Performance of Broiler Marketing in Umuahia Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study examined the performance of broiler marketing in Abia State of Nigeria.The specific objectives of the study were to examine the performance of broiler marketing in terms of the marketing cost and returns, marketing margin and marketing efficiency, as well as identify factors affecting the income of broiler marketers in the study area. Primary and secondary data were used for this stud. Forty- five respondents from each category; producer-marketers and sole markers were selected both purposively and randomly from the population across the major markets and production areas in Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas of the state. The result of the study showed that the business was profitable though with high marketing margin .In terms of economic efficiency, the marketing was efficient. The significant variables influencing the income of the producer-marketers were marketing experience, purchase cost, feed cost, and other variables such as electricity, depreciation and rent. For the sole marketers, the significant variables influencing their income were marketing experience, ages, experience, feed cost and level of formal education. It is recommended that Government should put into consideration the significant variables in policy formulations and provide conducive environment for the private sector to invest in this business in order to address the meat demand of the citizenry

Potentiality of Diethylamine as Agent of Deproteination and Deacetylation in the Extraction of Chitosan from Scylla serrata Shell

The potentiality of diethylamine as deproteination and deacetylation agent in the extraction of chitosan from Scylla serrata (giant mud crab) shell was investigated. The aim was to find an alternative agent to inorganic alkalis as possible replacement for use in the production of high quality chitosan with the right stability. Pretreatment of the shell was carried out and followed by demineralization using hydrochloric acid. Diethylamine was used for deproteination and deacetylation by modifying some published protocols. Moisture, ash, fat and protein contents of the extracts were determined using their respective standard methods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technique was used for spectroscopic analysis. Scylla serrata shell was composed of 14.25% protein, 32.84% mineral (CaCO3), 31.52% chitin and 21.39% chitosan. Moisture, ash, fat and protein contents of chitin extracted from Scylla serrata shell were 2.35%, 3.03%, 1.79% and 3.85% respectively while those of chitosan were 1.65%, 3.84%, 0.53% and 2.80% respectively. Degree of deacetylation (DDA) and carbon to nitrogen ratio were 69.24% and 5.67 respectively. FTIR spectra of the extracted chitin and chitosan from Scylla serrata showed the presence of some active compounds of carbonyl, amide, amine and hydroxyl groups. However, CH3 waging along chain (952 cm-1), CO stretching at 1026 cm-1 and 1073 cm-1, and amide II band (1563 cm-1) were not found in the extracted chitin while HPO42- and amide III were also not found in the extracted chitosan. These moieties were present in the standard chitin and chitosan respectively. This study has shown that diethylamine (organic base) has great potential as agent of deproteination and deacetylation in the extraction of chitosan from Scylla serrata. Consequently, academic activity in the area of investigation of the stability of the extracted chitosan from Scylla serrata using diethylamine as deproteination and deacetylation agent is strongly recommended. Keywords: Diethylamine, deproteination, deacetylation, chitin and chitosan, Scylla serrata shell. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/12-7-07 Publication date:October 31st  2020

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

Orthodox versus unorthodox care: A qualitative study on where rural women seek healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth in Southwest, Nigeria

Introduction Utilization of orthodox health facilities for maternal health services is determined by factors operating at the individual, household, community and state level. The prevalence of small family norm is one of the identified variables operating within the community which influences the decision of where to access care (orthodox/traditional). The objective of the study was to determine the use of orthodox versus unorthodox maternity healthcare and determinants among rural women in southwest Nigeria. Methods A qualitative study was done and involved three focus group discussions. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect information from women of reproductive age group within a rural Local Government Area in Lagos state. Results Most of the women access some form of healthcare during pregnancy, orthodox, unorthodox or both. Those who patronize both services concurrently do so to benefit from the two as each has some unique features such as herbal concoctions for traditional, ultrasound and immunization of babies for orthodox. Traditional belief exerts a strong influence on decision of where to access maternal healthcare services. Actual place of delivery is determined by individual and household factors including financial resources. Conclusion Rural women utilize one or both orthodox and unorthodox maternal health services for different reasons. Ward Development Committees should be strengthened so as to reach the communities, educate and convince women to dispel myths which limit their use of orthodox care. Training and monitoring of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are vital to eliminate harmful practices. We also recommend improved financial access to orthodox healthcare

Hepatotoxicity and Histological Evaluation of Aqueous and Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Thaumatococcus Daniellii and Alchornea Cordifolia in Wistar Rat Models

This study was carried out to ascertain the hepatotoxic potential of T.daniellii (T.d) and A. cordifolia (A.c). Investigations were conducted using standard methods. Oral administration of 200mg/kg aqueous leaf extracts of T.daniellii caused a non-significant increase in the activity of ALT (5.43±0.60IU/L), AST (16.93±0.26 IU/L) and ALP (160.70±1.04 IU/L) compared to the values recorded on the normal control (group I) ALT (3.84±0.16 IU/L), AST (14.19±0.52 IU/L) and ALP (157.26±0.64 IU/L). Group III administered with 200mg/kg methanolic leaf extract of T. daniellii manifested a significant elevation in the activity of ALT (13.15±0.89 IU/L), AST (22.84±0.38 IU/L) and ALP (170.40±0.44 IU/L) compared to the normal control. Similarly, groups IV and V which were orally administered with 200mg/kg aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of A. cordifolia showed significant increase in the activity of ALT (6.32±0.33U/L), AST (17.70±0.030U/L) and ALP (161.13±0.09U/L) and ALT (7.55±0.59U/L), AST (19.35±0.26U/L) and ALP (165.38±0.35U/L) respectively compared to the values recorded on the control (group I). In conclusion, drug development protocols involving T. daniellii leaf should preferably use water as an ideal solvent. On the other hand, the hepatotoxicity associated with both aqueous and methanolic extracts of A. cordifolia could imply the presence of hepatotoxins in the leaf of the said plant

The blue economy - cultural livelihood - ecosystem conservation triangle : the African experience

Publications costs were supported by the University of St Andrews to IO-Y and the New England Aquarium-Marine Conservation and Action Fund (MCAF) to NK.The concept of Blue Economy (BE) is recognised as central for sustainable development that incorporates socio-economic benefits and ecological conservation. However, in Africa, much of the emphasis on BE is placed on economic gains; as a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little or no regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. We argue that successful BE initiatives in Africa accentuate the involvement of local communities and promote sustenance of the natural ecosystem. We define success in terms of the sustainability balance among ecological, social and economic aspects. Drawing on extensive expert experiences, observational data and literature review of case studies across the African continent, we highlight two critical findings. First, large scale BE initiatives prioritise economic gains at the expense of environmental degradation and the exclusion of local communities. Second, using the full spectrum sustainability (FSS) evaluation, we show that successful BE interventions considered ecological, economic, socio-cultural and institutional objectives. Drawing on these case studies, we propose the adoption of a collaborative framework which amalgamates the top-down and bottom-up approaches to BE management. Achieving the goal of successful blue growth in Africa is now even more challenged by the implications of COVID-19 on the BE sectors. Reimagining and rebuilding a resilient BE in Africa post-coronavirus will require a strong political commitment to promoting a balance between economic, social and environmental benefits in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

High Prevalence and Low Awareness of Hypertension in a Market Population in Enugu, Nigeria

Background. A community-based study put the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria at 32.8%. Market workers in Nigeria lead sedentary life style and often depend on salt-laden fast food while at work. Method. An unselected population of market workers were screened for hypertension and its risk factors by a pretested, structured questionnaire, clinical examination, and laboratory investigation. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥ 90 mmHg or being on drug therapy. Results. Forty-two percent of the screened population were hypertensive. Of this number, 70.6% did not know they were hypertensive before the screening. More males than females (P = .022) were hypertensive. Prevalence of hypertension increased with age from 5.4% in the age group <20 years to 80% in the age group ≥70 years. Conclusion. The prevalence of hypertension in market workers in this study was 42%, and the majority of them were unaware of their disease

Effects of Planting Time and Poultry Manure on Late Season Plaintain Establishment and Yield in Owerri Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

In rainfed agriculture, plantain availability to consumer is seasonal. Late season plantain planting with appropriate organic manure application has been one of the advocated solutions. This experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Technology Teaching and Research  farm, Owerri in 2010 late season planting to determine the  appropriate time of planting and optimum manure rate that will enhance late season plantain establishment and bunch availability in the tropical rainforest. The experiment was a 3x4 factorial fitted into a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The treatments were three late season months (5th September, 5th October and 5thNovember) and four poultry manure rates (0,4,8 and 12 t.ha-1). The pre and post soil, establishment, growth and yield data were collected and analysed statistically.  The post soil chemical analysis showed an improvement on soil pH,(5.30-6.07, 5.59-5.67 and 5.73-5.72), organic matter,(2.098-2.098, 2.476-2.373 and 2.240-2.201%) calcium,(7.03-10.20, 3.60-6.40 and 5.40-5.70 l/kg) organic carbon,(1.696-1.217, 1.436-1.377 and1.436-1.277%)  phosphorous (21.39-20.86, 20.20-18.80 and14.60-13.90ppm)  and  magnesium (0.67-2.00, 0.83-1.17 and 0.83-1.00CMOL) in the treatment that received 8 and12 t ha-1 poultry manure in September, October and November planting respectively..  The residual effect of poultry manure resulted in increased yield (8.6, 7.2 and 7.0kg)  of the first ratoon crop in September, October, and November planting that received 12t ha-1poultry manure respectively.  Although poultry manure rates enhanced plantain establishment, growth and yield when planted in September, October and November, plantain planted  in September and manured with 12 t ha-1 poultry manure significantly(p=0.05) enhanced plantain establishment,(100%) ,yield (9.2kg in plant crop,8.6 first ratoon) and  income return (N 7,135,,501.8/ha) in Owerri Rainforest zone of Nigeria. Keywords: Planting time,  poultry manure, late season plantain, production, humid tropics

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of a Nigerian Rural Community

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) causes of worldwide preventable morbidity and mortality. CVDs are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, and rates are expected to rise over the next few decades. The prevalence of CVD risk factors is dramatically increasing in low-and middle-income African countries, particularly in urban areas. We carried out a cross-sectional population-based survey in Imezi-Owa, a rural community in South East Nigeria to estimate the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women aged 40–70 years. A total of 858 individuals made up of 247 (28.8%) males and 611 (71.2%) females were recruited. The mean age of the subjects was 59.8 ± 9.9 years. The prevalence of the different cardiovascular risk factors among the 858 subjects was as follows: hypertension 398 (46.4%) subjects, generalized obesity as determined by BMI 257 (30%) subjects, abdominal obesity 266 (31%) subjects, dysglycaemia 38 (4.4%) subjects and hypercholesterolaemia 32 (3.7%) subjects. Prevalence of hypertension and dysglycaemia was higher in men while the others were higher in women. Only hypertension (P = .117) and hypercholesterolaemia (P = .183) did not reveal any significant association with gender. Prevalence of CVD risk factors was highest in subjects aged 65 to 70 years