FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS (FWAS) AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION COMPANIES

This comparative analysis seeks to ascertain the extent to which Flexible Working Arrangements FWAs have been adopted in the Nigerian work environment and equally uncover if the acclaimed efficacy of these Flexible Working Arrangements in ensuring sustained optimal performance is as realistic in the Nigerian work environment as it is in advanced countries using two production companies, Nigeria Bottling Company NBC- a multi-national company and Camela Vegetable Oil Company- an indigenous company as focal points. The survey research design with questionnaire and interviews as instruments of primary data collection and library research for secondary data was used for the study. The research hinges on Self Determination Theory with simple percentages used for data analysis and chi-square for testing hypothesis. Research findings showed that Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) are not yet being practiced in these organizations of study thus they are yet to start harnessing the immense benefits of flexibility in work. It is recommended that organizations should re-strategize by upturning some of their archaic and obsolete operational policies and imbibing new ones like the flexible work arrangements which are in accord with current contemporary global practices. Keywords: Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs), Organizational Performance, Self Determination Theory, Flexitime, Work-Life Balance (WLB)

Determinants of Choice of Storage Systems for Root and Tuber Crops in Benue State, Nigeria

Determinants of Choice of Storage Systems for root and tuber crops in Benue State of Nigeria were examined. The specific objectives were to determine the factors affecting choice of storage systems by root and tuber crop farmers; and determine the relationship between choice of storage systems and farm productivity. Data were collected from 288 root and tuber crop producers in eight Local Government Areas and 32 wards, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data collected were analysed using logit model and Mann-Whiney U test. The results indicate that total output, gender, educational level, household size, and farm size significantly affect the choice of storage systems by root and tuber crop producers. The results also reveal that the output of farmers who utilized only the local storage systems exceeds those who utilized both the local storage systems in addition to the modern storage techniques. It was recommended that strategies and policies aimed at encouraging root and tuber crops farmers to adopt a particular storage technique should take into consideration their socio-economic characteristics. Also research efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness of the local storage systems using locally sourced materials should be encouraged

Causes and Measures for Controlling Loan Default among Agricultural Cooperatives in Bune State, Nigeria

The studies analyzed the causes and measures for controlling loan default among agricultural co-operatives in Benue State of Nigeria. Data were collected from 130 respondents using structured questionnaire, and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result shows that factors responsible for loan default were classified into Institutional, Client-related, Geo-economical, and Market related factors. Late disbursement of (92.31%), lack of loan monitoring (76.92%), inadequate loan appraisals (69.23%), and lack of clear cut policy on lending (69.23) were the institutional factors responsible for loan default. Lack of integrity (80.77%), poor business practice (78.46%), and loan diversion (50.0%) were client-related factors. Death of client (70.77%), economic downturn (55.38%), and natural calamity (52.31%) were geo-economic factors, while, lack of market information (81.54%), market location (49.23%) and wrong economic decision (40.77) were market related factors. The result also showed that obtaining information on borrowers\u27 integrity (92.23%), and training of borrowers on the terms and conditions (82.54%) were main measures to control loan default in the study area. Information on client integrity, and training of borrowers on terms and condition of loan before loan are granted were found to be best measures to control loan default. It was recommended that sound and flexible lending policies measures which must be reviewed frequently by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC) be put in place in order to curtail bureaucracies involved in the management approvals and disbursement of agricultural loan should be formulated. This will ensure early disbursement of funds to co-operative members

Improving breeding performance of fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus through intraspecific hybridization

The scarcity of genetically improved fish seed is a major constraint to rapid development of aquaculture in Nigeria due to inbreeding. The study was conducted to monitor breeding indices from intra-specific mating combinations of wild stocks of Clarias gariepinus. Broodstock of C. gariepinus were collected from Lokoja (LK), Makurdi (MK), Agenebode (AG) and Onitsha (ON) and compared with domesticated strain. 16 mating combinations of parental and intraspecific mating combinations were conducted in triplicates. Results were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α= 0.05). The results showed collection from Onitsha had highest values of fertilization (95.2%), hatchability (87.6 %) and survival (66.0 %), followed by crosses from female from Onitsha : ♀ON X ♂LK, ♀ON X  ♂MK and ♀ON X  ♂AG having 95.8 %, 91.1 % and 88.8 % (fertilization), 68.7 %, 61.9 % and 60.7 % (hatchability) and 61 %, 57 % and 63 % (survival) respectively. Domesticated strain had least values (81.9 %, 59.4 % and 51 %) fertilization, hatchability and survival respectively. ANOVA (α< 0.05) showed variation in fertilization, hatchability and survival. The better performing strains could be explored for genetic development. However, protein and gene profiling of these natural populations may be necessary to identify the proteins and genes responsible for these variations in breeding performances.Key Words: Breeding, performance, Clarias gariepinus, hybridizatio

INSECURITY AND THE PAUPERIZATION OF RESIDENTS OF OWERRI IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT

Poverty and insecurity are twin recurrent issues in recent times for many countries in the world, especially Third World countries in Africa to which Nigeria belongs. Security is a pillar without which no meaningful development can be achieved and sustained. Nigeria, like most other Sub-Sahara Africa countries, is deeply embroiled in and facing multifaceted security challenges. The wave of insecurity in Nigeria has assumed a dangerous dimension that is threatening both the safety of environment for lives and properties and the conduct of business and economic activities thereby causing untold hardship and poverty. The poverty level in Nigeria is such that many people now live below the poverty line and has become a source of concern and subject of growing attention for both academics and policy makers. This paper, therefore, sought to find out if insecurity has a causative effect on the pauperization of the people of Owerri and vice versa with particular reference to recent happenings in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The survey research design, questionnaire and interviews as instruments of primary data collection and relative deprivation theory as framework were used for the study. Data were analysed with simple percentages while the chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. Secondary data from library research was utilized for analytical discussion. Research findings show that insecurity has both a cause and an effect relationship with poverty cum pauperization and the need to shun violence is recommended.  Article visualizations

Harnessing Renewable Energy for Sustainable Agricultural Applications

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development suggests that all countries both developed and developing strive to attain the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs). Some items on the SDGs like implementation of renewable energy technologies to electrify regions disconnected from power grids are targeted to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger while ensuring environmental sustainability. Hence, the role of integrated renewable energy in improving the productivity and environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector cannot be overemphasized. This paper presents a brief survey of the application of renewable energy resources technologies in the agricultural sector.  Keywords: Sustainable agriculture; Water-food-energy nexus; Renewable energy; Techno-economic. JEL Classifications: Q2, Q4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.777

A review of renewable off-grid mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 75% of the world’s unelectrified population, and approximately 500 million of these live in rural areas. Off-grid mini-grids are being deployed on a large scale to address the region’s electrification inequalities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the research on the off-grid renewable mini-grids in SSA. The study covers the current status of the level of deployment of off-grid mini-grids. It also reviews multi-criteria decision-making models for optimizing engineering, economics, and management interests in mini-grid siting and design in SSA. The statuses of financing, policy, and tariffs for mini-grids in SSA are also studied. Finally, the current status of energy justice research in respect of mini-grids in SSA is reviewed. The study shows the important role of decentralized renewable technologies in the electrification of SSA’s rural population. Within a decade since 2010, the rural electrification rate of SSA has increased from 17% to 28%, and 11 million mini-grid connections are currently operational. Despite these gains, the literature points to several injustices related to the present model by which SSA’s renewable mini-grids are funded, deployed, and operated. Hence, several recommendations are provided for the effective application of the energy justice framework (EJF) for just and equitable mini-grids in SSA

The expression of the nor~1 gene of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin production in compound feeds from South Africa in relation to animal health disorders

M.Tech. (Biomedical Technology)Aflatoxins (AFs) are naturally occurring secondary metabolites produced principally by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in food and feed commodities worldwide. Contaminations of compound feeds by AFs do not only affect animal health, but the economy as well. It is for this purpose that a study was carried out to establish the quality of South African feeds with respect to AF-producing fungi, establish a correlation between levels of AFs and determinant gene (nor-1) responsible for producing these toxins. To this end, compound feeds (n=92) from various feed manufacturers in South Africa were sampled and analysed for aflatoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) and nor~1 genes using the conventional identification and real time- polymerize reaction (RT-PCR) methods, respectively. Data obtained revealed that 66.5 and 53.1% of samples were positive for A. flavus and A. parasiticus, respectively. Aflatoxins levels in similar samples were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following an immune-affinity clean-up and multi mycotoxin extraction procedures. Accordingly, levels established ranged from 0.06 – 77.97 ppb (mean: 16.8 ppb) with feeds for poultry being the main contaminating substrate and no correlation (overall R2=0.093) was established between the concentrations of AFs and those of nor~1. The cytotoxic effect of some selected AF extracts from these feeds on human lymphocyte cells was performed in comparison to that of AFB1 standard. Data obtained from the cytotoxic assay revealed that cell viability was affected significantly (P<0.001) by both the dose and duration of exposure, which was much more noticeable when cells were exposed to AFB1 standard than for individual extracts. In conclusion, even though none of the feeds analysed contained levels of AFs above regulatory limits established in South Africa, such feeds when consumed on a continuous basis may pose some serious health problems especially when AFs is found in co-contamination with such significant mycotoxins as ochratoxins (OTs) and fumonisins (FBs). Thus, the continuous need to limit AFs levels in feed commodities from South Africa is imperative

Recreational Activities of Lecturers in Some Tertiary Institutions in Calabar, Nigeria

The recreational activities of Lecturers in the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria, were investigated and the concept, characteristics, scope and importance of recreation highlighted. One hundred Lecturers in various Faculties of Education, Arts, Agriculture, Sciences and Social Sciences were randomly sampled for the study in which questionnaires were used. The results showed that the Lecturers had little inclination to recreational pursuits. Only a negligible number engaged in vigorous outdoor activities. As a result, the available recreational facilities within and outside the campus were not fully utilized, even during national holidays and free weekends. The University management may consider introducing a special programme and updating facilities to encourage staff engagement in some recreational activities that enhance mental health and productivity.Keywords: Recreation, rigorous outdoor activities, recreational equipment and recreational pursuit

Service Quality and Operational Performance of Hotels in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study investigated the nexus between service quality and operational performance of hotels in Port Harcourt.Service quality was dimensioned by tangibiles, assurance, responsiveness,reliability and empathy; while operational performance was measured by customer satisfaction. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised both the managers and customers of hotels in Port Harcourt with a sample size of 120 respondents drawn for the study. The findings indicated that service quality dimensions correlated strongly with customer satisfaction. Based on this, it was concluded that service quality dimensions are good predictors of the operational performance of Port Harcourt Hotels. The study recommended that operators of hotels in Port Harcourt should be intentional in the quality of service they render since it is capable of affecting the level of satisfaction among their customers,train their service employees on service quality delivery and pay particularattention to the emphaty dimension