Akamkpa Local Government Area Research Articles

Factors Affecting Students Poor Preference of Music as a Course of Study of Secondary School Students in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of this study is to explore into the factors influencing students’ poor preference of music as a course of study of secondary students in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve this main purpose, this study seek to: explain the benefits of studying music; determine whether students’ perception influence their preference for music as a course of study and the extent of such influence; determine whether gender and culture influence students’ preference for music as a course of study and the extent of such influence; determine whether the family influence students’ preference for music as a course of study and the extent of such influence; determine whether peer groups influence students’ preference for music as a course of study and the extent of such influence. The study employed two research designs – descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The study sample comprised of 180 participants (students) randomly selected from nine public secondary schools in the area. A simple random sampling technique was used to choose nine schools out of the public secondary schools in the area. A simple percentage, mean and Pearson Product moment correlation was use for descriptive analysis. The results of the findings revealed that Student had negative perception about music which influences their poor preference of it as a course of study., Gender influenced the preference of music as a course of study by secondary school students, Culture was not an influence of student’s poor preference of music as a course of study, Peer group had the highest influence of all the factors analyzed in limiting student’s preference of music as a course of study.

Assessment of Environmental Effects of Post-Blasted Explosive on the Ecosystem of Old Netim Village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of post-blast explosive residues on ecosystems around Prodeco Quarry industry in Calabar Nigeria by collecting explosives residues and air/fumes samples. The variation between the intensity and temperature of explosive dissolution in the mine environment shows that TNT appears at the lowest temperature of 10oC and PETN reflected at about 35oC and NG shows almost at 58oC. Consequently, 5-15 kg of ANFO produced 10-30 lit/kg of nitrogen oxide compound (NOx) fumes while 20 kg ANFO produced 40 lit/kg of carbon monoxide fume. Also, 0.2 μg/L concentration of explosive in water recorded the highest mean recovery of 116.0 % while 1.0 μg/L recorded the highest values of 99.0 %. The mean recovery in soil sample is range between 105.0-126.0 % while that of forest is range between 91.0-107.0 % with the 50.0 μg/L concentration of explosive. The study concluded that the contaminating effects of the explosives residues have direct and indirect influences on the growth and development of the ecosystems.

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in vegetables grown within fungicide treated Cocoa plantations in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria and implications to human health

The study was carried out to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples and edible vegetables (Heinsia crinita and Gnetum africana) grown within fungicide treated cocoa plantation in Akamkpa communities of Cross River State Nigeria. In each sampling community, the edible vegetables and soil samples were collected for the period of three months (March to May) and were replicated three times. The levels of heavy metals in soil and edible vegetable samples collected were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples collected from fungicide treated coca plantations were higher than those recorded in the control location in all the sample locations. The concentrations of heavy metals in edible vegetables (Heinsia crinita and Gnetum africana) collected from fungicide treated cocoa plantations exceeded the maximum permissible limits values of heavy metals for edible vegetables. The soils and edible vegetables (Heinsia crinita and Gnetum africana) in the fungicide treated cocoa plantations in Akamkpa communities are contaminated by heavy metals and may pose serious adverse health effect to the consumers and the ecosystem.

The Impact of National Park on Catchment Communities Development: Cross River State Scenario, Nigeria

In recent times, the concept of National Park development has not significantly impacted on the lives of the rural communities within the area. It is on this premise that this research wishes to evaluate the impact of Cross River State National Park on catchment communities development. Three communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area were selected for this study and include Mkpot, Aking and Oban and ten percent of the projected population was used as a sampled size for the administration of questionnaires in each community. Findings indicate that most of the projects embarked upon by the Cross River State National Park were poorly executed at the same vein there was also a low level of community participation in the park management. Besides, it was noticed that the people were not provided with an alternative source of livelihood and as a result, confrontations between park management and members of host communities are frequent. Against this backdrop, much is needed to be done if effective park management and community benefits from the park must be achieved.

Rural Saving Mobilizations and Economic Development in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State - Nigeria

This study presents an analysis of “Rural Saving Mobilizations and economic development in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State Nigeria”. The data available shows that savings mobilization plays an important role in rural development and in rural Economy like Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State Nigeria. The major objectives of the study are to examine the mobilization of rural savings in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State and the factors militating against the mobilization of savings in the area. The study also assesses the roles and contributions of the formal and informal financial sectors in the mobilization of savings from the rural area. Primary and secondary data were collected from the rural households and the two major financial institutions in the area then (the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, and the peoples Bank of Nigeria). The analysis shows that 80% of Awi- the Cross River State College of education Community indicated a greater percentage of their awareness to save their money in the bank. It was also discovered that out of 351 workers of the State college of Education, Akamkpa, 243 or 69.23% save with the Union Bank of Nigeria, Akamkpa Branch under the salary payroll Accounts. While 108 or 30.77% save with the people Bank of Nigeria, Akamkpa branch respectively. The study also reveals that the higher the rate of interest, the greater the inducement to Savers to increase their savings and supply more funds. policy implications of the study are that the government or the monetary authority should maintain the equality of saving and investment where the market rate of interest equal to the natural rate.

Pedological Study of Soils Developed on Biotite-Hornblende-Gneiss in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Pedological Study of Soils Developed on Biotite-Hornblende-Gneiss in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Level Of Community Participation In The Conservation Of Natural Resources In Akamkpa Local Government Area, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

This study on the level of community participation in the conservation of natural resources in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Southern Cross River State, Nigeria is aimed at establishing the extent of community participation in natural resources conservation in the study area. The Ex-post facto research design was adopted. To achieve the purpose of this study, two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting six communities while the multi-stage stratified random sampling technique and accidental sampling technique was used to select the two hundred and fifty (250) community members used for the study. A fifteen (15) items four points likert scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. To test the hypotheses, Dependent t-test statistical analysis technique was used for data analysis. The results obtained from analysis of data revealed that, the level of participation significantly influences forest resources conservation. In the second hypothesis, the result also shows that community involvement has a significant influence on wildlife conservation. Based on these findings, it was recommended that awareness creation on environmental conservation should become integral part of community organizations.

Influence of Gender and Environmental Awareness on Attitude of People towards Forest Conservation in Ekuri Communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State

This study examined some psychological variables and attitude of people towards forest conservation in Ekuri communities in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State. This Ex-Post Facto research involved two hundred respondents consisting of farmers, traders and students selected through stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire constructed by the researchers was used for data collection while independent t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical analysis were used for data analysis. The research findings revealed that there is a significant influence of gender and environmental awareness on attitude of people towards forest conservation. Based on these findings, appropriate recommendations were made.

A comparative study of the influence of heavy metals on soil and crops growing within quarry environment at Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

A comparative study of the influence of heavy metals on soils and crops grown within quarry environment at Akamkpa, Cross River State was conducted in 2009 year. The study area was delineated into3 zones P1, P11, P111 based on the intensity of exposure to tailings, wind speed, wind direction and distance from the quarry. The selected sample distances were (0km, 1km and 3km as control). Soil sample with the depth of (0-15cm), cassava leaves and, fluted pumpkin leaves were collected separately from each of the sampling area and analyzed for chemicalcharacteristics. The concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn, Fe and Cu in the leaves samples of fluted pumpkin and cassava in sample position (P1) were (25.26± 0.58, 15.54± 0.75, 14.28± 1.23, 18.05±0.20, 42.25±0.10, 87.22±0.40 and 28.14±0.71)mg/kg for fluted pumpkin and (23.41±0.50, 11.25±0.11, 10.78±0.23, 12.25±0.60, 38.25±0.05, 75.28±0.40 and 26.51±0.15)mg/kg for cassava leaves respectively. The values of these heavy metals Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn, Fe and Cu of soils in zone (P1) were (12.26±0.86, 5.75±0.50, 3.25±1.84, 8.25±1.24,14.29±0.25,125.0.85±0.05 and 5.67±0,98)mg/kg respectively.  The values of heavy metals in plant species were significant (P<0.05) higher than values of the soils in sample position. Similar trend was recorded in zones P11 and P111. The high concentrations of trace metals recorded in the leaves of the plant species may be due to bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of those metals in plant. The decrease in concentration of these metals in the soil may be as a result of losses due to leaching, harvest of agricultural products, volatilization and soil pH.. Thecorrelation between heavy metals in the soil and the relationship with the soil factors showed that some metals correlate significantly and positively with other metals while some do not. It is concluded that quarry activities in Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has a significant impact on the level of heavy metals on crops around the area. This is a matter of great concern in view of the environmental and health implication, since man and livestock depend on these plant species for food.

Impact of Logging on non Timber Forest Products (ntfps) in the Rainforest of South Eastern Nigeria

This study examined the impact of logging intensity on forest diversity in Iwuru, Akamkpa Local Government Area ofCross River State, South Eastern Nigeria. Specifically, it considered the effects of logging intensity on availability of non-timber forestproducts (NTFPs), which include timber species and non-timber tree species as well as shrubs and climber species with NTFPs values.The study depended largely on the collection of primary data through direct field measurements carried out during forest inventory exercisesin sample plots with lightly logged, moderately logged, severely logged and unlogged tropical rainforest in the study area (Iwuru). Theunlogged sample plots were of various sizes depending on the type and quantity of samples to be considered. The collected data wereanalysed using two types of analytical statistical models, that is, statistical means and analysis of variance (ANOVA).From thestatistical mean analysis, the mean value for NTFPs ascribed as “good” decreases from unlogged sample plots (31.40), through lightlylogged (13.68) to moderately logged (4.71) and intensively logged plots (0.79).However, more species recorded as “minimal”, “moderate”and “severe” were in highly logged plots. The result from the analysis of variance indicates a relatively high f-value of 4.749 and very lowp-value of 0.003 indicating a significant relationship between logging and availability of NTFPs. It is established that logging intensitysignificantly affects the quality and quantity of NTFPs. The policy implications of findings are explored.

The influence of instructional materials on mathematics achievement of senior secondary students in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Having observed the reckless abandonment of professional codes and ethics of teaching soon after certification, and specifically the subterfuge of the use of instructional materials in lesson delivery, the researchers set out to investigate the state-of-the-art in terms of availability and use of mathematical instructional materials, and the influence of these on students’ achievement in the subject. Three instruments, a 20-item Mathematics Teacher Instructional Materials Availability Questionnaire (TIMAQ), a 20-item Mathematics Teacher Instructional Material Use Questionnaire (TIMUQ) and a 30-item Multiple Choice Achievement Test (MCAT) were developed, validated (test-retest reliability coefficients of 0.87 and 0.97 respectively for TIMAQ and TIMUQ, and KR-20 coefficient of 0.89 with mean 40.8, S.D. 11.33) for MCAT. Two hundred (200) students (20 per school comprising 100 male and 100 female) were selected from the ten public secondary schools in Akamkpa Local Government Area by stratified random technique, and two (2) Mathematics teachers per school for the study. Results of the simple percentage and independent t-test analyses revealed the non-availability and non use of instructional materials in Mathematics instruction, as well as significant achievement differences between materials-available and non-available schools on one hand and achievement of students from material-used and non–used schools on the other. Useful recommendations were therefore made based on these findings.Keywords: mathematics instructional materials, students’ achievement, availability of instructional materials, use of instructional materials

Characteristics and management of soils of Aakamkpa area, Cross River State Nigeria for increased cocoyam yields

Cocoyam is an important food security crop in Nigeria. It occupies a prominent position in the diets and farming systems in the Niger Delta region, especially Cross-River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. A Study was carried out to evaluate the character rustics of the soils of Akamkpa local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State Nigeria for sustainable Cocoyam production. Free survey method was applied in a reconnaissance soil survey to collect soil samples at 0-30cm depth. 300 soil samples were collected and analyzed. Results showed that the soils are predominantly sandy loam and sandy clay loam. The soils were strongly acidic with pH (H ) range of 4.7 to 5.5, the organic carbon content ranged from 0.98 to 2:03% and total N ranged from 0.06 to 0.17% available P was low ( 6.5 to 13.(mgkg ).The exchangeable bases were low while the base saturation ranged from 42 to 87%. Integrated use of rice mill waste and inorganic fertilizer at a rate of 10- 30tha and 600kg ha ofNPK15: 15 is recommended to ameliorate the soils to sustain good yield.Keywords: Management, soils, cocoyam and yields

The Effect of Limestone, Crush Rock and Asbestos/Cement Dust Particles on the Ventilatory Function Parameters of Chronically-Exposed Workers in Calabar Municipality and Akamkpa Local Government Areas of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

A comparative study of the influence of limestones, crush rock and asbestos/cement dust on the respiratory function parameters of exposed workers was carried in Calabar, Mfamosing and Old Netim, both of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty adult male workers, non-smokers exposed for at least five years and 150 adult control groups from the College of Medical Sciences and Graduate School of the University of Calabar of the same age, weight and height were studied. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were determined using dry wedge vitalograph spirometer, while the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was determined using the mini Wright peak flow meter. The data were statistically analysed and the result showed a mean FVC of 3.3L, FEV1 of 2.5L and PEFR of 467.6L/mm among Asbestos/cement workers. Also a mean FVC of 3.38L, FEV1 of 2.38L and 469.0L/mm for limestone workers, FVC of 3.56L, FEV1 of 2.56L, PEFR of 453.2L/mm for crush rock workers and a mean FVC of 4.12L, FEV1 of 3.34L, PEFR of 594.0 for control group. There were no significant differences between the ventilatory function parameters (FVC, FEV1) in all the workers (P>0.05), but there were significant differences in PEFR values in the groups of workers (P workers.

The effect of quarrying on soil and vegetation in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria

The effect of quarrying on soil and vegetation in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria

Prevalence and intensity of Paragonimus uterobilateralis infection among school children in Oban village, South Eastern, Nigeria

A survey of Paragonimus infection among primary school children aged 6-10 years in Oban village, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted. A total of 198 children were examined:112 (56.6%) were boys while 86 (43.4%) were girls. Eleven of the subjects were sputum positive for paragonimus eggs, giving an overall prevalence rate of 5.5%. The findings show that paragonimiasis is a significant health problem in South Eastern Nigeria; the risk of infection could be minimized by the proper cooking of fresh water crabs and crayfish before consumption.

Influence of poverty on forest / forest management policies of Cross River National Park, Akamkpa

This research attempts to investigate and examine the influence of poverty on forest/forest management in the rural areas of Mbarakpa, Igbofia, Uyanga, Oban, Nsan and Obutong in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. The population of this study comprised the total number of 620 household heads in the six communities. The primary objective of this study was to investigate factors responsible for high poverty rate in the rural areas that has made the application of forest management policies unworkable. Analysis of data from the 150 sampled household heads in the study area revealed that the level of poverty and general standard of living in the study area are highly deplorable, leading to high rate of forest exploitative drive. The study further indicated that majority (68.67 percent) of the sampled respondents had no gainful employment, hence the propensity for forest resource exploitation. It showed further that about 77.33 percent of the sampled respondents were ignorant of the forest bye-laws. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the rural people in the study area should be empowered to take active part in sustainable management of the forest as this would help to reduce the level of poverty. Also other sources of income and nutrition (example, fish and snail farming) apart from forest resources should be developed and encouraged. Keywords : rural poverty, forest management policies Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 177-180

Human ochocerciasis in Ekong community, Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The prevalence and intensity of onchocerciasis in Ekong Community of Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 316 subjects were screened for skin microfilariae (mf) and clinical manifestations, using standard parasitological and clinical methods of diagnosis. Two hundred and thirty-two (73.4%) of those examined were positive for Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae. Males (82.0%) were significantly (P30) showing significantly (P

Symptoms And Lung Function Values In Nigerian Men And Women Exposed To Dust Generated From Crushing Of Granite Rocks In Calabar, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine lung function and respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms among men and women exposed to dust emitted from crushing of granite rocks and to compare them with control men and women not exposed to any known air pollutant. The sites were the granite rock crushing industries in old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Respirable dust level was higher in the dust-emitting sites (1.087±0.243mg/m 3 ) than in the control areas (0.099± 0.007 mg/m 3 ; p 1 % were significantly lower in the dust-exposed group than their control group. (p 1 , FVC and PEFR) thus, suggesting restrictive lung defect among the exposed workers. Lung function indices correlated negatively with duration of service of the granite industry workers. The incidence of the major respiratory symptoms viz: unproductive cough, chest pain, catarrh and dyspnoea among the test group were higher (p Key words: Lung function, Granite, Dust, Symptoms Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 41-47

Effects Of Oil Palm (<i>Elaeis guineensis</i>) And Gmelina (<i>Gmelina arborea</i>) Plantations On Soil Properties In The Calabar Environment, Nigeria

The study was undertaken in Akamkpa Local Government Area, some 30 – 35 km north of Calabar. The soils are developed from Basement Complex rocks mostly granites inter-bedded with shale under a rainfall regime of over 2,000 mm per annum. One toposequence, each under oil palm and gmelina plantations, was selected for the study The results showed that the soils under oil palm plantation accumulated more Ca, Mg, K, and P, higher electrical conductivity and exchangeable acidity but lower effective cation exchange capacity, less organic carbon, less total N and was slightly less acidic than the ones under gmelina cultivation. Except for the content of available phosphorus, the nutrient contents in soils of both plantations were higher than similar soils under arable crops, thus confirming both plants as soil improvers. KEY WORDS: soil improvers, Elaeis guineensis, Gmelina arborea, Basement Complex Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.3(1&2) 2004: 63-67

The Prevalence of Filariasis in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State-Nigeria.

The prevalence of Filariasis in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, was studied among 303 residents of the community between July 2000 and June 2001. Venous blood specimens collected from the residents after a Mazzotti test, were examined using standard parasitological techniques for the presence of microfilariae. A questionnaire, which set out to test the perception and rapid epidemiological assessment of Filariasis in the area was administered to the study population. The overall prevalence rate for filaraemia was 25.7%. Two species of microfilariae, viz Mansonella perstans and Loa loa were detected, with prevalence rates of 96.2% and 3.8% respectively. Filaraemia was higher in males 33.9% (61:180) than in females 13.8% (17:123). However the difference was not statistically significant (x2 =0.75 0.01). Only 41(13.5%) of the respondents knew of Filariasis as a parasitic disease, but none of them had knowledge of the causative agents and the insect vectors involved in the transmission of the disease. A total 495 female Culicoides (midges), 800 anopheline and 1772 culicine mosquitoes where caught and dissected for the third stage lava of filarial worms. The disease transmission occurred through out the year with an abundance of Culicoides (midges) recorded in June, when the peak transmission of Filariasis (mansonelliasis) also occurred. Although the pathogenicity of Mansonella perstans is still doubtful, the presence of Loa loa in Awi makes the community epidemiologically important as a focus for the spread of infection to Calabar. Treatment of properly diagnosed cases, medical education, provision of insecticide, treated bed net and improved housing will help to curtail the transmission of Filariasis in the area. Key Words: Filariasis, Prevalence, Mansonelliasis, Loiasis. [Mary Slessor Jnl of Medicine Vol.3(1) 2003: 75-80]