Assessment of Ecological Status and Tree Diversity in Watershed Area of Dandi Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the ecological and tree diversity status of watershed area of Dandi local government area in Kebbi state using systematic sampling technique. Three transects of 300 m long were laid at 100 m intervals. On each transect, six sample plots of size 50 m x 50 m (0.25ha) were alternately laid at 50 m intervals. A total of 18 sample plots will be used for the study. Diameters at breast height (Dbh) of all the trees found in the plot with Dbh ≥ 5cm will be measured. Fourteen tree species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families were identified. Borassus aethiopum of the family Arecaceae was the most abundant species in the area with a relative density (RD) and diversity index (DI) of 0.296 and 0.08728 respectively. This was followed by Cocos nucifera in the Arecaceae family also, with RD and DI of 0.192 and 0.03662 respectively. Daniella oliveri of the family Fabaceae was the least represented species with RD and DI of 0.0018 and 0.00002 respectively. The overall tree species richness in the area was 0.0052

Family Cohesion and Level of Communication Between Parents and their Adolescent Children

This study investigated the level of communication between parents and their adolescent children and how such communication affects family cohesion. A sample of 200 subjects made up of adolescents and parents were selected through cluster, stratified and random sampling techniques from ten Local Government Areas in Kwara state. A questionnaire titled communication between parents and adolescents Questionnaire (CBPAQ) was administered to elicit relevant data from the respondents and the data were analyzed with the use of frequency counts, simple percentages and chi-square (X2) statistical analysis. The result established that a significant relationship exist between communication and family cohesion. It also revealed the level of communication between parents and their adolescent children to be above average. Some of the factors affecting level of communication were identified and appropriate recommendations were made. Keywords: Family cohesion, communication, parents, Adolescent children. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 52-5