Kebbi State Nigeria Research Articles

Prevalence and molecular characterisation of Schistosoma haematobium among primary school children in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is the major source of morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. It is estimated that 207 million people are infected, of which 97% are in Africa. The aim of this study was the determining of prevalence as well as the phylogeny of S. haematobium among school children in Argungu Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria. A total of 325 urine samples was collected from school children between 7 to 14 years. S. heamatobium eggs was examined under dissecting microscope and DNA was extracted from urine sample and COX1 gene was amplified by nested PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and analysed. This study showed a prevalence of 32.09%, with male pupils having the highest prevalence. S. haematobium infections in children who fetch water in the river have 24 times higher risk of being infected while those who bath in the river have 158 times higher risk of being infected. Our sequences were phylogenetically related to S. haematobium isolate U82266 from Kenya and consistence with the predominant species in Africa. This was the first S. haematobium and S. mansoni co-infection reported in Nigeria. S. haematobium infection is prevalent among school age and significantly associated with water contact.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-natal Clinic at General Hospital Argungu, Kebbi State Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-natal Clinic at General Hospital Argungu, Kebbi State Nigeria

Surface soil factors and soil characteristics in geo-physical milieu of Kebbi State Nigeria

Soil erodibility (K factor) is the most important tool for estimation the erosion. The aim of this study Soil factors and surface soil characteristics are important components of agricultural environment. They support surface and subsurface soils to perform many functions to agriculture and economic human developments. Understanding these factors would aid to the recognition of the values that our soil and land offered to humanity. It is therefore, aim of this study to visualise and examine the soil factors and surface soil characteristics in Kebbi State Nigeria. An Integrated Surface Soil Approach (ISSA) was used in the classification and description of soil environment in the study region. The factors constituted in the ISSA are important components of soil science that theories and practice(s) noted to provide ideas on how soil environment functioned. The results indicate that the surface soil environments around Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Birnin Kebbi and Dandi are physically familiar with the following surface soil characteristics: bad-lands, blown-out-lands, cirque-lands, fertile-lands, gullied-lands, miscellaneous and rock-outcrops.The major soil factors observed hat played an important role in surface soil manipulations and soil formation are alluvial, colluvial, fluvial and lacustrine; ant, earthworms and termite; and various forms of surface relief supported by temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind. Overall, the surface soil environment of the region was describe according to their physical appearance into fadama clay soils, fadama clay-loam soils, dryland sandy soils, dryland sandy-loam soils, dryland stony soils and organic-mineral soils.

Dynamic surface soil components of land and vegetation types in Kebbi State Nigeria

Land and vegetation are important components of soil and provides many benefits to surface soil including protection against erosion, climate change impact and unacceptable degradation of soil particles. Visual Soil Assessment was used as a mechanism to assess and classify the land and vegetation types of some agricultural sites in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The aim was to get better understanding of the environmental soil function for sustainable crop production in dryland and fadama areas of the State. The assessment was able to put together combinations of different vegetation types and land age classes. It is valued that the land age classes possessed the characteristics of Holocene-natural, Holocene-anthropogeomorphic, Holocene-young-natural, young-anthropogeomorphic, very-young anthropogeomorphic and very-young natural. However, the vegetation types could be related to evergreen forest, short medium forest (scattered clustered), dwarf vegetation (scattered isolated), grass vegetation, thick vegetation, stony-grass vegetation (scattered sparse) and short-length vegetation. The assessment provides an improve understanding of the current status of land and vegetation conditions of the study area and suggested regular soil management for sustainable crop production in the State.

Assessment of Physico-Chemical Quality of Water in Aliero Dam (Kebbi State, Nigeria)

Aleiro dam in Aleiro Local Government of Kebbi state (Nigeria) constructed in 2010 is not only used for irrigation purposes but also serves the ecological needs of the local communities. This study was carried out during the year 2010-11, in order to assess the physico-chemical quality of water in the dam reservoir. The water samples were collected for a period of 6 months (monthly basis), from the three marked channels and were subjected to physico-chemical analysis. The results indicated that water quality is up to the standards accepted by WHO and FAO. The water is suitable for irrigation as required values for the concentration of sodium, magnesium, calcium and other elements are within the approved range suggested by FAO.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection among pregnant women in a semi-urban community of north-western Nigeria.

BackgroundMalaria during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem, with substantial risks for the mother, her foetus and the newborn. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria and possible risk factors for malaria infection among pregnant women in a semi-urban area in north-western Nigeria. Pregnant women are among the most susceptible to malaria infection. Knowledge of their malaria infection status is an important yardstick to measure the effectiveness of any malaria control programme.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study in the semi-urban area of Argungu, Kebbi State Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty five pregnant women were included in the study after informed verbal consent was obtained. For each participant, the socio-demographic profile, stage of pregnancy and attitude to the use of insecticide- treated nets (ITNs) were investigated using a questionnaire. Peripheral blood samples were collected and thick blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa stains to check for malaria parasitaemia. The associations between age, education level and use of ITNs with occurrence of malaria infection during pregnancy were analysed using the chi-square test.ResultsOne hundred and six (41.6%) out of 255 pregnant women were infected with malaria parasites, with a mean parasite density of 800 parasitesμl−1. It was found that prevalence and parasite density decreased as age increased. The chi-square test indicated that a lack of education and non-usage of ITNs were significantly associated with malaria infection.ConclusionMalaria is still a major public health issue among pregnant women mainly due to illiteracy and non -compliance to using ITNs. Increasing awareness about malaria preventive measures and early attendance of antenatal care services will help to reduce malaria and, consequently, its associated morbidities and mortalities.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0054-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors affecting the choice of cropping systems in Kebbi State, Nigeria.

The study examined the factors that influence choice of cropping systems in Kebbi State Nigeria. The technique applied in the study was Logit regression. Data to conduct the research was obtained mainly from primary sources through a questionnaire survey of 256 farmers, comprising 98 monocroppers and 158 intercroppers. Four variables (farming experience, asset value, risk aversion and land degradation) out of the five variables considered in this study were significant in influencing the probability of farmers practicing intercropping (reference group). It is evident that asset value, land degradation, risk are among factors which will influence farmers in the choice of mono or intercropping system. Key words: Cropping systems, monocropping, intercropping, Logit regression

Technical Efficiency of Millet/Cowpea Farmers in Kebbi State Nigeria: A Double Bootstrapping Approach

The research investigated the technical efficiency of farmers in Kebbi State Nigeria, with the aim of generating reliable information on the determinants of efficiency. In order to achieve the objective of the study, Data Envelopment Analysis, Double Bootstrapping procedure within the Principal Component Regression frame work were used. Data for the research was obtained mainly from primary sources through a questionnaire survey of 65 intercroppers who produce a combination of millets and cowpeas. The results from the technical efficiency suggest that there is an opportunity for increasing the technical efficiency levels of millet/cowpea farmers and hence their ability to increase output levels at present input levels and within the existing technology set. Support services such as subsidies on farm inputs, provision of credit and extension services of the new Agricultural Transformation Agenda Programme (ATAP) should be properly implemented and targeted at the small scale farmers. Original Research Article Jirgi et al.; BJEMT, 5(3): 366-373, 2015; Article no.BJEMT.2015.030 367

Assessment of Toxic Elements in Onion Farms in Northern Nigeria

This research has examined the levels of four toxic elements (lead, cadmium, manganese and iron) from four different locations of onion farms in Aliero metropolis of Kebbi State Nigeria in West Africa. The metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The concentration of metals at the four sampling points, designated as A, B, C, D, follows the order: iron (D 65.588ppm > A 47.577ppm> B 7.927 > C 5.585), lead (A 2.321ppm > D 0.784ppm > C 0.517ppm > B 0.148ppm), manganese (A 1.552ppm > D 1.237ppm > C 1.070ppm > B 0.148ppm and cadmium B 0.008ppm > D 0.005ppm > C 0.004ppm > A 0.003ppm. Iron in all samples had higher concentration than the rest metals, while cadmium had the lowest concentration. However, the concentration of all the metals was below the WHO recommended limits.

Economics of Sheep Production in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the profitability of sheep production in Zuru local government area of Kebbi State. It examined the costs and returns of sheep production as well as problems encountered in sheep production in the study area. Data were collected from a total of 100 respondents using simple random sampling technique in 2014. Descriptive statistics and farm budgeting technique were used in the analysis of data. The costs and returns analysis indicated that, variable cost constituted 69.83% of the total cost of sheep production in the study area, while the fixed cost constituted 30.17%. However, the average total cost of production was N307, 491.57, the average total revenue was N376, 312.00, gross margin was N161, 572.43 and the net income was N88, 820.43 indicating that sheep production was profitable. Despite the profitability of sheep production, sheep farmers identified feed problem (92%) as their major problem. It is therefore, concluded that sheep production in the study area was profitable. With this level of profitability in sheep enterprise, it is recommended that this finding be disseminated to all practicing and potential sheep farmers in the study area and other communities. It is also recommended that more farmers in the study area and elsewhere should go into sheep production because of its profitability. There should also be practical application of new knowledge to sheep under traditional husbandry system in the study area.

Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Platelet, Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time of Alcoholics in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Aims: Alcoholism is a global public health problem with significant socioeconomic implications. The aim was to investigate the effect of alcoholism on the haematological Original Research Article International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 4(2): 224-232, 2014 225 and haemostatic parameters of consecutively recruited alcoholics in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State and North Western Nigeria. Study Design and Methodology: This prospective case-control study included one hundred adults alcoholics [≥18 years), aged range (18-60), mean age (38.46 ± 13.26) and made up of 68 males (68%) and 32 females (32%)]. Fifty gender and age matched nonalcoholics were monitored as controls. Ethical approval was obtained from the research and ethics committee in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. Written informed consent was obtained from all study subjects after counselling. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the service laboratory in the Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science in Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto North Western Nigeria between May 2011 to February, 2012. Result: Participants for this study included 50 heavy alcoholics and 50 moderate alcoholics (subjects) and 50 age and gender –matched non-alcoholics (controls). Platelet count of non-alcoholics, moderate and heavy alcoholics was; 260.7 ± 48.17, 253.3 ± 43.16 and 130.6 ± 6.79 respectively. Platelet count was significantly lower among heavy alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics (p=0.0001). Although marginally higher, there was no statistically significant difference in the platelet count of moderate alcoholics and nonalcoholics (p=0.10). We observed a negative correlation between platelet count and duration of alcoholism (r=-0.62). The mean prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) values of non-alcoholics, moderate alcoholics and heavy alcoholics was; (14.46 ± 0.97 and 34.82 ± 13.71), (15.74 ± 1.26 and 35.78 ± 3.50) and (19.46 ± 0.93 and 43.42 ± 5.13) respectively. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time values were significantly lower among heavy alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics (p=0.0001). PT and APTT were marginally higher among moderate alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics but the difference however was not statistically significant (p= 0.08 and 0.62 respectively). We observed a positive correlation between duration of alcoholism and prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (r = 0.46 and 0.55 respectively). Conclusion: Our study has shown that alcoholism produces a significant adverse effect on some haematological and haemostatic parameters. Evidenced data generated from this study can facilitate the development of a policy on the effective management of haematological and haemostatic complications associated with alcoholism. There is need to enact laws that regulate the production, sales and consumption of various alcoholic beverages to prevent abuse and protect the health of citizens.

Profitability of Resettled Farmers’ Crop Production Enterprise in Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria

This study determines the Profitability of resettled farmers’ crop production enterprise in Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria. The study was conducted in the 3 Local Government Areas of the Emirate. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve villages in the LGAs (4 villages/ LGA). Ten resettled farmers were randomly selected from each village and questionnaires administered to each of them to obtain a total of 100 respondents. Descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques were used for the data analysis. The results of the study shows that crop production in the study area is characterized as subsistence by majority of the respondents (79.2%), and the land tenure practiced by farmers are renting (40.8%) and sharecropping (25.0%). The cost of transportation of the farm produce/tonnage was found to be exorbitantly high and increasing seasonally according to the respondents. Majority of the respondents (40%) of the respondents confirmed that they pay between N 2000 and N 3000, 54% pay between N3001 and N4000 and remaining 6% pay above N4001.. 24.2% of the respondents recorded a negative net farm income (loss) on crop production enterprise during the season under review and the expenditure on variable inputs accounted for 98.50% of the total cost of crop investment.

Determination of yield and nutrient quality of herbage in Giron Masa grazing reserve, Kebbi State

The study determined the crude protein content of herbage collected from Giron Masa grazing reserve, Kebbi State Nigeria. The herbage samples were collected by using 1.0m 2 wooden frame (quadrant). Fresh weight of three most occurring species and remaining other species was taken by the use of spring balance for dry matter determination. Analysis of the data using SAS (1988) package indicated that LDS produces the highest DM and ERS was the least. DM yield on the other hand was highest in EDS and lowest in LRS. From the chemical analysis, highest values of 13.3% and least value of 5.6% CP was obtained in ERS and LDS respectively. The CF content was higher during the LDS (32.4%) and least in ERS (25.8%). Other parameters as ash, EE, Ca and P content were also determined. The results of the study indicated a significant effect of season on nutrient content of range herbage. The nutrient contents of the herbage fall within the range considered normal for semi-arid environment. The significant seasonal effect on the quality of the feeds could also be considered normal for plants growing in the semi-arid environment. The dry matter yield data, herbaceous and ligneous species composition and nutrient quality obtained in the present study could be considered fair. This could hold optimum number of livestock with their nutritional requirements, especially during the growing season. Keywords; grazing reserve, herbaceous, ligneous, nutrient, species, yield,

Universal Basic Education (U.B.E) Programme in Nigeria: Personnel and Infrastructural Assessment in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area

This study was set to assess the level of readiness of primary schools in Birnin Kebbi local government area of Kebbi state-Nigeria, in terms of Personnel and infrastructure, in the implementation of the universal basic education programme of the Federal government. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample of thirty (30) primary schools was randomly drawn from the population of a hundred and four (104) Primary schools located in the Local Government Area using stratified random sampling techniques (15 public and 15 private primary schools). Five (5) research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study, while the main instrument designed for data collection was a Checklist or Inventory. The statistical analyses were done using simple statistics such as Mean, Percentages and t-test at 0.05 levels of significance. The analysis revealed a high level of readiness in terms of personnel, but infrastructurally, there have been a gross inadequacy in the provision. As such, it was therefore recommended among other things that, there is need for government at all levels, including the private sector and other donor agencies as well as all stake holders in the educational sector to provide the necessary personnel and basic infrastructure to facilitate meaningful implementation.

Coping Strategies among Farmers and Herders during Post Conflict Situation in the Kaindji Dam Area of Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria

This study examines the coping strategies among farmers and herders during post-conflict situation in Kainji dam area of Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria. The study was conducted in the 3 Local Government Areas of the Emirate. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve villages in the LGAs (4 villages/ LGA). 16 respondents were randomly selected for data collection, to obtain a total of 192 respondents. The result of the study reveals that the average uses of problem-oriented coping strategies score among farmers were 51.8 %, Herders 50.5 %. The use of emotion-oriented coping strategies score among farmers and herders were 38.4 %, 59.7 %, respectively and the average use of social support coping strategies among farmers and herders were 30.0 %, 28.5 % respectively. The study recommends that Government and other donor organizations should assist the conflict actors with relief materials during conflict situation, so that they can cope with the stress and resume normal production activity.

Coping Strategies among Farmers and Herders during Post Conflict Situation in the Kainji Dam Area of Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria

This study examines the coping strategies among farmers and herders during post-conflict situation in Kainji dam area of Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria. The study was conducted in the 3 Local Government Areas of the Emirate. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve villages in the LGAs (4 villages/ LGA). 16 respondents were randomly selected for data collection, to obtain a total of 192 respondents. The result of the study reveals that the average uses of problem-oriented coping strategies score among farmers were 51.8%, Herders 50.5%. The use of emotion-oriented coping strategies score among farmers and herders were 38.4%, 59.7%, respectively and the average use of social support coping strategies among farmers and herders were 30.0%, 28.5% respectively. The study recommends that Government and other donor organizations should assist the conflict actors with relief materials during conflict situation, so that they can cope with the stress and resume normal production activity. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n9p59

Improvements in geophysical surface soil assessment and classification using modifying Jenny’s equation of soil forming factors in the Sudan Savannah

Assessment and classification of agricultural surface soil in the Sudan Savannah, Kebbi State Nigeria was carried out from 2008 to 2011 using a modified version of Jenny's equation of soil forming factors. A comprehensive account of major classes of surface soil characteristics was given. The following surface soil components have been covered: temperature and moisture characteristics, topography, parent materials, organisms and land properties. Consequently, the physical agricultural surface soil conditions in five local government areas of the State: Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Birnin-Kebbi and Dandi are characterised by six major surface moisture characteristics: aquic, aridic, torric, udic, ustic and perudic; 10 topographical classes: back- slope, bendy, concave, contour, convex, deeply,flatly, linear-flat and shallow; three major soil biota: ants, earthworms and termites; andseven land characteristics: bad-lands, blown-out-lands, cirque-lands, fertile- lands, gulliedlands, miscellaneous and rock-outcrops. The major parent materials are alluvial, colluvial,fluvial and lacustrine. Physically, these parent materials are describe according to theirphysical appearance into fadama clay soils, fadama clay-loam soils, dryland sandy soils,dryland sandy-loam soils, dryland stony soils, and organic-mineral soils. Generally, the studyhas provided a better understanding of the current status of the major physical components ofagricultural soils and overall natural environment for future agricultural economic management in the region.

Weekly performance of maize plant under sandy soil managed with dissimilar organic materials

Organic materials bring many benefits to plant growth and yield performances in crop production. The objective of this study was to know the performance of maize plant from germination period to maturity period under sandy soil condition manage with different organic materials, on weekly basis. The experiment was initiated under poor sandy-soil site, just 5 km away from the Argungu town, Kebbi State Nigeria, located within latitude 12° 24N and longitude 4° '12E. The study confirms the assumption that crop plant is very likely to perform better under poor sandy-soil condition if sustainable management requirements are provided. Plant growth and yield performances were observed positively well in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seven and tenth week after germination. It is concluded that sandy soil managed with organic materials provides good soil atmosphere for maize plant growth in crop production. Likewise, the results suggested that crop grown under sandy soil managed with organic materials perform better in term of plant growth and yield performances.

New method of soil classification in defining the dynamic condition of agricultural surface soils

Lack of qualitative information under dynamic surface soil condition has affected the development and proper sustainable management of most agricultural soils globally. Although several methods of soil classifications have been shown to record important soil data in defining soil for multiple benefits, the specific dynamic surface soil condition under specific soil groups (Alfisols, Anthrosols, Aridisols, Calsisols, Entisols, Histosols, Inceptisols, Molisols, Oxisol, Vertisols) is poorly understood in the Sudan Savannah zone of Kebbi State Nigeria. For this reason, a new method of soil classification in defining the capacity and quality of surface soils for multiple benefits has been introduced. This method is called Combined Soil Type Equation (CSTE). CSTE was used to classify and define the surface soil conditions of two or more different soil groups (appeared to be formed under the same surface soil environment) into one new soil group name. Results showed that fourteen different new soil group names were classified: Alanhisols, Alhioxalsols, Aralhisols, Araloxhisols, Aralsols, Aransols, Arhioxalsols, Arhisols, Enmoinarsols, Hicaoxalsols, Inalmosols, Inmoalsols, Vehisols, and Vemohisols.