxy gen (DO), BOD, COD, temperature, and Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the effluent water were measured three times weekly for 21 days. The Results indicate that Treatments 2 and 3 significantly improved water quality compared to the control and Treatment 1. T2 and T3 had greater reductions in BOD (1.26 and 1.24 mg/L, respectively) and COD, along with increases in TH, TA, and calcium content, demonstrating the effectiveness of crab shells in particular. T1 exhibited moderate improvements but was less effective than T2 and T3. Additionally, physical observations showed that T2 and T3 produced biofilms and micro bial activity, which disappeared by Day 10. The study concludes that shell-based biore mediation is a sustainable, eco-friendly method for improving aquaculture effluent quality. Further research is recommended to optimize this technique for larger aquaculture systems and explore its economic feasibility