A vector error correction model (VECM) was utilized to estimate an import demand function for indica rice for Saudi Arabia using time series data spanning the period 1983 – 2018. Results established a long run relationship between import demand quantity, import prices, per capita income, population, and crop index. Import demand quantity was found to adjust to restore long term equilibrium level significantly fast, as full adjustment would be attained within two years. Short run demand elasticities with respect to price and income confirmed that rice is a necessary normal good. The rather low income elasticity suggests that at higher incomes consumers would probably respond by shifting to more expensive rice (basmati) varieties. Positive population shocks were found to have a maintained long run negative impact on imports which reflects and confirms dietary shifts away from traditional rice dishes in Saudi Arabia.

The natural resources are the elements created by God Almighty, on this planet to facilitate human life, such as vegetation, water, oil, and its derivatives. This study aims to achieve the obstacles to the extension work and maintain the conservation of natural resources also to know the impact of personal characteristics on the conservation of natural resources. The study includes the collection of data using a questionnaire form that will be distributed to agricultural extension workers in the Anbar and Baghdad provinces, both from the agricultural departments and the agricultural division. Data were obtained from 130 extension personnel. It was analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques and used program SPSS to identify the correlation between the independent variables and the dependent variable in the study. The results of the study indicate that the age, gender, experience, education level, specialization, work location, training, sources of agricultural information, knowledge, and skill in animal husbandry of the respondents its effects on the management of the natural sources. In addition, a significant relationship between the conservation of natural resources and knowledge and skills in animal husbandry, soil, plant technical, and personal characteristics at level 0.05 and sources of agricultural information at level 0.01.

This paper assessed the effect of armed banditry on cattle and sheep production in kebbi south, Nigeria. Cattle and sheep production has recently come under a big threat due to the challenges of insecurity. Using a multi stage sampling procedure, 60 ruminant animal farmers who were specifically keeping cattle and sheep in the study area were selected for the study. In the first stage, three livestock markets such as Ribah, Maga and Wasagu were purposively selected based on the volume of cattle and sheep sold there. The use of livestock markets was because of the difficulty of accessing the famers in their homes due to the prevalent security challenges in the study area. In the second stage, 60 questionnaires were randomly distributed to cattle and sheep producers identified in the markets. However, only 45 were used due to incomplete information. The information gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics and five point Likert scale. The study revealed that 66% of the respondent were within the age of 41-60 years, married (93%) and educated (57%). Similarly, majority of the respondents (64%) have large families. According to the study, the most prominent system of production used was Semi-intensive (29%) and forage was the major source of feed (70%). The study concluded that banditry has significantly reduced cattle and sheep production in the study area with untold negative effect on their standard of living and that government should improve security in the study area.

This study accessed fish farming in AMAC the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Borehole water 80 percent and river water 20 percent were top sources of water for fish farming in the FCT. 40 percent of the respondents cleaned their concrete tank twice in six weeks. Some of the major constraints faced by farmers were high cost of feed at 30 percent response, 26 percent admitted their constraint, as lack of funds, lack of ready market was found to be 18 percent. 71 percent did not receive any support from the government to enhance their fish farming, only 10 percent of the respondent got loans from the government as support to fund their fish. The study recommended Governments interventions must be integrated into the local development planning to ensure that basic inputs, extension services, loans and grants are provided for small-scale fish farming, while also taking measures to address the negative environmental impacts of such activities through proper mitigation plans.