Browsing by Author "Mijinyawa, Y."

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Agricultural engineering education in Nigeria
(CIGR Journals, 2005-08) Mijinyawa, Y.
Early agricultural engineering services required on Nigerian farms were provided by civil engineers and agronomists some of who later retrained to form the first crops of Nigerian agricultural engineers. Agricultural engineering training was substantially done overseas until about the early 1960s when local opportunities started to be available. Agricultural engineering education started with training in farm mechanization laying emphasis on tractorization in the colleges of agriculture and polytechnics, and later expanded to cover all aspects of agricultural engineering. Agricultural engineering education in Nigeria is offered by the universities, polytechnics and colleges of agriculture. Ownership and funding of tertiary institutions include the federal and state governments, private individuals and religious organizations. Quality assurance is achieved through setting of minimum academic standards and occasional programme accreditations by the Nigerian universities commission, the national board for technical education and the council for the regulation of engineering in Nigeria. Agricultural engineers are engaged in virtually all sectors of the economy. This paper discuses the historical development of agricultural engineering education in Nigeria highlighting the entry requirements, training and regulations, professional bodies and the sectors where the products are making their contributions towards the national development. It concludes by calling on all stake holders to understand and appreciate the role of the profession in national development and give it the desired support.
Analysis of climatic factors for the selection of greenhouse glazing materials in Ilorin, Nigeria
(The Nigerian institution of Agricultural Engineers, 2011) Mijinyawa, Y.; Ajayi, S. A.
The effect of climate change in recent times has necessitated the need for a controlled environment for the cultivation of many crops which were hitherto cultivated under natural tropical condition. An appropriate method of accomplishing this is through the use of greenhouses which modify the environment to produce a micro-climate suitable for optimum plant growth. The successful use of greenhouses depends on the choice of appropriate glazing material. Tomatoes are precious crop demanded all year round but the production of which is being reduced by the effect of climate change. Desirous to increase the level of production, the study attempts to identify appropriate glazing material for greenhouse: for the production of tomatoes in Ilorin, Nigeria. Climatological data were collected from the Ilorin International Airport and analyzed in order to identify appropriate - covering materials for the development of greenhouse structures in Ilorin. Double layer polyethylene and white corrugated polyvinylchloride were the two glazing materials that have the lowest inner surface temperatures arid also satisfy the condition of heat load. To derive the maximum benefits of greenhouses, in addition to using these materials, Proper ventilation and shading of the greenhouses are recommended.
Assessment of crop storage structures in Swaziland
(CIGR Journals, 2006-10) Mijinyawa, Y.; Mwinjilo, M.; Dlamini, P.
A survey was carried out to identify the types of crops popularly stored, the structures commonly used and problems experienced with produce storage in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Respondents included operators of government storage facilities, non-governmental organizations providing food relief, millers, large-scale farms, homesteads and artisans who fabricate metal tanks. Maize, the national staple food, was stored by all homesteads essentially for family consumption. It was the commercial staple crop, the major raw material for the millers and the produce commonly distributed as food aid by the non-governmental organizations. Significant quantities of groundnut, beans, sweetpotatoes, jugobeans and cowpeas were also stored. The crop storage structures found in use were metal silos, bags, platforms, cribs, metal tanks, concrete tanks, warehouses/rooms/old houses, metal/plastic drums, earthen/metal pots, plastic/metal buckets, bottles and tins. Metal silos and warehouses were the predominant structures used for large scale storage. The most common storage structure for maize by smallscale farmers was the metal tank as reported by 78.8% of respondents followed by cribs for both drying and storage (76.3%) and bags for the storage of maize, beans and groundnuts (65.7%) Moisture penetration and condensation, moulding, caking, insect infestation and rusting were some of the problems experienced with metal silos and tanks. In addition to these, the cracking of the solder used at the joints was a common problem with metal tanks. Bags often got torn by rodents that infested the produce. The absence of rodent guards in platforms and cribs encouraged rodent attack on produce stored in these structures. The use of inadequate –sized members and overloading often resulted in buckling and collapse of cribs and platforms. Losses of produce through these sources are a major problem. Remedial measures adopted towards solving these problems included the use of weevil and other types of tablets for produce storage, replacement of rusted and broken parts. The use of rodent glue and cats were also employed as control measures. About 48.2%,35.7%, 70.3% and 81.2% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the use of bags, platforms, cribs and metal tanks respectively. These groups and those who rated them as unsatisfactory requested for intervention by way of arresting the problems identified with existing storage structures and provision of new ones. The use of rat guards on cribs and platforms should be emphasized; riveted joints on metal tanks should be appropriately spaced to provide structural stability and the amount of solder to minimise or eliminate cracking used.
Assessment of injuries in small scale sawmill industry of South Western Nigeria
(CIGR Journals, 2010-03) Bello, S. R.; Mijinyawa, Y.
Body injuries sustained in sawmill industry as a result of miII activities in Ondo, Oyo and Osun states in the Western part of Nigeria was investigated. Nigeria Sawmill Industries are essentially distributed between small, medium and large scale in the proportion of 81%: 13%: 6% respectively (RMROC, 2003). A survey involving the use of questionnaire, participatory approaches, on-the-spot assessments and interviews were used as tools for investigation. A total of 140 injury cases were recorded among 64 workers from investigated sawmills.The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics. Results indicated that mill workers suffers highest injury rate of 83% while moving logs to mill from log yard or stack while timber stacking accident is the least at 36%. Other accident cases recorded include; log transport to the mill is 22%, milling operation 41% and maintenance accident 38%. Injuries occurring to body area include upper limb injuries (Neck and head, arm, wrist, hand and shoulder) 68%, back and lower back injuries 58%, and less prominent lower limb (Legs, knees and ankle) injuries at 13%.
Assessment of Kwara state tractor hiring unit
(The Nigerian institution of Agricultural Engineers, 2010) Mijinyawa, Y.; Adebayo, S.
A survey was undertaken to assess the Kwara State Tractor Hiring Unit using fleet of equipment, personnel and workshop facilities, and its impact on the farming populace in the state as assessment criteria. The study adopted the use of a questionnaire and interview schedules, focused group discussion and personal observation for data collection. Records available at the headquarters of the unit provided additional source of information. The unit has a total of 38 tractors which comprises of 29 Ursus 5312, six New Holland 5635, three heavy duty tractors, 22 disc ploughs, seven mouldboard ploughs, 18 disc harrows, eight disc ridgers, 10 trailers, two rice shellers, five multipurpose shellers, two maize shellers and one fourwheel drive jeep car. Majority (81%) of the equipment were functional, a few (13%) required minor repairs to be used on the farm and 6% were scraps. The unit has neither a workshop nor an implement shed thus exposing the machinery to inclement weather. Personnel in the unit are adequate but the maintenance culture is service driven. There has been a general increase in farm sizes since the introduction of the unit even though only a few farmers have been able to access the services rendered by the unit. Several reasons accounted for the limited beneficiaries from the activities of the unit prominent among which are inability to raise the cost of hiring, delay in service delivery, remoteness of farms and small holdings.The unit has great potentials for improving the agricultural productivity of the state if the equipment available can be effectively utilized. Towards achieving this, it is recommended that a functional workshop and implement sheds be provided at the headquarters and area offices, the activities should be decentralized while adopting a regular maintenance culture. As an agency of the government, there should be adequate funding by the state government.
Assessment of noise levels generated in some feed mills in Ibadan, Nigeria
(Emerging Academy Resources, 2012) Mijinyawa, Y.; Ogbue, C. R.; Arosoye, O. E.
The recent upsurge in the demand for livestock and poultry products in Ibadan has resulted in increased demand for feeds resulting in expanding and increasing feedmills. Feedmills generate substantial level of noise which could be injurious to workers and remedial measures are best taken with knowledge of the level of noise exposure. This study aimed at establishing the level of noise exposure of feed mill workers in Ibadan using a structured questionnaire and noise level meter to obtain relevant data. The noise levels generated in the feed mills ranged from 82.5 - 113.9 dB while most of the employees work between 8-10 hours daily for six days in a week and in some of the mills, the employees work all days of the week. The noise levels and exposure periods in many of the mills were above the code specification of a maximum noise level of 85dB over an 8-hour working period. There is no provision of noise control devices for the workers in most of the mills and in the few cases where they are provided, the workers rarely use them. Towards ensuring a safe working environment, noise control devices should be provided for all workers in the mills and their use enforced, machines should be regularly maintained so as to reduce warbling of components which increase the noise generated and employers should consider the reduction in working period in order to minimize the noise exposure period.
Assessment of noise levels generated in swine production units in Ibadan, Nigeria
(Asian Researching Publishing Network(ARPN), 2012-08) Mijinyawa, Y.; Alege, F. P.
The increase in pork consumption globally in recent times has led to a corresponding increase in pig production with more people being employed in the industry to provide the needed services. Pigs are known to generate a lot of noise which could constitute a potential health hazard and against which remedial measures must be taken. The establishment of the levels of noise generated in piggery production units and their possible consequences on the workers in such units was the main objective of this study. The research execution consisted of a simple survey among piggery workers to obtain information relevant to noise generation and effect; and physical measurement of the levels of noise generated in selected piggery farms in Ibadan, Nigeria. The survey revealed that workers spend between 3-6 hours daily within the units and wear no noise protective devices. The levels of noise generated in the farms ranged from 95-103 dB (A) and especially during feeding period and other activities. The duration of these noises which are mainly intermittent ranged from 30 to 150 minutes. These levels of noise and the periods for which they last are above the maximum levels of 99 dB (A) over a period of 19 and 140 minutes specified by NIOSH and OSHA respectively. Swine workers in Ibadan, Nigeria are exposed to excessive occupational noise hazards and remedial measures are desirable in order to protect them. The provision of Personal Hearing Protective Devices (PHPDs), adequate medical check-ups as well as use of personal noise dosimeters for the swine workers and good housing structures and facilities for the animals are recommended.
Assessment of the Edo State of Nigeria tractor hiring services
(CIGR Journals, 2006-03) Mijinyawa, Y.; Kisaiku, O.O.
A study was undertaken to assess the tractor-hiring unit of Edo state, Nigeria. The criteria used were fleet of equipment, personnel and workshop facilities and its impact on the farming populace in the state. The study adopted the use of a questionnaire and interview schedules. Among the information requested from the respondents were access to services rendered by the unit and increment in farm sizes. Records available at the headquarters and zonal offices of the unit provided additional sources of information. The unit has seven Steyr, 18 Fiat and nine Massey Ferguson tractors, eight ploughs, 17 harrows, seven tipping trailers, two boom sprayers, one fertilizer spreader, three maize shellers, two rotary slashers, one drilling machine, two ridgers and a pick-up van which are located in the various zones of the unit. Most of these equipment are either functional or require minor repairs to be used on the field. There is sufficient number of tractors but insufficient implements to fully utilize them. Workshop facilities and personnel are inadequate. The maintenance culture adopted is customer motivated. This is not a good practice as it has resulted in about 12% of the equipment being abandoned as scraps. There has been a general increase in farm sizes since the introduction of the unit. Some old time peasant farmers have been able to increase the sizes of their cultivated farmlands from below 2.5ha to between 5 and 10ha, while the aggressive new entrants have also been able to establish sizeable farms of over 25ha. This has considerably increased their economic fortunes. Some farmers have however not benefited from the activities of the unit. Three reasons account for this, and these are inability to raise the cost of hiring, the remoteness of their farms, which make them inaccessible to farm machinery and their small holdings, usually below 2.5ha, for which the use of farm machinery is unprofitable. The unit has great potentials for improving the agricultural productivity of the state if the equipment available can be effectively utilized. Recommendations made towards achieving this goal include adoption of regular maintenance culture; staff recruitment, retraining and motivation; upgrading of workshop facilities and establishment of new ones in the zones, and adequate funding by the state government.
Assessment of the noise level generated during ploughing and harrowing operations in Ibadan Nigeria
(Asian Researching Publishing Network, 2012-08) Mijinyawa, Y.; Akiyemi, B. A.
In an attempt to meet the food demand by the ever increasing human population, the use of machines in the performance of agricultural operations is increasingly being emphasized. Two of the most common operations for which machines are used on the farm are ploughing and harrowing. Tractor operators who perform these functions are known to spend long period of time working with the machines and various implements which generate substantial noise. Exposure to excessive noise could be harmful to human health if not regulated. The focus of this study was to investigate the level of noise to which tractor operators are exposed during ploughing and harrowing operations using MF260 and MF 265 tractors the noise level generated varied from 88.6 to 89.4dBA for ploughing and 86.5 to 88.4 dBA for harrowing. These levels are more than the recommended level of 85dB which indicate that the operators are under threat from noise and precautionary measures are desirable. A good maintenance culture especially the lubrication of parts to reduce noise, the use of ear protector such as ear muffs and plugs and cabins on tractors are recommended as ways by which the noise exposure could be minimized.
Assessment of tractor hiring services in Lagos State
(The Nigerian Society of Engineers, 2001) Akinoso, R.; Mijinyawa, Y.
Various agricultural mechanization techniques have been introduced to aid crop production. One of such is intensive use of tractors. Expensive capital and maintenance costs have limited the private ownership of tractors by Nigerian farmers. To promote the use and availability of tractors for farmers, tractor-hiring units were established. Tractor hiring units rent out tractors and other farm implements to farmers at affordable prices. Contrary to expectation, the aim of the program had been defeated due to technical laxity, poor management and the current economic situation of the country. Recognizing the necessity of tractor hiring units, efforts are made on ways of improving performances. Good organization and proper management are needed for effective operation.
Classification and evaluation of crop storage structures in Western Nigeria
(The Nigerian Society of Engineers, 1993-12) Mijinyawa, Y.
A survey involving the use of questionnaires and personal communication during field trips was carried out in Western Nigeria with the aim of classifying and assessing the efficiency of the existing structures for the storage of crops. Barns; cribs; trenches; platforms; warehouses and silos are among the important Storage structures. The existing structures could be efficient with proper management but a major limitation of most of them is the low unit capacity which is inadequate to cope with the present volume of agricultural production. Research efforts should concentrate more on improving the existing structures rather than their replacement.
Coefficient of static friction of palm kernel shell on selected structural surfaces
(The Nigeiran Society of Engineers, 2000) Mijinyawa, Y.; Falayi, F. R.
An experiment was conducted to measure the static coefficient of friction of palm kernel shell (PKS) on plywood, galvanized iron and glass. The results of the test showed that the coefficient of static friction of PKS increases with moisture content irrespective of the surface employed. The .values of coefficient of static friction obtained varied from 0.42 to 0.75 on plywood, 0.34 to 0.62 on galvanized iron and 0.32 to 0.56 on glass for moisture contents ranging from bone dry to 18.4% wet basis. This implies that PKS is most resistant to flow on plywood and least on glass. A statistical analysis showed that these variations with structural surfaces were Significant. Further similar work using the cracked palm kernel is recommended.
A comparative analysis of barn and platform as storage structures for yam tuber in Ibadan, Nigeria
(Global Institute of Research and Education, 2010-03) Mijinyawa, Y.; Alaba, J. O.
An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the performances of a local barn and a platform, as storage structures for yam tubers (Dioscorea rotundata poir.) The criteria used for evaluation and comparison were the degree of weight loss during storage, tuber sprouting and rotting of yam tubers during a 17 week storage duration between March and June 2008. Measurements of temperatures and relative humidity in the storage environment were taken thrice daily during the period. Weight loss in each tuber was measured weekly while sprouts were removed from tubers fortnightly. Results show that the average temperature and relative humidity on the platform were 30.4°C and 57.3% respectively while for the barn, they were 26.5°C and 55.5% respectively. The average weight loss in tubers in the barn during the duration was 32.8% while for tubers on the platform, it was 30.3%. Yam tubers on the platform recorded 5.4% sprouting while those in the barn had 4.9% sprouting. Palm leaves cover for yam tubers on the platform protected the tubers from excessive heat and moisture loss. Rotting was observed in 10% of the tubers stored in the barn but was completely absent from those stored on the platform.
Comparative studies of temperature fluctuations within wooden and steel silos in Ibadan
(The Nigerian Society of Engineers, 1997-12) Lucas, E. B.; Mijinyawa, Y.
Temperature fluctuations and moisture condensation within the interiors of a steel and wooden silos were determined experimentally. The steel silo is of 1mm thickness while the wooden silo is a two-layered wall panel of 12mm and 6mm thick plywood separated by 50mm air-gap. Measurements taken during the hotter months of March and April in Ibadan showed that temperature fluctuations in the steel and wooden silos were 9°C and 7°C respectively. Corresponding maximum temperature in the silos were 38.5°C and 37.2°C. While the interior of the wooden silo remained dry, the steel silo had condensed moisture droplets lining its inner walls. Since moisture condensation in a silo contributes to grain spoilage by biological agents, wooden silos are rated superior in respect of reducing this adverse feature.
Design construction and testing of a livestock loading and unloading ramp
(Global Institute of Research and Education, 2010) Mijinyawa, Y.; Atanda, S.
Loading and unloading constitute major aspects of livestock transportation. In many circumstances, they are accomplished with a lot of drudgery and harm to both the livestock and handler. More friendly handling methods are desirable. A simple wooden ramp was designed and constructed at the dairy unit of the teaching and research farm of the University of Ibadan. The ramp was tested by loading cattle into a trailer while observing any physical damage and consolidation movement of the columns. The integrity of the structure was maintained while no consolidation movement was observed. Animal exhibited reluctance during loading but unloaded with ease. An extended curved race and screening are desirable in order to derive maximum benefits from the use of the ramp. Tests of longer duration should form the thrust of future work.
The design, construction and testing of a wooden silo for grain storage
(The Nigerian Society of Engineers, 1996-03) Lucas, E. B.; Mijinyawa, Y.
A hexagonal, double-walled, wooden silo of sides 1.2m, height 1.8m and of 7m3 capacity was designed. The walls and floor were taken as stressed skin panels. These were fabricated using Mansonia altissima for the ribs, while exterior grade structural plywood was used as sheathing. The silo was subjected to nondestructive testing in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice CP: 112 and joints separation, consolidation movement of the foundation and floor deflection were periodically measured over a period of two weeks during which the structure was under load. At the end of the test period there was no measurable consolidation movement and the joints remained intact while the floor deflection was within permissible limit of ∆ ≤ L/180. Further testing and evaluation including subjecting the silo to loading for longer duration and taking measurements of stresses induced on the silo components are to be undertaken.
Determination of some physical properties of palm kernel
(The Nigeiran Society of Engineers, 2005) Mijinyawa, Y.; Omoikhoje, S.
Experiments were carried out to determine the dimensions of palm kernel, the shell thickness, kernel and nut densities as useful parameters in its handling and processing. The major, intermediate and minor diameters of the kernel were found to vary from 26.5 to 44, 21.5 to 34.5 and 16.5 to 28mm respectively. Sphericity was calculated to be between 76 and 80 and was independent of the size of the kernel. Nut densities varied from 0.8 to 2g/cm3 while kernel densities varied from 0.93 to 1.33g/cm3. The nut densities were generally higher than the kernel densities and the variation is attributed to the large volume but lightweight of the shell. The shell thickness varied from 2 to 6.5mm. These parameters are useful in the design of handling and processing equipment for palm kernel
Determination of the moduli of elasticity and rupture, and energy consumption of the oil palm trunk
(Research Communications, Lagos, Nigeria, 2007) Mijinyawa, Y.; Omobowale, M. O.
The moduli of elasticity and rupture, and the energy to cause failure under impact load of the oil palm trunk were determined. Samples for testing were obtained from the base, middle and top of the tree trunk. They were taken from both the core and outer regions of the trunk and tested under wet and dry conditions. The samples obtained from the outer layer of the base, and tested under dry conditions, gave the highest modulus of elasticity of 4,943N/mm2 and a modulus of rupture of 42.8N/mm2. The samples obtained from the inner section of the top and tested under wet conditions gave the lowest values of 369.7N/mm2 for modulus of elasticity and 0.4N/mm2 for modulus of rupture. The maximum value of energy consumption of 12.86 joules was recorded for the outer base section tested under wet conditions as against the minimum value of 0.45 joules recorded for the samples from the inner portion of the top and tested under dry conditions. There were a general decrease from the base to the top for the three parameters and from inside to outer section.
Development of a greenhouse roof cleaner
(Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, 2011-12) Mijinyawa, Y.; Akpenpuun, T. D.
The efficiency of a greenhouse is influenced by the cleanliness of the glazing material through which heat and light penetrate into the enclosure. The common cleaning method for most greenhouses in developing countries is the use of a ladder to climb onto the roof to clean which is labour intensive, time-consuming, imposes severe loads on the roof that could cause failure and is dangerous to the cleaner. Consequently, many greenhouse roofs are rarely cleaned and the accumulated dirt reduce the amount of light and heat penetrating into the house. Experimental studies in such greenhouses may fail to produce valid findings while crop production may not yield the desired produce. There is therefore the need for appropriate equipment for effective cleaning of greenhouse roofs in order to eliminate the disadvantages of the existing common method. The focus of this study was to develop simple equipment that could be used for the cleaning of a greenhouse roof. A manually operated brush type greenhouse roof cleaner was designed, fabricated and tested. The equipment consisted of a roughly cylindrical brush mounted on a frame attached to a handle made of three concentric and adjustable cylindrical pipes. The equipment was fitted with a wash mix dispenser operated by a 1 hp sump pump. The equipment testing involved recording the illumination within and outside three greenhouses before and after washing with the equipment. Increases of 6.03, 13.19 and 16.36 % in transmittances of the roofs following washing with the equipment were recorded. A simple, easy to set-up, operate and maintain equipment for the cleaning of greenhouse roof has been designed and demonstrated great potentials in cleaning. Further studies aimed at reducing the weight, prolonging service life and improving efficiency are required.
Development of a wind rosette for farmstead planning in Ibadan environ, Nigeria
(Scholarlink Research Institute, 2011) Mijinyawa, Y.; Awogbuyi, T.
The prevailing wind speed and direction in an environment are critical factors in farmstead planning they influence the appropriate location and orientation of structures in order to reduce wind load impact and promote a healthy environment. The failure of farm structures especially with roof blown-off arising from wind load has become rampant in lbadan environ in recent time and an urgent solution is desirable. In this work, an attempt is made to develop a wind rosette for lbadan environ using 20 year climatic data. The prevailing wind direction was established to be southwesterly indicating that it originates in the south western direction and progresses in the northeastern direction while the average wind speed is 1.9m/s. A design speed of 2.1m/s being the highest recorded over the 20 year period is recommended for use in determining wind load. In order to minimize the impact of wind loads, the least projected area of buildings should be oriented in the southeast direction: shelterbelts should also be planted in the southeast direction in order to offer maximum protection. Using this prevailing wind direction as a guide, all odour producing facilities such as livestock units and waste treatment plants should be located on the leeward side of residential buildings.