Birnin Gwari Research Articles

Spatiotemporal variability of rainfall and drought characterization in Kaduna, Nigeria

Rainfall variability and drought events can affect food security globally. This study aimed to assess the spatial and temporal trends and variability of rainfall in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Gridded rainfall data were obtained from the Climate Research Unit (CRU_TS 4.07) (1952–2022) for Birnin Gwari, Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria towns. The rainfall data were subjected to the Anderson‒Darling normality test and found to be normally distributed. The data were analysed using the coefficient of variation (CV), rainfall anomaly index (RAI) and precipitation concentration index (PCI). The trend was assessed using the Mann‒Kendall trend test, and finally, meteorological drought was computed using the standardized precipitation index (SPI). The results revealed that all four locations had low to moderate variability, with CVs < 15%. The rainfall anomaly index revealed that 1983 was the driest year for Birnin Gwari, Kaduna and Kafanchan, with RAI values of − 4.863, − 4.474 and − 4.316, respectively, while in Zaria, the driest year was 1974, with a RAI value of − 4.065. The PCI showed that there was a high concentration of rainfall in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna, and Kafanchan. However, Zaria experienced 41 years of high concentrations and 30 years of very high concentrations of precipitation. The Mann‒Kendall trend test revealed that all four locations experienced a significant downward trend in rainfall within the study period. The Z statistics for Birnin Gwari, Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria were − 1.112, − 0.357, − 0.556 and − 0.764, respectively, all indicating decreasing rainfall amounts. Finally, the SPI Birnin Gwari and Kaduna experienced 18 months of severe drought, with maximum intensities of − 2.671 and − 3.111, respectively. Kafanchan experienced 25 months of drought with a maximum intensity of − 2.643, while Zaria experienced 30 months of drought with a maximum intensity of − 3.069. These severe droughts occurred from the 1970s to the 1990s. The study concluded that rainfall concentrations were mostly high and very high, and severe, catastrophic drought events occurred in the 1970s and 1980s.

An Assessment of the Nigerian Military Performance in Combating Armed Banditry: A Sociological Review of the Scenario in Birnin Gwari Local Government of Kaduna State (2015-2023)

The widespread occurrence of armed banditry and the resulting risks to human security have become a matter of national security concern. The Nigerian military has been sent for domestic operations in the majority of localities, and they are being aided by international endeavours. They have greatly reduced the ability of the armed criminals. The objective of this study was to assess the Nigerian military's capacity to effectively address the issue of armed banditry in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, located in the Central Senatorial District of Kaduna state. The paper's theoretical framework is Situational Choice Theory (Situational Crime Prevention). The research used a survey design for data collecting and employed qualitative methods for analysis. The Nigerian military has established a military operation called "Operation Whirl Punch" in Birnin Gwari to address the issues of murders, abduction of farmers and travellers, obstruction of local trade routes and theft of animals and crops. Ultimately, it is essential to establish a well-organised system of community policing and civil-military collaboration. Therefore, this article proposes the implementation of a novel security framework, along with the formulation of employment generation strategies. Additionally, it is suggested that the military should transition from their present defensive approach in combating criminals to an offensive one by integrating elements of Stealth, Surprise and Speed into all of their operations. The military should be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and essential logistical support, while also having access to reliable and useful information. Keywords: Assessment, Banditry, Combating, Military, and Performance.

Development of an Economic Cost Model for Gold and Associated Minerals Using Economic Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Approach

Limited accuracy due to complex geological processes, insufficient data granularity, and challenges in predicting market dynamics impact mineral forecast models. In order to develop a cost-based model for gold and related minerals in Birnin Gwari (Kaduna State) and Kagara (Niger State), this study is being carried out in Nigeria. The created concept aims to increase the profitability and economic viability of open-pit mines operated by craftsmen and mining investors. By maximizing mine life cycles and preventing the early closure of mining sites, this was intended to encourage the best recovery rates. This study used economic and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling methods to create a cost-based model for ten gold-associated minerals. The coefficient of correlation (R2), root mean square error (RSME), and variance accounting factor (VAF) were used to assess the created model's correctness. The model evaluator demonstrates that the proposed cost-based models are economically viable and the quantitative results are as presented in Equations (14-23). The cost-benefit connection between gold and the ten related minerals was also determined using a least-squares regression analysis. According to geochemical results, the average values of gold and related minerals in the study region range from 4.87 g/t of gold (Au), 1.501 g/t of copper (Cu), and 187.13 g/t of iron (Fe) in Birni Gwari to 2.29 g/t of gold (Au), 1.358 g/t of copper (Cu), and 173.75 g/t of iron (Fe) in Kagara. In Birnin Gwari, the equivalent financial estimations are N876,600 for Au, N60,040,000 for Cu, and N1,129,375 for Fe, and N5,780,000 for Au, N49,500 for Cu, and N363,060,000 for Fe in Kagara. The model's scope demonstrates that running a single mineral can result in low recovery rates and a loss of profit margin; thus, the model's application to all open pit mines is relevant as a reference for profit margin cash flow.

GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF INSECURITY AND ITS THREAT ON ROAD TRANSPORTATION IN KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

The escalating waves of criminal activities involving motorists and other road users on highways is alarming, consequently resulting in many travellers losing lives and properties. This paper is aimed at analyzing the spatial distribution of criminal activities and its threat on road transportation across the state. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources namely: structured questionnaire (likert scale), FGD and printed material such as journals and records from security agency. The ArcGIS software was used to determine the spatial pattern of the criminal activities in the study area. The questionnaire was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Package and the results were presented in charts. The results indicated that the state is bedeviled with four major types of insecurities which are arm robbery, Kidnapping, Ethnic violence and religious violence of which armed robbery predominate with 32%. The results also indicated that more than 61% of the LGAs in state had faced at least one attacked for the period 2017 to 2021. The areas bothering thick forests such as Birnin Gwari, Chikun and Giwa Local Government Areas were heavily hit by criminal activities. It was recommended that security apparatus should be placed more on the problematic areas for proactive majors to minimize the incidences of the attacks.

Socio – Economic and Financial Efects of Kidnapping in Birnin Gwari Local Governmant Area of Kaduna State

This paper focuses on the socio-economic and financial effects of kidnapping in BirninGwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the study area. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Chi-square (χ2) statistic was used to test the hypothesis. This study revealed that kidnapping has a significant effect on the socio-economic activities of the study area (χ2=13.849a, α=3, p-value=0.003). To enhance the reduction in the rate of kidnapping, the government needs to provide job opportunities for the youth, train the security agencies, and provide them with the necessary equipment to fight crime, especially kidnapping, in the country. The individual community should also form an active vigilante group or any other form of informal crime control mechanism to support the effort of the police to improve the level of security in the society. There is need for improved sensitization and collaboration between the security agencies and the community and all sections of society to pass the message of safety to Nigerians on the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour to the police and other security agencies.

Impact of Security Challenges Affecting Farmers Along Kaduna-Abuja Express Way and Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Impact of Security Challenges Affecting Farmers Along Kaduna-Abuja Express Way and Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Costs and Returns Analysis of Rice (Oryza Sativa) Production Under Rainy Season in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

This study examined the costs and returns of rainy season rice production in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select forty-eight respondents (48) respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire with the help of well-trained enumerators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis and profitability ratios. Results revealed that the respondents were predominantly male (60.4%) and most (52.1%) were married. 25% had primary education,45.8% secondary education, and 12.5% tertiary education. The mean age for the households’ head was 33 years and the mean household size was 7 persons per household. The mean farming experience and annual farm income of the respondents were 17 years and ₦32,238 respectively. The average variable cost incurred per hectare was estimated to be N122,988 while the total cost of production was put at N 139,309. Gross revenue of N 257,000 was generated with a gross margin of N 134,012 and a net farm income of N 117,691. The profitability ratios of BCR=1.84, ESR=0.13, ROR=0.84, and GR=0.5, indicated that rainy season rice farming is highly profitable in the study area. The study therefore recommended that consistent government policies that would favor increase in paddy production, market information, extension service delivery, input subsidization and credit facilities be implemented.

Alkaline rocks of the northern part of Birnin Gwari schist belts, northwestern Nigeria: provenance and evolution

Rocks of the northern part of Birnin Gwari schist belt is underlain predominantly by (i) banded gneiss of dioritic and granodioritic composition and granitic gneisses; (ii) biotite-staurolite quartz schist; and (iii) syn-tectonic biotite hornblende (quartzolite - BHG) granite, biotite granite (BG), and biotite-muscovite granite (BMG). Banded gneiss rocks are of hybrid sedimentary–igneous protoliths; their pelitic and mafic protoliths were derived essentially from a quartz-diorite, granodiorite and granite-quartz monzonite source. Metasediments are enriched in SiO2 (63.03 to 65.13 wt %), with moderately elevated Al2O3 (15.4 – 15.16 wt %) values and depleted in Ba, V, W, La, Nb, Nd, Rb, Th and Zr trace elements; inherited from shale-greywacke sedimentary protoliths. Cogenetic syn-tectonic granites display similar trace elements and REE patterns, with diverse trends such as “normal”, “anomalous” and “strongly differentiated” and characterized by LILE enrichment, high LREE fractionation factor (La/Yb of 6.74 to 45.14) with weak to moderate negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.38 to 0.62) and strong negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies. The belt consists of rocks with alkaline affinity and evolved as back arc behind subducted Pan-African plate due effect of compressional forces and differentiation of quartz diorite, granodioritic and granite-quartz monzonite magma and partial melting of crustal components inherited from shale-greywacke sedimentary protoliths in volcanic arc and post collisional settings. The precursor of these rocks originated from basalt of depleted mantle that differentiated progressively to the granite.  Â

Petrography and geochemistry of the granitoids and associated volcanic rocks of the northern part of Kushaka and Birnin Gwari schist belts, NW Nigeria: implications for provenance and geological setting

The granitoids and the associated volcanic rocks of the northern part of Kushaka and Birnin Gwari schist belts were emplaced in the ca. 3.5 – 1. 0 Ga remobilized basement complex terrain composed of metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks that later underwent medium- to high-grade metamorphism during the Pan-African thermo-tectonic event. They comprise dominantly of diorite, granodiorite, granite, granite gneiss and basalt, and are product of metasomatism and injections. The diorite and granodiorite occur as paleosome and the granite as leucosome with the development of high temperature minerals, locally attaining granulite facie metamorphism. Plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, pyroxene and olivine fractionation played an important role during their genesis through fractional crystallization of basaltic magma and partial melting of older dioritic-granodioritic source rock in the deep crust which were themselves ultimately derived through fusion of mantle materials contaminated by continental crust and enriched by fluids derived from oceanic crust in an arc setting. Geochemical characteristics have revealed different chemical trends in granitoids and basalts. The granitoids are calc-alkaline, ferroan and magnesian, metaluminous and peraluminous in character. They also exhibit I- and S-type signatures with enrichment in LILE, radioelements (Th and U), depletion in Nb, Sr, P and Ti, high LREE fractionation factors (La/Yb) (1.05 to 77.20), and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.34 to 1.10). Similar patterns of spidergrams show that the rocks are genetically related and were emplaced in a volcanic arc and syn-collisional setting. The basalt is tholeiitic, metaluminous and high in Fe and Mg with relative enrichment in LILE, HFSE, low and near flat LREE and HREE, low fractionation [(La/Yb)N = 1.4] with Eu/Eu* value of 1.10. It is evidently a back arc cum mid-ocean ridge (MORB) basalt. The consistent decrease in the content of MgO, Fe2O3 MnO, CaO, Sc, Cr and V of the basalt, diorites, granodiorites, and granites indicates continuous igneous crystallization process. It seems that extrusion of basaltic magmas from the sub-circular Kushaka Complex derived from subduction of oceanic crust resulted in complete change in the genesis of the magmas at the time, in this region. The granitoids and the basalt may have formed behind subducted Pan-African plate due to effects of compressional and tensional forces caused by oceanic plate roll-back which resulted to a zone of extension, parallel to the island arc. The granitoids present similar chemical characteristics to those in the other areas underlain by the basement complex and schist belts in the north and eastern parts of the Pan-African mobile belt, while basalts are similar to ophiolites and amphibolites in other schist belts of Nigeria forming a lateral continuation of the same mobile belt.Â

Geochemistry and Petrogenetic Features of Metasediments in Northern Part of Kushaka and Birnin Gwari Schist Belts NW Nigeria

The Kushaka and Birnin Gwari metasediments and associated banded iron formations constitute important lithological units within the Precambrian Basement Complex. They were studied to evaluate their compositional characteristics and petrogenesis in order to contribute further to the understanding of the geodynamic evolution of Nigeria’s Schist belts. The Kushaka metasediments comprise quartzite, graphite and sulphur bearing staurolite-muscovite quartz schist interbedded with Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) while the Birnin Gwari schist comprise staurolite-biotite quartz schists with lithic (angular to rounded clastic quartz, schistose, volcanic and quartzo-feldspathic) sandstones. These schists are associated with fissile and ferruginous quartzite, banded and granitic gneisses, basalts and amphibolites. Petrographic work revealed varying proportions of quartz, staurolite, biotite and muscovite with subordinate iron-oxide minerals. Geochemically the metasediments in the Kushaka are enriched in SiO 2 (61.23 to 65.99 wt %) with elevated values of Al 2 O 3 (16.53 – 20.93 wt %), Ba, V, W, La, Nb, Nd, Rb, Th and Zr; while the Birnin Gwari schists, even though enriched in SiO 2 (63.03 to 65.13 wt %), has moderately elevated Al 2 O 3 (15.4 – 15.16 wt %) values but is depleted these trace elements. Field and geochemical characterization of the Kushaka metasediments suggests peraluminous, tholeiite and calc-alkaline character; arkosic and shale-greywacke sedimentary protoliths derived from quartzose sedimentary and granite-quartz monzonite provenance. Calculated ICV values of 0.52 - 0.99 and occurrences of graphite and sulphur in the Kushaka metasediment suggests shallow stable shelf-type sediment of carbonate and iron formations in a reducing environment with matured sedimentary protolith. The Birnin Gwari metasediments on the other hand have a peraluminous and calc-alkaline character, inherited from shale-greywacke and quartzose sedimentary protoliths derived from granodioritic and granite-quartz monzonite provenance. ICV values of 1.12 – 1.18 and angular and volcanic clasts suggest rapid subsidence of basin during genesis and / or tectonic instability in the surrounding environment with immature sedimentary protolith. This is an indication of two contrasting environment in an arc setting with contribution from basaltic and andesitic detritus. Available geochronological data on granite and granitic gneisses have ascribed the Kushaka schist belt to Kibaran and the Birnin Gwari schist belt a Pan-African age. Keywords : Metasediments, protolith, Kushaka, Birnin Gwari, quartzite, provenance, shale, greywacke. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-16-05 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Field Occurrence, Petrography and Structural Characteristics of the Basement Rocks in the Northern Part of Kushaka and Birnin Gwari Schist Belts, Northwestern Nigeria

Field, studies and geological mapping on a scale of 1:50000 were carried out to determine the lithologic framework and structural features of the Basement Complex rocks in northern parts of the Kushaka and Birnin Gwari schist belts (Kushaka Sheet 122). The area is underlain predominantly by five main rock types mainly (i) Migmatite-Gneiss-Quartzite suite comprising dioritic, granodioritic and granitic gneisses with fissile and ferruginous quartzites and banded iron formations (BIF); (ii) Kushaka graphite and sulphur bearing biotite and muscovite quartz schist inter-banded in places with iron formations; (iii) Birnin Gwari biotite-staurolite quartz schist; iv) the Kushaka Gneiss Complex composed of basalts (which is being reported for the first time), staurolite and muscovite gneisses and banded iron formations (BIF), and (v) syn-tectonic and late-orogenic biotite-hornblende syenite (BHS) and biotite-hornblende granite (BHG) in the Kushaka schist belt and biotite muscovite granite (BMG) in the Birnin Gwari schist belt area. Petrographic studies have revealed that essential minerals are quartz, K-feldspars (orthoclase, microcline), plagioclase, pyroxene, epidote, hornblende, biotite and muscovite while the accessory minerals are titanite, zircon, apatite, iron oxide (magnetite and hematite). With pyroxenes occurring in the dioritic and granodioritic rocks, metamorphism may have locally reached grannulite facies. Imprints of Pan-African thermo-tectonic events have shown observable migmatization as the first thermo-tectonic event resulting in plastic deformation D 1 and regional S 1 foliation, demostrated by presence of tight isoclinals fold, compositional banding and N – S preferred orientation of mafic minerals. The D 2 deformation is co-axial with D 1 and resulted in the formation of decimeter sized F 2 isoclinal folds, B 2 boudins and eye ball structures that are parallel to S 1 plane schistocity. Strike-slip faults with dextral sense of movements were mapped in a number of places. D 3 deformation is concentrated in the Kushaka Gneiss Complex with near circular deep fractures south of the Kalangai fault. Here granitization and fragmentation of proto-mylonitic staurolite resulted in brittle deformation and F 3 open fold that refolded or transposed the earlier tight isoclinal F 2 folds. The D 4 deformation resulted in N-S and NW-SE quartz veins and pegmatite dykes which serve as channels for epigenetic gold-sulphide and rare metal bearing ore fluids. Keywords: Basement Complex, Pan-African, metamorphism, deformation, Kushaka, Birnin Gwari, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-12-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

IMPACT OF FADAMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the impact of the fadama project on the poverty status of both the beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Questionnaire was randomly administered among 2,144 respondents in four (4) Local Government Areas (LGAs) namely, Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kauru and Zango Kataf. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) model, regression analysis were employed in analyzing the data. The result showed that 72% of the respondents were males and married. More than 82% of the fadama beneficiaries had a positive perception of the program. The fadama beneficiary farmers had a mean income of ₦613,323 and ₦419,643 for the non-fadama beneficiary farmers. It was also disclosed that age, gender, dependency ratio and farming experience had significant relationship with their income, 40% of the fadama beneficiaries were poor, 69% of the non- fadama beneficiary farmers were poor. It was therefore, concluded that fadama program had a significant impact in reducing the poverty status of the beneficiaries. The study recommended that for sustainability, the farmers should be included as the drivers of fadama program with the government and private sector as collaborators. The women should also be helped to form functional cooperatives so that poverty among them can be significantly reduced.

Geology of the Structurally Controlled Quartz Vein Gold Mineralization in the Dikko Area, Part of Zungeru—Minna—Birnin Gwari Schist Belt, NW Nigeria

Dikko area, Niger State, North Central Nigeria falls within the Pan-African thermo-tectonic event which occurred in Nigeria as in other parts of West Africa with widespread effect on the mineralization of rejuvenated basement and geosynclinal trough deposits. The Pan-African Belt in Nigeria forms part of the Benin-Nigeria (Dahomeyan) shield which is regarded as the southern prolongation of the circumcratonic Pan-African belt of the West African Craton. Structurally controlled, gold-bearing quartz veins were measured and studied in the area from an extensive geological ground investigation. Field and petrographical studies indicate that the Neoproterozoic rocks constitute gneisses, amphibolite schist, amphibolites and migmatites. The amphibolites are intruded by pegmatites. The associated quartz veins are generally concordant with the main N-S regional structural trend. The lithological and structural studies carried out in these areas have demonstrated the relationship between structures and mineralization and/or lithology. The main characteristics of the gold mineralization in the area appear to indicate hydrothermal mineralization in connection with shear zones. This study allows us to predict that quartz veins in the amphibolite can be mined at a profit and a detailed geochemical and resource valuation needs to be carried out for the Au and associated Galena and Ag mineralization to fully exploit their economic potential.

Dimensional Analysis of Transmissivity Equations and Comparison of Dependent Variables Using Birnin Gwari Aquifer Characteristics in Northern Nigeria

This study established relationship among three transmissivity equations using dimensional analysis, comparing three dependent variables inherent in the transmissivity equations, and use correlation analysis to examine the nature of interrelationship between drawdown and specific capacity in the Birnin-Gwari local government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria between October 2018 and October 2019. Relationship between three transmissivity equations, namely, Jacob, Logan and Babuskin was determined using dimensional analysis. The equations and the outcome were applied to the hydraulic data obtained from 26 producing boreholes in the study area. Comparison of the dependent variables, namely discharge, drawdown and hydraulic conductivity, was carried out to observe the relationship among them. The Correlation analysis was used to examine the nature of interrelationship between drawdown and specific capacity, while the plots of depth-to-water table and depth-to-basement were made to provide pictorial comparison between positions of water table and the underlying Basement. The results showed that the values computed from the Jacob method are the lowest among the three, while Logan method gave higher values, although they all trend in similar manner. The study revealed an inverse trend in the drawdown versus discharge and hydraulic conductivity. Correlation analysis between drawdown and specific capacity gave a regression coefficient of -0.593 and correlation coefficient of 0.352, indicating a weak relationship between them. The graphical relation of water level versus basement rock surfaces portend a near-parallel trend possibly determined by the underlying geology. Transmissivity values computed from the Babuskin method gave almost average values among the three methods. Both the regression and correlation coefficients gave low to average values between drawdown and specific capacity. The depth-to-basement versus depth-to-water plots showed that water table variations are probably controlled by the type and trend of basement topography.

Syn-collisional pan-African granite in the northern part Birnin Gwari schist belt in NW Nigeria

Syn-collisional granite in the northern part of the Birnin Gwari schist belt consists dominantly of granite and lesser granodiorite and quartzolite. Petrographic and ge¬ochemical data revealed three granite groups: the biotite-hornblende granite (quartzolite - BHG); the biotite granite (BG) and the biotite-muscovite granite (BMG). The rocks generally have calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline affinities, and calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic, peraluminous and ferroan and magnesian geochemistry. They are characterized by LILE enrichment, high LREE fractionation factor [(La/Yb) (6.74 to 45.14] with weak to moderate negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.38 to 0.62) and strong negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies. Variation in the behavior of lithophile elements (Ba, Sr and Rb) revealed diverse granite trend such as “high and low Ba-Sr”; “normal”, “anomalous” “strongly differentiated” and “granodiorite and quartz diorite” granite. Their display of similar trace elements and REE patterns suggest they are cogenetic. Major and trace element data indicate differentiation of a mafic magma and partial melting of crustal components inherited from shale-greywacke and quartzose sedimentary protoliths in volcanic arc and post collisional settings. The field and geochemical characteristics of this granite suggest that they are similar to other granites in schist belts in other parts of Nigeria, forming the lateral continuation of the same Pan-African magmatic belt.  Â

Seroprevalence of Coxiellosis (Q fever) in Flocks of Goat in Birnin Gwari and ‎Maigana Agro-Ecological Zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria ‎

Coxiellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii which affect the prolific and reproductive competences of animals. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of coxiellosis (Q fever) in flocks of goats in Kaduna State, Nigeria.The study aimed to determinethe seroprevalence of coxiellosis in goats in Birnin Gwari and Maigana agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 400serum samples from goats of both sexes and of different age groupswere collected and screened forCoxiella burnetiiantibodiesusing indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA).Out of the 400 sera analysed,8.8% wereseropositive coxiellosis. Of the 253 female goats tested, 9.5% were seropositive, while 7.5% were seropositive out of the 147 male goats tested. There was no statistically significant association between sex of goats and coxiellosis (Q fever). A significant association was detected betweenage of goatstested andsensitivity of iELISA, non-significantassociation was found between breed ofgoats with sensitivity of iELISA. The study indicates that coxiellosis exists with high prevalence predominantly among femalegoats and is major public health challenge calling for awareness amongstinterested party for organized surveillance for the diseases in goats in Nigeria.

Cataract surgical coverage and visual outcome using RAAB in birnin gwari local government Area, North West Nigeria

Context: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is responsible for 51% of blindness and accounting for 65.2 million blind people worldwide. Cataract surgery has been shown to be one of the most cost effective health care interventions. Aims: To determine the cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and visual outcome using RAAB in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, North West Nigeria. Setting and Design: Population based cross sectional study. Materials and Methods: Rapid method of assessing avoidable blindness was used (RAAB) in the study. A total of 2162 out of 2530 registered eligible subjects were examined. Two stage cluster random sampling was used to select 59 clusters in 40 villages, and in each cluster, 50 subjects aged 40 years and above were selected using probability proportional to the size. Biodata of all eligible subjects were registered followed by visual acuity (VA) testing. Subjects with VA of

Prevalence of Cataract Blindness and Barriers to Cataract Surgical Uptake in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Cataract Blindness and Barriers to Cataract Surgical Uptake in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Assessment of the conditions of educational facilities in selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria

This paper was aimed at examining the conditions of educational facilities in public schools in selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Physical inventories were carried out using the Educational Facilities Assessment Form (EFAF). Multistage sampling technique was used to select 9 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Data were analyzed using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) 4.10 and Spearman Rank Correlation. The findings revealed that 88% of the schools do not have water supply while 22% have no roof, and 11.4% have power supply. It discovered that 32.9% of the schools were mud buildings while 4.2 % has no structure and less than 24 % has toilet facilities. Kaduna South LGA has the highest score (2.1) in the conditions of water facilities while Kajuru and Birnin Gwari LGAs have the lowest. Lere LGA has the least condition (1.1) of toilet facilities while Kaduna South LGA has the best (1.9). For conditions of building facilities, Zaria LGA was first followed by Kaduna South and Jemaa LGA. There was no significant relationship between public school and population of the LGAs, given that the calculated t-value (-0.222) was less than the critical t-value of (0.267). The GWR revealed a significant association between age of schools and the conditions of educational facilities at 0.05 significance level. The paper concluded that the conditions of educational facilities are not in disarray and properly maintained due to poor funding thus, requires urgent action. It therefore, recommends the implication of the UNESCO's benchmark of demands 26% annual budget and 6% of the gross domestic product be invested in education.

SYMBIOTIC PROPERTIES OF RHIZOBIA ISOLATES OBTAINED FROM BIRNIN GWARI AND SHIKA IN KADUNA STATE, NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

A pot experiment was set up in the screenhouse of School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Minna. The experiment consists of 2 factors namely nitrogen sources and soybean varieties. The nitrogen sources are 0 Kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1, USDA110 and rhizobia isolates obtained from soils of Birnin gwari and Shika in Kaduna State (Bg 1-2, Bg 4-2, Bg 5 and Sk 6-3). These treatments were replicated three times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Prior to the commencement of the experiment, coarse sand was obtained from the river sand, washed thoroughly to remove sediments, dirts and dissolved salts and then autoclaved at 1210C and pressure of -15 bar to destroy microbes. Thereafter, poly pots were filled with 2 Kg of the autoclaved sand and watered with sandsman nutrient solution to field capacity before planting of four seeds of soybeans per poly pot. At 5 days after planting, seedlings were thinned to two, followed by the application of the treatments. At 5 weeks after planting, plants were harvested and nodules were counted before oven-drying alongside shoots and roots to constant weight at 650C for three days. Dry weights of shoots of inoculated plants and that of 100 Kg N ha-1 plants were used for calculation of % Symbiotic Effectiveness = (Shoot Biomass of inoculant/ Shoot Biomass of +N) × 100. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Least Significance Difference (LSD). Results revealed that the highest shoot biomass and percentage symbiotic effectiveness were recorded when TSB 4810 was inoculated with Bg 4-2 while the highest nodulation characteristics were recorded when TGx 1998- 2E was inoculated with USDA110. The heaviest root biomass was observed with TGx 1998-2E plants inoculated with Bg5.