Result of 2004 extended trypanosomosis survey of ruminants at Kachia Grazing Reserve, North Central Nigeria

Tsetse fly and trypanosome prevalence in ruminants were estimated in April and August, peak months of the dry and rainy seasons in the Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) of Kaduna State, North Central Nigeria. This study was subsequent to reports of seasonal outmigration of semi nomadic Fulani from the grazing reserve due to death of cattle from trypanosomosis. Result of blood samples showed an overall parasitological infection rate of 17.4%. Infection rates in cattle, sheep and goats were, 18.6%, 9.5% and 5.1% respectively. Over all higher infection rate in the rainy season was attributed to abundance of tsetse and other hematophagus flies. Infection rate in younger animals (21.9%) was higher compared to those of older animals (16.5%). Trypanosoma vivax was the dominant infecting trypanosome specie followed by T. congolense and T. brucei.It was concluded that tsetse fly and trypanosomosis constituted dual plagues limiting economic livestock production and settling of the pastoralists in the grazing reserve. This warrants application of sustainable integrated control measures to enhance utilization of abundant fodder at the reserve.Key words: Kachia grazing reserve, trypanosomosis, ruminants, infection rates, Nigeria. Resultat de l'enquete de trypanosomose extension de 2004 des ruminants a la reserve de piscine Kachia, Nigeria Centrale du NordLa prévalence de la mouche tsé-tsé et du trypanosome chez les ruminants a été estimée en avril et août, les mois de pointe des saisons secanes et pluvieuses dans la réserve de pâturage de Kachia (KGR) de l'État de Kaduna, dans le nord du centre du Nigeria. Cette étude a été postérieure à des rapports d'émigration saisonnière de Fulani semi-nomades provenant de la réserve de pâturage en raison de la mort de bovins de la trypanosomose. Le résultat des échantillons de sang a montré un taux global d'infection parasitaire de 17,4%. Les taux d'infection chez les bovins, les ovins et les chèvres étaient respectivement de 18,6%, 9,5% et 5,1%. Le taux d'infection plus élevé pendant la saison des pluies a été attribué à l'abondance de mouches tsé-tsé et d'autres mouches hématophobes. Le taux d'infection chez les animaux plus jeunes (21,9%) était plus élevé par rapport à ceux des animaux plus âgés (16,5%). Trypanosoma vivax était le trypanosome infectant dominant suivi de T. congolense et T. brucei.On a conclu que la mouche tsé-tsé et la trypanosomose constituaient des fléaux doubles limitant la production d'élevage économique et la colonisation des pasteurs dans la réserve de pâturage. Cela justifie l'application de mesures de contrôle intégrées durables pour améliorer l'utilisation de fourrages abondants dans la réserve.Mots clés: réserve de pâturage de Kachia, trypanosomose, ruminants, taux d'infection, Nigeri

Spatial and temporal distribution of ionospheric currents-4: altitude – local time and altitude – longitude cross sections of Equatoriall Electrojet current density

The rare opportunity given by the unprecedented spatial and temporal coverage of POGO satellites data is exploited to present all possible cross sections of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current in the group of papers. Here the all-longitude means at 7 hours centred on local noon and the daytime means at 36 longitudes, of the vertical distribution parameters of EEJ current density are provided. The altitudelocal time cross section of EEJ current density has one contour cell peaking at (12 h, 106 km) while the altitude-longitude cross section of EEJ current density has three contour cells peaking at (1000E, 106 km), (1900E, 106 km) and (2900E, 106 km). In both cross sections the contour of a given current density extends farther from the altitude of peak current density when the peak current density at the centre of EEJ is larger. This accounts for the wavy nature of the altitude-longitude cross section. Attention is drawn to two rocket measurements that support this phenomenon. The following conclusions are also reached. (a) The continuous distribution of current density model reproduces the altitude distribution parameters of EEJ current density very well, (b) the altitude distribution parameters of EEJ current density in India and Peru are not significantly different and (c) The altitude distribution parameters of EEJ current density from rockets data and from POGO Satellites data are not significantly different and that (d) It is essential to take into account the lack of symmetry between the vertical distributions of EEJ current density below and above the altitude of EEJ peak current density. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(3): 389-398

Spatial and temporal distribution of ionospheric currents-3: latitude- local time and latitude- Longitude across section of Equatorial Electrojet current density and intensity

A comprehensive analysis of the POGO satellites data of 1967 1969 has enabled us to present the daytime means, based on 09 hr to 15 hr, at each of 36 longitudes, and the all-longitude means at each of 7 local time hours, for each of 9 parameters of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) necessary for the cross sections. The latitude-local time cross sections of EEJ current density and intensity each displays three contour cells. The forward current contour cell peaks at (12h, 00.) and the return current contour cells peak at (12h, 5.130N) and (12h, 5.130S). The latitude-longitude cross sections of EEJ current density and intensity each displays nine contour cells. The three forward current contour cells peat at (00, 1000E), (00, 1900E) and (00, 2900E). The three return current contour cells to the north peak at (5.350N, 1000E), (5,050N, 1900E) and (5.300, 2900E), while the three to peak at (5.350S, 1000), (5.050S, 1900E), while the three to the south peak at (5.350S, 1000E), (5.050S, 1900E) and (5,300S, 290E). The return current spreads thinly over an area of about four times the area of the forward current. Consequently, the ratio of the peak return current density or intensity to the peak forward current density or intensity is only about one quarter. On the average the percentage ratio is 23.25 0.41. Arising from the decrease of EEJ with latitude while at the same time it increases everywhere as the peak current at the magnetic dip equator increases, the cross sections show that the contours extend farther in latitude when the peak current at the dip equator is larger. Key Words: latitude local time, latitude. longitude cross sections, current density, and intensity inonospheric currents. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(3): 361-370

Can Africa achieve food sufficiency? Taking lessons from Indian agriculture in the face of 21st century agricultural challenges

There is no gainsaying the fact that Agriculture remains the backbone of developing nation’s economy considering its importance for food security as well as major source of employment and rural livelihood. This is true in Africa as Agriculture remains the major source of income though this varies widely across countries. However, percentage share of agriculture in national GDP of many African countries in the recent time is declining. This coupled with increase in demand for food, population growth as well as changing in consumers’ food patterns have led to increment in food importation bills of many African countries in other to meet their domestic food demand. This paper therefore reviewed the possibilities of African agriculture achieving food sufficiency in the face of 21st century agricultural challenges and opportunities. Effort was made to understudy the pathway to India Agriculture attaining food sufficiency keeping in mind the similarity of India Agriculture to African agricultural scenario with nearly same opportunities and challenges. We therefore conclude that a proactive and innovative pathway should be created in Africa using policy tools, adoption of proven adaptable agricultural technologies as well as promotion of climate smart agricultural technologies for transformation of Africa Agriculture from net importer of food to food sufficiency as well as becoming net exporter of food