Enugu City Research Articles

Assessing awareness of IoT-driven strategies for poultry management in mitigating increased ambient heat in Enugu, Nigeria

The study examined awareness level of Internet of Things (IoT)-driven strategies in mitigating impacts of increased ambient heat load in poultry pens by poultry farmers in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. With the rising challenges of climate change, increased ambient heat load within poultry pens poses a significant threat to poultry production. Understanding farmers’ perception of impact of increased ambient heat load and their awareness of IoT-driven strategies for its mitigation is crucial for sustainable poultry system management in smart cities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 poultry farmers from the three Local Government Areas that make up Enugu City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and Likert rating scale were used to analyze the data. The study identified socio-demographic factors influencing farmers’ perception of impact of increased heat load and awareness/ adoption of IoT-driven mitigation strategies. Education level (45% secondary education), access to information (29.2%) and financial resources (22.9%) were key determinants. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among poultry farmers regarding IoT-driven strategies while the constraints faced by farmers in implementing sustainable IoT-driven mitigation strategies included lack of awareness, lack of funding/high initial investment, limited access to technology, inadequate training, poor extension contact, water availability and climate variability. The study concluded that majority of poultry farmers shared similar perceptions about the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species but however were not aware of many of the IoT-driven strategies to mitigate the impact and were limited by a number of constraints or challenges to adopting IoT-driven mitigation strategies which altogether could improve poultry production system and help to achieve animal protein security in a smart city like Enugu, Nigeria. The study further recommended enlightenment of poultry farmers on the impact of increased ambient heat load on poultry species and available/sustainable/harmonized IoT-enabled guidelines or solutions to mitigate heat load in smart cities’ poultry production system.

Community pharmacists' attitudes and barriers toward providing pharmaceutical care for people with mental disorders in Enugu City, Nigeria

BackgroundIn Nigeria, the attitudes of community pharmacists toward providing pharmaceutical care (PC) for people with mental illnesses remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the community pharmacists’ attitudes and barriers toward providing PC services for clients with mental disorders in Enugu, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among all eligible community pharmacists in Enugu, Nigeria. The data were obtained using validated self-administered questionnaire adapted from the literature and a sociodemographic form. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square/Fisher’s Exact test. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsA total of 155 community pharmacists took part in the survey, giving a response rate of 95.6%. The findings showed that more than half of the community pharmacists (n = 80, 51.6%) had positive attitudes toward providing PC services for patients with mental illness. Positive attitudes were associated with having a family member with mental illness (p = 0.038) and a good self-rated knowledge of mental illness (p < 0.001). The most frequently reported barriers to PC were patient factors associated with their symptoms (59.4%) and a lack of patient information (52.9%).ConclusionThe attitudes of community pharmacists toward providing PC for patients with mental illness is largely positive but suboptimal. Patient factors related to their symptoms were cited as the major obstacle to providing PC. Therefore, continued education and training and supportive environment are encouraged to improve the situation.

Nexus between Anthropometric Indices in Hypertensive and Normotensive Adults: A Gender-Based Study in a Sprawling Urban Community

Adipose tissue in the body can be easily assessed using anthropometric measurements such as hip, waist, chest, and neck circumferences, waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI), and subscapular skinfold thickness. Gender, age, lifestyle, ethnicity, genetics, and nutrition influence these measurements. Although extensive research exists on anthropometry, there is still a lack of data on the gender-specific correlations between anthropometric indices (or parameters), obesity, and blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the gender differences in anthropometric parameters in hypertensive and normotensive adults, and to assess the gender-based correlations between anthropometry and blood pressure. A cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 355 adults, aged 20-75 years was conducted in Enugu City, South-East Nigeria. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires, an electronic weighing scale, a stadiometer, a non-elastic fiber-glass tape, and an Accoson™ Desktop mercury sphygmomanometer. Student’s t-test was used to compare anthropometric parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyze the relationships between anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. The study found a 38.0% prevalence of hypertension. Gender comparisons revealed that more males were underweight (39.0%), with no cases of class 3 obesity. Females had higher rates of overweight (27.9%) and obesity (41.3%). In the hypertensive participants, all anthropometric parameters were higher when compared to normotensive participants, except for height in males, neck circumference and subscapular-triceps ratio in females. Hypertensive and normotensive males had greater weight, height, neck and chest circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and subscapular-triceps ratio than their female counterparts. Conversely, hypertensive and normotensive females had greater waist circumference, hip circumference, subscapular skinfold, triceps skinfold, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio compared to males. Anthropometric parameters are key indicators of obesity, a major global health issue due to its association with hypertension. The rising trend in obesity, driven by dietary changes, disproportionately affects women. Urgent interventions are needed to promote routine exercise, particularly among administrative workers, and to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical activity.

Women’s Perception and Readiness regarding Adoption of A Healthy and Sustainable Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study in Enugu City, Nigeria

Background: There is little knowledge about healthy and sustainable diets (HSDs) in Africa. This study assesses women’s readiness to adopt HSDs and its associated factors in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional household survey in 2021, which assessed women’s (n =450) food choice motives, perceived benefit, and readiness to adopt HSDs. The diets were categorised as pre-contemplation and contemplation (PC/C), preparation and relapse (P/R), and action and maintenance (A/M) stages. Odds ratios (OR) were generated using multinomial logistic regression. Results: Almost 57% of the women perceived HSD to be of high benefit. About 19%, 21%, and 60% of the women were in the PC/C, P/R and A/M, respectively. Low perceived benefit (OR=4.30, 95%CI: 2.30-8.05, P&lt;0.001), low health concern (OR=6.35, 95%CI: 2.53-15.93, P&lt;0.001), low education (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.39-5.44, P=0.004), and age &lt;35 years (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.02-6.07, P=0.046) predicted being in the PC/C stage. Low perceived benefit (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.63-4.63, P&lt;0.001), low health concern (OR=5.35, 95% CI: 2.40-11.92, P&lt;0.001), low level of education (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.05-3.42, P=0.033), and being poor (OR=2.90, 95%CI: 1.05-7.97, P=0.039) predicted being in the P/R stage. Being &lt;35 (OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.28-0.87, P=0.014) and having low taste consideration (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.12-0.72, P=0.008) predicted being in the A/M stage. Conclusions: Readiness to adopt HSDs needs to be improved in Enugu, Nigeria. For this purpose, respective nutrition education interventions might be implemented regarding progress in HSDs.

Development of passenger’s waiting time model at Bus Public Transit Terminal

Passenger’s waiting time at terminal is a key constituent of travel time, as long waiting time increases the overall journey time. In Nigeria, urban-rural bus transit system is associated with long waiting time. This study evaluates bus transit users’ waiting times at terminal with perceived and actual waiting times (PWT and AWT) along with associated bus service frequency (BSF). Bus public transit operating from Enugu city (as origin) to 6 local government areas (Awgu, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu west, Nsukka, Oji River and Udenu) of the state as destinations was studied. Data were collected on AWT and PWT at Old Park, Enugu for 30 days from 8 am to 6 pm (5 days per route). Data on AWT and PWT were collected based on passenger’s observation and oral interview, respectively. The study discovered that transit users incurred long waiting times, with 80 – 90% of the users incurring AWT of 21 minutes to 1 hour and more, indicating a poor service quality. Also, 80 – 90% of the users overestimated their PWT by 25 – 60%. At 95% confidence level, PWT is significantly longer than AWT (P &lt; 0.05) for all the routes. A passenger’s perceived waiting time model was developed for predicting PWT based on AWT. The model developed showed that PWT is strongly correlated with AWT, with an R2 = 0.9591 and F-significance &lt; 0.05. This suggests that that AWT accounts for 96% variability in PWT. Consequently, the model developed exhibits a reasonable accuracy, hence, can be applied for prediction of passenger’s perceived waiting time. The mean BSF for Enugu – Nsukka and Enugu – Oji River routes were 30 and 21 buses per day, respectively. While, the other 4 routes recorded lower values of 7 – 9 buses per day, resulting in longer waiting times than the other 2 routes. The implication of long passengers’ waiting time suggests the need for shifting from unscheduled to scheduled operation and improved BSF by shortening bus headways to minimize waiting time.

STREET VENDORS PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTS OF THEIR ACTIVITIES ON ENUGU URBAN MORPHOLOGY

This study examined the activities of street vendors operating within the informal economy in Enugu City with regard to its effects on the economy, human relations, environment and resulting government responses. A total of thirteen street vendors were purposively selected for in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Variables of interest were vendors' perceptions of contributions to urban mobility, community relations and economic dynamics. The analysis was done using content analysis. Findings show that street vendors play pivotal roles in community relations. It was also found that street vendors offer convenient and accessible services, saving residents’ time, convenience of shopping in transit and saving foregone transport money. In terms of the dynamics within the informal economy, it was discovered that some vendors adapt innovative pricing strategies to offer affordability. Based on these findings, it is concluded that street vendors make multifaceted contributions to Enugu's urban economy, cityscape and positive community living. It is therefore recommended that rather see them as a nuisance, urban policymakers and planners have to recognize the significance of street vendors and the informal economy generally in shaping the city's social fabric, mobility patterns, and economic landscape as they strive to create resilient, inclusive urban environments as enshrined in Sustainable Development Goal number 11.

Streets Sides: Encounters with Migrant Women Beggars in Enugu City, Southeast Nigeria

Streets Sides: Encounters with Migrant Women Beggars in Enugu City, Southeast Nigeria

Street Trading and Urban Distortion: Rethinking Impacts and Management Approaches from Urban Planners’ Perspective in Enugu City, Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between street trading and urban planning in Enugu City, Nigeria, within the expanding informal economy of the global South. It particularly focuses on the perspectives of urban planners regarding the impacts and management of street trading. The research employed a mixed-method approach, including personal observation, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews, analyzed through basic statistical methods. Findings reveal that urban planners recognize the socio-economic importance and cultural relevance of street trading, despite its negative spatial externalities. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, planners favour negotiated solutions over forced evictions. This study highlights the need for inclusive urban planning practices that accommodate the socio-economic benefits of street trading while addressing its challenges, contributing to the discourse on sustainable urban development.

Instantaneous stroke risk assessment of adults in Enugu, South East Nigeria: results from a random point survey

Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity, death, and disability around the world, most especially in black Africans. Understanding the magnitude and appreciation of stroke risk in susceptible populations remains a key strategy in reducing stroke burden. This study examined and compared 5-year stroke risk in an adult population in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. A point cross-sectional survey assessing stroke risk in adults was done in October 2019 in the city of Enugu as part of the World Stroke Day commemoration using the Stroke Riskometer app, and the data was analyzed. Ethical approval was obtained. The total number of participants in this survey was 117 traders in a market in the Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. More males, 63%, than females, 37%, participated in this study. The total mean age was 47.50 years, with a total mean 5-year stroke risk of 3.93. Stroke risk was noted to be higher in females 4.56 than in males 3.56. Elevated blood pressure was present in 35% of the participants, and elevated blood glucose was seen in 5% of the total population. The World Stroke Organization’s Stroke Riskometer app is a valuable tool in assessing stroke risks especially in resource poor settings. This app also serves as a cost-effective method of conducting epidemiological research in stroke and other non-communicable diseases internationally. Hypertension remains the most common risk factor for stroke globally. Higher stroke risk in females likely associated with higher mean age.

Transit, walking and cycling infrastructure and sustainable development in Enugu city, Nigeria

In a predominantly urban world, people’s ability to move within cities is a critical driver of sustainability. The transportation system which constitutes a large percentage of the physical urban environment provides mobility and aid economic sector. However, it contributes to several major environmental pressures including pollution, congestion, accidents, waste accumulation, resources depletion and disruption of nature. While urban population growth and increase in economic activities combine to generate higher demand for transportation services and heighten the problem. How to effectively deal with these imposing threats and simultaneously provide optimal mobility for city dwellers is the backbone of this research. Drawing experiences from developed cities, the study used Achara layout in Enugu as a case study. From observation, surveys and published literature data were collected and analysed qualitatively. The primary data include, physical traffic count, existing road character, traffic infrastructure and demographic statistics. Findings show the extensive sterility of Enugu’s urban infrastructure to motorized traffic and lack of provision for walking and cycling. It recommends strategies for planning and managing the urban environment which recognizes and acknowledged the social, environmental and economic realities. The conclusion demonstrates that cities designed for pedestrians and cyclist are cities designed for people and sustainable development.

Factors Influencing Continuous Intention to Use Mobile Payment Platforms in Southeast, Nigeria

This study centers on the factors influencing the continuous intention to use mobile payment platforms in south-east, Nigeria. Although the extant literature is gorged with studies on mobile payment technology adoption behaviour, empirical investigations that examine the predictors of continuous use of mobile payment platforms in a typical developing economy with huge informalities is lacking and under-reported. The broad objective of this study is to empirically investigate the factors that influence the continuous use of mobile payment platforms in South-east, Nigeria. In order to achieve this objective, positivism was adopted as the research philosophy while the area of study comprised Enugu city, Awka, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. The study population comprised active users of mobile payment platforms. The sampling technique adopted was quota sampling and a sample size of 600 respondents was statistically determined using Bill Godden Formular. The research instrument was questionnaire; validity test of the instrument was done using face and content validity while the reliability test was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The hypothesized relationship was tested using Multiple Linear Regression. It was found out that effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, intrinsic motivation and prior experience were positively significant to continuous intention to use mobile payment platforms while performance expectancy and price value are not. It was concluded that when used for predicting continuous intention to use mobile payment platforms in the innovation marketing field, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology should be extended to include variable such as prior experience. It was recommended that mobile payment service providers should design and develop incentives that will encourage frequent usage, they should use social media influencers among others.

Monitoring of Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Air Pollution in Enugu Urban using Remote Sensing and GIS

Ambient air pollution is widely acknowledged to be the worst type of environmental pollution. The amount of air pollution varies from time to time and from region to region. The spatiotemporal distribution of air pollutants in the city of Enugu was investigated in this study. Due to the high concentration of industrial clusters, heavy traffic and increasing population density in the study area, notable places were purposely sampled during the hours of 8a.m. and 4p.m. A portable gas analyzer, the Aerocet-531 Met One Instrument, Drager X-am 5000, was used to quantify the amounts of PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, and NO2. The GPS coordinates of the sampling spots were recorded using the portable Germin-300 Global Positioning System (GPS) device analyzer, which aided in the data processing to create spatial interpolation maps in ArcMap. GIS and remote sensing methods were utilized to analyze the spatial distribution of contaminants using satellite images. ArcGIS and Erdas Imagine were used to analyze the identification of pollution sources, the geographical distribution of pollutants in connection to land use and the epidemiological scope of pollutants from sources. The approaches employed to get the findings included image categorization, proximity, intersection, and interpolation. It was determined that there was a correlation between the landuse density and the levels of NO2, SO2, CO, PM2.5, and PM10. Within 100m – 400m of major roadways, correlation values were highest, indicating a high risk of vulnerability in this area. The maximum values for PM2.5 and PM10 were 1.78μg/m3 and 205μg/m3 respectively during the dry season and 2.13μg/m3 and 184μg/m3 during the wet weather. Similarly, the minimum values for PM2.5 and PM10 are 0.25μg/m3 and 161μg/m3 respectively during the dry season and 0.45μg/m3 and 132μg/m3 during the wet weather. The study further shows that the range values of SO2, NO2, and CO during the dry season are between 0.71 to 1.98ppb, 0.72 to 1.96ppb and 9.21 to 18.04ppb respectively while ranges of 0.45 to 1.73ppb, 0.31 to 0.89ppb, and 7.94 to 12.56ppb were recorded during the wet season. The study concluded that the high levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO in the study area monitored especially in the dry season may present a potential public health risk. Sequel to this, it is advised that the study area should reduce their exposure in light of this, especially during the dry season.

Assessment of resilience in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A snapshot of experiences of adolescents secondary school children in southeast Nigeria

Background: The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has created much psychological burden on the adolescent child. Resilience is an intertwine of risk and protective factors that may help the adolescent child in growth and development. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors that influence resilience among adolescents attending secondary schools in southeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 496 adolescent students who attend six secondary schools in Enugu city. Results: The majority of the respondents, 79.4%, feel safe when they are with their families. A high proportion of the respondents, 61.5%, were resilient. A comparable proportions of male (59.9%) and female (62.9%) respondents were resilient. (χ2=0.476, P = 0.490). A significantly higher proportion of respondents who were in junior secondary three class, 70.5%, were resilient when compared with those in senior secondary three class, 59.4% (χ2=4.050, P = 0.044). The highest proportion of respondents who had strong social support, 75.8%, were resilient, whereas those who had poor social support were the least, 36.6%. The observed difference was statistically significant (χ2=39.995, P < 0.001). The respondents who had poor social support were about six times less likely to be resilient when compared with those who had strong social support [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.177, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.099–0.317]. Also, the respondents who had moderate social support were about three times less likely to be resilient when compared with those who had strong social support (AOR=0.369, 95%CI: 0.261–0.601). Conclusion: Resilience in adolescents is enhanced by education, being in junior secondary class, good family structure, and strong social support.

Analysis of Modal Split of Intra-urban Trips in a Centenary City: A Case Study of Enugu, Nigeria

The mode choice of commuters is an important element in the formulation and design of transportation policy. It gives policymakers a better understanding of the dynamics of intra urban trips. However, most of the studies on the modal split of intra urban trips found in the literature focused on Europe, America, and Southeast Asia with little emphasis on Africa. The lacuna this trend creates motivates this study to present evidence from Nigeria using the centenary city of Enugu as a case study. This study is critical for knowledge production that drives explicit outline strategies for the development of a sustainable urban transportation system in Nigeria. Data on modal split and determinant factors were collected from primary source through the use of a questionnaire. Discriminant analysis was used to classify the modal split of intra urban trips in Enugu into two groups’ namely public and private transport. Although public transport modes are the most used for intra urban trips, the mode share indicates that private transport mode (car) is the most used single mode for intra urban trips. More than three-quarters of commuters that use private transport for intra urban trips prefer the mode, whereas a little less than one-fifth of commuters will switch to public transport modes. On the other hand, most of the commuters that use public transport for intra urban trips prefer the modes and very few others will switch to private transport. Car ownership has the strongest influence on the modal split. The study identifies the need for policy interventions that reflects better understating of the dynamics of intra urban trips.

Architectural design response to population issue in sub-Saharan cities

Overpopulation is a serious global problem, and it is predicted to get worse in future if unchecked; accompanied with threat of dwindling resources. The increase in population and its effect on the housing sector is surfacing as clog in the wheel of efforts at reducing Africa’s housing deficits. How then can urban life continue to thrive in the existing housing issues in colonial, sub-Saharan city of Enugu, exploiting architectural design strategies is what the study investigates. It utilized a qualitative research approach of survey and participant observation in which data were collected and analysed based on thematic content analysis. Gross housing deficit, increased housing rent, emergence and expansion of squatter settlement, Land use conversion and slum conditions are some observable effects of population growth due to urbanization and rural-urban drift in the city; Statistics of public housing provision between 1999-2020, showed an over focus on high-income earners, neglecting the majority low-income population. Therefore, architect’s intervention in the housing sector should be strategic, holistic and proactive and encourage use of local materials, vertical development, dry construction and stakeholder’s participation in delivery process. The study concludes that futuristic architecture holds the key to humanity’s continued stewardship on earth and a sustainable housing delivery.

A Study of the Impact of Rural-Urban Migration and Urbanization on Public Housing Delivery in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Globally, urbanization is now like a tidal wave sweeping the entire world and its impact is felt more in developing countries like Nigeria, where urban growth is marked by a dramatic shift with emphasis from rural to urban centers. Rural-urban migration which is one of the effects of urbanization has had grievous implications for urban housing delivery in Nigerian cities. Thus, the steady increase in her population over the years and its effect on the housing sector have become a problem of serious concern. Therefore, this research investigates the impact of urbanization and migration from rural areas on housing delivery in the city of Enugu in order to develop sustainable measures that will address the issue. It utilized a qualitative research method of direct observation and review of literature in which primary and secondary data were collected. The research results highlight some of the effects of Urbanization in the study area to include; gross housing shortage, increase housing rent and high land value in the city resulting to the emergence and expansion of many squatter settlements at the periphery of the city, incidence of haphazard situation of developments, change in land uses, violation of planning guidelines, suboptimal amenities and inadequate infrastructure as well as slum conditions. The study also identified 14 peri-urban squatter settlements with an estimated total population of 62,733 people; an indication of about 5.5% unaccounted spill over population with over 11,082 households in the city. Furthermore, it was observed that the current public housing provision in the city of Enugu over the period 1999-2020 is skewed away from low-income earners, who constitute a significant portion of the city's population. Conclusions and recommendations in the report include a call for strategic and comprehensive government intervention in the housing sector, as well as a demand for local building materials and a better use of union housing cooperatives with single digit interest loan for housing finance to ensure adequate provision of affordable housing to the growing population in the city.

Waste-to-wealth Activities of Scavengers: A Panacea to the Environmental Impact of Global Climate Change in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Due to the increasing environmental hazards of climate change phenomenon, it has become a major concern of most environmentalist. Currently the world struggles to manage waste which are generated from human activity and it affects the global climate either positively or negatively. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to sustainable waste management strategy so as to ameliorate the issue. To this end, the 3-R concept of waste management (reduction, reuse and recycle) have been variously pursued by municipalities towards a sustainable waste management system. This study focused on the waste-to-wealth activities across the urban neighborhoods in the colonial city of Enugu and adopted a qualitative survey research design. Using stratified and simple random sampling technique, a survey was conducted in eight selected neighbourhood and orally interviewed waste pickers within the study area. It discusses solid waste disposal method in Enugu metropolis with a view to facilitating sustainable practices for enhanced environmental condition and wealth creation. The paramount theme is on the socio-economic networking of the waste-to-wealth activities in the area and the derivable benefits towards addressing the effects of global climate change phenomenon in the city. Its research results highlight the ineffective waste management system within the metropolis and showed that huge financial gains could be harvested from waste product. Also it revealed that waste picking is done on informal scale across all neighbourhoods in the study area. It concludes and recommends measures towards enhancing waste-to-wealth as a strategy for addressing the global climate change in the city.

An Assessment of Orientation on Effective Natural Ventilation for Thermal Comfort in Primary School Classrooms in Enugu City, Nigeria

The current harsh climatic and high thermal conditions observed across the globe due to climate change is a challenge for indoor thermal comfort in buildings. In most developing nation, educational buildings where formal teaching and learning is conducted are designed to function without mechanical ventilation in an attempt to save energy costs hence relying solely on Natural ventilation. However, the effects of orientation on effective natural ventilation in educational buildings in the hot-humid tropical environments have not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of orientation of the classroom buildings with respect to cardinal and wind directions on effective natural ventilation desired for thermal comfort in buildings of public primary schools in the city of Enugu, Nigeria. It adopted a combination of experimental and descriptive survey research design. Instruments for data collection were two thermo-anemometer data logging device (AZ 9871) for determining both indoor and outdoor temperatures, wind velocities and relative humidity of classrooms of selected 60 public primary school building in the metropolis based on stratified sampling technique. Data analysis was done using linear regression analysis, the global coefficient of ventilation and building orientation standards. The research results showed that there was a correlation between classroom building orientations and effective natural ventilation coefficient and that the mean natural ventilation efficiency of 80% above the 60% global ventilation efficiency standard was achieved. In addition, orientation of classroom buildings in terms of inlet window planes to the dominant wind direction had positive significant effect on natural ventilation efficiency, invariably influencing the thermal comfort conditions of the investigated classrooms. The research concludes that adequate attention should be given to the orientation in classroom buildings especially in the hot humid tropical environments by architects and building designers to ensure thermal comfort is achieved for effective teaching and learning.&#x0D; Keywords: Building orientation, Natural ventilation, Tropical environment, Classroom buildings, Thermal comfort

Effects of Renovation on Ventilation and Energy Saving in Residential Building

Renovation usually increases the aesthetic and market value of buildings. Consequently, with the rapid growth of the city's population and skyrocketing demand for decent housing, the current trend of building conversion and renovation of existing and dilapidated property stock within city centres has become rampant. The rise in demand has pushed beyond the boundaries that every real estate investor wants to maximize profit, and it has resulted in the prevalence of uncontrolled building development, land use conversion, and non-compliance with building requirements, etc. Renovations that involve changes in building elements (especially the window system) that can influence energy saving and ventilation efficiency have thus become very common. However, the effects of building renovations on ventilation and energy efficiency have not been fully examined, particularly in Enugu (Nigeria), a rapidly growing colonial metropolis. This research employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the effects of building renovation on ventilation and energy saving in Achara layout, Enugu City, Nigeria. Four blocks of flat residential buildings were the derived sample size using a judgmental sampling technique. Physical measurements, an observation schedule, and oral interviews with site workers centred on window size, area, property, and fenestration type were used to collect empirical data involving the window system. The result reveals a very significant difference between the as-built and renovated window design systems of all studied variables. Its conclusion hinged on the fact that a renovated structure does not encourage effective natural ventilation and hence will consume more energy in cooling and lighting. It recommends the re-introduction of appropriate window systems and construction techniques for the tropical environment to reduce heat stress build-up within building units. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2021-07-09 Full Text: PDF

Stakeholders\u2019 perspectives and willingness to institutionalize linkages between the formal health system and informal healthcare providers in urban slums in southeast, Nigeria

BackgroundThe widely available informal healthcare providers (IHPs) present opportunities to improve access to appropriate essential health services in underserved urban areas in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, they are not formally linked to the formal health system. This study was conducted to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders about institutionalizing linkages between the formal health systems and IHPs, as a strategy for improving access to appropriate healthcare services in Nigeria.MethodsData was collected from key stakeholders in the formal and informal health systems, whose functions cover the major slums in Enugu and Onitsha cities in southeast Nigeria. Key informant interviews (n = 43) were conducted using semi-structured interview guides among representatives from the formal and informal health sectors. Interview transcripts were read severally, and using thematic content analysis, recurrent themes were identified and used for a narrative synthesis.ResultsAlthough the dominant view among respondents is that formalization of linkages between IHPs and the formal health system will likely create synergy and quality improvement in health service delivery, anxieties and defensive pessimism were equally expressed. On the one hand, formal sector respondents are pessimistic about limited skills, poor quality of care, questionable recognition, and the enormous challenges of managing a pluralistic health system. Conversely, the informal sector pessimists expressed uncertainty about the outcomes of a government-led supervision and the potential negative impact on their practice. Some of the proposed strategies for institutionalizing linkages between the two health sub-systems include: sensitizing relevant policymakers and gatekeepers to the necessity of pluralistic healthcare; mapping and documenting of informal providers and respective service their areas for registration and accreditation, among others. Perceived threats to institutionalizing these linkages include: weak supervision and monitoring of informal providers by the State Ministry of Health due to lack of funds for logistics; poor data reporting and late referrals from informal providers; lack of referral feedback from formal to informal providers, among others.ConclusionsOpportunities and constraints to institutionalize linkages between the formal health system and IHPs exist in Nigeria. However, there is a need to design an inclusive system that ensures tolerance, dignity, and mutual learning for all stakeholders in the country and in other LMICs.