Government Area Of Benue State Research Articles

Consequences of Malaria on Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State’s Rural Households’ Farm Income: A Nigeria Based Study

Consequences of Malaria on Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State’s Rural Households’ Farm Income: A Nigeria Based Study

Application of Induced Polarization and Vertical Electrical Sounding to Locate Coal and Aquifers in Ojoma Akpa, Benue State

The study area Ojoma is located in Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The area is underlain by Awgu Shale Formation that comprises shallow marine dark Shales, carbonaceous mudstones, limestones, siltstones and sandstones. The survey applied integrated geophysical techniques such as Induced Polarization and Vertical Electrical Sounding in order to locate a speculative coal deposit and prolific aquifers. ABEM Resistivity meter (Tetrameter SAS 1000) was used for the survey and Interpred 1D Software was used for processing, interpretation of field data and modeling of the subsurface. Four survey profiles (VES 1-4) were established with traverse lines between 1000 – 1300m each. No coal deposit was discovered. However, two aquiferous zones were located at depths of 9 – 12m and 25 – 50m respectively. It is recommended that drilling of boreholes may be carried out to tap water from the second hydrogeologic zone between the depths of 25-50m. The survey result also explained the major features revealed by the survey in terms of the types of likely geological bodies and structures which gave rise to the resistivity curves and models, thereby extending geological knowledge of the area. The underlying structures which gave rise to the geological models are the existence of folded and faulted sedimentary beds in the area.

Effect of Self-Regulated Learning Strategy on students’ achievement in Basic Science in Makurdi Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of self-regulated learning instructional strategy on students’ achievement in basic science among Upper Basic 2 in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study employed non-equivalent group pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design. The population of the study was 638 upper basic school levels. The sample for this study was 128 students from six co-educational schools within Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for data collection was Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) and was trial tested using Kuder-Richardson (K-R, 20) formula to determine the reliability coefficient of BSAT which was found to be 0.99. Descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation were used to answer all the research questions and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test all the hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. The results of the study showed that demonstration method enhanced students’ achievement in basic science better than self-regulated strategy. There is no significant difference between the mean achievement score of students taught basic science using self-regulated learning strategy and those taught using demonstration method. There was no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students taught basic science using self-regulate learning strategy. Basic science Teachers should not only use demonstration method to teach but also allow the student to actively participate in the learning. This can foster confidence in the students and enhance better achievement in basic science.

The KAPP Study of Malaria and its Prevalence amongst Boarding School Students in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium and is one of the most important parasitic diseases of man globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This research was done to assess malaria infection and its relationship with the knowledge, attitude, perception and prevention among students of boarding schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Five boarding schools within Gboko Local Government were selected for the study. A total of 370 students were sampled to represent the population. Malaria in the schools selected for this study was determined through malaria test via the examination of stained thick blood smears under the microscope. Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants to get information pertaining to their demography, knowledge, attitude, perception and preventive methods towards malaria. Thick blood films were stained using Romanowsky Field Stains. Chi-square was used for comparing infections and to determine the significant relationships at 95% level of significance. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20.8%. The prevalence of malaria was higher among female students (22.3%) than in male students (19.5%). Malaria was found most (10.8%) among students who use insecticide treated nets (ITNs). This study revealed that the knowledge and ownership of insecticide treated net (ITN) was high (86.2%) among the students. However, only 60.0% of the ITN owners actually use it. Thirteen percent of the students have phobia for the use of ITN while many students do not use the ITN for diverse perceived reasons. The treatment seeking behavior of the students showed that majority of the students (84.9%) access the school clinic when they have fever. This study has revealed that there are misconceptions on the knowledge of malaria among students and these are some of the factors leading to the risk and exposure of students to the bites of mosquitoes. The perceived beliefs on malaria in this study have no scientific basis and can easily be overcome through proper health education. Providing a mosquito free environment and promoting ITN usage as well as use of mosquito repellent cream among boarding school students may help achieve the desired protection against mosquito bites and subsequently prevent malaria.

The Prevalence of Polyparasitism in Oju, Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Intestinal and urinary parasitic infections remain an important public health problem in the tropics where poor hygiene and sanitation are a norm rather than an exception. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and distribution of polyparasitic infections and to determine the impact of health education and treatments .Stool and urine samples from 350 participants were analyzed using macroscopic and microscopic direct stool examination of wet and Lugol’siodine preparations and Formal-ether concentration techniques and microscopic examination of simple centrifuged samples of urine. Out of the 350 participants, 101were infected with intestinal parasites with the male and female participants having 29 (66.0%), 41 (71.9%) prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, 9 (20.5%), 8(14%) Eschericia coli, 2 (4.6), 6(10.5%) Trichomonas hominis and4 (9.1%), 2 (3.5%) Chilomastix mesnilli respectively. Out of the infected 101 participants, 14 of them had co-infection (polyparasitism). The result of polyparasitism in the Local Government is not significant (p>0.05).The overall infection before health education and treatment was high and least after health education and treatment 0(0%) (p<0.05). The results of this study indicated improper hygiene and sanitation conditions.

Perceived Effects of Farmer Participation in Utilization and Conservation of Forest Resources in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State

This study assessed the perceived effects of farmer participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Data were collected from 150 farmers randomly selected, using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (percentages, frequencies and means) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression). Result of the analysis indicated a low participation of farmers in forest conservation. The farmers however, had a positive perception on the fact that community participation in forest conservation increases job opportunities ( 4.65) and reduces poverty (4.16). Result of the linear regression analysis revealed that age had a negative (-0.009142: p < 0.01) and significant relationship with farmers’ perceived effect of community participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources, while household size (0.0169081: p < 0.05), education (0.0503444: p < 0.1) and farm size (0.1228889: p < 0.1) all had positive and significant relationships with farmers’ perceived effects of community participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources. It was concluded that farmers’ participation in conservation of the forest was very low. The need for sensitization of the farmers on the importance of participation in forest conservation by all the stakeholders was recommended.

Rice Production and Poverty Reduction in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to analyzed rice production and poverty reduction in Agatu local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. To this end, a multi-stage sampling technique was used. The first stage involved the purposive selection of five wards noted for high production of rice. Secondly, a simple random sampling was used to select twenty five respondents each from the five wards to sum up to one hundred and twenty five respondents used for the study. The analytical tools employed included simple descriptive statistics like mean, frequency distribution, percentages and tables and inferential statistics like logit regression model. The data used were from primary source and this was collected by administering of structured questionnaires to illicit information from the farmers. The results of the analysis revealed farmers to be in their active age, mostly married, males’ dominance, highly experienced and educated with large families. Annual income from rice production was significant in reducing poverty in the study area pseudo R2 value of 0.886. The overall Chi-Square value was significant at 1% level of probability, also log likelihood value of 135.27. The study recommends the need for credit to be extended to poor farmers to help stimulate their investment in order to increase their income. Farmers are also encouraged to engage in non-farm activities to raise their level of income.

Survey of Fresh Water Snails in Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue State Nigeria

A survey was carried out in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria from April-July 2017 to determine availability of freshwater snails of and their preferred habitats. A total of 289 fresh water snails of four different genera were collected across 27 streams in the 7 districts in Vandeikya LGA. Water pH, water temperature and water velocity were also measured. Lenistislibycuswas found to be the most abundant freshwater snail species accounting for 40.83% of the total freshwater snails. Melanoidestuberculata was the second most abundant accounting for 29.411% of the total snails population sampled, Biomphalaria pfeifferi accounted for 17.99% while Bulinus globosus was significantly lower in abundance than the other snails, accounting for only 11.77%. By location, Mbaduku district had highest abundance of snails 84 (29.1%). The effect of the nature of the substratum on the availability of freshwater snails revealed that habitats with rocky substratum favoured the presence of snails accounting for 181(62.7%) freshwater snail collected.Our understanding of factors affecting the availability and abundance of freshwater snails in nature can prove useful in snail control which is integral for the control of the diseases for which they serve as intermediate host.

Characterization and Classification of Soils Of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State were studied using the grid method of soil survey with a view to characterize, classify and evaluate their potentials for sustainable crop production. Four soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, texture, surface characteristics, topography and depth to water table. Two pits were sunk in each soil unit, described and sampled for laboratory analysis. The soils were moderately deep to very deep ranging in depth from 160cm – 190cm. They were well drained to poorly drained and strongly acid to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH 4.1 – 7.8) with high base saturation. Based on these characteristics, the soils were classified as Arenic Paleustalfs/Aeric Lixisols (unit 1), Aeric Endoaqualfs/EndogleyicGleysols (Unit II), Ustic Epiaquerts/EpiclayicVertisols (Units III and IV)

Effect of Rural-Urban Migration on Food Security of Rural Households in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State

This study investigated the effect of rural-urban migration on food security of rural households in Kwande local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Using multistage sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire as instrument, data for the study was collected from a sample of three hundred and eighty four (389) rural dwellers in the state. The study revealed the major causes and determined the effect of rural-urban migration of the food security of Kwande local government area and suggested measures to reduce the rate of rural-urban migration. Given that the F- statistics of 98.094 is significant at 1% level of significance, it implies that the computed F- value was higher than the F-tabulated value of (1.94) at 5% level of significance and (2.51) at 1% level of significance. Therefore, and the alternative hypothesis which states that factors such as search for job, quest for skill acquisition, search foe better education, quest for marriage, insecurity, social amenities, and natural disasters are the determining factors of rural urban migration was accepted. Therefore, the study concluded that reduction rural-urban migration and improvement in food security are dependent on these factors. Based on the effects of rural-urban migration, it was recommended that government/policy makers come up with policies that would lead to increased rural development and farm mechanization.

Tree Species Composition and Diversity of Ipinu-Igede Sacred Forest in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The role of sacred forest/sacred groves in the conservation of biodiversity is well recognised and documented. Despite the importance of sacred forests in conservation, data of flora species composition and diversity in many sacred forests still remain scanty. The study was conducted to provide baseline data on tree species composition and diversity of Ipinu-Igede sacred forest with a view to promote the role of sacred forest in flora conservation in the area. Systematic sampling technique was adopted for the study. A base line transect of 2 km long was established and five (5) other transects 2 km long were laid at regular interval of 500 km apart. On each transect, 4 sampling plots of 50 mx50 m were established at a regular interval of 500m apart. Within the 50 m x50 m plots, trees with diameter at breast height (DBH)≥10 cm were identified and enumerated. Species Important Value Index (IVI), species richness, species evenness and species diversity were estimated. A total number of 50 tree species in 19 families were recorded. Cola gigantea was the most important tree species with IVI of 14.56, this was followed by Harungana madagascariensis with 13.14. Caesalpinioideae was the dominant family with 6 species, 48.15% of the families were represented by only one species. The species richness was D=9.436, Species Evenness was E´=0.7668 and species diversity was H=3.646. Thirty percent (30%) of the tree species were in the DBH class of 1-40cm indicating good regeneration status of the sacred forest. Acknowledgement of the traditional practices by scientists and other actors in natural resources conservation will help in promoting forest conservation.

Micro Propagation of Pterocarpus santalinoides Using Three Different Growth Media

Aims: Micro propagation of P. santalinoides was carried out in order to ascertain the most appropriate culture media for its micro propagation.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in different growth media in the laboratory.
 Place and Duration of Study: The micro propagation of Pterocarpus santalinoides was carried out at the Tissue culture laboratory of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and lasted between July and October 2018.
 Methodology: Seeds from fresh and healthy ripe fruit which was cut open mechanically with the help of secateurs were gotten from Ai-kwu, Otukpa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The seeds were air dried and used as explant. The explants were surface sterilized using NaOCl solution for 10 mins, rinsed with distilled water and then the soft seed coat were removed and the seeds were cultured under aseptic conditions on MS medium and other growth medium. Seeds of Pterocarpus santalinoides were inoculated on six different growth media with varying compositions. The media are MS, B5 and white’s without growth hormones (MSoo, B5oo, and WHoo), and each of them was supplemented with 3.0 mgl-1 BAP and 0.5 mgl-1 NAA (MSBN, B5BN, WHBN).
 Results: Seed germination improved in all the media studied. However, MS combinations gave the best result (90-93%). The maximum number of leaves and roots recorded was in MSBN (3.8 for leaves and 2 for roots) followed by MSoo (2.6) and WHBN (2.6). The leaf area was best for the MS combination (0.232 cm2) followed by the White’s combinations (0.154 cm2) and least for the B5 combinations (0.026 cm2) while shoot and root length was maximum in MSBN (4.28 cm for the shoot and 1.18 cm for the root) followed by WHBN (1.90 cm). The result for t-test revealed that there was a significant difference between the parameters studied for growth media with growth hormones and those without growth hormones. The recorded percentage germination rate for MS medium without growth hormone was 90.75±0.97 while MS medium supplemented with growth hormone was 93.25±0.25. B5 medium without growth medium was 60.25±0.50 and when supplemented with growth hormone, the value was 66.50±0.57. White medium without growth hormone had a value of 75.25±1.70 and when supplemented with growth hormone the value was 78.0±0.81.
 Conclusion: The growth rates of Pterocarpus santalinoides, in MS medium among other basal media (B5 and White) offers a compromise between all the growth parameters which indicates that variation of the basal medium composition could lead to enhanced Pterocarpus santalinoides regeneration efficiency.

Contribution of Odoba Forest Reserve to Livelihoods of the Rural People in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the contribution of Odoba forest reserve to rural livelihoods of the communities in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were administered to three hundred and seventy-six respondents in 188 households in four communities. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Fifteen different wood and non-wood products were collected by the respondents from the forest reserve with fuel wood products being the product mostly collected from the reserve (65.5%) followed by water supply from the streams in the forest reserve (59%). Others were edible vegetable (56.6%), folder (53.6%), mush room (53.3%), medicinal herbs (52.6%) and timber (50.3%), Bush Meat (46.7%), Chewing stick (43.0%), Pole (40.5%), Honey (37.8%), Snail (27%), Caterpillar (25%), Cricket (20.4%) and Climbers (19%). The result also shows that forest resources contributed very high to the livelihood of the people in the areas of food for household consumption, additional income, medicinal values, water supply and trading of forest products. Furthermore, the study results showed that the most need met by the people from the sale of forest products is feeding of households (19.4%) and investing in farming activities (13.8%). The communities differ significantly (P=0.05) in the contribution of the forest reserve to their livelihoods. The study recommends that State Government, local authorities and aid agencies should provide alternative sources of fuel energy by establishing village owned solar power plants and fuelwood efficient stoves. This will reduce dependence on the forest reserve for energy and also curtail deforestation of the reserve. Modified Taungya system in the reserve to engage households in forest regeneration efforts as well as the sharing of benefits from such efforts should be included in policies of the Government.

Puzzle Games and English as a Second Language Students’ Achievement in Grammar in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Puzzle Games and English as a Second Language Students’ Achievement in Grammar in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Continuous Assessment as a Predictor of Students' Achievement in Mathematics at the Junior Secondary School Level in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Continuous Assessment as a Predictor of Students' Achievement in Mathematics at the Junior Secondary School Level in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Effect of Cognitive Style on Students Achievement and Retention in Physics in Senior Secondary School in Gwer-West Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of cognitive styles on students’ achievement and retention in physics in senior secondary schools in Gwer-west local government area of Benue state. The study therefore looked at the achievement and retention of male and female students categorized under field independent and field dependent students in physics. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were set to obtain data for effective study. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design. The population of the study comprises 1015 SS1 physics students of 2016/2017 academic year in the twenty-nine co-educational schools of Gwer-west local government area of Benue state. The sample of the study was 150 physics students selected from five secondary schools out of 29 schools through judgmental sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT), Physics Achievement Test (PAT) and Physics Retention Test (PRT). Data collected was analyzed using descriptive analysis under parametric analysis to determine the mean and standard deviation. While the hypotheses were analyzed using statistical analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results of the findings therefore revealed that field independent students achieved better than the field dependent students in physics. It also showed that field independent students had a higher retention memory than field dependent students. Furthermore, it revealed that male students achieved better than female students under field dependent in physics. The analysis further explained that there was a significant difference in the entire three null hypotheses. Finally, summary, conclusion, recommendations were made and suggestions for the extension of the research to other levels of education were made.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity at the Heamoglobin Locus in Selected West African Dwarf Goat Populations in Nigeria

Blood samples were collected from 40 (forty) goats in Kwande Local Government Area, of Benue State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected were subjected to electrophoresis to study haemoglobin polymorphism and its distribution in West African Dwarf goat populations in Kwande. Data on Haemoglobin genotypes were subjected to sample variance (S2) population genetics simulation software for the analysis. Three heamoglobin genotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were observed in the West African dwarf goat populations. The haemoglobin gynotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were controlled by two co-dominant haemoglobin alleles HbA and HbB. The genotypic frequencies were 0.24, 0.57 and 0.19 for HbAA, HbAB and HbBB respectively. Genotypic frequencies at the haemoglobin locus in West African Dwarf goat were in hardy-weinberg equilibrium. The gene frequencies of HbA and HbB observed were 0.52 and 0.48 respectively with HbA being the most frequent. The low allelic variation may have occur when populations are separated but only for a short time, that the processes of genetic drift and mutation that leads to differentiations of allelic frequencies at selected loci are yet to occur. As the amount of time in which two isolated populations increases, the differences in allelic frequencies will also increase until each population is completely fixed for a number of alleles. These factors may have accounted for the low variation in the heamoglobin allelic frequencies observed in this study. There was also gene-controlled diversity at the haemoglobin locus in the WAD goat populations with heterozygosity (He) value of 0.49, which indicated a moderate level of genetic diversity at the haemoglobin locus in WAD goat populations in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Effect of Multimedia Teaching Technology on SSS 1 Student’s Interest and Achievement in Mechanics in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria

This work was carried out to determine the effect of multimedia teaching technology on SSSI student’s interest and achievement in mechanics. 160 students were randomly selected from two secondary schools in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The research design employed for this study was Quasi-Experimentation research of two groups pre-test, post-test control design. The study lasted for the period of one week due to the experimental nature of the research, the pre-test was administered to all the participants in order to sure of their equivalent entry behavior. The treatment was administered to the experimental class with the use of multimedia teaching approach. The pre-test and post-test scores of the students in the conventional and multimedia teaching group were used for the purpose of data analysis. The result were analysed using T-test, four hypothesis were postulated. The result showed that (a) tcal (8.91)>tcritcal (2.83) where the hypothesis is rejected which confirmed that there is no significant difference in the academic interest of student taught mechanics with multimedia method against the students taught mechanics with conventional method. (b) tcal (0.56) tcritcal(2.09) hence the hypothesis is not rejected, this implies there is no significant difference between the mean interest ratings of male and female student taught mechanics using multimedia teaching approach. (c) tcal (9.01) >tcritcal (3.02) the hypothesis is rejected, which implies that there is a significant difference in the academic achievement of student taught mechanics with multimedia method against the students taught mechanics with conventional method. (d) tcal (0.60) tcritcal (2.10) hence hypothesis is not rejected, this implies that there is no significant difference between the achievement scores of male and female student in mechanics who were taught using multimedia. All at 0.05 level of significance. The findings therefore revealed that there is significance difference in the interest and achievement of students exposed to multimedia teaching approach than those that were conventionally taught and also there was no significant difference in the interest and achievement of male and female students taught using multimedia taching approach. It was therefore recommended that the use of multimedia taching approach should be adopted to encourage so as to complement other methods of teaching science in schools and colleges.

HEALTH FACILITIES LOCATIONAL ANALYSIS IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE-NIGERIA USING GIS APPLICATION

The most important indices of defining general welfare and quality of life of people in the world are the physical and mental health of individuals. This study attempts to examine GIS solution in the spatial analysis of health facilities in Makurdi local government area of Benue State, through mapping of the existing health facilities located in the study area, their spatial distribution pattern, identify areas with marginal services and propose a model for the future development as well examine the availability and accessibility of the existing health facilities, e.g (road network, travel time, distance covered and queuing time). The” Nearest neighbour analysis” Geospatial statistical method was employed to determine the spatial distribution pattern of the existing health facilities in other to determine the area of limited service and accessibility to healthcare facilities. The findings indicated that the healthcare facilities are randomly distributed; Fiidi ward was discovered to have limited service as regards the healthcare facilities in the study area. In line with the findings, recommendations were made on the use of GIS to build a concept that can be followed and replicated in divergent social-economic and political contexts. Conclusively, the study had shown that GIS is a vital tool in healthcare facility analysis and also in live application issues and thus should be encouraged in Nigeria for national economic transformation and sustainable development.
 
 keywords: Health, GIS, Mapping, Location

Evaluation of the Process Governing Groundwater Suitability for Irrigation at Oju and its Adjourning Area, Benue State, Nigeria. using Hydrochemical Approach

Groundwater from shallow wells were evaluated for irrigation purpose, within Ukwuoku Hills, Oju local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study area lies within Asu River Group of the Lower Benue Trough, southern Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters analyzed include physical parameters such as; pH, total dissolved solid and electrical conductivity and chemical parameters such as; major cation and anion. The above-mentioned parameters were analyzed using America Public Health Association standard method. Results from the study showed that pH falls within slightly basic to acidic, electrical conductivity ranges from 127 to 760I¼S/cm, Soluble Sodium Percentage ranges from 1.53 to 43.78, Sodium Percentage ranges from 1.55 to 77.8 % Kelly Ratio ranges from 0.01 to 0.77, Magnesium Absorption Ratio ranges from 0.00 to 61.98 and total hardness Total Hardness ranges from 72.00 to 425.5 within the study area. The above listed parameters were below various permissible standard value for irrigation except for MAR at OJU/LBT/04, Na% at OJU/LBT/09, 13 and 14, SAR at 01 and 04 and TH at OJU/LBT/04 that were slightly above various permissible standard values. From Gibbs plot it was observed that rock dominance is the major factor that influences groundwater except for few sampling points were precipitation dominance was observed to have influence on groundwater within the study area.