An assessment of the risk of Bt-cowpea to non-target organisms in West Africa

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) is the most economically important legume crop in arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea is grown primarily by subsistence farmers who consume the leaves, pods and grain on farm or sell grain in local markets. Processed cowpea foods such as akara (a deep-fat fried fritter) are popular in the rapidly expanding urban areas. Demand far exceeds production due, in part, to a variety of insect pests including, in particular, the lepidopteran legume pod borer (LPB) Maruca vitrata. Genetically engineered Bt-cowpea, based on cry1Ab (Event 709) and cry2Ab transgenes, is being developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa to address losses from the LBP. Before environmental release of transgenic cowpeas, the Bt Cry proteins they express need to be assessed for potential effects on non-target organisms, particularly arthropods. Presented here is an assessment of the potential effects of those Cry proteins expressed in cowpea for control of LPB. Based on the history of safe use of Bt proteins, as well as the fauna associated with cultivated and wild cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa results indicate negligible effects on non-target organisms

An assessment of the status of Local Agenda 21 in Nigeria using Ondo states as a case study

No Abstract.Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 43-5

Gender analysis of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collection, processing and marreting in rural enclaves of Omo biosphere, Nigeria

Millions of people, especially those living in rural areas in developing countries collect Non-Timber Forest products (NTFPs) daily. Women are known to play a prominent role in forestry and agricultural production in Nigeria despite not been captured as economically productive. This work looked into gender dimension associated with collection, processing and marketing of NTFPs in Omo biosphere reserve.Simple random sampling technique was used to select 10 villages within and around the reserve.12 household respondents were interviewed with the aid of structured questionnaires in the selected villages. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and result presented inform of tables and chart.Finding showed the respondents are dominated by males (78.6%) while 90% are married, income earners with over ₦40000/month stood at 15%. It was found that apart from Theobroma cacao which is capital intensive to manage and require land ownership, there was virtually no NTFPs encountered that were not actively involved in by both sexes. Processing was found to be basically female based while collection is done by both sexes. Gender analysis of uses and benefit derived also indicated the involvement of both sexes. Much as women participated actively in collection, processing and marketing of these NTFPs, they should be given necessary opportunities to maximize their potentialsKeywords: Gender, NTFPs, collection, processing and marketin