Gender And Depression Among Veterans Of Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, And New Dawn

The Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Veterans utilizing Veterans Affairs (VA) services are medically and psychosocially complex, diverse, and rapidly growing. A significant portion of women Veterans seek out mental health services and they are more likely to be diagnosed with major depression than men, however the majority of prior studies informing Veteran mental health services have been done with predominantly male study populations (16,18,19). Our objectives were 1) to identify characteristics associated with a major depression diagnosis among OEF/OIF/OND men and women Veterans after stratifying by gender and 2) to identify gender differences in the nature of depressive symptoms among these Veterans. We identified 493,747 OEF/OIF/OND personnel—via the VA OEF/OIF/OND roster—who were discharged from the U.S. military from 2001-2010, utilized VA health care services, and met study criteria. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine how selected demographic characteristics and medical conditions were associated with a major depression diagnosis among women and men. Also, a PHQ-9 in the baseline Women Veterans Cohort Study (WVCS) survey of 644 male and women OEF/OIF/OND Veterans in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. was used to assess depressive symptoms. Among the 493,747 Veterans studied, 5.6% had a major depression diagnosis (8.7% of women vs. 5.1% of men). Hispanic ethnicity (OR=1.26 (1.14, 1.40) was associated with a depression diagnosis in women while older age (OR=1.06 (1.04, 1.09)) and “Other” race/ethnicity (OR=1.14 (1.05, 1.25) was associated with a depression diagnosis in men. Black race was no longer a protective factor for women when the cohort was stratified by gender (OR=0.94 (0.90, 0.97)!OR=1.03 (0.95, 1.11)). Unmarried status was protective against a depression diagnosis in both men (OR=0.94 (0.90, 0.97) and women (OR=0.92 (0.86, 0.94)). All comorbid conditions—psychiatric illnesses, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, hypertension, and unspecified joint or back disorders—were associated with a depression diagnosis in both men and women and having another psychiatric illness was the strongest correlate in both groups. Military service-connected disability was associated with depression in both men and women, but there was a stronger correlation between service-connected disability rating and a depression diagnosis in women. Depressive symptoms were prevalent among this cohort, the most frequent of which was fatigue. Women were more likely to endorse appetite changes while men were more likely to endorse suicidal ideation. It can be concluded that there are differences between women and men OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with major depression. Further research disentangling the intersection of gender and depression in this medically and psychosocially complex population of Veterans is needed.!As the women Veteran population utilizing VA care continues to grow, increasing our understanding of major depression and its risk factors, symptomology, and its comorbidities is crucial to improving overall health outcomes

Broadband: A Catalyst for National Development

The study was on Broadband; A Catalyst for National Development of country Nigeria. The study adopted secondary data as sources of information. Relevant literatures on broadband in Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and national developments were elicited from various impact journals and critically reviewed. The study viewed broadband as an “ecosystem” that comprises different elements that use high-speed connectivity to interact in different ways. Findings provided evidence of broadband been a key enablers for national development of developing countries like Nigeria, this is because of its crosscutting nature thus affecting all sectors of  the nation’s economy ranging from socio-economics, agriculture, commerce, education, oil and gas, government expenditure computation, security, healthcare, environment, among others. Adoption and proper utilization of broadband in ICT will lead to sustained increase in economic growth, hence aggregate national development. Government at all levels should as a matter of urgency intensify awareness about broadband and encourage the development of broadband-enabled applications and services, build ICT skills and technological capabilities among firms and her citizen as this would enhance the nation’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) positively. Keywords: Broadband, Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), National Development, Nigeri

Determinant of Risk-Smart Options among Farming Households in Agricultural Risk Management in Imo State, Nigeria

Globally, farmers deal with a significant magnitude of uncertainty all day long. From not knowing what the vagaries of weather will be like now, to wondering if market prices will increase or decrease the next moment. Therefore farmers are compelled to make decisions based on imperfect information and knowledge. Particularly, in Imo State Nigeria, farmers are heavily exposed to risk. Regrettably, the resultant effect is low agricultural output in the State all year round. The article soughed to bring incisive clarity to this discourse by estimating the determinant of Risk-Smart options among farming households in the area. Multistage random sampling technique was used in selection of One hundred and Twenty (120) household heads from the area. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Smart-Art, and Multinomial Logit Model were used for data analysis. Mean age was 45.03years. Majority (65.83%) were males. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 1.21Ha. The study confirmed the evidence of various agricultural risks in the area. Thus, farmers have started becoming Risk-Smart through the adoption of several Risk-Smart options to thwart the negative impacts of the risk in the area. The major Risk-Smart options farmers used were diversification of livelihood (100.00%). Unfortunately, farmers Risk-Smart options are just insufficient to prevent them from devastation. However, if farmers Risk-Smart capacity are not strongly built, agricultural production in the area may be unfavourable with time. Estimated multinomial logit model showed that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their Risk-Smart options in the area. Farmers complained of inadequate Risk-Smart adoption funds and indiscriminate grazing of arable farmland by Fulani herdsmen cow. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to form agricultural production and marketing cooperative to enhance their risk-smart capacity in the area. Farmers on their own should also construct an improvised heavy wire mesh around their farms to check the indiscriminate grazing of their arable farmland by the Fulani herdsmen cow in the area. Keywords:Risk, Risk-Smart Options, Risk management, Socio-economic variables, Multinomial Logit Model, Barriers, Fulani Herdsmen, Imo State, Nigeri

Determinant of Income from Pineapple Production in Imo State, Nigeria An Econometric Model Approach

The study was on determinant of income from pineapple production in Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty households pineapple farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling techniques. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools gross income analysis and multiple linear regression. Mean age was 47.24 years. Majority (65.00%) were females. Average household size was 5.68 persons. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 1.41Ha. Average farm income was N81,810.00 ($545.40). Average farm output was 3910.00 tonnes Ha-1 in the 2013 cropping season. Greater proportion (81.11$2,985.61) and N1.84 ($0.012) respectively. Estimated econometric result shows that household size, farm income, extension contact, educational level, farm size and membership of cooperative society influence income at 1% level of probability respectively. The F-ratio was (43.291), revealing the overall significant of the regressors at 1% level of probability. Pineapple production is lucrative and efficient in the area. However, farmers complained of inadequate production capital and inadequate storage and processing facilities. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to form agricultural co-operatives to eliminate the exploitative activities of input agencies as well as enable them obtain credits from the government and other credits institutions. Good storage and processing facilities should also be provided for the farmers to reduce spoilage and distressed sales. Government at all levels and private’s sector support is required for provision of improved pineapple technologies to the farmers through strengthened extension service system. Keywords: Pineapple, Production system, Gross income analysis, Output, Econometric model, Constraints, Imo Stat

Sustainability and Determinate of Farmers’ Mitigation Strategies to Greenhouse Gases Emission: a case in Rice Agric-Food System of Nigeria

Sustainable production refers to the production that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. At global level and mainly across Nigeria, rice fields are considered as one of the most important sources of atmospheric concentration of two greenhouse gases mainly anthropogenic methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. These Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are produced under anaerobic conditions, and its production has negative environmental and health implication. Additionally, the growing demand for rice across Nigeria exceeds supply, resulting in a rice deficit. To overcome this challenge, rice production should be increased, with so much regard to less GHGs emission. Moving forward, understanding the determinate of farmers’ mitigation strategies to GHGs will definitely enhance effort made for farmers to continue to mitigate easily over-time. Incidentally, an empirical study on the present discourse is relatively scanty, isolated, and devoid of in-depth and quantitative analyses. These create a gap in research and make it extremely difficult if not impossible for the government/interest group to know the method they can adopt in helping farmers mitigate the negative impact of GHGs emission in rice production. It was against this backdrop that this study was systematically undertaken. Keywords: Rice, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Mitigation Strategies, Sustainability and Multinomial Model, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-15-06 Publication date:August 31st 202

How Does COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Rice Yield? Lessons from, Southeast Nigeria

At the global level and particularly across sub-Saharan African (SSA), while rice farmers are still battling the negative impact of climate change and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new risk that not only threatens farmers livelihoods but also the most important global food security crop “Rice”. Every farming season in Nigeria, rice farmers face risks such as low rainfall, price volatility, methane emissions, rising debts and poor government policies. But the present risks from the COVID-19 pandemic are putting new challenges in front of rice value-chain that is already under serious threat. Additionally, the growing demand for rice across SSA and particularly in Nigeria exceeds supply, resulting in a rice deficit. To overcome this challenge, rice yield should be increased particularly now there is a new threat for farmers. As a matter of urgency, farmers must respond to this new threat (COVID-19) by choosing measures that increase their yield. Incidentally, empirical studies that documented the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on rice yield cannot be found as at the time of this study. These create emptiness in research and make it extremely difficult if not impossible for the government/interest group to know the method they can use in helping farmers mitigate the negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic in rice production. It was against this backdrop that this study was systematically undertaken. The study was meticulously guided five (5) objectives. The survey was conducted from March through July 2020. A cross-sectional data was elicited from 504 rice farmers selected across Southeast Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as means, flow-chart, percentage and likert scale-type. Mean age was 45.00 years. Greater proportions (61.30%) were male. A very salient finding was that COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting activities of rice value-chain like harvesting of 2019/2020 season’s produce that was ongoing and land preparations and planting for 2020/2021 season (x̄=≥3.11). Result show that the non-availability of labour is interrupting planting, harvesting and distribution activities of rice (x̄=≥3.32). There are disruptions in purchase of inputs because of restrictions (x̄=≥3.12). Findings also developed incisive conceptual framework showing the effect of COVID-19 pandemic in rice farming. Result also shows that extension visits to farmers have been seriously limited (85.32% had no visit) due restrictions. With this present threat, Nigeria are likely to experience a reversal in the development gains already achieved and will be unlikely to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of African Agenda 2063. The study therefore identified the need for governments at all levels in the country to design a sustainable policy in such a way that farmers should have access to affordable farm credit as well as subsidized agricultural inputs in order to increase their ability and flexibility to change in production strategies in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic; Rice; Conceptual Framework; Socio-economic Variables; Awareness; Source of Information; Precautionary Measure; Perceived effect of COVID-19 Pandemic; Barriers; Recommendations; Southeast Nigeria and sub-Saharan African (SSA), DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-15-06 Publication date:August 31st 202

Trends, Perceptions and Adaptation Options of Livestock Farmers to Climate Change in Imo State, Nigeria: A Multinomial Logit Model Approach

The study evaluated trends, perceptions and adaptation options of livestock farmers to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selection of respondents. Sample size comprised sixty households livestock farmers. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Smart-Art, trend analysis and multinomial logit model were used for data analysis. In order to forecast the future trends of climate change in the area and beyond, climatic record of 40 years (1972 and 2012) duration were obtained from Agro-meteorological Station, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Mean age was 43.10years. Majority (78.33%) were males. Greater proportions (71.67%) were married with an average household size of six persons. Average farm income was N64,370.00 ($429.130). The study confirmed the evidence of climate change in the area. Farmers rightly perceived the direction of change as well. Thus, farmers have started responding to the change through the adoption of several local practices to thwart the negative impacts of the change. Unfortunately, farmers local adaptation options are inadequate to prevent them from devastation. However, if the trend continues, livestock production in the area may be adverse with time. Estimated multinomial logit model showed that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their adaptation options to climate change. Farmers complained of inadequate information. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on intensifying awareness on climate change. . Government at all levels and private’s sector support fund is necessary to enhance farmers easy adaptation to climate change. Ultimately, in cooperating local knowledge into climate change, concerns should not be done at the expense of modern scientific knowledge. Local knowledge should complement rather than compete with global modern practices in counteracting the negative impact of climate change in the area and beyond. Keywords: Livestock farmers, Trends, Perceptions, Adaptation Options, Multinomial Logit Model, Barriers, Imo Stat

Indigenous Knowledge and Education in Africa

This open access book presents a strong philosophical, theoretical and practical argument for the mainstreaming of indigenous knowledge in curricula development, and in teaching and learning across the African continent. Since the dawn of political independence in Africa, there has been an ongoing search for the kind of education that will create a class of principled and innovative citizens who are sensitive to and committed to the needs of the continent. When indigenous or environment-generated knowledge forms the basis of learning in classrooms, learners are able to immediately connect their education with their lived reality. The result is much introspection, creativity and innovation across fields, sectors and disciplines, leading to societal transformation. Drawing on several theoretical assertions, examples from a wide range of disciplines, and experiences gathered from different continents at different points in history, the book establishes that for education to trigger the necessary transformation in Africa, it should be constructed on a strong foundation of learners’ indigenous knowledge. The book presents a distinct and uncharted pathway for Africa to advance sustainably through home-grown and grassroots based ideas, leading to advances in science and technology, growth of indigenous African business and the transformation of Africans into conscious and active participants in the continent’s progress. Indigenous Knowledge and Education in Africa is of interest to educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers and individuals engaged in finding sustainable and strategic solutions to regional and global advancement

Policy Advocacy for Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategies: A Panacea for Green Economy Initiative in Imo State, Nigeria

Green economy upholds the efficient use of natural resources and energy while enabling economic growth that supports efficient social equity, sustainable agricultural production and improvement of rural and urban livelihoods thus alleviating poverty. It is only under these conditions that farmer’s sustainable agricultural development strategies can prevail in Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty households farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling techniques. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and multiple linear regression. The mean age was 48.12years. Majority (63.33%) were males. Greater proportions (70.00%) were married with an average household size of 6.21 persons. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 1.26Ha. Average farm income was N82,782.00 ($551.88).The study identified environmental, economic and social dimensions of farmers sustainable agricultural development strategies for promoting green economy initiative in the area. Estimated multiple linear regression shows that age, household size, education, farm income, educational level and farm size influence the adoption of various sustainable agricultural development strategies for green economy initiatives at 1% level of probability respectively. The F-ratio was (68.926), revealing the overall significant of the regressor at 1% level of probability. Farmers complained of inadequate information and inadequate fund as the major barrier to sustainable agricultural development strategies for sustainable green economy initiatives in the study area. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on how to intensify awareness on the use of sustainable agricultural development strategies to boast green economy initiative in the area. Government at all levels and private’s support fund is necessary to enhance sustainable green economy initiative. Adoption of sustainable agricultural development strategies for green economy initiative is necessary, given the negative trends in climatic variables in recent times. Ultimately, in greening the economy, agricultural sector remains the major pre-requisite in view of safeguarding the sector’s natural asset base over time in the area and beyond. Keywords: Sustainable agricultural development strategies, Green economy initiative, Climate change, Socio-economic variables, Multiple linear regression, Constraints, Imo Stat

Trends, Perceptions and Adaptation Options of Arable Crop Farmers to Climate Change in Imo State, Nigeria: A Logit Multinomial Model Approach

The study evaluated the trends, perceptions and adaptation options of arable crop farmers to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; determined farmers perceptions on climatic variables; examined trends of climatic variables in Imo State, Nigeria; determined farmers adaptation options to climate change and identified farmers barriers to climate change in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted in selection of respondents. The sample size comprised sixty farming households. The main tool for data collection was a set of structured, validated and pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, trend analysis and multinomial logit regression model. In order to forecast the future trends of climate change in the area and beyond, climatic record of 40 years duration were obtained between 1972 and 2012 from Agro-meteorological Station, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Findings revealed mean age of the farmers to be 43.24years. Majority (73.33%) were males. Greater proportion (71.67%) were married with an average household size of six persons while the average farm income was N59,500.00. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 0.97ha. Majority (86.67%) have access to climate change information. The study confirmed the evidence of climate change in the area as result from trend analysis revealed a sustained decrease in number of rainy days and relative humidity between 1972 and 2012, while results on temperature level and sunshine duration from 1972-2012 showed an increasingly significant trends respectively. If the trend continues, arable crop production (vegetables, maize, okra, roots and tubers) in the area may be adverse with time. Perceptions of farmers on temperature level (63.33%), relative humidity (65.00%), rainfall amount (78.33%) and sunshine duration (81.67%) were all in line with the trends analysis result. Thus, it is obvious that arable crop farmers in the area are noticing the change and its negative impact in the area and are responding to the change through the adoption of certain local practices to thwart its negative impacts. Estimated multinomial logit model (likelihood ratio statistics) showed that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their adaptation options to climate change. Farmers complained of inadequate information and inadequate funds as the major barrier in adaptation to climate change. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on intensifying awareness on climate change. Effort should also focus on integrated development supports to provide education, vocational skills and trainings to the farmers in the area. Ultimately, the government investment strategies should address access to credit and increase agricultural extension service delivery as this would affect farmers adaptation to climate change positively. Keywords: Arable Crop farmers, Trends, Perceptions, Adaptation Options, Multinomial Logit Model, Imo State, Nigeri