Ikwerre Local Government Area Research Articles

Occurrence, Diversity and Abundance of Nematode Pests of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) in Two Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) contribute to yield losses in pineapple production. Limited studies have been conducted on plant-parasitic nematodes on pineapple despite reports of PPNs infecting it. A survey was conducted in Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State to determine the occurrence, abundance and diversity of PPNs associated with pineapple. A total of 60 composite samples were collected from the two LGAs. Nematodes were extracted from soil and root samples using the modified Baermann technique and identified using standard procedures. Data were processed using relative frequency of occurrence (RFOC), relative importance values (RIVs), diversity indices, nematode population was calculated and analysis of variance. The most occurring plant-parasitic nematodes were Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Scutellonema and Tylenchulus. In Obio Akpor LGA, Helicotylenchus with RFOC 33.3% was the most occurring nematode pests, while Pratylenchus was the most important plant-parasitic nematode (RIV 33.8%). In Ikwerre LGA, both Helicotylenchus and Pratylenchus have the same occurrence (RFOC 33.3%) with Pratylenchus being the most important nematode pest. Pratylenchus species with RIV of 52.4% were the most important PPNs associated with pineapple in both Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre LGAs. Dominance and Shannon- Weiner indices among the PPNs are 0.58 and 0.86, respectively. In Ikwerre and Obio-Akpor LGAs, Aluu (1530) and Rumuekini (630) pineapple farms have the highest population of PPNs, respectively. Ikwerre LGA (2,150) pineapple farms had more PPNs than Obio-Akpor LGA (660). Nematode pests are associated with pineapple in the two LGAs and could be contributing to yield losses.

Flood Vulnerability Assessment on Selected Communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such as river, lake or ocean, in which the water overtops or breaks levees, resulting in some of that water escaping its usual boundaries, or it may occur due to an accumulation of rain water on saturated ground in an area. To find out the most vulnerable communities, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and location data of selected communities were used. The Image Re-class and Map Overlay were performed on QGIS software to identify communities that are most affected. The result shows that the region has no river channel that discharge excess water easily. It also shows that four, out of twelve settlements were located at the high risk zone. The settlements are Uniport, Omuoda, Omuahunwo and Okparagwa. It was recommended that the high risk zone in the area should be provided with artificial water channel that will contain and convey surface sun-off to a nearby stream. The local authority should relocate the affected settlements to a safer zone.

Creative drama and learning among primary school pupils in Ikwerre local government areas of Rivers State

This research investigated the relationship between Creative dramatics and children’s education in primary schools in lkwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study employed, survey research design. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire. The sample for this study consisted of one hundred and twelve primary school teachers, fifty one (51) male representing 46% of the sample, and sixty one (61) were female teachers making up 54 % of the entire sample. Five (5) items were designed to measure perception of creative dramatics and school learning. Simple random sampling technique was used to select four school (4) out of seven (7) Primary Schools. The sample size was one hundred and twelve (112) Primary school teachers. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire captioned Creative Dramatics and Children Education (CDCEQ). The Cronbach Alpha reliability estimated used ranged from 0.72 – 0.92. The statistical tool used was the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The result showed that creative dramatics significantly relates with pupils’ school learning, Based on the findings it was recommended among others that, there should be strict adherence to the education policy which encourages the infusion and the utilization of creative dramatics activities in the curriculum of the Nigerian primary education in all the states of the federation.

Surveying the Level of Knowledge, Awareness and Health Related Risk of Substance Abuse among Students in University of Port Harcourt’s Host Communities

Background: Substance abuse refers to the use of all chemicals, drugs and industrial solvents that can produce dependence (psychological and physical). It can also be referred to as the repeated non-medical use of potentially addictive chemical and organic substances. There is poor data about the health related risk of substance abuse among students in Nigeria. Hence, this survey was done to determine the level of knowledge, awareness & the health related risk of substance abuse among students and her host communities as an attempt to curb the menace and its effect on students and the entire society at large. 
 Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in ALUU Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study involved 150 volunteers recruited randomly through a multi-staged sampling technique which included secondary school students, undergraduates and postgraduates who are 13yrs and above residing in ALUU community while those who did not give consent were excluded. The data was collected using self-structured close-ended self-administered questionnaires and data analysis done using SPSS version 25. 
 Results and Discussions: The results of the study showed that 98.67% have knowledge of drug abuse, the knowledge of health and social effects of substances of abuse on humans was 96.67%. The most prevalent health/social effects were: memory loss 74.67%, sleeping and eating disorders 67.33%. The results of the study have shown that more than 2/3rd of the participants had good knowledge of drug abuse. Similarly, more than 2/3rd of the participants heard about drug/substance abuse via the mass media. The most abused drug/substance was alcohol, 9 in 10 persons abused alcohol. This goes on to imply that the chance that a student who is resident in Aluu abuses alcohol is 90%. 
 Conclusion: The results of the study showed that 98.67% have knowledge of drug abuse, the knowledge of health and social effects of substances of abuse on humans was 96.67%. The most prevalent health/social effects were: memory loss 74.67%, sleeping and eating disorders 67.33%. Peer group, neighbourhood influence, and ‘the only child syndrome’ were the attributed contributing factors to the continual use of alcohol/drugs, even when the health and social effects are well known.

Assessment of the Safety of ‘Suya’ Condiment Vended in Three Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims: The essence of this research was to assess the microbiological quality of suya condiments/spices sold at different points in Obio/Akpor (Choba and Rumuepirikom) and Ikwerre (Aluu) Local Government Areas, Rivers State and reduction of microbial load using home microwave oven.
 Study Design: Completely randomized design with two replications and average values calculated.
 Place and Duration of Study: Food and Industrial Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port and Emadavistic Medical and Research Laboratory, Osaks House, East-West road Port Harcourt for three months.
 Methodology: Twelve (12) samples of already formulated suya condiments/spices were sampled from twelve different suya vendors at Choba, Rumuepirikom, and Aluu. Standard methods were used for the microbiological analyses and microbial inactivation using home microwave oven.
 Results: The total plate counts (log10 CFU/g) for the samples ranged from 5.35 to 6.29, 5.67 to 6.09, and 5.88 to 6.36 for samples collected from Choba, Rumuepirikom and Aluu respectively. The isolated bacteria on the basis of cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were identified as: Staphylococcus spp. (44.4%), Salmonella spp. (11.1%), Bacillus spp. (35.2%), Shigella sp. (1.9%), Enterobacter sp. (3.7%) and Streptococcus sp. (3.7%) from all three locations. A decrease in the microbial load was noted as exposure time increased from 0 to 60 s. (exposure to what)
 Conclusion: In all, suya condiments collected for this study were contaminated with bacteria of public health significance which suggest the need for microbial inactivation and an improvement in hygiene practice during processing and storage.

Use of Novel and Environmental Friendly Natural Polymer and Its Alumina Nano-composite Synthesized from <i>Rhynchophorus phoenicis</i> in Waste Water Treatment

Novel and environmental friendly natural polymer and its Alumina nano-composite were synthesized from hard tissue of <i>Rhynchophorus phoenicis</i> gathered from palm trees at Omuoko community in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers state, Nigeria using standard methods. Dyes which are coloured organic compounds employed to put in colour onto cloth contaminate most of the water used. The natural polymer and its nano composite were used in Removal of dye from waste water. The investigation showed that chitosan (44.05 mg/g) has a lower adsorption capacity compared to alumina-chitosan composite (56.18 mg/g). This signifies that alumina-chitosan nano composite is a better adsorbent than chitosan. Batch adsorption tests of crystal violet dye confirmed that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The <i>q_e</i> value ascertained for alumina-chitosan nanocomposite and chitosan for pseudo-second-order kinetic model, were 23.98 mg/g and 22.37 mg/g respectively. The optimum contact time for adsorption of crystal violet dye onto chitosan was attained at 40 minutes. Adsorption isotherms which are a very key tool for comprehending the circulation of the adsorbate on the adsorbent surface at equilibrium were used. Alumina-chitosan composite is better for the adsorption of crystal violet dye from wastewater than the chitosan. Going by the correlation coefficient, R² values, the adsorption isotherm studies of crystal violet dye onto the chitosan and alumina-chitosan composite abided by the Langmuir isotherm model.

Selecting optimal site for solar photovoltaic plant in Ikwerre L.G.A., Rivers State, Nigeria

Erratic power supply is a serious problem to most part of Rivers State, Nigeria in general and Ikwerre Local Government Area in particular. This situation does not only halt social and economic development of the area but has also given birth to other social vices such as arm robbery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. Renewable energy is an alternative form of energy aim at alleviating the problems of erratic power supply. It is generally considered as the cleanest form of energy. Solar photovoltaic is a type of renewable energy which derived its energy from the sun. The construction of solar plant requires the selection of suitable location for the generation of optimal energy. The purpose of the study is to determine suitable locations in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State to site solar photovoltaic plant using multi-criteria analysis (MCA) in ESRI’s ArcGIS. The dataset used for the determination of the optimal sites include; solar radiation and slope map produced from digital terrain model (DTM), pipeline, road network, land use/ cover map, soil map, and settlement. The datasets were converted to raster and reclassed into six classes for the purpose of data integration. The datasets were weighted according to their relative importance in the weighted overlay tool. Solar radiation has the highest percentage influence 40, followed by proximity to pipeline and road network which are 15 each. The model produced four suitability classes ranging from poorly suitable to highly suitable class. Highly suitable class has an area of 10139.87ha with 548 polygons, representing 15.78% of the study area. Further analysis was carried out using highly suitable class and settlement layer, it was found that three (3) optimal sites were obtained as most suitable for sitting solar plant. The three polygons were located in the region with very high solar radiation, accessible to road and away from built-up areas. The above results suggest the usefulness of GIS in site selection, particularly in sitting solar photovoltaic plant. It is recommended that further study should include transmission line which was completely omitted in this analysis due to inability to get the shapefile from the ministry of power.

Survey of Technologies Used in Cassava Processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State

The purpose of this study was to survey the technologies used in cassava processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Specifically, the study was proposed to determine the technologies used in harvesting, peeling, grinding, extracting water, sifting and frying crushed cassava tubers into Garri. A structured questionnaire titled “Survey of technologies used in cassava processing in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State (STUCP)”.was administered to one hundred-fifty farmers in ten villages in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data was analyzed with the use of pictorial view of the technology used in cassava processing and Statistical package for social science was used in determining the frequency, percentage and mean. The findings revealed that more need to be done in terms of the technology used in harvesting, peeling, grinding, extracting water, sifting and frying crushed cassava tubers into Garri. One of the recommendations was that technology used in cassava processing should be improved in order to boost garri production in Rivers State.

Influence of Non-Formal Education on Entrepreneurship Skill Development Among Rural Farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State

The purpose of the article was to determine the influence of non-formal education on entrepreneurship skill development among rural farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study design was descriptive survey. The target population was six hundred and fifty (650) members of the farmers' co-operative societies in the Ikwerre Local Government Area. The sample size was two hundred (200) farmers purposively selected based on the size of farm holdings. Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire in a 4-point rating scale of agreement. The instrument was tested using Cronbach Alpha reliability test and was found to be reliable at 0.79. Data collected were analyzed descriptively using mean and standard deviation. The findings showed that community outreach, on-the-job training and co-operative training programmes were veritable tools for rural farmers' entrepreneurship skill development. Hence, the need to situate agricultural entrepreneurship centres in the rural area was recommended.

Teaching Pupils Using Creative Drama in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State

Teaching Pupils Using Creative Drama in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State

Determinants of farmers’ responses on Agrochemical Usage in Ikwerre local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria

Determinants of farmers’ responses on Agrochemical Usage in Ikwerre local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria

Risky Sexual Behaviours among Youths in Selected Communities in Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Risky Sexual Behaviours among Youths in Selected Communities in Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Women Organizations' Activities on Community Development in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Women Organizations' Activities on Community Development in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Heavy Metals Contents and Health Risk Assessment of Classroom Corner Dusts in Selected Public Primary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

Heavy metals are shown to be a major indoor dusts pollutant. The health risk assessment of Heavy metal contents of dusts collected from classroom corners of some randomly selected public primary schools in Rivers state was carried out. Dust samples from Classroom corners of three (3) Public primary Schools in Obio/Akpor, Eleme, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas (LGAs) was collected and analyzed for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Arsernic (As) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, GF, Flame HVG). The heavy metal concentrations obtained from the analysis revealed that mean maximum level for Pb and Cd were obtained from E at 25.39±0.09 and 3.52±0.23 mg kg-1 respectively, while that of Cr and As were obtained from H at 45.24±0.02 and 1.53±0.06 mg kg-1. The minimum levels were observed at E. The Average daily intake Dose (ADDingestion, dermal and inhalation) and corresponding Target Hazard Quotients obtained revealed oral ingestion as major exposure pathway, though with no evidence for non carcinogenic risk/Hazard index (HI), but with children population being more exposed to Life cancer Risks (TLCR) except at F. It is however recommended that same risk assessment be made on agricultural products harvested from Primary School Farms and Borehole water within these regions.

Factors, Gender and Locational Differences of Stress among Secondary School Students in Ikwerre and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to ascertain the factors gender and location differences of stress among secondary school students, in Port Harcourt and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State. Population of the study comprised all the senior secondary school class two (SS2) and junior secondary school class two (JSS2) students in Port Harcourt and Ikwerre Local government areas of Rivers State. Simple random and stratified random sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 272 students used for the study. The sample was made up of 136 male and 136 female students. It also comprised 136 urban and 136 rural students. The JSS students were 136 while the SSS students were 136. The instrument used for the study was titled factors of Stress among Secondary School Students Inventory (FSSS1). The instrument which measured possible factors of stress among secondary school students comprised 26 items. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability co-efficient of the instrument which was 0.84. Three research questions and two hypotheses were answered and tested respectively, using mean, standard deviation and t-test. The results obtained were as follows: The identified sources of stress among secondary school students include: poor academic performance, too much punishment in school, some teachers not teaching during their period, gossiping from school mates, poor health condition, the issue of gaining admission into the university, parents poor financial condition, not having text books, parents sickness and traffic hold-up, to and from school. There was significant difference between male and female students stress. There was also significant difference between urban and rural secondary school students stress. It was recommended among others that government should expand the infrastructural facilities in the existing universities so as to enable them offer more admission to the students in order to reduce their stress in this regard; and that rural posting allowance be paid to teachers in the rural areas. In addition, counsellors, are to counsel students on stress coping strategies.

Adaptation of Root Crop Farming System to Climate Change in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined adaptation of root crop farming system to climate change in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria. Seven towns were selected based on a population of five thousand and above from which one hundred and ninety-one respondents were randomly chosen. Sixty-six years’ data on climatic variables of rainfall, temperature and relative humidity were obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency between 1950-2015. Analyses were carried out using simple proportion for qualitative variables while mean and standard deviation were used in analyzing the qualitative variable. Similarly, the triangulation method involving qualitative and quantitative components in data generation was used. Results showed that, there had been a steady but gradual increase in the mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures over the study period of thirty years. The overall mean rainfall computed was 191.1 mm. In general, there was a shift increase in both rainfall and temperature during the period under study. The respondents attributed crop failure (100%), reduced crop yield (100%), increase incidence of pest and diseases (100%) and delay in planting period (100%) as direct effects of climate change. A steady trend in relative humidity of (84.3%) was recorded and the mean annual wind speed computed was 67.9 knots. The adapted strategies include delay planting period, crop diversification 100%, cultivation of early maturing crops such as maize, vegetables, intercropped with the root crops and changes in the time of farm operations (99.4%) as well as a change in the planting period and changing farm location (98.9%). The latter will in addition to other benefits reduce the incidences of pest and diseases that may be attracted to the same field if continuously cultivated with the same crops. An implementable policy of accessibility of finance to the real farmers is seriously advocated.

Effects of Climate Change on Fluted Pumpkin Production and Adaptaton Measures Used Among Farmers in Rivers State

The importance of fluted pumpkin crop in rural household economy cannot be over emphasized. Farmers in the South South Nigeria depend greatly on fluted pumpkin for its many uses. The production however is beset with a myriad of constraints of which climate change is one of the most outstanding. The study assessed the effects of climate change and adaptation measures used by fluted pumpkin farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Area(LGA) of Rivers State, Southsouth Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Out of the twelve communities that make up Ikwerre LGA, six communities were randomly chosen from which one hundred and eighty fluted pumpkin farmers were proportionately selected. Interview schedule and focus group discussion were used to elicit in depth information from respondents. Data were analyzed using percentage, frequency count and mean. Tables and charts were used in presentation of data. The result of the study showed that 51 percent of the respondents were female, majority were married (77 percent) and were full time farmers (79 percent). Relatively large proportion had no formal education (42 percent) and indicated both consumption and sale (79 percent) as the major aim of production. The respondents perceived that unpredictable climate condition, changes in rainfall pattern, changes in rainfall distribution, reduced yield of fluted pumpkin and reduction of family income were the major effects of climate change on fluted pumpkin production. A combination of fluted pumpkin production with other income generating activities was shown to be the most widely used adaptation strategy by respondents. Based on the results of the study it was recommended that improved extension services that can provide the needed farming inputs (fluted pumpkin seedlings, fertilizers e.t.c) as well as useful and relevant information on climate change and adaptation strategies should be made available to the people.

Breeding Sites of &lt;i&gt;Culex quinquefasciatus&lt;/i&gt; (Say) during the Rainy Season in Rural Lowland Rainforest, Rivers State, Nigeria

Breeding sites of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) were investigated during a World Bank Assisted Project on Integrated Vector Management (IVM ) for malaria control at 5 v illages (Ipo, Ozuaha, Oman wa, Omademe, Ub ima) in the Ikwerre Local Govern ment Area (LGA ). The study was in the rainy season, June-September, 2009, in ru ral lowland rain- forest, Rivers State, Nigeria. Samp ling was undertaken daily in a randomly selected (100 m x 100 m) grid in each village. Nu mber of Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) immatures was appro ximately 6-fold that of An. gambiae s.l. Nearly 80% of Cx. quinquefasciatus immatures were fro m container-type breeding sites (metal, p lastic containers, calabashes, tyres) and least fro m phytotelmata. The differences were significant (FCal=35695636; FTab=39.86; d f 1, 1; p 0.01). In the phytotelmata breeding site-types, about 67% of Cx. quinquefasciatus immatures were fro m depressions on trees; the difference in total numbers among site-types was significant (FCal=2.47x10 8 ; FTab=39.86; df 1,1; p<0.01). The container-type breeding sites yielded approximately 90% of immatures at Omanwa, but decreased to 60% at Omademe. In contrast, nearly 70% of immatures were fro m pools at Ozuaha and 80% fro m phytotelmata at Ub ima. These variat ions were significant (FCal=4305.94; F Tab=39.86; df 1,1; p<0.01). The results indicate that Cx. quinquefasciatus had invaded rural areas and their breed ing sites ubiquitous and variable among villages, highlighting the needs for studies locally, prior to larviciding.

Diagnosis of business failures in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study explores the causes of business failures especially manufacturing firms in Ikwerre Local Government Area (KELGA) of Nigeria. The study samples were drawn from five (5) randomly selected manufacturing firms such as Rizonpalm Limited, Unizon Limited, Johnson Nigeria Limited, Chinda Limited, and Chizi Limited. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and personal interviews of the sample elements of the population. The hypotheses were tested using both the Chisquare (X) and test of proportion (Z-test) statistical tools. The findings of the research showed that the business failures are caused by the negative internal and external environmental factors namely: pressure from competitors or new entrants, poor improvement in modern technology and poor sales, the outbreak of pest and farm diseases, government policy and etc. The study recommends that there must be application of strategies in order to ensure that manufacturing firms with poor performances can have suggestions for achieving business survival, increase in profit and greater market share.