Larger Household Size Research Articles

Demand for internet services before and during the Covid-19 pandemic: what lessons are we learning in South Africa?

The primary aim of this study was to assess the demand for internet services before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, considering the challenges and opportunities brought about by the global health crisis. While the pandemic has had numerous negative impacts on people's lives, it has also facilitated advancements in technology, particularly the adoption of the 4th industrial revolution. To explore the positive impacts of these technological advancements, the study focused on analysing changes in household internet usage using the 2019 and 2021 General Household Survey data obtained from STATS SA. The study examined the shifts in internet usage between the two data sets and found a modest increase in internet usage over time. To further investigate the determinants of household internet usage, the study employed descriptive analysis, cross-tabulations, and a binary logistic regression model. Income, age, household size, and gender were used as independent variables, while internet usage served as the dependent variable. The results revealed that all the independent variables were statistically significant factors influencing the probability of internet usage. Income and household size demonstrated a positive relationship with internet usage, indicating that higher levels of income and larger household sizes were associated with increased demand for internet services. Conversely, the age of the household head showed a negative effect on internet usage, suggesting that as individuals grew older, their likelihood of using the internet decreased. Additionally, the study found that male-headed households exhibited higher levels of internet usage compared to their female counterparts. To ensure that digital inclusion is prioritized, it is crucial for authorities to ensure that internet access is accessible to low-income households. Addressing the disparity in internet usage between higher and lower-income households is essential. Government regulators can encourage broadband providers to expand affordable internet access, while reducing administrative burdens to facilitate network deployment, thereby supporting the current levels of internet usage, and promoting further growth. By considering these findings, policymakers and stakeholders can develop strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to internet services for all segments of society. This will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape, fostering social and economic development in the medium to long term.

Household hardships and responses to COVID-19 pandemic-related shocks in Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundCOVID-19 resulted in enormous disruption to life around the world. To quell disease spread, governments implemented lockdowns that likely created hardships for households. To improve knowledge of consequences, we examine how the pandemic period was associated with household hardships and assess factors associated with these hardships.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using quasi-Poisson regression to examine factors associated with household hardships. Data were collected between August and September of 2021 from a random sample of 880 households living within a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) located in the Harari Region and the District of Kersa, both in Eastern Ethiopia.ResultsHaving a head of household with no education, residing in a rural area, larger household size, lower income and/or wealth, and community responses to COVID-19, including lockdowns and travel restrictions, were independently associated with experiencing household hardships.ConclusionsOur results identify characteristics of groups at-risk for household hardships during the pandemic; these findings may inform efforts to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 and future disease outbreaks.

Socio-economic factors and its influence on the association between temperature and dengue incidence in 61 Provinces of the Philippines, 2010-2019.

Temperature has a significant impact on dengue incidence, however, changes on the temperature-dengue relationship across axes of socio-economic vulnerability is not well described. This study sought to determine the association between dengue and temperature in multiple locations in the Philippines and explore the effect modification by socio-economic factors. Nationwide dengue cases per province from 2010 to 2019 and data on temperature were obtained from the Philippines' Department of Health-Epidemiological Bureau and ERA5-land, respectively. A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) with a distributed lag non-linear model was utilized to examine the association between temperature and dengue incidence. We further implemented an interaction analysis in determining how socio-economic factors modify the association. All analyses were implemented using R programming. Nationwide temperature-dengue risk function was noted to depict an inverted U-shaped pattern. Dengue risk increased linearly alongside increasing mean temperature from 15.8 degrees Celsius and peaking at 27.5 degrees Celsius before declining. However, province-specific analyses revealed significant heterogeneity. Socio-economic factors had varying impact on the temperature-dengue association. Provinces with high population density, less people in urban areas with larger household size, high poverty incidence, higher health spending per capita, and in lower latitudes were noted to exhibit statistically higher dengue risk compared to their counterparts at the upper temperature range. This observational study found that temperature was associated with dengue incidence, and that this association is more apparent in locations with high population density, less people in urban areas with larger household size, high poverty incidence, higher health spending per capita, and in lower latitudes. Differences with socio-economic conditions is linked with dengue risk. This highlights the need to develop interventions tailor-fit to local conditions.

Forensic investigation of the Gouache landslide disaster, Western Region, Cameroon

This study made use of a disaster forensic approach to investigate the root causes of the landslide disaster which occurred in Gouache, West Region, Cameroon on 29th of October, 2019 that registered 49 to 60 deaths. The aims of the study were to;1) identify the natural and man-made causes of the landslide; 2) determine household vulnerability factors; and 3) identify the administrative weaknesses that led to the disaster. To achieve this, geological data was collected from field observations; rainfall data for a period of 30 years (1988 to 2018) with additional monthly data (January to December) for 2019 was obtained from the National observatory on Climate change (ONACC), Yaounde; satellite imagery from Landsat ETM+ and 8 (2001 and 2020) and SRTM DEM were used to assess land use/ landcover changes and slope respectively; questionnaire administration, household and key informant interviews were used as primary data collection tools. Findings revealed that the root causes were: heavy rainfall that occurred prior to and during this event; the presence of weathered granitic rocks on steep slopes, and springs that increased landslide susceptibility. Susceptibility to landslides was fostered by human activities such as: significant reduction of the savannah vegetation and cutting of the slope for house construction. Household vulnerability factors were lack of awareness of landslide hazards and large household sizes (4-6 persons). Over 70 % of the landowners constructed without a building permit and had no land certificate. The administrative authorities acknowledged that Gouache was officially recognized as a landslide susceptible zone. The findings generated in this study would be useful for the government to strengthen or re-adjust existing policies or strategies of disaster risk reduction in the area.

Inequalities in the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition among mother–child dyads in India

In the midst of rapid urbanization and economic shifts, the global landscape witnesses a surge in overweight and obese individuals, even as child malnutrition persists as a formidable public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study seeks to unravel the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) within the context of India and delve into the associated disparities rooted in wealth. This study leverages data from the fifth wave of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5), a nationally representative survey conducted in the year 2019–21 in India. This study focuses on mother–child dyads with children under the age of 3 years. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis is used to decipher the intricate web of DBM’s prevalence and risk factors, as underscored by socio-demographic attributes. Wagstaff decomposition analysis is applied to quantify the contribution of each inequality in the social determinants on the observed income-related inequality in the DBM. Result from bivariate and logistic regression indicated a heightened risk of DBM within households marked by C-section births, affluence, ongoing breastfeeding practices, advanced maternal age, and larger household sizes. Additionally, households harbouring women with abdominal obesity emerge as hotspots for elevated DBM risk. Notably, the interplay of abdominal obesity and geographical disparities looms large as drivers of substantial inequality in DBM prevalence, whereas other factors exert a comparably milder influence. As India grapples with the burgeoning burden of DBM, a conspicuous imbalance in its prevalence pervades, albeit inadequately addressed. This juncture warrants the formulation of dual-purpose strategies, and a slew of innovative actions to deftly navigate the complex challenges poised by the dual burden of malnutrition. Amidst these exigencies, the imperative to forge a holistic approach that encompasses both sides of the malnutrition spectrum remains a beacon guiding the quest for equitable health and nutrition outcomes.

Flood vulnerability assessment of Thailand's flood-prone Pathum Thani province and vulnerability mitigation strategies

This research assesses the flood vulnerability of Thailand's flood-prone province of Pathum Thani using a comprehensive vulnerability assessment framework. The assessment framework incorporates three key components: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, consisting of 10, 12 and 11 flood vulnerability indicators, respectively. The flood vulnerability components and the flood vulnerability indicators are statistically validated by confirmatory factor analysis to determine the factor loadings and reliability of the components and indicators. The flood vulnerability questionnaire corresponding to the flood vulnerability indicators is subsequently developed and applied to the flood-prone districts of the province. The results show that proximity to rivers (with an indicator score of 0.685), household debt levels (0.612), land use patterns (0.617), and the proportion of low-income households (0.621) significantly contribute to the flood exposure of the province (with an exposure index score of 0.531). Larger household size (with an indicator score of 0.901), disruptions in public utility services (0.747), and workplace absenteeism due to flooding (0.741) contribute to the province's higher flood sensitivity (with a sensitivity index score of 0.633). Drainage capacity of natural and man-made waterways (0.571) contributes to low to moderate levels of flood adaptive capacity. The flood vulnerability of seven administrative districts of Pathum Thani, as measured by the flood vulnerability index scores (0.454–0.608), range from moderate to high. Local authorities need to invest in flood warning and response systems, prioritize infrastructure development and encourage community engagement to reduce the flood vulnerability.

Factors influencing the perception and the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine among the working population in Ghana

PurposeThe onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to loss of lives and jobs and other adverse effects on persons, families and businesses. With its frightening tendencies, it was a sigh of relief with the discovery of vaccines to mitigate its disastrous effects. However, participation in the vaccination exercise in Ghana has been slow and unencoraging. This paper sought to identify the factors that influence the perception and willingness of individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, structured questionnaires were administered to 1,350 respondents selected at random by way of purposive sampling from specific regions that were also randomly selected. Out of this sample, a total of 1,296 were found to be in useable form. The probit model estimation with marginal effects was used to determine both perception and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine.FindingsThe authors observed that increases in age and manufacturing sector workers were positively associated with vaccine perception, while both males and females residing in the Bono and Central regions had negative perceptions toward the vaccine. Among male workers, education and living in Accra had a negative relationship with vaccine perception, while for female workers, education had a positive influence on vaccine perception. Additionally, workers in the transport sector and those residing in urban areas were more inclined to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana, regardless of gender. Again, the authors observed that larger household size, people with no formal education and females with primary education were more willing. Also, increase in age for males reduced willingness, while residents in the greater Accra region were less willing to take the vaccine.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' belief and knowledge, the observations and recommendations made are consistent with theory and empirical studies and contribute immensely to the discussions about the most effective ways of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. It also offers a nuanced perspective on how policy-makers can enact policies that ensure efficient and effective ways of dealing with future epidemics.

Assessment of food security status of rural women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Food security is important for economic development and growth, social interaction, political stability and security in society. The study examined the food security status of rural women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 250 rural women were surveyed using multi stage random sampling procedure. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index (FSI) and a logistic regression model to achieve the study objectives. The results showed that most of the women were aged, married and educated with a large household size. The result of the FSI showed that 77% and 23% of the rural women were food secured and food insecure respectively. Findings also showed that the variables: age (10%), household size (1%), household headship (10%), source of water (5%) and assets owned (5%) significantly determined households’ food security status. There were significant differences in the socioeconomic characteristics of the food secured and food insecure group of the rural women. It was also observed that high food price, high cost of living, low income, unemployment and flood were major challenges faced by the rural women. In response, the women tackled their food security challenges by relying on less preferred/less expensive food, borrowing food from friends, relatives or neighbor, buying food on credit and reducing spending on children's education. The study recommends that poor rural households be assisted through social welfare or empowerment schemes and also, financial inclusion policies should be promoted by relevant authorities to enable rural women deal with price shocks or volatility.

The state of women’s empowerment in fisheries in rural Bicol, the Philippines

ABSTRACT This study examined the state of women’s empowerment in fishing communities in the Bicol Region, the Philippines. Using the Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology, the results revealed that the ability to participate in making decisions related to productive resources (e.g. boat, fishing gear, fish processing equipment) and having access to and control over such resources were the key factors that contribute to women’s disempowerment in the study area. Furthermore, women were found to be in a less favourable position due to lower levels of formal education, large household size, limited sources for livelihood diversification, patriarchal norms shaping household headship, and meagre share in household income. On a positive note, control over household income and leadership in the community emerged as sources of women’s empowerment. Drawing on these findings, efforts to empower women should focus on providing them more access to formal and informal education, social infrastructure, microfinance services, and labour-saving technologies.

The crowding-out effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on household expenditure patterns in Bangladesh

BackgroundConsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or sugary drinks may reduce or even eliminate the household income allocation for other essential commodities. Reducing expenditure for consumption of other household commodities is known as the crowding-out effect of SSB. We aimed to determine the crowding-out effect of SSB expenditure on other household commodities. In addition, we also identified the factors influencing the household's decision to purchase of SSBs.MethodsWe used the logistic regression (logit and multinomial logit models) and the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models. In order to find the probability of a given change in the socio-demographic variables, we also estimated the average marginal effects from the logistic regression. In addition, we regressed the SUR model by gender differences. We used Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016 data to estimate our chosen econometric models. HIES is nationally representative data on the household level across the country and is conducted using a multistage random sampling method by covering 46,075 households.ResultsThe findings from the logit model describe that the greater proportion of male members, larger household size, household heads with higher education, profession, having a refrigerator, members living outside of the house, and households with higher income positively affect the decision of purchasing SSB. However, the determinants vary with the various types of SSB. The unadjusted crowding out effect shows that expenditure on SSB or sugar-added drinks crowds out the household expenditure on food, clothing, housing, and energy items. On the other hand, the adjusted crowding out effect crowds out the spending on housing, education, transportation, and social and state responsibilities.ConclusionAlthough the household expenditure on beverages and sugar-added drinks is still moderate (around 2% of monthly household expenditure), the increased spending on beverages and sugar-added drinks is a concern due to the displacement of household expenditure for basic commodities such as food, clothing, housing, education, and energy. Therefore, evidence-based policies to regulate the sale and consumption of SSB are required for a healthy nation.

Profitability Analysis of Rice Production in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the Profitability of Rice Production in Hong Local government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to sample 188 rice farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the socio-economic characteristics while gross margin technique and net farm income were used to analyze the profit. The result revealed that rice production is a viable venture as farmers earned a gross margin and net farm income of N68,509.40/ha and N59,152.01/ha respectively. It was further revealed that majority (70.74%) of the respondents were male, 69.68% were within the age of 31-50 years, 68.62% were married, majority (80%) of the farmers having a large household size, 76% of the farmers have attained one form of education or the other and 76.6% of the respondents had farm size ranging from 0.1-1.5ha. Also, the major constraints that farmers encountered were high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, inadequate capital, land fragmentation and inadequate new technology. The study recommends the need for government support in providing usefull intimation that can facilitate farmers’ access to prevailing of price of rice, farmers to be given proper orientation and/or basic trainings in major farm management techniques and with the constraints confronting rice farmers and also there is need for both governmental and nongovernmental organizations to grant soft loan to rice farmers to enable them addressed some of the constraints.

Acceptance, Intent, Hesitance, and Attitudes Towards SAR-CoV-2 Vaccines Among Healthcare Workers in Michigan, USA.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical infrastructure workers for whom COVID-19 vaccination was prioritized. It is believed that healthcare workers would have little or no hesitancy to take the COVID-19 vaccines given the risks of the pandemic to them, their families, and their patients. The study aims to understand the acceptance and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among the HCWs in Michigan. A cross-sectional survey was fielded from January 11, 2021, through February 28, 2021. We obtained a representative sample of HCWs at MidMichigan Health. The participants were approximately 1500 clinical and non-clinical HCWs. COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and the intent to be vaccinated were measured with a questionnaire. HCWs indicating hesitance were asked to enter their reasons for hesitance as a free text response. A total of 1,467 HCWs responded to the survey. Overall, 62% indicated they had received both shots; 19.7% reported that they had received the first shot and would take the second; 2.3% noted that they were yet to receive the vaccine but would take both shots; 0.4% reported that they had received the first shot but would not take the second; 5.7% noted that they were unsure; and 9.9% indicated they did not intend to take the vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine hesitance included being female, younger age, having administrative staff or other health workers, having a larger household size, and having received no vaccines in the past year. Vaccine hesitancy concerns included safety, efficacy, antivaccine beliefs, the need for additional information, and a lack of trust. This survey revealed that 16% of HCWs in central and northern Michigan were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine education is needed to increase the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs.

The Impact of Adults' Used Skills on Their Self-Evaluated Skills and Social Lives Over Time

<p style="text-align: justify;">Previous research focused on individuals’ background, contexts and cognitive performance in education, work, and life. Given the increasing number of people living alone temporarily, the question arises whether the frequent use of skills, including social skills, relates to individuals’ later positively self-evaluated skills and social lives. Based on an integrated framework, the current analysis aimed to disentangle these relationships with longitudinal data from Germany over three years. The target sample consisted of <em>n</em> = 3263 working adults. A Bayesian structural equation model included adults’ frequent use of skills, self-evaluated skills, household size, close friends, and seven covariates (e.g., numeracy and literacy test scores, weekly working hours. The results suggested positive relationships between adults’ frequent use of numeracy, literacy, and social skills and later self-evaluations (except literacy used on self-evaluated numeracy). Those who less frequently used social skills three years earlier were also less likely to have a larger household size than those who reporting frequently using their social skills. Adults who frequently used literacy skills three years earlier reported higher numbers of close friends than those who less frequently used literacy. The findings highlight the importance of adults’ social skills and frequently used skills for self-evaluated numeracy and literacy.</p>

Indigenous knowledge factors influencing farmers' uptake of climate change adaptation strategies in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract Due to the effects of climate change, farmers in Kajiado County have embraced different climate change adaptation strategies including the use of indigenous knowledge (IK) and scientific approaches. The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of farmers' IK practices influencing the uptake of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies (CCAS) in Kajiado County, Kenya. Using the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC), IK-related contextual factors that constituted the socio-demographic, economic, and geo-ecological variables were tested against the CCAS variable on Pearson Coefficient Correlation in determining associations. Multi-stage sampling was done and data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and observation checklists while data analysis involved the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show CCAS were likely to be adapted to by those with higher levels of education and those with higher levels of monthly income while those unwilling were more likely males, older, with larger household sizes. and those who owned land. The findings also showed that effective approaches including IK climate change adaptation practices and the CCAS can be applied in a complimentary manner to achieve the desired results in regions that possess diverse climatic and geophysical conditions.

PROFITABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS OF PERI-URBAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

In human nutrition, vegetables are an essential protective food containing vitamins and minerals, any balanced diet should include vegetables and fruits for this reason. The study assesses profitability and constraints of peri-urban vegetable production in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data collected with the aid of structured questionnaire were used for this study through farm survey in 2018. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 217 vegetable farmers for this study. Descriptive statistics, net farm income (NFI) and stochastic profit frontier regression model were used to analyze the data. It was revealed that tomatoes production has the highest profit of N145,580.7 compared with that of cucumber N112,992.7 and cabbage N78,450.3, respectively. The result showed that the estimated coefficients of (-0.342), agrochemical (-0216), fuel (0.906) and fixed cost (0.233) were statistically significant. The coefficient of fertilizer implies that a 1% increase in fertilizer cost will decrease the profit made from vegetable enterprise by -0.342 units. Furthermore, the estimated coefficient of fuel cost will increase the profit made from vegetable enter by (0.906) units. The results of inefficiency model showed that the coefficient for age (0.024) was positive and statistically significant at 1% level of probability which implies that younger vegetable farmers are more profit efficient than the older ones. Conversely, the coefficient of household size (-0.027) was negative and statistically significant at 1% level of probability implying that farmers who have large household sizes are more profit efficient than those with few. Unstable market price, high cost of labour and incidence of pest and disease were the most critical constraints faced by vegetable farmers in the study area. It is recommended that; agribusiness industries and non-governmental organization should encourage and support the vegetable famers through provision of farm inputs at a subsidies rate.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF FAO IN INCREASING FOOD SECURITY AMONG FOOD CROP FARMERS IN JERE LGA BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the role of FAO in increasing food security among food crop farmers in Jere LGA of Borno State, Nigeria. Multi stage random sampling was used in drawing 100 respondents for this study. Information was collected using structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyzed data for this study; descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, mean and percentages and food security index were used, inferential statistics in the form of logit regression was also used. Male dominated food crop production with (66%). Majority (34%) of the food crop farmers in Jere LGA were between the age bracket of (41- 50) years. Overwhelming majority of (81%) were married, and majority of (60%) had household members between (5-8) persons. The level of education was very poor as majority of (42%) had no formal education. The contribution of FAO in increasing the food security among crop farmers in Jere LGA were (assisting in diversifying livelihood 96%, farmer field school 89%), distribution of seeds, 87%). The food security status of the food crop farmers was (65%) were food secure. The logistic regression model was used to examine the socioeconomic characteristics on food security. The results revealed that 9 out of 10 variables included in the model were significant at (5% or 1%). The significant variable at 5% were age, household size, education, farm size, farming experience, access to credit, access to extension service, while marital status, income and access to credit were significant at 1%. The value of R2 that the model explains that 54.7% variation in the data. Government should support FAO in order to ensure that food crop farmers have access to improved farm input such as seed, fertilizers, and others, gets to food crop farmers easily. Large household sizes and farm size were found affect food security level in the study area. Therefore, policy measures were directed towards the provision of better family planning, increased awareness and access to family planning facilities should give adequate attention and priority by government. In view of this, strategies for an effective community participation in design of concept and messages aimed at imparting knowledge about family planning to households are recommended.

Profitability Analysis of Rice Production in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

he study analyzed the Profitability of Rice Production in Hong Local government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to sample 188 rice farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the socio-economic characteristics while gross margin technique and net farm income were used to analyze the profit. The result revealed that rice production is a viable venture as farmers earned a gross margin and net farm income of N68,509.40/ha and N59,152.01/ha respectively. It was further revealed that majority (70.74%) of the respondents were male, 69.68% were within the age of 31-50 years, 68.62% were married, majority (80%) of the farmers having a large household size, 76% of the farmers have attained one form of education or the other and 76.6% of the respondents had farm size ranging from 0.1-1.5ha. Also, the major constraints that farmers encountered were high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, inadequate capital, land fragmentation and inadequate new technology. The study recommends the need for government support in providing usefull intimation that can facilitate farmers’ access to prevailing of price of rice, farmers to be given proper orientation and/or basic trainings in major farm management techniques and with the constraints confronting rice farmers and also there is need for both governmental and nongovernmental organizations to grant soft loan to rice farmers to enable them addressed some of the constraints.

Does secured forest land tenure enhance forest dwellers' food security? Empirical evidence from West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT Under the Forest Rights Act 2006, the government of India has recognised the Individual Forest Rights (IFR) of forest dwellers that formalise the de jure land tenure over forest land. This is expected to incentivise owners to invest and take better care of their forest land which, in turn, is assumed to improve households’ income and financial access and thereby reduce their food insecurity. Using the primary data collected from 300 IFR beneficiary households in Bankura district of the Indian state of West Bengal and the ordinal logistic regression model, this paper identifies and analyses the determinant factors influencing household food insecurity. Results show that larger IFR land size areas, higher education levels of the household head, and higher annual income are associated with a significant reduction in food insecurity. On the contrary, larger household sizes, higher dependency ratios, and the occurrence of crop damage are associated with a highly significant increase in food insecurity. Hence, it is suggested that in order to help reduce households’ food insecurity among forest dwellers in the state, the assignment of IFR land area of sufficient size to forest dwellers’ households may further be encouraged.

Comparing households with every member out-of-home in developing countries using travel surveys

Understanding the nobody-at-home situation is important because the examination can help analyze several urban problems, including home-delivery failures and burglaries. Several studies have investigated households with every member out-of-home (HEMO) using household travel survey data in Japan, but the data from other countries remain unexplored. In this study, we compared the HEMO rates in 14 cities worldwide using household travel survey data from 1996 to 2013, revealing unique features of cities. The time allocation and Tobit models analyzed the HEMO durations, and the binary logit models explored the HEMO rate profile. The results revealed the differences in the HEMO situation of the target cities located primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These differences can be attributed to lifestyle and culture. Lower HEMO rates were observed in cities with a conservative culture where females typically remain at home (e.g., Karachi) and cities with larger household sizes (e.g., Manila, Managua, Belem, and Hanoi). HEMO rates and durations tended to increase with GDP per capita via industrialization. This study shows that household travel surveys, which have mainly been used in transportation planning, can also be used to reveal city features by identifying their HEMO profiles.

Determinants of Household Fuelwood Consumption in Public Residential Estates in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

The type of energy utilized by households is a good reflection of the quality of life and socio-economic development in any given country. Unfortunately, the continued dependence on traditional fuels such as fuelwood as a major source of energy for domestic purposes particularly in Nigeria is generating concerns due to its negative environmental, socio-economic and health effects. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the factors that drive household fuelwood consumption in public residential estates in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from a sample of 355 household-heads that were selected using systematic random sampling technique from a population of 3,192 households. The data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Square regression analysis. The results revealed that gender, marital status, larger household size and prices of alternative fuels had positive and significant correlation with the quantity of fuelwood consumed in households while higher level of education, higher income; location of residence, share of dwelling and prices of fuelwood were significant and negatively related to fuelwood consumption. It is recommended that stakeholders and policy makers in the energy sector should vigorously promote access to affordable and modern energy sources for household cooking activities by subsidizing the prices of modern fuels and increasing the availability of electricity supply to households. This will go a long way to reducing the rate of indoor air pollution and other environmental consequences associated with the use of fuelwood in the study area. Finally, there is the need for proactive enlightenment campaigns with a view to strengthening public awareness on the deleterious effects of the consumption of solid fuels such as fuelwood in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.