Kwara State Nigeria Research Articles

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.

Qualitative assessment of psychosocial factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in targeted health facilities in Kwara state Nigeria

BackgroundThere is growing concern about the rising prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents worldwide and the various challenges that accompany living with HIV among this population. This study investigated the social and psychological factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in selected treatment health facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria.MethodsStudy adopted qualitative data collection method with six focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across three health facilities, three sessions each for both males and females. Discussions were conducted in English and Yoruba languages, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Content analysis was performed using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2020.ResultsA total of 44 participants, comprising 24 males and 20 females aged 10 to 19, participated in the FGDs. More than ninety percent of the adolescents had not disclosed their HIV status to anyone beyond the health care providers, their parents/caregivers, and a few immediate family members. Keeping their HIV status private helped mitigate stigma and discrimination. Common immediate reactions to status disclosure to the adolescents included sadness, hopelessness, and bitterness. However, Operation Triple Zero program, which offered peer-to-peer learning and effective mental health services has been very effective and helpful. Also, sexual risk behavior is still high among sexually active adolescents despite their HIV-positive status.ConclusionAdolescents living with HIV face numerous social and psychological challenges, including sadness about their HIV-positive status. This exposes them to various mental health disorders. However, Operation Triple Zero has been acknowledged as the most effective platform for meeting their psychosocial needs.

Effect of leachate on the geotechnical properties of soils at Gbagede Dumpsite Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria

The increasing request for space for private buildings was brought about by the utilization of the previous dumpsites. If the issue of leachate infiltration into the soil isn't legitimately controlled it'll lead to future harm in construction works. The objectives are to compare the geotechnical properties of soil of the contaminated and uncontaminated regions region of the dump site and evaluate if the effect of leachate on the geotechnical properties of soil changes with depth. Laboratory soil tests were conducted on the soil samples obtained and compared the effect of these leachates at the dump site. These methods are Natural water content, Bulk Density, Specific Gravity, Shear strength, and Consolidation tests. The soil samples were obtained from the contaminated region, and the uncontaminated region (i.e. at 100 m away from the dumpsite). All soil samples were obtained at depths 0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m below the ground level, to know the effect of leachate on the soil at the dumpsite and also to know if the effects of leachate changes with depth as it goes down the soil. The results obtained show that samples at 0.5m and 1m depth have been affected by leachates but the effects are not so significant at 1.5m depth, thereby making the soil at depths 0.5m and 1m unfit for construction purposes. This result was useful to check the land requirement in urban areas and guide the geotechnical engineers when designing and constructing foundations for buildings and other related structures on these types of soils.

Awareness and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Effective Library Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State Nigeria

Awareness and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Effective Library Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Kwara State Nigeria

Factors responsible for marital conflicts among newly married couples in Ilorin, Kwara state Nigeria

Factors responsible for marital conflicts among newly married couples in Ilorin, Kwara state Nigeria

Leadership Roles in Mitigating Flood-Induced Displacement in Patigi Kwara State Nigeria

Leadership Roles in Mitigating Flood-Induced Displacement in Patigi Kwara State Nigeria

Food Management Control and Field Bureaucrats Policy Implementation in Kwara State, Nigeria National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control

This study titled food management control and field bureaucrats policy implementation in Kwara state Nigeria national agency for food and drugs administration and control. The aim of this study is to analyse the activities of field level bureaucrats to describe how they act to overcome barriers that affect policy implementations on food management control in Kwara state Nigeria. While most policies rely on field level bureaucrats for their implementation, there is still a lack of empirical studies maximally that provide an adequate understanding of how field bureaucrats can overcome the barriers, delays, and disincentives associated with implementing policies on food management control. For this reason the study decided to examine how field level bureaucrats are influenced by barriers and how the influences from the barriers affect their work – policy implementation on food management. Documentary research was used in this study, of which qualitative approach was used in sources of data. The study adopted elite theory. Data were analysed using documentary records. The findings of the study indicated that there were no significant relationships between food management control and field bureaucrats’ policy implementation in Kwara state, Nigeria national agency for food and drugs administration and control. Furthermore, rank effects of the results were barriers that provide most issues that influence the work of field bureaucrats in policy implementation of food management in Kwara state. The results of the research shows that field bureaucrats are more respond to barriers by adopting a flexible role, which means, simplification of the policy implementation process, and this were influenced by time pressure than other forms of barriers. The study thereby recommends that attention should be paid to the behaviour of field bureaucrats on duties, in such a way as to ensure that policy behaviour are well implemented for food management control care, so as to ensure more positive outcomes of its kind.

Determinants of saving and investment strategy among poultry farmers in kwara state

Many farmers in Nigeria have not been able to finance their businesses due to poor savings, and for any meaningful investment to be obtained, a sound saving mobilization has to be pursued. Thus, this study analyzed the determinants of saving and investment strategies among poultry farmers in Kwara state Nigeria. Using the list of 350 registered poultry farmers in the state, 175 farmers were randomly selected for the study. The analytical tools employed are descriptive statistics, multiple linear and binary logistics regressions. The pattern of savings showed that more than 99% of the respondents make savings with commercial banks. The result further indicated that the average value of investment of the respondents stood at ₦718,312.7 per cycle. The pattern of investment indicated that poultry business took the highest percentage of 45.28. The mul5tiple regression analysis revealed that the coefficient of education, poultry size, number of mortalities, savings and amount of loan obtained were statistically significant factors influencing investment in poultry farming. On the other hand, poultry farming experience, farm income, amount of nvestment and loan obtained are the major determinants of savings. The major constraints hindering savings among poultry farmers are distance to savings institution, lack of confidence in banking sector and poor savings habit. On the other hand, outbreak of pest and disease, poor market structure, insufficient capital are the major bottlenecks hindering investments in the area. The study recognized the need for mass education and enlightenment campaign for mobilizing savings and intimating the farmers on investment opportunities. Policies and straegies aimed at providing timely formal and informal loans to poultry farmers should be vigorously pursued.

Genetic characterization of parvoviruses identified in stray cats in Nigeria

Parvoviruses are a major cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, leukopenia and high mortality in cats and dogs. In this study, the presence and genetic characteristics of parvoviruses circulating among cats in Nigeria are reported. Faecal samples of stray cats from live animal markets in southwestern (Oyo and Osun States) and north-central (Kwara State) Nigeria were screened for the presence of parvoviral DNA using a qPCR. Positive samples were further characterized using a qPCR based on minor groove binder probes. Overall, 85/102 (83.3 %) stray cats tested positive for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) DNA and one cat was co-infected with canine parvovirus-2 type a. Sequence analysis of the complete capsid region of 15 Nigerian FPV strains revealed that they were up to 99.9 % similar to the American reference strain FPV-b at the nucleotide level, and three of them presented amino acid mutations in key capsid residues. This is the first report of identification and molecular characterization of FPV strains in cats in Nigeria. The high prevalence of the virus emphasizes the need for constant surveillance of the circulation of parvoviruses in Nigeria and underscores the need to deploy an effective vaccination strategy.

Motivational Factors as Correlates of Women’s Participation in Community Development Programmes in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State Nigeria

Smallholder farmers are significantly considered being amongst the poorest that are most affected by climate change. Climate change is rated the greatest threat to smallholders’ food production in the 21st century. Despite scientists agreeing that the world is getting warmer, it was important for this study to assess whether climate change is a reality that is known and experienced by smallholder farmers in Malawi. This paper assesses smallholder farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions (KAP) towards climate change in comparison with available meteorological data for 50 years. Descriptive research design with a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative research methods was adopted. A sample of 183 respondents was randomly and purposefully selected to include both household heads and key informants. Data collection method included Survey Questionnaire, Key Informants Interviews, Focused Group Discussions as well as literature review. Meteorological data for 50 years was analysed to underpin farmers’ perceptions on climate change. The result shows that survey respondents’ knowledge of climate change is derived from their experiences, thoughts and ideas about how to cope with changing drought and rainfall seasons. Those results are in tandem with the conventional view based on scientific evidence that suggests changing climate in Malawi with profound impact on seasons.

Knowledge and utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants by Women of Reproductive Age in Alanamu Community Ilorin, Northern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION The lack of access to skilled healthcare services during childbirth remains a major factor for high maternal mortality in developing countries, as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) continue to serve as the predominant providers of maternal health care in rural communities. This study explores the knowledge and utilization of TBAs by women of reproductive age in a rural community of Ilorin, kwara state Nigeria. METHODSThis study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted using a well-structured interviewer based questionnaire, administered to 212 women of reproductive age-group to collect data on their knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs. Analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 20. RESULTS One hundred and fifty three respondents (72.2%) had background knowledge of TBAs, 91 (40.8%) had visited a TBA at least once to carry out their deliveries, of which 73 (80.2%) of them had successful deliveries, while 18 (19.8%) had complications during their deliveries, and 7 (7.7%) were referred to health care facilities for expect management. The study showed statistical significance between the level of education of respondents and their patronage of TBAs with a p-value of 0.041, and showed no statistical significance with their level of income. CONCLUSION This study showed adequate knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs by members of the community. The practice of TBAs has continued to thrive in rural communities; integrating their services with the standard healthcare system as well as continuous sensitization of rural communities on their roles and limitations would go a long way in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with the use of poorly trained TBAs

Effects of Climate Change on the Health of Rural Farming Households in Oyun Local Government Area, of Kwara State Nigeria

This study examined the impacts of climate change on the health of rural family households in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 farmers for the study. The data collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules was analyzed using mean, percentages, and Chi-Square. The findings revealed that the common effect of climate change on health is heat stress (M =4.1), malaria (M=3.76), depression (M=3.43), hunger (M=3.37), and death (M=2.88). Moreover, the coping strategies to ameliorate the effect of climate change were good medical care (16.7%), personal hygiene (25.0%), proper sanitation (13.3%), planting of trees to replace felled trees (16.7%), and prayer to God (6.7%). The major constraints to adaptation were lack of information and credit. Respondents’ age (x2= 10.50. ) and educational status (x2= 14.97) were positively significant factors determining the adaptation strategies' choice. The study, therefore, recommends that free health care facilities should be given to farmers while extension services should help in increasing the awareness campaign on the best method to cope with the effects of climate change.

Perceived Effects of Crop Diversification on Food Security of Farmers in Kwara State Nigeria

Summary This study was conducted to examine perceived effects of crop diversification on food security status of maize-based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to obtain data from 183 maize-based farmers using an interview schedule. The data were analyzed using Herfindahl indexing, Food Consumption Score of the World Food Programme for determining household food security and Chi-square test. The results showed that the extent of crop diversification was moderate for slightly above half of the respondents (51.4%). The majority of the respondents (91.3%) had acceptable food consumption (>35), which corresponds to their food security situation. Crop diversification among the farmers indicated positive and significant influence of crop diversification on the food security status of the farmers at 1% level of significance using chi-square. More than half of the respondents perceived that crop diversification had strong effects on increased access to food preferences for an active and healthy life (56.3%), access to utilizable and digestible food (57.4%) and access to sufficient food (53.6%). The study concluded that crop diversification practices contributed to food security by increasing access to preferred sufficient, utilizable and digestible food for active and healthy life of maize-based farmers in Kwara State. Thus, extension agents should increase awareness of the importance of crop diversification for the farmers’ output in the study area.

ISLAMIC STUDIES TEACHERS’ ACCEPTANCE OF MOBILE LEARNING IN ILORIN SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The increased accessibility to mobile networks coupled with a decrease in the cost of mobile devices has significant implications for transforming the educational instructional environment, particularly in the area of m-learning. Against this background, the study examined Islamic Studies teachers’ acceptance of mobile learning in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Descriptive research method was adopted for this study. The population for this study was all Islamic studies teachers in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State Nigeria. One hundred and twenty teachers of Islamic Studies were selected as respondents for this study using purposive sampling technique. A researcher- designed questionnaire was used. Research questions were answered using mean and percentage at an alpha level of 0.05. Finding of this study revealed that the level of acceptance of mobile phones in teaching of Islamic studies in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria was high 115 (95.8%). Teachers of Islamic studies used mostly Internet, Video Camera, Taking Note and others respectively. Teachers of Islamic studies also used of mobile phones application very frequently, frequently, sometimes, and not at all teaching and learning of Islamic studies. Based on these findings, the study concluded that the level of acceptance of mobile phones in teaching of Islamic studies in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria was high. The study recommended based on the findings that government at all levels should assist in the provision of more modern mobile phones in secondary schools for teaching of Islamic Studies.

Prevalence Ratio Estimation of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors Among Meat Sellers in Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria

Background: Foodborne diseases are a significant public health issue globally, with approximately 30% of the population in developed countries suffering from diarrheal diseases caused mainly by foodborne microbial pathogens. In developing countries, food handlers, including meat sellers, are the primary determinants of food contamination due to poor regulatory systems for food hygiene. This cross-sectional study determined intestinal parasites’ prevalence and associated factors among meat sellers in Nigeria. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 139 meat sellers in four markets in Ilorin, Kwara State, were selected. Stool samples were collected from each participant using a clean and dry stool container. The stool samples were analyzed using direct smear saline and formal-ether concentration techniques. The parasites were identified and counted under a microscope. The primary outcome was the presence of one or more intestinal parasitic species in stool samples. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-Square test, and binary logistics regression. Results: Of the 139 meat sellers in this study, 74(53.2%) were females, while 65(46.8%) were males. Most participants (43.9%) were in the age group 31-40 years compared to the age group 51-56 years (9.4%), with the least participants. The participants’ education levels varied, with those with primary education (46.8%) being the highest, followed by those with tertiary education (31.7%). Based on religion, 37 (26.6%) participants were Christians, while 102 (73.4%) were Muslims. 59.7% of the meat sellers haboured one or more intestinal parasites. The odds ratio for gender indicates that when holding all other variables constant, a female is 1.7 times more likely to have a parasite than a male. The odds ratios of those with primary and secondary education levels are 1.4 and 1.7, respectively, suggesting that despite the level of education, they were more likely to habour intestinal parasites. The age group did not significantly affect the presence of intestinal parasites (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among meat sellers in Ilorin. The findings highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures and promoting awareness to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites in this community. In addition, large-scale screening and mass drug administration are recommended...

Gender Analysis of Mobile Phones Utilization For Agricultural Services Among Farmers In Kwara State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the use of mobiles phones for agricultural services among farming household in Kwara State Nigeria through the gender lens. These objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multivariate Probit model. Data were obtained from 181 respondents, comprising 96 male farmers and 85 female farmers using a multi-stage sampling procedure, Results reveal the mean age of the male farmers and female farmers as 45 years and 36 years respectively; their average annual income for male and female farmers were ₦307,057.97 and ₦256,057.69 respectively, Although, male farmers have greater access to land, extension contact, and vast experience in farming than their female counterparts it was confirmed from the results that the level of usage of mobile phones for agricultural services among both gender is high with a mean score of 2.1 for males and 2.0 for females. Male farmers use phones for access to timely and reliable information to support farmers decision making, while majority of the female farmers prefer using their mobile phones in cutting down on travel cost. It was concluded age, household size, years of schooling, income per annum, years of farming experience, and farm size of each gender was a critical factor that influence positively the level of utilization of mobile phones for agricultural services. Policies that address access to the use of mobile phones and other digital technologies for agricultural services should be gender smart.

Students' View of Causes, Forms and Solutions of Lecturers' Involvement in Corrupt Practices in Tertiary Educational Institutions, Kwara State Nigeria

This descriptive survey investigated students' views on lecturers' engagement in corrupt practices within Kwara State's tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria. The study targeted NCE. Three-level students, with 150 respondents randomly sampled using stratified and purposive techniques from public Colleges of Education. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used, addressing four research questions. Mean and standard deviation analyzed the data, revealing a high level of lecturer involvement in Corruption. Causes cited included greed, students' disinterest in learning, weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and lecturer intimidation. Corrupt practices identified encompassed money extortion from students, sexual harassment, score manipulation, forcing `handout purchases, and certificate forgery. Proposed solutions included timely salary payments, robust anti-corruption groups, funding lecturers' international conferences, strict sanctions against wrongdoers, and merit-based recruitment and promotion. These findings emphasize the need to combat Corruption, preserve institutional integrity, and create a conducive learning atmosphere. Implementation of effective anti-corruption measures can promote ethical academic conduct, ensuring transparent and accountable educational systems. Further research and practical interventions are vital to curb Corruption's impact on Nigeria's educational sector.

Serological prevalence and predictors of Hepatitis B infection among Adult Patients attending Out-Patient Clinic, General Hospital, Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is ravaging sub-Sahara African countries including Nigeria. Several studies have been done on hepatitis B infection among different population groups including pregnant women, blood donors and children but very few have reported findings among primary care adult patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among the primary care patients and the possible associated risk factors.
 It was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study done among adults attending out-patient clinic of the General Hospital Ilorin. A sample size of 338 was estimated with the use of EPI-info 7 statistical software and Enzyme-based immunoassay testing was used to screen for hepatitis B virus infection among the study participants. The sero-prevalence of hepatitis B infection among the study population was 14.5%. Identified risk factors associated with hepatitis B infection in this study were family history of hepatitis B infection, blood transfusion and unsupervised home delivery.
 In conclusion, the findings in this study have shown that hepatitis B infection was highly endemic among adult primary care patients. Blood transfusion and unsupervised home deliveries were the predictors of hepatitis B infection among these study participants.

Biomonitoring of aquatic habitat using Apodu Dam in Malete, Moro local government area of Kwara state Nigeria as a case study

Water bodies such as dams are an essential part of the ecosystems and the Apodu dam, a Local Government Area of Kwara State supplies water for the populace of Malete. The water is used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. Given the proposed rural development in the catchment area of the Apodu dam, it becomes imperative therefore to do extensive biomonitoring of the dam before the development begins so as to determine the likely source of pollution in the dam as well as determine the health of the dam. Ten samples of both water and plants were collected at different sampling points designated as A-J. The samples collected were digested and analyzed using standard techniques. Data generated from the research were subjected to T-test to determine whether there is a significant variation in the two sets of data. The parameters examined fall within the permissible level of standards set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Total hardness (TH) was 88.00-128.80 mg/l, pH 6.60-6.80, Total dissolved solids (TDSS) 242.00-420.00 mg/l, Electrical conductivity 102.32-103.39 µs cm, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 3.47-3.53 mg/l, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 104.00-168.00 mg/l and Dissolved oxygen (DO) 3.47- 3.53 mg/l. The lower concentration of DO is an indication of high water quality and this is advantageous for aquatic life as it suggests that there is less decomposition of foreign materials. In conclusion, high potential for an increasingly detrimental impact on the water quality resulting from increased anthropogenic activities especially if the proposed developments commence is imminent.

The Role of Agriculture in the Economic Development of Idofin-Igbanna, Kwara State Nigeria

The study focus on the role of agriculture in the economic development of Idofin-Igbanna, agriculture remains one the major economic activities of Idofin, agriculture as an engine of growth and poverty reduction, because it assured food security. This paper however, focuses on the development of agriculture, the gender role in agricultural activities, it also attempts the role and impact of government in the prospect agricultural economy of Idofin-Igbanna. The paper obtained it's data from both primary and secondary sources which are made up of oral interview, books, journal articles, newspaper reports and government publications relevant to the topic.