Jos East Research Articles

The Effect of Insecurity on Tourism Activities in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The tourism sector in Jos, Plateau State, which was once a key driver of economic growth and local development, has experienced a severe decline due to the persistent insecurity in the state. This study examines the effect of insecurity on tourism activities in Jos, Plateau state. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected from the total population of 1,260,200 using the Tare Yamane formula. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 randomly selected respondents across Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East LGA. Interviews were also conducted with six key informants to complement the data gathered from the questionnaires. Responses from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages while quantitative data were analysed while outlining the key point presented by the key informant. The study revealed that insecurity in Jos has significantly affected tourism activities. Major effects include a decline in foreign investment, widespread unemployment, reduced patronage of tourist centres, and diminished state revenue. Insecurity also deters foreign investors, disrupts livelihoods in the tourism sector, and tarnishes Jos's reputation as a tourist destination. The study recommended that drones and CCTV cameras are examples of advanced technologies that should be used to provide real-time surveillance to identify and discourage criminal activity within the State.

Factors Influencing Maternal Health Service Utilization among Women of Childbearing Age in Jos East LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Factors Influencing Maternal Health Service Utilization among Women of Childbearing Age in Jos East LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Effect of Pergularia daemia (Forssk) and Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) leaf extracts on some enteric bacterial species

Medicinal plants are potential sources of new antimicrobial molecules. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of Pergularia daemia (Forssk) and Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) leaf extracts on some enteric bacterial species. Plant leaves were collected from Kerker village of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State. Plants were identified, the leaves were shade-dried, pulverized into fine powder. Proximate analysis was carried out using AOAC methods. Extracts were obtained through cold maceration techniques. The extracts were used for phytochemical screening; antibacterial activity was carried out using well diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration and maximum bactericidal concentration was determined using broth dilution method. The results of proximate analysis showed that the plants powder were rich in carbohydrates, M. charantia 55.59± 0.02 and P. daemia 31.38 ± 0.03, followed by crude fiber and crude fat 19. 62± 0.04 and 16.69± 0.22 in P. daemia compared to 10.66 ± 0.03 and 10.78± 0.03 in M. charantia while ash content and moisture were moderate with 12.86±0.12 in M. charantia and 7.53 ± 0.02 in P. daemia. The phytochemicals showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids in all plant extracts. The antibacterial activity showed that the extracts have a broad spectrum of activity on the test organisms as compared to the standard drug gentamicin. There was a significant difference at p<0.05. Shigella flexneri was the most susceptible to methanolic and aqueous extracts with 22.53± 0.10 at 500 mg/ml as compared to standard drug gentamicin 32.33± 0.18, followed by E. coli with 21.13± 0.13 at 500 mg/ml as compared to the control 29.60±0.15 and Salmonella typhi with 20.47±0.14 at the concentration of 500 mg/ml as compared to standard drug with 38.50±0.36. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration showed that Shigella flexneri was the most susceptible with the MIC of 31.25 mg/ml and 62.5 mg/ml for both methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. daemia while salmonella typhi was the most susceptible with the MIC of 62.5 mg/ml and 125 mg/ml for M. charantia respectively. The presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids showed that the plants leaves have antibacterial activity. The results of this study support the use of these plants as therapeutic agents for diarrhoea caused by S. flexneri and E. coli.

Refractive status seen amongst school pupils with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, North - Central Nigeria [Letter

Refractive status seen amongst school pupils with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, North - Central Nigeria [Letter

Refractive status seen amongst school pupils with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, North - Central Nigeria

Objectives: This study aims to determine the types of refractive errors commonly seen in patients with Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among the pupils in the Jos East Local Government area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A school-based descriptive study using a multistage sampling technique was carried out for 4 months. The visual acuity of the pupils was checked using a non-illuminated Snellen’s chart at 6 m, assessing one eye at a time. Individuals with visual acuity worse than 6/12 had pinhole tests and refraction done. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 and frequencies, simple percentages, and Chi-square were used to compare proportions. Results: A total of 400 participants were seen during the study, out of which 84 participants had vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Of these, 51 (60.7%) had refractive errors. Astigmatism was the most common form of refractive error seen in our study 26 (31%), myopia was seen in 15 (17.9%) whereas hypermetropia was the least seen in 10(11.9%). Simple astigmatism was seen more in individuals with acute stage of VKC 9 (75.0%) whereas compound astigmatism was commonly seen in participants with chronic stage of VKC (42.9%). Conclusion: Astigmatism was the commonest form of refractive error seen in these patients and simple astigmatism was the commonest variant of astigmatism seen.

Oncological Effects of Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Jos East, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Oncological Effects of Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Jos East, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Transfer of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th from Soil to Water and Edible Plants and Associated Radiological Effects in Jos East and Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Transfer of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th from Soil to Water and Edible Plants and Associated Radiological Effects in Jos East and Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria.

INDEX OF SOYBEAN TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND MULTIVARIATE CORRELATIONS IN SMALLHOLDER SYSTEMS

This study aims to critically highlight appropriate soybean production techniques that enhance levels of agricultural productivity. Therefore, it analyzed soybean production technologies and multivariate correlations in smallholder systems at Jos East, Plateau State, Nigeria. The respondents (120) were selected via multistage techniques. Descriptive statistics, adoption index and multivariate correlation techniques were used to analyze data collected via questionnaires. Soybean production technologies mainly applied by farmers in the area include planting on ridge (81%), improved varieties (80%) and appropriate harvest date (51%); most (67.5%) have a low adoption index of ≤0.36. The correlation coefficients of the multivariate factors (farm output, adoption cost, and adoption index) were significant at rxz (-0.64,), ryz (0.79) and rxy (-0.75), respectively. The identified constraints are barriers to technology adoption. Therefore, the study recommends improved input supply and subsidies, improved advisory services, credit access and market linkages.

Contamination and Pollution of Soil, Water and Edible Plant by the Concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th and Associated Radiological Parameters of Jos East and Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Contamination and Pollution of Soil, Water and Edible Plant by the Concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th and Associated Radiological Parameters of Jos East and Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria.

A study of number marking in Izere nouns

This research descriptively examines number marking in Izere nouns, using morpholexical rules as proposed by Lieber (1980). In essence, it describes noun inflections for number from base forms in Izere, with the aid of these rules. Data for the research were collected in Fobur, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, using selected nouns from the Ibadan wordlist of 400 basic items, alongside an adapted list of nouns specifically designed for the research. The selected nouns were collected electronically and then transcribed in a way that identified the inflected noun forms from the base ones. The data were then analyzed qualitatively. Morpholexical rules were also proposed to account for morphological changes in the inflected forms of these nouns. The research findings indicate that affixation, tone pattern change and suppletion are the dominant morphological processes that account for noun inflections for number in Izere.

Soil Loss Estimation Using Remote Sensing and RUSLE Model in Koromi-Federe Catchment Area of Jos-East LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Soil loss caused by erosion has destroyed landscapes, as well as depositing sterile material on fertile lands and rivers, clogged waterways and accelerated flash floods, declined the populations of fish and other species, and diminish soil fertility. In some places, erosion has also destroyed buildings, caused mudflow, create new landforms, displaced people, and slowed down the economy of the affected community by destroying roads and homes. Erosion is aggravated by climate change and anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, inappropriate methods of tillage, and unsustainable agricultural practices. In this study, remote sensing (RS) and geographic information (GIS) data and tools were used to model erosion and estimate soil loss in the catchment area of Koromi-Federe in Jos East, Plateau State Nigeria which is our study area. Soil loss estimation was performed using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and was computed by substituting the corresponding values of each factor inherent in the equation (rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope steepness and slope length, cover management, and conservation practices) using RS and GIS tools. Soil data was obtained from the study area and analyzed in the laboratory, rainfall data, land cover, digital elevation model (DEM), as well as the management practice of the study area were the parameters computed in spatial analyst tool using map algebra based on RUSLE. The soil loss generated was classified into four classes and the results revealed 95.27% of the catchment with a tolerable loss of less than 10 t/h−1/y−1. At 3.6%, a low or minimal loss of 10–20 t/h−1/y−1, at 1.03% there exists a moderate loss of 20–50 t/h−1/y−1, while there was and critical or high loss of >50 t/h−1/y−1 at 0.12% of the catchment. The result showed that critical soil loss in the catchment area is exacerbated by the influence of the slope length and steepness, and the amount of rainfall received. This poses great concern with annual rainfall projected to increase up to 12% in West Africa. However, our sensitivity analysis revealed that it can be reduced with the effect of vegetated cover and management practices. This is an important finding as it can guide sustainability practices to control erosion and the loss of valuable lands in the region, especially now under climate change.

Transfer Factor of Heavy Metals due to Mining Activities in Plateau State, Nigeria (Health Implications on the Inhabitants)

Accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is instigated by industrial and other human activities such as mining, smelting, cement-pollution, energy and fuel production, power transmission, traffic activities, intensive agriculture, sludge dumping and melting operations. Plants received heavy metals from soils through ionic exchange, redox reactions, precipitation-dissolution, and so on. Which implies that the solubility of trace elements based on factors like minerals in the soil (carbonates, oxide, hydroxide etc.), soil organic matter (humic acids, fulvic acids, polysaccharides and organic acids), soil pH, redox potential, content, nutrient balance, other trace elements concentration in soil, physical and mechanical characteristics of soil, soil temperature and humidity, and so on. In this study, the soil-edible plant and soil-water Transfer Factor (TF) for various metals showed that the TF values differed slightly between the locations. On soil-edible plant transfer, the mean TF for different heavy metals in soil-edible plants decreased in the following order: As (0.6) mg/kg > Cd (0.1) mg/kg > Cr (0.06) mg/kg > Pb (0.003) mg/kg > Ni (0.001) mg/kg. The total TF for different location decreases in the following order: Barkin Ladi (1.0) mg/kg > Jos South and Jos East (0.7) mg/kg > Bassa and Mangu (0.6) mg/kg. On soil-water transfer, the mean TF for different heavy metals in soil-edible plants decreased in the following order: Cd (0.001) mg/l > As (0.0007) mg/l > Cr (0.0005) mg/l > Pb (0.0001) mg/l and Ni (0.0001) mg/l. The total TF for different location decreases in the following order: Jos South (0.003) mg/kg > Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos East and Mangu (0.002) mg/kg. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the water and edible plants in the study area are good for public consumption, even though, regular checking of heavy metals in the study area is recommended.

Epidemiological review of confirmed Lassa fever cases during 2016-2018, in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.

Lassa fever (LF) is endemic in West Africa and constitutes a significant public health concern due to its potential for epidemics and associated high mortality. The first reported case and management of Lassa fever in Plateau State occurred more than 50 years ago. We set out to undertake a three-year epidemiological review of LF cases in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. This is a retrospective study of all confirmed LF cases in Plateau State between 2016 and 2018. Plateau state Lassa fever- Line list and patient case records were used to extract relevant data. Lassa PCR was carried out at the NCDC accredited Laboratory network. Data analysis was done using STATA version SE14.1. Forty-four persons (44) had confirmed LF over the examined period, 18 (41%) in 2016, 15 (34%) in 2017 and 11 (25%) in 2018. The mean age was 29.7±14.6 years and 53% were males. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the patients resided in rural areas. It affected all local government areas (LGA) in the state except Pankshin, Jos East and Kanke LGAs. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the cases occurred among underprivileged communities of Jos North and another 25% in rural dwellers of Langtang North. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of cases occurred during the 1st quarter, 27% the 2nd quarter and 18% the 3rd quarter of the year. The case fatality rate was 57%. LF is endemic in Plateau State. Prevention strategies must be sustained year round and target the youth, urban and rural underprivileged communities. There is also need for case management improvement to reduce mortality.

Occurrence of leaf blight of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) caused by Phytophthora colocasiae in Jos East L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria

Production of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) in Nigeria has declined in the last few years due to several constraints including poor yield of local cultivars worsened by the spread of Taro Leaf Blight (TLB). Accurate identification and control of the causative pathogen responsible for TLB is a promising option to reduce disease incidence and increase the yield of cocoyam. This study sought to profile occurrence and identity of fungi associated with TLB in Jos East LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. Eleven farms were surveyed for disease incidence and sampling of infected leaves carried out. Katton Rikkos (Lamingo road) farm had the highest disease incidence of 70% while Koreme and Rifar farms recorded the least (20%). Pathogenicity tests of all isolates showed no visible symptoms four weeks after inoculation. However, Phytopthora spp., used as a positive control showed symptoms of a water-soaked lesion on the leaves three weeks post inoculation. This was followed by a dark brown fleck on the leaves four weeks after inoculation consistent with observed field symptoms in cocoyam. Re-isolation of the isolates confirmed that Phytophthora colocasiae was the potential causal agent of TLB. Further characterization of this pathogen using molecular methods will help in informing appropriate control measures for managing the disease, to increase yield production of cocoyam. Keywords: Taro leaf blight, yield, Phytopthora spp., water soaked lesion, cocoyam

Abundance and Habitat Preference of the Genus Euplectes in Protected and Non protected Habitats of Jos East Plateau State, Nigeria

The knowledge on the factors influencing habitat selection is of uttermost importance because it guides the development of conservation action plan for species. Till date, there is no baseline study on the genus Euplectes in Northern Nigeria thus, an attempt to investigate the habitat preference of the genus was carried out in Amurum Forest Reserve and the nonprotected habitats of Fobur. Line transects of 200m were randomly laid across the study sites. The abundance of Bishop species was highest in farmland compared to grassland and rocky outcrop. Therefore, the number of the species was significantly different between habitats (F2, 573 = 5.454, P = 0.0015). There was a significant relationship between flock size and number of seeds across habitat types. Number of individual birds increased with increase in seed number (F1, 57 = 21687.786, P < 0.001). With the exception of grass height, there was a highly significant difference in relation to vegetation variables taken between plots where Bishop species were sighted and the random points where they were not seen (P < 0.001). The finding suggests that farmlands should be integrated into conservation plan in the nonprotected area based on the high population of the genus recorded.

Entrepreneurship Practices and Profitability among Farmers in Jos, Nigeria

This study seeks to examine the relationship between Entrepreneurship practices and the level of profitability among farmers in Jos. The study covered small and medium scale farmer entrepreneurs within Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. A sample size of 518 was obtained from the population of 834 at 5% error tolerance and 95% level of confidence, using Simple Random Sampling. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. 505(97.5%) of the questionnaire distributed were returned. The study conducted a pre-test on the questionnaire to ensure the validity of the instrument. Data collected were presented in descriptive statistics and frequency tables. The study used financial ratios such as the gross profit margin, net profit margin, returns on assets, sales per year and total assets measures were used to measure the profitability. The average values for gross profit margin, net profit margin and returns on assets are 29.47%, 19.2% and 8.2% respectively; the result shows that an individual farmer in this study can boast of a high level of profit. The study recommends among other things that governments at all levels should work to create a more conducive environment for farmer entrepreneurs to make profitable investments in agriculture.

Entrepreneurship Practices and Poverty among farmer entrepreneurs in Jos, Nigeria

The study seeks to examine the effect of Entrepreneurship practices on poverty among farmers in Jos, Nigeria. The study covered small and medium scale farmer entrepreneurs within Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. A sample size of 518 was obtained from the population of 834 at 5% error tolerance and 95% level of confidence, using Simple Random Sampling. 505(97.5%) of the questionnaire distributed were returned while 13(2.5%) of the questionnaire distributed were not returned. self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study conducted a pre-test on the questionnaire to ensure the validity of the instrument. Data collected were presented in frequency tables. To measure the effect of entrepreneurship practices on poverty, Probit and order probit models were specified and analysis was based on FGT and MPI measures of poverty. The study revealed that a very high level of entrepreneurship practices among farmers will reduce poverty among farmers. The study recommends among other things that entrepreneurship practice intensity among the farmers be increase so as to help in improving their standard of living by reducing poverty through increased income resulting from high entrepreneurship activities.
 Keywords: Entrepreneurship Practice, Poverty and Entrepreneurship Index

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS to Detect Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Jos East Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria.

This study examines the potentials of Remote Sensing techniques and GIS in land resources management with particular reference to detect land use and land cover changes in Jos East L.G.A, between 1995 to 2015. In this study, administrative maps, remotely sensed data (Landsat and Nigeriasat-1 satellite imageries) and GIS techniques were used in the image analysis. All these were done using Ilwis 3.3 Academic, ERDAS 9.3, IDIRISI 17.0 and ArcGIS 10.1. Digital camera was also used for ground truthing. The results were presented using classified imageries. Between the years 1995 to 2015, there was consistent change in the land use land cover of Jos east with different LULC categories. Throughout the study years, vegetation was observed to have the highest percentage of the total land coverage with 57544.28 ha (63%) in 1995, decreasing to 50322.96 ha (50%) in 2005, and 34969.95 (39%) in the year 2015. While agricultural/farm land was gradually increasing throughout the study period with 21271.05 ha (23%) in 1995, 27017.37 ha (27%) in 2005 and 25406.19 ha (28%) in 2015. Findings also showed that build-up-areas/settlement development increased consistently from 1451.97ha (2%) in 1995, 3290.49 ha (3%) in 2005 to 5817.96 (6%) in 2015. It was concluded that agriculture in the study area is increasing while large areas of vegetation is drastically reducing and being converted to farmlands and settlements. It is recommended that government should put up a reliable land management system in form of restrictions on premature conversion of agricultural land, there should be policies that control threat to the vegetation cover. Government should take cognizance of the land use and land cover at a regular interval to ascertain the changes that are taking place in the study area.

English

The study was carried out in three Local Government Areas: Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. For each egg type, twelve (12) samples each were collected from five (5) farms. A total of 360 samples were randomly collected consisting of equal number of quail and chicken eggs (180 each). A well-structured questionnaire was used to help analyze the results.  Samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella isolates using standard microbiological practices. Isolates were confirmed using biochemical tests, and molecular characterization (using specific primers). Isolates were also tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion method. Results showed that 3(1.7%) chicken eggs were positive for Salmonella infection whereas no positive result was recorded from quail eggs. This resulted in a total prevalence of 0.9%. Bukuru and Zawan (Jos South) were the only farm locations with Salmonella positive cases with 1(8.3%) and 2(16.7%) respectively. Although the present finding has found low prevalence of salmonellosis in chicken and quail egg in the study area, there is need for constant monitoring on regular basis to avert health risks associated with consuming Salmonellae infected poultry products in endemic areas. The three (3) isolates were Salmonella Gallinarum and gave agglutination reaction with polyvalent O antisera and no reaction with polyvalent H antisera. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results confirmed all the three (3) isolates that were successfully amplified using specific primers, thus supporting phenotypic outcome. The information provided in this report is crucial to all stakeholders including the poultry farmers, consumers and regulators of chicken products. Key Words: Salmonella; Quail and Chicken eggs; Jos; Nigeria &nbsp

Savings Level and Investment Behaviour of Cooperative Farmers (Analysis and Prospects) in Jos East Local Government Area, Plateau State

The study was carried out in Jos East Local government area Plateau state on savings level and investment behavior of cooperative farmers (Assessment and Prospects). A total of 99 respondents were purposively selected and cross-sectional data was collected using structured questionnaires, the data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and 4 point Likert scale. Findings showed that 35.4% of the respondents were between the ages brackets of 31-40 years, 58.6% were male. Also, 43.4% of the respondents saved between 51,000 – 100,000 Naira annually and 40% of the respondents engaged in saving of food stuff which they sell when prices rises to get better price. The findings shows that the savings levels of cooperative farmers are low; also better investment should be harnessed to improve the income of the farmers. Cooperative societies are meant to provide marketing information, easy access to finance and other support to their members, but from our findings this is yet to be achieved.