Experience of gender-based violence to students in public and private secondary schools in Ilorin, Nigeria

Objective: To determine and compare prevalence of Gender based Violence (GBV) in public and private secondary schools students and to identify factors associated with experience of GBV by the students.Design: Comparative cross-sectional survey of using a 60 item self-administered questionnaire.Setting: Ten public and private secondary schools in Ilorin South Local Government area of Kwara State.Participants: 640 students, (320 each) from public and private schools.Main outcome variable: Prevalence and factors influencing experience of physical, sexual and psychological violenceResults: At least one form of GBV was experienced by 89.1% of public and 84.8% private schools students(p=0.32). Psychological violence was commonest type of GBV experienced (Public -72.5% vs. Private - 69.2%;p=0.37), while sexual violence was least (Public -41.4% vs. Private - 37.4%; p=0.3). Females were less likely toexperience physical violence (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.4) and psychological violence (aOR 0.6; 95%CI 0.4-0.8). Studentswho were in a relationship and who had history of parental violence were more likely to experience sexual(aOR 1.7; 95%CI 1.2-2.4) and aOR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-2.2) and psychological (aOR 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.5 and aOR 1.3;95%CI respectively) violence.Conclusions: GBV was a common experience of students in both groups of schools. Multi-disciplinary interventionsemphasising ending physical and psychological violence among private school students and sexual violence in public school are recommended. Interventions that involve the parents, school authorities and students on nonviolence conflict resolution are urgently required. Parents and students who perpetrate violence should be referred for counselling.Funding: Author fundedKeywords: Violence, Gender based violence, Violence exposure, Secondary School, Student

Assessment of some mechanical properties and microstructure of particulate periwinkle shell-aluminium 6063 metal matrix composite (PPS-ALMMC) produced by two-step casting

This work investigates some mechanical properties and microstructures of PPS-AlMMC and compares the properties of the composites and those of the aluminium 6063 (AA6063) alloy. Periwinkle shells were milled to particle sizes of 75μm and 150μm and used to produce PPS-AlMMC at 1,5,10 and 15wt% filler loadings using two-step casting technique. The mechanical properties and microstructures of the composite materials were compared with those of the AA6063 alloy. It was observed that the filler distributes uniformly in the matrix due to the two-step casting technique. Improved strength, ductility, hardness and modulus were obtained when the filler was used to reinforce the alloy. However, using a filler of bigger particle size resulted to reduced tensile strength, ductility and toughness of composites.Key words: Composites, Periwinkle shell, Aluminum, Mechanical properties, Microstructur

Entomophagy — An evaluation of quality and acceptability of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by thermal processing methods

In this study, the quality and acceptability factor of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by different thermal processing methods were investigated. Raphia palm weevil larvae (n=1000) were randomly distributed into four groups of 250 larvae per group according to a treatment, namely: T1 = boiling (100 °C), T2 = roasting (120 °C) T3 = frying (160 °C) and T4 = oven-drying (180 °C). All treatments lasted 20 minutes. Analyses were carried out to determine the physical, chemical, vitamin and mineral composition, and microbial load. In addition, sensory characteristics were evaluated. Weevil larvae processed by the boiling method had the highest cooking yield (97.59%), water holding capacity (21.78%) and the lowest cooking loss (2.41%). The protein and fat content was higher in weevil larvae processed by frying (37.63% and 17.70%, respectively), while moisture was lowest (18.68%) in oven-dried larvae. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content was higher in oven-dried larvae, while there were no significant differences in iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins in the processed larvae irrespective of the methods. Boiled larvae had a higher microbial load, while fried and oven-dried larvae had the lowest microbial load. Fried larvae elicited highest sensory characteristics except tenderness, which was higher in boiled larvae, but fried larvae had higher overall acceptability than those processed by other methods. Therefore, it has been shown that the frying method is an appropriate method of processing Raphia palm weevil larvae for enhanced quality and acceptability.In this study, the quality and acceptability factor of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by different thermal processing methods were investigated. Raphia palm weevil larvae (n=1000) were randomly distributed into four groups of 250 larvae per group according to a treatment, namely: T1 = boiling (100 °C), T2 = roasting (120 °C) T3 = frying (160 °C) and T4 = oven-drying (180 °C). All treatments lasted 20 minutes. Analyses were carried out to determine the physical, chemical, vitamin and mineral composition, and microbial load. In addition, sensory characteristics were evaluated. Weevil larvae processed by the boiling method had the highest cooking yield (97.59%), water holding capacity (21.78%) and the lowest cooking loss (2.41%). The protein and fat content was higher in weevil larvae processed by frying (37.63% and 17.70%, respectively), while moisture was lowest (18.68%) in oven-dried larvae. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content was higher in oven-dried larvae, while there were no significant differences in iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins in the processed larvae irrespective of the methods. Boiled larvae had a higher microbial load, while fried and oven-dried larvae had the lowest microbial load. Fried larvae elicited highest sensory characteristics except tenderness, which was higher in boiled larvae, but fried larvae had higher overall acceptability than those processed by other methods. Therefore, it has been shown that the frying method is an appropriate method of processing Raphia palm weevil larvae for enhanced quality and acceptability

Effects of Different Processing Methods on the Proximate Composition of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Great Kwa River, Nigeria

Abstract: Proximat

Effect of Credit Utilization on Output of Rural Youth Rice Farmers in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State

The study aimed at examining the effect of loan utilization on the output of youth rice farmers in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The specific objectives are to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, determine whether there is significant difference in output of the beneficiaries and non beneficiaries and compare the mean output of the youth farmers with and without credits facilities. To achieve the study objectives, 100 respondents  from 10 wards  was used for data collection. The collected data analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and T-test was used to compare the mean output of credit beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries. The study revealed a significant difference in the mean output of rice farmers who utilize loan (1,375kg/h) with those without credit which was (275kg/ha) (t-cal=18.44,p<0.05). It was recommended that, the process of acquiring loan should be simplified to encourage and motivate rice growers to acquire loan in order to increase their productivity as well as improve their standard of living. Also farmers on their part should be encouraged to pay back loan  obtaine

Effect of Credit Utilization on Output of Rural Youth Rice Farmers in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State

The study aimed at examining the effect of loan utilization on the output of youth rice farmers in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The specific objectives are to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, determine whether there is significant difference in output of the beneficiaries and non beneficiaries and compare the mean output of the youth farmers with and without credits facilities. To achieve the study objectives, 100 respondents  from 10 wards  was used for data collection. The collected data analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and T-test was used to compare the mean output of credit beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries. The study revealed a significant difference in the mean output of rice farmers who utilize loan (1,375kg/h) with those without credit which was (275kg/ha) (t-cal=18.44,p<0.05). It was recommended that, the process of acquiring loan should be simplified to encourage and motivate rice growers to acquire loan in order to increase their productivity as well as improve their standard of living. Also farmers on their part should be encouraged to pay back loan  obtaine

Effect of Dry Season Tomato Farming on Poverty Alleviation among Women Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Generally, the study examines the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty alleviation among women farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the women dry season tomato farmers, their major sources of resources for tomato farming, marketing and marketing channels for tomato produced as well as the monthly income generated from the sales of harvested tomatoes and the effect on poverty alleviation in terms of provision for food, clothing, housing, health care and children’s education. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs), from each of  the three geo-political zones of the State were purposively selected .A total of 15 villages were randomly selected from these LGAs and based on the  preponderance of women tomato farmers, respondents were purposively selected to give a total of 233 . Findings showed that over one-half of the respondents (52.4%), had formal education and married (53.2%), with majority (91.3%), of them having four and more people in their households.Morever,41.6% of the women practiced farming as their major occupation. Furthermore, over two-thirds of them cultivated 0.5ha of tomato farm, while only 2.1% of them cultivated above 1ha. Findings indicated that majority of them had more than four years tomato farming experience and access to farm land was never a problem but many of them (51.9%), relied mostly on family labour. Niger State Agricultural Development (NSADP) plays a leading role in the provision of relevant technical information to most of the women farmers especially, in the areas of improved seed varieties among others. Results showed that many of the women (61.7%),usually sold their produce at the village markets ,mostly every week either in retails or in bulks or both(47.6%) with an estimated monthly income of between N6,000 and N15,000 by many of them (63%).In view of this, their expenditure performances indicated that many of the women farmers were above average in meeting the following basic  needs; food (52%), clothing (48.1%), housing (57%),health care (39.9%) and children’s education (19.4%).Generally the effect of dry season tomato farming  on poverty reduction as indicated by majority of  the women farmers was on the high side. Chi-square tests showed significant relationships between some independent variables and the effect of dry season tomato farming as strategy for poverty reduction;   household size ((Χ2=246.29,P<0.05), children’s education  (Χ 2= 353.3,P<0.05) and tomato farming experience (Χ 2 =121.7, P<0.05 ) as well as correlation between income generated and the effect of dry season tomato farming (r=0.85, P<0.05).Cobb-Douglas multiple regression analysis model  showed a significant relationship between contributions to household expenditures and the effect of dry season tomato farming (F=6.54,P<0.05). Housing (t= -3.85,P<0.05), clothing (t=-3.56,P<0.05) and food(t=-2.31,P<0.05) were inverse but significant in explaining 62% variation in the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty reduction. This implies that the more the income realized to meet these basic needs the less the effect of poverty and vice – versa. Analysis of Variance also showed a significant difference between household size, income generated and the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty alleviation (F=172.5, P<0.05).Conclusively, income generated from dry season tomato farming, to certain extent  helped in poverty reduction among women farmers. lt is recommended that  improved credit assistance and labour saving devices should be put in place to further empower women economically , while special attention is being paid to health care and children’s educatio

Effect of Dry Season Tomato Farming on Poverty Alleviation among Women Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Generally, the study examines the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty alleviation among women farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the women dry season tomato farmers, their major sources of resources for tomato farming, marketing and marketing channels for tomato produced as well as the monthly income generated from the sales of harvested tomatoes and the effect on poverty alleviation in terms of provision for food, clothing, housing, health care and children’s education. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs), from each of  the three geo-political zones of the State were purposively selected .A total of 15 villages were randomly selected from these LGAs and based on the  preponderance of women tomato farmers, respondents were purposively selected to give a total of 233 . Findings showed that over one-half of the respondents (52.4%), had formal education and married (53.2%), with majority (91.3%), of them having four and more people in their households.Morever,41.6% of the women practiced farming as their major occupation. Furthermore, over two-thirds of them cultivated 0.5ha of tomato farm, while only 2.1% of them cultivated above 1ha. Findings indicated that majority of them had more than four years tomato farming experience and access to farm land was never a problem but many of them (51.9%), relied mostly on family labour. Niger State Agricultural Development (NSADP) plays a leading role in the provision of relevant technical information to most of the women farmers especially, in the areas of improved seed varieties among others. Results showed that many of the women (61.7%),usually sold their produce at the village markets ,mostly every week either in retails or in bulks or both(47.6%) with an estimated monthly income of between N6,000 and N15,000 by many of them (63%).In view of this, their expenditure performances indicated that many of the women farmers were above average in meeting the following basic  needs; food (52%), clothing (48.1%), housing (57%),health care (39.9%) and children’s education (19.4%).Generally the effect of dry season tomato farming  on poverty reduction as indicated by majority of  the women farmers was on the high side. Chi-square tests showed significant relationships between some independent variables and the effect of dry season tomato farming as strategy for poverty reduction;   household size ((Χ2=246.29,P<0.05), children’s education  (Χ 2= 353.3,P<0.05) and tomato farming experience (Χ 2 =121.7, P<0.05 ) as well as correlation between income generated and the effect of dry season tomato farming (r=0.85, P<0.05).Cobb-Douglas multiple regression analysis model  showed a significant relationship between contributions to household expenditures and the effect of dry season tomato farming (F=6.54,P<0.05). Housing (t= -3.85,P<0.05), clothing (t=-3.56,P<0.05) and food(t=-2.31,P<0.05) were inverse but significant in explaining 62% variation in the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty reduction. This implies that the more the income realized to meet these basic needs the less the effect of poverty and vice – versa. Analysis of Variance also showed a significant difference between household size, income generated and the effect of dry season tomato farming on poverty alleviation (F=172.5, P<0.05).Conclusively, income generated from dry season tomato farming, to certain extent  helped in poverty reduction among women farmers. lt is recommended that  improved credit assistance and labour saving devices should be put in place to further empower women economically , while special attention is being paid to health care and children’s educatio

Preliminary assessment of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larval meal in the diet of African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ): impact on growth, body index, and hematological parameters

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens ) larval meal (BSF) in practical diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus ). Four diets were formulated to contain levels of fishmeal replacement at 0, 25, 50, and 100% with BSF. A total of 360 fingerlings (2.67 ± 0.0 g/fish) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks (30‐L capacity) containing 30 fish each and fed with the respective diet to apparent satiation. After 6 weeks of feeding, growth performance and nutrient utilization indices of the groups fed 25 and 50% BSF diets were not significantly different (p  > .05) from the group fed the fishmeal‐based control diet. However, further increase in the replacement of fishmeal with BSF (100%) led to a significant (p   .05) compared with the control group. From the current study, it was clear that fishmeal could be replaced with BSF up to 50% without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, survival, and welfare of C. gariepinus fingerlings

An Analysis of Clients' Satisfaction with Mortgage Valuation Reports in Nigeria

With continuous growth and sophistication in the property market and investment scene worldwide, there is a compelling need to explore the adequacy or otherwise of valuation reports which serve as an important input to investors' investment decision making. Focusing on the Nigerian property market, this study considered clients' perception of the quality of property valuation reports with a view to determining clients' satisfaction level and thus improving on the quality of valuers' reports. The result revealed that 62% of the banks (clients) were at least satisfied with the overall content of the valuation report they received from valuers However, the results showed that clients wanted some aspects of the valuation reports to be improved upon. These includes: (1) details of tenancies which seldom appear; (2) details on specific comparable; (3) state of letting market; (4) general information on comparable; (5) valuation calculations and (6) uncertainty in valuation figure