Government Area Of Benue State Research Articles

Social Inclusion and Justice for the Internally Displaced by the Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria

Executive Summary Herdsmen-farmers conflict has displaced 1.5 million residents of Benue State, Nigeria, according to government officials. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have lost livelihoods, farms, personal property and community infrastructure. The paper highlights the social challenges they have experienced and the response by government and international humanitarian agencies (IHAs) to their situations. Based on interviews with 12 IDPs belonging to the displaced population from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and interviews with seven humanitarian workers, the paper finds that the IDPs: • Have lost family members, neighbors, farms, churches, health centers, and means of mobility. • Cannot safely return home or access their ancestral lands. • Cannot support themselves. • Cannot attend public school or progress to a university. • Lack access to quality health care. • Live with multiple families in insecure shelters. • Cannot reliably obtain birth registration and replace other destroyed documents. • Can register their names, family relations, and former villages, but not their losses, which might lead to compensation and help them to rebuild their lives. The paper makes the following recommendations. • Registration, Effective Remedies and Access to Justice: The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs (FMHA) and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) should document personal and community socio-economic losses to ascertain the extent of damage to IDPs in order to facilitate effective remedies. The Ministries of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and UNHCR should support the IDPs by providing them with information and procedures that allow them to secure full compensation for their losses, and with safe, permanent solutions to their situations, including full integration into their host communities, safe and voluntary return home, or resettlement in a third community. • Engage IDPs as Stakeholders: The Benue State Government should ensure that BSEMA communicates to IDPs the possibilities for voluntary and dignified safe return. If return is not immediately foreseeable, BSEMA should offer IDPs the means to relocate and resettle elsewhere. • Provision of Sustainable Social Amenities: BSEMA, the FMHA, and international humanitarian agencies (IHAs) should provide sustainable healthcare, shelter, education in IDP camps, financial assistance and the means to access services outside of IDP camps. • Peace through Establishment of Ranches: Benue State Government’s Peace Commission should resolve the herdsmen-farmer conflict and restore peace by promoting peaceful co-existence between the conflicting parties. Herdsmen should be educated on the procedures for legal land acquisition for ranching, and farmers should be able to seek legal redress when their farms are damaged by grazing cattle. BSEMA and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should also facilitate voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs or their resettlement in another community. • Safeguard IDP Camps: BSEMA and the Nigeria security agencies should safeguard official and unofficial IDP camps. • Inclusive Policy Implementation: The FMHA in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) should develop humanitarian response plans that are beneficial to all IDPs in Nigeria irrespective of the cause of their displacement.

Effect of External Geomorphic Process on Ushongo Hills and its Environs, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State

Effect of External Geomorphic Process on Ushongo Hills and its Environs, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State

Perceived Impact of Personality Traits on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology

The study examined the perceived impact of personality traits on the academic performance of biology students in Makurdi, a local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions were raised and two hypotheses were also formulated and tested. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey design. The study sample comprises 384 students who were randomly selected from the total population of 9,748 students of the 20 government secondary schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The instruments used for data collection in this study were the Five-Factor Inventory Questionnaire (FFIQ) for personality traits and “The Biology Performance Test (BPT)” for academic performance. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while ANOVA statistics and t-tests were used to test the hypotheses at a .05 significance level. The findings revealed that there was no significant mean difference in the five personality traits of students and the personality traits of Biology students had no significant relationship with their performance in the subject. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean performance of students in each of the five personality traits based on gender. The findings further revealed no significant difference in students’ personality traits according to gender and no significant difference in the performance of students who were offered biology according to gender. This study recommends that Special attention be paid to improving the performance of students in Biology in Makurdi to strike an association between the traits. Also, male and female students should be given equal opportunities in biology since there is no gender difference in their personality traits and academic performance.

Possibility of Enhancing Students’ Academic Performance in Electrolysis Using Collaborative-Predict-Observe-Explain-Write (CPOEW) and 3E’s Learning Models

This research investigated the possibility of enhancing senior secondary school students’ academic performance in electrolysis using Collaborative-Predict-Observe-Explain-Write (CPOEW) and Exploration, Explanation and Evaluation (3E’s) learning models. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. Electrolysis Performance Test (EPT) was the instrument used for data collection. Kuder-Richardson (KR-21) formula was used to test the internal consistency of EPT which yielded a reliability value of 0.91. The population was 7,152 SS2 students offering chemistry in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 143 students drawn from 3 schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using Mean and Standard Deviation scores while the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using results from Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed that there was significant difference in the mean academic performance of students taught Electrolysis using CPOEW, 3E’s model and discussion method [F2, 140=1943.116, P<0.05]. The study revealed that there was no significant interaction effect of treatments and gender on the mean academic performance scores of students in electrolysis [F2, 140=114.340, P<0.05]. It was recommended among others that to enhance students’ academic performance in electrolysis, serving teachers should be encouraged to use CPOEW and 3E’s learning models in teaching electrolysis.

Traditional Institutions and the Management of Communal Conflicts in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined traditional rulership institution and the management of communal conflicts in Gwer-East local Government Area, Benue State of Nigeria. The study aimed at finding out why there is a persistence of communal conflicts in the study area even with the efforts by traditional rulers to help manage them. The study pursued objectives that range from; ascertaining the relevance of the traditional rulers in communal conflict management, identifying the causes of communal conflicts, examining the effectiveness of traditional rulers in the management of communal conflicts, identifying the challenges faced by traditional rulers in the management of communal conflicts and advancing ways of ensuring the effectiveness of traditional rulers in the management of communal conflicts in the study area. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection and the analyses done using simple percentage presented in tabular form. Structural functionalism was adopted for the study. The findings of the study revealed that land dispute is the major cause of communal conflicts in the local government area. Equally too, it was found out that traditional rulers have not been effective in the management of communal conflicts owing largely to the lack of cooperation from warring communities. This showed, as revealed from this finding, the lack of respect for the traditional rulership institution in the local government area. The study also revealed that sensitization and awareness campaigns for attitudinal change by community members are the major ways of enhancing the effectiveness of traditional rulers in the management of communal conflicts in the area. The study concludes that traditional rulers are relevant in communal conflicts management as they are considered traditional administrative structure for community mobilization. The study made recommendations in the light that; traditional rulers should be given additional powers other than mere advisory and assistance roles, the government should revisit community boundaries and make them clearer to curtail issues of encroachment into peoples’ lands in the area and the beef-up of check mechanisms on traditional rulers to help unfold irregularities of biased settlements, corruption and primordialism.

Financial performance of soybean farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Soybeans is versatile in usage but the yield is low. To sustain and improve its production, its financial performance, given the resource-poor status of rural farmers, is greatly important. Credit access is sine qua non in this direction. Hence, the study assessed credit access and financial performance of soybeans farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 119 farmers who either had or did not have credit access. This reflects a quasi-experimental design where the treatment and control groups comprised farmers with and without credit access, respectively. Primary data were obtained with structured questionnaire and analysed with frequency distribution and financial ratios such as gross margin, operating ratio and return on investment. Independent samples ttest was used to ensure that any observed difference was due to error of randomization. Findings show that majority of the farmers lacked credit access (60.50%). The mean gross margin per hectare was significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (N264,753.90 ± 12,597.15) than the control group (N152,412.60 ± 4,773.53). The mean return on investment per hectare was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (3.06 ± 0.29) than the control group (2.13 ± 0.10). Therefore, soybean production was adjudged to be profitable and significantly influenced by credit access. It was recommended that financial institutions and the export promotion council should make credit available to soybeans farmers.

Implications of terrorism/farmers-herders conflicts on small-scale maize farmers in Agatu local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Implications of terrorism/farmers-herders conflicts on small-scale maize farmers in Agatu local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Perceived Influence of Test Anxiety on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Physics

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perceived influence of test anxiety on the academic performance of secondary school students in physics in Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: The research utilized a descriptive survey design, with a target population of 15,060 students from government-approved secondary schools in the Obi Local Government Area of Benue State. A random sampling technique was employed to select 250 students from five secondary schools. The data collection instruments employed were the Mathematics Text Anxiety Questionnaire (MTAQ) and Mathematics Performance Text (MPT). The collected data were analyzed using measures such as means and standard deviation to address the research questions, while the analysis of variance was conducted to test the hypothesis at a significance level of 0.05. Findings: The findings indicated a significant difference in the influence of test anxiety levels exhibited by students on their average performance in physics within the secondary schools of the Obi Local Government Area in Benue State. Moreover, the results revealed a significant difference in the influence of test anxiety levels exhibited by male students on their average performance in physics in secondary schools. Significance: Similarly, a significant difference was observed in the influence of test anxiety levels exhibited by female students on their average performance in physics within secondary schools. Based on these findings, recommendations for school management are proposed.

Confirmation Of African Swine Fever Virus in Some Pigs from Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Studies were undertaken to investigate and isolate African Swine Fever virus in pig in Ado local government area (LGA) of Benue state of Nigeria and this has confirmed the carrier status of the pigs in the LGA. Out of the 188 serum samples collected, 7 were obtained from the LGA and were tested using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Three samples (42.86%) were positive and 4(57.14%) were negative for the test. All the serum samples (42.86%) that were positive by ELISA were also positive by polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR). The PCR-positive pigs had higher mean WBC count, lower eosinophil and basophils count, higher mean monocytes count but the mean PCV values were not significantly different from the normal and PCR negative pigs. High mean WBC count may indicate an ongoing secondary bacterial and ASF virus infection, lower eosinophil and basophils count indicates parasitism in the pigs, higher mean monocytes count. This confirmed that pigs with demonstrable antibody should be considered as chronic carriers of the virus because it is doubtful if true recovery ever occurs. Control measures such as use of biosecurity, test and slaughter of animals that test positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) antibody with adequate compensation are suggested to eradicate the disease.

BANK CREDITS AND PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EVIDENCE FROM BENUE STATE NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of bank loans on the entrepreneurial performance of women in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The study analyzed the impact of collateral requirement, financial information required by banks, and interest rate levied by banks on the entrepreneurial performance of women in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. The study employed a survey design, and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The population of Otukpo LGA consists of 109 female business proprietors. The research employed census sampling. For data presentation and analysis, simple percentages, the mean, and the standard deviation were utilized, while regression analysis was used to test hypotheses. The study found that collateral requirement, financial information required by banks, and interest rate levied by banks have a positive effect on the performance of women entrepreneurs in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The study concludes that bank loans have a significant impact on the performance of Benue State women-owned enterprises. The study recommended that the Benue State government implement policies that facilitate SME credit.

Effect of maize production on poverty reduction among maize farmers in Makurdi local government area of Benue state, Nigeria

The study assessed the effect of maize production on poverty reduction among maize farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 100 maize farmers as respondents. Data for the study were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the factors influencing production of maize in the study area revealed that farming experience (0.052) significant at 1%, off-farm income (1.35) significant at 1%, soil type (0.346) significant at 5%, rain-fed and irrigation (0.334) significant at 10% and season (0.60) significant at 1% were all positive and statistically significant which implied that they have influence on the production of maize. Most (67.0%) of the maize farmers are males with the mean age of 41.76 years. It was further revealed that most (60.0%) maize farmers in the study area are above the poverty line. On the effect of maize production to poverty reduction, the coefficient of increased income (1.05017) and improved standard of living (0.83657) were positive and significant at 10% level of probability poverty reduction among maize farmers. Contribution of maize production to income generation among maize farmers revealed that source of food (82.0%) is the major contributor to income generation in the study area. The study concluded that increased income and improved standard of living as the result of maize production reduced poverty among the maize farmers. It was therefore recommended that Government should provide irrigation, improved yield and disease resistant varieties to farmers to enhance maize production in the area.

VIBRO-ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT OF GRAIN GRINDING MACHINE FOR HEALTH RISK FACTORS ANALYSIS

Grinding machines is one of the outcomes of the agricultural sector work process mechanization aimed at reducing tedium and drudgery on the workers and improving overall productivity and production. However, the machinery drive component and mechanical energy are associated with noise and vibration, thereby inducing safety and health concerns for the operators. This study assessed and compared the vibro-acoustic characteristics caused by three different types of grinding machines; electric motor (3HP220V2800HD), diesel (R175A) and petrol (GX160) power drive engines used in grinding shops located in Wadata, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State in association with the risk factors to the work environment. The instrumentation design for the grinding machine operations vibro-acoustic characterization was a sound level meter (S844+), a vibrometer (VM-6360), a digital stopwatch (PC-396) and retractable measuring tape (B300-AG). The noise measurements were made at an average seating height of 1.5 m in the operator’s work position and the vibrations on the seat surface of the operator. The data obtained were analysed for noise and vibration occupational risk exposure following the ISO 9612 for acoustics guidelines and ISO 2372 for mechanical vibration and shock. The average mean values for the noise level and vibrations were statistically highest when the diesel power drive engine, followed by the petrol engine, while the electric motor had the least vibro-acoustic effect. In addition, the analysis of the variance test showed that the result obtained for the vibration and noise levels for the three categories of power source drive had p-values less than 0.05, indicating that they are significantly different from zero at a confidence level of 95%. The findings of this study mandated that all operators of the machinery under investigation wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Rural Socio-Economic Impact of Arms Proliferation on Crime in Katsina-Benue State

The study investigated the rural socioeconomic impact of arms proliferation on criminality in Katsina-Ala local government, Benue state, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study, and a cross-sectional survey research design will be used to examine arms proliferation and criminality in Benue State. Area of the Study Katsina-Ala Local Government, while the sample size for the study was 400, the research uses cluster and random sampling techniques to select the study population. By simple random sampling, the names of the ten (12) council wards were written on pieces of paper, wrapped, dropped into a container and shaken thoroughly. Five (6) council wards out of the original ten (12) wards were randomly selected. The data collected through the questionnaire were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. From the findings, it was concluded from the research findings that even though arms proliferation is caused by so many factors, profitability and utilisation of small arms have been singled out as the primary cause of the unrest in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Effect of farm power on farm household livelihood in Makurdi local government area of Benue state

This study investigates on the effect of farm power on household livelihood in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state. A random and purposive sampling were used to select farmers from different council wards and a total 100 respondents were selected as sample size for the study. Factor analysis, and multiple regression were used to determine the factors affecting the use of farm power, examine the effect of tractor power on area cultivated of food crops, analyze the effect of tractor power on farm productivity and assess the effect of tractor power on poverty level of farmers in the study area. The study revealed that an increase in tractor power used will lead to increase in area cultivated of food crops by 2.24 hectares; a unit increase in tractor power use will lead to increase in farm productivity by 361.05 tonnes per ha; a unit increase in tractor power used will lead to decrease in poverty level of farmers by 0.77 units. The study therefore recommends that, Agricultural policy makers should place more emphasis on the development of small-scale farmers particularly in the use of appropriate and affordable farm power options, credit acquisition amongst others.

Effect of Perceived Factors on the Utilisation of Postnatal Care Services by Nursing and Postpartum Mothers in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Introduction: This study assessed the effect of perceived factors on the utilisation of postnatal care services by nursing and postpartum mothers in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State. Five objectives were set in the study. Five research questions and five hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all the nursing mothers attending routine immunisation or other healthcare services with their children in Gwer-East Local Government Area. Total Population Sampling technique was used in the study to sample 198 nursing mothers for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and titled Utilisation of Postnatal Care Services Questionnaire (UPCSQ). Data for this research was obtained through the administration of the questionnaire on respondents. Hand delivery method was used for both the distribution and collection of the questionnaires. The researcher used binary logistic regression to analyse the data at 0.05 level of significance. Results: age [15 – 25 yrs (aOR:8.0, 95%CI: 4.2 – 44.2, p<0.05); 26 – 35 yrs (aOR:6.7, 95%CI: 4.5 – 16.9, p<0.05); 36 – 45 yrs (aOR:2.8, 95%CI: 0.8 – 10.2, p<0.05)]; place of residence [Rural (aOR:0.36, 95%CI: 0.01 – 0.12, p<0.05)]; employment status [unemployed (aOR:0.192, 95%CI: 0.079 –.465, p<0.05); Employed (aOR: 1.117, 95%CI: 0.525 – 2.378, p>0.05); Contract Worker (aOR: 1.203, 95%CI: 0.481 – 3.012, p>0.05)]; level of education [No Formal (aOR:0.001, 95%CI: 0.00 – , p>0.05); Primary (aOR:0.85, 95%CI: 019 – .379, p<0.05); Secondary (aOR:0.220, 95%CI: 0. 084 – .576, p<0.05)]; level of income [Low (aOR:0.032, 95%CI: 0.010 – 0.105, p<0.05); Middle (aOR:0.66, 95%CI: 0.029 – 1.151, p<0.05)] have a significant effect on utilisation of postnatal care services by postpartum mothers. Recommendations: Government effort to strengthen postnatal care utilisation should focus on universal coverage by addressing financial barriers to vulnerable groups, quality improvement to increase women’s satisfaction and carry the less privilege along and integration programmes to maximize the contact between women and health care services during and after delivery and to enhance economic development. Index Terms: Utilisation, Postnatal Care Services, Nursing Mothers, Postpartum Mothers, Perception.

EFFECT OF IMMORALITY AND INDISCIPLINE ON SOCIETAL VALUES AMONG UPPER BASIC EDUCATION LEVEL STUDENTS IN USHONGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

This study investigated effect of immorality and indiscipline on societal values among upper basic education level students in Ushongo local government area of Benue state with the purpose to determine effect of immorality and indiscipline on societal values among upper basic education level students. Two research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 6023 students from all upper basic education level students in the study area. The sample of the study was made up of 378 respondents out of the population of 6023 students using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire constructed by the researcher titled "Effect of Immorality and Indiscipline on Societal Values Questionnaire" (EIISVQ). The reliability of the instrument was ascertained through trial-test using Cronbach Alpha which yielded reliability coefficient of r=0.89 which was considered good enough for the study. Data were collected by the researcher with the help of research assistance. The data collected was analyzed using Mean Scores and Standard Deviations to answer research questions and Chi-square (x2) test of goodness of fit to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that causes of immorality and indiscipline are parental rejection, marital conflict, and lack of appropriate religious tenets, negative peer influence and lack of dedication of teachers to their moral duties. It was also found out that of immorality and indiscipline affect societal values among upper basic education level students. It was concluded that immorality and indiscipline affect societal values. Therefore, it was recommended among others that guidance and counselling services should be strengthened and forums formed whereby continuous orientation will be given to students to enable them acquire appropriate societal values.

The Impact of Local Fabric Weaving and Poverty Reduction in Ushongo L. G. A of Benue State

This study examines local fabric weaving and poverty reduction in Ushongo local government Area of Benue State. Oral interview, personal observation, and survey questionnaires were administer to the weavers. Results of the study shows that local fabric weaving has positive impact on poverty reduction which leads to improvement in standard of living of the weavers. Its discovered issues affecting the effective performance of the business in the area to be lack ossf finance, poor quality of raw materials, inadequate supply of yarn, lack of modern tools/machines, tough competition, insufficient demand for the product, unavailability of market information etc. from the result of the study, one can observe that local fabric weaving should be encourage in the area. method of weaving and resources needed to carried out this work should be improved and provided so that the weavers can generate much income so as to improve their standard of living, since the relationship between local fabric weaving and poverty reduction is positive.

Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Attitude and Perception on Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Attitude and Perception on Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Influence of National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme on primary school pupils attendance and academic performance in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined influence of National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme on primary school pupils’ attendance and academic performance in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Two specific objectives with corresponding research questions and hypotheses were raised and formulated respectively to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design and was carried out in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The population of this study is 1870 teachers from 79 public primary schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The sample size for this study is 330 teachers. A structured questionnaire titled “National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and Pupils Attendance and Performance in Public Primary Schools Questionnaire" was developed and used for the study. Cronbach Alpha Statistic was used to obtain an overall reliability coefficient of 0.89 for the instrument. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the two research questions. Chi-square statistics was used to test the two null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. From analysis of data, the following major findings were made: provision of meals to pupils improve their daily regular attendance, improves enrolment in primary schools, enhances their punctuality, and also improves their co-curricular activities. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made; the State Government should try and replicate the blue print of the Federal Government's National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme to every Local Government in the State so as to ensure sustainability in the provision of meals to pupils and as well as improve their daily regular attendance as well as enhancing their punctuality. Also, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other education stakeholders should initiate school feeding integrated intervention programmes that improves co-curricular activities through provision of meals to pupils this will influence their ability to understand the practicality of things during learning and also improve their ability to engage with digital technologies.

Analysis of Household Fuelwood Consumption as Cooking Energy and the Implications on the Environment: A Case of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This study analysed households fuelwood consumption as domestic cooking energy source and the implications on the environment in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty (240) respondents were selected using multistage sampling procedure to elicit information for the study. Primary data for the study was garnered with the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedule and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that the majority (81%) of the household heads were males with a mean age of 40 years. 83% of the respondents were married and had at least one form of education with secondary education having the highest share of 49%. The average household size of the respondents was 7 persons with majority (52%) of them taken to farming as their main occupation The mean monthly income of the respondents was N43,150. Majority (79%) of the respondents use firewood as their main fuel source for cooking which they obtained mostly at no cost from the forests (44%) and their farmlands (37%). The average cost price of a bundle of firewood stood at N200 in the study area while that of kerosene is N750/litre in the study area. Charcoal is sold at N2500/50kg bag (N50/kg), electricity, N61.5/kwh and gas, N780/kg. The average consumption level of fuelwood by respondents was estimated at 3 bundles daily. The result reveals that lack of cheaper energy alternatives (88%), large family sizes (84%), easy availability (77%) were the main reasons given by the respondents for fuelwood consumption over other sources. The perceived environmental effects of fuelwood utilization were; deforestation (75%), global warming (57%), Indoor and outdoor pollution (53%), and violent windstorms (46%), among others. Marital status, educational status, household size, monthly income and cost of Gas significantly influenced the consumption of fuelwood by households. The study recommends use of alternative and clean energy sources should be encouraged and the corresponding alternative energy technologies made available and affordable to residents to reduce the overreliance of households on the use of traditional energy carriers such as firewood and charcoal, thereby reducing their negative impact on health and environmental degradation. Tree planting campaigns should be embarked upon by both residents and relevant authorities to replenish the depleted forest resources and for their sustainability.