Elemental Sulphur Content Of Onion Bulb (Allium cepa L.) as affected by Cow-Dung, Nitrogen, and Weed interference in the Sokoto Rima Fadama

Two field trials were conducted during the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 dry season under irrigation at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Fadama Farm at Kwalkwallawa, Sokoto (Latitude 1301’N and Longitude 50 13’E, 350m above sea level) to study the effect of cow-dung, nitrogen and weed interference on the elemental sulphur content of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of three levels of cow-dung (0, 15 and 30 t/ha), three levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 75 kg/ha) and three weeding regimes (weedy check, 4 and 6 weeks after transplanting) laid out in a randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The elemental sulphur content (mg/g) of the onion bulb, was studied. The result showed significant (P < 0.05) effect of cow-dung, nitrogen and weed interference on the elemental sulphur content of onion. Highest level of sulphur content were obtained with 15 t/ha cow-dung, 75 kg/ha nitrogen and 4 WAT weeding regime. Based on the finding of this study, it could be concluded that for optimum onion production in the Sokoto Rima Fadama, a combination of 15 t/ha cow-dung, 75 kg/ha nitrogen coupled with the 4 WAT weeding regime is the most suitable. Keywords: Cow-dung, nitrogen, weed interference, onion, sulphur, sokoto, Rima Fadama

Tobacco consumption prevalence and pattern among residents of Sokoto metropolis, northwest Nigeria

Objective: Tobacco consumption is a global public health problem affecting both developed and developing countries and is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. These deaths have been linked to direct tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of tobacco consumption among residents in Sokoto metropolis.Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted in Sokoto metropolis which is cosmopolitan in nature. A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit the 1,000 survey participants that included both sex. WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factor surveillance was modified and adopted as a tool for data collection. Ethical clearance was obtained from the State Research Ethics Committee.Results: Respondents’ median age was 30 years, IQR 25-43. Those aged 25-39 years were more represented (45.2%) and adolescence and young adult accounted for 23.1% while elderly constituted 3.7%. Thirty nine percent were unskilled labourers, 11% were traders and top Executive (Civil servants/Business) accounted for 12.4%. Almost half (49%) reported an estimated annual household income of less than N100,000 while 13.2% earned N1,000,000 and above. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 7.1% and the smokers had smoked for an average of 14.3 ± 5.2 years. Ten percent were currently using any form tobacco, while 0.6% reported current use of smokeless tobacco product daily and one third had been exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke in a closed place. Of the respondents’ social demographic, only gender and occupation demonstrated statistically significant association with cigarette smoking, however none did predict their smoking behaviours.Conclusion: Despite efforts to prevent initiation and promote cessation, cigarette smoking is a common practice that cut across socio-economic stratum. Stringent policies on smoking including delineation of smoking zone should be put in place to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and subsequently burdens of diseases attributed to tobacco consumption.Keywords: Tobacco consumption, pattern and prevalence, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeri