Niger State Research Articles

Gender differentiation on the determinants and intensity of adoption of Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS) bags in Northern Nigeria

Postharvest and storage of agricultural produce such as cowpea remains a significant challenge in sub-Sahara Africa. This study assessed gender differentiation on the determinants and intensity of adoption of Purdue-improved cowpea storage (PICS) bags in northern Nigeria. Primary data was collected via a well-questionnaire from Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and the Niger States. Each State was purposively selected based on the concentration and availability of female PICS bag users. From the sampling frame 2989, 20% of male and female small-scale cowpea farmers were randomly selected, totalling 598 cowpea farmers. Descriptive and double-hurdle regression models were used. The result of the socioeconomic analysis indicated that farmers' mean age was 42 years, with an average of 8 persons per household and a dependency ratio of 1.19. Years of schooling were 10 with a farming experience of 25 years and 2.17 ha as the average farm size. Results of the Logit model in males were significant for (extension contact, PICS information from other farmers and radio sources, and cowpea income, bags non-available) and for females (age, awareness, extension contact, PICS information from other farmers and radio source, bags non-available). The truncated regression model was significant in males (cowpea income) and females (education, output, and bags non-available). Adopting PICS bag technology by cowpea farming households enhanced female farmers' adoption. Therefore, policymakers should implement methods to motivate female farmers to adopt this technology further.

Influence of Some Selected Climatic Variables on Yam Production in Bosso Local Government of Niger State

This study focused on the influence of Some Selected Climatic Variables on Yam Production in Bosso Local Government of Niger State. Secondary data was obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Minna (NIMET). The data acquired include rainfall and humidity data. Also, data for crop was obtained from the Agricultural development program Minna. The result of the study therefore shows that positive relationship exists between yam production and rainfall/relative humidity in the area under study. As for the rainfall, it was observed that in 2020, where the rainfall value was maximum, the accompanying yam production was also very high, also in 2010 when the rainfall amount was recorded least, the yam production for that year was not much. Any variation in result could be associated with the source of data and the study areas. Summarily, it can be stated that there is an established positive relationship between climatic data (rainfall and relative humidity) and the production of yam for the period under study. The study recommended that there is a need to develop and promote yam varieties that can withstand drought conditions given the impact of rainfall and humidity on yam production. Farmers should also be encouraged to adopt improved irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of low rainfall on yam production. This could include the use of drip irrigation systems or rainwater harvesting. Finally, farmers should be advised to plant yam at optimal times, taking into consideration the climatic conditions of their region.

Comparative Evaluation of Community Participation in Ecotourism Development in Borgu and Zurguma Sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State, Nigeria

Generally, the problems associated with national park management in Nigeria include loss of wildlife habitats, poaching, overhunting, and illegal logging and grazing. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the numerous challenges facing National Park Management in Nigeria using the Kainji Lake National Park as a case study using personal interview and administration of structural questionnaire to select one hundred and ninety four (194) respondents from the total population and data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of demographic characteristics of respondents sampled indicates that the male respondents were dominant (75.7%) and majority of the 51.4% of the sampled populations’ falls between age group 35-44 years. The finding further revealed that majority of the respondents was married (71.0%). 59.8% of the respondents had tertiary education while 40.2% had secondary education. Also, majority of the respondents are Muslims (71.0%) while 29.0 are Christian. Majority of the respondents (52.3%) had worked between 11-20 years while ≥21 are the least with 17.8%. The major challenges confronting Kainji Lake National Park as identified by the park staffs are insufficient fund and lack/shortage of manpower.The effects of these challenges on Wildlife management are reduction in management practices, makes work difficult and reduction in wildlife population. The measures taken in managing the identified challenges in the study area are provision of incentives/bonus to the staff, adequate funding, provision of modern equipment and facilities etc. The study therefore concludes that for effective conservation of biodiversity to be achieved in this premier national park of Nigeria, the identified challenges must be addressed.

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Effect of rate of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

This study determines the effect of rates of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor. The experiment was conducted in Mokwa, Niger state. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up potted with improvised drip irrigation system with five treatments replicated three times. The pots were spaced at 2m x 2m distance. The treatments were; T1 – 2 liters (Ls) of water per week (w), T2- 2 Ls daily for 2 days/w (4 liters per week), T3 – 2 L daily for 3 days /w (6 liters per week), T4 – 2 L daily for 4 days / w (8 liters per week) and T5 – one liter a week. The soil preparation was done by treating the soil with bat manure; 50 Kg bags were half filled with soil from the college orchard, each bag was mixed with 2 Kg of bat manure. The soil was moistened for three days and allow for partial decomposition. Soil physical and chemical analysis was done before treatment by taking sample from a pot at depth of 0 - 20 cm with soil augers. The plant parameters determined include; Seedling Emergence, Plant Height (cm), Number leaves, Number of branches, Days to 50% Flowering, total Pod Number and seed oil yield. From the trial conducted the following conclusions were drawn: although castor can tolerate moisture stress, it performs well with irrigation at 8 liters per week per plant. The appropriate rate of irrigation that gives a better growth and yield of Castor plant were determined to be 8 liters per every 4 days. No irrigation should be given during maturity stage because it delayed maturity and also influences new vegetative growth. Farmers can work with the recommended rate of 8 L/4 days for castor for optimum yield.

The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Health Service Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Three Nigerian States: A Mixed Methods Study

ObjectiveCOVID-19 disrupted health service delivery and weakened global and national health systems. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in health service utilization in three local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria and examine factors involved.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was used. A total of 315 pregnant women seen for antenatal care in 80 health facilities in three LGAs between October 1 and November 30, 2020, participated in exit interviews; 93 women participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive analyses and a multivariable logistic analysis were conducted to examine associations between characteristics and decreased service utilization. Content analysis was used to identify the emerging themes related to health service utilization during the pandemic.ResultsOne quarter of women reported that they reduced or ceased health service. The biggest reported changes were in immunization (47 to 30%, p < 0.001) and a small but statistically significant decline in antenatal care (98.7 to 93.8%, p < 0.001) was observed. Qualitative findings show that lockdowns, transportation issues, increased costs and fear of contracting COVID-19 or being labeled as COVID-positive were the most common reasons for not seeking care during this period of the pandemic.ConclusionsThe pandemic negatively impacted health service utilization amongst pregnant women in Nigeria. A better understanding of differences in state response could help inform future actions. The findings highlight the need for health systems to consider how to facilitate service utilization during a pandemic, such as providing safe transport or increasing outreach, and to minimize stigma for those seeking care.

Prospects for dog rabies elimination in Nigeria by 2030.

The attainment of the global target of zero dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 depends on functional rabies programmes. Nigeria, a rabies-endemic country, and the most populous country in Africa has a very poor rabies control strategy with a score of 1.5 out of 5 based on the Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE). In this article, we report a scoping review that we conducted to highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as situational analysis of rabies control in Nigeria and suggest a timeline for key activities that are needed to ensure zero by 30. Our findings reveal that rabies is grossly under-reported as only 998 human and 273 dog-suspected rabies cases were reported across Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. Our literature review also demonstrates a paucity of information on rabies in both human and animal health sectors. A total of 49 studies on dog rabies in Nigeria, with a predominance of reports from the North Central geopolitical region (48%, n = 23) were therefore included in this study. Currently, only 16.2% (n = 6/37) of Nigerian states have available data related to the estimated dog populations, the dog ownership rates, the vaccination status of dogs or the incidence of dog bites. Based on a dog-to-human ratio of 1:16.3, we estimated that the dog population in Nigeria was 12,969,368 (95% CI: 12,320,900-13,617,836). Thus, to attain herd immunity and dog rabies control in Nigeria, at least 9.1 million dogs must be vaccinated annually. Our review reveals that, despite the strengths and available opportunities to achieve rabies control in Nigeria by 2030, the weaknesses and challenges will make the attainment of zero by 30 very difficult or impossible. Nigeria's best-case scenario by the year 2030 is SARE stage 3-4 (control-elimination) out of 5. Otherwise, the rabies control programme might not surpass SARE stages 2-3. To attain zero by 30, Nigeria must re-strategize its current rabies control programme by funding and implementing the national strategic plan for rabies control, creating a rabies desk office in the 37 states (FCT inclusive), rigorously conducting mass vaccination campaigns, providing post-exposure prophylaxis, prioritizing mass enlightenment with a focus on responsible pet ownership and conduct baseline national rabies surveillance in the animal and human health sectors.

Determination of radiation hazard indices (Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent) in water samples in the vicinity of mining site in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

The gross alpha and beta radionuclide activity of source of water from mining site in Minna, Niger state has been carried out. Eleven water samples were collected from the farming, residential/commercial, and industrial zones in the community and were analyzed using the protean instrument corporation (PIC) MPC 2000DP, single channel proportional counters. Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) was determined. AGDE α and β 20.254399/3.088977mSv/y. This shows that the calculated values of alpha in BHL3 are above the accepted value for ICRP. Moreover, the calculated values of beta in BHL1 are above the accepted value for ICRP. It can be observed that all the remaining values for alpha and beta are below the ICRP values of 0.5Bq/L for alpha and 1Bq/L for beta.

Determination of annual effective dose equivalent and the excess lifetime cancers risk in water samples from a mining site in Jayfi, Pago Tungan Goro of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Mining industry in Nigeria provides economic benefit of wealth creations and employment opportunities, however, the industry is associated with negative health impact to miners and the surrounding communities resulting from mining processes. Gross alpha and beta radionuclide activity of water sources from Jayfi, Pago of Tungan Goro, Minna, Niger state was carried out. Eleven water samples were collected from the farming, residential/commercial, and industrial zones in the community and were analyzed using the protean instrument corporation (PIC) MPC 2000DP, single channel proportional counters. Two radiological parameters, which are the Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) were determined. We are assuming 70years as the average duration of life for humans, the results gotten are; AEDE (α and β) 0.013237/0.645534mSv/y and ELCR (α and β)0.280742/1.77 X 103 respectively. This shows that the concentrated values of beta are much higher than their corresponding values of alpha and ICRP accepted values of 0.5Bq/L for alpha and 1Bq/L for beta show elevated values.

Effect of Multi-Month Dispensing on Viral Suppression for Newly Enrolled Adolescents and Adults in Northern Nigeria.

We evaluated the effect of multi-month dispensing (MMD) on viral suppression among newly enrolled adolescents and adults with HIV in 11 northern Nigerian states. We conducted a retrospective analysis of longitudinal data from 75 health facilities. We abstracted electronic medical records for patients ≥10 years, initiated on ART April 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021, and with a 6- or 12-month viral load (VL) result. We categorized participants in the MMD group to see if they received antiretroviral treatment (ART) for ≥84 days at any visit within 6 months of ART initiation. We consider cut-offs for viral suppression at 50 copies/mL. The period when the VL was performed was classified as pre-COVID-19 (before April 1, 2020) or during the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated relative risks (RR) by comparing the unsuppressed proportion of those on MMD to those not on MMD, adjusted for age, gender, and COVID-19 period. Overall, 19,859 participant records were abstracted. Median age was 33 years, 64% were female, 91% were started on a dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen, and 65% were on MMD. Overall, 15,259 (77%) participants were followed for ≥6 months, 4136 (27%) had a VL at 6 months and 3640 (24%) had a VL at 12 months after ART initiation. A slightly higher proportion of patients on MMD had undetectable VL levels at 6 months (65% vs 58%) and 12 months (66% vs 62%). In the adjusted analysis, we found no significant differences in undetectable VL at 6 months and 12 months between newly enrolled patients on MMD and those not on MMD. Those on Protease inhibitor-based regimen had 54% lower likelihood of undetectable VL compared to those on DTG-based regimen. MMD does not result in poorer viral suppression among newly enrolled patients.

Subnational estimates of maternal mortality in Nigeria: Secondary Data Analysis of female siblings' survivorship histories.

High Maternal Mortality (MM) in Nigeria is complicated by the absence of reliable estimates at subnational levels. Obtaining accurate data at the state and geopolitical region levels is crucial for effective policy-making and targeted interventions. This study employs novel small area estimation techniques to derive plausible estimates of Maternal Mortality rates and ratios for Nigerian states and geopolitical regions. Data from 293,769 female siblings, provided by 114,154 women in the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys of 2008, 2013, and 2018, are used. Empirical Bayesian technique and the James-Stein estimator are applied to estimate MM Rates and Ratios, respectively. Maternal Mortality Ratio is highest in rural areas, Northern Nigeria states, and regions. While the South West exhibits lower MMRatio, the Northern regions, particularly the North-East, show consistently higher ratios. Mortality trends have decreased in the North West and South East regions but increased in the South West from 2008 to 2018. Addressing these disparities is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and improving maternal health in Nigeria.

Principal Component Analysis for Investigating the Relationship between the Semester Results and Academic Performance of Students in a Polytechnic in Niger State, Nigeria

Principal Component Analysis for Investigating the Relationship between the Semester Results and Academic Performance of Students in a Polytechnic in Niger State, Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS ACQUISITION NEED FOR SELF-RELIANCE IN BUSINESS STUDIES AMONG GOVERNMENT JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE

This study was conducted to assess the employability skills acquisition need for self-reliance in business studies among government junior secondary schools students in Niger State. The researchers raised two research questions for the study. In line with the research question, two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level if significant. A survey research design was used for the study. The area of this study consists of one government junior secondary schools from each local government in the state which comprise of twenty-five local government. A random sampling technique was used and the sample size for the study was two hundred and ten (210). A 4-point Likert scale used for the and the questionnaire was tagged as “Business Studies Skill Acquisition Questionnaire (BSSAQ)” containing twenty (20) statement items were used to collect data. To obtain the reliability coefficient of the measuring instrument, the instrument was pilot tested using some fifteen (15) selected junior secondary schools in Ilorin. The result obtained from the pilot study were then analyzed using Cranach alpha reliability coefficient statistical and the reliability index obtained was 0.88. The data collected on the twenty (20) statement items of the questionnaire were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and t-test was used to test the null hypotheses formulated for the study. The study revealed among others, that a significant difference existed in the employability skills acquisition need for self-reliance in government junior secondary schools in Niger State. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that at junior secondary schools business studies contents should be well taught in other to encourage the acquisition of employability skills among the students of junior secondary schools in Niger state. Also, Business studies at the government junior secondary level should be encouraged through proper funding, and the provision of equipment for better acquisition of computer skills.

DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS JACQ. EXFR. P.KUMN (OYSTER MUSHROOM) CULTIVATED ON SOME PLANT SUBSTRATES

Oyster mushroom plays a vital role in human nutrition as it supplies the necessary growth factors such as protein, minerals, vitamins in the body. Fresh samples of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) were collected from the agricultural research farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida. University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria located at latitude 9.0674oN, longitude 6.5698o E. The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional value of Oyster Mushroom cultivated on some plant substrates. Sawdust, Maize (Zea mays) husk Rice (Oryza sativa) straw and Banana (Musa acuminata) leaves were collected from the Botanical garden of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida. University Lapai, Niger State. Tissue culture techniques, spawn production, preparation and pasteurization of the plant substrates, inoculation of the mushroom spawn were conducted on the mushroom, nutritional analysis of the cultivated mushroom were determined and conducted using standard methods. The results indicated that among the selected substrates used, mushroom cultivated on banana leaves was found to be high in ash and moisture contents with 7.00% and 16.00 % respectively, rice straw was found the to be high in carbohydrate content with 51.70%. Maize husk was found to be high in crude fat and protein contents with 28.60% and 7.31% respectively, crude fibre content of 7.69% was found to be high in sawdust when compared with the other selected substrates .The present work demonstrated almost all the substrates used have certain levels of nutritive values. Mushroom cultivation under different plant substrates which serve as a bio-remedy of plant waste...

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in groundwater from motorized boreholes in Maitumbi, Tipa Garage Area, Minna, Niger State

Discharged industrial effluent poses a significant threat to groundwater due to potential heavy metal contamination. Elevated levels of heavy metals in drinking water pose serious public health risks. This study aimed to assess the quality of drinking water from motorized boreholes in Maitumbi, Tipa Garage Area, Minna, Niger State, by measuring heavy metal concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) as the analytical tool. Water samples were collected randomly from ten (10) boreholes, and the concentrations of some environmentally common heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Ni, and Cr) were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer of PG Instruments Ltd. (Model AA500). The results showed high concentration levels for most of the observed metals, which exceeded the permissible limits by the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Generally, the study suggests that the water samples are not safe for drinking directly and recommends some level of tertiary purification to reduce the heavy metal concentration levels to make them safe for drinking.

ASSESSMENT OF LAND DEGRADATION USING REMOTE SENSING APPROACH

Land degradation leads to the alteration of ecological and economic functions due to a decrease in the productivity and quality of the land. Land degradation over Minna, Niger State, was assessed using geospatial techniques. Studies between the rainfall and NDVI used on human-induced and climate-induced land degradation were correlated. Landsat imageries on a decadal scale (2000–2019) were processed and classified using a maximum likelihood classifier. NDVI trends are not by rainfall dynamics to human actions. Averagely low, about 24.14%, correlation was found between the observed land degradation and the precipitation factor, yielding more than 50% congruence in degradation induced by human activities. The study discovered that the built-up and bare surfaces are increasing. The long-term changes in built-ups were 96% between 2000 and 2019; conversely, a sharp decrease in vegetative lands at about –19.38%. Based on the terrain analysis, locations have less steep and moderate slopes in the study area due to continuous urban expansion and demographic pressure. Consequentially, over time, available lands not degraded within the study areas would be reduced. The study recommended a proper land management system of land use allocation and land cover activities.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is causing ongoing human and socioeconomic losses. To know how far the virus has spread in Niger State, Nigeria, a pilot study was carried out to determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, patterns, dynamics, and risk factors in the state. A cross-sectional study design and clustered, stratified random sampling strategy were used to select 185 test participants across the state. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM rapid test kits (colloidal gold immunochromatography lateral flow system) were used to determine the presence or absence of antibodies to the virus in the blood of sampled participants across Niger State from June 26 to 30, 2020. The test kits were validated using the blood samples of some of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control-confirmed positive and negative COVID-19 cases in the state. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM test results were entered into the Epi Info questionnaire administered simultaneously with each test. Epi Info was then used to calculate the arithmetic mean and percentage, odds ratio, χ2 statistic, and regression at a 95% CI of the data generated. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State was found to be 25.4% (47/185) and 2.2% (4/185) for the positive IgG and IgM results, respectively. Seroprevalence among age groups, genders, and occupations varied widely. The COVID-19 asymptomatic rate in the state was found to be 46.8% (22/47). The risk analyses showed that the chances of infection are almost the same for both urban and rural dwellers in the state. However, health care workers, those who experienced flulike symptoms, and those who had contact with a person who traveled out of Nigeria in the last 6 months (February to June 2020) were at double the risk of being infected with the virus. More than half (101/185, 54.6%) of the participants in this study did not practice social distancing at any time since the pandemic started. Participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 are also discussed. The observed Niger State SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection patterns meansuggest that the virus has widely spread, far more SARS-CoV-2 infections have occurred than the reported cases, and there is a high asymptomatic COVID-19 rate across the state.

Peer Review of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”

Peer Review of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”

Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”

Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”

Peer Review of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”

Peer Review of “Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Niger State: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study”