Jigawa State Research Articles

Unveiling Practical Insights: An Assessment of Media Influence on Tertiary Students' Perceptions of Crime and Criminals in Jigawa State

This study examines the influence of media on tertiary students' perceptions of crime and criminals in Jigawa State, Nigeria. With the rise in media consumption, particularly of crime-related content, there is growing concern about its potential to distort reality and elevate fear of crime among young adults. Utilizing Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory as a framework, this research explores how different media types impact students' understanding of crime, including television, social media, and news outlets. A mixed-method approach was used, combining surveys and focus group discussions with students across various institutions. The results indicate a significant correlation between high media consumption and exaggerated crime perception. Findings further reveal that students frequently exposed to sensational crime stories report heightened fear and misconceptions about criminal activity. These insights underscore the need for media literacy programs and balanced crime reporting to mitigate the influence of media on students' perceptions of crime.

SPATIAL MARKET INTEGRATION AND PRICE TRANSMISSION OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) IN NIGERIA

The study investigated spatial market integration and price transmission of cowpea in Nigeria. Secondary data on monthly basis for wholesale cowpea price per kilogram were used for the study. Augmented Dicky Fuller Test, Johansen Co-integration model, Granger Causality Test and Variance Decomposition of Vecto Autoregressive Model and Error Correction Model were used as analytical tools. Augmented Dickey Fuller test revealed that first difference all the price series were stationary and lag one (1) is the optimum lag length appropriate for the specified variables. Cointegration test results of the markets proved that despite that these markets were spatially separated geographically, they were connected in terms of price transmission across them, both in the long and short run but the level of integration is weak. It was observed that price changes are temporary and would converge to an equilibrium within a given time span. Granger causality test results indicate that one pair showed bi-directional causation between Bauchi and Enugu States. Thirty two (32) links showed unidirectional and three (3) pairs such as Niger→Abia, Niger→Lagos and Sokoto→Cross River States pairs showed no causal relationship between them. The study showed that Gombe and River States cowpea price had a faster speed of adjustment to equilibrium than other states. It also revealed that that 1% increase in Jigawa State will result to 20.5% increase in Enugu state and 1 % increase in River State will lead to 40.6% and 64.8% increase in Gombe and Nasarawa States in the short run respectively. The study concluded that, there is integration between the cowpea prices of source and destination states, but the degree of integration is weak. It is recommended that market participants should adopt standardize trading, settlement practice and invest in technology (electronic trading platform) to reduce operational inefficiencies in different markets to support integration.

An Investigation on Adherence to the Daily Dietary Intake Recommendations among Pregnant Women in Jigawa North-West Zone, Nigeria

Introduction: Past investigations revealed that there were no specific recorded data available on the adherence to the daily recommended dietary intakes among pregnant women in Jigawa North-West zone in Nigeria. Purpose: This study investigates the adherence of a cohort of pregnant women to the daily dietary intake recommendations in Jigawa north west zone, Nigeria. Methodology: The study cohort was population based of enrolled pregnant women who routinely attended the antenatal care of the General Hospital Kazaure (GHK), Jigawa state, Nigeria. A total of 207 pregnant women were enrolled for the study, where a descriptive study was conducted using Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ) administered in a face to face interviewed-administrated procedure. Data Analysis: Data obtained were presented using descriptive statistics, relative frequencies and charts. The analysis was done using the SPSS statistical software package and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The data analyzed were presented as frequency tables. Pearson chi‑square (X^2) and t‑tests were used to test for associations between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that most of the pregnant women in the zone do not adhere to nutritional guidelines in their pregnancy, none of the enrolled women met the recommendations for all the FiveFood Groups (FFG). Adherence on some of FFG varies more with their socioeconomic characteristics than their locations

Impact of Access to Finance on Small Scale Businesses’ Growth in Jigawa State, Nigeria

The study examined the impact of access to finance on the growth of small scale businesses (SSBs) in Jigawa State. The study employed a survey method as its research design and the population of the study comprises of all small scale businesses in Jigawa State. A multistage sampling technique was employed to determine the sample size out of which the respondents were selected. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaire to the sampled respondents. The findings from the study identified the financial options available for SSBs across the state which include cooperative societies, loans and micro financing organizations, personal savings and funds from friends and families. The findings further revealed how culture and traditions, lack of support services in business development, high collateral requirements for credit and difficult access to technology and market have constituted obstacles in starting and growth of an enterprise for small scale business owners. The study concludes that to ensure effective growth of small businesses in the state, some of the socio-economic, infrastructural and management challenges to be addressed. It thus, recommends the need to strengthen access to finance for SSBs through creating awareness on available financing options, enabling environment for small scale business owners, facilitating access to public support services and expanding sources of funding to improve businesses with little collateral.

CRITICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS FOR PROJECT DELIVERY IN JIGAWA STATE

Communication plays an important role in project delivery in terms of relationship, trust and collaboration among internal stakeholders. This research aims to examine the relationship between factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders and construction project delivery with a view of improving communication among stakeholders in construction project delivery in Jigawa State. Questionnaire was used for data collection in Dutse capital of Jigawa state, various factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders are identified from literature review, experts and professionals working in public and private building project in Dutse capital of Jigawa state were selected using a probability sampling technique, a total of one hundred and eight (108) respondents were selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire which represent 90% of response rate. The data are analyzed by descriptive (frequencies and percentage,) and inferential statistics (spear’s man correlation, ANOVA and regression coefficient) are conducted using SPSS 25 version software. The Findings shows that Leadership, trust, communication tools, communication skills, stakeholders involvement, cultural differences and communication technology have strong correlation with successful project delivery and understanding the factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders can foster better collaboration among stakeholders, minimize conflicts and disputes, and can lead to improved project outcomes, reduced delays, and increased customer satisfaction. Leadership, communication skill and communication tools have significant effect on construction project delivery. The factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders would consequently affect the performance of project delivery. These factors can be considered as the critical factors that enhance effective communication among stakeholders for successful project delivery in...

Assessment of the extent of community preparedness to flood risk in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Jigawa State faces annual flood disasters that have resulted in significant loss of life and property, putting many communities at risk. This study aim to evaluate the preparedness for flood risk in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A sample of 666 respondents was selected for a self-administered questionnaire, with 601 fully completed. The collected data were analyzed descriptively to determine the preparedness index. (PI). From the result of the findings, a majority (77.7%) of the respondents agreed that the community is aware of flood risks. There was also a provision of a neighborhood directory (97.8%), local shelter (75.9%) and emergency contacts (55.4%) during floods. The PI (92.6%, 98.6% 84.1% and 85.1% respectively), are above the 65% threshold and hence considered ‘prepared’ in this regard; but, ‘somewhat prepared’ (PI of 61.7%) regarding awareness of flood disaster risk management strategies; ‘and unprepared’ (PI of 55.5%, 50.5%, 50.5%, 50.8% and 54.3% respectively) in terms of community organization of public education and training of flood risk reduction (66.6%); engagement on rehearsals/emergency drills (51.6%); good community-based warning system (51.4%); and a standalone system for property protection measures during floods (52.4%); as well as an active recovery plan (62.9%). It was recommended that proper embankment protection and water regulation outlets be established. Additionally, real-time flood forecasting and effective early warning systems should be developed. Communities should be assessed to identify flood risk zones before construction activities begin, or alternatively, resettlement to safer areas should be considered for those living in flood-prone regions.

Multi-criteria analysis and mapping of the vulnerable flood risk areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria

This study evaluates flood risk factors and maps flood-prone areas in Jigawa State, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques. By integrating various flood-causing factors—such as rainfall distribution, elevation, slope, drainage network and density, land cover and use, flow accumulation, and soil type— through a multi-parametric approach, it employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to perform pairwise comparisons and assign priority weights to each factor. Spatial multi-criteria analysis (MCA) then ranks and identifies potential flood locations. Using ArcGIS's weighted overlay tool, these layers are combined to produce a final flood risk map, classifying areas into high, very high, moderate, low, and very low-risk categories. Elevation and slope were found to have the greatest impact on flooding, with normalized criterion weights of 30 and 22, respectively. The Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.06 validated the strength of the judgment, and these AHP-derived factor weights were used to create the flood risk map showing areas with varying risk levels, highlighting eight local governments in the study area. —Auyo, Hadejia, Kirika-samma, Kafin-Hausa, Ringim, Miga, Jahun, and Dutse—compose areas of very high risk, while Guri, some portions of northern Kiri-kasamma, southern Jahun, northern Auyo, Birnin-Kudu, and northwestern Ringim local governments comprise high-risk areas. Areas of moderate risk comprise a small portion of northern Kirika-samma, larger portions of Gwaram, small portions of Jahun, Kafin-Hausa, Dutse and Birnin-kudu local governments respectively and areas of low to very low risks consist of many parts of Gwaram and some tiny portions of Birnin-kudu.

Enacting Social Protection Laws in Jigawa and Zamfara States, Nigeria

Legal frameworks are important for institutionalising and strengthening social protection systems. Two states in Nigeria, Jigawa and Zamfara, have enacted social protection laws. This article explores how the process of enacting such a law is influenced by state-level politics and local contexts, and how the activities of a project financed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) contributed to much greater understanding and acceptance of social protection in both states. Primary data collected through in-depth interviews with state and non-state stakeholders and project staff was analysed to tease out the political, cultural, and power dynamics involved in enacting the laws. Findings show that a range of factors aimed at building the case for, and understanding of, social protection across a range of stakeholders was critical, and that a fairly standard package of tools employed in advocating for institutionalising social protection was influenced considerably by domestic political dynamics.

Provider and community perceptions of integrated COVID-19 and routine childhood immunisation programmes in Nigeria: a qualitative exploratory study

BackgroundIn Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through outreach activities, as well as integrated within routine immunisation. However, evaluations of integrated approaches for novel vaccines are scarce. We aimed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating the COVID-19 vaccine within routine immunisation in Nigeria, and identify ways to strengthen this approach.MethodsWe conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with community members and healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in Jigawa (n = 16) and Oyo (n = 14) states, Nigeria from 08 August to 13 September 2022. Participants were selected purposively from PHCs. We obtained information on participants’ perception about routine immunisation, and perceived benefits and challenges associated with integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Healthcare worker and community interviews were analysed separately following a thematic analysis approach.ResultsWe identified four themes that describe the community and healthcare workers’ responses, perceived impact, and the health system adaptions to the challenges associated with the integrated vaccine delivery approach. Community members expressed concern that children might be given COVID-19 vaccines instead of routine immunisations, while others appreciated the integrated approach due to their trust in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, government, and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers perceived the integrated approach as improving vaccination coverage and awareness but noted additional problems of increased workload, vaccine scarcity, and prolonged clinic visits. Insufficient resources were subsisting barriers to effective integration in both states, but the provider’s gender was also a challenge in Jigawa state. Additionally, the use of incentives to generate demand had ambiguous effects in Jigawa state.ConclusionTaking an integrated approach to deliver COVID-19 vaccines was acceptable by healthcare providers but community members expressed concerns. Given existing vaccination programmes have persistent challenges, it is pertinent to address these barriers to enhance effectiveness of an integrated approach.

Effect of a participatory whole-systems approach on mortality in children younger than 5 years in Jigawa state, Nigeria (INSPIRING trial): a community-based, parallel-arm, pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial and concurrent mixed-methods process evaluation

In 2019, Nigeria reported the highest mortality rate in children younger than 5 years globally. We aimed to assess a whole-systems approach to improving child mortality in northern Nigeria. We conducted a community-based, parallel-arm, pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial in Kiyawa local government area, Jigawa state, Nigeria, and a concurrent mixed-methods process evaluation using ethnography and quantitative implementation monitoring. Trial clusters were population catchment areas of 32 government primary health-care facilities. Compounds were randomly sampled, proportional to cluster size, and all women aged 16-49 years and children younger than 5 years who were permanent residents were eligible for inclusion and recruited as the evaluation population. Children younger than 7 days were recruited but excluded from analysis. Evaluation clusters were allocated to intervention or control via simple randomisation with a 1:1 ratio. Cluster names were written on paper, folded, and placed in a container by community representatives. Different community representatives took out names one by one, with the first half assigned to receive the intervention. The intervention consisted of three components: participatory learning and action (PLA) groups for men and women (including compound heads [ie, the member of the compound that residents deemed most senior]), partnership defined quality scorecard (PDQS), and health-care worker capacity building; it was delivered from March 1, 2021, to Dec 31, 2022. We could not mask participants, field staff, or intervention-delivery staff to cluster allocation but baseline, endline, and follow-up data excluded information on cluster allocation. PLA groups involved separate groups of up to 25 men or women from all villages in the intervention clusters. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality in children aged 7 days to 59 months between Oct 1, 2021, and Sept 20, 2022, referred to as the evaluation period. The trial was prospectively registered (ISRCTN 39213655) and the protocol has been published. We recruited 3800 compounds at baseline, with 12 893 children contributing to analysis of the primary outcome (7316 [56·8%] of 12 893 in the intervention group and 5577 [43·3%] in the control group). 6617 (51·3%) of 12 893 children were male, 6275 (48·7%) were female, and one (<0·1%) child had missing sex data. Sampled compounds randomly came from 388 (91·3%) of 425 villages in the 32 clusters. We conducted verbal autopsies for 1182 deaths, of which 369 (31·2%) were children aged 7 days to 59 months during the evaluation period. Of these 369, 91 (24·7%) were classified as pneumonia deaths. Children contributed a median 361 days (IQR 236-365) to the analysis, with 369 (2·9%) of 12 893 children censored on their date of death, 1545 (12·0%) on their 5th birthday, and 3392 (26·3%) on the date of the most recent follow-up in which their residence or survival status was known. We found no significant decrease in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0·95, 95% CI 0·68-1·33; p=0·79) or suspected pneumonia mortality (0·79, 0·43-1·46; p=0·46) in the intervention group. The process evaluation showed low coverage and issues in reach of the intervention, but qualitative data highlighted mechanisms for positive effects on health and relationships. Our intervention did not affect mortality. However, due to the high child mortality in this region, further efforts should be made to adapt our participatory whole-systems approach to use communities of action within compounds. GSK and Save the Children UK. For the Hausa translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Evaluation of Botanical Composition of Kashin-Dila Rangeland in Mallam-Madori Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria

One of the most important aspects in grassland science is the characterization of vegetation in terms of its botanical composition. Botanical composition of rangeland is important because individual species may differ in feeding value, content of harmful substances and their reaction to environmental and management factors. This study was therefore conducted to identify, classify and assess the botanical composition of forages growing in Kashin-dila rangeland of Mallam-Madori Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The rangeland that covers 564.2 ha was stratified into two distinctive vegetation (grassland and shrub land) areas, where a plot of 1 ha was marked and replicated ten times (10 ha) in the first stratum and five times in the second, making a total of 15 sample plots and 150 sample points when a quadrat of 1m x 1m was thrown ten times in each plot. The collected forages were categorized into herbaceous and woody forages. Thirty herbaceous forages were identified and classified, belonging to 14 families with poaceae as the most frequent. Nineteen of these forages were annuals and the remaining 11 were perennials. Ten of the forages were classified as grasses based on forage type, 3 sedges, 5 legumes, and 12 forbs. Among the 30 herbaceous forages, 10 were decreasers, 11 increasers, and 9 invaders. Twelve woody forages were identified and also classified as in the latter. The woody forages belong to 8 families. Fabaceae was the most frequent family. The botanical composition of poaceae was 23.81% covering 9.17% of the vegetation cover, cyperaceae with 7.14% covering only 0.005%, fabaceae with 21.43% spread over 47.47% while other families were 47.62% covering 43.36% of the total vegetation cover of the rangeland. The botanical composition of the rangeland was good, having good number of perennials, moderate decreasers and low invaders were also good potentials for the rangeland. La connaissance de la composition botanique est essentielle en science des prairies pour caractériser la végétation. Elle revêt une importance capitale car la valeur alimentaire, la présence de substances nocives et la réponse aux facteurs environnementaux et de gestion varient selon les espèces. Cette étude visait à identifier, classer et évaluer la composition botanique des fourrages du pâturage de Kashin-Dila, situé dans la zone d’administration locale de Mallam-Madori, État de Jigawa, au Nigeria. Le pâturage d’une superficie de 564,2 hectares a été stratifié en deux zones distinctes de végétation (prairies et arbustales). Une parcelle d’un hectare a été délimitée et répétée dix fois (10 ha) dans la première strate et cinq fois dans la seconde, totalisant ainsi 15 parcelles d’échantillon et 150 points d’échantillon (quadrant de 1m x1m lancé dix fois par parcelle). Les fourrages récoltés ont été classés en fourrages herbacés et ligneux. Trente fourrages herbacés appartenant à 14 familles ont été identifiés et classés, les Poaceae étant les plus abondantes. Dix-neuf étaient des annuelles et les onze restantes, des vivaces. Dix ont été classés comme graminées, trois comme carex, cinq comme légumineuses et douze comme plantes dicotylédones. Parmi les 30 fourrages herbacés, dix étaient des espèces en régression, onze en progression et neuf envahissantes. Douze fourrages ligneux ont également été identifiés et classés selon ce critère. Ces derniers appartiennent à huit familles, les Fabaceae étant les plus fréquentes. La composition botanique était la suivante : 23,81% pour les Poaceae (couvert végétal de 9,17 %), 7,14 % pour les Cyperaceae (couvert végétal de 0,005 %), 21,43 % pour les Fabaceae (couvert végétal de 47,47 %) et 47,62 % pour les autres familles (couvert végétal de 43,36 %). La composition botanique du pâturage s’est avérée satisfaisante, avec une proportion intéressante de plantes vivaces, un nombre modéré d’espèces en régression et un faible nombre d’espèces envahissantes, indiquant un bon potentiel pour le pâturage.

Exploring Learning Dynamics: A Comparative Study of IDEs and Command-Line Interfaces for Learning Java Programming language in the Department of Computer Science, Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies Ringim

This study explored the learning dynamics associated with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Command-Line Interfaces (CLIs) for teaching and learning java programming language in the Department of Computer Science at the College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim. The study evaluates the effectiveness of different programming tools (IDEs and CLIs) in enhancing the learning experience of Java programming students. It seeks to understand how these tools impact learners' confidence, skill development, and overall programming proficiency. The results revealed distinct advantages and challenges associated with each environment, underscoring the importance of context and learner preferences in selecting the appropriate tool for Java programming education. The study provides valuable recommendations for educators on optimizing programming instruction to better meet the needs of diverse learners.

Economic Feasibility Study For The Setting Up And Utilization Of A Multipurpose Food Irradiation Facility In Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria

One proven and efficient method for processing and preserving food is food irradiation. Irradiation is a productive and economical technique that has several advantages over other technologies used in food processing. The technique helps prevent food loss and ensure food safety by getting rid of parasites and bacteria that can make people sick or even kill them. Produce from agriculture and animal food products can benefit from radiation treatment to increase shelf life while maintaining microbiological safety and quality. Based on more than 50 years of research and testing data, a number of national and international food and health organizations have acknowledged and supported the safety of food and products treated to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility for the establishment and utilization of a multipurpose food irradiation facility in Jigawa state and its environ as a post-harvest treatment for major arable crops cultivated in the state and its environ which include millet, sorghum, groundnut, sesame, rice, maize, tomatoes, pepper, onions, wheat, and dried fish. The study explored ways in which irradiation may be employed for each crops and vegetable with the approved dose rate. The cost of irradiation was also calculated for different sources of colbalt-60. The study results indicate one or more technically economically feasible application points for irradiation in the processing of each commodity considered. The most promising points are the potential for disinfestation of large quantity of crops and vegetables which will ensure food availability all year round and at a cheap rate for citizens as well as the potential for export thereby helping to grow the revenue and GDP of the state.

Determinants of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Among Women of Childbearing Age in Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women during their reproductive years. This study aimed to evaluate the primary factors influencing the utilization of ANC among women of childbearing age in Isari town, Jigawa State. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 mothers of childbearing age, selecting them using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses performed were descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. The majority of respondents (92.5%) indicated awareness of ANC, with a significant proportion expressing the necessity of ANC services (85.7%). 57.8% of the respondents indicated attending ANC services at least four times during pregnancy. Furthermore, the number of visits has a significant relationship with age (P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.003), occupation (P = 0.043), mother's knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (P = 0.001), and husband's support for ANC (P < 0.001). Enhancing ANC utilization will necessitate focusing on women residing in rural areas and those with limited educational attainment.

Relative efficiency of some chemical fungicides used for the control of rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae B. Cauch) in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Relative efficiency of some chemical fungicides used for the control of rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae B. Cauch) in Jigawa State, Nigeria

ANALYSIS OF UTILIZATION OF ANIMAL TRACTION POWER BY CROP FARMERS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The use of animals for farm operations lighten human labour for farm cultivation, freight and transport thereby contributing immensely to the farm economy. The study was undertaken to analyse utilization of animal traction power by farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 266 respondents from a total population of 3,3895 registered farmers using animal traction power. Information were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that all of the respondents were adult, married males with mean age of 25 years. A little over one-third of the respondents are literate with significant (75%) membership of associations. Also, 30.0% and 23.3% of the respondents have experience of animal traction power utilization of between 11-15 years, and above 20 years, respectively while 43% have farm size of not more than half (0.5) hectare. Over 60% inherited the farmlands. The study revealed that about 84% of the respondent’ source of animal traction power are bulls. Tillage practices (44.41%), transportation (21.27%) and pulling sledges (15.06%) ranked first, second and third respectively, as the major farming operations traction power is employed for in the study area. Multiple regression analysis results shows that education level, farming experience and farm size had a positive and significant relationship affecting and influencing use animal traction by the respondents. Also, over one-third (38.8%) of the respondents were challenged by scarcity of feed resources and water while 20.3% were constrained by animal health issues. Therefore, the study concluded that animal traction power is a reliable means of farming operation utilized by small scale farmers that has the potential of uplifting the socio-economics standard of the farmers.

LABORATORY ASSESSMENT OF VIABILITY AND GERMINABILITY TESTS FOR SUGARGRAZE AND COLUMBUS GRASS SEEDS

The experiment was conducted to assess the two forage sorghum seeds viabilities and germination percentages. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Animal Science Department, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. The experimental materials were Sugargraze seeds (had same nature with food sorghum seeds) and Columbus grass seeds (were hard with scaly coat in nature) sourced from National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika, Zaria. The data collected for viability test was subjected to T-test using Microsoft excel (10th Edition) for the determination of germination percentages. The seed germination test methods (between paper method) were used; two hundred (200) seeds each of Sugargraze and Columbus grass were used, replicated ten times with twenty (20) seeds per Glass Petri dish and kept at room temperature (28 – 30 0C) for seven (7) days. Petri dishes were checked daily, counted and recorded for the sprouted seeds for determination of percentage germination rate in each replication. The results showed that the percentage germination increased significantly with increasing days of germination among all the cultivars. Columbus grass, which showed germination rates of 39.50%, 70.50%, and 81.50% at 2, 4, and 6 days, respectively, Sugargraze showed germination percentages of 58.50% and 92.50% at days 2 and 4. The whole germination time for Columbus grass seeds was 6 days, whereas Sugargraze seeds needed just 4 days. The viability of the Columbus and Sugargraze grass seeds was 81.50% and 92.50%, respectively.

EFFECT OF VARYING FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON FODDER YIELD AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF COWPEA PLANT AS FEED FOR SAHELIAN GOAT

In jigawa state, pasture farmers do not use any form of potassium and phosphorus source fertilizer, they entirely rely on the natural available soil potassium and phosphorus and this has resulted in lower yields of legumes pasture. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) with combination ratio (1:1) in a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of four treatments replicated four times. The combinations were applied after two and five weeks of planting. Fertilizer was weighed and applied evenly to individual treatments(T1 0.3kg, T2 0.5kg, T3 0.7kg and T4 0.9kg). Experimental plants were harvested at age of seven weeks. Plants were harvested by uprooting completely. Parameters observed were fresh fodder weight, dried fodder weight and mineral analysis. The result showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference on fresh and dried fodder on root weight (RW) of the experimental plants, whereas no significant (p &gt;0.05) difference was observed in (SW, LW, WPW and MC). The result on minerals analysis also shows significance (p &lt; 0.05) difference in some minerals (Mg and Zn), whereas no significant (p &gt;0.05) difference was observed on (Ca, K, P). This study revealed that, there is a little disparity on the varying level of fertilizer (Mop &amp; Tsp combination) on cowpea pasture plant, in which there is no significance difference (p&gt;0.05) on stem weight, leaves weight, whole plant weight, moisture content, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and phosphorous (P). The study show significance difference (p&lt;0.05) on root weight, magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn). Treatment (T3) with 0.7kg MOP &amp; TSP combination (1:1) will be recommended for both fodder yield and mineral composition as observed in the study.

PHYLOGENETIC (DENDROGRAM) ANALYSIS OF THREE INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF GOAT IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Phylogenetic (Dendrogram) Analysis of three indigenous breeds of goat in northern Nigeria namely Red Sokoto, Borno White and West African Dwarf goats (40 animals each) were evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. This study was conducted in three states of northern Nigeria namely Jigawa, Yobe and Nasarawa States. Ten RAPD markers were initially used for the analysis, 1 of the 10 markers was discarded based on the band pattern quality. The Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Molecular Laboratory, National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Kaduna. Results were analyzed using GenALEX 6.5 software. Phylogenetic tree constructed using the boostrapped data and neighbor-joining method grouped all the three breeds into two clusters indicating an agreement with phenotypic similarities. The result indicated that West African dwarf goat is most genetically distant from Red Sokoto and Borno white. The information obtained indicates that these breeds are genetically different which provide a good background about the breeds for genetic improvement and conservation of our local goat breed in the feature. The present study suggests that RAPD-PCR can effectively be used to determine the Phylogenetic relationship among the goat breeds.

EVALUATEION OF ANTI-NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF SOME SELECTED BROWSE PODS IN A SEMI-ARID ZONE OF NIGERIA

The study was conducted to evaluate the anti-nutritional properties of four selected browse pods; Faidherbia albida, Vachellia tortilis, Acacia nilotica and Piliostigma reticulatum in a semi-arid zone of Nigeria. The browse pods were sourced from the rangelands in Jigawa and Yobe states. The results revealed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the values of Oxalate, Phytate, Tannin and Saponin evaluated. The study therefore concluded that variations exist among the selected browse pods analyzed in terms of anti-nutritive properties; however they were all within the recommended requirement for ruminant nutrition and therefore recommended its use as feedstuff and its incorporation in ration formulation to curtail feed scarcity during the dry season.