Etche Local Government Area Research Articles

Determination of proximate analysis of individual and combined samples of <i>Dioscorea alata</i>, <i>Musa parasidiaca</i> and <i>Xanthosoma sagittifolium</i> peels

This study investigates the proximate composition of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) plant wastes, with a focus on evaluating the impact of the individual and combined plant wastes. Tubers of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) used in this study were obtained from Obibi in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Yams are tubers, plantains are fruits, whereas cocoyam is derived from corms, underground stems, and swollen hypocotyls. All these crops can be propagated by vegetative parts and these include tubers (yams), sucker (Plantain) and side shoots, stolons, or corm heads (cocoyam). Peels from the yam tubers were obtained by using a kitchen knife to carefully remove the peels. The peels were then immediately oven dried at 45oC for 24 hours. The dried peels were then ground through a 40-mesh screen using a Wiley. Analyses conducted isproximate determination using AOAC method. The results highlight the high ash content of Yam and Cocoyam Peel, which contributes to mineral enrichment; the enhanced moisture content of Plantain Peel, which has implications for water retention; and the low fat and oil content of Cocoyam Peel, which suggests that it is appropriate for use as a low-fat organic material. Yam Peel has a high crude fiber level, which indicates that it has the capacity to improve the structure of the soil. On the other hand, Yam and Cocoyam Peel stand out because it has largest protein content, which is essential for the development of plants. Plantain and cocoyam peel have the largest carbohydrate content, making it an excellent source of energy for the bacteria and plants that live in the soil below it. These findings have practical implications for sustainable agriculture by optimizing crop yields in diverse agro ecosystems.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Primary Schools in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Soil-transmitted helminths pose significant public health concerns, particularly among school-aged children in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Public Primary Schools, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 150 school-aged pupils (1-14 years old) from three Community Primary Schools which included State School 1, State School 2, and Community Primary School, all in Etche. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on socio-demographic factors. Stool samples collected from each pupil were examined using the Kato-Katz technique and the STH parasites identified with keys. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection in the three selected schools in this study was 46%. Results obtained from this study according to sex showed that more males (52%) were infected than females (40%). Children between 5-7 years were the most infected in State School 2 and Community Primary School; while children between 12-14 years were the most infected in State School 1. Also, this study revealed that children in State School 2 had the highest soil-transmitted helminths infection (56%); while State School 1 recorded the least infection rate (34%). In this present study, Strongyloides stercoralis was the least prevalent soil-transmitted helminths while Ascaris lumbricoides (36) was the most occurring parasite in this study. There was no association (p>0.05) between age and gender and the prevalence of the parasite infection. A comprehensive control programme should be implemented in the area to curb the spread of infection.

Determination of concentration of selected heavy metals in the organs of Guinea pigs reared at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Vegetation along major traffic roads are predisposed to heavy metals contamination due to wear and tear of vehicular components and emissions from vehicles. The concentration of ten heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co Ag and Cd) in the leaves of four test plants (Panicum maximum Jacq.,Eleusine indica L., Xanthosoma mafafa Schott. and Amaranthus spinosus L.) growing along four busy roads (Aba road, Ikwerre road, East/West road and NTA road) in parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and a control ( in Ozuguru in Ikwerre Ngwo) in Etche Local Government Area, both in Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated in the study area. Along each road, four sampling points were set up at 1 km apart. The test plants were collected randomly and were pooled together to form composite sample. The collected test plants at each sample location were put in different sterile cellophane bags, labelled and served as soilage to the experimental animals. Eighteen guinea pigs were used for this investigation. Three guinea pigs were picked out of the eighteen guinea pigs using randomized block design for a preliminary test. The remaining fifteen guinea pigs were fed with the test plants from the experimental and control sites for six weeks. The concentration of the ten heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASS). The results revealed that Aba road had the highest mean concentration value of heavy metals in Cu, Zn, Co, Cr and Cd with values (28.75±1.34), (32.46±0.9), (5.14±0.11), (4.79±0.21) and (3.17±0.12) respectively. The highest mean concentration value for Mn and Pb were observed in East/West road with values (7.57±1.48) and (5.39±1.53) respectively, while the highest mean concentration value for Fe was observed in Ikwerre road (192.84±2.64). NTA road had the least values for all heavy metals tested while Ni and Ag were not detected in all livers and kidneys of the experimental animals. The results from this findings show the health implication of roadside grazing of ruminants.

Studies of the Indigenous Edible Wild Fruits of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

In the past, Indigenous Edible Wild Fruits (IEWFs) were vital source of food and nutrition in Etche Local Government Area. These plant species were highly nutritious and assisted in poverty alleviation and enhanced food security in Etche. Presently, due to the teeming population and the anthropogenic activities in the area especially the farming practice of the local people, the availability and rate of consumption of the IEWFs have been negatively impacted. Information about these economic plant species that are domiciled in Etche has not been properly documented. This investigation seeks to fill the gap. IEWFs were identified in ten (10) study area communities. Scientific names, common names, local names, families, habits, habitat and locality of the plants were documented. It was observed that 36 plant species drawn from 29 genera, representing 23 families were Indigenous Edible Wild Fruits consumed regularly by Etche people. The study revealed that the fruit plants were 39% trees, 42% shrubs, 8% herbs and 11% climbers. In addition, most of the edible plant species in the area were exclusively found in the wild while a few were domesticated and some of them served as a source of income for some households. The study observed a decline in the diversity of species due to depletion of forest resources through bush burning, deforestation and exploitation of flora by the rural dwellers for other purposes.

Status of Soil Quality in the Vicinity of Artisanal Refining Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria

The environmental quality and sustainability in the Niger Delta region are severely undermined by the increasing practice of artisanal crude oil refining. This study aimed to assess the impact artisanal crude oil refining on soil nutrients stability vis-à-vis plant/vegetal resources of farmlands. Farmlands in Elele-Alimini and Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Ogbodo in Ikwerre LGA and Umuanyagu (control) in Etche LGA, Rivers State (Nigeria) were sampled in this study. A total of fifty (50) sampling points in both test and control locations, were randomly selected using a standard spatial (grid-based) sampling technique. Soil and plant samples within the farmlands were collected to determine the physicochemical parameters and macronutrient contents. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of pH, EC and moisture content in test soil were in the ranges 4.60-4.85 and 4.55-4.79; 66.67-130.0 µS/cm and 31.3-33 µS/cm, and 7.21-11.49 % and 11.71-66 %, respectively. The values of pH, EC and moisture content in the control soil ranged from 4.78-4.84 and 4.81-5.14; 130-152 µS/cm and 31.5-33.0 µS/cm, 11.86-11.88% and 63-66% respectively. Electrical conductivity and pH of soil showed almost a similar trend (Control > Ogbodo > Ibaa > Elele Alimini) for both top and sub-soils and in both seasons. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Soil Organic Matter (SOM) in test soils were in the ranges 0.11-0.17% and 0.11-0.18 %; 0.13-0.23 mg/kg and 0.04-0.06 mg/kg; 22.82-51.87 mg/kg and 14.23-35.60 mg/kg; 1.30-2.00% and 1.36-2.0%, and 2.22-3.45% and 2.24-3.16, respectively. Mean values of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in control soils during the dry and wet seasons were in the ranges 0.12-0.19% and 0.14%; 0.29-0.33 mg/kg and 0.08-0.09 mg/kg; 50.33-52.18 mg/kg and 42.75-50.24 mg/kg; 1.35-2.14 and 1.83-2.08%, and 2.53-3.70% and 2.12-2.85%, respectively. The levels of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in the farmlands were low, and could result in poor crop growth yield.

Attitude of Arable Crop Farmers Towards Adopting Agricultural Technologies in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study examined the attitude of crop farmers towards adopting agricultural technologies in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, ascertain the level of awareness of agricultural technologies in the study area examine the attitude of crop farmers towards the adoption of new technologies in the study area, determine the level of adoption of agricultural technologies and ascertain the factors that hinders crop farmers from adopting agricultural technologies in the study area. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to gather information. A total of 100 respondents were used. Data were analysed with the use of percentage, frequency and mean score derived from Likert scale. Findings showed that (59%) of the sampled respondents were females, (51%) of the sampled respondents were within the age of 31-40. About (53%) of the respondents were married. About (69%) of the size of 4-6 persons. (46%) of the respondents had farming experience of 2-5 years and (39%) of the respondents earned 11,000-30,000 naira’s as their income. The study further revealed that most of the respondents were aware of all the listed agricultural technologies in the study but only adopted a few. All the challenges listed in the study were identified as constraints to adopting agricultural technologies by the respondents. The study recommends that the cost of agricultural technologies should be subsidized by government to enable rural farmers acquire them in appropriate time, there should be recruitment of more extension field agents to enable effective extension service delivery and communication, also there is an urgent need for a change in people’s attitude towards agricultural technologies especially among the youths who are the future.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Modern Agricultural Technology Adoption among Farmers in Rivers State: A Case Study of Etche Local Government Area.

This research examined the socio-economic determinants of modern agricultural technology adoption among farmers in Rivers State. The specific objectives were to examine how education; gender; farm size; marital status and annual farm income influences the adoption of modern agricultural technology. Primary data was collected and inferential statistics (linear regression, Probit regression and Logistic regression) were used in the analysis of collected data. The results showed that 72% of the respondents were female, 30% being majority of the respondents fell between the age category of 36-43 years, 64% were married, 34% being majority have primary education as their highest educational qualification, 46% of the farmers earn ?120,000 and above annually. The results also revealed that only 14% of the farmers adopted high yielding varieties as their modern agricultural technology while 86% reported not adopting any agricultural technology. 30 % of the farmers grow cassava as their main farm crop. None of the farmers reported using reported using inorganic fertilizers; only 5% reported using poultry droppings. 76% reported not using high yielding varieties, while only 24% reported using high yielding varieties. 86% reported getting their high yielding varieties from other sources other than ADP and government sources. 100% of the respondents reported the absence of extension training to be a limiting factor to adoption of modern agricultural technology. 38% reported lack of awareness. The logistic regression results had an R 2 of 74% indicating that a 74% variation in modern agricultural technology adoption is determined by variations in the independent variables. The independent variables had significance values of 0.04 for level of education, 0.00 for f.,[arm size, annual farm income has a p-value of 0.03, 0.714 for gender and 0.701 for age. Only annual farm income, farm size and educational level had significant influence on farmers’ adoption of

Comparative Eco-toxicological Effect of Corrosion Inhibitors on Aquatic Nitrogen Fixing Bacterium in Fresh and Brackish Water Ecosystem

Aquatic nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining the nitrogen cycle and supporting primary productivity in freshwater and brackish water ecosystems. The activities of oil and gas industries operating within the coastal region of PortHarcourt releases effluents that contain various chemicals including corrosion inhibitors into the aquatic environment which can significantly affect the aquatic organisms including the nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the comparative eco-toxicological effect of corrosion inhibitors on aquatic nitrogen fixing bacterium (Nitrosomonas sp.) in Fresh and Brackish water ecosystem. Fresh water and brackish water samples were collected from Chokocho stream in Etche Local Government Area and Eagle Island Port Harcourt, all in Rivers State, Nigeria. Standard toxicity procedure was applied on rectangular cut-out crude oil pipeline metal (ME) coated with corrosion inhibitors: Ambercil (AMB) and X-PRO 99 inhibitor (XPRO) immersed in freshwater (FW) prepared at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% for Nitrosomons sp. These inhibitors were tested with Nitrosomonas sp. at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24hrs separately for each toxicant. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was employed to compare the toxicities of the different toxicants on the test organisms. The result for percentage survival of Nitrosomonas sp decreased when exposed to various concentrations listed above for 24. The LC50 (%) result (noting, that the lower the LC50, the more toxic the toxicant): of Nitrosomonas sp decreased in the following order: FW + ME (85.5) > BW + ME (86.7) > Both FW + AMB & FW + XPRO (86.8) > BW + XPRO (87.9) > BW + ME + XPRO (89.1) > BW + AMB (89.7) > FW + ME + XPRO (94.9). The above results revealed that Nitrosomonas sp decreased in percentage survival with an increase in concentration. The result showed that the effluents of metals coated with corrosion inhibitors (ME + AMB & ME + XPRO) were more toxic to Nitrosomonas sp in brackish water than freshwater while the effluents of XPRO & AMB not coated on metals were more toxic in freshwater than in brackish water. In conclusion, corrosion inhibitors when coated on metals, AMB corrosion inhibitor was more toxic than XPRO corrosion inhibitors in brackish and freshwater. Based on the findings, the use of XPRO corrosion inhibitor should be a best option for coating crude oil pipeline due to its relative low toxicity in upstream sector of the Nigeria petroleum industry.

Influence of Extension Communication Techniques on Crop Farmers’ Productivity in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of extension communication techniques on crop farmers’ productivity in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of crop farmers, ascertain extension communication techniques accessible by crop farmers, assess the perception of farmers on the effectiveness of extension communication techniques, examine extent of utilization of information on extension communication techniques to improve productivity; and, finally, determine factors that militate against effective use of extension communication techniques in the study area. The population of the study is 184 registered crop farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 144 respondents from the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The reliability of instrument was 0.89 coefficients. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as regression analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Results revealed that majority (58.3%) of the respondents were between 41-50 years; 58.33% were male; 47.22% had secondary education; 46.53% were married; 50.6% had household size of 6-10 persons; 51.39% had farm size of 1-3 acres of farmland; 91.67% had farming experience of 11 years and above; 29.17% had income bracket of ?90,000 and above per annum. The major extension communication techniques used in the area include: home training/phone calls (82.64%), town crier (80.56%), radio (47.22%) and village drum (43.06%). Lack of farmers’ participation on programme development ( ? =2.84), some extension practices run contrary to farmers' needs and customs ( ? =2.79), lack of trust on extension agents ( ? =2.81), irregular training and visit by extension agents ( ? =2.76) and high cost of adopting new innovations ( ? =3.01) were identified as the major constraints. It was recommended, among

Soil Conservation Practices among Vegetable Farmers in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Soil conservation requires that organic matter be returned to the soil on a continual basis. The study examined soil conservation practices among vegetable farmers in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria with the specific aim to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the vegetable famers in the area: identify the types of vegetables grown; ascertain the types of soil conservation practices available and adopted for the production of vegetables, examine the benefits of soil conservation practices to vegetable farmer and identify the constraints to the use of soil conservation practices in vegetable production in the study area. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire and 106 respondents were selected from six communities using the purposive sampling method. The data were presented and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean score and correlation analysis. The study revealed that majority (52.8%) were female, were married, (53.8%) and 47.2% had SSCE. The mean age was 31.8 years; household size mean was 4.9 while the mean years of farming experience was 7 years. The type of vegetables grown were; Pepper (87.7%) Okra (84.9% ), Maize (84.0%), fluted pumpkin ( 73.6%) Cucumber (73.6%), Water melon (72.6%), Garden egg (65.1%), Water leaf (59.4%) among others. The types of soil conservation practices available were; shifting cultivation (82.1%), multi-cropping (72.6%), manure application (66.0%) and crop rotation (56.6%). Benefits of soil conservation practices in were; improved soil structure (70.8%), increased productivity (64.2%) and protect soil from erosion and nutrient loss ( 58.5%). Major constraints to the use of soil conservation practices in the study area were; lack of information (71.0%), lack of incentives (57.5%), inadequate soil conservation skills (50.0%) and lack of technical knowhow (37.7%). The result from the regression analysis showed that gender (-0.024 ) , house hold size (-0.135) and maritals

Economic Analysis of Cassava Value Chain Products in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The research work on the economic analysis of cassava value chains was conducted in Etche LGA, Rivers State. The objectives of the study were to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, examine the economic impact of cassava value-chain products, evaluate the profitability of cassava value-chain products, and identify constraints faced in cassava conversion. The findings also showed that inadequate finance, poor road network, high cost of cassava tubers, high cost of transportation, inadequate processing materials, poor package facilities, low income of farmers, sourcing of labor, and lack of or inadequate storage facilities were major constraints to the conversion of cassava to fufu, garri, starch, and flour. The study concluded that the cassava value chain is lucrative and highly profitable in the study area. It was recommended that funds be provided for them to acquire more lands and processing materials for maximum production, and individual and communal efforts should be harnessed to provide efficient processing and storage facilities where processors can assess at very affordable prices for the general public.

Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Adolescents’ At-risk Sexual Behaviour in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study focused on parental styles as determinants of at-risk sexual behaviour among adolescents in Etche local government area of Rivers state. The study adopted the correlational research design. A sample of 350 SSI students was drawn using the simple random sampling technique. Two instruments which were the Parenting Style Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Adolescents’ At-risk Sexual Behaviour Inventory (AASBI) were used. Validity of these instruments was determined by experts in educational measurements. The Cronbach alpha was used in determining reliability of the instruments which yielded indexes of 0.65, 0.74 and 0.89 respectively. Simple linear regression was used in carrying out data analysis. Findings revealed that parenting styles jointly taken (P = 0.002 < 0.05) had significant relationship with at-risk sexual behaviour. Independently, authoritarian parenting styles (P = 0.005 < 0.05), had significant relationship with at-risk sexual behaviour. On the contrary authoritative parenting style (P = 0.164 > 0.05) had no significant relationship with at-risk sexual behaviour. Based on these findings, recommendations were made among which was that parents, guidance counsellors, caregivers, and teachers should adopt the best and suitable parenting styles that will enable the adolescents relate freely with them.

Adaptive Mitigation to Farmland Flooding as a Resilience Builder in Selected Communities in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

In recent times the consequences of flooding on farmlands have been majorly attributed to climate change which has contributed to the distortions in the social and economic activities in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study aims to identify adaptive mitigative measures to manage the social and economic impact of farmlands flooding in selected communities in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State. The objectives include the identification of the significant causes of farmland flooding in the study area, determining the social and economic impacts of farmland flooding in the study area, and identify mitigation measures put in place to combat farmland flooding in the study area. The study adopted the Mixed Methods Research approach using a concurrent triangulation research design. The data sources include questionnaire administration (using a 5-scale Likert Scale), key informant in-depth interviews, personal observation, photographs, and published materials from institutions. A total of 146 questionnaires were administered across these selected communities, including Nihi, Isu and Umuechem. A purposive sampling technique was deployed, and a total of 96 questionnaires were retrieved and validated for analysis. Some of the leading causes of farmland flooding include the blockage of storm-water channels, overgrazing and bush burning, overpopulation due to increased development (structures), heavy rainfall and drainage failure. The study further revealed that the social and economic impacts on farmland, communities and inhabitants are depression, stress, anger, and social vices. Other effects include loss of farmland and produce, increase in goods and services, loss of livelihood system, loss of income and damage to properties. The anticipated mitigative measures by respondents are a collaboration of stakeholders (farmers, communities, and government agencies), warning signals, reconstruction of failed drainages, quick responses, and adequate relief materials. In addition, the study recommended proper education and enlightenment of the vulnerable population on how to avoid the negative consequences of flood disasters. vulnerable people should prepare for any eventuality, real-time data on flood vulnerability mapping of the study area to enable the government, government agencies like the (NIMET) and the vulnerable population to know the extent of flooding and duration of every flooding episode. Furthermore, effective Spatial planning of those vulnerable communities to reduce the negative consequences of flood disaster and afforestation should be encouraged to mitigate adverse impacts of the flood.

Ethnomedicinal Survey and Phytochemical Screening of Plants Used To Treat Epilepsy by Traditional Healers in Etche, Rivers State, Nigeria

Epilepsy is one of the oldest recorded medical ailments. Ethnomedicinal survey was carried out to identify and take a detailed list of the medicinal plant species used to treat epilepsy and assess how they are used in Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaires were used during the survey to conduct interviews with traditional healers and other knowledgeable individuals on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of epilepsy. Twelve communities were randomly selected while a total of 54 respondents were purposively selected. The respondents consist of 82.5% males and 12.3% females, 43.9% were above 60 years while 28.1% were between 51-60 years. Traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) formed 75.4% of the respondents, primary occupation of other knowledgeable respondents on plants used for epilepsy were civil servants (8.8%), farming and trading (3.5%). A total of 25 medicinal plant species were recorded during the survey. Phytochemical screening was carried out on five medicinal plants based on frequency of mention, the screening showed presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, cardenolides and carbohydrates. Plant resources employed in the local treatment of epilepsy in Etche were documented. Further research on isolation of active compounds on frequently used plants for epilepsy is encouraged to harness their potentials.

Groundwater exploration using vertical electrical sounding techniques in parts of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out in parts of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria to investigate availability of groundwater. An ABEM SAS 1000 terrameter was used. Schlumberger configuration was adopted for the sounding to acquire a 4 point data, with the use of ID Interpex software in order to know the subsurface variations in resistivity with respect to depth. The investigation revealed the subsurface, thickness of lithology, prolific aquiferous zones, the resistivity curve portrays an overall increase in resistivity trend ranging from 228.7Ωm - 5872Ωm. The resistivity trend in the form of ρ1< ρ2< ρ3< ρ4< ρ5, indicates the presence of conductive materials present at a shallow depth of the point of survey. The highest resistivity value is observed in the fifth layer and it is believed to have gravely sized particles. A stratigraphic layer with gravely sized particles in this area revealed a good aquifer quality with reasonable quantity of aquifer fluid contained within the interconnected pore spaces. This zone of the studied area contains rock units from the geoelectric section such as silt, medium sand, coarse sand and gravel. The fifth layer is the prospect zone for aquifer delineation. A geoelectric section drawn from the resistivity data shows that the first layer is silt, the second layer is fine sand, the third layer is medium sand, the fourth layer is silty sand, the fifth layer is fine sand and the sixth layer is medium sand. The sixth layer is believed to be the prospect zone for aquifer characterization. A suitable data from drilled boreholes should be introduced to this study so as to have a profound knowledge and views about the grain size, sphericity, roundness and parking. These characteristics will be useful to determine the dominant grain size existing in these aquifers and characterize them appropriately.

Groundwater exploration using vertical electrical sounding techniques in parts of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Groundwater exploration using vertical electrical sounding techniques in parts of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

The Effect of Remediation of Crude Oil Contaminated Land on Agricultural Resources in Umuechem in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Contamination is the release of hazardous materials into the environment; which could be in the form of: waste, petroleum hydrocarbons and other unwanted materials. The release of these hazardous materials could affect soil nutrients and aggravate biodiversity loss. When the soil nutrient is impacted, it negatively affects its crop yield and production capabilities. Once there is contamination of the environment, remediation becomes necessary. This paper examines the effects of remediation of crude oil contaminated land on agricultural resources in Umuechem in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique and a survey research design was adopted with the use of structured questionnaires administered on a sample size of sixty two (62) persons whose farmlands and other agricultural resources were contaminated and thereafter remediated. The sample size was made up of fifty four (54) literate and eight (8) illiterate persons. The questionnaire was interpreted in native language to the illiterate persons by either their children or any other relative. The data obtained from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics such as tables and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).The findings obtained indicated that there was a post-remediation low-crop-yield and recommended that remediation consultants should adopt techniques capable of completely removing contaminants from the environment.

Preservation and Conservation of Old Administrative Records in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study examined the preservation and conservation of old administrative records in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Three objectives were examined for the study namely: the techniques used in preservation and conservation of old administrative records, the causes of deterioration of these old administrative records in Etche, and the challenges. The descriptive survey research was adopted on a total of (28) employees and management of Etche Local Government Area. A total of 18 employees and 10 management staff were used. The study found among other things that the effect of rodents, fire, floods, dampness, moisture, etc. were the major causes of deterioration of old administrative records. Identified challenges were lack of record offices, lack of policy strategy, staff and funds. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations were made, which include: employment of professional staff, training and retraining of staff, good funding and policy statement in the area of disaster preparedness, so as to reduce loss or damage of old administrative records.

Role of Agricultural Journalism on the Adoption of Agricultural Innovation among Farmers in Etche Local Government Area Rivers State

The study examined the role of Agricultural Journalism on the adoption of agricultural innovation among farmers in Etche local Government Area Rivers State. The population of the study comprised all registered small scale farmers and extension workers in Etche Local Government area. The sample size of the study was 105 small scale farmers and 32 extension workers selected using simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used was a self-structured questionnaire title “Role of Agricultural Journalism on the Adoption of Agricultural Innovation among small scale farmers. The validation of the instrument was done by two experts and the reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient. However, the reliability index obtained was 0.86, which is acceptable for instrument consistency. Mean and the standard deviation were used to analyze the responses on each item. Items ≥ 2.50 were accepted, otherwise were rejected. Z-test statistical tool was employed to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study established that creating awareness on modern farming methods, providing information on the effectiveness of crop varieties, establishing the procedure of input combination, communicating the impacts and accomplishment of the innovation, disseminating agricultural research findings to farmers are roles of agricultural journalism on the adoption of agricultural innovation among farmers in Etche. The study recommends that agricultural research institutes should also utilize agricultural journalism to educate farmers on their new development. Agricultural journals should contain detailed information about the use of innovation.

Tetanus Toxoid Status and Determinants of Uptake among Women in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria: A Community Based Study

Introduction: Nigeria is one of the countries where maternal and neonatal tetanus is still prevalent and as such a public health issue. In spite of campaign on maternal tetanus immunization, its safety and protection against tetanus, uptake has remained poor.
 Aim: This study is aimed to determine the level of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine uptake among women of child bearing age in Rivers State Nigeria.
 Methods: Using a cluster sampling method, a descriptive cross-sectional community based study was carried out. The study was carried out in Opiro community in Igbo Agwuru-Asa Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
 Results: Of the 555 women studied 108(19.5%) of them had received 5 doses of TT while 206 (37.1%) had received at least two doses of TT, giving an overall prevalence of TT utilization among women of childbearing age of 31.7%. Eighty four (31.2%) of women who were ≤ 30 years compared to the 122(42.7%) of the older women had received at least 2 doses of TT vaccine. This was statistically significant (P=0.005, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16-2.32), educational level, marital status and occupation also significantly affected Tetanus Toxoid vaccine uptake among the women.
 Conclusion: This study concludes that utilization of TT immunization among women is low, that younger age, marital status, level of education and occupation of the women can significantly affect the level of TT uptake among women. There is need to strengthen immunization in this community and to create awareness on the need to get optimal Tetanus Toxoid immunization.