Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area Research Articles

Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Hot Pepper Production among Small-Scale Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

This study used the Stochastic Frontier model to analyze hot pepper production among small-scale farmers in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area, Katsina State. Purposive and proportionate random sampling techniques were used to select 121 hot pepper farmers from whom the data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and stochastic frontier production function model. The result of the study shows that hot pepper production activity is dominated by male (99.2%) and married (95.0%) farmers whom are middle aged (Mean = 39 year) and most of them (about 53%) have household size of 1-10 persons, and an average farming experience of 13 years with a farm size average of 1.5 hectares. Majority of the hot pepper producers are engaged in its production for income generation while only few among them have access to credits. The result of the gross margin analysis (GM) shows that hot pepper farmers incurred total variable cost (TVC) of NGN138,703.6, and a return of NGN164,513.4 that yielded the profit of NGN25,809.8 per hectare of production and a return on investment of 1.28. The average technical efficiency (TE) of the farmers was found to be 80% among hot pepper farmers in the study area. Moreover the result of the frontier analysis shows that seed, labor and fertilizer are significant inputs determining hot pepper output. In addition to that inefficiency components of the frontier analysis revealed education, access to extension service, cooperative membership, Years of farming experience, farm size, and household size to be the significant determinants of efficiency of hot pepper production in the study area. The result also revealed that farmers in the study area are faced with major challenges of high costs of production inputs and problems of pests and diseases.

Soil Fertility Management Practices among Smallholder Cereals Producing Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

Soil Fertility Management Practices among Smallholder Cereals Producing Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF FLOOD ON THE COMMUNITIES IN DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Floods is one of the most disturbing environmental hazards in Dutsin Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The resulting effect is on property loss, economy and the environment. On this basis, this research was carried out to evaluate flood risk areas in Dutsin-ma local government area of Katsina State. a questionnaire survey gathered information regarding flood in the research area. geospatial approaches were used to obtain Satellite imagery of 2020 from United States Geological Survey (USGS) Google Earth platform. Multi Criteria Evaluation approach was used to develop flood risk-vulnerability map for the Dutsin-Ma. Findings from this study shows that 19% of the respondents believed that relocating people to higher grounds is the best way to mitigate the impact of flood, about 22.8% of the respondents believed that construction and maintenance of new drainages is a good option. Result for vulnerability assessment shows that Makera South, Makera North, Garhi East, Garhi West, Sakarya, Kitibawa, Gandi and Makwanta are identified as very high-risk areas. Other high-risk areas include Gidan Gamawa, Garin Mallam, Koranwaya, Wawaye, Zaki, Dage, Taka, Korafawa, Unguwan Nassarawa, Gago, Mawashi and Karki. The study recommended that Distribution of adequate relief materials and public enlightenment would assist to reduce the impact of in the study area. Result of this study can be beneficial to relevant professional bodies and agencies such as town planners, land use land cover planners, emergency, and contingency planners and the general public for control and management of flood.

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Maize Production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

This study determined factors influencing youth participation in maize production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure (purposive and proportionate sampling procedure) was employed in selecting 78 farmers in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using percentage and ordinary least square regression model. The results revealed that access to credit (3.058), amount of credit received (1.695) and farming experience (- 4.161) significantly influence youth participation in maize production. There is need of provision of credit facilities and enough land to the youth for fully participation in maize production by the government in the study area

Self-Confidence as Correlate of Senior Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance in English Language

The study investigated self-confidence as correlates of senior secondary school students’ academic performance in English language in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. Descriptive survey research was used for this study. The population for this study consisted of three thousand and twenty-six senior secondary two students. The researcher used purposive sampling technique to select one hundred and twenty-four senior secondary school two students for the study. Self-confidence Inventory (SCI) and English Language Performance Test (ELPT) were used for data collection with reliability coefficient of 0.87 and 0.90 for SCI and ELPT respectively. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test statistics. Findings of the study showed that there is significant relationship between no significant relationship between self-confidence and academic performance of senior secondary school students in English Language (r = .498**, p ˂ 0.05) but there is no significant difference in the self-confidence (t = .661; df = 122; p > 0.05) and academic performance (t = -1.248; df = 122; p > 0.05) of senior secondary school students in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria based on gender. It was recommended that secondary school management should encourage their students to prepare for the examinations in advance so that they will develop self-confidence which will improve their academic performance in English language.

Influence of Preschool Teachers’ Characteristics on Children’s Socio-Emotional Developmental Skill in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

In the provision of quality preschool education, teachers occupy a serious and elusive place. They are the strength of the entire educational arrangement as rightly stated in the National Policy on Education that no education can rise above the quality of its teachers (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2013). Therefore, the study investigated the influence of the teachers’ characteristics on children’s socio-emotional developmental skills in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. The study employed a descriptive research design of the observation type. The sample size comprised 25 preschool centres from both private and public schools, 50 teachers and 250 preschool children who were selected through a simple random sampling technique. The Children’s Socio-Emotional Developmental Skill Rating Scale (CSEDSRS) with a reliability index of 0.77 was used for data collection. Hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance. The result indicated a significant influence of teachers’ area of specialization, working experience, and qualification on the socio-emotional developmental skills of children. The study concluded that teachers are critical to supporting children’s socio-emotional developmental skills in preschool education centres. It was recommended that teachers with a specialization in Early Childhood Education (ECE), high qualifications and good years of working experience be employed to work in ECE centres. This would help to improve the children’s socio-emotional skills in preschool education centres.

ANALYSIS OF RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE TRENDS IN DUSTIN MA TOWN, DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the trend detection of rainfall and temperature in Dutsin-Ma, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State. The study was aimed at determining the significance of rainfall and temperature trends in the area if it is in accordance with the global climate change scenarios. Secondary data (rainfall and temperature) for thirty-one (31) years from 1984-2014was used, the data was source from NOAA/NCEP and were subjected to the following analysis; Descriptive statistics, Mann Kendall, Sen’s Slope Model Estimator, Standardized Anomaly Index (SAI), and Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI). The results revealed a significant decrease of rainfall at (p-value = - 0.0108mm), the values of Kendall Tau, Z- Statistics and Sen’s Slope forrainfall were (-0.3247mm, -2.5495mm and -26.11mm) respectively. There is a significant increase of temperature at (p-value = 0.0037 oC), the values Kendall Tau, Z- Statistics and Sen’s Slope for temperature were (0.3699 oC, 2.9068 oC and 0.0410 oC). The rainfall decrease at the rate of -0.0594-1 (mm) while temperature increase at the rate of 0.0597-1 (oC). There is (52%)of positive anomaly and (48%) of negative anomalies of rainfall while the temperature has (48%) of positive anomaly and (52%) of negative anomalies during the study period. The RAI is (- 3.51mm), which indicates very dry condition and the rainfall pattern changes every decade. The study concluded that there is significant increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall,anomalies of the climatic variable influences, climate variability in the area and Dutsin-Ma is classified as very dry climate and the rainfall pattern changes every decade. The study recommended that human activities which influence increase in temperature should be reduced.

Assessment of Teachers' Knowledge and Use of Mastery Learning Strategy in the Implementation of Basic School Creative Arts Curriculum in Katsina State, Nigeria

Culture is the pride of members of every society as the cultural elements of any society portray their needs, interest, aspirations and dilemmas. It is in this context that arts and design plays a significant role in creating and preserving some of the societal cultural heritage through painting, carving, molding and building. It is therefore disheartening to note that most of the roles which art as a subject was included in school curriculum to perform have been negated as a result of the inability of the teachers to effectively use strategies like mastery learning that could motivate students’ interest in the subject. The study, therefore, assessed teachers’ use of mastery learning strategy in implementation of basic school art education curriculum for reinforcement of cultural sustainability in Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of all the basic school teachers in Katsina state, Nigeria. Target population was creative art teachers in basic schools. The sample was 50 creative art teachers purposely selected from five public basic schools in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State. Questionnaire tagged: ‘Assessment of Mastery Learning Strategy Questionnaire’ (AMLS) was constructed, validated and trial tested on teachers in Kurfi LGA which yielded a reliability coefficient at 0.75. In an attempt to answer the questions raised, mean, percentage and standard deviation were employed to answer the research questions while chi-square test statistics were made use of in testing the formulated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study indicated that most teachers were uninformed of the mastery learning strategy. Based on the finding, the study recommended that workshops on mastery learning should be organized to update teachers' knowledge of mastery learning and other motivating learning strategies. The study concluded that similar studies should be carried out in related subjects to ascertain the effectiveness of learning strategies used in imparting knowledge to learners.

Influence of substance abuse on delinquent behaviours among secondary school students in Dutsin-ma local government area Katsina state, Nigeria

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between substance abuse and delinquent behaviour among secondary school students in Dutsin-Ma LGA, Katsina State. Methodology: Three hundred and eighty-one (381) students were send as sample from three public schools in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area Katsina State. The data collected was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) and t-test Statistical analysis was used to analyze the data collected. Substance Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ) and Delinquent Behaviour Questionnaire were Constructed and used in the data collection. The instruments was validated by educational experts while the Substance Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ) have reliability index of 0.81 and Delinquent Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) have reliability index of 0.76 respectively. Results: The findings on substance abuse and delinquent behaviour revealed that r-value is 0.596 and P-value (0.000 <0.5). Therefore, indicated that there was moderate positive relationship between substance abuse and delinquent behaviour among Secondary School Students. On substance abuse, delinquent behaviour and gender, the result showed that p-value of 0.044 is less than 0.05 level of significance at 380 degrees of freedom indicating that there is a significant relationship between substance abuse and delinquent behaviour on the gender basis. On class level, the result revealed that p-value of 0.008 is less than 0.05 level of significance indicating that there is a significant relationship between substance abuse and delinquent behaviour. Conclusion: The researchers therefore recommended that parents, school, society and government should joint hand in the supervision, monitoring, and guiding students both at home, school and on the streets as well as checkmating their associates and whereabouts.

Haematologic tolerance of a rumen fistulation protocol in Udaramsata Tertiary Institution Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis experiment was conducted at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Livestock Teaching and Research Farm in Dutsin-Ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was aimed at studying haematological tolerance level of Uda rams to a rumen fistulation protocol involving incision of skin and muscles separation along the direction of muscle fibers by divulsion. Blood samples were collected and evaluated at the intervals of 0, 24 and 48hours to assess blood line response to the protocol. A total of 3 rams were used and assigned T1, T2 and T3 in a completely randomized technique. A significant (P< 0.05) continuum of decreased packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration was observed from 0hrs through to 48hours connoting anaemia condition associated with the rumen fistulation protocol. However, significant (P < 0.01) tolerance levels were observed with the cell mediated immune response as evident in the increased lymphocyte counts (lymphocytosis) and an initial acute increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia). This technique was able to demonstrate good tolerance level to rumen fistulation by Uda rams making this breed a good candidate for nutritional and physiological studies requiring rumen fistulation.

Contribution of Sesame Production to the Livelihood of Farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Sesame production is an important enterprise that could boost incomes of its producers, thereby improving their livelihoods. It has been one of the cash crops produced in Nigeria, mostly by small scale farmers in order to acquire income for taking care of their families. In Katsina State, sesame is considered as one of the commercial crops for local and international markets. Thus, assessment of sesame contribution to the livelihood improvement of the farmers is vital. This could help to pay more attention to its production and utlisation. Data collected from 100 farmers were used to assess contribution of sesame production to the livelihood of farmers in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. Descriptive Statistics and Farm Budgeting Techniques were used to analyze the data. The net farm income (₦124,665.92/ha) obtained from the enterprise helped to improve farmers’ livelihood assets; sesame contributed 36.80% to each livelihood asset acquired by the farmers. Education, Housing, transportation, communication and livestock were among the assets that had greatly improved. It was noticed that the farmers were not gaining the optimum benefits associated with the enterprise; they were not processing sesame for oil extraction and soap making, which deprived them from accessing numerous other benefits. Farmers should organize themselves into strong cooperative societies to enable them access government and non-governmental loans and assistance packages. Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations should help to enlightened and trained the farmers on how to further process and market sesame products.

Prevalence and Risk factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Secondary School Students in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State

Urinary Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) is a neglected, water-borne disease of major public health concern and can lead to chronic ill health condition mostly in rural environments. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among students of three selected secondary schools in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. A school–based questionnaire were administered to collect data on students’ population, report of hematuria, student’s age, sex, attitude and practices of the students. A total of four hundred and forty-two (442) samples were collected and examined using a Visual Test Procedure (VTP) with Combi – 10 Uri screen® (German Technology) and Microscopic examination was carried out using x10 objective lens for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs. Eggs of Schistosoma haematobium were detected in one hundred and forty (140) urine samples representing 31.7%; 134 (30.3%) were from males while only 6 samples (1.4%) were from females (P<0.05). The prevalence of hematuria was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than in females. The highest prevalence was observed among age group 15 – 17 years (16.74%) while the least prevalence was observed in age group 9 – 11 years (0.23%). The study identified factors such as closeness of water bodies (OR= 2.9, P-value= 0.002) and swimming (OR= 7.5, P-value= < 0.0001) as risk factors for Schistosomiasis in the study area. The study confirmed high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the study area. The study suggests that water control measures, proper sanitation and public enlightenment are highly needed to lower the prevalence of the urinary Schistosomiasis in the study area.

LESSENING THE PREVALENCE OF POVERTY THROUGH FISH PRODUCTION IN DUTSINMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF THE KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted in the Dutsinma local Government area of Katsina State on the lessening of the prevalence of poverty through fish production. The primary data used were obtained using structured questionnaires administered to eighty (n = 80) fishermen in the study area. Descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient and profitability analysis were employed to analyze the data. The result showed that 53% of the fishermen were young, 100% were males and 85% were married. Some of the fishermen (52%) had a family size of between 1 and 5. Also 53% had acquired Quranic edification. Results from the study exposed those fishermen use their income to re-invest into fishing activities. The Gini coefficient value of 0.53 indicates that there wereinequalities in the distribution of income. The poverty status of the fishermen showed that 23% and 35% of them were core poor and non-poor respectively. It was also found that fishing was a profitable venture and 100% of the fishermen were faced with inaccessibility to credit facilities. Therefore, it was concluded that the production of fish in this area may lowerthe levels of poverty easily of adopted by re-investment in thissector.

Nutritional Qualities of Three Common Tomato Cultivars (UTC, Dan-Eka and Dan-Masari) in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area Katsina State

This work investigates the nutritional qualities of three common local tomato cultivars UTC, Dan -Masari and Dan-Eka in Dutsinma Local Government using standard techniques. The proximate, mineral, vitamins and lycopene contents were determined using AOAC method of analysis and the values were as follows. The moisture contents of the tomatoes were 95.56± 0.16 %, 93.85±0.12 %, 93.97±0.61 % for UTC, Dan-masari and Dan-eka respectively. Ash content were 0.36±0.03 %, 0.47±0.06 %, 0.51±0.09 % respectively. Protein content were 0.99±0.04 %, 0.73±0.07 %, and 0.79±0.79 % in the same order. Total carbohydrate for UTC indicated values of 2.58±0.24%, Dan-eka indicated value of 4.72±0.04% and Dan-masari indicated values of 4.53±0.38 %. While the fat content showed 0.19±0.00 %, 0.73±0.07 %, 0.188±0.01 % in that order. For vitamin A, the results were 19.80±0.73 mg/kg, 18.93±0.71 mg/kg and 15.49±0.24 mg/kg respectively. For vitamin B2 and B3 UTC has 0.003±0.00 mg/kg and 0.05±0.18 mg/kg in the same respect, Dan-eka showed B2 0.05±0.08 mg/kg and B3 0.15±0.20 mg/kg respectively while Dan-masari indicated B2 0.000±0.00 mg/kg and B3 0.15±0.20 mg/kg and vitamin C indicated values of 42.68±8.93 mg/kg for UTC, Dan-eka showed 52.82±3.60 mg/kg and Dan-masari showed values of 84.47±1.67 mg/kg. The lycopene content UTC has the values of 116.01±1.59 mg/kg, Dan-eka indicated 127.18±3.65 mg/kg and Dan-masari showed 91.36±2.24 mg/kg. The mineral content for potassium indicated values of 3.74±0.28 ppm, 3.40±0.16 ppm, 3.08±0.61 ppm for UTC, Dan-eka and Dan-masari respectively. For the iron content, 0.008±0.04 ppm, 0.002±0.00 ppm and 0.004±0.00 ppm of UTC, Dan-eka and Dan-masari respectively. Magnesium values were 0.27±0.07 ppm, 0.22±0.16 ppm and 0.25±0.02 ppm correspondingly. For calcium, the obtained values were 0.26±0.04 ppm, 0.26±0.05 ppm, 0.38±0.07 ppm respectively. The sodium contents were 0.18±0.02 ppm, 0.18±0.08 ppm, 0.30±0.13 ppm in that order. These local varieties grown in Dutsinma are also good source of nutrient with no difference in the physiological quality parameters compared to the one been imported. However, Dan-eka shows higher content of these nutrients in terms of lycopene and vitamin contents which makes it the best of these cultivars. However the results of this work suggest that three cultivars can provide good industrial raw materials for paste production because their total solids are within the range of specification and can meet daily recommended intake of lycopene and vitamin, moreover the low fat values for these samples gives it a positive nutritional implication.

Effect of Processing Techniques on the Degradability Characteristics of Acacia <i>Acacia hockii</i>) Leaf

This experiment was conducted at the Federal University Dutsin-ma Livestock Teaching and Research Farm in Dutsin-ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was meant to ascertain the effect of processing techniques on crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation characteristics of three differently processed Acacia hockii leaf meal (ensiled (T1), sun dried (T2) and fresh (T30) incubated in the rumen of five rams at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48hrs. Acacia hockii leaves were collected from Dutsin-ma town and used in the experiment as as fresh leaves, sun-dried and ensiled. Five rams with average live weight of 20kg were fistulated and used as replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). They were fed with groundnut haulms, maize offal and cowpea husk in ad libitum at a ratio of 70%:30% respectively along with other management practices. The results of the rumen degradation characteristics showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the soluble fraction of crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre degradation among the treatments. There was also a significance (p<0.05) difference between the outflow rates of effective crude protein digestibility, effective acid detergent digestibility and effective neutral detergent digestibility. It was concluded from the study that ensiling and drying methods of processing reduces the ant-nutritional factors and the consequent better degradability of T1 and T2. However, the results of the study also revealed that ensiling is more effective than drying hence the better degradability recorded of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and the effective passage rate.
 Keyword: Digestibility, degradability, ensile, leaf

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER IN DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Ethnopharmacological surveys showed that herbal remedies and their products are mostly preferred type of alternative and complementary medicine (ACM) globally. In Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area (LGA) like other places herbal remedies are popularly employed against many ailment including tumor and cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to report and document the ethnobotanical survey of the plants used in the management of tumor and cancer in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) living within the area of study were cross-examined by employing questionnaires forms and key informant survey. Forty-two (42) different plant species were discovered to be employed against cancer and tumor management. The results obtained showed the parts of plant used for the herbs include; roots (4), bark (10), whole plant (13), seeds (5), fruits (3), stem (1) and leaves (6). The plant families Leguminosae caesalpinoideae and Leguminosae mimosoideae appeared more in the ethno-surveyed plant list though other families are involved. Many of these plants are mix together as storehouses for active compounds which may be good template for cancer and tumor management. The preparation of the remedies include; grinding to powder form then dispersing in either water or milk for drinking, or either mix with shear butter or water and administered on the affected part of the body. The reports showed that the herbal remedies indentified are effective for the treatment of cancer in Dutsin-Ma local government area. Hence, it is imperative for ethnobotanists and chemists to establish the toxicity and efficacy of these
 

Measurement of Radon-222 Concentration Levels in Brands of Sachet Drinking-Water Produce in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to measure the concentration levels of radon-222 from seven (7) water samples collected at different sachet drinking-water companies located within Dutsin-Ma LGA using Liquid Scintillation Counter. The levels of radon-222 found to range from (11.69 to 13.04 ), and (9.23 to 11.19 ) with mean values of 12.37 and 10.18 for borehole and earth-dam sources respectively. The results found are compared with the world average maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 set by WHO and it was discovered that 86% of the samples are below the value and 100% of the samples are below the WHO recommended reference level of 100 . Annual effective doses due to ingestion of radon in water for three (3) categories of people were estimated from the measured radon concentrations and their mean values were found to be (0.090, 0.181 and 0.632) in borehole water and (0.074, 0.149, and 0.520) in surface water (earth-dam) for adults, children and infants respectively. Most of the mean values of the annual effective doses were below the recommended level of 0.1 set by WHO. Therefore, it is recommended that the inhabitants of Dutsin-Ma LGA should always drink the sachet water produce by the companies irrespective of it source.

The Effect of Humidity and Temperature on the Efficiency of Solar Power Panel Output in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area (L.G.A), Nigeria

Solar energy is a large inexhaustible source of energy were the power from the sun intercepted by the Earth is over a trillion watt, which is many thousand times larger than the present consumption rate on the earth of all commercial energy sources. The sun could supply all the present and future energy need, presently the major way of extracting this energy is through solar panel and the efficiency of the energy conversion is in high consideration. Research has revealed that different factors can affect the efficiency of the panel, using a DT830B Digital Multi-meter and HTC-1 Clock/Temperature/Hygrometer on a Dp-Li21 polycrystalline solar panel. This work took the liberty of analyzing the effect of humidity and temperature on the efficiency of the solar panel. The result obtained shows that current production is highly aided by temperature within 42-45ºC and humidity below 35% and voltage production remains fairly stable with temperature below 42ºC and humidity below 60% while the power production is fairly stable with humidity below 40% and maximum with temperature at 45ºC, for power production on a panel mounted and to be mounted to be within maximum range, this analysis is to be carried out and put into consideration.

Isolation and Identification of Bacteria Associated with Suya (Roasted Meat Product) Sold in Dutsinma Local Government Area, Kastina State

A study was carried out to isolate and identify Bacteria associated with suya (roasted meat product) sold in Dutsinma metropolis. Bacteriological analysis was carried out on the thirty (30) unspiced and thirty (30) spiced the samples collected from five (5) different retail outlets for identification and isolation using microscopy and biochemical test. The Prevalence of occurrence of the bacteria isolates was highest for Escherichia coli with 25.9%, Staphylococcus epidermidis with 24.5%, Bacillus cereus with 21.0%, Klebsiella pneumoniae with 11.8%, Staphylococcus aureus with 8.4% Streptococcus faecalis with 6.3%, and Salmonella sp with 2.1%. The mean aerobic plate count were in order of 106 (cfu/g) with the highest value for unspiced suya samples at 2.65 and that of spiced suya samples was 2.95. Occurrence of such organisms in ready-to –eat food constitutes a food safety issue which calls for urgent response in the education of suya producers on the hazards, Critical Control Points and the importance of personal hygiene and clean environment. Critical limits for the critical control points identified in this study are proposed.

Incidence of Plant Viral Disease Symptoms and Their Transmission Agents in Dutsin-Ma Metropolis

This work explores the incidence of plant viral disease symptoms as well as their transmission agents in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area Katsina State, Nigeria. The studied diseased plants were identified while diseases were based on visual inspection using characteristic symptoms. Organisms associated with such symptoms were collected by handpicking, shacking/beating and tissue teasing methods. Identification was done using a standard voucher. Incidence of plants with viral symptoms was determined by plant disease index method. Chi square analysis was used to ascertain significant differences (P≥ 0.05) of plants showing viral symptoms. Results shows that plants with viral symptoms included Amaranthus sp. (Amaranthus), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Zea mays (maize), Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Carica papaya (pawpaw) and Capsicum sp (pepper). Studies also reveal Myzus persicae (aphids), Frankinella occidentalis (thrips), Bemisa tabaci (whitefly), Peregrinus maydis (leafhoppers) and Pseudococcidae (mealy bugs) as organisms associated with diseased plants with viral symptoms. Disease index showed Amaranthus spp. 63%, Vigna unguiculata 84%, Zea mays 73%, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carica papaya and Capsicum spp. 100%. Incidence rate varied significantly (P≥ 0.05) in the various locations surveyed. Further studies need to be carried out to identify the individual viruses.