Taxonomic studies on the genus Indigofera Linn. (Indigofereae, Fabaceae) in parts of Katsina and Kaduna States, North-Western Nigeria

Indigofera is a large genus in the family Fabaceae comprising about 750 species. In Nigeria, particularly the northwestern savanna region, identification and naming of Indigofera species have been very difficult, ambiguous and controversial for a long time. Thus, proper identification and naming of the species within this genus are paramount. Several field surveys were carried out in the study area and twelve species were successfully collected and identified. Multivariate analyses (CA and PCA) were used to determine whether the species are distinct or not, and to identify the most useful characters for the identification of the species in the region. Fresh specimens were collected purposely for this work and herbarium specimens were used. The result of the cluster analysis revealed 12 distinct clusters (at an Euclidean distance of 0.08) with a cophenetic correlation coefficient value (r) of 0.89. The result of the PCA revealed 12 distinct groups. The character loadings indicated that number of seeds per pod, petiole length, leaflet length, internode, fruit length and leaflet width contributed the highest variation among the species, which could be more useful in delimiting the species. These characters can, therefore, be used in the identification and distinguishing of Indigofera species in the region. We provided a key for the identification of the species

Effects of crude ethanol extract of Tapinanthus globiferus a. Rich on functional and structural integrity of the rats kidney

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of crude ethanol extract of Tapinanthus globiferuson rat kidney. The toxic effects of the extract on rats kidney after 28 days of oral administration were evaluated on serum levels of urea, creatinine, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) while histopathology was evaluated on sections of the kidney. Results from the acute toxicity studies on the extract were found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight in rats after oral administration. The biochemical analysis of the extract showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum urea, creatinine and sodium levels, and significant (p<0.05) increase in serum potassium and chloride levels at doses of 175 and 350 mg/kg, while serum bicarbonate remained insignificant at tested doses. However, histological observations showed no significant structural changes in the kidney architecture at doses of 87.5 and 175 mg/kg extract compared to control, but at 350 mg/kg dose of extract showed areas of degeneration of Bowman’s capsule.The present work has revealed the non-toxicity of the ethanol extracts of Tapinanthus globiferus at low dose but suggests that its prolonged usage at higher dose should be monitored.Keywords: Tapinanthus globiferus, Creatinine, Electrolytes, nephrotoxic, Bowman’s capsul

Geospatial Mapping and Multi-criteria Evaluation of Surrounding Flood Risk Communities of Usman Dam Abuja-Nigeria

There is concern of flood increase in recent decades due to its effect on human life and man’s environment. This study thus mapped and analysed flood risk communities around the Usman dam in Abuja, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques. Spatial data were captured which included positional coordinates, Landsat enhanced thematic mapper (ETM), soil map, and shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM). The factors of flooding and their effect on the area under study were identified. The results of the study revealed based on the criteria weights that, slope (0.24) and elevation (0.24) were the most important factors contributing to flooding in the study area followed by drainage proximity (0.16), land use land cover (LULC)(0.12), and soil (0.08), respectively. The results also showed that, the built-up area, farmland, forest, grassland, rock outcrop and water body covered about 278.0 km2, 306.9 km2, 1406.6 km2, 1635.8 km2, 387.5 km2 and 386.9 km2, respectively of the study area. Moreover, it was found out that 6.41% of the settlements were located in the highly vulnerable areas, while 64.02% were located within the areas moderately vulnerable to flooding. However, the remaining 29.57% were located in the low vulnerable areas. It was suggested based on the results of the study that settlements close to the river course and dam reservoir, and along the flood plains should be relocated to the low vulnerable areas (eastern parts of the study area) in order to prevent future flood hazard. Keywords: Environment, Flood Risk Management, Geo-spatial Mapping, Hazard, Multi-criteria Analysi

Pesticides and Fertilizers Use in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria

Pesticides and fertilizers use in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna catchments, north central, Nigeria was investigated. Contamination of the rivers and their resources due to unsustainable use of pesticides and fertilizers by local farmers are a major problem in the study area. Also, data from the study of pesticides and fertilizer use remain scanty and therefore needed. The objective is to find the opportunity for all stakeholders to improve on the overall environmental performance. Extensive field survey was conducted using various participatory appraisals techniques involving key stakeholders in the area. Collated data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods (frequency percentage). The results of findings identify unsustainable use of fertilizers and pesticides by farmers in the study area. It further shows respondents in the study area applied high rate of fertilizers and pesticides during farming activities which obviously improved crop yield but in turn lead to water quality degradation. Virtually, majority of the farmers have little or no measures towards ensuring protection of water and biota from the potential danger of pesticides and fertilizers use in the study area. These attitudes discovered could lead to water quality degradation, biodiversity disruption and subsequent negative impact on economic development in the study area. In view of the above, it is recommended that visible and effective environmental management policies in respect of agrochemicals use in the study area be put in place to guarantee cleaner and healthier environment for all

Spatial Analysis of Water Quality in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria

It is understood that human activities have continue to alter the physico-chemical patterns of water and it’s resources, which has resulted into poor water quality in the study area. As comprehensive distribution of water quality parameters in the study area is of great interest, there exist a golden opportunity to consider a study with GIS aided spatial coverage beyond laboratory analytical dimensions. Thus, a total of thirty two (32) samples of water and sediment were collected during rainy and dry season for physico-chemical analysis. Water samples collected were analysed in situ for seven (7) parameters using HANNA multiparameter analyser and eight (8) other parameters were analysed in the analytical laboratory following standard methods. The finding revealed a significant number of parameters analysed were beyond regulatory limits. It is hence recommended that visible policies aimed at ensuring good water quality in the study area are critical for sustainability

Increasing the productivity of sorghum farmers in Sudan Savannah of Nigerian: Effect of Access to improved technology and market

Sorghum has assumed greater importance in the economies of several African countries especially with the renewed interest by processors who are interested in using the grain to compliment/substitute wheat and barley in the confectionery and malting industries. Low on-farm grain yields are attributed to low use of inputs including seeds and fertilizers as well as good agronomic practices. ICRISAT Nigeria, in collaboration with several partners under the Agricultural Transformation Support Project (ATASP-1) implemented several activities including thematic training, on-farm technology demonstrations, community seed production and formation of innovation platforms (IPs) for market linkages. Remarkable progress were made in enhancing access to quality seeds and other inputs to over 40,000 farmers while expanding knowledge of Improved technologies to over 100 communities. During the 2016 cropping season, farmers produced over 70,268 Mt of grains valued at N9.135billion (US$29M). The impacts of trainings resulted in about 60% improvement in the understanding of good agronomic practices and post-harvest handling by the farmers and extension agents. The use of improved technologies increased grain yields by 30 to 64% (improved varieties), 27 to 38% (seed dressing), and 20% to 55% (tillage practices). Through IPs and market linkages to large scale processors, 109.76 tons of seeds were procured, distributed and planted. Average yield obtained from improved technologies was 1.5 t/ha compared to 1.1 t/ha by other farmers giving a 40% increase. A total of 1,093 women farmers comprising of about 34.2% of the total number of participating farmers benefited directly from the project. Seed fairs, radios and audio-visual broadcasts on improved production technologies and market availability were used to reach non-participating farmers within the zones. The combination of methods stimulated adoption of improved sorghum production technologies and market linkages proofed effective in achieving both increased sorghum yields and household income

Knowledge, sources of information, and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among secondary school youth in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are responsible for a variety of health problems especially among the youth who engage in risky sexual behavior. There are few studies that describe STIs among the youths in Northern Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of STIs and risk factors among secondary school youth. Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study in which structured, self‑administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio‑demographics, knowledge on STIs, and risk factors. Three senior secondary schools were purposively selected for the study. Results: A total of 1765 youths aged 10‑30 years with mean age of 16.9 ± 2.0 years participated in the study. 1371 (77.7%) and 394 (22.3%) were respectively Muslim and Christian. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 16.7 ± 2.0 years.A majority (67.6%) of them heard about STIs; sources of information of STIs were school lessons 23.6%, mass media 23.3%, and health magazines 19.2%, respectively. Generally, knowledge on STIs was good as 75.4% of respondents knew how the disease is transmitted. This knowledge was significantly associated with class of student, place of treatment, and religious teaching (χ2 = 9.6, P = 0.047, χ2 = 22.1, P = 0.035 and 42.6, P = 0.001, respectively). Mean knowledge score was 0.698 ± 0.01. A majority of respondents were engaged in risky sexual behavior as only 16.2% use condom as a preventive measure. Eleven percent reported ever having an STI in the past and majority (52.8%) go to government hospital for treatment of acquired STI. 56% of the youth had two or more boy/girl friends and 30% had sexual relationships. Conclusion: It was concluded that secondary school youth had good knowledge about STIs; however, the opposite is true when it comes to preventive practice (use of condom). Interventions such as periodic publicity awareness and school seminars focusing on STI preventions are needed to control the disease among the youth

Assessment of health risks associated with wastewater irrigation in Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the health risks from the use of wastewater for irrigation to ensure a sustainable and safer agricultural production. Samples of wastewater and lettuce wash-water were analyzed to determine the faecal coliform count and the presence of helminth eggs. Besides, the opinion of the public was seeked through the use of questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using some statistical analysis (ANOVA), correlation analysis and simple statistics. The result shows that there were significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) among the faecal coliform counts in the wastewater of the study area. However, in the case of the lettuce wash-water, there were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) among the values of the faecal coliform in the area except that of Bajabure which differed significantly from the rest. The result also shows that there was no correlation (r = -0.15) between the faecal coliform in the wastewater and that in the lettuce wash-water. Helthminth eggs were found to be present in some of the wastewater and the lettuce wash-water of the study area