Optimal Production Plan of Food Crop Production in Peri-Urban Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed optimal food crop production plan and resource allocation among peri-urban farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 198 peri-urban farmers using structured questionnaire. Linear programming model were used as analytical tools. The result revealed that the optimal production plan gave a programme value of N49, 423.718 as the gross margin of production and recommended the production of only two out of the ten enterprises included in the model. These enterprises are the sole cowpea (0.247 ha) and maize/sorghum (0.951 ha) enterprises. The resources’ allocation pattern revealed only two of the constraints was fully utilized in arriving at the optimal solution. These land size (ha) and agrochemicals (litres), their corresponding shadow prices are N17,511.95, N5,810.02 respectively. The optimal farm plan recommends that peri-urban farmers should allocate their resources in such a way that the two crops enterprises are produced according to these hectares allocation to maximize total Gross Margin of N49, 423.718 per hectares. It also recommended the problem of inefficient allocation, farmers should be given proper orientation and basic training in major farm management techniques; this will help them to be more efficient in allocation of productive inputs. Keywords: Optimal production Plan, Peri- urban, food, crops, Agriculture and Adamawa State

Living without the State: A Rear View Mirror of Nigeria\u27s 50 Years of Independence

The purpose of this analysis is twofold. First, it undertakes a critical review of Nigeria’s performance within the five decades of its nationhood. Second, it compares its performance vis-à-vis a number of new states which started almost at the same time in both Africa and Asia using basic economic and political indicators. The article, however, infers that Nigerian political-economic performance is appalling, which has subjected citizens to living almost without the state in all ramifications. For a balanced view, the analysis argues that although there are few giant strides in terms of educational development and reduction in infant mortality as a result of improved health facilities, the gap between intent and actual practices is still very wide. The analysis recommends that the policymakers should visualize the next five decades and formulate appropriate reforms so that Nigeria may not eventually become a failed state

Credit Rating Prediction Using Different Machine Learning Techniques. International

Credit rating prediction is a crucial task in the banking and financial industry. Financial firms want to identify the likelihood of customers repaying loans or credit. With the advent of machine learning algorithms and big data analytics, it is now possible to automate and improve the accuracy of credit rating prediction. In this research, we aim to develop a machine learning-based approach for customer credit rating prediction. Machine learning algorithms, including decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, and logistic regression, were evaluated and compared in terms of accuracy, precision, and AUC. Feature selection was also performed to analyze the importance of different features in predicting credit ratings. Findings suggested that status, duration, credit history, amount, savings, other debtors, property, and employment duration are the most important features in predicting credit ratings. Results showed that the support vector machine algorithm did best in predicting bad credits. This research demonstrates the potential of machine learning algorithms for customer credit rating prediction and could have significant implications for the banking and financial industry by enabling more accurate and efficient credit rating predictions and reducing the risk of defaults and financial losses

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

Caesarean section-related blood transfusion: risk factors in a private teaching hospital in Nigeria

Background: Comprehensive emergency obstetric care, which includes the life-saving procedure of blood transfusion, is one of the essential components of effective emergency obstetric care that leads to a reduction in maternal mortality. In this study, blood transfusion risk factors were found in patients who had Caesarean deliveries at our facility.Methods: This was a retrospective study of all pregnant women who had caesarean section at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between 2016 and 2020. Their medical records were retrieved and reviewed using pro-forma. Chi square analysis was used to determine significant association between blood transfusion status and independent variables. Information was extracted from medical records using pro-forma.Results: Of 1568 obstetric admissions, there were 1210 deliveries and 369 (30.5%) caesarean sections. Ninety-five women (25.7%) of those that had caesarean sections were transfused. The incidence of blood transfusion was 13.7%. The preoperative packed cell volume, age and caesarean delivery type were significantly associated with blood transfusion status (p<0.05).Conclusions: Preoperative anemia, age and caesarean delivery type were all associated with blood transfusion status. To maximize hemoglobin levels at delivery and to identify high-risk patients, regular antenatal checkups should be given more importance

Patterns and Drivers of Mobile Telephony for Sustainable Livelihood among Rural Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria

Recently, it is acknowledged that mobile phones, as an asset, exhibits multiple functionalities and diverse applications that cut across all forms of capital accumulation necessary for sustainable livelihood. However, empirical result is sparse in Nigeria as to the impact of mobile phones on asset accumulation. This study examined the socio-economic determinants of mobile phone use and intensity of use for sustainable capital formation in among farming households in Kwara state, Nigeria. Specifically, 120 rural farming households were randomly sampled and count data on the number of calls made with respect to livelihood capitals generated. Binary Logistic regression and Zero-Inflated negative Binomial regression models were used in analyzing the data. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents have access to mobile phone use. The study identifies major uses of mobile phone for sustainable livelihood enhancement activities. Significant determinants of mobile phone use are; possession of formal education, household size, age, marital status, annual farm income, diversity of crop cultivated and the number of family members living outside the community (p</jats:p

Effective Extension Information Dissemination Methods Used in Disseminating Organic Agricultural Practices as Mitigating Strategy for Climate Change in Kogi State - Nigeria

The major objective of the paper was to identify the most effective extension information teaching methods used in disseminating organic agricultural practices as mitigating strategy to climate change in Kogi State. A multi – stage random sampling technique was employed in selecting 270 respondents from the three senatorial districts in the state. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used in data analysis. Results show that increase in atmospheric heat (x? = 4.74), increased Weed growth (x? = 4.62), reduction in Soil fertility (x? = 4.59), decreased yield of crops (x? = 4.52), increase in Pests and Diseases (x? =4.39), increase in health related issues (x? = 4.32), decrease in the availability of portable water (x? = 4.14) are the most common and significant effects of climate change in the study area. The paper also identified group meetings (77.8%), informal personal contacts (72.9%), farm and home visits (70%), training and visits (67%), result demonstration (63.7%), field trips (60.4%), radio programmes (55.2%) and agricultural exhibitions (52.6%) as the most effective extension information dissemination methods employed by extension agents in the state in disseminating organic agriculture. The paper concluded that the disparity between the level of awareness and adoption of recommended organic agricultural practice in the study area is as a result of non frequent contact between extension agents and farmers. It was recommended that extension agents should reschedule their activities and programmes to accommodate frequent contact with the farmers. Government should increase funding on extension programmes and activities and engage more extension personnel in the state. Keywords: Effective, Information Dissemination, Organic Agriculture, Mitigating Strategy, Climate Change