Community In Northern Nigeria Research Articles

Addressing childhood malnutrition in low-income communities in northern Nigeria

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a critical public health issue in Northern Nigeria, significantly affecting the survival, development, and growth of children. This project in Kano State aimed to combat the high malnutrition rates in low-income communities. Factors contributing to malnutrition include food insecurity, poverty, and limited access to healthcare, compounded by cultural norms. This initiative required collaboration with various stakeholders, including government health departments, NGOs, and community leaders, to effectively address the root causes and promote health equity. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify nutrition-related issues and knowledge gaps among caregivers. Partnerships with local organizations facilitated resource sharing and program implementation. Baseline surveys assessed caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood nutrition. The intervention included a nutrition education program, a long-term food supplementation initiative, and capacity-building for healthcare providers. Pilot testing and observational studies were used to refine the program and gather data on malnutrition patterns and trends. Results: The intervention significantly improved caregivers' knowledge and practices related to child nutrition. There was a 30% increase in caregivers' nutrition knowledge and a 40% increase in appropriate nutrition practices from baseline to post-intervention. Caregivers' attitudes towards nutrition also improved, with a 25% increase in positive attitudes. The program effectively addressed malnutrition by enhancing knowledge about essential nutrition concepts, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and improving complementary feeding practices and hygiene. Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity of a multifaceted approach to reduce childhood malnutrition in Northern Nigeria. Successful strategies included community-based initiatives, caregiver support, and targeted nutrition education. Addressing underlying causes such as poverty and food insecurity is crucial for sustainable progress. Future efforts should focus on scaling the program, engaging healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes to ensure long-term child nutrition and health improvements.

Risk Management Practices in Rice Production: A Case of Smallholder Farmers of Soba Community in Northern Nigeria

Rice production in Nigeria has frequently proven difficult to sustain, despite the significant focus of the Nigerian government on discouraging its importation and encouraging its farming. However, rice production has its own risk, just like any production process. Therefore, the researchers of this study aimed to assess the risk management strategy employed by the farmers in Soba, Kaduna State and stipulate the most appropriate risk management strategy in rice production. The research data for the study were gathered using structured questionnaires that were pre-tested and validated before being administered to a sample of 354 rice production personnel (342 paddy farmers and 12 rice producers). Results of the study showed that rice producers are focused more on cause-oriented risk management practice than effect-oriented risk management practice, with ‘information exchange among rice producers’ as the most favoured risk management practice with a mean value of 4.13, followed by ‘selling/distribution of products to market they understand very well’, and ‘diversification of enterprise’ with mean values of 4.11, and 3.81 respectively under cause-oriented risk management practice. Results of the study suggest that rice producers in Soba, Kaduna State, tend to rely more on cause-oriented risk management practices, such as information exchange and market familiarisation, than on effect-oriented practices. These findings have important implications for policymakers and rice producers alike. They highlight the need for targeted support and training programs to help farmers manage risk and improve their productivity and profitability.

Masjid as an Institution of Reforming Almajiri Education System: A Policy Option for State Governments in Northern Nigeria

One of the critical issues bedeviling the Muslim community in Northern Nigeria is the current trend of the Almajiri system of education where children at tender age are made to excruciatingly fend for themselves in the name of search of Islamic knowledge. This has become a source of concern as the children are not only deprived of their basic rights of healthy and decent living, but are also prone to many misdemeanors. Numerous governmental and (non-) faith-based organizations have been struggling to transform the system. This paper highlights the crucial role of Masaajid as a rallying point for Muslims; for prayers, study cycles, holding meetings, conflict resolution, contracting marriages, offering charity, provision of shelter to the destitute, among others. Hence, the paper brings into limelight ways in which Masaajid in Northern Nigeria can be used through zakah and waqf, contribution of philanthropists and other stakeholders in reforming the Almajri system of education through the use of masaajid as alternative school system thereby implementing better ways of eradicating the scourge. The paper concludes that masaajid provide veritable alternatives for result-oriented learning in serene and descent atmosphere devoid of inhumane treatment and in conformity with the pristine teachings of Islam.

Determinants of Male Involvement in Family Planning Decision making in a Rural Community in Northern Nigeria

Background: Male involvement in family planning (FP) is most often associated with better health outcomes for the family. This study assessed male involvement in FP at Fadan Kamantan, a rural community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, North Western Nigeria.
 Methods: This was a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 166 married men selected using multi-staged sampling technique. A set of structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from the respondents. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS version 23.0 and STATA/SE 12. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
 Results: The mean age of respondents was 38 ±10.7 years. Current use of FP method by the respondents’ spouses was 80 (51%). One hundred and twenty-two (77.7%) of the men gave consent for their wives to attend the FP clinics, 60 (38.2%) ever followed wives to the FP clinics, 122 (77.7%) ever initiated FP discussion with their spouses, 14 (8.9%) initiated FP discussions all the time, husbands predominantly took FP decisions 89 (56.7%). Only 97 (58.4%) had good overall scores for male involvement in FP decision making. The odds for good male involvement in FP was 27 times higher for those who had tertiary education (AOR=27.00, 95%CI=2.95-247.44) compared to those with no formal education.
 Conclusion: The study showed that male involvement in FP was determined by educational status. The Local Government Authority should engage in health education on FP services targeted at men with lower educational status in this community.

Attitude and utilization of postnatal care services among women of reproductive age in the rural and urban communities in Northern Nigeria

Objective: Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by poor outcomes of maternal and newborn health. About a 10th of women in developing countries receive postnatal care (PNC) visits within 2 days of delivery. To compare the attitudes of mothers towards PNC and to their level of utilisation of PNC services in rural and urban commuities in Northern Nigeria. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare attitudes and utilization levels among respondents from the urban and rural communities in Kano state, North Nigeria. The participants were mothers who delivered a live baby within the preceding year of the study. One hundred and thirty mothers each from the two communities were selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected from them using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Results: The attitude of mothers toward PNC was good in both the urban (93.7%) and rural (76.0%) communities. However, utilization of the services was poor with 15.7% and 2.3% of the respondents in the urban and rural areas, respectively, accessing the service. The husband’s educational level was a predictor of good maternal attitude with mothers whose husbands have formal education having 62% less chance of having a negative attitude to PNC (OR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.15–0.99]). Conclusion: To reduce newborn and maternal mortality, essential PNC should be promoted and supported in policies and integrated into existing health programs. Addressing social drivers for health in North Nigeria will ensure improved health behavior.

Teachers without Wages: The Challenges of Tsangaya School Teachers in Kano State Nigeria

Tsangaya teachers are the people who devoted their time, energy and resources for the free and voluntary teaching of the Holy Qur’an to the offspring of their communities in northern Nigeria. Prior to the advent of the colonial administrators in Nigeria, the Qura’nic teachers were the most respected and literate people among the society, and earned reasonable financial remunerations from the traditional rulers and the general populace. But after the forceful conquering of the traditional kingdoms by the British colonialist, the Qura’nic knowledge and the teachers were relegated, and all financial benefits to the Qura’nic schools were cut off, which left them with no option, then to find their fate on the streets. The aim of this paper is to explore the difficult condition of the free services the Tsangaya teachers are rendering to the society. A qualitative method was used to conduct the research, where three schools were purposively selected, one from each of the three senatorial districts of Kano state. The population includes 11 participants which are; 3 Almajiri teachers, three Almajiri parents, three people living with Almajiris, and two government officials. Primary information was sourced through face-face interview strategy, and the result was analysed through the Nvivo10 software application. Findings discovered that the teachers do not get any salary from the government, and the parents usually send their children to the school, to live from elementary level until graduation without paying school fees, rather, the teachers survive through the daily house-house and street begging of money and food by their pupils.

Improving Occupational Health of Artisanal Mining Communities in Northern Nigeria

Improving Occupational Health of Artisanal Mining Communities in Northern Nigeria

Contribution of Maize-based Products to the Livelihood of Smallholder Processors in Rural Northern Nigeria

In the smallholder value chains of maize, diversification of utilisation is an essential strategy towards enhancing the benefits drivable from the increase in maize production. This article identifies the contribution of maize-based products on poverty level among smallholder processors. The study, which was conducted in 30 rural communities in northern Nigeria, involved Focus Group Discussions and survey of 300 smallholder processors of maize-based products. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used. The results show that average annual profit among the interviewed smallholder processors of maize-based products was approximately N425,506 (about US$1,400). These processors faced several constraints which tend to keep them under poverty trap (vicious cycle of poverty). The result of the estimated two-step Tobit model shows that, with necessary interventions, profit from maize-based products has the capacity of keeping these processors out of poverty trap. The result indicates that as profit from maize-based products increases, the poverty probability index that household is not below poverty line of $1.90/day at 2011 purchase–power parity increases ( p < 0.05). Thus, household poverty among rural smallholder processors of maize-based product could be reduced drastically through interventions targeted at mitigating the identified constraints.

Development of a Solar Distiller for the Production of Potable Water for Human Consumption

The study is a continual quest towards the provision of affordable, health-friendly fresh potable water in rural areas; using available, affordable and durable materials for the construction of a solar distiller for freshwater production. The aim of this study was to develop a solar distiller for the production of potable water in waterborne diseases infested rural communities in northern Nigeria. Solar radiation with an intensity of 32 kcal/day was made to pass through a transparent polythene of 1039.6 cm2 that covers a 6800 cm3 of water collected through evaporator made with 78% refined clay constituent distilling 1.3 litres/day of pure water. An efficiency of 77% was determined after several test runs. Information from this study will serve as a guide to researchers on the production of portable water from the solar distiller. Also, it will guide the government and agencies on policy and decision making on water resources.
 Keywords: Distilling water, solar radiation, collector and evaporator

Water Resources, Forced Migration and Tensions with Host Communities in the Nigerian Part of the Lake Chad Basin

The Lake Chad region is facing a nexus of interconnected problems including fragility, violent conflict, forced displacement, and scarcity of water and other resources, further aggravated by climate change. Focusing on northeast Nigeria, this study aims to answer the following questions: (1) What role does access to water and farming play in out-migration and return in northeast Nigeria? (2) What is the potential of tensions between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities? Data for this study were collected between March and May 2019 by interviewing 304 local residents and IDPs in northeast Nigeria, as well as experts on migration, environmental, humanitarian and conflict-related issues in research centers and governmental institutions in Abuja. Given the pronounced water scarcity in the region, the results show that between 47% and 95% of rural community members interviewed in northeast Nigeria would be willing to migrate in cases of water scarcity. At the time of study, only 2.5% to 7% of respondents had migrated previously in response to water scarcity, indicating that insecurity and conflict were, however, more relevant drivers of displacement. Regarding our second research question, we find a potential for tensions between IDPs and host communities, as 85% of the interviewed host community members oppose the presence of the IDPs. Hence, measures are needed to improve relations between the two groups. In order to avoid a future scenario where water scarcity becomes a significant driver of migration, efficient management of water resources is paramount. Such action would not only address the issue of migration, but also strengthen the resilience of communities in northern Nigeria.

Correlates of tobacco smoking among residents of an urban community in Northern Nigeria

Smoking is a public health problem that is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancers. Smoking accounts for one in every five deaths among men and one in every 20 deaths among women globally. World health organization (WHO) has estimated that about 1.3 billion people smoke worldwide, and the vast majority of these people live in developing countries. This study seeks to determine the correlates of tobacco smoking among residents of Katsina local government. A cross-sectional study that enrolled 384 respondents was adopted in this study. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the survey. Data collected were analyzed with SPSS v22 software. The results showed that the questionnaire response rate was 98.9% (n=380). The mean age of the respondents was 25.7 ± 11.8 years, all-time prevalence of smoking is 28.9% (n=110), and prevalence among those actively smoking is 21.5% (n=82). The mean number of cigarettes smoked by individual respondents daily was 8.9 ± 5.6, with a mean smoking duration of 4.6 ± 4.2 years. The mean number of people that smoke in households was 2.0 ± 1.5. Males are almost three times (aOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.94-4.02) more likely to smoke. Parental smoking (aOR=3.3, 95% CI= 2.61-4.30), peer influence (aOR=6.9, 95% CI=4.45-10.7), and media advertisements (aOR=4.5, 95% CI=3.52-5.99) are strong predictors of smoking in the community. In conclusion, the prevalence of smoking in the community was high, and the likelihood of smoking behaviour of the individual is influenced by peer group, parental smoking and exposure to pro-smoking advertisements. Health education and strong tobacco control policies are needed to address the problem of smoking.

EXPLORING FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE: EVIDENCE FROM NORTHERN NIGERIA

The aim of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is to help farmers increase productivity, adapt their methods, become resilient to climate impacts and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. However, there has been little published research on the perceptions and knowledge of farmers as to how this approach can fulfill its potential, especially in Africa. This paper presents a study based on interviews and group discussions conducted among farmers in some rural communities in Northern Nigeria. It reveals that the strength of CSA lies in its ability to integrate agricultural productivity with environmental targets and address the livelihood needs and cultural biases of local farmers. It also identified differences in the perception of different groups within society. For example, the younger farmers who possess little farmland showed optimism in the potential of the CSA approach to address livelihood and environmental challenges while the older farmers with larger farmlands were generally uncertain and suspicious. The analysis of interviews presented could be used to identify target groups on which to focus CSA, assuming that groups with a significantly greater proportion of farmlands could have more impact on the environment. The study suggests a continuous effort is made to develop knowledge and build capacity of local farmers and experts. Lessons from this study are important in developing the knowledge and capacities that will make CSA a reality. Further studies across Africa which take local specificities and priorities into consideration are needed.

Knowledge and attitude on neonatal jaundice among women of reproductive age group in rural community in northern Nigeria

Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a common cause of hospitalization in the 1st week of life and a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude related to NNJ among women of reproductive age group in Basawa community, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in January 2017 among mothers aged 15–49 years. One hundred and seventy-two structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Results were presented in tables and charts. Results: The mean age of respondents was 34 ± 6.98 years; 158 (92%) of them were aware of NNJ and predominant sources of information from relatives (35%) and hospital (33.1%). Ninety-one percent had poor knowledge of NNJ. Only 76 (46%) and 36 (21%) respondents, respectively, identified infection and breast milk as causes of NNJ. Complications of NNJ mentioned included serious illness (56.4%) and disability (21.5%). Majority of respondents (106, 62%) had poor attitude to NNJ. About 132 (77%) believed that NNJ had an effect on neonates and was curable while only 66 (38%) believed that health education during antenatal care was a preventive measure for NNJ. A statistically significant association was found between income and level of knowledge of respondents about NNJ (P = 0.043). Conclusion: This study highlighted inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and misconceptions about NNJ. It underscores the importance of health education programs and campaigns in addressing the gaps in knowledge.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among Adult Residents of Tinda Rural Community, Nigeria

Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an emerging disease of public health concern in Nigeria. There has been growing speculation about rural dwellers not being susceptible to this ailment due to their lifestyle. However, this could be attributed to the paucity of data obtained from rural communities. This community-based survey was conducted to provide recent data about the prevalence of DM in a rural community in Northern Nigeria. Subject and Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit 78 participants from about 200 adults within the community in September 2019. Consent was obtained to retrieve their blood glucose results and socio-demographic data from an out-patient clinic. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Over half (55%) of the respondents were male, while majority (88%) were involved in agrarian professions. Majority (69%) of the respondents were between 18 to 35 years, while around 10% were over 50 years. The respondents had an average blood glucose level of 5.20 ± 0.62 mmol/L, with 6.50 mmol/L as the maximum reading. The prevalence of DM was 0.0%, majority (68%) had normal glucose level, while the remainder had pre-diabetes glucose levels. There were no statistically significant associations between the respondents’ blood glucose level and any of their socio-demographic characteristics. However, the oldest respondents, male respondents, and traders had the highest blood glucose levels in their respective categories. Conclusion: The absence of a healthcare center in the community was of concern, as this would impede efforts to monitor the prevalence of non-communicable disease like DM. It is recommended that health interventions to discourage the rural dwellers from embracing adverse urban lifestyles associated with DM should be prioritized.

HIV-hepatitis co-infection in a rural community in Northern Nigeria.

IntroductionHIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C pose a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa and there are only few studies on co-infection of these viruses done in rural areas in Northern Nigeria. This study provides a rural perspective on HIV-hepatitis co-infection in a Northern Nigerian community.Methodsthis cross-sectional study was carried out amongst people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a rural community hospital over a three-month period. Socio-demographic data and other relevant information were obtained from the participants and case notes using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to Hepatitis C virus were assayed from serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits developed by LabACON®. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and logistic regression modelling was used to determine correlates of co-infection in the population.Resultsa total of 281 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of Hepatitis B co-infection, Hepatitis C co-infection and triple infection was 6.0%, 14.6% and 1.1% respectively. Using Chi-square test, none of the socio-demographic characteristics, WHO Clinical Stage, viral suppression had significant association with Hepatitis B co-infection, however marital status was significantly associated with Hepatitis C co-infection and level of education was significantly associated with triple infection (p < 0.05). Logistic regression modelling generated no significant results.Conclusionco-infection of viral hepatitis (particularly Hepatitis C) in PLWHA is common in rural Northern Nigeria, and significant correlates include lack of formal education and being married. There is need for provider-initiated routine counselling and screening of PLWHA for viral hepatitis, with adequate follow-up and treatment of co-infected individuals and Hepatitis B vaccination for those without co-infection.

Analysis of an optimal hybrid power system for an off-grid community in Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the effects of variations in annual real interest rates in the assessment of the techno-economic feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for an off-grid community.Design/methodology/approachHybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software is used to propose an HRES for Abadam community in northern Nigeria. The HRES was designed to meet the basic needs of the community over a 25-year project lifespan. Based on the available energy resources in the community, photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine, diesel generator and battery were suggested for integration to serve the load requirements.FindingsWhen the annual real interest rates were taken as 10 and 8 per cent, the total amount of total energy fraction from PV, wind turbine and the diesel generator is 28, 57 and 15 per cent, respectively. At these interest rates, wind turbines contributed more energy across all months than other energy resources. The energy resource distribution for 0, 2,4 and 6 per cent annual real interest rates have a similar pattern, but PV contributed a majority of the energy.Practical implicationsThis study has used annual real interest and inflation rates dynamic behavior to determine optimal HRES for remote communities. Hence, its analysis will equip decision-makers with the necessary information for accurate planning.Originality/valueThe results of this study can be used to plan and design HRES infrastructure for off-grid communities around the world.

Restoration of power supply to post-conflict communities in Northern Nigeria: Implication for sustainable Reintegration of Returning Migrants

North-East Nigeria is currently emerging from brutal insurgent attacks that lasted for almost a decade since 2009 and has thereby plunged the region deeper into poverty and economic chaos, making it the poorest region in Nigeria. As thousands of displaced people prepare to move back to their rural communities, a large proportion of the predominantly farm-based rural populations are going to grow food crops and live in built-houses for the first time in a decade. The questions that come to mind, among several others are; what is the situation of the villages especially in the area of social infrastructures, particularly electricity? Can restoration of power and building of skill acquisition centre guarantee their sustainable reintegration? Drawing upon several past studies undertaken in post-conflict communities in many other countries, this paper provides empirically-based responses to these questions. Responses from returning migrants which serve as results of the findings in this study show that sustainable reintegration and meaningful rural development cannot be achieved unless power (electricity) is restored to the post-conflict communities where the forced migrants are set to return. This is because it will serve as a catalyst to social and economic development in the post-conflict agrarian communities.

Women's experience with group prenatal care in a rural community in northern Nigeria.

To assess women's experience of group prenatal care in a rural Nigerian community. In an observational study, consenting pregnant women were enrolled in a group prenatal care program based on the CenteringPregnancy model from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, in Tsibiri, Nigeria. Women were interviewed before joining the group and postnatally. A predesigned pro forma was used to assess group behavior during sessions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to data. In total, 161 women enrolled, and 54 of 72 scheduled prenatal sessions took place. The average number of visits was three per woman, with good group interaction and cohesion. Mothers who could mention at least five out of eight danger signs of pregnancy increased from 1.4% (2) to 13.3% (14) (P<0.001, 95% CI 4.28-19.52), while mean knowledge score for danger signs increased from 31% to 47.8% (P<0.001, 95% CI 0.86-2.16). Commitment to birth preparedness plans was impressive. The mothers enjoyed the group sessions and shared the lessons they learned with others. Group prenatal care was feasible and acceptable to women in the present study setting. Comparative trials would be helpful to demonstrate the benefits of the tested model in low-income settings.

Obesity, overweight and under weight in suburban northern Nigeria

Background: Weight has long been known to be a determinant of health and disease. Both overweight and underweight areassociated with health consequences. We report the results of a community survey of underweight, obesity and overweight intwo suburban communities in northern Nigeria. Methods: We studied an adult population sample in suburban northernNigeria. Obesity was defined as BMI >30KgM-2 while overweight was defined as BMI > 25.0 but <30.0; and underweightwas defined as BMI <18.5 KgM-2. Results: 317 subjects participated in the study, 267 (84.23%) were males and 50(15.77%) females. Forty-one (13.1%) of the subjects had obesity, overweight occurred in 58 (18.5%) while underweightoccurred in 21(6.7%) subjects. Conclusion: Both over-nutrition and under-nutrition are common in these communities withthe former being more prevalent. Concerted efforts should be made to appropriately control the prevalence of overweight andobesity. (Int J Diabetes Metab 15:68-69, 2007)

Maternal death surveillance and response system in Northern Nigeria

Introduction: The maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) responds to MDG 5 and Sustainable development goal 3. It was designed to achieve this goal by obtaining and strategically using information to guide public health actions and monitoring their impact. Objective: To determine the burden and avoidable causes of maternal mortality in midwives service scheme (MSS) communities in Northern Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study using baseline MDSR data on confidential enquiry into maternal deaths in all health facilities and their host communities under the MSS in Northern Nigeria from July 1st to December 31st, 2011. Results: The MMR was 181/100,000 live births. Most (80.9%) of the deaths were due to direct obstetric complications with obstetric hemorrhage and eclampsia accounting for 66.6% of the deaths. Most deaths occurred postpartum (93.6%) with the first 48 h accounting for 85.1% of cases. At presentation, 76.5% were in critical conditions. The TBAs conducted 50.0% of the deliveries. Delays in decision making contributed to 51 (63.8%), delay in arriving at the facility accounted for 48 (60.0%), financial constraints 28 (35.0%), unsafe traditional practice 27 (33.8%), and use of traditional medicines 22 (27.5%). The TBA failed to refer early in 42 (52.5%), failed to recognize dangers signs in 27 (33.8%). Stillbirths occurred in 22.2% of cases. Conclusion: Most maternal deaths in Northern Nigeria are preventable. Operational research using the MDSR is very useful in determining the causes and designing appropriate response to maternal deaths at the community level in Nigeria.