Adoption Differentials and Benefits of Improved Rice Production Technologies among Farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria

This study was undertaken to investigate adoption differentials and benefits of improved rice production technologies among farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Multi-stage random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select a total of 240 (two hundred and forty) rice farmers from the three agricultural zones of the State. Primary data were sourced directly from the rice farmers and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of data analysis indicates that most of the rice farmers adopted soil improving technologies such as use of agrochemicals (X = 3.3), zero tillage (X = 3.2), fertilizer application (X = 3.1) whereas, improved processing (X = 2.1) and use of modern rice milling (X = 2.0 were the least adopted. Further analysis reveals that most of the farmers sourced information on improved rice production technologies from extension agents (80%), fellow farmers/ neighbours (75.83%), and ADP contact farmers (66.67%). Agricultural shows (18.33%) and meetings (17.5%) were the least sources of information. The result of multiple regression analysis revealed an R2 of 0.678 and adjusted R2 of 0.591. All the independent variables were positively signed and statistically significant; indicating that they greatly influenced the dependent variables. The null hypotheses indicate significant differences between yield, income, level of living of the rice farmers before and after adoption. It was concluded that low production of rice in the study area was due to low technology adoption. Recommendations such as formation of rice farmers into cooperative societies and complementing recommended technology package with sources of inputs were made, among others. Keywords: Adoption, Rice Farmers, Improved Rice Technologies, Ebonyi State, Nigeri

Determinants of Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technologies in Ebonyi State of Nigeria

Ebonyi State is a major rice producing State in Southeast Nigeria. In recent times, rice production in the area has fallen short of the demand due to low yield ascribed to low adoption of improved production technologies disseminated by the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) of the State. This study was undertaken to investigate the determinants of adoption of improved rice production technologies in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Multi-stage random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select a total of 240 (two hundred and fourty) rice farmers from the three agricultural zones of the State. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule; and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result obtained shows that rice farmers in Ebonyi State are aware of field-level improved rice production technologies such as the use of improved varieties (91.67%), use of agrochemicals (87.50%), zero tillage (85.42%), fertilizer application (83.33%) e.t.c. but, experienced gap in knowledge down the production value chain. The result of multiple regression analysis indicates a high co-efficient of multiple determination, R2 of 76.6 percent was obtained. This indicates that about 76.6 percent of the variation in level of adoption of improved rice production technologies is influenced by the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Most of the independent variables met a priori expectations and were statistically significant at 5% and 1% levels of significance. Such variables that determine the adoption of these technologies include: gender, age, marital status, household size, e.t.c. A null hypothesis tested at 5% level of significance was rejected while its alternative was accepted. This implies that the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents do have significant effect on the level of adoption of improved rice production technologies. The result of factor analysis identified such constraints as: human/technology attributes, technical constraint, financial constraints, and poor institutional support as major constraints to adoption of improved rice production technologies in the State. Necessary recommendations such as designing farm-level technologies that reflect the socio-economic attributes, active participation of youths in agricultural empowerment interventions and complementing agricultural innovations with proper institutional framework for credit mobilization were made. Keywords: Adoption, Rice Technologies, Farmers, Ebonyi State, Nigeri

Is There a Role for Patent Medicine Vendors in Tuberculosis Control in Southern Nigeria?

Patent medicine vendors (PMVs) are a ubiquitous feature of the informal health sector in Nigeria. A previous study on healthcare-seeking behaviour of persons with chronic cough in southern Nigeria found that over 60% of respondents chose the PMV as a healthcare provider of first instance. This study sought to determine the willingness and capability of PMVs to play a role in the national tuberculosis (TB)-control effort. Study sites were selected through a multi-stage sampling process. In total, 388 PMVs, 17 principal officers of PMV associations, and 17 community leaders were purposively selected. Sets of structured questionnaire were administered to the PMVs while information from the principal officers of PMV associations and community leaders was elicited through in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were collated using the Epi Info software (version 6.04) and analyzed using the SPSS software (version 15). Most (90%) PMVs indicated that they would be ready to cooperate with the national TB-control programme, if trained. Seventy-three percent attended persons with prolonged cough in the course of their career. However, 48% did not know the cause of TB. Only 3% ever-attended a training session on TB control. Sixty-six percent completed at least 12 years of schooling with secondary school certificate. Eighty percent of the community leaders were happy with the work of PMVs. About two-thirds (65.6%) of the PMVs were male. The PMVs are positively disposed to playing roles in TB control. Given this positive disposition and their widespread acceptance in healthcare-delivery in the communities, they have potentials for playing a role in TB control in southern Nigeria

Role of Women in Farm and Family Decision Making Process in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Women are key players in the agricultural sector of most developing countries like Nigeria. But, despite their well recognized roles, men have continued to dominate both farm and non-farm decision making process. This study investigated the role of women in farm and family decision making process in Udi L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in collecting primary data from 120 respondents with the aid of a questionnaire and interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in data analysis. Result showed that women influenced decisions on the following farming activities: sowing/planting, fertilizer applications, marketing of farm products among others. They also took part in non-agricultural farming decisions such as marriage issues, domestic activities, family medical and health issues among others. The result of multiple regression analysis showed a high value of  R2 of 78.1% which indicates that about 78.1% change in participation of women farmers in farm and family decision-making was caused by changes in the socio-economic characteristics of the women farmers. The null hypothesis was rejected at 5% level of significance. This shows that the socio-economic characteristics of the women farmers influenced significantly their participation in decision making. The result of factor analysis identified institutional, socio-cultural and financial constraints as hindrances to women full participation in farm and non-farm decision making. It was concluded that empowering women through direct involvement in development and implementation of agricultural policies and projects can enhance their decision-making ability. Necessary recommendations such as legislative changes, formation of functional women groups and reform of land tenure system in favour of women were made among others. Keywords: Agriculture, Women, Role, Farm, Family, Decision Making, Enugu State, Nigeria

Not yet Requiem for Coup De’tats: The West African Experience

This paper outlines the history during the latter years of colonialism and the euphemism of independence as it swept across West Africa. After independence, conflicts started between the nationalists turned politicians and/officials and soldiers who served the colonialist governments. The new found freedom unearthed the ethnic tension existing between the political and military leaders. Also, political independence did not translate to economic prosperity for the common Africans as was expected it would with the demise of colonialism. Rather the post-colonial leaders became corrupt. The military as the guardians of the commonwealth overthrew the civilian leaders but in most cases, they became worse than the civilian governments. Rather than solving the contemporary political and socio-economic problems, military coups d’état in West Africa have led to civilian sufferings and turmoil.  This has been the case in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Mali.  The future trend is that coups will remain a common phenomenon as long as political and economic instability prevails. KEYWORDS: Colonialism, Coup, Ethnicity, Militar

Air and noise pollution effects on air quality in peacock paint industry, Ikot Ekan, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Eight sampling locations in the study area were assessed for some air pollutants, level of noise pollution and some meteorological parameters. Portable handheld air monitor was used to measure air pollutants, a sound level meter and anemometer for level of noise and meteorological parameters respectively. Results showed that the highest concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Suspended particulate matter were recorded in indoor II while those for Carbon monoxide and Chloride were recorded in outdoor I. The outdoor locations recorded higher mean noise level and temperature (76.1 dB (A), 30.05°C) than the indoor locations (70.95 dB (A), 27.03°C). On the other hand, the indoor locations recorded higher mean relative humidity (62.8%) than the outdoor locations (48.25%). Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed only in the mean concentration of Chloride in the two environments. The mean concentrations of NO2, SO2, H2S, CO and Cl2 were above the permissible limit of Federal Environmental Protection Agency thus posing environmental risks. Appropriate vehicle emission management should be considered; air and noise pollution control agencies should intervene to reduce the risks associate with these pollutants and improve the air quality of the study area

Exclusive breastfeeding and its relevance to infant teething

Objective: To determine the relevance of exclusive breast-feeding practice, in the development of healthy oral tissue among teething infants. Method: A cross sectional study design of children aged 6-36 months was carried out in 14 wards of Jos North Local Government Area. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 1081 mothers who qualified and were interviewed using structured interviewer questionnaire on their knowledge and perception on common complaints during teething in children. The index children were examined for number and type of teeth erupted using mouth mirror under natural light. Result: One thousand and eighty-one mothers and their babies were interviewed and examined; out these 16.5%, 38.7% and 44.8% babies were of age groups 6-12, 13-24 and 25-36 months respectively; 50.2% were female and 49.8% were male. Of the babies examined 62.4% were exclusively breast-fed. There was a significant association between maternal educational status and knowledge of teething complaints. Three hundred and twenty-six (30.1%) babies had cough during their teething period, 349 (32.3%) experienced drooling of saliva, and 352 (32.6%) were observed to bite objects during teething. The high percentage of babies that were exclusively breast-fed but did not experience these symptoms were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.00). Seven hundred and forty-two (68.6%) babies had diarrhoea during teething; out of these 459(42.5%) were exclusively breast-fed and it was however not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.55). Conclusion: This study draws attention to the relatively poor anecdotal evidence related to symptoms associated with the teething process. The result has also demonstrated that exclusive breast-feeding is not only able to reduce the symptoms ascribed to teething, but also promote the development of a healthy oral tissue

Assessment of Microbiological Qualities and Iodine Contents of Some Brands of Domestic Salt Available in South-eastern Nigeria

Domestic salt is a food condiment, thus, a veritable tool for food contamination. Salt iodisation provides iodine an essential micronutrient and a key component of the thyroid hormones that regulate vital metabolic activities in the body. Insufficiency of iodine results in iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) which affect the functions of vital organs and systems of the body, leading to damaging effects particularly in pregnancy and early childhood, causing miscarriages, stillbirth, mental retardation, and increased infant mortality. Thirty samples of domestic salt made up of ten each of three popular brands in Nigerian markets were obtained from retail stores and evaluated for microbial qualities and iodine contents. Standard microbiological methods and iodometric titration method were employed for sample analysis. Bacillus and fungal species were isolated after sample pre-enrichment and within counts ( 30 ppm iodine at distributor and retail levels and > 50 ppm iodine at port of entry and salt factory level. This could indicate none compliance to standard specifications. There is need for effective legislation and strict monitoring of food fortification at all levels to ensure compliance to standards and adherence to good manufacturing practices/hazard analysis and quality control precepts which are imperative to effective food fortification programmes

Microbial Loads of Ogiri-Ahuekere Condiment Produced from Groundnut Seed (Arachis hypogaea Linn)

Microbial loads of ogiri-ahuekere condiment produced from groundnut seeds were examined. The groundnut seeds were sun-dried for 8 hours, dehulled and boiled for 8 hours using kerosene stove. The cooked cotyledons were milled manually into a paste and wrapped in small portions (30g) with blanched plantain leaves. The wrapped samples were fermented in a container for 1-10 day(s) while the unfermented cooked groundnut paste was used as a control. The freshly prepared samples of ogiri-ahuekere were used for microbial analysis and this action was carried out under sterile aseptic conditions. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using ANOVA method with application of SPSS version 20. The significant difference between the mean values was determined by Tukey’s test at 95% level of confidence. There was no growth in unfermented sample for TCC and TFMC while there was growth for TBC. There was significant increases in TCC which ranged from` 0.67-6.47 x 107 cfu/g, TBC (0.83-8.60 x 107 cfu/g) and TFMC (0.30 – 4.90 x 107 cfu/g). The results obtained from the study have shown the prevalence of bacteria throughout the period of fermentation in an increasing population

Is There a Role for Patent Medicine Vendors in Tuberculosis Control in Southern Nigeria?

Patent medicine vendors (PMVs) are a ubiquitous feature of the informal health sector in Nigeria. A previous study on healthcare-seeking behaviour of persons with chronic cough in southern Nigeria found that over 60% of respondents chose the PMV as a healthcare provider of first instance. This study sought to determine the willingness and capability of PMVs to play a role in the national tuberculosis (TB)-control effort. Study sites were selected through a multi-stage sampling process. In total, 388 PMVs, 17 principal officers of PMV associations, and 17 community leaders were purposively selected. Sets of structured questionnaire were administered to the PMVs while information from the principal officers of PMV associations and community leaders was elicited through in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were collated using the Epi Info software (version 6.04) and analyzed using the SPSS software (version 15). Most (90%) PMVs indicated that they would be ready to cooperate with the national TB-control programme, if trained. Seventy-three percent attended persons with prolonged cough in the course of their career. However, 48% did not know the cause of TB. Only 3% ever-attended a training session on TB control. Sixty-six percent completed at least 12 years of schooling with secondary school certificate. Eighty percent of the community leaders were happy with the work of PMVs. About two-thirds (65.6%) of the PMVs were male. The PMVs are positively disposed to playing roles in TB control. Given this positive disposition and their widespread acceptance in healthcare-delivery in the communities, they have potentials for playing a role in TB control in southern Nigeria