Content Analysis of Agricultural Issues Reported in Two Nigerian Daily Newspapers

This study used two widely read Nigerian newspapers (Punch and Guardian) to assess the extent of daily newspapers involvement in disseminating agricultural information. Samples of the newspapers between 2007 and 2010 were analysed for daily reportage, space allocation and types of stories published. All data collected were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results showed that 70%, 78.8%, 66.3% and 60% of the newspapers evaluated did not report any agricultural issues in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. Among those that reported agricultural issues, majority reported 1-2 stories per day representing 21.3%, 28.8%, 25% and 36% of total sample size in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. Mean column inch allocation were 27.43, 10.77, 35.89 and 27.52 for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. Total column inch allocation to the publication of agricultural issues in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were 2194.29, 861.54, 2870.94 and 2201.52 respectively for all eighty (80) newspapers sampled in each year. Finally, except in 2008, the subject that attracted the highest reportage was health implications of the consumption of agricultural commodities. Judging by previous and current trends, the authors concluded that newspapers are not likely to make significant contribution to the dissemination of agricultural information for enhanced agricultural production

Assessment of veterinary extension services to livestock farmers in Egba Division, Ogun-State, Nigeria

The study examined operational modes of providing veterinary extension services to livestock farmers in Egba-Division, Ogun-State Nigeria. Information was obtained from 120 livestock farmers and 8 extension agents selected through multi-stage random sampling technique with the use of both structured questionnaire and interview schedule. The study revealed that veterinary extension services to the livestock farmers were inadequate. Identified constraints include inadequate funding, lack of transportation facilities and poor incentives among others. Chi-square results revealed significant relationship between effectiveness of veterinary extension services and adoption of innovations by livestock farmers (c2cal. = 49.33; c2tab. = 18.55; p0.05). These results revealed that effective contact with extension services was crucial to increased adoption of innovations by livestock farmers and that despite the identified constraints veterinary extension agents could still strive to perform using self initiatives as at when necessary. (Af. J. of Livestock Extension: 2003 2: 30-36

Influence of environmental factors on fish production in Ogun-State, Nigeria.

The study investigated environmental factors influencing fish farming in Ijebu - Ode Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun-state, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 50 respondents selected from 10 ponds in the area of study. Respondents were selected for the study using random sampling technique while the ponds observed for the study were purposively selected based on pronounced fisheries activities there. Information was received from the respondents through structured interview schedule which was earlier subjected to face validity and reliability tests (r =0.83). The results revealed that environmental factors affecting fish farming in the area of study included climatic factors (85%); nature of bottom soil (80%),water medium factors; feed and feeding procedure (60%); stocking of pond (24%), nature of physical environment (36%) and cultural environment (84%). The Chi-square test of relationship between demographic characteristics and perception of environmental factors revealed significant relationship between χ2 = 16; p 0.05; Marital Status χ2 = 10.32; p>0.05). [JEXT Vol.3 2002: 69-75

Sources of information used by women involved in fish industry in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examines the sources of information available to women involved in fish industry about modern technology and innovation in fisheries in Lagos State, Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty respondents were selected through multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected using interview schedule. The interview schedule was subjected to face validity and reliability tests using split half technique ( r = 0.75). The results show that 42 percent of the women obtain information through local women's association. The results further indicate that the mass media are not efficient in information dissemination to the women involved in fish industry in Lagos State. The test of association between the sources of information and involvement in fishing activities gave significant relationship with local women's association (2 = 74.84,

Connaissance de la santé sexuelle et de la reproduction, les besoins éducatifs et comportementaux des adolescents encore à l’école au sud du Nigéria

Adolescence is marked by progression from the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity. Curiosity about bodily changes is heightened. However, adolescents’ perceived sexuality education needs have been poorly documented. A survey of 989 adolescents from 24 North-Eastern Nigerian secondary schools yielded information on socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health knowledge, sexual activities and sexuality education needs. Of the interviewed respondents, 72% of females had experienced menstruation. Overall, 9% were sexually active, 3.1% knew when ovulation occurs, 47% knew pregnancy could result from first coitus and 56% knew of contraception. 84% opined that adolescents should be given sexuality education but only 48.3% had received any. Sexuality education should be provided for in-school adolescents through their preferred and reliable sources of information (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:37-49).L’adolescence est marquée par une progression à partir de la parution des caractéristiques sexuelles secondaires jusqu’à la maturité sexuelle et de la reproduction. La curiosité à l’égard des modifications physiologiques augmente. Une enquête sur 989 adolescents venant de 24 écoles secondaires du nord-est du Nigeria a donné des renseignements sur les caractéristiques socio-démographiques, la connaissance de la santé de la reproduction, les activités sexuelles et les besoins de l’éducation sexuelle. Parmi les enquêtés, 72% des femelles ont subi la menstruation. Dans l’ensemble, 9% étaient sexuellement actives, 3.1% savaient quand l’ovulation se produit, 47% savaient qu’il est possible de devenir enceinte dès le premier coϊt et 56% connaissaient la contraception. 84% étaient d’opinion que les adolescents doivent avoir l’éducation sexuelle, mais seuls 48,3% l’ont jamais eu. Il faut mettre l’éducation sexuelle sur le programme scolaire des adolescents encore à l’école à travers leurs sources sérieuses d’information (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]: 37-49)

Innovations in the Teaching of Architectural Studio: The Covenant Experience

Architectural design is the process through which the architect attempts to capture his thoughts and present it in a form that others can see. There are basically two methods of architectural design, namely the black box and the glass box methods. While the black box method is mainly intuitive, the glass box employs logically derived data for design. Various schools of architecture adopt either of these methods in training their students. This paper reports on the outcome of a homegrown combination of both methods adopted in the teaching of architectural design to second year architectural students in a private university in Nigeria. Data has been collected over a period of four years from the students involved through questionnaires and interviews. This has been complimented by discussions with the tutors involved. Results indicate that this innovative method provides a strong theoretical and analytical background for the students design projects while opening them opportunities to explore their creative potentials. The major challenges, however, are that the process is more demanding on the part of both the students and tutors and requires more contact hours between both groups