Effect of Road Infrastructure on Farm Production in Oyo State, Nigeria

In spite of the fact that majority of Nigerian farmers live in rural areas, the rate of infrastructural development in the rural areas remain a source of serious concern. This study was therefore carried out to assess the state of road infrastructure and it effect on farmers’ productivity in Oyo state, Nigeria. A three stage random sampling technique was employed to select 120 farming households in the study area. Descriptive statistics and the multiple regression models were the major analytical tools employed for the study. The result of the analysis showed that the state of road infrastructure in the study area is less than stellar as only about 12 percent of the roads were tarred. Cost of inputs, farm size, access to fertilizer, labour and access to good roads were identified as the significant factors influencing farmers’ output in the study area. In line with the results of the study, it was recommended that the government should focus on construction of more rural roads is to enhance farmers’ productivity and income through increased access to inputs and product market.Key words: Infrastructure, Market, Road, Rural, Oy

Comparative analysis of root and tuber expansion programme in Kwara state, Nigeria

The Nigerian government over the years introduced and implemented several policies and programmes aimed at improving the agricultural sector and enhancing farmers’ welfare. However, very little is known about the impact of these programmes on the intended beneficiaries to justify the huge funds expended on their execution. This study therefore examined how the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) had impacted on root and tuber crops production of the beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was used to select 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries of the programme. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Data Envelopment Analysis, and T-Test Analysis. The mean Total Factor Productivity index for the beneficiaries was 4.94 while that for the non-beneficiaries was 3.92. The mean technical efficiency score was 0.92 for beneficiaries and were more efficient than the non beneficiaries who had a technical efficiency score of 0.71. The study concluded that RTEP had made some positive impact on its beneficiaries in Kwara State and the capital investment in the programme by both the Federal and State Governments is justifiable. This study recommends that the programme should be expanded to cover all local government areas in the state to ensure a wider spread of the project benefits and that continuity of the programme beyond the project period should also be given due consideration.Key words: Root and Tuber Expansion Programme, Technical Efficienc

Nutritional Issues of HIV/AIDS Orphans in Sagamu South Western, Nigeria

More than 12 million children under the age of 18 years have been orphaned worldwide, as a result of HIV/AIDS, with Nigeria having the largest number of HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa, as more people die from AIDS, the proportion and problems of orphans and vulnerable children will increase. Little is known about the health and nutrition of those HIV/AIDS orphans and inconsistent findings make it difficult to assess if orphans and other vulnerable children have specific nutritional needs. This study investigated nutritional status HIV/AIDS orphans in Sagamu. The study population consisted of fifty seronegative orphans of parents who died as a result of HIV infection and AIDS and fifty seronegative non-orphaned children whose parents were HIV negative who served as control. Nutritional status was assessed anthropometrically and biochemically. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference and head circumference were measured in orphans and control. Significant difference (p< 0.05) was obtained in the percentage of children having stunted growth as determined by height-for-age in the orphans 30%, compared to 8% in the control. Also haemoglobin and plasma levels of total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphate were significantly reduced (p< 0.05) in the orphans compared with the control Nutritional status seemed to be compromised in the HIV/AIDS orphaned. Micronutrient profile assessment in a large sample size is suggested

Effect Of Caffeine And Ethanol Consumption On the Metabolism Of 5-Hydroxy Tryptamine In Rats

The effect of caffeine and ethanol on the metabolism of 5-hydroxy tryptamine in the rat was investigated. Rats were divided into four groups and the first group was fed rat chow with water and an oral administration of 2ml of 1% caffeine. The second group of rats was fed rat chow with 7% ethanol and the third group was fed rat chow with water and an oral administration of 2ml of 7% ethanol. The fourth group was fed rat chow water ad libitum for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation after starving them overnight and their brains were quickly excised. Protein tryptophan and 5-hydroxy tryptamine concentrations in the plasma and brain of rats were determined. The mitochondrial fraction of the brain tissues was isolated and the activity of monoamine oxidase determined. Results indicate that cafeine and ethanol curtailed the plasma and brain concentrations of protein and tryptophan. In addition, caffeine consumption enhanced 5-hydroxy tryptamine levels in plasma and brain, while a decrease in 5-hydroxy tryptamine levels was found in acute and chronic ethanol-treated rats. Brain momoaimine oxidase activity was inhibited by both caffeine and ethanol in the rat. Our findings suggest that caffeine and ethanol consumption may be detrimental in the regulation of brain functions mediated by the serotoninergic neurotransmission. [J. of Med. & Medical Sci. Vol.1(1) 1999: 31-38

Sustainability of the environment and water pollution in Nigeria: Problems, management and policy options

No Abstract. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5(1) 2006: 49-5

Strain and age of Dam effect on the reproductive and internal egg quality traits of crossbred chicken

No Abstract.Nigerian Journal of Genetics Vol. 19 2005: pp. 23-3

Sturge-Weber Syndrome in a 56 year old woman: A case report

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 14(3) 2005: 319-32