Government Area Of Benue State Research Articles

Assessment of information needs of pig farmers in Makurdi local government area of Benue State, Nigeria

Assessment of information needs of pig farmers in Makurdi local government area of Benue State, Nigeria

An investigation of questions in Ètùló language of Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated the formation of questions in Etulo, a minority language spoken in Benue State. It specifically examines the strategies used in forming content and polar questions in the language. Data for the study were collected during a fieldtrip to Adi in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study shows that both content and polar questions are formed in the language through different strategies. Whereas content questions are formed through the use of interrogative words such as òle/kↄ ‘where’, òle ‘which’, ème ‘who’ emine ‘how many’ among others, the main strategy employed in polar question formation is the use of tone. In addition to tone; the language also uses such particles as gbɛ́ɛ̀ and lô in polar question formation. These particles occur at the final position of a declarative sentence to indicate that it is a question.
 Key Words: Etulo, Question Formation, Polar, Interrogative Words

Analysis of postharvest losses in mango marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the postharvest losses in mango marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 120 respondents in four different markets (Modern, Wurukum, Railway and Northbank market), through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and likert scale rating technique were used to analyze the data. The finding showed that the mean age of the marketers was 36.1 years, mean household size was 6.0, majority (43.3%) of the marketers completed secondary school, majority (88.3%) of the respondents were females, majority were married with a percentage of (63.3%), also majority (56.7%) of the marketers sold broken variety of mango. The result further indicated that the amount of basket of mango bought is significant at 5% level of probability and positively affects the number of 7litre buckets of mango lost. Finally, the constraints with the highest mean values suggested the most essential constraints. The result showed that high degree of perishability (mean=3.8), lack of storage facility (mean=3.6), and inadequate grading and standardization (mean=2.9) were some of the major constraints. The study therefore recommends that efficient storage facilities should be made available to mango marketers in order to encourage large purchase of the produce and decrease postharvest losses government should rehabilitate the bad roads and create good road networks to solve the transportation problems of marketers, lastly, there should be provision of processing plant in strategic locations by the governments or non-governmental organization which will help to reduce postharvest losses.
 Keywords: Mango, Post harvest loss, Markudi LGA

Youth Participation in Sesame Production in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed youth participation in sesame production in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from ninety three (93) randomly selected sesame youth farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (correlation). Results of the study showed that participation of youths in sesame production was moderate in land preparation (M=2.39), planting (M=2.01), manual weeding (M=2.05) and harvesting (M=2.03) and low in pesticide application (M=1.98), herbicide application (M=1.96), fertilizer application (M=1.73, threshing (M=1.90), winnowing (M=1.85) and bagging (M=1.80). Farmers sourced information on sesame production mainly from friends/relations (80.6%). Constraints to youths’ participation in sesame production were insect and diseases attack (M=1.89), insufficient agricultural inputs (M=1.83), inconsistency in agricultural programmes for youths (M= 1.80), insufficient agricultural implements (M= 1.74), lack of technical assistance (M=1.72), lack of access to credit facilities (M= 1.72), weed control problem (M=1.66), and poor access to viable markets (M=1.59). Years of formal education (r= -218; p<0.36) and sesame farm size (r= 281; p<0.36) significantly influenced youths’ participation in sesame production in the study area. It was concluded that participation of youth farmers in sesame production was low, but this could be improved by making sesame farming attractive to young people through the provision of production resources, access to education, farm land, and viable markets.

Use of Computer-aided Instruction for Effective Teaching and Learning of Physics in Secondary Schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State

Computers today are widely used to do many computations in a fraction of time; it would take most humans to do. The study is therefore set-up to find out if the use of computer-aided instruction would improve students’ performance in computer science in secondary schools. A quasi-experiment was carried out on forty (40) students from two (2) selected secondary schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State as sample. A pre-test-post-test method of data collection was adopted. Descriptive statistics was used. The pearson product moment correlation coefficient of internal consistency for conventional teacher oriented method and the computer aided instruction was 0.6231 which is an indication that difference exist between the two groups also from the test analysis and comparison, t¬-critical (t-crit) was greater than t-calculated (t-cal) i.e t-crit 1.73 > t-cal 0.18. Two hypothesis were tested at P0.05 level of significance using t-test analysis. The result of the findings showed that, students who learnt via computer-aided instruction performed better than those who learnt via the conventional teacher oriented instructions or the chalk board method. Also, male students performed better than the female students using computer-aided instruction. It is recommended that, computer-aided instruction should be used in schools to teach various concepts in computer science.

Analysis of adoption of small ruminants’ innovations among small-scale farmers in apa local government area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study analyzed adoption of small ruminant innovations among small-scale farmers in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire administered on 119 respondents selected randomly from five out of eleven council wards. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that farmers who were age between 21 and 40 years 58.8%, females 55.5%, married 49.6%, had household size of 16 persons and above 28.8%, those who spent 13 years in formal education were 50.4%, those who had experience of less than 10 years in rearing ruminants animals 55.5%, number of animals reared were between 11 and 30 38.7% and for major occupation 37% were farmers. Results on sources of information indicated that radio 26.1%, one of the innovations introduced was deworming 41.2%, innovations adopted 32.8% and problems encountered was lack of veterinary clinic and doctors in the villages 33.6%. It was recommended that veterinary clinics should be located at strategic points in the villages and veterinary doctors posted to it and water should also be provided to the farmers especially during the dry season.

Constraints in using social media in accessing agricultural information among crop farmers in Makurdi local Government area of Benue State, Nigeria

Constraints in using social media in accessing agricultural information among crop farmers in Makurdi local Government area of Benue State, Nigeria

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.