Benue State Research Articles

Demographic Factors Influencing Lecturers’ Protean Career Orientation in North-Central Universities, Nigeria

The elements of a basic protean career orientation are basic elements of human needs for growth and meaningful occupational productivity. However, a significant percentage of lecturers in Nigerian universities find it difficult in practicing their value driven-career attitude and self-directed behavior. Thus, this descriptive study sought to assess the demographic factors that influence lecturers’ dimensions of protean career orientation: value driven-career attitude and self-directed behavior in North-central Universities, Nigeria. Four hundred lecturers were purposely selected from Kogi State University, Anyigba, Benue State University Makurdi and Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria as respondents using self-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found age and gender (70.2%) as influencing lecturers' value-driven career attitude while educational level and gender influences their self-directed attitude. The study discovered further that job and career satisfaction, organizational commitment, task performance, self-management behavior and career productivity were the influence protean career orientation had on lecturers work outcome in North-central universities, Nigeria (97.2%). However, 70.2% of lecturers in the study settings could not practice their protean career orientation effectively. Poor motivation, lack of adequate infrastructural facilities, teaching of large classes, poor staff development and strike actions were the barriers identified (68.4%). The study recommends among others that the Nigerian universities should provide organizational support that actively engages employees in the management of their own career as well as formal training and education on value-driven and self-directed attitudes so as to encourage positive values among lecturers.

Analysing the Impact of Minimum Wage Laws on Low-Income Workers in Selected Government Ministries, Agencies, Departments and Parastatals in Benue State

This study analyzed the Impact of Minimum Wage Laws on Low-Income Workers in Selected Government Ministries, Agencies, Departments, and Parastatals in Benue State. It specifically examined the impact of the National Minimum Wage Act on Minority Workers as well as the impact of the Labour Act on Rural Workers in selected government MDAs in Benue State. The target population is 2,803 and a sample size of 338 was derived from Krejcie and Morgan method. The hypotheses were tested with simple linear regression analysis on Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) at a 5 percent significant level. Hypothesis one revealed a statistically significant negative impact of the National Minimum Wage Act on minority workers in selected government MDAs in Benue State. Hypothesis two showed that there is a strong negative impact of the Labour Act on Rural Workers in selected government MDAs in Benue State. The study concluded that there is a statistically significant negative impact of impact of minimum wage laws on low-income workers in selected government ministries, agencies, departments and parastatals in Benue State. It was recommended that policymakers need to review and adjust the National Minimum Wage Act to ensure fair compensation for minority workers in government MDAs by conducting wage audits and aligning wages with the local cost of living. Also, the government needs to revise the labour to address the unique challenges of rural workers in government MDAs by implementing region-specific policies and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Socio-Economic Implications of Displacement on Children in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined the socio-economic implication of displacement on children in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. It specifically identified the concerns of children in the IDP camps in Guma LGA of Benue state; ascertained the various agencies addressing these concerns and, investigated and prioritized the identified concerns of these children to proffer the needs assessment to address these. This is undertaken given that in the aftermath of farmers' and herders' conflicts, children bore the brunt of the disruptive effects of the upheavals that undermined their survival rights. The study adopted a survey method that sourced primary data through the use of a structured questionnaire and employed descriptive statistics for analysis. The findings indicate that there are unaccompanied children in the camp who are not catered for. There is inadequate medical care for the children, raising concerns about malnutrition, infectious diseases, safe delivery, and infant mortality. School drop-out is also a concern as it leads to the risk of child labour, poor skills development, and vices. The study recommended that a proper record of all internally displaced persons across all indices of demographic and socioeconomic data should be taken for adequate planning and logistics. There should be effective psychological treatment for the children to help their psycho-social integration with the larger society. Access to medical care should be improved for the children and education services should be all-encompassing for the children to eradicate the school drop-out rate.

The effect of participatory action research on HPV primary preventive measures among in-school adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria

BackgroundIndividuals with a higher level of awareness and knowledge of HPV are more likely to dispel misconceptions about HPV and reduce their likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. Behavioural change can be achieved through interventions such as participatory action research (PAR), which has been applied in various contexts. Few studies have reported on the use of PAR in Nigeria. This study aims to utilise PAR as an intervention to increase HPV awareness, improve knowledge of HPV infection, and promote behavioural change for HPV prevention among young adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study design uses a school-based, pre-post intervention approach with a cross-sectional component. Study participants are young adolescents aged 10–19 years in selected co-educational secondary schools in three local government areas (LGAs) spread across the three senatorial zones in Benue State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling was used to select the LGAs and schools, and the sample size was computed using the before and after implementation with some prior information from a previous study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HPV awareness and knowledge of infection and prevention, prevention practices, and willingness for HPV vaccination were obtained with a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Vaccination and HPV Knowledge (THinK) survey. The HPV Knowledge survey (New Zealand) was utilized to collect information from students at baseline and post-implementation after PAR intervention. The Wilcoxon Signed Test (WST) was used to investigate the significance of the median differences before and after the intervention. A p-value less than 0.05 or 0.001 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 548 adolescents were sampled before the intervention. After the intervention, the sample size decreased to 503, reflecting an 8% attrition rate. PAR effectively increased HPV awareness among the participants from 80.9% before the intervention to 99.8% afterward. The PAR led to a significant change in knowledge of HPV infection and primary prevention and an increase in perception of HPV primary prevention. decrease in misconceptions and risky sexual behaviours, increase in HIV screening tests, and increase in the willingness of participants to uptake the HPV vaccine. Among the measures of risky sexual behaviours was a decreased perception that having more than one sexual partner is not a risk factor for HPV after the PAR intervention. The number of participants in sexual relationships decreased from 84 (16.7%) at baseline to 37 (7.4%) post-implementation. The PAR also led to a decrease in the number of participants who reported having STDs. The Wilcoxon Signed test was further disaggregated based on sex (male and female), school funding type (public and private), and school class level (junior and senior).ConclusionsPAR led to a significant increase in awareness and knowledge of HPV, knowledge of different aspects of HPV infection, and willingness to uptake the HPV vaccine. Additionally, the study has provided evidence that PAR interventions can be a viable tool in delaying sexual initiation and reducing sexual behavioural tendencies, especially in high-risk groups.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND INTELLIGENCE ON PERFORMANCE OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the relationship between creativity and intelligence on performance of Economics students of secondary schools in Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Population comprises of all 21,333 students offering Economics from 27 public secondary school in Benue State, Nigeria, and 377 were used as a sample size of the study. Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) and Standardized IQ test (Scores from Economics examinations) were used as instruments for data collection. The TTCT and Standardized IQ were validated and pilot tested, which yielded 0.79, 078 validity indexes for TTCT and Standardized IQ. In addition, the reliability indexes of 0.76 and 0.79 for TTCT and Standardized IQ. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer research question, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis was used for testing hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that, there is no significant relationship between creativity, performance of students offering Economics, there is a significant relationship between intelligence and performance of students offering Economics, and there is a significant relationship between creativity, intelligence and performance of students offering Economics secondary schools in Benue State. The study recommended that, schools should incorporate creative teaching strategies, organize workshops for teachers, and adopt comprehensive assessment methods to evaluate both intelligence and creativity, promoting a broader approach to academic excellence in Economics.

Adolescent reproductive health care services: knowledge, perspectives, and challenges among service providers in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria

Adolescence is a phase of life characterized by several reproductive health challenges that require support to navigate. However, access to adolescent and youth-friendly health service (AYFHS) centers to provide this support is limited. Perspective of healthcare workers (HCW) towards understanding the challenges to service provision has not been systematically documented. This study therefore documents the perspectives of HCWs on the types of services accessed by adolescents, and associated challenges in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The facility-based descriptive qualitative study used an in-depth interview guide among program officers in the 11 youth-friendly health centers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. The provision of HIV prevention services and AYFHS was appropriate while adolescents have preferences for facilities where their confidentiality is protected, and other needs are met. Reported challenges were lack of privacy, high cost of transportation to facilities, high staff attrition, poor awareness of the facilities and services, and parental consent. Suggestions for improvement included prolonged retention of youth-friendly trained staff, better client confidentiality, and economic empowerment of the adolescents to access services when needed. While the providers’ perspective on AYFHS for adolescents was positive, related challenges were also identified. Government and other stakeholders should collaborate to ensure the right environment for accessibility and utilization of AYFHS.

Development of a PID-Controlled Refrigeration System for Reduced Power Consumption

Refrigerator systems are used for food preservation as well as other applications. However, the cost of running the system is high due to rising fuel and electricity prices. Traditionally, these systems are controlled by On/Off controllers. This study proposes the use of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller algorithm to reduce costs for domestic and industrial refrigeration without negatively affecting the system performance. To accomplish this, a physical model was developed, comprising a domestic refrigerator, microcontroller, and MATLAB computer software for analysis. A mathematical model of second-order lead and second-order lag transfer function was also developed for a typical refrigerator system. The physical model was connected, and open-loop temperature-time response data was collected for system modeling. In addition, Data were collected from industries namely Fan Milk Industry and Benue State University Teaching Hospital Mortuary for a robust system analysis. All data sets were imported into MATLAB's system identification toolbox to estimate model parameters. The ultimate gains, frequency, and period were determined for each feedback closed-loop model, allowing the application of Ziegler-Nichols and Tyreus-Luyben PID tuning settings. The closed-loop models were then simulated in MATLAB to evaluate system performance. Simulation results showed that the Tyreus-Luyben model performed better, and offered better temperature response, less undershoot, and faster settling time than the Zeigler-Nichols method. Both PID models outperformed the traditional On/Off controller, with energy consumption reduced to less than one-third of the conventional method. The study concludes that PID controllers are a better alternative to On/Off systems when properly tuned.

Effect of Lifestyle Modification on Plasma Lipids of Adults in a Part of North Central Nigeria

Background: Plasma lipids are precursors of adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones, bile acids as well as important component of animal cell wall. However, abnormal plasma lipids are major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally. Researchers are currently considering lifestyle modification such as exercise, as an approach to maintaining normal plasma lipids level as well as addressing abnormal ones. Methodology: This study investigated the effect of lifestyle modification (vigorous intensity aerobic exercise regimen) on plasma triglycerides and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol of adults in Benue State University, Makurdi. The design of the study was guided by two research questions. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted two group pretest posttest quasi experimental design. The study population comprises twenty-one (21) Benue State University staff in the experimental group, and another twenty-one (21) for the control group. The proforma used for the data collection was validated by three experts, one from measurement and evaluation, one from the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education and one from College of Health Sciences; all in Benue State University, Makurdi. Data generated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25). A descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, and inferential statistics, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Paired Samples Test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings revealed that out of the 21 participants in the two groups, 12(57.14%) were males, while 9(42.86%) were females. The age range in the control group was between 28 to 65years, while that of the experimental group was between 36-68years. Vigorous intensity aerobic exercise regimen was found to have statistically significant effect on plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.000<0.05). Even though plasma triglyceride was found to be reduced by vigorous intensity aerobic exercise regimen, the level of the reduction was found not to be statistically significant (P = 0.293 > 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that healthcare workers should henceforth incorporate vigorous intensity aerobic exercise regimen prescription in public health awareness on the maintenance of plasma level of triglycerides and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, as well as clinical management of patients with abnormal plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State

Introduction: Over the years, breastfeeding has been a universal means of feeding infants and a common feature of all cultures since the survival of mankind. It is a phenomenon that is deeply rooted in the tradition of human culture. Although, breastfeeding practices have fluctuated over the years, it is widely regarded as an unequalled way of providing ideal nutrition for the healthy growth and development of infants. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and some barriers of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers of nursing mothers towards Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). An interviewer-self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal knowledge, Attitude, Practice and barriers of EBF. The modified Blooms criteria was adapted to grade knowledge, attitude and practice as either Good or poor. Statistical significance was considered at 95% confidence interval. Results: The results from this study showed that nursing Mother’s knowledge of EBF was good, 84.0% of the respondents displayed good knowledge of EBF, good attitude towards EBF was at 54.7% and the practice of EBF was 67.3%. Notable barriers to EBF includes, poor knowledge of EBF among nursing mothers (75.0%), followed by concurrent breast disease 6 months post-natal (66.7%), next was women who have never attended Antenatal Care Clinic (ANC) 62.5%. Conclusion: These findings suggest good knowledge and practice of EBF, however there is need to institute intervening measures aimed at reducing barriers associated with EBF in the study community.

Variety of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Growth and Yield in Response to Various Organic Fertilizers in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was conducted in 2023 at the nursery of the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop production of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The experimental treatments were two (2) varieties of lettuce (ice berg and Butter head) and three (3) organic manure sources (Poultry dropping, cow dung, goat manure) and a control. An experiment was set up as a 2 x 4 factorial design using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected from the following parameters, plant height, plant diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), roof weight, and fresh weight. All the study parameters of lettuce were significantly (P<0.05) different, on both organic manure, and variety. The iceberg variety surpassed the butter head variety, with statistically significant (P<0.05) differences observed in several parameters: plant height (20.32 cm), number of leaves (23.85), leaf area index (15.19 cm³), сrop growth rate (1.54 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (23.32 mg/g), fresh weight (83.86 g), root weight (20.23 g), and yield (3.19 t/ha) Similarty, poutry droppings obtained significantly (P<0.05) better results in terms of plant height (21.73 cm), number of leaves (23 92), leaf area Index (16.75 cm²), crop growth rate (3.70 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (25.73 mg/g), fresh weight (632.02 g), root weight (22.13 g) and yield (3.75 t/ha) as compared to other organic manure sources such as cow dung, goat manure and control. In addition, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the interaction between lettuce varieties selection and organic fertilizers at various levels, particularly with the high level of iceberg x poultry manure

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

Digital vs. conventional instructor-led midwifery training in Benue State, Nigeria: a randomized non-inferiority trial

BackgroundMany health education institutions in African countries such as Nigeria face increasing enrolment of students but lack an adequate number of instructors to train them. If digital learning can be demonstrated effective in augmenting knowledge and skills, this approach could help fill this gap and improve education efficiency. A needs assessment in two Nigerian midwifery schools confirmed that digital learning would be feasible and welcomed. In this study, the Midwifery Active Digitization Empowerment Initiative (MADE-I) program was tested to determine if digital delivery of the Fundamental Interventions, Referral and Safe Transfer (FIRST) course is at least equally effective for training midwifery students compared to conventional small-group delivery.MethodsA non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design was used, enrolling 130 s-year students from 2 midwifery schools in Benue State, Nigeria. Students were randomly assigned into six cohorts. Each cohort received half of the course on a Learning Management Platform on their mobile phones, the other half through standard small-group teaching. Students’ knowledge, thinking, and technical skills were assessed using a pre-test, post-test, Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), and daily modular quizzes. The data was analyzed using the difference-in-difference method.ResultsThe study revealed that post-intervention student knowledge and thinking skills did not significantly differ between digital learning (75.26%) and small-group learning arms of the trial (75.02%, p = 0.404). Student knowledge improved significantly compared to the pre-test in both groups (by 25.03 points in the digital arm, 26.39, in small-group). Some differences were observed between digital and small-group learning in disaggregated analysis by specific module and midwifery school. Although there was a trend toward small-group learning of technical skills being more effective than digital learning, no significant differences between groups were observed in the post-intervention OSCE. Students in both groups learned equally well regardless of age, gender, and midwifery school entrance exam score.ConclusionDigital learning is as effective as small-group learning, for midwifery trainees, in augmenting knowledge, thinking, and technical skills addressed in the FIRST course, and have lighter human resource requirements, an important consideration especially in LMIC. However, similar assessments would be needed to assess effectiveness for other digitally delivered clinical education programs.

Assessing Vaccine Intentions, Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Trust: A Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions of Monkeypox Vaccination and Public Health Risk Awareness in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

Introduction The global emergence of monkeypox has heightened public health concerns, particularly in regions with limited vaccine uptake. In Nigeria, understanding the factors influencing vaccination intentions is essential for developing effective public health strategies. Despite vaccine availability, hesitancy and varying degrees of acceptance persist, driven by factors such as self-efficacy, vaccine trust, and overall attitudes toward vaccination. Previous research highlights the importance of these factors in shaping health behaviors, particularly in vulnerable populations. In Benue State, where distinct health challenges affect key demographic groups such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus(PLHIV) and men who have sex with men (MSM), addressing vaccination intentions is critical for public health efforts. Objectives The objective was to assess the intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine, self-assessed knowledge levels, self-efficacy, and risk perception among the PLHIV, MSM, and the healthcare populationin Benue State, Nigeria. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate public trust in vaccines and health authorities and to understand how these factors influence attitudes toward vaccination and overall perceptions of monkeypox-related health risks. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 participants in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, focusing onPLHIV, MSM, and healthcare workers. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique, which leveraged social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) and the Federal Medical Center in Makurdi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess self-efficacy, trust in vaccines, vaccination attitudes, and prior vaccination experiences. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Bivariate analyses, including chi-square tests and independent t-tests, were employed to explore the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and vaccination intentions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Results The study revealed a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and vaccination intention (p = 0.001). Trust in vaccinations and health authorities was also found to be a significant predictor of vaccination intention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants who had previously received the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine were more likely to express intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine (p = 0.000). However, the perception that the threat of monkeypox was exaggerated did not significantly impact vaccination intention (p = 0.4). Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of self-efficacy, trust in vaccines, and prior vaccination experiences in shaping the intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine in Benue State, Nigeria. The findings suggest that public health policies should prioritize enhancing trust in vaccines and health authorities, as well as boosting self-efficacy, to improve vaccination uptake. Addressing these factors may lead to more effective public health interventions against monkeypox and other infectious diseases.

Effects of Smoking Duration on the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Selected Fishes from Lower River Benue, Benue State, Nigeria

Effects of Smoking Duration on the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Selected Fishes from Lower River Benue, Benue State, Nigeria

Microbiological examination of ready-to-eat cow hide (Ponmo) sold by street vendors in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Microbiological examination of ready-to-eat cow hide (Ponmo) sold by street vendors in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Political Participation for Social Inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have suffered multiple disadvantages and experienced social exclusion due to involuntary movement to new communities where they struggle to find opportunities for social inclusion. This study examined the political dimensions of social inclusion which focus on engaging IDPs in decision-making on issues that concern them. The study used the democratic participatory theory as a framework for political participation through decision-making. The qualitative exploratory study used in-depth interviews to collect data from twelve IDPs, comprising five females and seven males, who were resident in Benue State, Nigeria. Findings show that government does not incorporate the decisions and choices of IDPs when designing humanitarian measures for protection and assistance; IDPs are not communicated with on issues of interest to them; and IPDs lack sustainable opportunities for interaction with host communities. The study concludes that not incorporating the decisions of IDPs in issues of interest to them creates a culture of humanitarian aid dependency. The study recommends democratising solutions by using grassroots bottom-up measures for sustainable social inclusion of IDPs where solutions emerge from IDPs who are the end beneficiaries of the interventions. A discussion of the study findings is followed by concluding recommendations.

Implications of Farm Production and Farmers' Characteristics on Poverty Reduction in Benue Division, Cameroon

The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of farm production and Farmers' Characteristics on Poverty Reduction in the Benue division in the Northern region of Cameroon. Data were collected from 399 respondents using a self-administered questionnaire through a stratified sampling technique of 12 sub-divisions in the Benue division. We adopted a survey research design. To estimate our results, we used Multiple correspondent analysis (MCA) and the OLS technique. The results reveal that there is a positive relationship between farm production and poverty reduction in Benue state. An increase in farm production will lead to a 2.19% reduction in farmers' poverty in Benue and this result is significant at a 5% level of significance. Similarly, the farmer's characteristics reveal that gender, farmers' experience, and educational level also significantly affect poverty reduction. In this light, there is a need for the government to train and deploy more extension workers in the various sub-divisions and communities in Benue division, to increase farmers' access to these services. This can be done by imparting specific skills to produce dominant food crops and livestock in the Benue division through workshops and seminars.

Teachers’ Perception of Physical Activity on Obesity in Early Childhood Education in Benue State, Nigeria

Teachers’ Perception of Physical Activity on Obesity in Early Childhood Education in Benue State, Nigeria

Assessment of Early Marriage for Girl-Child from Islamic Perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Assessment of Early Marriage for Girl-Child from Islamic Perspectives in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Evaluating the barriers to adoption of improved biomass cookstoves in Benue state, Nigeria

The prevalent use of inefficient traditional stoves for biomass cooking energy in Nigeria contributes to high rates of biomass consumption, deforestation, and harmful pollutant emissions. This study aimed to assess the constraints hindering the adoption of improved biomass cookstoves (IBCS) in Benue State, Nigeria. Data were randomly collected from 135 households and analyzed using descriptive (frequency, mean and percentage) as well as inferential statistics (binary probit regression). Findings revealed that 88% of households rely on fuelwood for cooking, with approximately 35% still using traditional stoves. However, 46% of households have adopted IBCS and recognized its advantages, including improved cooking speed, fuel economy, time savings in fuelwood collection, cost savings, and reduced smoke emissions. Additionally, various factors such as age, household size, access to credit, location, distance to market, membership of women's associations, fuelwood collection distance, and fuelwood sources were identified as constraints to IBCS adoption. To promote IBCS adoption, we recommend that development planners and extension officers raise awareness among households and provide them credit incentives through government and NGO support. This research significantly contributes to pertinent knowledge by shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with IBCS adoption in Nigeria, thereby informing policy and development initiatives in the country.