North East Local Government Area Research Articles

English

Cassava production seems to be economically viable but there seems to exist no empirical documented evidence to this effect in Ika North East L.G.A of Delta State, Nigeria. In view of this, the study analyzed the economic and technical efficiency of cassava production in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. A multistage random sampling was used to select a total of 120 respondents used for the study. Data used for the study was from primary source, which was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data based on the objective of the study. The result obtained showed that females (52.5%) are more than males. Majority (50%) of the respondents are married with an average household size of 6. The result further showed that the farmers were in their middle age (42 years) and had acquired reasonable years of farming experience of 10 years. More than half of the farmers had attended formal educational and earn average annual income of N180,000.00. The production systems practiced by the farmers was mono cropping. Cassava production was profitable in the area with a profit margin of N200,400.00 per a hectare. The Benefit Cost Ratio shows that in every N1.00k invested by farmers, N1.00k was realized as profit. The multiple regression result showed R2 value of 0.833 or 83.3%. The coefficients of farm size, labour and cassava stem were positively signed. Farm size, labour, fertilizer and cassava cuttings were underutilized because their efficiency index was greater than one. The cassava farmers identified some of the factors that constrained their farming activities to include: lack of access to credit, high cost of transportation, poor extension services, among others. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended that farmers should organize themselves into cooperative societies so as to access credit; viable extension service should be provided bridge the extension need of the farmers and effective transportation system to ease evacuation of cassava produce to urban centre where the demands are high. Key words: Costs and returns, profitability, production system, constraints, input/output.

Comparative Analysis of Profitability of Layers Production in Esan North East and Ovia North East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria

This study examined profitability in layers production from day old chicks to point of lay in Esan North East and Ovia North East Areas of Edo State. A simple random sampling of 135 poultry farmers was carried out in the study area in order to generate data for the analysis. Data collected were analyzed using Net Profit (NP), Gross Margin (GM), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Rate of Return on Investment (RRI), Rate of Return on Fixed Cost (RRFC), Rate of Return on Variable Cost (RRVC) and Return per Naira invested (R/N) and . Results of the study showed that the business of layers production was profitable and viable in the study area with the following mean indices; BCR =N1.39, RRI=N138.67, RRFC=N2,097.12 RRVC N139.43 and R/N= N0.41 in. the mean gross revenue for the respondents was computed as N7,324,350, with a gross margin of N2,144,638.00 and net profit was N2,042,371.96. Result of the regression analysis showed that three of the eight explanatory variables contributed significantly to income earned from poultry business; these are fixed cost (P <0.10), layers mash (P < 0.01) and miscellaneous expenses (P <0.05). © JASEM

Assessment of water quality of Ogbese River in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

The pollution of Ogbese River in Ovia North-East L.G.A. of Edo State, Nigeria was studied. Parameters like pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, colour, odour, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates and heavy metal ions such as lead, chromium, zinc etc, were analyzed. Also various techniques such as titrimetric methods, atomic absorption spectrophotometry were employed in the determination of these ions. The results show that most of the pollution indices of the water samples analyzed indicate that the Ogbese River water falls within the acceptable range for natural waters according to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2006) standards. However, the Ogbese River water falls short of potable water on account of high presence of coliforms bacteria found in the river water. Defaecations of human, wild animals and runoffs from agricultural farmlands are believed to be the source of the coliforms bacteria.Keywords: Water pollution, environment, water analysis

Total Carotenoids, Tocopherols and Free fatty Acids Levels of Palm Oils Produced from small Scale Mills in Ovia - North East Local Government area of Edo State-Nigeria

This research was conducted to determine the total carotenoids, tocopherols and Free Fatty Acid(FFA) levels of oils produced from small scale mills and to evaluate their antioxidant effects. The study areas were located in Ovia-North East Local Government area of Edo State. The methods of harvesting, processing of the fruits and the storage of the oils were observed because of the positive effects the latter have on quality. Samples of palm oil were collected in duplicates with 100ml screw cap glass sample bottles from the storage drums of the ten (10) small scale mills.The total tocopherols and carotenoids of the oil samples were determined by the AOCS methods. The moisture content of the oils was determined with an electronic moisture analyser.The Free Fatty Acid was determined by the titrimetric method of sodium hydroxide. The results indicated that most of the oils were prone to oxidation and hydrolysis as their moisture (between 0.15 ± 0.01% and 0.53 ± 0.03%), tocopherols (between19.50 ± 0.10mg/100g and 51.0 ± 0.00mg/100g) and carotenoids (between 24.40 ± 0.10mg/100g and 65.0 ± 0.20mg/100g) values suggest. Statistical analysis revealed that significant difference exists between the mean of each of the parameters of the oil sample analyzed. The FFA results indicated that the oils were oxidized which suggested that the the carotenoids and tocopherols did not play their expected roles because their antioxidant limit exceeded. Keywords: Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Moisture, Free FattyAcids, Small Scale Mills, Palm oil

Genotoxicity Assessment of Contaminated Drinking Water Sources in a Rural Community in Edo State of Nigeria

In most rural settlements in Nigeria, provision of potable water for drinking and domestic purposes is a big challenge; therefore analysis of drinking water is of great importance as contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social health of all people. Water samples were obtained during the dry and wet seasons from a borehole and a man-made lake constructed through self-help effort in Obazuwa community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. They were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and subjected to cyto-genotoxic evaluation using the Allium cepa assay. Results of the physicochemical analysis showed that most of the parameters (pH, chromium, copper, chlorides, nickel, iron, zinc, cadmium, lead and manganese) of the lake water in both seasons exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limits. Total heterotrophic bacteria and E. coli were present with dry season water samples having higher amounts. Compared to the control, the mitotic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the water samples and were characterized by a number of chromosomal aberrations notably bridges, fragments, sticky chromosomes, disoriented chromosomes, and micronuclei in significant amounts and these were more pronounced in water samples obtained during the dry season. The findings in this study are of public health relevance as access to safe water is a fundamental human need and therefore, a basic human right.

Effects of Demographic Factors on Plantain Production in Southern Part of Edo State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of demographic factors on plantain production in Edo State, using Ovia Northeast Local Government Area as a case study. Primary data were collected with a multistage sampling procedure. Ten (10) plantain farming communities (Utese, Uhen, Egbeta, Ogbese, Okada, Iguomo, Aghanokpe, Ugbuwe, Ofunwengbe and Ugboke) were purposely selected and fifteen (15) plantain farmers were selected randomly from the communities to get a total of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive and regression statistics. The Findings revealed that majority (66%) of the farmers were male, with average farm size of 2.63hectares, mean age of farmers at 40 years, educational level of secondary school, farming experience of between 11 and 20 years respectively. The regression analysis shows that education level (0.255), marital status (0.149), farm size (0.666) and farming experience (0.603) coefficients were positive, an indication that these variables have direct effect on plantain production in the study area. About 55.7% variation in the farmers output were explained by the demographic factors which also are confirmed by F-ratio (25.489) that is significant at -level of probability. Based on the findings, government should facilitate policies towards education of farmers, subsidize alternatives to labour for farm activities and enhance availability of arable land to plantain farmers in Edo state. I. Introduction: Plantain (Musa ssp.) belongs to the family Musaceae. The crop is widely grown all over the World and its production in Africa is estimated at more than 50% of the World production (FAO, 1990). Majority (82%) of the plantain output in Africa are produced in the low land of Guinea, Liberia to the central basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 70 million people in West and Central Africa derives more than 25% of their carbohydrates from the consumption of plantain, making it one of the major sources of energy in Africa (Swennen, 1990). Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO, 2007) noted that Nigeria is a major producer of plantain in West and Central Africa and ranked fifth highest producer in the World. Plantain consumption in Nigeria in different forms is on the increase because of its high nutritional value, implying the existence of increased market potential for its production. However, plantain output (80%) is left in the hands of subsistence rural farmers (Bayeri, 1996). According to Adesanya, (2008) plantain is consumed in the World today in the form of boiled or roasted, plantain flour, chips and so on. These forms which are widely consumed are rich in protein (1.2%), carbohydrate (35%) and ash (0.8%). It is used in the prevention of kwashiorkor (Idachaba, 1995). The crop ranked third among starchy staples in Nigeria after cassava and yam. It is a major source of carbohydrate to man and domesticated animals. According to Ndubizu, (1995) plantain is said to have advantage of short gestation period of between 14 - 20 months with rapid multiplication ability (suckers) and as such several harvest can be made from one planting unlike other permanent crops. It fruits the year round. Research evidence has shown that plantain cultivation is still largely at the subsistence level within the forest zone of sub - Saharan Africa. The continuous availability of harvested bunches from established plantations makes it possible for the crop to contribute to year round food security and income for farmers. This may be particularly important when seasonal conditions create period of food shortages and other crops are in short supply. The interest of this study premised on the fact that the crop has the capacity to bridge the supply gap of carbohydrate when in high demand especially when other starchy staples are unavailable or difficult to harvest in the dry season. Hence this study focuses on the effects of demographic factors on plantain production in Edo State. II. Methodology: Study Area: The Study was carried out at Ovia Northeast Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State. The LGA lies between latitude 6 0 -6.9 0 N and longitude 5.5 0 - 5.9 0 E in the North, while it extends through longitude 5.5 0 - 5.6 0 E in the South, with a population of about 153, 849 people and a land mass of 2, 357, 225 square kilometers, with an annual maximum temperature of 30 and minimum of 22℃. The annual average

Assessing full immunisation coverage using lot quality assurance sampling in urban and rural districts of southwest Nigeria

This study was conducted to identify administrative wards (lots) with unacceptable levels of full child immunisation coverage, and to identify factors associated with achievement of a complete child immunisation schedule in Ibadan North East (IBNE) and Ido local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey involving 1178 mothers, 588 from IBNE LGAs and 590 from Ido LGAs, with children 12-23 months of age was conducted. Children were considered 'fully-immunised' if they received all the vaccines included in the immunisation schedule. Lot quality assurance sampling was used to determine lots with acceptable and non-acceptable coverage. Samples were weighted based on the population by lot to estimate overall coverage in the two LGAs and a logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the fully immunised child. Mean age of the mothers was 28.5 ± 5.6 and 28.1± 6.0 years in IBNE and Ido LGAs, respectively. Eleven of 12 wards in IBNE and all the wards in Ido had unacceptable coverage. The proportion of fully immunised children was 40.2% in IBNE and 41.3% in Ido. Maternal age ≥30 years, retention of an immunisation card, completion of tertiary education, or secondary education, hospital birth and first-order birth were significant predictors of complete childhood immunisation. The level of full immunisation coverage was unacceptable in almost all the wards. Educational intervention on the importance of completion of immunisation schedule should target young, uneducated mothers, mothers who delivered their babies at home and those with a high birth order.

Climate change and rural households health in Ijebu North East area of Nigeria

This study was carried out in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, to determine the effects of climate change on health of rural households. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected using multistage and random sampling techniques. Primary and secondary data were collected. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The results showed that 67% of respondents were males and the majority (54%) were above 40 years with a mean age of 43. The results also revealed that 60% of the respondents have been residing in the area for more than 6 years, which implied that a greater percentage of them witnessed the changes in the climatic pattern of the area. The major health problems reported included common cold, cough, malaria, and fever due to climate change. Many of the respondents patronized medicine hawkers (78%) and local chemists (46%) to treat the problematic changes in their health. Data analysis revealed that climatic change has significant effects on respondents’ health status (p < 0.05). The study concluded that there have been changes in the climatic pattern in the area and the health status of the people were affected. The study recommended that health, environment, and rural development agencies should coordinate efforts to assist rural households on preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change. Sustainable use of all resources, sustainable development, preventive health methods such as clean environment and proper hygiene, and reduction in activities contributing to the increase in climate change (deforestation, bush burning, environmental, and e-pollution) were advocated.

Productivity and Profitability of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) In Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

Productivity and Profitability of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) In Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

Air Quality in Relation to Vehicular Traffic-Related Gaseous Emissions in two Selected Local Government Areas in South-Western Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of traffic related air pollutants at major and busy road intersections in two Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study. Ibadan North and North East Local Government Areas (LGAs) were purposely selected based on their high traffic density. Thirteen sampling points were randomly selected from the 18 major road intersections within the two LGAs. Levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in (ppm) were measured using calibrated SO2 NO2 and COmonitor. Traffic density was estimated via manual counting using tally system. Measurements were carried out in the morning (6am-8am), afternoon (12pm-2pm) and evening (4pm-6pm) for 12 weeks and results obtained were compared with WHO guideline limit. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test at 5% level of significance. The mean gaseous emissions level were CO (38.6 ± 22.2ppm), SO2 (1.0 ± 0.7ppm), NO2 (0.2 ± 0.1ppm. These values exceeded the WHO guideline limit for CO (10ppm), SO2 (0.17ppm), NO2 (0.17ppm). There was a significant difference in the mean gaseous emissions level across measurement periods of the day (8am-10am, 12pm-2pm and 4pm- 6pm) (p <0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between SO2 and traffic density (r= 0.73).Gaseous emissions exceeded the WHO guideline limit for ambient conditions at the study locations. There is need for government to institute and enforce traffic emission control and air quality management programmes in Nigeria.

The Effects of Inservice Education on Teachers’ Knowledge of Junior Secondary School Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction in Delta State, Nigeria

The provision of competent professionally trained social studies teachers in adequate numbers has been a major challenge in the successful implementation of the social studies curriculum in junior secondary schools in Nigeria. In-service training of social studies teachers while still on the job has been identified as a functional strategy to enhance the professional competence of these teachers. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of in-service education on the knowledge of teachers on objectives, contents and teaching strategies employed in social studies. Sixty NCE social studies teachers and 60 teachers who obtained B.Ed in social studies through in-service training were recruited for the study using multi-stage random sampling from 30 junior secondary schools in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas of Delta State of Nigeria. A questionnaire-based survey strategy was employed to test the social studies teachers' knowledge on objectives, contents and teaching strategies. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.81 using Cronbach Alpha technique. Data was analyzed using t-test for independent samples. The results showed that B.Ed teachers have significantly higher knowledge on objectives and content of the social studies curriculum but there was no significant difference in the knowledge of NCE and B.Ed teachers on instructional strategies. It was recommended that in-service education programs in social studies should focus not only on enhancing teachers' knowledge on objectives and content but also emphasis should be laid on knowledge of different teaching strategies for the teaching/learning of social studies.

P1-484 Socio-cultural beliefs and sexual activity among post-menopausal women in Ibadan Northeast local government area, Nigeria

Little or no work has been done on sociocultural beliefs and sexual activity of postmenopausal women in Nigeria. This study was carried out to assess socio-cultural beliefs and sexual activity...

Evaluation of some locally sourced phosphate rocks for oil palm production.

The effectiveness of some locally sourced phosphorus rocks (Sokoto Rock Phosphate (SRP), Crystallizer Super (CRY)) as P2O5 fertilizers for manuring oil palm applied on a long term basis (2000-2008) were evaluated along with conventional imported single superphosphate fertilizer at Okomu Oil Palm Plc., Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The rocks were tested at the rates of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 kg/palm/year respectively (214.5, 357.5 and 500.5 kg/ha), and the single superphosphate at 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg/palm/year (143, 286 and 426 kg/ha). Urea (N), murate of potash (K), and kieserite (Mg) were applied as basal application at the rates of 0.5 kg N, 2.0 kg K and 0.2 kg mg/palm/year (71.5, 286 and 28.6 kg/ha) to all treatment plots except the control (treatment without fertilizer application). Treatments were laid out as Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times. The phosphorus sources enhanced soil pH and soil nutrient availability and thereby enhanced palm development and yield. Applied phosphorus fertilizers had significant (P≤0.05) effect on mean bunch number per palm, mean single bunch weight and fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production. Palms treated with these fertilizersperformed better than the control where no fertilizer was applied. Yield increases as rates of application increases and the optimum rates appeared to be 2.0 kg SSP, 2.5 kg SRP and 2.5 kg CRY beyond which there was no corresponding yield increase. Locally sourcedP2O5 competed favourably with the conventional inorganic single superphosphate as fertilizer for manuring oil palm. However, these fertilizers are better used in combined formwith single superphosphate due to their slow nutrients release and singly when Single superphosphate is not readily available. This along with basal application of N, K and Mg at the rates of 0.5, 2.0 and 0.2 kg /palm/year (71.5, 286 and 28.6 kg/ha) is very necessary for optimum yield. Key words: Fresh fruit bunch (FFB), oil palm, phosphorus treatment, rock phosphate, yield.

Hyperendemicity of onchocerciasis in Ovia Northeast local government area, Edo State, Nigeria.

The present study investigates the prevalence of onchocerciasis in 40 communities of the LGA and provides data, which could contribute towards the control programme of the disease in the local government Area, Edo state, Nigeria. A physician performed the skin examination and thereafter a skin biopsy taken and immersed in normal saline solution in the wells of micro titration plates and allowed to stand for 24 hours to allow microfilaria to emerge and then examined microscopically. The prevalence of onchocerciasis was investigated amongst 40 communities in Ovia North-East LGA of Edo state, Nigeria. Of the 2020 subjects examined between March 2007 to April, 2008, 1674 (83%) of them harboured microfilaria in their skin tissues.Females had significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence than their male counterparts (93.1% vs 74.5%). The hyperendemicity of the disease may however be due to poor distribution of ivermectin and non compliance on the part of the subjects taking the drug as some often complained about the side effects of ivermectin. The findings demonstrated hyperendemicity of infection and require urgent attention with ivermectin treatment and other control measures.

Household Size and Socio-Economic Resources: A Case Study of Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria

The paper examined the relationship between Household size and socioeconomic variables in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. Household size simply put, refers to the number of persons living together in the same house and share common catering arrangement, social and economic relationships and assist one another under a leader known as the head of household. The head of household could be a male or female. Socioeconomic resources are materials that human beings use their numbers,skills, and talents, labour, technical knowhow to produce in order to satisfytheir interest and needs. A total of 2,245 questionnaires were administeredusing the stratified random sampling technique. Data was analysed using themultiple regression statistical technique. A high positive correlation of r =0.787 between Household size and the identified socio-economic variableswas recorded. Consequently, the hypothesis (Hi) for the study, thatHousehold size is a function of socio-economic variables was accepted. Thepolicy implications for the socio-economic development of Delta State inparticular and Nigeria in general were heighted.

A significant association between intestinal helminth infection and anaemia burden in children in rural communities of Edo state, Nigeria.

Background:Anaemia is estimated to affect half the school-age children and adolescents in developing countries.Aim:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and evaluate the relationship of intestinal helminth infection on the anaemia status of children in the rural communities of Evbuomore, Isiohor, and Ekosodin. in the Ovia North East local government area of Edo State, Nigeria.Subjects and Methods:Faecal samples and blood samples were obtained from 316 children aged 1-15 years. Faecal samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques, and anaemia was defined as blood haemoglobin <11 g/dL.Results:Of the 316 children, 38.6% were anaemic: 75.9% of children in Evbuomore, 42.3% in Isiohor and 26.8% in Ekosodin. The overall parasite prevalence in the three communities were: Ascaris lumbricoides (75.6%), hookworm (16.19%) and Trichuris trichiura (7.3%). Malnutrition was patent; 37.0% of the children were stunted, 19.3% wasted, and 44.0% underweight. There was a statistically significant association between hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides infection and anaemia (P < .001). Serum ferritin levels were more sensitive than haemoglobin in detecting anemia and were correlated with intestinal helminth infection.Conclusion:Intestinal helminth infection in a concomitant state of malnutrition is observed in this population. Intervention programmes should be aimed at control of intestinal helminth infection and iron supplementation.

Antibiograms of salmonella isolates from poultry farms in Ovia North East local government area, Edo State, Nigeria

Water, fecal and swab samples of poultry walls and cages collected from various poultry farms located in five towns and villages in Ovia North east local government area of Edo State, Nigeria, were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp and antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates. The prevalence rates recorded shows that Salmonella was isolated from all the sources investigated with varying rates which ranged from 27% for poultry cages to 80% recorded for fecal samples. Overall prevalence rates based on location ranged from 48% to 76%. Result of the resistance pattern of the Salmonella isolates from the various farms reveal that 62% of total 304 isolates tested were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics used with no significant difference in resistance pattern between the locations. Resistance to ampicillin appears to be the most common and was the highest (43%), followed by trimethoprim-sulphamethozazole (39%) and streptomycin (29%), with cephalexin (9%) and gentamycin (10%) recording the least resistance. Worrisome however is the fact the fluoroquinolones which are comparatively new, expensive and could be drug of choice should there be an outbreak, showed some significant degree of resistance (17%). The findings from this study present a potential health problem and are suggestive of the extent of misuse of drugs in medical and veterinary practice in Nigeria.

Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices on Schistosomiasis in Delta State, Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis, which is one of the commonest forms of the parasitic disease is a major debilitating disease characterized by blood in urine. The main objective of the study reported here was to assess the knowledge, attitude/perception and practices of the people in Oshimili South and Ndokwa Northeast Local Government Areas of Delta State in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 400 randomly selected persons aged > or =15 years was undertaken using a uniform set of structured interview schedule administered by trained field assistants. This was supported with some qualitative data collected from in-depth interview with community leaders and school teachers as well as focus group discussions with community members. One-third of the people interviewed were aware of the schistosomiasis. For a majority however, the perceived causes of the disease included witchcraft and sexual or body contact with infected persons. For some of the respondents, the disease is not serious since it does not harm or prevent the victim from eating. In many cases the disease was not treated because of the belief that there is no effective cure for it and that it reoccurs after treatment. But perhaps more importantly, the infection is not treated because it is considered a normal growing up process, which the infected person outgrows. A very high proportion of people depended on the schistosomiasis-infected river for all the domestic needs even where there are alternative sources of water. People argued that the river/ stream give them purer water than the hand dug wells. Furthermore, swimming is a popular activity in the river during all seasons, irrespective of sex and age. In conclusion, the study has identified gaps in the knowledge of the cause and means of transmission, poor perception and management practices, which calls for systematic health education on schistosomiasis in the communities

Environmental Attitude as a Mediator of the Relationship between Self-concept, Environmental Self-Efficacy and Responsible Environmental Behaviour among Residents of High Density Areas in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

This study investigated environmental attitude as a mediator in the relationship between self-concept, environmental-self-efficacy and responsible environmental behaviour among residents of high-density areas in Ibadan metropolis. The sample consists of one thousand, three hundred and sixty participants that comprised five hundred and seventy six from Ibadan South East and seven hundred and eighty-four from Ibadan North East Local Government areas selected using a multi-stage sampling technique (purposive, proportional, and simple random). Data collection was through a self-reported questionnaire that measured demographic factors, selfconcept, environmental self-efficacy, environmental attitude and responsible environmental behaviour. Multiple regression statistical analysis is the technique of data analysis. Results indicate that self-concept, environmental self-efficacy, and environmental attitude jointly contribute 18% to variance in responsible environmental behaviour. Independently, self-concept (&szlig; -0.16., t  -4.82., p &lt; .01) and environmental-selfefficacy (&szlig;  -0.11., t  3.08., p &lt; .01) respectively contributed significantly to responsible environmental behaviour. Lastly, environmental attitude (&szlig;  -0.23., t  -8.53., p &lt; .01) significantly mediates the relationship between self-concept, environmental self-efficacy, and responsible environmental behaviour. Discussion focuses on the relevance of environmental attitude in the person-environment transactions. It was recommended that psychologists should design personally relevant environmental attitude change strategies to improve responsible environmental behaviour.Keywords: Responsible environmental behaviour, Self concept, Environmental self efficacy, Attitude, High density areas, Ibadan metropolis

Community perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal mortality

The objective was to identify community members' perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal mortality in Ibadan, North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Reported in this article are the results from a pilot study, carried out in 2005, of the views of 418 community men and women aged 15–49 years in Idi ape, Iwo Road and Okeadu areas of Ibadan North East. Data were collected over a two-week period using interviews with a structured questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. People's perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal death varied widely. Both medical and non-medical factors were reported as being responsible. The perceived causes of maternal mortality ranged from medical/obstetrical to individual, health personnel, governmental and supernatural causes. Participants stated that to prevent maternal mortality in this setting, awareness creation of the causes of maternal mortality is crucial and that a lot of political will is needed from the government of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. The government should improve the provision of well-equipped health facilities staffed by qualified health professionals providing a free or subsidised service. For a fuller understanding of maternal morbidity and mortality, it is important to consider factors outside the hospital and formal medical practice. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of safe motherhood programmes and in formulation of safe motherhood policy in Nigeria.