The maiden volume of Ife Journal of Agriculture (IJA) was
rolled out of press in March 1977; the Faculty of Agriculture was then 15
years old. Over the years, IJA has continued to fulfill its role as a medium
for the publication of scientific papers describing research in any field
of Agriculture, publishing review articles and theoretical papers concerned
with agricultural development in the tropical world and publicizing and encouraging
research into those areas of Nigerian agriculture which will have immediate
impact on our efforts to increase food production.
In 2002, the Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University
of Ife) became forty years old. This edition is to commemorate the coming
of age of the University and of the Faculty of Agriculture. The articles are
commissioned papers from each of our five Departments- Agricultural Economics,
Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology -including the Home Economics Unit,
Animal Science, Plant Science and Soil Science. A position paper from our
sister institute, the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R.&T.),
Moor Plantation Ibadan is also included. In addition, two invited articles
from a specialist each from the Departments of Animal Science and Plant Science
are featured. These papers summarized research and development in the various
Departments of the Faculty and the I.A.R.&T. over the last 40 years. This
edition of Ife Journal of Agriculture is a documentary on the past and present
activities of the Faculty of Agriculture. A section of this anniversary edition
also contains some research articles.
This special 40th anniversary edition is coming out two years behind schedule.
Nevertheless, it is a companion for researchers, students and other stakeholders
in the broad field of Agriculture. The journal has come out under a new cover
and format. This volume is also unique as it marks the beginning of a new
era of self-sustenance and regularity of production. We appreciate your patronage
of IJA over the years. In fact you have being part of our success story and
we solicit for more of your continual support.
