Local Government Area Research Articles

Geospatial modeling of geographical spread of Aedes species, in relation to climatic and topographical factors in Lagos State, Nigeria

The ecology and biology of mosquito disease vectors of the genus Aedes are highly dynamic, adapting to various climatic and topographic factors which makes their control challenging. Evidence-based control of Aedes mosquitoes requires a detailed understanding of this adaptability, which is greatly influenced by environmental dynamics. Understanding the drivers of their distribution is hence pertinent to predict disease risk. To better understand drivers and dynamics, we studied the distribution of Aedes mosquitoes in Lagos State, Nigeria, and its connection to climatic and human factors. Aedes larvae and adults were collected from eight Local Government Areas (LGAs, four urban and four rural) in Lagos State, resulting in 98 occurrence points. Using 23 environmental variables, we modeled the geographic distribution of Aedes spp. under current climatic conditions. Human population density was overlaid to estimate the risk of arboviral diseases. Although Aedes mosquitoes were found in all the eight LGAs in different proportions, species distribution varied considerably. Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found across the LGAs with evidence of species partitioning. Virtually all the LGAs were predicted to be highly suitable environments for Aedes mosquitoes, with only two LGAs being moderately suitable. Anthropogenic factors including the extensive accumulation of tires contribute to larval habitat availability for both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Urban areas with high population density were also associated with increased larval habitat availability when compared with rural areas. Furthermore, the model suggests that LGAs sharing border with Ogun State are highly suitable environments for Aedes spp. Our study highlights that the main contributing factors to Aedes distribution were precipitation and temperature in the coldest quarter. This paper aims to understand how human and climatic factors affect Aedes mosquitoes distribution in Lagos State, which is crucial to prevent disease transmission.

Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Practices in Bekwarra Local Government Area: Environmental Impacts and Community Awareness

Background: Waste poses a threat to public health and the environment if it is not stored, collected and disposed of properly. This study investigates the different solid waste collection and disposal practices and its effect on the environment in Bekwarra Local Government of Cross River State. Methods: This study utilized a cross sectional descriptive approach where a self-developed questionnaire and an observation checklist to gather relevant information on solid waste disposal practices were used to collect data. A total of 400 female adults were interviewed in this study. Results: A total of 400 participants completed and returned the questionnaires giving a response rate of 99.2%. Results from the study showed that majority of the respondents produced vegetable waste (15%) while a few of the respondents produced food waste (3%). The study also showed that the use of open containers by the indigenes was the most common method practice with 61.8% while the lest method practice was the use of sack bags (2.5%). It was observed that majority of the respondents 364 (91%) had knowledge of solid waste disposal while 36 (9.6%) had no knowledge of solid waste disposal. Results from the observation checklist showed that only 163 (41%) of respondents had storage containers for waste compared to 235 (59%) without storage containers. Conclusions: It is investigated during the research that due to rapid growth in population, increments in solid waste generation rate, management deficiencies, lack of legislative implementation and funding, the solid waste management systems in Bekwarra are not working effectively. Thus, an inefficient municipal solid waste management system may create serious negative environmental impacts like infectious diseases, land and water pollution, obstruction of drains and loss of biodiversity.

Costs and Returns Analysis of Cassava Production in Ijebu-North Local Government Area, Ogun-State, Nigeria

The study on Costs and Returns of Cassava production was carried out in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun state in Nigeria in 2023. Given the importance of cassava in the lives of the farmers and the general public in Ijebu-North LGA, there is need to examine the current trend whether the farmers make profit or not by engaging in cassava production per hectare in the area. This gap will help to encourage farmers to cultivate cassava as a means of improving family living standards. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and determined the farm profit per hectare of the cassava farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) cassava farmers as respondents. The tools used for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and profitability analysis. The results showed that 75.8% of the cassava farmers are male, 79.2% of the cassava farmers are married, 50.8% are within the age bracket of 51 years and above, 99.2% of the respondents are educated i.e. they have obtained at least a First school leaving certificate, 50% have an household size of 6-10 persons per family, 65.8% of the respondents have a farming experience of 11 years and above, 47.5% of the respondents have a farm size of 4ha and above and 100% of the respondents have personal savings as their major source of capital. The Profitability analysis revealed that the total variable cost (TVC) of producing cassava per hectare was N185,500 and the total fixed cost (TFC) of producing cassava per hectare was N72,015 giving a total cost (TC) per hectare of N257,515. The total revenue generated per hectare was N368,000 with a gross margin of N182,500. The finding further revealed that a profit of N110,485 with N1.43k made on every naira invested into the business. On cassava production constraints, the farmers ranked Lack of Credit/loan facilities, Poor extension facilities and Lack of improved cassava varieties as the three top major constraints. The study recommends that youths should be encouraged to engage themselves in cassava production on a large-scale basis in the study area.

Effect of Improvised Instructional Materials on Students’ Academic Achievement in Mathematics in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of improvised instructional materials on students’ academic achievement in mathematics. The purpose of this study geared towards determining the impact of improvised instructional materials on students’ academic achievement in mathematics. The study was directed by two research questions and two hypotheses. Determining the effect of improvised instructional materials on junior secondary school (JSS) students’ academic achievement in mathematics and investigate the effect of improvised instructional materials on the academic achievement of students in mathematics to gender. Quasi-experimental design was employed in this study. The population included 1,546 JSS II students from 34 public secondary schools in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, with a sample of 80 students selected through simple random sampling from two schools, one serving as the experimental group and the other as the control group. Each group consisted of 40 students (22 males and 18 females). The Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), developed by the researcher, was used as the research instrument, and a test-retest procedure established its reliability at 0.77 using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and t-test analysis applied to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings indicated a significant difference in the academic achievement of mathematics students, suggesting that improvised instructional materials were a more effective learning method in contrast to the traditional method. This implies that improvised instructional material plays a vital role in improving mathematics students’ academic achievement. Therefore, it was recommended that mathematics teachers incorporate improvised materials in their teaching and that the government provide funding to support this initiative.

Modelling and Estimation of Average Annual Soil Loss in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Soil-related phenomenon and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG-15 are strictly tied. A healthy soil ecosystem encourages the existence of life on Earth and for agricultural purposes. One of the key factors that is contributing to unhealthy soil ecosystems is soil erosion. The research involves the assessment and modelling of soil erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE II) with the sole aim of ascertaining the annual Soil loss within the study area, this will be a veritable tool in estimating soil loss in farming systems and in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. It provides a concrete estimation of the distribution of soil erosion at Ika South LGA, through the combination of the influencing factors such as rainfall aggressivity, soil erodibility, topography, vegetation cover, and soil conservation practices. The soil loss estimated at Ika South ranges from 0 to 49119.93 t/ha/year. Results have shown that 5% of the surface area displays a high rate of soil loss, and it represents zones with moderate to severe soil erosion. These areas are mainly situated in moderate to very high slope where the runoff is high. This loss is favoured by the other factors of erosion, which are also combined to accelerate erosion losses significantly (58% of the total area has a very high rainfall erosivity), moderately erodible soils (49% of the soils show a K factor between 0.128 and 0.27t ha H/ha MJ mm), 78% of the soil have nearly level to gently undulating plains, and 14% of the areas representing steep slopes. The results revealed that, there is a probability that the rate of erosion will increase in the future in this area which pose a great threat to the achievement of the SDG-15. Therefore, proper land-use planning should be adopted such as cropping pattern for agricultural land in local area. Accurate planning should be done as a means for restoring degraded vegetation.

Mental Health and Out-of-Schools Problems among Adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria

Mental health and out-of-schools problems are related to an individual’s social and physical health and is of global priority. The mental health is the complete physical, social, and mental well-being of an individual. Adolescence, including the ages between 10 and 19 years, is the phase in which changes in mental health usually occur. Half of all mental health disorders begin by the age of 14 years, but most cases are not detected or treated at all. This study examined the mental health and out-of-schools problems among adolescents in Lagos State. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The survey research method was used to conduct the study. The target population of the study comprised of adolescents in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. One hundred (100) questionnaires were randomly distributed to the respondents and retrieved for data analysis. A self-developed questionnaire was used for the study. The bio-data of the respondents were analysed using simple percentage and frequency counts, while the stated research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study include: the level of awareness of mental health and out-of-schools problems among adolescents in Lagos State on the high side; there are prevalence of mental health and out-of-schools problems among adolescents in Lagos State. Recommendations were made and they are: teachers should ensure in providing a friendly teaching and learning environment relaxed with low threat in order to ensure that learning is stress-free and also a core source of motivation; Teachers should ensure the usage of appropriate teaching strategies and techniques, enhance more collaborative relationship with their students and also provide basic facilities in schools including a serene atmosphere for learning; Secondary school authorities and teachers in Lagos should ensure comprehensive monitoring of adolescents within the ages of 12-15 years with utmost priority due to the prevalence of mental health issues among them, and also take stringent punitive measures in addressing truancy and bullying from senior students.

Integrated Geospatial Characterization of Geomorphological and Structural Features in Parts of Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria: Implications for Regional Geology and Land Use

Abstract This study explores the spatial distribution of land cover and geomorphological features in Enugu East, North, and South LGAs, using Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) classification, slope analysis, drainage density, and lineament density. To analyze the current land use patterns, slope characteristics, drainage density, and lineament density in Enugu, and assess their implications for regional urbanisation and environmental management. LULC classification was performed using remote sensing data to categorize land cover into built-up areas, rangelands, water bodies, trees, crops, and other types. Slope analysis categorized terrain into five slope classes. Drainage density was assessed to determine the density of drainage networks. Lineament density analysis identified structural features affecting ground stability. Built-up areas and rangelands dominate the land cover, while agricultural areas are minimal. Slope analysis reveals a predominance of gentle slopes suitable for urbanisation, with smaller areas of steep slopes posing erosion risks. Drainage density varies, with moderate density areas showing suitable conditions for agriculture and urbanisation, and high-density areas prone to erosion and flooding. Lineament density indicates mostly stable ground with high potential for groundwater exploration in fractured regions. The dominance of built-up areas reflects significant urban expansion, while rangelands highlight non-intensive land uses. Steep slopes and high drainage densities present challenges for sustainable urbanisation and require targeted management strategies. Areas with high lineament densities offer potential for groundwater resources but demand careful consideration for construction. The study provides essential insights into land use and geomorphological factors, underscoring the need for integrated planning to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability. Proper management of slope, drainage, and lineament factors is vital for minimizing risks and optimizing land use. This comprehensive analysis integrates multiple geospatial and geomorphological features to offer a holistic understanding of land use dynamics and development constraints in Enugu Local Government Areas (LGAs), providing a basis for informed decision-making in regional planning.

Determinants of Safe Pesticide Handling and Application Among Rural Farmers

The study investigated the determinants of safe pesticide handling and application among farmers in rural communities of Oyo State, ssouthwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional design utilizing 2-stage cluster sampling techniques was used to select Ido and Ibarapa central Local Government Areas and to interview 383 farmers via a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression at p = 0.05. Results showed that 41.8% of the farmers had been working with pesticides on farms for at least 5 years, 33.0% attended training on pesticide application, 73.5% had good safety and health knowledge, and 72.3% had safe pesticide handling and application practices. About half (50.2%) stated that they wear coveralls, gloves, and masks to protect their body, face, and hands when applying pesticides, 9.8% use empty pesticide containers for other purposes in the house/farm, while 11.5% blow the nozzle with their mouth to unclog it if it becomes blocked. The three major health symptoms reported by the participants were skin irritation (65.0%), itchy eyes (51.3%), and excessive sweating (32.5%). Having attended training on pesticide application and use enhanced (OR = 2.821; C.I = 1.513–5.261) practicing safe pesticide handling and application. Farmers with good knowledge (OR = 5.494; C.I = 3.385–8.919) were more likely to practice safe pesticide handling and application than those with poor knowledge about pesticide use. It is essential to develop and deliver mandatory comprehensive training programs for farmers on impacts of pesticides on health and environment, along with sustainable safe handling, application, and disposal of pesticides using proper waste management techniques and recognizing early signs and seeking medical assistance. The urgent need to strengthen policy to regulate pesticide use and limit farmers’ access to banned products is also key.

Use of Allied Health Services in Rural Northern Victoria, Australia.

Little is known about the socio-demographic factors associated with the use of allied health services in rural Australia. The objective of this study was to determine which factors were associated with the use of various modes of allied health in a region of Northern Victoria. This is a secondary analysis of the Crossroads-II population health study. Generalised linear mixed models were constructed. Households were selected at random through address local government area lists. Data were collected by door-to-door surveying. The northern part of the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, including one large rural conurbation (MM 3) and three medium rural towns (MM 4). Over 15 years of age. Use of allied health services. The odds of using audiology (1.047 [1.035, 1.059]), optometry (1.034 [1.027, 1.042]) and podiatry (1.052 [1.039, 1.066]) increased with age, and psychology decreased (0.985 [0.974, 0.997]). Females had lower odds than males for audiology (0.708 [0.553, 0.907]) and greater odds for optometry (1.712 [1.421, 2.064]) and pharmacy advice (1.593 [1.317, 1.927]). Greater odds were observed forbeing Australian-born and pharmacy advice (1.581 [1.149, 2.175]), English spoken at home and physiotherapy (2.415 [1.279, 4.560]), a bachelor's degree and psychology (1.579 [1.011, 2.466]) and pharmacy advice (1.296 [1.002, 1.675]), not working and psychology (3.518 [1.999, 6.191]) and social work (4.202 [2.110, 8.367]). Those unable to work had greater odds of using six of the eight services investigated. Socio-demographic associations with allied health use vary across disciplines. For this population in rural Victoria, socio-demographic associations were observed for all of the allied health modalities studied. Such relationships need to be studied in other rural and allied health contexts.

Parents’ Cultural Practices and Infant Mortality in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Infant mortality remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with cultural practices playing a crucial role in child survival. This study examined parents’ cultural practices and infant mortality in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected from the total population of 442,100 using the Tare Yamane formula. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 randomly selected participants across all the wards in Mangu LGA. Interviews were also conducted with six key informants to complement the data gathered from the questionnaires Responses from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed while outlining the key point presented by the key informant. The study revealed that cultural practices, such as reliance on traditional herbs, beliefs in supernatural causes, and generational curses, significantly contribute to infant mortality in Mangu LGA by discouraging timely medical interventions. The study concludes that deep-rooted trust, affordability, and community influence sustain these practices, making it difficult for parents to fully embrace modern healthcare. The study recommended that enhancing healthcare access, educating communities on infant health, and collaborating with traditional leaders can bridge the gap between cultural practices and modern medical care, promoting timely and effective interventions.

Mapping the extent and exploring the drivers of cocoa agroforestry in Nigeria, insights into trends for climate change adaptation

Climate change threatens West Africa’s cocoa sector due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, exacerbating concerns for environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges. In Nigeria, modernization efforts promoting full-sun cocoa have been linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss. The promotion of traditional cocoa agroforestry methods are regaining interest as an approach to climate adaptation and forest restoration. This case study on Ekiti State, Nigeria, aims to understand the physical extent to which full-sun and agroforestry cocoa practices have been employed, while exploring the complex and interlinked dynamics informing land use decision-making in the area. Remote sensing leveraging tasseled cap indices for Sentinel 2 data were used to delineate cocoa agroforestry from full-sun systems. Interviews with policymakers and local cocoa producers across 15 out of 16 local government areas were analyzed through thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Agroforestry constituted 18% of Ekiti land while full-sun cocoa covered 13%. Thus, 57% of cocoa cover in Ekiti State was agroforestry. The classification had overall spatial differentiation accuracy of 73.1% with a kappa statistic of 68% indicating substantial agreement strength between the classification and the collected validation data. Interviews were similarly aligned, with 74% of respondents using agroforestry or mixed methods. The continued use, despite government promotion of full-sun methods, suggests limited policy uptake and the enduring value of agroforestry for farmers. This research can contribute to improved monitoring of cocoa-driven tree loss and provide important context for policy and program design to enhance climate change adaptation in similar cocoa producing regions.

EFFECTS OF COLLABORATIVE-TEAM AND INDIGENOUS-INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES ON PUPILS’ ACHIEVEMENTS IN MATHEMATICS AT BASIC EDUCATION LEVEL IN SOUTH-EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE, NIGERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The design adopted in this study was quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest, control group with 3 X 2 factorial matrix. The variables of the study comprised independent variable (instructional strategies operated at three levels), moderating variable (gender operated at two level) and dependent variable (achievement in Mathematics). The population of the study consisted all primary three pupils in the five states (Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi) of South- East geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Sampling was carried out at multi-stage levels. Two states were randomly selected, the primary schools in each of the selected states were clustered according to the local government areas. One local government areas were randomly chosen from each of the selected states making a total of two local government areas. Three (3) primary schools were randomly chosen from each of the selected local government areas making a total of six (6) primary schools. The selected schools were randomly assigned treatments. The intact classes of the selected primary schools were used for the study. The sample size was one hundred and forty-four pupils (144). Three stimulus treatment packages (Collaborative Team Instructional Package (CTIP), Indigenous Instructional Package (IIP) and Conventional Instructional Package (CIP). Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT with Lawshe’s Content Validity Index 0.85; r = 0.89) was developed by the researchers and served as a response instrument. Data were analysed with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using pretest as covariates. The findings of the study showed that instructional strategies showed a significant effect on pupils’ achievement in Mathematics. Pupils taught with bilingual instruction (F (1, 137) = 123.161, p<0.05) produced better performance than those taught with collaborative team and foreign language instructions. The study concludes that bilingual instruction produced a better performance than collaborative team and convectional instructions. The study recommends that bilingual instructional strategy should be used by Mathematics teachers in Basic schools to produce better achievement in Mathematics.

ATTITUDE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) TOWARDS SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH VISUAL AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

This study investigated the attitude of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) towards supporting students with visual and hearing impairment in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The population of the study comprised 145 staff of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the area. The sample size was 145 staff of Non-Governmental Organizations which was adopted through the use of census sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, titled: “NGOs Attitude towards Support of Students with Disabilities Questionnaire’’ (NGOASDQ)”. The face and content validity of the instrument were ensured by experts in Special Education. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test re-test reliability method which yielded a reliability index of r=0.77 for NGOS educational support subscale, r=0.71 for NGOs economic support sub-scale, r=0.74 for NGOs social support sub scale. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Independent t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was positive attitude of NGOs towards educational support, economic support and social support of students with visual impairment in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study further revealed that there was significant association between attitude of NGOs and educational support, economic support, social support of students with visual and hearing impairment in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. It was recommended among others that; government should register all persons with visual and hearing impairment to improve their data base in order to easily relay the data to NGO’s that which to assist persons with visual and hearing impairment.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF THE JOINT ACCOUNT SYSTEM ON THE FUNDING OF RURAL ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Local government is the closest tier of government to the local populace among the other levels of government. Its imperativeness to service delivery at the grassroots level therefore cannot be underestimated. Nonetheless, the issue of Joint Account System and development of local government area has been the long aged issue and one of the motives behind the creation of local governments was to bring development to rural dwellers among which is the construction and maintenance of rural roads. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of Joint Account System on the funding of rural road infrastructural development project in Nigerian, using Saki West and Atisbo local government areas of Oyo state as the study area. The study adopts the mixed research method, which comprises both quantitative and qualitative data. The primary data consists of the interview and questionnaire methods while the secondary sources involve journals, articles, web, and government documents. The population size of the study was Two Hundred and Sixty-Three (263). The study discovers that state joint account system negatively significant affects the funding of rural road infrastructural development. The study, therefore, recommends among the followings that there is need to strengthen Local Government financial autonomy through the administrative autonomy in order to give verve to the judgment of the Supreme Court of July 11, 2024 and increase oversight function through supervision and evaluation of road project in Saki West and Atisbo local government area of Oyo state Nigeria.

EARLY MARRIAGE AS CORRELATE OF EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF MARRIED FEMALE STUDENTS IN WOMEN DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

ap-reading has been regarded as one of the intricate, hardest and broadest aspect of geography by many students, teachers, readers and critics who consciously or unconsciously struggle with one map-reading phenomenon or the other without accomplishing the goal in mind. This among other reasons prompted the research into investigating the perceived difficulties associated with map-reading so as to provide remedial solutions in respect of the map-makers, teachers, students and other readers who find geography interesting. The research investigates the difficulties in map-reading in senior secondary schools in Lafia Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa, State. The population size of the study comprise of 10 geography teachers and 100 randomly selected students from the sampled schools. The data used in the analytical procedures were collected from 10 sampled senior secondary schools located within and around Lafia LGA Headquarters. Hypotheses were generated, analysed and tested through applying simple percentages. The acceptance or rejection of the Null (Ho) hypotheses was based on the results that were computed and then compared to the critical table values at α0.05 significant level of judgement certified by natural, social and applied scientists and engineers. Percentages were used based on “the higher the result of the computation, the lesser the intensity of the problem”.

Impact of Taxation on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Akure South Local Government Area, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Impact of Taxation on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Akure South Local Government Area, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING OF BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This study explored Students’ Motivation for Effective Learning of Basic Science and Technology (BST) among junior secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Two research questions were raised, and one hypothesis formulated to guide the study. The sample for the study is three hundred and fifty-two (168 males and 184 females) junior secondary school students from the twelve (12) public junior secondary schools. The survey research design was adopted for the study while the simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample. A 10-item Basic Science and Technology Students’ Motivation (BSTSM) Questionnaire was adopted for the study. To establish its reliability, the instrument was administered to 20 students in the study population who were not part of the study sample. Using Cronbach’s alpha statistic, the reliability was computed and found to be 0.71. The instrument was therefore accepted as reliable and administered to BST Junior Secondary Schools two students by the researcher, with the assistance of the teachers and thereafter they were collected and collated for analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, while t-test was used in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students are well motivated for effective learning of BST. It was also found that there is no significant difference between male and female students’ levels of motivation for effective learning of BST. It is recommended among others that the gender balance for students’ motivation for effective learning should be sustained and school management should always provide a conducive learning environment that will be a good recipe for continuous motivation of the students for effective learning.

PRECISION LIVESTOCK FARMING TECHOLOGIES AND ITS COST ANALYSIS ON POULTRY PRODUCTION IN OYO METROPOLIS, OYO STATE

This study aimed at investigating the impact of precision livestock farming technologies (PLF) on workforce skills and employability in poultry husbandry sector in Oyo metropolis. A sample of twelve (12) farms was selected through simple random sampling techniques from Atiba, Oyo west, Oyo East and Afijio Local Government Areas was used for the study. A questionnaire instrument developed by the researcher was used for data collection on demographic information, familiarity, training and education, impact on workforce skills and employability, efficiency and productivity and challenges and barriers in adoption of PLF. The findings revealed that mostly male, adults, educated with 5 years of experiences were participated in the study. The farmers were familiars, trained and educated on the uses of PLF periodically and impact PLF was felt of workforce skill with increase in employability of personal that enhanced efficiency and productivity of the poultry sector. However, challenges and barriers were also documented. Meanwhile, the cost of monthly electricity bills, the cost of importing those equipment used in PLF Technologies, cost of repairing equipment, cost of operating equipment and couple with cost of installation of all the equipment were said to be on the higher side and at long run affect the cost of production. Based on the results, the following recommendations were made: the adoption of PLF should be more for increment in workforce skill, employability, efficiency and productivity of poultry products. Government can assist in subsidies of the equipment importation, stable stability of electricity to assist the adoption of PLF technologies in this study area.

Risk Assessment and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water and Sediments Along Ibelebiri Axis of Kolo Creek, Ogbia Local Government Area, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Risk Assessment and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water and Sediments Along Ibelebiri Axis of Kolo Creek, Ogbia Local Government Area, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF NOMADIC FULANI MIGRATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN LERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Nomadism is a lifestyle of people who do not live permanently in one place, but constantly move cyclically or periodically from one place to another. The study seeks to investigate the effect of their migration on agricultural production in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State Nigeria. The study is guided by objective of this research is to examine the socio-economic characteristics of fulani migration in the study area, also to examine the causes and effect of Fulani migration in the study area and the challenges faced by Fulani migration in the study area. The study adopted survey research design. Fifty (50) nomads were randomly selected from five communities in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents. The data gathered were subjected to analysis using frequencies and simple percentages. The result revealed that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that the rural banditry and cattle rustling can cause the migration of nomadic Fulani with 43(86%) while only 7(14%) of respondents strongly disagreed with statement among others. It was recommended that the relevant agencies of government and the civil society should work towards reviewing existing and developing new mechanisms for the monitoring and control of Nomadic Fulani migration across the Lere area due to low agricultural production.