THE NIGERIAN AGRICULTURE AND POVERTY INCIDENCE: THE NEED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPOWERMENT

Poverty in Nigeria is concentrated in rural areas. Low resource or resource-poor farmers characterized by preponderance of small farm units, fragile soils, rain-dependent, minimum inputs and poor yield dominate the agricultural sector. The incidence of poverty is highest among households in which the head is engaged in agriculture as the main source of income. Agricultural growth is therefore important to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in Nigeria. Conscious policy efforts by government towards poverty alleviation began during the SAP era. Some companies like Shell and certain State Governments have shown real interest in alleviating poverty through their agricultural programmes and policy statements. Nigeria’s current vision for agricultural development is expressed in the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), the New Agricultural Policy (NAP), and the Rural Sector Development Strategy (RSDS). This paper posits that provision of electricity, potable water, health centres and formal schools will facilitate the sustainability of any impact of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria. Encouraging community development projects evolved by the communities themselves will minimize poverty incidence. Increasing the access of the poor to land and other productive resources will reduce poverty and generate employment. Development of infrastructural facilities in the rural areas has the two pronged approach of reducing poverty and developing the rural areas. Encouraging processing through adequate incentives to SMEs will also further empower the private sector.Farm Management, Food Security and Poverty,

ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) ON THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF AGRO-BASED FOOD INDUSTRIES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

The use of Information Communication technologies (ICTs) as a management tool has gained widespread significance in recent years and the stock of management advantages provided by ICT cuts across disciplines and sectors. Management experts see this globalization of management options as the “super production and marketing input” needed by firms to boost their competitive edge. This paper assesses the adoption and use of ICTs on the economic performance of Agro-industries (ABFIs) in South-West, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 80 respondents from the study area. Budgetary analysis, t-test of mean differences and multiple regressions were used in the data analysis to actualise the study objectives. In assessing the effect of ICTs on the economic performance of the companies, the “before and after” scenarios were analysed. The results revealed an increase of about 14 percent increase in total profit after adoption of ICTs. The reduction in marketing cost brought about by adopting ICT s were found to be largely responsible for the increase in profit of the ICT adopting firms. The results also revealed that irrespective of the scale of operation, there was a general reduction in total marketing cost due to ICT adoption. The Cobb Douglas function fitted to explain the cost effect relationship between yearly firms’ expenditure on ICTs and firm’s characteristics revealed that the proportion of ICT literate staff to the total staff strength and age of firm were found to be significant positive determinants of ICTs expenditure. The study recommends the adoption and use of ICTs by agro-based firms as a cutting edge input that is not only cost effective but more efficient in the long run.Agribusiness,

Iron Deficiency Status and Anaemia among Athletes in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background: Athletes are highly at risk of minimal iron consumption due to the nature of their diet which is mainly based on calorie consideration without regard for an iron-embedded diet. This study determined the iron deficiency status and anaemia in athletes across all sports in Osogbo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Seventy (70) subjects comprising 55 and 33 age-sex matched athletes and healthy non–athlete controls respectively, were recruited into this study from Osogbo City Stadium Nigeria. Parameters assessed include packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and the red cell indices; serum iron; total iron-binding capacity; and ferritin. Results: There was a general and gender-specific significant reduction in the mean ±SD level of all haematological parameters (p<0.05) of the athletes compared with the controls with the TIBC, serum iron and ferritin reduced though statistically insignificant. Moderate anaemia was generally observed (64%) in the entire populace while those with severe anaemia, mainly the females (5%). Iron deficiency was present majorly in the female group with one male displaying iron depletion features. Conclusion: Iron deficiency, depleted iron store and anaemia are well observed in the athletes with the females presenting more anaemic conditions than the male counterparts all of which result from their dietary constituents, non-supplementation of haemoglobin, mechanical induced intravascular haemolysis, uncompensated blood loss due to menstrual flow in females and exercise-induced inflammatory cytokine

F-wave parameters and body mass index in carpal tunnel syndrome

Background Severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) readily lends itself to both clinical and electrophysiological recognition. The uncertainty sometimes is in identifying and quantifying motor involvement in mild and, perhaps, in moderate CTS. Our study aimed to evaluate F responses in mild and moderate CTS and determine the contribution of BMI to the F-wave parameters. Methods A retrospective review of the clinical and electrophysiological data of patients with CTS seen at the clinical neurophysiology laboratory of Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2019 was retrieved. Carpal tunnel syndrome was graded according to the electrophysiological criteria of Padua. The F-wave parameters of patients with mild-to-moderate CTS were analyzed and compared with asymptomatic controls. Result We studied 91 hands. Twenty-two hands were asymptomatic controls, 30 hands had mild CTS, and 39 hands had moderate CTS. Patients with moderate CTS were more obese (p =.011), had more females (p =.044), and were older (p= Conclusion Although a clear difference exists between F-wave parameters in asymptomatic controls and those with CTS, the F-wave study is inadequate in distinguishing mild and moderate CTS even in the context of BMI. Median–ulnar F-wave latency difference (FWLD) appeared to be a promising discriminant parameter between obese patients with mild CTS and those with moderate CTS

Factors that affect the uptake of community-based health insurance in low-income and middle-income countries : a systematic protocol

Many people residing in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are regularly exposed to catastrophic healthcare expenditure. It is therefore pertinent that LMICs should finance their health systems in ways that ensure that their citizens can use needed healthcare services and are protected from potential impoverishment arising from having to pay for services. Ways of financing health systems include government funding, health insurance schemes and out-of-pocket payment. A health insurance scheme refers to pooling of prepaid funds in a way that allows for risks to be shared. The health insurance scheme particularly suitable for the rural poor and the informal sector in LMICs is community-based health insurance (CBHI), that is, insurance schemes operated by organisations other than governments or private for-profit companies. We plan to search for and summarise currently available evidence on factors associated with the uptake of CBHI, as we are not aware of previous systematic reviews that have looked at this important topic

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AND RELATIONAL MAINTENANCE AMONG UNMARRIED POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, NIGERIA

The study ascertained the level of relational maintenance among unmarried postgraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and as well as the relationship between interpersonal communication and relational maintenance among the postgraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. Finally, it also examined the relationship between demographic variables and relational maintenance among the postgraduate students. These were with a view to providing useful information on relational maintenance among the unmarried postgraduate students. The study adopted survey design. The sample size comprised 600 postgraduate students selected from six selected faculties out of the thirteen Faculties in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, using multistage sampling technique. Thereafter, a total of 100 students were selected in each faculty using purposive sampling technique for those that were into dating relationship. One adapted and one self-constructed instruments were used to elicit information from the respondents. The adapted instrument was Relational Maintenance Scale (RMS) while Interpersonal Communication Inventory (ICI) was self-constructed. Percentages, frequency counts Pearson correlation and Chi-square were employed to analyze the data. The results showed that 24.8%, 52.5% and 22.7% of postgraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo Universities Ile-Ife demonstrated low, moderate and high levels of relational maintenance respectively. The study also indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between interpersonal communication and relational maintenance (r = 0.676, p > 0.05). Furthermore, the results showed significant relationship between sex of the students and relational maintenance (x2 =24.271; df = 564, p > 0.05). Finally, the results showed significant relationship between age of the students and relational maintenance (x2 = 47.837a; df = 564, p > 0.05). It was concluded that irrespective of the age of the students, most unmarried postgraduate students in the study area had moderate level of relational maintenance

Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM): Terrorist Networks Infiltrate Northern Mali

The Paper provides an overview of the Tuareg rebellion in Northern Mali with particular reference to conditions that are conducive to terrorist networks infiltration of the age-long insurrection in the region In this regard the roles played by the infiltration of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb AQIM the return of the Migrant workers and Tuareg combatants from Libya as well as the 22 March mutiny and Military coup in the Tuareg rebellion culminating in the total collapse of north Mali and the unilateral declaration of the independence of the State of Azawad were highlighted Noting that the problem in Northern Mali is not that of religious extremism or terrorism and that Military answer cannot be an effective long-term strategy or solution to the recurrent rebellion in the region the Paper indicates that the solution to the problem lies in recognizing the fact that the Tuaregs have legitimate political socio-economic security environmental humanitarian and human rights grievances that must be addressed without which the Tuareg rebellion will continue to resonate for some time to com

Promoting Tourism in Araromi, Ondo State through the Integration of Bamboo, Stone, and Laterite in Beach Resort Architecture

The tourism industry is an essential driver of economic growth as it draws in tourists to explore diverse destinations and engage in various experiences. Even so, the tourism sector in Nigeria is presently underdeveloped and makes a negligible contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This inquiry focuses on Araromi, a locality in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria, renowned for possessing the most extensive coastal stretch in the nation. The study puts forth a proposition for a beach resort design that is both sustainable and economically feasible, incorporating bamboo, stone, and laterite. The study investigates the advantages and modern methods of using indigenous materials, specifically bamboo, stone, and laterite, in building design by carrying out three case studies and collecting and analysing data from 60 questionnaires. Araromi region boasts an abundant and readily available supply of these materials. Results suggest that Stabilised Compressed Earth Blocks (SCEBs) made from bamboo, stone, and laterite can be viable substitutes for steel and concrete in non-structural elements. Integrating these materials can reduce construction and maintenance expenses while providing the beach resort with a unique traditional appearance that may appeal to visitors and promote tourism in Araromi, in Ondo State. The study points out the potential of bamboo, stone, and laterite as fundamental constituents in sustainable design, fostering economic progress through tourism promotion. Building designs in Araromi can exhibit the region's cultural heritage while providing a distinctive and eco-friendly experience for tourists by efficiently using the available natural resources. The use of these indigenous materials will promote the advancement of Nigeria's tourism sector. Keywords: Araromi. Beach Resort Architecture, Economic Development, Indigenous Materials, Tourism Promotion DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/64-06 Publication date: May 30th 202

Severity of intrauterine adhesions and pregnancy success rates after treatment: Comparison of adhesions obtained from open myomectomy versus uterine curettage

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) are rare. A retrospective comparative study was conducted between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018. Group A comprised 117 women who developed IUAs after open myomectomy, while Group B comprised 113 women who developed IUAs following uterine trauma caused by uterine instrumentation after a termination of pregnancy (TOP) or spontaneous miscarriage. The IUA grade and pregnancy rates and outcomes were compared using the March classification system. All patients underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. The adhesions tended to be more severe (45/117, 38.5%) in Group A than in Group B (29/113, 25.7%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (Chi-Suare 5.047; p = .080). The period of observation was 24 months from the last hysteroscopy. The pregnancy rate in Group A (26, 22.2%) was significantly lower than in Group B (46, 40.7%) (OR: 2.403, 95% CI: 1.352–4.271; p = .003). Open myomectomy was the preceding aetiological factor in a greater proportion of women with IUA in our study. In cases where pregnancy is desired after open myomectomy, especially where the endometrial cavity is breached, postoperative hysteroscopy to exclude IUAs is recommended. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 90-96). Les adhérences intra-utérines (IUA) sont rares. Une étude comparative rétrospective a été menée entre le 1er janvier 2015 et le 31 décembre 2018. Le groupe A comprenait 117 femmes ayant développé des AIU après une myomectomie ouverte, tandis que le groupe B comprenait 113 femmes ayant développé des AIU à la suite d'un traumatisme utérin causé par une instrumentation utérine après l'arrêt d'une grossesse (TOP) ou fausse couche spontanée. Le grade IUA et les taux de grossesse et les résultats ont été comparés à l'aide du système de classification de mars. Tous les patients ont eu une adhésiolyse hystéroscopique. Les adhérences avaient tendance à être plus sévères (45/117, 38,5 %) dans le groupe A que dans le groupe B (29/113, 25,7 %); cependant, cette différence n'était pas statistiquement significative (Chi-Suare 5,047 ; p = 0,080). La période d'observation était de 24 mois à partir de la dernière hystéroscopie. Le taux de grossesse dans le groupe A (26, 22,2 %) était significativement plus faible que dans le groupe B (46, 40,7 %) (OR : 2,403, IC à 95 % : 1,352–4,271 ; p = 0,003). La myomectomie ouverte était le facteur étiologique précédent chez une plus grande proportion de femmes avec IUA dans notre étude. Dans les cas où une grossesse est souhaitée après une myomectomie ouverte, en particulier lorsque la cavité endométriale est percée, une hystéroscopie postopératoire pour exclure les IUA est recommandée. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 90-96)

A push-pull transducer for ocean wave energy harvesting

Ocean wave energy is one of the primary energy sources, which is available during day and night, in various weather conditions. It was previously proven that energy harvesting from ocean waves could be used to generate electric power to supply sensors or small electronic devices located in buoys. Using a combination of various energy harvesters would enable more remote and unmanned future offshore sensor applications that can facilitate more effective monitoring and control. In this study, we successfully demonstrated a simple, low-cost and environmentally friendly energy harvester which can be optimally used as an Ocean Wave Energy Harvester (OWEH). Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract