Akpabuyo Local Government Area Research Articles

IMPLEMENTATION ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN AKPABUYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE

This study is an evaluation of the implementation of the National Policy on Education's provisions for Early Childhood Education (ECE) within Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The research aimed to assess the extent to which the policy's guidelines are being implemented in the local ECE centers. It utilized a survey methodology, gathering data through the Early Childhood Education Performance Evaluation Questionnaire (ECEPEQ) from a sample of 97 educators and 11 principals across 20 institutions. The study was conducted against the backdrop of a growing global focus on ECE and its impact on children's development, readiness for school, and long-term outcomes. The research is particularly relevant in the context of Nigeria, where the formal recognition of ECE began in 1977 with the National Policy on Education, which has since been revised multiple times to improve the quality of education provided to young children. The outcomes of the study indicated that while there exists a policy framework for Early Childhood Education overseen by the Local Government Area, there are significant gaps in the monitoring and application of these policies such as the inconsistent Application of the Play-way Approach and lack of integration of the local language. Although the teaching staff are adequately qualified with the National Policy on Education curriculum duly followed, the play-way approach to teaching was not uniformly applied as suggested. Additionally, integration of the local language into the classroom setting was found to be lacking. Consequently, it is advised that the government should implement robust monitoring systems and foster ongoing dialogue to guarantee the successful execution of the National Policy on ECE throughout the State.

Segregation and Wellbeing of Third-generation Migrants in Akpabuyo, Nigeria

The situation associated with migrant population in any society is not devoid of challenges and is most time tainted with ethnic sentiment and social exclusion. Therefore, this study examined the effect of segregation on the wellbeing of third-generation migrants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the upshot of employment, socio-political and economic exclusion on the wellbeing of third-generation migrants. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 331 respondents. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that socio-political, employment and economic marginalization of third-generation migrants negatively affect their wellbeing. Importantly, it accounts for the high level of unemployment and drug addiction, poor access to education and health, low level of income, high crime rate and lack of basic social amenities among third-generation migrants in Akpabuyo, Nigeria. The study recommends that government at all levels should adopt a comprehensive and inclusive policy that would ensure the highest possible level of equality, assimilation, and social cohesion among migrants and indigenous population.

Women’s Involvement in Cassava Value Chain Activities in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to investigate women’s involvement in cassava value chain activities in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify the major value chain activities in the study area; investigate the value chain activities participated by women in the area; identify the constraints affecting effective involvement of women in cassava value chain in the area; and evaluate possible suggestions to improve effective involvement of women in cassava value chain activities in the area. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select 216 respondents for the study. The result revealed that the major cassava value chain activities in the area were processing ( =3.07), marketing ( =2.92), production ( =2.87) and packaging ( =1.86). The findings of this research also indicated that women participate more in cassava processing ( =1.94), rank=1st), followed by production ( =1.85). The respondents indicated that lack of adequate production and processing tools ( =3.81), poor access to land ( =3.78) and lack of financial support ( =3.72), as the three most critical constraints affecting effective involvement of women in cassava value chain activities in the study area. The respondents’ suggestion to improve their involvement in cassava value chain activities revealed that financial support, ease of transportation and access to improved cassava cuttings, with means of 3.79, 3,78 and 3.63, respective, were the most rated factors. The study concluded that women in Akpabuyo local government area are significant actors in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the cassava sub-sector, and as a result, food security. Thus, it was recommended that value chain actors and promoters should make credit facilities available to women in order to encourage their effective involvement in cassava value chain activities in the area, among others.

Teachers’ attitudes to work and effective teaching of english language in primary schools in akpabuyo local government area of cross river state, nigeria

The study was carried out to examine the relationship between teachers’ attitudes to work and effective teaching of English Language in primary schools in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Variables as they affect teachers’ effective teaching of English Language were briefly surveyed to provide multidimensional explanation. The sub variables of teachers’ development attitudes to work considered in this study were teachers’ attitude towards grading and questioning techniques. The design adopted for the study was ex-post-facto. The population of the study comprised all the teachers in the 15 public primary schools in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data and the sample size was one hundred and eight (180) teachers, 80 males and 100 females. The measuring instrument was a questionnaire which the researchers administered on 180 teachers drawn from six (6) public primary schools in the study area. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed that the teachers’ attitudes to work such as attitudes towards grading and questioning techniques correlate positively with effective teaching of English Language. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that government should ensure that more efficient and competent teachers are recruited to teach in the primary schools. Also teachers should change their attitudes towards grading system, they should stop scoring pupils “zero of something” no matter how bad the child’s work is.

Analysis of Gender Participation in Fish Production Value Chain in Akpabuyo, Cross River State Nigeria

The importance of fish in the diet of any human cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this paper was to assess gender participation in fish production chain by specifically examining the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, fish product chain and value addition and gender participation in the different fish product chain as well as the challenges they face. The study was conducted in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria A simple random sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) women fish farmers for the study and questionnaire administered while data obtained were analyzed using simple frequency and percentages. The result showed that male (55%) participated in fish production chain and are married 51%, while a major fish value added activity was smoking and drying of fish using solar power was ranked 1st with the mean of 3.00. In terms of gender role, women have less access to resources and decision making ranked 1st (3.00). The implication is that gender participation may led to poverty reduction and food security enhancement among respondents and so there should be a level playing field for all gender to participate actively in fish production value chain.

Improving the Wellbeing of Ikot Ene During the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Role of Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas Advocates (JDPCA)

The study's objective is to examine the relationship between Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas Advocates (JDPCA) activities and the Wellbeing of Ikot Ene people during COVID-19 Lockdown. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between JDPCA’s provision of palliatives, healthcare programmes, and the Wellbeing of Ikot Ene people during COVID-19 Lockdown. Two research questions and null hypotheses were raised for the study. Literature was reviewed according to the variables of the study. The survey research design was adopted in collecting data from 176 samples from a population of 725 beneficiaries of the JDPCA programme from Ikot Ene in Akpabuyo Local government Area of Cross River state. The instrument of data collection was the question. Data collected from the field was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result revealed a correlation between JDPCA’s provision of palliatives; healthcare programmes had a significant impact on the Wellbeing of the people of Ikot Ene. During COVID-19 Lockdown. Based on the study's findings, the study recommends a need for the Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas Advocates (JDPCA) to improve their coverage area and the number of beneficiaries for their future programmes.

Assessment of Entrepreneurship Skills Needs of Small-Scale Farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State, Nigeria

Specifically, this study assessed the effects of socioeconomic characteristics on entrepreneurship skills of the farmers in the study area. A total of 104 farmers were randomly selected from ten communities in Akpabuyo local government area. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and correlation analysis. The result from the study shows that age (114.183) and household sizes (36.709) are significant socioeconomic variables that positively enhances the entrepreneurship skills of the farmers. Other socioeconomic variables that were significant but contributed inversely includes marital status (-81.153), sex (-37.035), education (-38.655) and income (-36.091). Also, this result was further subjected to correlation analysis to show how the socio economic variables relate with the entrepreneurship farming skills. The result shows that age was significant with 0.3249 * and 0.3417 * at enhancing the farmers skills to recognize business opportunities in the environments and networking with other business partners. The study further reveals that education was significant with 0.3127 * at enhancing farmers skills to recognize business opportunities, however, as the farmers level of education advances inversely by -0.3193 * the farmers records a drop in networking skills. Furthermore, result indicates that farm sizes recorded -0.4452 * for farmers skills at recognizing business opportunities in their environments. In summary, the findings reveals that the farmers are not innovative and therefore, lack the drive that is usually associated with an entrepreneurial spirit. Consequently, it is recommended that in promoting entrepreneurship development of farmers there is need to focus more on entrepreneurship farming by paying special attention in developing the entrepreneurial spirit of both farmers and extension agents. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Skill Needs, Small-Scale Farmers DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-6-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Plant Growth Regulator-Brassinolide for Mitigating Field Waterlogging Stress on Maize

Aim: To assess the pleiotropic role of a plant growth regulator, commercially identified as brassinolide (BR) in mitigating waterlogging stress imposed on maize.
 Study Design: A factorial combination of two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Oba-98], two BR levels (0 and 250 ml) and two waterlogging stages of maize growth [control (WL0) and seedling stage (WL1)], arranged as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used.
 Place and Duration of Study: Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State-Nigeria. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the dry seasons of December 2016 and December 2017.
 Methodology: Waterlogging test was conducted on plots by demarcating them with 3.6 by 1.7 m metal sheets buried to a depth of 60 cm to prevent lateral soil-water movement. Two maize seeds were sown at 25 cm within and 75 cm between rows. The BR (250 ml) was sprayed foliar at 21 DAS. The non-waterlogging plots served as control. Observations were made on growth and yield variables as well as the plant's physiological traits.
 Results: Waterlogging significantly reduced the growth attributes of maize and increased (p≤0.05) the leaf moisture content. The photosynthetically active radiation on maize plants was substantially reduced (p≤0.05) by the waterlogging stress. Dry matter yield (DMY) and nutrient uptake in the leaves, stems and grains were reduced (p≤0.05) at both silking and at harvest. The effect of the BR was greater in Oba-98 with higher nutrient contents, radiation absorption, dry matter and grain yields than IKW.
 Conclusion: Treatment of maize plants with BR could induce some tolerance of field waterlogging. Thus, for optimum efficiency in maize production under stressed soil condition of waterlogging, it is recommended that the foliar spray of BR at the 250 ml per plant rate be considered.

Determinants of Loan Repayment among Small-scale Cassava Farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated the determinants of loan repayment among small-scale cassava farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 160 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, multiple regression and likert scale. Results showed that males were dominant (56.6%) in cassava production and majority (37.5%) were between 41-50 years. About 50% had farm income of less than N100,000.00 while about 46.3% had less than N50,000.00 as their off-farm income. Also, the results found that majority (44.4%) obtained loans from informal sources. Factors that significantly affected loan repayment include off-farm income and interest rate (p ≤ 0.05) and farm income (p ≤ 0.05). The major causes of loan diversion were seasonal activities in the agricultural sector (66.9%) and inadequate sustainable income (65.6%) among others. The major constraints faced by the farmers in terms of loan repayment were high interest rate and short period of repayment among others. Government should encourage the formal loan sources to open branches in the rural areas for easy loan accessibility by farmers and to obtain loan with moderate interest rate.

The Effect of Different Indigenous Processing Methods on the Chemical Composition of Cassava Products

Effective processing and knowledge of the food composition of indigenous staples are imperative for optimal benefit from the nutritive value of food products. This study investigates the effect of different processing methods on the chemical composition of cassava productsBitter variety of cassava was harvested from a farm in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River state, Nigeria. The raw bitter cassava roots were peeled and divided into five equal parts of about 500g each. They were processed into garri, “fufu”, dry “abacha” wet “abacha”, and cassava starch. The “garri” was produced by grating, fermenting (72hrs), sieving and toasting the raw cassava. Cassava starch was produced by fermenting the raw cassava at room temperature (31 o C) in a root water ratio of about 1:3w/v for 5 days. The “Fufu” was prepared by boiling moulded cassava starch in water for 15 min. After which it was pounded. Wet “abacha” was produced by cutting (10cm) and boiling the cassava roots for about 25mins. After which it was sliced into jardiniere shape of about 3 x 3 x 18mm batons and soaked for 8 hours. Dry “abacha” was produced by shredding the boiled (25mins) raw cassava and sun drying it for 5 days. The products were dried using a food dehydrator (40 o C ) and stored in an airtight container for chemical analysis. The products were analyzed using standard AOAC laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Mean and standard deviations were calculated and significance accepted at p<0.05.The results of the proximate composition of the products were as follows; moisture (13.2 -65.1%), Ash (0.2 -0.5%), Fat (0.3-0.9%), Dietary fibre (1.2 - 4.3%), protein (0.6-1.6%) and available carbohydrate (32.1- 81%). The Energy contents of the samples ranged from 688 KJ in dry “fufu” to 1451 KJ in dry “abacha”. “Garri” had the highest calcium (20mg/100g), phosphorus (56mg/100g), potassium (222mg/100g) and sodium (7mg/100g) contents. The raw starch had the highest magnesium content of 10mg/100g. The percentage contributions of the products to the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of adults were as follows: “fufu” had the highest contribution of phosphorus (10%). Sodium (0.1- 0.4%), potassium (1-6mg %) and magnesium (1-4%) contributions were generally low in all the products. The Protein (1-3%) and fat (0.5%-1%) contributions to the RNI were low but that of carbohydrate was high and ranged from 30% in “fufu” to 62% in “dry “abacha”. “Garri” had the highest contribution of dietary fibre (17%). Dry “abacha” and “garri” had the highest energy contributions of 17% to the RNI of adults. All the cassava products had low levels of hydrogen cyanide which ranged from 3.42mg/100g in “garri” to 7.57mg/100g in “fufu”. The traditional processing used for processing raw bitter cassava into dry “abacha” is shown to be insufficient in reducing the HCN to a safe level of <50mg/kg so further processing is recommended. Knowledge of the chemical composition of cassava products will enable consumers to make informed food choices for better nutrition and health outcome. Keywords : Cassava, traditional processing, Hydrogen cyanide, proximate and mineral composition DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-12-05 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

Empirical Studies on Topographical Influences on Crbc/Akbc Terrestrial Television Stations’ Signals in Akpabuyo Local Council Area, Nigeria

Dissemination of information to citizens is a relevant component of governance. Expectedly, viewers tuned to broadcast stations within and outside their localities, expecting their receivers to faithfully reproduce the exact features of the transmitted signal. Akpabuyo is a dense forest zone near the creeks leading to the Atlantic ocean in Cross River State, Nigeria. The location has distinct environmental characteristics that made Akpabuyo Area Council, a challenging location to propagate electromagnetic waves; and therefore recipe for further investigation. Radio frequency analyzer, with 24 channels spectrum, ranging between 46 - 870 MHz (model: RO.VE.R.-“DLM3-T”) was deployed to capture signals from terrestrial television stations (TV). CATV measured signal of TV stations in dB, dBμV and dBmV. Its frequency ranged from 40 - 860 MHz; while varying from channel 1 to channel 69. Measurements taken from Akpabuyo L.G.A. showed the following results: the signal strength received from VHF Channel 11 ranged from 20 dBμV to 49 dBμV. From recorded empirical statistics from the study, 50% of the area received signal from this station above 30 dBμV, while other regions had signals below this value; representing the fringe zone of the frequency. The results obtained from the study relatively showed acceptance with Egli’s model. The study recorded a steady fluctuation between 17 dBμV and 19 dBμV from both propagating stations. However, Channel 27 signal at 519 MHz, had very weak signal coverage in Akpabuyo Local Government Area; with signal strength dropped to as low as 13 dB in many parts of the rural area. The study discovered that the state’s broadcasting stations, both at UHF and VHF channels did not transmit successfully across this densely forest (rural) location. Remedial measures such as installing Repeater stations at different locations as signal booster were recommended.

POST-CONFLICT PEACE-BUILDING IN A CONTESTED INTERNATIONAL BORDER: THE NIGERIA-CAMEROON BORDER CONFLICT SETTLEMENT AND MATTERS ARISING

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as questões decorrentes do acordo de resolução do conflito fronteiriço entre Nigéria e Camarões, que poderia comprometer a “paz fria” entre os dois países; questões relacionadas com as repercussões psicológicas, socioeconômicas e políticas que o método de resolução do conflito e a sua aplicação trouxeram aos indígenas e habitantes da Península de Bakassi, bem como recomendações para uma paz duradoura nesta região problemática. Ao fazer isso, o estudo investiga como o processo de resolução do conflito, com base na decisão da CIJ e no Acordo Green Tree, criou questões mais complexas que encapsulam o interesse do povo de Bakassi, a partir do que deveria ter sido um processo triangular. A análise aqui expõe os danos: psicológicos, sócio-econômicos e políticos produzidos pela maneira peculiar com que o método de resolução do conflito atribuía maior importância ao interesse dos Estados, frente ao significado estratégico da Península e a exclusão de seus habitantes. O estudo traz à tona a necessidade da adoção de uma abordagem alternativa de construção da paz no pós-conflito, em face da ineficácia das abordagens existentes na promoção da paz positiva e desenvolvimento sustentável na região. Ele oferece recomendações que acomodariam o interesse triangular das partes interessadas: Camarões, Nigéria e Bakassi, capturados em uma rede de maneiras que promovam a segurança e o desenvolvimento na África Ocidental. O estudo adota os métodos qualitativos e, a partir dele, o método histórico em termos de coleta, análise e apresentação de dados. A coleta de dados é baseada em fontes primárias e secundárias selecionadas. As fontes primárias incluem dados de evidências orais de trabalho de campo, estudos de notícias, discussão de grupos focais (FGD) etc. Fontes secundárias incluem fontes escritas relevantes para o estudo; documentos de política da Administração do Governo Local de Bakassi, livros, revistas e artigos de periódicos, bem como trabalhos não publicados, teses e dissertações, entre outros. Dados orais para o estudo foram obtidos através de entrevistas pessoais com informantes-chave e discussões de grupo focal (FGDs) realizadas na Área de Governo Local de Akpabuyo no Estado de Cross River, na Nigéria, onde alguns dos Bakassi estão atualmente abrigados e as várias comunidades ao redor da península. Entrevistas orais com o porta-voz das pessoas deslocadas, bem como grupos de especialistas que já trabalham nesta área, ativistas de direito e jornalistas também foram contatadas para os propósitos deste estudo. Na análise e interpretação, o estudo emprega abordagens teóricas de disciplinas relevantes, como história, estudos de paz e conflito, política e direito, aplicando-os à situação histórica associada às preocupações do estudo. Na apresentação, o estudo combina os estilos cronológico, analítico e descritivo.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Healthcare Service Utilization among Rural Dwellers in Akpabuyo Lga, of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract Socio-economic determinants of healthcare services utilization were investigated in Akpabuyo Local Government Area using structured questionnaires, administered to adults in the study area. The general objective of this study was to determine the reason behind underutilization of orthodox health services in the area with particular attention to the socio-economic factors; specific objectives were to ascertain the influence of income level and the relationship between proximity of health facilities and utilization. The research design adopted for this study was the cross-sectional survey design; a sample size of 400 was drawn from adults, selected from each household and the Multi-stage sampling technique was utilized for the process of data collection, which consisted of the systematic random and the purposive sampling techniques. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) were used in the analysis of data generated, for the purpose of arriving at a conclusion and policy recommendation. The findings from this research revealed that income level at all three categories; low, middle and high had significant influence on the utilization of healthcare services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities concerning their distance and location also had a significant relationship on their utilization. Conclusively, it was recommended that there should be equitable distribution of functional health facilities within the wards to reduce distance and travel time, as well as an improvement on household income of rural dwellers in Akpabuyo through numerous private and government interventions as well as improved commercial activities.

Complementary feeding practices among mothers and nutritional status of infants in Akpabuyo Area, Cross River State Nigeria.

Background Malnutrition in infants during weaning has been attributed to inappropriate complementary feeding practices and it underlies more than one-third of child mortality in Nigeria. Thus, addressing the influence of complementary feeding practice on nutritional status may be an important approach to reducing the burden of child malnutrition. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between complementary feeding practices among mothers and nutritional status of their infants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Nigeria. The study enrolled 330 mother–child pairs from 10 randomly selected out of 32 Health Facilities in Akpabuyo. Socio-demographic information, child and maternal characteristics were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Complementary feeding practices were assessed with World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Nutritional indicators wasting, underweight and stunting were determined.ResultsPrevalence of timely introduction of complementary feeding among infants aged 6–8 months was 85.4%, minimum dietary diversity rate was 31.5%, and minimum meal frequency 36.7%, the rate of minimum acceptable diet was 7.3%. One-third (33.3%) of the infants were underweight, 26.4%, wasted and 24.6%, stunted. Children who did not receive timely complementary foods had higher odds for wasting (OR 5.15; 95% CI 1.50–17.73). Children who did not receive the minimum dietary diversity had higher odds for underweight than children who received the minimum dietary diversity (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.17–3.70). Children who did not receive the minimum feeding frequency were more likely to be stunted than their peers who received the minimum feeding frequency (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.53–4.03).ConclusionSub-optimal complementary feeding predisposed to infant’s malnutrition.

Promoting implementation of sustainable development goals in rural Nigeria: II food security issues and their determinants among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the food security situation among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe their socio – economic characteristics, determine their food security status and its determinants and make recommendation based on the findings of the study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of wards, communities and cassava-based farming households. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and three (103) households from 53 communities in the Local Government area. Descriptive statistics, food security indices and logistic regression models were used in data analysis and interpretation. The results showed that the percentages of male to female farmers differed considerably, with most households (59%) consisting of married men and women, thirty three percent (33%) of which were aged 46 years and above. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the households were comprised mostly of Christians, thirty-eight percent (38%) of whom had no formal education. Forty eight percent (48%) of the total number of the cassava farming households had less than 4 memberfamily sizes. The results showed also that 63.11% of the farming households were food secure, while 36.89% were food insecure. The food security gap and food surplus index showed that the food-secure households exceeded the food security line by 33%, while 59% of food-insecure household fell below the food security line. Also, the mean per capita expenditure for all households was N12, 684.21 while the mean per capita expenditure for food secure and food insecure households were N9000 and N3684.20 respectively. The estimated regression model gave a pseudo of 0.7304. Food security and Poverty status of the households were negatively correlated. The odd ratio in favour of household food security decreased by 0.03% for every unit increase in poverty (P&gt;0.05%). It is recommended that more of the young and energetic youth population, and more women and the vulnerable be encouraged to engage themselves more in cassava and other crops’ enterprises; that household sizes be controlled to manageable numbers, and sizes of their farm lands optimally expanded. Finally, sources of farmers’ income should be diversified and cassava farmers should be encouraged to form and/or join cooperative societies so as to build and benefit from ensuing “social capital”, as well as be in positions to benefit from possible incentives of government(s).Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Food Security, Cassava-based Households, Cross River State

Promoting implementation of sustainable development goals in rural Nigeria: I. Poverty issues and its determinants among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, cross river state, Nigeria

This study analyzed the food security situation among cassava-based farming households in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe their socio – economic characteristics, determine their food security status and its determinants and make recommendation based on the findings of the study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of wards, communities and cassava-based farming households. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and three (103) households from 53 communities in the Local Government area. Descriptive statistics, food security indices and logistic regression models were used in data analysis and interpretation. The results showed that the percentages of male to female farmers differed considerably, with most households (59%) consisting of married men and women, thirty three percent (33%) of which were aged 46 years and above. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the households were comprised mostly of Christians, thirty-eight percent (38%) of whom had no formal education. Forty eight percent (48%) of the total number of the cassava farming households had less than 4 member-family sizes. The results showed also that 63.11% of the farming households were food secure, while 36.89% were food insecure. The food security gap and food surplus index showed that the food-secure households exceeded the food security line by 33%, while 59% of food-insecure household fell below the food security line. Also, the mean per capita expenditure for all households was N12, 684.21 while the mean per capita expenditure for food secure and food insecure households were N9000 and N3684.20 respectively. The estimated regression model gave a pseudo of 0.7304. Food security and Poverty status of the households were negatively correlated. The odd ratio in favour of household food security decreased by 0.03% for every unit increase in poverty (P>0.05%). It is recommended that more of the young and energetic youth population, and more women and the vulnerable be encouraged to engage themselves more in cassava and other crops’ enterprises; that household sizes be controlled to manageable numbers, and sizes of their farm lands optimally expanded. Finally, sources of farmers’ income should be diversified and cassava farmers should be encouraged to form and/or join cooperative societies so as to build and benefit from ensuing “social capital”, as well as be in positions to benefit from possible incentives of government(s).

Perception and attitudes of parents towards teenage pregnancy in a rural community of Cross river state, Nigeria

Teenage pregnancy is a social menace and common public health problem. It is detrimental to both mother and child because teenage mother is not physically, psychologically and economically ready to bear a child. This phenomenon has multiple adverse consequences on maternal health, child health and overall wellbeing of the society. This study investigated the perception and attitudes of parents towards teenage pregnancy in a rural community in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The objectives included: to determine parents’ perception on teenage pregnancy and to determine parents’ attitudes towards teenage pregnancy. A null hypothesis was stated to test the association between demographic characteristics of parents and their attitude towards teenage pregnancy. Descriptive survey was used and data were collected through self administered questionnaire to a sample of 309 respondents selected through purposive sampling. SPSS version 21.0 was utilized for data analysis. The findings included that 93% of parents claimed that a pregnant teenager outside wedlock is a social deviant and 85.8% said teenage pregnancy is a sign of parental failure. Their attitudinal behaviour showed that the affected girl would be sent away from the family (32.7%), parents would stop her education (49.8%) and that the girl would be abandoned to the man/boy responsible for the pregnancy. Sociodemographic characteristics of parents depicted by gender, education and religion were significantly associated with the attitudes of parents towards teenage pregnancy. Conclusion was made that gaps exist in parental perception and attitudes towards teenage pregnant girls. Therefore, it is recommended that parents should reappraise and strengthen their obligations towards their adolescent/teenage daughters to enable them achieve their full potentials through prevention of teenage pregnancies.

Seroprevalence and predictors of hepatitis E infection in Nigerian children.

Hepatitis E is a hepatotropic virus transmitted through the fecal-oral route and is prevalent in developing countries where sanitation is still a public health issue. There is no epidemiological data about this virus in Nigerian children. All the existing studies are hospital based, with obvious limitations. This study was conducted to establish the seroprevalence and predictors of viral hepatitis E antibody in children in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. This was a community-based, cross-sectional study. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select ten communities from which 406 children were recruited. The study period was April to June 2012. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Blood samples were screened for anti-HEV IgG antibody using the enzyme-linked immunoassay technique. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that independently predicted the occurrence of the anti-HEV IgG antibody. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The seroprevalence rate of anti-HEV IgG antibody was 7.7% (95% CI = 5.1-10.3). The study population mainly (94.1%) comprised the lower social class. Levels of social amenities in these communities were generally poor, with virtually no piped water and modern sewage disposal systems. After multivariate analysis, the predictor of infection was the duration of residence in the study communities. HEV infection was prevalent in the study population. Educational campaigns and provision of good sewage disposal and piped water are of high necessity.

Seismic Early Warning Foundation Conditions Evaluation Survey for Civil Engineering Constructions in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Seismic refraction method was used to study the rock/soil conditions for civil engineering con struction in Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria. Akpabuyo was chosen for this research because it is a rural countryside with high potentials of future rapid increase in developmental activities due to its closeness to the State c apital. The aim is to provide information on foundation materials, which would serve as an early warning data base for avoiding sites that are vulnerable to structural failures. This approach is in contradistinction to the conventional approach which seeks to find solutions to structural failures when the damage has already been done. The results of the survey show that soil/rock in most parts of the study area have good engineering strength and are suitable for the construction of civil engineering works. A few of the locations are suspected to be vulnerable to structural failure under high stress conditions, due to the anomalous

Seroprevalence and predictors of hepatitis A infection in Nigerian children.

IntroductionHepatitis A infection is prevalent in developing countries where sanitation is still a public health issue. In Nigeria, there is no epidemiological data on children for this infection. A community based study was carried out to establish the seroprevalence and predictors of this infection in children.MethodsA community based cross sectional study was carried out in Akpabuyo local Government Area of Cross River State in southern Nigeria. Multi-staged sampling technique was used to recruit 406 children aged 1-18 years. Blood samples were analysed for anti-HAV total antibody (IgM and IgG) using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Assay(ELISA). A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that independently predicted the occurrence of anti-HAV total antibody. p value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty four subjects tested positive for anti-HAV total antibody giving a prevalence rate of 55.2%. The median age for those positive was 9 years and for those without evidence of HAV infection was 4 years. One hundred and one (45.1%) males and 123 (54.9%) females were positive. The study population was mainly of the low social class with 94.1%. After multivariate analysis, predictors of HAV infection were age and social class.ConclusionHAV infection was prevalent in the study population. Educational campaign is imperative and vaccine provision is advocated to further curb the spread of this infection.