Determinantes socioeconômicos da participação dos caçadores no comércio de carne de caça no estado de Ibadan Oyo, Nigéria

This study investigated the socio-economic determinants of hunters’ participation in bush meat trade in Ibadan metropolis. Egbeda Local Government and Oluyole Local Government were purposively selected based on the intensity of bush meat trade there. Thirty percent of the population of registered hunters in these Local Government areas were randomly selected. A total of 126 respondents were interviewed through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The result revealed that (100%) of the respondents were men with majority (93.7%) of them within the age of 20-50 years. Majority (61%) had primary education while others (38%) had secondary education. Forty-four percent, 35% and 21% had 11-15, above 15 and below 10 years working experience respectively. More than half (61.5%) of the respondents engaged in hunting as their primary occupation while 14.3% combined farming with hunting. The average weekly profit made by hunters’ ranges from N4,000 to N50,000. Pearson Correlation analysis shows no significant relationship between years of experience and weekly profit (p<0.05). It also showed a statistically significant relationship between weekly profit and the months of highest abundance of bush meat to hunters (p<0.05). The study concludes that wildlife trade in the study area is influenced by level of education, limited alternate source of income and the profitability of the trade. The study recommends that the Government should implement working policies that will help to regulate and reduce over exploitation of wildlife; enhance the efficiency of wildlife trade and ensure its continuity.Este estudo investigou os determinantes socioeconômicos da participação dos caçadores no comércio de carne de caça na metrópole de Ibadan. O Governo Local de Egbeda e o Governo Local de Oluyole foram propositadamente selecionados com base na intensidade do comércio de carne de caça lá. Trinta por cento da população de caçadores registrados nessas áreas do Governo Local foram selecionados aleatoriamente. Um total de 126 respondentes foram entrevistados por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. Os dados obtidos foram analisados ​​por meio de estatística descritiva e análise inferencial. O resultado revelou que (100%) dos entrevistados eram homens com maioria (93,7%) deles na faixa etária de 20 a 50 anos. A maioria (61%) tinha o ensino fundamental e os demais (38%) o ensino médio. Quarenta e quatro por cento, 35% e 21% tinham 11-15, acima de 15 e abaixo de 10 anos de experiência de trabalho, respectivamente. Mais da metade (61,5%) dos entrevistados tinha a caça como ocupação principal, enquanto 14,3% combinavam a agricultura com a caça. O lucro médio semanal dos caçadores varia de N4.000 a N50.000. A análise de correlação de Pearson não mostra relação significativa entre anos de experiência e lucro semanal (p<0,05). Também mostrou uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre o lucro semanal e os meses de maior abundância de carne de caça aos caçadores (p<0,05). O estudo conclui que o comércio de vida selvagem na área de estudo é influenciado pelo nível de educação, fonte alternativa limitada de renda e a lucratividade do comércio. O estudo recomenda que o Governo implemente políticas de trabalho que ajudem a regular e reduzir a exploração excessiva da vida selvagem; aumentar a eficiência do comércio de vida selvagem e garantir a sua continuidade

A Scientometric Review of Global Research on Sustainability and Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development has gained worldwide attention in recent years which had enhanced its implementation. However, few studies have attempted to map the global research of sustainability. This study utilizes scientometric review of global trend and structure of sustainability research in 1991-2016 using techniques such as co-author, co-word, co-citation, clusters, and geospatial analyses. A total of 2094 bibliographic records from the Web of Science database were analyzed to generate the study's research power networks and geospatial map. The findings reveal an evolution of the research field from the definition of its concepts in the Brundtland Commission report to the recent development of models and sustainability indicators. The most significant contributions in sustainability research have originated primarily from the United States, China, United Kingdom and Canada. Also, existing studies in sustainability research focus mainly on subject categories of environmental sciences, green & sustainable science technology, civil engineering, and construction & building technology. Emerging trends in sustainability research were sustainable urban development, sustainability indicators, water management, environmental assessment, public policy, etc.; while the study generated 21 co-citation clusters. This study provides its readers with an extensive understanding of the salient research themes, trends and pattern of sustainability research worldwid

Developing project evaluation models for smart sustainable practices implementation in construction projects: a comparative study between Nigeria and Hong Kong

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key facilitating factors for smart sustainable practices (SSP) and develop a project evaluation model (PEM) for SSP implementation in Nigeria and Hong Kong. SSP is coined from the integration of digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to facilitate sustainability practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative research design approach using empirical questionnaire surveys to solicit the opinions of 69 and 97 construction practitioners in Nigeria and Hong Kong. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the potential survey respondents. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique was used to develop the PEMs.FindingsThe findings revealed that adequate technical expertise of the SSP processes is critical in enhancing its implementation in Hong Kong and Nigeria; as well as the provision of training programs for specialists in smart and sustainable initiatives. Meanwhile, the study's findings advocated that for an SSP-enabled construction project, its project performance is mainly influenced by the client's satisfaction level and the early involvement of the project teams.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's results are limited to the Nigeria and Hong Kong construction industries.Practical implicationsConstruction stakeholders such as the clients, developers, contractors can utilize the PEMs to determine and track SSP initiatives implementation in building projects in a reliable and practical way.Originality/valueNo tool has been developed for evaluating SSP initiatives at the project level in the construction industry. Using case studies of Hong Kong and Nigeria, PEM indices were developed to measure and track SSP implementation in construction projects

Are Quantity Surveyors competent to value for Civil Engineering Works? Evaluating QSs' competencies and militating factors

The role of the quantity surveyor is one that is often unclear amongst the general public. This study discussed the competencies of the quantity surveyor in measuring and managing civil engineering works and also carrying out the financial management for civil engineering construction projects; also outlined the various competencies and skills required of quantity surveyors in discharging and managing their professional duties. The core activities of quantity surveyors include determining project budgets, measuring project quantities, preparing contract documentation (such as Bills of Quantities and cost control documents), administering contracts, and preparing final accounts. The study also examines recent developments in the profession, which have led to the quantity surveyor delivering a number of management related consultancy services, in response to rising client expectations and demands. The militating factors to QS participation in the Nigeria AEC industry were identified as skills and knowledge, competencies, identity or branding issues, fewer QS in public service among others. The study advocated a change in culture and the inclusion of quantity surveyors on civil engineering projects in order for the industry to leverage on the dynamism of the quantity surveying profession

Green-building information modelling (Green-BIM) assessment framework for evaluating sustainability performance of building projects: a case of Nigeria

There is a research gap in the use of digital systems to aid the sustainability performance assessment of buildings, which informs the development of the green-BIM assessment (GBA) framework in this paper. The study employed a conceptual framework design, expert surveys, and case studies to identify and establish the different components of the GBA framework. The developed GBA framework incorporates the BSAM scheme as its primary green building rating system and provides a cost-effective solution for sustainability appraisal. The findings revealed that the 4Ws of the information exchange workflows would facilitate the GBA system's implementation and the expert validation confirmed its suitability for the Nigerian context. The C-SDSS served as the digital component of the GBA system towards automating the sustainability performance assessment of buildings. The GBA system provides the construction industry with a useful tool that could ease comparing two or more building projects or its designs for several uses – such as contract bidding, evaluating alternative designs, and the like. The application of the GBA system can be extended to facilitate its adoption in other regions or countries. The study’s deliverables are expected to enhance smart and eco-initiatives in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa

Identifying and prioritizing the benefits of integrating BIM and sustainability practices in construction projects: A Delphi survey of international experts

The recent initiatives of the construction industry to embed sustainable strategies in its processes can be en- hanced when clear and practical benefits of such integration are available to project stakeholders to support their decision-making. Hence, this study purports to evaluate the perceived benefits of integrating BIM initiatives and sustainability practices in construction projects. Delphi survey technique was used to solicit the perceptions of expert panel on the 36 identified benefits. Statistical tools were employed to analyze the derived data, and the consensus reached by the expert panel was validated using the interrater agreement statistics. The three most important benefits included the ability to enhance overall project quality and efficiency and improve the ability to simulate building performances and energy usage and facilitate better design products and multi-design al- ternatives. Comparative analyses among the expert groups lend credence to the strong consensus reached by the expert panel. Meanwhile, the study recommended strategies to enable the construction industry to key-in to these benefits as well as identifying prevalent research gaps in practice. The studyös findings will enhance the drive for the realization of the sustainable smart city as well as equip various stakeholders of the possibilities in its full adoption and implementation

Key drivers for smart and sustainable practices in the built environment

PurposeThe construction industry has been evolving in recent years through the adoption of smart tools such as building information modeling to reduce the complexity in the construction process and optimize the project's goals. This paper aims to identify and assess the key drivers for the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachInferential and descriptive statistical techniques were employed in analyzing the data collected via an international empirical questionnaire survey deployed in soliciting the perceptions of 220 construction professionals across 21 countries. Factor analysis was used to categorize the identified key drivers into their underlying clusters for further discussion. Also, the data were analyzed based on the various groups and regions of the study's respondents.FindingsThe key drivers (KDs) are related to the technical competence of staff as well as knowledge and awareness level within the industry, issues related to organizational and project's strategy and policies, availability of financial resources and development of relevant standards and policies to aid its execution among others. A comparative analysis of the perceptions of the different respondents' groups was undertaken and discussed.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the key drivers for the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in the construction industry is expected to aid the decision-making of the relevant stakeholders as well as serve as a consultation instrument for government agencies in their design of localized policies and guidelines to aid smart and sustainable urbanization. The findings revealed the gaps in the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in various climes and organization setups and provided useful and practical strategies for addressing the current hindrances during implementation.Originality/valueThe study has generated valuable insights into the significant drivers that can enhance the implementation of smart and sustainable practices across regions. It is evident that synergy among the relevant stakeholders in the built environment will help accelerate the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry. The study findings have provided profound contributions to theory and research as well as to industry practice

Roles of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Enhancing Construction Processes and Sustainable Communities

Machine Learning (ML), a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is gaining popularity in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. This systematic study aims to investigate the roles of AI and ML in improving construction processes and developing more sustainable communities. This study intends to determine the various roles played by AI and ML in the development of sustainable communities and construction practices via an in-depth assessment of the current literature. Furthermore, it intends to predict future research trends and practical applications of AI and ML in the built environment. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, this study highlights the roles that AI and ML technologies play in building sustainable communities, both indoors and out. In the interior environment, they contribute to energy management by optimizing energy usage, finding inefficiencies, and recommending modifications to minimize consumption. This contributes to reducing the environmental effect of energy generation. Similarly, AI and ML technologies aid in addressing environmental challenges. They can monitor air quality, noise levels, and waste management systems to quickly discover and minimize pollution sources. Likewise, AI and ML applications in construction processes enhance planning, scheduling, and facility management

Demystifying Issues Regarding Public Private Partnerships (PPP)

Public-private sector collaboration is an evolving concept which takes many forms around the world, and it is essentially an arrangement by which private entrepreneurs provide support for the provision of public infrastructure. This study explored the collaborative framework of the public-private partnership (PPP) as a change process, highlighted basic characteristics, benefits, key principles of PPPs and its success path; it also clarify the structure, process and delivery system of joint-venture (JV) PPPs and the concession PPPs; while also identifying categories of projects that can benefit from the use of the PPP. It revealed successful attempts by central governments in financing new infrastructure projects through private sector participation due to the paucity of funds while facilitating innovation in infrastructure development. Joint-ventures PPPs which involves the incorporation of a company where the public actor is both the regulator and a shareholder in the joint operating company; it also involves the sharing of the attendant revenues, benefits/loss, and costs but despite been of local value is described as the true PPP. Concession PPP, however, is of national value and involves the transfer of risks to parties most suitable in managing it but the project financing is the sole responsibility of the private actor

Rethinking Partnering among Quantity-Surveying Firms in Nigeria

This paper explores the benefits and barriers to partnering in quantity-surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria, and suggests projects and professional services best served by this practice. A mixed research design informs the identification of related concepts from extant literature and data collection from 132 registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) which were analyzed using statistical tools. The commitment of top management is found to be a key barrier to QS firm partnering. The facilitation of knowledge exchange and inclusivity is the most significant benefit. In this paper, feasibility studies, expert advice, and lifecycle costing are key services of QS firms that would benefit from partnering, and research findings also favor engineering projects as core projects in which QS firms should utilize partnering. This study presents project stakeholders with practical and efficient strategies to facilitate the implementation of partnering arrangements to execute construction projects and has considerable implications for the quantity-surveying practice because it recommends professional services and projects with greater viability for the partnering arrangement