Exploration of indigenous knowledge systems in relation to couching in Nigeria

Background: Couching is a traditional treatment for cataracts but often has poor visual outcomes, as identified during the Nigerian National Blindness Survey.Objectives: To investigate why couching is accessed by individuals with cataracts in northern Nigeria.Methods: The ten rural clusters in Jigawa State included in the National BlindnessSurvey were revisited to trace four groups of participants: cataract blind individuals, those couched or who had undergone cataract surgery and local couchers. Additional postoperative patients were recruited from the local eye department. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with cataract blind and cataract-operated participants, and 27 in-depth interviews were conducted with those couched and five couchers. Qualitative data were translated, transcribed and analysed after immersion and reflection using a thematic framework.Results: Half of the cataract blind attributed the cause to spiritual factors or past misdeeds, only 25% knew they had cataracts and 83% had not undergone ophthalmic examination. Cost, distance and unreliability of services were the main barriers to accessing surgery. Facilitators of couching were the responsiveness of couchers in relation to location, timing and payment, and immediate visual improvement. Couchers understood local beliefs, were itinerant and used a network of case finders.Conclusions: Couching is accepted as it is entrenched in traditional beliefs and indigenous knowledge systems, and couchers are responsive. Lack of awareness and inaccessibility were barriers to cataract surgery. Strategies to improve cataract surgery must take account of local beliefs and factors influencing health-seeking behaviour. Couchers were willing to collaborate with professional eye care providers, but this will require time, skill and mutual trust.Keywords: couching</jats:p

An Assessment of Rural Household Vulnerability in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Region, Northeastern Nigeria

The Hadejia-Nguru wetlands have long been recognized as a World Heritage Site notably for its supportive role to wild birds from Europe, Asia, and Australia. At times the functions of the wetlands have been tremendously jeopardized due to dwindling resources and thus affecting the lives of more than 1.5 million people. A number of projects were initiated by different international communities, such as the Department for International Development (DFID), aimed at fostering sustainable utilization of the natural resource base to improve the well-being of the people. The interventions have rarely succeeded, perhaps due to the lack of understanding of rural household vulnerability drivers. It is against this backdrop that this study undertook a household vulnerability assessment to determine the internal and external factors and their magnitudes in exacerbating the conflicts in the area. The data was obtained through the administration of 210 questionnaires in 15 communities of the wetlands region and analyzed principally using the vulnerability ladder, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the external drivers, like invasion by typha grass and other aquatic plants, pests, and fluctuating water flow volumes, as the main sources of vulnerability rather than anthropogenic factors of resource over-exploitation, poor management, and lack of internal control mechanisms. The external factors were found to have multiplier effects on primary productivity and the livelihoods of the dependent communities subjecting them to poverty conditions and exacerbating intense competition and conflict over the depleting resources

Rebelia Boko-Haram i dylemat braku środków do życia na wsi: implikacje dla zrównoważonego rozwoju północno-wschodniej Nigerii

The Boko-Haram insurgency has affected livelihoods in the Northeast Nigeria in all ramifications. This study reviewed scholarly submissions on the drivers and impact of the insurgency in the area. The outcome of the review showed that the insurgency is driven mainly by poverty, religious extremism, and politics. Equally, the insurgency has affected rural livelihoods entirely and has exacerbated food insecurity, unemployment, and poverty. This is because critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, markets, and electricity/telecommunication facilities have been largely destroyed, and residents of some communities are still displaced. Hence, to better the livelihood of the people in communities where normalcy has been restored, there is the need to promote agriculture and trade by securing the communities and enhancing access to affordable agricultural inputs.Rebelia Boko-Haram wpłynęła negatywnie na poziom życia mieszkańców północnego-wschodu Nigerii. W tym badaniu dokonano przeglądu opinii naukowych na temat czynników powodujących i wpływu rebelii na ten obszar. Wyniki przeglądu wykazały, że rebelia jest napędzana głównie przez biedę, ekstremizm religijny i politykę. Rebelia znacząco wpłynęła na obniżenie dochodów na wsi i zaostrzyła brak bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego, zwiększyła poziom bezrobocia i ubóstwa. Wynika to z faktu, że infrastruktura krytyczna, taka jak szkoły, szpitale, rynki oraz instalacje elektryczne/telekomunikacyjne, została w dużej mierze zniszczona, a mieszkańcy niektórych społeczności nadal są przesiedlani. Dlatego też, aby poprawić warunki życia ludzi w społecznościach, w których przywrócono normalność, istnieje potrzeba promowania rolnictwa i handlu dla lokalnych społeczności i zwiększenie dostępu do przystępnych cenowo środków produkcji rolnej

Coverage of hospital-based cataract surgery and barriers to the uptake of surgery among cataract blind persons in nigeria: the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine cataract surgical coverage, and barriers to modern cataract surgery in Nigeria. METHODS: Multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to identify a nationally representative sample of 15,027 persons aged 40+ years. All underwent visual acuity testing, frequency doubling technology visual field testing, autorefraction, and measurement of best corrected vision if <6/12 in one or both eyes. An ophthalmologist examined the anterior segment and fundus through an undilated pupil for all participants. Participants were examined by a second ophthalmologist using a slit lamp and dilated fundus examination using a 90 diopter condensing lens if vision was <6/12 in one or both eyes, there were optic disc changes suggestive of glaucoma, and 1 in 7 participants regardless of findings. All those who had undergone cataract surgery were asked where and when this had taken place. Individuals who were severely visually impaired or blind from unoperated cataract were asked to explain why they had not undergone surgery. RESULTS: A total of 13,591 participants were examined (response rate 89.9%). Prevalence of cataract surgery was 1.6% (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.8), significantly higher among those aged ≥70 years. Cataract surgical coverage (persons) in Nigeria was 38.3%. Coverage was 1.7 times higher among males than females. Coverage was only 9.1% among women in the South-South geopolitical zone. Over one third of those who were cataract blind said they could not afford surgery (36%). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgical coverage in Nigeria was among the lowest in the world. Urgent initiatives are necessary to improve surgical output and access to surgery

Enhancement of complex permittivity and attenuation properties of activated carbon derived from oil palm fruit fiber for microwave application

This study aimed to synthesize activated carbon (AC) from empty oil palm fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber to enhance its complex permittivity properties by modifying the particle size and surface area via physical activation. Sample characterizations of complex permittivity were conducted using open-ended coaxial technique and a vector network analyzer. The absorption properties were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM) simulations of the transmission coefficients and the distribution of electric fields via the microstrip models. Simulations and measurements were all carried out within the range 8–12 GHz. The initial surface area of the unactivated sample was 4.02, after 700, 750, and 800 °C activation, 730.40, 814.00, and 927.01 m2/g was obtained respectively. With increased surface area, the dielectric constant and loss factor values increased and attained maximum values of 6.13 and 0.83 at 8 GHz, respectively from initial values of 3.63 and 0.52, as the surface area increased from 4.02 to 927.01 m2/g. The improved absorption properties displayed by the AC in the simulations demonstrated their capacity to attenuate X-band microwaves

Factors influencing the adoption of ICT’S in extension service delivery among the extension agents in North-East, Nigeria

One of the strong mechanisms in the extension service delivery is the connection between agricultural research, extension and the farmers. The evolving new model of agricultural production and the small number of extension agents question old ways of providing valuable knowledge to farmers. The goal was to define the respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics, classify the types of ICT tools adopted by the respondents and identify factors influencing the adoption of ICT in extension service delivery among the respondents. Primary data were obtained using multi-stage cluster sampling technique, using organized questionnaires administered to 254 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used. The research used Rogers’ Theory of Innovation Diffusion, Rogers and Burde’s Theory of Social Change. The findings from the study have shown that GSM, radio, television, camera, internet, computer, CD/DVD player and VHS video are the most commonly used ICT components in various aspect of extension work. The multiple regression results reveal that gender, age, level of education and working experience has no significant contribution to ICT adoption while marital status, awareness, accessibility and motivation are the most influential factors influencing the adoption of ICT’s in extension service delivery. The study recommends that government for support the extension organizations with the most commonly used ICT components, ensure adequate awareness and access to ICT’s. The government support and interest will motivate the extension agents to adopt ICT’s tools and technology in extension service delivery

Factors Affecting use of Information Communication Technologies among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria

The study assessed the Relationship between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation and Adoption of ICT’s Among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to describe the demographic profiles of the respondents, assess the perception of the respondents on problems in using ICTs for agriculture extension works, assess the Relationships between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, and Adoption of ICT’s. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires distributed to 254 respondents using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling in AMOS was used. Findings reveals that level of ICT adoption, accessibility, and perceived organizational support was high. The high cost of ICT's, electricity problem, lack of training, ICT illiteracy, outdated contents, inability to use ICT and signal issue were the critical problems in using ICT's in extension work.  There is an evident relationship between awareness, accessibility and motivation with ICT adoption among the extension agents and the strength of the linear relationship is very high correlation in a positive direction. The study suggests governments and policymakers to design a policy framework that will ensure that extension personnel are enlightened, trained, given access to ICT's, provide an alternative source of power, and as well adhere to the motivational behavior that will enable them to remain within the system and also increase their service efficiency using ICT's in extension work

Factors Affecting use of Information Communication Technologies among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria

The study assessed the Relationship between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation and Adoption of ICT’s Among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to describe the demographic profiles of the respondents, assess the perception of the respondents on problems in using ICTs for agriculture extension works, assess the Relationships between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, and Adoption of ICT’s. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires distributed to 254 respondents using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling in AMOS was used. Findings reveals that level of ICT adoption, accessibility, and perceived organizational support was high. The high cost of ICT's, electricity problem, lack of training, ICT illiteracy, outdated contents, inability to use ICT and signal issue were the critical problems in using ICT's in extension work.  There is an evident relationship between awareness, accessibility and motivation with ICT adoption among the extension agents and the strength of the linear relationship is very high correlation in a positive direction. The study suggests governments and policymakers to design a policy framework that will ensure that extension personnel are enlightened, trained, given access to ICT's, provide an alternative source of power, and as well adhere to the motivational behavior that will enable them to remain within the system and also increase their service efficiency using ICT's in extension work

Factors Affecting use of Information Communication Technologies among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria

The study assessed the Relationship between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation and Adoption of ICT’s Among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to describe the demographic profiles of the respondents, assess the perception of the respondents on problems in using ICTs for agriculture extension works, assess the Relationships between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, and Adoption of ICT’s. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires distributed to 254 respondents using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling in AMOS was used. Findings reveals that level of ICT adoption, accessibility, and perceived organizational support was high. The high cost of ICT's, electricity problem, lack of training, ICT illiteracy, outdated contents, inability to use ICT and signal issue were the critical problems in using ICT's in extension work.  There is an evident relationship between awareness, accessibility and motivation with ICT adoption among the extension agents and the strength of the linear relationship is very high correlation in a positive direction. The study suggests governments and policymakers to design a policy framework that will ensure that extension personnel are enlightened, trained, given access to ICT's, provide an alternative source of power, and as well adhere to the motivational behavior that will enable them to remain within the system and also increase their service efficiency using ICT's in extension work

Prevalence of Trachoma in Four Local Government Areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and water and sanitation coverage in four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State, Nigeria: Birnin Kudu, Buji, Dutse and Kiyawa. METHODOLOGY: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. From each LGA, 25 villages were selected using probability-proportional-to-population size sampling; in each village, 25 households were selected using the random walk technique. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trichiasis, defined according to the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme definitions. Water, sanitation and hygiene data were also collected through questioning and direct observation. RESULTS: In 2458 households of four LGAs, 10,669 residents were enumerated. A total of 9779 people (92% of residents) were examined, with slightly more females examined (5012; 51%) than men. In children aged 1-9 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of TF ranged from 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-9.0%) in Birnin Kudu to 12.8% (95% CI 7.6-19.4%) in Kiyawa, while the age- and gender-adjusted trichiasis prevalence in persons aged ≥15 years ranged from 1.9% (95% CI 1.4-2.5%) in Birnin Kudu to 3.1% (95% CI 2.2-4.0) in Dutse. Access to improved water sources was above 80% in all LGAs surveyed but access to improved sanitation facilities was low, ranging from 23% in Buji to 50% in Kiyawa. CONCLUSION: Trachoma is a public health problem in all four LGAs surveyed. The full SAFE strategy needs to be implemented to achieve trachoma elimination